ATHLETES who perform loaded half-squat jumps as part of their weight training can expect significantly enhanced sprint performances, according to a study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
Fast moves: weighted squats found to increase sprint times
For the trial, 12 regional-level track athletes and 13 footballers (average age 18) were first tested over 40m sprints using dual-beam light timing gates for accuracy. Each group then repeated the sprints after both nine minutes of sitting down (control) or two sets of six-repetition half-squat jumps. Results showed sprint times were significantly enhanced over both 0-20m and 20-40m in the track and field athletes, but not in the footballers.