Date of Award

Fall 12-15-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Strength & Conditioning Studies

Department

Health & Physical Education

College

College of Education

Committee Chair

Dr. Michael Waller

Second Committee Member

Dr. Gina Kraft

Third Committee Member

Dr. Sheila Jackson

Dean of Graduate College

Dr. Jeff Robertson

Abstract

Loaded squat jumps and midthigh block clean pulls are exercises that can be used in a strength and conditioning program to increase lower-body power. Lower-body power is critical in jumping, sprinting, and other sport specific movements. Intensities of 45-pound barbell, 20%, 40%, and 60% of a high-force, low-velocity movement were used to assess the force-time variables of the loaded squat jump and midthigh block clean pull. The current study compared peak power output as well as peak barbell velocity to find which exercise and intensity combination would be most beneficial for an athlete to increase lower-body power. A linear position transducer was used to measure barbell velocity and calculate peak power and peak barbell velocity. Results from the current study showed that peak power took place with the barbell for the loaded squat jump, and at 60% one-repetition maximum (1RM) for the midthigh block clean pull. Interpretation of these results led to the conclusion that loaded squat jumps should be completed with the barbell to achieve maximal power. When comparing force-time variables between the loaded squat jump and midthigh block clean pull, the results showed peak power to be much less in the midthigh block clean pull. Athletes who do not have at least one year of weightlifting experience would benefit more from the loaded squat jump than the midthigh block clean pull. If the athlete does have weightlifting experience, they may benefit from the midthigh block clean pull and increase lower-body power.

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