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An Evaluation of a Strength Qualities Assessment Method for the Lower Body

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 Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning

An evaluation of a strength qualities assessment method for the lower body. J. Aust. Strength Cond. 19(2)4-10. 2011 © ASCA

Peer Review
AN EVALUATION OF A STRENGTH QUALITIES ASSESSMENT METHOD FOR
THE LOWER BODY
1,2 1,3 4
Jeremy M. Sheppard , Dale Chapman and Kristie-Lee Taylor

1. School of Exercise, Biomedical, and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
2. Surfing Australia High Performance Centre, Casuarina Beach, Australia
3. Olympic Winter Institute, Australia
4. Australian Capital Territory Academy of Sport, Canberra, Australia

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate an assessment method for the lower body and its ability to detect
training induced changes in athletes. A repeated measures study design was used to assess reliability; in addition
several longitudinal single subject case-studies are reported, justifying the sensitivity of the test to detect training
induced changes. Inter-day reliability of the measures was assessed with repeated measures 48 h apart and the
detection of training induced changes was evaluated by tracking athletes over a normal conditioning period which
included resistance and sport specific training. Peak force for the isometric mid-thigh pull was 2879±613 N and
1988±412 N for the squat jump, resulting in a mean Dynamic Strength Deficit of 0.70±0.10. The coefficient of variation
ranged from 2.01-3.19 % and intra-class correlation coefficients of 0.952-0.987 were observed. For athletes involved
in lower-body maximal strength training, their pre and post measurements recorded changes in isometric mid-thigh
pull peak force (215-362 N), and changes in the Dynamic Strength Deficit ratio (0.03-0.14) that exceeded the
measures technical error. The Dynamic Strength Deficit ratio, is a reliable means of assessing an athlete‘s strength
qualities, and comparisons of the force measures appear to be a valid means to detect training induced changes in
athletes.

Keywords - testing, reliability, validity, training, power, force

INTRODUCTION

The accurate assessment of strength and power qualities maximum voluntary isometric contraction in a squat
is an important aspect of strength and conditioning and position (immovable bar across the shoulders) performed
the sport sciences. The purpose of assessing strength in a Smith machine apparatus. More recent use of
and power qualities is often viewed as a means to maximum voluntary isometric contractions have involved
evaluate training effects and the efficacy of a particular the mid-thigh pull position rather than a squat position [4,
strength and conditioning program. Additionally, it has 6], perhaps with the reasoning that the mid-thigh pull
value in setting individual and team standards, and to position is a safer position to execute an isometric action,
gain insight into the training needs of the individual [1, 3, despite the mid-thigh pull likely eliciting lower force
12]. The latter purpose, to gain training insight, is application [8].
generally accomplished through creating a ‗profile‘ of an
athlete‘s strength and power qualities across several Comparison of isometric and isoinertial test results allow
conditions [11-12]. the strength and conditioning coach or sports scientist to
determine the extent to which the athlete is able to apply
The combined use of isometric and isoinertial force dynamically, in relation to their total maximal force
assessments as a means to evaluate the specific status capabilities. It has the potential to be a valid and useful
of strength qualities is not entirely novel, and may have measure for guiding training prescription [6, 10, 16].
first been used in Germany [10] and adopted in varying Although it should be noted that an isometric test on its
forms elsewhere [16]. The original methodology utilized a own is a relatively poor predictor of dynamic performance

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qualities [2], that is not the purpose of including this knee angle. The knee angle was initially assessed using
assessment. An assessment of this type (comparing a hand held goniometer and subjects were instructed to
isometric and dynamic measures) may provide insight jump as high as possible. Subjects then performed the
into the training status of the individual's strength maximal isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), using a 130°
qualities, establishing a basis of rationale from which to knee angle and corresponding hip angle of 155-165°, as
design individual-specific strength training programs [16]. described in previous research [8] with the knee angles
Isometric strength is a practical method of determining determined using a hand held goniometer. A maximum of
the near-maximal force an athlete is able to produce, 4 trials were permitted for the SJ, and 2 trials for the
whilst the dynamic measure demonstrates the athlete‘s IMTP. The force-trace of the SJ trials were visually
ability to dynamically utilize these maximal force qualities inspected after each trial to determine whether any small
[9-10]. amplitude counter-movement took place [14]. If a small
amplitude counter-movement was identified, the trial was
However, this methodology has not received discarded and further coaching was provided to correct
comprehensive evaluation, thus the purpose of this the movement error and additional trial attempts
investigation was to evaluate a method of assessing conducted. The best trials as determined by maximum
strength qualities through the combination of both force (isometric) and maximum jump height (isoinertial)
isometric and isoinertial tasks. were retained for further analysis. Repeat testing
sessions were conducted for each subject at the same
METHODS time of day on each of the two days of testing, 48 h apart,
with the same order of testing.
Approach to the Problem
This study involved a repeated measures approach to All movements were conducted with the subjects
assess reliability of the measures involved in the testing standing on a commercially available force plate
protocol, as well as several longitudinal single subject sampling at 200 Hz (400 Series Performance Force
case-studies to assess the sensitivity of the test to detect Plate, Fitness Technology, Adelaide, Australia). The
training induced changes. Inter-day reliability of the force plate was interfaced with computer software
measures was assessed for subjects 48 h apart. The (Ballistic Measurement System, Fitness Technology,
ability of the strength qualities assessment protocol to Adelaide, Australia) that allowed for direct measurement
detect training induced changes was evaluated by of force-time characteristics (force plate) and then
assessing athletes over an extended 8 to 10 week period analysed using the Ballistic Measurement System
involving strength and power training. software. The analysis of the jumps data using the force-
time trace utilized the impulse-momentum approach.
Subjects Prior to all data collection procedures, the force plate was
The initial inter-day reliability analysis involved 18 calibrated using a range of known loads spanning the
athletes (15 male, 3 female) (26.1±3.8 yrs; 176.9±7.3 cm; likely measurement range, and then assessed against 3
77.2±9.1 kg) persons with a minimum of two years criterion masses (of 40, 100 and 300 kg).
strength and conditioning training experience. The data
from a further 5 subjects from the sports of rowing, The IMTP was performed in a standard Smith machine
gymnastics, sprint cycling, and volleyball are reported as with adjustable lock out pins. Subjects were encouraged
case studies. All procedures were approved by the to apply force in a graduating manner, not in ballistic
institutional ethics committee following the principles manner as is common, as the intention was to obtain a
outlined in Harriss and Atkinson [5], with written informed maximal force not to determine rate of force development
consent to participate obtained from each participant (RFD) in the IMTP. Previous unpublished pilot work has
prior to data collection. demonstrated high variability with the measurement of
RFD (>10 % typical error). This results in RFD being an
Procedures extrememly difficult variable to use to track training
After a single familiarisation session, reliability testing adaptive responses as relatively large changes need to
was conducted on 2 separate days (48 h apart). Subjects occur before it can be concluded with confidence that
warmed up by initially skipping for 5 min, followed by 2 changes were training induced and not simply
sets of 10 body weight squats, and 3 practise trials of the measurement variability. The force trace of each IMTP
squat jump (no counter-movement, SJ). With a light- trial was viewed in real time, so that the researcher could
weight wooden bar across the shoulders, subjects observe and encourage the subject to achieve a true
conducted the SJ, with each subject adopting a 110° peak during the trial. The peak force was generally

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achieved between 4-6 s from the onset of the trial and all Dynamic Strength Deficit (Peak Force from isoinertial
trials were terminated after 10 s. squat jump/Peak Force from isometric mid thigh pull,
DSD).
The Dynamic Strength Deficit (Peak Force from
isoinertial squat jump/Peak Force from isometric mid For the case-studies, change in values for peak force in
thigh pull, DSD) was determined using each subjects‘ the IMTP and the SJ, as well as the DSD were assessed
results from both tests. The DSD variable was for practical significance by comparing the change in
determined to reflect dynamic force capabilities of each absolute value with the TE value obtained from the initial
subject, in relation to their absolute peak force reliability assessments. If the change score exceeded the
capabilities. TE value, then this change was considered to be of
practical importance.
Case Studies
Each case study athlete was engaging in either 2 or 3 RESULTS
strength and conditioning sessions per week, in
conjunction with their sport training regimen. The data The subjects‘ peak force for the IMTP was 2879± 613 N
collection for each case-study occurred during each and 1988±412 N for the SJ, resulting in a mean DSD of
athlete‘s ‗General Preparatory Phase‘, where no major 0.70±0.10 (Figure 1). Reliability of these measures was
competition (i.e. international competition) took place. found to be relatively high based on generally acceptable
Pre and post testing was conducted after 8 (n=1) or 10 values in the strength and conditioning and sport science
(n=4) weeks of training (16 sessions for the 8 week profession, with all % CV values ranging from 2.01-3.19
example, and 30 strength and power training sessions (Table 1).
completed for the 10 week case-studies, with 100%
compliance) for each subject. For the athletes who were involved in lower-body
maximal strength training (Table 2), pre and post
Statistical Analyses measurements demonstrated changes in peak force
Inter -day reliability were assessed to determine the measures for the IMTP (215-362 N), and changes in the
Intra-class correlation (ICC) and to obtain reference DSD ratio (0.03-0.14) that exceeded the TE associated
values for typical error (TE), and percent co-variance (% with the measures (Figure 2).
CV) statistics for peak force values, as well as the

Figure 1 - Inter-day reliability of the Squat Jump (A), Isometric mid thigh pull (B), Dynamic Strength Deficit (C)
from athletes (n=18) presented as box and whiskers plot including mean, SD and 90% confidence intervals.

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Figure 2 - Changes pre to post for a male heavyweight rower (○), female heavyweight rower (●), male Gymnast
(■), male sprint cyclist (□) and a male volleyball (▲) athletes across the Squat Jump (A), Isometric mid thigh
pull (B), Dynamic Strength Deficit (C)

Table 1 - Intra-Class Correlation, Typical Error, and Percent Co-Variance of the IMTP and SJ peak force, and
DSD measure.

IMTP Peak Force Squat Jump Peak Force DSD Ratio IMTP/SJ

Intra-Class 0.987 0.968 0.952

Correlation

Typical Error 69.17 76.30 0.02

% Co-Variance 2.01 3.19 2.94

Note: Typical error is expressed in Newtons (N) for peak force variables Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and Squat
jump (SJ).

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Table 2 - Representative indication of the training undertaken in the five case-studies of elite athletes over
8/10 week training periods.

Athlete Description Characteristics of Training

10 weeks of training (30 sessions completed)

A: Heavyweight Rower (M)
Senior Level Major modifications to lower body maximal strength training due to
management of knee injury. Athlete completed more upper body
maximal strength training and lower body (low load) power training due
to management of knee injury.

B: Heavyweight Rower (F) 10 weeks of training (30 sessions completed)

Senior Level
Athlete was being re-introduced to lower body maximal strength
exercises (i.e. deadlifts, squats) and loaded power movements (e.g.
cleans) after reduced training of this type due to previous injury.

C: Gymnast (M) 10 weeks of training (30 sessions completed)

Senior Level Athlete completed maximal strength training (e.g. heavy squats) and
ballistic resistance training (i.e. depth jumps, low and moderate load
jump squats) during this period.

D: Sprint Cyclist (M) Senior 8 weeks of training (16 sessions completed)

Level
Athlete completed a program with a particular focus on increasing
maximal squat strength (which improved by 15 kg)

E: Volleyball (M) 10 weeks of training (30 sessions completed)

Junior Level Primary focus included general strength development using front squat,
and introduction to Olympic lifting (hang snatch, snatch, snatch pull).
Increased front squat by 17.5 kg

DISCUSSION

The ability to accurately estimate maximal athletic assessing maximal strength [4, 6]. The novelty of this
strength capacities, and assess real and meaningful study is that the dynamic strength deficit (DSD) ratio,
changes in performance require that a measure is valid, obtained from peak force values of the IMTP and SJ, is a
repeatable (reliable), sensitive to change (i.e. training reliable means of assessing an athlete‘s strength
induced changes) and it must measure what it is qualities, and comparisons of the force measures
intended to measure. Previous research has established between these tests appear to be a valid means of
that jump squats and squat jumps are a valid measure of detecting training induced changes. Furthermore, our
assessing power qualities in the lower body [12-13, 15], findings support the notion that training prescription
and that the isometric mid thigh pull is a valid means of insight that can be gained by making comparisons

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between the force applied during a squat jump and the assume that any changes in force can be attributed to an
IMTP. adaptive response and not changes in the athlete‘s
mass. With the exception of the heavyweight male rower,
The comparison of isometric and isoinertial assessments who undertook a reduced lower-body maximal strength
provides useful insight into the training state of several regimen (due to injury), each subject increased their
strength and power qualities. It is acknowledged that peak force value in the IMTP beyond the TE associated
isometric strength measures are at times poor predictors with this variable, and each subject altered their DSD by
of highly specific dynamic performance tasks [1-2], a value greater than the TE (range 0.03-0.14). No
however this does not mean that the measures obtained change beyond the TE value was observed for any
from an isometric test are not valid. Predicting athlete for peak force of the SJ (Figure 2). These results
performance is not the only criterion of validity, and using demonstrate that training induced changes can be
an isometric test is an effective measure of the maximal observed in the IMTP peak force and the DSD when
force capabilities of an athlete [4, 6-7], and is therefore used to track changes in inherent strength qualities in
measuring the intended quality, a key aspect of validity. elite athletes.
High reliability was observed across a broad range of
athletes with force measures obtained from the IMTP, Comparison of isometric test results and isoinertial test
SJ, and the DSD ratio calculated from these measures, results allows the practitioner to determine the extent to
demonstrated by the low CV (Table 1). Our results which the athlete is able to apply force dynamically, in
indicate that the reported measures can be useful in relation to their total maximal force capabilities. For
detecting training induced changes, as a relatively small instance if the DSD ratio appears low (e.g. <0.60), in
change in performance is required for the practitioner to conjunction with high peak force values in the IMTP,
deduce that the change observed is one attributable to suggests the athlete may need to undertake an
training, and not measurement or biological variation. increased emphasis of ballistic strength training.
Conversely, if an athlete‘s DSD ratio appears very high
A limitation of directly comparing the results of an IMTP (e.g. >0.80), with low peak force values in the IMTP, we
and a SJ is that the tests are not similar in the nature of suggest the athlete undertake an increased emphasis of
the movement. Although both the IMTP and SJ involve maximal strength training-taken of course in
force application using the hip, knee, and ankle consideration of other coaching observations. When
extensors, the IMTP may be in part be limited by other utilizing the DSD ratio, it is important to note the relative
factors such as integrity of the back, shoulder and effect of a change on the IMTP and SJ peak force. An
forearm musculature in some populations. As such, the increase in both IMTP and SJ peak force, without a
present authors suggest that practitioners consider the change in the DSD ratio should not be seen as a lack of
appropriateness of this test before implementing it with improvement, as both measures have increased
their population of athletes. Further, some practitioners concurrently. Of importance is that a decrease or
may wish to use wrist straps, and at the minimum chalk, increase in the DSD ratio is not necessarily a positive or
when performing this test to ensure an effective grip. We a negative. In 4 of the 5 case studies, the decreases
have found these practices to be reliable and valid, so observed in the DSD ratio are attributed to larger
long as the coach maintains consistent testing conditions magnitude increases of the IMTP peak force, and only
within each subject (i.e. use straps every testing small changes in the SJ peak force. Considering that in
occasion). these 4 case-studies, the athletes were engaging in
maximal strength training as their primary focus, this
It is acknowledged that a controlled and uniform training increase in peak force on the IMTP is deemed a positive
program was not implemented in order to quantify the adaptation to the training.
general effects of specific training interventions. This
potential limitation was intentional, as a uniform training Using the SJ peak force only, as opposed to including
program for multiple athletes of different sporting other possible variables, is a potentially contentious
disciplines is not desirable. In an applied setting the sport issue, as the peak force alone may not reflect
scientist or strength and conditioning practitioner takes a improvement in the test. Other variables such as impulse
‗case-study‘ approach to induce a training adaptation and jump height may reflect improvement in the SJ
(Figure 2). performance, without necessarily observing an
improvement in peak force of the SJ. We would
No athlete included in the presented case-studies altered encourage practitioners to include these considerations
their body-mass beyond 0.05 kg, thus it is reasonable to as part of their overall evaluation of test results, and to

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determine the potential utility of these variables in making PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

program considerations. Caution should be used with
these interpretations as specific expectations and The Dynamic Strength Deficit (DSD) ratio, obtained from
guidelines cannot be determined by the present body of peak force values of the IMTP and SJ, is a reliable
work. Specific DSD ratio ranges and results are likely to means of assessing an athlete‘s strength qualities, and
be sport specific, and no all encompassing guideline is comparisons of the force measures between these tests
suitable to optimize performance across all sports and appear to be a valid means of detecting training induced
genders. These results do provide further information changes. Training prescription insight can potentially be
from which to base training prescription decisions gained by making comparisons between the force
through the utilization of this lower body strength applied during a squat jump and the IMTP.
assessment protocol, and future research should aim at
observing changes with differing training programs over
the long term.

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