The effect of Fast Eccentric Squats on measures of strength, power and speed
Author: Ricci Persico
The Effect of Fast Eccentric Squats on Measures of Strength, Power and Speed
Ricci Persico
8 September 2020
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of increased eccentric movement velocity during a submaximal back squat on measures of strength, power and speed as well as examine the effect of recovery following eccentric training had on the performance. Eleven participants were randomly placed into a fast-eccentric group (FE; n = 6) or control group (CG; n = 5). Participants completed a four-week intervention training three times per week. The FE group completed the eccentric phase as fast as possible (average = 0.59s) and the CG completed the eccentric phase over two seconds with a metronome for tempo. Testing measures included box squat one repetition maximum (1RM), 20m sprint, 6s peak power output (PPO) Wattbike test and 0.4m drop jump (DJ). Testing was completed seven days prior to the start of the intervention and then seven, 14 and 28 days following the intervention. There were no significant (p > 0.05) between-group differences in performance; however, the FE group reported on average a significantly higher (p < 0.05) rate of perceived exertion (RPE) following RT sessions. Significant (p < 0.05) within-group differences were found with the CG demonstrating a significant increase (p < 0.05) in 1RM from BL to T3 (+11.2%). The CG also significantly increased (p < 0.05) 5m sprint time and decreased DJ flight time (FT) from BL to T1, T2 and T3. The findings from this study suggest that training with an increased eccentric movement velocity during isoinertial barbell back squats, leads to no added benefit to strength, power or speed compared to traditional training.
Keywords: strength and conditioning, resistance training, eccentric training, fast eccentrics
Ricci Persico's primary supervisor was Richard Humphrey.
Licence
This thesis is publicly available under a Creative Commons licence CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
