Authors: Bent R Rønnestad
Publish Date: 2013/02/21
Volume: 113, Issue: 7, Pages: 1833-1838
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the seasonal changes in heavy strength training on maximal strength and vertical jump ability in internationally competing ski jumpers A repeatedmeasures design was used to followup the changes in strength vertical jump capacity and neuromuscular efficiency expressed as the ratio between squat jump height and the relative isometric force in the ski jumpers Measurements were performed in November pre January middle of the competition season and in March end of the competition season The weekly number of strength training sessions absolute and relative peak isometric squat force was significantly reduced during the competition period p 005 The body mass was reduced from preseason to the middle of the competition season and remained at this level at the end of the competition season p 005 Squat jump height remained unchanged from preseason until the end of the competition season p 005 Neuromuscular efficiency increased from preseason until the end of the competition season p 005 The present study shows that maximal strength and body weight is reduced from preseason to the end of the competitive season in internationally competing ski jumpers The vertical jump ability did not change from preseason to the end of the competitive season while the neuromuscular efficiency increased during the competitive season These findings indicate that coaches and athletes should emphasize adequate nutritional strategies and to apply a larger focus on strength maintenance training during the competitive season to maximize ski jump performance
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