A Correlational Study between the Physical Analyses of Distinct Lower Body Exercises and the Block Start in Athletics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between the lower body mechanics expressed during the first steps of the block start and those seen during several compound lower body strength exercises. The subject of analysis was relative joint angles at the hip and knee throughout first two steps of the block start and repetitions of each of the following exercises: front squat, high-bar back squat, low-bar back squat, and deadlift. One collegiate male sprinter participated in this experiment. He performed 10 starts in an uncontrolled outdoor environment and performed 5 repetitions of each exercise in a controlled weightroom environment. The data collected implied correlations between the low-bar back squat and deadlift and the power phases of the stride immediately following the sprint start, as well as between the deadlift and the positioning of the individual legs in the blocks. Based on the data, the utilization of the low-bar back squat and the deadlift to increase performance in the sprint block start can be suggested but not confirmed.