Young, W. B., James, R., & Montgomery, I. (2002). Is muscle power related to running speed with changes of direction? Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 42, 282-288.

Males (N = 15) who had recently participated in sports involving sprints and changes of direction were timed in 8-m straight-line sprints and in sprints involving direction changes. Leg strength was assessed in the performance of an isokinetic squat and a reactive strength drop jump.

Concentric leg-extension power and straight sprinting were not related. Reactive strength and straight sprinting were related. There were some moderate and significant relationships between leg reactive strength and change-of-direction performance, most likely due to the similarity in the push-off mechanism.

Implication. Reactive strength drop jumps are related to direction-changes while sprinting (agility). Power, as revealed through standard strength exercises, was not related to sprinting or agility.

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