Butcher, S. J., Craven, B. R., Sprigings, E. J., Chilibeck, P. D., & Spink, K. S. (2001). Influence of trunk stability and leg strength training on vertical take-off velocity in athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 891.

Athletes (M = 20; F = 35) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: trunk stability (TS), leg strength (LS), trunk stability and leg strength (TL), and no activity control (C). Ss were tested before the study, after three weeks of training, and at the end of nine weeks of training.

Only the TS group had a significantly better vertical take-off velocity than C after three weeks. After nine weeks, the three experimental groups were all significantly better than C.

Implication. Trunk stability training quickly influences vertical take-off velocity with leg-strength training taking much longer to exert an influence.

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