Caterisano, A., Brown, C. W., Thurmond, L. P., Perkins, D. R., Linn, K. B., & Shortridge, E. A. (1999). The relationship between lower body strength and power in resistance trained athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(5), Supplement abstract 225.

A significant relationship between lower body strength and power has been demonstrated in untrained subjects. This study investigated the relationship between lower body strength and power in Division I-AA football players (N = 39) engaged in off-season resistance training. Ss were strength tested for 1 RM squat and power clean, and for lower body power on a vertical and standing long jump.

Vertical and standing long jump scores were significantly correlated, as were squats and cleans. However, there was no significant correlation between either power jump and either strength exercise.

It was concluded that in these strength-trained athletes, there was no relationship between lower body strength and lower body power. It is possible that this lack of relationship is due to using trained as opposed to the more traditional untrained Ss.

Implication. Lower body strength gains or levels in resistance trained athletes, are not related to power performances.

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