TY - JOUR

T1 - An investigation into the physical determinants of change of direction speed

AU - Jones, Paul

AU - Bampouras, T. M.

AU - Marrin, K.

PY - 2009/3/1

Y1 - 2009/3/1

N2 - Aim. Change of direction speed (CODS) is an important attribute for many sports and is believed to be influenced by a variety of physical factors. However, there is a lack of consen-sus as to which physical attributes relate to CODS. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of several physical attributes to CODS. Methods. Thirty-eight subjects (mean±SD: age, 21.5±3.8 years; height, 1.77±0.07 m; mass, 77.5±13.9 kg) undertook tests of speed, CODS, strength and power. Running speed was assessed via a 25 m sprint with split times taken at 5,20 and 25 m. CODS was assessed by a 505-test, which involves measuring the time to complete a 5 m out and back course. The strength and pow-er tests included unilateral isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee extensor and flexor strength at 60°/s and bilateral leg press, countermovement and drop jumps. Pearson's product moment correlation and co-efficients of determination were used to explore relationships amongst all variables. Multiple regression was used to determine the combined effects of sig-nificantly correlated variables on CODS. Results. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that running speed explained 58% of the variance in CODS (F1,33=45.796, P<0.001) with the addition of eccentric knee flexor strength raising the value to 67% (F1,32=8.781, P=0.006). Conclusion. The results suggest that for basic improvements in CODS, athletes should seek to maximise their sprinting abili-ty and enhance their eccentric knee flexor strength to allow effective neuromuscular control of the contact phase of the CODS task.

AB - Aim. Change of direction speed (CODS) is an important attribute for many sports and is believed to be influenced by a variety of physical factors. However, there is a lack of consen-sus as to which physical attributes relate to CODS. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of several physical attributes to CODS. Methods. Thirty-eight subjects (mean±SD: age, 21.5±3.8 years; height, 1.77±0.07 m; mass, 77.5±13.9 kg) undertook tests of speed, CODS, strength and power. Running speed was assessed via a 25 m sprint with split times taken at 5,20 and 25 m. CODS was assessed by a 505-test, which involves measuring the time to complete a 5 m out and back course. The strength and pow-er tests included unilateral isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee extensor and flexor strength at 60°/s and bilateral leg press, countermovement and drop jumps. Pearson's product moment correlation and co-efficients of determination were used to explore relationships amongst all variables. Multiple regression was used to determine the combined effects of sig-nificantly correlated variables on CODS. Results. Stepwise multiple regression revealed that running speed explained 58% of the variance in CODS (F1,33=45.796, P<0.001) with the addition of eccentric knee flexor strength raising the value to 67% (F1,32=8.781, P=0.006). Conclusion. The results suggest that for basic improvements in CODS, athletes should seek to maximise their sprinting abili-ty and enhance their eccentric knee flexor strength to allow effective neuromuscular control of the contact phase of the CODS task.

KW - Athletes

KW - Muscle, skeletal

KW - Physical fitness

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 19188902

AN - SCOPUS:67649125136

VL - 49

SP - 97

EP - 104

JO - Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

JF - Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

SN - 0022-4707

IS - 1

ER -