October 2022; Vol. 11, No. 2: Pages 22-27
Changes in strength and jump performance over a 10 week competitive period in male collegiate golfers
Paul T Donahue, Shelby A Peel, Ayden K McInnis, Thomas Littlefield, Courtney Calci, Matthew Gabriel, Megan Rush
Abstract
As with most structured training programs to enhance performance, a reduction in resistance training volume is seen during competitive periods and an emphasis is placed on technical and tactical training. For that reason, it is important to know where priorities should be placed during times of reduced physical preparation training and if the sport itself allows for the maintenance of neuromuscular qualities. Objective: Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in strength and jump testing over a competitive period of 10 weeks. Methods: 11 male NCAA Division I completed this investigation. Each participant was tested before and after the competitive fall season. Testing consisted of countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull. Paired samples t-tests were used to determine if statistical differences were present between testing sessions. Results: Significant increases in jump height (p = 0.002) and RSIm (p = 0.013) were seen in the post competitive season jump testing. Force at each time epoch was significantly reduced from pre to post-testing (p < 0.001 at each time epoch). Conclusion: Performing countless repetitions of the golf swing during the competitive season provided a stimulus sufficient to maintain dynamic task performance. The results of this investigation point to the need for practitioners to take a complete examination of variables when analyzing performance testing. When taking into account the entirety of the test, reductions in force at task-relevant time epochs would lead to more precise programming to address needs.
Received August 14, 2022; accepted October 28, 2022