Association between Lower Body Qualities and Change-of-Direction Performance: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to determine the associations between lower-extremity muscle strength qualities and change of direction (CoD) performance. Three databases were used to perform a systematic literature search, and up to September 30 2022. From the studies that met the inclusion criteria, the Pearson's r correlation coefficient to examine relationships muscle strength qualities and COD performance was extracted. The quality of included studies was evaluated by the modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index tool. Heterogeneity was testified via the Q statistic and I2, and Egger's test was used to assess small study bias. The results revealed that lower-extremity maximal strength (pooled: r=-0.54, dynamic: r=-0.60, static: r=-0.41), joint strength (pooled: r=-0.59, EXT-ecc: r=-0.63, FLEX-ecc: r=-0.59), reactive strength (r=-0.42) and power (pooled: r=-0.45, jump height: r=-0.41, jump distance: r=-0.60, peak power: r=-0.41) were negatively and moderately related to CoD performance. To conclude, the results highlight that a number of muscle strength qualities are associated with CoD performance, that are pertinent to specific phases of a directional change. It should be noted that the conclusions of this study do not establish causality and further research is needed to better understand their training effects and underlying mechanisms.