Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in the dynamic strength index (DSI): an assessment of upper-body dynamic strength relative to maximal isometric strength. The secondary purpose was to investigate gender differences in the dynamic skill deficit (DSD): an assessment of sports-specific dynamic strength relative to maximal isometric strength, and its association with a sports-specific performance measure in surfers. Nine male (age = 30.3 ± 7.3 yrs) and eight female (age = 25.5 ± 5.2 yrs) surfers undertook three upper-body assessments: isometric push-up, dynamic push-up, and a force plate pop-up to determine the DSI and DSD. The performance measure of time taken to pop-up (TTP) was recorded. No gender differences for the DSI (d = 0.48, p = 0.33) or DSD (d = 0.69, p = 0.32) were observed. Normalized peak force (PF) of the isometric push-up, dynamic push-up, and force plate pop-up were significantly greater in males (p ≤ 0.05), with males recording significantly quicker TTP (d = 1.35, p < 0.05). The results suggest that male and female surfers apply a similar proportion of their maximal strength in sports-specific movements. However, greater normalized isometric and dynamic strength in males resulted in greater sports-specific PF application and a faster TTP. It would appear favorable that female surfers improve their maximal strength to facilitate sports-specific pop-up performance.
Highlights
The sport of surfing incorporates three crucial phases: paddling, pop-up, and the wave-ride [1].The pop-up phase of surfing is characterized by the change from a prone paddling position to a surf-specific standing position in one dynamic movement [2]
The secondary purpose of the study was to investigate the concept of a dynamic skill deficit (DSD), and gender differences, in sports-specific dynamic strength capabilities in relation to maximal isometric strength and its association with a sports-specific performance measure
The second purpose of the study was to investigate the concept of a DSD aimed at assessing gender differences in sports-specific dynamic strength capabilities in relation to maximal isometric strength, and its association with a sports-specific performance measure
Summary
The sport of surfing incorporates three crucial phases: paddling, pop-up, and the wave-ride [1]. The pop-up phase of surfing is characterized by the change from a prone paddling position to a surf-specific standing position in one dynamic movement [2]. During this transition, a surfer is required to move ~75% of their body weight in less than a second [3]. Upper-body strength is a key physiological capacity to assist in the execution of a fast and effective pop-up. Isometric and dynamic testing protocols have been previously implemented to assess upper-body strength and power qualities in male and female athletes [4].
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