The Magical Horizontal Force Muscle? A Preliminary Study Examining the "Force-Vector" Theory.

David Fitzpatrick,Daniel Cleather,Giuseppe Cimadoro

doi:10.3390/sports7020030

David Fitzpatrick, Daniel Cleather + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7020030

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Abstract

The force-vector theory contends that horizontal exercises are more specific to horizontal sports skills. In this context, the focus is on horizontal force production relative to the global coordinate frame. However, according to the principle of dynamic correspondence, the direction of force relative to the athlete is more important, and thus the basis for the force-vector theory is flawed. The purpose of this study was therefore to test the force-vector theory. According to the force-vector theory, hip thrust is a horizontally loaded exercise, and so hip thrust training would be expected to create greater improvements in horizontal jump performance than vertical jump performance. Eleven collegiate female athletes aged 18–24 years completed a 14-week hip thrust training programme. Pre and post testing was used to measure the following: vertical squat jump, vertical countermovement jump, horizontal squat jump, horizontal countermovement jump and hip thrust 3 repetition maximum (3RM). Subjects improved their 3 repetition maximum hip thrust performance by 33.0% (d = 1.399, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.784) and their vertical and horizontal jump performance (improvements ranged from 5.4–7.7%; d = 0.371–0.477, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.585). However, there were no differences in the magnitude of the improvement between horizontal and vertical jumping (p = 0.561, η2 = 0.035). The results of this study are contrary to the predictions of the force-vector theory. Furthermore, this paper concludes with an analysis of the force-vector theory, presenting the mechanical inconsistencies in the theory. Coaches should use the well established principle of dynamic correspondence in order to assess the mechanical similarity of exercises to sports skills.

Highlights

Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of the hip thrust exercise within strength and conditioning practice
Each participant carried out a pre-determined hip thrust training programme, performingto the sessions athlete isper what is important in determining theirvariables ability towere express force
The results presented above illustrate that the training was effective and that the athletes experienced a substantial increase in their hip thrust and jumping performance

Summary

Introduction

Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of the hip thrust exercise within strength and conditioning practice. The hip thrust is a loaded resistance exercise which utilises the posterior chain hip extensor muscles, such as the glutes and the hamstrings, in order to execute the movement. There are a variety of ways in which the hip thrust can be effectively loaded [1]. The effects of the hip thrust can range from an increase in gluteus maximus size (hypertrophy) to an increase in strength and power [2,3]. In contrast to the back squat the hip thrust requires a hip extension moment to be sustained even near full hip extension [4] and results in a greater activation of glutes and hamstrings [5]

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