1. Are we getting any stronger?
Determining the effect of strength training programs
@d_drakey

2. Reference: Suchomel et al., 2016
Why develop strength?
Greater muscular strength is associated with:
enhanced movement performance such as jumping, sprinting and change of direction ability
enhanced force-time characteristics such as rate of force development or mechanical impulse
decreased injury risk factors
Reference: Suchomel et al., 2016

3. As Bill Kraemer said a while back….
A common question asked to strength & conditioning coaches is “what’s your philosophy” when we should be asking “what’s the evidence base for your training program”
Reference: Kraemer, 1997

4. The strength of evidence conundrum
We test our athletes to determine their response to the training program
The measured change in the test tells us our training effect or evidence for the program
The tests we use therefore strongly influences our beliefs, approach and evidence
We need to fully examine our testing procedures
Reference: Kraska et al., 2009

5. Testing strength
“Determining a maximal strength value for a novice is inherently difficult, because the strength assessment in itself may serve as a strength training stimulus”
Jidovtseff et al., 2011

6. Testing strength
Traditionally the one repetition maximum approach has been used
However, repetition maximum testing has a number of limitations:
Appleby et al., 2012
Buckner et al., 2016
Not time efficient in periods of congested competitions
Not appropriate for novice lifters
Effected by technical competency / strength training experience
Standardizing the vertical displacement and velocity in eccentric phase
Loturco et al., 2016
Jidovtseff., 2011
Ploutz-Snyder & Giamis, 2001
McMaster et al., 2014

7. Isometric multi-joint tests [IMJTs]
An alternative to one repetition maximum approach are IMJTs
Simple and practical
Short test duration
Low number of trials required
High level of reliability
Suitable for male and females
Can be used in novice athletes
Reference: Drake et al., 2017

8. Isometric multi-joint tests [IMJTs]
Other advantages:
Assess symmetry between leg extensor force
Determine rate of force development capacities
Disadvantages:
Requires force measuring equipment
Requires a short period of familiarization prior to baseline testing

9. Isometric multi-joint tests [IMJTs]
Test using an Isometric rack
Place force plate directly below direction of force application
Can be utilized for Isometric squat or Isometric mid-thigh pull tests
Adjustable to allow testing at specific angles
Photo source:
Ulster Rugby

10. Isometric multi-joint tests [IMJTs]
Example force-time trace during maximal isometric squat
Peak force
Pre tension prior to contraction
Source:

11. Isometric multi-joint tests [IMJTs]
Example force-time trace for left and right legs showing a 7% asymmetry
Peak force
Left leg
Right leg
Source:

12. Supportive evidence
IMJTs have a strong level of evidence supporting their reliability in trained and untrained athletes
IMJTs have a strong level of evidence supporting their reliability in male and female athletes
IMJTs have a moderate level of evidence supporting their responsiveness to longitudinal strength training programs
Full details of the supportive evidence can downloaded from this link:
Sports medicine - open
Reference: Drake et al., 2017

13. IMJT procedures Commonly used procedures
Up to 5 seconds of maximal effort
Take two-three trials
Allow 3 to 5 minutes recovery between trials
A range of joint angles are used dependent on sport & athlete group, but typically within the range of 90∘ to 145∘ of knee flexion
Reference: Drake et al., 2017

14. Considerations Monitoring change in IMJTs
Looking for changes greater than the smallest detectible changes in peak force ~ 10%
Choose a testing angle that reflects the range of motion performed within the training program
Or an angle that specifically relates to sports performance tasks
Ensure repeatability in your methods
Dos'Santos et al. (2017)

15. Contact info
Feel free to send me your questions and/or contribute:
@d_drakey
Linkedin

16. References
Suchomel TJ, Nimphius S, Stone MH. The importance of muscular strength in athletic performance. Sports Med. 2016;46(10):
Kraemer WJ. A Series of Studies-The Physiological Basis for Strength Training in American Football: Fact Over Philosophy. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 1997;11(3).
Kraska JM, Ramsey MW, Haff GG, Fethke N, Sands WA, Stone ME, et al. Relationship between strength characteristics and unweighted and weighted vertical jump height. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2009;4(4):
Jidovtseff B, Harris NK, Crielaard JM, Cronin JB. Using the load-velocity relationship for 1RM prediction. J Strength Cond Res. 2011;25(1):
Appleby B, Newton RU, Cormie P. Changes in strength over a 2-year period in professional rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(9):
Buckner SL, Jessee MB, Mattocks KT, Mouser JG, Counts BR, Dankel SJ, et al. Determining strength: A case for multiple methods of measurement. Sports Med. 2016:1-3.

17. References
Loturco I, Pereira LF, Cal Abad CC, Gil S, Kitamura K, Kobal R, et al. Using bar velocity to predict the maximum dynamic strength in the half-squat exercise. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2016;11(5):
Ploutz-Snyder LL, Giamis EL. Orientation and familiarization to 1RM strength testing in old and young women. J Strength Cond Res. 2001;15(4):
McMaster DT, Gill N, Cronin J, McGuigan M. A brief review of strength and ballistic assessment methodologies in sport. Sports Med. 2014;44(5):
Drake D, Kennedy, R.A., Wallace, E.S. The validity and responsiveness of isometric lower body multi-joint tests of muscular strength: a systematic review. Sports Medicine - Open
Dos'Santos T, Thomas C, Comfort P, McMahon JJ, Jones PA, Oakley NP, Young AL. Between-Session Reliability Of Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Kinetics And Maximal Power Clean Performance In Male Youth Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res. Electronic, PAP