Between-Leg Mechanical Differences as Measured by the Bulgarian Split-Squat: Exploring Asymmetries and Relationships with Sprint Acceleration

• Published in: Sports (Basel) Vol. 5; no. 3; p. 65
• Main Authors: Lockie, Robert G, Risso, Fabrice G, Lazar, Adrina, Giuliano, Dominic V, Stage, Alyssa A, Liu, Tricia M, Beiley, Megan D, Hurley, Jillian M, Torne, Ibett A, Stokes, John J, Birmingham-Babauta, Samantha A, Davis, DeShaun L, Orjalo, Ashley J, Moreno, Matthew R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.09.2017; MDPI
• Subjects: force; Leg; power; Repetition; single-leg; sprinting; unilateral strength; Velocity; sprinting; force; single-leg; unilateral strength; power; velocity
• ISSN: 2075-4663; 2075-4663
• DOI: 10.3390/sports5030065

Between-leg strength differences can negatively influence sprint acceleration. The challenge is to find a method to measure this within a unilateral exercise. This study analyzed a five repetition-maximum (5RM) Bulgarian split-squat (BSS) to identify between-leg differences for the dominant and non-dominant legs in peak and mean power, force, and velocity as measured by a linear position transducer. Between-leg differences in these variables were correlated with 20-m (0⁻5, 0⁻10, 0⁻20 m intervals) sprint velocity. Eight men were assessed in the 5RM BSS and 20-m sprint. T-tests calculated between-leg differences in power, force, and velocity. Spearman's correlations calculated relationships between the between-leg differences in the mechanical variables with velocity over each interval. When comparing the dominant and non-dominant legs, there were significant ( = 0.002⁻0.056) differences in 11 of 12 variables. However, percentage differences were low (~0.3⁻12%). There was one large, non-significant correlation (best repetition mean force between-leg difference and 0⁻5 m velocity; = -0.810) out of 36 relationships. The BSS can provide a profile of between-leg differences in power, force, and velocity. There were limited relationships between the BSS between-leg differences and 20-m sprint velocities. Smaller between-leg differences in BSS power, force, and velocity could ensure minimal impact on acceleration.