Abstract
The aim of the present study is to determine the associations between lower body
muscle strength qualities and change of direction (CoD) performance. Three
databases were used to perform a systematic literature search up to September
30, 2022. Based on the studies that met the inclusion criteria, we calculated
Pearson’s r correlation coefficient to examine the relationships
between muscle strength qualities and CoD performance. The quality of the
studies included was evaluated by the modified version of the Downs and Black
Quality Index Tool. Heterogeneity was determined via the Q statistic and
I
2, and Egger’s test was used to assess small
study bias. The results revealed that lower body 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 and 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.
Key words
dynamic strength - isometric strength - RSI (reactive strength index) - jump height
- jump distance
