Vol 12, Issue 4

Value of Wellness Ratings and Countermovement Jumping Velocity to Monitor Performance

May 15, 2019 - By 

Authors

Michael T. Brasch, Northern Illinois University
Kevin L. Neeld, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Kristen F. Konkol, Syracuse University
Robert W. Pettitt, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
International Journal of Exercise Science 12(4): 88-99, 2019.
DOI: 10.70252/ZMAT7063

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between subjective ratings of overall wellness and neuromuscular performance throughout a 6-week intensive offseason strength and conditioning program. Thirty experienced NCAA Division II baseball players completed all phases of the program. A comprehensive wellness rating and 5 countermovement jumps (CMJ5) were measured and averaged for 4 phases of training. Pre- and post-testing measures of strength and speed also were evaluated. Internal consistency of the wellness rating for each phase ranged α = 0.77-0.92, and CMJ5 velocities had decent consistency (ICCα= 0.88, TE = 0.19 m·s-1, CV = 5.90%). The training program evoked significant (p < 0.01) improvements in front squats (d= 0.55), trap bar deadlifts (d= 0.62), chin ups (d = 0.39), 30-yd dash (d = 0.39), with no change in the 300-yd dash (p > 0.05), where d is the treatment effect size. Average CMJ5 velocities (m∙s-1) were similar for the preparation phase (1.90 ± 0.25), eccentric phase (1.91 ± 0.28), strength & power phase (1.91 ± 0.24), and recovery phase (1.91 ± 0.30; F = 0.04, p = 0.99, ηp2= 0.001). No significant correlations were observed for pre- or post-testing measures of wellness ratings in comparison to any performance measures, including a composite standardized score from each performance test at pre-testing (r = 0.22, p = 0.26). The CMJ5 exhibited too high of a typical error to determine a change in neuromuscular status. Additionally, the wellness rating did not reflect changes in relation to performance.

Recommended Citation