Authors
Kazuki Hayashi, Graduate School of Health Study, Tokai University, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Kanagawa, Japan
Jun Yasuda, Department of Health Management, School of Health Study, Tokai Univer- sity, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Kanagawa, Japan
Seiji Aruga, Department of Health Management, School of Health Study, Tokai Univer- sity, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Kanagawa, Japan
International Journal of Exercise Science 19(4): 1-14, 2026.
DOI: 10.70252/IJES2026401
Abstract
Recent studies have verified the use of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) during countermovement pull-ups (CMPs); however, the relationship between CMP performance and maximal strength remains unclear. With the increasing popularity of training guided by mechanical variables, quantifying SSC-related contributions and identifying key CMP variables may provide insights into innovative pull-up training. This study examined correlations between mechanical variables during CMPs and pure concentric pull-ups (PCPs) and maximal muscle strength in athletes, to elucidate the characteristics of CMPs. Fifty male collegiate athletes participated. A linear position transducer measured peak velocity (Vmax), mean velocity (Vmean), mean power, and time to peak velocity (time to Vmax) during CMPs and PCPs. Lat pulldown isometric maximal strength (LP-IMS) was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. To control for body weight, residuals from regressions with body weight as the independent variable were analyzed. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate relationships between mechanical variables and maximal strength. Vmean (rs = 0.511) and Vmax (rs = 0.544) of PCPs exhibited significant strong positive correlations with LP-IMS, whereas time to Vmax correlated moderately negatively (rs = -0.319). Conversely, CMP Vmean demonstrated a weak positive correlation with LP-IMS (rs = 0.279), with no significant correlation for Vmax. CMP time to Vmax was strongly negatively correlated with LP-IMS (rs = -0.570). These findings indicate that Vmax and Vmean in CMPs are weakly associated with strength, suggesting the involvement of non-strength factors, such as SSC utilization. This study provides insights into upper-limb SSC and may guide training protocols for pulling exercises.
Recommended Citation
Hayashi, Kazuki; Yasuda, Jun; Aruga, Seiji (2025) “Relationship Between Mechanical Variables and Maximum Strength in Countermovement and Pure Concentric Pull-Ups Among Male Collegiate Athletes,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 19 : Iss. 4, Pages 1-14.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/IJES2026401