A Cross-Sectional Lower-Body Power Profile of Elite and Subelite Australian Football Players

Jan 11, 2013Journal of strength and conditioning research

Leg power differences between top-level and second-tier Australian football players

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Abstract

Elite Australian football players generated greater peak power levels than subelite players at multiple testing loads.

No statistically significant difference in maximal lower-body strength was found between elite and subelite players.
Elite players produced significantly higher peak power during countermovement jumps at loads of 30% and 40% of their one repetition maximum.
Statistical differences in squat jump peak power were observed at loads of 0, 20, 30, and 40% of one repetition maximum, with elite players outperforming subelite players.
Lower-body power levels are associated with the distinction between elite and subelite Australian football players, despite similarities in strength and body mass.

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Australian football (AF) is a sport which requires a vast array of physiological qualities, including high levels of strength and power. However, the power characteristics of AF players, particularly at the subelite level have not been extensively studied with further investigation warranted to understand the power capabilities and training requirements of elite and subelite AF groups. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to develop a lower-body power profile of elite and subelite AF players. Eighteen elite and 12 subelite AF players completed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat test to determine maximal lower-body strength, and countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) testing to assess lower-body muscular power performance. Maximal lower-body strength was not statistically different between groups (p > 0.05). Elite players produced greater levels of peak power for CMJ at loads of 0, 30 (p < 0.05), and 40% (p < 0.01) of 1RM in comparison to subelite players. Squat jump peak power was statistically different between groups at 0, 20, 30, and 40% (p < 0.01) of 1RM; with elite players producing greater power than their subelite counterparts at all measured loads for SJ. Findings from this investigation demonstrate that elite AF players are able to generate greater levels of lower-body power than subelite AF players, despite no significant differences existing in maximal lower-body strength or body mass. As lower-body power levels clearly differentiate elite and subelite AF players, emphasis may be placed on improving the power levels of subelite players, particularly those aspiring to reach the elite level.

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A Cross-Sectional Lower-Body Power Profile of Elite and Subelite Australian Football Players

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