Bodybuilders Found To Be As Powerful As Sprinters?

Researchers from Ankara, Turkey found no significant differences in speed-strength parameters in athletes with similar strength from different sports backgrounds.

The purpose of this study was to compare 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength, maximum power (MP), linear momentum (Mp), and the loads of 1RM responsible for maximum power (MP%) and for linear momentum (Mp%) generated in explosive concentric bench press (CBP) motion among athletes from different sports. 56 athletes (13 sprinters, 16 basketball players, 16 handball players, 5 volleyball players, and 6 bodybuilders) performed CBP in the loads of 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% of 1RM with 1-minute rest intervals. MP and Mp were assessed during CBP. There were no significant differences in MP, Mp, MP%, and Mp% among the athletes. The only significant positive correlation was found between overall 1RM and Mp for athletes.

In conclusion, this research found that long-term sport-specific training adaptations do not play a major role on speed-strength parameters in athletes with similar strength from different sports backgrounds. In other words, maximum strength plays a major role on maximum power and linear momentum rather than long-term sport-specific background in athletes from different sports. In order to improve the speed-strength performance, a group of athletes should be trained with maximum strength in mind.

Asci A, Acikada C. (2007). Power Production Among Different Sports With Similar Maximum Strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research , 21(1): 10-16.