Effects of selected weight training programs on dynamic strength, and its relationship to the 40-yard dash

Abstract

Fifty-two junior and senior non-athletes of the South Milwaukee Senior High School, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin participated in the study of the effects of selected weight training programs and a relationship to their dynamic strength and speed in the forty yard dash. Group E1, E2, and E3 were designated as the experimental groups and C1 as the control group. The four groups were pre-tested for strength and speed, followed by a training program for the experimental group. The training session lasted the entire school year, meeting twice per week. At the conclusion of the session the groups were again tested for strength and speed. The difference between the pre-test means and the post- test means showed a marked increase in strength in the experimental groups, while the control group did not improve significantly. The pre and post test means also indicated that the experimental groups had improved their speed in the 40 yard dash. The t scores also indicated that the experimental groups increased significantly in strength, but not significantly in speed. Thirty-eight of the fifty-two subjects ran faster in the post-test. The control group did not make significant gains in strength or speed.