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Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis of Healthy Participants
Published on: April 15, 2020
The Relationship Between Lower-Body Muscular Power and Running Performance in Division I American Football Players
Alexander H K Montoye1,2, Ty L Slater1, Karin A Pfeiffer3
1Integrative Physiology and Health Science Department, Alma College, Alma, Michigan.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Lower-body muscular power, assessed through squats and jumps, significantly correlates with running acceleration and velocity in collegiate football players. These findings can inform training and talent identification for enhanced athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Collegiate American football players' performance relies heavily on running speed and acceleration.
- Understanding the relationship between muscular power and running performance is crucial for optimizing training and player development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lower-body muscular power and maximal on-field running performance (acceleration and velocity) in Division I American football players.
- To explore these relationships across different player positions and longitudinally over time.
Main Methods:
- Data from 97-115 collegiate football players were analyzed.
- Lower-body muscular power was measured using yoke bar back squats and reverse lunges, alongside countermovement jump power and height.
- Maximal running acceleration and velocity were tracked using wearable technology (Catapult system).
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal correlation analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Significant direct correlations were observed between squat power and running outcomes for 'big' and 'mid' player positions.
- Vertical jump power and height also showed significant associations with running performance in 'big' and 'mid' positions.
- Longitudinal analyses revealed stronger relationships between offseason muscular power and in-season running performance across multiple positions.
Conclusions:
- Lower-body muscular power, particularly from squats and jumps, is a key predictor of running performance in American football players.
- These findings support the use of power-based assessments for player development, training program design, talent identification, and potentially injury reduction strategies.
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