Relationship between 1RM back squat test results and explosive movements in professional basketball players

The objectives of this study were related to the research of the relations between the abilities of professional basketball players in the performance of one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat and explosive movements, such as 5, 10 and 20-metre running, and vertical jump; as well as the detection and comparison of these abilities between players who play on the outside and inside positions. The study involved 35 professional basketball players (22 outside and 13 inside) who were selected as candidates for the national team of Bulgaria. Independent variables of muscular strength were obtained by applying the 1RM back squat test (142.06 ± 29.31 kg), and were normalized with respect to the body mass (1RM Squat/kg (1.51 ± 0.25)) and by applying suitable allometric exponent (1RM SquatAl (6.86 ± 1.16)). Dependent variables were obtained using two tests: 20-metre run (times registered at 5 and 10 metres) and vertical jump (used to calculate the variable peak anaerobic power (PAPW)). The results indicated that none of the variables of strength were significantly related to the speed performance, while moderate correlations occurred between the normalized strength variables (1RM Squat/kg and 1RM SquatAl) and vertical jump (r = 0.310 and r = 0.308 / p < 0.05). The results obtained show greater correlation (r = 0.660 / p < 0.01) in the ability to deliver power when performing squat and mechanical work performed in vertical jumps. Outside and inside players were significantly different in three variables only: peak anaerobic power, body height and body weight.