Validity of the Schultz Slam Test (SST) as a core power measure in football

Graduation Date

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Kinesiology Teaching/Coaching, 2012

Committee Chair Name

Tina M. Manos

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Collegiate division II, Schultz Slam Test (SST), Athletic performance measures, American football players, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Kinesiology

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the validity the Schultz Slam Test (SST) as a measure of core performance in Division II collegiate American football players. Reliability, as well as convergent, content and divergent groups' validity were assessed. Methods: Collegiate Division II redshirt football players (N = 22; height 185.00 ± cm, mass 102.62 ± kg) had core power measured using the Schultz Slam Test (SST [developed for this research] and a 60-s maximum sit-up test with a built-in 30-s test), and core endurance measured using the McGill protocol (McGill, 2007). A standardized testing battery for athletic performance measures (3-repetition maximums for the power clean, back squat, and bench press, as well as vertical jump height) was also measured to assess convergent validity of the core tests. To establish content validity, seven strength and conditioning coaches with at least 5 years of football experience were asked to view a video of core tests and then complete a questionnaire. To establish divergent groups' validity the SST scores of college-level players were compared with SST scores of 20 high school football players. Results: The SST was a reliable test in colligate (r = .852, p = .000) and high school players (r = .941, p = .000). The only significant correlation between SST and football performance was squat relative to bodyweight (1.63 ± .26 kg; r = -.505). There were no significant correlations between athletic performance and sit-up. The McGill right, left lateral hold and total score best related to athletic performance. The McGill right lateral hold was significantly correlated with the relative power clean (1.20 ± 0.18; r = .680), relative squat (1.63 ± 0.26; r = .708) and vertical jump height (27.61 ± 2.92 inches; r = .515). The McGill right lateral hold was significantly correlated with the relative power clean (1.20 ± 0.18; r = .773), relative squat (1.63 ± 0.26; r = .801) and vertical jump height (27.61 ± 2.92 in; r = .520). The total McGill was significantly correlated with the relative power clean (1.20 ± 0.18; r = .518), and relative squat (1.63 ± 0.26; r = .477). The McGill extension was significantly correlated with absolute bench press (133.71 ± 27.91; r = -.468). Validity of the SST was supported by establishing content and divergent groups' validity, yet convergent validity of SST was not shown. Coaches believed that the SST was the most sports-specific test and the McGill protocol was the most practical test. The McGill protocol, although static in nature, did relate to football performance (large effect; Hopkins, 2009). The HSU players' SST times were significantly faster than high school players (t[40] = 6.70, p = .000). Conclusion: No one test is able to accurately predict football performance measures. Medicine ball throws in different planes of motion should be tested to determine a relationship to football performance variables.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/08612q83r

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