Which hip extension exercises reflect the specific nature of sprint performance?

Abstract

Sprinting is a performance determining factor across a wide range of sports, (Barr et al, 2014; Krustrup et al, 2005; Blazevich & Jenkins, 1998). There are a number of factors that can influence sprinting such as; training, biomechanics, technique, physiology, nutrition, genetics and climate (Kennedy et al, 2017; Girard et al, 2015; Eynon et al, 2013; Tipton et al, 2007; Lee, 2005). Although the latter two cannot be changed or controlled, through training the others can. The training an athlete does should be specific to the event they are training for to yield the best results (Reilly et al, 2009). Resistance training is a way of improving muscular power (Young, 2006). By using resistance exercises that have similar kinetics and kinematics to sprinting the transfer of power from training to performance would be optimised. Given the importance of hip extension in the action of sprinting (Belli et al 2002), hip extension exercises should produce the best results for performance improvement.