Power measurement for both exercises was accessed in a Smith Machine. The bar of the Smith Machine had a linear transducer attached (Globus Real Power, Italy). The rotary encoder of the linear transducer recorded the position and direction of the bar to within www.selleckchem.com/products/Paclitaxel(Taxol).html an accuracy of 0.0002 m. in order to calculate different variables for each repetition of the CMJ and full squat. Only the concentric phase of the movement was taken for further analysis. Concentric movement was defined from the moment following the end of the eccentric phase until maximal positive velocity was achieved. The CMJ weighted test began with a load of 20 kg (CMJ20), and the weight was increased with 10 kg increments. The test ended when CMJ height was less than 20 cm.

This height was used as reference because a jump lower than 20 cm progressively decreased the reliability of the jump (Vitaasalo, 1985) and it increases the risk of injury. Four minutes of rest were provided between each attempt to minimize the likelihood of fatigue. The best attempt for peak power with each load was recorded for later analysis. The CV of variation for test-retest reliability for CMJ was 4.3% and less. In addition, the CMJ with additional weights showed an ICC of 0.93 or more. The progressive test of full squats with external loads was performed on the Smith machine. For this test, each soccer player descended until the top of the thigh was below parallel with the floor. The number of full squat repetitions for a particular load was determined according to the velocity of the first repetition.

Three repetitions were performed when the subject displaced the bar with an average velocity �� 1m?s?1. In contrast, only two repetitions were executed when the average velocity was <1m?s?1. The increase in the load was done in 10 kg increments. Four minutes of recovery were taken between each set. The test ended for each subject when the average velocity of movement was �� 0.7 m?s?1 (19). This velocity was chosen as reference because in a pilot study it was observed that maximum average power was attained at higher velocities. The highest peak power and mean power of the repetitions done with external loads and the load achieved by each player were used for later analysis (CV: 2.9�C4%; ICC: 0.92�C0.94). Finally, subjects were required to perform three maximum effort sprints of 30 metres.

Times at 0�C10m (T10), 0�C20m (T20), 0�C30 (T30), 10�C20m (T10�C20), 10�C30m (T10�C30), and 20�C30m (T20�C30) were recorded Drug_discovery using Brower equipment (Wireless Sprint System, USA). Subjects performed trial sprints separated by 3 minutes of rest. Only the best attempt was considered. The sprints reported ICCs of 0.92�C0.99 and CVs of 1.2�C2.6%. Statistical analyses To assess the relationship between sprint performances and jump and full squat performances Pearson correlation and univariate analysis of variance between the different variables were used.