Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Disa Hatfield

Abstract

This study investigated the muscular power, strength and sport-specific performance changes in female collegiate cheerleaders who participate in resistance training, versus those who did not. Previous research (1, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20) indicates that collegiate cheerleaders should participate in resistance training programs, however, this is the first study to have investigated the effects of one. Twenty-two female collegiate cheerleaders between the ages of 18-23 years were recruited from the University’s cheerleading team and completed the study. Participants were divided into. resistance training (RT) (n = 12; age: 19.74±0.96 years; height: 161.95±7.99 cm; body mass: 64.37±13.80 kg; body fat %: 40.37±0.96%; lean body mass: 12.38±1.99 kg) or control (CON) (n = 10; age: 20±1.4 years; height: 161.85±6.24 cm; body mass: 59.99±6.59 kg; body fat %: 34.1±8.62%; lean body mass: 11.96±1.01 kg). The RT group participated in a ten week, full-body, strength, and power emphasized resistance training program, while the CON group did not. All participants continued their regular participation of all team duties and responsibilities. Resistance training resulted in significant improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in relative lower and upper body strength of 19.4% and 9.84%, respectively. Conclusion: Full-body, strength and power focused resistance training performed for ten weeks elicits strength improvements in female collegiate cheerleaders.

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