Date of Award

6-1997

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Dr. Mary L. Dawson

Second Advisor

Dr. Roger Zabik

Third Advisor

Patricia A. Frye

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the motor fitness and strength characteristics of the 1992 through 1995 Western Michigan University football teams. Specifically, performance of the class of 1995 and various playing positions were compared to the performance of the entire team over a 4-year period. Approximately 100 members of the 1992 through 1995 Western Michigan University football teams were measured on tests that determined physical strength and motor fitness ability. These tests included the bench press, squat, hang clean, 20-yard shuttle run, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and 300-yard shuttle run. ANOVAs or chi-square tests were calculated to determine if a significant difference existed among the variables. The entire team showed little improvement over a 4-year period for both the strength and motor fitness tests. The class of 1995 improved significantly (p < . 05) over the first 2 years of eligibility. The skill position players scored significantly (p < .05) higher on the motor fitness tests than the power position players. The power position players scored significantly (p < .05) higher on the physical strength tests than the skill position players. These results could be used to produce more effective physical strength and motor fitness development programs. Training and testing regimens must be developed that are oriented toward sport-specific tasks.

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