Type IIx muscle fibers are related to poor body composition, glycemic and lipidemic blood profiles in young females: the protective role of type I and IIa muscle fibers.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between muscle fiber composition, body composition, resting glycemic-lipidemic blood profiles, in apparently healthy, young, active females. METHODS: Thirty-four young healthy female volunteers were allocated into two groups, depending on their Vastus Lateralis type IIx muscle fibers percent cross-sectional area (%CSA; H: high type IIx %CSA; L: low type IIx %CSA). Body composition was determined via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Venous blood samples were collected for the determination of resting serum glucose, Insulin, Apo-A1, HOMA-IR, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), High-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) concentrations. Nutritional intake was also evaluated. RESULTS: Individuals of the H group have significantly higher body mass, body fat percentage-mass, and resting blood indices of glycemic and lipidemic profiles, compared to those of L group (p < 0.001). Increased type IIx and low type I, IIa muscle fibers %CSAs were linked with poorer body composition, glycemic and lipidemic blood profiles (r: - 0.722 to 0.740, p < 0.001). Linear regression analyses revealed that the impact of muscle fibers %CSA (B coefficients ranged between - 0.700 and 0.835) on the above parameters, was at least, of the same or even of greater magnitude as that of body composition and daily nutritional intake (B: - 0.700 to 0.666). CONCLUSION: Increased type IIx and low Type I, IIa %CSAs are associated with poorer body composition and glycemic-lipidemic profiles in young healthy females. The contribution of the muscle fiber %CSA on health status seems to be comparable to that of nutrition and body composition.

The effect of weighted vest use during in-season, small-sided games training on young soccer players' performance.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of weighted vest on-field small-sided games (SSG) soccer training, during the in-season period, on body composition and soccer-specific performances, in young, trained soccer players. A counterbalance study design was adopted, in which the fourteen well-trained players (age: 19.1 ± 0.5 yrs, body mass: 70.3 ± 5.3 kg, body height: 180.3 ± 3.0 cm, body fat: 9.2 ± 4.1%) performed both the Interventional (Vest) and Control (Con) training routines (6 weeks/season; 5 training sessions/week; 1 match/week), in different occasions (winter/spring period). Con group followed a regular weekly training plan. When the Con group performed their intense training sessions, Vest group performed only the on-field SSGs training wearing a vest (12.5% of athletes' body mass). All the evaluations were performed one week before and after each training period. Statistical analyses include repeated ANOVA and T-test (p < 0.05). Significant increases in sprinting, jumping, change of direction (COD), aerobic and anaerobic performances were observed only after Vest intervention (-4.7 ± 2.2% to 11.2 ± 4.2%; p < 0.05). Significant changes were observed only after Vest training, compared to Cont (p < 0.05). These results suggest that using a weighted vest, during the in-season, onfield SSG training two times/week induces greater increases in young soccer players' sprinting, jumping, COD, aerobic and anaerobic performances.

Skeletal muscle fiber composition may modify the effect of nutrition on body composition in young females.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that healthy, normal-weight females with greater proportions and sizes of the oxidative muscle fibers would also be characterized by a healthier body composition compared with individuals with increased glycolytic fibers, even if both follow similar nutritional plans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Vastus lateralis muscle fiber-type composition, body composition through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and dietary intakes through questionnaire were evaluated in twenty-two young, healthy, non-obese females (age: 21.3±1.8yrs, body mass: 67.5±6.2 kg, body height: 1.66±0.05m, body mass index (BMI): 24.2±2.6  kg m-2). The participants were allocated into two groups according to their type I muscle fibers percentage [high (HI) and low (LI)]. The participants of the LI group were characterized by significantly higher body mass, fat mass, BMI, and cross-sectional and percentage cross-sectional area (%CSA) of type IIx muscle fibers compared with participants of the HI group (p < 0.021). In contrast, the HI group was characterized by higher cross-sectional and %CSA of type I muscle fibers compared with the LI group (p < 0.038). Significant correlations were observed between body fat mass, lean body mass, total energy intake, fat energy intake, and %CSAs of type I and IIx muscle fibers (r: -0.505 to 0.685; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study suggests that muscle fiber composition is an important factor that at least partly could explain the observed differential inter-individual responses of the body composition to nutrition in female individuals. Increased %CSAs of type I muscle fibers seem to act as a protective mechanism against obesity and favor a healthier body composition, neutralizing the negative effect of increased caloric fats intake on body composition, probably because of their greater oxidative metabolic properties and fat utilization capacities. In contrast, female individuals with low type I and high type IIx %CSAs of type I seem to be more metabolically inflexible and dietinduced obesity prone, even if they consume fewer total daily calories and fats.

Exploring the predictors and prognostic significance of exercise-induced cardiac troponin release in master athletes following a 28 km mountain race. The Vamvakou research project.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Aetiology and significance of exercise-induced troponin release remains a contentious issue. We investigated the effect of a 28 km mountain run on cardiac troponin I (cTnI), in relation to training, performance, nutritional, biochemical and echocardiography variables, in a group of 25 recreational male master athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive list of variables related with nutrition, training, performance and echocardiography, was collected pre- and post-race. Twenty-four months later, outcomes regarding cardiovascular events were obtained. RESULTS: Serum cTnI values were increased after the race, with mean values rising from 7.2 ± 2.2 (before) to 80.0 ± 33.2 ng/L (post race), (p < 0.001) and 23/25(92%) exceeding Upper Reference limit (50 ng/L). Echocardiography did not reveal significant alterations, or correlations with cTnI values. The percentage difference in hs-cTnI concentrations pre- and post-race correlated positively with age, race-induced changes of selected muscle damage indices, resistance training volume and negatively with endurance capacity and training volume (r: -0.727 to 0.725, p < 0.05). All athletes reported no cardiovascular event during the 24-month period post-race. CONCLUSION: cTnI elevation induced by a 28 km mountain running race was not correlated with echocardiographic, nutritional parameters and was less pronounced in athletes with larger endurance training history, in contrast with resistance training and age.

The emerging role of skeletal muscle as a modulator of lipid profile the role of exercise and nutrition.

The present article aims to discuss the hypothesis that skeletal muscle per se but mostly its muscle fiber composition could be significant determinants of lipid metabolism and that certain exercise modalities may improve metabolic dyslipidemia by favorably affecting skeletal muscle mass, fiber composition and functionality. It discusses the mediating role of nutrition, highlights the lack of knowledge on mechanistic aspects of this relationship and proposes possible experimental directions in this field.

Effects of Complex Vs. Compound Training on Competitive Throwing Performance.

ABSTRACT: Thomas, K, Spyridon, M, Nikolaos, Z, Angeliki-Nikolleta, S, Giorgos, K, Giorgos, G, and Gerasimos, T. Effects of complex vs. compound training on competitive throwing performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1866-1874, 2022-The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of complex (CPX; strength and power exercises in pairs) vs. compound (CPD; strength and power exercises in different days) training on competitive track and field throwing performance. Ten well-trained throwers (7 male throwers and 3 female throwers) followed a 34-week periodized training program including 2 preparation periods. During the winter 4-week, precompetition phase, athletes were randomly assigned to CPX or CPD groups, while the opposite assignment was performed during the spring precompetition phase (counterbalanced design). Before and after each training period competitive track and field throwing performance, shot put throws, snatch, squat and bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM), vertical jumps, rate of force development (RFD), and body composition were evaluated. Competitive track and field throwing performance increased significantly by 5.4 ± 2.9% and 1.9 ± 1.7%, after CPX and CPD, respectively, with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.001). Shot put throws and 1RM strength in bench press increased similarly after both programs (p < 0.05), but vertical jumps increased only after CPX training. CPX induced greater increases in 1RM strength in snatch and squat, RFD, and lean body mass compared with CPD (p < 0.005). The linear combination of training-induced changes in RFD 150ms, 1RM in squat, snatch, and total lean mass explained the 80% of the percentage increase in competitive track and field throwing performance (p = 0.007). These results suggest that 4 weeks of CPX training during the precompetition period induce greater increases in competitive track and field throwing performance, 1RM strength, power, and RFD compared with CPD training.

Changes in Body Weight, Body Composition, Phase Angle, and Resting Metabolic Rate in Male Patients with Stage IV Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Therapy.

Background and Objectives: Cancer treatments can adversely influence body weight status, body composition, phase angle (PhA), and resting metabolic rate (RMR), which could possibly affect disease course. Τhe aim was to assess differences in body composition, PhA, RMR, and related parameters in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after treatment. Methods: The sample consisted of 82 NSCLC (stage IV) male patients (chemotherapy (C) 15.7%; immunotherapy (I) 13.3%; C + I 25.3%; (C) + radiotherapy (R) 22.9 %; and other 15.5%). Body weight and body composition, PhA, RMR, oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation rate, and diet were assessed at baseline and at 3 months after initiation of therapy. Results: Reductions in PhA, RMR, VO2, ventilation rate, and intracellular water were observed at follow up. Weight loss was evident for 45% of patients who also had a reduction in lean body mass. In the group under C, lean mass was reduced at follow up (55.3 ± 11.53 vs. 52.4 ± 12.6, p = 0.04) without significant weight changes. In subjects with a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDietScore < 30), RMR (1940 ± 485 vs. 1730 ± 338 Kcal, p = 0.001), VO2 (277.1 ± 70.2 vs. 247 ± 49.1 mL/min, p = 0.001), and ventilation rate (10.1 ± 2.28 vs. 9. ± 2 2.2 L/min, p = 0.03) were significantly reduced. The changes in body weight were positively related to % of change in fat mass (rho = 0.322, p = 0.003) and absolute lean mass change (rho = 0.534, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with % of change in total body water (rho = −0.314, p = 0.004) (Spearman correlation coefficients). Conclusions: In conclusion, cancer therapy related to reductions in PhA and RMR, while lean mass reduction may be related to the type of treatment. Our results emphasize the importance of a more holistic nutritional and body composition assessment beyond body weight, to better address patients' needs in clinical practice.

Effect of exercise training on functional capacity and body composition in myotonic dystrophy type 2 patients.

BACKGROUND: Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by myotonia and muscle weakness, with no medical treatment to prevent a decline in decline. It is unknown whether exercise training is effective in DM2. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise training on functional capacity and body composition in these patients. METHODS: Body composition and functional capacity were evaluated at the beginning (T1) and end (T2) of a 12 wk control period, and again after 16 wk of exercise training (T3) in 10 patients. RESULTS: No changes were recorded after the control period. Handgrip strength, 5× sit to stand, timed up and go, 6 min walk distance, lean body mass (LBM), and bone mineral density (BMD) increased while arterial pressure decreased after training. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that supervised exercise training improves functional capacity, LBM, and BMD in ambulatory DM2 patients.

Effect of Concurrent Power Training and High-Intensity Interval Cycling on Muscle Morphology and Performance.

ABSTRACT: Spiliopoulou, P, Zaras, N, Methenitis, S, Papadimas, G, Papadopoulos, C, Bogdanis, GC, and Terzis, G. Effect of concurrent power training and high-intensity interval cycling on muscle morphology and performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2464-2471, 2021-The aim of the study was to examine the effect of performing high-intensity interval cycling on muscle morphology and performance immediately after power training (PT). Twenty healthy female physical education students were assigned into 2 training groups. One group performed PT, and the other group performed the same PT followed by high-intensity interval aerobic training on a cycle ergometer (PTC). Training was performed 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Countermovement jump (CMJ) height and CMJ power, half-squat maximal strength (1 repetition maximum), maximum aerobic power, vastus lateralis muscle fiber composition, and cross-sectional area (CSA) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Countermovement jump height increased after PT (10.1 ± 6.6%, p = 0.002) but not after PTC (-5.1 ± 10.5%, p = 0.099), with significant difference between groups (p = 0.001). Countermovement jump power increased after PT (4.5 ± 4.9%, p = 0.021) but not after PTC (-2.4 ± 6.4, p = 0.278), with significant difference between groups (p = 0.017). One repetition maximum increased similarly in both groups. Muscle fiber composition was not altered after either PT or PTC. Vastus lateralis muscle fiber CSA increased significantly and similarly after both PT (I: 16.9 ± 16.2%, p = 0.035, ΙΙΑ: 12.7 ± 10.9%, p = 0.008,ΙΙΧ: 15.5 ± 17.1%, p = 0.021) and PTC (Ι: 18.0 ± 23.7%, p = 0.033,ΙΙΑ: 18.2 ± 11.4%, p = 0.001,ΙΙΧ: 25.5 ± 19.6%, p = 0.003). These results suggest that the addition of high-intensity interval cycling to PT inhibits the anticipated increase in jumping performance induced by PT per se. This inhibition is not explained by changes in muscle fiber type composition or vastus lateralis muscle fiber CSA adaptations.

Fiber Type Composition and Rate of Force Development in Endurance- and Resistance-Trained Individuals.

Methenitis, S, Spengos, K, Zaras, N, Stasinaki, A-N, Papadimas, G, Karampatsos, G, Arnaoutis, G, and Terzis, G. Fiber type composition and rate of force development in endurance- and resistance-trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2388-2397, 2019-The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between muscle fiber composition and the rate of force development (RFD) in well-trained individuals with different training background. Thirty-eight young men with different training background participated: 9 endurance runners, 10 power-trained individuals, 9 strength-trained individuals, and 10 sedentary individuals. They performed maximal isometric leg press for the measurement of RFD. Body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry) and vastus lateralis fiber type composition were also evaluated. When all participants were examined as a group, moderate correlations were found between the percent of type II muscle fibers and RFD between 100 and 600 milliseconds (r = 0.321-0.497; p ≤ 0.05). The correlation coefficients were higher for the cross-sectional area (CSA) and the %CSA of type II and IIx muscle fibers (r = 0.599-0.847; p < 0.001). For the power group, RFD up to 250 milliseconds highly correlated with % type IIx muscle fibers and type IIx fiber CSA (r = 0.670-0.826; p ≤ 0.05), as well as with %CSA of type IIx fibers (r = 0.714-0.975; p ≤ 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the relative RFD (·kg lower extremities lean mass) and CSA-%CSA of type II and IIx fibers for the power group (r = 0.676-0.903; p ≤ 0.05). No significant correlations were found between muscle morphology and RFD for the other groups. In conclusion, the present data suggest that there is a strong link between the type IIx muscle fibers and early RFD and relative RFD in power-trained participants. Type II fibers seem to be moderately linked with RFD in non-power-trained individuals.

Acute Effect of Upper and Lower Body Postactivation Exercises on Shot Put Performance.

Kontou, EI, Berberidou, FT, Pilianidis, TC, Mantzouranis, NI, and Methenitis, SK. Acute effect of upper and lower body postactivation exercises on shot put performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 970-982, 2018-The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different types of upper and lower' extremities exercises on acute increase of shot put performance, in moderate experienced throwers. Eight (n = 8) males and 9 (n = 9) female throwers participated in this study. Their bench press and squat maximum strength were measured while their shot put performance from power position was evaluated before and after 4 interventions: (a) plyometric push-ups (Plyo), (b) 6 s isometric push-ups (Iso), (c) 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs) and (d) 10 reps. of skipping (Skip). Interventions were performed in counterbalanced order with a 48-hour interval. Significant increase (p < 0.05) of shot put performances was observed after Plyo, Iso, and CMJ (range: 2.30 ± 1.82%-5.72 ± 4.32%). In addition, Iso induced the highest increase while Skip did not induce any improvement of throwing performance. The highest increases were recorded in men's performance after CMJ (5.72 ± 4.32%) while in women's performance after Iso (3.59 ± 2.7%). Javelin and discus throwers increase higher their performance after CMJs while shot putters after Iso. Significant correlations were found between training experience, maximum/relative strength, shot put performance and increase of throwing performance (%) after the interventions (r: 0.519-0.991, p < 0.05). Percentage increase of performance between Iso and Plyo have negative correlations (r: -0.569, p < 0.05) in contrast of those between Skip and CMJ (r: 0.710, p < 0.05). These results suggest that upper or lower body postactivation interventions may acutely increase the throwing performance. However, experience and strength are significant determinant of this increase.

The Effect of Short-Term Sport-Specific Strength and Conditioning Training on Physical Fitness of Well-Trained Mixed Martial Arts Athletes.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a short-term, high-intensity, low-volume Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) specific strength and conditioning training program on performance in national level MMA athletes. Seventeen experienced fighters were divided into two groups: (A) Specific Training Group (STG; n = 10), which followed a specific strength and conditioning program designed according to the demands of MMA competition and (B) Regular Training Group (RTG; n = 7), in which participants followed a regular strength and conditioning program commonly used by MMA athletes. Before and after the four-week training period (3 days per week), body composition, aerobic fitness, strength, power and speed were evaluated. Significant improvements in estimated VO2max, average power during the 2000 m rowing, bench press, back squat and deadlift 1RM, SJ power, CMJ height power, medicine ball throw velocity, 10 m sprint and 2 m take down speed and fat-free mass were found only in the STG (3.7 to 22.2%; p < 0.05; Hedge's g = -0.42 - 4.1). No significant changes were found for the RTG (p = 0.225 to 0.811). Significant differences between the groups were found for almost all post-training assessments (p < 0.05; Hedge's g = 0.25 - 1.45) as well as for the percentage changes from pre to post training (p < 0.05; Hedge's g: 0.25 - 1.45). Significant relationships were found between percentage changes in fat-free mass, endurance capacity, muscle strength/power and speed (r: -0.475 to 0.758; p < 0.05). These results suggest that a high-intensity low-volume strength and conditioning training intervention designed according to the demands of MMA competition may result in significant performance improvements for well-trained fighters.

Nutritional Routine of Tae Kwon Do Athletes Prior to Competition: What Is the Impact of Weight Control Practices?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate and assess the common dietary and weight management strategies of Tae Kwon Do (TKD) athletes prior to national competitions, as well as to examine the relationships between these strategies and body weight reduction and sensation of physical condition. METHODS: Sixty (n = 60) TKD athletes, 23 women (19.4 ± 2.9 years) and 37 men (20.4 ± 3.6 years), with at least 12.1 ± 3.1 years of experience, participated in the present study. The athletes recorded their dietary intake and physical activity for 3 training days and on a competition day. Bioelectrical impedance was used for body composition estimation. RESULTS: Male athletes consumed 1918 ± 685 kcal/24 hours and 1974 ± 669 kcal/24 hours on training and competition days, respectively, and women 1814 ± 446 kcal/24 hours and 1700 ± 439 kcal/24 hours. TKD athletes had significant negative energy balance (48.6% ± 17.8% to 60.3% ± 26.9%; p < 0.05), with the majority of macro- and micronutritional elements being lower than the recommended values, with significant differences between them, as well as within groups, between weekdays and weekend days (p < 0.05). Females lost most of their weight 2 weeks before the games (3.50 ± 1.00 kg), and males lost most of their weight 3 weeks before (3.16 ± 2.48 kg). The majority of TKD athletes were guided by their coaches for weight management strategies. No significant correlations were found between any body composition variable, weight loss, and any nutritional intake at any time point (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the methods of TKD athletes for rapid weight loss are guided by unspecialized professionals, leading to significant malnutrition, because certain deficiencies in both macro- and micronutrient content are present, with no guaranteed specific reduction of their body mass.

Rate of Force Development, Muscle Architecture, and Performance in Young Competitive Track and Field Throwers.

The rate of force development (RFD) is an essential component for performance in explosive activities, although it has been proposed that muscle architectural characteristics might be linked with RFD and power performance. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between RFD, muscle architecture, and performance in young track and field throwers. Twelve young track and field throwers completed 10 weeks of periodized training. Before (T1) and after (T2) training performance was evaluated in competitive track and field throws, commonly used shot put tests, isometric leg press RFD, 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength as well as vastus lateralis architecture and body composition. Performance in competitive track and field throwing and the shot put test from the power position increased by 6.76 ± 4.31% (p < 0.001) and 3.58 ± 4.97% (p = 0.019), respectively. Rate of force development and 1RM strength also increased (p ≤ 0.05). Vastus lateralis thickness and fascicle length increased by 5.95 ± 7.13% (p = 0.012) and 13.41 ± 16.15% (p = 0.016), respectively. Significant correlations were found at T1 and T2, between performance in the shot put tests and both RFD and fascicle length (p ≤ 0.05). Close correlations were found between RFD, muscle thickness, and fascicle length (p ≤ 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the % changes in lean body mass and the % increases in RFD. When calculated together, the % increase in muscle thickness and RFD could predict the % increase in shot put throw test from the power position (p = 0.019). These results suggest that leg press RFD may predict performance in shot put tests that are commonly used by track and field throwers.

Role of Muscle Morphology in Jumping, Sprinting, and Throwing Performance in Participants With Different Power Training Duration Experience.

The aim of the study was to examine the correlation between muscle morphology and jumping, sprinting, and throwing performance in participants with different power training duration experience. Thirty-six power-trained young men were assigned to 3 groups according to the length of their power training: less experienced (<1 year), moderately experienced (1-3 years), and experienced (4-7 years). All participants performed countermovement and squat jumps, 60-m sprint, and shot throws twice. Lean body mass (LBM) was evaluated with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and thigh muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) with anthropometry. The vastus lateralis architecture and fiber type composition were evaluated with ultrasonography and muscle biopsies, respectively. When all subjects were considered as 1 group (n = 36), jumping performance was correlated with LBM, fascicle length, and type II fiber CSA; sprinting performance was correlated with estimated thigh muscle CSA alone; and shot throwing was correlated with LBM and type I, IIA fiber CSA. In the least experienced group, the LBM of the lower extremities was the most significant contributor for power performance, whereas in the moderately experienced group, the LBM, architectural properties, and type II fiber percentage CSA were the most significant contributors. For the experienced group, fascicle length and type II fiber percentage CSA were the most significant factors for power performance. These data suggest that jumping performance is linked with muscle morphology, regardless of strength or power training. The vastus lateralis muscle morphology could only partially explain throwing performance, whereas it cannot predict sprinting performance. Power performance in experienced participants rely more on the quality of the muscle tissue rather than the quantity.

Effects of tapering with light vs. heavy loads on track and field throwing performance.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of power training with light vs. heavy loads during the tapering phases of a double periodized training year on track and field throwing performance. Thirteen track and field throwers aged 16-26 years followed 8 months of systematic training for performance enhancement aiming at 2 tapering phases during the winter and the spring competition periods. Athletes performed tapering with 2 different resistance training loads (counterbalanced design): 7 athletes used 30% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) light-load tapering (LT), and 6 athletes used the 85% of 1RM heavy-load tapering (HT), during the winter tapering. The opposite was performed at the spring tapering. Before and after each tapering, throwing performance, 1RM strength, vertical jumping, rate of force development (RFD), vastus lateralis architecture, and rate of perceived exertion were evaluated. Throwing performance increased significantly by 4.8 ± 1.0% and 5.6 ± 0.9% after LT and HT, respectively. Leg press 1RM and squat jump power increased more after HT than LT (5.9 ± 3.2% vs. -3.4 ± 2.5%, and 5.1 ± 2.4% vs. 0.9 ± 1.4%, respectively, p ≤ 0.05). Leg press RFD increased more in HT (38.1 ± 16.5%) compared with LT (-2.9 ± 6.7%), but LT induced less fatigue than HT (4.0 ± 1.5 vs. 6.7 ± 0.9, p ≤ 0.05). Muscle architecture was not altered after either program. These results suggest that performance increases similarly after tapering with LT or HT in track and field throwers, but HT leads to greater increases in strength, whole body power, and RFD.

Effect of Different Reduced Training Frequencies after 12 Weeks of Concurrent Resistance and Aerobic Training on Muscle Strength and Morphology.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of two long-term reduced concurrent training modalities, in which participants performed one training session every either 7 or 14 days, after 12 weeks of systematic concurrent resistance and aerobic training, on lower extremities' muscle strength, power, and morphology in young females. After the 12-week training period, participants were assigned into three groups and performed either one training session every 7 days (G7) or once every 14 days (G14), or detraining (GD), for 12 weeks, followed by 12 additional weeks of detraining. The following were measured before, after the systematic training period, after the end of the reduced training frequency period, and after the end of complete detraining: body composition, leg press 1-RM, countermovement jump, quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), vastus lateralis muscle architecture, and maximum aerobic power. Performance and muscle mass increased after the initial 12-week training period. Thereafter, leg press 1-RM, quadriceps CSA, and aerobic power remained unchanged in the G7 group, but decreased in G14 (-4.4 ± 3.5%; -5.9 ± 1.8%; -9.0 ± 7.8%, respectively, p < 0.05), maintaining 95.6 ± 3.5%, 94.1 ± 1.8%, and 91.0 ± 7.8% of the initial training adaptations, respectively. In conclusion, performing one training session every 2 weeks for 3 months may preserve 90 to 95% of the muscle mass/strength and aerobic power adaptations achieved with systematic concurrent training.

Effects of Four Weeks of In-Season Pre-Workout Supplementation on Performance, Body Composition, Muscle Damage, and Health-Related Markers in Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This randomized, double-blinded, experimental study investigated the effects of a four-week daily pre-workout supplementation (200 mg caffeine, 3.3 g creatine monohydrate, 3.2 g ß-alanine, 6 g citrulline malate, and 5 g BCAA) vs. placebo (isocaloric maltodextrin) on anaerobic (jumping, sprinting, agility, and the running-based anaerobic sprint test: RAST) and aerobic (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1) performance, as well as on body composition and selective muscle damage/health-related blood markers in well-trained basketball players during the in-season period. Eighteen basketball players (age: 24.4 ± 6.3 years, height: 185.7 ± 8.0 cm, weight: 85.7 ± 12.8 kg, body fat: 16.5 ± 4.2%) were randomly assigned into two groups: pre-workout supplement (PWS, n = 10) or placebo (PL, n = 8). PWS consumption increased aerobic performance (PWS: 8 ± 6%; PL: -2 ± 6%; p = 0.004) compared to PL. A significant decrease was observed in peak (F = 7.0; p = 0.017), average (F = 10.7; p = 0.005), and minimum power (F = 5.1; p = 0.039) following 4 weeks of supplementation in both groups. No other significant changes were observed between groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the consumption of the current PWS over a four-week period appears to positively influence the aerobic performance of well-trained basketball players during the in-season period. However, it does not appear to mitigate the observed decline in anaerobic power, nor does it affect performance in jumping, sprinting, and agility, or alter body composition or selective muscle damage/health-related blood markers.

Effects of Strength vs. Ballistic-Power Training on Throwing Performance.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks strength vs. ballistic-power (Power) training on shot put throwing performance in novice throwers. Seventeen novice male shot-put throwers were divided into Strength (N = 9) and Power (n = 8) groups. The following measurements were performed before and after the training period: shot put throws, jumping performance (CMJ), Wingate anaerobic performance, 1RM strength, ballistic throws and evaluation of architectural and morphological characteristics of vastus lateralis. Throwing performance increased significantly but similarly after Strength and Power training (7.0-13.5% vs. 6.0-11.5%, respectively). Muscular strength in leg press increased more after Strength than after Power training (43% vs. 21%, respectively), while Power training induced an 8.5% increase in CMJ performance and 9.0 - 25.8% in ballistic throws. Peak power during the Wingate test increased similarly after Strength and Power training. Muscle thickness increased only after Strength training (10%, p < 0.05). Muscle fibre Cross Sectional Area (fCSA) increased in all fibre types after Strength training by 19-26% (p < 0.05), while only type IIx fibres hypertrophied significantly after Power training. Type IIx fibres (%) decreased after Strength but not after Power training. These results suggest that shot put throwing performance can be increased similarly after six weeks of either strength or ballistic power training in novice throwers, but with dissimilar muscular adaptations. Key pointsBallistic-power training with 30% of 1RM is equally effective in increasing shot put performance as strength training, in novice throwers, during a short training cycle of six weeks.In novice shot putters with relatively low initial muscle strength/mass, short-term strength training might be more important since it can increase both muscle strength and shot put performance.The ballistic type of power training resulted in a significant increase of the mass of type IIx muscle fibres and no change in their proportion. Thus, this type of training might be used effectively during the last weeks before competition, when the strength training load is usually reduced, in order to increase muscle power and shot put performance in novice shot putters.

The effect of gender, age and sports specialisation on isometric trunk strength in Greek high level young athletes.

Aim of the study was to compare the isometric strength of flexors and extensors trunk muscles between male and female elite adolescent athletes of different age and training experience. Absolute and relative trunk muscle isometric peak extension (PTE) and flexion (PTF) torque, as well as flexion/extension (F/E) ratio were evaluated in 388 elite adolescent athletes 188 males (Age: 15.4±1.8 years, Body height: 175.5±11.2 cm, Body mass: 68.8±14.5 kg, BMI: 22.1±0.3 kg/m2) and 207 females (Age: 15.1±1.6 years, Body height: 166.8±7.8 cm, Body mass: 60.8±8.4 kg and BMI: 21.8±0.4 kg/m2). Participants were assigned into seven different groups according to their sport specialisation (oars-paddle, swimming, contact-combat, team, racket, winter and mixed other sports). Significant effect of age (η2: 0.077-0.112, p < 0.05), gender (η2: 0.020-0.077; p < 0.05) and sport category factors (η2: 0.057-0.154. p < 0.005) for absolute/relative PTE, PTF and F/E ratio was found. The highest values were observed in contact-combat and the lowest in mixed other sports groups. F/E ratio significantly differs between the age groups, especially in female athletes. The present data suggest that TMSs and F/E ratio are highly affected by age, gender and sports specialisation in high level trained adolescents.