The Influence of Strength Level on Handball-Specific Fitness Elements Between Stronger and Weaker Professional Players.

ABSTRACT: Kyriacou-Rossi, A, Hadjicharalambous, M, and Zaras, N. The influence of strength level on handball-specific fitness elements between stronger and weaker professional players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of strength level between stronger and weaker handball players on handball specific fitness elements and to explore the correlations between strength and sport-specific fitness elements. Twenty-one professional male handball-players (age: 25.9 ± 6.9 years; mass: 87.9 ± 13.9 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.08 m), participated in the study. Players were divided into the stronger (SG) and weaker group (WG) according to their relative to body mass 1 repetition maximum strength (1RM). Measurements included body composition, countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric leg extension peak torque (IPT) and rate of torque development (RTD), 5-step long-jump, 0-20 m linear sprint, T-half test, throwing velocity, and 1RM in bench press and squat. No significant difference was found for body composition between SG and WG (p > 0.05). However, SG had significantly higher CMJ height (21.5%, p = 0.002), IPT (22.4%, p = 0.008), RTD relative to body mass (p < 0.05), 5-step long jump (10.9%, p = 0.005), lower 0-20 linear sprint (-6.3%, p = 0.012), lower T-half test time trial (-7.3%, p = 0.001), and higher throwing velocity compared with WG (p < 0.05). When all players included in one group, large to very large correlations were found between 1RM strength and IPT with fat-free mass (r = 0.518-0.774) and throwing velocity (r = 0.472-0.819). Very large correlations were found between RTD with fat-free mass (r = 0.760) and throwing velocity (r = 0.780-0.835). Stronger players have greater performance in all handball-fitness attributes compared with their weaker counterparts. The significant correlations between handball-specific fitness elements with strength and RTD suggest that strength training is essential for handball players as it may link to higher on court performance.

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.

Preconditioning Strategies Before Maximum Clean Performance in Female Weightlifters.

ABSTRACT: Kelekian, GK, Zaras, N, Stasinaki, AN, Spiliopoulou, P, Karampatsos, G, Bogdanis, G, and Terzis, G. Preconditioning strategies before maximum clean performance in female weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2318-2321, 2022-The aim of the study was to examine the acute effect of performing clean pulls with either 85% or 120% one repetition maximum (1RM), on subsequent clean performance, in female Olympic weightlifters. Eight competitive female Olympic weightlifters (age, 22.9 ± 5.8 years; height, 1.67 ± 0.06 m; training experience, 6.1 ± 3.9 years; clean performance, 66.3 ± 3.9 kg), performed clean pulls either with 85% or with 120% 1RM, 3 minutes before their maximum effort in clean, in 2 different days, in a counterbalanced order. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was provided after each intervention. Body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry), countermovement jumping (CMJ) performance, leg press isometric rate of force development (RFD), and peak force (PF) were also evaluated on different days. Clean performance was increased by 6.1 ± 3.6% ( p = 0.002) after preconditioning with 85% 1RM and 4.7 ± 3.1% ( p = 0.004) after 120% 1RM. Rate of perceived exertion was lower after preconditioning with 85% 1RM, compared with 120% 1RM ( p = 0.015). No significant correlation was found between the changes in clean performance after 85% or 120% 1RM, with lean body mass, CMJ performance, and isometric leg press RFD, and leg press PF. These data suggest that lifting either 85% or 120% 1RM in clean pulls is an effective strategy for acute increase of clean performance in female Olympic weightlifters, whereas the use of 85% 1RM load may be performed with less exertion.

Effects of a 25-Week Periodized Training Macrocycle on Muscle Strength, Power, Muscle Architecture, and Performance in Well-Trained Track and Field Throwers.

ABSTRACT: Anousaki, E, Zaras, N, Stasinaki A-N, Panidi, I, Terzis, T, and Karampatsos, G. Effects of a 25-week periodized training macrocycle on muscle strength, power, muscle architecture, and performance in well-trained track and field throwers. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2728-2736, 2021-The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a 25-week macrocycle on strength, power, vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, and competitive track and field throwing performance, in well-trained track and field throwers. Twelve well-trained throwers (age: 24.3 ± 5.5 years, mass: 96.6 ± 9.9 kg, and height: 1.82 ± 0.02 m), participated in the study. All athletes followed a 25-week periodized training program divided into 3 training phases: the hypertrophy/maximum strength phase, the maximum strength/power phase, and the power/speed phase. Measurements were performed at the beginning of the training period (T1), after the first training phase (T2), and after the end of the training period (T3). Measurements included the following: competitive track and field throwing performance; shot put throws; maximum strength (1-RM) in snatch, clean, and squat; countermovement jump (CMJ); and VL muscle architecture. Competitive track and field throwing performance and shot put throws increased from T1 to T3 by 10.9 ± 3.2% (p = 0.001) and 5.1 ± 6.4% (P = 0.049), respectively. 1 RM strength in snatch and squat increased significantly from T1 to T3 by 9.7 ± 8.9% (p = 0.001) and 9.9 ± 7.1% (p = 0.002), respectively. Countermovement jump height increased only from T1 to T2 by 10.9 ± 11.8% (p = 0.026). A significant increase was found for VL fascicle length between T1 and T3 (9.6 ± 11.1%, p = 0.049). Strong correlations were found between the percentage increase of competitive track and field throwing performance with 1 RM snatch (r = 0.571, p = 0.046) and with shot put throws (r = 0.715, p = 0.001). Twenty five weeks of training may increase performance and VL fascicle length, whereas increases in 1 RM snatch and in shot put throws are associated with competitive track and field throwing performance in well-trained throwers.

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 Countermovement Jumping on Throwing Performance in Track and Field Athletes During Competition.

Karampatsos, GP, Korfiatis, PG, Zaras, ND, Georgiadis, GV, and Terzis, GD. Acute effect of countermovement jumping on throwing performance in track and field athletes during competition. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 359-364, 2017-The purpose of the study was to investigate whether performing 3 consecutive countermovement jumps (CMJs) just before an attempt enhances performance in track and field throwers during competition. Twelve shot putters, 8 hammer throwers, 9 discus throwers, and 3 javelin throwers of both sexes participated in the study. They performed 3 maximal CMJs 85 ± 12 seconds before the second, fourth, and sixth attempt during 3 different official competitions of national level. Maximal strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]) in squat and bench press was measured 1 week after the competition. Mean throwing performance was significantly higher after the CMJs intervention (2.66 ± 4.3%, range of increase 0.02-18.98%, p = 0.0001). Similarly, maximum throwing performance was significantly higher after the CMJs (2.76 ± 3.29%, range of increase 0.09-13.93%, p = 0.0009). All but 2 athletes increased their best performance after the CMJs. The percentage increase in performance was similar between sexes (male athletes 2.56 ± 3.01%; female athletes 3.06 ± 3.76%, p = 0.677), but it was higher for the "lighter throws" (discus and javelin throw: 4.66 ± 4.11%) compared with the "heavier throws" (shot and hammer throw: 1.62 ± 2.04%, p = 0.008). The percentage increase in performance was not significantly correlated with 1RM squat or bench press, anthropometric characteristics, and personal best performance. These results suggest that performing 3 CMJs approximately 1 minute before an attempt may increase track and field throwing performance during competition.

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.

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.

Muscle Strength, Power, and Morphologic Adaptations After 6 Weeks of Compound vs. Complex Training in Healthy Men.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of compound vs. complex resistance training on strength, high-speed movement performance, and muscle composition. Eighteen young men completed compound (strength and power sessions on alternate days) or complex training (strength and power sets within a single session) 3 times per week for 6 weeks using bench press, leg press, Smith machine box squat, and jumping exercises. Pre- and posttraining, jumping and throwing performance and maximum bench press, leg press, and Smith machine box squat strength were evaluated. The architecture of vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius muscle was assessed using ultrasound imaging. Vastus lateralis morphology was assessed from muscle biopsies. Jumping (4 ± 3%) and throwing (9 ± 8%) performance increased only with compound training (p < 0.02). Bench press (5 vs. 18%), leg press (17 vs. 28%), and Smith machine box squat (27 vs. 35%) strength increased after both compound and complex training. Vastus lateralis thickness and fascicle angle and gastrocnemius fascicle angle were increased with both compound and complex training. Gastrocnemius fascicle length decreased only after complex training (-11.8 ± 9.4%, p = 0.006). Muscle fiber cross-sectional areas increased only after complex training (p ≤ 0.05). Fiber type composition was not affected by either intervention. These results suggest that short-term strength and power training on alternate days is more effective for enhancing lower-limb and whole-body power, whereas training on the same day may induce greater increases in strength and fiber hypertrophy.

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.

Effects of Warm-Ups with Weighted Vests and Resistance Bands on Physical Fitness and Combat Ability of Kumite Karate Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a dynamic warm-up either with weighted vests (WVs) or with resistance bands (RBs) may enhance the physical fitness and combat ability of kumite karate athletes. Nine male athletes (age range from 16 to 30 years), participated in this study. Athletes followed three different warm-up programs in a randomized order: (a) with their body mass only (C), (b) with a WV of 10% load of their body mass and (c) with a wearable RB of 10% tension of their body mass. Following the warm-up, athletes performed the following tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (LJ), punch and kick reaction time, bench press throws, T-Half test and the kick frequency test. CMJ remained unaltered following the WV and RB warm-up compared to the C. Standing long jump increased significantly following the RB warm-up compared to the C (2.2 ± 1.7%, p = 0.011). Punch reaction time was significantly shortened following the RB warm-up compared to C (-7.3 ± 5.9%, p = 0.019). No changes were observed for kick reaction time, bench press throws or the T-Half test. The kick decrement index, measured from the kick frequency test, was significantly decreased following the RB warm-up compared to the C (33.1 ± 20.2%, p = 0.011). These results suggest that an RB warm-up may significantly enhance the physical fitness and combat ability in kumite karate athletes.

Lean Body Mass, Muscle Architecture and Powerlifting Performance during Preseason and in Competition.

Lean body mass (LBM) is correlated with powerlifting performance in athletes competing in different bodyweight classes. However, it remains unknown whether changes in LBM are correlated with performance changes in powerlifters preparing for a competition. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in LBM and performance in powerlifters preparing for a competition. Eight male powerlifters (age 31.7 ± 9.8 years, height 1.77 ± 0.06 m, weight 99.2 ± 14.6 kg) and three female powerlifters (age 32.7 ± 16.3 years, height 1.54 ± 0.06 m, weight 66.6 ± 20.9 kg) participated in the study. The athletes followed individualized periodized training programs for 12 weeks, aiming to maximize their performance for the national championship. The maximum strength (1-RM) in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, body composition, handgrip strength, anaerobic power, quadriceps' cross-sectional area and vastus lateralis muscle architecture were measured before and after the training period. Significant increases were found after the training period in the squat (5.8 ± 7.0%, p < 0.05), bench press (4.9 ± 9.8%, p = 0.05) and deadlift (8.3 ± 16.7%, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the 1-RM and LBM before and after the training period (r > 0.75, p < 0.05). The changes in the 1-RM after the training intervention correlated with the changes in the total LBM (p < 0.05). These results suggest that individual changes in LBM due to systematic resistance training for a competition may dictate increases in the 1-RM strength in powerlifters.

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 Effects of Different Re-Warm-Up Strategies on Power, Changing of Direction and Ball Shooting Velocity in Well-Trained Soccer Players.

The purpose of the study was to investigate whether a re-warm-up training session either with tuck jumps and linear sprints or with changing of directions may enhance power, agility or ball shooting velocity in well-trained soccer players. Ten soccer players (age: 18.2 ± 1.7 years; body mass: 64.4 ± 8.0 kg; body height: 1.71 ± 0.04 m) participated in the study. Players performed three different re-warm-up interventions including no re-warm-up (C), change of direction (COD) and jump-sprint condition (JS). Before each re-warm-up intervention, players performed the same warm-up condition followed by 8 min of passive rest. Following the re-warm-up interventions, countermovement jump (CMJ), T-Test agility time-trial and ball shooting velocity were measured. Performance in CMJ height, power and power per body mass remained unchanged following all three conditions (p > 0.05). However, the agility time-trial was significantly reduced following COD re-warm-up compared to C (-1.7 ± 1.6%, p = 0.03). Ball shooting velocity was increased following COD compared to C (4.7 ± 3.8%, p = 0.014), while a statistical trend was found between JS and C interventions (4.8 ± 5.4%, p = 0.060). These results suggest that a re-warm-up intervention including changing of directions may significantly enhance T-Test agility time-trial and ball shooting velocity in well-trained soccer players.

Pilates-mat training and detraining: Effects on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained women.

INTRODUCTION: Pilates-mat is an effective training method to enhance several physiological and fitness parameters, although the effects of pilates-mat detraining on body composition and physical fitness remains largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of pilates-mat training and detraining on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained females. METHODS: Twenty females (age: 45.1 ± 8.7 years) followed an 8-week pilates-mat training program followed by a 3-week detraining period. Measurements performed at the beginning of the training intervention, at the end of the 8-week training program and at the end of the 3-week detraining period and included: anthropometric characteristics, body composition analysis, thigh, hip and waist circumferences, blood pressure, heart rate at rest (HRr), maximum handgrip strength, abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity. RESULTS: Pilates-mat training significantly decreased body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat and HRr (p < 0.05) but these variables returned to baseline after detraining. Trunk fat, thigh and waist circumferences decreased significantly after training and remained significantly low following detraining (p < 0.05). Abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity increased significantly following pilates-mat training and remained unchanged after detraining (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 8 weeks of pilates-mat training enhanced body composition and physical fitness and these physiological and physical fitness benefits were remained unaltered during the 3-week of pilates-mat detraining period. However, BF% and visceral fat returned to baseline levels following the detraining period suggesting that for maintaining the reduction in BF% and visceral fat a long-period of pilates-mat detraining should be avoided.

Reactive Strength Index, Rate of Torque Development, and Performance in Well-Trained Weightlifters: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the reactive strength index (RSI) using the drop jump (DJ) and the isometric rate of torque development (RTD) with weightlifting performance in national-level weightlifters. Seven male weightlifters (age: 28.3 ± 5.7 years, body mass: 80.5 ± 6.7 kg, body height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m) participated in this study. Measurements were performed 2 weeks prior to the national championship and included the countermovement jump (CMJ), the squat jump (SJ), the DJ from three different drop heights (20, 30, and 40 cm), and the isometric peak torque (IPT) and RTD. Performance in CMJ and SJ was significantly correlated with weightlifting performance (r ranging from 0.756 to 0.892). Significant correlations were found between weightlifting performance with DJ contact time (r ranging from -0.759 to -0.899) and RSI (r ranging from 0.790 to 0.922). Moreover, the best RSI was significantly correlated with the snatch (r = 0.921, p = 0.003) and total performance (r = 0.832, p = 0.020). Small to very large correlations were found between IPT and RTD with weightlifting performance (r ranging from 0.254 to 0.796). These results suggest that RSI and contact time variables from DJ may predict weightlifting performance in well-trained weightlifters. Additionally, IPT and RTD may provide useful insights into the neuromuscular fitness condition of the weightlifter.

Comparison between Dry-Land and Swimming Priming on 50 m Crawl Performance in Well-Trained Adolescent Swimmers.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of dry-land priming (DLP) versus swimming priming (SP) on the 50 m crawl performance of well-trained adolescent swimmers. Thirteen adolescent swimmers were randomly assigned to perform either a DLP or SP 24 h prior to a 50 m sprint crawl time-trial. Baseline measurements included a 50 m sprint crawl time-trial as a control (C) condition, the evaluation of body composition, countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric peak torque (IPT), and rate of torque development (RTD). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained following the DLP and SP programs. Both DLP and SP significantly decreased the 50 m crawl time-trial, by −2.51 ± 2.43% and −2.59 ± 1.89% (p < 0.01), respectively, compared with the C time-trial. RPE was not different between DLP and SP (p = 0.919). CMJ performance remained unchanged after DLP and SP programs compared with the C trial (p > 0.05). The percentage decrease in the 50 m crawl after DLP was significantly correlated with the percentage decrease in the 50 m crawl following SP (r = 0.720, p = 0.006). CMJ power, lean body mass, IPT, and RTD were significantly correlated with 50 m crawl performance. These results suggest that both DLP and SP strategies, when applied 24 h prior to a 50 m crawl time-trial, may enhance performance in well-trained adolescent swimmers.

Effect of Inter-Repetition Rest Vs. Traditional Resistance Training on The Upper Body Strength Rate of Force Development and Triceps Brachii Muscle Architecture.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of seven-week inter-repetition rest vs. traditional resistance training on upper body maximum strength, the rate of force development and triceps brachii muscle architecture. Sixteen male participants were equally assigned into the inter-repetition rest and the traditional group. In both groups, training included the bench press exercise performed with 4 sets of 6 maximum repetitions, two training sessions per week. Twenty-second inter-repetition rest was employed for the inter-repetition rest group only. Measurements before and after the training period included maximum strength in the bench press, the isometric upper body rate of force development and peak force and triceps brachii muscle architecture. Maximum strength increased significantly in both groups (inter-repetition rest group: 21.5 ± 5.7% vs. traditional group: 13.5 ± 7.2%, p < 0.05), however, the maximum strength percentage increase was greater in the inter-repetition rest group compared to the traditional group (p = 0.027). Upper body isometric peak force increased only after inter-repetition rest training (10.7 ± 10.3%, p = 0.009). The rate of force development remained unchanged for both groups (p > 0.05), although percentage changes in time frames of 0-80 and 0-100 milliseconds were greater for the inter-repetition rest group compared to the traditional training group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.044, respectively). Triceps brachii thickness increased similarly for both groups (p < 0.05). These results suggest that inter-repetition rest may induce greater increases in maximum strength and the rate of force development compared to traditional training during the initial weeks of resistance training.

Biological Determinants of Track and Field Throwing Performance.

Track and field throwing performance is determined by a number of biomechanical and biological factors which are affected by long-term training. Although much of the research has focused on the role of biomechanical factors on track and field throwing performance, only a small body of scientific literature has focused on the connection of biological factors with competitive track and field throwing performance. The aim of this review was to accumulate and present the current literature connecting the performance in track and field throwing events with specific biological factors, including the anthropometric characteristics, the body composition, the neural activation, the fiber type composition and the muscle architecture characteristics. While there is little published information to develop statistical results, the results from the current review suggest that major biological determinants of track and field throwing performance are the size of lean body mass, the neural activation of the protagonist muscles during the throw and the percentage of type II muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Long-term training may enhance these biological factors and possibly lead to a higher track and field throwing performance. Consequently, coaches and athletes should aim at monitoring and enhancing these parameters in order to increase track and field throwing performance.