Effect of a High-Intensity Handball-Specific Fatigue Protocol Focused on the Leg Contralateral to the Throwing Arm on Interlimb Asymmetries.

ABSTRACT: Janicijevic, D, Pérez-Castilla, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Ortega-Becerra, M, Morenas-Aguilar, MD, Smajla, D, Sarabon, N, and García-Ramos, A. Effect of a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol focused on the leg contralateral to the throwing arm on interlimb asymmetries. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1382-1389, 2023-This study aimed to elucidate which countermovement jump (CMJ) variant (unilateral or bilateral) is more sensitive to detect the decrement in kinetic CMJ-derived variables of the leg more actively involved in a handball-specific fatigue protocol. Seventeen female handball players (age: 20.6 ± 2.5 years) performed a fatigue protocol consisting of 8 repetitions of the following circuit separated by 10 seconds: 10 m sprint, 180° change of direction with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm, 10 m sprint with ball reception at 7 m, and handball throw preceded by a jump over a 40 cm hurdle with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm. Before and after the fatigue protocol, 6 unilateral CMJs (3 with each leg) and 3 bilateral CMJs were performed on a dual Kistler force platform (model 9260AA6). Bilateral CMJ height was reduced by 5.4% after the fatigue protocol (p < 0.001). However, the fatigue protocol did not promote any significant change in peak force, mean force, and propulsive impulse or in their asymmetry values (17 of 18 comparisons). The decrement of 6.1% during the unilateral CMJ in the propulsive impulse developed by the leg ipsilateral to the throwing arm (less involved in the fatigue protocol) was the only variable that reached statistical significance (p = 0.038). The pre-post fatigue changes in asymmetry values presented negligible correlations between both CMJ variants (rs = 0.01 to -0.19). These results suggest that neither unilateral nor bilateral CMJs are able to detect changes in interlimb asymmetries after a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol.

The force-velocity profile as determinant of spike and serve ball speed in top-level male volleyball players.

Understanding the relationship between mechanical variables derived from actions such as jumping, sprinting, or ballistic bench press throwing and sport-specific performance moves is of scientific and practical interest for strength and conditioning coaches for improving training programs. We examined the association between mechanical variables derived from the force-velocity (FV) profiles of the aforementioned actions and spike and serve ball speeds in elite volleyball players. Twenty-two male elite volleyball players (age: 24.3 ± 4.5 years; height: 1.89 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 86.3 ± 8.6 kg) were tested in two sessions. Squatting, sprinting, and bench press throwing FV profiles were determined in the first session, while spike and serve ball speeds were assessed in the second session. The theoretical maximal force (F0) of vertical jumping, the theoretical maximal velocity of sprinting, and the F0 of bench press throwing in ascending order, were strongly associated (rs range 0.53-0.84; p<0.05) with spike and serve ball speeds. These mechanical variables explained 20%-36% of the variability in spike and serve ball speeds, with a greater influence on the serve speed. These results suggest that assessing jumping, sprinting, and bench press throwing force-velocity profiles might help provide player-specific training programs and optimize performance in these technical-tactical actions in male elite volleyball players.

Effects of Cluster Set Configuration on Mechanical Performance and Neuromuscular Activity.

ABSTRACT: Ortega-Becerra, M, Sánchez-Moreno, M, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Effects of cluster set configuration on mechanical performance and neuromuscular activity. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 310-317, 2021-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different cluster set (CS) configurations on mechanical performance and electromyography (EMG) activity during the bench press (BP) exercise. Fourteen strength-trained men (age 23.0 ± 2.4 years; height 1.76 ± 0.08 m; body mass 78.3 ± 12.2 kg) performed 3 different protocols in the BP exercise consisting of 3 sets of 12 repetitions at 60% of 1 repetition maximum with interset rests of 2 minutes, differing in the set configuration: (a) traditional sets (TRDs), (b) cluster sets of 4 repetitions (CS4), and (c) cluster sets of 2 repetitions (CS2). Intraset rests of 30 seconds were interposed for CS protocols. The mean propulsive values of force, velocity, and power output were measured for every repetition by synchronizing a linear velocity transducer with a force platform. The root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MDF) for pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles were also recorded for every repetition. Force, velocity, and power values progressively increased as the number of intraset rests increased (TRD < CS4 < CS2). The CS2 protocol exhibited lower RMS-PM than CS4 and TRD for almost all sets. In addition, TRDs showed significantly lower MDF-TB than CS2 for all sets and lower MDF-TB than CS4 during the third set. In conclusion, more frequent intraset rests were beneficial for maintaining mechanical performance, which may be mediated, from a neuromuscular perspective, by lesser increases in EMG amplitude and attenuated reductions in EMG frequency.

Analysis of the Load-Velocity Relationship in Deadlift Exercise.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between movement velocity and relative load (%1RM) in the deadlift exercise. Fifty men (age = 23.8 ± 3.6 years, body mass = 78.2 ± 8.3 kg, height = 1.78 ± 0.06 m) performed a first evaluation (T1) consisting of a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. Forty-two subjects performed a second evaluation (T2) after 6 weeks. Mean (MV), mean propulsive (MPV) and peak (PV) velocity measures of the concentric phase were analyzed. Load-velocity relationships were studied by fitting first order equations to the data using loads from 30-100% of 1RM. A comprehensive set of statistics for assessing bias and level of agreement to estimate the 1RM value from the different models was used. Stability of these relationships was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). General load-velocity equations provided good adjustments (R2 ~; 0.91-0.93), however individual load-velocity regressions provided better adjustments (R2 ~; 0.97). Individual estimations also showed higher agreement and more regular variation than general equations. Moreover, MPV showed smaller bias than the other velocity parameters (MV and PV). The stability analysis of the load-velocity relationships resulted in ICC values higher than 0.82 and CV lower than 3.0%. Monitoring repetition velocity allows estimation of the %1RM in the deadlift exercise. More accurate predictions of relative load can be obtained when using individualized regression equations instead of general equations.

Effects of velocity loss in the bench press exercise on strength gains, neuromuscular adaptations, and muscle hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of four velocity-based training (VBT) programs in bench press (BP) between a wide range of velocity loss (VL) thresholds-0% (VL0), 15% (VL15), 25% (VL25), and 50% (VL50)-on strength gains, neuromuscular adaptations, and muscle hypertrophy. METHODS: Sixty-four resistance-trained young men were randomly assigned into four groups (VL0, VL15, VL25, and VL50) that differed in the VL allowed in each set. Subjects followed a VBT program for 8-weeks using the BP exercise. Before and after the VBT program the following tests were performed: (a) cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of pectoralis major (PM) muscle; (b) maximal isometric test; (c) progressive loading test; and (d) fatigue test. RESULTS: Significant group x time interactions were observed for CSA (P < .01) and peak root mean square in PM (peak RMS-PM, P < .05). VL50 showed significantly greater gains in CSA than VL0 (P < .05). Only the VL15 group showed significant increases in peak RMS-PM (P < .01). Moreover, only VL0 showed significant gains in the early rate of force development (RFD, P = .05), while VL25 and VL50 improved in the late RFD (P ≤ .01-.05). No significant group × time interactions were found for any of the dynamic strength variables analyzed, although all groups showed significant improvements in all these parameters. CONCLUSION: Higher VL thresholds allowed for a greater volume load which maximized muscle hypertrophy, whereas lower VL thresholds evoked positive neuromuscular-related adaptations. No significant differences were found between groups for strength gains, despite the wide differences in the total volume accumulated by each group.

Physical and Physiological Demands During Handball Matches in Male Adolescent Players.

This study aimed to describe the physical and physiological demands of adolescent handball players and compare movement analysis and exercise intensities between the first and second halves and between the different periods of the match. Fourteen adolescent handball players (age 15.7 ± 0.8 years, body mass: 65.6 ± 3.4 kg, body height: 169.5 ± 3.9 cm), played two friendly matches, in which no substitutions were made. The analysis was carried out with a Global Positioning System technology. The following physical variables were analyzed: Total distance covered (TD); distance covered at faster velocities than 18 km·h-1 (TDC>18km·h-1); number of accelerations (Accel) and decelerations (Decel); number of accelerations and decelerations higher than 2.78 m·s-2 (Accel>2.78 m·s-2 and Decel>2.78 m·s-2); number of sprints (Sprints); accelerations interspersed with a maximum of 30 s between them (RAS≤30s) and as a physiological variable the heart rate (HR) was examined. Significant differences (p < 0.01 -p < 0.001) between the first and the second half in all variables mentioned were observed, except in Accel>2.78 m·s-2 and Decel>2.78 m·s-2. This trend was also observed when comparing performance between the different 10-min periods. The 5th period (period 40-50 min) was the one that showed differences with respect to the previous ones. Adolescent handball players showed lower levels of exercise intensity, assessed by both time-motion and HR data, in the second half of matches, especially in the middle of this period.

Velocity Loss as a Critical Variable Determining the Adaptations to Strength Training.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of four resistance training (RT) programs with different velocity loss (VL) thresholds: 0% (VL0), 10% (VL10), 20% (VL20), and 40% (VL40) on sprint and jump performance, muscle strength, neuromuscular, muscle hypertrophy, and architectural adaptations. METHODS: Sixty-four young resistance-trained men were randomly assigned into four groups (VL0, VL10, VL20, and VL40) that differed in the VL allowed in each set. Subjects followed an RT program for 8 wk (two sessions per week) using the full-squat (SQ) exercise, with similar relative intensity (70%-85% 1-repetition maximum), number of sets (3), and interset recovery period (4 min). Before and after the RT program, the following tests were performed: 1) muscle hypertrophy and architecture of the vastus lateralis (VLA), 2) tensiomyography, 3) 20-m running sprint, 4) vertical jump, 5) maximal voluntary isometric contraction in SQ, 6) progressive loading test in SQ, and 7) fatigue test. RESULTS: No between-group differences existed for RT-induced gains in sprint, jump, and strength performance despite the differences in the total volume performed by each group. VL20 and VL40 showed significant increases (P < 0.001) in muscle hypertrophy (group-time interaction, P = 0.06). However, only VL40 exhibited a significant slowing (P < 0.001) of the delay time in the VLA muscle (group-time interaction, P = 0.05). Moreover, VL40 showed a significant decrease in the early rate of force development (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Higher VL thresholds (i.e., VL20 and VL40) maximized hypertrophic adaptations, although an excessive VL during the set (i.e., VL40) may also induce negative neuromuscular adaptations. Therefore, moderate VL thresholds should be chosen to maximize strength adaptations and to prevent negative neuromuscular adaptations.

Jump height loss as an indicator of fatigue during sprint training.

This study analysed the acute mechanical and metabolic responses to a sprint training session focused on maintaining maximal speed until a given speed loss was reached. Nine male high-level sprinters performed 60 m running sprints up to a 3% in speed loss with 6 min rests between sets. Mechanical responses (countermovement jump (CMJ) height and speed loss) and metabolic responses (blood lactate and ammonia concentrations) were measured pre-exercise and after each set was performed. Jump height loss showed almost perfect relationships with both lactate (r = 0.91) and ammonia (r = 0.91) concentrations. In addition, nearly perfect relationships were observed for each athlete between CMJ height loss and lactate (r = 0.93-0.99) and ammonia (r = 0.94-0.99). Very large correlations were found between speed loss and lactate (r = 0.83), and ammonia (r = 0.86) concentrations. Furthermore, close relationships were observed for each athlete between speed loss and lactate (r = 0.86-0.99), and ammonia (r = 0.88-0.98). These results suggest that the CMJ test may allow more accurate setting of training loads in sprint training sessions, by using an individualised sprint dose based on mechanical and physiological responses rather than a standard fixed number of sprints for all athletes.

Determinant Factors of Physical Performance and Specific Throwing in Handball Players of Different Ages.

Ortega-Becerra, M, Pareja-Blanco, F, Jiménez-Reyes, P, Cuadrado-Peñafiel, V, and González-Badillo, JJ. Determinant factors of physical performance and specific throwing in handball players of different ages. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1778-1786, 2018-This study aimed to analyze various fitness qualities in handball players of different ages and to determine the relationships between these parameters and throwing velocity. A total of 44 handball players participated, pooled by age groups: professional (ELITE, n = 13); under-18 (U18, n = 16); under-16 (U16, n = 15). The following tests were completed: 20-m running sprints; countermovement jumps (CMJs); jump squat to determine the load that elicited ∼20 cm jump height (JSLOAD-20 cm); a progressive loading test in full squat and bench press to determine the load that elicited ∼1 m·s (SQ-V1-LOAD and BP-V1-LOAD); and handball throwing (jump throw and 3-step throw). ELITE showed greater performance in almost all sprint distances, CMJ, JSLOAD-20 cm, and bench press strength than U18 and U16. The differences between U18 and U16 were unclear for these variables. ELITE also showed greater (p < 0.001) performance for squat strength and throwing than U18 and U16, and U18 attained greater performance (p ≤ 0.05) for these variables than U16. Throwing performance correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with sprint times (r = -0.31; -0.51) and jump ability (CMJ: r = 0.39; 0.56 and JSLOAD-20 cm: r = 0.57; 0.60). Muscle strength was also associated (p < 0.001) with both types of throw (SQ-V1-LOAD: r = 0.66; 0.76; and BP-V1-LOAD: r = 0.33; 0.70). These results indicate that handball throwing velocity is strongly associated with lower-limb strength, although upper-limb strength, jumping and sprint capacities also play a relevant role in throwing performance, suggesting the need for coaches to include proper strength programs to improve handball players' throwing velocity.

Analysis of Time-Motion and Heart Rate in Elite Male and Female Beach Handball.

Beach handball is a spectacular new team sport; however, scientific knowledge about the demands in beach handball is very low. Consequently, the aim of this study was to analyze the physical demands of elite beach handball players by means of time-motion analysis with GPS technology and physiological response with Heart Rate (HR). Both male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) players from the Spanish Beach Handball National Team were recruited for this study. The sample consisted in four matches of two 10-min periods each. Time-motion analysis was performed through GPS devices (SPI Pro X, 15 Hz, GPSports) with synchronized HR monitoring (Polar Electro, Finland). All parameters were recorded for matches and halves to express overall and time-dependent physical and physiological responses. Total match distance covered by male and female players were 1234.7 ± 192 m and 1118.2 ± 221.8 m, respectively. Female players covered more total distance (p = 0.049, ES = 0.79) and distance walking (p < 0.001, ES = 2.04) in the first half, whereas they covered more distance standing (p = 0.008, ES = 1.05) in the second half at a higher average speed (p < 0.001, ES = 2.28). The number of accelerations distributed over low-, moderate- and high-intensity categories were 43.2 ± 11.6, 9.4 ± 4.9; 0.8 ± 0.9 m/s2 for male players, and 40.3 ± 12.7, 4.3 ± 3.0; 0.1 ± 0.3 m/s2 for female players; equivalent to one body acceleration every 23 s and 27 s, respectively. Finally, male and female players obtained a maximum/mean HR of 173 ± 13 / 137 ± 12 bpm, and 177 ± 13 / 138 ± 18 bpm, with 20.3% and 29.2% of the total time in the anaerobic zone (81 - 90% HRmax), respectively. These results demonstrated that beach handball is a demanding sport, with numerous moderate-to-high intensity displacements, distributed intermittently throughout the game: long periods of low intensity activity interspersed by short bursts of high intensity.

Jump-Squat Performance and Its Relationship With Relative Training Intensity in High-Level Athletes.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between the relative load in full squats and the height achieved in jump-squat (JS) exercises and to determine the load that maximizes the power output of high-level athletes. METHOD: Fifty-one male high-level track-and-field athletes (age 25.2 ± 4.4 y, weight 77. ± 6.2 kg, height 179.9 ± 5.6 cm) who competed in sprinting and jumping events took part in the study. Full-squat 1-repetition-maximum (1-RM) and JS height (JH) with loads from 17 to 97 kg were measured in 2 sessions separated by 48 h. RESULTS: Individual regression analyses showed that JH (R2 = .992 ± .005) and the jump decrease (JD) that each load produced with respect to the unloaded countermovement jump (CMJ) (R2 = .992 ± 0.007) are highly correlated with the full-squat %1-RM, which means that training intensities can be prescribed using JH and JD values. The authors also found that the load that maximizes JS's power output was 0%RM (ie, unloaded CMJ). CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the close relationship between JS performance and relative training intensity in terms of %1-RM. The authors also observed that the load that maximizes power output was 0%1-RM. Monitoring jump height during JS training could help coaches and athletes determine and optimize their training loads.

Relationships between repeated sprint ability, mechanical parameters, and blood metabolites in professional soccer players.

This study analyzed the acute metabolic and mechanical responses to a specific repeated sprint ability (RSA) test. Eighteen male professional soccer players from a team of the First Division of Spanish National League participated. A 12 × 30-m RSA test with 30-second recovery together with countermovement jump test (CMJ) pre a post RSA test was performed. Mechanical responses (i.e., height performance in CMJ and speed loss) and metabolic responses (i.e., blood lactate and ammonia concentrations) were measured before and after exercise. A related sample t-test was used to analyze CMJ height pre-post changes as well as to compare pre- and post-exercise lactate and ammonia levels. Countermovement jump height loss pre-post session (8%) was significant, and fatigue, measured as CMJ height loss, was strongly correlated to lactate (r = 0.97; p < 0.001) and ammonia (r = 0.92; p < 0.001) for all players. The relationships between the variables studied were determined by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients. The metabolic stress developed during the effort can be estimated by controlling CMJ because of the high correlation between CMJ and blood lactate and ammonia concentrations. The high correlations found between mechanical (speed and CMJ height losses) and metabolic (lactate and ammonia) measures of fatigue highlight the utility and validity of using CMJ to monitor training load and quantify objectively neuromuscular fatigue during RSA.