Squat and countermovement jump performance across a range of loads: a comparison between Smith machine and free weight execution modes in elite sprinters.

The aims of this study were to: 1) provide and compare the height achieved during Smith machine (SM) and free weight (FW) loaded jumps executed over a wide spectrum of loads (40-120% of body mass [BM]); and 2) test the difference between loaded and unloaded squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) attempts in ten highly trained male sprinters. On the first visit, athletes performed unloaded SJ and CMJ, loaded SJ with loads corresponding to 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120% BM, and loaded CMJ at 100% BM using an Olympic barbell (FW). On the second visit, they performed loaded SJ and CMJ tests under the same loading conditions on the SM device and, subsequently, a half-squat one-repetition maximum (1RM) assessment. The relative strength (RS = 1RM/BM) of the athletes was 2.54 ± 0.15. Loaded SJ performance was similar between SM and FW, and across all loading conditions. Differences in favour of CMJ (higher jump heights compared with SJ) were superior in the unloaded condition but decreased progressively as a function of loading. In summary, sprinters achieved similar SJ heights across a comprehensive range of loads, regardless of the execution mode (FW or SM). The positive effect of the countermovement on jump performance is progressively reduced with increasing load.

Predicting Recreational Runners' Marathon Performance Time During Their Training Preparation.

ABSTRACT: Esteve-Lanao, J, Del Rosso, S, Larumbe-Zabala, E, Cardona, C, Alcocer-Gamboa, A, and Boullosa, DA. Predicting marathon performance time throughout the training preparation in recreational runners. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3218-3224, 2021-The objective of this study was to predict marathon performance at different time points along the season using different speeds derived from ventilatory thresholds and running economy (RE). Sixteen recreational runners (8 women and 8 men) completed a 16-week marathon training macrocycle. Aerobic threshold (AeT), anaerobic threshold (AnT), and maximal oxygen uptake were assessed at the beginning of the season, whereas speeds eliciting training zones at AeT and AnT, and RE were evaluated at 5-time points during the season (M1-M5). Analyses of variance and hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Training improved AeT and AnT speeds at M2 vs. M1 (p = 0.001) and remained significantly higher at M3, M4, and M5 (p = 0.001). There was a significant effect of time (p = 0.003) for RE, being higher at M4 and M5 compared with M1 and M3. Significant correlations were found between marathon performance and speeds at AeT and AnT at every time point (r = 0.81-0.94; p < 0.05). Speed at AnT represented the main influence (65.9 and 71.41%) in the final time prediction at M1 and M2, whereas speed at AeT took its place toward the end of the macrocycle (76.0, 80.4, and 85.0% for M3, M4, and M5, respectively). In conclusion, assessment of speeds at AeT and AnT permits for reasonable performance prediction during the training preparation, therefore avoiding maximal testing while monitoring 2 fundamental training speeds. Future research should verify if these findings are applicable to runners of different levels and other periodization models.

Cycling Performance Enhancement After Drop Jumps May Be Attributed to Postactivation Potentiation and Increased Anaerobic Capacity.

de Poli, RAB, Boullosa, DA, Malta, ES, Behm, D, Lopes, VHF, Barbieri, FA, and Zagatto, AM. Cycling performance enhancement after drop jumps may be attributed to postactivation potentiation and increased anaerobic capacity. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2465-2475, 2020-The study aimed to investigate the effects of drop jumps (DJs) on supramaximal cycling performance, anaerobic capacity (AC), electromyography, and fatigue. Thirty-eight recreational cyclists participated into 3 independent studies. In study 1 (n = 14), neuromuscular fatigue was assessed with the twitch interpolation technique. In study 2 (n = 16), the AC and metabolic contributions were measured with the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit method and the sum of the glycolytic and phosphagen pathways. In study 3 (n = 8), postactivation potentiation (PAP) induced by repeated DJs was evaluated. The DJ protocol was effective for significantly improving cycling performance by +9.8 and +7.4% in studies 1 and 2, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed in electromyography between conditions (p = 0.70); however, the force evoked by a doublet at low (10 Hz) and high frequencies (100 Hz) declined for control (-16.4 and -23.9%) and DJ protocols (-18.6 and -26.9%) (p < 0.01). Force decline was greater in the DJ condition (p < 0.03). Anaerobic capacity and glycolytic pathway contributions were +7.7 and +9.1% higher after DJ protocol (p = 0.01). Peak force during maximal voluntary contraction (+5.6%) and doublet evoked force at 100 Hz (+5.0%) were higher after DJs. The DJ protocol induced PAP, improved supramaximal cycling performance, and increased AC despite higher peripheral fatigue.

Combined effects of very short "all out" efforts during sprint and resistance training on physical and physiological adaptations after 2 weeks of training.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the combined effects of resistance and sprint training, with very short efforts (5 s), on aerobic and anaerobic performances, and cardiometabolic health-related parameters in young healthy adults. METHODS: Thirty young physically active individuals were randomly allocated into four groups: resistance training (RTG), sprint interval training (SITG), concurrent training (CTG), and control (CONG). Participants trained 3 days/week for 2 weeks in the high-intensity interventions that consisted of 6-12 "all out" efforts of 5 s separated by 24 s of recovery, totalizing ~ 13 min per session, with 48-72 h of recovery between sessions. Body composition, vertical jump, lower body strength, aerobic and anaerobic performances, heart rate variability (HRV), and redox status were evaluated before and after training. Total work (TW), rating of perceived exertion (CR-10 RPE) and mean HR (HRmean) were monitored during sessions. Incidental physical activity (PA), dietary intake and perceived stress were also controlled. RESULTS: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) significantly increased in SITG and CTG (P < 0.05). Lower body strength improved in RTG and CTG (P < 0.05), while countermovement jump (CMJ) was improved in RTG (P = 0.04) only. Redox status improved after all interventions (P < 0.05). No differences were found in TW, PA, dietary intake, and psychological stress between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RT and SIT protocols with very short "all out" efforts, either performed in isolation, or combined, demonstrated improvement in several physical fitness- and health-related parameters. However, CT was the most efficient exercise intervention with improvement observed in the majority of the parameters.

Heart rate recovery after aerobic and anaerobic tests: is there an influence of anaerobic speed reserve?

The present study assessed if differences in the metabolic profile, inferred from the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR), would influence the dynamics of heart rate recovery (HRR) after two modes of exercise. Thirty-nine physical education students (14 females and 25 males) volunteered for this study. Participants carried out three separate testing sessions to assess maximal sprinting speed (MSS, 1st session), repeated sprint ability (RSA, 2nd session) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) using the Université of Montreal Track Test (UMTT, 3rd session). ASR was defined as the difference between MSS and MAS. Heart rate was continuously registered throughout the tests and during the 5-min post-test recovery. To evaluate the influence of ASR on post-exercise, HRR comparisons between ASR-based groups [high ASR vs. low ASR] and sex groups (males vs. females) were performed. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between high ASR and low ASR groups of the same sex for indices of relative HRR after the RSA and UMTT. In addition, after the RSA test, males from the high ASR group had a significantly slower HRR kinetics compared with the males of the low ASR (P < 0.05) and the females of high ASR (P < 0.05); whereas females of the high ASR groups had a faster HRR kinetics compared with the females of low ASR group (P < 0.05). Our results showed that in males, post-exercise HRR could be related to the ASR, whereas in females, the influence of ASR is less clear.

Does Concurrent Training Intensity Distribution Matter?

Varela-Sanz, A, Tuimil, JL, Abreu, L, and Boullosa, DA. Does concurrent training intensity distribution matter? J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 181-195, 2017-Previous research has demonstrated the influence of intensity distribution on endurance training adaptations. However, no study has addressed the influence of intensity distribution on the effectiveness of concurrent training (CT). The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of 2 CT programs with different training intensity distribution and externally equated loads on physical fitness. Thirty-one sport science students volunteered and were evaluated for resting heart rate variability (HRV), countermovement jump, bench press, half squat, and maximum aerobic speed (MAS). All were randomly distributed into either a traditional-based training group (TT; n = 11; 65-75% of MAS, combined with 10-12 repetition maximum [RM]), polarized training group (PT; n = 10; 35-40% and 120% of MAS, combined with 5RM and 15RM), or control group (CG; n = 10). After 8 weeks of training (3 daysweek), TT and PT exhibited similar improvements in MAS, bench press, and half squat performances. No differences were observed between TT and PT groups for perceived loads. There were no changes in HRV for any group, although TT exhibited a reduction in resting heart rate. Compared with other groups, the PT group maintained jump capacity with an increment in body mass and body mass index without changes in body fatness. In conclusion, PT induced similar improvements in physical fitness of physically active individuals when compared with TT. However, PT produced a lower interference for jumping capacity despite an increment in body mass, whereas TT induced greater bradycardia. Extended studies with different intensity distributions should be conducted to better determine the dose-response of CT in various populations.

Stress Markers During a Rally Car Competition.

The aim of the study was to assess the stress responses in drivers during an official rally car race and the influence of fitness and body composition on stress hormones. Fitness and body composition were assessed in 9 rally car drivers with an incremental exercise test for determination of maximum aerobic speed (MAS) and 6-site skinfold method, respectively. Before (pre) and after (post) the first stage of an official rally car race, data were collected for heart rate (HR), blood samples were collected for analysis of hormones (i.e., epinephrine [EPI], norepinephrine [NE], cortisol, and aldosterone) and metabolites (i.e., lactate [LA], glucose, and ammonia). There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in all assessed variables except glucose at postrace. Heart rate increased 93% (p ≤ 0.05) at the end of the race stage, reaching 88.77 ± 4.96% of HRpeak. Also, EPI and NE significantly (p = 0.001) increased by 45 and 65%, respectively, and LA increased by 395% (p < 0.001). Significant correlations between percent body fat (%BF) and postrace EPI (r = 0.95; p < 0.001), and percentage change of EPI (r = 0.83; p = 0.012) were observed. The MAS was not associated to any metabolic or hormonal variable. These results suggest that psycho-physiological stress induced by the race elicited important changes in hormonal and metabolic variables and that %BF could be an important mediator of psycho-physiological stress in rally car drivers. Specific programs, including both strength and aerobic training, and nutritional plans should be implemented for appropriate conditioning of rally car drivers.

Verification criteria for the determination of Vo2 MAX in the field.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a verification test (VT) performed in the field offers more confident results than do traditional criteria in the determination of maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)). Twelve amateur runners (age, 36.6 ± 6.6 years) performed a maximal graded field test and after 15 minutes of passive recovery a supramaximal test to exhaustion at 105% of their velocity associated with (Equation is included in full-text article.)(v(Equation is included in full-text article.)). Traditional criteria and 2 different verification criteria were evaluated. Verification criteria were (a) maximal oxygen uptake achieved in the VT ((Equation is included in full-text article.)) must be ≤5% higher than (Equation is included in full-text article.), and (b) no significant differences of means between tests. All participants met the first verification criterion although significant differences were found between (Equation is included in full-text article.)and (Equation is included in full-text article.)(59.4 ± 5.1 vs. 56.2 ± 4.7 ml·kg·min, p < 0.01). The criteria for the plateau, peak heart rate (HRpeak), maximum respiratory exchange ratio (RERmax), and maximum blood lactate concentration ([La]max) were satisfied by 75, 66, 92, and 66 of the participants, respectively. Kappa coefficients gave a significant and substantial agreement beyond chance between traditional criteria (p < 0.001). Despite the substantial agreement, traditional criteria induced the rejection of participants that might have achieved a true (Equation is included in full-text article.)with HRpeak and [La]max being the more stringent criteria for amateur runners. A verification protocol in the field using the criterion based on individual analysis is recommended.

Acute prior heavy strength exercise bouts improve the 20-km cycling time trial performance.

This study verified if a prior 5 repetition maximum (5RM) strength exercise would improve the cycling performance during a 20-km cycling time trial (TT20km). After determination of the 5RM leg press exercise load, 11 trained cyclists performed a TT20km in a control condition and 10-minute after 4 sets of 5RM strength exercise bouts (potentiation condition). Oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and power output data were recorded during the TT20km. Cycling economy index was assessed before the TT20km, and pacing strategy was analyzed assuming a "J-shaped" power output distribution profile. Results were a 6.1% reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the time to complete the TT20km, a greater cycling economy (p < 0.01), and power output in the first 10% of the TT20km (i.e., trend; p = 0.06) in the potentiation condition. However, no differences were observed in pacing strategy, physiological parameters, and RPE between the conditions. These results suggest that 5RM strength exercise bouts improve the performance in a subsequent TT20km.

Evidence of a Non-Linear Dose-Response Relationship between Training Load and Stress Markers in Elite Female Futsal Players.

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY WAS: to describe typical training load (TL) carried out by a professional female futsal team for a period of 5 weeks; and to verify the relationship between TL, stress symptoms, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels, and symptoms of upper respiratory infections (URI). Over 45 sessions, the TL of the athletes was monitored daily by means of session-RPE method during the in-season period prior to the main national competition. Stress symptoms were measured weekly by means of the "Daily Analysis of Life Demands in Athletes Questionnaire" (DALDA), SIgA levels, and by symptoms of URI by the "Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21" (WURSS). There was a significant increase in TL, monotony, and training strain in week 3, with a concomitant and significant reduction in percentage variation (Δ%) of SIgA concentration and secretion rate (p < 0.05). Additionally, a second order regression model showed a high goodness of fit (R(2) = 0.64 - 0.89) between TL and strain with SIgA concentration, secretion rate, and "worse than normal" responses of stress symptoms from the questionnaire. In conclusion, a link between TL and SIgA levels, and stress symptoms in female futsal players was evident in a non linear fashion. There appears to be an optimal range of values of daily TL between ~343 and ~419 AU and strain between ~2639 and 3060 AU, because at levels below and above these values there was an increase in stress symptoms and above ~435 and ~3160 AU to TL and strain there were a decrease in SIgA levels. In contrast, symptoms of URI failed to demonstrate relationship with the variables studied. Key PointsThere is a dose-response relationship between SIgA levels and stress symptoms with TL.For the athletes of the present study, values of ~436 AU and ~3161 AU to TL and strain training would be desirable because higher values would decrease responses of SIgA levels.An optimal range of values of TL between ~336 and ~412 AU to TL and ~2610 and ~3016 AU to strain training would be suggested for this group of athletes, since below and above these values increased responses of stress symptoms were observed.

Does Anaerobic Speed Reserve Influence Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Endurance Runners?

We investigated the influence of anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). Twenty-two endurance runners and triathletes were evaluated for maximum sprinting speed (MSS) and countermovement jump (CMJ) before (non-fatigued) and after (fatigued) an incremental running test. They were allocated in LASR (low-ASR) and HASR (high-ASR) groups for comparisons between conditions. HASR showed greater CMJ and MSS (both p<0.005) performances, with enhanced CMJ in fatigued condition (p=0.008). Significant correlations were found between ASR, CMJ and MSS in both conditions (p≤0.01) for the entire sample, and between ∆CMJ and ∆MSS (p=0.001) in LASR. Our results show that ASR profile influences PAPE.

Running speeds at ventilatory threshold and maximal oxygen consumption discriminate futsal competitive level.

We tested the hypothesis that maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold (VT), and their respective speeds (S(VO2max) and S(VT)) could discriminate the competitive level of futsal players. The outfield players of a high-level Brazilian professional futsal team (N = 9; age 22.6 ± 4.2 years; body mass 70.6 ± 6.4 kg; height 174.3 ± 6.0 cm), and a semiprofessional team (N = 11; age 17.2 ± 0.8 years; body mass 70.4 ± 6.5 kg; height 175.0 ± 4.0 cm), volunteered for participation in this study. Subsequently, they were evaluated during an incremental treadmill test for the determination of cardiorespiratory variables, S(VO2max), and S(VT). Both teams exhibited a similar body mass and VO2max (p = 0.542 and p = 0.427), whereas the S(VO2max) and the S(VT) were significantly higher in the professional team (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively). Additionally, the professional team exhibited both lower HR at VT (p = 0.046) and HRmax (p = 0.002). However, the %HRmax at VT did not differ between groups (p = 0.912). These results remained similar after adjusting for the age differences between groups (p = 0.106). It was concluded that both S(VO2max) and S(VT) were sensitive for detecting differences in the competitive level of futsal players, whereas VO2max and VT were not.

The acute effect of different half squat set configurations on jump potentiation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of a half squat exercise performed with different set configurations on jump potentiation. Twelve resistance-trained men were evaluated on 3 occasions separated by 48-96 hours. First, they performed a 5 repetitions maximum (5RM) test. Subsequently, they performed in a randomized order 2 sessions: one session with 5RM until failure and the other with the same workload but with 30-second rest intervals between repetitions (i.e., cluster set [CS]). Countermovement jump performance was examined during the second and third sessions for jump height and force-time parameters using a force platform at the following time intervals: before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 minutes. Separate comparisons for each variable at the different time intervals were analyzed using analysis of variance, effect size, and qualitative inferences. The majority of the parameters improved independently of the time they occurred, except for peak force and vertical stiffness after a set until failure. For peak power, it appears that the cluster treatment resulted in superior potentiation at 1 minute, whereas the 5RM treatment resulted in greater potentiation at 9 minutes. Effect size analysis and qualitative outcomes revealed an improvement in vertical stiffness and a lowering in the depth of the countermovement in CS. There were significant correlations between participants' 5RM relative performance and various force-time parameters only in CS. It appears that a CS induces greater peak power than a 5RM set at 1 minute, although the reverse occurs at 9 minutes. Delayed potentiation associated with the 5RM may be attributed to greater fatigue versus the CS approach. Therefore, it follows that the optimal method for inducing peak power potentiation is dependent on the available time between heavy half squat exercise and the subsequent jump performance.

Physical and physiological demands of field and assistant soccer referees during America's cup.

The aim of this study was to examine the physical and physiological demands of top-class soccer field (FR; n = 7) and assistant (AR; n = 7) referees during America's Cup. The FR and AR were equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) and a heart rate (HR) monitor for the recording of displacements and cardiovascular stress, respectively, every 5 and 15 minutes, halves, and entire match. High-intensity accelerations (ACs) and a new index of performance efficiency (Effindex) were also examined during each match. The FR completed longer distances for all walking and running activities and exhibited a greater match HR compared with the AR. The FR exhibited a significant reduction in the mean number of ACs during the second half (40 vs. 28), with a significantly worse Effindex at the end of both halves for FR and at the end of the second half for AR. A significant correlation between FR and AR for the number (r = 0.336; p = 0.03) and distance (r = 0.367; p = 0.017) of ACs performed each 5-minute period indicated a synchronization of officials' activities. In conclusion, top-class American FR and AR exhibited similar physical demands as previously reported by their European counterparts during international tournaments. The high number of AC observed, the effect of fatigue on these actions over the match, and the AC's synchronization between FR and AR suggest that ACs should be considered for the preparation of referees and team sport athletes. The Effindex may provide an important tool for the evaluation of referees' and players' performance that requires further investigation.

Effect of equated continuous and interval running programs on endurance performance and jump capacity.

We evaluated the effect of 2 different interval and continuous training programs on the maximal aerobic speed (MAS), time limit at MAS (T(lim)), and on the countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty-two physically active men were randomly distributed in an interval training group (ITG), continuous training group (CTG), and control group. The CTG and ITG performed 2 different training programs (65-70 and 90-100% of the MAS for CTG and ITG, respectively) that consisted of 3 sessions per week during a period of 8 weeks with an identical external workload (% MAS × duration in minutes). The MAS, the T(lim) and the CMJ were recorded before and after the running training programs. The data analysis showed a significant and similar improvement (p < 0.01) of the MAS for both the ITG (5.8%) and CTG (8.3%). The T(lim) and CMJ did not change significantly for either group after the training period. Our results indicate that 8 weeks of continuous or interval running programs with externally equated load led to similar improvements in the MAS without changing T(lim) and CMJ performance in moderately trained nonrunners.

Effects of gradual-elastic compression stockings on running economy, kinematics, and performance in runners.

We investigated the effect of gradual-elastic compression stockings (GCSs) on running economy (RE), kinematics, and performance in endurance runners. Sixteen endurance trained athletes (age: 34.73 ± 6.27 years; VO2max: 62.83 ± 9.03 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1); 38 minutes in 10 km; 1 hour 24 minutes in half marathon) performed in random order 4 bouts of 6 minutes at a recent half-marathon pace on a treadmill to evaluate RE with or without GCSs. Subsequently, 12 athletes were divided into 2 equal groups matched by their VO2max, and they performed a time limit test (T(lim)) on a treadmill at 105% of a recent 10-km pace with or without GCSs for evaluation of physiological responses and running kinematics. There were no significant differences in the RE test in all of the variables analyzed for the conditions, but a moderate reproducibility for some physiological responses was detected in the condition with GCSs. In the T(lim), the group that wore GCSs reached a lower % of maximum heart rate (HRmax) compared with the control group (96.00 ± 2.94 vs. 99.83 ± 0.40) (p = 0.01). Kinematics did not differ between conditions during the T(lim) (p > 0.05). There were improvement trends for time to fatigue (337 vs. 387 seconds; d = 0.32) and a lower VO2peak (≈53 vs. 62 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1); d = 1.19) that were detected with GCSs during the T(lim). These results indicate that GCSs reduce the % of HRmax reached during a test at competition pace. The lower reproducibility of the condition with GCSs perhaps suggests that athletes may possibly need an accommodation period for systematically experiencing the benefits of this garment, but this hypothesis should be further investigated.

Correlations between jump measures and competitive performance remain stable over time in top-level sprinters.

BACKGROUND: We examined the relationships between jump performance measures, sprint tests, and 100-m competition times in 11 top-level sprinters during two successive competitive 4-week mesocycles. METHODS: Physical tests were performed 7-12 days before 3 sequential competitions. Sprinters completed standing long jump, squat and countermovement jumps, and 60-m sprint tests on each occasion. A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the physical assessments and actual competition results among the three moments. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationships between the multiple variables over the consecutive mesocycles. Significance level was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed among the periods for any jump or sprint performance measure (ES ranging from 0.02 to 0.33; P>0.05). Very large to nearly perfect correlations were observed for all sprint and jump variables and 100-m dash times in the three moments analyzed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that simple jump measures can be prospectively used to monitor sprint performance. Notably, the standing long jump test was the most consistently related to 100-m time. This simple strategy may help track and field coaches to better adjust the competitive approach of their sprinters, thus optimizing their peak performance.

Analysis of factors that influence the maximum number of repetitions in two upper-body resistance exercises: curl biceps and bench press.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of exercise type, set configuration, and relative intensity load on relationship between 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and maximum number of repetitions (MNR). Thirteen male subjects, experienced in resistance training, were tested in bench press and biceps curl for 1RM, MNR at 90% of 1RM with cluster set configuration (rest of 30s between repetitions) and MNR at 70% of 1RM with traditional set configuration (no rest between repetitions). A lineal encoder was used for measuring displacement of load. Analysis of variance analysis revealed a significant effect of load (p<0.01) and a tendency in exercise factor (p=0.096), whereas the interaction effect was not significant. MNR at 70% of 1RM was lower for biceps curl (16.31+/-2.59 vs. 8.77+/-3 in bench press and biceps curl, respectively; p<0.05) and at 90% of 1RM (21.85+/-11.06 vs. 18.54+/-12.84 in bench press and biceps curl, respectively; p>0.05). Correlation between 1RM and MNR was significant for medium-intensity in biceps curl (r=-0.574; p<0.05) and between MNR and 1RM/body mass (r=-0.574; p<0.05). Neither 1RM nor 1RM/body mass correlated with velocity along set, so velocity seems to be similar at a same relative intensity for subjects with differences in maximum strength levels. From our results, we suggest the employment of MNR rather than % of 1RM for training monitoring. Furthermore, we suggest the introduction of cluster set configuration for upper-body assessment of MNR and for upper-body muscular endurance training at high-intensity loads, as it seems an efficient approach in looking for sessions with greater training volumes. This could be an interesting approach for such sports as wrestling or weightlifting.

Beating Yourself: How Do Runners Improve Their Own Records?

BACKGROUND: Pacing studies suggest the distribution of effort for optimizing performance. Cross-sectional studies of 1-mile world records (WRs) suggest that WR progression includes a smaller coefficient of variation of velocity. PURPOSE: This study evaluates whether intraindividual pacing used by elite runners to break their own WR (1 mile, 5 km, and 10 km) is related to the evolution of pacing strategy. We provide supportive data from analysis in subelite runners. METHODS: Men's WR performances (with 400-m or 1-km splits) in 1 mile, 5 km, and 10 km were retrieved from the IAAF database (from 1924 to present). Data were analyzed relative to pacing pattern when a runner improved their own WR. Similar analyses are presented for 10-km performance in subelite runners before and after intensified training. RESULTS: WR performance was improved in 1 mile (mean [SD]: 3:59.4 [11.2] to 3:57.2 [8.6]), 5 km (13:27 [0:33] to 13:21 [0:33]), and 10 km (28:35 [1:27] to 28:21 [1:21]). The average coefficient of variation did not change in the 1 mile (3.4% [1.8%] to 3.6% [1.6%]), 5 km (2.4% [0.9%] to 2.2% [0.8%]), or 10 km (1.4% [0.1%] to 1.5% [0.6%]) with improved WR. When velocity was normalized to the percentage mean velocity for each race, the pacing pattern was almost identical. Very similar patterns were observed in subelite runners in the 10 km. When time improved from 49:20 (5:30) to 45:56 (4:58), normalized velocity was similar, terminal RPE increased (8.4 [1.6] to 9.1 [0.8]), coefficient of variation was unchanged (4.4% [1.1%] to 4.8% [2.1%]), and VO2max increased (49.8 [7.4] to 55.3 [8.8] mL·min-1·kg-1). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that when runners break their own best performances, they employ the same pacing pattern, which is different from when WRs are improved in cross-sectional data.