Hypoxia matters: comparison of external and internal training load markers during an 8-week resistance training program in normoxia, normobaric hypoxia and hypobaric hypoxia.

PURPOSE: To compare external and internal training load markers during resistance training (RT) in normoxia (N), intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (HH), and intermittent normobaric hypoxia (NH). METHODS: Thirty-three volunteers were assigned an 8-week RT program in either N (690 m, n = 10), HH (2320 m, n = 10), or NH (inspired fraction of oxygen = 15.9%; ~ 2320 m, n = 13). The RT program (3x/week) consisted of six exercises, with three sets of six to 12 repetitions at ~ 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with the first session of each week used for analysis. 1RM in back squat and bench press was used to evaluate muscle strength before and after the program. External load was assessed by the volume load relative to body mass (RVL, kg·kg-1). Internal load was assessed by the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate (HR). RESULTS: Smaller relative improvements were found for the back squat in the N group (11.5 ± 8.8%) when compared to the NH group (22.2 ± 8.2%, P = 0.01) and the HH group (22 ± 8.1%, P = 0.02). All groups showed similar RVL, HR responses and RPE across the program (P˃0.05). However, reduced HR recovery values, calculated as the difference between the highest HR value (HRpeak) and the resting heart rate after a two min rest, were seen in the N and NH groups across the program (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that 8 weeks of intermittent RT in hypoxic environments could maximize time-efficiency when aiming to improve strength levels in back squat without evoking higher levels of physiological stress. Performing RT at hypobaric hypoxia may improve the cardiorespiratory response, which in turn could speed recovery.

Effect of a resistance exercise at acute moderate altitude on muscle health biomarkers.

The intensification of the stress response during resistance training (RT) under hypoxia conditions could trigger unwanted effects that compromise muscle health and, therefore, the ability of the muscle to adapt to longer training periods. We examined the effect of acute moderate terrestrial hypoxia on metabolic, inflammation, antioxidant capacity and muscle atrophy biomarkers after a single RT session in a young male population. Twenty healthy volunteers allocated to the normoxia (N < 700 m asl) or moderate altitude (HH = 2320 m asl) group participated in this study. Before and throughout the 30 min following the RT session (3 × 10 reps, 90 s rest, 70% 1RM), venous blood samples were taken and analysed for circulating calcium, inorganic phosphate, cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and myostatin. Main results displayed a marked metabolic stress response after the RT in both conditions. A large to very large proportional increase in the adjusted to pre-exercise change of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers favoured HH (serum TNF-α [ES = 1.10; p = 0.024] and IL-10 [ES = 1.31; p = 0.009]). The exercise produced a similar moderate increment of myostatin in both groups, followed by a moderate non-significant reduction in HH throughout the recovery (ES = - 0.72; p = 0.21). The RT slightly increased the antioxidant response regardless of the environmental condition. These results revealed no clear impact of RT under acute hypoxia on the metabolic, TAC and muscle atrophy biomarkers. However, a coordinated pro/anti-inflammatory response balances the potentiated effect of RT on systemic inflammation.

Altitude-induced effects on neuromuscular, metabolic and perceptual responses before, during and after a high-intensity resistance training session.

PURPOSE: We tested if an acute ascending to 2320 m above sea level (asl) affects corticospinal excitability (CSE) and intracortical inhibition (SICI) measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at rest, before, during and after a traditional hypertrophy-oriented resistance training (RT) session. We also explored whether blood lactate concentration (BLa), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived muscular pain and total training volume differed when the RT session was performed at hypoxia (H) or normoxia (N). METHODS: Twelve resistance-trained men performed eight sets of 10 repetitions at 70% of one repetition maximum of a bar biceps curl at N (SpO2 = 98.0 ± 0.9%) and H (at 2320 asl, SpO2 = 94.0 ± 1.9%) in random order. Before each session, a subjective well-being questionnaire, the resting motor threshold (rMT) and a single pulse recruitment curve were measured. Before, during and after the RT session, BLa, RPE, muscle pain, CSE and SICI were measured. RESULTS: Before the RT session only the rMT differed between H (- 5.3%) and N (ES = 0.38). RPE, muscle pain and BLa increased through the RT session and were greater at H than N (12%, 54% and 15%, respectively) despite a similar training volume (1618 ± 468 kg vs. 1638 ± 509 kg). CSE was reduced during the RT session (~ 27%) but recovered ten minutes after, regardless of the environmental condition. SICI did not change after any RT session. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that acute exposure to moderate hypoxia slightly increased the excitability of the most excitable structures of the corticospinal tract but did not influence intracortical or corticospinal responses to a single RT session.

Efficacy of resistance training in hypoxia on muscle hypertrophy and strength development: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of resistance training under hypoxic conditions (RTH) on muscle hypertrophy and strength development. Searches of PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Sport Discus and the Cochrane Library were conducted comparing the effect of RTH versus normoxia (RTN) on muscle hypertrophy (cross sectional area (CSA), lean mass and muscle thickness) and strength development [1-repetition maximum (1RM)]. An overall meta-analysis and subanalyses of training load (low, moderate or high), inter-set rest interval (short, moderate or long) and severity of hypoxia (moderate or high) were conducted to explore the effects on RTH outcomes. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. The overall analyses showed similar improvements in CSA (SMD [CIs] = 0.17 [- 0.07; 0.42]) and 1RM (SMD = 0.13 [0.0; 0.27]) between RTH and RTN. Subanalyses indicated a medium effect on CSA for longer inter-set rest intervals and a small effect for moderate hypoxia and moderate loads favoring RTH. Moreover, a moderate effect for longer inter-set rest intervals and a trivial effect for severe hypoxia and moderate loads favoring RTH was found on 1RM. Evidence suggests that RTH employed with moderate loads (60-80% 1RM) and longer inter-set rest intervals (≥ 120 s) enhances muscle hypertrophy and strength compared to normoxia. The use of moderate hypoxia (14.3-16% FiO2) seems to be somewhat beneficial to hypertrophy but not strength. Further research is required with greater standardization of protocols to draw stronger conclusions on the topic.

Altitude differentially alters the force-velocity relationship after 3 weeks of power-oriented resistance training in elite judokas.

This study investigated the effects of a 3-week power-oriented resistance training programme performed at moderate altitude on the lower-limb maximal theoretical power and force-velocity (F-V) imbalance of elite judokas. Twenty-two elite male judokas were randomly assigned to either a hypobaric hypoxia or normoxia group. Mechanical outputs from an incremental loaded countermovement jump test were assessed at sea level, before and after training, and 1 week later. Results indicated an increase in the maximal theoretical force and a reduction in the F-V imbalance both at moderate altitude and sea level. Altitude training induced additional benefits when compared to sea level for F-V imbalance (8.4%; CI: 0.3, 17.3%), maximal theoretical power (2.09 W·kg-1; CI: 0.13, 4.52 W·kg-1) and force (1.32 N·kg-1; CI: -0.12, 2.96 N·kg-1), jump height (3.24 cm; CI: 2.02, 4.80 cm) and optimal maximal theoretical force (1.61 N·kg-1; CI: 0.06, 3.60 N·kg-1) and velocity (0.08 m·s-1; CI: 0.00, 0.17 m·s-1) after the training period. The hypoxia group achieved their best results immediately after the training period, while the normoxia group achieved them one week later. These results suggest that a power-oriented resistance training programme carried out at moderate altitude accelerates and improves the gains in lower-limb muscle power, while minimizing lower-limb imbalances. Therefore, it seems appropriate to compete immediately after the return to sea level and/or use altitude training as a tool to improve muscle power levels of athletes without tapering goals, especially in highly trained power athletes, since their window of adaptation for further power enhancement is smaller.HighlightsA 3-week power-oriented resistance training programme improved lower-limb mechanical outputs of elite judokas both at moderate altitude and sea level; training at moderate altitude increases and accelerates these improvements, reducing athletes' imbalances.It may be optimal for judokas to compete immediately after the return to sea level and/or use altitude training as a tool to improve muscle power levels of athletes without tapering goals, especially in highly trained power athletes, since their window of adaptation for further power enhancement is attenuated.Athletes should ensure they possess adequate strength levels before employing a power-oriented training programme to potentiate further improvements in muscle power.

Inter-set rest configuration effect on acute physiological and performance-related responses to a resistance training session in terrestrial vs simulated hypoxia.

Background: Metabolic stress is considered a key factor in the activation of hypertrophy mechanisms which seems to be potentiated under hypoxic conditions.This study aimed to analyze the combined effect of the type of acute hypoxia (terrestrial vs simulated) and of the inter-set rest configuration (60 vs 120 s) during a hypertrophic resistance training (RT) session on physiological, perceptual and muscle performance markers. Methods: Sixteen active men were randomized into two groups based on the type of hypoxia (hypobaric hypoxia, HH: 2,320 m asl; vs normobaric hypoxia, NH: FiO2 of 15.9%). Each participant completed in a randomly counterbalanced order the same RT session in four separated occasions: two under normoxia and two under the corresponding hypoxia condition at each prescribed inter-set rest period. Volume-load (load × set × repetition) was calculated for each training session. Muscle oxygenation (SmO2) of the vastus lateralis was quantified during the back squat exercise. Heart rate (HR) was monitored during training and over the ensuing 30-min post-exercise period. Maximal blood lactate concentration (maxLac) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined after the exercise and at the end of the recovery period. Results: Volume-load achieved was similar in all environmental conditions and inter-set rest period length did not appreciably affect it. Shorter inter-set rest periods displayed moderate increases in maxLac, HR and RPE responses in all conditions. Compared to HH, NH showed a moderate reduction in the inter-set rest-HR (ES > 0.80), maxLac (ES > 1.01) and SmO2 (ES > 0.79) at both rest intervals. Conclusions: Results suggest that the reduction in inter-set rest intervals from 120 s to 60 s provide a more potent perceptual, cardiovascular and metabolic stimulus in all environmental conditions, which could maximize hypertrophic adaptations in longer periods of training. The abrupt exposure to a reduced FiO2 at NH seems to reduce the inter-set recovery capacity during a traditional hypertrophy RT session, at least during a single acute exposition. These results cannot be extrapolated to longer training periods.

Effects of Resistance Training in Hypobaric vs. Normobaric Hypoxia on Circulating Ions and Hormones.

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) seems to lead to different responses compared to normobaric hypoxia (NH) during physical conditioning. The aim of the study was to analyze the hormonal and circulating ion responses after performing high-intensity resistance training with different inter-set rest under HH and NH condition. Sixteen male volunteers were randomly divided into two training groups. Each group completed two counterbalanced resistance training sessions (three sets × ten repetitions, remaining two repetitions in reserve), with both one- and two-minute inter-set rest, under HH and NH. Blood samples were obtained to determine hormones and circulating ions (Ca2+, Pi, and HCO3-) at baseline and after training sessions (5, 10, and 30 min). Resistance training with one-minute rest caused greater hormonal stress than with two-minute rest in cortisol and growth hormone, although the hypoxic environmental condition did not cause any significant alterations in these hormones. The short inter-set rest also caused greater alterations in HCO3- and Pi than the longer rest. Additionally, higher levels of Ca2+ and Pi, and lower levels of HCO3-, were observed after training in HH compared to NH. Metabolic and physiological responses after resistance training are mediated by inter-set rest intervals and hypoxic environmental condition. According to the alterations observed in the circulating ions, HH could cause greater muscular fatigue and metabolic stress than NH.

Neuromuscular Adaptations after an Altitude Training Camp in Elite Judo Athletes.

The aim of this study was to investigate neuromuscular adaptations in elite judo athletes after three weeks of power-oriented strength training at terrestrial altitude (2320 m). Nineteen men were assigned to altitude training (AL) (22.1 ± 2.3 years) and sea level training (SL) (22.6 ± 4.1 years). Neuromuscular assessment consisted of: (1) maximal isometric knee extensor (KE) torque, (2) KE rate of torque development (RTD), (3) quadriceps activity and voluntary activation, (4) soleus H-reflex, (5) quadriceps single (TTW) and double twitch torque (TDB100) and contraction time (CTTW). There were no significant differences between groups at baseline for any of the observed parameters. Significant differences were found between groups in terms of change in RTD (p = 0.04). Cohen's d showed a positive significant effect (0.43) in the SL group and a negative significant effect (-0.58) in the AL group. The difference between groups in changes in CTTW as a function of altitude was on the edge of significance (p = 0.077). CTTW increased by 8.1 ± 9.0% in the AL group (p = 0.036) and remained statistically unchanged in the SL group. Only the AL group showed a relationship between changes in TTW and TDB100 and changes in RTD at posttest (p = 0.022 and p = 0.016, respectively). Altitude induced differences in muscular adaptations likely due to greater peripheral fatigue.

Hormonal and Inflammatory Responses to Hypertrophy-Oriented Resistance Training at Acute Moderate Altitude.

This study investigated the effect of a traditional hypertrophy-oriented resistance training (RT) session at acute terrestrial hypoxia on inflammatory, hormonal, and the expression of miR-378 responses associated with muscular gains. In a counterbalanced fashion, 13 resistance trained males completed a hypertrophic RT session at both moderate-altitude (H; 2320 m asl) and under normoxic conditions (N; <700 m asl). Venous blood samples were taken before and throughout the 30 min post-exercise period for determination of cytokines (IL6, IL10, TNFα), hormones (growth hormone [GH], cortisol [C], testosterone), and miR-378. Both exercise conditions stimulated GH and C release, while miR-378, testosterone, and inflammatory responses remained near basal conditions. At H, the RT session produced a moderate to large but nonsignificant increase in the absolute peak values of the studied cytokines. miR-378 revealed a moderate association with GH (r = 0.65; p = 0.026 and r = -0.59; p = 0.051 in N and H, respectively) and C (r = 0.61; p = 0.035 and r = 0.75; p = 0.005 in N and H, respectively). The results suggest that a RT session at H does not differentially affect the hormonal, inflammatory, and miR-378 responses compared to N. However, the standardized mean difference detected values in the cytokines suggest an intensification of the inflammatory response in H that should be further investigated.

Effects of Power-Oriented Resistance Training During an Altitude Camp on Strength and Technical Performance of Elite Judokas.

This study investigated the effect of a 3-week power-oriented resistance training program performed at moderate altitude on leg power output variables in a countermovement jump, a related judo technique (ippon-seoi-nage) and the relationship between them. Twenty-four elite male judokas were randomly assigned to a hypobaric hypoxia or normoxia group. Mechanical outputs from an incremental loaded countermovement jump test and the kinematic variables transferred to a dummy during an ippon-seoi-nage test (time to execution and movement accelerations) were assessed before, after, 1 and 2 weeks after training. Results indicated an increase in explosive leg capacity both at moderate altitude (2320 m.a.s.l.) and sea level. The hypoxia group showed additional benefits when compared to normoxia group for peak velocities with different percentages of the body weight, maximal theoretical velocity and jump height after the training period, and these additional benefits in jump height were maintained 2 weeks after training. The hypoxia group achieved a higher peak performance in peak velocity and jump height than normoxia group (peak velocity: 8.8 vs. 5.6%, jump height: 8.2 vs. 1.4%, respectively) and was achieved earlier in hypoxia (after training) than in normoxia (1 week after training). However, there was a detrimental effect for the hypoxia group on the times of execution and acceleration of the ippon-seoi-nage compared to the normoxia group. These results suggest that altitude training may induce faster and greater improvements in explosive leg extension capacity. Specific technique-oriented training should be included at altitude to prevent technique impairment.

Load-Velocity Relationship in Variations of the Half-Squat Exercise: Influence of Execution Technique.

Pérez-Castilla, A, García-Ramos, A, Padial, P, Morales-Artacho, AJ, and Feriche, B. Load-velocity relationship in variations of the half-squat exercise: influence of execution technique. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1024-1031, 2020-Previous studies have revealed that the velocity of the bar can be used to determine the intensity of different resistance training exercises. However, the load-velocity relationship seems to be exercise dependent. This study aimed to compare the load-velocity relationship obtained from 2 variations of the half-squat exercise (traditional vs. ballistic) using 2 execution techniques (eccentric-concentric vs. concentric-only). Twenty men performed a submaximal progressive loading test in 4 half-squat exercises: eccentric-concentric traditional-squat, concentric-only traditional-squat, countermovement jump (i.e., ballistic squat using the eccentric-concentric technique), and squat jump (i.e., ballistic squat using the concentric-only technique). Individual linear regressions were used to estimate the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for each half-squat exercise. Thereafter, another linear regression was applied to establish the relationship between the relative load (%RM) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV). For all exercises, a strong relationship was observed between %RM and MPV: eccentric-concentric traditional-squat (R = 0.949), concentric-only traditional-squat (R = 0.920), countermovement jump (R = 0.957), and squat jump (R = 0.879). The velocities associated with each %RM were higher for the ballistic variation and the eccentric-concentric technique than for the traditional variation and concentric-only technique, respectively. Differences in velocity among the half-squat exercises decreased with the increment in the relative load. These results demonstrate that the MPV can be used to predict exercise intensity in the 4 half-squat exercises. However, independent regressions are required for each half-squat exercise because the load-velocity relationship proved to be task specific.

Altitude-induced effects on muscular metabolic stress and hypertrophy-related factors after a resistance training session.

This study examined the acute effects of exposure to moderate altitude on factors associated with muscular adaptations following whole-body hypertrophy-oriented resistance training (R T) sessions. Thirteen resistance-trained males completed both counterbalanced standard hypertrophic R T sessions (3 sets × 10RM, 2 min rest) at moderate-altitude (H; 2320 m asl) and under normoxic conditions (N; <700 m asl). Participants rested 72 h between training sessions. Before and after the exercise session, blood samples were obtained for determination of metabolites and ions (lactate, inorganic phosphate, liquid carbon dioxide and calcium) and hormones (testosterone and growth hormone). Session-related performance and perception of effort (s-RPE) were also monitored. Results showed no meaningful differences in performance or s-RPE (8.5 ± 1.4 vs 8.6 ± 0.8 respectively for N and H; p = 0.603). All blood variables displayed statistically significant changes throughout the recovery period compared to basal levels (p < 0.05), except for the testosterone. However, no altitude effect was observed in maximal blood lactate, calcium or anabolic hormones (p > 0.05). The reduction observed in the liquid carbon dioxide concentration in H (21.11 ± 1.46 vs 16.19 ± 1.61 mmol·l-1) seems compatible with an increase in buffering capacity. Compared to N, inorganic phosphate displayed lower recovery values after the R T in H (2.89 ± 0.64 vs 2.23 ± 0.60 mg dl-1; p = 0.007). The results of this study do not support an accentuated effect of acute moderate terrestrial hypoxia on metabolic and hormonal factors linked to muscle growth during hypertrophic resistance training.

Force-Velocity Relationship in the Countermovement Jump Exercise Assessed by Different Measurement Methods.

This study aimed to compare force, velocity, and power output collected under different loads, as well as the force-velocity (F-V) relationship between three measurement methods. Thirteen male judokas were tested under four loading conditions (20, 40, 60, and 80 kg) in the countermovement jump (CMJ) exercise, while mechanical output data were collected by three measurement methods: the Samozino's method (SAM), a force platform (FP), and a linear velocity transducer (LVT). The variables of the linear F-V relationship (maximum force [F0], maximum velocity [V0], F-V slope, and maximum power [P0]) were determined. The results revealed that (1) the LVT overestimated the mechanical output as compared to the SAM and FP methods, especially under light loading conditions, (2) the SAM provided the lowest magnitude for all mechanical output, (3) the F-V relationships were highly linear either for the SAM (r = 0.99), FP (r = 0.97), and LVT (r = 0.96) methods, (4) the F-V slope obtained by the LVT differed with respect to the other methods due to a larger V0 (5.28 ± 1.48 m·s-1) compared to the SAM (2.98 ± 0.64 m·s-1) and FP (3.06 ± 0.42 m·s-1), and (5) the methods were significantly correlated for F0 and P0, but not for V0 or F-V slope. These results only support the accuracy of the SAM and FP to determine the F-V relationship during the CMJ exercise. The very large correlations of the SAM and LVT methods with respect to the FP (presumed gold-standard) for the mean values of force, velocity and power support their concurrent validity for the assessment of mechanical output under individual loads.

Mean Propulsive Velocity Is a Viable Method for Adjusting the Resistance-Training Load at Moderate Altitude.

We examined the viability of using mean propulsive velocity (MPV) to adjust the load in the countermovement jump (CMJ) at moderate altitude. Twenty-four volunteers were assigned to a 4-week power-oriented resistance training (RT) program in either normoxia (N, 690 m) or intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH, 2,320 m). The load was adjusted to maintain execution velocity of CMJ at 1m·s-1 of MPV. Relative peak power output (Prel), and percentage of velocity loss throughout the sets (VL) were determined for each session. The internal load was measured by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The absolute load lifted was higher in IH compared to N (75.6 ± 8.4 vs. 58.5 ± 12.3 kg P < 0.001). However, similar relative increases for both groups were found when comparing the final values (IH: 8.2%, P = 0.007; N: 9.8%, P = 0.03) with no changes in VL between groups (P = 0.36). Post-study Prel improved significantly only in IH (+7% W·kg-1, P = 0.002). Mean RPE was greater in IH vs. N (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 5.6 ± 2, P < 0.001). The MPV seems to be a viable method for adjusting external load during RT at moderate altitude. However, given that RT at moderate altitude increases RPE, it is prudent to monitor internal load when using the MPV to best determine the actual physiological stress of the session.

Muscle Activation During Power-Oriented Resistance Training: Continuous vs. Cluster Set Configurations.

Morales-Artacho, AJ, García-Ramos, A, Pérez-Castilla, A, Padial, P, Gomez, AM, Peinado, AM, Pérez-Córdoba, JL, and Feriche, B. Muscle activation during power-oriented resistance training: continuous vs. cluster set configurations. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S95-S102, 2019-This study examined performance and electromyography (EMG) changes during a power training protocol comprising continuous or clustered set configurations. Eighteen active males completed 6 sets of 6 repetitions during the loaded (20% 1 repetition maximum) countermovement jump (CMJ) exercise, continuously (n = 9) or with a 30-second pause every 2 repetitions (cluster; n = 9). Power output, vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) EMG were recorded during all CMJs. Relative changes from the first repetition were assessed on the EMG root mean square (RMS), median frequency (Fmed), and a low- to high-frequency ratio index of fatigue (FInsmk). Greater power output decrements were observed during the continuous set configuration (p = 0.001, (Equation is included in full-text article.)< 0.01). Greater RMS increments in VL (6.8 ± 11.3 vs. -1.7 ± 5.8%) and RF (9.3 ± 14.2 vs. 1.9 ± 6.9%), but not VM (2.0 ± 4.7 vs. 2.6 ± 7.3%), were also observed in the continuous compared with the cluster sets (p = 0.033, (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.06). Progressive decrements in Fmed and increments in FInsmk were observed across repetitions in both set configurations. In conclusion, although clustering sets between repetitions clearly maintained power output, mixed responses were observed on the examined EMG parameters.

Associations of the Force-velocity Profile with Isometric Strength and Neuromuscular Factors.

We aimed to explore relationships between the force-velocity (FV) profile and the isometric muscle torque performance during a knee extension task. The FV profile (force-intercept [F0], velocity-intercept [V0], maximum power [Pmax], and FV slope) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) exercise and isometric maximum voluntary torque (MVIC) and explosive voluntary torque production were assessed in 43 participants. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded during the isometric assessments and resting muscle architecture measurements were also performed (quadriceps thickness, vastus lateralis pennation angle and fascicle length). Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed to assess bivariate relationships between the FV profile, isometric torque, EMG activation and muscle architecture. F0 predictions from neuromuscular measurements were assessed through multiple linear regression. Associations of F0 and Pmax with isometric torque increased from explosive to MVIC torque (r≥0.47; P<0.05). Significant associations were found between muscle architecture and F0 and Pmax (r≥0.69; P<0.05), while V0 and FV slope were unrelated (r≤0.27; P>0.05). Quadriceps thickness and VL pennation angle explained ~62% of F0 variance. In conclusion, the knee extensors maximal isometric strength and their morphological architecture are strongly related to F0 estimated from a CMJ FV profile test.

Effect of acute exposure to moderate altitude on kinematic variables of the ippon-seoi-nage and its relationship with the countermovement jump in elite judokas.

This study aimed to assess the effect of acute exposure to moderate altitude on kinematic variables of the ippon-seoi-nage and on the mechanical outputs of the countermovement jump (CMJ). Thirteen elite male judokas from the Spanish Judo Training Centre in Valencia (age: 21.54 ± 2.15 years) participated in the study. All of them performed an incremental CMJ test and an ippon-seoi-nage technique test before (N) and after the ascent to a moderate altitude of 2320 m above the sea level (H). A linear velocity transducer was attached to the bar to assess the mechanical outputs of each loaded CMJ at different percentages of their own body weight (25, 50, 75 and 100%). A wearable sensor was used to assess the kinematic variables (times, accelerations and angular velocities) transferred to a dummy during the technique test. The kinematic variables showed great individual reliability (CV = 8.46% in N; CV = 8.37% in H), which contrasted with low reliability observed when the whole group was considered. The smallest important CV ratio (>1.15) showed that H caused changes in the reliability of the kinematic variables, with some variables becoming more reliable and others losing the reliability they had in N. H also caused small increments in peak velocity across all loads tested in the CMJ (+3.67%; P<0.05). In contrast, no changes in the kinematic variables were verified. In addition, there was no association between leg extension capability and the acceleration (r = -0.16 ± 0.19 in N; r = -0.24 ± 0.19 in H) or angular velocity (r = -0.19 ± 0.24 in N; r = -0.30 ± 0.26 in H) of the ippon-seoi-nage, nor was acute exposure to H found to affect this association (P>0.05). Differences between individual and within-groups CV confirm the individual adaptations that each judoka makes during this technique. Additionally, the CV ratio shows a change in the space-time pattern of the technique in H. Therefore, it would be necessary to include an adaptation period to adapt the technique after the ascent in altitude. Further studies are needed to confirm the relationship and transference from the velocity gains in CMJ during altitude training.

Intermittent Resistance Training at Moderate Altitude: Effects on the Force-Velocity Relationship, Isometric Strength and Muscle Architecture.

Intermittent hypoxic resistance training (IHRT) may help to maximize the adaptations following resistance training, although conflicting evidence is available. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of moderate altitude on the functional, neural and muscle architecture responses of the quadriceps muscles following a power-oriented IHRT intervention. Twenty-four active males completed two 4-week consecutive training blocks comprising general strengthening exercises (weeks 1-4) and power-oriented resistance training (weeks 5-8). Training sessions were conducted twice a week at moderate altitude (2320 m; IHRT, n = 13) or normoxia (690 m; NT, n = 11). Training intensity during the second training block was set to the individual load corresponding to a barbell mean propulsive velocity of 1 m·s-1. Pre-post assessments, performed under normoxic conditions, comprised quadriceps muscle architecture (thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length), isometric maximal (MVF) and explosive strength, and voluntary muscle activation. Dynamic strength performance was assessed through the force-velocity relationship (F0, V0, P0) and a repeated CMJ test (CMJ15MP). Region-specific muscle thickness changes were observed in both training groups (p < 0.001, ηG2 = 0.02). A small opposite trend in pennation angle changes was observed (ES [90% CI]: -0.33 [-0.65, -0.01] vs. 0.11 [-0.44, 0.6], in the IHRT and NT group, respectively; p = 0.094, ηG2 = 0.02). Both training groups showed similar improvements in MVF (ES: 0.38 [0.20, 0.56] vs. 0.55 [0.29, 0.80], in the IHRT and NT group, respectively; p = 0.645, ηG2 < 0.01), F0 (ES: 0.41 [-0.03, 0.85] vs. 0.52 [0.04, 0.99], in the IHRT and NT group, respectively; p = 0.569, ηG2 < 0.01) and P0 (ES: 0.53 [0.07, 0.98] vs. 0.19 [-0.06, 0.44], in the IHRT and NT group, respectively; p = 0.320, ηG2 < 0.01). No meaningful changes in explosive strength performance were observed. In conclusion, contrary to earlier adverse associations between altitude and resistance-training muscle adaptations, similar anatomical and functional muscle strength responses can be achieved in both environmental conditions. The observed region-specific muscle thickness changes may encourage further research on the potential influence of IHRT on muscle morphological changes.

Influence of a Cluster Set Configuration on the Adaptations to Short-Term Power Training.

Morales-Artacho, AJ, Padial, P, García-Ramos, A, Pérez-Castilla, A, and Feriche, B. Influence of a cluster set configuration on the adaptations to short-term power training. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 930-937, 2018-This study investigated the effects of a traditional (TT) vs. cluster (CT) resistance training on the lower-body force, velocity, and power output. Nineteen males were allocated to a CT or a TT group and took part of a 3-week resistance training (2 weekly sessions). CT involved 6 sets of 3 × 2 repetitions (30 seconds rest every 2 repetitions and 4 minutes 30 seconds between sets). TT comprised 6 sets of 6 continuous repetitions (5 minutes rest between sets). Before and after the training period, force (F25, F50, F75), velocity (V25, V50, V75), and power (P25, P50, P75) were obtained during the countermovement jump (CMJ) exercise at 3 external loading conditions (25, 50, and 75% of body mass). Individual linear regressions were used to determine the force-velocity profile including the Slope, estimated maximal theoretical force (F0), velocity (V0), and power (P0). After CT, very-likely moderate increments in P25 were observed compared with TT (p = 0.011, ES = 0.55) because of a very-likely moderate rise in V25 (p = 0.001, ES = 0.71). No significant differences were observed in any of the F-v profile variables between the TT and CT groups (p ≥ 0.207, ES ≤ 0.31). Our results suggest that 3 weeks of muscle power training including cluster set configurations are more efficient at inducing velocity and power adaptations specific to the training load.