Vertical Versus Horizontal Training for Improving the Change of Direction Speed in Adult Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Barrera-Domínguez, FJ, Martínez-García, D, Jerez-Mayorga, D, Chirosa-Ríos, LJ, Almagro, BJ, and Molina-López, J. Vertical versus horizontal training for improving the change of direction speed in adult basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-The ability to perform changes of direction (COD) is a complex skill that involves the application of multiple force-orientations, and its execution at maximum speed is crucial in basketball players. The present study aimed to synthesize findings from previous interventions classified according to force-orientation (vertical, horizontal, or mixed) and determine their magnitude of the effect on COD performance in basketball players. A systematic review of the literature was performed in several databases (Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed) following the PRISMA statement and reviewed the quality of the included papers according to the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines Assessment. Sixteen articles with a total of 21 reports were included to analyze the role of force-orientations in COD performance. For the meta-analysis, the standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the chronic changes induced by training and performed an effect size (ES) analysis with a random-effects model. The results showed that all force-orientations generated improvements in COD performance (ES = -0.47 [95% CI -0.57, -0.36], Z = 8.74 [p < 0.01]). It was a mixed force-orientation that produced the greatest changes (ES = -0.91 [95% CI -1.27, -0.55], Z = 4.96 [p < 0.01]), followed by vertical training (ES = -0.45 [95% CI -0.70, -0.20], Z = 3.51 [p < 0.01]). Horizontal training was the least studied and showed the smallest change (ES = -0.10 [95% CI -0.14, -0.07], Z = 5,71 [p < 0.01]). This meta-analysis demonstrates that mixed vertical and horizontally oriented training may be the most optimal because it offers a greater variety of multidirectional stimuli that better prepares the athlete to deal with complex COD in real-game situations.

Muscle Quality Index is inversely associated with psychosocial variables among Chilean adolescents.

A good muscle quality index (MQI) may have an inverse relationship with psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in adolescents. Unfortunately, little scientific evidence has related MQI to psychosocial variables in this population. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the relationship between the MQI and psychosocial variables of depression, anxiety, and stress in Chilean adolescents. In this quantitative correlational design study, sixty adolescents participated voluntarily (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age 15.11 ± 1.78 years). Anthropometric parameters, prehensile strength, MQI, and psychosocial variables were evaluated. The results showed that adolescents with high levels of MQI presented lower levels of depression (7.50 ± 6.06 vs. 10.97 ± 5.94), anxiety (5.64 ± 4.81 vs. 9.66 ± 5.12), and stress (6.79 ± 5.09 vs. 10 ± 5.58), in addition to reported lower abdominal obesity (WtHR, 0.47 ± 0.07 vs. 0.52 ± 0.07) than those with low levels of MQI. The group with high levels of MQI reported a higher prevalence of nonanxiety (81.3%, p = 0.031) and a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity (55.8%, p = 0.023). Likewise, a significant inverse association was evidenced between MQI and depression (ß; -6.18, 95% CI; -10.11: -2.25, p = 0.003), anxiety (ß; -6.61, 95% CI; -9.83: -3.39, p < 0.001) and stress (ß; -4.90, 95% CI; -8.49: -1.32 p = 0.008). In conclusion, the results suggest that high levels of MQI are associated with a higher prevalence of nonanxiety in adolescents and a significant inverse association between MQI and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Effects of Exergames and Conventional Physical Therapy on Functional Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of exergames added to a conventional physical therapy (CPT) program on functional fitness and dynamometric muscle performance for the sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver in older adults and to compare their results concerning a CPT-only intervention. Materials and Methods: Fifty independent older adults were randomly assigned to CPT and exergames (CPT+ExG group; n = 25; age = 71.8 ± 6.8 years) or CPT alone (CPT group; n = 25; age = 71.3 ± 7.4 years). CPT was performed twice a week (60 min/session) for 8 weeks. The CPT+ExG group added exergames for 30 minutes in each session. The Senior Fitness Test was applied, considering the 30-second chair stand test as the primary outcome. Additionally, dynamometric muscle performance during the STS maneuver was assessed. Results: The CPT+ExG group improved the 30-second chair stand (lower body strength), back scratch (upper body flexibility), and 8-foot up-and-go (agility/dynamic balance) tests (all P < 0.05). Both groups improved the kinetic dynamometric variables peak force, peak power, and total work (all P < 0.05). Also, both groups improved the 30-second arm curl test (upper body strength) (P < 0.05), although the increase was higher in the CPT+ExG group compared with the CPT group (time × group; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Adding exergames to a CPT program only significantly increases upper limb strength compared with CPT alone. The findings of this study have implications for the design of future exergame interventions focused on improving STS maneuver performance in older adults.

Males Have a Higher Energy Expenditure than Females during Squat Training.

The main objective of this study was to determine the differences in energy expenditure (EE) according to sex during and after two different squat training protocols in a group of healthy young adults. Twenty-nine Sports Sciences students volunteered to participate in this study. They attended the laboratory on four different days and completed four sessions: two sessions with 3 sets of 12 repetitions at 75% of their one-repetition maximum (RM) and two sessions with 3 sets of 30 repetitions at 50% of their 1RM. Energy expenditure was evaluated using an indirect calorimeter. Males consistently demonstrated higher EE in all sessions and intensities. The linear regression model identified a significant association between sex, BMI, and total EE across all sessions and intensities. In conclusion, males exhibited higher EE in both protocols (50% and 75% of 1RM) throughout all sessions. Furthermore, sex and BMI were found to influence EE in healthy young adults. Therefore, coaches should consider sex when assessing EE, as the metabolic response differs between males and females.

Effect of sit-to-stand-based training on muscle quality in sedentary adults: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sit-to-stand (STS) training programs with 5 vs. 10 repetitions on muscle architecture and muscle function in sedentary adults. Sixty participants were randomly assigned into three groups: five-repetition STS (5STS), 10-repetition STS (10STS), or a control group (CG). Participants performed three sets of five or 10 repetitions of the STS exercise three times per week for 8 weeks. Before and after 8 weeks, all groups performed ultrasound measures to evaluate muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL), and the five-repetition STS test to estimate the relative STS power and muscle quality index (MQI). After 8 weeks, both experimental groups improved MQI (40-45%), relative STS power (29-38%), and MT (8-9%) (all p < 0.001; no differences between the 5STS vs. 10STS groups). These improvements in both groups resulted in differences regarding the CG, which did not present any change. In addition, only the 5STS group improved PA (15%; p = 0.008) without differences to the 10STS and CG.This suggests that STS training is time-effective and low-cost for improving muscle function and generating adaptations in muscle architecture.

On-court throwing activity of male handball players during the European Championship 2020.

The aim of this study was to investigate the on-court throwing activity in regards to playing positions, throwing zones on the court and throwing velocity category during the male European Championship 2020. A local positioning system with microsensors placed both in the shirts of the players and inside the ball itself was used. In total, 6568 throws were retrieved for analysis from the entire tournament. Results showed that first-line players (wings and line players) used their natural zone more to throw (65% left wing, 60% right wing, and 97% line player), showing higher effectiveness from there (p < 0.05). Second lines players distributed more of their throws (45% left back, 50% right back and 32% center back in their natural zones) giving priority to the throws in 6 m, where they showed higher effectiveness (p < 0.05), or between the lines. Considering all players, shots from nearby and intermediate areas corresponded to 83% of the shots showing higher efficiency (p < 0.05) than shots performed from the areas furthest from the goal (14.9%. from zones 6-7-8). Back players mainly performed the highest velocity throws (Category 4 > ~100 km/h) from these furthest areas. Throwing velocity and effectiveness by throwing zones and positions was not significantly modified over the three rounds of the tournament (p > 0.05), indicating no effect of possible fatigue. A higher team ranking was associated with higher throwing efficiency but only for wing players. The results of this research could help handball coaches to better adjust training programs for the improvement of throwing velocity and its transfer to the competition.

Variable Resistance-An Efficient Method to Generate Muscle Potentiation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Variable resistance (VR) is a methodology that has shown good results in developing muscular strength and power. However, no updated information relates to the use of VR as an activation to trigger post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE). The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to review and qualitatively describe studies published between 2012 and 2022 that used VR to generate PAPE in muscle power-dominant sports. The secondary objective was to calculate the effect size of the different power outcomes reported in the selected studies. The search was designed following the PRISMA® guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses and performed in the Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and MEDLINE between 2012 and 2022. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The main variables were the throwing speed, time in sprint tests, and jump height. The analysis was conducted with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) through a Hedges' g test (95% CI). Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and ten in the meta-analysis, revealing a trivial effect for throwing speed (SMD = 0.06; CI = 95%: -0.23-0.35; p = 0.69), a small effect for the time in sprint tests (SMD = -0.37; CI = 95%: -0.72--0.02; p = 0.04), and a moderate effect for jump height (SMD = 0.55; CI = 95%: 0.29-0.81; p ˂ 0.0001). All forms of VR used for neuromuscular activation effectively triggered PAPE. Specifically, the results showed that activation with VR generates performance increases in time, in sprint tests and jump height, and a trivial effect in throwing tests (speed and distance).

Test-Retest Reliability of the Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer for Squat Exercise.

BACKGROUND: the main objective of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of two different functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD)-controlled squat training protocols. METHODS: twenty-eight healthy young adults volunteered to participate in this study. They attended the laboratory on four different days and performed four sessions: two of three sets of 12 repetitions at 75% 1RM and two of three sets of 30 repetitions at 50% 1RM. The range of movement (ROM), mean dynamic strength (MDS), peak dynamic strength (PDS), mean velocity (MV), peak velocity (PV), mean potency (MP), peak potency (PP), work (W), and impulse (I) were recorded. To evaluate the reliability of FEMD, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and coefficient of variation (CV) were obtained. RESULTS: reliability was very high for ROM (CV: 3.72%, ICC: 0.95), MDS (CV: 1.09%, ICC: 1.00), PDS (CV: 1.97%, ICC: 1.00), and W (CV: 4.69%, ICC: 1.00) conditions at 50% 1RM and for ROM (CV: 3.90%, ICC: 0.95), MDS (CV: 0.52, ICC: 1.00), PDS (CV: 1.49%, ICC: 0.98), and W (CV: 4.14%, ICC: 1.00) conditions at 75% 1RM and high for the rest of variables at 50 and 75% 1RM. CONCLUSIONS: this study demonstrates that FEMD is a reliable instrument to measure ROM, MDS, PDS, MV, PV, PV, MP, MP, W, and I during both squat protocols (50 and 75% 1RM) in healthy young adults.

Dynamometric Strength Profile of Hip Muscles in Youth Soccer Players.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is the most widely practiced sport in the world, demanding high-speed activities such as jumps, sprints and changes of direction. Therefore, having optimal levels of muscle strength improves performance and reduces the injury rate. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of our study were (i) to determine the dynamometric profile of hip muscle strength in young soccer players by position, evaluated at different isokinetic speeds, (ii) to describe the conventional and functional unilateral muscle strength ratios, (iii) to analyze the bilateral balance. METHODS: Thirty-seven male soccer players (age 17.02 ± 0.92 years) participated in the study. Strength assessment was performed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer, and concentric and eccentric strength of abductors, adductors, extensors and hip flexors were measured bilaterally at 0.5 m/s and 1 m/s. RESULTS: For eccentric right hip abduction at 0.5 m/s, defenders are significantly stronger than midfielders (p = 0.013) and stronger than forwards (p = 0.140). For eccentric right hip adduction at 0.5 m/s, defenders are significantly stronger than midfielders (p = 0.005) and stronger than forwards (p = 0.253), as for eccentric right hip adduction at 1 m/s, defenders are significantly stronger than midfielders (p = 0.014) and stronger than forwards (p = 0.084). There is a significant effect for the conventional strength ratio of left abduction/adduction at 1 m/s. The conventional strength ratio of forwards is significantly higher than that of defenders (p = 0.045) and higher than that of midfielders (p = 0.152). CONCLUSIONS: Concentric and eccentric hip strength values differ according to playing position.

Exploration of the Shoulder Internal Rotation's Influence on Throwing Velocity in Handball Players: A Pilot Study.

The main objective of this study was to test the relationship between shoulder internal rotation strength and standing throwing velocity. A repeated measures cross-sectional study was conducted with 20 professional handball players (mean ± SD; age: 19.28 ± 2.55 years, weight: 81.52 ± 9.66 kg, height: 185 ± 6 cm, BMI: 23.74 ± 1.69). The participants were instructed to perform eight standing throws from the 7 m line of the handball court at maximum velocity to calculate the mean and maximum throwing velocity. An incremental test was performed to calculate the repetition maximum (1-RM) of internal rotation shoulder strength. A Pearson's correlation analysis with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was performed to determine whether correlations existed between dominant arm internal rotation strength characteristics and maximum and mean ball-throwing velocity. There is no correlation between the internal rotation strength of the throwing shoulder and the velocity of the ball in the standing handball throw.

Fiabilidad y estabilidad del gesto de diferentes variantes de lanzamiento de balonmano / Reliability and Stability of the Gesture of Different Variants of drowing of Handball

Resumen El estudio tiene como propósito analizar la fiabilidad de la prueba de 8 lanzamientos de 3 diferentes variantes de lanzamientos de balonmano en estudiantado universitario. 33 varones, 20 ±1,9 años; peso 72,39±8,9 kg; altura 176,75 ±6,07 cm; IMC 23,14±2,3. Los sujetos participantes fueron evaluados en 2 sesiones separadas entre sí por un lapso de una semana. Ejecutaron lanzamientos hasta quedar registrados 8 mediciones en cada una de las pruebas, lanzamientos inespecíficos, en apoyo y en carrera con 3 pasos, se registró la velocidad de lanzamiento con un radar posterior a la portería. La fiabilidad del promedio de las puntuaciones del test de 8 medidas entre la primera sesión y la segunda con una prueba test-retest, se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: en el lanzamiento inespecífico se obtuvo un ICC= (0,86) entre el 95% de confianza, un de CV= (7,43%) y un ES= (0,08). Para el lanzamiento con apoyo se obtuvo un ICC= (0,94) al 95 % de confianza, un de CV= (4,71 %) y un ES= (-0,09). Para el lanzamiento con carrera se obtuvo un ICC= (0,96) al 95 % de confianza, un de CV= (4,00 %) y un ES= (0,05). Este estudio ha demostrado que la prueba de 8 lanzamientos y las 3 variantes es una medida de rendimiento confiable y estable para estudiantes de nivel universitario sin experiencia en el balonmano, en relación con las variables del lanzamiento, las 3 fueron fiables, solo la variable inespecífica fue menor en comparación al lanzamiento con apoyo y con carrera.

Abstract This study aims to analyze the reliability of the test of 8 throws of 3 different variants of handball throws in university students. The participants were 33 males, 20 ± 1.9 years; weight 72.39 ± 8.9 kg; height 176.75 ± 6.07 cm; BMI 23.14 ± 2.3. They were evaluated in 2 sessions separated from each other by a period of one week. The participants executed throws until 8 measurements were recorded in each of the tests, unspecific throws, in support and in the race with 3 steps; the launch speed was recorded with a radar behind the goal. The reliability of the average of the test scores of 8 measurements between the first session and the second was measured with a test-retest test. The following results were obtained: in the nonspecific launch, an ICC= (0.86) was obtained between 95% of confidence, one of CV= (7.43%) and one ES = (0.08). For the toss with support, an ICC = (0.94) was obtained at 95% confidence, one of CV = (4.71%) and an ES = (-0.09). For the running throw, an ICC = (0.96) was obtained at 95% confidence, one of CV = (4.00%) and one ES = (0.05). This study has shown that the test of 8 throws and the 3 variants is a reliable and stable performance measure for university-level students without experience in handball; in relation to the throw variables, all 3 were reliable. Only the nonspecific variable was lower compared to the supported and running pitch.

Resumo O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a confiabilidade do teste de 8 arremessos de 3 variantes diferentes de arremessos de handebol em estudantes universitários. 33 homens, 20 ±1,9 anos; peso 72,39±8,9 kg; altura 176,75 ±6,07 cm; IMC 23,14±2,3. Os participantes foram testados em 2 sessões separadas por um lapso de 1 semana. Os participantes executaram arremessos até poder registrar 8 medições em cada um dos testes, arremessos não específicos, com apoio e correndo com 3 passos. A velocidade de arremesso foi registrada com um radar pós-gol. A confiabilidade da média dos resultados dos testes de 8 medições entre a primeira sessão e a segunda com um teste de retorno, deu os seguintes resultados: no teste de lançamento não específico, foi obtido um ICC= (0,86) com 95% de confiança, um CV= (7,43%) e um ES= (0,08). Para o lançamento apoiado obtivemos um ICC= (0,94) a 95% de confiança, um CV= (4,71%) e um ES= (-0,09). Para o arremesso de corrida obtivemos um ICC= (0,96) a 95% de confiança, um CV= (4,00%) e um ES= (0,05). Este estudo mostrou que o teste de 8 lances e as 3 variantes é uma medida de desempenho confiável e estável para estudantes universitários sem experiência em handebol. Em relação às variáveis de arremesso, todas as 3 foram confiáveis, apenas a variável não específica foi menor em comparação com o arremesso com suporte e com corrida.

Effect of Traditional, Cluster, and Rest Redistribution Set Configurations on Neuromuscular and Perceptual Responses During Strength-Oriented Resistance Training.

ABSTRACT: Cuevas-Aburto, J, Jukic, I, Chirosa-Ríos, LJ, González-Hernández, JM, Janicijevic, D, Barboza-González, P, Guede-Rojas, F, and García-Ramos, A. Effect of traditional, cluster, and rest redistribution set configurations on neuromuscular and perceptual responses during strength-oriented resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1490-1497, 2022-This study aimed to compare the acute effect of traditional (TR), cluster (CL), and rest redistribution (RR) set configurations on neuromuscular and perceptual measures of fatigue. Thirty-one resistance-trained men randomly performed a Control session and 3 experimental sessions consisting of the squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises performed against the 10 repetition maximum load using TR (3 sets of 6 repetitions; 3 minutes of interset rest), CL (3 sets of 6 repetitions; 30 seconds of intraset rest every 2 repetitions; 3 minutes of interset rest), and RR (9 sets of 2 repetitions; 45 seconds of interset rest) set configurations. A significant effect of "set configuration" (p = 0.002) was observed for barbell velocity. The average velocity of the training session was lower for TR compared with CL (% difference = 5.09% in SQ and 5.68% in BP) and RR (% difference = 5.92% in SQ and 2.71% in BP). The 3 set configurations induced comparable decrements in countermovement jump height (% difference from -6.0% to -8.1%) and throwing velocity (% difference from -0.6% to -1.2%). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-10) values collected after the sets were higher for TR (SQ: 6.9 ± 0.7 a.u.; BP: 6.8 ± 0.8 a.u.) compared with CL (SQ: 6.2 ± 0.8 a.u.; BP: 6.4 ± 0.7 a.u.) and RR (SQ: 6.2 ± 0.8 a.u.; BP: 6.6 ± 0.9 a.u.), while the session RPE did not differ between the set configurations (p = 0.595). CL and RR set configurations allow for higher velocities and lower RPE values during resistance training sessions not performed to failure in comparison with a TR set configuration.

Reliability of Isokinetic Hip Flexor and Extensor Strength Measurements in Healthy Subjects and Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the reliability of isokinetic measurements of hip strength in flexion and extension in healthy subjects and athletes. METHODS: The databases used were Web of Science, SCOPUS, Medline and PubMed. R was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Hip flexion shows moderate reliability in the supine position (ICC = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.46-0.99) and good reliability in the standing position (ICC = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.54-1.04). Hip extension shows excellent reliability in the supine position (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85-0.96) and moderate reliability in the standing position (ICC = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.48-0.96). Flexion of 120°/s and 180°/s showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.85-1.00), (ICC = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92-1.01). The 60°/s and 120°/s extension showed good reliability (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82-0.98), (ICC = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.75-0.99). The 180°/s extension presented excellent reliability (ICC = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.03). CONCLUSIONS: The standing position shows good reliability for hip flexion and the supine position shows excellent reliability for hip extension, both movements have excellent reliability at velocities between 120°/s to 180°/s.

Syndrome Metabolic Markers, Fitness and Body Fat Is Associated with Sleep Quality in Women with Severe/Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is an important modulator of neuroendocrine function and glucose metabolism. Poor sleep quality is related to metabolic and endocrine alterations, including decreased glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, and increased hunger and appetite. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the association between sleep quality with metabolic syndrome (MetS) markers, fitness and body fat of women with severe/morbid obesity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 26 women with severe/morbid obesity. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-density lipids (HDL-c), triglycerides (TGs), and the metabolic outcomes total cholesterol (Tc) and low-density lipids (LDL-c), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body composition and fitness were measured. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality showed a positive association with body fat (%) ≥ 48.2 (OR; 8.39, 95% CI; 1.13-62.14, p = 0.037), morbid obesity (OR; 8.44, 95% CI; 1.15-66.0, p = 0.036), glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL (OR; 8.44, 95% CI; 1.15-66.0, p = 0.036) and relative handgrip strength ≤ 0.66 (OR; 12.2, 95% CI; 1.79-83.09, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: sleep quality is associated with health markers in women with severe/morbid obesity.

Test-Retest Reliability of Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer on Five Sit-to-Stand Measures in Healthy Young Adults.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability for the strength and movement velocity of the concentric phase from the five Sit-to-Stand (5STS), using three incremental loads measured by a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) in healthy young adults. Methods: The average and peak strength and velocity values of sixteen healthy adults (mean ± standard deviation (SD): age = 22.81 ± 2.13 years) were recorded at 5, 10 and 15 kg. To evaluate the reliability of FEMD, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV) were obtained. Results: Reliability was high for the 10 kg (CV range: 3.70-4.18%, ICC range: 0.95-0.98) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 1.64-3.02%, ICC: 0.99) at average and peak strength, and reliability was high for the 5 kg (CV range: 1.71-2.84%, ICC range: 0.96-0.99), 10 kg (CV range: 0.74-1.84%, ICC range: 0.99-1.00) and 15 kg conditions (CV range: 0.79-3.11%, ICC range: 0.99-1.00) at average and peak velocity. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate that FEMD is a reliable instrument to measure the average and peak strength and velocity values during the five STS in healthy young adults.

Test-retest reliability of a functional electromechanical dynamometer on swing eccentric hamstring exercise measures in soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The use of a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) has been proposed as a valid and effective tool to evaluate specific movement patterns. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of FEMD on swing eccentric hamstring exercise (SEHE) measures in soccer players. METHODS: Nineteen federated male soccer players (20.74 ± 4.04 years) performed the SEHE at three different isokinetic velocities (20-40-60 cm/s). These evaluations were conducted in four sessions, two for familiarization and two for registration. The average and maximum load (N) of the three isokinetic velocities was calculated from the values obtained from the FEMD (Dynasystem®, Bangalore). RESULTS: The main results of this research showed that the reliability was high for the average load in the condition of 40 cm/s, presenting the highest ICC value (0.94). For maximum load, reliability was high in the condition of 20 cm/s. The manifestation of the most reliable load was the maximum load (ICC = 0.91-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: FEMD (Dynasystem®, Bangalore) is a reliable device to evaluate the eccentric strength of the hamstring muscles in soccer players.

Effects of Pre-Activation with Variable Intra-Repetition Resistance on Throwing Velocity in Female Handball Players: a Methodological Proposal.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of pre-activation with Variable Intra-Repetition Resistance and isometry on the overhead throwing velocity in handball players. Fourteen female handball players took part in the study (age: 21.2 ± 2.7 years, experience: 10.9 ± 3.5 years). For Post-Activation Potentiation, two pre-activation methods were used: (I) Variable Intra-Repetition Resistance: 1 x 5 maximum repetitions at an initial velocity of 0.6 m·s-1 and a final velocity of 0.9 m·s-1; (II) Isometry: 1 x 5 s of maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Both methods were "standing unilateral bench presses" with the dominant arm, using a functional electromechanical dynamometer. The variable analysed was the mean of the three overhead throws. Ball velocity was measured with a radar (Stalker ATS). The statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with repeated measures. No significant differences were found for either method (variable resistance intra-repetition: p = 0.194, isometry: p = 0.596). Regarding the individual responses, the analysis showed that 86% of the sample increased throwing velocity with the variable resistance intra-repetition method, while 93% of the sample increased throwing velocity with the isometric method. Both the variable intra-repetition resistance and isometric methods show improvements in ball velocity in female handball players. However, the authors recommend checking individual responses, since the results obtained were influenced by the short rest interval between the pre-activation and the experimental sets.

Changes in Muscle Oxygen Saturation Measured Using Wireless Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Resistance Training: A Systematic Review.

Background: This study aimed to report, through a systematic review of the literature, the baseline and final reference values obtained by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) during resistance training in healthy adults. Methods: Original research studies were searched from four databases (Scopus, PubMed, WOS, and SportDiscus). Subsequently, three independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, followed by full-text reviews to assess the studies' eligibility. Results: Four studies met the inclusion criteria, data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black scale. Muscle oxygen saturation (% SmO2) during reported muscle strength exercises showed a decreasing trend after a muscle strength protocol; that is, before the protocol (range = 68.07-77.9%) and after (range = 9.50-46.09%). Conclusions: The trend of the SmO2 variables is to decrease after a muscle strength protocol. Studies are lacking that allow expanding the use of these devices during this type of training.

Time-Motion Analysis by Playing Positions of Male Handball Players during the European Championship 2020.

The aim of this study was to analyze time-motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in a European Championship. Players (n = 1865) covered significantly (p < 0.001; ES = 0.48) more total distance in offense (1217.48 ± 699.33 m) and in all locomotion categories (p < 0.001) than in defense (900.96 ± 538.95 m), with a similar average total time on court (13.40 ± 8.19 min in offense and 13.27 ± 8.59 min; p > 0.05). The running pace was significantly higher in offense 96.53 ± 22.57 m/min than in defense 82.72 ± 43.28 m/min (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47). By playing positions, the Left Wing players covered significantly (p < 0.001) higher distances (2547.14 ± 1309.52) and showed longer playing time (32.08 ± 17.01). Center Back was the playing position that showed the highest global running pace (98.34 m/min). Players with higher running pace in offense (p < 0.001) were Left Backs (105.95 ± 25.20) and the Center Backs in defense (95.76 ± 48.90). There were no significant differences between winners and losers or between top ranked and lower ranked teams in terms of time played, distance covered, and running pace. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance and minimize fatigue when performing in long tournaments.

Effect of Resistance-Training Programs Differing in Set Configuration on Maximal Strength and Explosive-Action Performance.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of 2 upper-body strength-training programs differing in set configuration on bench press 1-repetition maximum (BP1RM), bench press throw peak velocity against 30 kg (BPT30), and handball throwing velocity. METHODS: Thirty-five men were randomly assigned to a traditional group (TRG; n = 12), rest redistribution group (RRG; n = 13), or control group (n = 10). The training program was conducted with the bench press exercise and lasted 6 weeks (2 sessions per week): TRG-6 sets × 5 repetitions with 3 minutes of interset rest; RRG-1 set × 30 repetitions with 31 seconds of interrepetition rest. The total rest period (15 min) and load intensity (75% 1RM) were the same for both experimental groups. Subjects performed all repetitions at maximal intended velocity, and the load was adjusted on a daily basis from velocity recordings. RESULTS: A significant time × group interaction was observed for both BP1RM and BPT30 (P < .01) due to the higher values observed at posttest compared with pretest for TRG (effect size [ES] = 0.77) and RRG (ES = 0.56-0.59) but not for the control group (ES ≤ 0.08). The changes in BP1RM and BPT30 did not differ between TRG and RRG (ES = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). No significant differences in handball throwing velocity were observed between the pretest and posttest (ES = 0.16, 0.22, and 0.02 for TRG, RRG, and control group, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Resistance-training programs based on not-to-failure traditional and rest redistribution set configurations induce similar changes in BP1RM, BPT30, and handball throwing velocity.