How Do Intracompetition Strategies Differ Between Para Powerlifting Podium and Nonpodium Athletes? A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Beaumont, P, Garrett, J, and van den Hoek, D. How do intracompetition strategies differ between para powerlifting podium and nonpodium athletes? A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 584-591, 2024-This study aimed to investigate the intracompetition strategies used by para powerlifters and quantify and report them for application by coaches and athletes to improve their odds of competitive success. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was conducted using a public powerlifting database. Primary analysis categorized athletes as either podium (POD) or nonpodium (NPOD), and a subanalysis classified athletes as either gold medalists (GMs) or silver and bronze medalists (SBMs). Analyses of variance were used to assess the significance of the difference between groups. Pearson's correlations were used to evaluate the magnitude of the relationships and binary logistic regressions were used to quantify the variables. Results are reported as odds ratios, and an alpha level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was a significant difference in mean age (POD = 1.6 years younger; p < 0.001), body mass (POD = 2.7 kg heavier; p = 0.006), and best lift (POD = 19.5 kg greater; p < 0.001) for female POD athletes compared with NPOD athletes. For male POD athletes compared with NPOD athletes, there was a difference in mean age (POD = 0.6 years younger; p = 0.035) and best lift (POD = 28.4 kg greater; p < 0.001). Comparing GMs with SBMs showed a significant difference in the mean best lift in both men (GM = 17.4 kg greater; p < 0.001) and women (GM = 11.1 kg greater; p < 0.001). A positive relationship was seen in both the primary and subanalysis between the number of successful lifts (of 3) and an increase in the odds of competitive success (i.e., winning). The findings of this research indicate that high-performing para powerlifters tend to choose attempt weights that prioritize the successful completion of all 3 intracompetition lifts to win a competition.

Reply to "Asking the Right Question Is Key to Getting a Valuable Answer".

Author response to the JOSPT Letter to the Editor-in-Chief "Asking the Right Question is Key to Getting a Valuable Answer" J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(11):726-727. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.0204-R.

Testing the peak running speed in analytical and contextual-based scenarios: Applied research in young adult soccer players.

The primary aim was to compare the peak running speed (PRS) attained in the 40-m linear sprint test, in an analytical-based soccer drill, in the 5-0-5 test, and a training match scenario. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the differences between the three assessment sessions and identify how the tests can vary from session to session. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the within-test variability to understand how consistent the performance is within each test format across the different sessions. Forty male under-19 players competing at the national level participated in this study. A training session was observed for each of the three study weeks in which the following tests/scenarios were monitored using a GPS. The 40-m linear sprint test and the analytical-based soccer drill presented the smallest within-subject coefficients of variation between the sessions. A large correlation (r = 0.742) was found between the PRS during the 40-m linear sprint test and the analytical-based soccer drill. The 40-m linear sprint test was the best method of those examined for measuring PRS. The analytical drill provides a reliable method for measuring PRS, although it differs from the 40-metre linear sprint test.

The Relationship Between Neck Strength and Sports-Related Concussion in Team Sports: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to quantify the relationship between neck strength and sports-related concussion (SRC) for athletes participating in team sports. DESIGN: Etiology systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Scopus were searched on March 17, 2022, and updated on April 18, 2023. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Team sports where an opponent invades the player's territory (eg, football, rugby, basketball) that reported at least 1 measure of neck strength, and 1 measure of SRC incidence, using cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional study designs. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias; certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. DATA SYNTHESIS: Studies were summarized qualitatively and quantitatively. To understand the relationship between neck strength and future SRC incidence, random-effects meta-analysis was conducted on prospective longitudinal studies. RESULTS: From a total of 1445 search results, eight studies including 7625 participants met the inclusion criteria. Five studies reported a relationship between greater neck strength or motor control and reduced concussion incidence. Pooled results from 4 studies indicated small (r = 0.08-0.14) nonsignificant effects with substantial heterogeneity (I2>90%). The considerable heterogeneity is likely a result of synthesized studies with vastly different sample characteristics, including participant age, playing level, and sports. CONCLUSIONS: There was very low-certainty evidence suggesting a small, nonsignificant relationship between greater neck strength and a lower risk of sustaining a SRC. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(10):1-9. Epub: 10 July 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11727.

Comparison of the neuromuscular response to three different Turkish, semi-professional football training sessions typically used within the tactical periodization training model.

This study examined the neuromuscular responses to three typical football (soccer) training sessions and the reliability of peak speed (PS) measured during a submaximal running test (SRT) for identifying neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) status. Jump height (CMJH) and peak velocity (CMJPV) were collected from a CMJ test, while peak speed (PS) was collected during an SRT before and after each training session. Large effect size (ES) decreases were observed in each variable post-training (ES; - 1.42 to - 2.32). Significant differences (> 0.001) were detected between each football session's external load variables. Coefficients of variations were small (< 10%) with moderate (CMJPV; 0.53, PS; 0.44) and strong (CMJH; 0.72) intraclass correlation coefficients between pre-test measures. The demands of each football session aligned with the principles of tactical periodization and were sufficient to produce the fatigue necessary to elicit physiological adaptations. PS was also shown to be a viable measure of monitoring NMF status.

Analysis of Competition Performance Leading to Success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships Between 2013 and 2019.

ABSTRACT: van den Hoek, D, Garrett, J, Travis, SK, Oxnard, K, Howells, R, Owen, P, and Latella, C. Analysis of competition performance leading to success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships between 2013 and 2019. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): e555-e562, 2023-Despite being a global sport, there is a paucity of research investigating competition-related factors contributing to World Championship powerlifting success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine competition strategies that underpin gold medalists' (GMs) and silver or bronze medalists' (SBMs) performances. Data collected from open-age International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship events 2013-2019 were analyzed (1,312 competitors [males n = 734, females n = 578]). Attempt weight and success for the squat (SQ), bench press (BP), and deadlift (DL); 'total' competition scores; category (age, weight class, and sex); and placing were categorized into 3 groups: GMs, SBMs, and nonwinners (fourth place or lower). One-way analysis of variances determined between group differences. Odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of winning and placing (i.e., GMs or SBMs) were also calculated. The odds of winning a competition were increased 5.9 times for men and by 1.5 times for women, when successfully completing 8 or 9 of 9 lift attempts. These findings provide comprehensive insight into intracompetition-related factors that contribute to World Championship powerlifting success to directly inform coach and athlete strategies. This information may also hold relevance for competitive state or national competitions and extend to other similarly structured strength-based sports.

Peak running speed can be used to monitor neuromuscular fatigue from a standardized running test in team sport athletes.

This study compared the sensitivity of peak running speed (PRS) measured during a submaximal run test (SRT) with a countermovement jump (CMJ) test to provide an alternate method of measuring neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). The study involved 20 semi-professional academy soccer players who performed a SRT and CMJ test, 24-hours pre-match, 24-, 48-, 72- and 96-hours post-match. Moderate decreases (effect-size (ES) ± 90% confidence intervals) were observed 24-hours post-match for CMJH; ES -0.70 ± 0.19, CMJPV; ES -0.92 ± 0.27 and PRS; ES -0.58 ± 0.11 with small decreases in CMJH; ES -0.36 ± 0.13 and PRS; ES -0.27 ± 0.23 still evident 48-hours post-match before returning to baseline 72-hours post-match. The results confirm PRS as an inexpensive alternate method of measuring NMF which, allows instantaneous real-time feedback on NMF. This can allow changes to be made immediately on-field within the post-match recovery phase without the need for further analysis or equipment.

Paralympians Are Stronger Than You Know: A Comparison of Para and Nondisabled Powerlifting Bench Press World Records.

ABSTRACT: van den Hoek, D, Garrett, J, Howells, R, and Latella, C. Paralympians are stronger than you know: A comparison of para and nondisabled powerlifting bench press world records. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 452-456, 2023-This investigation explored the absolute and relative strength of bench press world record holders for World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) athletes. Athlete data (mass [in kilograms], competitive weight class, and bench press mass [in kilograms]) for world record holding male and female athletes were extracted from public databases. Absolute and relative strength (kg·kg bw-1 ) of athletes was compared using IPF competitive weight classes. On an individual basis, WPPO world record holders demonstrated greater absolute strength than their IPF counterparts in 5 of 8 weight classes for women and 6 of 8 weight classes for men when classified using standard IPF competitive weight classes. Overall, effect sizes for relative strength were greater in WPPO male (19.6%, g = 0.75) and female (9.24%, g = 0.38) athletes but did not reach statistical significance. The greatest relative strength observed was 3.88 kg·kg bw-1 (under 49-kg WPPO) for male and 2.72 kg·kg bw-1 (under 50-kg WPPO class) for female athletes. For IPF athletes, the greatest relative strength was reported in the under 66-kg class for male athletes (3.35 kg·kg bw-1 ) and under 63-kg class for female athletes (2.29 kg·kg bw-1 ). The physical impairments experienced by WPPO world record holders do not appear to compromise bench press strength compared with able-bodied athletes. Indeed, WPPO world record holders often possess greater relative and absolute strength than their IPF counterparts. Superior para powerlifting bench press records may be, at least in part, the result of training and biomechanical factors and seem to be the only anaerobic strength-based sport where para records exceed that of able-bodied athletes.

Difference between preferred and non-preferred leg in peak speed, acceleration, and deceleration variables and their relationships with the change-of-direction deficit.

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the variation of kinematic measures between using preferred and non-preferred legs while braking during the 5-0-5 change of direction test; and (ii) test the relationships between kinematic measures, and change-of-direction deficit (CODD). A cross-sectional study using twenty adult male soccer players (21.6 ± 2.0 years; 73.2 ± 6.1 kg; 174.8 ± 4.5 cm) was employed. Players performed three repetitions of the 5-0-5 test using each leg during the braking phase. Players have used the Polar Team Pro to obtain the kinematic measures of peak speed, peak acceleration, and peak deceleration. Additionally, the CODD was also obtained using single-beamed photocells. Comparisons revealed a significantly greater peak acceleration (+ 0.22 m/s2; p < 0.001) and deceleration (+ 0.17 m/s2; p = 0.004) for the non-preferred leg. There were no significant correlations were found between CODD and peak accelerations (r = - 0.014, [- 0.193; 0.166]), peak decelerations (r = - 0.052, [- 0.229; 0.128]) or peak speed (r = 0.118, [- 0.063; 0.291]). This study revealed that preferred and non-preferred leg must be analyzed differently since they are different in the kinematic variables. However, CODD seems independent of leg preference and the kinematic measures of a 5-0-5 change of direction test.

Can high-intensity interval training and small-sided games be effective for improving physical fitness after detraining? A parallel study design in youth male soccer players.

Background: The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the within-group physical fitness adaptations promoted by a detraining period (4 weeks) followed by an intervention period (4 weeks) using small-sided games (SSGs) or running-based high intensity interval training (HIIT); and (ii) analyze the between-group differences aiming to identify the effectiveness of each training intervention on the physical fitness of youth male soccer players. Methods: This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Forty male soccer players (age: 16.4 ± 0.5 years old) were assessed three times: (i) baseline; (ii) after 4 weeks of detraining; and (iii) after a retraining period of 4 weeks. After returning from detraining, players were randomized to an SSG-based training intervention (n = 20) or running-based HIIT (n = 20). Interventions lasted 4 weeks, with a training frequency of three sessions per week. At all timepoints, players were assessed by: (i) anthropometry (height, body mass, fat mass (FM)), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing broad jump (SBJ), triple hop jump (THJ), linear sprint test (5-, 10-, and 20-m), zig-zag test with (ZZwB) and without (ZZwoB) ball, three corner run test (3CRT), Y-balance test and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT). Mixed ANOVA (time * group) was conducted for testing interactions between the three timepoints of repeated measures and the two groups. Effect size (ES) for pairwise comparisons was calculated using Cohen's. Results: Between-group analysis revealed significantly smaller SBJ (t = -2.424, p = 0.020, d = -0.767 small ES) and THT (t = -4.353, p < 0.001, d = -1.376 large ES) in the SSG group after the retraining period. At the same time, SSG presented significantly greater FM after retraining compared to HIIT (t = 3.736, p < 0.001, d = 1.181 large ES). Additionally, SSG had significantly smaller values than HIIT in the ZZwB (t = -3.645, p < 0.001, d = -1.153 large ES), but greater times in the ZZwoB (t = 2.679, p = 0.011, d = 0.847 large ES) and 3CRT (t = 3.126, p = 0.003, d = 0.989 large ES). Conclusions: Although SSG and HIIT interventions improved physical fitness outcomes after a period of detraining, they were not able to effectively restore body composition, CMJ, 20-m sprint, ZZwB, and YYIRT compared with the baseline assessments (before detraining). Only HIIT was significantly effective for restoring SBJ, short linear sprin speed, and change-of-direction compared with baseline. HIIT was also significantly better than SSG in improving SBJ and ZZwoB. Although the small sample, the non determination of maturation status and the need to be cautious regarding generalization, HIIT appears to be more beneficial than SSG after a detraining period for recovery of body composition and physical fitness qualities in this specific context of youth soccer players.

What are the odds? Identifying factors related to competitive success in powerlifting.

BACKGROUND: The ability for athletes to gain a competitive advantage over their opponents is well recognised. At times, this advantage may be considered a marginal gain. However, in the context of competition, marginal advantages may be the difference between winning and losing. This investigation explores how competition factors influence the odds of competitive success (i.e. winning) in powerlifting (PL) to assist athletes and coaches in achieving a competitive advantage. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of competition data from raw/classic, Australian powerlifting competitions 2010-2019 was conducted. Data included 10,599 competition entries (males: n = 6567 [62%], females: n = 4032 [38%]). Independent t-tests were used to compare continuous data between sexes or winners and non-winners at an event. Cohen's d and the 95% confidence interval (d [95% CI]) were calculated. Univariate odds of winning an event based on independent variables (age [irrespective of category], sex, body weight and weight of first lift attempt [regardless of success]), were assessed by separate simple logistic regression. RESULTS: When compared to males, the odds of winning for females were 50% greater (OR [95% CI] 1.500 [1.384, 1.625]; P < 0.001). Athletes who had larger first lift attempts (Squat: + 7.0 kg P < 0.001, Bench Press: + 3.2 kg P < 0.001, and Deadlift: + 6.1 kg P < 0.001and competed for a longer period (winners: 401 vs non-winners: 304 days, P < 0.001) had an increased likelihood winning. Age was associated with increased odds of success for males (OR [95% CI] 1.014 [1.009, 1.019], P < 0.001) per additional year of age for males, but not females (P = 0.509). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors appear to contribute to the likelihood of winning a PL competition. These results may help coaches to develop competition and training strategies that optimise athletes' likelihood of competitive success in PL.

Impacts of squat attempt weight selection and success on powerlifting performance.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no evidence to support the optimal competition strategy for success in powerlifting competitions. The purpose of this study was to analyze powerlifting (PL) competition data to assess the relationship between squat attempts, the success of each lift attempt, and weight increase between attempts, with winning. METHODS: The analysis from 'raw' Powerlifting Australia sanctioned competitions held between 2008 and 2019 included 10,672 individual competition entries (males: N.=6617, females: N.=4055). We reported Cohen's d, statistical significance, 95% confidence intervals and the univariate odds of winning an event. Factors were assessed by separate simple logistic regression and reported as an odds ratio. RESULTS: Overall, first squat attempt weight for those who won was on average 7.0 kg greater (P<0.001, d=0.14 [0.10, 0.18]) than for non-winners. In the total sample, athletes selected opening attempts which were an average of 92% of their achieved maximum on the day with 93.5% of competitors improving on this weight in subsequent attempts. Winners had a 0.5 kg (P<0.001, d=0.10 [0.06, 0.14]) greater absolute increase in weight between first and second lift attempts than non-winners. Overall, ~68% of winners successfully lifted their third attempt weight compared to ~64% of non-winners (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A powerlifting athlete's odds of winning a competition overall are significantly increased by selecting a larger opening squat attempt weight than competitors and completing the attempt successfully. The opening squat may be one of the most important lifts during competition.

Comparison of a Countermovement Jump Test and Submaximal Run Test to Quantify the Sensitivity for Detecting Practically Important Changes Within High-Performance Australian Rules Football.

PURPOSE: To determine the typical variation of variables from a countermovement jump (CMJ) test and a submaximal run test (SRT), along with comparing the sensitivity of each test for the detection of practically important changes within high-performance Australian rules football players. METHODS: A total of 23 professional and semiprofessional Australian rules football players performed 6 CMJs and three 8-second 50-m runs every 30 seconds (SRT), 7 days apart. Absolute and trial-to-trial reliability was represented as a coefficient of variation, CV (±90% confidence intervals). Test-retest reliability was examined using the magnitude of the difference (effect size [±90% confidence interval]) from week 1 to week 2. The smallest worthwhile change was calculated as 0.25 × SD. RESULTS: Good reliability (CVs = 6.6%-9.3%) was determined for all variables except eccentric displacement (CV = 12.8%), with no clear changes observed in any variables between week 1 and week 2. All variables from the SRT possessed a CV less than smallest worthwhile change, indicating an ability to detect practically important changes in performance. Only peak velocity from the CMJ test possessed a CV less than smallest worthwhile change, exhibiting a limitation of this test in detecting practically meaningful changes within this environment. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that while all variables possess acceptable reliability, a SRT might offer to be a more sensitive monitoring tool than a CMJ test within high-performance Australian rules football, due to its greater ability for detecting practically important changes in performance.

The effects of fatigue on the running profile of elite team sport athletes. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: With the underlying mechanisms of fatigue shown to be task-specific, gaining an understanding of changes within the running profile due to fatigue may provide a greater task-specific method for monitoring neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) in elite team sport athletes. This review aimed to identify, review and summarize the literature to understand the effects of fatigue on the running profile of elite team sport athletes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE and CINAHL were searched. To manage heterogeneity in athlete characteristics and sport demands, studies were limited to elite male field/court team sports, in which changes in running, gait or stride characteristics were assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Thirteen studies were included in the analysis with changes in sprint time, kinematic variables; contact time, center of mass vertical displacement and vertical stiffness, GPS accelerometer vector variables; z and y, and mechanical parameters; velocity and V0, all shown to be sensitive measures of fatigue. Due to having at least three sets of data points, meta-analysis was run for sprint time, with results showing a significant increase immediately postexercise (effect size [ES]±95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.67±1.61, P=0.04), but no change 24 hours postexercise (ES±95% CI; 0.93±3.21, P=0.57). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that fatigue has a negative impact on the running profile in elite team sport athletes, offering an alternative task-specific measure of monitoring NMF in this population. However, due to large discrepancies in protocols, future research is required to allow greater uniformity in variables and methods.

A Novel Method of Assessment for Monitoring Neuromuscular Fatigue in Australian Rules Football Players.

Purpose: To compare the sensitivity of a submaximal run test (SRT) with a countermovement-jump test (CMJ) to provide an alternative method of measuring neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) in high-performance sport. Methods: A total of 23 professional and semiprofessional Australian rules football players performed an SRT and CMJ test prematch and 48 and 96 h postmatch. Variables from accelerometers recorded during the SRT were player load 1D up (vertical vector), player load 1D side (mediolateral vector), and player load 1D forward (anteroposterior vector). Meaningful difference was examined through magnitude-based inferences (effect size [ES]), with reliability assessed as typical error of measurements expressed as coefficient of variance. Results: A small decrease in CMJ height, ES -0.43 ± 0.39 (likely), was observed 48 h postmatch before returning to baseline 96 h postmatch. This was accompanied by corresponding moderate decreases in the SRT variables player load 1D up, ES -0.60 ± 0.51 (likely), and player load 1D side, ES -0.74 ± 0.57 (likely), 48 h postmatch before also returning to prematch baseline. Conclusion: The results suggest that in the presence of NMF, players use an alternative running profile to produce the same external output (ie, time). This indicates that changes in accelerometer variables during an SRT can be used as an alternative method of measuring NMF in high-performance Australian rules football and provides a flexible option for monitoring changes in the recovery phase postmatch.

Biomarkers of Physiological Responses to Periods of Intensified, Non-Resistance-Based Exercise Training in Well-Trained Male Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intensified training is important for inducing adaptations to improve athletic performance, but detrimental performance effects can occur if prescribed inappropriately. Monitoring biomarker responses to training may inform changes in training load to optimize performance. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify biomarkers associated with altered exercise performance following intensified training. METHODS: Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and SPORTDiscus were searched up until September 2017. Included articles were peer reviewed and reported on biomarkers collected at rest in well-trained male athletes before and after periods of intensified training. RESULTS: The full text of 161 articles was reviewed, with 59 included (708 participants) and 42 (550 participants) meta-analysed. In total, 118 biomarkers were evaluated, with most being cellular communication and immunity markers (n = 54). Studies most frequently measured cortisol (n = 34), creatine kinase (n = 25) and testosterone (n = 20). Many studies reported decreased immune cell counts following intensified training, irrespective of performance. Moreover, reduced performance was associated with a decrease in neutrophils (d = - 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.07 to - 0.07) and glutamine (d = - 0.37; 95% CI - 0.43 to - 0.31) and an increase in urea concentration (d = 0.80; 95% CI 0.30 to 1.30). In contrast, increased performance was associated with an increased testosterone:cortisol ratio (d = 0.89; 95% CI 0.54 to 1.24). All remaining biomarkers showed no consistent patterns of change with performance. CONCLUSIONS: Many biomarkers were altered with intensified training but not in a manner related to changes in exercise performance. Neutrophils, glutamine, urea and the testosterone:cortisol ratio exhibited some evidence of directional changes that corresponded with performance changes therefore indicating potential to track performance. Additional investigations of the potential for these markers to track altered performance are warranted.