Are Young Female Basketball Players Adequately Prepared for a Force-Velocity Jumping and Sprinting Assessment?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the interday reliability of mechanical variables obtained from the horizontal and vertical force-velocity (FV) profiles in adolescent female basketball players. If found to be reliable, the associations between FV parameters (theoretical maximal force, velocity, and power), squat jump (SJ) height, 30-m sprint, and change of direction (COD) times were evaluated. METHODS: After familiarization, SJ against incremental loads, 30-m sprint, and 505-COD tests were obtained twice in 36 adolescent female basketball players (age = 15.4 [1.2] y). RESULTS: Reliability for vertical FV parameters was unacceptable, whereas 505-COD times and FV horizontal parameters (except for theoretical maximal power) showed a moderate to high reliability. 505-COD time was correlated with FV horizontal parameters (range: r = -.821, -.451), and a large association was observed with both SJ height (r = -.678, -.600) and 30-m sprint time (r = .813, .858). CONCLUSIONS: Due to low levels of strength, our athletes were not adequately prepared to obtain a reliable vertical FV profile. Practitioners can expect acceptable reliability of the horizontal FV profile. Given the association between COD performance and SJ height and 30-m sprint time, we encouraged practitioners with limited equipment at their disposal to use COD and/or 30-m sprint tests.

Biceps femoris muscle-tendon strain during an entire overground sprint acceleration: a biomechanical explanation for hamstring injuries in the acceleration phase.

The objectives of this study were to analyse the peak muscle-tendon (MT) strain of the hamstring during an entire acceleration sprint overground and examine their relationship with relative joint angles and segment orientation in the sagittal plane, which are the direct causes of MT strain. Kinematic data were recorded using a 3D inertial motion capture system in 21 male semi-professional soccer players during 40-metre overground sprint. Scaled musculoskeletal models were used to estimate peak MT strain in the hamstring over 16 steps. Biceps femoris long head (BFLH) exhibited the largest peaks in MT strain compared to semitendinosus (ST) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles across all the steps, with its overall strain decreased as the number of steps and maximum speed increased. Hip flexion angle was found to be a strong predictor (p < 0.001) of joint angles, being the orientation of the pelvis in the sagittal plane of the segment with the greatest influence (p < 0.001) on the peak MT strain of BFLH during sprinting. The current study provides a biomechanical explanation for the high proportion of hamstring injuries in the acceleration phase of sprinting.

A New Index to Evaluate Running Coordination Based on Notational Analysis.

The aim of this study was 1) to define a new index to describe running coordination, named % of coordination, and 2) to examine whether it could represent an order parameter in relation to running velocity. Twelve international middle-distance athletes (six males and six females) performed three trials at easy, 5000 m pace and sprint velocities while filmed from a lateral view at 240 Hz. Notational analysis of six lower-limb key events corresponding to touchdown, mid-stance and flight phases was performed with high values of intra- (maximum standard deviation = 7 ms) and inter-operator (maximum systematic bias = 6 ms) reliability. Running velocity manipulations resulted in substantial and progressive increases in stride length, stride frequency (all p's < 0.001) and % of coordination (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.77), while duty factor showed a progressive reduction (p < 0.001, R2c = 0.86). However, % of coordination depended on the stride phase (p < 0.001; η²p = 0.78), with greater time gaps between key events in touchdown and mid-stance than in the flight phase. Results confirmed that % of coordination can illustrate changes in movement organisation, representing an easy tool for evaluating the running technique of competitive athletes.

Co-existence of peripheral fatigue of the knee extensors and jump potentiation after an incremental running test to exhaustion in endurance trained male runners.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an incremental running exercise until exhaustion on twitch responses and jump capacity in endurance trained runners. For this purpose, 8 experienced endurance male runners were required to perform neuromuscular function tests before and after a submaximal running bout (control condition -CTR-) or an incremental running test to volitional exhaustion (experimental conditions -EXP-). The twitch interpolation technique was used to assess voluntary activation and muscle contractile properties before and after each condition (CTR and EXP). Countermovement jump was also used to assess the stretch-shortening cycle function before and after both conditions. In addition, rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate and skin temperature were also recorded. Only EXP improved jump performance, however, it was also accompanied by a reduction in maximal voluntary contraction and the peak twitch force of the knee extensors evoked by electrical stimulation at 10 Hz (Db10). It is likely that reductions in maximal voluntary contraction may be related to an excitation-contraction coupling failure (i.e. low-frequency fatigue) as suggest the reduction in the Db10. The current results confirm that acute changes in jump performance may not be appropriate to evaluate acute fatigue in endurance trained runners.

Effects of a six-week multimodal training programme on the sprinting ability of adolescent rugby sevens players.

This study evaluated the effects of 6-week multimodal training on the sprinting performance and biomechanics of adolescent rugby players. Twenty-four players were assigned to control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). For 6 weeks, CG maintained their training routine, while IG completed a training programme consisting of unresisted sprints, as well as heavy-resisted sprints, running technique drills and lumbopelvic stability. Before and after, sprint performance, horizontal force-velocity profile (FV-h), sprinting kinematics and spatiotemporal data were obtained. After the training, IG reduced the 0-5 m (p = 0.044), 0-10 m (p = 0.046) and 25-30 m (p = 0.035) split times compared with CG. In FV-h, IG displayed a higher maximal theoretical horizontal force (p = 0.035) and ratio of force (p = 0.048) than CG. Regarding kinematic and spatiotemporal variables, only IG improved step length (p < 0.001), step rate (p = 0.005) and distance between knees (p = 0.048) compared with baseline, but there were no between-group differences. Six weeks of multimodal training improved sprinting acceleration and mechanical variables of force application during sprinting of adolescent rugby players. Although IG improved some biomechanical variables compared with baseline, these changes were similar to those observed in CG.

A Load-Velocity Relationship in Sprint?

The aims were to compare predicted maximal velocity from load-velocity relationships established with different resisted and assisted loads by different regression analyses to the measured maximal velocity during sprint running, and to compare maximal velocity measured between a robotic pulley system and laser gun. Sixteen experienced male sprinters performed regular 50 m sprints, a 50 m with 5-kilogram-assisted sprint, and 10, 20, 30, and 30 m resisted sprints with, respectively, 65, 50, 25, and 10% calculated reduction in maximal velocity. Maximal velocity obtained by laser gun during the regular sprint was compared with predicted maximal velocity calculated from four trendlines (linear and polynomial based upon four resisted loads, and linear and polynomial based upon four resisted and one assisted load). Main findings demonstrate that the robotic pulley system and laser measure similar maximal velocities at all loads except at the load of 10% velocity reduction. Theoretical maximal velocity based upon calculated predictions were underestimated by 0.62-0.22 m/s (2.2-0.78 km/h; 6.7-2.3%) compared to measured maximal velocity. It was concluded that different regression analyses underestimated measured maximal velocity in regular sprinting and polynomial regression analysis (with resisted and assisted loads) estimation was closest to measured velocity (2.3%).

Longitudinal Effects of Traditional and Rest Redistribution Set Configurations on Explosive-Strength and Strength-Endurance Manifestations.

ABSTRACT: Janicijevic, D, González-Hernández, JM, Jiménez-Reyes, P, Márquez, G, and García-Ramos, A. Longitudinal effects of traditional and rest redistribution set configurations on explosive-strength and strength-endurance manifestations. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 980-986, 2023-This study aimed to compare the long-term effects of resistance training programs based on traditional and rest redistribution set configurations on explosive-strength and strength-endurance performance of lower-body and upper-body muscles. Thirty physically active men were randomly assigned to a traditional group (TRG: 6 sets of 5 repetitions with 3 minutes of interset rest) or a rest redistribution group (RRG: 30 sets of 1 repetition with 31 seconds of interrepetition rest). The training program lasted 6 weeks (2 sessions·wk -1 ), and in each training session, the squat and bench press exercises were performed with maximal concentric effort against approximately the 75% of the 1 repetition maximum. Before and after training, explosive-strength performance (peak velocity reached at submaximal loads during the countermovement jump and bench press throw) and strength-endurance performance (mean set velocity of 10 repetitions using both traditional and cluster sets in the squat and bench press) were assessed. Significant improvements in all dependent variables were observed after training for both the TRG ( p ≤ 0.004; effect size [ES] = 0.63-3.06) and RRG ( p ≤ 0.001; ES = 0.58-3.23). The magnitude of the changes was comparable for both groups with the only exception of the larger improvements observed in the RRG for the bench press mean set velocity using both traditional (ES = 0.77) and cluster (ES = 0.82) set configurations. Traditional and rest redistribution set configurations are equally effective to improve lower-body explosive strength, lower-body strength endurance, and upper-body explosive strength, whereas rest redistribution set configurations could induce greater adaptations in upper-body strength endurance.

Microdosing Sprint Distribution as an Alternative to Achieve Better Sprint Performance in Field Hockey Players.

Introduction: The implementation of optimal sprint training volume is a relevant component of team sport performance. This study aimed to compare the efficiency and effectiveness of two different configurations of within-season training load distribution on sprint performance over 6 weeks. Methods: Twenty male professional FH players participated in the study. Players were conveniently assigned to two groups: the experimental group (MG; n = 11; applying the microdosing training methodology) and the control group (TG; n = 9; traditional training, with players being selected by the national team). Sprint performance was evaluated through 20 m sprint time (T20) m and horizontal force−velocity profile (HFVP) tests before (Pre) and after (Post) intervention. Both measurements were separated by a period of 6 weeks. The specific sprint training program was performed for each group (for vs. two weekly sessions for MG and TG, respectively) attempting to influence the full spectrum of the F-V relationship. Results: Conditional demands analysis (matches and training sessions) showed no significant differences between the groups during the intervention period (p > 0.05). No significant between-group differences were found at Pre or Post for any sprint-related performance (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, intra-group analysis revealed significant differences in F0, Pmax, RFmean at 10 m and every achieved time for distances ranging from 5 to 25 m for MG (p < 0.05). Such changes in mechanical capabilities and sprint performance were characterized by an increase in stride length and a decrease in stride frequency during the maximal velocity phase (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing strategies such as microdosed training load distribution appears to be an effective and efficient alternative for sprint training in team sports such as hockey.

Horizontal versus vertical force application: association with the change of direction performance in soccer players.

This study examined which mechanical variables derived from a vertical jump (i.e. concentric peak force [ConcPF] and eccentric peak force [EccPF], flight time [FT]: contraction time [CT], eccentric deceleration rate of force development [EccDecRFD]) and linear sprint (i.e. theoretical maximal force [F0] and velocity [V0], maximal power output [Pmax], the peak ratio of the effective horizontal component [RFpeak], and the index of force application technique [DRF]) determined the change of direction (COD) performance to a greater extent. Sixteen male soccer players (age: 21.8 ± 2.9 years; height: 175.94 ± 6.88 cm; weight: 73.23 ± 9.59 kg) were assessed for a countermovement jump, the horizontal force velocity (FV) profile, and the COD ZigZag test. The horizontal FV profile parameters were significantly associated with COD performance, while jump mechanical variables did not show any significant association (r = 0.08-0.19; p > 0.05). Specifically, F0 (r = -0.56), Pmax (r = -0.68), and RFpeak (r = -0.54) were strongly associated with COD performance. Moreover, a 1 N·kg-1 increase in F0 was associated with -0.11 s to complete the ZigZag test, whereas 1 W·kg-1 and 1% increase in Pmax and RFpeak were associated with -0.05 and -0.03 s, respectively, to complete the COD test. Horizontal force production during sprinting might play a key role in COD performance. Assessing the horizontal FV profile might help coaches to prescribe a specific training programme to maximize sprint acceleration, which might improve COD performance.

Effect of different interset rest intervals on mean velocity during the squat and bench press exercises.

This study aimed to compare the effect of three interset rest intervals (1, 3, and 5 minutes) on (I) mean velocity during a resistance training session conducted in a Smith machine with the squat and bench press exercises, and (II) the pre- and post-exercise force-velocity relationship. Fifteen male university students completed three sessions (i.e., Rest 1', Rest 3', and Rest 5') consisting of three sets of five repetitions against the 10RM load during the squat and bench press exercises. The force-velocity relationship (maximal values of force [F0], velocity [v0], and power [Pmax]) was evaluated at the beginning and at the end of each session with the countermovement jump and bench press throw exercises. During training, mean velocity was slower in sets 2 and 3 of the Rest 1' protocol compared to Rest 3' and Rest 5', but no significant differences were present between Rest 3' and Rest 5'. After training, there was a significant decrease in F0 (p = 0.017) and Pmax (p = 0.010), but not in v0 (p = 0.259). These results support the Rest 3' as the most time-efficient protocol, among those analysed, for the maintenance of high mean velocities during training sessions not leading to failure.

Comparison of kinematics and kinetics between unassisted and assisted maximum speed sprinting.

Producing comparable/greater ground reaction forces (GRFs) at faster running speeds is beneficial for sprint performance, and assisted sprint training is used to induce faster running speed conditions. This study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics of assisted sprinting at the maximal speed phase and investigate acute differences to control sprinting. Fifteen sprinters completed control and assisted (5 kg) sprints over force platforms. Assisted sprinting increased running speed (9.3% mean difference), while propulsive mean force (-4.3%) and impulse (-12.4%) decreased, suggesting that running speed improvements were caused primarily by assisted pulling force rather than improvements in anteroposterior force production of athletes. In addition, vertical mean force increased (4.2%), probably due to braking mean force (34.2%) and impulse (32.5%) increases. Magnitude of control trial maximum speed was achieved earlier (during acceleration) in assisted trials, and net anteroposterior (includes both braking and propulsive components) mean force (67.2%) and impulse (67.9%) increased at this matched speed, suggesting that assisted sprints could be used to practice producing greater GRFs at comparable speeds. Running speed improvement by pulling force was associated with contact time decreases (r = -.565), suggesting that shortening contact time may be important for effective assisted sprinting.

Is the Concept, Method, or Measurement to Blame for Testing Error? An Illustration Using the Force-Velocity-Power Profile.

When poor reliability of "output" variables is reported, it can be difficult to discern whether blame lies with the measurement (ie, the inputs) or the overarching concept. This commentary addresses this issue, using the force-velocity-power (FvP) profile in jumping to illustrate the interplay between concept, method, and measurement reliability. While FvP testing has risen in popularity and accessibility, some studies have challenged the reliability and subsequent utility of the concept itself without clearly considering the potential for imprecise procedures to impact reliability measures. To this end, simulations based on virtual athletes confirmed that push-off distance and jump-height variability should be <4% to 5% to guarantee well-fitted force-velocity relationships and acceptable typical error (<10%) in FvP outputs, which was in line with previous experimental findings. Thus, while arguably acceptable in isolation, the 5% to 10% variability in push-off distance or jump height reported in the critiquing studies suggests that their methods were not reliable enough (lack of familiarization, inaccurate procedures, or submaximal efforts) to infer underpinning force-production capacities. Instead of challenging only the concept of FvP relationship testing, an alternative conclusion should have considered the context in which the results were observed: If procedures' and/or tasks' execution is too variable, FvP outputs will be unreliable. As for some other neuromuscular or physiological testing, the FvP relationship, which magnifies measurement errors, is unreliable when the input measurements or testing procedures are inaccurate independently from the method or concept used. Field "simple" methods require the same methodological rigor as "lab" methods to obtain reliable output data.

Effects of Fatigue Induced by Repeated Sprints on Sprint Biomechanics in Football Players: Should We Look at the Group or the Individual?

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of fatigue on sprint biomechanics. Fifty-one football players performed twelve maximal 30 m sprints with 20 s recovery between each sprint. Sprint kinetics were computed from running speed data and a high-frequency camera (240 Hz) was used to study kinematic data. A cluster analysis (K-mean clustering) was conducted to classify individual kinematic adaptations. A large decrease in maximal power output and less efficiency in horizontally orienting the ground reaction force were observed in fatigued participants. In addition, individual changes in kinematic components were observed, and, according to the cluster analysis, five clusters were identified. Changes in trunk, knee, and hip angles led to an overall theoretical increase in hamstring strain for some players (Cluster 5, 20/51) but to an overall decrease for some others (Cluster 1, 11/51). This study showed that the repeated sprint ability (RSA) protocol had an impact on both kinetics and kinematics. Moreover, fatigue affected the kinematics in a different way for each player, and these individual changes were associated with either higher or lower hamstring length and thus strain.

Maximum aerobic speed, maximum oxygen consumption, and running spatiotemporal parameters during an incremental test among middle- and long-distance runners and endurance non-running athletes.

Background: Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) is a useful parameter to assess aerobic capacity and estimate training intensity in middle- and long-distance runners. However, whether middle- and long-distance runners reach different levels of MAS compared to other endurance athletes with similar V̇O2max has not been previously studied. Therefore, we aimed to compare V̇O2max, MAS and spatiotemporal parameters between sub-elite middle- and long-distance runners (n = 6) and endurance non-runners (n = 6). In addition, we aimed to compare the maximal blood lactate concentration [BLa] experienced by participants after conducting these tests. Methods: Telemetric portable respiratory gas analysis, contact and flight time, and stride length and rate were measured using a 5-m contact platform during an incremental test at a synthetic athletics track. V̇O2, heart rate, respiratory quotient values in any 15 s average period during the test were measured. [BLa] was analyzed after the test . Running spatiotemporal parameters were recorded at the last two steps of each 400 m lap. A coefficient of variation (%CV) was calculated for each spatiotemporal variable in each participant from 8 km h-1 onwards. Results: Whereas runners reported faster MAS (21.0 vs. 18.2 km h-1) than non-runners (p  =  0.0001, ES = 3.0), no differences were found for V̇O2max and maximum blood lactate concentration during the running tests (p > 0.05). While significant increases in flight time and stride length and frequency (p < 0.001, 0.52 ≤ η p 2 ≤ 0.8) were observed throughout the tests, decreases in contact time (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0 . 9 ) were reported. Runners displayed a greater %CV (p = 0.015) in stride length than non-runners. We conclude that middle- and long-distance runners can achieve a faster MAS compared to non-running endurance athletes despite exhibiting a similar V̇O2max. This superior performance may be associated to a greater mechanical efficiency. Overall, runners displayed a greater ability to modify stride length to achieve fast speeds, which may be related to a more mechanically efficient pattern of spatiotemporal parameters than non-runners.

Effect of Supplementary Physical Training on Vertical Jump Height in Professional Ballet Dancers.

Dancers require many specific dance skills of a ballistic nature. The design of supplementary training to improve the strength of the lower limbs and jump height is a relevant area of research. The purpose of this study was (1) to compare the effect of plyometric training versus combined training on countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and sauté in first position (sauté) height and (2) to observe whether changes in CMJ and SJ were associated with changes in sauté in female and male dancers. Eighty-one classical professional ballet dancers (41 women and 40 men, age = 22.9 [3.7] y, body mass = 59.7 [8.6] kg, height = 167.4 [7.3] cm) were divided into a control group and 2 experimental groups: plyometric training and combined training. All groups followed their common routine of training regarding classes and rehearsal practice, whereas the experimental groups added 2 sessions (1 h per session) for 9 weeks of supplementary training. Significant increases (medium to large effect size) in CMJ, SJ, and sauté height were found in the pretest versus posttest comparisons for both experimental groups. Significant, very large correlations were found between the magnitude of improvement in sauté and the magnitude of improvement in CMJ and SJ. Plyometric and combined training programs are effective ways to improve jumping ability in professional dancers. The improvement in CMJ and SJ has a good transference on sauté `performance. These findings support the use of traditional training methods to improve jump height in specific and nonspecific ballet jumping ability.

The Post-Activation Potentiation Effects on Sprinting Abilities in Junior Tennis Players.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the acute effects of a full squat (SQ) or hip thrust (HT) with two different loading intensities (60% and 85% 1 RM) on sprint ability in junior male tennis players. METHODS: Nineteen tennis players were included in this research. They underwent four different experimental conditions: HT at 60% 1 RM, HT at 85% 1 RM, SQ at 60% 1 RM, or SQ at 85%. The force-velocity (F-V) profile was used to assess tennis players' sprint acceleration ability before and after applying the conditioning stimulus. The variables registered were as follows: 5 m test (5 m), 10 m test (10 m), maximum theoretical force (F0), maximum power (Pmax), and the maximal ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (RFpeak). RESULTS: Significant improvements in 5 m, Pmax, and RFpeak were observed when the conditioning stimulus was performing one set of seven reps of HT at 60% 1 RM. When the activation protocol was one set of seven reps of SQ at 60% 1 RM, significant improvements in 5 m, 10 m, F0, Pmax (N), and RFpeak were detected. Additionally, performing one set of three reps of SQ at 85% 1 RM as an activation protocol provided significant improvements in F0. Conclusion: The use of HT and SQ with a load of 60% 1 RM improved the sprint F-V profile components related to the acceleration phase of the sprint in junior tennis players. Using intensity loads of 85% 1 RM is not adequate to increase acute sprint performance in this population. HT presents a higher transferability to sprinting in the first 5 m of sprinting, whereas SQ provides acute improvements in different sprinting phases.

Sprint Performance and Mechanical Force-Velocity Profile among Different Maturational Stages in Young Soccer Players.

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of maturation status on the components of the sprint force-velocity (F-V) profile in young soccer players. Sixty-two young male soccer players from the same professional soccer academy took part in the present study. A cross-sectional design was implemented to compare the main components of the sprint F-V profile (i.e., maximal theoretical force (F0), velocity (V0), power (Pmax), and ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (RFpeak), and decrease in the ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (DRF)) and sprint performance (5, 20, and 30 m sprint time) among participants' maturation stages (i.e., pre-, mid- and post-peak height velocity (PHV) groups). The results show that the ES of differences in 5 min sprint performance, F0, and RFpeak (i.e., strength- and acceleration-related components of the sprint F-V profile) were greater between pre- and mid-PHV groups than those between mid- and post-PHV groups (i.e., large and very large effects (1.24 ≤ ES ≤ 2.42) vs. moderate, small, and zero effects (0 ≤ ES ≤ 0.69), respectively). However, the ES of differences in V0 and DRF (i.e., peak speed-related components of the sprint F-V profile) were greater between mid- and post-PHV groups than those between pre- and mid-PHV groups (i.e., large effects (1.54 ≤ ES ≤ 1.92) vs. moderate effects (-0.59 ≤ ES ≤ 1), respectively). Once the strength development is achieved to a great extent from the pre- to mid-PHV groups, specific strength training methods may be used for young soccer players to improve their sprint performance.

Anaerobic Speed Reserve, Sprint Force-Velocity Profile, Kinematic Characteristics, and Jump Ability among Elite Male Speed- and Endurance-Adapted Milers.

This study aimed to compare sprint, jump performance, and sprint mechanical variables between endurance-adapted milers (EAM, specialized in 1500-3000-m) and speed-adapted milers (SAM, specialized in 800-1500 m) and to examine the relationships between maximal sprint speed (MSS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR), sprint, jump performance, and sprint mechanical characteristics of elite middle-distance runners. Fifteen participants (8 EAM; 7 SAM) were evaluated to obtain their maximal aerobic speed, sprint mechanical characteristics (force-velocity profile and kinematic variables), jump, and sprint performance. SAM displayed greater MSS, ASR, horizontal jump, sprint performance, and mechanical ability than EAM (p < 0.05). SAM also showed higher stiffness in the 40-m sprint (p = 0.026) and a higher ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force (RF) at 10 m (p = 0.003) and RFpeak (p = 0.024). MSS and ASR correlated with horizontal (r = 0.76) and vertical (r = 0.64) jumps, all sprint split times (r ≤ -0.85), stiffness (r = 0.86), and mechanical characteristics (r ≥ 0.56) during the 100-m sprint, and physical qualities during acceleration (r ≥ 0.66) and sprint mechanical effectiveness from the force-velocity profile (r ≥ 0.69). Season-best times in the 800 m were significantly correlated with MSS (r = -0.86). Sprint ability has a crucial relevance in middle-distance runners' performance, especially for SAM.

Response of Muscle Damage Markers to an Accentuated Eccentric Training Protocol: Do Serum and Saliva Measurements Agree?

ABSTRACT: González-Hernández, JM, Jiménez-Reyes, P, Cerón, JJ, Tvarijonaviciute, A, Llorente-Canterano, FJ, Martínez-Aranda, LM, and García-Ramos, A. Response of muscle damage markers to an accentuated eccentric training protocol: do serum and saliva measurements agree? J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2132-2138, 2022-This study aimed (a) to examine the acute and delayed responses of 3 muscle damage biomarkers: creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to an accentuated eccentric training protocol in serum, and (b) to explore the changes of these biomarkers in saliva and compare them with serum. Sixteen resistance-trained university students (10 men [age = 26.6 ± 4.8 years, full squat one repetition maximum [1RM] = 103.4 ± 14.4 kg] and 6 women [age = 22.7 ± 1.4 years, full squat estimated 1RM = 68.3 ± 10.5 kg]) completed an accentuated eccentric strength training protocol with the full squat exercise consisting of 8 sets of 10 repetitions against the 120% estimated 1RM load with 5 minutes of interset rest. The activity of muscle damage biomarkers (CK, AST, and LDH) was measured in serum and saliva before training (Pre), 24 hours after training (Post24), and 96 hours after training (Post96). In serum, lower values of the 3 muscle damage markers were observed at Pre compared to Post24 and Post96, whereas no significant differences were observed between Post24 and Post96 for any analyte. In saliva, there was a significant increase in men at Post96 compared with Pre in CK. The correlations between the measurements in serum and saliva ranged from trivial to small ( r = -0.034 to 0.212). These results suggest that the measurement of muscle damage markers in serum and saliva do not provide the same information in the conditions of our study.

Individual Adaptation Kinetics Following Heavy Resisted Sprint Training.

ABSTRACT: Morin, JB, Capelo-Ramirez, F, Rodriguez-Pérez, MA, Cross, MR, and Jimenez-Reyes, P. Individual adaptation kinetics following heavy resisted sprint training. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1158-1161, 2022-The aim of this study was to test individual adaptation kinetics to a high-resistance sprint training program designed to improve maximal horizontal power (Pmax), and compare the group and individual results of a classical "pre-post" analysis, and a "pre-peak" approach. Thirteen male and 9 female trained sprinters had their 30-m sprint performance and mechanical outputs assessed 1 week before (PRE), and one (POST, W1), 2 (W2), 3 (W3) and 4 (W4) weeks after a 10-week training block (10 repetitions of 20-m resisted sprints at the load associated to the apex of their velocity-power relationship: i.e., 90 ± 10% body mass on average (range: 75-112%). We observed clearly different outcomes on all variables for the PRE-POST vs. PRE-PEAK analyses. The PRE-PEAK analysis showed a larger (almost double) increase in Pmax (9.98 ± 5.27% on average, p < 0.01) than the PRE-POST (5.39 ± 5.87%, p < 0.01). Individual kinetics of post-training adaptations show that peak values were not captured in the POST (W1) assessment (generally observed at W3 and W4). Finally, the week of greatest Pmax output differed strongly among subjects, with most subjects (7/22) peaking at W4. In conclusion, after a 10-week high-resistance sprint training block, a classical 1-week-PRE to 1-week-POST assessment could not capture peak adaptation, which differed among athletes. Adopting a similar approach in practice or research should improve insight into the true effects of training stimuli on athletic capabilities.