Combined Accentuated Eccentric Loading and Rest Redistribution in High-Volume Back Squat: Acute Stimulus and Fatigue.

ABSTRACT: Chae, S, Long, SA, Lis, RP, McDowell, KW, Wagle, JP, Carroll, KM, Mizuguchi, S, and Stone, MH. Combined accentuated eccentric loading and rest redistribution in high-volume back squat: Acute stimulus and fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 648-655, 2024-The purpose of this study was to examine acute stimulus and fatigue responses to combined accentuated eccentric loading and rest redistribution (AEL + RR). Resistance-trained men ( n = 12, 25.6 ± 4.4 years, 1.77 ± 0.06 m, and 81.7 ± 11.4 kg) completed a back squat (BS) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and weight releaser familiarization session. Three BS exercise conditions (sets × repetitions × eccentric-concentric loading) consisted of (a) 3 × (5 × 2) × 110/60% (AEL + RR 5), (b) 3 × (2 × 5) × 110/60% (AEL + RR 2), and (c) 3 × 10 × 60/60% 1RM (traditional sets [TS]). Weight releasers (50% 1RM) were attached to every first repetition of each cluster set (every first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth repetition in AEL + RR 5 and every first and sixth repetition in AEL + RR 2). The AEL + RR 5 resulted in greater total volume load (sets × repetitions × eccentric + concentric loading) (6,630 ± 1,210 kg) when compared with AEL + RR 2 (5,944 ± 1,085 kg) and TS (5,487 ± 1,002 kg). In addition, AEL + RR 5 led to significantly ( p < 0.05) greater rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after set 2 and set 3 and lower blood lactate (BL) after set 3 and 5, 15, and 25 minutes postexercise than AEL + RR 2 and TS. There was a main effect of condition for BL between AEL + RR 5 (5.11 ± 2.90 mmol·L -1 ), AEL + RR 2 (6.23 ± 3.22 mmol·L -1 ), and TS (6.15 ± 3.17 mmol·L -1 ). In summary, AEL + RR 5 results in unique stimulus and fatigue responses. Although it may increase perceived exertion, coaches could use AEL + RR 5 to achieve greater back squat total volume load while reducing BL accumulation.

Combined Accentuated Eccentric Loading and Rest Redistribution in High-Volume Back Squat: Acute Kinetics and Kinematics.

ABSTRACT: Chae, S, Long, SA, Lis, RP, McDowell, KW, Wagle, JP, Carroll, KM, Mizuguchi, S, and Stone, MH. Combined accentuated eccentric loading and rest redistribution in high-volume back squat: Acute kinetics and kinematics. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 640-647, 2024-The purpose of this study was to explore acute kinetic and kinematic responses to combined accentuated eccentric loading and rest redistribution (AEL + RR). Resistance-trained men ( n = 12, 25.6 ± 4.4 years, 1.77 ± 0.06 m, and 81.7 ± 11.4 kg) completed a back squat (BS) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and weight releaser familiarization session. Three BS exercise conditions (sets × repetitions × eccentric/concentric loading) consisted of (a) 3 × (5 × 2) × 110/60% (AEL + RR 5), (b) 3 × (2 × 5) × 110/60% (AEL + RR 2), and (c) 3 × 10 × 60/60% 1RM (traditional sets [TS]). Weight releasers (50% 1RM) were attached to every first repetition of each cluster set (every first, third, fifth, seventh, and ninth repetition in AEL + RR 5 and every first and sixth repetition in AEL + RR 2). The AEL + RR 5 resulted in significantly ( p < 0.05) greater concentric peak velocity (PV) (1.18 ± 0.17 m·s -1 ) and peak power (PP) (2,304 ± 499 W) compared with AEL + RR 2 (1.11 ± 0.19 m·s -1 and 2,148 ± 512 W) and TS (1.10 ± 0.14 m·s -1 and 2,079 ± 388 W). Furthermore, AEL + RR 5 resulted in significantly greater PV and PP across all 10 repetitions compared with TS. Although AEL + RR 5 resulted in significantly greater concentric mean force (MF) (1,706 ± 224 N) compared with AEL + RR 2 (1,697 ± 209 N) and TS (1,685 ± 211 N), no condition by set or repetition interactions existed. In conclusion, AEL + RR 5 increases PV and PP but has little effect on MF. Coaches might consider prescribing AEL + RR 5 to increase especially peak aspects of velocity and power outcomes.

Effect of Neuromuscular Fatigue on the Countermovement Jump Characteristics: Basketball-Related High-Intensity Exercises.

ABSTRACT: Yoshida, N, Hornsby, WG, Sole, CJ, Sato, K, and Stone, MH. Effect of neuromuscular fatigue on the countermovement jump characteristics: basketball related high-intensity exercises. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 164-173, 2024-The purpose of this study was to investigate basketball specific neuromuscular (NM) fatigue effect on countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time (F-T) curve characteristics. Eleven male college-level basketball athletes performed 6 CMJ trials at 3 baseline (pre) and 6 postexercise time points. The fatiguing protocol consisted of high-intensity basketball related exercises commensurate with basketball game or practice. Typical CMJ (CMJ-TYP) and phase-specific CMJ variables were derived from the F-T curve. Meaningful differences in CMJ performance were examined using effect size (ES) compared with baseline and previous postexercise time point. Baseline with 3 separated measurements demonstrated suitable CMJ variables reproducibility (CV, coefficient of variation). Most CMJ-TYP output and performance variables displayed substantial alterations immediately postexercise (0 hour) and returned to baseline at 24 hours postexercise, whereas the time and rate-related CMJ-TYP and CMJ-phase variables tended to display delayed decline peaked at 2 hours and delayed recovery to baseline at 48 hours postexercise. In conjunction with the return of the time and rate-related variables, CMJ performance displayed supercompensation at 72 hours postexercise. The results indicate altered NM functions with desired CMJ performance, such as jump height, which imply an altered movement strategy at early stage of recovery process. Full recovery may take 48-72 hours. Practitioners are, therefore, advised to monitor variables reflecting NM functions for precise manipulation of the intensity and volume of exercise to avoid prolonging the recovery from NM fatigue.

Training Volume and High-Speed Loads Vary Within Microcycle in Elite North American Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Ishida, A, Draper, G, Wright, M, Emerson, J, and Stone, MH. Training volume and high-speed loads vary within microcycle in elite North American soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2229-2234, 2023-The purposes of this study were to reduce dimensionality of external training load variables and examine how the selected variables varied within microcycle in elite North American soccer players. Data were collected from 18 players during 2018-2020 in-seasons. Microcycle was categorized as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days before match day (MD-1, MD-2, MD-3, MD-4, and MD-5, respectively). Training load variables included total distance, average speed, maximum velocity, high-speed running distance (HSR), average HSR, HSR efforts, average HSR efforts, sprint distance, average sprint distance, sprint efforts, average sprint efforts, total PlayerLoad, and average PlayerLoad. The first principal component (PC) can explain 66.0% of the variances and be represented by "high-speed load" (e.g., HSR and sprint-related variables) with the second PC relating to "volume" (e.g., total distance and PlayerLoad) accounting for 17.9% of the variance. Average sprint distance and total distance were selected for further analysis. Average sprint distance was significantly higher at MD-3 than at MD-2 (p = 0.01, mean difference = 0.36 m•minute-1, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 0.07-0.65 m•minute-1) and MD-4 (p = 0.012, mean difference = 0.26 m•minute-1, 95% CIs = 0.10-0.41 m•minute-1). Total distance was significantly higher at MD-3 than at MD-1 (p < 0.001, mean difference = 1,465 m, 95% CIs = 1,003-1926 m), and MD-2 (p < 0.001, mean difference = 941 m, 95% CIs = 523-1,360 m). Principal component analysis may simplify reporting process of external training loads. Practitioners may need to choose "volume" and "high-speed load" variables. Elite North American Soccer players may accumulate higher average sprint distance at MD-3 than at other training days.

Two Days Versus Four Days of Training Cessation Following a Step-Taper in Powerlifters.

ABSTRACT: Burke, BI, Carroll, KM, Travis, SK, Stone, ME, and Stone, MH. Two days versus four days of training cessation following a step-taper in powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): e625-e632, 2023-Tapering and training cessation are methods of training load management aimed at optimizing athlete preparedness leading into competition. Such practices are often used by strength sport athletes such as powerlifters (i.e., athletes who compete in the back squat [BS], bench press [BP], and deadlift [DL]). The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in maximal strength, subjective recovery and stress state, and body composition alterations in strength athletes undergoing a 1-week step-taper followed by either a 2-day (2D) or 4-day (4D) period of training cessation. Twelve powerlifters (22.3 ± 2.1 yrs; 92.1 ± 20.4 kg; 174.8 ± 7.5 cm) completed a 6-week training protocol aimed at peaking 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength on BS, BP, and DL. Body composition, subjective recovery and stress state, and 1RM on BS, BP, and DL were assessed before an overreach week (T1) and after the periods of training cessation (T2) for each group. Alpha criterion was set at p ≤ 0.05. There were significant increases in BP ( p = 0.032, g = 0.10), powerlifting total ( p = 0.014, g = 0.11), and DOTS score ( p = 0.006, g = 0.12) after 2D of cessation. However, after 4D of cessation, significant increases were only observed in DL ( p = 0.019, g = 0.11) along with significant decreases in BP ( p = 0.003, g = -0.13). There were no statistically significant changes in any other variable for either group indicating that BS, psychometric, and body composition data were maintained between T1 and T2. The results of this study support the use of 1-week step-tapers, followed by a short period of training cessation (2-4D) to maintain or improve maximal strength performance.

An Analysis of Motivating Factors in 1,725 Worldwide Cases of Mass Murder Between 1900-2019.

Mass murder, particularly mass shootings, constitutes a major, growing public health concern. Specific motivations for these acts are not well understood, often overattributed to severe mental illness. Identifying diverse factors motivating mass murders may facilitate prevention. We examined 1,725 global mass murders from 1900-2019, publicly described in English in print or online. We empirically categorized each into one of ten categories reflecting reported primary motivating factors, which were analyzed across mass murderers generally, as well as between U.S- and non-U.S.-based mass-shooters. Psychosis or disorganization related to mental illness were infrequently motivational factors (166; 9.6%), and were significantly more associated with mass murder committed using methods other than firearms. The vast majority (998, 57.86%) of incidents were impulsive and emotionally-driven, following adverse life circumstances. Most mass murderers prompted by emotional upset were found to be driven by despair or extreme sadness over life events (161, 16.13% within the category); romantic rejection or loss, or severe jealousy (204, 20.44% within the category); some specific non-romantic grudge (212, 21.24% within the category); or explosive, overwhelming rage following a dispute (266, 26.65% within the category). Results suggest that policies seeking to prevent mass murder should focus on criminal history, as well as subacute emotional disturbances not associated with severe mental illness in individuals with poor coping skills who have recently experienced negative life events.

The difference between several neuromuscular tests for monitoring resistance-training induced fatigue.

The purposes of this study were to investigate the acute effects of resistance training protocol on kinetic changes in squat jump (SJ), shortened isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and isometric squat (ISQ) and to examine the relationship of dynamic maximum strength with performance changes over 48 hours in resistance-trained individuals. Participants completed performance tests at pre-, post-24 hours, and post-48 hours resistance training protocol (Baseline, Post24, and Post48). The training protocol consisted of 5 sets of 10 repetitions of back squat (BSQ) at 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). SJ variables included jump height (JH), peak power (PP), and relative PP. For the IMTP and ISQ, isometric peak force (IPF), relative IPF, rate of force development at 250 milliseconds (RFD250), and impulse at 250 milliseconds (IMP250) were calculated. Significant decreases were observed from Baseline to Post24 (p = 0.023, Cohen's dz effect size [dz] = 1.00) and Post48 (p = 0.032, dz = 0.94) in SJ JH. IMTP IMP250 significantly decreased from Baseline to Post48 (p = 0.046, dz = 0.88). Significant negative correlation was found between relative 1RM BSQ and the changes from Baseline to Post48 in ISQ RFD250 (p = 0.046,r = -0.61). Acute performance decreases might remain until 48 hours after resistance training in explosive strength and impulse regardless of isometric testing type.

National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Weightlifting for Sports Performance.

ABSTRACT: Comfort, P, Haff, GG, Suchomel, TJ, Soriano, MA, Pierce, KC, Hornsby, WG, Haff, EE, Sommerfield, LM, Chavda, S, Morris, SJ, Fry, AC, and Stone, MH. National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on weightlifting for sports performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1163-1190, 2023-The origins of weightlifting and feats of strength span back to ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, with the introduction of weightlifting into the Olympic Games in 1896. However, it was not until the 1950s that training based on weightlifting was adopted by strength coaches working with team sports and athletics, with weightlifting research in peer-reviewed journals becoming prominent since the 1970s. Over the past few decades, researchers have focused on the use of weightlifting-based training to enhance performance in nonweightlifters because of the biomechanical similarities (e.g., rapid forceful extension of the hips, knees, and ankles) associated with the second pull phase of the clean and snatch, the drive/thrust phase of the jerk and athletic tasks such as jumping and sprinting. The highest force, rate of force development, and power outputs have been reported during such movements, highlighting the potential for such tasks to enhance these key physical qualities in athletes. In addition, the ability to manipulate barbell load across the extensive range of weightlifting exercises and their derivatives permits the strength and conditioning coach the opportunity to emphasize the development of strength-speed and speed-strength, as required for the individual athlete. As such, the results of numerous longitudinal studies and subsequent meta-analyses demonstrate the inclusion of weightlifting exercises into strength and conditioning programs results in greater improvements in force-production characteristics and performance in athletic tasks than general resistance training or plyometric training alone. However, it is essential that such exercises are appropriately programmed adopting a sequential approach across training blocks (including exercise variation, loads, and volumes) to ensure the desired adaptations, whereas strength and conditioning coaches emphasize appropriate technique and skill development of athletes performing such exercises.

Evaluation of force-time curve analysis methods in the isometric mid-thigh pull test.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the manual and automatic analysis methods for force-time curve analysis of the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test. The visual analysis, first derivative analysis and threshold analysis methods were used to analyse onset time and time-specific forces at 50 ms, 90 ms, 200 ms and 250 ms on the force-time curve. Ninety-three collegiate sports athletes' trials were selected and analysed by each method. The visual analysis method was set as the reference method for paired comparisons with the first derivative analysis method and threshold analysis method. Onset time comparisons revealed that the first derivative analysis method was comparable with the visual analysis method with average difference at about 30 ms. Results from the weighted least products regression analysis and the Bland-Altman analysis showed that large fixed bias confounded by proportional bias existed in the threshold analysis method, and time-specific force variables obtained from the first derivative analysis method were closer to those from the visual analysis method when compared with the threshold analysis method. These findings suggest that the first derivative analysis method could be an effective tool for force-time curve analysis of the IMTP test.

Intrasession and Intersession Reliability of Isometric Squat, Midthigh Pull, and Squat Jump in Resistance-Trained Individuals.

ABSTRACT: Ishida, A, Suarez, DG, Travis, SK, Slaton, JA, White, JB, Bazyler, CD, and Stone, MH. Intrasession and intersession reliability of isometric squat, midthigh pull, and squat jump in resistance-trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 18-26, 2023-The purposes of this study were to investigate intrasession and intersession reliability of variables obtained from squat jump (SJ), shortened isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), and isometric squat (ISQ) protocols and to evaluate relationships between isometric and dynamic performance and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat (BSQ). Eleven moderately resistance-trained men participated (27.8 ± 3.9 years; 175.0 ± 7.2 cm; 87.2 ± 11.4 kg). Subjects completed familiarization in the IMTP and ISQ, followed by 1RM BSQ at least 48 hours before the first performance test. Two performance tests occurred at 7-day intervals including SJ, IMTP, and ISQ. SJ variables included jump height (SJH), body mass (BM), peak force (PF), and peak power (PP). Isometric midthigh pull and ISQ variables included isometric peak force (IPF); relative IPF; rate of force development at 90, 200, and 250 milliseconds; and impulse at 90, 200, and 250 milliseconds. SJ, IMTP, and ISQ kinetic variables were considered reliable if intraclass correlations (ICCs) and coefficients of variations (CVs) were >0.80 and <10%. Intrasession and intersession reliability criteria were met for SJH, BM, PF, and PP (ICC = 0.91-1.00, CV = 0.5-9.1%). Isometric peak force and impulse at 200 and 250 milliseconds met intrasession and intersession reliability criteria for IMTP and ISQ (ICC = 0.90-0.99, CV = 2.1-8.1%). Significant large correlation was observed between 1RM BSQ and ISQ peak force (p = 0.038, r = 0.63), but not between 1RM BSQ and shortened IMTP peak force (p = 0.11, r = 0.50). Shortened IMTP and ISQ peak force and impulse are reliable kinetic variables, and ISQ peak force is indicative of 1RM BSQ in moderately resistance-trained men.

Training Specificity for Athletes: Emphasis on Strength-Power Training: A Narrative Review.

Specificity has two major components: A strength-endurance continuum (S-EC) and adherence to principles of Dynamic Correspondence. Available evidence indicates the existence of the S-EC continuum from two aspects. Indeed, the S-EC exists, particularly if work is equated as a high load low repetition scheme at one end (strength stimulus) and high volume (HIEE stimulus) at the other. Furthermore, some evidence also indicates that the continuum as a repetition paradigm with high-load, low repetition at one end (strength stimulus) and a high repetition, low load at the other end. The second paradigm is most apparent under three conditions: (1) ecological validity-in the real world, work is not equated, (2) use of absolute loads in testing and (3) a substantial difference in the repetitions used in training (for example 2-5 repetitions versus ≥10 repetitions). Additionally, adherence to the principles and criteria of dynamic correspondence allows for greater "transfer of training" to performance measures. Typically, and logically, in order to optimize transfer, training athletes requires a reasonable development of capacities (i.e., structure, metabolism, neural aspects, etc.) before more specific training takes place.

Training periodization for a world-class 400 meters individual medley swimmer.

We present a case study of the periodized training by a world-class 400-m Individual Medley (IM) swimmer (4th in 2019 World Championships) in the season leading to a bronze medal in the 2018 European Championship. The complexity of this IM preparation was based on the experiences, observations and innovations of an Olympic swimming coach. Over 52 weeks, a traditional periodization model was employed using three macrocycles. A total of 15 competitions were completed in the season increasing in frequency in the third macrocycle. The training intensity distribution (TID) followed the pattern of a traditional pyramidal model in general training and polarized and threshold models during specific training before competitions. Weekly training volume ranged from 25 to 79 km, 24 to 87 km, and 25 to 90 km in each of the three macrocyles. Altitude training comprised 23% of total training weeks. Haemoglobin [Hb] increased from 14.9 to 16.0 g/100 ml and haematocrit from 45.1 to 48.1% after altitude training. Heart rate (HR) and [La-] decreased at submaximal swimming intensities, while swimming velocity increased in the 8 × 100 m incremental swimming test in A2 (1.4%) and in AT (0.6%). Pull up power was increased 10% through the season.

Field based assessment of a tri-axial accelerometers validity to identify steps and reliability to quantify external load.

Background: The monitoring of accelerometry derived load has received increased attention in recent years. However, the ability of such measures to quantify training load during sport-related activities is not well established. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of tri-axial accelerometers to identify step count and quantify external load during several locomotor conditions including walking, jogging, and running. Method: Thirty physically active college students (height = 176.8 ± 6.1 cm, weight = 82.3 ± 12.8 kg) participated. Acceleration data was collected via two tri-axial accelerometers (Device A and B) sampling at 100 Hz, mounted closely together at the xiphoid process. Each participant completed two trials of straight-line walking, jogging, and running on a 20 m course. Device A was used to assess accelerometer validity to identify step count and the test-retest reliability of the instrument to quantify the external load. Device A and Device B were used to assess inter-device reliability. The reliability of accelerometry-derived metrics Impulse Load (IL) and Magnitude g (MAG) were assessed. Results: The instrument demonstrated a positive predictive value (PPV) ranging between 96.98%-99.41% and an agreement ranging between 93.08%-96.29% for step detection during all conditions. Good test-retest reliability was found with a coefficient of variation (CV) <5% for IL and MAG during all locomotor conditions. Good inter-device reliability was also found for all locomotor conditions (IL and MAG CV < 5%). Conclusion: This research indicates that tri-axial accelerometers can be used to identify steps and quantify external load when movement is completed at a range of speeds.

Positive Impulse Phase versus Propulsive Impulse Phase: Correlations between Asymmetry and Countermovement Jump Performance.

The relationship between asymmetry and performance is still undetermined in the literature. Methods of assessing asymmetry have been inconsistent and focused on the analysis of jumping asymmetry. Dual ground reaction forces are prevalent in athlete monitoring, though underutilized in asymmetry research. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of countermovement jump (CMJ) impulse asymmetry to performance in collegiate soccer athletes. Male and female athletes were selected from an ongoing athlete research repository database of NCAA D-I soccer athletes. All athletes contributed two maximal effort unweighted (CMJ0) and weighted countermovement jumps (CMJ20) using the mean for calculations. Propulsive phase asymmetry scores (PrPAS) and positive impulse asymmetry scores (PIAS) were calculated to determine the magnitude of asymmetry for each prospective phase. Statistically significant correlations were found between CMJ0 jump height and unweighted PIAS (r = −0.43) in females. Males had statistically significant correlations between CMJ20 jump height and weighted PIAS (r = −0.49). Neither unweighted PrPAS nor weighted PrPAS produced statistically significant correlations (r < 0.26) to their prospective jump heights. When assessing CMJ asymmetry, it is recommended to conduct both weighted and unweighted CMJ testing, utilizing PIAS as the metric to be assessed.

Borderline Personality Disorder: Clinical Guidelines for Treatment.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is fundamentally a syndrome composed of symptoms (primarily of emotional dysregulation) and a number of true personality traits (such as inordinate anger, impulsivity, and a tendency to stress-related paranoid ideation). Whereas schizotypal personality disorder, with its cognitive peculiarities (ideas of reference, odd beliefs, eccentric speech), is closely linked as a genetic condition-"borderline" to the major condition schizophrenia-BPD is less closely linked to bipolar disorder. Some cases of BPD are linked genetically to and are in the "border" of bipolar disorder. But the condition can also arise from adverse post-natal factors: parental cruelty or neglect, or incest. In some BPD patients, both are present: risk genes for bipolar disorder and adverse conditions within the family. The genetic risk is often overlooked. To avoid this, initial evaluations should always include a careful and extensive family history for mood disorders, and should extend out to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Where the history suggests a genetic link to bipolar disorder, a mood stabilizer such as lithium or lamotrigine, even in modest doses, may be particularly beneficial, more so than conventional antidepressants. In some patients, ADHD was present in childhood, BPD was diagnosed during or after puberty, and a form of bipolar disorder becomes apparent during their 20s. As for the psychotherapeutic component, the patient's cognitive style and capacity for introspection will help determine whether a primarily expressive (psychoanalytically oriented) technique is preferable or a primarily cognitive-behavioral technique. Flexibility is necessary, since during emotional crises, supportive and limit-setting interventions will be needed, along with psychotropic medications, and where necessary, programs to help combat substance abuse (which is common among patients with BPD).

The Effects of 3 vs. 5 Days of Training Cessation on Maximal Strength.

ABSTRACT: Travis, SK, Mujika, I, Zwetsloot, KA, Gentles, JA, Stone, MH, and Bazyler, CD. The effects of 3 vs. 5 days of training cessation on maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 633-640, 2022-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 3 vs. 5 days of training cessation on body composition, perceived recovery and stress state, and maximal strength. Nineteen strength-trained athletes (23.8 ± 4.1 year; 90.8 ± 20.7 kg; 174.2 ± 7.3 cm) completed a powerlifting specific 4-week training block followed by either 3 or 5 days of training cessation. During the 4-week training block, athletes were trained 3 days per week, performing 3-4 movements that included at least 2-3 competition lifts per session while performing 4-5 sets of 3-5 repetitions with intensity ranging from 75 to 100% 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Body composition, psychometric measures, upper-body maximal strength, and lower-body maximal strength were assessed before (T1) and after 4 weeks of training (T2) and at 3 or 5 days of training cessation (T3). The alpha level was set at p < 0.05. After the 4-week training block (T1 to T2), trivial significant increases in body mass (p = 0.016, Hedge's g = 0.04) and bench press 1RM (p = 0.01, g = 0.16) were observed, as well as small significant increases in back squat 1RM (p < 0.001, g = 0.23), deadlift 1RM (p = 0.003, g = 0.20), powerlifting total (p < 0.001, g = 0.21), and Wilks Score (p < 0.001, g = 0.27). There were no significant differences between groups for isometric back squat performance, psychometric measures, and body composition after training cessation (T2-T3). However, small significant decreases in isometric bench press performance were observed after 5 days (p < 0.001, g = 0.16), but not 3 days of training cessation. The results of this study suggest maximal lower-body strength can be preserved during 3 and 5 days of training cessation, but maximal upper-body strength is only preserved for 3 days after 4 weeks of strength training in athletes.

Player Position Affects Relationship Between Internal and External Training Loads During Division I Collegiate Female Soccer Season.

ABSTRACT: Ishida, A, Travis, SK, Draper, G, White, JB, and Stone, MH. Player position affects relationship between internal and external training loads during Division I collegiate female soccer season. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 513-517, 2022-The purpose of this study was to investigate how competition phase and player position affect the relationship between internal and external training loads (ITL and ETL, respectively) in collegiate female soccer. Seventeen players participated (21.8 ± 1.7 years; 165.1 ± 6.2 cm; and 63.7 ± 7.9 kg). Nineteen match-plays (10 nonconference and 9 conference) were completed during the 2019 competitive season, including 270 observations of 17 players (defenders = 5, midfielders = 9, and forwards = 3). Internal training load was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). External training load included total distance and high-speed running (HSR) distance. A linear mixed model was compiled with fixed effects of total distance, HSR, competition phase, and player position (defenders, midfielders, and forwards) and random effects of player. There were statistically significant main effects for total distance (p < 0.001), HSR (p = 0.047) and player position (p = 0.045) on the prediction model of sRPE. However, the main effect of competition phase did not statistically contribute to the prediction model of sRPE (p = 0.38). In the final model, total distance (p < 0.001) and player position for forwards (p = 0.008) were significant predictors of sRPE. However, there was no statistically significant fixed effect of HSR on sRPE (p = 0.15). The final model explained 60.6% of the variance in sRPE (R2 = 0.60), whereas the random effect also explained 6.1% of the variance (R2 = 0.06). Our findings indicated that total distance and player position were strong predictors of sRPE. The relationship between ITL and ETL should be monitored by player position in female soccer players.

Utility of a Shortened Isometric Midthigh Pull Protocol for Assessing Rapid Force Production in Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Suarez, DG, Carroll, KM, Slaton, JA, Rochau, KG, Davis, MW, and Stone, MH. Utility of a shortened isometric midthigh pull protocol for assessing rapid force production in athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1819-1825, 2022-The purpose of this investigation was to determine the magnitude of difference, reliability, and relationship to performance of a shortened isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) protocol. Fourteen strength-trained men (age: 26.8 ± 5.0 years, height: 176.3 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 86.8 ± 13.9 kg, and training age: 8.5 ± 6.9 years) performed 1-second (SHORT) and traditional (TRAD) IMTP protocols during consecutive weeks. Peak force (PF), instantaneous force (90 & 200 ms), rate of force development (RFD) (0-90 ms & 0-200 ms), and impulse (0-90 ms & 0-200 ms) from each protocol were collected. Paired samples t test and Hedge's g were calculated to determine the magnitude of difference in each variable between protocols. Within-session and between-session reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and 95% confidence intervals. Static jumps were performed to compare relationships of the IMTP variables from each protocol with jumping performance. There was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference in PF between the protocols (p = 0.345; g = -0.07). All early force-time variables were significantly higher in the SHORT protocol (p = <0.001-0.018; g = 0.38-0.79). The SHORT protocol resulted in more reliable RFD measures within-session. Correlations with jumping performance were mostly similar between protocols (r = 0.253-0.660). The SHORT IMTP protocol resulted in comparable PF values and considerably higher early force-time characteristics despite a restrained time to produce force and shorter rest. The SHORT protocol allows for an accurate assessment of rapid force-generating abilities while necessitating shorter collection periods than typical IMTP protocols.

Weightlifting for Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review.

The involvement of youth in the sport of weightlifting and the use of weightlifting methods as part of training for youth sport performance appears to be increasing. Weightlifting for children and adolescents has been criticized in some circles and is a controversial aspect of resistance training for young people. Although injuries can occur during weightlifting and related activities, the incidence and rate of injury appear to be relatively low and severe injury is uncommon. A number of performance, physical, and physiological variables, such as body composition, strength, and power, are improved by weightlifting training in children, adolescents, and young athletes. Manipulating program variables, when appropriate, can have a substantial and profound influence on the psychological, physiological, physical, and performance aspects of weightlifters. An understanding of the sport, scientific training principles, and musculoskeletal growth development is necessary to properly construct a reasonable and appropriate training program. A scientific background aids in providing an evidenced basis and sound rationale in selecting appropriate methods and directing adaptations toward more specific goals and enables the coach to make choices about training and competition that might not otherwise be possible. If weightlifting training and competition are age group appropriate and are properly supervised, the sport can be substantially safe and efficacious.