Hexagonal barbell deadlift one-repetition maximum estimation using velocity recordings.

This study aimed to determine whether the optimal minimal velocity threshold (MVT) provides more precise estimates of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the hexagonal barbell deadlift (HBD) than the general and individual MVTs. The 1RM of 27 resistance-trained males were predicted using three types of MVT: (i) General MVT: averaged across subjects' velocity of the 1RM trial (0.25 m·s-1), (ii) individual MVT: velocity attained during the 1RM trial, and (iii) Optimal MVT: MVT that eliminated the differences between the actual and predicted 1RM. Two individual load-velocity relationships were modelled considering five (30-50-70-80%1RM) or six (30-50-70-80-90%1RM) loading conditions. Negligible differences (Effect size < 0.20), low absolute errors (< 5% of the actual 1RM), and extremely high correlations (r > 0.90) were observed between the actual and six predicted 1RMs. The only significant difference was the lower raw errors for the 90%1RM condition (0.60 ± 7.34 kg) compared to the 80%1RM condition (2.27 ± 7.54 kg; p = 0.013). These results suggest that the individual load-velocity relationship offers an accurate estimation of the HBD 1RM in resistance-trained males, and these estimates could maintain similar levels of precision across different types of MVT (general, individual, and optimal) and final tested loads (80%1RM and 90%1RM).

Influence of unilateral and bilateral knee extension fatigue protocols on inter-limb asymmetries assessed through countermovement jumps.

This study explores the sensitivity of jump type (unilateral and bilateral) and output variable (mean force, propulsive impulse, and jump height) to detect the changes in inter-limb asymmetries induced by unilateral and bilateral fatigue protocols. Thirty-eight individuals performed two testing sessions that consisted of (I) nine "pre-fatigued" countermovement jumps (CMJs; three bilateral and six unilateral [three with each leg]), (II) fatigue protocol and (III) nine "post-fatigued" CMJs. The testing sessions only differed in the fatigue protocol (five sets to failure against the 15-repetition maximum load using either the unilateral or bilateral knee extension exercise). The magnitude of all CMJ-derived variables (mean force, impulse, and jump height) decreased following both unilateral (p ≤ 0.002) and bilateral fatigue protocols (p ≤ 0.018). However, only unilateral protocol accentuated inter-limb asymmetries, which was detected for all variables during the unilateral CMJ (from -4.33% to -2.04%; all p < 0.05) but not during the bilateral CMJ (from -0.64% to 0.54%; all p > 0.05). The changes in inter-limb asymmetries following the unilateral and bilateral fatigue protocols were not significantly correlated between the unilateral and bilateral CMJs (rs ≤ 0.172). The unilateral CMJ should be recommended for the testing purposes over the bilateral CMJ due to its greater sensitivity to detect the selective effects of fatigue.

Optimizing mechanical performance in the bench press: The combined influence of inter-set rest periods and proximity to failure.

This study examined the influence of inter-set rest periods of 1 (R1), 3 (R3) and 5 (R5) minutes on the number of repetitions completed before exceeding the minimum velocity thresholds of 0.45 m⋅s-1 (MVT0.45) and 0.35 m⋅s-1 (MVT0.35) during the bench press exercise. Twenty-three physically active individuals, 15 men and eight women, randomly completed six testing sessions consisting of four sets of the bench press exercise performed with maximal intent against 75% of the one-repetition maximum. Testing sessions differed in the length of inter-set rest periods (R1, R3, and R5) and MVT applied (MVT0.45 and MVT0.35). The number of repetitions was lower using shorter inter-set rest periods (R1 < R3 < R5), but R3 was more similar to R1 and R5 using MVT0.45 and MVT0.35, respectively. The fastest velocity of the set was reduced with the increment in the number of sets for the three protocols using MVT0.35 (greater reduction for shorter rest periods), but it was only reduced for R1 when using MVT0.45. The results suggest that, to maintain bench press mechanical performance, 5-min inter-set rest periods are necessary when sets are terminated close to failure (MVT0.35), while 3 min may suffice when sets are terminated farther from failure (MVT0.45).

Velocity Loss Is Not an Accurate Predictor of the Percentage of Completed Repetitions During the Prone Bench Pull Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Pérez-Castilla, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Janicijevic, D, and García-Ramos, A. Velocity loss is not an accurate predictor of the percentage of completed repetitions during the prone bench pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1001-1008, 2023-The primary aim of this study was to explore the goodness of fit and accuracy of both general and individual relationships between the magnitude of velocity loss (%VL) and the percentage of performed repetitions with respect to the maximal number of repetitions that can be completed to failure (%Rep) during the Smith machine prone bench pull exercise. Fifteen male sports science students completed a preliminary session to determine the bench pull one-repetition maximum (1RM) and 2 identical experimental sessions separated by 48-72 hours. In each experimental session, subjects randomly performed single sets of repetitions to failure separated by 10 minutes against the 60% 1RM, 70% 1RM, and 80% 1RM during the Smith machine bench pull exercise. Individual %Rep-%VL relationships presented a greater goodness of fit than general %Rep-%VL relationships at the 60% 1RM ( R2 = 0.85-0.97 vs. 0.79-0.85), 70% 1RM ( R2 = 0.84-0.99 vs. 0.77-0.84), and 80% 1RM ( R2 = 0.84-1.00 vs. 0.74-0.80). However, the accuracy (absolute errors) in estimating the %Rep during the second testing session based on the %Rep-%VL equations obtained in the first testing session did not differ between the individual and general %Rep-%VL equations in 8 of 9 comparisons ( p ≥ 0.102). The absolute errors between the actual and predicted %REP were unacceptable (>10%) in 11 of 18 comparisons, and acceptable (5-10%) in 7 of 18 comparisons. These results highlight that the %Rep cannot be estimated with high degree of accuracy from VL recordings during the Smith machine bench pull exercise, regardless of whether individual or general Rep-%VL relationships are considered.

Differences in Various Strength Manifestations Between the Flat and Retracted Bench Press Variants: Are They Affected by Subjects' Experience or Strength Levels?

ABSTRACT: Piepoli, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Janicijevic, D, Martínez-Amat, A, and García-Ramos, A. Differences in various strength manifestations between the flat and retracted bench press variants: are they affected by subjects' experience or strength levels? J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2339-2345, 2023. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of retracting the scapulae during the free-weight bench press (BP) exercise on various strength manifestations and perceptual variables. Twenty-eight recreationally trained male lifters (BP 1-repetition maximum [1RM] = 96.1 ± 20.8 kg) randomly performed in 2 different sessions: the flat BP (scapulae free to move during the movement) and retracted BP (shoulders retracted during the movement). Three strength manifestations were evaluated: (a) explosive strength -mean velocity (MV) achieved against 3 submaximal loads (40, 60, and 80%1RM); (b) maximal strength -1RM; and (c) endurance strength -number of repetitions completed to failure against the 70%1RM. Discomfort and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) values were also recorded immediately after completing each test. The upward displacement of the barbell was lower for the retracted BP compared with the flat BP at the 3 submaximal loads ( p ≤ 0.024), but no significant differences between the BP variants were observed for the MV at submaximal loads ( p ≥ 0.473), 1RM ( p = 0.147), number of repetitions completed to failure ( p = 0.447), RPE at submaximal loads ( p ≥ 0.363), or discomfort during any test ( p ≥ 0.611). Subjects always demonstrated a greater strength performance with the BP variant most used in their training programs, but the differences between the flat and retracted BP were not affected by subjects' maximal strength values ( p ≥ 0.162). These results suggest that retracting the scapulae during the BP exercise presents minor effects on different strength manifestations and perceptual measures of effort and discomfort.

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.

Effect of a High-Intensity Handball-Specific Fatigue Protocol Focused on the Leg Contralateral to the Throwing Arm on Interlimb Asymmetries.

ABSTRACT: Janicijevic, D, Pérez-Castilla, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Ortega-Becerra, M, Morenas-Aguilar, MD, Smajla, D, Sarabon, N, and García-Ramos, A. Effect of a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol focused on the leg contralateral to the throwing arm on interlimb asymmetries. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1382-1389, 2023-This study aimed to elucidate which countermovement jump (CMJ) variant (unilateral or bilateral) is more sensitive to detect the decrement in kinetic CMJ-derived variables of the leg more actively involved in a handball-specific fatigue protocol. Seventeen female handball players (age: 20.6 ± 2.5 years) performed a fatigue protocol consisting of 8 repetitions of the following circuit separated by 10 seconds: 10 m sprint, 180° change of direction with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm, 10 m sprint with ball reception at 7 m, and handball throw preceded by a jump over a 40 cm hurdle with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm. Before and after the fatigue protocol, 6 unilateral CMJs (3 with each leg) and 3 bilateral CMJs were performed on a dual Kistler force platform (model 9260AA6). Bilateral CMJ height was reduced by 5.4% after the fatigue protocol (p < 0.001). However, the fatigue protocol did not promote any significant change in peak force, mean force, and propulsive impulse or in their asymmetry values (17 of 18 comparisons). The decrement of 6.1% during the unilateral CMJ in the propulsive impulse developed by the leg ipsilateral to the throwing arm (less involved in the fatigue protocol) was the only variable that reached statistical significance (p = 0.038). The pre-post fatigue changes in asymmetry values presented negligible correlations between both CMJ variants (rs = 0.01 to -0.19). These results suggest that neither unilateral nor bilateral CMJs are able to detect changes in interlimb asymmetries after a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol.

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

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

The intraocular pressure lowering-effect of low-intensity aerobic exercise is greater in fitter individuals: a cluster analysis.

This study aimed to determine the influence of physical fitness level and sex on intraocular pressure (IOP) during the low-intensity aerobic exercise. Forty-four participants (twenty-two men) cycled 30 minutes at low intensity (10% of the maximal power). Maximal power was determined by asking participants to perform maximal sprints of 6 seconds against 3-4 different resistances separated by 3 minutes of rest. The IOP was measured on 9 occasions (1) prior to the warm-up, (2) after the warm-up, (3-7) every 6 minutes during the low-intensity cycling task, and (8-9) 5 and 10 minutes after the cycling task. Low-intensity aerobic exercise had a lowering effect on IOP, being the beneficial effect more accentuated and prolonged in the High-fit group (IOP reduction compared to baseline lasted 30 minutes) than in the Low-fit group (IOP was only reduced at 6 minutes of exercise compared to baseline). Participants´ sex had no effect on the IOP behaviour at any time point (p = 0.453). These findings indicate that individuals who need to reduce IOP levels (i.e., glaucoma patients or those at risk) should increase or maintain a high fitness level to benefit more from the IOP lowering effect during low-intensity aerobic exercises.

Intraocular pressure responses to walking with surgical and FFP2/N95 face masks in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: The use of face mask is globally recommended as a preventive measure against COVID-19. However, the intraocular pressure (IOP) changes caused by face masks remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of wearing surgical and FFP2/N95 face masks during a 400-m walking protocol on IOP in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: Thirteen subjects diagnosed of POAG (21 eyes) were enrolled in this study. IOP was measured at baseline, during the 400-m walking protocol and after 5 min of passive recovery while POAG patients wore a surgical mask, FFP2/N95 mask and no mask in randomized order. From the 21 POAG eyes, we analyzed the IOP changes caused by physical exercise with two face masks and without wearing any face mask. RESULTS: At rest (baseline and recovery measurements), the use of the different face masks did not affect IOP levels (mean differences ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mmHg). During physical activity, wearing an FFP2/N95 mask caused a small (mean differences ranging from 1 to 2 mmHg), but statistically significant, IOP rise in comparison to both the surgical mask and control conditions (Cohen's d = 0.63 and 0.83, respectively). CONCLUSION: Face masks must be used to minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and POAG patients can safely use FFP2/N95 and surgical masks at rest. However, due to the IOP rise observed while walking with the FFP2/N95 mask, when possible, POAG patients should prioritized the use of surgical masks during physical activity.

Unilateral or Bilateral Standing Broad Jumps: Which Jump Type Provides Inter-Limb Asymmetries with a Higher Reliability?

This study aimed to compare the between-session reliability of performance and asymmetry variables between unilateral and bilateral standing broad jumps (SBJ). Twenty-four amateur basketball players (12 males and females) completed two identical sessions which consisted of four unilateral SBJs (two with each leg) and two bilateral SBJs. Mean and peak values of force, velocity and power, and impulse were obtained separately for each leg using a dual force platform. Inter-limb asymmetries were computed using the standard percentage difference for the unilateral SBJ, and the bilateral asymmetry index-1 for the bilateral SBJ. All performance variables generally presented an acceptable absolute reliability for both SBJs (CV range = 3.65-9.81%) with some exceptions for mean force, mean power, and peak power obtained with both legs (CV range = 10.00-15.46%). Three out of 14 variables were obtained with higher reliability during the unilateral SBJ (CVratio ≥ 1.18), and 5 out of 14 during the bilateral SBJ (CVratio ≥ 1.27). Asymmetry variables always showed unacceptable reliability (ICCrange = -0.40 to 0.58), and slight to fair levels of agreement in their direction (Kappa range = -0.12 to 0.40) except for unilateral SBJ peak velocity [Kappa = 0.52] and bilateral SBJ peak power [Kappa = 0.51]) that showed moderate agreement for both SBJs. These results highlight that single-leg performance variables can be generally obtained with acceptable reliability regardless of the SBJ variant, but the reliability of the inter-limb asymmetries in the conditions examined in the present study is unacceptable to track individual changes in performance.

Differences in the magnitude and reliability of velocity variables collected during 3 variants of the bench press exercise.

This study aimed to compare the reliability and magnitude of velocity variables between 3 variants of the bench press (BP) exercise in participants with and without BP training experience. Thirty males, 15 with and 15 without BP experience, randomly performed 3 variants of the BP on separate sessions: (I) concentric-only, (II) fast-eccentric and (III) controlled-eccentric. The mean velocity (MV) and maximum velocity (Vmax) of the concentric phase were collected against 3 loads (≈30%1RM, 50%1RM, and 75%1RM) with a linear velocity transducer. Reliability was high regardless of the variable, BP variant, and load (coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 4.47%, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥ 0.87). The comparison of the CVs suggested a higher reliability for the fast-eccentric BP (8 out of 12 comparisons), followed by the concentric-only BP (5 out of 12 comparisons), and finally the controlled-eccentric BP (never provided a higher reliability). No differences in reliability were observed between experienced (CV ≤ 4.71%; ICC ≥ 0.79) and non-experienced (CV ≤ 6.29%; ICC ≥ 0.76) participants. The fast-eccentric BP provided the highest MV (p < 0.05) and no differences were observed for Vmax. These results support the assessment of movement velocity during the fast-eccentric BP even in participants without experience.

Acute effects of different set configurations during a strength-oriented resistance training session on barbell velocity and the force-velocity relationship in resistance-trained males and females.

PURPOSE: This study explored the acute effects of strength-oriented resistance training sessions performed using three different set configurations on barbell velocity and the force-velocity (F-v) relationship of upper-body muscles in men and women. METHOD: Thirteen men (age: 23.8 ± 2.5 years; 6-repetition maximum [6RM] load: 73.4 ± 15.6 kg) and 13 women (age: 21.5 ± 1.4 years; 6RM load: 32.8 ± 5.2 kg) performed 24 repetitions with a 6RM load during the bench press exercise using traditional (TR: 6 sets of 4 repetitions with 3 min of rest between sets), cluster (CL: 6 sets of 4 repetitions with 15 s of intra-set rest every two repetitions and 2 min and 45 s of rest between sets) and inter-repetition rest (IRR: 1 set of 24 repetitions with 39 s of rest between repetitions) set configurations. The F-v relationship parameters [maximum force (F0), maximum velocity (v0) and maximum power (Pmax)] were determined before and after each training session. RESULTS: The average training velocity did not differ between the three set configurations (p = 0.234), but the IRR set configuration generally provided higher velocities during the last repetition of each set. Significant decreases in F0 (p = 0.001) and Pmax (p = 0.024) but not in v0 (p = 0.669) were observed after the training sessions. Comparable velocity loss was observed for men and women (- 12.1% vs. - 11.3%; p = 0.699). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of very short intra-set rest periods does not allow for the attainment of higher velocities than traditional set configurations during strength-oriented resistance training sessions conducted with the bench press exercise when the work-to-rest ratio is equated.

Feasibility of the two-point method for assessing the force-velocity relationship during lower-body and upper-body isokinetic tests.

This study aimed to (1) evaluate the shape of the force-velocity (F-V) relationship obtained from different muscles, (2) explore the concurrent validity of the two-point method with respect to the multiple-point method, (3) evaluate whether the F-V relationship can discriminate between muscle groups and genders, and (4) explore the generalisability of the same F-V relationship parameters (maximal force [F0], maximal velocity [V0]), and maximal power [P0]) between different tasks. The F-V relationship of 22 physically active participants (12 women) were tested during knee extension, knee flexion, elbow extension and elbow flexion through the multiple- (eight velocities: 30-60-90-120-150-180-210-240º/s) and two-point (two velocities: 60-180º/s) methods. The findings revealed (1) highly linear F-V relationships (r ≥ 0.893), (2) high concurrent validity of the two-point method for F0, but lower for V0 and P0, (3) the outcomes of both methods were sensitive to the muscle groups (higher for knee muscles) and gender (higher for men), and (4) the magnitude of the same F-V parameters were poorly correlated between different tasks (median r < 0.1). These results support the two-point method as a valid and sensitive procedure for determining the maximal capacities of the muscles to produce F, but not V, during isokinetic tests.

Reliability and validity of different methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

This study examined the reliability and validity of three methods of estimating the one-repetition maximum (1RM) during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise. Twenty-six men (22 rowers and four weightlifters) performed an incremental loading test until reaching their 1RM, followed by a set of repetitions-to-failure. Eighteen participants were re-tested to conduct the reliability analysis. The 1RM was estimated through the lifts-to-failure equations proposed by Lombardi and O'Connor, general load-velocity (L-V) relationships proposed by Sánchez-Medina and Loturco and the individual L-V relationships modelled using four (multiple-point method) or only two loads (two-point method). The direct method provided the highest reliability (coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.45% and intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.97), followed by the Lombardi's equation (CV = 3.44% and ICC = 0.94), and no meaningful differences were observed between the remaining methods (CV range = 4.95-6.89% and ICC range = 0.81-0.91). The lifts-to-failure equations overestimated the 1RM (3.43-4.08%), the general L-V relationship proposed by Sánchez-Medina underestimated the 1RM (-3.77%), and no significant differences were observed for the remaining prediction methods (-0.40-0.86%). The individual L-V relationship could be recommended as the most accurate method for predicting the 1RM during the free-weight prone bench pull exercise.

Impact of squat set configuration on mechanical performance in paired sets of upper-body exercises.

BACKGROUND: Paired sets and alternative set configurations (e.g., cluster sets) are frequently employed by strength and conditioning practitioners; however, their synergistic impact remains underexplored in research. This study aimed to elucidate whether the set configuration used in a lower-body exercise affects mechanical performance during paired sets of upper-body exercises. METHODS: Twenty-one resistance-trained individuals (14 men and 7 women) randomly completed three experimental sessions that involved four sets of five repetitions at 75%1RM during both the bench press and bench pull exercises. The three experimental sessions varied solely in the activity conducted during the inter-set rest periods of each upper-body exercise: (i) Traditional squat - six squat repetitions without intra-set rest at 65%1RM; (ii) Rest redistribution squat - two clusters of three repetitions of the squat exercise at 65%1RM with 30 s of intra-set rest; and (iii) Passive rest - no exercise. RESULTS: The rest redistribution set configuration allowed the sets of the squat exercise to be performed at a faster velocity than the traditional set configuration (p = 0.037). However, none of the mechanical variables differed between the exercise protocols neither in the bench press (p ranged from 0.279 to 0.875) nor in the bench pull (p ranged from 0.166 to 0.478). CONCLUSIONS: Although rest redistribution is an effective strategy to alleviate fatigue during the sets in which it is implemented, it does not allow subjects to perform better in subsequent sets of the training session.

Dietary supplementation habits in international natural bodybuilders during pre-competition.

Bodybuilding is characterized by high-rates of sport supplementation. This is the first study to compare the supplementation patterns of winners (WB) and non-winners (NWB) among international natural bodybuilders during contest preparation. Fifty-six natural bodybuilders (5 women) (age = 28.85 ± 8.03 years; final body mass = 71.50 ± 10.28 kg), 19 WB (athletes who had achieved victory in an official natural bodybuilding championship at least once) and 37 NWB (athletes who never achieved victory), from 18 countries (55.36% from Spain) responded to this cross-sectional online survey related to their nutritional habits, strategies and supplementation practices. WB were significantly older (p = 0.024), completed more competitive seasons (p = 0.027) and participated in more competitions in the last contest year (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences between WB and NWB for years training for bodybuilding (p = 0.055), weeks of dieting for competition (p = 0.392), and body weight at the start (p = 0.553) and end (p = 0.330) of the season. Beverage and supplement consumption, purchasing patterns, and information sources did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, natural bodybuilding WB tended to be older and had more competitive experience, but shared similar supplementation protocols to NWB. Athletes' supplementation patterns were influenced by different sources of information. However, these natural bodybuilders mainly purchased their supplements through the internet without guidance from a coach or dietitian.

Relationship between perceptual and mechanical markers of fatigue during bench press and bench pull exercises: impact of inter-set rest period length.

This study aimed to explore whether the relationship between perceptual (rating of perceived exertion; RPE) and mechanical (maximal number of repetitions completed [MNR], fastest set velocity, and mean velocity decline) variables is affected by the length of inter-set rest periods during resistance training sets not leading to failure. Twenty-three physically active individuals (15 men and eight women) randomly completed 12 testing sessions resulting from the combination of two exercises (bench press and bench pull), three inter-set rest protocols (1, 3, and 5 min), and two minimal velocity thresholds (farther from muscular failure [MVT0.45 for bench press and MVT0.65 for bench pull] and closer to muscular failure [MVT0.35 for bench press and MVT0.55 for bench pull]). The duration of inter-set rest periods did not have a significant impact on RPE values (p ranged from 0.061 to 0.951). Higher proximities to failure, indicated by lower MVTs, were associated with increased RPE values (p < 0.05 in 19 out of 24 comparisons). Moreover, as the number of sets increased, an upward trend in RPE values was observed (p < 0.05 in seven out of 12 comparisons). Finally, while acknowledging some inconsistencies, it was generally observed that higher magnitudes of the mechanical variables, especially MNR (rs < -0.55 in three out of four comparisons), were associated with lower RPE values. These results, which were comparable for the bench press and bench pull exercises, suggest that post-set RPE values are affected by the fatigue experienced at both the beginning and end of the set.

Acute physiological and psychological responses during an incremental treadmill test wearing a new upper-body sports garment with elastomeric technology.

Background: The use of elastomeric technology in sports garments is increasing in popularity; however, its specific impact on physiological and psychological variables is not fully understood. Thus, we aimed to analyze the physiological (muscle activation of the pectoralis major, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, and rectus abdominis, capillary blood lactate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate) and psychological (global and respiratory rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) responses during an incremental treadmill test wearing a new sports garment for the upper body that incorporates elastomeric technology or a placebo garment. Methods: Eighteen physically active young adults participated in two randomized sessions, one wearing the elastomeric garment and the other wearing a placebo. Participants performed in both sessions the same treadmill incremental test (i.e., starting at 8 km/h, an increase of 2 km/h each stage, stage duration of 3 min, and inclination of 1%; the test ended after completing the 18 km/h Stage or participant volitional exhaustion). The dependent variables were assessed before, during, and/or after the test. Nonparametric tests evaluated differences. Results: The elastomeric garment led to a greater muscle activation (p < 0.05) in the pectoralis major at 16 km/h (+33.35%, p = 0.01, d = 0.47) and 18 km/h (+32.09%, p = 0.02, d = 0.55) and in the triceps brachii at 10 km/h (+20.28%, p = 0.01, d = 0.41) and 12 km/h (+34.95%, p = 0.04, d = 0.28). Additionally, lower lactate was observed at the end of the test (-7.81%, p = 0.01, d = 0.68) and after 5 min of recovery (-13.71%, p < 0.001, d = 1.00) with the elastomeric garment. Nonsignificant differences between the garments were encountered in the time to exhaustion, cardiovascular responses, or ratings of perceived exertion. Conclusion: These findings suggest that elastomeric garments enhance physiological responses (muscle activation and blood lactate) during an incremental treadmill test without impairing physical performance or effort perception.

Interference Effects of Different Resistance-Training Protocols on Rowing Ergometer Performance: A Study on Semiprofessional Rowers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the interference effects of various resistance-training (RT) protocols on rowing ergometer performance. METHODS: Fourteen semiprofessional male rowers randomly completed 5 protocols in separate sessions: (1) control-no RT session was performed, (2) upper-body high-fatigue-4 sets to failure during the bench pull exercise, (3) upper-body low-fatigue-4 sets of 6 repetitions during the bench pull exercise, (4) lower-body high-fatigue-4 sets to failure during the leg-press exercise, and (5) lower-body low-fatigue-4 sets of 6 repetitions during the leg-press exercise. All sets were performed against the 12-repetition-maximum load with 2 minutes of interset rest. Following the completion of the protocols, subjects performed an all-out 1000-m rowing ergometer test. RESULTS: Compared with the control condition, rowing ergometer performance was not significantly affected after the low-fatigue RT protocols (upper body: P ≥ .487; Δ = 0.0%-0.2%; lower body: P ≥ .200; Δ = -0.2%-0.5%), while it significantly declined following high-fatigue RT protocols (upper body: P ≤ .001; Δ = 1.0%-2.0%; lower body: P ≤ .002; Δ = 2.1%-2.5%). The average heart rate was significantly lower for the control condition compared with all RT protocols (P ≤ .043; Δ = 1.0%-1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: To minimize interference on rowing performance, coaches should prioritize the level of effort in RT protocols over specific exercises, specifically avoiding high-fatigue protocols that lead to failure before rowing practice.