Benefits of aquatic exercise in adults with and without chronic disease-A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Aquatic exercise is being increasingly recommended for healthy individuals as well as people with some special health conditions. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed to synthesize and analyze data on the effects of water-based training (WT) programs on health status and physical fitness of healthy adults and adults with diseases to develop useful recommendations for health and sports professionals. We searched three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) up to June 2021 for randomized trials that examined WT in adults. A total of 62 studies were included, of which 26 involved only healthy individuals and 36 focused on adults with chronic diseases. In the healthy group, the effects of WT on strength, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness were beneficial, indicating the usefulness of performing WT for at least 12 weeks (2-3x/week, 46-65 min/session). Among adults with diseases, improvements were observed in patients with fibromyalgia (in balance and cardiorespiratory fitness), bone diseases (pain, balance, flexibility, and strength), coronary artery disease (strength and anthropometry), hypertension (quality of life), stroke (quality of life), diabetes (balance and quality of life), multiple sclerosis (quality of life and balance), and Parkinson's disease (pain, gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life). Research is required to determine the effects of WT on patients with heart disease, especially coronary artery disease. In adults with chronic disease, benefits in physical fitness and/or other health-related measures were mainly observed after 8-16 weeks of training. WT is an effective physical activity when the intention is to enhance health and physical fitness in healthy adults and adults with chronic diseases.

Propulsive Force of Upper Limbs and its Relationship to Swim Velocity in the Butterfly Stroke.

The aims of this study were to: (1) verify the sex effect; (2) assess upper limb asymmetry in anthropometrics and propulsive force variables; and (3) identify the main determinants of butterfly swim velocity based on a set of anthropometrics, kinematics, and propulsive force variables. Twenty swimmers (10 males: 15.40±0.30 years; 10 females: 14.43±0.23 years) at the national level were recruited for analysis. A set of anthropometrics, kinematics, and propulsive force variables were measured. Overall, a significant sex effect was verified (p≤0.05). Non-significant differences between upper-limbs were noted for males and females in all variables, except for the dF in males (t=-2.66, p=0.026, d=0.66). Stroke frequency presented the highest contribution, where a one unit increase in the stroke frequency imposed an increase of 0.375 m·s-1 (95CI: 0.105;0.645, p=0.010) in the swim velocity. The swim velocity was predicted by the mean propulsive force, intra-cyclic variation of the swim velocity, and stroke frequency. Overall, swimmers exhibit non-significant differences in the variables assessed. Swim velocity in the butterfly stroke was determined by an interaction of propulsive force and kinematic variables in young swimmers.

The Effect of Warm-up Running Technique on Sprint Performance.

ABSTRACT: Gil, MH, Neiva, HP, Alves, AR, Sousa, AC, Ferraz, R, Marques, MC, and Marinho, DA. The effect of warm-up running technique on sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3341-3347, 2021-The purpose of the current study was to analyze the effect of changing the running technique during warm-up on sprint performances, running biomechanics, physiological, and psychophysiological responses. Thirty-one physically active men aged 18-23 years (mean ± SD: 19.35 ± 1.08 years of age; 1.77 ± 0.07 m of height; 71.90 ± 10.37 kg of body mass) volunteered to participate and randomly performed 2 maximal 30-m sprints, 5 minutes after completing a warm-up focused on increased stride length-SL (WUL) or a warm-up focused on increased stride frequency-SF (WUF). The results showed that there were no differences between the 30-m sprint performances and in running biomechanics. However, WUF showed increased performances in the first 15 m of the race (WUF: 2.59 ± 0.11 seconds vs. WUL: 2.63 ± 0.15 seconds; p = 0.03), and WUL resulted in higher performances in the last 15 m (1.94 ± 0.19 seconds vs. 1.88 ± 0.09 seconds; p = 0.05). In the second 30-m time trial, WUF also resulted in faster starting 15 m of the race (2.58 ± 0.12 seconds vs. 2.63 ± 0.16 seconds; p = 0.04). Interestingly, the WUF was the warm-up that revealed more stability in performances and running biomechanics between both trials. These results showed that there were no significant differences between warm-ups comprising exercises focusing in higher SL or higher SF in 30-m sprint biomechanics and performance. Nevertheless, different running strategies were caused by those 2 warm-ups and a more stabilized running pattern, and performance values were found when warm-up focused on higher SF.

Modeling Fitness Variable Responses to Training in Prepubescent Children.

Alves, AR, Marta, C, Neiva, HP, Nunes, C, Izquierdo, M, and Marques, MC. Modeling fitness variable responses to training in prepubescent children. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2352-2359, 2020-The aim of this study was to determine strength and oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) performances according to different training program intervention design with 8-week duration in prepubescent children through a multiple linear regression models. Two hundred forty-five healthy prepubescent children (aged 10.9 ± 0.5 years) were randomly assigned to a specific training program (strength training only-S; aerobic training only-A; intrasession aerobic and strength training-AS; intrasession strength and aerobic training-SA; or concurrent training performed in different sessions-CT) or a control group (no training regimen-C). It was possible to develop indirect predictive models for each training method, by including each variable pretraining, body fat percentage and body mass index. The models provided explained 82% of variance in the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, 98% in the 1 kg ball-throw, 96% in the 3 kg ball-throw, 92% in the countermovement jump, 93% in the standing long jump and 98% in the 20 m sprint performances. This novel approach to training evaluation and control aims to provide a tool to allow professionals to calculate changes with a high confidence level (CI 95%), to control gains and to choose the best training methodology to apply according to the defined purposes. The results of this study could be a great support to teachers, coaches, and professionals providing important tools to improve the efficacy and individualization of training.

Concurrent Training and Detraining: The Influence of Different Aerobic Intensities.

Sousa, AC, Neiva, HP, Gil, MH, Izquierdo, M, Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Marques, MC, and Marinho, DA. Concurrent training and detraining: the influence of different aerobic intensities. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2565-2574, 2020-The aim of this study was to verify the effects of different aerobic intensities combined with the same resistance training on strength and aerobic performances. Thirty-nine men were randomly assigned to a low-intensity group (LIG), moderate-intensity group (MIG), high-intensity group (HIG), and a control group. The training program consisted of full squat, jumps, sprints, and running at 80% (LIG), 90% (MIG), or 100% (HIG) of the maximal aerobic speed for 16-20 minutes. The training period lasted for 8 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of detraining. Evaluations included 20-m sprints (0-10 m: T10; 0-20 m: T20), shuttle run, countermovement jump (CMJ), and strength (1RMest) in full squat. There were significant improvements from pre-training to post-training in T10 (LIG: 4%; MIG: 5%; HIG: 2%), T20 (3%; 4%; 2%), CMJ (9%; 10%; 7%), 1RMest (13%; 7%; 8%), and oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max; 10%; 11%; 10%). Comparing the changes between the experimental groups, 1RMest gains were significantly higher in the LIG than HIG (5%) or MIG (6%). Furthermore, there was a tendency for higher gains in LIG and MIG compared with HIG, with "possibly" or "likely" positive effects in T10, T20, and CMJ. Detraining resulted in performance decrements, but minimal losses were found for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in LIG (-1%). Concurrent training seems to be beneficial for strength and aerobic development regardless of the aerobic training intensity. However, choosing lower intensities can lead to increased strength and is recommended when the cardiorespiratory gains should be maintained for longer.

The Influence of Warm-Up on Body Temperature and Strength Performance in Brazilian National-Level Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes.

Background and Objectives: The effects of warm-up in athletic success have gained strong attention in recent studies. There is, however, a wide gap in awareness of the warm-up process to be followed, especially in Paralympic powerlifting (PP) athletes. This study aimed to analyze different types of warm-up on the physical performance of PP athletes. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 12 elite Brazilian PP male athletes (age, 24.14 ± 6.21 years; bodyweight, 81.67 ± 17.36 kg). The athletes performed maximum isometric force (MIF), rate of force development (RFD), and speed test (Vmax) in three different methods of warm-up. Tympanic temperature was used to estimate the central body temperature. Results: A significant difference was observed for MIF in the without warm-up (WW) condition in relation to the traditional warm-up (TW) and stretching warm-up (SW) (p = 0.005, η2p = 0.454, high effect). On the contrary, no significant differences were observed in RFD, fatigue index (FI) and time in the different types of warm up (p > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in relation to the maximum repetition (p = 0.121, η2p = 0.275, medium effect) or the maximum speed (p = 0.712, η2p = 0.033, low effect) between the different types of warm up. In relation to temperature, significant differences were found for the TW in relation to the "before" and "after" conditions. In addition, differences were found between WW in the "after" condition and SW. In addition, WW demonstrated a significant difference in relation to TW in the "10 min later" condition (F = 26.87, p = 0.05, η2p = 0.710, high effect). Conclusions: The different types of warm-up methods did not seem to provide significant differences in the force indicators in elite PP athletes.

Schoolbag weight carriage in Portuguese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study comparing possible influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: Schoolbags and the consequences of carrying them, particularly those associated with overload, are often studied as a health concern. Modifications in gait and posture were reported when children carried loads that corresponded to more than 10% of their body weight (BW). The aims of this study were to verify the load that is carried by Portuguese students and how it is influenced by factors such as school grade, school schedule, lunch site, physical education, sex and body mass index (BMI). Acquiring a more specific knowledge of the Portuguese context and understanding the influence of these factors may allow us to generate proposals to control them in ways that benefit students. METHODS: The load carried by students in the 5th grade (10.6 ± 0.4 years) and 9th grade (14.7 ± 0.6 years) were weighed with a luggage scale on all days of the week, resulting in 680 evaluations. Data related to the school day were also collected, such as the student's lunch site, how he or she got to school and his or her school schedule for that day. Individual height and weight were also assessed. RESULTS: The 5th grade students carried greater loads than the 9th grade students, resulting in a substantial difference relative to their BW. The school loads of the 5th grade students were mostly greater than 10% of their BWs. Girls tended to carry heavier loads than boys, and overweight students also tended to carry heavier loads. Students who could eat lunch at home carried less weight, and on physical education days, the total load carried increased, but the backpacks of the 5th grade students were lighter. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study describe excessive schoolbag weight among Portuguese students and expound on some of the factors that influence it, which can help researchers and professionals design a solution to decrease children's schoolbag loads.

Effects of Suspension Versus Traditional Resistance Training on Explosive Strength in Elementary School-Aged Boys.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week program of resistance training (RT) or suspension training (ST) on explosive strength in prepubescent boys. METHODS: Fifty-seven boys aged 10-11 years were assigned to 2 training groups, RT or ST or a control group (no training program). Boys trained twice weekly for 8 weeks. RESULTS: A significant interaction was reported with a large (P < .001, ηp2=.463), medium (P < .001, ηp2=.395), and small effect sized (P ≤ .001, ηp2=.218) in the 1-kg ball throw, 3-kg ball throw, and time-at-20-m test, respectively. There was no significant interaction in the countermovement vertical jump or the standing long jump. Changes from preintervention to postintervention for the 1-kg ball throw were 5.94% and 5.82% for the ST and RT, respectively, and 8.82% and 8.14% in the 3-kg ball throw for the ST and RT, respectively. The improvement in the 20-m sprint was 1.19% for the ST and 2.33% for the RT. CONCLUSION: Traditional RT and ST seem to be effective methods for improving explosive strength in prepubescent boys. ST could be considered as an alternative modality to optimize explosive strength training in school-based programs.

Effects of knowing the task duration on players' pacing patterns during soccer small-sided games.

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of prior knowledge of exercise duration on players' pacing patterns during soccer small-sided games. Twenty semi-professional male soccer players participated in this study. In the first game scenario, players were not informed how long they would be required to play the small-sided game and the activity was terminated after 20 min (Unknown Condition). In the second game scenario, players were told that they would play the small-sided game for 10 min, but immediately after completing the 10-min game, they were asked to complete another 10 min (Partially Condition). In the third game scenario, players were instructed that they would play the small-sided game for 20 min and then they completed the 20-min game (Known Condition). The results presented a tendency of higher values in all performance variables in the [0'-10'] min compared with the [10'-20'] min. As the players' previous knowledge about the tasks duration increased, the performance between two moments tended to be similar. Considering the entire 20-min game duration, the Partially Condition of the exercise was the most demanding condition. In conclusion, the knowledge of shorter durations of the exercise seems to lead to an increase of exercise duration demand, and longer exercise durations possibly tend to decrease differences between full knowledge and not knowing the exercise duration.

Concurrent Training Followed by Detraining: Does the Resistance Training Intensity Matter?

Sousa, AC, Marinho, DA, Gil, MH, Izquierdo, M, Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Neiva, HP, and Marques, MC. Concurrent training followed by detraining: does the resistance training intensity matter? J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 632-642, 2018-The aim of this study was to analyze the training and detraining (DT) effects of concurrent aerobic training and resistance training against 3 different external loads on strength and aerobic variables. Thirty-two men were randomly assigned to 4 groups: low-load (LLG, n = 9), moderate-load (MLG, n = 9), high-load (HLG, n = 8), and control group (CG, n = 6). Resistance training consisted of full squat (FS) with a low load (40-55% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), a moderate load (55-70% 1RM), or a high load (70-85% 1RM) combined with jump and sprint exercises. Aerobic training was performed at 75% of the maximal aerobic speed for 15-20 minutes. The training period lasted for 8-week, followed by 4-week DT. Pretraining, post-training, and post-DT evaluations included 20-m running sprints (0-10 m: T10; 0-20 m: T20), shuttle run test, countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) test, and loading test (1RM) in FS. All the experimental groups showed improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in all the parameters assessed, except the LLG for T10 and the HLG for T20. The LLG, MLG, and HLG showed great changes in 1RM and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max compared with the CG (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the HLG and MLG showed a greater percentage change than the CG in T10 (p < 0.001) and CMJ (p ≤ 0.05). The 4-week DT period resulted in detrimental effects in all variables analyzed for all 3 experimental groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that strength training programs with low, moderate, or high external loads combined with low-intensity aerobic training could be effective for producing significant gains in strength and aerobic capacities. Moreover, the higher loads used increased gains in explosive efforts.

Effort Index as a Novel Variable for Monitoring the Level of Effort During Resistance Exercises.

Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Yáñez-García, JM, Torres-Torrelo, J, Mora-Custodio, R, Marques, MC, and González-Badillo, JJ. Effort index as a novel variable for monitoring the level of effort during resistance exercises. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2139-2153, 2018-This study aimed to analyze the acute mechanical and metabolic response to resistance exercise protocols (REPs) defined by 2 variables: the first repetition's mean velocity and the percentage of velocity loss (%VL) over the set. The product of these 2 variables was termed the effort index (EI) and was used as an indicator of the degree of fatigue induced during each REP. Twenty-one resistance-trained men (11 in full squat [SQ] and 10 in bench press [BP]) performed 16 REPs separated by 72 hours. Relative loads used (50, 60, 70, and 80% 1-repetition maximum) were determined from the load-velocity relationship for the SQ and BP, whereas volume was objectively determined using the %VL attained over the set (10, 20, 30, and 45% for SQ, and 15, 25, 40, and 55% for BP). Lactate concentration and velocity against the load that elicited a ∼1.00 m·s (V1 m·s load) were measured before and after each REP. Post-exercise velocity with the V1 m·s load and lactate concentration were significantly different (P < 0.01-0.001) from pre-exercise after all REPs. A very close relationship was found between the proposed EI and %VL with the V1 m·s load (r = 0.92-0.98) and post-exercise lactate concentration (r = 0.91-0.95) in both exercises. The correlations between this new index and fatigue indicators such as VL allow us to gain further insight into the actual degree of effort incurred during resistance exercise. In addition to being a valuable addition for training monitoring, the proposed EI could also be used as an independent variable in training studies by equalizing the effort between different interventions.

High-Speed Resistance Training in Older Women: The Role of Supervision.

Older women participated in a 12-week high-speed resistance training program under two supervisor-to-subject ratio methods (i.e., high versus low supervision) to assess its effects on muscle strength, power, functional performance, and quality of life assessed before (T1) and after (T2) intervention. Women were divided into either the control group (CG, n = 15), high supervision group (HSG, n = 30), or low supervision group (LSG, n = 28). The training program included exercises requiring high-speed concentric muscle actions. No differences were observed among groups at T1. Between T1 and T2, the HSG showed a higher (p < .05) improvement in muscle strength (ES = 0.36-1.26), power (ES = 0.5-0.88), functional performance (ES = 0.52-0.78), and quality of life (ES = 0.44-0.82) compared with LSG and CG. High-speed resistance training under closer supervision is more effective for improving muscle strength, power, functional performance, and quality of life in older women.

Effects of Dry-Land Strength and Conditioning Programs in Age Group Swimmers.

Amaro, NM, Marinho, DA, Marques, MC, Batalha, N, and Morouço, PG. Effects of dry-land strength and conditioning programs in age group swimmers. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2447-2454, 2017-Even though dry-land S&C training is a common practice in the context of swimming, there are countless uncertainties over its effects in performance of age group swimmers. The objective was to investigate the effects of dry-land S&C programs in swimming performance of age group swimmers. A total of 21 male competitive swimmers (12.7 ± 0.7 years) were randomly assigned to the Control group (n = 7) and experimental groups GR1 and GR2 (n = 7 for each group). Control group performed a 10-week training period of swim training alone, GR1 followed a 6-week dry-land S&C program based on sets and repetitions plus a 4-week swim training program alone and GR2 followed a 6-week dry-land S&C program focused on explosiveness, plus a 4-week program of swim training alone. Results for the dry-land tests showed a time effect between week 0 and week 6 for vertical jump (p < 0.01) in both experimental groups, and for the GR2 ball throwing (p < 0.01), with moderate to strong effect sizes. The time × group analyses showed that for performance in 50 m, differences were significant, with the GR2 presenting higher improvements than their counterparts (F = 4.156; p = 0.007; (Equation is included in full-text article.)= 0.316) at week 10. Concluding, the results suggest that 6 weeks of a complementary dry-land S&C training may lead to improvements in dry-land strength. Furthermore, a 4-week adaptation period was mandatory to achieve beneficial transfer for aquatic performance. Additional benefits may occur if coaches plan the dry-land S&C training focusing on explosiveness.

Warm-up for Sprint Swimming: Race-Pace or Aerobic Stimulation? A Randomized Study.

Neiva, HP, Marques, MC, Barbosa, TM, Izquierdo, M, Viana, JL, Teixeira, AM, and Marinho, DA. Warm-up for sprint swimming: race-pace or aerobic stimulation? A randomized study. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2423-2431, 2017-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 2 different warm-up intensities on 100-m swimming performance in a randomized controlled trial. Thirteen competitive swimmers performed two 100-m freestyle time-trials on separate days after either control or experimental warm-up in a randomized design. The control warm-up included a typical race-pace set (4 × 25 m), whereas the experimental warm-up included an aerobic set (8 × 50 m at 98-102% of critical velocity). Cortisol, testosterone, blood lactate ([La]), oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), heart rate, core (Tcore and Tcorenet) and tympanic temperatures, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored. Stroke length (SL), stroke frequency (SF), stroke index (SI), and propelling efficiency (ηp) were assessed for each 50-m lap. We found that V[Combining Dot Above]O2, heart rate, and Tcorenet were higher after experimental warm-up (d > 0.73), but only the positive effect for Tcorenet was maintained until the trial. Performance was not different between conditions (d = 0.07). Experimental warm-up was found to slow SF (mean change ±90% CL = 2.06 ± 1.48%) and increase SL (1.65 ± 1.40%) and ηp (1.87 ± 1.33%) in the first lap. After the time-trials, this warm-up had a positive effect on Tcorenet (d = 0.69) and a negative effect on [La] (d = 0.56). Although the warm-ups had similar outcomes in the 100-m freestyle, performance was achieved through different biomechanical strategies. Stroke length and efficiency were higher in the first lap after the experimental warm-up, whereas SF was higher after control warm-up. Physiological adaptations were observed mainly through an increased Tcore after experimental warm-up. In this condition, the lower [La] after the trial suggests lower dependency on anaerobic metabolism.

Effects of order and sequence of resistance and endurance training on body fat in elementary school-aged girls.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of order and sequence of concurrent resistance and endurance training on body fat percentage (BFP) in a large sample of elementary school-aged girls. One hundred and twenty-six healthy girls, aged 10-11 years (10.95 ± 0.48 years), were randomly assigned to six groups to perform different training protocols per week for 8 weeks: Resistance-only (R), Endurance-only (E), Concurrent Distinct Endurance-Resistance (CDER), Concurrent Parallel Endurance-Resistance (CPER), Concurrent Parallel Resistance-Endurance (CPRE), and a Control group (C). In R and E, the subjects performed single sessions of resistance or endurance exercises, respectively (two days per week). In CDER, resistance-endurance training was performed on different days each week (four days per week). CPER and CPRE performed single-session combined endurance-resistance training or combined resistance-endurance training, respectively, each week (two days per week). After an 8-week training period, BFP decreased in all experimental groups (CPER: 13.3%, p< 0.05; CPRE: 13.8%, p<0.001; E: 1.9%, p>0.05; R: 5.0%, p>0.05; and CDER: 5.6%, p>0.05). However, a significant difference was found in CPER and CPRE when compared to CDER, E, and R, indicating that training sequence may influence BFP. All programmes were effective, but CPER and CPRE obtained better results for BFP than CDER, E, or R. The effects of concurrent resistance and endurance training on body fat percentage can be mediated by order and sequence of exercise. These results provide insight into optimization of school-based fat loss exercise programmes in childhood.

Does Intrasession Concurrent Strength and Aerobic Training Order Influence Training-Induced Explosive Strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in Prepubescent Children?

Alves, AR, Marta, C, Neiva, HP, Izquierdo, M, and Marques, MC. Does intrasession concurrent strength and aerobic training order influence training-induced explosive strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in prepubescent children?. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3267-3277, 2016-The aim of this study was to analyze the interference of strength and aerobic training order over an 8-week period on explosive skills and maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) in prepubescent children. One hundred twenty-eight prepubescent children aged 10-11 years (10.9 ± 0.5 years) were randomly selected and assigned to 1 of the 3 groups: intrasession concurrent aerobic before (GAS: n = 39) or after strength training (GSA: n = 45) or control group (GC: n = 44; no training program). The GC maintained their baseline level performance, and training-induced differences were found in the experimental groups. Increases were found in the 1-kg and 3-kg medicine ball throws: GAS: +3%, +5.5%, p ≤ 0.05, p < 0.001; GSA: +5.7%, +8.7%, p < 0.001, respectively; in the counter movement jump height and standing long jump length: GAS: +6.5%, +3.4%, p ≤ 0.05; GSA: +7%, +4.5%, p < 0.001, respectively; in the 20-m shuttle-run time: GAS: +2.3%; GSA: +4.6%, p < 0.001; and, in the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: GAS: +7.3%, p < 0.001; GSA: +3.8%, p < 0.001 from pretraining to post-training. All programs were effective, but GSA produced better results than GAS for muscle strength variables, and GAS produced better results than GSA for aerobic capacity variables. The present study explored an unknown issue and added useful information to the literature in this area. These training methods should be taken into consideration to optimize explosive strength and cardiorespiratory fitness training in school-based programs and sports club programs.

Concurrent Training in Prepubescent Children: The Effects of 8 Weeks of Strength and Aerobic Training on Explosive Strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max.

Alves, AR, Marta, CC, Neiva, HP, Izquierdo, M, and Marques, MC. Concurrent training in prepubescent children: the effects of 8 weeks of strength and aerobic training on explosive strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 2019-2032, 2016-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8-week training periods of strength training alone (GS), combined strength and aerobic training in the same session (GCOM1), or in 2 different sessions (GCOM2) on explosive strength and maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) in prepubescent children. Of note, 168 healthy children, aged 10-11 years (10.9 ± 0.5), were randomly selected and assigned to 3 training groups to train twice a week for 8 weeks: GS (n = 41), GCOM1 (n = 45), GCOM2 (n = 38) groups, and a control group (GC) (n = 44; no training program). The GC maintained the baseline level, and trained-induced differences were found in the experimental groups. Differences were observed in the 1 and 3-kg medicine ball throws (GS: +5.8 and +8.1%, respectively; GCOM1: +5.7 and +8.7%, respectively; GCOM2: +6.2 and +8%, respectively, p < 0.001) and in the countermovement jump height and in the standing long jump length (GS: +5.1 and +5.2%, respectively; GCOM1: +4.2 and +7%, respectively; GCOM2: +10.2 and +6.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the training period induced gains in the 20-m time (GS: +2.1%; GCOM1: +2.1%; GCOM2: +2.3%, p < 0.001). It was shown that the experimental groups (GCOM1, GCOM2, and GS) increased V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, muscular strength, and explosive strength from pretraining to posttraining. The higher gains were observed for concurrent training when it was performed in different sessions. These results suggest that concurrent training in 2 different sessions seems to be an effective and useful method for training-induced explosive strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in prepubescent children. This could be considered as an alternative way to optimize explosive strength training and cardiorespiratory fitness in school-based programs.