Daily undulating periodization is a growing trend in the exercise science literature. Flexible daily undulating periodization allows for athletes to have some autonomy within a periodized training cycle and is a relatively new and unstudied concept. The comparison of a flexible and traditional daily undulating periodization program using trained males has not been examined in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Flexible and Traditional Daily Undulating Periodization models on powerlifting performance in trained males. 25 resistance-trained males (23±6 years; 79±22 kg) completed a 9-week resistance-training program and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Flexible Daily Undulating Periodization (FDUP; N=14) or Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP; N=11). All subjects possessed a minimum of 6 months of resistance training experience & were required to squat 125% their bodyweight, bench press their bodyweight, and deadlift 150% their bodyweight. Dependent variables (DV) included bench press 1RM, squat 1RM, deadlift 1RM, Powerlifting total, and Wilk's Coefficient. Each DV was assessed at baseline and after the 9-week training program. The DUP group performed a hypertrophy workout on Monday, a power workout on Wednesday, and a strength workout on Friday. The FDUP group completed the exact same workouts in a given week, but were allowed to choose the order of the workouts. Data for each DV were analyzed via a 2x2 between-within factorial repeated measures ANOVA. The alpha criterion for significance was set at 0.05. There were no significant differences in total volume or intensity between groups. There was a main effect for time (p < 0.001) for 1RM Squat (FDUP pre = 132 ± 34 kg, FDUP Post = 148 ± 33 kg; DUP pre = 147 ± 31 kg, DUP post = 165 ± 25 kg), 1RM Bench Press (FDUP pre = 96 ± 20 kg, FDUP post = 102 ± 19 kg; DUP pre = 147 ± 31 kg, DUP post = 165 ± 25 kg), 1RM Deadlift (FDUP pre = 166 ± 41 kg, FDUP post: 181 ± 37 kg; DUP pre = 174 ± 25 kg, DUP post = 188 ± 29 kg), Powerlifting Total (FDUP pre = 394 ± 90 kg, FDUP post = 431 ± 84; DUP pre = 439 ± 71 kg, DUP post = 480 ± 69 kg), and Wilk's Coefficient (FDUP pre = 147 ± 25 kg, FDUP post = 304 ± 51; DUP pre = 299 ± 41, DUP post = 325 ± 38). There were no interaction effects between the FDUP and DUP for any of the variables assessed. 9 weeks of Flexible DUP leads to comparable gains in powerlifting performance when compared to a Traditional DUP program in trained males. This may be attributed to the fact that both groups performed similar volumes of work throughout the study. Specifically, FDUP improved squat 1RM by 12%, bench press 1RM by 7%, deadlift 1RM by 9%, powerlifting total by 9%, & Wilk's coefficient by 9%. Similarly, DUP improved squat 1RM by 12%, bench press 1RM by 8%, deadlift 1RM by 8%, powerlifting total by 9%, & Wilk's coefficient by 9%.

<p><strong>Introduction:</strong> A complex interaction between muscles, tendons, bones, joints and nerves are required for optimal function of the human hand. It is known that an individual’s grip strength is vital for performance of physical demanding tasks such as strength training with free weights. Strength training including a thicker grip around the bar may enhance the strength of the grip in the athlete without other special routines for grip strength development. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the difference in performance in multiple repetitions in two strength training exercises using two different sizes on the bar, to look for correlations between grip strength of the subjects hand and the amount of repetitions executed with two different size of the bar and finally the correlation of hand size and the amount of repetitions executed with two different size of the bar.</p><p><strong>Method:</strong> 15 strength training men (23,9 ± 4,1 years), underwent measurements of hand size, maximum grip strength, 1 repetition maximum (1RM), a 80 % of 1RM weight strength test with two different  bar sizes.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The results from the present investigation indicates a 21,1 % reduction of 80 % of 1 RM weight performance in repetitions executed in the bench press with the thicker diameter of the bar and a 66,2 % reduction in repetitions executed with a 80 % of 1 RM weight in the lying bench row with the thicker diameter of the bar. The size of the hand or the maximum grip strength does not influences the performance in the 80 % of 1 RM strength test.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>With support of the results from this present investigation the size of the bar diameter significant influences the performance in maximum repetitions executed in a set in strength training with free weights, in a rowing exercise the repetitions executed reduced with 66,2 % and in the bench press the reduction of executed repetitions were 21,1 % with the thicker diameter of the bar. The size of the hand do not influences the performance of maximal executed repetitions with the thicker bar diameter. Maximal grip strength has no influence of the performance according to the findings of this investigation.</p>

COMPARISONS OF ACUTE NEUROMUSCULAR FATIGUE IN MAXIMAL EFFORT STRENGTH TRAINING USING POWERLIFTS. N. T. Theilen, B. I. Campbell, M. C. Zourdos2, J. M. Oliver3, J. O'Halloran1, N. Asher1, J. M. Wilson4 1University of South Florida, Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, Tampa, FL 2Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 3Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 4University of Tampa, Tampa, FL Neuromuscular fatigue is associated with a decrease in velocity. Following powerlift training, the extent to which fatigue affects the performance velocity of each lift after a specified recovery interval has not yet been investigated. Purpose To assess the level of acute neuromuscular fatigue, as measured by a decrease in peak velocity, as a result of maximal effort strength training sessions with each powerlift. Methods Twelve resistance trained males (22.8 ± 2.6 yrs; 177.1 ± 6.7 cm; 83.0 ± 12.6 kgs) participated in a randomized crossover design with three conditions: Squat (SQ), Bench Press (BP), and Deadlift (DL). Subjects' relative strength included the ability to successfully complete at least 1.5x their bodyweight in the squat exercise. Initially, baseline peak velocity (PV) was measured for each lift at 60% 1RM via a TENDO unit. One training session occurred each Monday for 3 consecutive weeks (1 week for each lift). Each training session consisted of a 1RM of the designated lift followed by 4 sets of 2 repetitions at 92.5% and 4 sets of 3 repetitions at 87.5%. Following training sessions, each lift PV was measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-training to compare with baseline measures and determine recovery. Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA (p<.05). Results SQ: No significant differences in PV of the SQ and DL following SQ training at each time point compared to baseline. Bench press PV significantly declined following squat training (Baseline = 1.069 m/s; 24 hours = 0.974 m/s [p = 0.019]; 48 hours = 1.015 m/s [p = 0.034]; 72 hours = 0.970 m/s [p = 0.004]. BP: No significant differences in PV of the SQ and DL following BP training at each time point compared to baseline. Bench press PV significantly declined only at 24 hours following BP training (Baseline = 1.069 m/s; 24 hours = 0.988 m/s [p = 0.004]). DL: No significant differences in PV of the DL following DL training as compared to baseline. Squat PV significantly declined at 24 hours following the DL training (Baseline = 1.384 m/s; 24 hours = 1.315 m/s [p = 0.032]. Similar to SQ, PV of the BP significantly declined only at 24 hours following DL training (Baseline = 1.069 m/s; 24 hours = 0.979 m/s [p < 0.001]). Conclusions Bench press PV was significantly decreased 24-hours following each of the three powerlifts as compared to baseline values. Interestingly, there were no changes in squat and deadlift PV following training of that specific lift. Practical Applications Regardless of the powerlift trained, bench press PV at 60% was compromised 24-hours later. Therefore, following training of any powerlift, more than 24-hours may be needed to optimize performance in the BP at submaximal intensities.

Introduction: A complex interaction between muscles, tendons, bones, joints and nerves are required for optimal function of the human hand. It is known that an individual’s grip strength is vital for performance of physical demanding tasks such as strength training with free weights. Strength training including a thicker grip around the bar may enhance the strength of the grip in the athlete without other special routines for grip strength development. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the difference in performance in multiple repetitions in two strength training exercises using two different sizes on the bar, to look for correlations between grip strength of the subjects hand and the amount of repetitions executed with two different size of the bar and finally the correlation of hand size and the amount of repetitions executed with two different size of the bar. Method: 15 strength training men (23,9 ± 4,1 years), underwent measurements of hand size, maximum grip strength, 1 repetition maximum (1RM), a 80 % of 1RM weight strength test with two different  bar sizes. Results: The results from the present investigation indicates a 21,1 % reduction of 80 % of 1 RM weight performance in repetitions executed in the bench press with the thicker diameter of the bar and a 66,2 % reduction in repetitions executed with a 80 % of 1 RM weight in the lying bench row with the thicker diameter of the bar. The size of the hand or the maximum grip strength does not influences the performance in the 80 % of 1 RM strength test. Conclusion: With support of the results from this present investigation the size of the bar diameter significant influences the performance in maximum repetitions executed in a set in strength training with free weights, in a rowing exercise the repetitions executed reduced with 66,2 % and in the bench press the reduction of executed repetitions were 21,1 % with the thicker diameter of the bar. The size of the hand do not influences the performance of maximal executed repetitions with the thicker bar diameter. Maximal grip strength has no influence of the performance according to the findings of this investigation.

Daily undulating periodization represents an increasingly popular trend in exercise science with which a traditional model has been established. Tiered daily undulating periodization pairs the DUP approach with a tiered training system which allows volume and intensity to be more evenly distributed throughout a given graining cycle. The concept of tiered daily undulating periodization is a novel form of periodization and has not been investigated. As such, a comparison of traditional and tiered daily undulating periodization has yet to be examined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of traditional and tiered daily undulating periodization models as they relate to strength adaptations in trained males. Twenty-seven resistance trained males (22.0 ± 4.5 years) completed an 8 week resistance training protocol. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the traditional daily undulating periodization group (DUP, n = 12) or tiered daily undulating periodization group (TDUP, n = 15). Participants were recruited from the campus recreation center and met the minimum strength requirements of bench pressing their bodyweight, squatting 125% of their bodyweight, and deadlifting 150% of their bodyweight. Strength measures included squat 1RM, bench press 1RM, deadlift 1RM, powerlifting total, and Wilk’s Coefficient. Each variable was measured at baseline and again after the 8 week training period. Each group performed the same number of sets, reps, and exercises throughout each training week. DUP specified all exercises in a given training bout to be performed the same intensity and repetition scheme. TDUP specified performance of one high intensity exercise each day with each subsequent exercise being performed with lower intensity and differing repetition scheme. Data was analyzed via a 2x2 mixed factorial ANOVA with the alpha criterion for significance set at 0.05. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline and no significant differences were observed between groups for total volume or intensity. With respect to strength dependent variables, there was a main effect for time (p = <0.001) for back squat 1RM (DUP pre = 140.5 ± 33.9 kg, DUP post = 163.3 ± 29.8 kg; TDUP pre = 147.3 ±34.0 kg, TDUP post = 166.5 ± 30.7 kg), bench press 1RM (DUP pre = 104.2 ± 12.9 kg, DUP post = 114.9 ± 14.2 kg; TDUP = 110.4 ± 12.7 kg, TDUP post = 120.6 ± 11.9 kg), deadlift 1RM (DUP pre = 177.7 ± 26.4 kg, DUP post = 194.1 ± 20.2 kg; TDUP pre = 169.6 ± 37.5, TDUP post = 188.3 ± 37.5), powerlifting total (DUP pre = 422.4 ± 67.8 kg, DUP post = 472.4 ± 60.6 kg; TDUP pre = 427.1 ± 79.2 kg, TDUP post = 476.5 ± 74.1 kg), and Wilk’s score (DUP pre = 287.5 ± 49.3, DUP post = 320.0 ± 45.6; TDUP pre = 298.3 ± 45.8, TDUP post = 331.6 ± 38.7). However, no interaction effects were observed between DUP and TDUP for any of the strength dependent variables. These results suggest that 8 weeks of tiered DUP resistance training leads to similar gains in strength compared to the traditional DUP model in trained males. This could be a result of the similar workload between both groups. While not significant, traditional DUP may be more efficacious for improving back squat 1RM (DUP = 16%; TDUP = 13%), while TDUP may elicit greater strength gains in the deadlift (DUP = 9%; TDUP = 12%). Furthermore, this study demonstrates that exercise order and training intensity can be manipulated throughout each training session according to personal preference while maintaining strength adaptations within a DUP model. Lastly, dropout rates in this study lead researchers to conclude that the DUP protocols investigated should be transient and not used as a long term training approach.

Title: The effect of breathing technique on intra-thoracic pressure, kinematics of barbell, and muscle activity during bench press exercise. Objectives: The main aim of this study is to determine relationship between breathing technique and bench press exercise. Furthermore, determine which breathing modification leads to overcoming highest resistance and how each individual breathing techniques (Valsalva maneuver (VM), Hold breath (HB), Lung packing (PAC), "reversed breathing" (REVB)) affects kinematics of barbell, and muscle activity, during different intensity (1 RM, 4RM, 8RM, 12RM). Methods: Experiment of cross-sectional character, with usage of our-calibrated sensor, for intrathoracic pressure measurements, 3D kinematics with passive markers and surface electromyography. For measuring anthropometric measurements was further used goniometer, digital scale, and measuring tape. Comparisons of the breathing techniques was done by analysis of covariance ANOVA, while particular parameters were compared by Pearson correlation. Results: Except of REVB technique, which indicated significantly lower load, there was no significant difference between techniques in lifted resistance. Similar effect was observed at results of intrathoracic pressure, where REVB technique showed significantly lower pressure,...

Abstract Investigation into Characteristics of Bench Press using PUSH™ Band Peters, Avery1 and Sato, Kimitake1 Department of Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Kinesiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN1 Introduction: Sport scientist and strength coaches use resistance training to increase athletic performance and muscle hypertrophy. Improving muscular strength is the most essential task for these scientists, however, how best to identify weakness has yet to be established. The popularity of velocity-based resistance training has recently increased as a method to prescribe resistance training intensity, therefore, the purpose of the study was to identify the characteristics of bench press concentric velocity. It is hypothesized that the velocity output will decrease during the change from the 75% relative load of the 1RM to the 85% relative load of 1RM. It is believed that there will be a greater output of velocity during the 75% set than the 85% set. Methods: Nine female collegiate athletes (18-21 yrs), participated in this study. PUSH™ bands were used to measure barbell velocity during the bench press exercise. Each female was expected to preform 3 sets of 5 repetitions (3x5) at an intensity of 75% and 85% of their 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Only data from repetition 2-4 were used for analysis. Results: The results drawn from data collected supported our hypothesis showing a decrease in velocity among the 85% 1RM test when compared to the 75% 1RM test group. Comparisons were drawn using a t-Test table comprised of PUSH™ Band data. Conclusion: The results supported the hypothesis that this type of technology can identify the load specific velocity to help strength coaches to identify the optimal resistance for certain training program and goals by using collected data with the PUSH™ Band to identify weakness in strength and/or endurance.

Paralympic athletes (PA) appear to be more prone to chronic overuse injuries from daily wheelchair or crutch use. Over half of these injuries are shoulder related which can deleteriously impact quality of life. Adaptive powerlifters (AP) are a subdivision of Paralympic athletes and are at a higher risk for catastrophic injuries as compared to their counterparts, due to the compound of fatigue and lifting of maximal weights. For this reason, it is vital to have well-designed training plans for these athletes in order to preserve quality of life and maximize performance in competition. Unfortunately, there is a lack of literature on training adaptive athletes for performance. The purpose of this dissertation is to collect and analyze monitoring data of a para-powerlifter preparing for competition over the course of a six-month macrocycle. Specifically, the intention is to 1) explore options in adaptive monitoring measures for the adaptive athlete community via para-powerlifting 2) analyze trends in the training process with such monitoring methods in fatigue and performance and 3) examine efficient and safe training methods and practices for para-powerlifting. The major findings of this dissertation are 1.) Hand grip dynamometry may be a valid monitoring tool used to gain clarity on neuromuscular fatigue within para-powerlifters. 2.) Barbell velocities may reveal trends in fatigue and recovery over the course of a training cycle for para-powerlifters. 3.) Para-powerlifters and para-athletes training for upper-body power development should likely perform bench press using a strap to secure them to the bench for enhanced stability. The significant and consistently increased force outputs the added stability enables the athlete to utilize may bring more pronounced training adaptations towards their goals. This dissertation is exploratory in nature and much more research needs to be done to give the adaptive athlete population adequate information and tools for their long-term success and safety.

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in maximal strength, perceived recovery and stress state, and body composition alterations in powerlifters undergoing a 2-day or 4-day period of training cessation following a step taper. Ten participants completed a 6-week powerlifting specific training protocol. Body composition, perceived recovery and stress state, and maximal strength in the back squat (BS), bench press (BP), and deadlift (DL) were assessed prior to the overreach week (week 5) and either 2-days or 4-days after the taper. Alpha criterion was set at p≤0.05. There were statistically significant increases in BP (pp=0.03) following the 2-day protocol. Following the 4-day protocol, there were statistically significant increases in DL (p=0.03) and statistically significant decreases in BP (p=0.04). The results of this study support the use of shorter periods of training cessation (i.e., two days) following a step taper to improve maximal strength performance.

In an attempt to improve aerobic and anaerobic performance, athletes and fitness enthusiasts consume a variety of supplements. Because of this, energy drinks are quickly becoming more and more popular every day. Despite its highly addictive nature, caffeine, which is the main active ingredient in energy drinks, is gaining recognition as an ergogenic aid. However, due to the many factors that affects the action of caffeine, and because the research on caffeine and anaerobic performance is limited, the potential for studying energy drinks and anaerobic performance is quite large. PURPOSE: To determine if a commercially available energy drink has any ergogenic effects on lower body and upper body resistance exercise performance. METHODS: In a block randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study thirteen recreationally trained male and female volunteers (mean ± SD age = 22.5 ± 3.4 years) performed 4 sets of the leg press and 4 sets of the bench press exercises (at 80% of 1 RM with all sets separated by 2 minutes). Acting as their own controls, participants were tested on each dependent variable (i.e., bench press total volume, leg press total volume and total workout volume) twice, after ingesting a Venom® Energy Drink and after ingesting a placebo drink. RESULTS: Data were tested via a dependent samples t-test with p value set at < 0.05. No significant differences were found for any of the three dependent variables. DISCUSSION: The major finding of this study is that consumption of a Venom® Energy Drink does not produce an ergogenic effect by improving anaerobic exercise performance when the exercises are performed forty-five minutes following ingestion. Future studies should focus more on examining the factors behind the actions of caffeine. More specifically, the exercise performed, the training status of the participants, individual differences of the participants, and the dose of caffeine.