The purpose of this investigation was to determine the existence of bilateral strength and force-production asymmetry and evaluate possible differences based on sex, as well as strength level. Asymmetry was assessed during weight-distribution (WtD) testing, unloaded and lightly loaded static- (SJ) and countermovement-jump (CMJ) testing, and isometric midthigh-pull (IMTP) strength testing. Subjects included 63 athletes (31 male, 32 female) for WtD, SJ, and CMJ tests, while 129 athletes (64 male, 65 female) participated in IMTP testing. Independent-samples t tests were used to determine possible differences in asymmetry magnitude between males and females, as well as between strong and weak athletes. Cohen d effect-size (ES) estimates were also used to estimate difference magnitudes. Statistically different asymmetry levels with moderate to strong ESs were seen between males and females in WtD, 0-kg SJ (peak force [PF]), 20-kg SJ (peak power [PP]), 0-kg CMJ (PF, PP, net impulse), and 20-kg CMJ (PF), but no statistical differences were observed in IMTP variables. Dividing the sample into strong and weak groups produced statistically significant differences with strong ES estimates in IMTP PF and rate of force development, and many ESs in jump symmetry variables increased. The results of this investigation indicate that females may be more prone to producing forces asymmetrically than males during WtD and jumping tasks. Similarly, weaker athletes displayed more asymmetry than stronger athletes. This may indicate that absolute strength may play a larger role in influencing asymmetry magnitude than sex.

Tem sido sugerido que combinar o treinamento de força (TF) com o treinamento com vibração (TV) pode ser mais vantajoso do que realizar o TF isolado. OBJETIVOS: Foi objetivo deste estudo avaliar os efeitos da combinação do TF com o TV (TF+V) sobre o desenvolvimento de hipertrofia e os desempenhos da força máxima dinâmica de membros inferiores (FMD) e do salto vertical (SV). Investigou-se também se os benefícios proporcionados pelo treinamento são acompanhados por alterações agudas e crônicas na excitabilidade das vias reflexas. METÓDOS: Foram realizados dois experimentos. No primeiro, foram avaliados os efeitos de uma sessão de treinamento sobre o desempenho do SV e excitabilidade das vias reflexas. Doze sujeitos do sexo masculino foram submetidos a quatro condições experimentais. Na condição TF, realizaram cinco séries de 10 repetições do exercício agachamento, com 90% da massa corporal. Nas condições TF+V30 e TF+V50, o TF foi realizado sobre a plataforma vibratória nas freqüências de 30 Hz (2-4 mm) e 50 Hz (4-6 mm), respectivamente. Na condição controle (C), os sujeitos permaneceram em repouso. Antes e depois de todas as condições experimentais, foram mensurados o desempenho do SV, e os reflexos de Hoffmann (H com amplitude de 20% da onda M máxima, H20%) e tendíneo máximo (Tmáx), no músculo sóleo. No segundo experimento, 29 sujeitos do sexo masculino foram divididos aleatoriamente nos grupos TF, TF+V30 e TF+V50. Os três grupos realizaram entre 3-5 séries de 6-12 RM do exercício agachamento, duas vezes por semana, durante dez semanas. Os grupos TF+V30 e TF+V50 fizeram o agachamento sobre a plataforma vibratória nas freqüências de 30 Hz (amplitude de 2-4 mm) e 50 Hz (amplitude de 4-6 mm), respectivamente. Antes e depois do período de treinamento, foram avaliados a área de secção transversa do quadríceps femoral (ASTQ), os desempenhos da FMD e do SV, os reflexos H e T máximos (Hmáx e Tmáx) e a onda M máxima (Mmáx), no músculo sóleo. RESULTADOS: No primeiro experimento, não foram verificadas alterações significantes na amplitude de H20% em nenhuma das condições (p>0,05). Houve diminuições significantes na amplitude das ondas Tmáx, nas condições TF (-7,4%) e TF+V50 (-11,1%), no primeiro minuto, em comparação ao período antes da intervenção (p<0,001). Foram verificadas diminuições significantes na altura do SV após a realização de todas as condições (C= -11,8%, TF= -6,6%, TF+V30= -7,7% e TF+V50= -7,4%) (p<0, 001). Não houve diferenças significantes entre grupos em nenhuma das variáveis (p>0,05). No segundo experimento, após as dez semanas de treinamento, foram verificados aumentos significantes na ASTQ (TF= 9,8%, TF+V30= 11,7%, TF+V50= 12,9%); na FMD (TF= 16,9%, TF+V30= 15,2%, TF+V50= 16,6%) e na altura do SV (TF= 6,0%, TF+V30= 7,2%, TF+V50= 6,0%) para os três grupos (p<0,05). Não houve diferença significante entre grupos em nenhuma das três variáveis. O período de treinamento não causou alterações significantes nas razões Hmáx/Mmáx (TF = +28%, TF+V30 = -16,3%, TF+V50 = -14%) e Tmáx/Mmáx (TF = -30,3%, TF+V30 = -38,2%, TF+V50 = -28,1%) (p>0,05). Contudo, foi verificado efeito principal de tempo significante para a razão Tmáx/Mmáx (-48,9%) (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A realização de uma sessão de treinamento de força causa uma breve redução da atividade dos fusos musculares. Essa redução não é ampliada quando o TF é combinado com vibração. Realizar um período de TF sobre a plataforma de vibração não proporciona qualquer aumento adicional na ASTQ ou nos desempenhos da FMD e do SV, em relação ao que pode ser conseguido através do TF / It has been suggested that the combination of strength and vibration training may be advantageous when compared with strength training alone. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of combined strength training and vibration (ST+V) on lower limb hypertrophy and on maximal dynamic strength (MDS) and vertical jump (VJ) performances. In addition, we investigate if the training-induced adaptations were in agreement to acute and chronic changes on spinal reflex excitability. METHODS: Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, the effects of a single training session on VJ performance and spinal reflexes excitability were assessed. Twelve young male undertook four experimental conditions. On ST condition, subjects performed five sets with 10 repetitions on squat exercise with load of 90% body mass. On both ST+V30 and ST+V50 conditions, subjects performed the ST on a vibration platform at 30 Hz (2-4 mm) and 50 Hz (4-6 mm), respectively. In C condition, subjects were only assessed. Vertical jumping performance and Hoffman (at 20% of maximal M wave, H20%) and maximal tendon soleus reflexes (Tmáx) were measured before and after all experimental conditions. In the second experiment, twenty nine young male were randomized into three groups. All groups performed 3-5 sets with 6-12 RM on squat exercise, twice a week, for ten weeks. The ST+V30 and ST+V50 groups performed the squat exercise on the vibration platform at 30 Hz (2-4 mm) and 50 Hz (4-6 mm), respectively. Quadriceps cross sectional area (QCSA), MDS and VJ performances, maximal soleus H- and T- reflexes and maximal M wave (Mmáx) were assessed before and after the 10-week training period. RESULTS: in the first experiment, no significant changes were found in H20% amplitude in any experimental condition (p>0,05). Significant decrease on Tmáx amplitude was found after ST+V30 (-7.4%) and ST+V50 (-11.1%) conditions, after the first minute, compared to before intervention assessment. VJ decreased in all experimental conditions (C= -11.8%, ST= -6.6%, ST+V30= -7.7% and ST+V50= -7.4%) (p<0.001). There were no significant changes between groups in any variable measured (p>0.05). In the second experiment, significant increases were found in QCSA (ST= 9.8%, ST+V30= 11.7%, ST+V50= 12.9%); MDS (ST= 16.9%, ST+V30= 15.2%, ST+V50= 16.6%) and VJ height (ST= 6.0%, ST+V30= 7.2%, ST+V50= 6.0%) in all groups (p<0.05). There were no significant changes between groups in any variable measured (p>0.05). The training period did not induce significant changes in Hmáx/ Mmáx (ST = +28%, ST+V30 = -16,3%, ST+V50 = -14%) and Tmáx/ Mmáx ratios (ST = -30,3%, ST+V30 = -38,2%, ST+V50 = -28,1%) (p>0.05). However it was found a significant time effect for Tmáx/ Mmáx ratio (-48.9%) (p<0,05).CONCLUSION: A single strength training session induces a brief impairment on muscle spindle activity. This impairment is not greater if ST is combined with vibration. Performing ST on a vibration platform did not additionally increase QCSA, MDS and VJ performance compared with ST alone

Abstrakt  Bakgrund: En allmän uppfattning är att stretching kan påskynda musklernas förmåga till återhämtning, underlätta inlärning av rätt teknik samt minska risken för överbelastningsskador i vissa idrotter (1). Det har presenterats motstridiga resultat om hur statisk stretch påverkar senor samt på de muskulära komponenterna i muscle-tendon unit (MTU). En del studier har visat att statisk stretching (SS) minskar styvheten i MTU och/eller ökar senans slakhet (4,5), vilket i sin tur leder till sämre kraft produktion och en långsammare muskelaktivering (6). Syfte: Syftet med studien var att systematiskt granska vetenskapliga artiklar gällande effekten av hur statisk stretch kombinerat med uppvärmning påverkar höjden i ett vertikalhopp hos friska unga vuxna, mätt i centimeter med hjälp av hoppmatta. Metod: Litteratursökningen genomfördes via databasen PubMed och nio artiklar inkluderades enligt kriterierna för PICO (Population, Intervention, Control &amp; Outcome). Artiklarna granskades sedan via granskningsmallen PEDro-scale i syfte att skatta studiekvaliteten. Därefter betygsattes evidensstyrkan via SBU:s metod GRADE. Resultat: Tre av studierna konkluderar en minskning av vertikalhöjden efter stretching medan resterande sex studier fann ingen signifikant skillnad. Den sammanlagda evidensgraden av vilken effekt statisk stretchs har på vertikalhopp bedöms som begränsad. Konklusion: Efter granskning av de nio inkluderande artiklarna går det ej att säkerställa att statisk stretching påverkar utfallet av ett vertikalhopp. Hur durationen av statisk stretch kombinerat med uppvärmning påverkar höjden i vertikalhopp är ett område där det behöver bedrivas ytterligare forskning. / Abstractz Background: The general perception is that stretching can accelerate the muscles ability to recover, facilitate the learning of correct technique and reduce the risk of overuse injuries in certain sports (1). Conflicting results have been presented on the effects of static stretching on the tendons as well as on the muscular components on the muscle-tendon unit (MTU). Some studies have shown that static stretching (SS) reduces the stiffness of the MTU and/or increases the tendon slackness (4,5), which in turn results in poorer force production and slower muscle activation (6). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to systematically review scientific articles regarding the effect of how static stretching combined with a warm-up effects the height in a vertical jump in healthy young adults, measured in centimeters using a jumping mat.  Method: The literature search was performed on the database PubMed and nine articles were included according to the criteria for PICO (Population, Intervention, Control &amp; Outcome). The articles were reviewed by PEDro-scale in order to assess the study quality. Thereafter the strength of evidence was assessed by SBU's method GRADE. Results: Three of the included studies conclude a reduction in vertical height after static stretching while the remaining six studies found no significant difference in jump height. The total evidence grading on the effect of static stretch on vertical jumps I assessed as a limited basis. Conclusion: After a review of the nine included articles it is not possible to come to a definitive conclusion that static stretching affects the outcome of a vertical jump. How duration of static stretching combined with warm-up affects the height in vertical jumps is an area where further research needs to be conducted.

The purpose of this analysis was to construct a preliminary scale of reference values for reactive strength index-modified (RSImod). Countermovement jump data from 151 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I collegiate athletes (male n = 76; female n = 75) were analyzed. Using percentiles, scales for both male and female samples were constructed. For further analysis, athletes were separated into four performance groups based on RSImod and comparisons of jump height (JH), and time to takeoff (TTT) were performed. RSImod values ranged from 0.208 to 0.704 and 0.135 to 0.553 in males and females, respectively. Males had greater RSImod (p < 0.001, d = 1.15) and JH (p < 0.001, d = 1.41) as compared to females. No statistically significant difference was observed for TTT between males and females (p = 0.909, d = 0.02). Only JH was found to be statistically different between all performance groups. For TTT no statistical differences were observed when comparing the top two and middle two groups for males and top two, bottom two, and middle two groups for females. Similarities in TTT between sexes and across performance groups suggests JH is a primary factor contributing to differences in RSImod. The results of this analysis provide practitioners with additional insight as well as a scale of reference values for evaluating RSImod scores in collegiate athletes.

The purposes of this study were to examine the relationships between dynamic strength index (DSI) and other strength-power performance characteristics and to contextualize DSI scores using case study comparisons. 88 male and 67 female NCAA division I collegiate athletes performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pulls (IMTP) during a pre-season testing session as part of a long-term athlete monitoring program. Spearman's correlations were used to assess the relationships between DSI and CMJ peak force, height, modified reactive strength index, peak power and IMTP peak force and rate of force development (RFD). Very large relationships existed between DSI and IMTP peak force (r = -0.848 and -0.746), while small-moderate relationships existed between DSI and CMJ peak force (r = 0.297 and 0.313), height (r = 0.108 and 0.167), modified reactive strength index (r = 0.174 and 0.274), and IMTP RFD (r = -0.341 and -0.338) for men and women, respectively. Finally, relationships between DSI and CMJ peak power were trivial-small for male (r = 0.008) and female athletes (r = 0.191). Case study analyses revealed that despite similar DSI scores, each athlete's percentile rankings for each variable and CMJ force-time characteristics were unique, which may suggest different training emphases are needed. Based on the explained variance, an athlete's IMTP performance may have a larger influence on their DSI score compared to the CMJ. DSI scores should be contextualized using additional performance data to ensure each individual athlete receives the appropriate training stimulus during different training phases throughout the year.

The purpose of this study was to compare 4 methods that assess the lower-body stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) utilization of athletes. Eighty-six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes from 6 different sports performed 2 squat jumps and 2 countermovement jumps on a force platform. Pre-stretch augmentation percentage (PSAP), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength (RS) for jump height (JH) and peak power (PP) magnitudes, and reactive strength index–modified (RSImod) were calculated for each team. A series of one-way analyses of variance with a Holm-Bonferroni sequential adjustment were used to compare differences in PSAP, EUR, RS, and RSImod between teams. Statistical differences in RSImod (p < 0.001) existed between teams, whereas no statistical differences in PSAP-JH (p = 0.150), PSAP-PP (p = 0.200), EUR-JH (p = 0.150), EUR-PP (p = 0.200), RS-JH (p = 0.031), or RS-PP (p = 0.381) were present. The relationships between PSAP, EUR, and RS measures were all statistically significant and ranged from strong to nearly perfect (r = 0.569–1.000), while most of the relationships between PSAP, EUR, and RS measures and RSImod were trivial to small (r = 0.192–0.282). Pre-stretch augmentation percentage and EUR, RS, and RSImod values indicate that women's tennis, men's soccer, and men's soccer teams may use the SSC most effectively, respectively. Pre-stretch augmentation percentage, EUR, RS, and RSImod values may show vastly different results when comparing an individual's and a team's ability to use the SSC. Practitioners should consider using RSImod to monitor the SSC utilization of athletes due to its timing component.

Monitoring tests are commonly used to assess weightlifter’s preparedness for competition. Although various monitoring tests have been used, it is not clear which test is the strongest indicator of weightlifting performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to (1) determine the relationships between vertical jump, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and weightlifting performance; and (2) compare vertical jumps to IMTP as monitoring tests of weightlifting performance in a large cohort of male and female weightlifters. Methods: Fifty-two competitive weightlifters (31 males, 21 females) participated in squat and countermovement jump testing (SJ, CMJ), and IMTP testing performed on force plates. All laboratory testing data was correlated to a recent competition where the athletes had attempted to peak. Results: Squat jump height (SJH) was the strongest correlate for men and women with the Sinclair Total (r = 0.686, p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.487, p ≤ 0.05, respectively) compared to countermovement jump height (r = 0.642, p ≤ 0.01; r = 0.413, p = 0.063), IMTP peak force allometrically scaled to body mass (r = 0.542, p ≤ 0.01; r = −0.044, p = 0.851) and rate of force development at 200 ms (r = 0.066, p = 0.723; r = 0.086, p = 0.711), respectively. Further, SJH was a stronger correlate of relative weightlifting performance compared to IMTP peak force in females (p = 0.042), but not male weightlifters (p = 0.191). Conclusions: Although CMJ and IMTP are still considered strong indicators of weightlifting performance, SJH appears to be the most indicative measure of weightlifting performance across a wide-range of performance levels. Thus, SJH can be used as a reliable measure to monitor weightlifting performance in male and female weightlifters.

Submitted by Sara Ribeiro (sara.ribeiro@ucb.br) on 2018-08-08T17:35:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 SebastianDelRossoDissertacao2018.pdf: 1818866 bytes, checksum: 3274a8646557f8e415e970e9bbe7a015 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Sara Ribeiro (sara.ribeiro@ucb.br) on 2018-08-08T17:35:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 SebastianDelRossoDissertacao2018.pdf: 1818866 bytes, checksum: 3274a8646557f8e415e970e9bbe7a015 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-08T17:35:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 SebastianDelRossoDissertacao2018.pdf: 1818866 bytes, checksum: 3274a8646557f8e415e970e9bbe7a015 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-28 / The main goal of the present study was to identify the main determinants influencing and thus explaining pacing and performance during self-paced 10 km running time trial and develop prediction equations including metabolic/respiratory and neuromuscular variables. Twenty-seven well-trained runners (age = 26,4 ± 6,5 years, training experience = 7,4 ± 5,9 years, training volume = 89,1 ± 39,1 km·week-1, VO2max = 62,3 ± 4,5 mL·kg-1·min-1) completed three testing sessions: During the first session, body composition and mechanical variables (concentric peak velocity, PV; time to peak velocity, TPV; peak force, PF; and peak power, PP) in the half-squat (AG) and loaded squat jump (SSC) were measured. The second testing session was dedicated to assessing metabolic variables [VO2max, ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2), cost of running (CR) and maximal speed (SMAX)] and vertical jump (CMJ) potentiation; while during the third session a 10 km self-paced time trial was carried out. Also, before and after (0, 3, 6, and 9 min) the 10 km, athletes completed 2 CMJ for measuring mechanical variables [eccentric displacement (DE), mean eccentric and concentric velocity (VME, VMC), eccentric and concentric peak velocity (PVE, PVC)]. Pacing was defined as the time (T10km) or speed (S10km) every 1000 m, and analysis of those factors influencing the 10 km performance was carried by means of hierarchic multiple regression, whit the inclusion of all available variables. In addition, regression analyses were performed to develop prediction equation for T10km. Cluster analyses were carried out to evaluate the effects of performance levels [high performance group, GAD; low performance group (GBD)] and jumping potentiation (potentiation group, GP; non-potentiation group, GNP). For the whole sample, the final model including SMAX, CR, o a AGVP, Δ3-Pre CMJPVE (m·s-1), HRmax (bpm) and SSCPF (N) was statistically significant; r2 = 0,91, F(6-26) = 35,64, P < 0,001, EES = 0,76, r2ADJUSTED = 0,89; while the prediction model included the following variables: SMAX, CR and AGVP [r2 = 0,75; F(3-26) = 22,52; P < 0,001; EES = 1,23]. For the performance groups, there were significant main simple effects for time [F(2-52) = 12,20, P<0,001), η2 = 0,32] and group [F(1-25) = 49,91; P<0,001, η2 = 0,66] and also differences in the explaining variables for T10km: GAD [SMAX; SSCPF, HRMEAN, CV10km e Post-0min CMJPVE, F(5-9) = 266,06; P <0,001; SSE = 0,09 min; r2ADJUSTED = 0,99]; GBD [VT2-%VO2max, Δ6-Pre CMJEPV, CR; F(4-18) = 33,16; P <0,001, EES = 0,045 min; r2ADJUSTED = 0,88]. Furthermore, different prediction equations were found for each group: GAD – [T10km (min) = 68,65 – (1,084 × SMAX) – (0,008 × SSCPF) + (0,083 × AGCARGA); r2 = 0,98]; GBD - T10km (min) = 44,75 – (1,05× SMAX) + (0,17×VT2-%VO2max) + (1,89 × CMJVME) – (0,061 × Age); r2 = 0,89]. For jump potentiation groups there were significant differences only in the last 400 m and RPE (GNP = 8,36 ± 1,6 vs. GP = 6,8 ± 1,7; P = 0,03). Also, jump potentiation correlated with the final 400 m time in the whole sample (r = -0.42; P = 0,031) and with RPE for the GAD group (r = -0,75; P = 0,032). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that mechanical factors are significant for endurance runners given that explain part of the variance in the T10km while allowed for performance prediction. Moreover, performance level appears to be related to neuromuscular differences influencing pacing whereas jump potentiation likely affects effort perception. / O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os diversos fatores que podem influenciar e por tanto explicar o desempenho em uma prova de corrida de 10 km assim como também em subsegmentos dos 10 km, e predizer desempenho a partir de variáveis metabólicas/respiratórias e neuromusculares. Para tal fim, 27 corredores bem treinados (idade = 26,4 ± 6,5 anos, experiência de treinamento = 7,4 ± 5,9 anos, volume de treinamento = 89,1 ± 39,1 km·semana-1, VO2max = 62,3 ± 4,5 mL·kg-1·min-1) completaram três sessões de avaliação: A primeira sessão foi dedicada à determinação das variáveis mecânicas (pico de velocidade concêntrica, PV; tempo até o pico de velocidade, TPV; pico de força, PF e pico de potência, PP) nos exercícios de médio agachamento (AG) e salto com sobrecarga (SSC) e das variáveis associadas à composição corporal; durante a segunda sessão se avaliaram variáveis metabólicas [VO2max, limiares ventilatórios (VT1, primer limiar ventilatório, VT2, segundo limiar ventilatório), custo energético da corrida (CR) e velocidade máxima (SMAX)] conjuntamente com a potencialização no salto vertical (CMJ); e durante a terceira sessão se registrou o desempenho em uma prova simulada de 10 km (T10km) com monitoramento continuo da velocidade (GPS) e da frequência cardíaca (FC). Antes e depois (0, 3, 6 e 9 min) dos 10 km os atletas completaram 2 saltos verticais (CMJ) para à avaliação das variáveis mecânicas associadas ao salto [deslocamento excêntrico (DE), velocidade média excêntrica e concêntrica (VME, VMC), pico de velocidade excêntrica e concêntrica (PVE, PVC)]. O ritmo de corrida foi definido como o tempo ou velocidade a cada 1000 m, e para as análises dos fatores implicados na variância do desempenho em 10 km foi realizada uma análise de regressão múltipla hierárquica utilizando todas as variáveis disponíveis. Além disso, análises de regressão foram completadas para determinar equações de predição do T10km com variáveis independentes das registradas durante a prova. Entanto que analises por conglomerados foram utilizados para analisar os efeitos do nível de desempenho (grupo de alto desempenho, GAD; grupo de baixo desempenho, GBD) e da potencialização do salto vertical (grupo que exibiu potencialização, GP; grupo que não potencializou, GNP). Para o total de 27 atletas o modelo final que incluiu a SMAX (km·h-1), a CR (mL·kg-1·m-1), o a AGVP (m·s-1), o Δ3-Pre CMJPVE (m·s-1), a FCmax (bpm) e a SSCPF (N) foi estatisticamente significativo; r2 = 0,91, F(6-26) = 35,64, P < 0,001, EES = 0,76, r2ajustado = 0,89. Por outra parte, o modelo para a predição do T10km, com variáveis independentes da prova de 10 km, incluiu a SMAX, o CR e AGVP [r2 = 0,75; F(3-26) = 22,52; P < 0,001; EES = 1,23]. As analises por grupo de desempenho indicaram efeitos principais do tempo (Tempos parciais, Laps) [F(2-52) = 12,20, P<0,001), η2 = 0,32] e do grupo [F(1-25) = 49,91; P<0,001, η2 = 0,66] assim como diferencias nas variáveis que explicaram a variância no T10km: para GAD [SMAX; SSCPF, FCMÉDIA, CV10km e Pós-0min CMJPVE, F(5-9) = 266,06; P <0,001; SSE = 0,09 min; r2AJUSTADO = 0,99]; GBD [VT2-%VO2max, o Δ6-Pre CMJEPV, CR; F(4-18) = 33,16; P <0,001, EES = 0,045 min; r2AJUSTADO = 0,88]. Adicionalmente, acharam-se equações diferentes para a predição do T10km em cada um dos grupos: GAD – [T10km (min) = 68,65 – (1,084 × SMAX) – (0,008 × SSCPF) + (0,083 × AGCARGA); r2 = 0,98]; GBD - T10km (min) = 44,75 – (1,05× SMAX) + (0,17×VT2-%VO2max) + (1,89 × CMJVME) – (0,061 × Idade); r2 = 0,89]. Enquanto aos grupos de potencialização, se acharam diferenças significativas entre os grupos na velocidade atingida só no segmento de 400 m finais e na PSE final (GNP = 8,36 ± 1,6 vs. GP = 6,8 ± 1,7; P = 0,03). Ademais, na amostra completa a potencialização correlacionou com o tempo nos 400 m finais (r = -0.42; P = 0,031) e no grupo GAD, correlacionou com a PSE (r = -0,75; P = 0,032). Em conclusão, os resultados deste estudo sugerem que as variáveis mecânicas são importantes para corredores de 10 km já que permitem explicar a variância e predizer o desempenho. Além disso, o nível de desempenho parece estar associado com diferencias neuromusculares que influenciam o ritmo de corrida, entanto que a potencialização do salto vertical parece afeitar sobre tudo a percepção do esforço.

Physical tasks such as scrummaging, rucking and mauling are highly specific to rugby and also place unique physiological demands on the different playing positions within the forwards. Traditionally, the recruitment and development of talented rugby union players has focused on the assessment of motor skills and game intelligence aspects of performance, with less emphasis placed on the specific physiological requirements of playing positions in rugby. The purpose of this investigation was to measure the position-specific strength, speed and power characteristics of Premier rugby forwards in order (1) to determine whether any differences existed in the physiological characteristics of the different forward playing positions (prop, lock and loose forwards) and (2) to investigate the relationship between these physiological characteristics and coaches evaluations of football playing ability. Twenty-two male Premier level competition rugby forwards, consisting of eight prop forwards, five lock forwards and nine loose-forwards participated in the study. The Grunt 3000, a rugby specific force testing device was utilised to measure the static and dynamic horizontal strength during simulated scrummaging and rucking/mauling movements. Sprint times relating to acceleration ability (0 -10m, 0-20m) and maximum running speed (20 - 40m) were measured during a 40m sprint running test. In addition, force, power and displacement characteristics of a countermovement vertical jump were calculated from trials performed on a force plate. Also, player performance skill and physical capacity scores were determined independently by experienced coaches who assessed them based on their performances during the season. One-way analysis of variance and effect size statistics evaluated differences in the measured variables between forward playing positions and linear regression analysis evaluated the relationship between the coaches' scores of player performance skill and physical capacity and game specific measures of strength speed and power. Since there were no statistical significant differences between forward groups for horizontal force and countermovement jump variables and these analyses lacked statistical power, an effect size statistic was used to establish trends for differences in force and CMJ variables between the groups. There were moderate effect size differences between groups for horizontal impact force with prop and lock forwards producing 17.7% and 12.8% more force than the loose forwards respectively. No clear differences were apparent between forward positional groups for mean dynamic horizontal force and countermovement jump displacement of the centre of gravity. A significant difference (p =0.049) was shown between forward positional groups over the 0-40m sprint distance. Also, moderate effect size differences between pairs of groups were evident in 0-10m, 0-20m, 20-40m sprint times with both loose forwards and lock forwards on average, 6% faster than the prop forwards. A backward linear regression analysis revealed that the single best predictor of coaches' physical capacity and performance skill scores was the 20 - 40m sprint performance, accounting for 28% of the variance in player's physical capacity scores and 29% of the variance in player's performance skill scores. Whole-body horizontal static strength and impact strength in prop forwards and dynamic horizontal strength (relative to body mass) and sprint acceleration ability in loose forwards represent key factors for consideration when selecting forward players to these positions in the Premier rugby competition. The vertical jumping ability of all forward positional groups needs to be confirmed in a future study utilising a line-out specific countermovement jump test (free use of arm swing and line-out lifters in the jump) on a force plate. Monitoring of performance in rugby forwards should include an acceleration sprint test (0-10m) as this is specific to the sprinting patterns of forward players during a game, and maximum sprinting speed test (20-40m) as this test has the ability to discriminate between skilled and less-skilled rugby union forwards.

Introduction : Les joueurs de hockey sur glace effectuent des mouvements asymétriques en utilisant la rotation du torse et des hanches lors des passes et des tirs. Les asymétries entre les segments corporels peuvent avoir un impact sur la capacité de sprints répétés, la puissance verticale lors de sauts à contre-bas et les performances sportives générales. La force isométrique de la hanche et le saut à contre-bas sont couramment évalués chez les joueurs de hockey sur glace en raison de leurs relations avec les performances en patinage et l'incidence des blessures à l'aine, respectivement. Objectif : Cette étude vise explorer si les asymétries obtenues lors des évaluations des forces isométriques de la hanche et des sauts à contre-bas sont associées à celles observées lors du patinage. Méthodes : Trente-sept joueurs professionnels de l'hockey sur glace ont effectué des évaluations hebdomadaires de force et de saut de la hanche et ont porté des centrales inertielles pendant les séances sur glace tout au long des saisons pré et compétitives. Les accélérations sont mesurées pour les deux jambes et ont été utilisées pour calculer les asymétries inter-membres, en pourcentage. Résultats : Parmi tous les paramètres mesurés, seule l'asymétrie dans le pic de la force de l’attérissage du saut à contre-bas a dépassé 10% pour toutes les positions (22,1%) et par position (21,3% - 22,6%). Les joueurs de centre et à la défense ont mené à plusieurs relations modérées à grandes entre différentes asymétries lors des évaluations hors-glace (r: -0,67 - 0,38, p <0,01). Toutes les positions ont montré des relations modérées à grandes entre la résistance à la hanche et la charge de patinage sur la glace et la force moyenne par foulée (r: -0,32 - 0,56, p <0,05). Les joueurs de centre ont montré des relations modérées entre le saut à contre-bas et des asymétries sur la glace (r: -0,31 - 0,43, p <0,01). Conclusion Cette étude a révélé qu'il existe des relations significatives entre les asymétries sur- et hors glace dans le hockey professionnel masculin. Les résultats de cette étude fournissent également aux intervenants auprès de cette population des valeurs de référence pour les asymétries sur glace et hors glace. / Introduction Ice-hockey players develop asymmetrical movement patterns by favoring rotation through the torso and hips while passing and shooting. Interlimb asymmetries have been shown to affect repeated sprint ability, vertical and horizontal countermovement jump power, and general athletic performance. Isometric hip strength and the countermovement jump are commonly assessed in ice-hockey players because of their relationships with skating performance and incidence of groin injuries, respectively. Purpose: This study explored whether asymmetries returned during isometric hip strength and countermovement jump assessments relate to those from stride-by-stride analyses. Methods: Thirty-seven professional ice-hockey players performed weekly hip strength and jump assessments and wore inertial momentum units during on-ice sessions throughout the pre- and competitive seasons. Data were either available for both limbs and were utilized to calculate inter-limb asymmetries, or as an asymmetry percentage. Results: Among all parameters measured, only the CMJ peak landing force asymmetry exceeded 10% for all positions (22.1%) and by position (21.3% - 22.6%). Centers and Defense positions returned several moderate to large relationships between fitness assessment asymmetries (r: -0.67 – 0.38, p < 0.01). All positions returned moderate to large relationships between hip strength and on-ice skating load and average force per stride (r: -0.32 – 0.56, p < 0.05). Centers returned moderate countermovement jump and on-ice asymmetries (r: -0.31 – 0.43, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study revealed that significant relationships exist between on- and off-ice asymmetries in men’s professional ice-hockey. The results from this study also provide practitioners with reference values for on- and off-ice asymmetries.