The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of different in-season strength and power training frequencies to strength and power performance over the course of a 22 week rugby league competition period. Twenty-eight male (n=28) participants, with both high and low strength pre-training status, were divided into three groups following a 15 week pre-season strength and power training programme. A four week periodised in-season strength and power training programme, with intensities ranging from 75-100%, was cycled for the 22 week competition season. Strength and power training was conducted one day.week(-1) by the first high pre-training status group (HTFL, n=11), and two day.week(-1) by the second high pre-training status group (HTF2, n=9). The low pre-training status group (LTF1, n=8) performed the same strength and power training frequency and programme as HTF1. Training intensity (% 1RM) and volume (sets x repetitions) of in-season strength and power training sessions were standardised for both groups during each training week. Strength, power, and speed data were collected pre-season, and four times during the in-season period. No differences were found between HTF1 and HTF2 in performance variables throughout the 22-week in-season period. Both HTF1 and HTF2 displayed similar significant detraining effects in strength, power, and speed, regardless of in-season training frequency (p<0.05). LTF1 showed no change from pre-season strength and power performance following 22 weeks of the competition period (p<0.05). It was concluded that in-season strength and power training frequency may have a limited role in determining the success of the in-season strength and power training programme in highly trained footballers. The results of the present study suggest a number of factors other than in-season strength and power training frequency may affect in-season strength and power performance and detraining in high strength pre-training status athletes. The effect the start of a competition period has on dynamic athletic performance needs further investigation.

Variable Resistance Training (VRT), loading elastic band tension on a barbell, has shown improvements in force, power, and velocity. Studied extensively in the squat and bench press, VRT is less researched in the context of the deadlift. Additionally, while no acute VRT deadlift studies exist where intensity was ≥ 90% 1- RM, some heavy VRT studies suggest that at approximately 90% 1-RM, less band tension (BT) is required to enhance force and power than seen at lower intensities in existing research. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of VRT on peak relative vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), average and peak velocity, and time of peak force (VGRF time), in heavy, traditional deadlifts. METHODS: Seven resistance trained, college-aged males were recruited for this study. Over the course of approximately eight weeks, subjects completed five training sessions including familiarization, and testing the deadlift at 90% 1-RM with no bands (NB), 10%BT, 20%BT, or 30%BT. All training sessions were performed on dual force plates and with a linear position transducer to determine kinetic and kinematic outcomes. RESULTS: There were significant differences between conditions for both peak [F (3,18) = 13.607, p < 0.001] and average velocity [F (3, 18) = 14.077, p < 0.001]. No significant differences were detected between conditions for peak relative VGRF [F (3, 12) = 2.41, p= 0.118], or VGRF time [F (3, 12) = 1.843, p= 0.193]. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results of this study suggest velocity is improved with 20% to 30%BT when deadlifting approximately 90% 1-RM. For maximum force, traditional, NB deadlifts might be optimal considering the lack of improvement with the addition of bands. Despite the lack of significance between conditions, the large relative percent decrease in VGRF time from NB to 10%BT suggests that this small amount of BT may be advantageous for rapid force development with heavy loads

Background: Resistance training has proven to increase athletic performance, traditionally barbell training and Olympic Lifting have been used for this purpose. Sling training has recently been developed as a complement or substitution to traditional resistance training. Research has shown an increase in sport specific athletic performance and core stability with sling training. TRX Suspension Trainer is a newly developed sling training tool and to date no independent research has been done with the TRX. Purpose: To examine and compare muscle activation using TRX and the Olympic Lifting movement Hang Clean. Methods: 32 senior high school male soccer players participated in the study. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) data were collected on mm.erector spinae (back), m.gluteus maximus (glutes), m.vastus lateralis (quadriceps), m.semitendinosus (hamstrings) and m.gastrocnemius caput laterale (calf). Surface EMG data was collected when the subjects performed five different exercises, Hang Clean, TRX Squat Jump, TRX Front Squat and TRX Power Pull. In addition a Squat Jump was used as reference. Results: A similar muscle activation was found between Hang Clean (674 µV), TRX Squat Jump (684 µV) and TRX Front Squat (691 µV). TRX Power Pull showed the highest activation for mm.erector spinae and m.gluteus maximus but the lowest when comparing total muscle activation for all measured muscles. Conclusion: The similar amount of muscular activation for Hang Clean, TRX Squat Jump and TRX Front Squat indicates that the TRX Suspension Trainer can be used as a complement, for experienced athletes, or a substitution, for novice athletes, to traditional strength training. Coaches and athletic trainers should acknowledge the need and the importance of resistance training for athletic performance.

Introduction and Purpose: In chronic heart failure (CHF), exercise rehabilitation results in a reduced risk of mortality, decreased disease severity, and increased functional ability. Resistance training is an important component of cardiac rehabilitation; however, an optimal training velocity that produces physiological and functional benefits at minimal perceived exertion and cardiovascular stress has yet to be identified. CHF patients need to be very efficient and perform the exercise that will give them the greatest benefits because of their poor exercise tolerance and increased risk of cardiovascular complications during exercise. In older populations, high velocity resistance training results in greater improvements in functional ability than low velocity resistance training. The use of high velocity resistance training in patients with CHF has yet to be examined; however it may enhance higher velocity activities of daily living while using a lower training load. The lower load associated with high velocity training may be less strenuous and result in lower cardiovascular stress, whilst maintaining a relatively similar power output compared to traditional low-velocity training. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute cardiovascular responses and perceived exertion of high and low velocity resistance exercises. Methods and Measures: 6 male and 1 female patients with systolic heart failure (CHF NYHA Class I-III) were recruited to perform two separate, randomly assigned exercise sessions. These sessions consisted of 5 exercises (hack squat, chest press, knee flexion, lat pull down and knee extension); one with a low velocity of contraction (3 second concentric phase: 3 second eccentric phase at 50% of the slow velocity 1-RM) and one with a high velocity (1 second concentric phase: 3 second eccentric phase at 50% of the high velocity 1-RM). During both sessions, heart rate, blood pressure, and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained after the completion of each exercise. Results: Despite a similar relative mechanical load, the high velocity workout produced significantly lower systolic blood pressure (121.2 vs. 132.8 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (87.8 vs. 93.5), and RPE (3.7 vs.4.8) than the low velocity workout (p<0.05). The high velocity workout was not significantly different from the low velocity workout for heart rate, rate pressure product and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: We conclude that the high velocity workout produces more favourable blood pressure responses to resistance training in patients with CHF than the low velocity workout and may be used to enhance functional outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

The aim of this work should be watching and registration of training intensity (kind of oxercise, intent of exercise and registration of responses). With a view to response of change of plasma glukose. The result of this work should be summary of exercises together with response of changes of plasma glukose. The value of this response we have measured, together with a kind of exercise can help trainers and teachers to judge intensity of training. There were four testing subjects in the group we have measured. \\

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various loads on the force-time characteristics associated with peak power during the hang high pull (HHP). Fourteen athletic men (age: 21.6 ± 1.3 years; height: 179.3 ± 5.6 cm; body mass: 81.5 ± 8.7 kg; 1 repetition maximum [1RM] hang power clean [HPC]: 104.9 ± 15.1 kg) performed sets of the HHP at 30, 45, 65, and 80% of their 1RM HPC. Peak force, peak velocity, peak power, force at peak power, and velocity at peak power were compared between loads. Statistical differences in peak force (p 0.001), peak velocity (p < 0.001), peak power (p 0.015), force at peak power (p < 0.001), and velocity at peak power (p < 0.001) existed, with the greatest values for each variable occurring at 80, 30, 45, 80, and 30% 1RM HPC, respectively. Effect sizes between loads indicated that larger differences in velocity at peak power existed as compared with those displayed by force at peak power. It seems that differences in velocity may contribute to a greater extent to differences in peak power production as compared with force during the HHP. Further investigation of both force and velocity at peak power during weightlifting variations is necessary to provide insight on the contributing factors of power production. Specific load ranges should be prescribed to optimally train the variables associated with power development during the HHP.

This study examined the impact of load on lower body performance variables during the hang power clean. Fourteen men performed the hang power clean at loads of 30%, 45%, 65%, and 80% 1RM. Peak force, velocity, power, force at peak power, velocity at peak power, and rate of force development were compared at each load. The greatest peak force occurred at 80% 1RM. Peak force at 30% 1RM was statistically lower than peak force at 45% (p = 0.022), 65% (p = 0.010), and 80% 1RM (p = 0.018). Force at peak power at 65% and 80% 1RM was statistically greater than force at peak power at 30% (p < 0.01) and 45% 1RM (p < 0.01). The greatest rate of force development occurred at 30% 1RM, but was not statistically different from the rate of force development at 45%, 65%, and 80% 1RM. The rate of force development at 65% 1RM was statistically greater than the rate of force development at 80% 1RM (p = 0.035). No other statistical differences existed in any variable existed. Changes in load affected the peak force, force at peak power, and rate of force development, but not the peak velocity, power, or velocity at peak power.

O inexorável declínio das capacidades motoras ao longo do envelhecimento propicia uma população idosa com diversas limitações funcionais. Dentre estas, a capacidade de locomoção, por estar associada ao risco de queda, tem sido objeto de estudo de diversos trabalhos. A adoção do treinamento de força e de potência como estratégia de intervenção para atenuar os efeitos negativos do processo fisiológico ou patológico do envelhecimento têm sido bastante discutidas. Contudo, os efeitos dessas intervenções em indicadores biomecânicos da marcha não foram ainda plenamente debatidos. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo comparar os efeitos desses dois protocolos de treinamento nas capacidades funcionais e em parâmetros biomecânicos da marcha de idosas. Foram formados três grupos de estudo do sexo feminino, homogeneizados pela idade, índice de massa corporal e nível de atividade física: o grupo controle (GC: n=8, 69±4 anos de idade), o grupo força (GF: n=6, 67±4 anos de idade) e o grupo potência (GP: n=7, 68±4 anos de idade). Ao GC não foi induzida qualquer atividade extra à sua rotina. Já o GF e o GP foram submetidos a 12 semanas de treinamento de força e de potência, respectivamente, com periodicidade semanal de três sessões. Enquanto que o GF executou os exercícios propostos com velocidade moderada (70-90% de 1RM), o GP executou-os com velocidade rápida (40-60% de 1RM). Prévia e posteriormente ao período de intervenção, foi conduzida uma avaliação cinemática e eletromiográfica da marcha das participantes, bem como da sua capacidade funcional e de equilíbrio. Enquanto que o GC não apresentou alterações significativas após as 12 semanas de intervenção, o GF e o GP melhoraram a força de extensores de joelho (g=2,39 e g=1,47, respectivamente), a potência de membros inferiores (=0,58 e =0,31) e de membros superiores (=0,33 e =0,53), a flexibilidade de membros inferiores (=-0,14 e =-0,18), apresentaram uma redução da velocidade (g=-0,58 e g=-1,18) e do pico de frenagem horizontal do calcanhar (g=-1,27 e g=-1,35) antes do contato inicial, e uma redução da co-ativação de vasto lateral e bíceps femoral (g=-1,18 e g=-0,95). Os resultados sugerem que tanto o treinamento de força quanto o de potência são eficazes para promover melhoras funcionais e na marcha de idosas, consistentes com um padrão de movimento mais seguro e econômico / The inexorable decline in motor skills during aging provides us with an elderly population with various functional limitations. Among these, the ability to walk, being associated with the risk of falling has been studied by several authors. The adoption of strength and power training as an intervention strategy to reduce the negative effects arising from the physiological or pathological process of aging has been widely discussed in these studies. However, the effects of these interventions on biomechanical gait indicators have not been fully debated yet. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of these two training protocols on functional capacities and biomechanical gait parameters of elderly women. Three female groups, homogenized by age, body mass index and physical activity level, were formed: the control group (GC: n=8, 69±4 years old), the strength training group (GF: n=6, 67±4 years old) and the power training group (GP, n=7, 68±4 years old). No extra activity was induced to GCs routine. Meanwhile, GF and GP underwent 12 weeks of strength and power training, respectively, with three weekly sessions. While GF performed the exercises with moderate speed (70-90% of 1RM), the GP executed them in fast speed (40-60% of 1RM). A kinematic and electromyographic gait evaluation, as well as balance and functional capacity evaluations, were conducted prior and after the intervention period. While the GC showed no significant changes after 12 weeks of intervention, the GF and GP improved the knee extensors strength (g=2.39 g=1.47, respectively), the lower limbs power (=0.58 and =0.31), the upper limbs power ( = 0.33 and =0.53), the lower limbs flexibility (=-0.14 and =-0.18), showed a heel velocity reduction (g=-0.58 and g=-1.18) and a braking heel reduction (g=-1.27 and g=-1.35) before the initial contact, and a reduction of the co-activation of the vastus lateralis and the biceps femoris (g=-1.18 and g=-0.95). The results suggest that both protocols are effective in promoting functional improvements and in the gait of elderly women, consistent with a safer and economic pattern of movement

Abstract available in the Medicine and Sciences in Sports and Exercise.

Planning training programs for strength–power track and field athletes require an understanding of both training principles and training theory. The training principles are overload, variation, and specificity. Each of these principles must be incorporated into an appropriate system of training. Conceptually, periodization embraces training principles and offers advantages in planning, allowing for logical integration and manipulation of training variables such as exercise selection, intensification, and volume factors. The adaptation and progress of the athlete is to a large extent directly related to the ability of the coach/athlete to create and carry an efficient and efficacious training process. This ability includes: an understanding of how exercises affect physiological and performance adaptation (i.e., maximum force, rate of force development, power, etc.), how to optimize transfer of training effect ensuring that training exercises have maximum potential for carryover to performance, and how to implement programs with variations at appropriate levels (macro, meso, and micro) such that fatigue management is enhanced and performance progress is optimized.