This study examined the postactivation potentiation effects of combining squat and deadlift exercises on subsequent repeated jump performance. Fifteen, resistance-Trained youth wrestlers were randomly allocated to either undertake back squats (BSq), deadlift (DL) or BSq and DL as supersets (BSq+DL), with a repeated jump protocol performed 8-minutes post-exercise in each session. Thereafter, a control condition (CON) was completed involving a general warm-up, followed by the repeated jump protocols. Power outputs, flight time, contact time and reactive strength index were recorded from each repeated jump protocol. Measures were compared between the BSq, DL and BSq+DL sessions and between sessions that generated the best power output (BEST) with CON via inferential statistics and effect size (ES) calculations. The BSq condition exhibited significantly greater power output compared to the CON condition (p0.05, ES = 1.07), although no differences were identified for the other conditioning activities. Furthermore, power output, flight time and reactive strength index were significantly greater for the BEST compared to the CON condition (p0.05, ES = 0.97-1.47). Results indicated that BSq was the optimal conditioning activity to increase power output during a repeated jump protocol. However, greater improvement during the BEST condition suggests that the type of conditioning activity should also be considered on an individual-basis.

Some controversy exists as to the most efficacious method of training to achieve enhanced levels of sport performance. Controversy concerning the efficacy of periodization and especially block periodization (BP) likely stems from the use of poorly or untrained subjects versus trained who may differ in their responses to a stimulus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of training status on performance outcomes resulting from 11 weeks of BP training. Fifteen males were recruited for this study and placed into strong (age = 24.3 ± 1.9 years., body mass (BM) = 87.7 ± 8.7 kg, squat: body mass = 1.96 ± 0.16), moderate (age = 25.3 ± 2.7 years., body mass = 100.2 ± 15.5 kg, squat: body mass = 1.46 ± 0.14), or weak (age = 23.2 ± 3.9 yrs., body mass = 83.5 ± 17.1 kg, squat: body mass = 1.17 ± 0.07) groups based on relative strength. Testing was completed at baseline, and after each block which consisted of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat, 0 kg static jump (SJ), 0 kg countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 kg SJ, and 20 kg CMJ. Absolute and relative strength were strongly correlated with rates of improvement for absolute strength, relative strength, 0 kg, and 20 kg vertical jumps. All subjects substantially improved back squat ( < 0.001), relative back squat ( < 0.001) with large-very large effect sizes between groups for percent change favoring the weak group over the moderate and strong group for all performance variables. All subjects showed statistically significant improvements in 0 kg SJ ( < 0.001), 0 kg CMJ ( < 0.001), 20 kg SJ ( = 0.002), and 20 kg CMJ ( < 0.001). Statistically significant between group differences were noted for both 20 kg SJ ( = 0.01) and 20 kg CMJ ( = 0.043) with the strong group statistically greater jump heights than the weak group. The results of this study indicate BP training is effective in improving strength and explosive ability. Additionally, training status may substantially alter the response to a resistance training program.

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Analysis of elite performances is important to elucidate the characteristics of effective weightlifting technique contributing to the highest level of achievement. The general technique of the weightlifting movements is well established. However, it is also apparent that weightlifting technique can differ based on athlete characteristics. Thus, existing technical models may not accurately reflect current technique of top performers or be applied generically to athletes of different skill, size, sex, or ability. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive study was to update the scientific knowledge of snatch technique of top international weightlifters. This study used video analysis to determine barbell trajectory and kinematics of 319 successful snatch attempts from two major international competitions. Relative frequencies of barbell trajectory types differed based on competition, sex, category, and ranking. No statistical differences were observed among the top-three performers for either sex for most kinematic variables, and there were no overall discernible patterns of effect size differences for individual or clusters of kinematic variables. The results of this study indicate that weightlifting success can be achieved with a variety of technique profiles.

BACKGROUND: The determination of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) is one of the most frequently performed evaluations to assess maximal dynamic strength in athletes. Several formulas have been proposed to estimate the 1RM. The objective of this study was to compare 1RM measurement with a 1RM estimate obtained from the Brzycki formula to estimate 1RM bench press and half-squat between young men and women. METHODS: Forty-six male and 15 female sport sciences undergraduates performed 3RM in bench press and 3RM in half-squat. in two sessions. In different days, participants performed the 1RM test of each exercise. A two-way (gender x exercise) ANOVA was applied to analyze the difference between the estimate and the actual 1RM. The level of significance set for the study was P<0.05. RESULTS: Differences (P<0.001) between the estimate and the 1RM was found both in half-squat (9.3±11.1 kg) and bench press (4.6±6.2 kg) for both the whole group. No significant differences were found in the interaction gender x exercise, not in absolute terms (P=0.23; partial η2=0.01) or in percentage (P=0.34; partial η2=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Estimating 1RM by Brzycki formula according to how it has been conducted in this study is not different in young men and women in relation to the exercise performed: half-squat and bench press. However, the estimate was different from the actual 1RM for both exercises.

Glaister, M., M.H. Stone, A.M. Stewart, M.G. Hughes, and G.L. Moir. The influence of endurance training on multiple sprint cycling performance. J. Strength Cond. Res. 21(2):606-612. 2007. - The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of endurance training on multiple sprint cycling performance and to evaluate the influence of recovery duration on the magnitude of those effects. Twenty-one physically active male university students were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n = 12) or a control (n = 9) group. The experimental group cycled for 20 minutes each day, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks at 70% of the power output required to elicit maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max). Multiple sprint performance was assessed using 2 maximal (20 × 5 seconds) sprint cycling tests with contrasting recovery periods (10 or 30 seconds). All tests were conducted on a friction-braked cycle ergometer. Relative to controls, training resulted in a 0.2 L·min -1 increase in mean Vo2max (95% likely range: -0.04 to 0.44 L·min-1). Changes in anaerobic capacity (determined by maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) over the same period were trivial (p = 0.96). After training, the experimental group showed significant improvements (∼40 W), relative to controls, in multiple sprint measures of peak and mean power output. In contrast, training-induced reductions in fatigue were trivial (p = 0.63), and there were no significant between-protocol differences in the magnitude of any effects. In summary, 6 weeks of endurance training resulted in substantial improvements in multiple sprint cycling performance, the magnitude of the improvements being largely unaffected by the duration of the intervening recovery periods.

This case study analyzed the innovation processes that led to the adoption of a work-integrated learning program among several sport organizations. A comparative case study analysis was used to deduce the commonly shared determinants between each of the sport organizations. Notably, having an innovation champion was a key determination. As well, lack of resources regarding staffing, the involvement of the managers with the participating higher education institution, the ease of contract design, and access to good candidates for the program were also influential in the innovation process. This study revealed, for sport organizations facing similar issues, that the graduate apprenticeship program could provide benefits. As well for sport management program, it could provide a stronger relationship with regional sport organizations. This research also extends the body of research regarding the underlying mechanisms by which sport organizations innovate generally.

Increasingly, globalization and the adoption of a market economy have made innovation fundamental for the success of professional sport organizations. Yet oligarchical league structures, isomorphic and hyper-traditional cultures, and hierarchical organizational structures can enhance or hinder organizational creativity, the beginning stage of the innovation process. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the antecedents of organizational creativity in professional sport organizations. Perception of organizational creativity is theorized to be influenced by employee creativity, work environment, and the social interactions of employees. The results, based on a survey of three professional sport organizations’ front offices, indicated perceptions of a work environment with a clear vision and better work processes were associated with greater perceptions of organizational creativity. The lack of relationships between many of the factors theorized to influence organizational creativity, such as an employee’s advice network, could indicate the sport industry is unique in creativity management. This study is the beginning in understanding the first step of innovation, and the processes that influence employees’ perceptions regarding the ways in which their work environment relate to organizational creativity.

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