Agility Performance Research Articles

Does Core Training Improve Agility Performance in Soccer Players With Groin Pain? A Randomized, Single-Blind Study

Context: Agility is crucial for soccer players, and core training can improve it. One study showed significant agility improvements after an intervention including core training for athletes with groin pain. However, it is unclear if these improvements resulted specifically from the core exercises or the entire program. Additionally, the study lacked a control group, making the findings inconclusive. Purpose: The current study aimed to explore the effect of core training, previously reported in the context of groin-pain rehabilitation, on agility performance in soccer players with groin pain. Methods: Twenty soccer players with groin pain volunteered to participate. They were randomly assigned to a core training group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). Before and immediately after that period, agility performance (T test and Edgren Side Step Test) and self-reported outcomes (Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score) were assessed in both groups. Results: No significant session × group interaction was observed in agility T test (F = 2.55; P = .12; ) and Edgren Side Step Test (F = 3.18; P = .09; ) performances. Besides, Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome scores showed significant improvements (P = .007 to <.001) in the core training group following the 12 weeks of core training and compared with the control group. Conclusion: The results showed that soccer players with groin pain who received or did not receive core training showed similar agility performance. However, significant improvements in self-reported outcomes were observed in soccer players compared with the control group. Clinicians and coaches should therefore consider core training when designing training and rehabilitation programs for this population to enhance recovery.

Impact of plyometric training on sprint and agility performance in college-level futsal athletes: a comparative study using hurdle jumps and box jumps

The primary objective of this study is to analyze the effects of plyometric training on sprint and agility performance in college athletes, focusing on hurdle jumps and box jumps as interventions. A total of 45 college athletes were selected based on their participation in regular sports training. They were divided into three groups: Group Hurdle Jump (GHJ), Group Box Jump (GBJ), and a Control Group (GCR). The plyometric training program lasted for 12 weeks, with the GHJ and GBJ groups completing specific plyometric exercises, while the GCR group followed their usual training regimen without additional interventions. The results showed significant improvements in both sprint speed and agility in the intervention groups. In the GHJ group, sprint performance improved from 3.18 ± 0.32 seconds (pretest) to 2.79 ± 0.29 seconds (posttest) (p = 0.01), while agility improved from 12.21 ± 0.67 seconds to 10.20 ± 0.43 seconds (p = 0.01). Similarly, the GBJ group demonstrated improvements in sprint performance from 3.15 ± 0.43 seconds to 2.98 ± 0.13 seconds (p = 0.05), and agility performance from 12.43 ± 0.82 seconds to 11.01 ± 0.39 seconds (p = 0.05). In contrast, the Control Group (GCR) did not show statistically significant changes in either sprint or agility performance, with p-values of 0.34 and 0.63, respectively. These findings suggest that targeted plyometric exercises, particularly hurdle jumps and box jumps, play a crucial role in enhancing sprint and agility performance in college athletes. The study also highlights the effectiveness of the Smartspeed timing system in accurately measuring performance changes in these parameters. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of such training programs on various sports disciplines.

Investigation of the effect of nitrate and L-arginine intake on aerobic, anaerobic performance, balance, agility, and recovery in elite taekwondo athletes.

Taekwondo is a complex martial art that requires speed, balance, agility, and endurance. This study aims to examine the effects of nitrate and L-arginine supplementation on acute aerobic and anaerobic performance, balance, agility, and recovery in elite taekwondo athletes. This study was conducted as a double-blind, randomized, crossover study with the participation of 15 experienced taekwondo athletes aged 19.06 ± 0.96 years and 8.93 ± 1.27 years of training experience. Participants visited the laboratory a total of nine times, including a practice session and anthropometric measurements. These visits consisted of eight experimental sessions conducted at 72-hour intervals. The experimental sessions were conducted with nitrate, L-arginine, and a combination of both supplements (NIT*L-ARG) and placebo. Nitrate supplementation was provided by homogenizing fresh spinach (837.40 mg/kg), while L-ARG was given as a single dose of 6 g in powder form three hours before exercise. NIT*L-ARG supplementation significantly improved the anaerobic performance of athletes in Wingate peak power and peak power (w/kg) compared to placebo and in mean power compared to NIT, L-ARG, and PLA. In addition, NIT*L-ARG supplementation significantly improved blood lactate levels and agility performance immediately after Wingate and Shuttle run tests. The combined intake of NIT*L-ARG was found to be effective in improving aerobic, anaerobic, and agility performances as well as fatigue levels of athletes. It was determined that taking NIT and L-ARG supplements alone contributed to the improvement of improving athletes' performance in Wingate mean power values and subsequent fatigue level compared to PLA.

Lifestyle, Cognition, and Disability Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience sensory, psychomotor, and cognitive impairment, sphincter disturbances, and fatigue, which can affect their ability to perform work-related tasks, self-care, and daily activities. This study aimed to analyze the lifestyle changes, cognitive function, and disability outcomes over a seven-year follow-up period, exploring potential associations with predictive markers. Methods: At the end of the seven-year follow-up period, 32 participants returned for cognitive and clinical reassessment with the Twenty-Five-Foot Walk Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, and Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery. Lifestyle data were acquired via interviews regarding sleep quality, reading habits, technology use, physical activity levels, household responsibilities, and participation in leisure and cultural activities. Results: The occupational profile did not demonstrate significant changes, but 11 (34%) participants showed disability accumulation, and the number of relapses increased (p = 0.001). Over time, improvement was observed in verbal episodic memory and worsening in psychomotor speed. Better cognitive performance in mental agility was associated with higher levels of physical activity (p = 0.021) and technology use (p = 0.039). In addition, better cognition (verbal memory p = 0.038 and processing speed 0.015) and psychomotor speed (upper limbs p = 0.017 and lower limbs p = 0.003) and lower functional disability (p = 0.022) were associated with maintenance of household activities. Conclusions: The changes in verbal memory and psychomotor speed were more prominent over time, and verbal memory, psychomotor and processing speed, and mental agility were associated with good lifestyle habits, mainly household activities. The treatment strategies should include lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions.

Effects of Off-Season Heavy-Load Resistance Training on Lower Limb Mechanical Muscle Function and Physical Performance in Elite Female Team Handball Players.

Background/Objectives: Team handball involves a high number of rapid and forceful muscle actions. Progressive heavy-load resistance training is known to enhance mechanical muscle function; however, its transfer into functional performance in team handball athletes remains largely unknown. The current study aimed to analyze the effects of eight weeks undulating heavy-load resistance training on lower limb mechanical muscle function and sports-specific performance in elite female team handball players. Methods: Players from the Danish Women's Handball League were block randomized to perform an off-season resistance training program (RT, n = 12, 23.0 ± 2.7 yr) or follow a training-as-usual control program (CON, n = 15, 24.1 ± 3.8 yr). All study participants were tested before and after an eight-week period during the off-season phase, including assessments of maximal isometric knee extensor and flexor peak torque, rate of torque development, countermovement jump (CMJ) power/work, and sports-specific performance (maximal vertical countermovement jump height, sprint capacity, team handball-specific on-court agility). Results: Agility performance improved for RT (-3.5%, p = 0.008), different from CON (p < 0.001) following eight weeks of designated resistance training. Additionally, CON demonstrated impaired agility (+4.0-7.3%, p < 0.05) and 20-m sprint (+1.9%, p = 0.002) performance. Maximal knee extensor peak torque increased in RT (4.5%, p = 0.044). Vertical CMJ flight height (JH) increased in both groups (RT +4.8%, p = 0.012, CON +8.4% p = 0.044); however, jump height relative to ground level (JHGL) increased in RT only (+8.0%, p = 0.013). Conclusions: In conclusion, designated resistance training during the off-season period is effective in maintaining and improving essential components of sports-specific performance and maximal knee extensor strength in elite female team handball players. Comparable protocols of twice-a-week heavy-load resistance training may also be beneficial in other types of intermittent elite team sports (i.e., football, basketball) that include maximal jumping actions, short-distance sprints, and rapid change of direction movements.

Active motor-cognitive recovery supports reactive agility performance in trained athletes.

Active breaks are suggested to support recovery and performance in sports. Previous research in ball and team sports focused on motor performance such as repetitive sprinting or change of direction. This does not account for the interaction between motor and cognitive task demands in sports. Therefore, this study is the first to investigate the effectiveness of an active motor-cognitive break to support reactive agility performance. Twenty (7 female and 13 male) healthy trained young adults (mean age: 26years) performed an active or passive 5 min break following a fatiguing protocol of six 100m reactive agility runs with an intermittent break of 40s. Prior to the experiment (pre), after fatigue (post), and following the rest condition (retention), a reactive agility test was performed using the SKILLCOURT technology. In addition, lactate, heartrate, and physical exertion were recorded. Active rest contained two motor-cognitive training tasks on the SKILLCOURT combining low to moderate physical intensity with conflict inhibition and decision-making. During passive rest, participants remained seated. When comparing post and retention agility tests, results indicate significantly stronger performance gains following the active when compared to the passive break condition (p=0.02 and ηp 2=0.24). This was not associated with any differences in physiological parameters such as lactate, heart rate, or RPE (p≥0.25). The results suggest that active motor-cognitive breaks support recovery and improve sport-related reactive agility performance. Performance gains in the active break are likely attributable to cognitive performance effects rather than physiological recovery, which may benefit athletes especially in ball and team sports.

Variability in performance of agility dogs navigating a dynamic obstacle.

During agility performance, dogs complete a preset obstacle course. The teeter, also known as the seesaw, is the only dynamic contact obstacle. Dogs handle dynamic obstacles differently than static obstacles due to the need for increased coordination and postural control. No studies have been performed evaluating dogs' abilities or biomechanical strategies to navigate the teeter. The goal of this study was to describe and quantify variability in teeter performance across a sample of dogs of differing body mass and breeds. Twenty dogs of various body masses and breeds were recruited. Handlers were instructed to line their dog up approximately 5 m from the teeter and to handle the obstacle in a way to best reflect the dog's typical performance. Repetitions were filmed using a GoPro Hero 11 at 240 frames per second. Data were post processed and footfalls were manually tracked using XMALab. Descriptive statistics were used to describe both central tendency and variability. Mean total obstacle completion time (from dog breaking the plane of the teeter until teeter contact with ground) was 1.31 s (sd = 0.38) and mean total footfalls on the teeter was 18.3 (sd = 3.4). Footfall patterns varied across all phases of teeter performance, with particularly noteworthy variation during descent while the teeter was moving. Some dogs were nearly completely stationary while the teeter dropped while others continued to take steps toward the end of the obstacle as the teeter was in motion. Smaller dogs had more total footfalls and longer teeter completion times than larger dogs, and dogs with a stopped contact behavior took longer to fully exit the teeter after it contacted the ground. These data imply that dogs use a variety of biomechanical strategies to perform a dynamic obstacle. Results of this study provide insight into teeter performance and variables that can be utilized for evaluation in future biomechanical studies. This study also provides initial data on biomechanical strategies used by dogs on dynamic surfaces, which may offer insight into dynamic stability and postural control in dogs and how that may influence injury development during sport.

Agility in supply chains and operational performance outcomes: investigating the contingent influence of supply uncertainty and product complexity

PurposeBorrowing from the dynamic capabilities theory and augmented by the relational view, the study investigates the criticality of supply chain agility in delivering operational performance while understanding the determinant role of key cross-firm resources. Additionally, based on the contingency theory, the interactive influence of two critical context factors, supply uncertainty and product complexity, is examined to enrich the understanding of the contingent nature of the operational performance implications.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws its conclusions from the survey data collected from a 152-respondent sample of executives from US manufacturing firms. The empirical data analyses using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) relate agility to operational performance enhancements while incorporating the moderating effects of contextual factors.FindingsThe study relates agility capability to operational performance enhancements, while resource specificity and resource complementarity emerge as significant determinants of the capability. Results on the contingent impact of contextual factors suggest differential influences of supply uncertainty and product complexity on the agility–performance relationship: while the former enhances, the latter detracts from the relationship.Originality/valueThe study’s contributions suggest theory extensions into supply chains as contexts, reinforcing the importance of market-responsive capabilities and the foundational nature of supply chains as repositories of vital cross-firm resources. The contingent nature of the agility–performance relationship accents the importance of market context factors.

Enhancing reactive agility in soccer: The impact of stroboscopic eyewear during warm-up across fatigued and non-fatigued conditions.

Although prolonged training with stroboscopic eyewear has demonstrated potential for enhancing visuomotor skills, the acute effects of stroboscopic stimulation are not well understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the short-term effects of stroboscopic exposure during the ball-specific phase of soccer warm-up on agility performance in preplanned and unpredictable (RA) tasks. Also, these effects were examined both in tasks involving ball dribbling and without the ball, as well as under fatigued and non-fatigued conditions. Twenty-two male soccer players participated in three sessions: a familiarization session and two experimental sessions, one with and one without stroboscopic exposure during the warm-up. RA was assessed before and after each session using the 10-repetition Illinois Agility Test, with and without ball control. Results showed that stroboscopic exposure significantly enhanced RA performance in tasks involving ball dribbling (p<0.001, effect size (ES)=0.57), and these effects were maintained under fatigued conditions (p=0.007, ES=0.39). However, there were no significant improvements in RA without the ball (p>0.05). Exercise-induced fatigue reduced RA performance in both conditions (F=28.2; p<0.001), regardless of warm-up type (F=0.5; p=0.484). Additionally, stroboscopic exposure did not significantly affect the changes of direction speed performance in the Illinois Agility Test (F=0.5; p=0.479). These findings suggest that integrating stroboscopic eyewear into the ball-specific phase of soccer warm-ups effectively improves RA performance in tasks involving dribbling under both non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. The effectiveness of acute stroboscopic stimulation is closely related to the specificity of the tasks in which it is applied. These insights could benefit training across various sports, encouraging coaches to adopt this approach to enhance player preparation before both training and competitions.

The Association Between Isometric Shoulder Strength and Sports Performances in University Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Soccer, a globally popular sport, demands a complex interplay between physical attributes, including speed, agility, power, and endurance. Although lower-body strength and power are often emphasized, the role of upper-body strength, particularly shoulder strength, remains less explored. Given the importance of upper-body movements in activities such as heading, shooting, and defending, understanding the relationship between shoulder strength and soccer performance is crucial. Aims This study aimed to explore any possible correlation between isometric shoulder muscle strength (flexors and extensors) and sports performance (sprint and agility) and to evaluate whether isometric shoulder strength is associated with sports performance in university-level soccer players. Methods A total of 35 male amateur soccer players were recruited, who underwent demographic measurements such as age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), and were then subjected to isometric strength assessment of the shoulder flexors and extensors using a handheld dynamometer (HHD). Subsequently, the players' sprint and agility performances were recorded. Appropriate statistical tests were performed on the obtained data. Results The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between shoulder flexor strength and sprinting (r=-0.707, p<0.01) and between shoulder extensor strength and sprinting (r=-0.611, p<0.01). There was no significant correlation between shoulder flexor strength and agility (r=-0.121, p=0.48) or between shoulder extensor strength and agility (r=-0.212, p=0.22). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that only shoulder flexor strength (β=-0.688, t=-2.651, p=0.01) was found to have statistically significant relationships with sprint performance, explaining 50% of the variance in sprint performance. Conclusions The present study found a negative bidirectional relationship between shoulder muscle strength and sprint performance. Shoulder flexor strength explained 50% of the variance in sprinting performance. This information is useful for physiotherapists, coaches, and trainers to focus on strengthening the shoulder musculature to improve performance.

Effects of resisted sprint training with ball on speed and agility performance in U-19 elite soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects on speed and agility of including ball driving during resisted sprint training in relation to regular soccer training. Thirty male soccer players (age: 18.10 ± 0.66 years; height: 179 ± 0.06 cm; body mass: 76.22 ± 4.76 kg; systematic practice: 8.6 ± 1.73 years) participated in the study and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 18) or a control group (CG; n = 12). The research was conducted during a training camp. The intervention period lasted 6 weeks and during that period all players performed their usual soccer training. However, the EG performed two weekly sessions of a supplementary training of resisted sprints with a ball. Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in 5-m (p = 0.005) and 10-m (p = 0.016) sprint performance; and New multi-change of direction agility test (NMAT; p = 0.002), Illinois (IAT; p = 0.002), T-test (p = 0.003), Arrowhead COD (Arrowhead-R, p = < 0.001; Arrowhead-L, p = < 0.001) test and Zigzag agility test (Zigzag-B; p = 0.006) from pretest to posttest in EG. However, the CG didn't show any significant improvements. Between-groups analysis revealed differences in favor of the EG in Zigzag-B, IAT, Arrowhead-R, Arrowhead-L and NMAT. This study's results support the efficacy of a short-term training program that includes resisted sprints exercises to improve the performance of soccer players.

No Impact of Anthropometric and Fitness Factors on Speed-Agility in Young Soccer Players: Is It a Cognitive Influence?

Agility in young soccer players has long been associated with physical attributes like strength, speed, and power. The aims of this study were toinvestigate the relationship between cognitive factors and agility performance in this unique population. 39 young soccer players age 13.56 (SD 0.58)years were assessed for leg-muscle function (jump tests) and maturation status (peak height velocity). TheY-Agility Test, which included decision making in players, was used to measure performance. Cognitive factors such as perceptual skillsand decision making were evaluated with theY-Agility Test. The linear regression showed an absence of significance between theY-Agility Test and drop-jump contact (P = .283), Y-Agility Testand drop-jump flight (P = .185), Y-Agility Test and squat jump (P = .868), and Y-Agility Test and countermovement jump (P = .310). The linear mixed-model analyses suggested a difference between early-average maturers (P = .009) and early-late maturers (P = .005) but did not show a difference between average-late subjects (P = 1.000). Drop-jump flight did not show a difference in maturation (early-average P = 1.000; early-late P = 1.000; average P = 1.000). Squat-jump performance did not demonstrate any significance (early-average P = .618; early-late P = 1.000; P = 1.000). Countermovement-jump performance did not show any significance (early-average P = 1.000; early-late P = 1.000; average-late P = .492). Finally, agility performance does not show any significance between maturation levels(early-average maturer P = .450; early-late P = 1.000; average-late P = .830). Agility in young soccer players appears to follow a nonlinear trajectory, with cognitive factors possibly playing a more significant role than previously thought.

American Football Headgear Impairs Visuomotor Drill Performance in Division I NCAA Football Athletes.

Background/Objectives: Previous evidence has shown that American football headgear (e.g., facemasks, visors/eye shields) differentially impairs reaction time (RT) to visual stimuli, most notably in peripheral fields of view. However, this has only been established with stationary RT testing, which may not translate to gameplay situations that require gross motor skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to build upon previous findings to elucidate the effects of various American football headgear on gross motor visuomotor drill performance. Methods: Division 1 NCAA football players (n = 16) with normal/corrected-to-normal vision participated and completed two experiments (EXP), each with differing conditions: EXP1- Varying facemask reinforcement and EXP2- Varying visor/eye shield light transmittance. In EXP1, participants completed an agility test for the following conditions: baseline/no helmet (BL), helmet + light (HL), helmet + medium (HM), and helmet + heavy (HH) face mask reinforcement. In EXP2, participants completed an agility test for the following conditions: baseline/no helmet (BL), helmet + clear visor (HCV), helmet + smoke-tinted visor (HSV), and helmet + mirrored visor (HMV). For each condition in EXP1 and EXP2, participants completed a reactive agility task using a FITLIGHT trainer system where five poles were equipped with a total of ten LED sensors and were placed in a semi-circle 1 m around a center point. Participants were asked to step and reach with their hands to hit each ten lights individually as fast as possible upon illumination. Each reactive agility test was repeated for a total of three attempts. Results: Average reaction time was analyzed and compared between conditions and according to visual fields of interest (e.g., central vs. peripheral). Results from EXP1 showed that compared to BL, reactive agility was worsened by HL (p = 0.030), HM (p = 0.034), and HH (p = 0.003) conditions. No differences between facemask conditions existed for overall performance (p > 0.05). For EXP2, HCV (p < 0.001), HSV (p < 0.001), and HMV (p < 0.001) conditions resulted in worsened reactive agility performance compared to BL. No differences between visor conditions existed for overall performance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that American football headgear impairs reactive agility, which could result in worsened game performance and safety. Future studies investigating training strategies to overcome impairments are warranted.

Changes in Catalan Adolescents’ Agility over Two Decades: A Temporal Trend Study

Physical fitness is considered an important indicator of health in adolescents. Despite the recognized benefits of regular physical activity, recent studies indicate a decline in physical fitness among adolescents, including agility, a key component of fitness often overlooked in research. This study aimed to investigate trends in agility among urban Catalan adolescents over two decades. A total of 1439 students, aged 13–15 years, participated in the 8 × 10 m shuttle run test between 2002 and 2022. The results revealed a significant decline in agility performance across both boys (F(3,839) = 392, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.584) and girls (F(3,593) = 414, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.677) over time, with notable differences observed between consecutive five-year periods. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing declining physical fitness among adolescents and advocate for enhanced physical education programs and community-based interventions to promote regular physical activity. Recognizing the importance of agility and other aspects of physical fitness in adolescent health, policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals are urged to collaborate on initiatives to mitigate the risk of future health issues. Further research is recommended to explore the multifaceted influences on adolescent physical fitness and develop targeted interventions to improve overall health outcomes in this population.

Comprehensive Analysis and Development of Electric-Drive-Wheel with Idler Gear

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the electric-drive-wheel (EDW) with idler gear. From the perspective of automotive engineering, the EDW is an integrated execution unit that combines the function of powertrain and suspension. As a result, the research on EDW involves the intersection of multiple disciplines. The evolution of idler gear configuration requires some geometric constraints. Under this premise, the longitudinal and vertical dynamic characteristics of the system were studied, respectively. There are several factors that influence the system performance, such as the gear parameters, the position of the electric motor, and the suspension K&amp;C value. The principles of each parameter on the output indicators were studied, with an optimized plan and simulation comparison to check the correctness of theory. In the end, the prototype was equipped with a test bench, covering a wide range of working operations to examine the expected performance of EDW design. The step response test of the EDW result showed a balanced performance in transmission smoothness and responsiveness agility.

Scientific Assessment of Agility Performance in Competitive Sports: Evolution, Application, Reliability, and Validity

Scientific Assessment of Agility Performance in Competitive Sports: Evolution, Application, Reliability, and Validity

Superiority of High-Load vs. Low-Load Resistance Training in Military Cadets.

Øfsteng, SF, Hammarström, D, Knox, S, Jøsok, Ø, Helkala, K, Koll, L, Hanestadhaugen, M, Raastad, T, Rønnestad, BR, and Ellefsen, S. Superiority of high-load vs. low-load resistance training in military cadets. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1584-1595, 2024-Muscle strength and power are important determinants of soldiers' performance in modern warfare. Here, we compare the efficacy of 22 weeks of whole-body resistance training with high load (HL, 10 repetitions maximum/RM) and low load (LL, 30RM) for developing maximal muscle strength and power, performance, and muscle mass in moderately trained cadets (20 ± 1 year, f; n = 5, m; n = 22). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and at week 22, in addition to a mid-intervention assessment at week 10. Twenty-two weeks of HL led to greater increases in muscle strength (upper limb, Δ 10%, 95% CI [2.8, 17.1], p = 0.01; lower limb, Δ 9.9%, CI [1.1, 18.6], p = 0.029), jump height (Δ 5.5%, CI [1.4, 9.6], p = 0.011), and upper limb lean mass (Δ 5.2%, CI [1, 9.4], p = 0.018) compared with LL. HL and LL led to similar changes in agility, muscle endurance performance, lower limb muscle mass, and cross-sectional area in m. vastus lateralis. For all variables, training-associated changes occurred primarily during the initial 10 weeks of the intervention, including the differential responses to HL and LL. In conclusion, although 22 weeks of HL led to greater increases in lower and upper limb muscle strength, power, and upper limb lean mass than LL, the 2 load conditions led to similar improvements in agility performance and lower limb muscle mass. Our results thus indicate that both loading regimes elicit multifaceted physiological improvements important for military readiness.

Effects of Progressive and Velocity-Based Autoregulatory Resistance Training on Lower-Limb Movement Ability in Taekwondo Athletes.

Both autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) utilize real-time monitoring of athlete physical performance to adjust training loads to provide appropriate training stimuli. However, the monitoring and adjustment approaches differ between both methods. This study aimed to compare the effects of APRE and VBRT on the muscle strength, power, and agility of college taekwondo athletes. Eight weeks of APRE and VBRT will promote similar results to strength gains in regards maximal strength, but VBRT will be superior to APRE in explosive power and agility. Clinical trial. Level 3. Thirty taekwondo athletes were divided randomly into 2 groups (VBRT/APRE), and all participants completed an 8-week APRE/VBRT intervention. Maximum strength, explosive power, and agility performance were assessed during the squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), kicking strength test (KST), taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), and hexagon test (HT). Highly significant time effects (P < 0.01) were observed for squat 1RM, CMJ, and TSAT in both the APRE and VBRT groups. However, there were no significant group-by-time differences for any of the measured outcomes to intergroup (P > 0.05), but APRE had a small effect size (ES) over VBRT for CMJ (ES = 0.48, = 0.06), TSAT (ES = 0.26, = 0.02), and HT (ES = 0.42, = 0.05). An 8-week autoregulatory APRE and VBRT can both effectively improve both the maximal strength, explosive power, and agility performance of taekwondo athletes, with APRE exhibiting potential advantages in improving CMJ, TSAT, and HT. These results provide important insights into the selection of suitable resistance training programs by professional coaches, taking into account athlete needs, training efficiency, and safety considerations.

Force–velocity–power profiling in flywheel squats: Differences between sports and association with countermovement jump and change of direction performance

ABSTRACT The objectives of our study were 1) to examine whether the force-velocity-power (FvP) outcomes in the concentric and eccentric phases of flywheel (FW) squats differ among sports disciplines and 2) to investigate the association between FvP outcome variables and two key sport-performance indicators: countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction (CoD) time involving 90° or 180° turns. Tests were performed by 469 athletes from five different sport disciplines and physical education students. Our results showed that FvP outcomes, when measured during the eccentric phase of the FW squat, effectively differed between athletes from different sports. However, during the concentric phase of the squat, only for the slope variable differences between sports were found. Contrary to our hypothesis, there were no statistically significant correlations between FW squat FvP outcomes and CMJ or CoD test results. These results suggest that FvP outcomes derived from FW squats may lack external validity and cannot be reliably used as a predictor of athletes’ jumping and agility performance. The paper discusses possible reasons for the larger differences between sports in eccentric FvP outcomes, as well as the absence of correlations between FvP outcomes and functional tests.

Validity of a motor-cognitive dual-task agility test in elite youth football players.

Agility, as the ability to react rapidly to unforeseen events, is an essential component of football performance. However, existing agility diagnostics often do not reflect the complex motor-cognitive interaction required on the field. Therefore, this study evaluates the criterion and ecological validity of a newly developed motor-cognitive dual-task agility approach in elite youth football players and compare it to a traditional reactive agility test. Twenty-one male youth elite football players (age:17.4±0.6; BMI:23.2±1.8) performed two agility tests (reactive agility, reactive agility with integrated multiple-object-tracking (Dual-Task Agility)) on the SKILLCOURT system. Performance was correlated to motor (sprint, jump), cognitive (executive functions, attention, reaction speed) and football specific tests (Loughborough soccer passing test (LSPT)) as well as indirect game metrics (coaches' rating, playing time). Reactive agility performance showed moderate correlations to attention and choice reaction times (r=0.48-0.63), as well as to the LSPT (r=0.51). The dual-task agility test revealed moderate relationships with attention and reaction speed (r=0.47-0.58), executive functions (r=0.45-0.63), as well as the game metrics (r=0.51-0.61). Finally, the dual-task agility test significantly differentiated players based on their coaches' rating and playing time using a median split (p<0.05; d=0.8-1.28). Motor-cognitive agility performance in elite youth football players seems to be primarily determined by cognitive functions. The integration of multiple object tracking into reactive agility testing seems to be an ecologically valid approach for performance diagnostics in youth football.