Half Squat Research Articles

Acute Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with High-Load Resistance Exercises on Repetitive Vertical Jump Performance and EEG Characteristics in Healthy Men.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique known to enhance athletic performance metrics such as vertical jump and lower limb strength. However, it remains unclear whether combining tDCS with the post-activation effects of high-load resistance training can further improve lower limb performance. This study investigated the synergistic effects of tDCS and high-load resistance training, using electroencephalography to explore changes in the motor cortex and vertical jump dynamics. Four experiments were conducted involving 29 participants. Each experiment included tDCS, high-load resistance training, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training, and a control condition. During the tDCS session, participants received 20 min of central stimulation using a Halo Sport 2 headset, while the high-load resistance training session comprised five repetitions of a 90% one-repetition maximum weighted half squat. No intervention was administered in the control group. Electroencephalography tests were conducted before and after each intervention, along with the vertical jump test. The combination of tDCS and high-load resistance training significantly increased jump height (p < 0.05) compared to tDCS or high-load resistance training alone. As for electroencephalography power, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training significantly impacted the percentage of α-wave power in the frontal lobe area (F3) of the left hemisphere (F = 6.33, p < 0.05). In the temporal lobe area (T3) of the left hemisphere, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training showed a significant interaction effect (F = 6.33, p < 0.05). For β-wave power, tDCS showed a significant main effect in the frontal pole area (Fp1) of the left hemisphere (F = 17.65, p < 0.01). In the frontal lobe area (F3) of the left hemisphere, tDCS combined with high-load resistance training showed a significant interaction effect (F = 7.53, p < 0.05). The tDCS combined with high-load resistance training intervention also resulted in higher β-wave power in the parietal lobe area (P4) and the temporal lobe area (T4) (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and high-load resistance training significantly enhances vertical jump performance compared to either intervention alone. This improvement is associated with changes in the α-wave and β-wave power in specific brain regions, such as the frontal and temporal lobes. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms and long-term effects of this combined intervention.

Acute effects of whole-body vibration on unilateral isometric knee extensors maximal torque and fatigability during an intermittent endurance task in adult males

Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been employed for performance-enhancing purposes. WBV may positively affect muscular endurance and its underlying neural mechanisms due to an enhanced muscular blood circulation and oxygen uptake. However, the effects of WBV on endurance-related torque signal complexity have been understudied. This study aims to investigate the acute effects of WBV on i) maximal isometric torque production; ii) isometric knee extensors fatigability and iii) torque signal complexity during an isometric endurance task.Thirty adult males performed an isometric intermittent endurance protocol on their dominant lower limb after performing: static half squat with WBV (WBV), static half squat without WBV (HS), and no exercise protocol (CC). For each repetition the maximal torque was identified. The maximal torque of the first repetition was identified as the PeakT. The Mean torque (MTorque) and fatigue index (pFatigue) were calculated as the mean and the percentage decay in torque across the entire set of eighteen repetitions (MTorque0–100 %, pFatigue0–100 %), and across shorter blocks of six repetitions (MTorque0–33 %, pFatigue0–33 %; MTorque34–66 %, pFatigue34–66 %, and MTorque67–100 %, pFatigue67–100 %). Torque fluctuations were analysed computing Sample Entropy (SampEn) and the coefficient of variation (CV).PeakT was significantly higher in CC than in WBV (p < 0.01) and in HS (p < 0.01). PeakT was significantly higher in HS than in WB (p < 0.05). MTorque0–100 %, MTorque0–33 %, MTorque34–66 %, and MTorque67–100 % were significantly higher in CC than in WBV (all p-values <0.01) and in HS (p < 0.01). MTorque67–100 % was significantly higher in HS than in WB (p = 0.049). pFatigue34–66 % was significantly higher in WBV than in CC (p < 0.05) whereas pFatigue67–100 % was significantly higher in CC than in WB (p < 0.01) and in HS (p < 0.01). No effect of condition was observed for SampEn and CV.Acute WBV does not lead to beneficial effects on maximal torque production and isometric knee extensors fatigability. These acute detrimental effects may be related to long-term WBV-related adaptations.

Role of Strength Training on Body Composition and Karate Performance of School Children

This study evaluates the anthropometry, fitness, and karate performance of schoolboys. The sample comprises an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group(n = 15). Eight weeks of strength and karate training were given to the experimental group and only karate training to the control group. The study measures were eight skinfolds, nine girths, body mass, hand grip strength, agility, flexibility, leg strength, balance, speed, sit-ups, push-ups, and half squats. The statistical analysis of the repeated measures ANOVA reveals that the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group after eight weeks of strength training in agility, flexibility, speed, vertical jump, sit-ups, push-ups, and half squats. Finally, it is concluded that strength and karate training are suitable for reducing fats and increasing the physical fitness of school children. It is suggested that the school administration adopt strength and karate training programs to improve physical fitness and body composition.

The effect of concurrent high-intensity interval training and resistance training on the lower body maximal strength and explosive power: A updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Endurance training can have a negative impact on strength training and may lead to reduced strength gains, known as the interference effect. However, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) as an endurance training mode may reduce this interference effect. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the effects of concurrent HIIT and resistance training (RT) on lower body explosive strength and maximum strength. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effects of HIIT modality, training status, and training duration on strength development following concurrent HIIT and RT. RESULTS: Meta-analysis showed that compared to RT alone, concurrent HIIT and RT will not affect the development of countermovement jump (CMJ) (WMD =-0.17, 95%CI =-1.45 to -1.11) and half squat (WMD =-0.05, 95%CI =-2.42 to 2.32). Further, subgroup analysis revealed that HIIT-running workout was conducive to the development of both CMJ and half squat. Longer training duration was found to be more effective in developing CMJ, while shorter training duration was more suitable for developing half squat. Additionally, athletes showed greater improvement than non-athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Combining HIIT and RT can enhance CMJ and half squat. The results of intervention are moderated by training variables and training status.

Acute effects of eccentric overload training with different loading doses in male sprinters

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of two doses (Dose1 and Dose2,D1 and D2) of inertial Flywheel Eccentric Overload (FEOL), Eccentric Hook (EH), and High-intensity Half Squat (HHS) on muscle explosiveness in male sprinters. MethodsTwenty-one sub-elite male sprinters were randomly assigned to three groups: the FEOL group (n=7), the EH group (n=7), and the HSS group (n=7),Measurements of athletes' explosive jumps (CMJ, SJ, SLJ) heights, relative peak power indices, and 30-m sprint times were collected before and 6 min after the intervention. ResultsAt D1 loading dose, CMJ, SJ jump height, and relative peak power increased significantly (p < 0.05) after HHS training intervention, while there was no significant change in FEOL and EH training (p > 0.05). At D2 loading dose, CMJ, SJ jump height, and relative peak power increased significantly (p < 0.01) after FEOL and EH training intervention, but at D2HHS intervention, these indexes tended to decrease (p < 0.05). None of the three training protocols significantly improved SLJ performance (p > 0.05). CMJ vertical jump height and relative peak power were significantly higher after D2FEOL and D2EH interventions than after D1HHS (P < 0.05). ConclusionD1HHS, D2FEOL and D2EH3 intervention methods can all improve the performance of sub-elite athletes in the 30-m test, CMJ test and SJ test. in the CMJ test, FEOL training demonstrated a higher acute augmentation effect compared to EH training.

Comparison of resistance training using barbell half squats and trap bar deadlifts on maximal strength, power performance, and lean mass in recreationally active females: an eight-week randomised trial

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high load resistance training using barbell half squats compared with trap bar deadlifts on maximal strength, power performance, and lean mass in recreationally active females.MethodsTwenty-two recreationally active female participants (age: 26.9 ± 7.7 yrs.; height: 166.0 ± 5.1 cm; weight: 68.6 ± 9.9 kg) were randomly assigned to either a barbell half squat group (SG: n = 10) or trap bar deadlift group (DG: n = 12). Training consisted of twice-weekly sessions for eight weeks. Both groups completed one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for both barbell half squat and trap bar deadlift groups. Countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprint performance were also assessed. Total body (TBLM) and leg lean mass (LLM) were measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Between-group differences were analysed using analysis of covariance.ResultsSG tended to improve 1RM half squat (21.0 ± 11.5 kg vs. 13.1 ± 7.5 kg) more than DG (mean difference (MD): 8.0 kg, 95% CI: -0.36 – 16.3 kg). A similar pattern in favour of DG (18.4 ± 11.2 vs. 11.7 ± 8.1 kg) compared to SG was observed (MD: 6.5 kg, 95% CI: -2.5 – 15.6 kg). No between-group differences for sprint, jump or lean body mass changes was observed. For groups combined, the following changes in CMJ (2.0 ± 2.4 cm), 5-m sprint (-0.020 ± 0.039 s), 15-m sprint (-0.055 ± 0.230 s), TBLM (0.84 ± 1.12 kg), and LLM (0.27 ± 0.59 kg) was observed.ConclusionsAn exercise intervention consisting of half squats or trap bar deadlift were associated with improved muscle strength, power, and lean mass. Our findings suggests that in recreationally active females, exercise selection is less of a concern provided that heavy loads are applied, and relevant muscle groups are targeted.

An Empirical Study on the Effect of 12-Week Functional Training on Sprint Performance of Adolescent Track and Field Athletes

Objective: To compare the effects of 12-week functional training and traditional physical training on sprint performance of young track and field athletes. Methods: Twenty young track and field athletes were divided into an experimental group (10 people) and a control group (10 people). The experimental group received functional training for 60 minutes thrice a week. The control group received 60 minutes of traditional physical training three times a week. Before and after the intervention, the indexes of weight-bearing squat, weight-bearing half squat, standing long jump, standing triple jump, 30 meters, 50 meters, and 100 meters were tested. Results: (1) Before the intervention, there was no difference in height, weight, age, strength quality, and speed quality between the experimental group and the control group. (2) After the intervention, the strength quality and speed quality of the athletes in the experimental group and the control group have changed, and the results of the experimental group and the control group have improved compared with those before the experiment. (3) After the intervention, compared with the control group, the results of the experimental group improved significantly. Conclusion: After 12 weeks of intervention, the strength quality and speed quality of the subjects in the experimental group and the control group have been improved, but the functional training in the experimental group has a more significant improvement in speed quality and a better effect.

Jump Squats Performed with Both Light and Heavy Loads Have Similar Effects on the Physical Performance of Elite Rugby Players during the Initial Phase of the Competitive Period.

We examined the effectiveness of two different jump-squat (JS) loading ranges on the physical performance of rugby players. Twenty-eight elite male rugby players were divided into two JS training groups: a light-load JS group ("LJS"; JS at 40% of the one-repetition maximum [1RM] in the half-squat (HS) exercise) and a heavy-load JS group ("HJS"; JS at 80% HS-1RM). Players completed the distinct training programs over four weeks, three times per week, during the initial phase of the competitive period. Pre- and post-training tests were conducted in the following sequence: vertical jumps, a 30-m speed test, peak power in the JS and the HS, and maximum isometric force in the HS. Additionally, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed at the end of all training sessions throughout the intervention. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, followed by the Tukey's post-hoc test, was employed to analyze differences between groups. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Effect sizes were used to assess the magnitude of differences between pre- and post-training data. Except for the RPE values (which were lower in the LJS group), no significant changes were detected for any other variable. In summary, using either a light- (40% HS-1RM) or a heavy-load (80% HS-1RM) JS during the initial phase of the competitive period is equally effective in maintaining physical performance levels attained during the preceding training period (pre-season), with the significant advantage of the light-load protocol resulting in lower levels of the RPE. This finding may have important implications for resistance training programming, especially in disciplines where acute and chronic fatigue is always a problematic issue.

Post-exercise energy expenditure of half squat and bench press at different load percentages and controlled cadence

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of movement velocity and intensity on EPOC fast component in bench press and half squat exercises performed to concentric failure. Twelve healthy recreational bodybuilders performed 10 days of experimental procedures: the 1st and 2nd days were to load determination (1RM test and re-test), the 3rd to 10th days performing the bench press and half squat exercises with 60 and 80% 1RM performed in slow (1s/1s) and high (2s/2s) movement velocity cadence 52 beats. Oxygen consumptionas continuously measured in the first 20-min post-exercise using Cosmed K4 b2 portable device. A multivariate analysis compared the EPOC averaged in each minute post-exercise according to the different exercises, intensities and movement velocities. Was observed that EPOC declines fast from the 1st to 2nd minute and attains almost 100% of the decline near resting VO2 values at the 3rd minute of recovery both exercises. Greatest EPOC accumulated, during the eight minutes, was to exercise that involved the largest muscle group (half squat) with high intensity (80% 1RM) and greater movement velocity (1s/1s). In the full 20-min interval, the half squat had an energy equivalent of almost 80% more compared with the bench press. The higher velocities enhance energy expenditure to a greater extent than a more fatiguing slower exercise.

The Effect of Half Squat Jump and Hurdle Jump Training on Short Distance Running of 60 Meters in Class IX Students of SMP Negeri 11 Makassar

This study aims to test the effect of half squat jump and hard jump training on short-distance running of 60 meters. The method used in this research is experimental research. This research was conducted at SMP Negeri 11 Makassar with participants in this research being students who were willing to follow all research procedures. The sample in this research was 20 students. The instrument used in this research was a 60-meter short-distance running test. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that the half squat jump training and hurdle jump training on the ability to run a short distance of 60 meters in class IX students of SMP Negeri 11 Makassar, obtained the average value of the half squat jump training group, namely 9.716, which is smaller than the average value of the half squat jump training group. The average for the hurdle jump training group was 9.082 with a value of t-count = 2.244 &gt; t-table = 2.101 or significant 0.038 &lt; 0.05. The results of this study show that hardle jump training is better than half squat jump training for short-distance running of 60 meters in class IX students of SMP Negeri 11 Makassar.

Rubber Band Training Improves Athletic Performance in Young Female Handball Players.

This study's objective was to investigate the impact of a 10-week in season contrast rubber band training program on athletic performance in young female handball players. Youth athletes (15.8 ± 0.2 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 16) or a control group (n = 14). The intervention group performed contrast rubber band training (20 sessions over two weeks), while the control group maintained regular in-season training. The modified T-test, squat jump, countermovement jump, standing long jump, repeated sprint ability, 1-RM bench press and half squat, along with upper and lower limb force-velocity tests were performed. The intervention group experienced significantly larger performance enhancements than the control group in the modified T-test [p < 0.001; d = 1.45%Δ (intervention = -7.1, control = -0.8)], vertical jump [p ≤ 0.009; d ≥ 0.72; %Δ (8.4 < intervention < 19.8, 4.1 < control < 12.2)], 1-RM strength [p ≤ 0.04, d ≥ 0.80; %Δ (37.1 < intervention < 39.7, 7.2 < control < 11.2)], all force-velocity scores for the upper limbs [p ≤ 0.009; d ≥ 0.72; %Δ (21 < intervention < 82, 0.1 < control < 11.6)], three of four force-velocity scores for the lower limb performance [p ≤ 0.02; d ≥ 0.64; %Δ (6.4 < intervention < 31.3, 0.8 < control < 11.1)] and all repeated sprint times [p < 0.001; d ≥ 1.15; %Δ (-3.4 < intervention < -3.1, -1.9 < control < -0.5)]. It was concluded that ten weeks of contrast rubber band training positively affected most motor abilities in youth female handball athletes. Therefore, coaches and practitioners should consider utilizing contrast rubber band strength training as a time and resource-efficient means of improving physical fitness of youth handball players.

Effects of Resistance Training on Leg-strength and Back-strength in 18-25 Years Women

In the contest of human life there is essentiality of being good. Being good not only means to feel good but also to look good and live well. Now a day’s physical education spreads the wide network in the worldwide. It mainly having two faces they are science and arts. The resistance training is one of the scientific training method in physical education and sports sciences. In this study the researcher has carried on experiments to investigate the effects of resistance training on leg strength and back strength variables before, during and after resistance training. The researcher has taken 50 subjects, and they are divided into two group one is experimental and anther one is control group. The experimental training phase of twelve weeks, the subjects were given resistance training programme trice a week. The exercise are Shoulder Press, Bent-Knee Sit-Ups, Half Squat, Over head press and Dead lift. The collected data’s were analyzed by using SPSS software version 2.0. The result of the study shows that there were significant differences obtained on selected Motor fitness components such as Leg Strength and Back Strength variables of Resistance Training on women in the age group of 18 to 25 years.

Effect of Weight Training on Increasing 100 Meter Running Speed in Sprinter Athletes Based on Gender

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of weight training on the performance of 100meter spinner athletes based on gender. This research is one group pretest – posttest. Samples on athletes were carried out voluntarily provided that they were not injured and were not taking part in a competition period. The sample consisted of 10 male sprinters (mean: height 170.2±0.6 cm, weight 64.2±2.7, body mass index (BMI) 21.27, training experience 5.6±7.8 years) and 10 female sprinters (mean: height 168.7±7.2, weight 53.7±0.6, body mass index (BMI) 18.14, training experience 5.2±14 years) with age 17 – 22 years. The test for pretest–posttest is 100 meters run, while determining the load volume uses the 1RM Brzycki formula. This training program is carried out for 6 weeks (3 times a week), training volume 40% - 60% with 3 sets x 8 repetitions, types of weight training are bench press, deadlift, leg press, half squat, double leg bounds. The results of the t test, this research shows that weight training has an effect on increasing the 100 meters sprint of male athletes by 0.000 &lt; 0.05 with an increase in time of 0.33 seconds. Then weight training has an effect on increasing the 100 meters sprint of male athletes by 0.000 &lt; 0.05 with an increase in time of 0.20 seconds. The recommendation of this research is to train at the general preparation stage, because this weight training using 2 supports on the right and left sides of the hands and feet.

Effects of complex training on muscle stiffness, half squat 1-RM, agility, and jump performance in healthy males

Effects of complex training on muscle stiffness, half squat 1-RM, agility, and jump performance in healthy males

Comparative analysis of standard and contrast elastic resistance band training effects on physical fitness in female adolescent handball players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of two elastic band 10-week training programmes on the athletic performance in adolescent female handball players. Participants aged 16.0 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned to control (CNT, n = 12), standard elastic band (SEB, n = 12), or contrast elastic band (CEB, n = 12) programmes, each performed twice a week supplementing the regular training. The sprint (10 m and 20 m), modified Illinois change-of-direction test (COD), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), back extensor strength (BES), medicine ball throw (MBT), 1-RM bench press, 1-RM half squat, repeated sprint ability, and force-velocity (F-V) tests were measured before and after the intervention. Both CEB and SEB similarly improved sprint (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01) and COD (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) when compared to CNT. Jumping performance improved significantly (SJ p < 0.01; CMJ p < 0.05) only in CEB, compared to CNT. Strength improved in both experimental groups (p < 0.01; ES: 0.73 < d < 1.59) compared to CNT, and there was a greater increase for CEB than SEB (p < 0.05) in the medicine ball throw (Table 3). Both CEB and SEB increased all RSA scores compared to CNT (p < 0.01; ES: 0.10 < d < 1.22), without significant difference between them. All F-V scores increased significantly in CEB and SEB compared to CNT (p < 0.01; ES: 0.45 < d < 2.47). In addition, CEB showed substantial gains in performance for PPabs, PPrel, and F0 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared to SEB. Ten-week elastic band training conducted within the competitive season improved limb strength, power and F-V profile in female handball players, with a superior effect of the contrast elastic band training mode for upper-limb strength and F-V characteristics.

Changes in the force-time curve during a repeat power ability assessment using loaded countermovement jumps.

Repeat power ability (RPA) assessments traditionally use discrete variables, such as peak power output, to quantify the change in performance across a series of jumps. Rather than using a discrete variable, the analysis of the entire force-time curve may provide additional insight into RPA performance. The aims of this study were to (1) analyse changes in the force-time curve recorded during an RPA assessment using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and (2) compare the differences in the force-time curve between participants with low and high RPA scores, as quantified by traditional analysis. Eleven well-trained field hockey players performed an RPA assessment consisting of 20 loaded countermovement jumps with a 30% one repetition maximum half squat load (LCMJ20). Mean force-time series data was normalized to 100% of the movement duration and analysed using SPM. Peak power output for each jump was also derived from the force-time data and a percent decrement score calculated for jumps 2 to 19 (RPA%dec). An SPM one-way ANOVA with significance accepted at α=0.05, was used to identify the change in the force-time curve over three distinct series of jumps across the LCMJ20 (series 1 = jumps 2-5, series 2 = jumps 9-12 and series 3 = jumps 16-19). A secondary analysis, using an independent T-test with significance accepted at p<0.001, was also used to identify differences in the force-time curve between participants with low and high RPA%dec. Propulsive forces were significantly lower (p<0.001) between 74-98% of the movement compared to 0-73% for changes recorded during the LCMJ20. Post hoc analysis identified the greatest differences to occur between jump series 1 and jump series 2 (p<0.001) at 70-98% of the movement and between jump series 1 and jump series 3 (p<0.001) at 86-99% of the movement. No significant differences were found between jump series 2 and jump series 3. Significant differences (p<0.001) in both the braking phase at 44-48% of the jump and the propulsive phase at 74-94% of the jump were identified when participants were classified based on low or high RPA%dec scores (with low scores representing an enhanced ability to maintain peak power output than high scores). A reduction in force during the late propulsive phase is evident as the LCMJ20 progresses. SPM analysis provides refined insight into where changes in the force-time curve occur during performance of the LCMJ20. Participants with the lower RPA%dec scores displayed both larger braking and propulsive forces across the LCMJ20 assessment.

Multi-objective optimization model-based training program development for athletes in college physical education

Abstract Digital technology has been used in a large number of applications in all aspects of life and various fields. In the field of sports, digital training has been increasingly emphasized by frontline coaches, athletes, and sports researchers. In this paper, by building an objective optimization model, combining particle swarm optimization, and optimizing the computation process with the Kriging agent model, we formulate the most suitable training plan for college athletes and improve the scientific level of college athletes’ training. The multi-objective optimization training plan can accurately enhance the athletes’ physical fitness, physical quality, and sports skills, and the IRM and maximal power of bench press and half squat showed an increasing trend after the training. The body composition (body fat) and longitudinal jump (lower limb explosive power) improved to a certain extent before and after the training. There were significant differences in the sports skill evaluation of the 50-meter run and the three-stage continuous frog jump; the p-value was less than 0.05. The p-values were all less than 0.05. The scientific and practicality of the training program for college athletes based on the multi-objective optimization model is confirmed when the value falls below 0.05.

밸런스테이핑 기법이 하프 스쿼트 동작 시 안쪽넓은근과 가쪽넓은근의 근활성에 미치는 영향

밸런스테이핑 기법이 하프 스쿼트 동작 시 안쪽넓은근과 가쪽넓은근의 근활성에 미치는 영향

The Acute Effects of Velocity Loss During Half Squat Exercise on Jump Performance

The velocity loss (VL) approach during squat exercise may increase the post-activation potentiation enhancement effect on squat jump performance. If this method succeeds, then different conditions of VL should be researched before its implementation to the field. This study hypothesized that squat jump performance would be increased after different volumed VL conditions during half-squat exercise. Eighteen resistance-trained men (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD]; age: 24.00±3.53 years; body mass: 78.37±5.53 kg; height: 179.35±7.04 cm; one-repetition maximum (1RM) half squat: 110.85±11.92 kg) voluntarily performed squat jump under unloaded and four different VL conditions (R6: six repetitions, Ruf: repetitions until failure, VL10: velocity loss thresholds 10%, VL20: velocity loss thresholds 20%) after a set of half-squat exercises at 80% of one-repetition maximum separated by at least 72 hours. The results revealed that subjects demonstrated significantly better squat jump performance in VL10, VL20, and R6 conditions than the unloaded and Ruf conditions (p

Effects of Two Different Low-Volume Resistance Training Programs Applied During the Off-Season Period on the Speed-Power Performance of Elite Youth Soccer Players.

Loturco, I, Nunes, RFH, Lampert, RR, Silva, RLP, Hespanhol, JE, Novack, LF, Conde, JHS, Pereira, LA, and McGuigan, MR. Effects of two different low-volume resistance training programs applied during the off-season period on the speed-power performance of elite youth soccer players. . J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 571-576, 2024-The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in the speed-power performance of elite youth soccer players submitted to 2 different low-volume resistance training programs during the off-season period. Twenty under-17 players were randomly allocated to "traditional nonballistic" or "ballistic training" groups. Countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprinting speed, and half-squat (HS) power tests were performed after the final match of the season (pretesting session) and at the beginning of the subsequent season (post-testing session), after 4 weeks of detraining. Between-group differences were assessed using a 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures followed by the Tukey's post hoc test. Performance variations were individually analyzed with the use of the "true changes" calculation. At post-tests, CMJ height and HS power remained unchanged ( p > 0.05) but similar and significant improvements in sprint speed were observed in both groups ( p < 0.05). However, notably, a larger number of players in the ballistic group exhibited "true changes" in HS power (i.e., 55 vs. 33%, compared with the traditional group, respectively). In conclusion, either low-volume ballistic or traditional resistance training schemes were able to increase sprint speed and maintain power output during a short interseason break in youth soccer players. Despite this apparent similarity, at the individual level, ballistic movements were more efficient at improving lower-body power. Practitioners can use the strategies described here to improve the sprint and power performance of soccer players during short periods of soccer-specific training cessation.