Hang Clean Research Articles

Vertical Jump and Relative Strength are Strongly Associated with Change of Direction in Professional Male Basketball Players

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of change of direction (COD) in highly trained/national level male basketball players using field assessments.
 Methods: Eight professional male basketball players (age: 24.0 ± 5.5 years; body mass index (BMI): 24.1 ± 1.6 kg m-2) volunteered for participation in this study. All the evaluations were carried out during 2 sessions as follows: First day_1) body composition, 2) unilateral and bilateral squat jump (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ), and 3) Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1); Second day_1) COD performance, and 2) one repetition maximum (1RM) hang clean (HC) and bench press (BP). A linear regression was performed to evaluate the determinants of COD amongst all other measured variables. Furthermore, we applied Pearson correlation coefficient and in the case of non-normally distributed variables, Spearman’s correlation coefficient for the selected variables.
 Results: The linear regression indicated that only SJ height was a significant determinant of COD (R2 = 58.8%, p = 0.016). Significant correlations were identified between COD test and SJ (r = -0.75, p = 0.034; very large), and relative HC 1 RM (r = -0.74, p = 0.038; very large).
 Conclusions: The associations found between COD performance and physical parameters should be considered when developing athletic conditioning programs. Especially, the vertical jump heigh could explain the greatest variability in COD performance..

Effects of Expertise on Muscle Activity during the Hang Power Clean and Hang Power Snatch Compared to Snatch and Clean Pulls - An Explorative Analysis.

The purpose was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the Hang Power Clean (HPC) and Hang Power Snatch (HPS) with the Hang Clean Pull (HCP) and Hang Snatch Pull (HSP). Additionally, the influence of weightlifting expertise (beginner, advanced and elite) on EMG activity was analyzed. Twenty-seven weightlifters (beginner: n = 11, age: 23.9 ± 3.2 years, bodyweight: 75.7 ± 10.5 kg; advanced: n = 10, age: 24.8 ± 4.5 years, bodyweight: 69.4 ± 13.9 kg; elite: n = 6, age: 25.5 ± 5.2 years, bodyweight: 75.5 ± 12.5 kg) participated in this study. Participants performed two repetitions of HPC, HPS, HCP, and HSP at 50%, 70%, and 90% 1RM, respectively. The EMG activity of vastus lateralis (VL), gluteus maximus (GM), erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA) and trapezius (TZ) was recorded and normalized to the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of each muscle. There were significant differences in RA and ES EMG activity at 70% and 90% 1RM during HPC compared to HCP in the beginner group (p < 0.05, Hedges g = 0.50-1.06). Significant greater ES activity was observed in the beginner, advanced, and elite groups (p < 0.05, g = 0.27-0.98) during the HPS when compared to the HSP at 50-90% 1RM. TZ muscle activity was significantly greater at 50% and 70% 1RM in the HCP compared to the HPC in the elite group (p < 0.05, g = 0.61-1.08), while the beginner group reached significance only at 50% 1RM favoring HPC (p < 0.05, g = 0.38). Moreover, the EMG activity of the TZ during the HSP and HPS was significantly different only at 50% 1RM in the elite group and favored HSP (p < 0.05, g = 0.27). No differences were observed between the levels of weightlifting expertise. Based upon the results of this study, the overall pattern of EMG activity of the predominant muscles involved in HPC/HPS and the corresponding weightlifting pulling derivatives, apart from the stabilizing muscle (RA and ES), is similar at higher intensities (>70% 1RM) and expertise does not influence muscle activity.

Bar Velocity And Final Five Repetitions To Failure Relationship Across Multiple Hang Clean Sets.

Bar Velocity And Final Five Repetitions To Failure Relationship Across Multiple Hang Clean Sets.

Revisiting the Assessment of Strength, Power, and Change of Direction in Collegiate American Football Athletes.

Burke, AA, Guthrie, BM, Magee, M, Miller, AD, and Jones, MT. Revisiting the assessment of strength, power, and change of direction in collegiate american football athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1623-1627, 2023-The primary purpose was to assess the effect of strength on vertical jump (VJ) and change of direction (COD) with a secondary purpose to examine if these relationships were moderated by the sport position group through path analysis using structural equation modeling. Subjects were collegiate American football athletes grouped by skill (SK; n = 98) and nonskill (NS; n = 83) sport position groups. Maximal strength was assessed by 1 repetition maximum back squat and hang clean (HC). Vertical jump was used to evaluate power. Change of direction was assessed through the 20-yard shuttle (i.e., 5-10-5) test. Multigroup path analysis examined causal pathways among variables and moderating effects of sport position. The final model revealed that VJ fully mediated the relationship between HC and COD (HC-VJ: β = 0.408, p < 0.001; VJ-COD: β = -0.376, p < 0.001; and HC-COD: β = -0.137, p = 0.17) in SK. The NS showed only direct effects of HC on COD ( β = -0.335, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that strength does not solely explain COD ability but also can serve to enhance underpinning qualities, such as relative force production in the VJ. Relationships between strength, power, and COD are different depending on the positional group. The results provide further insight into performance outcomes in field tests. It is recommended that sport position differences be considered when assessing and analyzing physical qualities in a team setting within the sport of American football.

Comparison between Olympic Weightlifting Lifts and Derivatives for External Load and Fatigue Monitoring.

Load management is an extremely important subject in fatigue control and adaptation processes in almost all sports. In Olympic Weightlifting (OW), two of the load variables are intensity and volume. However, it is not known if all exercises produce fatigue of the same magnitude. Thus, this study aimed to compare the fatigue prompted by the Clean and Jerk and the Snatch and their derivative exercises among male and female participants, respectively. We resorted to an experimental quantitative design in which fatigue was induced in adult individuals with weightlifting experience of at least two years through the execution of a set of 10 of the most used lifts and derivatives in OW (Snatch, Snatch Pull, Muscle Snatch, Power Snatch, and Back Squat; Clean and Jerk, Power Clean, Clean, High Hang Clean, and Hang Power Clean). Intensity and volume between exercises were equalized (four sets of three repetitions), after which one Snatch Pull test was performed where changes in velocity, range of motion, and mean power were assessed as fatigue measures. Nine women and twelve men participated in the study (age, 29.67 ± 5.74 years and 28.17 ± 5.06 years, respectively). The main results showed higher peak velocity values for the Snatch Pull test when compared with Power Snatch (p = 0.008; ES = 0.638), Snatch (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 0.998), Snatch Pull (p &lt; 0.001, ES = 0.906), and Back Squat (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 0.906) while the differences between the Snatch Pull test and the derivatives of Clean and Jerk were almost nonexistent. It is concluded that there were differences in the induction of fatigue between most of the exercises analyzed and, therefore, coaches and athletes could improve the planning of training sessions by accounting for the fatigue induced by each lift.

An Examination of Loading Profiles for Youth Athletes Performing the Hang Power Clean

Weightlifting derivatives have become an increasingly popular form of resistance training among youth athletes over the past decade. This study aimed to examine the loading profiles of youth athletes during the hang power clean to determine optimal loading parameters for force, power, rate of force development, and barbell velocity. Sixteen male youth athletes (Age: 16.94 ± 0.97 years; Height: 180.08 ± 8.14 cm; Body mass: 81.06 ± 15.04 kg; Hang Clean 1RM 70.17 ± 14.41 kg) performed three repetitions of the hang power clean at 10% intervals ranging from 30-90% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). One-way repeated measures ANONAs revealed that external load had a significant effect on the peak and average of all variables examined (p &lt; 0.05). Most notably, peak power was maximized at 70% 1RM which was not significantly different 60-90% 1RM. Peak rate of force development was maximized at 90% 1RM, though it was not significantly greater than 50-90%1RM. Conversely peak barbell velocity was maximized at 30% 1RM which was significantly greater than 50-90% 1RM. While the results for power are similar to that of older, stronger athletes, the youth population in this study maximized barbell velocity and rate of force development at different external loads compared to more developed athletes. These results seem to suggest that youth athletes need to achieve a higher level of strength before they are capable of training with high relative external loads while maintaining high barbell velocities.

Analysis of Record Scores in the Clean and Its Variations in the Long-Term Training of Young Weightlifters.

Szyszka, P and Czaplicki, A. Analysis of record scores in the clean and its variations in the long-term training of young weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2383-2388, 2021-The main objectives of this study were to determine the time trajectories of record scores in the clean lift (C) and its derivatives achieved by young weightlifters in a 2-year training cycle and to estimate the quantitative relationships between these scores. The study involved 17 weightlifters who were tested 7 times at 3-month intervals. The computations were based on an individual growth curve approach. The study found statistically significant increases (p < 0.05) in record scores between consecutive measurements until the last measurement for the hang clean (HC), the second to last measurement for the C, and the fourth measurement for the power clean (PC) and the hang power clean (HPC). The overall mean ratios of the record scores in the C to those in the HC, PC, and HPC were approximately constant and amounted to 0.96, 0.89, and 0.80, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between individual time trajectories of record scores in the C and its derivatives were also identified in the 2 consecutive annual training macrocycles. The results suggest that the long-term analysis of record scores in the C and its derivatives can be useful in assessing athletes' sport level, in predicting their performance, and in proper exercise selection in the training of young weightlifters.

Evaluation of Strength and Conditioning Measures With Game Success in Division I Collegiate Volleyball: A Retrospective Study.

Bunn, JA, Ryan, GA, Button, GR, and, and Zhang, S. Evaluation of strength and conditioning measures with game success in Division I collegiate volleyball: A retrospective study. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 183-191, 2020-The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess relationships between strength and conditioning (SC) measures and game performance in Division I volleyball. Five years of SC and game data were collected from 1 women's Division I collegiate team, n = 76. Strength and conditioning measures included T-drill, 18.3 m sprint, back squat, hang clean, vertical jump, and broad jump. All game and SC stats were normalized to Z-scores. Analyses included assessing SC differences by position and multiple stepwise regression to assess relationships between game and SC stats. There was a significant difference by position for broad jump (p = 0.002), 18.3 m sprint (p = 0.036), vertical (p ≤ 0.001), and total strength (p = 0.019). Overall, game performance and SC measures were significantly correlated (r = 0.439, p ≤ 0.001). Multiple regression analyses indicated significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) between SC measures and game success by position as follows: defensive specialist stats with squat and total strength; setters game stats with hang cleans, T-drill, and broad jump; pin hitter game stats with vertical, squat, and total strength; middle blockers game stats with broad jump. These data indicate that SC measures correlate well with game performance and are specific by position. These data could help SC coaches create a more precise training approach to focus on improving specific measures by position, which could then translate to improved game performance. These data could also help coaches with talent identification to determine playing time and rotations to maximize player ability and achieve success.

Eliciting Postactivation Potentiation With Hang Cleans Depends on the Recovery Duration and the Individual's 1 Repetition Maximum Strength.

Dinsdale, AJ and Bissas, A. Eliciting postactivation potentiation with hang cleans depends on the recovery duration and the individual's 1 repetition maximum strength. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1817-1824, 2021-Acutely coupling biomechanically similar resistance exercises (e.g., back squats) with subsequent explosive movements (e.g., countermovement jumps [CMJs]) can elicit an enhancement in explosive force and power production, which is known as postactivation potentiation (PAP). However, limited information exists with regard to the coupling of hang cleans with the CMJ. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the hang clean at eliciting PAP through the systematic appraisal of the implemented recovery interval. Twelve explosively trained male track and field athletes completed 8 randomized protocols. These consisted of a structured warm-up, 3 baseline CMJs performed on a force platform, 3 reps of hang cleans set at 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), a randomized rest, and 3 post-CMJs. The rest intervals were set at 0 (T0), 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 3 (T3), 4 (T4), 5 (T5), and 6 (T6) minutes after completing the hang cleans. A repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that the hang cleans did not elicit PAP, although there were significant (p < 0.05) decreases in jump height (JH) for T0 (-4%), T2 (-3%), and T3 (-3.3%). Interestingly, when splitting the subjects based on absolute 1RM hang clean (above 80 kg = strong and below 80 kg = weak), significant differences (p < 0.05) in JH were observed between the groups at T1 (strong -1.2% and weak +3.8%) and T5 (strong +5.1% and weak -1.9%). Our results suggest that to elicit PAP when using hang-clean protocols, it is important to establish first the function between individual strength levels and recovery duration as this may lead to contrasting optimal performance windows for different explosively trained athletes.

Determination of Vertical Jump as a Measure of Neuromuscular Readiness and Fatigue.

Watkins, CM, Barillas, SR, Wong, MA, Archer, DC, Dobbs, IJ, Lockie, RG, Coburn, JW, Tran, TT, and Brown, LE. Determination of vertical jump as a measure of neuromuscular readiness and fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3305-3310, 2017-Coaches closely monitor training loads and periodize sessions throughout the season to create optimal adaptations at the proper time. However, only monitoring training loads ignores the innate physiological stress each athlete feels individually. Vertical jump (VJ) is widely used as a measure of lower-body power, and has been used in postmatch studies to demonstrate fatigue levels. However, no pretraining monitoring by VJ performance has been previously studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of VJ as a measure of readiness and fatigue on a daily sessional basis. Ten healthy resistance-trained males (mass = 91.60 ± 13.24 kg; height = 179.70 ± 9.23 cm; age = 25.40 ± 1.51 years) and 7 females (mass = 65.36 ± 12.29 kg; height = 162.36 ± 5.75 cm; age = 25.00 ± 2.71 years) volunteered to participate. Vertical jump and BRUNEL Mood Assessment (BAM) were measured 4 times: pre-workout 1, post-workout 1, pre-workout 2, and post-workout 2. Workout intensity was identical for both workouts, consisting of 4 sets of 5 repetitions for hang cleans, and 4 sets of 6 repetitions for push presses at 85% 1 repetition maximum (1RM), followed by 4 sets to failure of back squats (BSs), Romanian deadlift, and leg press at 80% 1RM. The major finding was that VJ height decrement (-8.05 ± 9.65 cm) at pre-workout 2 was correlated (r = 0.648) with BS volume decrement (-27.56 ± 24.56%) between workouts. This is important for coaches to proactively understand the current fatigue levels of their athletes and their readiness to resistance training.

A Pilot Comparison of the Hang Clean and Hang Snatch to the Clean Pull and Snatch Pull

Development of lower body strength and power is a primary goal of athletic-based strength and conditioning programs. Weightlifting and weightlifting derivatives are key components of these programs. 1.1 Objectives: This pilot study compared two variations of weightlifting derivatives on lower body strength and power in female athletes. 1.2 Methods: Athletes (n=21, 19-21 years) were randomly assigned to either the Hang Group-HG (n=11) or the Pull Group-PG (n=10). Weightlifting training took place for 6 weeks focusing on the hang clean and hang snatch with catch, and the clean pull and snatch pull without catch; supplemental resistance exercises were identical between the groups. HG performed hang cleans for weeks 1-3, before transitioning over to hang snatches for weeks 4-6. PG performed clean pulls for weeks 1-3, before transitioning over to snatch pulls for weeks 4-6. The same set, repetition, and loading scheme were used for both groups. Testing was conducted for 1RM box squat (BS), vertical jump (VJ), and standing broad jump (BJ). 1.3 Results: 14 participants completed the study (HG, n=9; PG n=5). Both groups significantly improved 1RM BS scores (HG: 15.8%, PG: 15.5%) and VJ (HG: 12.1%, PG: 16.1%) (p< 0.05). Despite improvements in 1RM BS strength and VJ performance, the BJ did not improve in either group (p> 0.05). There was no significant difference in gain scores between groups for VJ or 1RM box squat. 1.4 Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study, the hang clean and hang snatch with catch, and the clean pull and snatch pull without catch, have similar effects on lower body strength and power. Practitioners may consider these weightlifting derivatives interchangeable choices to increase both lower body strength and power. However, the lack of a catch may be advantageous in terms of reduced joint stress to the athlete and improved time efficiency during teaching and training.

Influence of Knee-to-Feet Jump Training on Vertical Jump and Hang Clean Performance.

Stark, L, Pickett, K, Bird, M, and King, AC. Influence of knee-to-feet jump training on vertical jump and hang clean performance. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3084-3089, 2016-From a motor learning perspective, the practice/training environment can result in positive, negative, or neutral transfer to the testing conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine the training effect of a novel movement (knee-to-feet [K2F] jumps) and whether a 6-week training program induced a positive transfer effect to other power-related movements (vertical jump and hang clean [HC]). Twenty-six intercollegiate athletes from power-emphasized sports were paired and counter-balanced into a control (i.e., maintained their respective sport-specific lifting regimen) or an experimental group (i.e., completed a 6-week progressive training program of K2F jumps in addition to respective lifting regimen). A pre- and posttest design was used to investigate the effect of training on K2F jump height and transfer effect to vertical jump height (VJH) and 2-repetition maximum (RM) HC performance. A significant increase in K2F jump height was found for the experimental group. Vertical jump height significantly increased from pre- to posttest but no group or interaction (group × time) effect was found, and there were nonsignificant differences for HC. Posttest data showed significant correlations between all pairs of the selected exercises with the highest correlation between K2F jump height and VJ H (R = 0.40) followed by VJH and 2RM HC (R = 0.38) and 2RM HC and K2F jump height (R = 0.23). The results suggest that K2F jump training induced the desired learning effect but was specific to the movement in that no effect of transfer occurred to the other power-related movements. This finding is value for strength and condition professionals who design training programs to enhance athletic performance.

Hang cleans and hang snatches produce similar improvements in female collegiate athletes.

Olympic weightlifting movements and their variations are believed to be among the most effective ways to improve power, strength, and speed in athletes. This study investigated the effects of two Olympic weightlifting variations (hang cleans and hang snatches), on power (vertical jump height), strength (1RM back squat), and speed (40-yard sprint) in female collegiate athletes. 23 NCAA Division I female athletes were randomly assigned to either a hang clean group or hang snatch group. Athletes participated in two workout sessions a week for six weeks, performing either hang cleans or hang snatches for five sets of three repetitions with a load of 80-85% 1RM, concurrent with their existing, season-specific, resistance training program. Vertical jump height, 1RM back squat, and 40-yard sprint all had a significant, positive improvement from pre-training to post-training in both groups (p≤0.01). However, when comparing the gain scores between groups, there was no significant difference between the hang clean and hang snatch groups for any of the three dependent variables (i.e., vertical jump height, p=0.46; 1RM back squat, p=0.20; and 40-yard sprint, p=0.46). Short-term training emphasizing hang cleans or hang snatches produced similar improvements in power, strength, and speed in female collegiate athletes. This provides strength and conditioning professionals with two viable programmatic options in athletic-based exercises to improve power, strength, and speed.

Kinetic Comparison of the Power Development Between Power Clean Variations

The purpose of this study was to compare the power production of the hang clean (HC), jump shrug (JS), and high pull (HP) when performed at different relative loads. Seventeen men with previous HC training experience, performed 3 repetitions each of the HC, JS, and HP at relative loads of 30, 45, 65, and 80% of their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) HC on a force platform over 3 different testing sessions. Peak power output (PPO), peak force (PF), and peak velocity (PV) of the lifter plus bar system during each repetition were compared. The JS produced a greater PPO, PF, and PV than both the HC (p < 0.001) and HP (p < 0.001). The HP also produced a greater PPO (p < 0.01) and PV (p < 0.001) than the HC. Peak power output, PF, and PV occurred at 45, 65, and 30% 1RM, respectively. Peak power output at 45% 1RM was greater than PPO at 65% (p = 0.043) and 80% 1RM (p = 0.004). Peak force at 30% was less than PF at 45% (p = 0.006), 65% (p < 0.001), and 80% 1RM (p = 0.003). Peak velocity at 30 and 45% was greater than PV at 65% (p < 0.001) and 80% 1RM (p < 0.001). Peak velocity at 65% 1RM was also greater than PV at 80% 1RM (p < 0.001). When designing resistance training programs, practitioners should consider implementing the JS and HP. To optimize PPO, loads of approximately 30 and 45% 1RM HC are recommended for the JS and HP, respectively.

Lower body kinetics during the jump shrug: impact of load

The jump shrug (JS) is a weightlifting variation that can be used to teach the power clean (PC), but can also be used to train lower body power itself.1 The JS is ballistic in nature and requires a subject to perform a countermovement with the barbell to the top of the knee, return to the mid-thigh position, and maximally jump while simultaneously shrugging their shoulders.1-3 This PC variation differs from others in that there is a deliberate attempt to jump with the barbell. Despite its potential to produce high amounts of lower body power, only one study has investigated the power development potential of the JS. Suchomel et al.1 demonstrated that the JS produced statistically greater peak force (PF), velocity (PV) and power (PP) than the hang clean (HC) when performed at the same absolute loads. However, their study only examined main effect differences and did not examine the impact that load had on the kinetics associated with power development during the JS.

Effect of Hang Cleans Or Squats Paired With Countermovement Vertical Jumps on Vertical Displacement

Complex training is characterized by pairing resistance exercise with plyometric exercise to exploit the postactivation potentiation (PAP) phenomenon, thereby promising a better training effect. Studies on PAP as measured by human power performances are equivocal. One issue may be the lack of analyses across multiple sets of paired exercises, a common practice used by athletes. We evaluated countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) performance in 19 women, collegiate athletes in 3 of the following trials: (a) CMJs-only, where 1 set of CMJs served as a conditioning exercise, (b) heavy-load, back squats paired with CMJs, and (c) hang cleans paired with CMJs. The CMJ vertical displacement (3-attempt average), as measured with digital video, served as the dependent variable of CMJ performance. Across 3 sets of paired-exercise regimens, CMJ-only depreciated 1.6 cm and CMJ paired with back squats depreciated 2.0 cm (main effect, p < 0.05). Conversely, CMJ paired with hang cleans depreciated 0.30 cm (interaction, p < 0.05). Thus, the best complex training scheme was achieved by pairing CMJs with hang cleans in comparison to back squats or CMJs in and of themselves. Future research on exercise modes of complex training that best help athletes preserve and train with the highest power possible, in a given training session, is warranted.

Completing A Prior Set Of Hang Cleans Does Not Improve The Performance In The Vertical Jump Irrespective Of The Length Of The Recovery Period

Abstract It has been suggested that acute increases in the power output during explosive movements can occur by the prior execution of high intensity resistance exercises. This phenomenon is called Post Activation Potentiation (PAP). One critical factor that is involved in PAP is the length of the recovery period between the intervention and the performance. The isolation of the recovery time as the independent variable has not been successfully achieved previously and there is a need to determine its net effects on the dependent variables measured in PAP studies. To systematically vary the length of the recovery period post hang clean in order to determine the effects of recovery time on performance. Twelve strength-trained male track and field athletes (22.42 ± 5.66 yrs, 1.80 ± 0.07 m, 80.3 ± 8.72 kg) completed 8 randomised protocols with each of them consisting of a structured warm-up, 3 pre standing countermovement vertical jumps, 3 reps of hang cleans set at 90% of 1RM, a variable seated rest and 3 post vertical jumps. The variable rest was set at 0 (T0), 1 (T1), 2 (T2), 3 (T3), 4 (T4), 5 (T5) and 6 (T6) minutes recovery from the hang cleans while a control (C) protocol without the hang clean intervention was also employed. The vertical jumps were performed on a force platform (1000 Hz) and several mechanical variables (e.g. peak power) as well as the jump performance (jump height) were calculated from the force-time curves. A two factor within subjects ANOVA showed no significant changes in any of the mechanical variables in terms of either factor (hang clean, recovery time) or hang clean × recovery time interaction. Regarding the jump height, the post performance remained unchanged for C, T1, T4, T5 and T6 whereas there was a significant decrease (p

Measurement Of Body Composition And Athletic Performance During NCAA-Division I Womenʼs Volleyball And Softball Seasons

PURPOSE: The current study was designed to assess the relationship between body composition and performance testing in NCAA-Division I volleyball and softball athletes. METHODS: Subjects consisted of female volleyball (VB, n=16) and softball (SB, n=18) athletes. Body composition utilizing air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod) and performance testing [vertical jump (VJ), hang clean (HC), bench press (BP), front squat (FS), pro agility (PRO: SB only), t-test (TT: VB only), and 300 yd shuttle run (SR)] were measured following completion of a 4 month off-season training program. Data were analyzed by correlating body fat with performance testing results. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients were computed for each group individually, to determine if there was a relationship between body composition and performance variables. RESULTS: VB athletes A positive correlation (p ≤ .05, r=0.45) was found between SR times and body composition. Therefore, the higher the body fat percentage, the slower the SR time. SB athletes A negative correlation (p ≤ .05, r= - 0.45) was found between body composition and VJ. Additionally, a significant positive correlation (p ≤ .01, r=0.79) was found between body composition and PRO run times. A positive correlation (p ≤ 0.01, r=0.72) was found between body composition and SR times. BP, FS and HC were not significantly related to body composition for either VB or SB groups. CONCLUSIONS: A significant relationship was found between body composition and certain performance tests for both SB and VB groups. However, the strength of the relationship between variables in the VB group was not as strong as that observed with the SB group. VB is a sport requiring players to execute similar skills while utilizing quick, reactive multidirectional, movements in a relatively small court. VB athletes tend to have similar body types. Ugarkovic (10) concluded body composition is a weak predictor of performance in sports with athletes of relatively homogeneous body types. Significant relationships were found in the SB group between body composition and the PRO, VJ and SR tests. Unlike the sport of VB, the demands of SB (and baseball) differ by position, resulting in more heterogeneous body types (1). For example, outfielders are likely to require greater speed than pitchers or catchers in order to move to the ball and catch it out of the air. In-fielders require better agility and faster reaction time. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The leaner SB players performed better on the running and agility tests. Therefore, body composition data may be utilized by coaches to determine the most appropriate positional roles for their athletes. Future research that addresses the relationship between body composition and injury may provide a broader understanding of the importance of implementing proper nutrition, strength training, and conditioning programs prior to and during competitive athletic seasons.

The Effects of Mid-Level Altitude on the Anaerobic Power Output Of Athletes

PURPOSE: Avast amount of research has demonstrated the hindering effects of altitude, and the hypoxic conditions it presents, on cardiovascular endurance performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relatively unknown field of how such conditions affect anaerobic fatigue, average anaerobic power (M-AnP) and maximal anaerobic power (Wmax). METHODS: 15 highly trained NCAA collegiate athletes, 8 males and 7 females, performed a testing protocol that included vertical jump, repeated hang cleans, and Wingate anaerobic cycling. Each subject participated in the testing at both sea level and altitude (2835 meters), thus acting as their own control. RESULTS: Results from the study suggest that there is no difference between vertical jump performance at sea level and at altitude. The Wingate cycle test also indicates that hypoxic conditions are not a major factor in anaerobic performance. The performers peak anaerobic power (Pk-AnP), fatigue index, and total work showed no significant differences. However, a greater drop off between PkAnP and power output at the 5-second interval was noted during the altitude performances. Hang clean performances produced mixed results, and clear differences were present between the results of male and female performers. Male subjects showed a slight increase in power output when tested at altitude, whereas altitude had no affect on the performance of the female subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Although the difference noted in the early stages of the Wingate anaerobic cycling test falls just outside the range of statistical significance (S>0.05), this could point to a somewhat impaired ability to maintain a high power output in hypoxic conditions, possibly caused by a delay in the initial activation and replenishment of the ATP-PC energy system. Although not definitive, hang clean results also suggest that altitude could influence Wmax and levels of columnar power production. The results of this study are handicapped to some extent by the limited size of the subject pool, possibly explaining the lack of statistical significance found in some of the areas described. Therefore more research is required to confirm and supplement these findings.

ACUTE MUSCLE SORENESS RESPONSES TO PLYOMETRIC AND MULTIJOINT WEIGHT LIFTING EXERCISES ARE RELATED TO INTENSITY.

Plyometric (P) and resistance exercise are used widely in athletic training. However, the effects of multijoint weight lifting exercises (MJ) on DOMS development when combined to plyometrics is still unclear. In addition, there is limited information concerning the influence of exercise intensity of MJ on DOMS. PURPOSE To determine the acute effects of MJ, of either moderate or high intensity, and P on development of DOMS and related indices. METHODS 32 college aged students were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 8/group): control (C), plyometrics (P), combination of P and MJ exercises (squat and hang cleans) of moderate (70% of 1-RM, MMJP) or high intensity (95% of 1-RM, HMJP). DOMS, CK and LDH activity, IL-1b, IL-6, cortisol and testosterone conentrations in plasma, were measured pre, immediately post as well as 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post exercise. Data were analyzed using MANOVA repeated measures. RESULTS HMJP and MMJP elicited a higher increase in DOMS (8.2±2.1 and 7.8±1 .8) compared to P (6.1±2.2) at peak (48h). CK and LDH peaked at 24h in HMJP (524±56.7 U/L and 529.8±44.2 U/L) and MMJP (438.7±67.5 U/L and 567.3±85.6 U/L) and at 48h in P (138.3±35.8 U/L and 254.9±41.6 U/L). Testosterone and cortisol peaked at 48h in HMJP (11.6±2.3 ng/ml and 224.5±55.8 ng/ml), MMJP (9.9±2.1 ng/ml and 176.8±46.2 ng/ml) and P (9.9±1.8 ng/ml and 164.5±39.4 ng/ml). IL-1b and 6 peaked at 24h in HMJP (110,4±23.8 pg/ml and 18.2±4.4 pg/ml), MMJP (75.2±24.1 pg/ml and 12.7±3.1 pg/ml) and P (68.4±19.5 pg/ml and 9.6±2.6 pg/ml). HMJP elicited significantly greater responses in all variables examined, except DOMS, than the other exercise groups (DOMS development was the same in HMJP and MMJP) CONCLUSION Plyometric and multijoint resistance exercises seem to elicit a significant DOMS response one or two days post exercise. However, this response was greater when high intensity multijoint exercises were utilized. Biochemical and DOMS responses followed a different time course of development.