Lower-body Power Research Articles

Diurnal Variations in Upper and Lower Body Power in Adolescent Volleyball Players: Exploring Time-of-Day Effects on Performance

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the daily variations in upper and lower body power performance in adolescent volleyball players. Methods: The sample consisted of 50 young male volleyball players (14.12 ± 0.8 years), actively involved in regular training and competition. Players were tested for vertical jump tests and medicine ball throws twice, once in the morning (8:00–9:30 h) and once in the evening (18:00–19:30 h). Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05; ES = 0.35–0.42) in vertical jump were observed when comparing the morning and evening performance except for counter movement jump with arm swing, where there were no significant differences (p = 0.21). The results for the upper body power tests revealed a significant difference only in the standing medicine ball throw (p = 0.05; ES = 0.35). There were no significant differences in lying and seated medicine ball throw (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that lower body power, manifested in vertical jump performance, was significantly better in the evening compared to the morning. For upper body assessments, the standing medicine ball throw appears more reflective of volleyball-specific movements, while the lying and sitting throw may be less applicable. These findings suggest that volleyball training and testing, especially for leg power, may be more effective later in the day, while upper body performance appears less affected by time.

Effects of a Specialized Strength and Conditioning Program on the Fitness and Motor Skill Performance of High School Girls Softball Athletes

There is a high demand for strength and conditioning programs for high school athletes. However, the delivery of programs for girls can be inconsistent. Accordingly, many high school athletes have turned to private strength and conditioning coaches. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of different private strength and conditioning program training frequencies (1, 2, 3+ sessions per week) on linear speed (0-9.14 m and 0-18.29 m sprint intervals), lower-body power (standing broad jump [SBJ]), hitting velocity, throwing velocity, and lower-body strength (3RM front squat, 3RM hexagonal bar deadlift [HBD]) in high school girls softball players. Retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 high school softball athletes (age=~15 years) from a strength and conditioning facility that specializes in training softball athletes. The athletes came from various high schools and completed an 8-week strength and conditioning program, with different weekly session frequencies (1 [G1W], 2 [G2W], or 3+ [G3+W] sessions per week). Data was analyzed via a 2 (pre-post) by 3 (G1W, G2W, G3+W) mixed factorial ANOVA (p<0.05). Post hoc tests were performed using the Bonferroni adjustment procedure. All groups experienced significant improvements in the 0-9.14 m sprint interval (p=0.021), SBJ (p<0.001), hitting velocity (p=0.006), 3RM front squat (p<0.001), and 3RM HBD (p<0.001). The results showed that an 8-week strength and conditioning program completed by high school girls softball athletes can improve fitness and motor skill performance, regardless of training frequency. These data support providing high school girls with access to properly structured and supervised strength and conditioning programs.

Peak Lower-Extremity Power Unadjusted for Body Mass Predicts Fastball Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers.

King, BW, Snow, TK, and Millard-Stafford, M. Peak lower-extremity power unadjusted for body mass predicts fastball velocity in collegiate baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The relationship between lower-extremity power production and fastball velocity in collegiate pitchers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between lower-extremity power and throwing velocity in 33 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball pitchers. Lower-extremity power was quantified using countermovement jump (CMJ) testing on force plates and the Wingate anaerobic cycling test. In-game fastball velocities were collected using TrackMan technology. Pearson correlations and linear regressions were used to evaluate the association between lower-body power and fastball velocity. The strongest predictor of peak fastball velocity was body mass ( r = 0.58, p = 0.0004), followed by lean mass ( r = 0.52, p = 0.002). Peak power (W) produced on the Wingate and CMJ tests were each statistically significant predictors of peak velocity ( r = 0.44, p = 0.011; r = 0.43, p = 0.014, respectively), but CMJ power relative to body mass ( r = 0.19), jump height ( r = 0.07), and Sparta Scores ( r = -0.06) were not ( p > 0.05). Linear regression indicated Wingate and CMJ absolute peak power tests each independently explained 19% of the variance in fastball velocity but added little to the model when combined with body mass (∼34 vs. 32% of total variance). Because total body mass and lower-body power are important predictors of pitching velocity, absolute power output is a more relevant predictor of baseball pitching velocity than lower-body power variables influenced by body mass (e.g., jump height and Sparta Score).

The Difference In Fitness And Lower Body Power Based On Mobility Status In First Responders

The Difference In Fitness And Lower Body Power Based On Mobility Status In First Responders

In pursuit of precısion: assessing the impact of physical attributes on change of direction speed ın women's cricket

Cricket demands a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and precision, with physical fitness crucial in achieving sports excellence. While previous research has highlighted the importance of physical attributes such as speed, explosive power, and agility, the complex interactions between these factors about change of direction speed (CODS) still need to be better understood. This study investigated the relationship between CODS and key physical measures among female cricket players, providing insights into the factors influencing athletic performance in cricket. Thirty female cricketers (aged 16-26 years) participated in the study, undergoing assessments of CODS, speed, vertical jump, and broad jump. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA, were employed to examine the relationships between these physical measures and CODS. Reliability was deemed to be poor (<0.3), moderate (0.4<0.6), and strong (0.7≤) based on prior research. Significant positive correlations were observed between agility and acceleration and maximal speed tests, underscoring the importance of speed in cricket performance. Furthermore, moderate to strong negative correlations were found between CODS and explosive lower body power tests, highlighting the significance of lower body explosiveness for rapid directional shifts in cricket. Regression analysis revealed that speed, broad jump, and vertical jump collectively contributed to a strong predictive model for agility. Enhancing speed, explosive power, and agility through targeted training interventions could improve cricket players' on-field performance and competitive edge. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between physical attributes and cricket performance, offering practical insights for player development and strategic improvement. Key Words: Change of Direction Speed; Physical Attributes; Explosive Power; Agility

Strength Training Modalities for Lower Body Strength and Power: A Narrative Review

Strength Training Modalities for Lower Body Strength and Power: A Narrative Review

Association between changes in lean mass, muscle strength, endurance, and power following resistance or concurrent training with differing high protein diets in resistance-trained young males.

We assessed the relationship of changes in upper and lower body lean mass with muscle strength, endurance and power responses following two high protein diets (1.6 or 3.2 g.kg-1.d-1) during 16 weeks of either concurrent training (CT) or resistance training (RT) in resistance-trained young males. Forty-eight resistance-trained young males (age: 26 ± 6 yr., body mass index: 25.6 ± 2.9 kg.m-2) performed 16 weeks (four sessions·wk.-1) of CT or RT with either 1.6 g.kg-1.d-1 protein (CT + 1.6; n = 12; RT + 1.6; n = 12) or 3.2 g.kg-1.d-1 protein (CT + 3.2; n = 12; RT + 3.2; n = 12). Relationships between upper (left arm + right arm + trunk lean mass) and lower body (left leg + right leg lean mass) lean mass changes with changes in muscle performance were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. For upper body, non-significant weak positive relationships were observed between change in upper body lean mass and change in pull-up (r = 0.183, p = 0.234), absolute chest press strength (r = 0.159, p = 0.302), chest press endurance (r = 0.041, p = 0.792), and relative chest press strength (r = 0.097, p = 0.529) while non-significant weak negative relationships were observed for changes in absolute upper body power (r = -0.236, p = 0.123) and relative upper body power (r = -0.203, p = 0.185). For lower body, non-significant weak positive relationships were observed between the change in lower body lean mass with change in vertical jump (r = 0.145, p = 0.346), absolute lower body power (r = 0.109, p = 0.480), absolute leg press strength (r = 0.073, p = 0.638), leg press endurance (r < 0.001, p = 0.998), relative leg press strength (r = 0.089, p = 0.564), and relative lower body power (r = 0.150, p = 0.332). Changes in muscle strength, endurance and power adaptation responses following 16 weeks of either CT or RT with different high protein intakes were not associated with changes in lean mass in resistance-trained young males. These findings indicate that muscle hypertrophy has a small, or negligible, contributory role in promoting functional adaptations with RT or CT, at least over a 16-week period.

A multivariate regression analysis of a comprehensive rehabilitation program and performance improvement in young female volleyball players

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored for college female volleyball players in India, specifically focusing on its impact on vertical jump performance. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven female college volleyball players participated in the study, undergoing a preseason rehabilitation program comprising various exercises targeting strength, power, stability, agility, and flexibility. Pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments were conducted to evaluate changes in vertical jump height using a Vertec vertical jump measuring device. Statistical analysis included multivariate regression analysis and paired t-tests. Results: The multivariate regression analysis revealed significant positive associations between several rehabilitation components, including squats, depth jumps, and plyometric circuits, and improved vertical jump height (p &lt; 0.01). Paired t-test results indicated a significant increase in vertical jump height post-rehabilitation (p &lt; 0.0001), with a mean difference of 4.863 cm. Strong positive correlations were observed between baseline and post-rehabilitation vertical jump measurements (r = 0.9629). Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the comprehensive rehabilitation program in enhancing vertical jump performance among college female volleyball players in India. By targeting multiple facets of physical fitness and movement quality, the program facilitated significant improvements in explosive lower body strength and power, essential for volleyball performance. These results underscore the importance of tailored rehabilitation interventions in optimizing athlete capabilities and achieving success on the volleyball court.

Seasonal Muscular Power Changes: Considerations of Concurrent Resistance and Field-Based Training in Professional Rugby League.

Redman, KJ, Wade, L, Whitley, R, Connick, MJ, Kelly, VG, and Beckman, EM. Seasonal muscular power changes: considerations of concurrent resistance and field-based training in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1620-1626, 2024-A rugby league player's ability to develop or maintain lower-body power will be significantly influenced by the resistance and field-based training loads completed. This study aimed to examine the power changes across a rugby league season and to investigate the relationship of concurrent training and training experience on power changes. Eighteen rugby league players participated in this study. Lower-body power was evaluated using a countermovement jump throughout the season. Four measures of external training loads were collected. A Friedman's test was used to assess differences in power throughout different phases of the season. A series of Spearman's rank-order correlations were conducted to assess the relationship between percentage changes in power during the training block, external training loads, and training experience. Countermovement jump peak velocity significantly decreased from the start ( p = 0.006) and end of pre-season ( p = 0.022) to the late competition. Correlation analysis revealed a large significant association between early competition field-based external loads (relative ( rs = -0.571) and total distance ( rs = -0.628)) and change in peak power. Very large significant negative relationships were also observed between mid-competition volume load with change in peak force ( rs = -0.825) and peak power ( rs = -0.736). Training experience was not significantly associated with changes in muscular power variables throughout this study. Coaches should seek to monitor changes in peak power when competition begins and to assist with decision-making for potential adjustments to running volume and intensity during field-based sessions.

Effect of Cold vs Temperate Conditions on Physical Performance During Extended Mountain Warfare Training at Moderate Altitude.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of environmental conditions on body composition, upper body power, and lower body power throughout a ∼4-week military mountain training exercise. We hypothesized that countermovement jump and ballistic push-up performance would decrease as a result of extended mountain field training and that winter (cold) conditions would result in greater decrements compared to fall (temperate) conditions. We also expected to observe a strong positive correlation between changes in performance and changes in skeletal muscle mass. Finally, we expected acute changes in performance upon altitude exposure. A total of 111 U.S. Infantry Marines (110 M; 1 F) provided written informed consent to participate in this study according to a protocol approved by the Naval Health Research Center. There were 54 participants in the fall cohort and 57 in the winter cohort. Maximum effort countermovement jump and ballistic push-up performance were assessed at different timepoints: (1) baseline at the sea level, (2) before training at ∼2100 m, (3) midpoint of training at ∼2100 m, (4) end of training at ∼2100 m, and (5) after 3 to 4 weeks of recovery at the sea level. The fall cohort trained at moderate temperatures (average day/night, 20°C/3°C), whereas the winter cohort trained under snowy winter conditions (7°C/-14°C). The results suggested that seasonal conditions did not significantly affect changes in body composition or physical performance. Furthermore, no acute effects of altitude on physical performance were detected. Training exercise did, however, cause performance decrements in countermovement jump height, countermovement jump peak power, and ballistic push-up height. Repeated measure correlation analyses suggested that there was a weak positive correlation between the decrease in skeletal muscle mass and the decrease in countermovement jump peak power throughout the training. The results of our study suggest that explosive movements are negatively affected by extended military training, seemingly independent of environmental training conditions or temperature. Planning and execution of military training should account for the likelihood that warfighter physical power will decline and may not return to pretraining levels within the month following the training event. It may also be advised to consider targeted exercises to aid in recovery of muscular strength and power. Future work should consider additional factors that likely influenced the decrease in physical performance that occurs during extended military training, such as nutrition, sleep, and psychological and cognitive stresses.

Metabolic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular and perceptual responses to repeated military-specific load carriage treadmill simulations.

Bouts of military load carriage are rarely completed in isolation; however, limited research has investigated the physiological responses to repeated load carriage tasks. Twelve civilian men (age, 28±8years; stature, 185.6±5.8cm; body mass 84.3±11.1kg and maximal oxygen uptake, 51.5±6.4mL·kg-1min-1) attended the laboratory on two occasions to undertake a familiarisation and an experimental session. Following their familiarisation session, participants completed three bouts of a fast load carriage protocol (FLCP; ∼65min), carrying 25kg, interspersed with a 65-min recovery period. Physiological strain (oxygen uptake [V̇O2] and heart rate [HR]) was assessed during the FLCP bouts, and physical performance assessments (weighted counter-movement jump [wCMJ], maximal isometric voluntary contraction of the quadriceps [MIVC] and seated medicine ball throw [SMBT]) was measured pre and post each FLCP bout. A main effect for bout and measurement time was evident for V̇O2 and HR (both p<0.001 and Ѡ2=0.103-0.816). There was no likely change in SMBT distance (p=0.201 and Ѡ2=0.004), but MIVC peak force reduced by approximately 25% across measurement points (p<0.001 and Ѡ2=0.133). A mean percentage change of approximately -12% from initial values was also evident for peak wCMJ height (p=0.001 and Ѡ2=0.028). Collectively, these data demonstrate that repeated FLCP bouts result in an elevated physiological strain for each successive bout, along with a substantial reduction in lower body power (wCMJ and MIVC). Therefore, future research should investigate possible mitigation strategies to maintain role-related capability.

Changes over a decade of fitness within a Scottish soccer academy and the impact of first team relegation on academy physical profiles

Introduction: academy soccer practitioners have a responsibility to prepare youth players for the demands of first team. The development of physical capabilities to sustain the high intensity locomotor activities that have been reported in elite soccer is essential. Challenges exist monitoring locomotor targets as resource limitations mean that often academies will not have locomotor data, instead relying on physiological testing to assess whether a player is ready for first team transition. Physiological testing results have a direct relationship with locomotor activity. Physical development has been shown over various longitudinal periods with established progression in speed, change of direction, lower body power and endurance in elite Austrian youths, increases in VO2max in an elite regional French academy and in the interval shuttle run test of over 50% in elite Dutch academy. The success of a club’s academy can lead to increased resource allocation however some organisational challenges such as relegation can have a severe financial impact. The initial aim of the present study was to establish whether previously observed changes in physical capacity were observed in a professional Scottish soccer academy over a ten-year period. A further aim was to assess the impact of first team relegation on academy physical profiles considering the resource implications of relegation. Methodology: a retrospective analysis was completed where Linear Mixed Effect (LME) Models were fitted to explain variation across each measure of physical capacity. Model selection was undertaken with Likelihood Ratio Tests where initial complex models were compared to simpler nested models to arrive at the final model by maximum likelihood. The impact of relegation was assessed by LME models to assess whether physical capacity measures changed post relegation. Ethical approval was granted. Results: 5 m best time reduced by 0.0055 s per year (t = −11.8, p &lt; 0.001), 10 m best time reduced by 0.008 s per year (t = −9.2, p &lt; 0.001), 20 m best time reduced by 0.011 s per year (t = −7.8, p &lt; 0.001). CMJ increased each year depended on age group with the older cohorts showing greater improvement and the YYIR1 distance increased each year varying across age group. Performance of aforementioned physical capacity measures significantly reduced with relegation, except 20 m best time (t = −1.4, p = 0.16). Application: reference values within clubs that establish first team requirements will contribute to appropriate transition strategies. By conducting analyses related to uncontrollable challenges, practitioners can use these results to protect against criticism and withdrawal of resource when physical progression is negatively impacted.

The Effect of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy, Strength, and Power in Response to Resistance Training in Healthy Active Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial

BackgroundPalmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has analgesic/anti-inflammatory properties that may be a suitable alternative to over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal analgesics/anti-inflammatories. While OTC pain medications can impair strength training adaptations, the mechanism of action of PEA is distinct from these and it may not negatively affect skeletal muscle adaptations to strength training.MethodsThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily PEA supplementation (350 mg Levagen + equivalent to 300 mg PEA) combined with 8-weeks of resistance training on lean body mass with secondary aims addressing strength, power, sleep, and wellbeing compared to placebo (PLA) in young, healthy, active adults. In a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial, 52 untrained, recreationally active participants aged 18–35 y were allocated to either the PEA or PLA groups. Participants consumed either 2 × 175 mg Levagen + PEA or identically matched maltodextrin capsules during an 8-week period of whole-body resistance training. This trial assessed the pre- to post- changes in total and regional lean body mass, muscular strength (1-RM bench, isometric mid-thigh pull), muscular power [countermovement jump (CMJ), bench throw], pain associated with exercise training, sleep, and wellbeing compared with the PEA or PLA condition.Results48 Participants were included in the final intention to treat (ITT) analysis and we also conducted per protocol (PP) analysis (n = 42). There were no significant between-group differences for total or regional lean muscle mass post-intervention. There was a significantly higher jump height (CMJ) at week 10 in the PEA group compared to the PLA (Adjusted mean difference [95% CI] p-value; ITT: − 2.94 cm [− 5.15, − 0.74] p = 0.010; PP: − 2.93 cm [− 5.31, − 0.55] p = 0.017). The PLA group had higher 1-RM bench press post-intervention compared with the PEA group (ITT: 2.24 kg [0.12, 4.37] p = 0.039; PP: 2.73 kg [0.40, 5.06] p = 0.023). No significant treatment effects were noted for any of the other outcomes.ConclusionPEA supplementation, when combined with 8 weeks of strength training, did not impair lean mass gains and it resulted in significantly higher dynamic lower-body power when compared with the PLA condition.Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR: ACTRN12621001726842p).

Examining Changes in Shoulder Strength, Lower Body Power, and Body Composition among Collegiate Baseball Players after Completion of a Summer Baseball League Season.

The strength of the shoulder musculature involved with internal rotation and arm extension plays an important role in the overhead throwing motion for baseball athletes, both for throwing-related performance and injury risk. The maintenance of shoulder strength is a high priority for baseball athletes throughout a season; however, little is known in regards to the expected changes in strength throughout a season. To examine pre-post changes in shoulder strength, lower body power, and body composition among collegiate baseball players after the completion of a summer baseball league season. Amateur baseball players (n = 12; age: 20.9 ± 1.0 years.; height: 181.6 ± 5.6 cm; body mass: 86.4 ± 11.1 kg; BMI: 26.0 ± 2.6 kg/m2) participated in the current study. Pre- and post-competitive season, the participants completed shoulder strength assessments and body composition and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) tests. An upper-body isometric test (athletic shoulder [ASH] test) was used to evaluate shoulder strength for each arm. Each subject completed maximal isometric contractions for both the throwing and non-throwing arms at four separate angles of abduction (180°, 'I'; 135°, 'Y'; 90°, 'T'; and -180°, 'A') while lying in a prone position. For shoulder strength, the primary dependent variable of interest was a composite measure that represented the average of the forces produced across all four positions of the ASH test (I, Y, T, A). For the ASH test composite measure, there was a trend toward a significant arm-by-time interaction effect (p = 0.08), as shoulder strength decreased by 9.03% for the throwing arm (ES = 0.72; 95% CI = [-0.27, -0.01]), compared to only 2.03% for the non-throwing arm (ES = 0.15; 95% CI = [-0.16, 0.09]), over the course of the season. The main effects of time (p = 0.16) and arm (p = 0.58) were not significant for the ASH test composite measure. There was no relationship between lower body power and throwing arm strength at baseline (r = 0.20, p = 0.56), and only a non-significant weak relationship at post-test (r = 0.28, p = 0.41). Throughout a season, baseball players may experience reductions in shoulder strength of the throwing arm with minimal changes in shoulder strength in the non-throwing arm.

Strength, power and aerobic capacity of transgender athletes: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare standard laboratory performance metrics of transgender athletes to cisgender athletes.Methods19 cisgender men (CM) (mean±SD, age: 37±9 years), 12 transgender men...

Anthropometric and physiological profiles of highly trained sailors in various positions and levels

This study aimed to analyze anthropometric and physiological profiles of highly trained sailors and the differences between sailors regarding various training levels. Forty-two sailors (22 male, 22.4 ± 3.8 years; 20 females, 21.3 ± 3.6 years) were divided into helmsmen and crew groups, and the high- and low-level were distinguished. Sailors completed height, sitting height, legs length, weight, BMI, VO2max, 30 s all-out sprint, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump, bench pull, core endurance tests. The results showed the crew had higher height, sitting height, weight, VO2max and lower trunk flexor endurance test times compared to the helmsmen (p < 0.05). The helmsmen had higher relative peak power/force in the 30 s all-out sprint and IMTP tests compared to the crew, whereas the crew had better absolute strength in bench pull, with significant differences between female sailors (p < 0.05). The high-level sailors showed more sailing experience than low-level sailors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, highly trained crew tend to be taller and heavier, while helmsmen have better trunk flexor endurance. For female sailors, helmsmen have better lower-body power and strength and crew have better upper-body strength. Sailing experience is a reliable variable to distinguish sailors’ levels. The specific anthropometric and physiological profiles of sailors in various positions can assist sailing coaches in athlete selection and intervention training.

Lower-Body Power, Body Composition, Speed, and Agility Performance among Youth Soccer Players.

Speed and agility have been described as crucial abilities for soccer players. The purpose of this study was to analyze, in detail, the variance in speed and agility tasks explained by lower-body power after controlling for age and body composition. The participants were 96 male soccer players aged 16.1 ± 1.6 years. Body composition (stature, body fat percentage-BF%, body mass, and fat-free mass-FFM), lower-body power (countermovement jump-CMJ, and squat jump-SJ), speed (5-, 10-, and 35 m sprints), and agility (t-test) were assessed. Among body composition parameters, BF% presented the highest number of significant relationships with speed and agility, with the strength of correlations ranging from small (5 m sprint, r = 0.25) to large (35 m sprint, r = 0.52). The strongest correlation coefficient emerged between FFM and the 35 m sprint (r = -0.65). Significant correlations were found between vertical jump performance and the 35 m sprint (CMJ: r = -0.68; SJ: r = -0.69), followed by the t-test (CMJ: r = -0.35; SJ: r = -0.47). The hierarchical multiple regression model could explain 22% to 67% of the variance observed in agility scores and speed. BF% remained the most statistically significant negative predictor of all regression models. The CMJ remained a statistically significant positive predictor of the 35 m sprint (β = -0.581, p ≤ 0.01) after controlling for age and body composition. Integrating programs targeting lower-body power might be important to enhance speed and agility performance in youth soccer. On the other hand, future research based on multidisciplinary approaches to investigate the effects of nutritional strategies in reducing or preventing gains in BF% is still needed, which remained a significant predictor of sprint and agility performance in the final models.

EXPLORATION OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE CAPACITIES IN EMERGING ADOLESCENT SURFING TALENT

Open water surfing conditions are unpredictable and dynamic, requiring athletes to possess well-rounded physical attributes to compete successfully. Current research focuses on adolescent athletes in competitive pathways at state and national levels, however few studies have explored the emerging talent pathway where most athletes compete. Further, adolescent female surfers are underrepresented in surfing research. This study aimed to examine the physical performance capacities of emerging adolescent athletes within a state surfing talent pathway and explore how these athletic properties vary between different sex and age cohorts. Participants (age: 13.89 ± 1.29 years) were recruited from state-based competitions (female n=14, male n=20) during the 2022-2023 season. Athletes completed a testing battery inclusive of anthropometric measures, upper and lower body strength, and power outcomes (dynamic push-up, isometric push-up, counter-movement jump, and isometric mid-thigh pull). Findings revealed significant between sex differences for anthropometric measures, with females demonstrating greater height, body mass and body fat compared to males. However, there were no significant strength or power differences evidence between males and females. Age group comparisons highlighted under-16 female athletes demonstrated superior, but non-significant, upper body strength compared to under-14 females. Contrastingly, under-16 male athletes reported significantly greater lower body strength and power outcomes relative to their younger counterparts. In conclusion, this study provides coaches with greater insight into the development of strength and power in adolescent surfing athletes involved in emerging talent pathways.

Strength and conditioning in dance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To assess the evidence for the effect of strength and conditioning on physical qualities and aesthetic competence in dance populations, three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus) were searched (until September 2022) for studies that met the following criteria: (i) dancers aged >16years; (ii) structured strength and conditioning intervention; and (iii) with physical qualities and aesthetic competence as outcome measures. Methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed through the systematic review tool "QualSyst". Meta-analyses of effect sizes (Hedges' g) with forest plots explored the effects of the strength and conditioning interventions. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Meta-analysis indicated strength and conditioning significantly (p<0.05) improved lower body power (g=0.90, 95% CI: 0.53-1.27), upper body strength (g=0.98, 95% CI: 0.39-1.57), lower body strength (g=1.59, 95% CI: 0.97-2.22), and flexibility (g=0.86, 95% CI: 0.05-1.66). Strength and conditioning interventions were found to be effective at improving physical qualities in dancers, recommending their participation in additional sessions to enhance overall fitness and ultimately dance performance. It is recommended that future strength and conditioning intervention research should include sample size calculations, with participants recruited from a specific dance genre and skill level in order to evaluate how strength and conditioning influences dance performance.

Time Limited Benefits of Physical and Proprioceptive Training on Physical Fitness Components in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In this study, we explored the immediate and three-month follow-up effects of physical training on physical fitness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We randomly assigned 20 children with ASD (age 8-11years) into an experimental group (EG; n = 10) and a control group (CG; n = 10). The EG participated in an 8-week training program involving both strength and proprioceptive exercises (three 60-minute sessions/week), while the CG simply maintained their daily activities. We assessed physical fitness components for each participant at baseline, post-training, and at a 3-month follow-up. The physical training intervention significantly improved physical fitness of these children with ASD in terms of their flexibility (p < .001; 32.46%), lower limbs strength (p = .003; 36.98%), lower body power (p < .001; 41.78%) and functional mobility (p < .001; 25.56%). However, these addition training-induced gains were lost at follow-up for lower limbs strength (p < .001), flexibility (p < .001), and functional mobility (p = .034)). Physical training was effective for improving physical fitness in children with ASD, but the loss of these gains at three months follow-up underscored the need for continuous physical exercise.