Maximal Strength Training Research Articles

Influence of Dynamic Strength Index on Countermovement Jump Force-, Power-, Velocity-, and Displacement-Time Curves.

The dynamic strength index (DSI), often calculated as the ratio of countermovement jump (CMJ) propulsion peak force to isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force, is said to inform whether ballistic or maximal strength training is warranted for a given athlete. CMJ propulsion peak force is highly influenced by jump strategy, however, which is not highlighted by the DSI alone. This study aimed to quantitatively compare CMJ force-, power-, velocity-, and displacement-time curves between athletes who achieved high versus low DSI scores. Fifty-three male collegiate athletes performed three CMJs and IMTPs on a force platform. Athletes were ranked based on DSI score and the CMJ kinetic and kinematic-time curves of the bottom and top twenty athletes were compared. The low DSI group (0.55 ± 0.10 vs. 0.92 ± 0.11) produced greater IMTP peak force (46.7 ± 15.0 vs. 31.1 ± 6.6 N·kg−1) but a larger braking net impulse in the CMJ, leading to greater braking velocity and larger countermovement displacement. This strategy resulted in a similar CMJ propulsion peak force (25.9 ± 2.2 vs. 25.4 ± 3.1 N·kg−1) to the high DSI group. These results, taken together with those of previous studies, support the notion of ballistic versus maximal strength training likely being better suited to low versus high DSI scorers, respectively.

Comparison of ballistic and strength training on swimming turn and dry-land leg extensor characteristics in elite swimmers

Swimmers undertake dry-land resistance training as part of their overall training regime in order to increase lower body force output, impulse and swim turn performance. We investigated whether short-term ballistic training or maximal strength training is more effective in enhancing leg extensor force characteristics during the swim turn. Twelve elite swimmers (10 males and 2 females 19.4 ± 1.0 y) were assigned to either strength (n = 6) or ballistic leg extensor (n = 6) training based on their coaching group for a six-week period. All testing was conducted during the final training cycle towards the World Championships selection trials. Swimmers undertook dry-land testing of a squat jump on a portable force platform with bodyweight only and an additional 30 kg load for males and 20 kg load for females. On the same day, all swimmers performed a turn analysis using a fixed force platform within the pool wall. There were no substantial differences between the strength and ballistic groups after the six-week...

THE EFFECT OF 4-WEEK TWO DIFFERENT STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAMS ON BODY COMPOSITION

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the four-week two strength training program on the skin fold thickness and body fat percentage (BFP) characteristics according to the maximal strength and strength endurance principles. Sixteen male volunteers participated in the study. The subjects were divided into two groups as the maximal strength group (MSG, n=8, Age=24.00±3.78 year, Height=172.25±2.19 cm, Weight=75.13±6.60 kg) and the strength endurance group (SEG, n=8, Age=25.13±3.09 year, Height=173.38±2.62 cm, Weight=77.00±7.54 kg). 4 weeks training program was applied to maximal strength group according to maximal strength training principles and applied to strength endurance group according to strength endurance training principles. In both groups, body weight, body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness (triceps, biceps, pectoral, subscapula, abdominal, suprailiac, femur anterior and posterior, calf) and body fat percentage measurements were taken one day before and after the 4 week period. Between pre-test and post-test of SEG group, significant change was showed in triceps, biceps, pectoral, subscapula, abdominal, suprailiac, femur anterior and posterior skin fold thickness measurements and VFM parameters (p 0.05). As a result, it can be said that 4-week maximal strength training and strength endurance training have positive effects on the skin fold thickness and body fat percentage parameters. Article visualizations:

Strength Training In Patients With Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia are inactive, have impaired physical function and slowed performance in motor tasks. As a countermeasure, maximal strength training (MST) with high load and few repetitions improves muscle force generating capacity and physical function during daily activities. PURPOSE: Investigate the effect and feasibility of MST as a part of standard clinical treatment of patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: 11 male and 6 female outpatients (37±10(SD) yrs, ICD-10 schizophrenia, schizotypal or delusional disorders (F20-F29)) were randomized to either a training group (TG), performing leg press MST (4 repetitions, 4 sets, at ~90% of one repetition maximum (1RM)) twice a week for 12 weeks at the hospital exercise training clinic, or a control group (CG) following traditional guidelines for physical activity. RESULTS: 5/9 patients in the TG completed >85% of the training and were included in the statistical analysis. After MST, 1RM and muscle rapid force development (work/time with a load ~70% of 1RM) increased 43% (233±35 to 333±50 kg, p<0.05) and 36% (408±108 to 555±137 Nm·s-1, p<0.05), respectively. These improvements in muscle force generating capacity were ~twofold larger (p<0.05) compared to the CG which had improvements of 23% in 1RM (188±66 kg to 232±89 kg, p<0.05) and 16% in rapid force development (391±223 to 454±227 Nm·s-1, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MST yielded larger improvements in functionally relevant muscle force generating capacity compared with conventional treatment, and suggest that MST should be implemented as a part of standard clinical practice for optimal exercise rehabilitation benefits. Supported by grants from the Norwegian ExtraFoundation for Health and Rehabilitation, The Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and The Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Resistance Training for Muscle Weakness in Multiple Sclerosis: Direct Versus Contralateral Approach in Individuals With Ankle Dorsiflexors' Disparity in Strength

ObjectiveTo compare effects of contralateral strength training (CST) and direct strength training of the more affected ankle dorsiflexors on muscle performance and clinical functional outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibiting interlimb strength asymmetry. DesignRandomized controlled trial. SettingUniversity hospital. ParticipantsIndividuals with relapsing-remitting MS (N=30) and mild-to-moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≤6) presenting with ankle dorsiflexors' strength disparity. InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to a CST (n=15) or direct strength training (n=15) group performing 6 weeks of maximal intensity strength training of the less or more affected dorsiflexors, respectively. Main Outcome MeasuresMaximal strength, endurance to fatigue, and mobility outcomes were assessed before, at the intervention end, and at 12-week follow-up. Strength and fatigue parameters were measured after 3 weeks of training (midintervention). ResultsIn the more affected limb of both groups, pre- to postintervention significant increases in maximal strength (P≤.006) and fatigue endurance (P≤.04) were detected along with consistent retention of these improvements at follow-up (P≤.04). At midintervention, the direct strength training group showed significant improvements (P≤.002), with no further increase at postintervention, despite training continuation. Conversely, the CST group showed nonsignificant strength gains, increasing to significance at postintervention (P≤.003). In both groups, significant pre- to postintervention improvements in mobility outcomes (P≤.03), not retained at follow-up, were observed. ConclusionsAfter 6 weeks of training, CST proved as effective as direct strength training in enhancing performance of the more affected limb with a different time course, which may have practical implications in management of severely weakened limbs where direct strength training is not initially possible.

Impact of maximal strength training on work efficiency and muscle fiber type in the elderly: Implications for physical function and fall prevention

Although aging is typically associated with a decreased efficiency of locomotion, somewhat surprisingly, there is also a reduction in the proportion of less efficient fast-twitch Type II skeletal muscle fibers and subsequently a greater propensity for falls. Maximal strength training (MST), with an emphasis on velocity in the concentric phase, improves maximal strength, the rate of force development (RFD), and work efficiency, but the impact on muscle morphology in the elderly is unknown. Therefore we evaluated force production, walking work efficiency, and muscle morphology in 11 old (72±3years) subjects before and after MST of the legs. Additionally, for reference, the MST-induced morphometric changes were compared with 7 old (74±6years) subjects who performed conventional strength training (CST), with focus on hypertrophy, as well as 13 young (24±2years) controls. As expected, MST in the old improved maximal strength (68%), RFD (48%), and work efficiency (12%), restoring each to a level similar to the young. However, of importance, these MST-induced functional changes were accompanied by a significant increase in the size (66%) and shift toward a larger percentage (56%) of Type II skeletal muscle fibers, mirroring the adaptations in the hypertrophy trained old subjects, with muscle composition now being similar to the young. In conclusion, MST can increase both work efficiency and Type II skeletal muscle fiber size and percentage in the elderly, supporting the potential role of MST as a countermeasure to maintain both physical function and fall prevention in this population.

Acute Effects of Maximal Strength, Power Endurance and Interval Run Training on Na, K and Cl Levels in Elite (Professional) Basketball Players

The aim of this study is to determine the acute effects in sodium, potassium and chlorine levels in the plasma concentration of sportsmen in training types of maximal strength (MS), power endurance (PE) and interval run (IR), to find out the mineral requirements of professional sportsmen. The study included 24 male professional basketball players with the average of 22 years. In order to examine the effects of different training models, participants were divided into three groups (n=8 in each group); maximal strength (MS), power endurance (PE) and interval run (IR). In blood samples collected after different types of training, in IR and MS while Na and Cl levels were increasing, K levels decreased, only the increase at NA level in IR found out significant. While in PE, all of parameters (Na, K and Cl levels) were increasing, only the increase at C1 level observed significant. Besides, Na and C1 levels increased after each of the three training type (IR, MS and PE), while the K level (PE) was increasing in the training group, decreased in (MS) and (IR) group. Keywords: Endurance; Running; Some elements; Strength

Neuromuscular Adaptations to Same-Session Combined Endurance and Strength Training in Recreational Endurance Runners.

This study examined neuromuscular adaptations in recreational endurance runners during 24 weeks of same-session combined endurance and strength training (E+S, n=13) vs. endurance training only (E, n=14). Endurance training was similar in the 2 groups (4-6x/week). Additional maximal and explosive strength training was performed in E+S always after incremental endurance running sessions (35-45 min, 65-85% HRmax). Maximal dynamic leg press strength remained statistically unaltered in E+S but decreased in E at week 24 (-5±5%, p=0.014, btw-groups at week 12 and 24, p=0.014 and 0.011). Isometric leg press and unilateral knee extension force, EMG of knee extensors and voluntary activation remained statistically unaltered in E+S and E. The changes in muscle cross-sectional (CSA) differed between the 2 groups after 12 (E+S+6±8%, E -5±6%, p<0.001) and 24 (E+S+7±7%, E -6±5%, p<0.001) weeks. 1 000 m running time determined during an incremental field test decreased in E+S and E after 12 (-7±3%, p<0.001 and -8±5%, p=0.001) and 24 (-9±5%, p=0.001 and -13±5%, p<0.001) weeks. Strength training performed always after an endurance running session did not lead to increased maximal strength, CSA, EMG or voluntary activation. This possibly contributed to the finding of no endurance performance benefits in E+S compared to E.

Addition of strength training to off-road cyclists training. A pilot study

This study investigated the effects of adding a traditional strength training approach (endurance-strength = ES) during the pre-season versus a non-traditional approach where strength training is further maintained throughout the season (maximal-strength = MS), on aerobic and anaerobic parameters of off-road cyclists. Eleven off-road cyclists were divided into two groups. The ES group (n=6) performed during the first 8 weeks endurance-strength training, while the MS group (n=5) performed maximal-strength training, both together with their usual endurance training. During the following 8 weeks, only MS group maintained 1 session of strength training per week. 1RM, VO 2 max, Maximal aerobic power (Wmax), Power at 4-mmol·L -1 (LT 4.0 ), Peak Power (PP), Mean Power (MP), Power best 5s (PB5), Power last 5s (PL5) and Fatigue Index (FI) were assessed. Results showed that there were significant ( P < 0.05) increases for MS group in PP (+ 4.8%) from PRE to MID, in 1RM (+ 15.8%) from PRE to POST, while in the ES group there was a decrease in 1RM (- 16.1%), PL5 (-4.3%) with an increase in FI (+ 9.5) from MID to POST. Effect size calculations showed small and moderate improvements in PP (+ 3.6%), MP (+ 2.8%), PB5 (+ 4.3%) from PRE to POST for MS group, while ES group showed a small improvement in VO 2 max (+ 4.1%), LT 4.0 (+ 4.3%) and PB5 (+ 2.7%) from PRE to MID, and a small decrease between MID to POST in Wmax (- 4.1%) and MP (- 2.6%). These results suggest that by including a non-traditional strength training approach it is possible to maintain aerobic levels and possibly increase anaerobic parameters throughout the off-road cycling season

Body Composition, Morphological and Neuromuscular Adaptations to Strength Training in Adolescent Male Athletes

Monitoring the effects of maximum strength training programs conducted at various times in the periodized training cycle has been well documented in adult athletes, however, research on adolescent athletes is scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of strength training at different periods in the annual training cycle on body composition, muscle morphology and neuromuscular performance in adolescent athletes. METHODS: Fourteen young male athletes (age 16.5 ± 1.1 y, height 171.3 ± 6.3 cm, body mass 65.0 ± 11.2 kg) performed a battery of tests before and after two specific strength training blocks; in-season and preparatory period. Tests included a DEXA whole-body scan, ultrasound of the vastus lateralis (VL), countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 20 m sprint and 3RM back squat. Meaningful differences following each training period were assessed using a magnitude-based inferences approach (effect sizes [ES]) with qualitative descriptors of change also calculated. RESULTS: Body composition showed trivial changes throughout both study periods. VL muscle thickness increased during the preparatory period (7.5% ± 3.3%). The CMJ variables showed no positive effects during the in-season period, however increases were seen in several of these variables during the preparatory period (e.g., jump height = 4.9% ± 3.1%; peak concentric power 5.3% ± 5.9%). Most DJ variables decreased during both training periods whilst IMTP measures showed improvements during the in-season period but remained stable during the preparatory period. Most 20 m sprint variables showed positive effects (e.g., 5 m split = 5.0% ± 4.7%) following the in-season period but no clear changes during the preparatory period. 3RM back squat showed a small increase following in-season training (7.5% ± 4.5%) and an even greater increase during the preparatory period (16.9% ± 5.2%). CONCLUSION: This study found that in adolescent male athletes a specific preparatory period strength program will likely result in greater improvements in dynamic lower body strength/power measures compared to one conducted in-season. In-season strength training may however have a more beneficial impact on sport specific physical performance variables such as sprint speed.

Maximal strength training as physical rehabilitation for patients with substance use disorder; a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundPatients with substance use disorder (SUD) suffer from multiple health and psychosocial problems. Because poor physical capacities following an inactive lifestyle may indeed contribute to these problems, physical training is often suggested as an attractive supplement to conventional SUD treatment. Strength training is shown to increase muscle strength and effectively improve health and longevity. Therefore we investigated the feasibility and effect of a maximal strength training intervention for SUD patients in clinical treatment.Methods16 males and 8 females were randomized into a training group (TG) and a control group (CG). The TG performed lower extremities maximal strength training (85-90 % of 1 repetition maximum (1RM)) 3 times a week for 8 weeks, while the CG participated in conventional clinical activities.ResultsThe TG increased hack squat 1RM (88 ± 54 %), plantar flexion 1RM (26 ± 20 %), hack squat rate of force development (82 ± 29 %) and peak force (11 ± 5 %). Additionally, the TG improved neural function, expressed as voluntary V-wave (88 ± 83 %). The CG displayed no change in any physical parameters. The TG also reduced anxiety and insomnia, while the CG reduced anxiety.ConclusionMaximal strength training was feasible for SUD patients in treatment, and improved multiple risk factors for falls, fractures and lifestyle related diseases. As conventional treatment appears to have no effect on muscle strength, systematic strength training should be implemented as part of clinical practice.Trial regestrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02218970 (August 14, 2014).

The effect from maximal bench press strength training on work economy during wheelchair propulsion in men with spinal cord injury.

To assess the effect from maximal bench press strength training (MST) on wheelchair propulsion work economy (WE). Pretest-posttest case-control group design. St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. Seventeen male individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) paraplegia were allocated to either MST bench press (n=11) or the control group (CG) (n=7). The MST group trained bench press three times per week, for 6 weeks, starting at 85-95% of their pretest bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM). For calculation of WE during wheelchair propulsion, oxygen uptake (VO2) measurements were collected during wheelchair ergometry (WCE) at submaximal workload of 50 W. Similarly, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak power output (W) were measured during WCE. Individuals in the MST regimen significantly improved WE compared with the CG by 17.3 % (mean between-group differences: 95% confidence interval) of 2.63 ml kg-1 min-1: (-4.34, -0.91) (P=0.007). Between pretest and posttest, the increase in bench press 1RM was by 17% higher in the MST group compared with the CG. At peak testing, the MST group generated significantly higher peak power compared with the CG. All other physiological variables were comparable within and between groups. A 6-week MST bench press regimen significantly improved WE during wheelchair propulsion at 50 W workload. These preliminary data support a possible beneficial role for MST to reduce the energy cost of wheelchair propulsion for SCI individuals.

The Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Explosive Performance and Optimal Individual Postactivation Potentiation Time.

Creatine plays an important role in muscle energy metabolism. Postactivation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon that can acutely increase muscle power, but it is an individualized process that is influenced by muscle fatigue. This study examined the effects of creatine supplementation on explosive performance and the optimal individual PAP time during a set of complex training bouts. Thirty explosive athletes performed tests of back squat for one repetition maximum (1RM) strength and complex training bouts for determining the individual optimal timing of PAP, height and peak power of a counter movement jump before and after the supplementation. Subjects were assigned to a creatine or placebo group and then consumed 20 g of creatine or carboxymethyl cellulose per day for six days. After the supplementation, the 1RM strength in the creatine group significantly increased (p < 0.05). The optimal individual PAP time in the creatine group was also significant earlier than the pre-supplementation and post-supplementation of the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in jump performance between the groups. This study demonstrates that creatine supplementation improves maximal muscle strength and the optimal individual PAP time of complex training but has no effect on explosive performance.

The Effect of Maximal Strength Training on Strength, Walking, and Balance in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study.

There is little literature examining the use of maximal strength training (MST) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This pretest-posttest study examined the effects of a MST program on strength, walking, balance, and fatigue in a sample of pwMS. Seven pwMS (median EDSS 3.0, IQR 1.5) participated in a MST program twice weekly for eight weeks. Strength was assessed with 1-repetition maximum (1RM) on each leg. Walking and balance were measured with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), respectively. Fatigue was measured during each week of the program with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The program was well tolerated, with an attendance rate of 96.4%. Participants had significant improvements in right leg 1RM (t(6) = −6.032, P = 0.001), left leg 1RM (t(6) = −5.388, P = 0.002), 6MWT distance (t(6) = −2.572, P = 0.042), and BBS score (Z = −2.371, P = 0.018) after the MST intervention. There was no significant change in FSS scores (F(1, 3.312) = 2.411, P = 0.092). Participants in the MST program experienced improved balance and walking without an increase in fatigue. This MST program may be utilized by rehabilitation clinicians to improve lower extremity strength, balance, and mobility in pwMS.

Effects of Added Resistance Training on Physical Fitness, Body Composition, and Serum Hormone Concentrations During Eight Weeks of Special Military Training Period.

A high volume of military training has been shown to compromise muscle strength development. We examined effects of added low-volume resistance training during special military training (ST) period, which took place after basic training period. Male conscripts (n = 25) were assigned to standardized ST with added resistance training group (TG, n = 13) and group with standardized ST only (control) (CG, n = 12). Standardized ST with added resistance training group performed 2 resistance training sessions per week for 8 weeks: hypertrophic strength (weeks 1-3), maximal strength (weeks 4-6) and power training (weeks 7-8). Maximal strength tests, load carriage performance (3.2 km, 27 kg), and hormone concentrations were measured before and after ST (mean ± SD). Both groups improved similarly in their load carriage performance time (TG: 1,162 ± 116 seconds vs. 1,047 ± 81 seconds; CG: 1,142 ± 95 seconds vs. 1,035 ± 81 seconds) (p < 0.001) but decreased maximal strength of the lower extremities (TG: 5,250 ± 1,110 N vs. 4,290 ± 720 N; CG: 5,170 ± 1,050 N vs. 4,330 ± 1,230 N) and back muscles (TG: 4,290 ± 990 N vs. 3,570 ± 48 N; CG: 3,920 ± 72 N vs. 3,410 ± 53 N) (p ≤ 0.05). Maximal strength of the upper extremities improved in CG (1,040 ± 200 N vs. 1,140 ± 200 N) (p ≤ 0.05) but not in TG. Maximal strength of the abdominal muscles improved in TG (3,260 ± 510 N vs. 3,740 ± 75 N) (p ≤ 0.05) but not in CG. Testosterone concentration increased in CG (15.2 ± 3.6 nmol·L⁻¹ vs. 21.6 ± 5.0 nmol·L⁻¹) (p < 0.01) but not in TG (18.6 ± 4.3 nmol·L⁻¹ vs. 19.5 ± 9.4 nmol·L⁻¹). In conclusion, interference with strength gains might be related to the high volume of aerobic activities and too low volume of resistance training during ST. To develop strength characteristics, careful periodization and individualization should be adopted in ST.

Investigating the Effects of Maximal Strength Training on Wrestlers’ Physical, Physiological and Selected Motor Skills

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week maximal strength training program on the physical, physiological and selected motor skills of wrestlers’. A total of 40 wrestle...

The Effects of a Sport-Specific Maximal Strength and Conditioning Training on Critical Velocity, Anaerobic Running Distance, and 5-km Race Performance.

To investigate the effects of a sport-specific maximal 6-wk strength and conditioning program on critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (ARD), and 5-km time-trial performance (TT). 16 moderately trained recreational endurance runners were tested for CV, ARD, and TT performances on 3 separate occasions (baseline, midstudy, and poststudy). Participants were randomly allocated into a strength and conditioning group (S&C; n = 8) and a comparison endurance-training-only group (EO; n = 8). During the first phase of the study (6 wk), the S&C group performed concurrent maximal strength and endurance training, while the EO group performed endurance-only training. After the retest of all variables (midstudy), both groups subsequently, during phase 2, performed another 6 wk of endurance-only training that was followed by poststudy tests. No significant change for CV was identified in either group. The S&C group demonstrated a significant decrease for ARD values after phases 1 and 2 of the study. TT performances were significantly different in the S&C group after the intervention, with a performance improvement of 3.62%. This performance increase returned close to baseline after the 6-wk endurance-only training. Combining a 6-wk resistance-training program with endurance training significantly improves 5-km TT performance. Removing strength training results in some loss of those performance improvements.

Training-related risk of common illnesses in elite swimmers over a 4-yr period.

The objective of this study is to investigate the relation between sport training and the risk of common illnesses: upper respiratory tract and pulmonary infections (URTPI), muscular affections (MA), and all-type pathologies in highly trained swimmers. Twenty-eight French professional swimmers were monitored weekly for 4 yr. Training variables included 1) in-water and dryland intensity levels: low-load, high-load, resistance, maximal strength, and general conditioning training (expressed as the percentage of the maximal load performed by each subject, at each intensity level over the study period); and 2) training periods: moderate, intensive, taper, competition, and postcompetition. Illnesses were diagnosed by a sports physician using a standardized questionnaire. Mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were used to model odds ratios for the association between common illnesses and training variables, adjusted for sport season, semiseason (summer or winter), age, competition level, sex, and history of recent events, whereas controlling for heterogeneity among swimmers. The risk of common illnesses was significantly higher in winter months, for national swimmers (for URTPI), and in cases of history of recent event (notably for MA). The odds of URTPI increased 1.08 (95% CI, 1.01-1.16) and 1.10 (95% CI, 1.01-1.19) times for every 10% increase in resistance and high-load trainings, respectively. The odds of MA increased by 1.49 (95% CI, 1.14-1.96) and 1.63 (95% CI, 1.20-2.21) for each 10% increase in high load and general conditioning training, respectively. The odds of illnesses were 50%-70% significantly higher during intensive training periods. Particular attention must be paid to illness prevention strategies during periods of intensive training, particularly in the winter months or in case of the recent medical episode.

Effects of a 12-week strength training program on experimented fencers' movement time.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week strength training program on movement time (MT) on fencers of national level. Twelve male fencers were randomly divided into 2 groups: the control group (CG: N = 6; age, 22.3 ± 8.1 years) and the treatment group (TG: N = 6; age, 24.8 ± 7.2 years). The CG fencers followed the standard physical conditioning program, which was partially modified for the TG. The TG participated in a 12-week strength training program divided into 2 parts: maximal strength training, including weightlifting exercises (2 days a week for 6 weeks) and explosive strength training, with combined weights and plyometric exercises (2 days a week for 6 weeks). Body mass, body fat, muscle mass, jumping ability, maximal strength, reaction time, and MT were measured on 4 separate occasions. The TG demonstrated significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in maximal strength and jumping ability after 6 weeks of training and in MT after 12 weeks. These improvements remained unaltered during the 4-week detraining period. It may be concluded that a 12-week strength training program can improve maximal and explosive strength, and these increases can be transferred to MT performance. However, fencers need time to transfer the gains.

The Efficacy of Incorporating Partial Squats in Maximal Strength Training

The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of 2 different training methods on dynamic and isometric measures of maximal strength. Seventeen recreationally trained men (1 repetition maximum [1RM] squat: 146.9 ± 22.4 kg) were assigned to 2 groups: full range of motion (ROM) squat (F) and full ROM with partial ROM squat (FP) for the 7-week training intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that there was a statistically significant group-by-time interaction for impulse scaled at 50, 90, and 250 milliseconds at 90° of knee flexion and rate of force development at 200 milliseconds with 120° of knee flexion (p ≤ 0.05). There was also a statistically significant time effect (p ≤ 0.05) for the 1RM squat, 1RM partial squat, isometric squat peak force allometrically scaled (IPFa) 90°, IPFa 120°, and impulse allometrically scaled at 50, 90, 200, and 250 milliseconds at 90° and 120° of knee flexion. Additionally, the FP group achieved statistically larger relative training intensities (%1RM) during the final 3 weeks of training (p ≤ 0.05). There was a trend for FP to improve over F in 1RM squat (+3.1%, d = 0.53 vs. 0.32), 1RM partial squat (+4.7%, d = 0.95 vs. 0.69), IPFa 120° (+5.7%, d = 0.52 vs. 0.12), and impulse scaled at 50, 90, 200, and 250 milliseconds at 90° (+6.3 to 13.2%, d = 0.50-1.01 vs. 0.30-0.57) and 120° (+3.4 to 16.8%, d = 0.45-1.11 vs. 0.08-0.37). These larger effect sizes in the FP group can likely be explained their ability to train at larger relative training intensities during the final 3 weeks of training resulting in superior training adaptations. Our findings suggest that partial ROM squats in conjunction with full ROM squats may be an effective training method for improving maximal strength and early force-time curve characteristics in men with previous strength training experience. Practically, partial squats may be beneficial for strength and power athletes during a strength-speed mesocycle while peaking for competition.