Mean Propulsive Velocity Research Articles

Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Body Composition and Physical Performance of Elite Female Football Players

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unusual situation in sports. Players were forced to stay at home for an undefined period of time and not allowed to use any training facilities or even exercise outdoors. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on physical performance and body composition in elite female football players. During the confinement period, 19 players (n = 19, M = 27 years; SD = 4.19) volunteered to participate in the present study. Participants were confined during 5 months and performed six remotely guided sessions a week, designed and structured by a certified fitness coach. Pre- and postconfinement period, players were tested for body composition, strength in the squat exercise, vertical jump, 30-m sprint, kicking velocity, and intermittent endurance capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1). Fat mass and muscle mass remained unaffected after the confinement period, while only body mass showed a significant increase between periods (1.19%; p = .014). In addition, physical performance measures postconfinement showed positive changes in kicking (p < .001; effect size = 1.02), in contrast to a reduction in mean propulsive velocity against 40-kg load and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 total distance covered (p: .041 and .010, respectively). Present findings indicate that the implementation of home-based training programs during confinement periods could be sufficient stimulus to maintain body composition and physical performance (i.e., strength, vertical jump, and sprint), although they might not be sufficient to maintain intermittent endurance capacity in elite female football players.

Are sEMG, Velocity and Power Influenced by Athletes' Fixation in Paralympic Powerlifting?

The bench press is performed in parapowerlifting with the back, shoulders, buttocks, legs and heels extended over the bench, and the use of straps to secure the athlete to the bench is optional. Thus, the study evaluated muscle activation, surface electromyography (sEMG), maximum velocity (MaxV) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and power in paralympic powerlifting athletes under conditions tied or untied to the bench. Fifteen experienced Paralympic powerlifting male athletes (22.27 ± 10.30 years, 78.5 ± 21.6 kg) took part in the research. The sEMG measurement was performed in the sternal portion of the pectoralis major (PMES), anterior deltoid (AD), long head of the triceps brachii (TRI) and clavicular portion of the pectoralis major (PMCL). The MaxV, MPV and power were evaluated using an encoder. Loads of 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% 1RM were analyzed under untied and tied conditions. No differences were found in muscle activation between the tied and untied conditions; however, sEMG showed differences in the untied condition between AD and TRI (F (3112) = 4.484; p = 0.005) in the 100% 1RM load, between PMCL and AD (F (3112) = 3.743; p = 0.013) in 60% 1RM load and in the tied condition, between the PMES and the AD (F (3112) = 4.067; p = 0.009). There were differences in MaxV (F (3112) = 213.3; p < 0.001), and MPV (F (3112) = 248.2; p < 0.001), between all loads in the tied and untied condition. In power, the load of 100% 1RM differed from all other relative loads (F (3112) = 36.54; p < 0.001) in both conditions. The tied condition seems to favor muscle activation, sEMG, and velocity over the untied condition.

Velocity-based resistance training: do women need greater velocity loss to maximize adaptations?

PurposeMen and women typically display different neuromuscular characteristics, force–velocity relationships, and differing strength deficit (upper vs. lower body). Thus, it is not clear how previous recommendations for training with velocity-loss resistance training based on data in men will apply to women. This study examined the inter-sex differences in neuromuscular adaptations using 20% and 40% velocity-loss protocols in back squat and bench press exercises.MethodsThe present study employed an 8-week intervention (2 × week) comparing 20% vs. 40% velocity-loss resistance training in the back squat and bench press exercises in young men and women (~ 26 years). Maximum strength (1-RM) and submaximal-load mean propulsive velocity (MPV) for low- and high-velocity lifts in squat and bench press, countermovement jump and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area were measured at pre-, mid-, and post-training. Surface EMG of quadriceps measured muscle activity during performance tests.ResultsAll groups increased 1-RM strength in squat and bench press exercises, as well as MPV using submaximal loads and countermovement jump height (P < 0.05). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed, but higher magnitudes following 40% velocity loss in 1-RM (g = 0.60) and in low- (g = 1.42) and high-velocity (g = 0.98) lifts occurred in women. Training-induced improvements were accompanied by increases in surface EMG amplitude and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area.ConclusionSimilar increases in strength and power performance were observed in men and women over 8 weeks of velocity-based resistance training. However, some results suggest that strength and power gains favor using 40% rather than 20% velocity loss in women.

Analysis of the Use and Applicability of Different Variables for the Prescription of Relative Intensity in Bench Press Exercise.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this research is to analyze the different variables that influence the prescription of resistance training (one-repetition maximum (1RM) and number of maximal repetitions (xRM)) through the velocity of execution, with the aim of approaching the precise definition and control of intensity in bench press exercise. Fifty male physical education students were divided into four groups according to their relative strength ratio (RSR) and performed a 1RM bench press test, and two maximum number of repetitions (MNR) tests one week apart, using a relative load corresponding to 70% 1RM determined through the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) obtained from the individual load–velocity relationship. Regarding MPV, the best (fastest) repetition of the set values were similar between groups (0.62 m·s−1–0.64 m·s−1). The average MNR was 12.38 ± 2.51, with significant variation between groups with regards to MNR (CV:13–29%), and greater variability in the group corresponding to the lowest RSR values (CV: 29%). The use of variables such as the 1RM or a MNR do not allow an adequate degree of precision to prescribe and control the relative intensity of resistance training. Besides, execution velocity control can offer an adequate alternative to guarantee an accurate prescription of intensity with regard to resistance training.Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the use of variables such as % of one-repetition maximum (1RM) and number of maximal repetitions (xRM) with execution velocity to define and control the intensity of resistance training in bench press exercise. Hence, exercise professionals will achieve better control of training through a greater understanding of its variables. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, fifty male physical education students were divided into four groups according to their relative strength ratio (RSR) and performed a 1RM bench press test (T1). In the second test, participants performed repetitions to exhaustion (T2), using a relative load corresponding to 70% 1RM determined through the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) obtained from the individual load–velocity relationship. This same test was repeated a week later (T3). Tests were monitored according to the MPV of each repetition and blood lactate values (LACT). Results: Regarding MPV, the best (fastest) repetition of the set (MPVrep Best) values were similar between groups (0.62 m·s−1–0.64 m·s−1), with significant differences in relation to the high RSR group (p < 0.001). The average maximum number of repetitions (MNR) was 12.38 ± 2.51, with no significant differences between the RSR groups. Nonetheless, significant variation existed between groups with regards to MNR (CV: 13–29%), with greater variability in the group corresponding to the lowest RSR values (CV: 29%). The loss of velocity in the MNR test in the different groups was similar (p > 0.05). Average LACT values (5.72 mmol·L−1) showed significant differences between the Medium RSR and Very Low RSR groups. No significant differences were found (p > 0.05) between T2 and T3 with regards to MNR, MPVrep Best, or MPVrep Last, with little variability seen between participants. Conclusions: The use of variables such as the 1RM, estimated using an absolute load value, or an MNR do not allow an adequate degree of precision to prescribe and control the relative intensity of resistance training. Besides, execution velocity control can offer an adequate alternative to guarantee an accurate prescription of intensity with regard to resistance training.

Paralympic Powerlifting as a Sustainable Way to Improve Strength in Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury and Other Disabilities

Background: in Paralympic Powerlifting (PP), athletes with a spinal cord injury (SCI) and other disabilities (OD) compete together. However, athletes with SCI are at a disadvantage in terms of force production and transfer. Objective: to analyze the strength and the dynamic and static indicators, at different intensities, tied and untied in athletes with SCI and OD. Methods: the sample presented 10 OD (28.30 ± 4.92 years) and 10 SCI (30.00 ± 4.27 years), classified competitors, and eligible to compete in the sport (all males). Maximum isometric force (MIF); time to MIF (Time); rate of force development (RFD); impulse, variability, and fatigue index (FI); and the dynamic tests of Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV), Velocity Maximum (Vmax), and Power with loads of 40, 60, and 80% of 1 Repetition Maximum (1 RM), respectively. Results: there were no differences between OD and SCI in dynamic and isometric strength indicators. In MPV, there was an 80% difference between tethered and untethered SCI (p = 0.041). In VMax, there were differences in SCI between tethered and untethered, 40% (p = 0.004) and 80% (p = 0.023), respectively. There were no differences in the other intensities. Conclusion: PP training seems to be a sustainable way to promote strength gains in SCI, since there were no differences between athletes with SCI and OD, as practitioners of Paralympic Powerlifting.

Effect of mental fatigue on mean propulsive velocity, countermovement jump, and 100-m and 200-m dash performance in male college sprinters

The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of mental fatigue on mean propulsive velocity (MPV), countermovement jump (CMJ), 100, and 200-m dash performance in college sprinters. A total of 16 male athletes of sprint events (100 and 200-m dash) participated in this study. Each participant underwent two baseline visits and then running under the three experimental conditions. Assessments (MPV and CMJ) occurred both before and after either smartphone use (SMA) or Stroop task (ST), or watching a documentary TV show about the Olympic Games (CON). Then, the athletes ran the simulated race (i.e. the 100 and 200-m dash). There was no condition (p > 0.05) or time effect (p > 0.05) for MPV, CMJ, 100-m, or 200-m dash performance. In conclusion, the present study results revealed no mental fatigue effect induced by SMA or ST on neuromuscular, 100-m or 200-m dash performance in male college sprinters.

Feasibility of the 2-point method to determine the load−velocity relationship variables during the countermovement jump exercise

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of load−velocity (L–V) relationship variables obtained through the 2-point method using different load combinations and velocity variables. MethodsTwenty men performed 2 identical sessions consisting of 2 countermovement jumps against 4 external loads (20 kg, 40 kg, 60 kg, and 80 kg) and a heavy squat against a load linked to a mean velocity (MV) of 0.55 m/s (load0.55). The L–V relationship variables (load-axis intercept (L0), velocity-axis intercept (v0), and area under the L–V relationship line (Aline)) were obtained using 3 velocity variables (MV, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and peak velocity) by the multiple-point method including (20–40–60–80–load0.55) and excluding (20–40–60–80) the heavy squat, as well as from their respective 2-point methods (20–load0.55 and 20–80). ResultsThe L–V relationship variables were obtained with an acceptable reliability (coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 7.30%; intra-class correlation coefficient ≥ 0.63). The reliability of L0 and v0 was comparable for both methods (CVratio (calculated as higher value/lower value): 1.11–1.12), but the multiple-point method provided Aline with a greater reliability (CVratio = 1.26). The use of a heavy squat provided the L–V relationship variables with a comparable or higher reliability than the use of a heavy countermovement jump load (CVratio: 1.06–1.19). The peak velocity provided the load–velocity relationship variables with the greatest reliability (CVratio: 1.15–1.86) followed by the MV (CVratio: 1.07–1.18), and finally the MPV. The 2-point methods only revealed an acceptable validity for the MV and MPV (effect size ≤ 0.19; Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient ≥ 0.96; Lin's concordance correlation coefficient ≥ 0.94). ConclusionThe 2-point method obtained from a heavy squat load and MV or MPV is a quick, safe, and reliable procedure to evaluate the lower-body maximal neuromuscular capacities through the L–V relationship.

Load-Velocity Relationship in Bench Press and Effects of a Strength-Training Program in Wheelchair Basketball Players: A Team Study.

Performance in wheelchair basketball is determined by capabilities, such as strength and power. The study has two aims: first, to analyze the association between speed and acceleration variables (collected in the bench press (BP) exercise) and the distinct percentages of one-repetition maximum (1RM); second, to analyze the effect of a strength training protocol on wheelchair basketball (WB) players according to their functional impairments. Ten Spanish male WB players volunteered to participate in the study. The players did a pretest and posttest (1RM in bench press) with 6-week muscle strength intervention program. The results showed a high association between the %1RM and the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and the maximum velocity (Vmax), both in the total of the participants, and in each separate group of athletes. After implementing the strength training program, both the players of the IWBF (International Wheelchair Basketball Federation) < 2.5 group and those of IWBF > 2.5 group improved their 1RM (p < 0.01, ES = 0.20 to 0.23). However, the program produced positive effects at submaximal intensities in the MPV reached with 30, 40, 70, and 80 kg and in time to maximum velocity (TVmax) with 30, 40, and 70 kg (ES = −3.24 to 1.32) only in players with greater functional impairments. The high association between %1RM and MPV and Vmax can allow for determination the %1RM of the WB players in the BP using the MPV and the Vmax. The training program was effective in improving 1RM in both groups, while improvements in submaximal values only occurred in the IWBF < 2.5 group.

The influence of calculation method and relative strength on the load-velocity relationship in bench press exercise

Purpose The objective of this study was: (1) to compare the effect of the calculation method using average (Avalue), and best value (Bvalue) of Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV) on the Load Velocity Profile (LVprofile) during the barbell bench press exercise in elite handball players. In addition, (2) to analyze the relationship between the individual coefficient of variation (CVind) of an incremental load protocol in the bench press exercise with relative strength (Frel) in professional handball players. Methods Nineteen elite international handball players (age 18 [±1] y; body mass 93 [±14] kg; height 191 [±6] cm) performed an incremental test during the barbell bench press exercise. General and individual LVprofile, Frel, and CVind were modelled through MPV and two calculation models (Avalue, vs Bvalue). Results There were significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between both conditions (Bvalue vs. Avalue). There was an inverse relationship between the Frel and the CVind (r = −0.66, p &lt; 0.001). When CVind was &gt;10% significant differences were found between the two calculations method (Avalue, vs Bvalue). However, no significant differences were found between Avalue, vs Bvalue when the CVind was &lt;10%. Conclusions The calculation method used to assess the barbell bench press LVprofile impacts the nature of the relationship. Regardless CVind values, Avalue is a good choice to determine the LVprofile when the CVind is &gt;10%, if the CVind is &lt;10%, Bvalue will be the better option to determine the LVprofile.

Effects of FFP2/N95 face mask on low- and high-load resistance exercise performance in recreational weight lifters

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the acute effects of an FFP2/N95 face mask on moderate- and high-load resistance exercise performance in recreational weight lifters. Seventeen recreational weight lifters performed four randomized bouts: high intensity [70% of one maximum repetition (1RM)] and moderate intensity (50% 1RM), both with and without an FFP2/N95 face mask. All sequences of exercises were performed over four sets in the bench press exercise, performed on a Smith machine until movement failure, with two minutes of recovery between sets. A linear position transducer was used to measure the bar velocity, and record the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and maximum propulsive velocity (V max). The rate of perceived effort (RPE), heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. For the high-intensity condition, MPV (p = 0.021) and V max (p = 0.004) were significantly lower in the mask condition compared to non-mask in set-1, however, there were no significant differences for moderate intensity or for total volume in either intensity (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between conditions, with lower SpO2 (p = 0.010) and higher RPE (p = 0.008) when wearing the face mask only at the moderate intensity. In conclusion, the FFP2/N95 face mask impacted performance in the high-intensity resistance bench press exercise until movement failure but decreased oxygen saturation and increased rate of perceived effort only in the moderate-intensity exercise in recreational weight lifters. COVID-19 pandemic, has led to several countries adopting the use of masks in public spaces. Mask used during physical exercise it may induce early fatigue. However, despite the results with aerobic exercise, as far as we know, no studies have been carried out on wearing a mask during resistance exercise. This randomized, crossover study verified the acute effect of an FFP2/N95 face mask on moderate- and high-load upper body resistance exercise performance in recreational weight lifters. The FFP2/N95 face mask impacted performance, evaluated with bar velocity, in the high-intensity resistance bench press exercise until movement failure but decreased oxygen saturation and increased rate of perceived effort only in the moderate-intensity exercise.

Effect of Pause Versus Rebound Techniques on Neuromuscular and Functional Performance After a Prolonged Velocity-Based Training.

A variation of the traditional squat (SQ) rebound technique (REBOUND) including a momentary pause ∼2seconds (PAUSE) between eccentric and concentric phases has been proposed. Although there is a consensus about the lower acute effects on performance of this PAUSE variant compared with traditional REBOUND technique, no information exists about the differences in longitudinal adaptations of these SQ executions. A total of 26 men were randomly assigned into the PAUSE (n = 13) or REBOUND (n = 13) groups and completed a 10-week velocity-based training using the SQ exercise, only differing in the technique. Neuromuscular adaptations were assessed by the changes in the 1-repetition maximum strength and mean propulsive velocity achieved against the absolute loads (in kilograms) common to pretest and posttest. Functional performance was evaluated by the following tests: countermovement jump, Wingate, and sprint time at 0 to 10, 10 to 20, and 0 to 20m. Whereas both groups showed significant increases in most of the neuromuscular tests (P < .05), the PAUSE (effect size [ES] = 0.76-1.12) presented greater enhancements than REBOUND (ES = 0.45-0.92). Although not significant, improvements in Wingate and sprint time at 0 to 10 and 0 to 20m were higher for PAUSE (ES = 0.31-0.46) compared with REBOUND (ES = 0.10-0.29). Conversely, changes on countermovement jump and sprint time at 10 to 20m were superior for REBOUND (ES = 0.17-0.88) than for PAUSE (ES = 0.09-0.75). Imposing a pause between eccentric and concentric phases in the SQ exercise could be an interesting strategy to increase neuromuscular and functional adaptations in sport actions that mainly depend on concentric contractions. Moreover, sport abilities highly dependent on the stretch-shortening cycle could benefit from the REBOUND or a combination of the 2 techniques.

Influence of Feet Position and Execution Velocity on Muscle Activation and Kinematic Parameters During the Inclined Leg Press Exercise.

The leg press is one of the most typical exercises for strengthening the lower limbs. The objectives of this study were to compare 5 inclined leg press exercise conditions, varying the feet width stance (100% or 150% hip width), the feet rotation (0° or 45° external rotation) on the footplate and using 2 different movement velocities (MVs; maximum intended, and 2:2 seconds steady-paced velocities) to determine their effect on muscle activation as well as on the kinematic parameters between trained men and trained women. There will be no significant differences in muscle activation with regard to the feet position. The higher the MV, the greater the muscle activation. A cross-sectional cohort study. Level 3. A repeated-measures between-group design was performed to examine muscle activation and kinematic parameters for the different conditions between gender groups. The level of significance was set at alpha = 0.05 for all statistical analyses. Muscle activation presented no differences between conditions regarding feet width stance or feet rotation. Furthermore, muscle activation was greater during positive phases than negative phases of the exercise for all conditions and was also greater under maximum intended velocity conditions compared with steady-paced conditions. Otherwise, the muscle activation pattern presented slight differences by gender. In men, the greatest muscle activation was for the vastus medialis, followed by the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and gluteus medialis (GMED), while in women, the greatest muscle activation was for the vastus medialis, followed by the RF, VL, and GMED. Finally, greater mean propulsive velocity, maximum velocity, maximum power, and footplate displacement values were reported for men than for women under all the conditions. The inclined leg press exercise produces the highest muscle activation in the vastus medialis, regardless of the velocity, feet stance, or gender. Given that there are no differences in muscle activation regarding the feet stance, a participant's preferred feet stance should be encouraged during the inclined leg press exercise. Furthermore, the MV would preferably depend on the session objective (a training or a rehabilitation program), being aware that there is greater muscle activation at higher speeds. The inclined leg press exercise could be performed as a closed kinetic chain exercise when the main objective is to activate the vastus medialis.

Static and Dynamic Strength Indicators in Paralympic Power-Lifters with and without Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: In Paralympic powerlifting (PP), athletes with and without spinal cord injury (SCI) compete in the same category. Athletes with SCI may be at a disadvantage in relation to the production of muscle strength and the execution of motor techniques. Objective: To analyze the indicators force, dynamic and static, at different intensities, on performance in athletes with and without SCI. Methods: The sample was composed of two groups of PP athletes: SCI (30.57 ± 4.20 years) and other deficiencies (OD; 25.67 ± 4.52 years). Athletes performed a test of maximum isometric force (MIF), time to MIF (Time), rate of force development (RFD), impulse, variability and fatigue index (FI), dynamic tests Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV), Maximum Velocity (Vmax) and Power. Results: There were differences in the SCI in relation to OD, 50% 1RM (p < 0.05), in relation to MPV and Vmax. There were no differences in the static force indicators. Regarding EMG, there were differences between the SCI triceps in relation to the previous deltoid (p = 0.012). Conclusion: We concluded that the static and dynamic strength indicators are similar in Paralympic powerlifting athletes with spinal cord injury and other disabilities.

Concurrent endurance and resistance training enhances muscular adaptations in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

The purpose of the study was to determine if concurrent training (endurance and resistance in a single session) elicits leg muscular adaptations beyond the ones obtained by endurance training alone in sedentary individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Sixty-six MetS individuals (37% women, age 56±7years, BMI 32±5kgm-2 and 3.8±0.8 MetS factors) were randomized to undergo one of the following 16-week isocaloric exercise programs: (i) 4+1 bouts of 4min at 90% of HRMAX of intense aerobic cycling (IAC+IAC group; n=33), (ii) 4 IAC bouts followed by 3 sets of 12 repetitions of 3 lower-limb free-weight exercises (IAC+RT group; n=33). We measured the effects of training on maximal cycling power, leg press maximum strength (1RM), countermovement jump height (CMJ), and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) at workloads ranging from 10% to 100% of baseline 1RM leg press. After intervention, MetS components (Z-score) improved similarly in both groups (p=0.002). Likewise, maximal cycling power during a ramp test improved similarly in both groups (time effect p<0.001). However, leg press 1RM improved more in IAC+RT than in IAC+IAC (47±5 vs 13±5kg, respectively, interaction p<0.001). CMJ only improved with IAC+RT (0.8±0.2cm, p=0.001). Leg press MPV at heavy loads (ie, 80%-100% 1RM) improved more with concurrent training (0.12±0.01 vs 0.06±0.02ms-1 , interaction p=0.013). In conclusion, in unconditioned MetS individuals, intense aerobic cycling alone improves leg muscle performance. However, substituting 20% of intense aerobic cycling by resistance training further improves 1RM leg press, MPV at high loads, and jumping ability while providing similar improvement in MetS components.

Differences between adjusted vs. non-adjusted loads in velocity-based training: consequences for strength training control and programming

Strength and conditioning specialists commonly deal with the quantification and selection the setting of protocols regarding resistance training intensities. Although the one repetition maximum (1RM) method has been widely used to prescribe exercise intensity, the velocity-based training (VBT) method may enable a more optimal tool for better monitoring and planning of resistance training (RT) programs. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two RT programs only differing in the training load prescription strategy (adjusting or not daily via VBT) with loads from 50 to 80% 1RM on 1RM, countermovement (CMJ) and sprint. Twenty-four male students with previous experience in RT were randomly assigned to two groups: adjusted loads (AL) (n = 13) and non-adjusted loads (NAL) (n = 11) and carried out an 8-week (16 sessions) RT program. The performance assessment pre- and post-training program included estimated 1RM and full load-velocity profile in the squat exercise; countermovement jump (CMJ); and 20-m sprint (T20). Relative intensity (RI) and mean propulsive velocity attained during each training session (Vsession) was monitored. Subjects in the NAL group trained at a significantly faster Vsession than those in AL (p < 0.001) (0.88–0.91 vs. 0.67–0.68 m/s, with a ∼15% RM gap between groups for the last sessions), and did not achieve the maximum programmed intensity (80% RM). Significant differences were detected in sessions 3–4, showing differences between programmed and performed Vsession and lower RI and velocity loss (VL) for the NAL compared to the AL group (p < 0.05). Although both groups improved 1RM, CMJ and T20, NAL experienced greater and significant changes than AL (28.90 vs.12.70%, 16.10 vs. 7.90% and −1.99 vs. −0.95%, respectively). Load adjustment based on movement velocity is a useful way to control for highly individualised responses to training and improve the implementation of RT programs.

Acute Effects of Surgical and FFP2 Face Masks on Physiological Responses and Strength Performance in Persons with Sarcopenia

Simple SummaryStudy comparing the use of a surgical mask, FFP2 or none in people with sarcopenia during a resistance training session on strength performance, heart rate, heart rate variability, blood lactate concentration or rating of perceived effort.Due to COVID-19, wearing a face mask to reduce virus transmission is currently mandatory in some countries when participants practice exercise in sports centers. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of wearing a surgical or FFP2 mask during a resistance training session. Fourteen people with sarcopenia (age: 59.40 ± 5.46 years; weight: 68.78 ± 8.31 kg; height: 163.84 ± 9.08 cm) that participated in the study performed three training sessions in a randomized order: 4 sets of 10 repetitions of a half-squat at 60% of the one-repetition maximum and 90 s of rest between set and were either (a) without a mask (NM), (b) wearing a surgical face mask (SM), and (c) wearing a FFP2 face mask (FFP2). We found that wearing face masks had no effect on strength performance (session mean propulsive velocity (m/s): WM: 0.396 ± 0.042; SM: 0.387 ± 0.037; and FFP2: 0.391 ± 0.042 (p = 0.918)). Additionally, no impact of wearing a mask was found on heart rate, heart rate variability, blood lactate concentration (WM: 4.17 ± 1.89; SM: 4.49 ± 2.07; and FFP2: 5.28 ± 2.45 mmol/L (p = 0.447)), or rating of perceived exertion. Wearing a surgical or FFP2 face mask during a resistance training session resulted in similar strength performance and physiological responses than the same exercise without a mask in persons with sarcopenia.

Short-Term Creatine Loading Improves Total Work and Repetitions to Failure but Not Load-Velocity Characteristics in Strength-Trained Men.

This study assessed the effects of a 7-day creatine (CRE) supplementation on the load–velocity profile and repeated sub-maximal bouts in the deep squat using mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and mean propulsive power (MPP). Eleven strength-trained men (31.4 ± 5.4 years) supplemented 0.3 g·kg−1·d−1 CRE or a placebo (PLA, maltodextrin) for seven days in a randomized order, separated by a 30-day washout period. Prior to and after the supplementation, the subjects performed an incremental maximal strength (1RM) test, as well as 3 × 10 repetitions and a repetitions-to-failure test (RFT), all at 70% 1RM. Maximal strength remained statistically unaltered in CRE (p = 0.107) and PLA (p = 0.568). No statistical main effect for time (p = 0.780) or interaction (p = 0.737) was observed for the load–velocity profile. The number of repetitions during RFT remained statistically unaltered in both conditions (CRE: +16.8 ± 32.8%, p = 0.112; PLA: +8.2 ± 47.2%, p = 0.370), but the effect size was larger in creatine compared to placebo (g = 0.51 vs. g = 0.01). The total work during RFT increased following creatine supplementation (+23.1 ± 35.9%, p = 0.043, g = 0.70) but remained statistically unaltered in the placebo condition (+15.0 ± 60.8%, p = 0.801, g = 0.08; between conditions: p = 0.410, g = 0.25). We showed that CRE loading over seven days did not affect load–velocity characteristics but may have increased total work and power output during submaximal deep squat protocols, as was indicated by moderate effect sizes.

Influence of upper-limb muscle strength on the repeated change of direction ability in international-level wheelchair basketball players

ABSTRACT This study aims 1) to compare repeated change of direction ability (rCODA) and bench press (BP) between low (A category, ≤2.5) and high (B category, ≥3.0) sport classes and 2) to analyse the relationships between rCODA and BP performance in a sample of wheelchair basketball (WB) players. Seventeen world-class WB players volunteered participated in this study. All the players undertook two tests: the repeated (x12) Modified Agility T-test (rMAT) to measure the rCODA and the movement velocity in a BP test. No significant differences were observed between categories in the rMAT and BP. For the total sample, BP variables with a mean propulsive velocity of 1 m·s−1 (V1LOAD) largely correlated with all the full rMAT outcomes (r>-0.625; p< 0.05). Having a better BP could be favourable to perform repeated efforts and this seems particularly relevant in fatigue conditions, and especially for the B category players.

Linear programming produces greater, earlier and uninterrupted neuromuscular and functional adaptations than daily-undulating programming after velocity-based resistance training

This study aimed to compare the effect of linear (LP) and daily-undulating (DUP) programming models on neuromuscular and functional performance using the velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) approach. Thirty-two resistance trained men were randomly assigned into 2 groups: LP (n = 16) or DUP (n = 16). Both training groups completed an 8-week VBRT intervention using the full squat exercise, only differing in the relative intensity (% 1RM) distribution during the training program. Changes produced by each periodization model were evaluated using the following variables: estimated 1RM; average mean propulsive velocity (MPV) attained for all absolute loads common to Pre-test and Post-test; average MPV attained against absolute loads lifted faster than 1 m•s−1; average MPV attained against absolute loads lifted slower than 1 m•s − 1; countermovement jump (CMJ) and fatigue test. Moreover, CMJ and 1RM parameters were evaluated weekly to analyze their evolution along the training program. LP and DUP strategies significantly improved all performance variables analyzed (p<0.001), except the fatigue test in the DUP group. Significant "time x group" interactions were observed in all strength variables and fatigue test in favour of the LP group. In addition, pre-post effect size (ES), percentages of change and weekly comparisons showed higher improvements in the LP group (ES=0.54–2.49, ∆=9.5–60.4%) compared to DUP (ES=0.40–1.65, ∆=5.5–27.2%). Based on these findings, the LP appears to stand as a more effective strategy than DUP to achieve greater, earlier and uninterrupted neuromuscular and functional adaptations in VBRT interventions.

Specific warm-up enhances movement velocity during bench press and squat resistance training

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific warm-up on squat and bench press resistance training. Methods: Thirty-four resistance-trained males (23.53 ± 2.35 years) participated in the current study. Among these, 12 were evaluated in the squat and 22 in the bench press. After determining the maximal strength load (1RM), each participant performed a training set (3 × 6 repetitions) with 80%1RM (training load) after completing a specific warm-up and without warming up, in random order. The warm-up comprised 2 × 6 repetitions with 40% and 80% of the training load, respectively. Mean propulsive velocity, velocity loss, peak velocity, mechanical power, work, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed. Results: The results showed that after the warm-up, the participants were able to perform the squat and bench press at a higher mean propulsive velocity in the first set (squat: 0.68 ± 0.05 vs. 0.64 ± 0.06 m·s−1, p = 0.009, ES = 0.91; bench press: 0.52 ± 0.06 vs. 0.47 ± 0.08 m·s−1, p = 0.02, ES = 0.56). The warm-up positively influenced the peak velocity (1.32 ± 0.12 vs. 1.20 ± 0.11 m·s−1, p = 0.001, ES = 1.23) and the time to reach peak velocity (593.75 ± 117.01 vs. 653.58 ± 156.53 ms, p = 0.009, ES = 0.91) during the squat set. Conclusion: The specific warm-up seems to enhance neuromuscular actions that enable a higher movement velocity during the first training repetitions and to allow greater peak velocities in less time.