Powerlifting Research Articles

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Indices of Fatigue

The ergogenic effects of carbohydrate ingestion on aerobic exercise have been well established; however, the literature is mixed regarding resistance training. PURPOSE: To determine the ergogenic effects of carbohydrate ingestion on isometric leg exercise, plasma glucose (PG) responses, plasma free fatty acid (FFA), plasma glycerol, and blood lactate responses (La) during a selected resistance protocol. METHODS: Six male subjects with a minimum of three years of bodybuilding and/or power lifting experience performed one mock trial and two randomly assigned exercise trials in which either a glucose polymer (GP) solution (0.17g·kg-1 body mass) or placebo (P) was administered in a double-blind fashion. Participants performed single-leg isometric contractions at 50% of one repetition maximum (1RM) for 20 seconds (s), followed by 40 s of rest between contractions, until failure occurred. Failure was defined as the inability to sustain target force for 5 consecutive seconds. The decrease in force generating capacity was tested from brief maximal voluntary contractions and short bursts of 60 Hz stimulation applied at 5 min intervals. Slope of fatigue was measured using a strain gauge type load cell, which sent an amplified signal to a desktop computer for interpretation. Plasma glucose, FFA, glycerol, and La were measured prior to testing, midway through the protocol, immediately post-exercise, and at five min post-exercise. RESULTS: A statistical evaluation of temporal changes linear regression analysis revealed a more linear slope in the GP than P trial (GP = -0.0594 ± -0.0299 and P = -0.0300 ± -0.0109). This result was significant (p =.028). A 2 × 4 ANOVA with repeated measures revealed PG and La were significantly elevated in the GP protocol. No significant differences were observed between the treatments for FFA and glycerol concentrations. Finally, a Pearson's correlation revealed a significant relationship between force production and blood lactate (r = -0.689, p <.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the ingestion of a liquid carbohydrate supplement prior to and intermittently throughout single-leg isometric lower body resistance training protocols appears to elevate blood glucose levels and provide an ergogenic effect that is reflected by a more linear slope of fatigue.

High Egg Cholesterol Consumption May Not Affect Blood Serum Cholesterol Levels in Elite Athletes in Training

BackgroundDue to its high cholesterol content, limiting the intake of egg yolks is a common recommendation; however, recent studies have shown that blood cholesterol levels may be more dependent on other factors such as physical activity levels and genetic predispositions, than on actual cholesterol intake. Therefore, we hypothesized that very high cholesterol consumption in the form of egg yolks will not increase blood cholesterol levels in elite collegiate power lifters during training.MethodsSeven individuals were recruited for this study (age: 23±3.6; height: 66.7±4.7 in; body fat: 17.6±9.3%; weight: 83.2±17.8 kg). Subjects were assigned to one of two supplement groups paired by sum of 1RMs to lean body weight. High cholesterol supplement group was supplemented with 20 mg•kg−1•lean body mass−1 •day−1 of cholesterol via egg yolks (HC, N=4) while the lower cholesterol group was supplemented with equivalent egg control (LC, N=3) to meet 8 mg•kg‐1•lean body mass‐1•day‐1. Blood measurements were taken prior to supplementation and after nine weeks of training/supplementation.ResultsTotal cholesterol decreased in HC (−11.8±18.4 mg•dl−1) but increased in LC (21.7±9.5 mg•dl−1) after nine weeks (P&lt;0.05). HDL followed a similar pattern (−11.3±6.8 HC and 4.7±6.4 LC mg•dl−1, P&lt;0.05), while LDL levels did not change (5.3±.11. HC and 8.0±.14.4 LC mg•dl−1, P&gt;0.05).ConclusionIt is unclear what may have caused a decrease in total cholesterol and HDLs while maintaining LDL levels. The relationship of dietary cholesterol to blood parameters is not straightforward as generally perceived and exercise training at the elite level may alter this relation.

Exercise dependence and the drive for muscularity in male bodybuilders, power lifters, and fitness lifters

Researchers have hypothesized differences in exercise dependence and drive for muscularity between bodybuilders and power lifters, while others have not found the predicted differences. This study assessed 146 weight lifters (bodybuilders, n = 59; power lifters, n = 47; fitness lifters, n = 40) on the Exercise Dependence Scale, Bodybuilding Dependence Scale, and the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Results showed that bodybuilders and power lifters were significantly higher than fitness lifters on EDS Total, 7 EDS scales, and the 3 BDS scales. In contrast, power lifters were found to be significantly higher on DMS Total and DMS Behavior scales than bodybuilders. The regression results suggest that exercise dependence may be directly related to the drive for muscularity.

Adverse health effects of anabolic–androgenic steroids

Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic drugs derived from testosterone. Illegally, these drugs are regularly self-administered by body builders and power lifters to enhance their sportive performance. Adverse side effects of AAS include sexual dysfunction, alterations of the cardiovascular system, psyche and behavior, and liver toxicity. However, severe side effects appear only following prolonged use of AAS at high dose and their occurrence is limited. Occasionally, AAS abuse may be linked to certain social and psychological traits of the user, like low self-esteem, low self-confidence, suffered hostility, childhood conduct disorder, and tendency to high-risk behavior. The overwhelming stereotype about AAS is that these compounds cause aggressive behavior in males. However, the underlying personality traits of a specific subgroup of the AAS abusers, who show aggression and hostility, may be relevant, as well. Use of AAS in combination with alcohol largely increases the risk of violence and aggression. The dependence liability of AAS is very low, and withdrawal effects are relatively mild. Based on the scores for acute and chronic adverse health effects, the prevalence of use, social harm and criminality, AAS were ranked among 19 illicit drugs as a group of drugs with a relatively low harm.

Local Muscular Endurance and Prediction of 1 Repetition Maximum for Bench In 4 Athletic Populations

The aim of this study was to determine a predictive equation of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) from local muscular endurance. Different athletic male populations were assessed: racket/ball games players (n = 31), power lifters (n = 22), swimmers (n = 28), and rowers (n = 29). After the 1RM assessment for the bench press, the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) relative to the 1RM (85%, 75%, 60%, 40%, and 20%) was tested. No significant differences in strength evolution from 20% to 100% of the 1RM was found between power lifters and racket/ball games players and between swimmers and rowers. However, differences in the strength evolution appeared between these 2 mixed groups (p < 0.01), with differences appearing from 75% of 1RM to lesser relative strength (p < 0.05). Nonlinear equations fitted best with the actual data for the capacity to repeat lifts. The evolution of strength from 100% to 20% of 1RM was better described when the groups' specific equations were used as demonstrated by r, and residuals range between the predicted minus the measured 1RM. The strength endurance competences for high loads (100%-75%) were adequately modelled by the equation based on the total population. The accuracy of the 1RM prediction was better when a reduced number of lifts was performed. For untrained or novice subjects, the use of group-specific equations for the all evolutionary profile of strength allows a good estimate of 1RM and provides adequate numbers of lifts for all levels of strength, thus optimizing the training programs.

Effects Of Beta-Alanine Supplementation On Performance And Body Composition In Collegiate Wrestlers And Football Players

Supplementation with β-alanine has been associated with improved strength, anaerobic endurance, body composition and performance on tests of anaerobic power output following varying training protocols, including high intensity interval training (HIIT) and heavy resistance training. Early season training for collegiate wrestling includes repeated bouts of high intensity exercise with intermittent rest periods; this type of training parallels HIIT from a metabolic standpoint. Collegiate wrestlers also use moderate to high intensity resistance training with high work to rest ratios. In-season football training includes repeated bouts of short sprints and Olympic/ power lifting with low work to rest ratios. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of β-alanine as an ergogenic aid in tests of anaerobic power output following 8 week high intensity interval, repeated sprint, and resistance training in previously trained collegiate wrestlers and football players. 22 Division II college wrestlers (19.9 ± 1.9 yr, age ± SD) & 15 football players (18.6 ± 1.5 yr) completed this double-blind, placebo controlled study. Each subject ingested either 4 g/day β-alanine or placebo in powdered capsule form. Subjects were tested pre & post treatment in timed 300 yd. shuttle, 90° flexed arm hang (FAH), body composition, and blood lactate accumulation during 300 yd. shuttle. Wrestlers trained 5 days per week, including HIIT 3 days/ week & resistance training with high work: rest ratios 2 days/ week. Football players trained 5 days/ week, including repeated sprints with low work: rest ratios 3 times/ week and Olympic/ power lifting 4 times/ week. The subjects taking β-alanine achieved more desirable results on all tests compared to placebo (NS, p > 0.05). Performance improvements were greatest in the football supplement group, decreasing 300 shuttle time by 1.1 sec (vs. 0.4 sec. placebo) and increasing FAH (3.0 sec vs. 0.39). The wrestlers, both placebo and supplement lost weight (as was the goal, i.e. weight bracket allowance); however, the supplement group increased lean mass by 1.1 lb., while the placebo group lost lean mass (−0.98 lb). Both football groups gained weight; however, the supplement group gained an average 2.1 lb lean mass compared to 1.1 lb for placebo. Supplementation with beta-alanine appears to have the ability to augment performance and stimulate lean mass accrual in a short amount of time (8 weeks) in previously trained athletes. β-alanine may magnify the expected performance outcomes of training programs with different metabolic demands. Adding β-alanine to athletes' training programs may improve anaerobic endurance and may aid in lean mass accrual &/or preservation. Supplementation with β-alanine may assist wrestlers in maintaining lean mass while cutting weight. Supplemented football players may experience faster improvements in strength, speed and body composition.

Means and methods of strength development at the stage of initial sports specialization in power-lifting

40цев, минимально – 10 месяцев. ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ Результаты исследования показали, что для многих женщин спорт оказал поло-жительное влияние на здоровье, эмоционально-волевую сферу и формирование мно-гих черт характера. Выяснилось, что спортивная деятельность по-разному влияет на личную жизнь, семейное положение, протекание беременности и роды. Среди спорт-сменок высокого класса больше женщин состоит в браке, у них большее число детей, однако, чаще встречаются осложнения во время беременности. Несомненно, результаты исследования еще не дают основания для широких обобщений, но они могут сыграть немаловажную роль в дальнейшем изучении влия-ния профессиональной спортивной деятельности на образ и качество жизни женщин-спортсменок. ЛИТЕРАТУРА 1. Ильин, Е.П. Дифференциальная психофизиология мужчины и женщины / Е.П. Ильин. – СПб. : Питер, 2006. – 544 с. 2. Крефф, А.-Ф. Женщина и спорт / А.-Ф. Крефф, М.-Ф. Каню. – М. : Физкуль-тура и спорт, 1986. – 142 с. : ил. 3. Лубышева, Л.И. Женщина и спорт : социальный аспект / Л.И. Лубышева // Теория и практика физической культуры. – 2000. – № 6. – С. 13-16. 4. Соболева, Т.С. О проблемах женского спорта / Т.С. Соболева // Теория и практика физической культуры. – 1999. – № 3. – С. 56-63. 5. Соболева, Т.С. Крупный научно-практический вклад в решение проблем женского спорта / Т.С. Соболева // Теория и практика физической культуры. – 2001. – № 3. – С. 60-63. 6. Сологуб, В.В. Влияние значительных физических нагрузок на репродуктив-ную функцию женщин-спортсменок : автореф. дис. … канд. пед. наук / Сологуб В.В. – Харьков, 1989. – 20 с. Контактная информация

Effects of beta-alanine supplementation on performance and body composition in collegiate wrestlers and football players

Background Supplementation with β-alanine has been associated with improved strength, anaerobic endurance, body composition and performance on tests of anaerobic power output following varying training protocols, including high intensity interval training (HIIT) and heavy resistance training. Early season training for collegiate wrestling includes repeated bouts of high intensity exercise with intermittent rest periods; this type of training parallels HIIT from a metabolic standpoint. Collegiate wrestlers also use moderate to high intensity resistance training with high work to rest ratios. In-season football training includes repeated bouts of short sprints and Olympic/ power lifting with low work to rest ratios.

Perceived Autonomy Support, Personal Goal Content, and Emotional Well-Being among Elite Athletes: Mediating Effects of Reasons for Goals

The relations between perceived support of autonomy from coaches, characteristics of personal goals, and emotional well-being from the perspective of self-determination theory was examined among 95 elite athletes (59% men; M = 21.6 yr., SD = 6.1) from Track and Field, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Taekwondo, and Power Lifting. Elite athletes were those representing their country in their sport. It was hypothesized that having autonomous reasons for goals would mediate the positive associations between perceived autonomy support and intrinsic goal content with subjective positive emotional well-being, and that controlled reasons for goals would mediate the association between extrinsic goal content and subjective negative emotional well-being. An idiographic approach to measures of personal goals and the autonomous and controlled reasons and intrinsic and extrinsic contents were performed. Perceived autonomy support from the coach was assessed with the Sport Climate Questionnaire and subjective emotional well-being was assessed with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. All hypotheses were supported by path analyses using LISREL.

Means and methods of strength’s development in the preliminary work period in power lifting

Means and methods of strength’s development in the preliminary work period in power lifting

Factors determining the sporting performance in powerlifting

Factors determining the sporting performance in powerlifting

Control merit Rating by average quantities of the preliminary period in power lifting

Control merit Rating by average quantities of the preliminary period in power lifting

Hypertension control is needed in elderly marathon runners!

The performance of sporting activities like cycling and running is a life style factor that improves health and increases the duration of healthy life [1, 2]. Heavy exercise, such as rowing, cycling, and marathon running at competitive levels, is considered to be healthy, although evidence of the opposite is published from time to time [3, 4]. It is known for quite some time that the hearts of extensive sport athletes develop left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), known under the name of the ‘‘athlete’s heart’’. This type of LVH is considered physiological [5–10]. Conditions like hypertensive heart disease lead to pathological LVH [11–15], as it is often associated with perivascular and interstitial fibrosis of left ventricular myocardium [16], diastolic heart failure [17, 18], arrhythmias [19, 20] and mortality [21]. Previous studies from our institution have already addressed the issue of physiological versus pathological LVH [5, 22, 23]. First of all we studied the accuracy of M-mode echocardiography and two different twodimensional echocardiographic approaches in the assessment of left ventricular mass and volumes in endurance-trained and strength-trained athletes, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging as reference standard [23]. It was shown that in general practice the two-dimensional echocardiographic approach was the most accurate estimator of left ventricular mass and volumes in both controls and athletes. For research purposes, however, CMR remains the most accurate and reliable method to assess cardiac anatomy and function [24–27]. In a next study we addressed the question of whether training-induced left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes is a physiological rather than a pathophysiological phenomenon [28]. To that purpose we studied 21 elite cyclists and 12 healthy control subjects. Left ventricular mass, volume, and function were determined by CMR and myocardial high-energy phosphates were examined by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It was shown that LVH in cyclists was not associated with significant abnormalities of cardiac function or metabolism as assessed by CMR and spectroscopy. These observations suggested that training-induced left ventricular hypertrophy in cyclists is predominantly a physiological phenomenon. Finally in a meta-analysis paper, involving 59 studies and 1,451 athletes, i.e., endurance-trained athletes (long-distance runners), strength-trained athletes (weight lifters, power lifters, bodybuilders, wrestlers, and throwers), and athletes involved in combined forms of dynamic and static training (cyclists and rowers), we confirmed the hypothesis of divergent cardiac adaptations in dynamic and static sports [5]. Overall, the athlete’s heart demonstrated normal systolic and diastolic cardiac functions. However, our meta-analysis concerned relatively young athletes between 18 and 40 years. A. van der Laarse E. E. van der Wall (&) Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden, The Netherlands e-mail: e.e.van_der_wall@lumc.nl

Algorithm and contours in control system of training process in power lifting

Abstract The control algorithm of time structure and structure of competition activity at training lessons and competitions is compiled in the article. The author defines external and internal contours in control system of training process. Keywords: algorithm of management, training process, power lifting, contours of manage-ment. Познание и управление направлено от единичных явлений к статистическим за-кономерностям и связям [8, 11]. В статистическом исследовании тренировочного про-цесса нами определена проблема управления среднестатистическими величинами в пауэрлифтинге [5]. В системе управления со случайными возмущениями спортсмен – тренер существуют закономерные отклонения от заданных значений переменных. По-этому нами составлен алгоритм, определены контуры и показатель качества критерия управления – быстродействие. В проектируемой системе через стандартные отклоне-ния определены обратные связи и замкнуты контуры управления. В наших работах определены идея и проблема оптимизации структуры и управ-ления тренировочным процессом в циклах на основе статистических данных, разрабо-тано решение оптимизационных задач [3, 5]. Выявлены состав и блок–схема системы управления тренировочным процессом со случайными возмущениями [3–5]. Опреде-лены структура двух макроциклов тренировочного процесса и структура соревнова-тельной деятельности во всех квалификационных группах пауэрлифтинга [4]. Разрабо-тана информационная система управления тренировочным процессом [7].

Scaphoidfraktur vom Typ C bei einem Elite-Kraftsportler

Power lifting injuries most often involve shoulder injuries with an injury rate of 0.57 to 0.71/1000 hours of power lifting. Wrist injuries are less common in power lifters with 0.05/1000 hours exposure vs. 0.23/1000 h in elite weight lifting men. Often, two contributing factors causing wrist injuries are encountered: a) loss of balance causing the barbell to drift back behind the head of the power lifter, which hyperextends the wrist and b) the maximal weight. We report on an elite power lifting athlete preparing for the World Masters Bench press championships suffering two months of persisting pain during bench press exercise and rest in the snuff-box area following a loss of balance of the bar-bell during bench press with 280 kg load. Following prolonged presentation 2 months after the initial injury with training in the meantime, CT-scan was performed revealing a C-type scaphoid fracture. Surgery was performed as Herbert screw fixation and bone grafting according to the technique of Matti-Russe, followed by an immobilisation of twelve weeks with a plaster. We recommended ending the athletes' power lifting career, however he further exercised with the plaster with consecutive re-operation 3months later and 2nd Matti-Russe and Herbert screw re-do. One year later he became national champion with 240 kg bench pressing. Given the limited scaphoid blood supply and the high complication rate especially among C-type scaphoid fractures, a surgical procedure with bone grafting, Herbert screw fixation and sufficient plaster immobilisation is advocated in scaphoid fractures in elite athletes.

Biomechanical substantiation of handicap in powerlifting for athletes with a disability

Biomechanical substantiation of handicap in powerlifting for athletes with a disability

The Effects of Regular Strength Training on Telomere Length in Human Skeletal Muscle

The length of DNA telomeres is an important parameter of the proliferative potential of tissues. A recent study has reported abnormally short telomeres in skeletal muscle of athletes with exercise-associated fatigue. This important report raises the question of whether long-term practice of sports might have deleterious effects on muscle telomeres. Therefore, we aimed to compare telomere length of a group of power lifters (PL; N = 7) who trained for 8 +/- 3 yr against that of a group of healthy, active subjects (C; N = 7) with no history of strength training. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis, and the mean and minimum telomeric restriction fragments (TRF) (telomere length) were determined, using the Southern blot protocol previously used for the analysis of skeletal muscle. There was no abnormal shortening of telomeres in PL. On the contrary, the mean (P = 0.07) and the minimum (P = 0.09) TRF lengths in PL tended to be higher than in C. In PL, the minimum TRF length was inversely correlated to the individual records in squat (r = -0.86; P = 0.01) and deadlift (r = -0.88; P = 0.01). These results show for the first time that long-term training is not associated with an abnormal shortening of skeletal muscle telomere length. Although the minimum telomere length in PL remains within normal physiological ranges, a heavier load put on the muscles means a shorter minimum TRF length in skeletal muscle.

Aerobic–anaerobic transition intensity measured via EMG signals in athletes with different physical activity patterns

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of electromyographic signals (EMG), to determine the EMG threshold (EMGT) in four lower extremity muscles and to compare these thresholds with the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) in subjects participating in different sports and at different performance levels. Forty-nine subjects (23.8 +/- 5.7 years, 182.7 +/- 5.3 cm, 79.1 +/- 8.6 kg) including eleven cyclists, ten team-handball players, nine kayakers, eight power lifters and eleven controls were investigated utilizing a cycle ergometer. Respiratory gas exchange measures were collected and EMG activity was continuously recorded from four muscles (vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius lateralis). The VO(2)max averaged 56.1 +/- 11.1 ml kg(-1) min(-1), the average aerobic power was 348.5 +/- 61.0 W and the corresponding VT2 occurred at 271.4 +/- 64.0 W. The EMGT ranged from 80 to 98% of power output for the different muscles. The VT2 and EMG thresholds from four different muscles were not different. When thresholds were analyzed among different groups of subjects, no significant difference was observed between VT2 and EMGT despite threshold differences between the groups. All four EMGT were significantly related to maximal aerobic power (r = 0.73-0.83) and were highly correlated to each other (r = 0.57-0.88). In conclusion, EMGT can be used to determine the VT2 for individuals independent of sport specificity or performance level.

Aortic Root Size and Prevalence of Aortic Regurgitation in Elite Strength Trained Athletes

Athletes involved in mainly static or isometric exercise (e.g., weight lifting, power lifting, and bodybuilding) develop pressure overloads due to the high systemic arterial pressure found in this type of exercise. It is hypothesized that chronically elevated aortic wall tension in strength-trained athletes is associated with aortic dilatation and regurgitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate aortic root size and the prevalence of aortic regurgitation in elite strength-trained athletes. The cohort included 100 male athletes (mean age 22.1 +/- 3.6 years; all were finalists or medalists in the country) and 128 healthy age- and height-matched subjects (the control group). Aortic root diameters at end-diastole were measured at 4 locations: (1) the aortic annulus, (2) the sinuses of Valsalva, (3) the sinotubular junction, and (4) the maximal diameter of the proximal ascending aorta. Aortic root diameters at all levels were significantly greater in the strength-trained athletes (p <0.05 for all comparisons). When the strength-trained athletes were divided into quartiles of duration of high-intensity strength training (first quartile: <18 months; second quartile: >18 and <36 months; third quartile: >36 and <54 months; fourth quartile: >54 months), progressive enlargement was found at all aortic diameters. In conclusion, aortic root diameters in all segments of the aortic root were significantly greater in elite strength-trained athletes compared with an age- and height-matched population.

Lesões traumato-ortopédicas nos atletas paraolímpicos

Nos últimos anos, o desenvolvimento do esporte paraolímpico nacional e internacional tem estimulado maior participação dos portadores de deficiência em atividades desportivas, exigindo dos atletas incremento na intensidade e freqüência nos treinamentos e competições, o que impulsiona, ainda mais, os índices de lesões traumato-ortopédicas. Objetivou-se neste estudo de caráter descritivo-analítico verificar a prevalência de lesões traumato-ortopédicas em 82 atletas paraolímpicos selecionados de forma não probabilística intencional pertencentes às modalidades: natação = 37; tênis de mesa = 19; atletismo = 19; halterofilismo = 7, sendo 60 do sexo masculino e 22 do feminino, na faixa etária de 15 a 51 anos, participantes dos campeonatos mundiais nas referidas modalidades esportivas no ano de 2002. Utilizando-se como instrumento o prontuário médico do Departamento Médico do Comitê Paraolímpico Brasileiro preenchidos nesses eventos (técnica da observação através da história clínica - esportiva do atleta/anamnese (entrevistas com os atletas) e exame físico), os resultados revelaram prevalência de lesões nos atletas de atletismo (MMII = 64,9%, coluna = 19,3% e MMSS = 15,8%); halterofilismo (coluna = 54,5%, MMSS = 36,4% e MMII = 9,1%); natação (MMSS = 44,4%, coluna = 38,9 e MMII = 16,7%) e tênis de mesa (MMSS = 56%, coluna = 36% e MMII = 8%). Tais resultados nos permitem concluir que a prática esportiva de atletas paraolímpicos, pela intensidade de esforços na tentativa de superação, provoca lesões dessa natureza, o que recomenda diagnóstico e tratamento precoces, além de fortalecer as medidas preventivas dos atletas.