Progressive Training Group Research Articles

Progressive Training Program Improves Aerobic Capacity and Physical Fitness in Student Soccer Athletes

The endurance of soccer players in Indonesia is generally still low. Aerobic capacity is an important component for improving physical fitness and endurance. When comparing several age groups, young players have less physical fitness. This study aimed to determine the effects of progressive training on changes in the maximum oxygen volume (VO2max) and heart rate (HR) based on recovery time. This study is quasi-experimental with a control group design and was conducted on student soccer athletes. Sixty athlete students who met the inclusion criteria were divided into a control group (n=30) and a progressive training group (n=30). The intervention consisted of progressive training for ten weeks with marathon running at distances of 150, 200, and 300 meters with rest intervals for each distance. The training load was gradually increased by increasing the number of repetitions every week. VO2 max, and Heart Rate were evaluated before and after the program. The results shown that the VO2 max was significantly different between the groups (p<0.001), and the Heart Rate of the subjects in both groups decreased from start to finish. Notably, the HR in the progressive training group was lower than the control group. In conclusion, progressive training is effective in improving aerobic capacity and physical fitness.

Progressive Workload Periodization Maximizes Effects of Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Muscle Injury Risk Factors.

Severo-Silveira, L, Dornelles, MP, Lima-e-Silva, FX, Marchiori, CL, Medeiros, TM, Pappas, E, and Baroni, BM. Progressive workload periodization maximizes effects of Nordic hamstring exercise on muscle injury risk factors. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1006-1013, 2021-This study aimed to investigate the effect of 2 different Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training programs (constant workload vs. progressive workload) on multiple risk factors for hamstring strain injury in high competitive level athletes. Twenty-one premier league rugby union players (∼26 years) were randomized into 1 of 2 experimental groups and completed an 8-week NHE training program: constant training group (CTG) or progressive training group (PTG). Knee flexor/extensor strength and biceps femoris long head (BFLH) muscle architecture were assessed through isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography, respectively, before and after the training programs. Increased hamstring concentric (Δ = 8%, p = 0.004, d = 0.42) and eccentric (Δ = 7%, p = 0.041, d = 0.39) peak torques, as well as H:Q conventional (Δ = 7%, p = 0.015, d = 0.54) and functional (Δ = 6%, p = 0.026, d = 0.62) ratios were observed in the follow-up compared with baseline for the PTG group only. Nordic hamstring exercise training significantly increased BFLH muscle thickness (CTG: Δ = 7%, p = 0.001, d = 0.60; PTG: Δ = 7%, p < 0.001, d = 0.54) and fascicle length (CTG: Δ = 8%, p < 0.001, d = 0.29; PTG: Δ = 10%, p < 0.001, d = 0.35) in both groups. Training adaptations on hamstring peak torque (concentric and eccentric) and H:Q ratio (conventional and functional) "likely favor" PTG, whereas changes in BFLH fascicle length "possibly favor" PTG. In conclusion, only PTG enhanced hamstring strength; both NHE training programs increased BFLH muscle thickness and fascicle length, but progressive training generated greater changes on fascicle length than constant training. Medical/coaching staff should be aware that NHE with adequate training periodization with workload progression to maximize its benefits.

Does the speed of the treadmill influence the training effect in people learning to walk after stroke? A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of high-speed treadmill training and progressive treadmill training for stroke patients. Design: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Participants: A total of 61 ambulatory stroke patients. Interventions: Patients in both groups underwent treadmill training for 30 minutes with conventional intervention. The progressive training group (n = 31) was trained to walk on a treadmill with a stepwise increase of speed over the treatment period. The high-speed training group (n = 30) trained to begin at 1.2–1.3 m/s, which is faster than the mean speed of stroke patients. All participants underwent 20 training sessions for five weeks. Main measures: Timed up-and-go test, 10-m walk test, 6-minute walk test, and both step lengths and cadence. Results: There were significant improvements in the results of the timed up-and-go test (−1.96 vs. −5.02 seconds), 10-m walk test (0.30 vs. 0.47 m/s), 6-minute walk test (38.35 vs. 64.40 m), and in the step length of the affected side (0.14 vs. 0.19 m) and the unaffected side (0.10 vs. 0.12 m) in the high-speed training group compared with those in the progressive training group (p < 0.05). Step width was not changed in either group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that high-speed training is an effective method for improving the walking ability of stroke patients.