Resistance Training Prescription Research Articles

RESISTANCE TRAINING PRESCRIPTION FOR ATHLETES DURING PERIODS OF PLANNED DE-LOADING: A SURVEY OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACHES

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Implementing resistance training (RT) for athletes may be difficult during some training-phases due to competing demands. However, it is currently unknown how strength and conditioning coaches prescribe RT during periods of planned de-loading. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the RT prescription practices of coaches during four common de-loading periods (taper, competitive season, tournament, travel). METHODS An anonymous online survey was shared globally to coaches, with data analysed from 204 responders (current level of athlete coached: world class n=68, elite/international n=62, highly-trained n=64, trained n=10). Coaches only provided answers about prescription for de-loading periods which they reported encountering. Where a coach indicated not prescribing RT for specific de-loading periods, they provided information on any barriers preventing RT prescription. RESULTS Weekly RT prescription across all de-load periods was typically reported as: 1-2 sessions, 30-60 min, 1-3 sets, 1-6 repetitions. Most coaches reported decreasing volume during all periods (taper: 89.1%, competitive season: 70.4%, tournament: 84.1%, travel: 74.6%), with the most common reduction in RT volume reported as 0-25%. Most coaches also decreased intensity during a taper (52.9%), tournament (54.8%) and travel (53.6%), with a 0-25% reduction most common. ‘Lack of equipment and facilities’ and ‘scheduling/time’ were common barriers cited to RT prescription during the competitive season (100% for scheduling/time), tournament (55.6% and 50.0%), and travel (57.3% and 60.0%). During a taper, ‘recovery’ was the most reported reason (41.7%). CONCLUSION During planned de-loading periods, both training volume and intensity are generally decreased by coaches compared to periods of normal training. The similarity of barriers to RT prescription during de-load periods suggests the experiences of coaches are not influenced by the phase. To address barriers experienced by some coaches, researchers should examine the use of alternative RT strategies for periods of planned de-loading to maintain training stimulus.

EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF VIGOROUS INTERVAL TRAINING, MODERATE RESISTANCE TRAINING AND PILATES ON ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AND BLOOD PRESSURE DURING PREGNANCY: A RANDOMISED CROSS-OVER TRIAL

INTRODUCTION Regular moderate intensity exercise throughout pregnancy provides significant benefits to both maternal and foetal cardiovascular health outcomes. Current exercise guidelines recommend a combination of moderate intensity aerobic and resistance training (RT). However, there is limited research exploring the cardiovascular effects of higher intensities (vigorous/high) in comparison to common pregnancy exercise modalities such as RT and Pilates (PIL). AIM: To investigate the acute effects of three modes of exercise (resistance, vigorous aerobic intervals and Pilates) during trimester two (T2) and three (T3) of pregnancy on measures of arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity [PWV]) and blood pressure (BP). METHODS Eleven women with uncomplicated pregnancies (age 32 ± 3 years, pre-pregnancy BMI 23.9 ± 3.5 kg/m2) completed testing in T2 (average 20 ± 1.6 weeks gestation) and T3 (average 29 ± 2.5 weeks gestation). Participants performed one each of vigorous intensity interval training (VIIT) (∼33 min), resistance training (RT) (∼35 min) and Pilates (PIL) (∼35 min) in T2 and T3 in randomised order approximately 1 week apart each trimester. Resting outcome measures of PWV, BP and foetal heart rate (FHR) were obtained following 5 minutes of rest and again immediately and 10 minutes post exercise session. BP, maternal heart rate (MHR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored throughout. RESULTS There was no difference in the acute PWV response to each type of exercise across the trimesters (1 min VIIT: T2 = 5.53 ± 0.85m/s, T3 = 5.26 ± 0.67m/s, 95%CI[-1.36-0.67]; RT: T2 = 5.4 ± 0.80m/s, T3 = 5.48 ± 0.56m/s, 95%CI[-0.88-1.10]; PIL: T2 = 5.44 ± 0.68m/s, T3 = 5.44 ± 0.68m/s, 95%CI[-0.93-1.01]). There was no significant difference in the acute response in SBP to VIIT (T2 = 116 ± 12.1mmHg, T3 = 122 ± 7.2mmHg, 95%CI[-0.42 - 1.65]. SBP was significantly higher in T3 than T2 1 minute following PIL (T2 = 110 ± 5.8mmHg, T3 = 121 ± 11.7mmHg, 95%CI[0.04-2.1]) and 10 minutes following RT (T2 = 105 ± 10.1mmHg, T3 = 116 ± 5.0mmHg, 95%CI[0.27 - 2.46]. CONCLUSION VIIT, RT and PIL appear to elicit similar post-exercise haemodynamic and arterial stiffness responses in both the mother and foetus. As such, VIIT may be a suitable addition to standard moderate intensity and RT prescription during an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Artificial intelligence in sport: Exploring the potential of using ChatGPT in resistance training prescription.

OpenAI's Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) technology enables conversational interactions with applications across various fields, including sport. Here, ChatGPT's proficiency in designing a 12-week resistance training programme, following specific prompts, was investigated. GPT3.5 and GPT4.0 versions were requested to design 12-week resistance training programmes for male and female hypothetical subjects (20-years-old, no injury, and 'intermediate' resistance training experience). Subsequently, GPT4.0 was requested to design an 'advanced' training programme for the same profiles. The proposed training programmes were compared with established guidelines and literature (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association textbook), and discussed. ChatGPT suggested 12-week training programmes comprising three, 4-week phases, each with different objectives (e.g., hypertrophy/strength). GPT3.5 proposed a weekly frequency of ~3 sessions, load intensity of 70-85% of one repetition-maximum, repetition range of 4-8 (2-4 sets), and tempo of 2/0/2 (eccentric/pause/concentric/'pause'). GPT4.0 proposed intermediate- and advanced programme, with a frequency of 5 or 4 sessions, 60-90% or 70-95% intensity, 3-5 sets or 3-6 sets, 5-12 or 3-12 repetitions, respectively. GPT3.5 proposed rest intervals of 90-120 s, and exercise tempo of 2/0/2. GPT4.0 proposed 60-180 (intermediate) or 60-300 s (advanced), with exercise tempo of 2/1/2 for intermediates, and 3/0/1/0, 2/0/1/0, and 1/0/1/0 for advanced programmes. All derived programmes were objectively similar regardless of sex. ChatGPT generated training programmes which likely require additional fine-tuning before application. GPT4.0 synthesised more information than GPT3.5 in response to the prompt, and demonstrated recognition awareness of training experience (intermediate vs advanced). ChatGPT may serve as a complementary tool for writing 'draft' programme, but likely requires human expertise to maximise training programme effectiveness.

The effects of wide vs. self-selected squat stance width on performance indices in elite rugby league players; an 8-week pre-season randomized controlled intervention

This study examined the efficacy of wide compared to self-selected stance width squats in terms of mediating performance improvements during an 8-week period of pre-season training in elite rugby league players. Participants (N = 26) were randomly separated into either wide (N = 13) (i.e. self-selected squat stance width increased by 20%) or self-selected (N = 13) squat stance width training groups, and they completed an 8-week pre-season training block. Measures of 505-agility test time (primary outcome), 3 repetition maximum (3RM) squat strength in participants self-selected stance position and counter movement jump height were measured at baseline and 8-weeks. There were no significant differences between training groups in terms of the improvements made during the intervention period for 505-agility test (wide: pre = 2.47 ± 0.08 & post = 2.34 ± 0.11’s and self-selected: pre = 2.46 ± 0.05 & post = 2.35 ± 0.08’s), counter movement jump (wide: pre = 42.68 ± 9.57 & post = 44.65 ± 9.04 cm, and self-selected: pre = 49.33 ± 6.70 & post = 50.33 ± 4.67 cm) or 3RM squat strength (wide: pre = 159.00 ± 15.24 & post = 178.00 ± 19.32 kg and self-selected: pre = 168.33 ± 11.73 & post = 185.56 ± 16.48kg). As such the findings from the current randomized controlled trial suggest that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that wide stance width squats represent a more efficacious method of resistance training prescription in elite rugby league.

Resistance Exercise Training in Individuals With and Without Cardiovascular Disease: 2023 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Resistance training not only can improve or maintain muscle mass and strength, but also has favorable physiological and clinical effects on cardiovascular disease and risk factors. This scientific statement is an update of the previous (2007) American Heart Association scientific statement regarding resistance training and cardiovascular disease. Since 2007, accumulating evidence suggests resistance training is a safe and effective approach for improving cardiovascular health in adults with and without cardiovascular disease. This scientific statement summarizes the benefits of resistance training alone or in combination with aerobic training for improving traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. We also address the utility of resistance training for promoting cardiovascular health in varied healthy and clinical populations. Because less than one-third of US adults report participating in the recommended 2 days per week of resistance training activities, this scientific statement provides practical strategies for the promotion and prescription of resistance training.

Validity and Reliability of the Acceleration-Speed Profile for Assessing Running Kinematics' Variables Derived From the Force-Velocity Profile in Professional Soccer Players.

Alonso-Callejo, A, García-Unanue, J, Guitart-Trench, M, Majano, C, Gallardo, L, and Felipe, J. Validity and reliability of the acceleration-speed profile for assessing running kinematics' variables derived from the force-velocity profile in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 563-570, 2024-The aim of this research is to assess the validity and reliability of the acceleration-speed profile (ASP) for measuring the mechanical variables of running kinematics when compared with the force-velocity profile (FVP) obtained by reference systems. The ASP and FVP of 14 male players of an elite football club were assessed during a competitive microcycle. Three ASPs were tested according to the number and type of sessions included in its plotting (ASP1: 5 training sessions and competitive match; ASP2: 5 training sessions; ASP3: competitive match). Force-velocity profile was tested 4 days before match (MD-4) with a 30-m linear sprint using 3 previously validated devices (encoder, mobile App, and global positioning system). Level of significance was p < 0.05. Acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.5) was found between the ASP1 and the encoder for all variables (F 0 -A 0 , V 0 -S 0 , and V max ). The more reliable ASP method was the ASP1 showing a lower bias than the ASP2 and ASP3 methods for almost all variables and reference systems. For ASP1, lower mean absolute error (MAE: 0.3-0.5) and higher correlation (P-M corr: 0.57-0.92) were found on variables related to the velocity in comparison with variables related to the early acceleration phase (F 0 -A 0 ; MAE: 0.49-0.63; P-M corr: 0.13-0.41). Acceleration-speed profile, when computed with data from a complete competitive week, is a reliable method for analyzing variables derived from velocity and acceleration kinematics. From these results, practitioners could implement ASP and the applications of the FVP previously studied, such as resistance training prescription, performance assessment, and return-to-play management.

Resistance training prescription for travelling athletes

Resistance training prescription for travelling athletes

Resistance training prescription for muscle strength and hypertrophy in healthy adults: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine how distinct combinations of resistance training prescription (RTx) variables (load, sets and frequency) affect muscle strength and hypertrophy.Data sourcesMEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were...

Implementing a velocity-based approach to resistance training: the reproducibility and sensitivity of different velocity monitoring technologies

This study examined the reproducibility of GymAware, PUSH2 and Vmaxpro velocity monitoring devices during resistance training (RT). The sensitivity of these devices to detect the smallest changes in velocity that correspond to true changes in RT performance was also investigated. Fifty-one resistance-trained men and women performed an incremental loading (1RM) test, and two repetitions to failure tests with different loads, 72 h apart. During all repetitions, mean velocity (MV) and peak velocity (PV) were simultaneously recorded by two devices of each brand. Overall, GymAware was the most reliable and sensitive device for detecting the smallest changes in RT performance, regardless of the velocity metric used. Vmaxpro can be considered as an equivalent, cheaper alternative to GymAware for RT monitoring and prescription, but only if the MV metric is used. Caution should be exercised when using PUSH2 in practice due to their comparatively higher, unacceptable measurement error and generally low sensitivity to detect changes in RT performance. Collectively, these findings support the use of MV and PV from GymAware and MV from Vmaxpro devices for RT monitoring and prescription due to their low magnitudes of error; thus, allowing for the detection of meaningful changes in neuromuscular status and functional performance during RT.

Prescription of resistance training for sarcopenic older adults: Does it require specific attention?

Sarcopenia is an age-related neuromuscular disease characterized by substantial muscle atrophy, dynapenia and/or loss of physical function. Sarcopenia progression increases the risk for numerous negative events, including falls, disability, hospitalization, nursing home placement, and death. As such, this condition is recognized as an important topic in gerontology and geriatrics. The best approach to counteract the development and progression of sarcopenia is actively debated. Resistance training (RT) has received special attention in this context, owing to the large number of studies showing its ability to produce significant improvements in sarcopenia-related parameters. Recommendations to guide RT prescription for older adults with different conditions, including people who have traits of sarcopenia, have been published. Some authors have argued that RT guidelines for older adults are similar to one another, which may indicate that the presence of sarcopenia does not require specific physical exercise programs. However, older people with sarcopenia might present with peculiar physical, biomechanical, physiological, and psychosocial characteristics that, in our view, are not taken into adequate consideration in existing exercise guidelines. Here, we present evidence to support the view that RT prescription for older adults with sarcopenia is complex, multifactorial, and still needs more evidence.

Resistance training and Down Syndrome: A narrative review on considerations for exercise prescription and safety.

The current manuscript reviews the literature on the health effects of resistance training (RT) for individuals with Down syndrome (DS), focusing on this training modality’s methodology, application, and safety. The literature has mentioned that early aging in this population is associated with loss of muscle strength, lower lean and bone mass, and increased obesity. It is necessary to propose non-pharmacological measures for prevention and health promotion. Thus, this review suggests a current research-based RT guide for individuals with DS. This review is divided into three sections: Section 2 briefly reviews DS and the effects on structural and functional decline and how exercise and physical activity can influence health aspects in this population; Section 3 summarizes the evidence for RT prescription; Section 4 briefly reviews the health and potential benefits of RT in individuals with DS. The findings from this review suggest that most individuals with DS should engage in moderate-intensity RT at least 2 days a week and perform RT on the major muscle groups and include balance training. The RT program should be modified and adapted according to individuals’ characteristics and limitations. RT promotes positive, health-related benefits such as increasing strength, improving body composition, improving functional capacity and balance, reducing inflammatory status and oxidative stress, and improving the immune system. The RT protocols summarized in this current review provide guidance, critical conclusions, and novel research settings, which could be useful to coaches, clinicians, and researchers to effectively design RT program for individuals with DS.

The Criterion Validity and Between-Day Reliability of the Perch for Measuring Barbell Velocity During Commonly Used Resistance Training Exercises.

Weakley, J, Munteanu, G, Cowley, N, Johnston, R, Morrison, M, Gardiner, C, Pérez-Castilla, A, and García-Ramos, A. The criterion validity and between-day reliability of the Perch for measuring barbell velocity during commonly used resistance training exercises. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 787-792, 2023-This study aimed to assess the criterion validity and between-day reliability (accounting for technological and biological variability) of mean and peak concentric velocity from the Perch measurement system. On 2 testing occasions, 16 subjects completed repetitions at 20, 40, 60, 80, 90, and 100% of 1-repetition maximum in the free-weight barbell back squat and bench press. To assess criterion validity, values from the Perch and a 3-dimensional motion capture system (criterion) were compared. Technological variability was assessed by determining whether the differences between the Perch and criterion for each load were comparable for both testing sessions, whereas between-day reliability with both technological and biological variability was calculated from Perch values across days. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate R2 and root mean square error, whereas Bland-Altman plots assessed magnitude of difference between measures. To support monitoring of athletes over time, standard error of measurement and minimum detectable changes (MDC) were calculated. There was excellent agreement between the Perch and criterion device, with mean velocity in both exercises demonstrating a mean bias ranging from -0.01 to 0.01 m·s -1 . For peak velocity, Perch underestimated velocity compared with the criterion ranging from -0.08 to -0.12 m·s -1 for the back squat and -0.01 to -0.02 m·s -1 for the bench press. Technological variability between-days were all less than the MDC. These findings demonstrate that the Perch provides valid and reliable mean and peak concentric velocity outputs across a range of velocities. Therefore, practitioners can confidently implement this device for the monitoring and prescription of resistance training.

P366 EFFECTS OF EXERCISE REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH LONG COVID–19

Moving from the first COVID–19 pandemic to the chronic phase of COVID–19, more than 50 long–term detrimental effects have been recognized in the so–called long COVID–19 syndrome. The exact mechanisms underlying the exercise capacity reduction and functional limitations are unknown, however, rehabilitation could play a pivotal role. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a combination of aerobic and resistance training performed in the same session for 8 weeks could be well–tolerated and effective in long COVID–19 patients with reduced exercise capacity [(<85% of predicted peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak)] at 3–month from hospital discharge after COVID–19. The exercise training program included 3 exercise sessions per week. Each session included: a) aerobic exercise (starting at 30 min and increasing to 60 min) with 5 min warm–up and 5–min cool down; b) nine major muscle group resistance exercises (for the lower extremity: leg extension/flexion, abduction/adduction, and leg press; for the upper extremity: push–up/pull–down; for the core muscles: abdomen, back). The intensity of aerobic exercise was defined according to VO2peaktest results targeting the 80% level of lactate threshold in Watts. Resistance training load was determined for each muscle groups according to the results of the maximal dynamic strength testing (1RM; one repetition maximum) and was confirmed and updated after 4 weeks by defining new 1RM values. Resistance training prescription loading was defined as 40% of 1RM, 2 sets (3 sets for last two weeks) and 12 repetitions for each muscle group. The duration of a single training session was approximately 90 min. Out of 220 patients screened, 50 patients (aged 55.8±9.7 years, 15 women, body mass index 26.6±5.2 kg/m2) were enrolled. Mean exercise training sessions was 66.1±34.0; none of the patients dropped out from the study. VO2peak increased 15% and peak ventilation 9% (p < 0.001 for both). After the training program, mean percentage of VO2peak significantly increased (+14.2%, p < 0.001). Muscle strength increased markedly for all major muscle groups ranging from 16% to 33% increase (p < 0.010). An exercise rehabilitation with combined aerobic and resistance exercises for 8 weeks increases markedly both cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness in long COVID–19 patients. These results may highlight the importance of regular exercise rehabilitation aiming to promote daily activities, independent living, and better quality of life.

Using cluster and rest redistribution set structures as alternatives to resistance training prescription method based on velocity loss thresholds.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cluster (CS), rest redistribution (RR) and traditional (TS) set configurations on acute neuromuscular performance, and to determine the viability of using CS and RR as alternatives to training prescription based on velocity loss (VL).MethodsThirty-one resistance-trained men performed, in a randomised order, three experimental sessions consisting of the squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises performed against the 10-repetition maximum load using CS (three sets of six repetitions; 30 s of intra-set rest every two repetitions; 3 min of inter-set rest), RR (9 sets of two repetitions; 45 s of inter-set rest), and TS (3 sets of 6 repetitions; 3 min of inter-set rest), set configurations.ResultsLinear mixed-effects model analysis revealed that participants had significantly lower VL (p = 0.0005) during CS and RR than TS. Generalised mixed-effects model analysis yielded significant main effects of set structure (p < 0.0001; RR > CS > TS), exercise (p < 0.0001; SQ > BP), and set number (p = 0.0006; Set 1 > Set 2 > Set 3) for maintaining repetition velocity above a 20% VL threshold.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that CS and RR are effective at reducing the overall fatigue-included decrease in velocity compared to TS and allow the majority of repetitions to be completed with less than 20% VL. Therefore, both CS and RR can be used to manage fatigue during resistance training, and as alternatives to training prescription method based on 20% VL threshold.

Effects of squatting with elastic bands or conventional resistance-training equipment at different effort levels in post-exercise intraocular pressure of healthy men.

This study aimed to compare intraocular pressure (IOP), mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) acute adaptations to squat exercise using elastic bands (EB) or weight plates (WP) together with the weight of the bar and applying maximal or submaximal efforts. Cardiovascular parameters (pulse pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate), rate of perceived exertion, kilograms, and number of repetitions served to monitor psychophysiological acute variations. Twenty physically active males (25.55 ± 4.75 y.o.) underwent two sessions (one for familiarization and one for the experimental trial). In the experimental session, ocular and cardiovascular pre-exercise measurements were taken. Then, two sets using WP and two using EB attached to the bar with the same load were performed by each subject in random order. Immediately after finishing each set, the subjects rated perceived exertion, and cardiovascular and ocular measurements were taken, in this order. An ANOVA with post-hoc LSD evaluated differences between sets. IOP significantly decreased (p < 0.001, ƞp2 = 0.513), and MOPP (p < 0.001, ƞp2 = 0.413) and cardiovascular variables significantly increased due to the exercise effect; CCT changes were non-significant. No significant effect of the material, level of effort, or their interaction was observed in the IOP and MOPP (p > 0.05). EB permitted more repetitions to be performed and led to non-significantly lower post-exercise IOP values (effect size [d] compared to resting 0.79 and 1.00) in comparison to WP (d = 0.73–0.74). IOP and ocular and systemic hemodynamic responses are similar when using EB instead of WP to load the bar, with EB allowing a larger number of repetitions. Data presented in this paper may help with the prescription of resistance training for people with glaucoma risk factors.

Effect of Resistance Training With Total and Partial Blood Flow Restriction on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Untrained Men.

Introduction: The characterization of immune and oxidative stress responses to acute and chronic exercise training is important because it may aid in the safety and dose–response prescription of resistance training (RT) in many populations.Purpose: The present study compared changes in acute oxidative stress and markers of apoptosis in immune cells before and after 8 weeks of low-load RT with total or partial blood flow restriction (BFR) versus high-load traditional RT.Methods: Twenty-seven untrained men were randomly divided into three groups: traditional RT [75% one-repetition maximum (1-RM)], RT with partial (20% 1-RM), and total BFR (20% 1-RM). Over an 8-week period, participants performed six sets of arm curls until failure with 90 seconds of recovery for 3 days/week. Blood samples were obtained before and after the first and last training sessions.Results: Data indicated that all training groups showed similar increases in muscular strength (p < 0.001), reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) after exercise in neutrophils (p < 0.001), and increase in caspase-3 activity after exercise (p < 0.001). Traditional RT and total BFR showed increased plasma lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) and protein carbonyls (p < 0.001) and lower levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.001) after exercise. No change was observed in oxidative stress biomarkers in response to partial BFR (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Data show that RT with partial BFR can increase muscular strength but still does not augment biomarkers of oxidative stress in untrained men. In addition, RT with total BFR promoted similar responses of oxidative stress and markers of immune cell apoptosis versus traditional RT.

Should We Trust Perceived Effort for Loading Control and Resistance Exercise Prescription After ACL Reconstruction?

The rating of perceived effort (RPE) is a common method used in clinical practice for monitoring, loading control, and resistance training prescription during rehabilitation after rupture and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It is suggested that the RPE results from the integration of the afferent feedback and corollary discharge in the motor and somatosensory cortex, and from the activation of brain areas related to emotions, affect, memory, and pain (eg, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and prefrontal cortex). Recent studies have shown that rupture and ACLR induce neural adaptations in the brain commonly associated with the RPE. Therefore, we hypothesize that RPE could be affected because of neural adaptations induced by rupture and ACLR. Clinical review. Level 5. RPE could be directly altered by changes in the activation of motor cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex. These neural adaptations may be induced by indirect mechanisms, such as the afferent feedback deficit, pain, and fear of movement (kinesiophobia) that patients may feel after rupture and ACLR. Using only RPE for monitoring, loading control, and resistance training prescription in patients who had undergone ACLR could lead to under- or overdosing resistance exercise, and therefore, impair the rehabilitation process. 3C.

Improving resistance training prescription through the load-velocity relationship in breast cancer survivors: The case of the leg-press exercise

ABSTRACT The aims of this study were: (i) to analyse the load-velocity relationship in the bilateral leg-press exercise in female breast cancer survivors, (ii) to assess whether mean velocity (MV) or peak velocity (PV) show stronger relationship with the relative load, and (iii) to examine whether linear (LA) or polynomic (PA) adjustment predict the velocities associated with each %1RM with greater precision. Twenty-two female breast cancer survivors (age: 50.2 ± 10.8 years, weight: 69.6 ± 15.2 kg, height: 160.51 ± 5.25 cm) completed an incremental load test until 1RM in the bilateral leg-press exercise. The MV and the PV of the concentric phase were measured in each repetition using a linear velocity transducer, and were analysed by regression models using LA and PA. A very close relationship of MV (R 2 = 0.924; p < 0.0001; SEE = 0.08m.s−1 by LA, and R² = 0.952; p < 0.0001; SEE = 0.063 m.s−1 by PA) and PV (R² = 0.928; p < 0.0001; SEE = 0.119 m.s−1 by LA and R² = 0.941; p < 0.0001; SEE = 0.108 m.s−1 by PA) with %1RM were observed. The MV of 1RM was 0.24 ± 0.03 m·s−1, whereas the PV at 1RM was 0.60 ± 0.10 m.s−1. A comprehensive analysis of the bilateral leg-press load-velocity relationship in breast cancer survivors is presented. The results suggest that MV is the most recommendable velocity variable to prescribe the relative load during resistance training, and that the PA presents better accuracy to predict velocities associated with each %1RM, although LA is sufficiently valid to use this model as an alternative to the quadratic model. The implications for resistance training in breast cancer are discussed.

Practical Recommendations Relevant to the Use of Resistance Training for COVID-19 Survivors.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged at the end of 2019 and caused a global pandemic. The disease predominantly affects the respiratory system; however, there is evidence that it is a multisystem disease that also impacts the cardiovascular system. Although the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are not well-known, evidence from similar diseases alerts for the possibility of long-term impaired physical function and reduced quality of life, especially in those requiring critical care. Therefore, rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve outcomes in COVID-19 survivors. Among the possible strategies, resistance training (RT) might be particularly interesting, since it has been shown to increase functional capacity both in acute and chronic respiratory conditions and in cardiac patients. The present article aims to propose evidence-based and practical suggestions for RT prescription for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 with a special focus on immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Based on the current literature, we present RT as a possible safe and feasible activity that can be time-efficient and easy to be implemented in different settings.

Classification and Determination Model of Resistance Training Status

ABSTRACT An individual's training status is a key factor used to determine the volume, the intensity, and the selection of exercises for resistance training prescription. Interestingly, there are no objective parameters to assess training status, so there is ambiguity in determining the appropriate volume and other resistance training variables in this regard. Thus, the objective of this study was to propose a strategy for classification and determination of resistance training status. The following five parameters were identified and used: (a) current uninterrupted training time, (b) time of detraining, (c) previous training experience, (d) exercise technique, and (e) strength level. Moreover, 4 classification levels are proposed: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and highly advanced, which are determined by the mean score of the parameters used. The proposed model represents an important advancement in training status classification and can be used as a valid tool for training prescription and for researchers to better characterize a sample and reproduce results under the same conditions in future studies.