Strength Resistance Performance Research Articles

Combined PNF and myofascial release techniques impair acute strength performance: A randomized controlled cross-sectional study

Background: Numerous strategies can be implemented as preconditioning preparation to increase strength production, including PNF and MFR strategies, however there are still contradictions in the literature regarding competing effects between preconditioning actions and strength perfor-mance, which it becomes plausible to look for the impact is effect on strength resistance perfor-mance. Objective: of the study was to evaluate the acute effects of series of PNF, myofascial release (MFR), or the sum of the methods, on the development of resistance strength in subsequent series of deadlifts. Methods: Eight adults of both sexes (25.4 ± 4.1 years) participated in the study, attend-ing the gym on 7 visits. The first visit consisted of a sample characterization. On the second and third visits, participants performed the maximum repetition Deadlift procedure, from the fourth to seventh visits, they were randomly divided into: a) CTL; b) PNF; c) MFR; d) PNF + MFR. All sessions followed three sets of the Deadlift exercise with 80% RM. Results: The repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences between the control condition (no intervention) and the PNF inter-vention (p = 0.034) and MFR + PNF (p = 0.047). However, the Control vs. MFR there were no signif-icant differences (p = 0.07), as well as PNF vs. MFR (p = 0.585), and PNF vs. PNF+MFR (p = 0.382). Conclusion: Strength performance was influenced by the PNF method, or associated with MFR, both reducing total work.

Seasonal weather conditions affect training program efficiency and physical performance among special forces trainees: A long-term follow-up study.

The purpose of the present investigation was to follow-up the effect of specific commandos’ training-cycles (SCTCs) on upper-body strength resistance and running endurance performance, as well as determine whether variation in seasonal parameters has any effect on physical performance. Fourteen SCTCs were held over eight years, involving 466 participants. Participants were assigned to four subgroups according to their distribution over the seasons: summer (n = 124), autumn (n = 145), winter (n = 52) and spring (n = 145). Before and after each SCTC, four tests (maximal pull-up, push-up and sit-up repetitions in 70-seconds for muscle strength resistance) and a 5-km cross-country run (endurance) were performed. Seasonal data were continuously recorded during all SCTCs. Body mass decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all groups following SCTCs. These training-cycles induced a significant increase (p<0.05) in the 70-seconds push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups and a decrease (p<0.01) in the 5-km cross-country running time among all trainees. The main effect of the season was present in all tests (p<0.01). With regard to the percentage of changes, the results from the 70-seconds push-up, pull-up and sit-up tests were significantly higher in winter and spring (p<0.01) compared with the two other seasons, while 5-km cross-country performance improvements were significantly higher (p<0.01) in spring and summer, compared to the two other seasons. In summary,14-week of SCTCs improved upper-body strength resistance and running endurance performance in the commandos. Improvements in strength resistance performance were greater during cool weather (winter and spring), while improvements in running endurance performance were higher during hotter (spring and summer) seasons.