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Varela-Sanz, A, Tuimil, JL, Abreu, L, and Boullosa, DA. Does concurrent training intensity distribution matter? J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 181-195, 2017-Previous research has demonstrated the influence of intensity distribution on endurance training adaptations. However, no study has addressed the influence of intensity distribution on the effectiveness of concurrent training (CT). The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of 2 CT programs with different training intensity distribution and externally equated loads on physical fitness. Thirty-one sport science students volunteered and were evaluated for resting heart rate variability (HRV), countermovement jump, bench press, half squat, and maximum aerobic speed (MAS). All were randomly distributed into either a traditional-based training group (TT; n = 11; 65-75% of MAS, combined with 10-12 repetition maximum [RM]), polarized training group (PT; n = 10; 35-40% and 120% of MAS, combined with 5RM and 15RM), or control group (CG; n = 10). After 8 weeks of training (3 daysweek), TT and PT exhibited similar improvements in MAS, bench press, and half squat performances. No differences were observed between TT and PT groups for perceived loads. There were no changes in HRV for any group, although TT exhibited a reduction in resting heart rate. Compared with other groups, the PT group maintained jump capacity with an increment in body mass and body mass index without changes in body fatness. In conclusion, PT induced similar improvements in physical fitness of physically active individuals when compared with TT. However, PT produced a lower interference for jumping capacity despite an increment in body mass, whereas TT induced greater bradycardia. Extended studies with different intensity distributions should be conducted to better determine the dose-response of CT in various populations.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different high-intensity resistance exercise (RE) set configurations on the following: systolic blood pressure (SBP), rate pressure product (RPP), heart rate (HR) variability (HRV), and HR complexity (HRC). Ten well-trained males performed three parallel squat sets until failure (traditional training; TT) with the four repetitions maximum load (4RM), and a rest of 3 min between sets. Thereafter, participants performed a cluster training session (CT) of equated load but with resting time distributed between each repetition. Dependent variables were recorded before, during, and after RE. Mean SBP (25·7 versus 10·9% percentage increase; P = 0·016) and RPP (112·5 versus 69·9%; P = 0·01) were significantly higher in TT. The decrease in HRV after exercise and the drop of HRC during exercise were similar in CT and TT. Change of standard deviation of normal RR intervals after TT correlated with change in SBP (r = 0·803; P = 0·009) while the change of Sample Entropy during exercise correlated with the increment of RPP during CT (ρ = -0·667; P = 0·05). This study suggests that set configuration influences acute cardiovascular responses during RE. When intensity, volume and work-to-rest ratio are equated, CT is less demanding in terms of SBP and RPP. A greater hemodynamic response during exercise would be associated with a faster parasympathetic recovery., (© 2014 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors in individuals with high risk of diabetes and heart disease. Resistance training (RT) has been proposed to be a safe, effective and worthwhile method for the prevention and treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, no study has analysed the acute response of blood pressure (BP) and autonomic control of heart rate (HR) after a RT session in female patients with MetS. The aim of the present study was to analyse the response of laboratory assessed and ambulatory BP and cardiac autonomic modulation after a RT session in women with MetS. Nine women without MetS (35.0 ± 6.7 years) and 10 women with MetS (34.1 ± 9.4 years) completed one experimental exercise session and a control session. Laboratory BP, heart rate variability (HRV) and ambulatory BP of each subject were measured at rest, over 60 min, and for 24 h after the end of the sessions, respectively. There was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP), night time diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean blood pressure (MBP) only for women with MetS, for all periods after the RT session when compared with the control session (P<0.05). Significantly lower laboratory values of SBP and DBP (10, 30 and 40 min postexercise) and MBP (10, 40 and 50 min postexercise) were observed in women with MetS (P<0.05). Patients with MetS exhibited significant lower basal HRV and a lower autonomic responsiveness during the 60 min of acute recovery. These results confirmed that an acute session of resistance exercise induced a lower BP during day time and sleeping hours in women with MetS that may offer a cardio-protective effect. Women with MetS exhibited an impaired autonomic modulation at rest and a lower acute autonomic responsiveness to a RT session. The dissociation between BP and HRV responses suggests that other factors than autonomic control could be involved in the hypotensive effect of a RT session in MetS patients., (© 2013 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of exercise type, set configuration, and relative intensity load on relationship between 1 repetition maximum (1RM) and maximum number of repetitions (MNR). Thirteen male subjects, experienced in resistance training, were tested in bench press and biceps curl for 1RM, MNR at 90% of 1RM with cluster set configuration (rest of 30s between repetitions) and MNR at 70% of 1RM with traditional set configuration (no rest between repetitions). A lineal encoder was used for measuring displacement of load. Analysis of variance analysis revealed a significant effect of load (p<0.01) and a tendency in exercise factor (p=0.096), whereas the interaction effect was not significant. MNR at 70% of 1RM was lower for biceps curl (16.31+/-2.59 vs. 8.77+/-3 in bench press and biceps curl, respectively; p<0.05) and at 90% of 1RM (21.85+/-11.06 vs. 18.54+/-12.84 in bench press and biceps curl, respectively; p>0.05). Correlation between 1RM and MNR was significant for medium-intensity in biceps curl (r=-0.574; p<0.05) and between MNR and 1RM/body mass (r=-0.574; p<0.05). Neither 1RM nor 1RM/body mass correlated with velocity along set, so velocity seems to be similar at a same relative intensity for subjects with differences in maximum strength levels. From our results, we suggest the employment of MNR rather than % of 1RM for training monitoring. Furthermore, we suggest the introduction of cluster set configuration for upper-body assessment of MNR and for upper-body muscular endurance training at high-intensity loads, as it seems an efficient approach in looking for sessions with greater training volumes. This could be an interesting approach for such sports as wrestling or weightlifting.

Purpose: Monitoring is a fundamental part of the training process to guarantee that the programmed training loads are executed by athletes and result in the intended adaptations and enhanced performance. A number of monitoring tools have emerged during the last century in sport. These tools capture different facets (eg, psychophysiological, physical, biomechanical) of acute training bouts and chronic adaptations while presenting specific advantages and limitations. Therefore, there is a need to identify what tools are more efficient in each sport context for better monitoring of training process. Methods and Results: We present and discuss the fine-tuning approach for training monitoring, which consists of identifying and combining the best monitoring tools with experts' knowledge in different sport settings, designed to improve (1) the control of actual training loads and (2) understanding of athletes' training adaptations. Instead of using single-tool approaches or merely subjective decision making, the identification of the best combination of monitoring tools to assist experts' decisions in each specific context (ie, triangulation) is necessary to better understand the link between acute and chronic adaptations and their impact on health and performance. Future studies should elaborate on the identification of the best combination of monitoring tools for each specific sport setting. Conclusion: The fine-tuning monitoring approach requires the simultaneous use of several valid and practical tools, instead of a single tool, to improve the effectiveness of monitoring practices when added to experts' knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The complex-contrast training (CCT) method utilizes two exercises with different loads and movement velocities in a set-by-set fashion to induce multiple neuromuscular adaptations. The speculated primary mechanism involves the post-activation potentiation or post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of the muscles used during the heavy load (low velocity) exercise, thereby improving the performance of lower load (high velocity) exercise. However, no previous study has attempted to systematically synthesize the available evidence on CCT (e.g., if post-activation potentiation or PAPE was measured during the training sessions during the intervention period). This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on CCT using a systematic scoping review approach. More specifically, we identified gaps in the literature using an evidence gap map (EGM), and provided future directions for research. Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched up to 20th February 2024. Data were extracted under a PICO framework: (a) Participants-related data (e.g., age, sex, type of sport); (b) Intervention-related data (e.g., duration of training); (c) Comparators (when available); and (d) Outcomes (e.g., measures of physical fitness). Interactive EGMs were created using the EPPI mapper software. Results: From the 5,695 records screened, 68 studies were eligible for inclusion, involving 1,821 participants (only 145 females from 5 studies). All CCT interventions lasted ≤ 16 weeks. More than half of the studies assessed countermovement jump, sprint, and maximal strength performances. No studies were identified which examined upper-body CCT exercises alone, and no study assessed PAPE during the CCT sessions. Overall, the available evidence was rated with a low level of confidence. Conclusions: In conclusion, whether CCT produces a PAPE that translates into longitudinal performance gains remains unclear. Moreover, the available evidence on the effects of CCT on various outcomes provides low confidence regarding the most effective way to implement this training method, particularly among females, and beyond long-term interventions. Key Points: The current evidence of complex-contrast training (CCT) for various outcome variables (e.g., sprinting, jumping) includes a limited number of participants (N < 800). Longitudinal studies beyond sixteen weeks of duration were unavailable, and only a small number of studies (n = 5/68) were available on female participants. Previous studies have considered the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) phenomenon during CCT sessions as one of the main mechanisms responsible for improving physical fitness attributes (e.g., sprinting, jumping). However, no longitudinal study has assessed PAPE responses during CCT sessions. Hence, the role of PAPE in physical fitness improvement after CCT has yet to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the chronic effect of high cognitive effort immediately before resistance exercise sessions on neuromuscular performance in untrained male adults. We used a mixed experimental design, with the group as between‐participants factor and time as within‐participants factor. Thirty‐four participants were randomly assigned to two parallel groups: high cognitive effort (n = 17) and control (n = 17). Subjects in the control group were seated for 30 min before the resistance exercise sessions, while the high cognitive effort group completed incongruent trials of the Stroop task until subjective mental fatigue was present immediately before resistance exercise sessions. Participants attended 45 sessions over 15 weeks, consisting of three familiarizations, three baseline evaluations, 36 velocity‐based training sessions, and three postexperiment evaluation sessions. Rate of force development (RFD) during the isometric mid‐thigh pull, half back‐squat 1‐RM, and countermovement jump (CMJ) were measured before and after the 12‐week intervention. A significant group × time interaction effect was found for the average RFD at 0–250 ms (p < 0.05), with greater improvements for the control group than for the high cognitive effort group. There was no group × time interaction for half back‐squat 1‐RM (p > 0.05). Also, there was no group × time interaction for CMJ (p > 0.05). In conclusion, repeated high cognitive effort immediately prior to resistance exercise sessions is a phenomenon that can induce greater early velocity loss and, consequently, impairs the improvements in RFD. However, this did not inhibit the increased performance for explosive strength and CMJ in male untrained adults. High cognitive effort before resistance exercise sessions should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) evaluate the acute effects of different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols on countermovement jump (CMJ) height, velocity loss (VL), and skin temperature (Tsk) and (2) determine whether the VL, the changes in Tsk, or the individual strength level is associated with the change in CMJ height. Methods: Sixteen resistance-trained men randomly performed 3 squat protocols at maximal intended velocity with 60% of the 1-repetition maximum (sets × repetitions [interrepetition rest]): traditional (2 × 6 [0 s]), cluster 2 (2 × 6 [30 s every 2 repetitions]), and cluster 1 (1 × 12; [36 s every repetition]), plus a control session. CMJ height was assessed before and 2, 4, and 8 minutes after the protocols. Results: There was a significant main effect of protocol for the VL (F = 20.54, P <.001) and loss in mean power (F = 12.85, P <.001; traditional > cluster 2 > cluster 1). However, we found a comparable reduction of CMJ height after 8 minutes: traditional (−3.4% [4.2%]), cluster 2 (−5.3% [4.9%]), cluster 1 (−5.4% [2.9%]), and control (−4.2% [3.6%]). Overall, mean Tsk acutely decreased after all the protocols. Higher individual strength level (but not VL or the changes in Tsk) was associated with lower CMJ-height loss (P <.05). Conclusions: Although different interrepetition rest full-squat protocols may alter the loss in velocity and power, they result in a similar decrease in Tsk and CMJ height, which could be more influenced by individual strength level than VL or changes in Tsk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the acute responses to different set configurations (cluster [CLU] vs. traditional [TRA]) under distinct blood flow conditions (free vs. restricted) in full-squat (SQ). Twenty resistance-trained males performed 4 protocols that differed in the set configuration (TRA: continuous repetitions; vs. CLU: 30 seconds of rest every 2 repetitions) and in the blood flow condition (FF: free-flow; vs. blood flow restriction [BFR]: 50% of arterial occlusion pressure). The relative intensity (60% 1RM), volume (3 sets of 8 repetitions), and resting time (2 minutes) were equated. Mean propulsive force (MPF), velocity (MPV) and power (MPP), and electromyography (EMG) parameters were recorded during each repetition. Ten-siomyography (TMG), blood lactate, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, in SQ, and movement velocity against the load that elicited a 1 m⋅s-1 velocity at baseline (V1-load) in SQ were assessed at pre- and post-exercise. The CLU protocols allowed a better maintenance of MPF, MPV, MPP, and EMG median frequency during the exercise compared to TRA (clu-time interaction, p < 0.05). The TRA protocols experienced greater impairments post-exercise in TMG- and EMG-derived variables (clu-time interaction, p < 0.05) and SQ and CMJ performance (clu-time interaction, p = 0.08 andp < 0.05, respectively), as well as higher blood lactate concentrations (clu-time interaction, p < 0.001) than CLU. Moreover, BFR displayed decreases in TMG variables (bfr-time interaction, p < 0.01), but BFR-CLU resulted in the greatest reduction in twitch contraction time (p < 0.001). Cluster sets reduced fatigue during and after the training session and BFR exacerbated impairments in muscle mechanical properties; however, the combination of both could improve contraction speed after exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the impact of bar velocity during the eccentric phase on subsequent concentric performance in the young and elderly. Twelve elderly women (65.2+4.2 years) and 16 young women (23.1+2.1 years) were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions that combined high-velocity eccentric actions (HVECC ; maximum velocity) and moderate-velocity eccentric actions (MVECC ; 2.0 s), using 30% and 60% of their 1-repetition maximum (1RM) on the Smith machine bench press. Measurements of mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), and mean power (MP) were recorded. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was applied for each variable, when needed, the Bonferroni post hoc was used. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, and effect size (ES) was established by Cohen's dz. The results demonstrated that elderly women showed improved performance in MPV (+10.0%; ES=− 0.58; p=0.009) and MP (+11.7%; ES=− 0.14; p=0.045) when utilizing HVECC at 30% 1RM only. Moreover, young women exhibited superior performance for both 30% and 60% 1RM when using HVECC for all variables analyzed (p<0.05). The HVECC appears to have an impact on the subsequent performance of the concentric phase, particularly when lighter loads (30% 1RM) are utilized, regardless of the age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The optimal power load is defined as the load that maximizes power output in a given exercise. This load can be determined through the use of various instruments, under different testing protocols. Specifically, the "optimum power load" (OPL) is derived from the load–velocity relationship, using only bar force and bar velocity in the power computation. The OPL is easily assessed using a simple incremental testing protocol, based on relative percentages of body mass. To date, several studies have examined the associations between the OPL and different sport-specific measures, as well as its acute and chronic effects on athletic performance. The aim of this brief review is to present and summarize the current evidence regarding the OPL, highlighting the main lines of research on this topic and discussing the potential applications of this novel approach for testing and training. Conclusions: The validity and simplicity of OPL-based schemes provide strong support for their use as an alternative to more traditional strength–power training strategies. The OPL method can be effectively used by coaches and sport scientists in different sports and populations, with different purposes and configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity of the iLOAD® application to detect the changes in mean barbell velocity of complete sets following power- and strength-oriented resistance training (RT) programs. Methods: Twenty men were randomly assigned to a power training group (countermovement jump and bench press throw at 40% of the 1-repetition maximum [1RM]) or strength training group (back squat and bench press at 70% to 90% of 1RM). Single sets of 10 repetitions at 25% and 70% of 1RM during the back squat and bench press exercises were assessed before and after the 4-week RT programs simultaneously with the iLOAD® application and a linear velocity transducer. Results: The power training group showed a greater increment in velocity performance at the 25% of 1RM (effect size range = 0.66–1.53) and the 70% of 1RM (effect size range = 0.11–0.30). The percent change in mean velocity after the RT programs highly correlated between the iLOAD® application and the linear velocity transducer for the back squat (r range =.85–.88) and bench press (r range =.87–.93). However, the iLOAD® application revealed a 2% greater increase in mean velocity after training compared to the linear velocity transducer. Conclusions: The iLOAD® application is a cost-effective, portable, and easy-to-use tool which can be used to detect changes in mean barbell velocity after power- and strength-oriented RT programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method was developed 25 years ago as a modification of the Borg concept of rating of perceived exertion (RPE), designed to estimate the intensity of an entire training session. It appears to be well accepted as a marker of the internal training load. Early studies demonstrated that sRPE correlated well with objective measures of internal training load, such as the percentage of heart rate reserve and blood lactate concentration. It has been shown to be useful in a wide variety of exercise activities ranging from aerobic to resistance to games. It has also been shown to be useful in populations ranging from patients to elite athletes. The sRPE is a reasonable measure of the average RPE acquired across an exercise session. Originally designed to be acquired ∼30 minutes after a training bout to prevent the terminal elements of an exercise session from unduly influencing the rating, sRPE has been shown to be temporally robust across periods ranging from 1 minute to 14 days following an exercise session. Within the training impulse concept, sRPE, or other indices derived from sRPE, has been shown to be able to account for both positive and negative training outcomes and has contributed to our understanding of how training is periodized to optimize training outcomes and to understand maladaptations such as overtraining syndrome. The sRPE as a method of monitoring training has the advantage of extreme simplicity. While it is not ideal for the precise recording of the details of the external training load, it has large advantages relative to evaluating the internal training load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to: 1) provide and compare the height achieved during Smith machine (SM) and free weight (FW) loaded jumps executed over a wide spectrum of loads (40--120% of body mass [BM]); and 2) test the difference between loaded and unloaded squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) attempts in ten highly trained male sprinters. On the first visit, athletes performed unloaded SJ and CMJ, loaded SJ with loads corresponding to 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120% BM, and loaded CMJ at 100% BM using an Olympic barbell (FW). On the second visit, they performed loaded SJ and CMJ tests under the same loading conditions on the SM device and, subsequently, a half-squat one-repetition maximum (1RM) assessment. The relative strength (RS = 1RM/BM) of the athletes was 2.54 ± 0.15. Loaded SJ performance was similar between SM and FW, and across all loading conditions. Differences in favour of CMJ (higher jump heights compared with SJ) were superior in the unloaded condition but decreased progressively as a function of loading. In summary, sprinters achieved similar SJ heights across a comprehensive range of loads, regardless of the execution mode (FW or SM). The positive effect of the countermovement on jump performance is progressively reduced with increasing load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of jump training (JT) on measures of physical fitness and athletic performances in endurance runners. Controlled studies which involved healthy endurance runners, of any age and sex, were considered. A random-effects model was used to calculate effect sizes (ES; Hedge's g). Means and standard deviations of outcomes were converted to ES with alongside 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Twenty-one moderate-to-high quality studies were included in the meta-analysis, and these included 511 participants. The main analyses revealed a significant moderate improvement in time-trial performance (i.e. distances between 2.0 and 5.0 km; ES = 0.88), without enhancements in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), velocity at VO2max, velocity at submaximal lactate levels, heart rate at submaximal velocities, stride rate at submaximal velocities, stiffness, total body mass or maximal strength performance. However, significant small-to-moderate improvements were noted for jump performance, rate of force development, sprint performance, reactive strength, and running economy (ES = 0.36–0.73; p < 0.001 to 0.031; I2 = 0.0% to 49.3%). JT is effective in improving physical fitness and athletic performance in endurance runners. Improvements in time-trial performance after JT may be mediated through improvements in force generating capabilities and running economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the changes in load-velocity relationship of bench press and parallel squat exercises following two programs differing in the set configuration. A randomized controlled trial was carried out in a sample of 39 physically active individuals. Participants were assigned to rest redistribution set configuration, traditional set configuration, or control groups. Over 5 weeks, the experimental groups completed 10 sessions with the 10 repetitions maximum load of both exercises. Rest redistribution sets consisted in 16 sets of 2 repetitions with 60 s of rest between sets, and 5 min between exercises, whereas traditional sets entailed 4 sets of 8 repetitions with 5 min of rest between sets and exercises. The load-velocity relationships of both exercises were obtained before and after the training period. For bench press, an increase of the velocity axis intercept, and a decrease of the slope at post-test were observed in both rest redistribution (p<0.001, G=1.264; p<0.001; G=0.997) and traditional set (p=0.01, G=0.654; p=0.001; G=0.593) groups. For squat, the slope decreased (p<0.001; G=0.588) and the velocity axis intercept increased (p<0.001; G=0.727) only in the rest redistribution group. These results show that rest redistribution sets were particularly efficient for inducing changes in the load-velocity relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a smartphone application (iLOAD) for the monitoring of mean concentric velocity (MV) during resistance training sets. Twenty males completed 2 identical sessions consisting of one set of 10 repetitions against 4 loads (25, 40, 55, 70% of the one repetition maximum [1RM]) during the back squat and bench press exercises. The MV of the 5 initial repetitions and for the whole set were determined simultaneously with the iLOAD application and a linear velocity transducer (LVT). Two independent researchers operated the iLOAD application during the experimental sessions to evaluate the interrater agreement for the assessment of MV. An acceptable but generally lower reliability was observed for iLOAD (coefficient of variation [CV] range: 5.61–9.79%) compared to the LVT (CV range: 4.51–8.18%) at 25-40-55% of 1RM, whereas the reliability at 75% of 1RM was acceptable for the LVT during the bench press (CV range: 6.37–8.26%), but it was unacceptable for the iLOAD during both exercises (CV range: 11.3–12.8%) and for the LVT during the back squat (CV range: 11.3–17.4%). Small to moderate differences (ES range: 0.24–1.04) and very high to practically perfect correlations (r range: 0.70–0.90) were observed between the iLOAD and the LVT. A very high agreement was observed between both raters for the recording of MV during the back squat and bench press exercises (r $ 0.98). Taken together, these results suggest that the iLOAD application can be confidently used to quantify the MV of training sets during the squat and bench press exercises not performed to failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External load influences internal load in resistance training (RT). The purpose of the present study was to compare the total volume-load, perceptual and stress responses during three different RT protocols. Twelve resistance-trained men completed three different RT protocols with the back squat and bench press exercises: (1) power (POW) (5 sets of 6 repetitions at 50%1RM, 2-min of rest), (2) hypertrophy (HYP) (5 sets-to-failure at 75%1RM, 2-min of rest), and (3) strength (STR) (5 sets-to-failure at 90%1RM, 3-min of rest). Volume-load (kg × reps.), session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), training impulse (TRIMP; reps. × sRPE), cortisol, immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before and/or after the sessions. HYP was the most demanding session in terms of volume-load (p < 0.001), TRIMP (p < 0.001), cortisol (p = 0.001), lactate (p < 0.001), and CK (p = 0.001). Despite POW exhibited a greater volume-load than STR (p = 0.016), the latter exhibiting a greater sRPE (p < 0.001), and a greater post-session CK (p = 0.05). However, the TRIMP of STR and POW were not statistically different (152 vs. 260 AU; p = 0.089). These specific responses could be meditated by the presence of muscular failure. When pooling all the sessions, significant correlations were revealed among external and internal stress markers (r = 0.35–0.80; p ≤ 0.05). The use of TRIMP could be recommended as a simple and valid monitoring tool which integrates into a single parameter the internal and the external loads of RT sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare mechanical, metabolic, and perceptual responses between 2 traditional (TR) and 4 cluster (CL) set configurations. In a counterbalanced randomized order, 11 men were tested with the following protocols in separate sessions (sets × repetitions [interrepetition rest]): TR1: 3 × 10 [0 seconds]; TR2: 6 × 5 [0 seconds]; CL1: 3 × 10 [10 seconds]; CL2: 3 × 10 [15 seconds]; CL3: 3 × 10 [30 seconds]; CL4: 1 × 30 [15 seconds]. The exercise (full squat), number of repetitions (30), interset rest (5 minutes), and resistance applied (10 repetition maximum) was the same for all set configurations. Mechanical fatigue was quantified by measuring the mean propulsive velocity during each repetition and the change in countermovement jump height observed after each set and after the whole training session. Metabolic and perceptual fatigue were assessed via the blood lactate concentration and the OMNI perceived exertion scale measured after each training set, respectively. The mechanical, metabolic, and perceptual measures of fatigue were always significantly higher for the TR1 set configuration. The 2 set configurations that most minimized the mechanical measures of fatigue were CL2 and CL3. Perceived fatigue did not differ between the TR2, CL1, CL2, and CL3 set configurations. The lowest lactate concentration was observed in the CL3 set configuration. Therefore, both the CL2 and CL3 set configurations can be recommended because they maximize mechanical performance. However, the CL2 set configuration presents 2 main advantages with respect to CL3 (a): it reduces training session duration, and (b) it promotes higher metabolic stress, which, to some extent, may be beneficial for inducing muscle strength and hypertrophy gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare mechanical and metabolic responses between traditional (TR) and cluster (CL) set configurations in the bench press exercise. In a counterbalanced randomized order, 10 men were tested with the following protocols (sets × repetitions [inter-repetition rest]): TR1: 3 × 10 (0-second), TR2: 6 × 5 (0-second), CL5: 3 × 10 (5-second), CL10: 3 × 10 (10-second), and CL15: 3 × 10 (15-second). The number of repetitions (30), interset rest (5 minutes), and resistance applied (10 repetition maximum) were the same for all set configurations. Movement velocity and blood lactate concentration were used to assess the mechanical and metabolic responses, respectively. The comparison of the first and last set of the training session revealed a significant decrease in movement velocity for TR1 (Effect size [ES]: -0.92), CL10 (ES: -0.85), and CL15 (ES: -1.08) (but not for TR2 [ES: -0.38] and CL5 [ES: -0.37]); while blood lactate concentration was significantly increased for TR1 (ES: 1.11), TR2 (ES: 0.90), and CL5 (ES: 1.12) (but not for CL10 [ES: 0.03] and CL15 [ES: -0.43]). Based on velocity loss, set configurations were ranked as follows: TR1 (-39.3 ± 7.3%) > CL5 (-20.2 ± 14.7%) > CL10 (-12.9 ± 4.9%), TR2 (-10.3 ± 5.3%), and CL15 (-10.0 ± 2.3%). The set configurations were ranked as follows based on the lactate concentration: TR1 (7.9 ± 1.1 mmol·L) > CL5 (5.8 ± 0.9 mmol·L) > TR2 (4.2 ± 0.7 mmol·L) > CL10 (3.5 ± 0.4 mmol·L) and CL15 (3.4 ± 0.7 mmol·L). These results support the use of TR2, CL10, and CL15 for the maintenance of high mechanical outputs, while CL10 and CL15 produce less metabolic stress than TR2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study aimed (I) to assess the inter-rater agreement for measuring the mean velocity (MV) of the barbell with the iLOADR app, and (II) to compare the magnitude of the MV and total work of a training session between the iLOADR app and a linear encoder (reference method). Method. Sixteen young healthy individuals (four women and 12 men) were tested in two sessions separated by 48 h. The 10 repetition maximum (RM) load was determined in the first testing session in the half squat exercise. The second testing session consisted of 3 sets of 10 repetitions during the half squat exercise performed against the 10RM load. Both the iLOADR app and a linear encoder were used to calculate the MV and total work of each training set. MV was recorded with the iLOADR app by two independent researchers to evaluate the inter-rater agreement. Results. Trivial differences and nearly perfect correlations were observed between raters for the MV values collected under individual sets (effect size [ES] ≥ 0.02, r -0:987), as well as for the whole training session (ESD0:01, r D0:997). Trivial-small differences and nearly perfect correlations were observed between the iLOADR app and the linear encoder (Chronojump, Barcelona, Spain) forMV(EV ≥0:25, r = 0:903) and total work (ES ≥ 0:05, r = 0:973). Bland-Altman plots did not reveal heteroscedasticity of the errors between the iLOADR app and the linear encoder for MV (r2 D0:010) and total work (r2 <0:001). Conclusions. iLOADR is a valid smartphone appwhich can provide real-time feedback of the MV and total work completed in a set of multiple repetitions in the half squat exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the combined effects of resistance and sprint training, with very short efforts (5 s), on aerobic and anaerobic performances, and cardiometabolic health-related parameters in young healthy adults.Methods: Thirty young physically active individuals were randomly allocated into four groups: resistance training (RTG), sprint interval training (SITG), concurrent training (CTG), and control (CONG). Participants trained 3 days/week for 2 weeks in the high-intensity interventions that consisted of 6-12 "all out" efforts of 5 s separated by 24 s of recovery, totalizing ~ 13 min per session, with 48-72 h of recovery between sessions. Body composition, vertical jump, lower body strength, aerobic and anaerobic performances, heart rate variability (HRV), and redox status were evaluated before and after training. Total work (TW), rating of perceived exertion (CR-10 RPE) and mean HR (HRmean) were monitored during sessions. Incidental physical activity (PA), dietary intake and perceived stress were also controlled.Results: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) significantly increased in SITG and CTG (P < 0.05). Lower body strength improved in RTG and CTG (P < 0.05), while countermovement jump (CMJ) was improved in RTG (P = 0.04) only. Redox status improved after all interventions (P < 0.05). No differences were found in TW, PA, dietary intake, and psychological stress between groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions: RT and SIT protocols with very short "all out" efforts, either performed in isolation, or combined, demonstrated improvement in several physical fitness- and health-related parameters. However, CT was the most efficient exercise intervention with improvement observed in the majority of the parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has demonstrated the influence of intensity distribution on endurance training adaptations. However, no study has addressed the influence of intensity distribution on the effectiveness of concurrent training (CT). The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of 2 CT programs with different training intensity distribution and externally equated loads on physical fitness. Thirty-one sport science students volunteered and were evaluated for resting heart rate variability (HRV), countermovement jump, bench press, half squat, and maximum aerobic speed (MAS). All were randomly distributed into either a traditional-based training group (TT; n = 11 ; 65-75% of MAS, combined with 10-12 repetition maximum [RM]), polarized training group (PT; n = 10; 35-40% and 1 20% of MAS, combined with 5RM and 15RM), or control group (CG; n = 10). After 8 weeks of training (3 days week-1), TT and PT exhibited similar improvements in MAS, bench press, and half squat performances. No differences were observed between TT and PT groups for perceived loads. There were no changes in HRV for any group, although TT exhibited a reduction in resting heart rate. Compared with other groups, the PT group maintained jump capacity with an increment in body mass and body mass index without changes in body fatness. In conclusion, PT induced similar improvements in physical fitness of physically active individuals when compared with TT. However, PT produced a lower interference for jumping capacity despite an increment in body mass, whereas TT induced greater bradycardia. Extended studies with different intensity distributions should be conducted to better determine the dose-response of CT in various populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare physical capacities between recreational Crossfit® and resistance trained practitioners. Twenty-six young men participated in this study. They were divided into recreational Crossfit® practitioners of resistance training (CF, N = 13) and resistance trained (RT, N = 13) practitioners. Body mass, height, and percent of body fat were recorded. After familiarization with procedures, components of physical fitness were randomly evaluated on separate days with the following exercises: (a) fixed bar pull-ups for relative strength of upper limbs; (b) shuttle run test over 20 m for endurance assessment; and (c) countermovement jump (CMJ) of lower limbs explosiveness. There were no differences between groups for body composition and performance in pull-ups and CMJ. However, effect size (ES) analyses revealed a greater CMJ performance in CF practitioners (P=0.86, ES=0.73) while the RT subjects exhibited a greater relative strength of the upper limbs (P=0.31, ES=0.67). Meanwhile, the CF group exhibited a better performance in the shuttle run test (P=0.008, ES=1.16). It could be concluded that the CF practitioners exhibit a greater endurance and jump capacities, while the RT practitioners exhibited a greater relative strength in the upper limbs. Further longitudinal studies are warranted for a better understanding of physical training adaptations following these fitness modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which was conducted to investigate whether a previous five repetition maximum strength exercise would improve cycling time in a 20 kilometer bicycling time trial. Researchers evaluated 11 trained cyclists. They found that the strength exercise improved the performance of cyclists in time trials.

The article discusses research in applied sports science, with a focus on the effects of a half squat exercise on jump potentiation. Topics include postactivation potentiation and fatigue, resistance training and warm-up exercise, and countermovement jump performance and the 5 repetitions maximum (5RM) test.