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The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the load order used (i. e. incremental, decremental or random loads order) during the bench press throw load-velocity profile on peak velocity achieved against four different loads (20–40–60–80% of one repetition maximum [1RM]). Both intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess the reliability of the measures. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess differences between protocols. A linear regression analysis was performed to assess the load-velocity relationships among the different protocols. Peak velocity showed good to high ICC values independently of the load used (ICC=0.83–0.92). CV scores showed good reliability (ranging between 2.2 and 6.2%). No significant differences in peak velocity attained at each load were found between the three testing protocols (p>0.05). In addition, peak velocity at each load was very large to almost perfect, correlated between protocols (r=0.790–0.920). The linear regression model showed a significant relationship between testing protocols (p

Background. The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of maturity-status and sex on physical fitness in young badminton players. Methods. Eighty-one badminton players were enrolled in this study (39 boys, 42 girls; age: 12.7±1.4 years, body height: 153.5±10.5 cm, body mass: 48.3±13.2 kg) participated in the study and were divided into Pre-PHV (n=31), Circa-PHV (n=29) and Post-PHV (n=21) groups. Fitness tests included speed (5, 10-m), modified 5-0-5 CoD test (CoD deficit (CODD%)), an on-court CoD test, and countermovement jump (CMJ) test. Results. Pre-PHV players presented lower levels of performance (ppp=0.01; ES: 0.71), linear sprint speed (pp=0.01; ES: 0.71). Findings showed significant sex-by-maturity interactions only for the Pre-PHV group, with higher training volumes in boys than girls. In addition, sex-related performance differences were large for most measures, except for CODD%. Conclusions. Our results imply that maturity status (i.e., PHV) and not chronological age should be used to design training programs. Finally, female youth badminton players should receive specifically targeted exercise interventions based on their fitness status and needs.

Resistance exercises eliciting eccentric overload (EO) are considered to strongly promote muscular hypertrophy and broad neuromuscular adaptations but typically require specialized equipment. The aims of these experiments were to assess whether EO is achieved during common high-speed stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) exercises (rebound bench press throw [RBPT] and squat jump [SJ]), and to test the effect of the external load on the EO achieved. Twenty-nine under 18 handball players and fifteen physically active males (24.9 ± 3.2 years) took part in the experiments. Testing consisted of a single set of 6 repetitions with light (25%-30% 1-RM), moderate (50% 1-RM), and heavy (70%-75% 1-RM) loads. Eccentric and concentric force near the zero-velocity point (50-200 ms) as well as eccentric-concentric force ratio (EO; %) were calculated. In RBPT, higher EO values were found at 50% 1-RM than 70% 1-RM in the time interval 50 ms before and after the zero-velocity point. Higher EO values were also found at 50% 1-RM than both 30% 1-RM and 70% 1-RM 100 ms before and after the zero-velocity point. For the SJ, higher EO values were found at 50% 1-RM and 75% 1-RM than 25% 1-RM 100 ms before and after the zero-velocity point. Higher EO values were found at 50% 1-RM than 25% 1-RM 200 ms before and after the zero-velocity point. However, the higher EO values in the SJ were found far from the zero-velocity point. High-speed SSC resistance training provides similar EO to other methods and thus should promote muscle hypertrophy and other neuromuscular adaptations.

The hexagon agility test is widely used in tennis players’ fitness evaluation, although its validity has not been fully stablished. This study aimed to assess the relationships between sprinting, jumping, and change of direction (COD) ability and hexagon test performance. Thirty-five under-16 tennis players completed a testing battery including the hexagon test, 20-m linear sprint, bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), triple leg-hop for distance, T-Test, 5-0-5 and Pro-Agility test on two different sessions, separated by one week. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM) were used to assess the reliability of the test. Pearson’s product correlations (r) were used to analyze the relationships between the hexagon test and the other fitness tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The hexagon test showed high relative reliability (ICC = 0.88) and low SEM values (0.17 s). Significant small to large correlations were found between the hexagon test time and linear sprint time (r = 0.40 to 0.60), COD tests (r = 0.53 to 0.79), and jumping performance (r = -0.40 to -0.68). The hexagon test is a simple, quick, easy-to-implement and reliable test, which allow it to be included in tennis players’ testing batteries. The test is related to measures of speed, power and agility, although the magnitude of these relationships does not allow for the replacement of the more traditional assessments (e.g., CMJ, 20-m sprint, T-Test) within tennis players’ testing batteries.

To date, there is a lack of information about the optimal conditions of the warm-up to lead to a better performance in elite tennis players. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different warm-up protocols (dynamic vs. self-myofascial release with foam rolling) on neuromuscular variables associated with physical determinants of tennis performance. Using a crossover randomised experimental design, eleven professional men tennis players (20.6 ± 3.5 years) performed either a dynamic warm-up (DWU) or a selfmyofascial release with foam rolling (SMFR) protocol. DWU consisted of 8 min of dynamic exercises at increasing intensity and SMFR consisted of 8 min of rolling on each lower extremity unilaterally. Just before (baseline) and after completing warm-up protocols, players performed a countermovement jump (CMJ), the 5-0-5 agility test, a 10-m sprint test and the Straight Leg Raise and Thomas tests to assess range of motion. Compared to baseline, the DWU was more effective to reduce the time in the 5-0-5 test than SMFR (-2.23 vs. 0.44%, respectively, p = 0.042, ηp2 = 0.19). However, both warm-up protocols similarly affected CMJ (2.32 vs. 0.61%, p = 0.373, ηp2 = 0.04) and 10-m sprint time changes (-1.26 vs. 1.03%, p = 0.124, ηp2 = 0.11). Changes in range of motion tests were also similar with both protocols (p = 0.448–1.000, ηp2 = 0.00–0.02). Overall, both DWU and SMFR were effective to prepare well-trained tennis players for highly demanding neuromuscular actions. However, DWU offered a better preparation for performing change of direction and sprint actions, and hence, in high-performance tennis players, the warm-up should include dynamic exercises. post-print 402 KB

The aim of this study is to investigate inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of a novel clam test (CLAMT) for the measurement of gluteal muscle strength and to detect possible differences between CLAMT values in football players with and without a history of groin injuries. Twenty male football players participated in the test-retest and sixty-two male professional football players participated in the case-control study. Hip abductor maximal muscle strength was evaluated either using CLAMT or in a supine position with the hip in a neutral pose. For CLAMT, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for inter-tester-intra-day reliability was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.60-0.90), with a standard error of measurement of 34.2 N. The intra-tester-intra-day ICC was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87-0.95), with a standard error of measurement of 23.6 N. The inter-week ICC was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92-0.98), with a standard error of measurement of 18.9 N. CLAMT showed lower (but not significant) strength values in football players with a history of groin injuries to non-injured players. CLAMT showed good to excellent levels of reliability, intraday and inter-week, with low standard errors of measurement while it was effective (possible) to identify residual weakness in players with previous groin injuries.

To assess the influence of age and skill level on handball throwing kinematics and performance, 126 participants were distributed into groups according to their skill level (elite or recreational) and age group (U12, U16 or +18). Each participant performed three sets of 10 throws, aiming to hit a target (40 × 40 cm) located in the right corner of the goal. During testing, kinematic data were recorded and throwing performance (accuracy and velocity) was measured. Results showed greater throwing velocity in the elite compared to recreational groups, whereas no differences were found for throwing accuracy. The elite U16 and +18 groups displayed higher segment velocities (hand, arm and pelvis) than the recreational groups. The participation of proximal segments was higher in older groups, showing the more skilled players (U16 and +18) greater pelvis velocities (1.62-1.75 vs 1.02-1.22 m/s). The increased velocity of the distal joints (hand peak velocity: 13.56 ± 1.65 vs 10.67 ± 1.98 m/s) are responsible for the difference in throwing velocity between the elite and recreational U12 groups. Several correlations were found between joint kinematics and throwing velocity. Coaches could use these results during training, to optimise specific throwing training.

This study aimed to analyze the influence of the inertial load on both concentric and eccentric power output production during the flywheel leg curl exercise, and to assess the reliability of power output variables. Sixteen participants (8 males, 8 females) attended 4 testing sessions. During testing, participants performed one set of eight repetitions using a specific inertial load (0.083, 0.132, 0.182, 0.266 and 0.350 kg·m2) with a flywheel leg curl exercise. Concentric (CON) power, eccentric (ECC) power and the ECC/CON ratio were analyzed. The reliability analysis between sessions was performed. A significant interaction of inertia load x gender was found in CON power (p < 0.001) and in ECC power (p = 0.004), but not in the ECC/CON ratio (p = 0.731). A significant with-in (inertia loads) effect was found in CON power (p < 0.001) and in ECC power (p < 0.001), but not in the ECC/CON ratio (p = 0.096). CON power showed very high reliability scores, ECC power showed high to very high reliability scores, while the ECC/CON ratio ranged from poor to moderate. A significant between gender effect was found in CON power (p < 0.001) and in ECC power (p < 0.001), but not in the ECC/CON ratio (p = 0.752). This study is the first to report that power output in the flywheel leg curl exercise is altered by the inertia load used, as well as power output is different according to gender. CON and ECC power output presents high to very high reliability scores, and the ECC/CON ratio should not be used instead. These results can have important practical implications for testing and training prescription in sports.

To analyse the influence of age and skill level on tennis serve performance, 99 male participants took part in a study of maximum effort serves to a target (50 x 50 cm) in the add service box. Part...

The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effect of flywheel resistance training (FRT) on main sport action (i.e., jumping performance, sprinting time and change of direction performance) improvements in athletes and healthy active people. A Boolean search strategy adapted for each of the databases employed was conducted to identify all studies measuring change in sport actions performance after FRT interventions up to July 2019. Outcomes were analysed using an average effect size (D+) and a 95% confidence interval (CI), which was calculated assuming a random-effects model. A total of 9 studies with 283 participants met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the analysis. The mean quality score (PEDro scale) of the articles included in the meta-analysis was 5.67. The meta-analysis showed significant positive effects on jumping performance (SMC 0.65; 95% CI, 0.11-1.19; p = 0.02), sprinting time (SMC 1.33; 95% CI, 0.39-2.28; p < 0.01) and change of direction performance (SMC 1.36; 95% CI, 0.58-2.14; p < 0.01) after FRT interventions compared to control/traditional resistance training groups. The results of the present meta-analysis provide evidence of the usefulness of FRT to improve variables related to sport performance in both athletes and healthy population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the potential post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effects of two different warm-up strategies, involving dynamic stretching (DS) or heavy load leg press (HL) on several key physical qualities in tennis players. METHODS: Twenty-six elite male tennis players (age: 19.22 ± 4.20 years; body mass: 67.37 ± 8.19 kg; height: 1.77 ± 0.07 m) performed both warm-ups, with 48-hours between protocols (DS and HL), performed in a randomized order. Pre- and post-tests included: countermovement jump, 5-m and 10-m sprint, 5-0-5 agility test, and hip extension and flexion range-of-motion which were performed before and after DS and HL warm-up protocols. RESULTS: The DS warm-up led to substantial improvements in 5-m and 10-m sprint, 5-0-5 agility test, countermovement jump, and also to higher hip flexion range-of-motion. The HL warm-up caused impairments in 5-m and 10-m sprints, but improvements in 5-0-5 agility test, countermovement jump and hip extension range-of-motion. Compared to HL, DS warm-up induced possibly to likely positive effects on 5-m and 10-m linear sprint performance, as well as in hip flexion range-of-motion. Nevertheless, no differences in performance improvements in 5-0-5 agility test, countermovement jump and hip extension range-of-motion were found when comparing DS and HL warm-up protocols. CONCLUSION: DS seems to be more effective than HL when performing a short warm-up protocol in elite tennis players.

The use of flywheel devices has increased in popularity within resistance training programs. However, little is known about modifiable variables which may affect power output responses, as the rope length and the height level used in a conical pulley device. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of using three different rope lengths (1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 meters) and four different height levels (L1, L2, L3 and L4) on concentric peak power (PPconc), eccentric peak power (PPecc) and eccentric overload (eccentric/concentric PP ratio; EO) during conical pulley exercises (i.e. seated and stand-up row). A total of 29 recreationally trained subjects (25.3±7.1 years; 1.74±0.06 m; 72.5±8.3 kg) took part in the study. Testing sessions consisted of 1 set of 10 repetitions under each condition; experiment 1: seated row exercise using the three different rope lengths; experiment 2: stand-up row exercise using four different height levels of the conical pulley. Results from experiment 1 did not show differences between rope lengths, although a trend for greater PPecc (ES=0.36-0.38) and EO (ES=0.40-0.41) was found when using longer rope lengths (2.5 and 3.5). Experiment 2 showed significant increases in both PPconc and PPecc as the height level used was closer to the cone base (L4). In contrast, EO values were significantly greater when using upper height levels (L1). These results suggest that the height level used during conical pulley exercises highly influences power output responses. Therefore, this variable should be carefully managed depending on the training goal (e.g. power vs hypertrophy).

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of playing 1 vs 3 matches in a one-week period on physical performance in young soccer players. Twelve youth soccer players completed a battery of physical tests (countermovement jump [CMJ], 25 m sprint, 5-0-5 agility test, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion [AD ROM]) 72 h after a match. These tests were performed on two different occasions: during a week with 1 competitive match, and during a week in which 3 matches were played. Three matches in a week caused from most likely to very likely impairments in CMJ (ES = 0.81), the 5-0-5 agility test (ES = 1.03), and in AD ROM (ES = 0.46-0.63) compared with the 1 match in a week. For the 25 m sprint test, performance impairments were found in the split times for 10-15 m (ES = 0.72), 15-20 m (ES = 0.52) and 20-25 m (ES = 0.90) compared with 1 match in a week. Jumping, sprinting, change of direction (COD) performance and AD ROM are significantly affected during congested calendars in young soccer players. The monitoring of these variables is a useful tool to assess players' recovery and may help in determining players' readiness for the next matches.

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in power production between movement phases (i.e., concentric and eccentric) during the execution of resistance exercises with a flywheel device, differentiating between execution regimes (i.e., bilateral, unilateral dominant leg and unilateral non-dominant leg). Twenty young elite soccer players (U&minus, 17) performed two sets of six repetitions of the bilateral half-squat (inertia 0.025 kg&middot, m&minus, 2) and the lateral-squat exercise (inertia 0.010 kg&middot, 2) on a flywheel device. During the testing sessions, mean and peak power in concentric (MPcon) and eccentric (MPecc) phases were recorded. The non-dominant leg showed higher values in all power variables measured, although substantial differences were only found in MPecc (ES = 0.40, likely) and PPcon (ES = 0.36, possibly). On the other hand, for both exercises, MPcon was higher than MPecc (ES = &minus, 0.57 to &minus, 0.31, possibly/likely greater), while only PPecc was higher than PPcon in the dominant lateral-squat (ES = 0.44, likely). These findings suggest that young soccer players have difficulty in reaching eccentric-overload during flywheel exercises, achieving it only with the dominant leg. Therefore, coaches should propose precise preventive programs based on flywheel devices, attending to the specific characteristics of each limb, as well as managing other variables to elicit eccentric-overload.

Purpose: To analyze the effects of different inertial loads on power production and power maintenance, as well as the number of sessions required for proper familiarization during the flywheel quarter-squat. Methods: Twenty-four high-level handball players attended 4 testing sessions consisting of 4 sets of 10 repetitions using 4 different inertial loads (0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg·m2). In addition, a 5th set of 15 repetitions was performed. Both concentric and eccentric peak power and the eccentric:concentric ratio were recorded. Results: The results showed the need to perform 3 sessions for a proper familiarization (ie, outcomes stabilization). The inertial load of 0.025 kg·m2 led to greater concentric peak power compared with the other inertial loads (from likely to most likely greater values). Both 0.025 and 0.050 kg·m2 inertial loads entailed greater eccentric peak power compared with 0.075 and 0.100 kg·m2 (most likely greater). Conversely, the 0.025-kg·m2 inertial load showed a lower eccentri...

The purpose of the present study was to compare block periodization (BP) and daily undulating periodization (DUP) in eliciting changes in strength, jumping performance and throwing velocity in young male handball players. Fifteen players, of the same competitive level, were assigned to one of the periodization groups (DUP=9; BP=6). Pre- and post-tests included a one repetition maximum (1 RM) back squat, countermovement jump (CMJ), triple jump with the left and right leg, 20 m speed test, standing medicine ball throw, 7 m standing throw, and 9 m jumping throw. Strength training was performed twice a week throughout an 8-week period. The BP group performed training phases in the following order: hypertrophy, power strength and explosive strength; DUP alternated every week two sessions with a different focus. Total volume and intensity during the 8-week period were equal in both training groups. Despite both groups significantly improved 1 RM squat (33.3%, effect size [ES]=1.48 for DUP and 17.4%, ES=1.40 for BP) and triple jump (4-6.3%, ES=0.32-0.51 for DUP and 9.7-12.7%, ES=1.40 for BP) performance, greater gains (ES=0.96) were detected in DUP for the 9 m throwing velocity. No significant changes were found in either group for the 20 m sprint and CMJ. It can be concluded that both periodization programs elicited significant improvements in maximal strength and jumping performance in young male handball players, while DUP was more effective than BP on throwing velocity. Key words: strength, youth, team sport, training

Introduction: Assessment of strength in youth athletes using a safety, time-efficient and reliable test is crucial for strength and conditioning professionals. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of the one-repetition maximum (1RM) estimation through movement velocity in youth soccer players. In addition, the relationships between 1RM estimation with peak power (PP), jumping and sprinting performance were checked. Material and methods: Twenty-two youth soccer players (16.8±0.6 years) took part in the study. Participants completed a 1RM estimation in the half-squat, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and 30m sprint in three different occasions. Results: The 1RM estimation showed good absolute (SEM0.7) reliability scores. The estimated 1RM value was significantly lower in the trial 1 compared to the trials 2 and 3. The estimated 1RM and the PP output showed significant correlations (r=0.538-0.560) with jumping and sprinting performance. Discussion: These data suggest the necessity to perform at least one familiarization session to obtain a reliable 1RM estimation through movement velocity in youth soccer players. Once youth soccer players are familiarized with the 1RM estimation protocol, coaches could use this evaluation to obtain a reliable measure of players' maximal strength in a time-efficient way.

Introduction: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been defined as an increase in performance of voluntary movements after a high-intensity voluntary task. This phenomenon can be achieved through different strategies. However, the relationship between a conditioning eccentric overload (EO) exercise and PAPE in the upper extremities is scarce. The aim of this work was to study the application of PAPE to improve handball throwing velocity using EO, and to compare it with a traditional resistance training exercise. Material and methods: Fourteen team handball players carried out two sessions with different PAPE protocols. One of the sessions consisted of performing a PAPE protocol through a set of three repetitions at 90% of RM in the bench press (BP). In the other session, a set of three maximal-effort repetitions of one-handed horizontal press was carried out using a conical pulley (CP) with a 0.16 kg•m2 inertial load. Throwing velocity was measured pre and post both protocols. Results: Both protocols showed a non-significant handball throwing velocity after the application of PAPE protocols (effect size = 0.24 and 0.20 for CP and BP respectively). Conclusions: None of the procedures obtained the expected PAPE phenomenon for the improvement of handball throw velocity. Future studies need to assess different EO protocols to elicit PAPE in complex sport-related actions.

In tennis, coaches consider balance fundamental for the acquisition of skilled motor performance. However, the potential relationship between balance and tennis expertise and performance has not been explored yet. Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between balance and tennis performance using linear and non-linear parameters through 1) the comparison of tennis players of different ages and levels of expertise, and 2) analyzing the relationship between balance and tennis serving speed and accuracy. One hundred and six recreational and expert male tennis players took part in the study (age range 10–35 years old). Temporal dynamics of postural control during a balance task on an unstable surface were analyzed through the mean velocity and the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFAV) of center of pressure (COP). Tennis serve performance was quantified by measuring accuracy and speed. Traditional variables measuring balance performance only showed differences according to age but not to sport performance. COP showed a reduction of auto-correlated variability (reflected by DFAV) with age but mainly in expert players. COP dynamics was the only balance parameter discriminating sport expertise and it was related to age. Balance dynamics exhibited by expert tennis players DFAV results support the idea that, along the years, sport experience induces balance adaptations characterized by a higher ability to perform postural adjustments. These results also reinforce the use of non-linear analysis to reveal subtle balance adaptations produced by sport practice. Finally, the lack of correlations suggests that balance, measured with scattering variables, in a non-specific task is not a main determinant of sport performance in tennis serve.

The aims of this study were to compare both eccentric- and concentric-phase adaptations in highly-trained handball players to 4 weeks of twice-weekly rebound bench press throw training with varying loads (30%, 50% and 70% of 1-repetition maximum [1-RM]) using either known (KL) or unknown (UL) loads, and to examine the relationship between changes in eccentric- and concentric-phase performance. Twenty-eight junior team-handball players were divided into two experimental groups (KL or UL) and a control group. KL subjects were told the load prior each repetition, while UL were blinded. For each repetition, the load was dropped and then a rebound bench press at maximum velocity was immediately performed. Both concentric and eccentric velocity as well as eccentric kinetic energy and musculo-articular stiffness prior to the eccentric-concentric transition were measured. Results showed similar increases in both eccentric velocity and kinetic energy under the 30% 1-RM but greater improvements under 50% and 70% 1-RM loads for UL than KL. UL increased stiffness under all loads (with greater magnitude of changes). KL improved concentric velocity only under the 30% 1-RM load while UL improved under 50% and 70% 1-RM loads. Improvements in concentric movement velocity were explained moderately by changes in eccentric velocity (R2 = 0.23-0.62). Thus, UL led to greater improvements in concentric velocity, and the improvement is potentially explained by increases in the speed (as well as stiffness and kinetic energy) of the eccentric phase. Unknown load training appears to have significant practical use for the improvement of multi-joint stretch-shortening cycle movements. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

To investigate the influence of adding a weekly eccentric-overload training (EOT) session in several athletic performance's tests, 18 team-handball players were assigned either to an EOT (n = 11) or a Control (n = 7) group. Both groups continued to perform the same habitual strength training, but the EOT group added one session/week during a 7-week training programme consisting of four sets of eight repetitions for the bilateral half-squat and unilateral lunge exercises. The test battery included handball throwing velocity, maximum dynamic strength (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 m sprint, triple hop for distance, and eccentric/concentric power in both the half-squat and lunge exercises. Data were analysed using magnitude-based inferences. Both groups improved their 1RM in the half squat, 20 m sprint time, and CMJ performance to a similar extent, but the EOT group showed a beneficial effect for both right [(42/58/0), possibly positive] and left [(99/1/0), very likely positive] triple hop for distance performance. In addition, the EOT group showed greater power output improvements in both eccentric and concentric phases of the half-squat (difference in percent of change ranging from 6.5% to 22.0%) and lunge exercises (difference in per cent of change ranging from 13.1% to 24.9%). Nevertheless, no group showed changes in handball throwing velocity. Selected variables related to team-handball performance (i.e. functional jumping performance, power output) can be improved by adding a single EOT session per week, highlighting the usefulness of this low-volume/high-intensity training when aiming at optimizing dynamic athletic performance.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that strength training effects (i.e. neural or structural) vary, depending on the total repetitions performed and velocity loss in each training set. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the effects of two training programmes (i.e. one with loads that maximise power output and individualised repetitions, and the other following traditional power training). METHODS: Twenty-five males were divided into three groups (optimum power [OP = 10], traditional training [TT = 9] and control group [CG = 6]). The training load used for OP was individualised using loads that maximised power output (41.7% ± 5.8 of one repetition maximum [1RM]) and repetitions at maximum power (4 to 9 repetitions, or 'reps'). Volume (sets x repetitions) was the same for both experimental groups, while intensity for TT was that needed to perform only 50% of the maximum number of possible repetitions (i.e. 61.1%-66.6% of 1RM). The training programme ran over 11 weeks (2 sessions per week; 4-5 sets per session; 3-minute rests between sets), with pre-, intermediate and post-tests which included: anthropometry, 1RM, peak power output (PPO) with 30%, 40% and 50% of 1RM in the bench press throw, and salivary testosterone (ST) and cortisol (SC) concentrations. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and power output were recorded in all sessions. RESULTS: Following the intermediate test, PPO was increased in the OP group for each load (10.9%-13.2%). Following the post-test, both experimental groups had increased 1RM (11.8%-13.8%) and PPO for each load (14.1%-19.6%). Significant decreases in PPO were found for the TT group during all sets (4.9%-15.4%), along with significantly higher RPE (37%). CONCLUSION: OP appears to be a more efficient method of training, with less neuromuscular fatigue and lower RPE.

Rapid force development is a key factor influencing performance and injury risk in movements where little time is available for force production; thus there is a need to develop interventions that enhance this ability. In the present study, the influence of load knowledge on mechanical output [rate of force development; (RFD) and power] and muscle activation [electromyographic (EMG) responses] in the concentric-only bench press throw exercise was studied. Fifteen strength-trained individuals performed 6 sets of 6 maximal explosive repetitions in a single test session after extensive familiarization. In three of these sets the subjects were given knowledge about the load before each repetition (known condition; KC), whereas in the other three sets they were given no information (unknown condition; UC). In both conditions the loads were 30, 50 and 70 % of maximum, but condition and load orders were randomized. RFD (24–50 %) and power output (20–39 %) were significantly higher in UC in the early time intervals from movement onset (

Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Granacher, U, Sanz-Rivas, D, Sarabia Marín, JM, Hernandez-Davo, JL, and Moya, M. Sequencing effects of neuromuscular training on physical fitness in youth elite tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 849-856, 2018-The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 5-week neuromuscular training (NMT) implemented before or after a tennis session in prepubertal players on selected components of physical fitness. Sixteen high-level tennis players with a mean age of 12.9 ± 0.4 years participated in this study, and were assigned to either a training group performing NMT before tennis-specific training (BT; n = 8) or a group that conducted NMT after tennis-specific training (AT; n = 8). Pretest and posttest included: speed (5, 10, and 20 m); modified 5-0-5 agility test; countermovement jump (CMJ); overhead medicine ball throw (MBT); and serve velocity (SV). Results showed that the BT group achieved positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in speed (d = 0.52, 0.32, and 1.08 for 5, 10, and 20 m respectively), 5-0-5 (d = 0.22), CMJ (d = 0.29), MBT (d = 0.51), and SV (d = 0.32), whereas trivial (10 m, 20 m, CMJ, SV, and MBT) or negative effects (d = -0.19 and -0.24 for 5 m and 5-0-5, respectively) were reported for the AT group. The inclusion of an NMT session before the regular tennis training led to positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in performance-related variables (i.e., jump, sprint, change of direction capacity, as well as upper-body power), whereas conducting the same exercise sessions after the regular tennis training was not accompanied by the same improvements.