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The current study examined the changes in muscle oxygenation values and swimming performance after six sessions of sprint interval training during a three-week period in untrained swimmers. Twelve swimmers of both genders (age: 23.5 ± 5.6yrs) executed the twice-weekly experimental training protocol (EXP, n = 12), consisting of a 4 × 50 m front-crawl swimming (repeated sprint training—RST) with maximal intensity, and 2 min of passive recovery in between, after a short in-water warm-up. The control group (CON, n = 9) performed a continuous swimming set (200 m) at 120 b pm−1, with the same weekly frequency. Performance times in two maximum swim trials (400 m: T400 and 50 m: T50), muscle oxygenation of the deltoid muscle (SmO2) immediately after T400 and T50, 1-min heart rate recovery (HRR1) after T400, T50, and swim strokes during both swim trials (S/T400, S/T50) were assessed. For the EXP group, T400 improved by 2.4 (p = 0.011). In contrast, T50 presented no significant improvement (1%, p > 0.05). SmO2 decreased at T400 (5.5%, p = 0.017) and increased at T50 (3.7%, p = 0.030). HRR1 improved after T400 (7.9%, p = 0.002), T50 (4.6%, p = 0.005) and RST (9.6%, p = 0.002). S/T400 and S/T50 remained relatively unchanged (p > 0.05). The CON group presented no significant changes in any of the variables examined. In conclusion, six sprint interval training sessions can improve aerobic capacity over a 3-week training period, as indicated by the enhanced T400 performance and the reduced HRR1 values, in previously trained swimmers. Finally, the sensitivity of the near-infrared spectroscopy method to detect short-term training-induced changes is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Statement: Despite the importance of warm-up routines in optimizing athletic performance, periods of passive rest during basketball games often lead to decreased physical capabilities among players. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether a 3-min cycling Re-Warm Up (RWU) protocol of moderate intensity (40% of VO2max) could mitigate the adverse effects of passive rest on the physical abilities of substitute basketball players. Methods: Following a structured basketball warm-up (WU), 13 semi-professional basketball players completed two trials on consecutive days in random order: (a) 15-min of passive rest (CON) or b) 11-min of passive rest, followed by 3-min of cycling at 40% VO2max and 1-min of rest (RWU40). Results: Heart rate (HR), body temperature (BT), countermovement jump (CMJ), modified agility t-test (MAT) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured post-WU and post-RWU. Participants exhibited significant reductions in HR (-24.51%, p < .001), BT (-1.48%, p < .001), CMJ (-5.1%, p < .001) and MAT (-3.13%, p = .030) following 15 minutes of passive rest (CON) compared to post-WU measurement. In contrast, the implementation of the RWU40 protocol effectively attenuated these reductions in HR (-9.12%, p = .017), BT (-0.33%, p = .375), CMJ (-1.72%, p = .167) and MAT (-0.48%, p = .634). Additionally, participants reported higher RPE levels in the RWU40 than in the CON post-RWU (p = .035). Conclusions: The findings highlight the efficacy of a 3-min moderate-intensity cycle ergometer RWU in attenuating the detrimental effects of passive rest on basketball players' performance, thereby optimizing readiness for substitutes entering the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Statement: Passive half-time rest for athletes in team sports could subsequently lead to performance decrements and increased risk of injury. Several studies have shown that active re-warm-up (RWU) protocols could attenuate performance decrements due to passive rest. Purpose: This systematic review aimed to critically analyze the effects of RWU protocols in relation to the team sport in which they were evaluated. Methods: The research was conducted using four electronic databases (the Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and SPORTDiscus), following the PRISMA guidelines and PICO strategy. Only original articles that evaluated the acute effects of RWU protocols were included in the study. On the contrary, RWU protocols that involved exclusively passive strategies were excluded. Results: Out of the 752 relevant studies identified, only 17 met our criteria. The main outcomes were grouped and evaluated in the four different sports: football, team sports, rugby and basketball. The results indicated that there was no consensus on a gold standard protocol that could attenuate most of performance losses provoked by passive rest. All active methods, except for the eccentric exercises that have been shown to be harmful, had beneficial effects on athletic performance compared with passive rest. Conclusions: Athletes should enter game prepared for optimal performance, without the need for a transitional phase to regain the warm-up benefits. Therefore, coaches should establish a short RWU protocol, right before commencing a sport activity, including either intense exercises or sport specific movements, to counteract the negative impact of passive rest on subsequent performance in team sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Ccombining resistance and in-water training is a common practice in water polo. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of different external loads during resistance training on the repeated sprint ability in water polo players. Methods. A total of 9 national level water polo players (age: 21.5 ± 2.0 years) executed, on different occasions, a repeated sprint swimming test (8 x 25 m with a 30-s rest) following a low load (50% of 1-repetition maximum) or a high load (80% of 1-repetition maximum) resistance training that consisted of leg press and bench press exercises. During the control condition, the players only performed the repeated ability test. Indices of repeated sprint ability included the best 25-m time (best), the mean time (mean), and the heart rate after the 4th and the 8th 25-m effort. In addition, the performance decrement was calculated. Results. Control and low load intensity conditions resulted in significantly faster best times than high load intensity (p < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). Mean times were significantly faster during the control compared with the high load intensity condition (p < 0.05). Performance decrement and heart rate after the 4th and the 8th 25-m effort showed no differences between all 3 conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusions. These results suggest that when scheduling intrasession resistance and in-water training in water polo, low load programs should be preferred when the primary goal is the enhancement of repeated swimming performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the reliability of isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength in circumpubertal soccer players. Importance of isokinetic parameters in the establishment of strength testing parameters; Importance of bilateral difference in isokinetic movement as a predictor of injury; Uses of the examination of isokinetic strength profiles.

Monitoring training process in swimming is essential for providing valuable information for both coaches and athletes. Among a large variety of laboratory-based tests used for the quantification of swimmers abilities and evaluation of fitness status, the most representative and easy to apply ones are chosen to be presented in this review. Furthermore, these tests reliability, methodology, referred considerations and relationship with front-crawl swimming performance are reported. Based on the previous mentioned criteria, the assessment of aerobic, anaerobic power and muscular strength, are analyzed. From the data examined, it is concluded that despite their reliability and efficacy in determining adaptations after a training period, as well as, detecting differences between athletes’ training status, laboratory-based tests assessing aerobic, anaerobic power and muscular strength for swimmers does not meet the criterion of specificity and disregard the crucial role of technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strength training seems to be an important element for the improvement of performance in middle and long distance running events. In particular, strength contributes more in the running events with high running velocity (improves running technique and running economy). Maximal strength, power endurance and strength endurance are the kinds of strength that donate in middle and long distance running performance. The improvement of maximal strength achieved through muscle hypertrophy is the base of the special strength. Special strength enhances through the improvement of explosive strength, depending of the metabolic demands of every event. Training dose response is made according to the percentage of VO2max, the number of repetitions, the exercise duration and the brake-time between each set, which is depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise. Strength endurance seems to be more important in middle distance than in long distance running events. The methods that are used for the improvement of strength endurance are the continuous method and moderate interval training. Additionally, the improvement of strength endurance is depending on the energy demands are chosen every time: exercise intensity up to anaerobic threshold (marathon, aerobic strength endurance), exercise intensity from anaerobic threshold to maximal oxygen uptake (10000m, 5000m, moderate strength endurance), exercise intensity higher than maximal oxygen uptake (800m, 1500m, anaerobic lactic endurance). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jumping ability is very important in basketball performance and requires to generating high velocity of shortening which is determined by muscle architectural characteristics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the architectural characteristics of leg extensors muscles of adults and junior basketball players and the investigation of their relationship with jumping ability. Adults (n=34) and junior (n=25) basketball players participate in this study. It was evaluated pennation angle, muscle thickness, fascicle length and relative fascicle length of vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius lateralis and gastrocnemius medialis and investigated the relationship of muscles architectural characteristics with jumping ability parameters. The results reveled that there were strong positive correlations of muscle thickness and fascicle length with vertical jumps parameters in examined muscles, and pennation angles of gastrocnemius medialis with jumping ability. In conclusion, muscle thickness and fascicle length have an important role in vertical jumping performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relation between various factors of athletic performance and the appropriate method that these should be evaluated has been extensively discussed for many years. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between maximum isokinetic strength of the knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors muscles and vertical jumping ability in young basketball players. One hundred-eighty young basketball players aged from 12 to 17 yrs volunteered to participate in the present study. Vertical jumping ability was measured using a squat jump (SJ), a counter movement jump (CMJ) and a counter movement jump with free hands (CMJHF) while for the isokinetic strength were evaluated the maximum isokinetic knee extension and ankle plantar flexion in 180 and 90o/s respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between isokinetic strength and vertical jumping ability and a regression analysis was used to explore the prediction of vertical jumping performance by isokinetic performance. The results showed a medium to high correlation between isokinetic strength and vertical jumping ability. In conclusion, isokinetic evaluation of isolated muscle groups that play a crucial role in performance can help considerably in planning and guidance of the training process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Vasileiou, SS, Asimakidis, ND, Dalamitros, AA, and Manou, V. Effects of an 8-week in-season explosive power training program on neuromuscular performance and lower limb asymmetries in young male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study analyzed the effects of incorporating 8 weeks of twice-weekly explosive power training on neuromuscular performance and lower-limb asymmetries applied to soccer. Thirty-five young male soccer players were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EXP: n = 18; mean age: 13.7 ± 0.8 years; height: 166.9 ± 8.4 cm; body mass: 58.5 ± 12.8 kg) or the control group (CON: n = 17; mean age: 13.7 ± 0.9 years; height: 168.8 ± 9.1 cm; body mass: 58.0 ± 11.4 kg). Before (TP1) and after the training period (TP2) neuromuscular performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], 10 and 20 m sprint times [T10 and T20], change of direction ability [COD]) and lower-limb asymmetries (single-leg CMJ [SLCMJ]) were evaluated. The asymmetry index (AI) for COD and CMJ tests was also calculated. Significant differences (from TP1 to TP2) were revealed for all the tested parameters in the EXP group (1.50-4.9%, p < 0.00 to 0.12, effect size [ES] = -0.44 to 0.27). For the CON group, T10, T20 505 for nondominant limb and SLCMJ performances for both limbs were significantly improved (0.85 to 1.5%, p < 0.00 to 0.21, ES = -0.36 to 0.37). Finally, the AI remained relatively unchanged for both tests and groups (1.28-3.33%, p = 0.162-0.521). These results indicate that adding twice-weekly explosive power training for 8 weeks can improve neuromuscular performance and reduce lower-limb asymmetries to a greater degree than soccer training alone in young male soccer players., (Copyright © 2024 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two lower extremity strengthening programs using isoinertial resistance or free weights on amateur soccer players' physical performance indicators., Methods: Thirty-five amateur soccer players (average age 22.6±5.1 years) were randomly assigned to isoinertial group (N.=11) or free-weight group (N.=11), or control group (N.=13). The groups performed two training sessions per week for six weeks. Before and after the strengthening implementation, physical performance indicators were evaluated, including the isokinetic knee extensors and flexors' strength, power, speed, and agility. The significance level was set at P<0.05., Results: The isoinertial training resistance led to an increase in the hamstrings' eccentric strength at 60°/s and 150°/s (P<0.05) compared to the free-weight resistance (P>0.05) and the controls (P>0.05). No other significant adaptations were observed in the other isokinetic strength, power, speed (10-m, P=0.052) and agility measurements (Illinois Agility Test, P=0.059). In ratio (knee flexors/knee extensors) the only differences observed were at 150°/s for isoinertial group (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Isoinertial resistance training during semisquatting can enhance the hamstrings' eccentric performance and the soccer players' speed and agility compared to the classic free-weight training program, which should consider when designing strength and injury prevention programs.