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Abstract Background Paired sets and alternative set configurations (e.g., cluster sets) are frequently employed by strength and conditioning practitioners; however, their synergistic impact remains underexplored in research. This study aimed to elucidate whether the set configuration used in a lower-body exercise affects mechanical performance during paired sets of upper-body exercises. Methods Twenty-one resistance-trained individuals (14 men and 7 women) randomly completed three experimental sessions that involved four sets of five repetitions at 75%1RM during both the bench press and bench pull exercises. The three experimental sessions varied solely in the activity conducted during the inter-set rest periods of each upper-body exercise: (i) Traditional squat – six squat repetitions without intra-set rest at 65%1RM; (ii) Rest redistribution squat – two clusters of three repetitions of the squat exercise at 65%1RM with 30 s of intra-set rest; and (iii) Passive rest – no exercise. Results The rest redistribution set configuration allowed the sets of the squat exercise to be performed at a faster velocity than the traditional set configuration (p = 0.037). However, none of the mechanical variables differed between the exercise protocols neither in the bench press (p ranged from 0.279 to 0.875) nor in the bench pull (p ranged from 0.166 to 0.478). Conclusions Although rest redistribution is an effective strategy to alleviate fatigue during the sets in which it is implemented, it does not allow subjects to perform better in subsequent sets of the training session.

This study investigated the reliability and validity of linear sprint tests (LS) and curvilinear sprint tests (CS) using a GPS device (GPEXE lt). Twenty-one (21) student athletes completed a 40 m LS as well as a left and right CS. Maximum sprint speed (MSS) and split times at short (0–10 m), intermediate (0–20 m), and long (0–30 m) distances were determined using the GPEXE lt and single-beam timing gates (TG). Intrasession reliability and concurrent validity of GPEXE lt were assessed. The GPEXE lt consistently showed high reliability for MSS (ICC ≥ 0.95; CV ≤ 1.8%), despite underestimation compared to TG (bias = −2.57 to −0.95%; ICC ≥ 0.87). Acceptable reliability was observed for CS and LS intermediate and long distance split times (ICC ≥ 0.91; CV ≤ 2.1%), with lower reliability for short distances (ICC ≥ 0.70; CV ≤ 3.6%). The GPEXE lt split times for CS and LS showed good agreement with TG (ICC ≥ 0.66), but were overestimated at long distances (5.5–9.7%) and short distances (11.1–14.6%). Although the MSS was found to be the most reliable and valid variable to assess LS and CS speed performance with GPEXE lt, caution is needed due to limited validity.

This study aimed to explore whether the relationship between perceptual (rating of perceived exertion; RPE) and mechanical (maximal number of repetitions completed [MNR], fastest set velocity, and mean velocity decline) variables is affected by the length of inter-set rest periods during resistance training sets not leading to failure. Twenty-three physically active individuals (15 men and eight women) randomly completed 12 testing sessions resulting from the combination of two exercises (bench press and bench pull), three inter-set rest protocols (1, 3, and 5 min), and two minimal velocity thresholds (farther from muscular failure [MVT0.45 for bench press and MVT0.65 for bench pull] and closer to muscular failure [MVT0.35 for bench press and MVT0.55 for bench pull]). The duration of inter-set rest periods did not have a significant impact on RPE values (p ranged from 0.061 to 0.951). Higher proximities to failure, indicated by lower MVTs, were associated with increased RPE values (p < 0.05 in 19 out of 24 comparisons). Moreover, as the number of sets increased, an upward trend in RPE values was observed (p < 0.05 in seven out of 12 comparisons). Finally, while acknowledging some inconsistencies, it was generally observed that higher magnitudes of the mechanical variables, especially MNR (rs < −0.55 in three out of four comparisons), were associated with lower RPE values. These results, which were comparable for the bench press and bench pull exercises, suggest that post-set RPE values are affected by the fatigue experienced at both the beginning and end of the set.

This study compared the accuracy of the fastest mean velocity from set (MVfastest) to predict the maximum number of repetitions to failure (RTF) between 2 variants of prone bench pull (PBP) exercise (Smith machine and free-weight) and 3 methods (generalized, individualized multiple-point, and individualized 2-point). Twenty-three resistance-trained males randomly performed 2 sessions during Smith machine PBP and 2 sessions during free-weight PBP in different weeks. The first weekly session determined the RTF-MVfastest relationships and subjects completed single sets of repetitions to failure against 60-70-80-90%1RM. The second weekly session explored the accuracy of RTFs prediction under fatigue conditions and subjects completed 2 sets of 65%1RM and 2 sets of 85%1RM with 2 min of rest. The MVfastest associated with RTFs from 1 to 15 were greater for Smith machine compared to free-weight PBP (F ≥ 42.9; P

This study aimed to compare the acute effect of four back squat velocity-based training (VBT) protocols in terms of intensity (60% vs. 80% of the one repetition maximum [1RM]) and volume (10% vs. 30% threshold for velocity loss in the set) on the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) estimated from a running track test (RTT) in recreationally trained young adult men and women. Twenty participants (eleven men and nine women) undertook five randomized protocols in separate occasions: (i) RTT alone (control condition); (ii) VBT with 60% 1RM and a 10% velocity loss followed by RTT (VBT60–10 + RTT); (iii) VBT with 60% 1RM and a 30% velocity loss followed by RTT (VBT60–30 + RTT); (iv) VBT with 80% 1RM and 10% velocity loss followed by RTT (VBT80–10 + RTT); (v) VBT with 80% 1RM and 30% velocity loss followed by RTT (VBT80–30 + RTT). All VBT protocols involved three sets with three minutes of rest. The MAS was higher for RTT (control) than VBT60–30 + RTT (p < 0.001; Δ = 3.8%), VBT60–10 + RTT (p = 0.006; Δ = 2.8%), VBT80–10 + RTT (p = 0.008; Δ = 2.7%), and VBT80–30 + RTT (p = 0.019; Δ = 1.9%). No protocol × sex interaction was noted (p = 0.422). Therefore, regardless of sex, MAS is acutely impaired after VBT, especially if the training sets are performed with a low relative load and a high velocity loss threshold.

Objective: Phenylcapsaicin (PC) is a new capsaicin analog which has exhibited a higher bioavailability. This sudy assessed the effects of a low dose (LD) of 0.625 mg and a high dose (HD) of 2.5 mg of PC on aerobic capacity, substrate oxidation, energy metabolism and exercise physiological variables in young males.Materials and methods: Seventeen active males (age = 24.7 ± 6.0 years) enrolled to this randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Participants attended the laboratory on 4 sessions separated by 72–96 h. A submaximal exercise test [to determine maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and the intensity at MFO (FATmax)] followed by a maximal incremental test (to determine VO2max) were performed in a preliminary session. The subsequent sessions only differed in the supplement ingested [LD, HD or placebo (PLA)] and consisted of a steady-state test (60 min at FATmax) followed by a maximal incremental test. Energy metabolism, substrate oxidation, heart rate, general (gRPE) and quadriceps (RPEquad) rate of perceived exertion, skin temperature and thermal perception were tested.Results: Clavicle thermal perception was lower in HD compared to PLA and LD (p = 0.04) across time. HD reduced maximum heart rate in comparison to PLA and LD (p = 0.03). LD reported higher general RPE (RPEg) values during the steady-state test compared to PLA and HD across time (p = 0.02). HD and LD elicited higher peak of fat oxidation during the steady-state test compared with PLA (p = 0.05). Intra-test analyses revealed significant differences for fat oxidation (FATox) in favor of HD and LD compared to PLA (p = 0.002 and 0.002, respectively), and for carbohydrate oxidation (CHOox) (p = 0.05) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) (p = 0.03) for PLA. In the incremental test, only general RPE at 60% of the maximal intensity (W) differed favoring HD (p ≤ 0.05).Conclusion: Therefore, PC may contribute to increase aerobic capacity through the improvement of fat oxidation, maximum heart rate and perceptual responses during exercise.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo explorar la relación entre las asimetrías de la altura del salto en contramovimiento (CMJ) producidas unilateralmente y las asimetrías en la producción de fuerza en el CMJ bilateral, y dilucidar los índices de acuerdo entre la pierna autoseleccionada y la pierna dominante. Veintitrés jugadores de baloncesto senior realizaron en una sola sesión ocho CMJs unilaterales (cuatro con cada pierna) y cuatro CMJs bilaterales. Se registró el impulso durante el CMJ bilateral y la altura del salto durante el CMJ unilateral. Se observaron pequeñas correlaciones entre las diferencias de la altura del CMJ unilateral y las asimetrías entre las extremidades en el impulso del CMJ bilateral (r = - 0.104). La pierna declarada como autoseleccionada, reveló un mayor rendimiento en 7 de 23 participantes (Kappa = -0,20) para la altura CMJ unilateral, 7 de 23 participantes (Kappa = -0,11) para el impulso CMJ bilateral, 6 de 23 participantes (Kappa = -0,36). Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto que las asimetrías detectadas durante los CMJ bilaterales no pueden extrapolarse a los CMJ unilaterales, y que la pierna preferida generalmente contribuye menos a la producción de fuerza que la pierna no preferida.

La población universitaria es una de las más propensas en adoptar conductas arriesgadas para la salud. Por ello se planteó una investigación transversal con 184 estudiantes universitarios de Granada donde se quiso conocer el nivel de adherencia a la dieta Mediterránea, el nivel de práctica de actividad física y la salud mental de la Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la Salud. Se emplearon cuestionarios validados: IPAQ-SF, KIDMED y SF-36. Los principales resultados fueron que la mayoría de los universitarios no tenían adherida una dieta de calidad, pero sí cumplían con las recomendaciones mínimas de práctica de actividad física. Además, los universitarios con mayores puntuaciones en la práctica de actividad física, presentaron una mejor alimentación y mejor nivel de salud mental. Por lo tanto, se contempla la necesidad formar y capacitar al alumnado en hábitos saludables. Para ello, desde el ámbito universitario, se deberían crear programas que animaran a la población estudiantil a mantenerse físicamente activos y cuidar en mayor medida su alimentación.

Background The aim of the present study was to explore whether military-specific reaction time (RT) test performance is affected by individuals’ physical and visual skills. Method In a single testing session, the military-specific Simple and Go, No-Go RT, aerobic power (20-m Multistage Shuttle Run test), maximal upper- and lower-body mechanical capacities (bench press and squat against different loads), and visual skills (multiple object tracking and dynamic visual acuity) of 30 young men (15 active-duty military personnel and 15 sport science students) were evaluated. Results The main findings revealed that the Simple RT and Go, No-Go RT presented (1) with aerobic power non-significant small correlations in military personnel (r = −0.39 and −0.35, respectively) and non-significant negligible correlations in sport science students (r = −0.10 and 0.06, respectively), (2) inconsistent and generally non-significant correlations with the maximal mechanical capacities of the upper- and lower-body muscles (r range = −0.10, 0.67 and −0.27, 0.48, respectively), (3) non-significant correlations with visual skills (r magnitude ≥ 0.58) with the only exception of the Go, No-Go RT that was significantly correlated to all visual variables in the group of students (i.e., students who achieved better results during visual tests had shorter RT; r magnitude ≥ 0.58), and (4) none of the physical and visual variables significantly predicted the Simple RT or Go, No-Go RT. Conclusion Altogether, these results indicate that military-specific RT performance is generally independent of physical and visual skills in both military personnel and active university students.

This study aimed to compare and associate the magnitude of the load–velocity relationship variables between the multiple-point and two-point methods and between the concentric-only and eccentric–concentric prone bench pull (PBP) variants. Twenty-three resistance-trained males completed a preliminary session to determine the concentric-only PBP one-repetition maximum (1 RM) and two experimental sessions that only differed in the PBP variant evaluated. In each experimental session they performed three repetitions against the 14 kg load (L1), two repetitions against the 85% 1 RM load (L4), three repetitions against an equidistant intermediate light load (L2), two repetitions against an equidistant intermediate heavy load (L3), and 1–5 1 RM attempts. The load–velocity relationship variables (i.e., load–axis intercept, velocity–axis intercept, and area under the load–velocity relationship line) were obtained from the multiple-point (L1-L2-L3-L4) and two-point (L1-L4) methods. All load–velocity relationship variables presented greater magnitudes when obtained by the two-point method compared with the multiple-point method (p < 0.001, ESrange = 0.17–0.43), while the load–velocity relationship variables were comparable between both PBP variants (p ≥ 0.148). In addition, the load–velocity relationship variables were highly correlated between both methods (rrange = 0.972–0.995) and PBP variants (rrange = 0.798–0.909). When assessing the load–velocity relationship variables, practitioners should prescribe only two loads, as this maximises the magnitudes of the variables and decreases fatigue.

Las múltiples ventajas que aporta un buen control de la carga y la fatiga tanto en deportes de equipo como individuales son conocidas, aunque es importante determinar si un mismo método de control puede ser utilizado para cualquier tipo de deporte, ya que cada uno posee unas demandas metabólicas y neuromusculares diferentes. El objetivo de esta revisión fue recopilar conocimiento acerca de la fiabilidad de la altura del salto en contramovimiento (CMJ, por sus siglas en inglés) como instrumento de control de la carga y la fatiga neuromuscular en atletas de diferentes deportes. El objetivo complementario fue relacionar el CMJ con otras variables metabólicas sensibles a la fatiga neuromuscular. Dos bases de datos (PubMed y WebOfScience) fueron utilizadas para la búsqueda de un total de 1051 artículos científicos. La calidad metodológica para cada artículo se llevó a cabo mediante la escala de la base de datos sobre Fisioterapia Basada en la Evidencia (PEDro). Un total de 12 artículos siguieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se encontraron numerosas correlaciones con otras variables metabólicas como el nivel de cortisol en saliva, el amonio y lactato en sangre. La altura del CMJ es una herramienta fiable para medir tanto como la fatiga neuromuscular a lo largo de una temporada como para medir la fatiga aguda después de una sesión de entrenamiento, no obstante, es recomendable establecer un protocolo adecuado de medición y que se relacione con otros instrumentos o parámetros metabólicos para aumentar su fiabilidad dentro de los distintos deportes. Abstract: The many advantages of good load and fatigue control in team and individual sports are known, although it is important to determine if the same control method can be used for any type of sport, for each one has different metabolic and neuromuscular demands. To analyze the reliability of counter-movement jump height (CMJ) as an instrument for load and neuromuscular fatigue control in athletes of different sports. The secondary aim was to relate vertical jump height (VJH) with other metabolic variables sensitive to neuromuscular fatigue. Two databases (PubMed and Web Of Science) were used to search a total of 1051 scientific journals. The methodological quality for each article was carried out using the scale of the database on Evidence-Based Physiotherapy (PEDro). A total of 12 papers matched the inclusion criteria. Numerous correlations were found with other metabolic variables such as the level of cortisol in saliva, ammonium and lactate in the blood. The height of the CMJ is a reliable tool to measure neuromuscular fatigue over a season and acute fatigue after a training session; however, it is advisable to establish an adequate measurement protocol and compare it with other instruments to increase their reliability within different sports.