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Introduction: Several retrospective studies of strength sport athletes have reported strength adaptations over months to years; however, such adaptations are not linear., Methods: We explored changes in strength over time in a large, retrospective sample of powerlifting (PL) athletes. Specifically, we examined the rate and magnitude of strength adaptation based on age category and weight class for PL competition total, and the squat, bench press, and deadlift, respectively. Mixed effects growth modelling was performed for each operationalised performance outcome (squat, bench press, deadlift, and total) as the dependent variables, with outcomes presented on both the raw, untransformed time scale and on the common logarithmic scale. Additionally, the fitted values were rescaled as a percentage., Results: Collectively, the greatest strength gains were in the earliest phase of PL participation (~ 7.5-12.5% increase in the first year, and up to an ~ 20% increase after 10 years). Females tended to display faster progression, possibly because of lower baseline strength. Additionally, female Masters 3 and 4 athletes (> 59 years) still displayed ~ 2.5-5.0% strength improvement, but a slight strength loss was observed in Masters 4 (> 69 years) males (~ 0.35%/year)., Conclusion: Although directly applicable to PL, these findings provide population-level support for the role of consistent and continued strength training to improve strength across the age span and, importantly, to mitigate, or at least largely attenuate age-related declines in strength compared to established general population norms. This information should be used to encourage participation in strength sports, resistance training more generally, and to support future public health messaging., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Abstract: Beaumont, P, Garrett, J, and van den Hoek, D. How do intracompetition strategies differ between para powerlifting podium and nonpodium athletes? A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 584-591, 2024-This study aimed to investigate the intracompetition strategies used by para powerlifters and quantify and report them for application by coaches and athletes to improve their odds of competitive success. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis was conducted using a public powerlifting database. Primary analysis categorized athletes as either podium (POD) or nonpodium (NPOD), and a subanalysis classified athletes as either gold medalists (GMs) or silver and bronze medalists (SBMs). Analyses of variance were used to assess the significance of the difference between groups. Pearson's correlations were used to evaluate the magnitude of the relationships and binary logistic regressions were used to quantify the variables. Results are reported as odds ratios, and an alpha level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was a significant difference in mean age (POD = 1.6 years younger; p < 0.001), body mass (POD = 2.7 kg heavier; p = 0.006), and best lift (POD = 19.5 kg greater; p < 0.001) for female POD athletes compared with NPOD athletes. For male POD athletes compared with NPOD athletes, there was a difference in mean age (POD = 0.6 years younger; p = 0.035) and best lift (POD = 28.4 kg greater; p < 0.001). Comparing GMs with SBMs showed a significant difference in the mean best lift in both men (GM = 17.4 kg greater; p < 0.001) and women (GM = 11.1 kg greater; p < 0.001). A positive relationship was seen in both the primary and subanalysis between the number of successful lifts (of 3) and an increase in the odds of competitive success (i.e., winning). The findings of this research indicate that high-performing para powerlifters tend to choose attempt weights that prioritize the successful completion of all 3 intracompetition lifts to win a competition., (Copyright © 2024 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Objective: To identify the optimal dose and modality of exercise for treating major depressive disorder, compared with psychotherapy, antidepressants, and control conditions., Design: Systematic review and network meta-analysis., Methods: Screening, data extraction, coding, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently and in duplicate. Bayesian arm based, multilevel network meta-analyses were performed for the primary analyses. Quality of the evidence for each arm was graded using the confidence in network meta-analysis (CINeMA) online tool., Data Sources: Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO databases., Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies: Any randomised trial with exercise arms for participants meeting clinical cut-offs for major depression., Results: 218 unique studies with a total of 495 arms and 14 170 participants were included. Compared with active controls (eg, usual care, placebo tablet), moderate reductions in depression were found for walking or jogging (n=1210, κ=51, Hedges' g -0.62, 95% credible interval -0.80 to -0.45), yoga (n=1047, κ=33, g -0.55, -0.73 to -0.36), strength training (n=643, κ=22, g -0.49, -0.69 to -0.29), mixed aerobic exercises (n=1286, κ=51, g -0.43, -0.61 to -0.24), and tai chi or qigong (n=343, κ=12, g -0.42, -0.65 to -0.21). The effects of exercise were proportional to the intensity prescribed. Strength training and yoga appeared to be the most acceptable modalities. Results appeared robust to publication bias, but only one study met the Cochrane criteria for low risk of bias. As a result, confidence in accordance with CINeMA was low for walking or jogging and very low for other treatments., Conclusions: Exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training more effective than other exercises, particularly when intense. Yoga and strength training were well tolerated compared with other treatments. Exercise appeared equally effective for people with and without comorbidities and with different baseline levels of depression. To mitigate expectancy effects, future studies could aim to blind participants and staff. These forms of exercise could be considered alongside psychotherapy and antidepressants as core treatments for depression., Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018118040., Competing Interests: Competing interests: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form at www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/ and declare: no support from any organisation for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Abstract: van den Hoek, D, Garrett, J, Travis, SK, Oxnard, K, Howells, R, Owen, P, and Latella, C. Analysis of competition performance leading to success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships between 2013 and 2019. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): e555-e562, 2023-Despite being a global sport, there is a paucity of research investigating competition-related factors contributing to World Championship powerlifting success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine competition strategies that underpin gold medalists' (GMs) and silver or bronze medalists' (SBMs) performances. Data collected from open-age International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship events 2013-2019 were analyzed (1,312 competitors [males n = 734, females n = 578]). Attempt weight and success for the squat (SQ), bench press (BP), and deadlift (DL); 'total' competition scores; category (age, weight class, and sex); and placing were categorized into 3 groups: GMs, SBMs, and nonwinners (fourth place or lower). One-way analysis of variances determined between group differences. Odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of winning and placing (i.e., GMs or SBMs) were also calculated. The odds of winning a competition were increased 5.9 times for men and by 1.5 times for women, when successfully completing 8 or 9 of 9 lift attempts. These findings provide comprehensive insight into intracompetition-related factors that contribute to World Championship powerlifting success to directly inform coach and athlete strategies. This information may also hold relevance for competitive state or national competitions and extend to other similarly structured strength-based sports., (Copyright © 2023 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

This study compared the sensitivity of peak running speed (PRS) measured during a submaximal run test (SRT) with a countermovement jump (CMJ) test to provide an alternate method of measuring neuromuscular fatigue (NMF). The study involved 20 semi-professional academy soccer players who performed a SRT and CMJ test, 24-hours pre-match, 24-, 48-, 72- and 96-hours post-match. Moderate decreases (effect-size (ES) ± 90% confidence intervals) were observed 24-hours post-match for CMJ H ; ES -0.70 ± 0.19, CMJ PV ; ES -0.92 ± 0.27 and PRS; ES -0.58 ± 0.11 with small decreases in CMJ H ; ES -0.36 ± 0.13 and PRS; ES -0.27 ± 0.23 still evident 48-hours post-match before returning to baseline 72-hours post-match. The results confirm PRS as an inexpensive alternate method of measuring NMF which, allows instantaneous real-time feedback on NMF. This can allow changes to be made immediately on-field within the post-match recovery phase without the need for further analysis or equipment.

This study aimed to compare the effects of horizontal (HJ) and vertical (VJ)-based plyometric jump training on male semi-professional soccer player's performance (e.g., change-of-direction speed [5-0-5 test]; 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m linear sprint speed). A parallel-study design was conducted. Participants were organized into HJ (n = 10) or VJ (n = 9) during 12 weeks. Measures of athletic performance were obtained in four phases: (i) before and (ii) end of the pre-season, (iii) during (weeks 7th), and (iv) after the intervention. The within-group analysis revealed that both HJ and VJ improved change of direction ([Formula: see text] = 27.783; p < 0.001 ([Formula: see text] = 21.635; p < 0.001),), 10-m linear sprint time ([Formula: see text] = 28.576; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ([Formula: see text] = 28.969, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ([Formula: see text] = 26.143; p < 0.001). Similarly, the VJ-group also imposed significant changes on 5-0-5 time, 10-m linear sprint time ([Formula: see text] = 25.787; p < 0.001), 20-m linear sprint time ([Formula: see text] = 24.333, p < 0.001), and 30-m linear sprint time ([Formula: see text] = 22.919; p < 0.001). Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences in any of the assessment moments. HJ and VJ plyometric jump training are effective for improving the change-of-direction and a linear sprint of semi-professional players with no difference between types of intervention., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Abstract: van den Hoek, D, Garrett, J, Howells, R, and Latella, C. Paralympians are stronger than you know: A comparison of para and nondisabled powerlifting bench press world records. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 452-456, 2023-This investigation explored the absolute and relative strength of bench press world record holders for World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) athletes. Athlete data (mass [in kilograms], competitive weight class, and bench press mass [in kilograms]) for world record holding male and female athletes were extracted from public databases. Absolute and relative strength (kg·kg bw-1 ) of athletes was compared using IPF competitive weight classes. On an individual basis, WPPO world record holders demonstrated greater absolute strength than their IPF counterparts in 5 of 8 weight classes for women and 6 of 8 weight classes for men when classified using standard IPF competitive weight classes. Overall, effect sizes for relative strength were greater in WPPO male (19.6%, g = 0.75) and female (9.24%, g = 0.38) athletes but did not reach statistical significance. The greatest relative strength observed was 3.88 kg·kg bw-1 (under 49-kg WPPO) for male and 2.72 kg·kg bw-1 (under 50-kg WPPO class) for female athletes. For IPF athletes, the greatest relative strength was reported in the under 66-kg class for male athletes (3.35 kg·kg bw-1 ) and under 63-kg class for female athletes (2.29 kg·kg bw-1 ). The physical impairments experienced by WPPO world record holders do not appear to compromise bench press strength compared with able-bodied athletes. Indeed, WPPO world record holders often possess greater relative and absolute strength than their IPF counterparts. Superior para powerlifting bench press records may be, at least in part, the result of training and biomechanical factors and seem to be the only anaerobic strength-based sport where para records exceed that of able-bodied athletes., (Copyright © 2022 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the variation of kinematic measures between using preferred and non-preferred legs while braking during the 5-0-5 change of direction test; and (ii) test the relationships between kinematic measures, and change-of-direction deficit (CODD). A cross-sectional study using twenty adult male soccer players (21.6 ± 2.0 years; 73.2 ± 6.1 kg; 174.8 ± 4.5 cm) was employed. Players performed three repetitions of the 5-0-5 test using each leg during the braking phase. Players have used the Polar Team Pro to obtain the kinematic measures of peak speed, peak acceleration, and peak deceleration. Additionally, the CODD was also obtained using single-beamed photocells. Comparisons revealed a significantly greater peak acceleration (+ 0.22 m/s 2 ; p < 0.001) and deceleration (+ 0.17 m/s 2 ; p = 0.004) for the non-preferred leg. There were no significant correlations were found between CODD and peak accelerations (r = - 0.014, [- 0.193; 0.166]), peak decelerations (r = - 0.052, [- 0.229; 0.128]) or peak speed (r = 0.118, [- 0.063; 0.291]). This study revealed that preferred and non-preferred leg must be analyzed differently since they are different in the kinematic variables. However, CODD seems independent of leg preference and the kinematic measures of a 5-0-5 change of direction test., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the within-group physical fitness adaptations promoted by a detraining period (4 weeks) followed by an intervention period (4 weeks) using small-sided games (SSGs) or running-based high intensity interval training (HIIT); and (ii) analyze the between-group differences aiming to identify the effectiveness of each training intervention on the physical fitness of youth male soccer players., Methods: This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Forty male soccer players (age: 16.4 ± 0.5 years old) were assessed three times: (i) baseline; (ii) after 4 weeks of detraining; and (iii) after a retraining period of 4 weeks. After returning from detraining, players were randomized to an SSG-based training intervention ( n = 20) or running-based HIIT ( n = 20). Interventions lasted 4 weeks, with a training frequency of three sessions per week. At all timepoints, players were assessed by: (i) anthropometry (height, body mass, fat mass (FM)), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing broad jump (SBJ), triple hop jump (THJ), linear sprint test (5-, 10-, and 20-m), zig-zag test with (ZZwB) and without (ZZwoB) ball, three corner run test (3CRT), Y-balance test and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT). Mixed ANOVA (time * group) was conducted for testing interactions between the three timepoints of repeated measures and the two groups. Effect size (ES) for pairwise comparisons was calculated using Cohen's., Results: Between-group analysis revealed significantly smaller SBJ ( t = -2.424, p = 0.020, d = -0.767 small ES) and THT ( t = -4.353, p < 0.001, d = -1.376 large ES) in the SSG group after the retraining period. At the same time, SSG presented significantly greater FM after retraining compared to HIIT ( t = 3.736, p < 0.001, d = 1.181 large ES). Additionally, SSG had significantly smaller values than HIIT in the ZZwB ( t = -3.645, p < 0.001, d = -1.153 large ES), but greater times in the ZZwoB ( t = 2.679, p = 0.011, d = 0.847 large ES) and 3CRT ( t = 3.126, p = 0.003, d = 0.989 large ES)., Conclusions: Although SSG and HIIT interventions improved physical fitness outcomes after a period of detraining, they were not able to effectively restore body composition, CMJ, 20-m sprint, ZZwB, and YYIRT compared with the baseline assessments (before detraining). Only HIIT was significantly effective for restoring SBJ, short linear sprin speed, and change-of-direction compared with baseline. HIIT was also significantly better than SSG in improving SBJ and ZZwoB. Although the small sample, the non determination of maturation status and the need to be cautious regarding generalization, HIIT appears to be more beneficial than SSG after a detraining period for recovery of body composition and physical fitness qualities in this specific context of youth soccer players., Competing Interests: Filipe M. Clemente and Georgian Badicu are Academic Editors for PeerJ., (© 2022 Clemente et al.)

Purpose: Understanding strength changes with resistance training is important in human performance. It also enables better understanding into the expected magnitude of strength increase and factors that influence this change over time., Methods: Squat, bench press, and deadlift scores were collated from 407 powerlifting meets (n = 1896 unique competitors: ~625 females, ~1270 males) between 2003 and 2018. Absolute (in kilograms) and relative starting strength (in kilograms per body weight) for each lift type was expressed for both sexes. Maximum and overall strength gain per day and per year (in kilograms) was calculated by comparing first and final, or maximum scores for each lift, respectively, and considered based on strength quartile classification. Paired and independent t-tests compared strength changes from baseline and between sexes. One-way ANOVAs compared strength changes between quartiles. Pearson correlations assessed relationships between strength changes over time, and baseline strength, number of competitions, and total days competing., Results: Maximum strength adaptations were greater for squat (20.2-25.4 kg·yr-1) and deadlift (18.1-21.1 kg·yr-1) compared with bench press (10.5-12.8 kg·yr-1, P ≤ 0.001). However, the change in absolute (all lifts: P = 0.247-0.379) and relative strength (all lifts: P = 0.641-0.821) did not differ between sexes. For females, maximum strength gain per day did not differ by quartile (all lifts: P = 0.091-0.746), nor did overall strength gain per day (P = 0.151-0.575). Conversely, males in the fourth quartile generally displayed lower maximum and overall strength gain per day., Conclusions: These findings show differences in strength gain between upper- and lower-body lifts, but not sex differences in the change in strength. In line with previous research, the strongest males likely gain strength more slowly than weaker counterparts. Professionals should consider this information in the training, assessment, and long-term benchmarking of athletes whose sports require a focus on muscular strength., (Copyright © 2022 by the American College of Sports Medicine.)

Latella, C, Teo, W-P, Spathis, J, and van den Hoek, D. Long-term strength adaptation: A 15-year analysis of powerlifting athletes. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2412-2418, 2020-Strength is a fundamental component of athletic performance and development. This investigation examined the long-term strength development of powerlifting (PL) athletes. The rate of strength gain/day was assessed in 1897 PL athletes (F = 626, M = 1,271) over a 15-year period (2003-2018). Independent T-tests explored sex differences in baseline absolute (kg) and relative strength (kg·body mass [bm]) recorded from the first competition, and strength gain/day (kg·d). Analyses based on initial strength quartiles were conducted using one-way analysis of variances with significance set at p < 0.05. Bivariate correlational analysis tested for relationships between strength gain/day and baseline strength, the number of competitions, and mean days between competitions. Males had greater absolute (M: 513.3 ± 99.8 kg, F: 289.4 ± 55.7 kg, p < 0.001) and relative (M: 5.89 ± 1.04 kg·bm, F: 4.27 ± 0.85 kg·bm, p < 0.001) strength at baseline. Overall, strength gain/day (F: 0.12 ± 0.69 kg·d, M: 0.15 ± 0.44 kg·d, p = 0.318) was similar between sexes. However, the strongest males showed a lower rate of strength improvement (0.102 kg·d) compared with least strong males (0.211 kg·d), p = 0.010. No differences were observed across quartiles for females. Correlational analyses revealed significant but weak negative relationships between strength gain/day and the mean days between competitions for females (r = -0.120, p = 0.003) and males (r = -0.190, p < 0.001). Similar relationships were observed for baseline strength (r = -0.073, p = 0.009) and the number of competitions (r = -0.111, p < 0.001) for males. The results suggest similar strength adaptation between sexes. The strongest males improve more slowly, possibly due to a ceiling effect. Collectively, the findings provide novel evidence of real-world long-term strength adaptations that may be particularly useful to understand athlete development, to aid periodized programming, and to benchmark strength over time.

Latella, C, van den Hoek, D, and Teo, WP. Differences in strength performance between novice and elite athletes: Evidence from powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S103-S112, 2019-Strength forms an integral part of many sports. In particular, powerlifting success is determined solely by maximal strength, providing a unique opportunity to investigate the differences and potential factors influencing novice and elite competitors. We evaluated performance from 2,137 competitors between local (LOC), national (NAT), and international (INT) competitions. Results were analyzed by using the total (TOT) competition score within weight classes and age categories. Cohen's d effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were used to detect differences within categories between LOC, NAT, and INT competitions. The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to determine the absolute variability. A moderate to large increase in performance was observed for all weight classes between LOC and NAT (men; d = 0.76, women; d = 1.09). No meaningful differences were observed between LOC and NAT, and NAT and INT when compared using age. No meaningful differences were observed between NAT to INT competitions when compared using weight classes. The CV was not different across competition level (CV = 17.4-22.9%) categories. Several internal (athlete) and external (environmental) factors are likely to explain these findings. Therefore, factors such as training experience, performance variability, body composition, anthropometric characteristics, and competition pressure that may influence strength performance should also be considered in both training phases and during competition. Collectively, the results offer novel information regarding the difference in strength performance between novice, subelite, and elite strength athletes. Strength and conditioning professionals should consider these factors when working with various athletes where maximal strength is an important determinant of success.

Issue Addressed: To deconstruct a personal account involving the initial decision making and ultimate consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol to educate drinkers about the realities of short- and long-term impacts associated with drink-driving., Methods: This qualitative study uses collaborative methods and draws on an autoethnographic (n = 1) account to identify multiple challenges and outcomes arising from a singular drink-driving incident., Results: Findings document how the split-second decision to drink and drive can give rise to unforeseen, ongoing and complex problems associated with injuries and pain management, the legal system, personal and professional costs, social isolation and shame., Conclusions: Many believe that driving ability is only affected if an individual is drunk, and that the ramifications of low-range drinking (blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.05 and less than 0.07) and driving are minimal and avoidable. This personal account emphasises the stark realities associated with such naïve perceptions, particularly among young males, and augments efforts to dissuade drivers from drinking. SO WHAT?: The experiential insights within this narrative account have the potential to help inform peer education programs and contribute to reductions in youth road trauma and associated injuries., (© 2017 Australian Health Promotion Association.)

Background: Accelerometry is the method of choice for objectively assessing physical activity in older adults. Many studies have used an accelerometer count cut point corresponding to 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) derived in young adults during treadmill walking and running with a resting metabolic rate (RMR) assumed at 3.5 mL · kg -1  · min -1 (corresponding to 1 MET). RMR is lower in older adults; therefore, their 3 MET level occurs at a lower absolute energy expenditure making the cut point derived from young adults inappropriate for this population. The few studies determining older adult specific moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) cut points had methodological limitations, such as not measuring RMR and using treadmill walking., Methods: This study determined a MVPA hip-worn accelerometer cut point for older adults using measured RMR and overground walking. Following determination of RMR, 45 older adults (mean age 70.2 ± 7 years, range 60-87.6 years) undertook an outdoor, overground walking protocol with accelerometer count and energy expenditure determined at five walking speeds., Results: Mean RMR was 2.8 ± 0.6 mL · kg -1  · min -1 . The MVPA cut points (95% CI) determined using linear mixed models were: vertical axis 1013 (734, 1292) counts · min -1 ; vector magnitude 1924 (1657, 2192) counts · min -1 ; and walking speed 2.5 (2.2, 2.8) km · hr -1 . High levels of inter-individual variability in cut points were found., Conclusions: These MVPA accelerometer and speed cut points for walking, the most popular physical activity in older adults, were lower than those for younger adults. Using cut points determined in younger adults for older adult population studies is likely to underestimate time spent engaged in MVPA. In addition, prescription of walking speed based on the adult cut point is likely to result in older adults working at a higher intensity than intended.