Analysis of the training load during a hypertrophy-type resistance training programme in men and women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the specific training load during a resistance training (RT) programme designed to increase muscular hypertrophy in men and women. Thirty-four women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg, 162.6 ± 6.2 cm and 22.1 ± 3.6 kg.m^?2) and 30 men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg, 174.5 ± 6.6 cm and 22.5 ± 2.4 kg.m^?2) underwent a supervised RT programme that was divided into two phases of 8 weeks each. Training consisted of 10–12 exercises performed with three sets of 8–12 repetitions at repetition maximum resistances performed 3 times per week on nonconsecutive days. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for gender by time interaction for average training load of all the exercises performed in the first 8 weeks of RT with women showing a higher relative increase than men (+43.6% vs. +32.5%, respectively). This result was not observed during the second 8-week phase of the RT programme during which no significant gender by time interaction (P > 0.05) was shown with both genders having a similar relative increase (+28.7% vs. +24.3%, respectively). Women had a higher increase than men in specific average training load of the upper limb exercises during both the first 8 weeks of training (+30.2% vs. +26.6%, respectively) and the second 8 weeks of training (+31.1% vs. +25.3%, respectively). We conclude that the adaptation in specific training load is influenced by gender.     

渐进性抗阻力量训练对普通人群力量、最大摄氧量与最大有氧功率的影响

目的:探讨渐进性抗阻力量训练对普通人群力量、最大摄氧量和最大有氧功率的影响.方法:30名普通健康成年男性进行10周的渐进性力量训练,力量训练前后测试实验对象的力量和有氧能力.结果:力量训练后,实验对象的最大蹲起负重(Loadmax)、60%最大蹲起负重下的的蹲跳功率(P 60)、最大摄氧量、相对最大摄氧量以及最大工作功率都有了显著性增长.与训练前相比,在最大摄氧量测试过程中,随着工作功率的提高,通气量呈下降的趋势,摄氧量呈上升的趋势,氧差有增大的趋势.结论:10周的渐进性抗阻力量训练,使实验对象动力性最大力量、动力性爆发力、最大摄氧量、相对最大摄氧量以及最大工作功率都有显著性提高;实验对象有氧能力的提高与肌肉用氧能力改善有关.     

Effects of high-intensity resistance circuit-based training in hypoxia on body composition and strength performance

Abstract

Hypoxic training methods are increasingly being used by researchers in an attempt to improve performance in normoxic ambients. Moreover, previous research suggests that resistance training in hypoxia can cause physiological and muscle adaptations. The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of high-intensity resistance circuit-based (HRC) training in hypoxia on body composition and strength performance. The secondary aim was to examine the effects of HRC on metabolic parameters. Twenty-eight male participants were randomly assigned to either hypoxia (Fraction of inspired oxygen [F_IO₂]?=?15%; HRC_hyp: n?=?15; age: 24.6?±?6.8 years; height: 177.4?±?5.9?cm; weight: 74.9?±?11.5?kg) or normoxia [F_IO₂]?=?20.9%; HRC_norm: n?=?13; age: 23.2?±?5.2 years; height: 173.4?±?6.2?cm; weight: 69.4?±?7.4?kg) groups. Training sessions consisted of two blocks of three exercises (Block 1: bench press, leg extension and front pull down; Block 2: deadlift, elbow flexion and ankle extension). Each exercise was performed at six repetition maximum. Rest periods lasted for 35-s between exercises, 3-min between sets and 5-min between blocks. Participants exercised twice weekly for 8 weeks, and body composition, strength and blood tests were performed before and after the training program. Lean body mass and bone mineral density significantly increased over time in the HRC_hyp (p?<?.005; ES?=?0.14 and p?<?.014; ES?=?0.19, respectively) but not in the HRC_norm after training. Both groups improved their strength performance over time (p?<?.001), but without group effect differences. These results indicate that simulated hypoxia during HRC exercise produced trivial effects on lean body mass and bone mineral density compared to normoxia.     

Effects of flexibility and strength training on peak hamstring musculotendinous strains during sprinting

BackgroundHamstring injury is one of the most common injuries in sports involving sprinting. Hamstring flexibility and strength are often considered to be modifiable risk factors in hamstring injury. Understanding the effects of hamstring flexibility or strength training on the biomechanics of the hamstring muscles during sprinting could assist in improving prevention strategies and rehabilitation related to these injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of altering hamstring flexibility or strength on peak hamstring musculotendinous strain during sprinting.MethodsA total of 20 male college students (aged 18–24 years) participated and were randomly assigned to either a flexibility intervention group or a strength intervention group. Each participant executed exercise training 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Flexibility, sprinting, and isokinetic strength testing were performed before and after the 2 interventions. Paired t tests were performed to determine hamstring flexibility or strength intervention effects on optimal hamstring musculotendinous lengths and peak hamstring musculotendinous strains during sprinting.ResultsParticipants in the flexibility intervention group significantly increased the optimal musculotendinous lengths of the semimembranosus and biceps long head (p ≤ 0.026) and decreased peak musculotendinous strains in all 3 bi-articulate hamstring muscles (p ≤ 0.004). Participants in the strength-intervention group significantly increased the optimal musculotendinous lengths of all 3 hamstring muscles (p ≤ 0.041) and significantly decreased their peak musculotendinous strain during sprinting (p ≤ 0.017).ConclusionIncreasing hamstring flexibility or strength through exercise training may assist in reducing the risk of hamstring injury during sprinting for recreational male athletes.     

武术专项力量训练引入核心稳定力量训练的实验研究

运用文献资料、专家访谈、实验及数理统计等研究方法,以三峡大学高水平武术运动员6名男生为实验研究对象,以专项力量训练理论和核心力量训练理论为理论依据,结合武术专项力量训练的特点及多年从事武术专业教学与训练的实际,首次将核心稳定力量训练理论引入到武术运动员的专项力量训练之中,其目的在于通过提高运动员核心区域的核心稳定力量水平,提高其核心区域相关肌群协同做功的能力及神经对肌肉的控制能力和完成高难度动作的稳定性.经过历时16周的实验研究表明:随着运动员核心区域核心稳定力量水平的提高,其武术专项力量、专项基本功、完成高难跳跃动作的落地稳定性乃至武术套路技术水平等均得到不同程度的提高.     

Effect of time-of-day-specific strength training on maximum strength and EMG activity of the leg extensors in men

In this study, we examined the effects of time-of-day-specific strength training on maximum strength and electromyography (EMG) of the knee extensors in men. After a 10-week preparatory training period (training times 17:00-19:00 h), 27 participants were randomized into a morning (07:00-09:00 h, n = 14) and an evening group (17:00-19.00 h, n = 13). Both groups then underwent 10 weeks of time-of-day-specific training. A matched control group (n = 7) completed all testing but did not train. Unilateral isometric knee extension peak torque (MVC) and one-repetition maximum half-squat were assessed before and after the preparatory training and after the time-of-day-specific training at times that were not training-specific (between 09:00 and 16:00 h). During training-specific hours, peak torque and EMG during MVC and submaximum isometric contraction at 40% MVC were assessed before and after the time-of-day-specific training. The main finding was that a significant diurnal difference (P < 0.01) in peak torque between the 07:00 and 17:00 h tests decreased after time-of-day-specific training in the morning group but not in the evening or control groups. However, the extent of this time-of-day-specific adaptation varied between individuals. Electromyography during MVC did not show any time-of-day-specific adaptation, suggesting that peripheral rather than neural adaptations are the main source of temporal specificity in strength training.     

Effect of time-of-day-specific strength training on maximum strength and EMG activity of the leg extensors in men

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of time-of-day-specific strength training on maximum strength and electromyography (EMG) of the knee extensors in men. After a 10-week preparatory training period (training times 17:00–19:00 h), 27 participants were randomized into a morning (07:00–09:00 h, n = 14) and an evening group (17:00–19.00 h, n = 13). Both groups then underwent 10 weeks of time-of-day-specific training. A matched control group (n = 7) completed all testing but did not train. Unilateral isometric knee extension peak torque (MVC) and one-repetition maximum half-squat were assessed before and after the preparatory training and after the time-of-day-specific training at times that were not training-specific (between 09:00 and 16:00 h). During training-specific hours, peak torque and EMG during MVC and submaximum isometric contraction at 40% MVC were assessed before and after the time-of-day-specific training. The main finding was that a significant diurnal difference (P < 0.01) in peak torque between the 07:00 and 17:00 h tests decreased after time-of-day-specific training in the morning group but not in the evening or control groups. However, the extent of this time-of-day-specific adaptation varied between individuals. Electromyography during MVC did not show any time-of-day-specific adaptation, suggesting that peripheral rather than neural adaptations are the main source of temporal specificity in strength training.     

Effects of isometric quadriceps strength training at different muscle lengths on dynamic torque production

This study aims to (1) determine whether isometric training at a short vs. long quadriceps muscle length affects concentric torque production; (2) examine the relationship between muscle hypertrophy and concentric torque; and (3) determine whether changes in fascicle length are associated with changes in concentric torque.

Sixteen men performed isometric training at a short (SL, n = 8) or a long muscle length (LL, n = 8). Changes in maximal concentric torque were measured at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 300 rad · s^?1. The relationships between the changes in concentric torque, cross-sectional area, volume and fascicle length were tested.

Concentric torque increased significantly after training only in LL and at angular velocities of 30 and 120 rad · s^?1 by 12–13% (P < 0.05). Muscle size increased in LL only, the changes were correlated (r = 0.73–0.93, P < 0.05) with the changes in concentric torque. Vastus lateralis (VL) fascicle length increased in both groups (5.4 ± 4.9%, P = 0.001) but the change was not correlated with changes in concentric torque in either group.

Isometric training-induced increases in muscle size and concentric torque were best elicited by training at long muscle lengths. These results highlight a clear muscle length dependence of isometric training on dynamic torque production.     

Water training in postmenopausal women: Effect on muscular strength

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a swimming programme and a calisthenics and resistance water training programme, which included aerobic and resistance components, on muscle strength and body weight in postmenopausal women. Both were carried out over a period of 12 months. Ninety-three subjects were randomly assigned to swimming group (SG; n=29), calisthenics and resistance group (CRG; n=34) and control group (CG; n=30). Mean upper-extremities biokinetic force (MF), power (MP) and work (MW) were measured by a biokinetic swim bench (Biometer Swim Bench, Sport Fahnemann). Maximal isometric forces of the trunk flexors (ITF) and knee extensors (IKE) were measured by an isometric strain-gauge dynamometer (T.K.K. 5402, Takei Scientific Instruments Co. Ltd.). Countermovement jump height (CMJ) was evaluated using the Ergojump Bosco System. Energy consumption was measured using a self-administrated food frequency questionnaire (Sanocare Human Systems L.S., Madrid. Spain). Body mass index (BMI) was also measured. CRG improved significantly (p≤0.05) MF increased by 7.92%, MP by 9.08% and MW by 9.3%. SG and CRG demonstrated a significant decrease in BMI (?2.08 and ?2.75% respectively). SG, CRG and CG showed a significant decrease in ITF (?5.07, ?11.34 and ?24.73% respectively) and IKE (?7.99, ?12.77 and ?29.75% respectively). This decrease was significantly greater in CG compared with SG and CRG. There were no significant changes in CMJ in any group. These results indicate that water exercise has significant implications, improving some health-related components of fitness in postmenopausal women.     

The effects of ACL injury on quadriceps and hamstring torque,work and power

The aim of this study was to assess isokinetic torque, work and power between non-injured, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)-deficient and ACL-reconstructed individuals. Ten healthy, non-injured individuals, seven unilateral ACL-deficient individuals and six unilateral ACL-reconstructed individuals were assessed for isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength at 1.05 and 3.14 rad.s-1. Peak torque, total work, average power and the ratio of peak torque to body mass were computed for both velocities. Peak torque was also corrected for body mass, using allometric modelling. The non-injured individuals showed significantly greater quadriceps peak torque to body mass ratios than the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed individuals at both velocities, and greater hamstring peak torque to body mass ratios than the ACL-deficient group at 3.14 rad.s-1 (P < 0.05). The ACL-deficient individuals displayed greater quadriceps and hamstring peak torque, total work and average power than the non-injured individuals at 1.05 rad.s-1 (P < 0.05). The ACL-deficient individuals also displayed significantly greater peak torque, total work and average power than the ACL-reconstructed individuals for the quadriceps at both velocities (P < 0.05). The ACL-deficient individuals demonstrated greater hamstring peak torque and total work than the non-injured individuals at both velocities (P < 0.05). The allometrically modelled peak torques at both isokinetic velocities demonstrated that the quadriceps muscle values were significantly higher in the non-involved than the involved limb. The hamstring peak torques corrected for body mass were significantly higher in the non-involved than the involved limb only at 1.05 rad.s-1. The main finding from the present study is that isokinetic measures in ratio-scaled or absolute units yield a different outcome and, hence, interpretation compared with the allometric approach.     

The effects of ACL injury on quadriceps and hamstring torque,work and power

The aim of this study was to assess isokinetic torque, work and power between non-injured, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)-deficient and ACL-reconstructed individuals. Ten healthy, non-injured individuals, seven unilateral ACL-deficient individuals and six unilateral ACL-reconstructed individuals were assessed for isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength at 1.05 and 3.14 rad ·s -1 . Peak torque, total work, average power and the ratio of peak torque to body mass were computed for both velocities. Peak torque was also corrected for body mass, using allometric modelling. The non-injured individuals showed significantly greater quadriceps peak torque to body mass ratios than the ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed individuals at both velocities, and greater hamstring peak torque to body mass ratios than the ACL-deficient group at 3.14 rad · s -1 ( P ? 0.05). The ACL-deficient individuals displayed greater quadriceps and hamstring peak torque, total work and average power than the non-injured individuals at 1.05 rad · s -1 ( P ? 0.05). The ACL-deficient individuals also displayed significantly greater peak torque, total work and average power than the ACL-reconstructed individuals for the quadriceps at both velocities ( P ? 0.05). The ACL-deficient individuals demonstrated greater hamstring peak torque and total work than the non-injured individuals at both velocities ( P ? 0.05). The allometrically modelled peak torques at both isokinetic velocities demonstrated that the quadriceps muscle values were significantly higher in the non-involved than the involved limb. The hamstring peak torques corrected for body mass were significantly higher in the non-involved than the involved limb only at 1.05 rad ·s -1 . The main finding from the present study is that isokinetic measures in ratio-scaled or absolute units yield a different outcome and, hence, interpretation compared with the allometric approach.     

Effects of dynamic resistance training on fascicle length and isometric strength

The aims of this study were to assess changes in muscle architecture, isometric and dynamic strength of the leg extensor muscles, resulting from dynamic resistance training, and the relationships between strength and muscle architecture variables. The participants (n = 30) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The training group (n = 16; age 21.8 +/- 2.3 years, body mass 74.8 +/- 9.2 kg, height 1.75 +/- 0.08 m) performed dynamic resistance training for 13 weeks. The control group (n = 14; age 19.9 +/- 1.5 years, body mass 74.0 +/- 8.5 kg, height 1.76 +/- 0.05 m) did not perform any resistance training. Maximal dynamic and isometric strength were tested in both groups, before and after the training period. The members of the training group used the free-weight squat lift (90 degrees ) as their training exercise. The concentric phase of the squat was performed explosively. Skeletal muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis was visualized using ultrasonography. At the end of the study, significant increases in vastus lateralis muscle thickness (+6.9%, P < 0.001), fascicle length (+10.3%, P < 0.05), one-repetition maximum (+8.2%, P < 0.05), rate of force development (+23.8%, P < 0.05) and average force produced in the first 500 ms (+11.7%, P < 0.05) were seen only in the training group. Adaptations to the muscle architecture in the training group limited the loss of fibre force, and improved the capacity for developing higher velocities of contraction. The architectural changes in the training group were similar to those seen in studies where high-speed training was performed. In conclusion, dynamic resistance training with light loads leads to increases in muscle thickness and fascicle length, which might be related to a more efficient transmission of fibre force to the tendon.     

Resistance training promotes increase in intracellular hydration in men and women

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of resistance training (RT) on body water in men and women. Thirty men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg and 174.5 ± 6.6 cm) and 34 women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg and 162.6 ± 6.2 cm) underwent progressive RT for 16 weeks (2 phases, 8 weeks each), 3 times per week, that consisted of 10–12 whole body exercises with 3 sets of 8–12 repetitions maximum. Total body water, TBW (intracellular water, ICW and extracellular water, ECW compartments) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were assessed using a spectral bioelectrical impedance device (Xitron 4200 Bioimpedance Spectrum Analyzer). TBW, ICW compartment and SMM increased significantly (P < 0.05) over time in men (+7.5%, +8.2% and +4.2%, respectively) and women (+7.6%, +11.0% +3.9%, respectively), with no sex by time interaction (P > 0.05). We conclude that progressive RT promotes an increase in body water, principally by intracellular content; however, the hydration status is not influenced by sex.     

肌力训练减小中年女性腰围的实验研究

健身俱乐部部分中年女会员持续参加半年以上肌力训练后显示：肌力训练对减少中年女性腰围有显著作用，并能达到降体重减体脂的目的，对预防心血管系统疾病，增强体质也有重要作用。     

超等长阻力训练对下肢各关节角动力学的影响

为测试超等长阻力训练前后原地垂直纵跳动作下肢各关节角速度及角加速度,计算下肢各关节角刚度,观察超等长阻力训练对下肢各关节角动力学的影响。将16名青年男子篮球运动员随机分成超等长阻力训练组和常规训练对照组。采用VICON和三维测力台采集每个动作的运动学和动力学数据,计算下肢各关节角速度及角加速度,并经逆动力学方法计算下肢净关节力矩。结果可见,超等长阻力训练组髋、踝关节角速度和角刚度明显高于对照组,膝关节角速度及角刚度两组没有明显差异;超等长阻力训练组髋、膝、踝关节角加速度均显著高于对照组。结果说明超等长阻力训练可降低拉长-缩短周期支撑时间、缩短摊还期、增强肌肉-肌腱复合体能量转换能力、提高下肢肌肉爆发力。适于需要关节角速度、角加速度及爆发力的项目。     

Effect of strength training on rate of force development in older women

We analyzed the effect of an 8-week strength training (ST) program on the rate of force development (RFD) and electromyographic activity (EMG) in older women. Seventeen women (M age = 63.4 years, SD = 4.9) without previous ST experience were randomly assigned to either a control (n=7) or training (n=10) group. A leg-press isometric test was used for assessment. ST (three sessions/ week, three sets of 10-12 repetition maximum, five different exercises) induced significant increases (p < .05) on peak RPD (48.4%) and on RFD) and EMG of vastus medialis at time intervals of 0-50, 0-100, 0-150, and 0-200 ms (41.1-69.2% and 43.8-64.3%, respectively). Therefore, ST resulted in favorable changes in neuromuscular responses in older women.     

Building muscle: nutrition to maximize bulk and strength adaptations to resistance exercise training

Abstract

Several nutritional strategies can optimize muscle bulk and strength adaptations and enhance recovery from heavy training sessions. Adequate energy intake to meet the needs of training and carbohydrate intake sufficient to maintain glycogen stores (>7 g carbohydrate·kg^?1·day^?1 for women; >8 g carbohydrate·kg^?1·day^?1 for men) are important. Dietary protein intake for top sport athletes should include some foods with high biological value, with a maximum requirement of approximately 1.7 g·kg^?1·day^?1 being easily met with an energy sufficient diet. The early provision of carbohydrate (>1 g·kg^?1) and protein (>10 g) early after an exercise session will enhance protein balance and optimize glycogen repletion. Creatine monohydrate supplementation over several days increases body mass through water retention and can increase high-intensity repetitive ergometer performance. Creatine supplementation can enhance total body and lean fat free mass gains during resistance exercise training; however, strength gains do not appear to be enhanced versus an optimal nutritional strategy (immediate post-exercise protein and carbohydrate). Some studies have suggested that β-OH-methyl butyric acid (β-HMB) can enhance gains made through resistance exercise training; however, it has not been compared “head to head” with optimal nutritional practices. Overall, the most effective way to increase strength and bulk is to perform sport-specific resistance exercise training with the provision of adequate energy, carbohydrate, and protein. Creatine monohydrate and β-HMB supplementation may enhance the strength gains made through training by a small margin but the trade-off is likely to be greater bulk, which may be ergolytic for any athlete participating in a weight-supported activity.     

Lack of association of the ACE genotype with the muscle strength response to resistance training

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies have attempted to link the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with the variability in muscle strength responses to resistance training (RT); however, the literature is inconclusive. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between the ACE I/D genotype and muscle strength response to a RT program in young men.

Methods: 124 men (22±2.6 years; 174.8±6.5cm; 71.5±13.8 kg) without resistance training experience were tested before and after 11 weeks of five whole-body RT exercises (bench press, seated row, knee extension, knee flexion and sit ups). The bench press 1RM test was used to assess upper-body muscle strength and the isokinetic knee extensor peak torque (PT) was used as a measure of lower-body strength.

Results: At baseline, there were no differences among ACE genotype for 1RM load (54±11.7 kg for II, 58.5±8.9 kg for ID and 52.3±12.2 kg for DD) or knee extensor peak torque (PT) (220.1±36.8 N·m for II, 209.4 ±44.4 N·m for ID and 199.7±32.4 N·m for DD). Moreover, ACE genotype was not associated with lower-body (7.1±10.5%, 15.7±10.4% and 14.1±22.7% for II, ID and DD, respectively) or upper-body strength gains (16.2±8.9%, 14.5±11.3% and 21.9±17.1% for II, ID and DD, respectively) in response to RT.

Conclusion: The ACE I/D genotype was not associated with the muscle strength responses to RT.     

Effect of the movement speed of resistance training exercises on sprint and strength performance in concurrently training elite junior sprinters

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 7 weeks of high- and low-velocity resistance training on strength and sprint running performance in nine male elite junior sprint runners (age 19.0 - 1.4 years, best 100 m times 10.89 - 0.21 s; mean - s ). The athletes continued their sprint training throughout the study, but their resistance training programme was replaced by one in which the movement velocities of hip extension and flexion, knee extension and flexion and squat exercises varied according to the loads lifted (i.e. 30-50% and 70-90% of 1-RM in the high- and low-velocity training groups, respectively). There were no between-group differences in hip flexion or extension torque produced at 1.05, 4.74 or 8.42 rad·s -1 , 20 m acceleration or 20 m 'flying' running times, or 1-RM squat lift strength either before or after training. This was despite significant improvements in 20 m acceleration time ( P ? 0.01), squat strength ( P ? 0.05), isokinetic hip flexion torque at 4.74 rad·s -1 and hip extension torque at 1.05 and 4.74 rad·s -1 for the athletes as a whole over the training period. Although velocity-specific strength adaptations have been shown to occur rapidly in untrained and non-concurrently training individuals, the present results suggest a lack of velocity-specific performance changes in elite concurrently training sprint runners performing a combination of traditional and semi-specific resistance training exercises.     

Effect of the movement speed of resistance training exercises on sprint and strength performance in concurrently training elite junior sprinters

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 7 weeks of high- and low-velocity resistance training on strength and sprint running performance in nine male elite junior sprint runners (age 19.0+/-1.4 years, best 100 m times 10.89+/-0.21 s; mean +/- s). The athletes continued their sprint training throughout the study, but their resistance training programme was replaced by one in which the movement velocities of hip extension and flexion, knee extension and flexion and squat exercises varied according to the loads lifted (i.e. 30-50% and 70-90% of 1-RM in the high- and low-velocity training groups, respectively). There were no between-group differences in hip flexion or extension torque produced at 1.05, 4.74 or 8.42 rad x s(-1), 20 m acceleration or 20 m 'flying' running times, or 1-RM squat lift strength either before or after training. This was despite significant improvements in 20 m acceleration time (P < 0.01), squat strength (P < 0.05), isokinetic hip flexion torque at 4.74 rad x s(-1) and hip extension torque at 1.05 and 4.74 rad x s(-1) for the athletes as a whole over the training period. Although velocity-specific strength adaptations have been shown to occur rapidly in untrained and nonconcurrently training individuals, the present results suggest a lack of velocity-specific performance changes in elite concurrently training sprint runners performing a combination of traditional and semi-specific resistance training exercises.