The effect of heavy resistance exercise on repeated sprint performance in youth athletes

This investigation assessed whether prior heavy resistance exercise would improve the repeated sprint performance of 16 trained youth soccer players (Age 17.05 ± 0.65 years; height 182.6 ± 8.9 cm; body mass 77.8 ± 8.2 kg). In session 1, individual 1 repetition max was measured utilising a squat movement. In sessions 2 and 3, participants performed a running-based repeated anaerobic sprint test with and without prior heavy resistance exercise of 91% of their 1 repetition max. Times were recorded for each of the 6 sprints performed in the repeated sprint test and summed to provide total time. T-tests compared the two exercise conditions via differences in corresponding sprint times and total time. Analysis revealed significantly reduced total time with use of heavy resistance exercise (33.48 (±1.27) vs. 33.59 (±1.27); P = 0.01). Sprints 1 (P = 0.05) and 2 (P = 0.02) were also faster in the heavy resistance exercise condition (5.09 (±0.16) vs. 5.11 (±0.16) and 5.36 (±0.24) vs. 5.45 (±0.26) seconds respectively) although no other differences were shown. Findings demonstrate improved sprint times of trained adolescent soccer players after heavy resistance exercise although benefits appear not as sustained as in adult participants.     

Effects of active,passive or no warm-up on metabolism and performance during high-intensity exercise

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of type of warm-up on metabolism and performance during high-intensity exercise. Eight males performed 30 s of intense exercise at 120% of their maximal power output followed, 1 min later, by a performance cycle to exhaustion, again at 120% of maximal power output. Exercise was preceded by active, passive or no warm-up (control). Muscle temperature, immediately before exercise, was significantly elevated after active and passive warm-ups compared to the control condition (36.9 - 0.18°C, 36.8 - 0.18°C and 33.6 - 0.25°C respectively; mean - sx ) ( P ? 0.05). Total oxygen consumption during the 30 s exercise bout was significantly greater in the active and passive warm-up trials than in the control trial (1017 - 22, 943 - 53 and 838 - 45 ml O 2 respectively). Active warm-up resulted in a blunted blood lactate response during high-intensity exercise compared to the passive and control trials (change = 5.53 - 0.52, 8.09 - 0.57 and 7.90 - 0.38 mmol· l -1 respectively) ( P ? 0.05). There was no difference in exercise time to exhaustion between the active, passive and control trials (43.9 - 4.1, 48.3 - 2.7 and 46.9 - 6.2 s respectively) ( P = 0.69). These results indicate that, although the mechanism by which muscle temperature is elevated influences certain metabolic responses during subsequent high-intensity exercise, cycling performance is not significantly affected.     

Effect of warm-up exercise on delayed-onset muscle soreness

Abstract

In this study, we wished to determine whether a warm-up exercise consisting of 100 submaximal concentric contractions would attenuate delayed-onset muscle soreness and decreases in muscle strength associated with eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Ten male students performed two bouts of an elbow flexor exercise consisting of 12 maximal eccentric contractions with a warm-up exercise for one arm (warm-up) and without warm-up for the other arm (control) in a randomized, counterbalanced order separated by 4 weeks. Muscle temperature of the biceps brachii prior to the exercise was compared between the arms, and muscle activity of the biceps brachii during the exercise was assessed by surface integral electromyogram (iEMG). Changes in visual analogue scale for muscle soreness and maximal voluntary isometric contraction strength (MVC) of the elbow flexors were assessed before, immediately after, and every 24 h for 5 days following exercise, and compared between the warm-up and control conditions by a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. The pre-exercise biceps brachii muscle temperature was significantly (P<0.01) higher for the warm-up (35.8±0.2°C) than the control condition (34.4±0.2°C), but no significant differences in iEMG and torque produced during exercise were evident between conditions. Changes in muscle soreness and MVC were not significantly different between conditions, although these variables showed significant (P<0.05) changes over time. It was concluded that the warm-up exercise was not effective in mitigating delayed-onset muscle soreness and loss of muscle strength following maximal eccentric exercise.     

Effect of a concentric warm-up exercise on eccentrically induced soreness and loss of function of the elbow flexor muscles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of concentric warm-up exercise on eccentrically induced changes in muscle strength, range of motion, and soreness of the elbow flexors. Ten resistance-exercise naïve participants performed intermittent incremental eccentric actions (42 in total) of the elbow flexor muscles of each arm to induce muscle damage. The arms of each participant were randomly assigned either to a pre-eccentric exercise warm-up involving intermittent concentric exercise (warm-up) or no prior exercise (control). Strength, range of motion, and ratings of soreness were recorded before and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days after exercise. Strength, range of motion, and soreness during muscular movements changed over time (P at most 0.01; Cohen's d at least 0.51, medium). There was an interaction (P < 0.001) for strength, showing a smaller reduction after exercise for warm-up than control (P < 0.001, d = 2.44, large effect). The decreased range of motion was less for warm-up than control for the arm while extended (P < 0.001), flexed (P = 0.002), and relaxed (P = 0.004). Muscle soreness was reduced for the warm-up group, while the muscle was flexed, extended, and relaxed compared with control (P < 0.001). The results demonstrate that a concentric warm-up exercise attenuates the reduction in loss of strength, range of motion, and muscle soreness after eccentric-exercise-induced muscle damage and might allow higher intensities of training to be performed.     

Comparison of vibration rolling,nonvibration rolling,and static stretching as a warm-up exercise on flexibility,joint proprioception,muscle strength,and balance in young adults

Warm-up is an essential component for optimizing performance before an exercise session. This study investigated that the immediate effects of vibration rolling (VR), nonvibration rolling (NVR), and static stretching as a part of a warm-up regimen on the flexibility, knee joint proprioception, muscle strength, and dynamic balance of the lower extremity in young adults. Compared with the preintervention, VR induced the range of motion of knee flexion and extension significantly increased by 2.5% and 6%, respectively, and isokinetic peak torque and dynamic balance for muscle strength and dynamic balance increased by 33%–35% and 1.5%, respectively. In the three conditions, most outcomes between VR and NVR were comparable; however, the participants had a significantly higher knee joint reposition error after NVR than after VR, indicating that NVR would have a hampering knee joint proprioception effect. In particular, compared with static stretching, VR significantly increased the quadriceps muscle strength by 2-fold and dynamic balance by 1.8-fold. These findings suggest that athletic professionals may take VR into account for designing more efficient and effective preperformance routine to improve exercise performances. VR has high potential to translate into an on-field practical application.     

Effects of active, passive or no warm-up on metabolism and performance during high-intensity exercise

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of type of warm-up on metabolism and performance during high-intensity exercise. Eight males performed 30 s of intense exercise at 120% of their maximal power output followed, 1 min later, by a performance cycle to exhaustion, again at 120% of maximal power output. Exercise was preceded by active, passive or no warm-up (control). Muscle temperature, immediately before exercise, was significantly elevated after active and passive warm-ups compared to the control condition (36.9 +/- 0.18 degrees C, 36.8 +/- 0.18 degrees C and 33.6 +/- 0.25 degrees C respectively; mean +/- sx) (P< 0.05). Total oxygen consumption during the 30 s exercise bout was significantly greater in the active and passive warm-up trials than in the control trial (1017 +/- 22, 943 +/- 53 and 838 +/- 45 ml O2 respectively). Active warm-up resulted in a blunted blood lactate response during high-intensity exercise compared to the passive and control trials (change = 5.53 +/- 0.52, 8.09 +/- 0.57 and 7.90 +/- 0.38 mmol x l(-1) respectively) (P < 0.05). There was no difference in exercise time to exhaustion between the active, passive and control trials (43.9 +/- 4.1, 48.3 +/- 2.7 and 46.9 +/- 6.2 s respectively) (P= 0.69). These results indicate that, although the mechanism by which muscle temperature is elevated influences certain metabolic responses during subsequent high-intensity exercise, cycling performance is not significantly affected.     

The time course of muscle-tendon properties and function responses of a five-minute static stretching exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the time course of the changes of muscle-tendon mechanical properties and the function responses of the plantar flexor muscles following 5?×?60?s of static stretching.

Fourteen healthy volunteers were tested on four separate days in a random order with three different rest times (0, 5, 10?min) after 5?×?60?s of stretching or following a control period without stretching. During each test, the dorsiflexion range of motion (RoM), passive resistive torque (PRT), and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured with a dynamometer. Ultrasonography of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle-tendon junction displacement and motion capture allowed us to determine the length changes in the tendon and muscle, respectively, and hence to calculate their stiffness.

We observed an increase in RoM and decrease in MVC at 0, 5, and 10?min post-stretching. This could be attributed to an increase in muscle elongation which lasted at least 10?min. A decrease in muscle-tendon stiffness was observed immediately, but not 5 or 10?min after the stretching. A decrease in PRT and muscle stiffness was observed up to 5?min after the stretching. No changes were detected in tendon stiffness or in any variable in the control group.

The effects of a 5?×?60?s static stretching exercise changes the muscle-tendon functions (RoM, MVC), which are related to mechanical changes of the muscle but not the tendon structure, respectively. Although the functional changes last for at least 10?min, changes in muscle stiffness were only observed up to 5?min after the stretching exercise.     

The differential effects of PNF versus passive stretch conditioning on neuromuscular performance

Abstract

The effects of flexibility conditioning on neuromuscular and sensorimotor performance were assessed near to full knee extension (25°). Eighteen males who were randomly assigned into two groups underwent eight weeks (three-times per week) of flexibility conditioning (hip region/knee flexor musculature; dominant limb) involving either proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) (n=9) or passive stretching (PASS) (n=9). Both modes of flexibility conditioning are popular within contemporary exercise and clinical settings and have demonstrated efficacy in improving range of motion. The contralateral limb and a prior ‘no exercise’ condition were used as controls. The PNF and PASS modes of conditioning improved passive hip flexibility to a similar extent (mean 19.3% vs. baseline, intervention limb, p<0.01) but did not alter knee flexor strength (overall mean 309.6±81 N) or sensorimotor performance (force and positional errors: 2.3±8.2% and 0.48±7.1%). Voluntary and magnetically evoked electromechanical delays (EMD_V and EMD_E, respectively) were increased but to a greater extent following PASS compared to PNF (PASS: 10.8% and 16.9% lengthening of EMD_V and EMD_E, respectively vs. PNF: 3.2% and 6.2%, p<0.01).The attenuated change to electromechanical delay (EMD) performance during PNF conditioning suggests a preserved capability for rapid muscle activation, which is important in the maintenance of dynamic joint stability. That PNF was also equally efficacious in flexibility conditioning would suggest that this mode of flexibility training should be used over passive to help preserve dynamic joint stability capabilities at this extended and vulnerable joint position.     

Effect of movement speed on trunk and hip exercise performance

Abstract

The influence of speed on trunk exercise technique is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of movement speed on the kinematics and kinetics of curl-up, sit-up and leg raising/lowering exercises. Seventeen healthy, recreationally trained individuals (13 females and 4 males) volunteered to participate in this study. Four different exercise cadences were analysed: 1 repetition/4 s, 1 repetition/2 s, 1 repetition/1.5 s and 1 repetition/1 s. The exercises were executed on a force plate and recorded by three cameras to conduct a 3D photogrammetric analysis. The cephalo-caudal displacement of the centre of pressure and range of motion (ROM) of six joints describing the trunk and hip movements were measured. As sit-up and curl-up speed increased, hip and knee ROM increased. Dorsal-lumbar and upper trunk ROM increased with speed in the curl-up. Faster cadence in the sit-up exercise had minimal effect on trunk ROM: only the upper trunk ROM decreased significantly. In the leg raising/lowering exercise there was a decrease in the pelvic tilt and hip ROM, and increased knee flexion ROM. During higher speed exercises, participants modified their technique to maintain the cadence. Thus, professionals would do well to monitor and control participants' technique during high-speed exercises to maintain performance specificity. Results also suggest division of speed into two cadence categories, to be used as a reference for prescribing exercise speed based on preferred outcome goals.     

The validity and reliability of a novel app for the measurement of change of direction performance

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present investigation was to analyze the validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app (CODTimer) for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry in the 5 + 5 change of direction test (COD). To do so, twenty physically active adolescent athletes (age = 13.85 ± 1.34 years) performed six repetitions in the COD test while being measured with a pair of timing gates and CODTimer. A total of 120 COD times measured both with the timing gates and the app were then compared for validity and reliability purposes. There was an almost perfect correlation between the timing gates and the CODTimer app for the measurement of total time (r = 0.964; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.95–1.00; Standard error of the estimate = 0.03 s.; p < 0.001). Moreover, non-significant, trivial differences were observed between devices for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry (Effect size < 0.2, p > 0.05). Similar levels of reliability were observed between the timing gates and the app for the measurement of the 6 different trials of each participant (Timing gates: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.651–0.747, Coefficient of variation (CV) = 2.6–3.5%; CODTimer: ICC = 0.671–0.840, CV = 2.2–3.2%). The results of the present study show that change of direction performance can be measured in a valid, reliable way using a novel iPhone app.     

The effect of an intermittent,high-intensity warm-up on supramaximal kayak ergometer performance

It has previously been shown that the metabolic acidaemia induced by a continuous warm-up at the 'lactate threshold' is associated with a reduced accumulated oxygen deficit and decreased supramaximal performance. The aim of this study was to determine if an intermittent, high-intensity warm-up could increase oxygen uptake (V02) without reducing the accumulated oxygen deficit, and thus improve supramaximal performance. Seven male 500 m kayak paddlers, who had represented their state, volunteered for this study. Each performed a graded exercise test to determine V02max and threshold parameters. On subsequent days and in a random, counterbalanced order, the participants then performed a continuous or intermittent, high-intensity warm-up followed by a 2 min, all-out kayak ergometer test. The continuous warm-up consisted of 15 min of exercise at approximately 65% V02max. The intermittent, high-intensity warm-up was similar, except that the last 5 min was replaced with five 10 s sprints at 200% V02max, separated by 50 s of recovery at ~55% V02max. Significantly greater (P<0.05) peak power (intermittent vs continuous: 629 ± 199 vs 601 ± 204W) and average power (intermittent vs continuous: 328±39.0 vs 321 ±42.4 W) were recorded after the intermittent warm-up. There was no significant difference between conditions for peak V02, total V02 or the accumulated oxygen deficit. The results of this study indicate that 2 min all-out kayak ergometer performance is significantly better after an intermittent rather than a continuous warm-up.     

Acute and chronic effects of foam rolling vs eccentric exercise on ROM and force output of the plantar flexors

Foam rolling and eccentric exercise interventions have been demonstrated to improve range of motion (ROM). However, these two modalities have not been directly compared. Twenty-three academy soccer players (age: 18 ± 1; height: 1.74 ± 0.08 m; body mass: 69.3 ± 7.5 kg) were randomly allocated to either a foam rolling (FR) or eccentric exercise intervention designed to improve dorsiflexion ROM. Participants performed the intervention daily for a duration of four weeks. Measurements of dorsiflexion ROM, isometric plantar flexion torque and drop jump reactive strength index were taken at baseline (pre-intervention) and at three subsequent time-points (30-min post, 24-hours post and 4-weeks post). A significant time x group interaction effect was observed for dorsiflexion (P = 0.036), but not for torque or reactive strength index. For dorsiflexion, there was a significant increase in both acute (30-min; P < 0.001) and chronic (4-week; P < 0.001) ROM for the eccentric group, whilst FR exhibited only an acute improvement (P < 0.001). Eccentric training would appear a more efficacious modality than foam rolling for improving dorsiflexion ROM in elite academy soccer players.     

The importance of duration and magnitude of force application to sprint performance during the initial acceleration,transition and maximal velocity phases

ABSTRACT

Successful sprinting depends on covering a specific distance in the shortest time possible. Although external forces are key to sprinting, less consideration is given to the duration of force application, which influences the impulse generated. This study explored relationships between sprint performance measures and external kinetic and kinematic performance indicators. Data were collected from the initial acceleration, transition and maximal velocity phases of a sprint. Relationships were analysed between sprint performance measures and kinetic and kinematic variables. A commonality regression analysis was used to explore how independent variables contributed to multiple-regression models for the sprint phases. Propulsive forces play a key role in sprint performance during the initial acceleration (r = 0.95 ± 0.03) and transition phases (r = 0.74 ± 0.19), while braking duration plays an important role during the transition phase (r = ?0.72 ± 0.20). Contact time, vertical force and peak propulsive forces represented key determinants (r = ?0.64 ± 0.31, r = 0.57 ± 0.35 and r = 0.66 ± 0.30, respectively) of maximal velocity phase performance, with peak propulsive force providing the largest unique contribution to the regression model for step velocity. These results clarified the role of force and time variables on sprinting performance.     

中华健身术的历史、发展及应用

通过对中华健身术的历史与发展的调查研究,证明了它在发展过程中不断地完善理论基础,以独特、有效的防病、治病、健身延寿的功能,成为祖国康复医疗的一项重要手段。     

世界优秀短跑与跨栏运动员年度及小周期训练负荷控制特征的研究

运用文献资料、特征解析和数理统计等研究方法，对短跑与跨栏运动员的年度及小周期训练负荷控制特征进行研究。结果表明：在年度不同中周期训练过程中，准备期的速度力量训练负荷量约占年度速度力量训练总负荷量的41％-42％，赛前准备期的速度力量训练负荷量约占全年速度力量训练总负荷量的43％-44％，比赛期的速度力量训练负荷量约占全年速度力量训练总负荷量的6％-7％；而小周期运动负荷的控制特征，则表现为准备期中各小周期的训练内容是以改进技术动作作为提高竞技能力的核心，并以提高最大速度和速度耐力作为身体素质训练的主要内容，但最大力量、速度力量和有氧耐力训练仍是其重要内容之一。     

师范院校女生体育择项倾向、活动目的及执教要求

抽样调查得知,师范院校女生喜爱的体育运动项目排序为健身表现类、球类对抗类、格斗对抗类、速度力量类、力量耐力类;参加体育项目目的排序为健身性需要、工作性需要、生活性需要、娱乐性需要、防身性需要;对体育教师基本要求的排序为品行性要求、身体性要求、教学性要求、知识性要求、工作性要求。体育院校培养高校体育师资,应高度注意女生体育教学的特点与要求,科学设置教学课目、精心组织教材内容、注重提高教学艺术。     

速度素质在现代竞技运动中的作用、影响因素及对策

速度素质在运动训练中具有基础性的作用，与各个运动项目密切相关，重点论述了速度素质训练的对策。     

No effect of acute ingestion of Thai ginseng ( Kaempferia parviflora ) on sprint and endurance exercise performance in humans

Abstract

Thai ginseng, Kaempferia parviflora, is widely believed among the Mong hill tribe to reduce perceived effort and improve physical work capacity. Kaempferia parviflora is consumed before their daily work. Therefore, we conducted an acute study on the effects of K. parviflora on repeated bouts of sprint exercise and on endurance exercise time to exhaustion. Two studies were conducted in college males using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Ninety minutes after consumption of K. parviflora or a starch placebo, participants in study 1 (n = 19) completed three consecutive maximum 30-s sprint cycling Wingate tests, separated by 3 min recovery, while participants in study 2 (n = 16) performed submaximal cycling exercise to exhaustion. Peak and mean power output decreased with successive Wingate tests, while percent fatigue and blood lactate concentration increased after the third Wingate test (P < 0.05). There were no detectable differences in any measures with or without K. parviflora. There was also no effect of K. parviflora on time to exhaustion, rating of perceived exertion or heart rate during submaximal exercise. Our results indicate that acute ingestion of K. parviflora failed to improve exercise performance during repeated sprint exercise or submaximal exercise to exhaustion. However, chronic effects or actions in other populations cannot be excluded.     

The relationships between pelvic range of motion,step width and performance during an athletic sprint start

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were (a) to describe the kinematics underlying the phenomenon of the knee of the swing leg passing medially in front of the athlete during the single push (SP) phase of the block sprint start, and (b) to determine the relationships between block phase pelvis range of motion (RoM), 1^st step width and block phase performance. Three-dimensional kinematic data (250 Hz) were collected from eleven competitive sprinters (100 m PB: 11.17 ± 0.41) performing maximal effort block starts. The joint angles of the rear hip with respect to the pelvis and the pelvis segment angles with respect to the laboratory coordinate system were calculated during the block start phase to the end of the 1^st stance. A combination of pelvis list and rotation (not hip adduction) was coupled with the thigh of the swing leg moving medially during the SP phase. A very high positive correlation was found between pelvic list RoM and 1^st step width (r = 0.799, p = 0.003). No other significant correlations were found. Attempting to reduce pelvic RoM or changing frontal and transverse plane hip joint angles to minimise medial thigh motion is unlikely to lead to an improvement to performance.