Effects of resisted sprint training on sprinting ability and change of direction speed in professional soccer players

Resisted sprint training consists of performing overloaded sprints, which may produce greater effects than traditional sprint training. We compared a resisted sprint training with overload control versus an unresisted sprint training program on performance in soccer players. Eighteen elite athletes were randomly assigned to resisted (RST) or unresisted sprint training protocol (UR). Before and after a 6-week training period, sprinting ability, change of direction speed (COD), vertical jumps (SJ and CMJ), mean power (MP) and mean propulsive power (MPP) at distinct loads were assessed. Both groups improved sprinting ability at all distances evaluated (5m: UR = 8%, RST = 7%; 10m: UR = 5%, RST = 5%; 15m: UR = 4%, RST = 4%; 20m: UR = 3%, RST = 3%; 25m: UR = 2%, RST = 3%;), COD (UR = 6%; RST = 6%), SJ (UR = 15%; RST = 13%) and CMJ (UR = 15%; RST = 15%). Additionally, both groups increased MP and MPP at all loads evaluated. The between-group magnitude-based inference analysis demonstrated comparable improvement (“trivial” effect) in all variables tested. Finally, our findings support the effectiveness of a short-term training program involving squat jump exercise plus sprinting exercises to improve the performance of soccer players.     

Effects of fast-velocity eccentric resistance training on early and late rate of force development

This study examined whether short-term maximal resistance training employing fast-velocity eccentric knee extensor actions would induce improvements in maximal isometric torque and rate of force development (RFD) at early (<100 ms) and late phases (>100 ms) of rising torque. Twenty healthy men were assigned to two experimental groups: eccentric resistance training (TG) or control (CG). Participants on the TG trained three days a week for a total of eight weeks. Training consisted of maximal unilateral eccentric knee extensors actions performed at 180°s-1. Maximal isometric knee extensor torque (MVC) and incremental RFD in successive 50 ms time-windows from the onset contraction were analysed in absolute terms (RFD_INC) or when normalised relative to MVC (RFD_REL). After eight weeks, TG demonstrated increases in MVC (28%), RFD_INC (0–50 ms: 30%; 50–100 ms: 31%) and RFD_REL (0–50 ms: 29%; 50–100 ms: 32%). Moreover, no changes in the late phase of incremental RFD were observed in TG. No changes were found in the CG. In summary, we have demonstrated, in active individuals, that a short period of resistance training performed with eccentric fast-velocity isokinetic muscle contractions is able to enhance RFD_INC and RFD_REL obtained at the early phase of rising joint torque.     

10 weeks of heavy strength training improves performance-related measurements in elite cyclists

ABSTRACT

Elite cyclists have often a limited period of time available during their short preparation phase to focus on development of maximal strength; therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 10-week heavy strength training on lean lower-body mass, leg strength, determinants of cycling performance and cycling performance in elite cyclists. Twelve cyclists performed heavy strength training and normal endurance training (E&S) while 8 other cyclists performed normal endurance training only (E). Following the intervention period E&S had a larger increase in maximal isometric half squat, mean power output during a 30-s Wingate sprint (P < 0.05) and a tendency towards larger improvement in power output at 4 mmol ? L^?1 [la^?] than E (P = 0.068). There were no significant difference between E&S and E in changes in 40-min all-out trial (4 ± 6% vs. ?1 ± 6%, respectively, P = 0.13). These beneficial effects may encourage elite cyclists to perform heavy strength training and the short period of only 10 weeks should make it executable even in the compressed training and competition schedule of elite cyclists.     

Effects of inspiratory muscle training in professional women football players: a randomized sham-controlled trial

This study was conducted to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory and peripheral muscles oxygenation during a maximal exercise tolerance test and on repeated-sprint ability (RSA) performance in professional women football players. Eighteen athletes were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: SHAM (n = 8) or IMT (n = 10). After a maximal incremental exercise test, all participants performed (on a different day) a time-to-exhaustion (Tlim) test. Peripheral and respiratory muscles oxygenation by near-infrared spectroscopy, breath-by-breath ventilatory and metabolic variables, and blood lactate concentration were measured. The RSA test was performed on a grass field. After a 6 week intervention, all athletes were reevaluated. Both groups showed increases in inspiratory muscles strength, exercise tolerance and RSA performance, however only the IMT group presented lower deoxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin blood concentrations on intercostal muscles concomitantly to an increased oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin blood concentrations on vastus lateralis muscle during Tlim. In conclusion, these results may indicate the potential role of IMT to attenuate inspiratory muscles metaboreflex and consequently improve oxygen and blood supply to limb muscles during high-intensity exercise, with a potential impact on inspiratory muscle strength, exercise tolerance and sprints performance in professional women football players.     

Effect of strength on plant foot kinetics and kinematics during a change of direction task

Abstract

Understanding the magnitude of forces and lower body kinematics that occur during a change of direction (COD) task can provide information about the biomechanical demands required to improve performance. To compare the magnitude of force, impulse, lower body kinematics and post-COD stride velocity produced between athletes of different strength levels during a COD task, 12 stronger (8 males, 4 females) and 12 weaker (4 males, 8 females) recreational team sport athletes were recruited. Strength levels were determined by relative peak isometric force of the dominant and non-dominant leg. All athletes performed 10 pre-planned 45° changes of direction (5 left, 5 right) while three-dimensional motion and ground reaction force (GRF) data were collected. Differences in all variables for the dominant leg were examined using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a level of significance set at p ≤0.05. The stronger group displayed significantly faster post-COD stride velocity and greater vertical and horizontal braking forces, vertical propulsive force, vertical braking impulse, horizontal propulsive impulse, angle of peak braking force application, hip abduction and knee flexion angle compared to the weaker group. The results suggest that individuals with greater relative lower body strength produced higher magnitude plant foot kinetics and modified lower body positioning while producing faster COD performances. Future investigations should determine if strength training to enable athletes to increase plant foot kinetics while maintaining or adopting a lower body position results in a concomitant increases in post-COD stride velocity.     

Effects of turf and cleat footwear on plantar load distributions in adolescent American football players during resisted pushing

Metatarsal and midfoot injuries are common in American football. Footwear design may influence injury rates by altering plantar foot loading patterns in these regions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of cleat design on in-shoe plantar foot loading during a football-specific, resisted pushing task. Twenty competitive football players (age 14.7 ± 1.8 years, height 1.72 ± 0.10 m, and mass 71.8 ± 26.9 kg) completed three trials of pushing a weighted sled at maximal effort in a standard shoe (CLEAT) and artificial turf-specific shoe (TURF), with flexible in-shoe force measuring insoles. Repeated measures ANOVAs identified mean differences in maximum force and relative load under all regions of the foot. Results showed higher forces in the CLEAT under the medial (p < 0.001) and lateral (p = 0.004) midfoot, central (p = 0.007) and lateral (p < 0.001) forefoot, and lesser toes (p = 0.01), but lower forces in the hallux (p = 0.02) compared to the TURF shoe. Additionally, relative loading was higher in the CLEAT under the medial (p < 0.001) and lateral (p = 0.002) midfoot and lateral (p < 0.001) forefoot, but lower in the medial forefoot (p = 0.006) and hallux (p < 0.001) compared to the TURF shoe. The two shoes elicited distinct plantar loading profiles and may influence shoe selection decisions during injury prevention or rehabilitation practices.     

低氧、离心力竭运动对骨骼肌自由基代谢的影响

研究目的是探讨低氧和离心力竭运动对骨骼肌自由基代谢的影响。结果显示:离心运动后即刻骨骼肌MDA生成大量增加,运动后1天达峰值,脂质过氧化作用破坏了细胞膜,骨骼肌损伤进一步加重。安静状态下,随着低氧时间的延长,骨骼肌SOD活性明显下降。且大鼠力竭运动后低氧的前2天,骨骼肌中SOD活性的升高幅度不及常氧组。表明组织缺氧会抑制骨骼肌自由基清除剂的生成。     

Effects of structural components of artificial turf on the transmission of impacts in football players

The third generation of artificial turf systems (ATS) has matched the mechanical behaviour of natural grass, but today a high heterogeneity at structural level and mechanical behaviour in the new ATS also exists. The objective was to analyse the effect of the structural components of ATS football pitches and running speed on the capacity of impact attenuation. A total of 12 athletes were evaluated at three speed conditions (3.33 m/s, 4 m/s and maximum speed) on four different ATS, classifying them by their components (length of fibre, type of in-fill and sub-base). Impact attenuation was significantly higher in ATS3, characterised by longer fibre compared to other ATS with less fibre length. The ATS4 with a higher length fibre and built on compacted granular material proportioned significantly lower values in the maximum peaks of tibia acceleration. Finally, as speed increases, the peak tibia impacts were significantly higher. Longer fibre length and the capacity to accommodate a higher quantity of infill facilitate higher impact attenuation. Equally, a compacted granular sub-base is related to lower magnitude of maximum tibia peaks. Finally, the magnitude of the tibia acceleration peaks is dependent of running speed for all ATS analysed, being higher as speed increases.     

Effects of a short-term pre-season training programme on the body composition and anaerobic performance of professional rugby union players

Abstract

Pre-season rugby training develops the physical requisites for competition and consists of a high volume of resistance training and anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. However, the effects of a rugby union pre-season in professional athletes are currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 4-week pre-season on 33 professional rugby union players. Bench press and box squat increased moderately (13.6 kg, 90% confidence limits ±2.9 kg and 17.6 ± 8.0 kg, respectively) over the training phase. Small decreases in bench throw (70.6 ± 53.5 W), jump squat (280.1 ± 232.4 W), and fat mass (1.4 ± 0.4 kg) were observed. In addition, small increases were seen in fat-free mass (2.0 ± 0.6 kg) and flexed upper-arm girth (0.6 ± 0.2 cm), while moderate increases were observed in mid-thigh girth (1.9 ± 0.5 cm) and perception of fatigue (0.6 ± 0.4 units). Increases in strength and body composition were observed in elite rugby union players after 4 weeks of intensive pre-season training, but this may have been the result of a return to fitness levels prior to the off-season. Decreases in power may reflect high training volumes and increases in perceived of fatigue.     

Effects of inertia correction and resistive load on fatigue during repeated sprints on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer

Abstract

Seven 6 s sprints with 30 s recovery between sprints were performed against two resistive loads: 50 (L50) and 100 (L100) g · kg^?1 body mass. Inertia-corrected and -uncorrected peak and mean power output were calculated. Corrected peak power output in corresponding sprints and the drop in peak power output relative to sprint 1 were not different in the two conditions, despite the fact that mean power output was 15–20% higher in L100 (P < 0.01). The effect of inertia correction on power output was more pronounced for the lighter load (L50), with uncorrected peak power output in sprint 1 being 42% lower than the corresponding corrected peak power output, while this was only 16% in L100. Fatigue assessed by the drop in uncorrected peak and mean power output in sprint 7 relative to sprint 1 was less compared with that obtained by corrected power values, especially in L50 (drop in uncorrected vs. corrected peak power output: 13.3 ± 2.2% vs. 23.1 ± 4.1%, P < 0.01). However, in L100, the difference between the drop in corrected and uncorrected mean power output in sprint 7 was much smaller (24.2 ± 3.1% and 21.2 ± 2.7%, P < 0.01), indicating that fatigue may be safely assessed even without inertia correction when a heavy load is used. In conclusion, when inertia correction is performed, fatigue during repeated sprints is unaffected by resistive load. When inertia correction is omitted, both power output and the fatigue profile are underestimated by an amount dependent on resistive load. In cases where inertia correction is not possible during a repeated sprints test, a heavy load may be preferable.     

Effects of radiant heat exposure on pacing pattern during a 15-km cycling time trial

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of different durations of skin temperature manipulation on pacing patterns and performance during a 15-km cycling time trial. Nineteen well-trained men completed three 15-km cycling time trials in 18°C and 50% relative humidity with 4.5-km (short-heat), 9.0-km (long-heat) or without (control) radiant heat exposure applied by infrared heaters after 1.5 km in the time trial. During the time trials, power output, mean skin temperature, rectal temperature, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were assessed. The radiant heat exposure resulted in higher mean skin temperature during the time trial for short-heat (35.0 ± 0.6°C) and long-heat (35.3 ± 0.5°C) than for control (32.5 ± 1.0°C; P < 0.001), whereas rectal temperature was similar (P = 0.55). The mean power output was less for short-heat (273 ± 8 W; P = 0.001) and long-heat (271 ± 9 W; P = 0.02) than for control (287 ± 7 W), but pacing patterns did not differ (P = 0.55). Heart rate was greatest in control (177 ± 9 beats · min^?1; P < 0.001), whereas the rating of perceived exertion remained similar. We concluded that a radiant heat exposure and associated higher skin temperature reduced overall performance, but did not modify pacing pattern during a 15-km cycling time trial, regardless of the duration of the exposure.     

Effects of upper and lower body wearable resistance on spatio-temporal and kinetic parameters during running

ABSTRACT

Wearable resistance training involves added load attached directly to the body during sporting movements. The effects of load position during running are not yet fully established. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine spatio-temporal and kinetic characteristics during submaximal running using upper, lower and whole-body wearable resistance (1–10% body mass (BM)). Twelve trained male runners completed eight 2-min treadmill running bouts at 3.9 m/s with and without wearable resistance. The first and last bouts were unloaded, while the middle 6 were randomised wearable resistance conditions: upper body (UB) 5% BM, lower body (LB) 1%, 3%, 5% BM and whole body (WB) 5%, 10% BM. Wearable resistance of 1–10% BM resulted in a significant increase in heart rate (5.40–8.84%), but minimal impact on spatio-temporal variables. Loads of 5% BM and greater caused changes in vertical stiffness, vertical and horizontal force, and impulse. Functional and effective propulsive force (2.95%, 2.88%) and impulse (3.40%, 3.38%) were significantly (p < 0.05) greater with LB5% than UB5%. Wearable resistance may be used to increase muscular kinetics during running without negatively impacting spatio-temporal variables. The application of these findings will vary depending on athlete goals. Future longitudinal studies are required to validate training contentions.     

Effects of the Nordic Hamstring exercise on sprint capacity in male football players: a randomized controlled trial

This assessor-blinded, randomized controlled superiority trial investigated the efficacy of the 10-week Nordic Hamstring exercise (NHE) protocol on sprint performance in football players.

Thirty-five amateur male players (age: 17–26 years) were randomized to a do-as-usual control group (CG; n = 17) or to 10-weeks of supervised strength training using the NHE in-season (IG; n = 18). A repeated-sprint test, consisting of 4 × 6 10 m sprints, with 15 s recovery period between sprints and 180 s between sets, was conducted to evaluate total sprint time as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were best 10 m sprint time (10mST) and sprint time during the last sprint (L10mST). Additionally, peak eccentric hamstring strength (ECC-P_HS) and eccentric hamstring strength capacity (ECC-CAP_HS) were measured during the NHE.

Ten players were lost to follow-up, thus 25 players were analyzed (CG n = 14; IG n = 11). Between-group differences in mean changes were observed in favor of the IG for sprint performance outcomes; TST (?0.649 s, p = 0.056, d = 0.38), 10mST (?0.047 s, p = 0.005, d = 0.64) and L10mST (?0.052 s, p = 0.094, d = 0.59), and for strength outcomes; ECC-P_HS (62.3 N, p = 0.006, d = 0.92), and ECC-CAP_HS (951 N, p = 0.005, d = 0.95).

In conclusion, the NHE showed small-to-medium improvements in sprint performance and large increases in peak eccentric hamstring strength and capacity.

Trial Registration Number: NCT02674919     

篮球运动员大强度训练期间T细胞亚群变化的研究

为研究大强度运动训练对篮球运动员免疫机能的影响，选取职业篮球运动员10名（全部为男性），训练年限分别为7～9年，测试其在大强度训练期间外周血T细胞亚群，包括CD3＋、CD4＋、CD8＋以及CD4／CD8。结果显示：大强度运动训练在一定程度上对运动员的免疫系统产生明显的抑制作用。     

Effects of plyometric training on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance in male and female soccer players

In a randomised controlled trial design, effects of 6 weeks of plyometric training on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance performance were compared in male and female soccer players. Young (age 21.1 ± 2.7 years) players with similar training load and competitive background were assigned to training (women, n = 19; men, n = 21) and control (women, n = 19; men, n = 21) groups. Players were evaluated for lower- and upper-body maximal-intensity exercise, 30 m sprint, change of direction speed and endurance performance before and after 6 weeks of training. After intervention, the control groups did not change, whereas both training groups improved jumps (effect size (ES) = 0.35–1.76), throwing (ES = 0.62–0.78), sprint (ES = 0.86–1.44), change of direction speed (ES = 0.46–0.85) and endurance performance (ES = 0.42–0.62). There were no differences in performance improvements between the plyometric training groups. Both plyometric groups improved more in all performance tests than the controls. The results suggest that adaptations to plyometric training do not differ between men and women.     

Effects of adding a weekly eccentric-overload training session on strength and athletic performance in team-handball players

To investigate the influence of adding a weekly eccentric-overload training (EOT) session in several athletic performance’s tests, 18 team-handball players were assigned either to an EOT (n?=?11) or a Control (n?=?7) group. Both groups continued to perform the same habitual strength training, but the EOT group added one session/week during a 7-week training programme consisting of four sets of eight repetitions for the bilateral half-squat and unilateral lunge exercises. The test battery included handball throwing velocity, maximum dynamic strength (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20?m sprint, triple hop for distance, and eccentric/concentric power in both the half-squat and lunge exercises. Data were analysed using magnitude-based inferences. Both groups improved their 1RM in the half squat, 20?m sprint time, and CMJ performance to a similar extent, but the EOT group showed a beneficial effect for both right [(42/58/0), possibly positive] and left [(99/1/0), very likely positive] triple hop for distance performance. In addition, the EOT group showed greater power output improvements in both eccentric and concentric phases of the half-squat (difference in percent of change ranging from 6.5% to 22.0%) and lunge exercises (difference in per cent of change ranging from 13.1% to 24.9%). Nevertheless, no group showed changes in handball throwing velocity. Selected variables related to team-handball performance (i.e. functional jumping performance, power output) can be improved by adding a single EOT session per week, highlighting the usefulness of this low-volume/high-intensity training when aiming at optimizing dynamic athletic performance.     

The effect of constant-intensity endurance training and high-intensity interval training on aerobic and anaerobic parameters in youth

ABSTRACT

Introduction: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Constant-Intensity Endurance Training (CIET) improves peak oxygen uptake (V?O₂) similarly in adults; but in children this remains unclear, as does the influence of maturity. Methods: Thirty-seven boys formed three groups: HIIT (football; n = 14; 14.3 ± 3.1 years), CIET (distance runners; n = 12; 13.1 ± 2.5 years) and a control (CON) group (n = 11; 13.7 ± 3.2 years). Peak V?O₂ and gas exchange threshold (GET) were determined from a ramp test and anaerobic performance using a 30 m sprint pre-and-post a three-month training cycle. Results: The HIIT groups peak V?O₂ was significantly higher than the CON group pre (peak V?O₂: 2.54 ± 0.63 l·min^-1 vs 2.03 ± 0.53 l·min^-1, d = 0.88; GET: 1.41 ± 0.26 l·min^-1 vs 1.13 ± 0.29 l·min^-1, d = 1.02) and post-training (peak V?O₂: 2.63 ± 0.73 l·min^-1 vs 2.08 ± 0.64 l·min^-1, d = 0.80; GET: 1.32 ± 0.33 l·min^-1 vs 1.15 ± 0.38 l·min^-1, d = 0.48). All groups showed a similar magnitude of change during the training (p > 0.05). Conclusion: HIIT was not superior to CIET for improving aerobic or anaerobic parameters in adolescents. Secondly, pre- and post-pubertal participants demonstrated similar trainability.     

The effect of recovery duration on running speed and stroke quality during intermittent training drills in elite tennis players

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the recovery duration in intermittent training drills on metabolism and coordination in sport games. Ten nationally ranked male tennis players (age 25.3±3.7 years, height 1.83±0.8 m, body mass 77.8±7.7 kg; mean ±s _x ) participated in a passing-shot drill (baseline sprint with subsequent passing shot) that aimed to improve both starting speed and stroke quality (speed and precision). Time pressure for stroke preparation was individually adjusted by a ball-machine and corresponded to 80% of maximum running speed. In two trials (T₁₀, T₁₅) separated by 2 weeks, the players completed 30 strokes and sprints subdivided into 6 2 5 repetitions with a 1 min rest between series. The rest between each stroke-and-sprint lasted either 10 s (T₁₀) or 15 s (T₁₅). The sequence of both conditions was randomized between participants. Post-exercise blood lactate concentration was significantly elevated in T₁₀ (9.04±3.06 vs 5.01±1.35 mmol·l^-1, P ? 0.01). Running time for stroke preparation (1.405±0.044 vs 1.376±0.045 s, P ? 0.05) and stroke speed (106±12 vs 114±8 km·h^-1, P ? 0.05) were significantly decreased in T₁₀, while stroke precision - that is, more target hits ( P ? 0.1) and fewer errors (P ? 0.05) - tended to be higher. We conclude that running speed and stroke quality during intermittent tennis drills are highly dependent on the duration of recovery time. Optimization of training efficacy in sport games (e.g. combined improvement of conditional and technical skills) requires skilful fine-tuning of monitoring guidelines.     

核心力量训练对提高竞技健美操运动员C组难度动作完成质量的影响

以天津体育学院竞技健美操队16名男运动员为研究对象,分为对照组和实验组,分别采用传统力量训练和传统力量+核心力量训练的方式进行了8周的实验。结果表明:实验组和对照组运动员的核心力量、核心稳定性均有所提高,且差异具有显著性,但实验组提高的幅度较大;传统力量与核心力量相结合的训练方法更有利于提高运动员核心区域相关肌群的力量和稳定性水平;实验组运动员的竞技健美操专项力量素质以及完成C组跳跃类难度动作的落地稳定性水平都比对照组提高的幅度大。     

Effects of strength,explosive and plyometric training on energy cost of running in ultra-endurance athletes

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week home-based strength, explosive and plyometric (SEP) training on the cost of running (Cr) in well-trained ultra-marathoners and to assess the main mechanical parameters affecting changes in Cr. Twenty-five male runners (38.2?±?7.1 years; body mass index: 23.0?±?1.1?kg·m^?2; V˙O₂max: 55.4?±?4.0 mlO₂·kg^?1·min^?1) were divided into an exercise (EG?=?13) and control group (CG?=?12). Before and after a 12-week SEP training, Cr, spring-mass model parameters at four speeds (8, 10, 12, 14?km·h^?1) were calculated and maximal muscle power (MMP) of the lower limbs was measured. In EG, Cr decreased significantly (p?<?.05) at all tested running speeds (?6.4?±?6.5% at 8?km·h^?1; ?3.5?±?5.3% at 10?km·h^?1; ?4.0?±?5.5% at 12?km·h^?1; ?3.2?±?4.5% at 14?km·h^?1), contact time (t_c) increased at 8, 10 and 12?km·h^?1 by mean +4.4?±?0.1% and t_a decreased by ?25.6?±?0.1% at 8?km·h^?1 (p?<?.05). Further, inverse relationships between changes in Cr and MMP at 10 (p?=?.013; r?=??0.67) and 12?km·h^?1 (p?<?.001; r?=??0.86) were shown. Conversely, no differences were detected in the CG in any of the studied parameters. Thus, 12-week SEP training programme lower the Cr in well-trained ultra-marathoners at submaximal speeds. Increased t_c and an inverse relationship between changes in Cr and changes in MMP could be in part explain the decreased Cr. Thus, adding at least three sessions per week of SEP exercises in the normal endurance-training programme may decrease the Cr.