Search Results

In this study, we examined the load–velocity relationship in the hexagonal bar deadlift exercise in women. Twenty-seven resistance-trained women were recruited. Participants performed a progressive load test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM) load for determining the individual load–velocity relationship in the hexagonal bar deadlift exercise. Bar velocity was measured in every repetition through a linear encoder. A very strong and negative relationship was found between the %1RM and bar velocity for the linear (R ² = .94; standard error of the estimation = 5.43% 1RM) and second-order polynomial (R ² = .95) regression models. The individual load–velocity relationship provided even better adjustments (R ² = .98; coefficient of variation = 1.77%) than the general equation. High agreement level and low bias were found between actual and predicted 1RM for the general load–velocity relationship (intraclass correlation coefficient = .97 and 95% confidence interval [0.90, 0.99]; bias = −2.59 kg). In conclusion, bar velocity can be used to predict 1RM with high accuracy during hexagonal bar deadlift exercise in resistance-trained women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three simulated goalball games on neuromuscular, physiological, perceptual, and technical parameters. Ten male players underwent assessments before and immediately after each game. Heart rate was recorded at rest and during all games that were entirely filmed for further technical performance analysis. Exercise significantly decreased knee extensor muscles peak force and percentage of voluntary activation after the second and third games, indicating the presence of central fatigue. Heart rate responses remained predominantly in a range equivalent to moderate activity intensity in all games. In addition, perceptual parameters were associated with reduced frequency of throws and density of actions. These findings suggest significant implications for the management of physical training, game strategy during a competition, and fixture change from three to two games per day.

Purpose: To examine the association and predictive ability of internal load markers with regard to noncontact injuries in young elite soccer players. Methods: Twenty-two soccer players (18.6 [0.6] y) who competed in the Spanish U19 League participated in the study. During a full season, noncontact injuries were recorded and, using session rating of perceived exertion, internal weekly load (sum of load of all training sessions and matches for each week) and acute:chronic workload ratio (typically, acute = current week and chronic = rolling 4-wk average) were calculated. A generalized estimating equation analysis was used to examine the association of weekly and acute:chronic load-ratio markers with a noncontact injury in the subsequent week. Load variables were also analyzed for predictive ability with receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve. Results: No association was found for weekly load (odds ratio = 1.00; 90% confidence interval, 0.99–1.00) and acute:chronic load ratio (odds ratio = 0.16; 90% confidence interval, 0.01–1.84) with respect to injury occurrence. In addition, the analyzed load markers showed poor ability to predict injury occurrence (area under the curve < .50). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that internal load markers are not associated with noncontact injuries in young soccer players and present poor predictive capacity with regard to the latter.

The purposes of this study were to investigate sprints and to characterize repeated-sprint sequences (RS) performed by athletes during professional futsal matches. We analyzed 97 players during 5 official matches using the DVideo automatic tracking system. The sprints were analyzed during the first and second halves according to playing position, and RS were categorized according to the number of sprints and the time between them. The results showed an increase (F[1, 2520] = 3.96; P = .046) in the sprint duration from the first (mean = 3.1 ± 1.3) to the second half (mean = 3.2 ± 1.2). However, no differences were found for other variables (distance covered, peak velocity, initial velocity, recovery time between sprints, and sprints performed per minute) or among playing positions. In addition, when considering RS, the results showed that RS comprising two sprints interspersed with a maximum of 15 seconds of recovery were significantly more frequent than other RS. The findings of this study characterizing the sprinting features of futsal players can help coaches to plan physical training and assessments according to the requirements of the sport.

Purpose: To examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining plyometric exercises with acceleration, deceleration, and change-of-direction drills conducted on sand or hard surfaces on the fitness qualities of young male tennis players. Methods: Thirty-one young male players were allocated to a training group performing 12 training sessions on sand or hard surfaces, during a 6-week period. Tests included linear sprint (10-m acceleration with 5-m split times), change of direction (modified 5-0-5 test), vertical jumps (countermovement jump and the 10/5 repeated-jump test), isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). Perceived training loads and muscle soreness were assessed during the intervention. Results: Both training strategies were similarly effective in improving the analyzed fitness components. Group × time interaction effects were noticed, with countermovement jump (P = .032), repeated-jump test (P = .029), and reactive strength index (P = .008) favoring hard surfaces and 5-m sprint (P = .009), dynamic balance (P < .05), adduction strength (P < .05), and abduction strength (P < .001) indices favoring sand. Furthermore, the sand group promoted greater perceived training loads and muscle soreness (P < .05) than the hard group across the intervention period. Conclusion: Neuromuscular training strategies characterized by a relatively low volume (∼35 min), conducted on sand or hard surfaces, promoted similar improvements in the fitness qualities of young tennis players, with selected surface-interaction effects. Training on sand can cause transiently higher training loads and persistently higher muscle soreness, suggesting the need for an adequate familiarization period.