The Importance of Recovery in Resistance Training Microcycle Construction.

Systemic resistance training aims to enhance performance by balancing stress, fatigue and recovery. While fatigue is expected, insufficient recovery may temporarily impair performance. The aim of this review was to examine evidence regarding manipulation of resistance training variables on subsequent effects on recovery and performance.

Kinetic Analysis, Potentiation, and Fatigue During Vertical and Horizontal Plyometric Training: An In-Depth Investigation Into Session Volume.

Unlabelled: Despite previous support for plyometric training, optimal dosing strategies remain unclear.

Purpose: To investigate vertical and horizontal jump kinetic performance following a low-volume plyometric stimulus with progressively increased session jump volume.

Methods: Sixteen academy rugby players (20.

The effects of regional quadriceps architecture on angle-specific rapid force expression.

Evaluating anatomical contributions to performance can increase understanding of muscle mechanics and guide physical preparation. While the impact of anatomy on muscular performance is well studied, the effects of regional quadriceps architecture on rapid torque or force expression are less clear. Regional (proximal, middle, and distal) quadriceps (vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius) thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL) of 24 males (48 limbs) were assessed via ultrasonography.

Improved power clean performance with the hook-grip is not due to altered force-time or horizontal bar-path characteristics.

he underlying biomechanical benefits of hook-grip (HG) over conventional closed-grip (CG) remain unclear. This study compared bar-path kinematics and force-time variables of the power clean (PC) performed with HG or CG. We also aimed to compared kinetic changes measured by force platform versus linear position transducer (LPT).

Implementation and Efficacy of Plyometric Training: Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Research.

Watkins, CM, Storey, A, McGuigan, M, and Gill, ND. Implementation and efficacy of plyometric training: Bridging the gap between practice and research. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1244-1255, 2021-Plyometric training is an effective method for improving speed and acceleration.

Kinetic and kinematic profile of eccentric quasi-isometric loading.

Eccentric quasi-isometric (EQI) contractions (maintaining a yielding contraction for as long as possible, beyond task failure) have gained interest in research and applied settings. However, little is known regarding the biomechanical profile of EQIs. Fourteen well-trained males performed four maximal effort knee-extensor EQIs, separated by 180 seconds.

The Effect of Low-Volume Preseason Plyometric Training on Force-Velocity Profiles in Semiprofessional Rugby Union Players.

Watkins, CM, Gill, ND, Maunder, E, Downes, P, Young, JD, McGuigan, MR, and Storey, AG. The effect of low-volume preseason plyometric training on force-velocity profiles in semiprofessional rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 35(3): 604-615, 2021-Rugby union is a physically demanding and complex team sport requiring athletes across all positions to express speed and acceleration.

Methods for Regulating and Monitoring Resistance Training.

Individualisation can improve resistance training prescription. This is accomplished via monitoring or autoregulating training. Autoregulation adjusts variables at an individualised pace per performance, readiness, or recovery.

The effect of regional quadriceps anatomical parameters on angle-specific isometric torque expression.

The length-tension relationship affects knee extension performance; however, whether anatomical variations in different quadriceps regions affect this relationship is unknown. Regional (proximal, middle, distal) quadriceps thickness (MT), pennation angle, and fascicle length of 24 males (48 limbs) were assessed via ultrasonography. Participants also performed maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) assessments at 40°, 70°, and 100° of knee flexion.

Short-term neuromuscular, morphological, and architectural responses to eccentric quasi-isometric muscle actions.

Purpose: Eccentric quasi-isometric (EQI) contractions have been proposed as a novel training method for safely exposing the musculotendinous system to a large mechanical load/impulse, with few repetitions. However, understanding of this contraction type is rudimentary. We aimed to compare the acute effects of a single session of isotonic EQIs with isokinetic eccentric (ECC) contractions.

Variability of regional quadriceps echo intensity in active young men with and without subcutaneous fat correction.

Quantifying echo intensity (EI), a proposed measure of muscle quality, is becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, much attention has been paid to regional differences in other ultrasonically evaluated measures of muscle morphology and architecture. However, the variability of regional (proximal, middle, distal) EI of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and lateral and anterior vastus intermedius has yet to be determined.

Variability of concentric angle-specific isokinetic torque and impulse assessments of the knee extensors.

Objective: Length-tension relationships are widely reported in research, rehabilitation and performance settings; however, several isometric contractions at numerous angles are needed to understand these muscular outputs. Perhaps a more efficient way to determine torque-angle characteristics is via isokinetic dynamometry; however, little is known about the variability of isokinetic measurements besides peak torque and optimal angle. This paper examines the variability of angle-specific isokinetic torque and impulse measures.

Variability of Multiangle Isometric Force-Time Characteristics in Trained Men.

Oranchuk, DJ, Storey, AG, Nelson, AR, Neville, JG, and Cronin, JB. Variability of multiangle isometric force-time characteristics in trained men. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 284-288, 2022-Measurements of isometric force, rate of force development (RFD), and impulse are widely reported.

Scientific Basis for Eccentric Quasi-Isometric Resistance Training: A Narrative Review.

Oranchuk, DJ, Storey, AG, Nelson, AR, and Cronin, JB. The scientific basis for eccentric quasi-isometric resistance training: A narrative review. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2846-2859, 2019-Eccentric quasi-isometric (EQI) resistance training involves holding a submaximal, yielding isometric contraction until fatigue causes muscle lengthening and then maximally resisting through a range of motion.

Variability of Regional Quadriceps Architecture in Trained Men Assessed by B-Mode and Extended-Field-of-View Ultrasonography.

Purpose: Regional muscle-architecture measures are reported widely; however, little is known about the variability of these measurements in the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and anterior and lateral vastus intermedius. The aim of this study was to quantify this variability.

Methods: Regional muscle thickness, pennation angle (PA), and calculated and extended-field-of-view-derived fascicle length (FL) were quantified in 26 participants using ultrasonography across 51 limbs on 3 occasions.

Isometric training and long-term adaptations: Effects of muscle length, intensity, and intent: A systematic review.

Isometric training is used in the rehabilitation and physical preparation of athletes, special populations, and the general public. However, little consensus exists regarding training guidelines for a variety of desired outcomes. Understanding the adaptive response to specific loading parameters would be of benefit to practitioners.

Improvement of Kinetic, Kinematic, and Qualitative Performance Variables of the Power Clean With the Hook Grip.

Purpose: The power clean and other weightlifting movements are commonly used in the development of muscle power. However, there is a paucity of research examining the use of the hook grip (HG) in weightlifting performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and kinetic, kinematic, and qualitative variables across a range of loads (75-100%) during power-clean performance with an HG and a closed grip.

Acute effects of heated resistance exercise in female and male power athletes.

Purpose: To determine the effects of heated resistance exercise on thermal strain, neuromuscular function and hormonal responses in power athletes.

Methods: Sixteen (n = 8 female; 8 male) highly trained power athletes completed a combined strength and power resistance exercise session in hot (HOT ~30 °C) and temperate (CON ~20 °C) conditions. Human growth hormone (hGH), cortisol and testosterone concentrations in plasma, peak power (counter-movement jump, CMJ) and peak force (isometric mid-thigh pull) were measured before and after each training session; thermoregulatory responses were monitored during training.

A Review of the Biomechanical Differences Between the High-Bar and Low-Bar Back-Squat.

Glassbrook, DJ, Helms, ER, Brown, SR, and Storey, AG. A review of the biomechanical differences between the high-bar and low-bar back-squat. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2618-2634, 2017-The back-squat is a common exercise in strength and conditioning for a variety of sports.

The High-Bar and Low-Bar Back-Squats: A Biomechanical Analysis.

Glassbrook, DJ, Brown, SR, Helms, ER, Duncan, S, and Storey, AG. The high-bar and low-bar back-squats: a biomechanical analysis. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S1-S18, 2019-No previous study has compared the joint angle and ground reaction force (vertical force [Fv]) differences between the high-bar back-squat (HBBS) and low-bar back-squat (LBBS) above 90% 1 repetition maximum (1RM).