Improving the Use of Lifting Velocity to Predict Repetitions to Failure: A Systematic Review.

Background: A recent advancement in velocity-based training involves estimating the maximum number of repetitions to failure (RTF) by analyzing the fastest velocity recorded within a set. A systematic review examining the fundamental characteristics of the RTF-velocity relationship is still lacking.

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) determine the basic properties of the RTF-velocity relationships (goodness of fit, reliability, and accuracy) and (2) offer guidance on implementing various methodological factors that can impact the RTF accuracy prediction.

The Effects of Percentage-Based, Rating of Perceived Exertion, Repetitions in Reserve, and Velocity-Based Training on Performance and Fatigue Responses.

Cowley, N, Nicholson, V, Timmins, R, Munteanu, G, Wood, T, García-Ramos, A, Owen, C, and Weakley, J. The effects of percentage-based, rating of perceived exertion, repetitions in reserve, and velocity-based training on performance and fatigue responses. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study assessed the effects of percentage-based training (%1RM), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), repetitions in reserve (RIR), and velocity-based training (VBT) on (a) acute kinematic outputs, perceptions of effort, and changes in neuromuscular function during resistance training; and (b) neuromuscular fatigue and perceptions of soreness 24 hours after exercise.

Comparative Effects of the Free Weights and Smith Machine Squat and Bench Press: The Important Role of Specificity for Strength Adaptations.

Purpose: Although previous studies have compared strength-training adaptations between free weights (FW) and machine-guided exercises, those studies did not use a Smith machine (SM), which most closely replicates the exercises performed with FW. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the chronic effects of strength-focused, velocity-based training regimens using FW versus SM.

Methods: Thirty-seven sport-science students (14 female) were assigned, balanced by sex and relative strength, to either an FW or SM training group.

Impact of Beta-Alanine, Caffeine, and Their Combination on Intraocular Pressure and Ocular Perfusion Pressure at Rest and After Resistance Training.

This study aimed to determine the impact of caffeine (200 mg), beta-alanine (3 g), and their combination on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at rest and after resistance training. Twenty young men (age = 23.4 ± 4.

[Unveiling Hormonal Secrets].

Background: Thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy negatively impacts both the woman and her offspring, with the early gestational period being critical for potential repercussions. Establishing pre-conception and during-conception care strategies is crucial for favorable pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: This review aims to compile the most recent scientific evidence to guide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on clinical cases, including a description of thyroid physiology during pregnancy and strategies for identifying high-risk patients for treatment.

Malate or Not? Acute Effects of L-Citrulline Versus Citrulline Malate on Neuromuscular Performance in Young, Trained Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

L-citrulline (CIT) supplementation seems to improve resistance training performance; yet, whether malate has additive ergogenic effects when combined with CIT is unknown. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial aimed to compare the acute effects of CIT versus citrulline malate (CMA) supplementation on neuromuscular performance and exertion and emotional perceptions in young, trained men and women. 43 (21 women; 24.

Cluster Versus Rest-Redistribution Training: Similar Improvements in Neuromuscular Capacities in Female Team-Sport Athletes.

Purpose: This study's purpose was to investigate the midterm effects of alternative set configurations (cluster [CL] and rest redistribution [RR]) on lower- and upper-body neuromuscular capacities in female athletes.

Method: Twenty team-sport female athletes were randomly assigned to a CL (n = 10) or RR (n = 10) training group. The study protocol comprised 2 pretests, 12 training sessions, and a posttest.

Highly branched cyclic dextrin supplementation and resistance training: A randomized double-blinded crossover trial examining mechanical, metabolic, and perceptual responses.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential ergogenic effects of intra-session supplementation of highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD) on mechanical (number of repetitions completed and repetition velocity), metabolic (lactate concentration), and perceptual (gastrointestinal complaints and ratings of perceived exertion [RPE]) responses to resistance training.

Methods: This study used a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study design. Thirty physically active individuals (15 men and 15 women) completed two experimental sessions that only differed in the supplement condition (placebo or HBCD).

Intra and Inter-Session Reliability of Movement Velocity During Pull-Ups Performed at Small Climbing Holds.

Objectives: The synergy between arm and shoulder muscles, along with isometric finger flexor strength, are crucial for climbing proficiency. However, tests often assess these factors separately rather than in a unified action. This study aimed to determine the intra- and inter-session reliability of the mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during pull-ups on a large hold and on small climbing edges.

Differential Inflammatory and Immune Response to Viral Infection in the Upper-Airway and Peripheral Blood of Mild COVID-19 Cases.

Background/objectives: COVID-19 is characterised by a wide variety of clinical manifestations, and clinical tests and genetic analysis might help to predict patient outcomes.

Methods: In the current study, the expression of genes related to immune response (, , , , , and ) was analysed in the upper airway and paired-blood samples from 25 subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2. Relative gene expression was determined by RT-qPCR.

Enhancing reactive agility in soccer: The impact of stroboscopic eyewear during warm-up across fatigued and non-fatigued conditions.

Although prolonged training with stroboscopic eyewear has demonstrated potential for enhancing visuomotor skills, the acute effects of stroboscopic stimulation are not well understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the short-term effects of stroboscopic exposure during the ball-specific phase of soccer warm-up on agility performance in preplanned and unpredictable (RA) tasks. Also, these effects were examined both in tasks involving ball dribbling and without the ball, as well as under fatigued and non-fatigued conditions.

The Effect of Lifting Straps on the Prediction of the Maximal Neuromuscular Capabilities and 1 Repetition Maximum During the Prone Bench Pull Exercise.

Miras-Moreno, S and García-Ramos, A. The effect of lifting straps on the prediction of the maximal neuromuscular capabilities and 1 repetition maximum during the prone bench pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): e638-e644, 2024-This study examined the effects of using lifting straps in the prone bench pull exercise on (a) the magnitude of the load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables (load-axis intercept, velocity-axis intercept, and area under the L-V relationship line) and (b) the accuracy of the L-V relationship in predicting the 1 repetition maximum (1RM).

Comparative effects of caffeine, beta-alanine, and their combination on mechanical, physiological, and perceptual responses to upper-body superset resistance training.

Caffeine and beta-alanine are widely used in multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements believed to enhance resistance training, but their specific role in driving this effect remains unclear. The current study employed a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled and crossover experimental design to explore the acute effects of caffeine (200 mg), beta-alanine (3 g), or their combination (200 mg caffeine and 3 g beta-alanine; C+B-A) administered 30 min prior to resistance training (RT) on mechanical, physiological, and perceptual variables. Twenty-one young resistance-trained males (age = 23.

Effect of the Stretch-Shortening Cycle on the Relationship Between Maximum Number of Repetitions and Lifting Velocity During the Prone Bench Pull.

Background: The fastest mean (MV) and peak (PV) velocity in a set are used to predict the maximum number of repetitions (RTF), but stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) effects on these relationships are unknown.

Hypothesis: Velocity values associated with each RTF would show higher values for eccentric-concentric and multiple-point methods compared with concentric-only and 2-point methods.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Reliability of single-leg maximal dynamic strength performance and inter-limb asymmetries in pre-pubertal soccer players. The influence of maturity in asymmetries.

The aims of this repeated measures study were (I) to determine the reliability of single-leg squat 1RM and inter-limb asymmetries in pre-pubertal athletes, and (II) to assess associations between bilateral and/or unilateral squat 1RM performance, inter-limb asymmetries, and participants' chronological and biological age. Thirty-one soccer players (age [mean ± standard deviation] = 8.48 ± 0.

Average optimal minimum velocity threshold: A practical variable to increase the accuracy of one-repetition maximum estimation during the free-weight back squat.

The prediction of one-repetition maximum (1RM) using the submaximal load-velocity relationship (LVR) is highly relevant for the field of strength and conditioning. The optimal minimum velocity threshold (MVT) was recently proposed to increase the accuracy of 1RM predictions. However, using the average optimal MVT would allow for more practical estimations.

Multiplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay To Detect Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba vermiformis, Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris in Different Water Sources.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed in the environment. Among these, Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Vermamoeba vermiformis have been reported as human pathogens with health effects ranging from lethal encephalitis to different epithelial disorders.