The Effect of Polarized Training Intensity Distribution on Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Work Economy Among Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review.

High-intensity training (HIT) has commonly been the most effective training method for improvement in maximal oxygen uptake (VO) and work economy, alongside a substantial volume of low-intensity training (LIT). The polarized training model combines both low- and high-intensity training into a specific training intensity distribution and has gained attention as a comprehensive approach. The objective of this review was to systematically search the literature in order to identify the effects of polarized training intensity distribution on VO, peak oxygen uptake (VO), and work economy among endurance athletes.

Understanding sprint phase-specific training stimuli: a cluster analysis approach to overload conditions.

Introduction: This study analyzed the impact of various overload conditions on sprint performance compared to free sprinting, aiming to identify the loading scenarios that most closely replicate the mechanics of unresisted sprints across the full acceleration spectrum. While velocity-based training methods have gained popularity, their applicability is limited to the plateau phase of sprinting.

Methods: To address this limitation, we employed cluster analysis to identify scenarios that best replicate the mechanical characteristics of free sprinting across various overload conditions.

A Biomechanical Comparison Between Conventional, Sumo, and Hex-Bar Deadlifts Among Resistance Trained Women.

Gundersen, AH, van den Tillaar, R, Falch, HN, Fredriksen, AB, and Larsen, S. A biomechanical comparison between conventional, sumo, and hex-bar deadlifts among resistance trained women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The deadlift is a multijoint exercise frequently used to strengthen the lower extremities and spinal erectors.

The effects of hip flexion angle on quadriceps femoris muscle hypertrophy in the leg extension exercise.

This study compared the effects of 90° versus 40° hip flexion in the leg extension exercise on quadriceps femoris muscle hypertrophy. Twenty-two untrained men completed a ten-week intervention comprising two resistance training sessions per week. A within-participant design was used, with the lower limb side randomly allocated to the 40 or 90° condition.

Comparison of Velocity and Estimated One Repetition Maximum Measured with Different Measuring Tools in Bench Presses and Squats.

The aim of this study was to compare barbell velocities at different intensities and estimated 1-RM with actual 1-RM measured with different measuring tools in bench presses and squats. Fourteen resistance-trained athletes (eight men, six women, age 28.1 ± 7.

The Impact of Stance Width on Kinematics and Kinetics During Maximum Back Squats.

Larsen, S, Zee, Md, and Tillaar, Rvd. The impact of stance width on kinematics and kinetics during maximum back squats. J Strength Cond Res 39(1): 1-9, 2025-This study compared the lower extremity peak net joint moments (NJMs) and muscle forces between wide and narrow stance widths defined as 1.

Acute effects of different loading protocols upon performance and kinematics of 180 degrees change of direction.

This study examined the acute effects of different loading protocols on 180° change of direction (COD) performance in eleven male handball players. Participants performed a 10-0-5 COD test under seven conditions: without an external load, and with 3, 6, and 9 kg loads applied under two modes-assisted into the COD and resisted out of it and resisted into the COD and assisted out of it. While total COD time was not affected ( = 0.

The Effect of Specific Strength Training on Throwing Velocity in Overarm Throwing: A Systematic Review.

Background: Throwing velocity is an important research topic in sports science, and it is an essential performance variable for athletes in overarm-throwing sports like baseball, team handball, water polo, softball, and cricket. The aim of the present review was to investigate the effect of specific strength training on throwing velocity for overarm throws.

Methods: The literature was analysed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses, searching in SPORTDiscus and MEDLINE.

The Longitudinal Effects of Resisted and Assisted Sprint Training on Sprint Kinematics, Acceleration, and Maximum Velocity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Sprinting is important for both individual and team sports, and enhancing performance is often done through resisted, assisted, or combined sprint training. However, the effectiveness of these methods compared to traditional sprint training remains inconclusive. The objective of this review with meta-analysis was to review the current literature on intervention studies analyzing the effects of resisted, assisted, and combined (resisted-assisted) training on sprint kinematics and performance in terms of acceleration and maximum velocity.

Comparison of Effects of Implicit versus Explicit Learning of a Novel Skill in Young Gymnastic Athletes.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of explicit learning with implicit learning using a dual-task paradigm on learning a novel skill and whether the performance was maintained over an extended period.

Methods: Forty-four young children from a local gymnastics club ( = 44, boys = 10, girls = 34, age: 10 ± 2.9 years) completed four 30 min front-flip practice sessions over four weeks between pre- and post-test, followed by two retention tests three and six months after the post-test, in which no front-flip practice occurred.

Sex differences in intra-set kinematics and electromyography during different maximum repetition sets in the barbell back squat?

Barbell squats are commonly utilized in resistance training for rehabilitation, daily living enhancement, and improving sports performance. The current study investigated the kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) parameters in the squat between sexes across different repetition ranges (1-, 3-, 6-, and 10-RM) among recreationally strength-trained subjects. A total of 26 subjects (13 men: age 25 ± 3.

Effect of intensity training block on anxiety state and performance in competitive swimmers.

Background: An increase in training intensity could create changes in psychological and physiological variables in competitive athletes. For this reason, it is very relevant to know how an intensive training block could influence psychological variables in competitive swimmers. This study examined the effect of an intensive training block (HIT) for 2 weeks on the anxiety state and swimming performance compared to standard aerobic training.

Implicit Versus Explicit Learning a Novel Skill for High School Students.

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of implicit learning using dual task-paradigm, with explicit learning on learning a novel skill, and if the performance is maintained over a prolonged period of time. Twenty-six high school adolescents ( = 26, boys  = 15, girls  = 11, age: 16 ± 0.66 years) performed a four-week front-flip learning program, where participants underwent two hours front flip practice in total between the pre- and post-test session followed by two tests; three and six months after the post-test, in which the front-flip was not practiced.

A Biomechanical Comparison Between a High and Low Barbell Placement on Net Joint Moments, Kinematics, Muscle Forces, and Muscle-Specific Moments in 3 Repetition Maximum Back Squats.

Larsen, S, de Zee, M, Kristiansen, EL, and van den Tillaar, R. A biomechanical comparison between a high and low barbell placement on net joint moments, kinematics, muscle forces, and muscle-specific moments in 3 repetition maximum back squats. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1221-1230, 2024-This study aimed to investigate the impact of a high barbell vs.

Cross-sectional associations between accelerometer-measured physical activity and hip bone mineral density: the Tromsø Study 2015-2016.

Positive associations between physical activity and bone health have been found in population-based studies, however, mostly based on self-reported physical activity. Therefore, we investigated the association between accelerometer-measured physical activity, measured in steps per day and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day, and total hip areal BMD (aBMD) measured by DXA in a general population, utilizing multiple regression models. The study participants, 1560 women and 1177 men aged 40-84 yr, were part of the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study (2015-2016).

Combined Effects of Listening to Preferred Music and Video Feedback, during Warm-Up, on Physical Performance in Young Kickboxers.

Although studies have indicated that the prior use of video feedback and music listening separately improves physical performance and positive feelings in various sports, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated their combined effect in combat-sports-specific tasks. The aim of this study was to determine the combined effect of listening to preferred music and video feedback on aerobic and anaerobic performance in male kickboxers. In a counterbalanced crossover study design, twenty kickboxers underwent three kicking exercises under one of three conditions: (1) control condition, (2) combined listening to preferred music and video feedback, and (3) video feedback during 10-min of rope warm-up.

Rubber Band Training Improves Athletic Performance in Young Female Handball Players.

This study's objective was to investigate the impact of a 10-week in season contrast rubber band training program on athletic performance in young female handball players. Youth athletes (15.8 ± 0.

Are Diminishing Potentiation and Large Extensor Moments the Cause for the Occurrence of the Sticking Region in Maximum Free-Weight Barbell Back Squats among Resistance-Trained Males?

This study compared the kinematics, surface electromyography (sEMG) and kinetics among isometric squats performed at 10 different heights of the upward part and a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat. Eleven males (age: 27.5 ± 3.

The Effect of Sex and Different Repetition Maximums on Kinematics and Surface Electromyography in the Last Repetition of the Barbell Back Squat.

During the ascent phase of a maximal barbell back squat after an initial acceleration, a deceleration region occurs as the result of different biomechanical factors. This is known as the sticking region. However, whether this region is similar in the last repetition of different repetition maximums and if sex has an impact on biomechanics of this region are not known.

Comparison of kinematics and kinetics between unassisted and assisted maximum speed sprinting.

Producing comparable/greater ground reaction forces (GRFs) at faster running speeds is beneficial for sprint performance, and assisted sprint training is used to induce faster running speed conditions. This study aimed to demonstrate the characteristics of assisted sprinting at the maximal speed phase and investigate acute differences to control sprinting. Fifteen sprinters completed control and assisted (5 kg) sprints over force platforms.

Optimizing performance and mood state in competitive swimmers through tapering strategies.

Tapering is a concept that is of great importance in relation to performance, due of its great effect on the psychological and physical condition of the swimmer. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of two-week of tapering characterized by a progressive training volume reduction on mood state and swimming performance in competitive swimmers. Twenty-four competitive male swimmers were randomly assigned into two groups.

The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) Performance in Elite Team Handball Players Playing with Shoulder Pain, Previous Pain, or No Pain.

Background: Physical therapists use tests that could determine strength and weaknesses of the shoulder for overhead throwing athletes to enhance performance, prevent injury, and safely progress rehabilitation. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) has been proposed to assess muscular capacity and dynamic shoulder stability in overhead athletes, which could provide information to determine a risk of injury.

Purpose: To investigate if the CKCUEST is an appropriate test to implement within team elite handball players to evaluate dynamic shoulder stability across sexes and in the screening of shoulder pain.

Comparison of kinematics and electromyography in the last repetition during different maximum repetition sets in the barbell back squat.

Background: The barbell squat is an exercise used to strengthen the lower limbs, with implications for both performance in sports and improving movement during everyday tasks. Although the exercise is being trained across a variety of repetition ranges, the technical requirements may vary, affecting appropriate repetition range for specific training goals.

Methods: A randomised within-subject design was used to compare kinematics and surface electromyography (EMG) in the lower extremities during different concentric phases (pre-, sticking- and post-sticking region) of the last repetition when performing squats at different repetition maximums (RMs).

Validity and Reliability of Polar Team Pro and Playermaker for Estimating Running Distance and Speed in Indoor and Outdoor Conditions.

Although global positioning systems and inertial measurement unit systems are often used to quantify physical variables in training, both types of systems need to be compared, considering their frequent use in measuring physical loads. Thus, the purpose of our study was to test the reliability and validity of speed and distance run measurements at different intensities in indoor and outdoor conditions made by Polar Team Pro and Playermaker. Four participants (age = 30.

Acute Effect of Four Stretching Protocols on Change of Direction in U-17 Male Soccer Players.

Background: The ability to rapidly change direction while sprinting is a desirable athletic skill in soccer. Enhancing change of direction (COD) performance depends almost exclusively on specific training, with stretching traditionally considered one such intervention. However, the comparative impact of diverse stretching methods on COD in soccer players remains an area of interest.