Rate of Force Development, Muscle Architecture, and Performance in Elite Weightlifters

Author(s):  
Nikolaos Zaras ◽  
Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki ◽  
Polyxeni Spiliopoulou ◽  
Giannis Arnaoutis ◽  
Marios Hadjicharalambous ◽  
...  

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between weightlifting performance and the rate of force development (RFD), muscle architecture, and body composition in elite Olympic weightlifters. Methods: Six male Olympic weightlifters (age 23.3 [3.4] y, body mass 88.7 [10.2] kg, body height 1.76 [0.07] m, snatch 146.7 [15.4] kg, clean and jerk 179.4 [22.1] kg), all members of the national team, participated in the study. Athletes completed a 16-week periodized training program aiming to maximize their performance at the national competition event. Measurements, including maximal strength (1-repetition maximum) in snatch, clean and jerk, back and front squat, isometric leg press RFD and peak force, countermovement jump, vastus lateralis muscle architecture, and body composition, were performed before and after the training period. Results: Weightlifting performance increased significantly after training (P < .05). Leg press RFD increased only in time windows of 0 to 200 and 0 to 250 milliseconds after training (8.9% [8.5%] and 9.4% [7.7%], respectively, P < .05) while peak force remained unaltered (P < .05). Front squat strength increased significantly (P < .05), while countermovement jump power increased 2.3% (2.1%) (P < .05). No changes were observed for muscle architecture and lean body mass (P > .05). Significant correlations were observed between performance in snatch and clean and jerk with isometric leg press RFD, at all time windows, as well as with lean body mass and squat 1-repetition maximum. Conclusions: These results suggest that regular examination of RFD, lean body mass, and lower extremities’ 1-repetition maximum may be useful performance predictors in elite Olympic weightlifters.

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 394-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerasimos Terzis ◽  
Thomas Kyriazis ◽  
Giorgos Karampatsos ◽  
Giorgos Georgiadis

Purpose:Although muscle mass and strength are thought to be closely related to throwing performance, there are few scientific data about these parameters in elite shot-putters. The purpose of this case report was to present longitudinal data for muscle strength and body composition in relation to performance of an elite male shot-putter.Methods:A male national champion with the best rotational shot-put performance of 20.36 m (in 2010) was followed from 2003 to 2011 (current age: 29 y). Data regarding body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry), as well as 1-repetition-maximum muscle strength (bench press, squat, snatch) and rotational shot-put performance, were collected every February for the last 9 y, 4 wk before the national indoor championship event.Results:The athlete’s personal-best performances in squat, bench press, and snatch were 175 kg, 210 kg, and 112.5 kg, respectively. His peak total lean body mass was 92.4 kg, bone mineral density 1.55 g/cm2, and lowest body fat 12.9%. His shot-put performance over these 9 years was significantly correlated with 1-repetition-maximum squat strength (r = .93, P < .01), bench press (r = .87, P < .01), and snatch (r = .92, P < .01). In contrast, shot-put performance was not significantly correlated with any of the body-composition parameters.Conclusions:The results of this case study suggest that elite rotational shot-put performance may not be directly correlated with lean body mass. Instead, it seems that it is closely related with measures of muscle strength.


2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Wirth ◽  
Michael Keiner ◽  
Hagen Hartmann ◽  
Andre Sander ◽  
Christoph Mickel

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of free-weight and machine-based exercises to increase different strength and speed-strength variables. One hundred twenty male participants (age: 23.8 ± 2.5 years; body height: 181.0 ± 6.8 cm; body mass: 80.2 ± 8.9 kg) joined the study. The 2 experimental groups completed an 8 week periodized strength training program that included 2 training sessions per week. The exercises that were used in the strength training programs were the parallel barbell squat and the leg press. Before and after the training period, the 1-repetition-maximum in the barbell squat and the leg press, the squat jump, the countermovement jump and unilateral isometric force (maximal isometric force and the rate of force development) were evaluated. To compare each group pre vs. post-intervention, analysis of variance with repeated measures and Scheffé post-hoc tests were used. The leg press group increased their 1-repetition-maximum significantly (p < 0.001), while in the squat group such variables as 1-repetition-maximum, the squat jump and the countermovement jump increased significantly (p < 0.001). The maximal isometric force showed no statistically significant result for the repeated measures factor, while the rate of force development of the squat group even showed a statistically significant decrease. Differences between the 2 experimental groups were detected for the squat jump and the countermovement jump. In comparison with the leg press, the squat might be a better strength training exercise for the development of jump performance.


2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (5) ◽  
pp. 560-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Granados ◽  
Trevor L. Gillum ◽  
Kevin M. Christmas ◽  
Matthew R. Kuennen

Prohormone supplements (PS) are recognized not to impart anabolic or ergogenic effects in men, but the research supporting these conclusions is dated. The Anabolic Steroid Control Act was amended in 2004 to classify androstenedione and 17 additional anabolic compounds as controlled substances. The viability of PS that entered the market after that time have not been evaluated. Seventeen resistance-trained men (23 ± 1 yr; 13.1 ± 1.5% body fat) were randomly assigned to receive either 330 mg/day of 3β-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-17-one (Prohormone; n = 9) or sugar (Placebo; n = 8) per os and complete a 4-wk (16 session) structured resistance-training program. Body composition, muscular strength, circulating lipids, and markers of liver and kidney dysfunction were assessed at study onset and termination. Prohormone increased lean body mass by 6.3 ± 1.2%, decreased fat body mass by 24.6 ± 7.1%, and increased their back squat one repetition maximum and competition total by 14.3 ± 1.5 and 12.8 ± 1.1%, respectively. These improvements exceeded ( P < 0.05) Placebo, which increased lean body mass by 0.5 ± 0.8%, reduced fat body mass by 9.5 ± 3.6%, and increased back squat one repetition maximum and competition total by 5.7 ± 1.7 and 5.9 ± 1.7%, respectively. Prohormone also experienced multiple adverse effects. These included a 38.7 ± 4.0% reduction in HDL ( P < 0.01), a 32.8 ± 15.05% elevation in LDL ( P < 0.01), and elevations of 120.0 ± 22.6 and 77.4 ± 12.0% in LDL-to-HDL and cholesterol-to-HDL ratios, respectively (both P < 0.01). Prohormone also exhibited elevations in serum creatinine (19.6 ± 4.3%; P < 0.01) and aspartate transaminase (113.8 ± 61.1%; P = 0.05), as well as reductions in serum albumin (5.1 ± 1.9%; P = 0.04), alkaline phosphatase (16.4 ± 4.7%; P = 0.04), and glomerular filtration rate (18.0 ± 3.3%; P = 0.04). None of these values changed (all P > 0.05) in Placebo. The oral PS 3β-hydroxy-5α-androst-1-en-17-one improves body composition and muscular strength. However, these changes come at a significant cost. Cardiovascular health and liver function are particularly compromised. Given these findings, we feel the harm associated with this particular PS outweighs any potential benefit.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Masoome Piri Damaghi ◽  
Atieh Mirzababaei ◽  
Sajjad Moradi ◽  
Elnaz Daneshzad ◽  
Atefeh Tavakoli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Essential amino acids (EAAs) promote the process of regulating muscle synthesis. Thus, whey protein that contains higher amounts of EAA can have a considerable effect on modifying muscle synthesis. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effect of soy and whey protein supplementation on body composition. Thus, we sought to perform a meta-analysis of published Randomized Clinical Trials that examined the effect of whey protein supplementation and soy protein supplementation on body composition (lean body mass, fat mass, body mass and body fat percentage) in adults. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, up to August 2020, for all relevant published articles assessing soy protein supplementation and whey protein supplementation on body composition parameters. We included all Randomized Clinical Trials that investigated the effect of whey protein supplementation and soy protein supplementation on body composition in adults. Pooled means and standard deviations (SD) were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analysis was applied to discern possible sources of heterogeneity. Results: After excluding non-relevant articles, 10 studies, with 596 participants, remained in this study. We found a significant increase in lean body mass after whey protein supplementation weighted mean difference (WMD: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.15, 1.67. P= 0.019). Subgroup analysis, for whey protein, indicated that there was a significant increase in lean body mass in individuals concomitant to exercise (WMD: 1.24; 95% CI: 0.47, 2.00; P= 0.001). There was a significant increase in lean body mass in individuals who received 12 or less weeks of whey protein (WMD: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.63; P<0.0001). We observed no significant change between whey protein supplementation and body mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage. We found no significant change between soy protein supplementation and lean body mass, body mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage. Subgroup analysis for soy protein indicated there was a significant increase in lean body mass in individuals who supplemented for 12 or less weeks with soy protein (WMD: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.89; P< 0.0001). Conclusion: Whey protein supplementation significantly improved body composition via increases in lean body mass, without influencing fat mass, body mass, and body fat percentage.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2349
Author(s):  
Stephen Keenan ◽  
Matthew B. Cooke ◽  
Regina Belski

Diets utilising intermittent fasting (IF) as a strategic method to manipulate body composition have recently grown in popularity, however, dietary practices involving fasting have also been followed for centuries for religious reasons (i.e., Ramadan). Regardless of the reasons for engaging in IF, the impacts on lean body mass (LBM) may be detrimental. Previous research has demonstrated that resistance training promotes LBM accrual, however, whether this still occurs during IF is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this review is to systematically analyse human studies investigating the effects of variations of IF combined with resistance training on changes in LBM in previously sedentary or trained (non-elite) individuals. Changes in body weight and fat mass, and protocol adherence were assessed as a secondary objective. This review followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed and SportDiscus databases were searched for articles investigating IF, combined with resistance training that reported measures of body composition. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria. LBM was generally maintained, while one study reported a significant increase in LBM. Body fat mass or percentage was significantly reduced in five of eight studies. Results suggest that IF paired with resistance training generally maintains LBM, and can also promote fat loss. Future research should examine longer-term effects of various forms of IF combined with resistance training compared to traditional forms of energy restriction. Prospero registration CRD42018103867.


Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
María Martínez-Olcina ◽  
María Hernández-García ◽  
Jacobo Á. Rubio-Arias ◽  
Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
...  

Background: Beach handball (BH) is a sport in which sporting performance is influenced, together with team interaction, by individual performance in terms of strength. Body composition is one of the main factors for sports performance and eating habits can condition this variable. The Mediterranean diet (MD) can significantly reduce the risk of mortality or cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment carries out different campaigns to promote it among young athletes, establishing it as a suitable diet for sports. Objectives: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity and adherence to the MD of beach handball players. It also aims to evaluate age group differences in male and female players, as well as studying the possible relationship between MD, body composition and performance variables. Methods: A total of 59 Spanish BH players were recruited in the national championship of BH in the province of Alicante. Thirty-eight male (14 junior; 17.0 ± 0.1 years and 24 seniors; 25.5 ± 4.7 years) and twenty-one female (7 junior; 16.1 ± 1.46 years and 14 seniors; 23.2 ± 2.0 years) BH players participated in this study. The questionnaire to evaluate eating habits was Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). Body composition was measured with electrical bioimpedance. Strength was evaluated by means of a maximum isometric handgrip test of the dominant hand with handgrip and height of jump by counter-jump on contact platform. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations between the study variables were made. Results: In females, when the adherence to the MD is lower, the weight is higher, the lean body mass is lower and worse results are observed in performance tests. As for males, there are differences in weight and lean body mass according to category. Conclusions: Adequate eating habits are related to the weight of beach handball athletes. In addition, specifically with junior players, it has been observed that adherence to the MD correlates with weight.


2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Lee Owen ◽  
Carlos Lago-Peñas ◽  
Gordon Dunlop ◽  
Rouissi Mehdi ◽  
Moktar Chtara ◽  
...  

AbstractThe primary aim of the investigation was to study the seasonal changes in body composition in elite European soccer players and identify key playing positional differences. Twenty-two players (age = 24 ± 3.7 years, body height = 180.45 ± 5.12 cm, body mass = 76.66 ± 5.34 kg) were tested. Players’ mass (kg), lean body mass (LBM), fat free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), muscle girths (MG) and sum of 8 skinfolds (mm) were measured across 5 time points (T0 = Start of pre-season training; T1 = End of pre-season training; T2 = Mid-season; T3 = End of mid-season break; T4 = End of season). Players were divided into their tactical positional roles for analysis. The specific positions they were divided into included defenders (n = 8), midfielders (n = 8) and forwards (n = 6). Assessment of training and matchplay exposure were also recorded. Sites-4, Sites-7, Sites-8 and Fat Mass decreased dramatically from T0 to T1 and T2 in all playing positions (p < 0.01), while no remarkable differences were found between T2, T3 and T4. Except for defenders, calf girth and lean mass were higher in T2, T3 and T4 compared to T0 and T1 (p < 0.01). Midfielders were found to be leaner than forwards and defenders in all data collection time point sessions. Defenders showed higher values in calf girth and lean body mass than midfielders and forwards. It can be concluded from this investigation that there are large variances n positional body composition profiles amongst professional European soccer players. Furthermore, significant changes are prevalent and occur across the season from LBM, FFM, MG and skinfold assessment amongst European elite level soccer players.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeliki Kavvoura ◽  
Nikolaos Zaras ◽  
Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki ◽  
Giannis Arnaoutis ◽  
Spyridon Methenitis ◽  
...  

The rate of force development (RFD) is vital for power athletes. Lean body mass (LBM) is considered to be an essential contributor to RFD, nevertheless high RFD may be achieved by athletes with either high or low LBM. The aim of the study was to describe the relationship between lower-body LBM and RFD, and to compare RFD in taekwondo athletes and track and field (T&F) throwers, the latter having higher LBM when compared to taekwondo athletes. Nine taekwondo athletes and nine T&F throwers were evaluated for countermovement jumping, isometric leg press and leg extension RFD, vastus lateralis (VL), and medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture and body composition. Lower body LBM was correlated with RFD 0–250 ms (r = 0.81, p = 0.016). Taekwondo athletes had lower LBM and jumping power per LBM. RFD was similar between groups at 30–50 ms, but higher for throwers at 80–250 ms. RFD adjusted for VL thickness was higher in taekwondo athletes at 30 ms, but higher in throwers at 200–250 ms. These results suggest that lower body LBM is correlated with RFD in power trained athletes. RFD adjusted for VL thickness might be more relevant to evaluate in power athletes with low LBM, while late RFD might be more relevant to evaluate in athletes with higher LBM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 505-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline C. Tritto ◽  
Salomão Bueno ◽  
Rosa M.P. Rodrigues ◽  
Bruno Gualano ◽  
Hamilton Roschel ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate free acid (HMB-FA) and calcium salt (HMB-Ca) on strength, hypertrophy, and markers of muscle damage. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 44 resistance-trained men (age: 26 ± 4 years; body mass: 84.9 ± 12.0 kg) consuming ≥1.7 g·kg−1·day−1 of protein received HMB-FA (3 g/day; n = 14), HMB-Ca (3 g/day; n = 15), or placebo (PL; cornstarch, 3 g/day; n = 15) for 12 weeks, while performing a periodized resistance training program. Before and after intervention, lean body mass (measured with dual X-ray absorptiometry), maximal dynamic strength (one-repetition maximum), knee extension maximal isometric strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]), cross-sectional area (measured with ultrasound), and muscle soreness were assessed. MVIC was also measured 48 hr after the first and the last training sessions. All groups increased lean body mass (main time effect: p < .0001; HMB-FA: 1.8 ± 1.8 kg; HMB-Ca: 0.8 ± 1.4 kg; PL: 0.9 ± 1.4 kg), cross-sectional area (main time effect: p < .0001; HMB-FA: 6.6 ± 3.8%; HMB-Ca: 4.7 ± 4.4%; PL: 6.9 ± 3.8%), one-repetition maximum bench press (main time effect: p < .0001; HMB-FA: 14.8 ± 8.4 kg; HMB-Ca: 11.8 ± 7.4 kg; PL: 11.2 ± 6.6 kg), MVIC (main time effect: p < .0001; HMB-FA: 34.4 ± 39.3%; HMB-Ca: 32.3 ± 27.4%; PL: 17.7 ± 20.9%) after the intervention, but no differences between groups were shown. HMB-FA group showed greater leg press strength after the intervention than HMB-Ca and PL groups (Group × Time interaction: p < .05; HMB-FA: 47.7 ± 31.2 kg; HMB-Ca: 43.8 ± 31.7 kg; PL: 30.2 ± 20.9 kg). MVIC measured 48 hr after the first and the last sessions showed no attenuation of force decline with supplementation. Muscle soreness following the first and last sessions was not different between groups. The authors concluded that neither HMB-Ca nor HMB-FA improved hypertrophy or reduced muscle damage in resistance-trained men undergoing resistance training ingesting optimal amounts of protein. HMB-FA but not HMB-Ca resulted in a statistically significant yet minor improvement on leg press one-repetition maximum.


1965 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 934-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
ŠtĚpánka Šprynarová ◽  
Jana Pařízková

Seven obese boys submitted themselves to a 7-week regimen of dietary restriction and regular exercise. Measurements were made at the beginning and end of the period. A significant drop in body weight was achieved by reduction of adipose tissue and also of lean body mass (LBM). The ratio of LBM to body weight increased. These changes were associated with significant drop of maximum oxygen consumption. The increase of the Vo2 max per kilogram of body weight and the drop of the Vo2 max per kilogram of LBM were not significant. Between the decrease of LBM and the drop of Vo2 max there exists a significant negative relationship; and between the decrease of LBM and the rise of the Vo2 max per kilogram of body weight, a significant positive relationship. The decrease of Vo2 max in these boys was not considered due to deteriorated circulatory or respiratory function but to changes in body composition. maximum O2 consumption; body weight reduction; lean body mass Submitted on February 17, 1964


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