scholarly journals A Comparison between Male and Female Athletes in Relative Strength and Power Performances

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Sandro Bartolomei ◽  
Giuseppe Grillone ◽  
Rocco Di Michele ◽  
Matteo Cortesi
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Power Performance

The aim of this study was to compare male vs. female athletes in strength and power performance relative to body mass (BM) and lean body mass (LBM) and to investigate the relationships between muscle architecture and strength in both genders. Sixteen men (age = 26.4 ± 5.0 years; body mass = 88.9 ± 16.6 kg; height = 177.6 ± 9.3 cm) and fourteen women (age = 25.1 ± 3.2 years; body mass = 58.1 ± 9.1 kg; height = 161.7 ± 4.8 cm) were tested for body composition and muscle thickness (MT) of vastus lateralis muscle (VT), pectoralis major (PEC), and trapezius (TRAP). In addition, participants were tested for lower body power at countermovement jump (CMJP) and upper-body power at bench press throw (BPT). Participants were also assessed for one repetition maximum (1RM) at bench press (1RMBP), deadlift (1RMDE), and squat (1RMSQ). Significantly greater (p < 0.01) MT of the VL, PEC and TRAP muscles and LBM were detected in men compared to women. Significantly greater (p < 0.05) 1RMBP and BPT adjusted for LBM were detected in men than in women. No significant gender differences after adjusting for LBM were detected for 1RMSQ (p = 0.945); 1RMDE (p = 0.472) and CMJP (p = 0.656). Significantly greater (p < 0.05) results in all performance assessments adjusted for MT of the specific muscles, were detected in males compared to females. Superior performances adjusted for MT and LBM in men compared to women, may be related to gender differences in muscle morphology and LBM distribution, respectively.

Intramuscular fibre conduction velocity and muscle fascicle length in human vastus lateralis

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
Spyridon Methenitis ◽  
Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki ◽  
Nikolaos Zaras ◽  
Konstantinos Spengos ◽  
Nikolaos Karandreas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Fibre ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Conduction Velocity ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Power Performance ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Muscle Fascicle ◽  
The Relationship

Muscle fascicle length and muscle fibre conduction velocity (MFCV) are thought to be important parameters for power performance. It might be expected that faster muscle fibre conduction velocities would compensate for longer fascicle lengths to increase the speed of action potential propagation along the elongated fibres. However, the relationship between muscle fascicle length and MFCV remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between average vastus lateralis MFCV and average fascicle length. In 17 moderately trained, healthy, male, physical education students (age, 23.4 ± 3.1 years; body height, 178 ± 5.5 cm; body mass, 82.7 ± 6.9 kg; body mass index, 24.6 ± 1.5 kg·m−2) resting MFCV was measured with intramuscular microelectrodes while muscle architecture was evaluated with ultrasonography. Fascicle length was highly correlated with total MFCV (r = 0.923, p = 0.000), maximum MFCV (r = 0.949, p = 0.000), and MFCV of the fastest (r = 0.709, p = 0.001), but not of the slowest fibres (r = 0.131, p = 0.616). No significant correlations were also found between vastus lateralis thickness or fascicle angle with any of MFCV parameters (r = 0.145–0.430; R2 < 0.130; p > 0.05). These data indicate that average MFCV is associated with average fascicle length in vastus lateralis muscle in different individuals. It seems that participants with longer fascicle lengths have also higher MFCVs.

scholarly journals Differences in muscle oxygenation between young and middle-aged recreationally active men during high-volume resistance exercise

Kinesiology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
Yftach Gepner ◽  
Joseph A. Gordon ◽  
Jay R. Hoffman ◽  
Jeffrey R. Stout ◽  
David H. Fukuda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Body Height ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Muscle Oxygenation ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Volume Resistance

The aim of this study was to compare muscle oxygenation of the vastus lateralis during a high-volume isokinetic resistance exercise protocol (HVP) between young adult (YA) and middle-aged adult (MA) men. Twenty recreationally trained men were assigned to either the YA (age 21.8±2.0 years, body mass 90.7±11.6 kg, body height 179±4.7 cm) or MA (age 47.0±4.4 years, body mass 96.1±21.6 kg, body height 177±7.7 cm) group. The HVP consisted of eight sets of 10 repetitions of unilateral isokinetic concentric knee extension and eccentric knee flexion at 60°·s-1. Changes in tissue hemoglobin saturation index (TSI), tissue oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (O2Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and muscle oxidation index (O2Hb-HHb) were measured during the exercise session using the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Data were analyzed using two-way mix factorial analyses of variance. Prior to exercise, TSI was significantly greater (p=.024) for YA compared to MA. Significant decreases in O2Hb and O2Hb-HHb and increases in HHb were observed during each of the eight sets relative to the rest periods (p&lt;.05) for both groups. The average change during the eight sets of the HVP revealed a significantly higher (p=.036) level of HHb and a lower (p=.029) level of O2Hb-HHb for MA compared to YA. A significant negative correlation was also noted at baseline between O2Hb-HHb index and the cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis muscle (r=-.45, p=.045). During a high- volume resistance exercise, MA experienced reduced muscle oxygen saturation levels compared to YA. These results may be attributed to reductions in local tissue oxidative capacity and reduced blood delivery occurring during middle-age, and possibly due to group differences in muscle morphology.

scholarly journals A Comparison between Elite Swimmers and Kayakers on Upper Body Push and Pull Strength and Power Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8301
Author(s):  
Sandro Bartolomei ◽  
Giorgio Gatta ◽  
Matteo Cortesi
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Power Curve ◽  
Power Performance ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Load Power ◽  
Elite Swimmers ◽  
Push And Pull

The aim of the present study was to compare the load-power curve expressed at bench press (PR) and prone bench pull (PU) between elite swimmers and kayakers. Another aim was to calculate the strength and power PR/PU ratio in the same populations. Fifteen elite swimmers (SW: age = 23.8 ± 2.9 y; body mass = 82.8 ± 5.6 kg; body height = 184.1 ± 4.6 cm) and 13 elite kayakers (KA: age = 23.8 ± 2.9 y; body mass = 91.0 ± 3.5 kg; body height = 180.1 ± 5.4 cm) were assessed for PR 1RM and PU 1RM. They were then assessed for power produced at 40, 60 and 80% of 1RM in both PR and PU. The area under the load-power curve (AUC) and PR/PU ratios were calculated for both the SW and KA groups. The KA group showed significantly higher PR1RM (+18.2%; p = 0.002) and PU1RM (+25.7%; p < 0.001) compared to the SW group. Significant group differences were also detected for PUAUC (p < 0.001) and for the PR/PU power ratio (p < 0.001). No significant group differences were detected for PRAUC (p = 0.605) and for the PR/PU strength ratio (p = 0.065; 0.87 and 0.82 in SW and KA, respectively). The present findings indicate that elite KA were stronger and more powerful than elite SW in the upper body. Not consistently with other athletic populations, both KA and SW athletes were stronger and more powerful in upper body pull compared to push moves.

scholarly journals Influence of very short rest period lengths on repeated one maximun repetition bench press performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Scudese ◽  
G Senna ◽  
C Queiroz ◽  
EHM Dantas ◽  
R Simão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Rest Period ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Successful Completion ◽  
Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Rest Periods ◽  
Short Rest Period ◽  
Press Performance

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to compare different rest period lengths between consecutive one maximum repetition bench press attempts on performance and ratings of perceived exertion. Method: Eighteen trained men (27.95 ± 4.25 years; 81.00 ± 9.21 kg; 174.62 ± 3.34 cm; bench press relative strength 1.33 ± 0.11 kg/kg of body mass) participated in three randomly ordered sessions that required two consecutive one maximum repetition bench press attempts with 20, 40, or 60-s rest between attempts. Results: The Cochran Q analysis showed no significant differences in the ability to successfully perform a second one maximum repetition attempt with 20, 40, or 60-s rest between attempts (p = 0.882). Specifically, no significant differences were found in the successful completion of the first and second attempts for the 20-s (p = 0.317), 40-s (p = 0.083), and 60-s (p = 0.157) trials, respectively. Briefly, for both 20 and 60-s rest conditions Δ% = 88.88% of subjects successfully performed the second attempt and, for the 40-s protocol, only Δ% = 83.33% completed. For the pre and post-set ratings of perceived exertion, the shorter rest period (20-s) promoted significantly higher values compared to the longer rest periods (pre-set ratings of perceived exertion, p = 0.04; post-set ratings of perceived exertion, p = 0.023). Conclusions: The results of this study can be applied to recreationally trained individuals with the intent of generating a time-efficient process for conducting a valid and reliable one maximum repetition bench press assessment.

scholarly journals Force–Time Characteristics of Dynamic and Isometric Muscle Actions: Association with Muscle Architecture in Female Athletes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 5272
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Gaspari ◽  
Gregory C. Bogdanis ◽  
Ioli Panidi ◽  
Georgia Giannakopoulou ◽  
Gerasimos Terzis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Athletes ◽  
Average Rate ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Muscle Thickness ◽  
Muscle Architecture ◽  
Rate Of Force Development ◽  
Fascicle Length ◽  
Force Development ◽  
Force Time ◽  
Muscle Actions

The association between force–time characteristics of isometric leg press (ILP) and countermovement jump (CMJ) with vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, was examined in 19 female athletes (aged 23.2 ± 5.4 years). Peak force (PF), average rate of force development (ARFD) and rate of force development (RFD) at different time epochs were calculated from the force–time curve, as well as CMJ jump height and power. Significant correlations were found between ILP-PF and CMJ power (r = 0.658, p < 0.01), while both variables were correlated with VL thickness and fascicle length (r = 0.471 to 0.648, p < 0.05). Significant correlations were also observed between ILP-RFD epochs and VL fascicle length (r = 0.565 to 0.646, p < 0.05) and between CMJ height with VL thickness (r = 0.523, p < 0.05). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between ILP and CMJ in ARFD (r = 0.625, p < 0.01) and RFD epochs (r = 0.464 to 0.566, p < 0.05). ILP-PF and muscle thickness accounted for 52.8% (p = 0.002) of the variance in CMJ power. These results suggest that isometric force time characteristics are associated with power generation during dynamic muscle actions. Furthermore, VL muscle thickness and fascicle length are associated with rapid force production in female athletes, irrespective of the type of muscle action.

scholarly journals Skeletal muscle oxidative function in vivo and ex vivo in athletes with marked hypertrophy from resistance training

2013 ◽  
Vol 114 (11) ◽  
pp. 1527-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desy Salvadego ◽  
Rossana Domenis ◽  
Stefano Lazzer ◽  
Simone Porcelli ◽  
Jörn Rittweger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Mitochondrial Respiration ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Vastus Lateralis Muscle ◽  
Oxidative Function

Oxidative function during exercise was evaluated in 11 young athletes with marked skeletal muscle hypertrophy induced by long-term resistance training (RTA; body mass 102.6 ± 7.3 kg, mean ± SD) and 11 controls (CTRL; body mass 77.8 ± 6.0 kg). Pulmonary O2 uptake (V̇o2) and vastus lateralis muscle fractional O2 extraction (by near-infrared spectroscopy) were determined during an incremental cycle ergometer (CE) and one-leg knee-extension (KE) exercise. Mitochondrial respiration was evaluated ex vivo by high-resolution respirometry in permeabilized vastus lateralis fibers obtained by biopsy. Quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area, volume (determined by magnetic resonance imaging), and strength were greater in RTA vs. CTRL (by ∼40%, ∼33%, and ∼20%, respectively). V̇o2peak during CE was higher in RTA vs. CTRL (4.05 ± 0.64 vs. 3.56 ± 0.30 l/min); no difference between groups was observed during KE. The O2 cost of CE exercise was not different between groups. When divided per muscle mass (for CE) or quadriceps muscle mass (for KE), V̇o2 peak was lower (by 15–20%) in RTA vs. CTRL. Vastus lateralis fractional O2 extraction was lower in RTA vs. CTRL at all work rates, during both CE and KE. RTA had higher ADP-stimulated mitochondrial respiration (56.7 ± 23.7 pmol O2·s−1·mg−1 ww) vs. CTRL (35.7 ± 10.2 pmol O2·s−1·mg−1 ww) and a tighter coupling of oxidative phosphorylation. In RTA, the greater muscle mass and maximal force and the enhanced mitochondrial respiration seem to compensate for the hypertrophy-induced impaired peripheral O2 diffusion. The net results are an enhanced whole body oxidative function at peak exercise and unchanged efficiency and O2 cost at submaximal exercise, despite a much greater body mass.

scholarly journals Comparison of Kinematics and Muscle Activation between Push-up and Bench Press

2019 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. E74-E81
Author(s):  
Roland van den Tillaar
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Peak Velocity ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Trained Subjects ◽  
Linear Encoder ◽  
Time Average ◽  
Push Up

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare the similarity in kinematics and upper-body muscle activation between push-up and bench press exercises over a range of loads. Twenty resistance-trained subjects (age 22.5±5.24 yrs, body mass 83.7±10.7 kg, height 1.80±0.06 m) executed bench presses and push-ups with 4 different loads. Bench press was executed at 50–80% of their assumed 1 repetition max in steps of 10 kg, while push-ups were executed without a weight vest and with a 10–20–30 kg weight vest. A linear encoder measured kinematics (displacement, time, average and peak velocity) during the exercises at each load, together with mean and maximal muscle activation of 8 upper body muscles and their timing for each exercise and each load. The main findings of this study demonstrate no differences in kinematics and muscle activation between the two exercises and that the different loads had the same effect upon both push-up and bench press in experienced resistance-trained men. For coaches and athletes, push-ups and bench presses for strength training can be used interchangeably. By using a weight vest, push-ups can mimic different loads that are similar to different intensities in the bench press that can be used to train strength demands.

scholarly journals Different Doses of Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Have No Effect on Exercise Performance in Resistance Trained Women

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3463
Author(s):  
Raci Karayigit ◽  
Scott C. Forbes ◽  
Alireza Naderi ◽  
Darren G. Candow ◽  
Ulas C. Yildirim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscular Strength ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Mouth Rinse ◽  
Muscular Endurance ◽  
Training Experience

Carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse has been shown to enhance aerobic endurance performance. However, the effects of CHO mouth rinse on muscular strength and endurance are mixed and may be dependent on dosage of CHO. The primary purpose was to examine the effects of different dosages of CHO rinse on strength (bench press 1 repetition maximum [1-RM]) and muscular endurance (40% of 1-RM repetitions to failure) in female athletes. Sixteen resistance-trained females (age: 20 ± 1 years; height: 167 ± 3 cm; body mass: 67 ± 4 kg; BMI: 17 ± 2 kg/m2; resistance training experience: 2 ± 1 years) completed four conditions in random order. The four conditions consisted of a mouth rinse with 25 mL solutions containing either 6% of CHO (Low dose of CHO: LCHO), 12% CHO (Moderate dose of CHO: MCHO), 18% CHO (High dose of CHO: HCHO) or water (Placebo: PLA) for 10 s prior to a bench press strength and muscular endurance test. Maximal strength (1-RM), muscular endurance (reps and total volume), heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and glucose (GLU) were recorded each condition. There were no significant differences in strength (p = 0.95) or muscular endurance (total repetitions: p = 0.06; total volume: p = 0.20) between conditions. Similarly, HR (p = 0.69), RPE (p = 0.09) and GLU (p = 0.92) did not differ between conditions. In conclusion, various doses of CHO mouth rinse (6%, 12% and 18%) have no effect on upper body muscular strength or muscular endurance in female athletes.

scholarly journals Correlation between ball speed of the spike and the strength condition of a professional women’s volleyball team during the season

Kinesiology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Valadés ◽  
José Manuel Palao ◽  
Ángel Aúnsolo ◽  
Aurelio Ureña
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Ball Speed ◽  
Strength Performance ◽  
Upper Body Power ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Medicine Ball

The aim of this paper was to study the relationship between spike speed and the players’ characteristics, anthropometrics, and strength levels throughout the season for a women’s professional volleyball team. Players from a Spanish first division team performed a battery of tests evaluating anthropometric characteristics, strength performance, and spike speed at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of one competitive season. The variables were: age; training experience; height; one-hand standing reach height; body mass; body mass index; height of the vertical jump with an approach (spike jump); muscle percentage of arms; 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press; 1RM pullover; overhead medicine ball throws for distance using 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 kg; spike angles; and speed of standing and jump spikes. Results showed that players’ general strength (bench press and pullover) and power parameters (medicine ball throws) increased throughout theseason, while speed of the jump did not improve. The variable that best predicted the jump spike speed at all the three time points in the season was the standing spike speed. The players’ training increased their strength and upper-body power, but these improvements were not transferred to players’ hitting speed ability. Push-pull and throwing exercises were not specific enough to improve the hitting ability of the female senior volleyball players.

scholarly journals Sex Comparisons for Very Short-Term Dynamic Constant External Resistance Training

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
M. Byrd ◽  
Taylor Dinyer ◽  
Haley Bergstrom
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
External Resistance ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Body Dynamic

This study compared sex responses for strength and barbell velocity from very short-term resistance training (VST, consisting of 2–3 training sessions) for an upper body dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) exercise (bench press [BP]). Ten females (mean ± standard deviation (SD) age: 21.3 ± 3 years, height: 166.2 ± 6 cm, body mass: 71.4 ± 10.7 kg) and 10 males (mean ± SD age: 24.6 ± 4 years, height: 179.5 ± 8 cm, body mass: 88.6 ± 11 kg) completed a pre-test visit to determine the BP 1 repetition maximum (1RM) as well as the mean (BPMV) and peak (BPPV) barbell velocities from the BP 1RM. The VST involved three training visits where the participants performed 5 sets of 6 repetitions, at 65% of the 1RM. The post-test followed the same procedures as the pre-test visit. There were significant increases in 1RM strength for both the males (5.1%) and females (5.4%) between pre-test and post-test. There were no significance differences between sex for mean (BPMV) and peak (BPPV); however, overall there was a 32.7% increase in BPMV and a 29.8% increase in BPPV. These findings indicated an increase in strength and barbell velocity for both males and females as a result of VST upper body DCER exercise in untrained subjects.

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