scholarly journals Pushing up or pushing out—an initial investigation into horizontal- versus vertical-force training on swimming start performance: a pilot study

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10937
Author(s):  
Shiqi Thng ◽  
Simon Pearson ◽  
Justin W.L. Keogh
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Deliberate Practice ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Concurrent Training ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Force Time

Background The block phase in the swimming start requires a quick reaction to the starting signal and a large take-off velocity that is primarily horizontal in direction. Due to the principle of specificity of training, there is a potential benefit of performing a greater proportion of horizontal force production exercises in a swimmers’ dry-land resistance training sessions. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to provide an insight into the effects of a horizontal- (HF) vs vertical-force (VF) training intervention on swim start performance. Methods Eleven competitive swimmers (six males (age 20.9 ± 1.8 years, body mass 77.3 ± 9.7 kg, height 1.78 ± 0.05 m) and five females (age 21.4 ± 2.0 years, body mass 67.5 ± 7.4 kg, height 1.69 ± 0.05 m)) completed 2 weekly sessions of either a horizontal- or vertical-force focused resistance training programme for 8 weeks. Squat jump force-time characteristics and swim start kinetic and kinematic parameters were collected pre- and post-intervention. Results Across the study duration, the swimmers completed an average of nine swimming sessions per week with an average weekly swim volume of 45.5 ± 17.7 km (HF group) and 53 ± 20.0 km (VF group), but little practice of the swim start per week (n = 9). Within-group analyses indicated a significant increase in predicted one repetition maximum (1RM) hip thrust strength in the HF group, as well as significant increases in grab resultant peak force but reductions in resultant peak force of the block phase for the VF group. No significant between-group differences in predicted 1RM hip thrust and back squat strength, squat jump force-time and swim start performance measures were observed after 8 weeks of training. Significant correlations in the change scores of five block kinetic variables to time to 5 m were observed, whereby increased block kinetic outputs were associated with a reduced time to 5 m. This may be indicative of individual responses to the different training programmes. Discussion The results of this current study have been unable to determine whether a horizontal- or vertical-force training programme enhances swim start performance after an 8-week training intervention. Some reasons for the lack of within and between group effects may reflect the large volume of concurrent training and the relative lack of any deliberate practice of the swim start. Larger samples and longer training duration may be required to determine whether significant differences occur between these training approaches. Such research should also look to investigate how a reduction in the concurrent training loads and/or an increase in the deliberate practice of the swim start may influence the potential changes in swim start performance.

Effects of a resistance training community programme in older adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Majid Mufaqam Syed-Abdul ◽  
Chrissa L. McClellan ◽  
Elizabeth J. Parks ◽  
Stephen D. Ball
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Fat Mass ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Haemoglobin A1c ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Resistance Training Programme

Abstract Ageing is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, flexibility and balance, resulting in a poor quality of life (QOL). Past studies have occurred in highly controlled laboratory settings which provide strong support to determine whether similar gains can be made in community programmes. Twenty participants were enrolled in an eight-week community-based resistance training programme (mean age = 61.3 (standard error (SE) = 0.9) years); Body Mass Index = 32.0 (SE = 1.3) kg/m2). All participants completed surveys to assess outcomes associated with QOL. Given the relationship between muscle function and nerve health, nerve conduction studies (NCS) were also conducted in a separate group of participants (mean age = 64.9 (SE = 2.0) years; Body Mass Index = 32.6 (SE = 1.9) kg/m2). This community-based training programme significantly improved QOL measures in older adults (p < 0.001). Although weight loss was not the primary outcome of the study, participants reduced their body weights (p < 0.001), by primarily reducing fat mass (p = 0.007) while maintaining muscle mass. Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength (2.2%), flexibility and balance (3.2–464.2%, p ⩽ 0.05 for all). Improvements were also observed in plasma glucose (p = 0.05), haemoglobin A1C (p = 0.06) and aldolase enzyme levels (p < 0.001). Scores for surveys on memory and sleep improved (p < 0.05). Improved QOL was associated with increased lean mass (r = −0.714, p = 0.002), decreased fat mass (r = −0.702, p = 0.003) and improved flexibility and balance (r = −0.627, p = 0.008). An eight-week, community-based resistance training programme significantly improved QOL in older adults. Influence on the lipid profile and NCS still needs further investigation.

The effects of pre-exhaustion, exercise order, and rest intervals in a full-body resistance training intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1265-1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Peter Fisher ◽  
Luke Carlson ◽  
James Steele ◽  
Dave Smith
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Rest Interval ◽  
Leg Press ◽  
Body Resistance ◽  
Different Order ◽  
Composition Changes ◽  
Full Body

Pre-exhaustion (PreEx) training is advocated on the principle that immediately preceding a compound exercise with an isolation exercise can target stronger muscles to pre-exhaust them to obtain greater adaptations in strength and size. However, research considering PreEx training method is limited. The present study looked to examine the effects of a PreEx training programme. Thirty-nine trained participants (male = 9, female = 30) completed 12 weeks of resistance training in 1 of 3 groups: a group that performed PreEx training (n = 14), a group that performed the same exercise order with a rest interval between exercises (n = 17), and a control group (n = 8) that performed the same exercises in a different order (compound exercises prior to isolation). No significant between-group effects were found for strength in chest press, leg press, or pull-down exercises, or for body composition changes. Magnitude of change was examined for outcomes also using effect size (ES). ESs for strength changes were considered large for each group for every exercise (ranging 1.15 to 1.62). In conclusion, PreEx training offers no greater benefit to performing the same exercises with rest between them compared with exercises performed in an order that prioritises compound movements.

scholarly journals Squat Jump Movement Onset Thresholds Influence on Kinetics and Kinematics

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Paul T Donahue ◽  
Christopher M Hill ◽  
Samuel J Wilson ◽  
Charles C Williams ◽  
John C Garner
Keyword(s):  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Force Platform ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Movement Onset ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Force Velocity ◽  
Force Time ◽  
The Impact

Background of Study: Differing movement onset thresholds have been used when analyzing the squat jump movement from force-time data obtained from a force platform. This makes comparisons difficult between investigations as this will impact the amount of the force-time curve that is analyzed. Objective: Thus, study examined the effect onset threshold had on kinetic and kinematic variables used in the assessment of the squat jump. Methods: Using a within-subject study design, fifteen recreational trained males performed three trials of squat jumps on a force platform. Each trial was analyzed using one of five different onset thresholds (2.5% SW, 5% SW, 10% SW, 20N, 5SD). Force, velocity, and power, as well as time to peak force, velocity, power and jump height were calculated using the vertical force data obtain from the force plate. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients and coefficients of variation. A one-way ANOVA was used to examine the impact of onset thresholds on all variables of interest. Results: The use of 10% SW and 5SD met minimum reliability criteria for all variables. Temporal related variables were impact to the greatest extent by differing thresholds with large (d > 1.20) significant differences. 10% SW showed the highest mean values of force, velocity, and power. Conclusions: The use of 5SD of the weighting phase is recommended as this showed high level of both absolute and relative reliability in addition to preserving a large portion of the force – time curve to be used in the analysis.

scholarly journals The prediction of swim start performance based on squat jump force-time characteristics

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9208
Author(s):  
Shiqi Thng ◽  
Simon Pearson ◽  
Evelyne Rathbone ◽  
Justin W.L. Keogh
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
National Level ◽  
Multiple Regression Model ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Strength Index ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Front Crawl ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Squat Jump ◽  
Force Time

Background Depending on the stroke and distances of the events, swim starts have been estimated to account for 0.8% to 26.1% of the overall race time, with the latter representing the percentage in a 50 m sprint front crawl event (Cossor & Mason, 2001). However, it is still somewhat unclear what are the key physiological characteristics underpinning swim start performance. The primary aim of this study was to develop a multiple regression model to determine key lower body force-time predictors using the squat jump for swim start performance as assessed by time to 5 m and 15 m in national and international level swimmers. A secondary aim was to determine if any differences exist between males and females in jump performance predictors for swim start performance. Methods A total of 38 males (age 21 ±  3.1 years, height 1.83 ±  0.08 m, body mass 76.7 ±  10.2 kg) and 34 females (age 20.1 ±  3.2 years, height 1.73 ±  0.06 m, body mass 64.8 ±  8.4 kg) who had competed at either an elite (n = 31) or national level (n = 41) participated in this study. All tests were performed on the same day, with participants performing three bodyweight squat jumps on a force platform, followed by three swim starts using their main swimming stroke. Swim start performance was quantified via time to 5 m and 15 m using an instrumented starting block. Results Stepwise multiple linear regression with quadratic fitting identified concentric impulse and concentric impulse2 as statistically significant predictors for time to 5 m (R2 = 0.659) in males. With time to 15 m, concentric impulse, age and concentric impulse2 were statistically significant predictors for males (R2 = 0.807). A minimum concentric impulse of 200–230 N.s appears required for faster times to 5 m and 15 m, with any additional impulse production not being associated with a reduction in swim start times for most male swimmers. Concentric impulse, Reactive strength index modified and concentric mean power were identified as statistically significant predictors for female swimmers to time to 5 m (R2 = 0.689). Variables that were statistically significant predictors of time to 15 m in females were concentric impulse, body mass, concentric rate of power development and Reactive strength index modified (R2 = 0.841). Discussion The results of this study highlight the importance of lower body power and strength for swim start performance, although being able to produce greater than 200 or 230 N.s concentric impulse in squat jump did not necessarily increase swim start performance over 5 m and 15 m, respectively. Swimmers who can already generate greater levels of concentric impulse may benefit more from improving their rate of force development and/or technical aspects of the swim start performance. The sex-related differences in key force-time predictors suggest that male and female swimmers may require individualised strength and conditioning programs and regular monitoring of performance.

scholarly journals Resistance training and changes to plasma lipoproteins in postmenopausal women

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
JE Viljoen ◽  
CJ Christie
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Blood Lipid ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Progressive Resistance Training ◽  
Blood Lipid Profile ◽  
Progressive Resistance

Objectives. The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of progressive resistance training on the blood lipid profile in postmenopausal women. Methods. Twenty-six female participants aged 50 - 75 years were selected from the population of Grahamstown, South Africa. All participants were previously sedentary and possessed at least one lipid profile abnormality but were otherwise healthy. Pretests included a sub-maximal stress test, stature, mass, central and limb girths as well as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a total blood lipid profile. Participants took part in a 24-week progressive resistance training programme, consisting of three supervised sessions per week, each lasting 45 minutes. Participants were not permitted to lose more than 10% of initial body mass during the 24-week study. All pre-test measures, excluding the stress test and the OGTT, were repeated every 4 weeks for the duration of the study. Results. Body mass, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio did not change. Girth measures at mid-humerus, chest, waist, hip, mid-quadricep and mid-gastrocnemius all decreased significantly (p<0.05). LDL-cholesterol increased significantly over the course of 24 weeks (3.61 mmol.l-1 to 4.07 mmol.l-1), as did total cholesterol (5.81 mmol.l-1- 6.24 mmol.l-1). Triglyceride concentration remained unchanged and HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly between the pre-test measure (1.55 mmol.l-1) and the measure after 6 months (1.42 mmol.l-1). Conclusion. The blood lipid profile in a sample of postmenopausal women was not positively affected by a progressive resistance training programme over a 24-week period.

scholarly journals Eccentric Force-Velocity Characteristics during a Novel Squat Protocol in Trained Rugby Union Athletes—Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Conor McNeill ◽  
C. Martyn Beaven ◽  
Daniel T. McMaster ◽  
Nicholas Gill
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Dynamic Performance ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Force Development ◽  
Back Squat ◽  
Force Velocity ◽  
Force Time ◽  
Change In Mean

Eccentric strength characteristics have been shown to be important factors in physical performance. Many eccentric tests have been performed in isolation or with supramaximal loading. The purpose of this study was to investigate within- and between- session reliability of an incremental eccentric back squat protocol. Force plates and a linear position transducer captured force-time-displacement data across six loading conditions, separated by at least seven days. The reliability of eccentric specific measurements was assessed using coefficient of variation (CV), change in mean, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Eccentric peak force demonstrated good ICC (≥0.82) and TE (≤7.3%) for each load. Variables based on mean data were generally less reliable (e.g., mean rate of force development, mean force, mean velocity). This novel protocol meets acceptable levels of reliability for different eccentric-specific measurements although the extent to which these variables affect dynamic performance requires further research.

Comparison of CrossFit Barbara and classic resistance trainings for the protection of strength performance during off-season in kickboxers

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Cebrail Gençoğlu ◽  
İlhan Şen
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Body Fat Percentage ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Strength Performance ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Push Up

BACKGROUND: The inability of athletes to train or the decrease in the intensity and frequency of training may cause athletes to lose performance. Particularly in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining strength outside the normal framework provides an advantage to athletes for the next competitions. OBJECTIVE: To compare the CrossFit Barbara which can be applied easily at home during the off-season or some situations such as the epidemic limitation to classic resistance training methods used to maintain the strength performance of national kickboxers. METHODS: Forty-three national kickboxers, CrossFit (CF, n= 22), and resistance training (RT, n= 21), participated in this study. While CF performed 20 pull-ups, 30 push-ups, 40 sit-ups, and 50 squat exercises, RT performed bench press, lat pull down, leg press, biceps curl, and triceps extension exercises twice per week for six weeks. Before and after the six weeks, the following variables were measured; body mass (BM) and body fat percentage (FP), VO2max, bench press (BP), squat (SQ), leg strength (LS), hand grip strength (HGS), pull-up, push-up and counter movement jump (CMJ). RESULTS: BP (p< 0.001, F= 41.125, ηp2= 0.501), SQ (p< 0.001, F= 26.604, ηp2= 0.394), LS (p< 0.001, F= 15.234, ηp2= 0.271), push-up (p< 0.001, F= 31.978, ηp2= 0.438) and pull-up (p< 0.001, F= 24.410, ηp2= 0.373) values changed significantly in group-time interaction between CF and RT groups, while there was no significant difference for the BM (p= 0.198, F= 1.715, ηp2= 0.040), Fat (p= 0.265, F= 1.279, ηp2= 0.030), HGS (p= 0.665, F= 0.190, ηp2= 0.005, CMJ (p= 0.054, F= 3.946, ηp2= 0.088) and VO2max (p=0.747, F= 0.106, ηp2= 0.003). Furthermore, according to the before and after study values, BP, SQ, LS, and CMJ decreased significantly (p< 0.05) while BM, FP, HGS, VO2max, pull-up and push-up variables did not in the CF (p> 0.05). In the RT, the pull-up and push-up variables decreased significantly (p< 0.05) while there was no significant difference for BP, SQ, LS, HGS, VO2max, body mass, body fat percentage and CMJ (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: CF Barbara workout was more effective in maintaining strength endurance performances, and RT in maintaining maximum strength performances. According to the individual performance needs of athletes, reasonable training method can be used to prevent performance decrement in the strength domain.

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