MATLAB Guide for Analyzing Countermovement Jump Strategies and Performance Over Time
Valid and reliable countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) assessments using force platforms can require complex data analysis processes not typically explored during strength and conditioning professionals' training. Although commercially available software programs with focused functionality for force platform-based CMJ analyses have become accessible to help simplify the process, such programs require costly annual subscriptions and can promote reliance on the “black box” for analysis. The purpose of this report was to provide a guide and template aimed to help strength and conditioning professionals create data analysi...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - October 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Beyond COVID-19: Preparing Fitness Centers for the Next Pandemic
This article examines strategies to mitigate the transmission of the virus in fitness facilities, including temperature scanning, physical distancing, masks, hand hygiene, and the disinfection of large spaces and common touch surfaces. Fitness facilities and therapy centers face complex challenges in minimizing the risk of viral transmission due to space limitations and the use of common equipment and spaces by clients. Despite these challenges, the developing science resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has led to insights that should drive policies to help ensure fitness facilities successfully adapt to the risks present...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - October 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Monitoring Training Loads in Basketball: A Narrative Review and Practical Guide for Coaches and Practitioners
Monitoring training load provides information about the physical demands of the sport in which athletes are competing. Strength and conditioning coaches need to use this information to periodize and make decisions on training to optimize performance and prevent injuries. The following narrative review presents the current state of knowledge on monitoring external and internal loads in basketball. The reviewed articles were classified according to the sample represented, considering 3 groups: elite, subelite, and young basketball players. In addition, we analyzed the recording procedures and methodology used in technologica...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - October 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Evidence-Based Strength and Conditioning Plan for Freestyle Snowboarding Athletes
This article draws on current research that details the physical demands of SB and integrates relevant strength and conditioning principles to create an evidence-based training plan. This plan highlights the essential physical attributes for snowboard athletes that are important for successful performance and mitigating injury risk. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - October 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Technique of the Unilateral Dumbbell Wide Row
A strong upper back is important for sports that involve pulling and to maintain muscular balance. Although not commonly performed, the dumbbell wide row is an effective exercise for the upper back and rear deltoids. The purpose of this article is to discuss the technique and common errors when performing this exercise. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Exercise Technique Source Type: research
Home-Based Kettlebell Exercise and Coronavirus Outbreak: Practical Suggestions
The coronavirus pandemic and the adopted social isolation to contain the virus spread led to several negative consequences including the decrease in the population's physical activity levels and increased physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Home-based physical exercise assumes fundamental importance to maintain physical activity and fitness levels. Among the various exercise possibilities of home-based exercise, the kettlebell exercise can be a useful and low-cost tool. The kettlebell is a round-shaped steel or cast-iron weight, commonly described as resembling a cannonball with a handle whose dimensions increase w...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Optimizing Exercise Selection for the Asymmetric Athlete After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Persistent deficits in quadriceps strength occur after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and should be addressed to facilitate safe return to sport. Asymmetric movement patterns that shield the affected knee by shifting demands to the unaffected lower extremity, or other joints within the affected limb, may limit the ability of common strength training exercises to effectively mitigate quadriceps weakness. A multifaceted approach focusing on the early restoration of symmetrical loading during the squat, programming isolated knee extensions, and varying exercise selection to include split-stance positions, suc...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Menopausal Women: Recognition, Exercise Benefits, Considerations, and Programming Needs
Recognition of the physiological and psychological concerns associated with menopausal women is described. A review of the current literature regarding these conditions (vasomotor responses, insomnia, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, obesity, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic concerns, and psychological concerns) and how exercise impacts the conditions are discussed. Considerations of exercise for menopausal women are presented. General exercise programming and exercise adherence preferences are reviewed with recommendations for a variety of exercise types, exercise progressions, and exercise programming to meet the needs of t...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Blood Pressure Characteristics and Responses During Resistance Exercise
Blood pressure changes acutely during resistance exercise. Continuous, beat-by-beat assessment provides detailed temporal resolution of blood pressure profiles, through techniques including intra-arterial catheterization, photoplethysmography, or applanation tonometry. However, noncontinuous measurements may be conducted before and after resistance exercise through auscultatory sphygmomanometry or oscillometry. Blood pressures tend to increase across repetitions within sets, influenced by load magnitude, repetitions and sets performed, muscle mass recruited, and rest periods; the highest pressures result from multi-joint, ...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Review Source Type: research
Assessing Group-Based Changes in High-Performance Sport. Part 2: Effect Sizes and Embracing Uncertainty Through Confidence Intervals
This article has a series of worked examples to aid the reader. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Practical Considerations and Applications of Postactivation Performance Enhancement in Group Training: Delayed Performance Enhancing Triplexes
Athletes may increase power output through eliciting postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE). Muscle force and power may be increased during PAPE by coupling of 2 exercises, termed a “strength-power potentiating complex” (SPPC). Implementing SPPCs in the field is complicated by the need to use rest periods of several minutes in duration, which is impractical when training large numbers of athletes simultaneously within a short time. We propose delayed performance enhancing triplexes as a solution: which involve inserting an accessory exercise in between a heavy resistance exercise and a plyometric movement, which...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Betaine Supplementation: A Critical Review of Its Efficacy for Improving Muscle Strength, Power, and Body Composition
This article aims to review the current state of the literature as to the potential ergogenic effects of betaine on muscular strength, power, and body composition and draw evidence-based conclusions as to its use as a sports supplement. Animal models indicate beneficial effects of betaine on improvements in body composition; the literature investigating these effects in humans is promising but limited. There are various mechanisms by which betaine may facilitate increases in muscle strength and power; however, the current literature does not seem to support a beneficial effect on these outcomes. Given that betaine does not...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Effect of Milk on Muscle Glycogen Recovery and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review
Milk is a rich nutrient content beverage that may improve postexercise recovery. We systematically reviewed the evidence regarding the effects of milk consumption on athletes' muscle glycogen recovery and subsequent exercise performance, complementing with a practical recommendation on how athletes can use milk as a recovery aid. A literature search was conducted in databases up to April 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Nine studies were included assessing the effect of milk, chocolate milk, or milk with additional carbohydrate on glycogen resynthesis and e...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Review Source Type: research
Weightlifting: An Applied Method of Technical Analysis
This article will also look to discuss variable components that may differentiate between athletes and therefore provide a foundation in what to identify when coaching weightlifting to optimize load lifted while allowing for individual variances. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
A New Model for Optimizing Firefighter Human Performance
This article proposes the utilization of a similar HPO model by providing a rationale for how it can be used to reduce premature morbidity and mortality, as well as increasing overall readiness and resilience within the firefighting profession. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
