Does Acupuncture Enhance Muscle Strength and Performance?
Acupuncture has gained attention in sports research for enhancing performance and recovery. Although there is substantial recognition for the therapeutic application of acupuncture in a variety of medical conditions, there are limited controlled research trials for acupuncture as a procedure to benefit muscle performance and recovery. Most of the research investigating the mechanism for acupuncture has focused on pain relief. However, there are several physiological effects associated with acupuncture needling, including the therapeutic potential of placebo. Although acupuncture has been shown to have few adverse effects, ...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids Source Type: research
Stiffness in Running: A Narrative Integrative Review
Researching running spatiotemporal parameters has deepened knowledge of the spring-mass model and its capacity to estimate and predict kinetic and kinematic variables. However, although the impact of lower-limb stiffness on athletic performance seems considerable, recognition of lower-limb stiffness among coaches and practitioners remains sparse. This review highlights factors influencing lower-limb stiffness during running and their relationship to injury prevention and performance. Current knowledge of lower-body stiffness during running is integrated and new scientific scope offered. Because the different variables are ...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Enriching Selves in Strength and Conditioning Society: A Multilevel Proposal to Enhance Strength and Conditioning Psychosocial Practice as Part of the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education
This review article advances the longstanding need to address psychosocial issues within strength and conditioning (S&C) that have renewed significance with the National Strength and Conditioning Association's entry into accreditation. First, a brief history is presented on the omission of psychosocial issues within S&C and the education of S&C practitioners. Second, the article provides an overview of learning theory and instructional strategies on how to develop essential psychosocial competencies of S&C practitioners. Third, multilevel recommendations are offered to address established calls to improve the education of ...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Training Considerations and Recommendations for Tactical Professionals With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop in individuals after a traumatic event. Tactical professionals (e.g., military, police, and firefighters) are at an elevated risk for exposure to traumatic events and the onset of PTSD. Exercise and mindfulness training techniques have been shown to be beneficial for both the physical and mental health of the individual with PTSD. Knowing that tactical professionals have an increased risk of exposure to trauma and PTSD symptoms compared to general population, practitioners should understand how to properly train these individuals. Therefore,...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Motor Skill, Movement Competency, and Physical Fitness Assessments for Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets
This article presents assessment options for motor skills, movement competency, and physical fitness that could be used for ROTC cadets. Should these tests be adopted, staff can use the results to drive their training. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Exercise Programming for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Strength and Conditioning Specialists
The purpose of this article is to introduce strength and conditioning specialists to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to identify the many benefits of delivering exercise programs to children with ASD. In addition, the article aims to inform strength and conditioning specialists on how to minimize some of the inherent challenges associated with the delivery of such programs by highlighting critical issues for practitioners to consider when designing and implementing exercise programs for children with ASD. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Invitation Source Type: research
Blood Flow Restriction Training and Betaine Supplementation as a Novel Combined Modality to Augment Skeletal Muscle Adaptation: A Short Review
Blood flow restriction (BFR) training and betaine supplementation are emerging training tools with growing evidence, potentially providing a synergistic stimulus to augment skeletal muscle adaptation. Betaine may facilitate stretch-mediated anabolism secondary to BFR-induced extracellular-to-intracellular fluid influx, whereby their combination may promote a new, low-barrier avenue for athletes and clinical practitioners to elicit hypertrophy and strength. This review aims to (a) demonstrate existing evidence on BFR- and betaine-mediated skeletal muscle growth, (b) provide rationale for their combination as a superior anab...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Velocity-Based Training: From Theory to Application
Velocity-based training (VBT) is a contemporary method of resistance training that enables accurate and objective prescription of resistance training intensities and volumes. This review provides an applied framework for the theory and application of VBT. Specifically, this review gives detail on how to: use velocity to provide objective feedback, estimate strength, develop load-velocity profiles for accurate load prescription, and how to use statistics to monitor velocity. Furthermore, a discussion on the use of velocity loss thresholds, different methods of VBT prescription, and how VBT can be implemented within traditio...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Training Load Monitoring and Injury Prevention in Military Recruits: Considerations for Preparing Soldiers to Fight Sustainably
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) during basic military training (BMT), frequently resulting in dropout, are well-recognized as a substantial problem both logistically and financially. Seven key evidence-informed principles of load management to minimize the risk of injury have been proposed in sport. A pertinent question is whether these principles can also be applied to military recruits by reducing the incidence and impact of MSIs and attrition from training. In this review, we address the challenges and possibilities of applying load management principles to BMT and suggest practical applications for military strength an...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Practical Postexercise Recovery Strategies in Male Adult Professional Soccer Players: A Systematic Review
The aim of this article was to systematically review and provide practical recommendations, where possible, for recovery strategies that are currently in use in soccer-specific practices among adult male professional players. A systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines on Web of Science, SPORTdiscus, Scopus, and PubMed databases. The effects of cold-based recovery techniques on performance recovery and attenuating the muscle soreness were evident. Complementarily, some evidence was found that favors foam rolling and massage and compression garments. The active recovery and electronic recovery instrumen...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Fitness Testing Parameters for Alpine Ski Racing
Alpine ski racing requires high levels of isometric, eccentric, and concentric muscle actions through wide ranges of hip, knee, and ankle mobility. The course duration of ∼40 seconds for slalom racing to upward of 2.5 minutes for downhill racing necessitates high levels of anaerobic endurance, aerobic power, and force production to be successful. In addition, due to the highly technical skill aspect of ski racing, neuromuscular coordination is of utmost importance. This review identifies the most effective performance testing methods for alpine ski racing, as well as highlighting their relevance to the physiological para...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - April 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
Preparing to Perform a Resistance Training Workout
Strength and conditioning professionals need to remember the fundamental principles of designing a resistance training workout. Designing a workout involves a host of decisions based on acute program variables. Choices made within each of these variables will impact the stimuli that the workout provides and the resulting adaptations. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - February 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Inside the Box Source Type: research
Exercise Technique: Hexagonal Bar Romanian Deadlift
This column provides a description of the correct technique for a hexagonal bar Romanian deadlift (RDL). The use of the hexagonal bar provides a unique variation of the conventional RDL to promote a more advantageous upright body posture, thereby allowing greater loads to be lifted and reductions in spinal compression forces. Additionally, the use of the hexagonal bar RDL can aid in the development in the musculature of the posterior chain benefiting those who are required to sprint and jump regularly. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - February 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Exercise Technique Source Type: research
Strength and Conditioning for Patients Recovering From Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune disease which can result in whole-body residual weakness for years after diagnosis. Research suggests that, along with medical treatment, exercise may aid in recovery for patients by minimizing the severity of side effects associated with GBS. Practices, contraindications, considerations, and general recommendations for whole-body cardiorespiratory, resistance, and flexibility exercise programming and progression for GBS patients are discussed throughout. (Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal)
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - February 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Special Populations Source Type: research
Time to Reconsider Foot and Leg Position During the Bench Press
The “feet on the floor” guideline for the bench press is a historical byproduct of old bench designs. The “psoas-relaxed position,” where the hips and knees are flexed and the feet rest on adjustable plates at the end of the bench, should be considered to replace existing guidelines. The psoas-relaxed position accommodates lifters of all body heights, is more sport-specific than current bench press posture, and reduces lumbar lordosis and increases the cross-sectional area of the dural sac and spinal canal, making the exercise more viable for certain back pain patients. Steps to implementation include research on b...
Source: Strength and Conditioning Journal - February 1, 2021 Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Article Source Type: research
