Introduction: Sprinting is a key component in the development and final results in many individual and team sports. According to recent findings on the mechanical determinants of sprint performance, resistance sprinting (RSS) may be a suitable method to improve sprint performance in the acceleration and maximum velocity phases. Methods: Sports science students (183.6 ± 5.1 cm; 85.8 ± 6.8 kg; 24.5 ± .9 yrs), who are primarily involved in collective sports, performed two-day testing. The first testing included tests of maximal strength, isometric mid-tight pull (IMTP) and explosive lower limb strength, countermovement jump with no arm movement (CMJ). The second testing was completed 48 hours later and included unresisted sprint (URS) and resisted sprint (RSS) over 20 m with three different resistances (8 oz, 12 oz, 2 lb). Results: A significant correlation was found between CMJ and speed tests (URS, RSS 8 oz, RSS 12 oz). The same applied for the relationship with IMTP and speed tests, with only one difference being that IMTP correlated also with RSS 2 lb (r = -0.58). However, observing the relationship of velocity decrease (Vdec) and performance parameters, showed the highest correlation between Vdec 8 oz and URS 20 m (r = -0.572), and also between Vdec 12 oz and CMJ (r = -0.370). At Vdec 2 lb, of all the performance parameters, IMTP (r = -0.260) was the only one which correlated. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate a relationship between CMJ and IMTP with unresisted sprint. Also between maximal strength test, IMTP and heavy resisted sprint.

BACKGROUND: Proprioception, the ability to sense the body's position and movement, is essential for athletic performance and physical well-being. The literature highlights the importance of proprioceptive training in rehabilitation, sports performance, injury prevention, and motor function enhancement. Targeted training programs can improve balance, coordination, motor learning, and overall physical performance. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of proprioceptive training methods on sports and athletic performance. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and a literature review was performed based on the PICO criteria outlined in the abstract and title. RESULTS: Following the search, 178 articles were identified using relevant keywords, of which 19 directly addressed sports performance and were included in this study. The findings revealed that proprioceptive training had a positive influence on various aspects of athletic performance, including physiological capacity, balance, explosive strength, speed, agility, postural stability, knee joint position sense, muscle activation, reduction of chronic joint instability, dribbling, passing, and technical ball-control skills. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that proprioceptive training can be an effective strategy for experts and coaches to enhance athletes' physical performance. Primarily, proprioceptive exercises should be used inside and outside the training sessions to enable athletes to interact more effectively with their bodies, reduce the risk of injury, and improve power transfer.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Purpose: Although several studies investigated the effect of plyometric training on physical performance, there is a lack of clarity regarding the effectiveness of plyometric training or its moderator variables in youth female volleyball players. The primary aim of this study was to explore the effect of horizontal plyometric training on explosive stretch-shortening cycle hops and jumps in the vertical and horizontal directions in female post peak height velocity (PHV) volleyball players. The secondary aim was to assess the influence of participant and training related moderators on horizontal plyometric training in post-PHV volleyball players. Methods: A total of 23 post-PHV volleyball players participated in this 8-week intervention with horizontal plyometric exercises, twice a week. Pre-testing and post-testing included bilateral and unilateral vertical sub-maximal hopping, horizontal jumping and hopping, and a drop jump test. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using a paired t-test. The influence of internal moderators such as age, maturity and body mass and external moderators such as training volume were assessed using regression and correlation analysis. Results: An 8-week plyometric training improved sub-maximal hopping at 2.5 Hz left by 4.4%, bilateral sub-maximal hopping at 2.0 Hz by 9.5% and bilateral sub-maximal hopping at 2.2 Hz by 6.8% in post-PHV female volleyball players. Horizontal jumping and hopping, reactive strength index and other sub-maximal hopping conditions did not improve significantly. Body mass had a large moderating effect on vertical unilateral sub-maximal hopping at 2.5 Hz right (p = 0.010, η2 = 0.314), vertical unilateral hopping at 3.0 Hz right (p = 0.035, η2 = 0.170), and vertical unilateral hopping at 3.0 Hz left (p = 0.043, η2 = 0.203). Training volume together with generalized joint hypermobility moderated right leg triple broad hop performance, whereas maturity and age did not moderate any variables. Conclusion: This study determined that 8 weeks of horizontal plyometric training can improve unilateral absolute leg stiffness in post-PHV female volleyball players, and this training effect can be moderated by body mass. Furthermore, the training effect on triple hopping performance on the right leg can be moderated by combined training volume with generalized joint hypermobility.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Kolinger D, Stastny P, Pisz A, Krzysztofik M, Wilk M, Tsoukos A, and Bogdanis GC. High-intensity conditioning activity causes localized postactivation performance enhancement and nonlocalized performance reduction. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): e1-e7, 2024-This study aimed to examine whether a conditioning activity (CA) performed by the legs (barbell back squat) may cause postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) on muscle groups other than leg extensors in isokinetic (eccentric [ECC] and concentric [CON]) and dynamic movement. Twelve male basketball players (age: 21.3 ± 3.2, body mass: 89.6 ± 14.1 kg, height: 187.4 ± 4.6 cm, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat: 113 ± 21 kg) with previous resistance-training experience of at least 2 years, performed 3 sets of 3-4 repetitions of back-squats with submaximal load (60, 90, and 90% 1RM) as CA. Before and after the CA, they performed pretest and post-test in the form of countermovement jumps (CMJs) (localized) or explosive push-ups (EPUs) (nonlocalized) along with isokinetic flexion and extension at the knee (localized) or at the elbow (nonlocalized). The localized and nonlocalized protocols were divided into 2 days in a randomized order. The back squat as CA significantly increased peak torque (PT) (p < 0.05) in all CON and ECC muscle actions and average power per repetition (APPR) (p < 0.05) (all muscle actions except ECC flexion) of the localized isokinetic tests with large (>0.8) and medium (0.4-0.79) effect sizes and significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the PT and APPR (p < 0.01) of the nonlocalized isokinetic test in the ECC flexion. The CMJ and EPU tests showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between premeasures and postmeasures of take-off height. The effect of PAPE seems to be specific to the muscles most involved in the CA, and the CA inhibits PT of subsequent muscle ECC contractions in muscles not involved in the CA.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kolenní kloub MeSH
• koleno MeSH
• kosterní svaly fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• odporový trénink * metody   MeSH
• svalová síla * fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The plyometric method can be referred to as specific neuromuscular training, which may be used to optimize soccer players’ functional status and physical fitness levels. The development of functional strength, which can be repeatedly used under game conditions, is decisive for success in the games themselves. The paper aims to extend knowledge about the effects of plyometric training on running speed among soccer players. Twelve U19 soccer players from the MFK Ružomberok soccer club participated in the experiment. The control group consisted of twelve U19 soccer players from the FC Lokomotíva Košice soccer club. Both groups of soccer players performed 10-m, 30-m, and 50-m running tests and an agility T-test. From the viewpoint of determining the efficiency of the plyometric method, the testing also included tests aimed to assess ankle mobility and jump tests with and without countermovement performed with the use of Optogait. The soccer players from the experimental group participated in a 9-week intervention program that included two 30-minute training sessions per week. As regards the effects of plyometric training on running speed, soccer players improved their running speed levels in both acceleration speed and running speed with changes of direction. The results show that these changes are determined by ankle mobility and lower-body explosive power levels.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding adaptation of HIIT in female athletes which is important since the adaptation to HIIT may be different compared to male athletes. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize the effects of HIIT on physical performance in female team sports athletes. METHODS: The following databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest and Science Direct were searched prior to September 2nd, 2022. The inclusion criteria were longitudinal studies written in English, elite, sub-elite or college female team sports participants, and HIIT intensity had to be at 80-100% maximal heart rate. There were no exclusion criteria regarding the age of the participants or their training experience. The primary outcome measures were maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), repeated sprint ability (RSA), change of direction speed, speed, explosive strength and body composition. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 230 participants. HIIT improved VO2max in five studies (ES from 0.19 to 1.08), while three studies showed improvement in their RSA (ES from 0.32 to 0.64). In addition, change of direction speed was improved in five studies (ES from 0.34 to 0.88), while speed improved in four studies (ES from 0.12 to 0.88). Explosive strength results varied (ES from 0.39 to 1.05), while in terms of body composition, the results were inconsistent through observed team sports. CONCLUSION: HIIT has significant effects on VO2max, RSA, change of direction speed, speed and explosive strength in female team sports, regardless of the competition level.

• Publikační typ
• systematický přehled MeSH

Olympic weightlifting (OW) is sport with high strength and power demands where athletes need to explosively lift heavy weights. It is consisted of barbell lifting snatch and clean and jerk disciplines. In the strength and conditioning training, OW techniques are often used as a method for speed and power development. The aim of this study was to determine effects of 4-week OW training intervention on speed, agility and power performance among young recreational athletes. The sample of participants consisted of 12 Kinesiology students (average 23 years old). They attended the Olympic Weightlifting course. The training intervention lasted 4 weeks and with 3 training sessions per week in which participants practiced OW training based on learning OW techniques and auxiliary lifts execution. Before and after the intervention, measurement was conducted and included power, speed and agility tests. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) were used to estimated lower body power and medicine ball throw (MBT) for upper body power. Sprinting on 5 meters (S5) and 15 meters (S15) were conducted as power and speed tests, while 20 yards test (20Y) measured nonreactive agility performance. All variables were descriptively analysed and T-test for dependent samples was used to determine possible effects of training intervention. Results showed improvement in jumping capacities, with statistically significant difference noted only for CMJ (p>0.01). Upper body power and agility performance did not show any significant changes, while a decline in sprinting performance was found for both S5 (p>0.01) and S15 (p>0.01). While the results in jumping variables are expected and in accordance with current scientific knowledge, the results in sprint tests are somewhat confusing. Possible explanation for this can be found in the fact that the participants worked for four weeks the tasks that biomechanically are not similar to the structure of sprinting movement. This could suggest that athletes who want to improve their explosive speed capacities should include specific sprint stimuli in their training program in addition to OW training program. In the future, more variables and longer treatment duration need to be applied.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Achilles tendon (AT) mechanical percussion massage (PM) on the passive stiffness of that tendon and subsequent drop jump kinematics. Eleven physically active participants performed two conditions in random order: (i) 60 s of PM applied to each AT (EXP) and (ii) no PM (CTRL). Measurements were performed 5 min before, immediately after, and 5 min following the completion of the PM. In the CTRL, measurements were performed at the same time point but no massage was applied. The two-way ANOVA indicated that there was no statistically significant interaction effect on contact time (p = 0.786), reactive strength index (p = 0.914), and relative peak power (p = 0.896). However, a statistically significant interaction on peak velocity (p = 0.046) and jump height (p = 0.03) was found. Despite that, there was no significant post-hoc comparisons for jump height, it slightly decreased 5 min post-PM (p = 0.136; ES = -0.25; Δ = -3.1%) compared with the CTRL condition (p = 1.00; ES = 0.11; Δ = +1.5%). Friedman's test did not show significant differences in dominant (p = 0.073) and non-dominant limb (p = 0.091) AT stiffness. Although not significant, numerically, the dominant limb AT (p = 0.126; ES = -0.64; Δ = -7.8%) had a larger reduction in stiffness immediately post-PM compared with the non-dominant limb (p = 0.294; ES = -0.26; Δ = -3.6%). The results of this study indicated the temporary effect of PM on the reduction in tissue stiffness. Moreover, these findings show that a mechanical PM might slightly hinder subsequent explosive athletic performance.

• MeSH
• Achillova šlacha * MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• perkuse MeSH
• sportovní výkon * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

This study aimed to compare the effects of bilateral and unilateral conditioning activities (CA; combined isometric and plyometric) on countermovement jump performance, modified t-agility test, Achilles tendon stiffness and skin surface temperature. Thirteen female semi-professional volleyball players performed two CAs in random order: 1) bilateral isometric half back squats followed by bilateral drop jumps (BI-CA); and 2) unilateral isometric half back squats followed by unilateral drop jumps (UNI-CA). To assess the effects of CAs, countermovement jump, modified t-agility test, Achilles tendon stiffness and skin surface temperature measurements were performed 5 min before and 6 min after the CA. Both CAs significantly increased thigh skin surface temperature from pre- to post-CA (BI-CA, p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.41 and UNI-CA, p = 0.001; ES = 1.39) but none of them influenced modified t-agility test time (interaction: p = 0.338, main effect of time: p = 0.121 and condition: p = 0.819). The countermovement jump height and modified reactive strength index significantly increased from pre-to post-CA during the BI-CA condition (p = 0.003, ES = 0.45, and p = 0.008, ES = 0.48) but not for UNI-CA (p = 0.061, ES = 0.18 and p = 0.065, ES = 0.26). No significant impact has been found for countermovement depth (interaction: p = 0.054, main effect of time: 0.097, and condition: p = 0.41) as well as for contraction time (interaction: p = 0.536, main effect of time: p = 0.224, and condition: p = 0.807). Moreover, stronger and weaker limb CMJ relative peak force significantly decreased from pre-to post-CA (p = 0.014, ES = -0.31, and p = 0.027, ES = -0.26; respectively) during UNI-CA condition but not for BI-CA (p = 0.096, ES = 0.23, and p = 1.41, ES = 0.18). The stronger and weaker limb Achilles tendon stiffness significantly increased from pre-to post-CA during the UNI-CA condition (p = 0.013, ES = 0.60 and p < 0.001, ES = 0.79; respectively) but not for BI-CA (p = 0.66; ES = 0.15 and p = 0.265; ES = 0.42). Furthermore, the post-CA stronger limb Achilles tendon stiffness during the UNI-CA was significantly higher than that noted during the BI-CA (p = 0.006, ES = 0.7). The present study showed that combined isometric and plyometric bilateral CA effectively improved the countermovement jump but did not enhance the t-agility test performance. These findings indicate that exercise combinations could effectively produce a post-activation performance enhancement effect but should replicate the following explosive task as much as possible.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The effectiveness of isometric conditioning activity (CA) is not well described in terms of the level of performance enhancement and the presence of a stretch and shortening cycle in subsequent explosive tasks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a maximum isometric squat as the CA and a subsequent squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. A total of 31 semi-professional handball and soccer players were randomly assigned to two different conditions: (i) 3 sets of 3 repetitions (each lasting 3 s) of maximum isometric back squats (EXP), and (ii) no CA (CTRL). The jump height measurements were performed 5 min before the CA and approximately at the 4th and 8th minute following the completion of the CA. Due to the high inter-individual variability in the potentiation responses, the best value obtained post-CA was also analyzed. The SJ height significantly increased from baseline to the 8th minute post-CA (p = 0.004; ES = 0.31; Δ = +3.1 ± 5.0%) in the EXP condition. On the other hand, the CMJ height was significantly higher in the 4th (p = 0.001; ES = 0.23; Δ = +2.7 ± 3.7%) and 8th minute post-CA (p = 0.005; ES = 0.32; Δ = +3.6 ± 5.7%) in comparison to baseline during the EXP condition. Furthermore, SJ height significantly increased from baseline to the best time-point during the EXP (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47; Δ = +4.9 ± 4.9%) and CTRL (p = 0.038; ES = 0.21; Δ = +2.5 ± 5.8%) condition. Moreover, the CMJ height was significantly higher at the best time-points than at the baseline during EXP (p < 0.001; ES = 0.53; Δ = +5.6 ± 4.7%) and CTRL (p = 0.002; ES = 0.38; Δ = +3.1 ± 5.2%) condition. The findings from this study indicate that a maximum isometric squat, used as a CA, effectively improved SJ and CMJ height. This suggests that the presence or absence of a stretch and shortening cycle in both CA and post-CA tasks does not significantly impact the post-activation performance enhancement response.

• MeSH
• fotbal * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• postura těla MeSH
• sporty * MeSH
• svalová síla fyziologie   MeSH
• tělesná výška MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH