Bordelon, NM, Agee, TW, Wasserberger, KW, Downs-Talmage, JL, Everhart, KM, and Oliver, GD. Field-testing measures related to youth baseball hitting performance. J Strength Cond Res 39(2): 210-216, 2025-The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between field tests and youth hitting performance (batted-ball velocity). Forty-nine youth baseball athletes (age: 11.1 ± 1.6 years; height: 151.7 ± 13.2 cm; body mass: 47.1 ± 15.1 kg) were rotated through the following field tests: passive bilateral hip and shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM), bilateral hip and shoulder ER and IR isometric (ISO) strength, bilateral grip strength, trunk rotation ROM, standing broad jump (SBJ), triple broad jump, single leg lateral rotational jumps, and 3 maximal effort hits off a stationary tee. Regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between grip strength, hip strength, jump tests, and ROM with batted ball velocity. For the grip strength, hip strength, and jump tests regression models, body mass (kg) and height (cm) were entered first to estimate the proportion of variance accounted for by anthropometrics. A Bonferroni correction was applied a priori to α = 0.013. The jump-testing model, including only SBJ distance, was the best predictor of batted ball velocity above and beyond the predictive effects of anthropometric measures. Although less than the jump-testing model, the results determined that the hip strength model, including only nondominant hip ER ISO strength, was the second-best predictor of batted ball velocity. Practitioners can use these tests to monitor training progression in youth baseball athletes and identify deficits in physical ability that can be improved.

Riboli, A, Nardi, F, Osti, M, Cefis, M, Tesoro, G, and Mazzoni, S. Training load, official match locomotor demand, and their association in top-class soccer players during a full competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 39(2): 249-259, 2025-To examine training load and official match locomotor demands of top-class soccer players during a full competitive season and to evaluate their association. Twenty-five top-class soccer players competing in UEFA international competitions were included. The season was divided into 2 different categories: 2 matches (M2) or 3 matches (M3) in 8 days. Starters and nonstarters were classified. Total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR, 15-20 km·h-1), very high-speed running (VHSR, 20.1-24 km·h-1), sprint (SPR, >24.1 km·h-1), and accelerations/decelerations (Acc + Dec, >3 m·s2) were recorded. Trivial to moderate differences (p < 0.05) in training load between M2 and M3 were found: HSR, VHSR, and SPR were higher in M2 than M3, whereas TD and Acc + Dec were higher in M3 than M2. Week-by-week variability in training load ranged from ∼16 to ∼59% depending on metrics. Official match locomotor demands were similar (p > 0.05) in M2 and M3 with ∼5 to ∼29% match-to-match variability depending on metrics. Total load (i.e., training plus match loads) was higher (p < 0.05, ES: 0.75/1.61) in starters than nonstarters, because of a higher match load and no difference in the training load. Very high-speed running and SPR accumulated during training sessions were largely to very largely (r = 0.60 to 0.72) associated with TD, HSR, VHSR, and Acc + Dec covered during official match; VHSR and TD during training were largely to very largely (r = 0.57 and 0.71) associated with SPR and Acc + Dec during official match. In conclusion, (a) congested periods seemed to not affect official match locomotor performance; (b) practitioners may consider high week-by-week workload variability for individualizing training prescriptions, especially for nonstarters; and (c) the VHSR and SPR accumulated during training were associated with the official match locomotor demands, and it may be considered for maximizing performance.

Taylor, K, and Little, SJ. Collegiate male athlete attitudes toward male and female strength and conditioning coaches. J Strength Cond Res 39(2): 277-280, 2025-Sports have long been male dominated, but there have been recent increases in the involvement of women in athletic administration and athlete support, that is, strength and conditioning. However, more is needed to know about the attitudes of male athletes toward female strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) in the collegiate setting. This study aimed to determine differences in male student-athlete attitudes toward male and female SCCs and the factors associated with these perceptions. Male student-athletes (n = 89) volunteered to complete a survey that included the Modified Attitude of Athletes toward Male versus Female Coaches questionnaire and demographic information. Data were analyzed using t tests and one-way analysis of variance as appropriate, with an alpha level set at 0.05. Subjects reported more positive attitudes toward male SCCs (105.74 ± 19.34) than female SCCs (101.96 ± 22.68; p = 0.02, η2 = 0.24). There were no differences in perceptions because of year in school (p = 0.74, d = 0.02) or history of female mentors (p = 0.05, d = 0.49). However, male student-athletes with "extremely close" maternal relationships (104.98 ± 23.15) reported more favorable perceptions of female SCCs than those with less close relationships (96.25 ± 22.71; p = 0.049, d = 0.41). Findings from the study suggest that male student-athletes perceive male SCCs more positively than female SCCs. Factors such as previous relationships and mentors may influence these perceptions; however, further research is needed in a more diverse sample. Understanding these differential attitudes may help coaches and athletes improve relationship dynamics between male student-athletes and female SCCs. Future research should focus on strengthening these relationships to optimize training in collegiate settings.

Kember, LS, Riehm, CD, Schille, A, Slaton, JA, Myer, GD, and Lloyd, RS. Residual biomechanical deficits identified with the tuck jump assessment in female athletes 9 months after ACLR surgery. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2065-2073, 2024-Addressing biomechanical deficits in female athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is crucial for safe return-to-play. The tuck jump assessment (TJA) is used to identify risks associated with ACL injury, yet its fundamental analyses lack the ability to explore landing forces. Kinetic asymmetries during the TJA were assessed in athletes with ACLR (n = 38) and matched healthy controls (n = 21) using discrete time-point analysis and statistical parametric mapping (p < 0.05). The ACLR group performed fewer jumping cycles with distinct kinetic differences, including longer ground contact time (g = 1.45), larger peak center of mass displacement (g = 1.29), and lower peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) (g = -2.05) and relative leg stiffness (g = -1.51). Greater interlimb kinetic asymmetries were evident in the ACLR group for VGRF (g = 0.84), relative leg stiffness (g = 0.85), average loading rate (g = 0.84), peak braking force (g = 0.85), and time of braking (g = 0.80) and propulsive peaks (g = 1.04). Moderate differences in VGRF favored the uninvolved limb of the ACLR group for the majority (2-100%) of the stance phase of TJA (d = -0.52). Distinct jump-landing strategies between ACLR athletes and healthy controls were revealed during the TJA, which may indicate compromised stretch-shortening cycle function. Findings highlight the need for targeted rehabilitation to foster greater kinetic symmetry in jump-landing performance and underscore the importance of longitudinal and progressive monitoring for optimized return-to-play outcomes in athletes after ACLR.

Philipp, NM, Blackburn, SD, Cabarkapa, D, and Fry, AC. The effects of a low-volume, high-intensity pre-season micro-cycle on neuromuscular performance in collegiate female basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2136-2146, 2024-The use of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC)-based measures of vertical jump performance to monitor responses to training exposures is common practice in sport science. However, evidence is limited with regards to which assessments and metrics may be most sensitive toward changes in training volume and intensity. The aim of this study was to investigate how a reduction in training volume, paralleled with an increase in training intensity, affects neuromuscular performance as measured through a countermovement jump (CMJ) and 10-5 hop test over a preseason period in female collegiate basketball players. Over a 3-week baseline period, athletes completed CMJ and 10-5 hop tests to quantify baseline performance. Measures of neuromuscular response to the changes in training volume and intensity were performed 2 and 4 days into the intervention week, as well as post 72 hours, post 7 days, and post 10 days. External workload data and descriptive analyses of resistance training stimuli suggest that during the intervention week, athletes experienced significantly lower training volumes and increases in training intensity. In response to these changes in training stimulus, athletes showed depressed performance acutely in metrics derived from both the CMJ and 10-5 hop test. Authors also observed a supercompensation effect at post 72 h, post one week, and post 2 weeks for metrics related to lower-limb stiffness and braking rate of force development. These findings highlight that in response to a high-intensity, low-volume training phase, female basketball players experienced alterations in lower-limb function, reflected in both decreases and increases in SSC performance.

Motlagh, JG and Lipps, DB. The contribution of muscular fatigue and shoulder biomechanics to shoulder injury incidence during the bench press exercise: A narrative review. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2147-2163, 2024-Participation in competitive powerlifting has rapidly grown over the past two decades. As a result, powerlifting-related injury incidence has likely increased proportionally. Consistent high-load training places excess strain on the multiple joints involved during the squat, bench press, and deadlift. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of all necessary considerations for evaluating the relationship between training methods, muscular fatigue, shoulder biomechanics, and shoulder injury risk in experienced powerlifters performing the bench press. Training methods such as velocity-based training, rate of perceived exertion/repetitions in reserve, and autoregulatory progressive resistance training should be prioritized over the repetitions until failure method to minimize the risk of overexertion. Despite the high risk of shoulder injury, these findings often lack robust insights into shoulder joint biomechanics during the bench press. Assessing shoulder joint angles and moments can provide valuable insight into an athlete's bench press form and technique to minimize injury risk. With a more robust methodology (e.g., motion capture, ultrasound imaging), alterations in shoulder biomechanics can be assessed during fatiguing training sessions, leading to more generalizable findings on the impact of sex, age, training experience, and bench press form on the shoulder injury risk. This research will improve individualized programming for peak powerlifting performance and optimal shoulder injury prevention.

Hammert, WB, Dankel, SJ, Kataoka, R, Yamada, Y, Kassiano, W, Song, JS, and Loenneke, JP. Methodological considerations when studying resistance-trained populations: Ideas for using control groups. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2164-2171, 2024-The applicability of training effects from experimental research depends on the ability to quantify the degree of measurement error accurately over time, which can be accounted for by including a time-matched nonexercise control group. Yet, control groups are rarely included in studies on resistance-trained individuals. Many authors instead report short-term relative or absolute measures of reliability for the interpretation of statistical tests and the size or meaning of effects observed and assume that good short-term reliability justifies the lack of a control group. In this article, we offer some potential alternatives for employing control groups in research studies on resistance-trained individuals. We wish to suggest researchers consider using a "time-matched training group" (i.e., resistance-trained individuals who keep an exercise log, continue their normal training, and perform the pre- and posttest measures spanning the same duration as that of the exercise group or groups) and/or a time-matched nonexercise control group (i.e., non-resistance-trained individuals who perform only the pre- and posttest measures spanning the same duration as that of the exercise training group or groups). If it is not feasible (e.g., researchers do not wish to randomly assign individuals to a time-matched training group or include a time-matched nonexercise control group) to employ such designs, or relevant, then an alternative approach might be to include a run-in (i.e., control) period that spans the same duration as the exercise training intervention. Our hope is that this article can help strengthen future research designs conducted on resistance-trained individuals.

Garner, C, Nachtegall, A, Roth, E, Sterenberg, A, Kim, D, Michael, T, and Lee, S. Effects of movement sonification auditory feedback on repetitions and brain activity during the bench press. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2022-2028, 2024-Auditory stimulation and feedback have been found to enhance aspects of motor performance such as motor learning, sense of agency, and movement execution. While music is the most common form of auditory stimulation during exercise, movement sonification (MoSo) may better facilitate motor performance through its use of music elements representing dynamic movements. Despite evidence of MoSo's benefits to motor performance, little is known about MoSo's influence on resistance exercise. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of MoSo auditory feedback on repetitions and brain activity during bench press. Twenty men performed bench press to failure in 3 sound conditions (no-sound, self-selected music, and MoSo). Repetition maximum (RM) was measured, and brain activity was analyzed using beta power spectral density (PSD) and frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA). A 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare data across sound conditions. To gain a deeper understanding of brain activity during bench press, a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed to investigate changes in beta PSD and FAA over time using sound and timepoint as independent variables. A 1-way ANOVA showed that FAA in MoSo was significantly higher than in music and no-sound; however, no statistically significant differences were observed in RM and beta PSD between conditions. A 2-way ANOVA revealed that beta PSD and FAA increased significantly as bench press repetitions approached failure. Our study suggests that MoSo auditory feedback may not improve bench press repetitions, but it may increase brain activity during bench press better than listening to music.

Eserhaut, DA, DeLeo, JM, and Fry, AC. Blood flow restricted resistance exercise in well-trained men: Salivary biomarker responses and oxygen saturation kinetics. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): e716-e726, 2024-Resistance exercise with continuous lower-limb blood flow restriction (BFR) may provide supplementary benefit to highly resistance-trained men. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular and salivary biomarker responses, along with skeletal muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) during passive lower-limb BFR (pBFR), BFR resistance exercise performed to task failure (BFR+RE), and volume-matched resistance exercise (RE). A within-subjects, repeated measures design was used. Nineteen men (x̄±SD: relative squat 1RM: 1.9 ± 0.3 kg·bw-1) reported for 3 visits. First, body composition, blood pressure, back squat, and leg extension 1 repetition maximums (1RM) were assessed. Resting systolic blood pressure and proximal thigh circumferences were used to estimate arterial occlusion pressures (eAOP). Visit 1 involved pBFR, where BFR cuffs were inflated to 80% eAOP around the proximal thighs for 10 minutes while subjects were seated in a leg extension machine. Then, 24-120 hours later, 4 sets of bilateral seated leg extensions at 30% 1RM were performed to momentary task failure with 1-minute rest at the same 80% eAOP. After 72-120 hours rest, subjects matched the repetition performances from BFR+RE at 30% 1RM for the RE condition. BFR+RE elicited greater (p ≤ 0.05) heart rates, systolic, and diastolic blood pressures relative to pBFR and RE. Significantly elevated (p ≤ 0.05) blood lactate, salivary cortisol concentrations, and α-amylase activity occurred following BFR+RE relative to pBFR and RE. BFR+RE also induced blunted (p < 0.001) SmO2 interset resaturation rates compared with RE. In trained men, continuous BFR+RE seems to significantly alter acute physiological responses to a greater degree than either pBFR alone or volume-matched RE.

Edwards, AM, Coleman, D, Fuller, J, Kesisoglou, A, and Menting, SGP. Time perception and enjoyment of professional soccer players in different training sessions: Implications for assessment of session-RPE and training load. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): e754-e760, 2024-The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the perception of time and enjoyment levels among professional soccer players varied according to the type of training undertaken and whether this influenced the training load (TL) assessment method of session-rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Sixteen male professional soccer players participated in this study. A diverse range of 7 training events was sampled, comprising passive sessions (e.g., long and short video analysis sessions; VA1 & VA2), sport-specific game play (small-sided games), physical tactical sessions (tactical formation training), individual skills training, and cardiovascular training sessions (long and short; CV1 & CV2). Sessions varied in duration. Subjects estimated duration, enjoyment, and perceived exertion. The activities rated as most enjoyable (all physical training sessions with the exception of CV1 & CV2) were also the sessions considered to last shortest, or time perceived as running fastest (P < 0.01). Long-duration video analysis (VA2) and high-intensity cardiovascular training (without a ball) (CV2) were rated least enjoyable (P < 0.01) and were the sessions where time estimates were longer than chronological time, indicating time perceived as running slow (P < 0.01). Differences in subjective and chronological estimates of sRPE substantially impacted TL estimates across the 5 physically active sessions (P < 0.01). The outcomes of this study indicate that systematic and task-specific variations in time perception and enjoyment exist among professional soccer players. This could be impactful for training design, optimizing the training experience, and reliably assessing TL.

Racil, G, Padulo, J, Trabelsi, Y, Frizziero, A, Russo, L, and Migliaccio, GM. Rhythmic exercises before basketball training: A study on motor skills, static balance, and reaction speed in school-aged children. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): e761-e768, 2024-The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combining rhythmic exercises with basketball training on the improvement of basic motor and physical skills in children. Thirty-four female subjects, all from the same secondary school and aged 12 ± 0.7 years, participated in a 6-week training program (3 times per week). They were randomly divided into 3 groups: one group practiced rhythmic exercises in combination with basketball training (R-BT, n = 12), another group practiced basketball only (BT, n = 11), and a control group (CON, n = 11). The subjects underwent assessments that included regular and irregular rhythmic exercises, flexibility, coordination, and static balance. After the intervention, all groups showed improvements in their motor skills (MS) when they followed a regular rhythm. The R-BT group showed significantly higher performance in hopping and jumping from preintervention to postintervention [p = 0.003, effect size (ES) = 0.67 and p = 0.005, ES = 0.64, respectively] and differed significantly from the other 2 groups (p < 0.01). In addition, the R-BT group showed a greater improvement in the implementation of irregular rhythms (p < 0.001) and differed significantly from the other groups in all parameters (p < 0.01). The Stork Stand Balance Test improved in the R-BT group and outperformed the other 2 groups, whereas the Alternate-Hand Wall-Toss Test improved in both the R-BT and the BT groups compared with the control group, indicating better coordination. In summary, basketball training preceded by a regular rhythm can lead to greater improvement in MS, resulting in improved coordination and leg stability. These results could be considered crucial for young school-age children who play basketball.

Grammenou, M, Kendall, KL, Wilson, CJ, Porter, T, Laws, SM, and Haff, GG. Effect of fitness level on time course of recovery after acute strength and high-intensity interval training. J Strength Cond Res 38(12): 2055-2064, 2024-The aim was to investigate time course of recovery after acute bouts of strength (STR) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). A secondary goal was to assess the influence of total fitness score (TFS), composed of handgrip strength and maximum aerobic power on recovery. Twenty-eight resistance-trained individuals completed 8 testing sessions within a 14- to 17-day period. Subjects performed a testing battery comprising isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and a modified Wingate test (WINmod) at baseline, immediately after exercise, as well as at 6 and 24 hours after the training sessions. A one-way ANOVA was performed to examine time changes after the training sessions. Subjects were then grouped based on their TFS in high, medium, and low groups. To examine the influence of TFS on time course of recovery, we performed a linear mixed-effects model. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Both training sessions resulted in a significant reduction in peak force (PF) that persisted for up to 6 (p < 0.05) and 24 hours (p < 0.001). The STR session showed immediate and 24-hour postexercise declines in jump height and reactive strength index modified (RSImod) compared with baseline. The low TFS group exhibited a significant RSImod reduction immediately after HIIT (p < 0.001), compared with the medium TFS group (p = 0.0002). In the STR session, the high TFS group displayed an increased eccentric displacement during CMJ 24 hours after exercise compared with baseline (p = 0.033). Overall, subjects with high TFS may be able to recover CMJ performance at the same rate as other TFS groups, despite performing more work.

Edwards, AM, Coleman, D, Fuller, J, Kesisoglou, A, and Menting, SGP. Time perception and enjoyment of professional soccer players in different training sessions: Implications for assessment of session-RPE and training load. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the perception of time and enjoyment levels among professional soccer players varied according to the type of training undertaken and whether this influenced the training load (TL) assessment method of session-rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Sixteen male professional soccer players participated in this study. A diverse range of 7 training events was sampled, comprising passive sessions (e.g., long and short video analysis sessions; VA1 & VA2), sport-specific game play (small-sided games), physical tactical sessions (tactical formation training), individual skills training, and cardiovascular training sessions (long and short; CV1 & CV2). Sessions varied in duration. Subjects estimated duration, enjoyment, and perceived exertion. The activities rated as most enjoyable (all physical training sessions with the exception of CV1 & CV2) were also the sessions considered to last shortest, or time perceived as running fastest (P < 0.01). Long-duration video analysis (VA2) and high-intensity cardiovascular training (without a ball) (CV2) were rated least enjoyable (P < 0.01) and were the sessions where time estimates were longer than chronological time, indicating time perceived as running slow (P < 0.01). Differences in subjective and chronological estimates of sRPE substantially impacted TL estimates across the 5 physically active sessions (P < 0.01). The outcomes of this study indicate that systematic and task-specific variations in time perception and enjoyment exist among professional soccer players. This could be impactful for training design, optimizing the training experience, and reliably assessing TL.

Grammenou, M, Kendall, KL, Wilson, CJ, Porter, T, Laws, SM, and Haff, GG. Effect of fitness level on time course of recovery after acute strength and high-intensity interval training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim was to investigate time course of recovery after acute bouts of strength (STR) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). A secondary goal was to assess the influence of total fitness score (TFS), composed of handgrip strength and maximum aerobic power on recovery. Twenty-eight resistance-trained individuals completed 8 testing sessions within a 14- to 17-day period. Subjects performed a testing battery comprising isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and a modified Wingate test (WINmod) at baseline, immediately after exercise, as well as at 6 and 24 hours after the training sessions. A one-way ANOVA was performed to examine time changes after the training sessions. Subjects were then grouped based on their TFS in high, medium, and low groups. To examine the influence of TFS on time course of recovery, we performed a linear mixed-effects model. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Both training sessions resulted in a significant reduction in peak force (PF) that persisted for up to 6 (p < 0.05) and 24 hours (p < 0.001). The STR session showed immediate and 24-hour postexercise declines in jump height and reactive strength index modified (RSImod) compared with baseline. The low TFS group exhibited a significant RSImod reduction immediately after HIIT (p < 0.001), compared with the medium TFS group (p = 0.0002). In the STR session, the high TFS group displayed an increased eccentric displacement during CMJ 24 hours after exercise compared with baseline (p = 0.033). Overall, subjects with high TFS may be able to recover CMJ performance at the same rate as other TFS groups, despite performing more work.

Kember, LS, Riehm, CD, Schille, A, Slaton, JA, Myer, GD, and Lloyd, RS. Residual biomechanical deficits identified with the tuck jump assessment in female athletes 9 months after ACLR surgery. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Addressing biomechanical deficits in female athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is crucial for safe return-to-play. The tuck jump assessment (TJA) is used to identify risks associated with ACL injury, yet its fundamental analyses lack the ability to explore landing forces. Kinetic asymmetries during the TJA were assessed in athletes with ACLR (n = 38) and matched healthy controls (n = 21) using discrete time-point analysis and statistical parametric mapping (p < 0.05). The ACLR group performed fewer jumping cycles with distinct kinetic differences, including longer ground contact time (g = 1.45), larger peak center of mass displacement (g = 1.29), and lower peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) (g = -2.05) and relative leg stiffness (g = -1.51). Greater interlimb kinetic asymmetries were evident in the ACLR group for VGRF (g = 0.84), relative leg stiffness (g = 0.85), average loading rate (g = 0.84), peak braking force (g = 0.85), and time of braking (g = 0.80) and propulsive peaks (g = 1.04). Moderate differences in VGRF favored the uninvolved limb of the ACLR group for the majority (2-100%) of the stance phase of TJA (d = -0.52). Distinct jump-landing strategies between ACLR athletes and healthy controls were revealed during the TJA, which may indicate compromised stretch-shortening cycle function. Findings highlight the need for targeted rehabilitation to foster greater kinetic symmetry in jump-landing performance and underscore the importance of longitudinal and progressive monitoring for optimized return-to-play outcomes in athletes after ACLR.