*6.1. Methods*

A 30-year-old Austrian female ski racer (winner of multiple Olympic and world championship medals) trained with the IML. The general physical preparation (GPP) of this athlete was from May to October 2011 (see Table 1). Height and weight during the GPP were 166 cm and 65.0 kg, respectively. As an athlete training at the Olympic Training Center, Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, she was given verbal and written descriptions of training and informed of the risks of associated with participation in elite sport and training. She signed an athlete agreement, which included an informed consent for training. She also underwent a medical check up to ensure that there are no contraindications to participating in her sport or training at the center. The athlete agreemen<sup>t</sup> (#01/2011) was approved in 2011 by the institutional review committee of the Department of Sport Science of the University of Innsbruck and the board for ethical questions of the University of Innsbruck.

The SME training phase was performed with squats, over a four-week period, with two SME sessions per week. At the start of this phase, a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test was performed. The depth of the squat was similar to that of a powerlifting squat. At the bottom of the squat, the top surface of the legs at the hip joint was lower than the top of the knees.

Most squat sessions had at least five eccentric only loading (EOL) sets with 2–4 repetitions, and 4–6 heavy sets (1–3 repetitions) of normal squats (see Table 2). The athlete would lower the bar to a 5 s count, and the IML would return the bar to the starting position. EOL sets were alternated with normal squat sets, with a rest between 3–6 min. A maximum total of 12 heavy sets of squats were performed. Training loads were progressively increased. Training volume was calculated, but only for loads of 100 kg (89% of original 1RM) or more. Leg training sessions also included lunges, Romanian deadlifts, and hamstring curls (2–3 sets and 6–8 repetitions). The last SME workout was 15 July 2011. During a five-week block in July and August, the focus was on ski training in Switzerland and New Zealand. Leg strength maintenance in this block included five leg training sessions, with three sessions utilizing one-legged squats (three sets of eight repetitions) and two sessions of normal squats (4–5 sets, up to 110 kg, 3–4 repetitions). The last week of August was a regeneration week. Strength training resumed on 6 September 2011 and a 1RM test was performed.


**Table 1.** Periodization of strength training in the general physical preparation (GPP). CON: conditioning camp, SKI: ski racing camp, RG: regeneration week.



N 115 1 N 120 1 EOL 1L 90 3 EOL 122.5 3 N 117.5 3

N 100 6 N1L 60 8 N 117.5 3 EOL 122.5 3

EOL 1L 90 3 N 120 3

Workout Volume Workout Volume Workout Volume Workout Volume Workout Volume Workout Volume Workout Volume N 1060 N 300 N 1252.5 N 2640 N 1450 N 2385 N 1135 EOL 960 EOL 1590 EOL 1170 EOL 2420 EOL 2335 EOL 1747.5 EOL 1060 Total 1720 Total 1890 Total 2422.5 Total 5060 Total 3785 Total 4132.5 Total 2195
