Optimizing Strength and Resistance Training: Best Practices Applied to Sports Disciplines and Performance

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Athletic Training and Human Performance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 13709

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
SEJ-680: Science-Based Training (SBT) Research Group, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
Interests: nutrition; strength; resistance exercise; isoinertial training; training optimization; physical performance; skeletal muscle; sports injuries; sports medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Caceres, Spain
Interests: strength; resistance exercise; isoinertial training; training optimization; physical performance; sports injuries; sports medicine; team sports performance; workload monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Strength training plays a fundamental role in enhancing the functional and muscular performance of the human body. Physical conditioning, the development of the ability to generate force and muscle power in a specific context and moment, as well as neuromuscular and structural adaptations, are key aspects that benefit from optimised strength training. This Special Issue will explore different methodologies, techniques and practices applied to strength training, focusing on the optimization of the training processes in order to achieve maximum performance, highlighting the need for careful planning for each individual and discipline.

In this regard, the correct application and optimization of strength training benefit not only practitioners of weight training disciplines, but also athletes in individual and team sports. In these contexts, the careful and precise application of methodology and training optimization becomes crucial, using appropriate techniques to maximize benefits and minimize the risk of injuries in athletes.

Therefore, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the best practices and techniques applied to strength and resistance training, contributing to continuous advancement in sports performance optimization. Additionally, it seeks to provide valuable information for athletes, coaches and physical conditioning professionals. Original research papers and literature reviews are welcome.

Dr. Luis Manuel Martínez Aranda
Dr. Javier Raya-González
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • skeletal muscle
  • muscle hypertrophy
  • resistance exercise
  • eccentric training
  • power output
  • plyometrics
  • strength adaptations
  • training volume
  • sports performance
  • conditioning

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
External Load Evaluation in Elite Futsal: Influence of Match Results and Game Location with IMU Technology
by Héctor Gadea-Uribarri, Carlos Lago-Fuentes, Ainhoa Bores-Arce, Víctor Emilio Villavicencio Álvarez, Sergio López-García, Santiago Calero-Morales and Elena Mainer-Pardos
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9030140 - 20 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1023
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, considering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. The external load of [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, considering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. The external load of 10 players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League was recorded throughout 15 official matches in the first half of the league championship. The players’ external load was monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the influence of the match outcome and location on the external load, a univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted with Bonferroni post hoc. There are no differences between the variables neither comparing results nor location factors, except for accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 (m) per minute and the number of accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s2 per minute, reporting higher value winnings at home than away (p < 0.05). The location and results are not factors that influence on external load in futsal matches, except the number and distance performed in accelerations and distance covered at a low to medium speed. These findings are important for planning microcycles and providing the appropriate dosage to each player to achieve optimal performance in matches. Full article
12 pages, 725 KiB  
Article
Match-to-Match Variation on High-Intensity Demands in a Portuguese Professional Football Team
by José E. Teixeira, Luís Branquinho, Miguel Leal, Ryland Morgans, Andrew Sortwell, Tiago M. Barbosa, António M. Monteiro, Pedro Afonso, Guilherme Machado, Samuel Encarnação, Ricardo Ferraz and Pedro Forte
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(3), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9030120 - 4 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands from one Portuguese professional football team according to playing positions. Twenty-three male outfield professional football players were observed during eighteen matches of the Portuguese Second League. Time–motion data were [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to analyze the match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands from one Portuguese professional football team according to playing positions. Twenty-three male outfield professional football players were observed during eighteen matches of the Portuguese Second League. Time–motion data were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Match running performance was analyzed based on the following three playing positions: defenders (DF), midfielders (MF), and forwards (FW). Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare match running performance within each position role, and seasonal running variation. Practical differences were assessed using the smallest worthwhile change (SWC), coefficient of variation (CV), and twice the coefficient of variation (2CV). Significant differences were found among playing positions in total distance covered (F = 15.45, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.33), average speed (F = 12.79, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.29), high-speed running (F = 16.93, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.36), sprinting (F = 13.49, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.31), accelerations (F = 4.69, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.132), and decelerations (F = 12.21, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.284). The match-to-match running performance encompassed TD (6.59%), AvS (8.67%), HSRr (37.83%), SPR (34.82%), ACC (26.92%), and DEC (27.85%). CV values for total distance covered ranged from 4.87–6.82%, with forwards and midfielders exhibiting the greatest and smallest variation, respectively. Midfielders demonstrated the highest match-to-match variation for all other analyzed variables (8.12–69.17%). All playing positions showed significant variation in high-demanding variables (26.94–37.83%). This study presents the initial analysis of match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands within a Portuguese professional football team. Thus, the position’s specificity and context can provide a helpful strategy for evaluating match-to-match running performance, and for recommending individualized training exercises based on the peak and high-intensity demands for each player’s role within the game. Full article
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12 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
Key Performance Indicators Predictive of Success in Soccer: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Greek Soccer League
by Andreas Stafylidis, Athanasios Mandroukas, Yiannis Michailidis, Lazaros Vardakis, Ioannis Metaxas, Angelos E. Kyranoudis and Thomas I. Metaxas
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020107 - 17 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2634
Abstract
Previous research emphasizes the significance of key performance metrics in determining match outcomes. The purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of success in professional soccer by analyzing the relationship between match outcomes (win, lose, draw) and various Performance Indicators extracted [...] Read more.
Previous research emphasizes the significance of key performance metrics in determining match outcomes. The purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of success in professional soccer by analyzing the relationship between match outcomes (win, lose, draw) and various Performance Indicators extracted from the Greek soccer league, as well as to develop a regression model of success in soccer. The sample consisted of all 91 matches from the first round of the 2020–2021 season of the Greek Football League. Utilizing Kruskal–Wallis tests, significant differences were found in goals scored, shots, and shots on target, ball possession, passing metrics, touches in the penalty area, and average shot distance (p < 0.05), with winning teams having demonstrated superior performance metrics. Moreover, winning teams engaged more in positional attacks and counterattacks with shots (p < 0.05). The binary logistic regression model applied to predict match outcomes identified shots on target, counterattacks, passes metrics, offensive duels and set pieces (penalties, free kicks) as key factors influencing the likelihood of winning (p < 0.05). These findings collectively highlight the importance of effective offensive play, including goal scoring, shooting accuracy, and ball possession, in determining the outcomes of soccer matches, with the regression model offering a nuanced understanding of these relationships. Full article
11 pages, 734 KiB  
Article
Examining Changes in Shoulder Strength, Lower Body Power, and Body Composition among Collegiate Baseball Players after Completion of a Summer Baseball League Season
by Brandon Merfeld, Matthew Rowley, Thomas Almonroeder, Joel Luedke, Jacob L. Erickson, Margaret T. Jones, Jennifer B. Fields, Elijah Szymanski and Andrew R. Jagim
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020098 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
The strength of the shoulder musculature involved with internal rotation and arm extension plays an important role in the overhead throwing motion for baseball athletes, both for throwing-related performance and injury risk. The maintenance of shoulder strength is a high priority for baseball [...] Read more.
The strength of the shoulder musculature involved with internal rotation and arm extension plays an important role in the overhead throwing motion for baseball athletes, both for throwing-related performance and injury risk. The maintenance of shoulder strength is a high priority for baseball athletes throughout a season; however, little is known in regards to the expected changes in strength throughout a season. To examine pre-post changes in shoulder strength, lower body power, and body composition among collegiate baseball players after the completion of a summer baseball league season. Amateur baseball players (n = 12; age: 20.9 ± 1.0 years.; height: 181.6 ± 5.6 cm; body mass: 86.4 ± 11.1 kg; BMI: 26.0 ± 2.6 kg/m2) participated in the current study. Pre- and post-competitive season, the participants completed shoulder strength assessments and body composition and countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) tests. An upper-body isometric test (athletic shoulder [ASH] test) was used to evaluate shoulder strength for each arm. Each subject completed maximal isometric contractions for both the throwing and non-throwing arms at four separate angles of abduction (180°, ‘I’; 135°, ‘Y’; 90°, ‘T’; and −180°, ‘A’) while lying in a prone position. For shoulder strength, the primary dependent variable of interest was a composite measure that represented the average of the forces produced across all four positions of the ASH test (I, Y, T, A). For the ASH test composite measure, there was a trend toward a significant arm-by-time interaction effect (p = 0.08), as shoulder strength decreased by 9.03% for the throwing arm (ES = 0.72; 95% CI = [−0.27, −0.01]), compared to only 2.03% for the non-throwing arm (ES = 0.15; 95% CI = [−0.16, 0.09]), over the course of the season. The main effects of time (p = 0.16) and arm (p = 0.58) were not significant for the ASH test composite measure. There was no relationship between lower body power and throwing arm strength at baseline (r = 0.20, p = 0.56), and only a non-significant weak relationship at post-test (r = 0.28, p = 0.41). Throughout a season, baseball players may experience reductions in shoulder strength of the throwing arm with minimal changes in shoulder strength in the non-throwing arm. Full article
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12 pages, 1260 KiB  
Article
Will Music Give Me Power? Effects of Listening to Music during Active and Passive Rest Intervals on Power Output during Resistance Exercise
by Agata Latocha, Jakub Jarosz, Jonatan Helbin and Michał Krzysztofik
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010032 - 16 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2521
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the impact of listening to preferred music during active/passive rest on power output and heart rate in barbell squats (BS) and bench presses (BP). Fifteen participants (13 males and 2 females), moderately resistance trained, were engaged in four [...] Read more.
The study aimed to evaluate the impact of listening to preferred music during active/passive rest on power output and heart rate in barbell squats (BS) and bench presses (BP). Fifteen participants (13 males and 2 females), moderately resistance trained, were engaged in four randomized experimental sessions with varying rest intervals (active/passive) and music presence (listening or not). Each session involved three sets of three repetitions of BS and BP at a 50% one-repetition maximum. ANOVA showed a significant main effect of the set for BP relative mean and peak power output (p < 0.001; both). The post hoc comparisons indicated a significantly higher BP relative mean and peak power output in set_2 (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.12 and p < 0.001; ES = 0.10) and set_3 (p < 0.001; ES = 0.11 and p = 0.001; ES = 0.16) in comparison to set_1. Moreover, a main effect of the set indicating a decrease in BS relative peak power output across sets was observed (p = 0.024) with no significant differences between sets. A significantly higher mean heart rate during active rest in comparison to passive rest was observed (p = 0.032; ES = 0.69). The results revealed no significant effect of listening to music on relative power output and heart rate during BS and BP. Full article
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Review

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14 pages, 586 KiB  
Review
Heart Rate Variability Applications in Strength and Conditioning: A Narrative Review
by Jennifer S. Addleman, Nicholas S. Lackey, Justin A. DeBlauw and Alexander G. Hajduczok
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020093 - 27 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3598
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is defined as the fluctuation of time intervals between adjacent heartbeats and is commonly used as a surrogate measure of autonomic function. HRV has become an increasingly measured variable by wearable technology for use in fitness and sport applications. [...] Read more.
Heart rate variability (HRV) is defined as the fluctuation of time intervals between adjacent heartbeats and is commonly used as a surrogate measure of autonomic function. HRV has become an increasingly measured variable by wearable technology for use in fitness and sport applications. However, with its increased use, a gap has arisen between the research and the application of this technology in strength and conditioning. The goal of this narrative literature review is to discuss current evidence and propose preliminary guidelines regarding the application of HRV in strength and conditioning. A literature review was conducted searching for HRV and strength and conditioning, aiming to focus on studies with time-domain measurements. Studies suggest that HRV is a helpful metric to assess training status, adaptability, and recovery after a training program. Although reduced HRV may be a sign of overreaching and/or overtraining syndrome, it may not be a sensitive marker in aerobic-trained athletes and therefore has different utilities for different athletic populations. There is likely utility to HRV-guided programming compared to predefined programming in several types of training. Evidence-based preliminary guidelines for the application of HRV in strength and conditioning are discussed. This is an evolving area of research, and more data are needed to evaluate the best practices for applying HRV in strength and conditioning. Full article
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Other

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26 pages, 5187 KiB  
Case Report
Greater Neuromuscular and Perceptual Fatigue after Low versus High Loads in the Bench Press: A Preliminary Study Applying Frequentist and Bayesian Group Analyses with Subject-by-Subject Case Series Reports
by Daniel Varela-Olalla, Juan Del Campo-Vecino and Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040186 - 5 Oct 2024
Viewed by 788
Abstract
Background/Objective: This study investigated the differences in acute fatigue following resistance training performed with low versus high loads in the bench press (BP). Methods: Trained males (n = 5, 21.2 ± 2.77 years; 81.86 ± 6.67 kg; 177 ± 7.52 cm) undertook three [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: This study investigated the differences in acute fatigue following resistance training performed with low versus high loads in the bench press (BP). Methods: Trained males (n = 5, 21.2 ± 2.77 years; 81.86 ± 6.67 kg; 177 ± 7.52 cm) undertook three protocols with 50%RM and three with 85%RM with volume equalized between protocols: muscular failure protocols (TF, RTP1 and 2), half-maximum repetition protocols (RTP3 and 4), and cluster set protocols (RTP5 and 6). Mechanical performance, lactate, and perceptual responses were analyzed during protocols and at post 0, 24, and 48 h using frequentist (p < 0.05) and Bayesian approaches. Results: Moderate to large (ES ≥ 0.3) and trivial to moderate (ES < 0.3) effects were observed at 0 and 24 h post-session, respectively, across all protocols. TF protocols, particularly RTP1, showed the greatest impairments when compared to the other RTP (ES ≥ 0.3). The Bayesian analysis supported the frequentist results, showing strong-decisive evidence for our data under the model that included protocols as predictors for mechanical, metabolic, and perceptual variables during protocols. Inter-individual variability in responses was observed in the neuromuscular tests, potentially related to the strength level and perceptual responses. Conclusions: In summary, TF generates greater fatigue, while reducing set volume to half of maximum repetitions or including intra-set rest that helps to mitigate fatigue symptoms. Full article
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