Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research最新文献

{"title":"Vertical Jump Performance as a Functional Indicator of Bone Health in Older Adults.","authors":"Haizhen Huang, Zitian Liu, Bin Leng, Xiaochuan Ge, Chunxue Tang, Yadan He, Jiajing Sun, Chuan Zhang","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005650","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Huang, H, Liu, Z, Leng, B, Ge, X, Tang, C, He, Y, Sun, J, and Zhang, C. Vertical jump performance as a functional indicator of bone health in older adults. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Mechanical loading generated during dynamic lower-limb tasks is believed to be critical for skeletal maintenance, but the relative importance of different vertical jump performance metrics for bone health has not been established. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the relationship between vertical jump performance and bone health in community-dwelling older adults. Sixty healthy older adults (17 men) completed countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) assessments, from which phase-specific power and net impulse metrics normalized to body weight, and stretch-shortening cycle utilization were calculated. Bone outcomes including intertrochanteric (IT) geometry, strength indices, and hip and spine bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Associations were examined using covariate-adjusted linear regression models. Higher CMJ propulsive impulse was positively associated with IT cross-sectional area (standardized β = 0.219, p = 0.033) and cross-sectional moment of inertia (standardized β = 0.194, p = 0.022). Countermovement jump and SJ propulsive impulse, SJ and CMJ peak propulsive power all showed positive associations with IT section modulus (standardized β range 0.195-0.240, all p < 0.05). No jump performance metrics were associated with buckling ratio or hip or spine BMD (all p > 0.05). Stretch-shortening cycle utilization was not associated with any bone outcomes (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, in older adults, vertical jump performance metrics, particularly CMJ propulsive impulse, are associated with hip bone geometry and strength. These findings suggest CMJ assessment may serve as a practical functional indicator reflecting mechanical loading relevant to hip bone strength.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Functional and Traditional Strength and Power Training on U19 Soccer Players During Offseason in Norway: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Lasse Engberg Treu Lassen, Uwe G Kersting, Rogerio Pessoto Hirata","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005676","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Engberg Treu Lassen, L, Kersting, UG, and Pessoto Hirata, R. Comparison of functional and traditional strength and power training on U19 soccer players during off-season in Norway: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Functional training emphasizes multiplanar, soccer-specific movement patterns requiring body control, whereas traditional resistance training focuses on maximal force production through stable, bilateral lifts. Although both approaches are common in soccer physical preparation, their relative effects on soccer-specific performance remain uncertain. This study compared the effects of functional vs. traditional strength training on performance outcomes during the offseason in U19 male players. Thirty-three Norwegian players were randomly allocated to a functional training group (FTG, n = 11), a traditional training group (TTG, n = 11), or a control group (CG, n = 11) using stratified, concealed allocation. During the first 4 weeks, all groups completed 2 weekly soccer sessions; FTG and TTG additionally completed 2 supervised 70-minute strength sessions per week. In the final 4 weeks, FTG and TTG continued the twice-weekly strength training, whereas CG ceased organized training. Functional training group performed unilateral, multiplanar free-weight exercises, while TTG performed bilateral, uniplanar machine-based exercises. The primary outcome was technical soccer performance, with mobility, dynamic balance, sprint speed, change of direction, and vertical jump as secondary outcomes. Both FTG and TTG improved Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST) performance compared with CG (FTG: -0.43 seconds, p = 0.003, d = 1.62; TTG: -0.50 seconds, p < 0.001, d = 1.88). Traditional training group also increased body mass compared with the CG (2.20 kg, p = 0.002, d = 1.65). Functional and traditional strength training produced comparable improvements in LSST time. These findings highlight training dose response and support individualized off-season programs integrating physical preparation with sport-specific demands.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do Athletes Lose Soleus Strength Over the Course of a Season? Longitudinal Monitoring of Seated Plantar Flexion Maximum Voluntary Contraction Strength and Factors That Affect It in Australian Football Players.","authors":"Brady Green, Tania Pizzari, Anthony G Schache, Ebonie K Rio, Sebastian C S Evans, Samuel Cooper, Myles C Murphy","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Green, B, Pizzari, T, Schache, AG, Rio, EK, Evans, SCS, Cooper, S, and Murphy, MC. Do athletes lose soleus strength over the course of a season? Longitudinal monitoring of seated plantar flexion maximum voluntary contraction strength and factors that affect it in Australian football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The calf muscles are critical to dynamic lower-limb function in sports but are susceptible to injury. Despite its role in performance and injury, research has not evaluated soleus strength changes over the course of a season, or factors affecting it. Flexed-knee maximum plantar flexion strength was longitudinally monitored in state-league Australian footballers (2 Western Australian and 1 Victorian team) across 1-season at timepoints: preseason (T0), early in-season (T1), late in-season (T2). Generalized estimating equations evaluated strength outcomes over time (absolute, relative, asymmetry). Intrinsic factors (e.g., age, sex, injury history, sport exposure history, calf-focused resistance training) were analyzed to determine longitudinal associations with strength. Forty-one athletes (32 male, 9 female) were monitored across 210 strength measurements from T0 to T2. Absolute (T0 = 121.7 ± 27 kg; T1 = 135.2 ± 27.3 kg; T2 = 135.8 ± 25.9 kg) and relative (T0 = 1.51 ± 0.28 body mass [BM]; T1 = 1.69 ± 0.27 BM, T2 = 1.75 ± 0.26 BM) strength demonstrated longitudinal change (absolute: β = 19.33 kg, relative: β = 0.24 BM; p < 0.001). Reduced strength was associated with a recent calf injury history (relative and absolute: p < 0.001) and older age (p = 0.03). Lower strength (absolute: β = -23.53 kg, relative: β = -0.22 BM; p < 0.05) and larger asymmetry (β = 8.13 kg, p = 0.01) were detected in female athletes. Athletes can be expected to improve and maintain soleus capacity across seasonal periods. Athlete age, calf injury history, and sex can affect strength longitudinally. These findings may guide individualized prevention, performance, and postinjury benchmarking.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"On Equal Footing? Sex-Moderated Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Trained Individuals.","authors":"Alec Piñero, Adam E Mohan, Ryan Burke, Nicolas Babault, Paul A Swinton, Brad J Schoenfeld","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005674","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Piñero, A, Mohan, AE, Burke, R, Babault, N, Swinton, PA, and Schoenfeld, BJ. On equal footing? Sex-moderated post-activation performance enhancement in trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study explored whether resistance-trained men (n = 16) and women (n = 15) experienced different degrees of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) at varying proximities to failure. In a randomized, within-subject crossover design, subjects completed 4 experimental sessions in a randomized order. During each session, subjects completed countermovement jump assessments at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 minutes following 2 barbell back squat sets of 1 repetition (1R), 3 repetitions (3R), 5 repetitions (5R), or passive rest (CON). Bayesian multilevel models were used, and inferences were based on posterior distributions of changes and sex contrasts, including region of practical equivalence (ROPE)-based probabilities of practically meaningful effects. Across protocols and time points, posterior distributions of sex differences were generally within the ROPE, indicating little evidence that sex meaningfully moderated PAPE outcomes. However, at 1R minute 9 and 3R minute 3, posterior probabilities of an improvement from baseline in jump height (JH) were higher in women than in men (M = 0.09 [0.00, 0.19]; F = 0.34 [0.12, 0.54]) and (M = 0.11 [0.00, 0.30]; F = 0.47 [0.20, 0.67]), respectively, suggesting possible protocol- and time-specific sex differences. By contrast, sex moderation was unlikely at other time points, including all 5R assessments. Overall, heavier back squats performed closer to failure were more likely to elicit PAPE than sets performed farther from failure, with broadly similar responses between sexes. Any sex-specific differences appeared limited and protocol- and time-dependent, with only tentative evidence of greater PAPE in women under some further-from-failure conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Target Heart Rate Attainment Method on Metabolic, Perceptual, and Performance Responses During Heart Rate-Clamp Exercise in Recreationally Active Female Subjects.","authors":"Clara J Mitchinson, Brian Benitez, Minyoung Kwak, Erik Snell, Alaina N Kuhn, Haley C Bergstrom","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005686","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005686","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Mitchinson, CJ, Benitez, B, Kwak, M, Snell, E, Kuhn, AN, and Bergstrom, HC. Effects of target heart rate attainment method on metabolic, perceptual, and performance responses during heart rate-clamp exercise in recreationally active female subjects. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study used a test-retest design to examine ramp and immediate protocols for attaining a target heart rate (HR) and the subsequent effects on metabolic, respiratory, perceptual, and performance responses during HR-clamp cycle ergometry. Fifteen recreationally active female subjects (22 ± 5 years) completed a graded exercise test to determine maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max) and maximal HR (HRmax), followed by 4 randomized, 20-minute HR-clamp trials at 86% HRmax using either a ramp (gradual increases in power output [PO]) or immediate (instantaneous application of target PO) protocol, each performed twice. Oxygen consumption (V̇O2), minute ventilation (V̇E), respiration rate (RR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), PO, and time to target HR were assessed at HR attainment and averaged across the HR-clamp trials. Analyses included linear mixed models fitted with fixed effects and random intercepts, and one-way repeated measures ANOVAs with intraclass correlation coefficients to examine test-retest reliability (p < 0.05). Time to target HR did not differ between protocols (p = 0.958). However, the ramp protocol elicited a greater V̇O2, RR, V̇E, and PO at HR attainment (p < 0.001-0.035) and a greater V̇O2 and PO across the HR-clamp trials (p = 0.008-0.017) compared with the immediate protocol, whereas RPE did not differ between protocols (p = 0.118-0.984). The ramp protocol demonstrated greater systematic error for metabolic and performance measures, whereas the immediate protocol showed less systematic error and comparable reliability. These findings indicated that the method used to attain a target HR significantly alters the physiological stimulus of HR-clamp exercise, and practitioners and researchers should carefully consider protocol selection when prescribing or interpreting HR-clamp exercise.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Ankle Joint Moment and Ankle Joint Velocity With 60° Ipsilateral Change-of-Direction Performance.","authors":"Chi-Hsien Chen, Mingchia Yeh, Chiang Liu, Yan-Jer Tseng, Sung-Ting Lu","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005683","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005683","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Chen, C-H, Yeh, M-C, Liu, C, Tseng, Y-J, and Lu, S-T. Association of ankle joint moment and ankle joint velocity with 60° ipsilateral change-of-direction performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The rapid acceleration and deceleration associated with a change of direction (COD) is associated with high ankle loading, including high ankle moment and velocity, which have been linked to ankle sprain or chronic ankle instability. Although the correlations between ankle joint loading and contralateral COD (contra-COD) have been investigated, one study reported that ipsilateral COD (ipsi-COD) and contra-COD involve distinct, asymmetrical mechanisms. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the associations of ankle joint moment and ankle joint velocity with 60° ipsi-COD performance. Thirty-five male athletes of recreational team sports performed an ipsi-COD task with their nondominant leg. A three-dimensional motion-capture system and a force platform were used to collect biomechanical data. Ground contact time was negatively associated with plantarflexion moment (r = -0.511) and inversion moment (r = -0.424). By contrast, horizontal impulse was positively correlated with plantarflexion moment (r = 0.407). No correlation was observed between ground contact time and ground reaction force. The moderate negative correlations of ground contact time with plantarflexion moment and inversion moment suggest that increasing ipsi-COD performance may result in high ankle moments and potentially excessive ankle loading. In addition, the absence of a correlation between ground contact time and GRF suggests that athletes consider focusing on converting their approaching velocity to the intended direction during ipsi-COD, as this study indicates that ground reaction force and impulse are not associated with ipsi-COD performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149220291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Core Muscle Activation and Perceived Exertion Across Side Plank and Copenhagen Plank Variations.","authors":"Miguel García-Jaén, Juan M Cortell-Tormo, Marco A García-Luna, Carlos D Gómez-Carmona","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005684","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005684","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>García-Jaén, M, Cortell-Tormo, JM, García-Luna, MA, and Gómez-Carmona, CD. Core muscle activation and perceived exertion across side plank and Copenhagen plank variations. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Plank exercises are fundamental core stability exercises, yet the relationship between muscle activation patterns and perceived exertion remains unclear. This study examined core muscle activation across 10 plank variations and identified which muscles predict rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Fifteen recreationally male active adults performed 10 plank variations in a randomized order: Side Plank (SP), Side Plank Abduction (SPAb), Copenhagen Plank (CP), Copenhagen Plank variations with height modifications (CP+20, CPMAX), and bench-supported variations with short (CPSLb, CPSLb+20) and long lever positions (CPLLb, CPLLb+20, CPLLbMAX). Electromyographic activity (%MVIC) was recorded from bilateral rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles. RPE was assessed postexercise using the 0-10 OMNI Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES). Right internal oblique demonstrated highest activation across variations (38.3-76.8% MVIC), followed by right external oblique (24.4-46.6% MVIC). RPE ranged from 4.6 ± 1.4 a.u. (SP) to 8.1 ± 0.9 a.u. (CPLLbMAX). Correlation analyses revealed exercise-specific patterns: right internal oblique showed the strongest association with RPE in side planks (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), while left external oblique demonstrated the strongest correlation in Copenhagen planks (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). Multiple regression confirmed right internal oblique exclusively predicted RPE in side planks (β = 0.64, R2 = 0.41, p < 0.001), while left external oblique was the sole predictor in Copenhagen planks (β = 0.44, R2 = 0.19, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that Copenhagen plank variations, particularly long lever and elevated conditions, elicit greater and more asymmetric oblique activation and higher perceived exertion. Perceived effort showed exercise-specific determinants: right internal oblique predicted RPE in side planks, while left external oblique predicted RPE in Copenhagen planks, indicating that task-specific muscular challenge rather than total activation magnitude determines subjective effort.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bone Mineral Density in Physique-Focused and Non-Physique-Focused Female Collegiate Athletes: Associations With Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Risk Factors.","authors":"Diana E Kolb, Nicole L Cipriano, Ross A Moody, Jason A Stephens, Lydia K Caldwell, Martin R Lindley, Megan E Ware, Sarah E Deemer","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005644","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005644","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Kolb, DE, Cipriano, NL, Moody, RA, Stephens, JA, Caldwell, LK, Lindley, MR, Ware, ME, and Deemer, SE. Bone mineral density in physique-focused and non-physique-focused female collegiate athletes: Associations with relative energy deficiency in sport risk factors. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Bone mineral density (BMD) is a critical indicator of skeletal health and long-term injury risk in athletic populations. Female athletes are susceptible to changes in BMD because of sport-specific training demands, hormonal dysregulation, and energy availability. The present study aimed to compare BMD between physique-focused (PF; endurance, aesthetic, and weight-dependent sports) and non-physique-focused (NPF; ball, power, and skill-based sports) female collegiate athletes and assess risk factors associated with relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) across both groups. Thirty-three female athletes were evaluated for BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), REDs risk using the Clinical Assessment Tool 2 (CAT2), anthropometric measurements, blood biomarkers, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q). Group differences were assessed using independent t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Physique-focused athletes demonstrated significantly lower DXA-derived z-scores at anteroposterior spine, right and left femur, and total body sites than NPF athletes (p < 0.001). There were no differences in leptin (p = 0.35), cortisol (p = 0.16), vitamin D (p = 0.29), LEAF-Q total score (p = 0.72), or global EDE-Q score (p = 0.10). No group differences in CAT2 REDs risk were observed; thus, subjects were combined: 19 athletes were classified as \"green;\" 12 were \"yellow;\" and 2 were \"orange.\" Lower BMD in PF athletes supports the importance of early screening and targeted interventions to support bone health. These findings suggest sport type may influence skeletal outcomes independent of traditional REDs indicators, emphasizing the need for sport-specific assessment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149194833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Different Upper Extremity Plyometric Exercises on Scapulothoracic Muscle Activations in Female Volleyball Players.","authors":"Selda Uzun, Muhammed Yusuf Kahraman, Goktug Sanli, Yaşar Tatar, Nejla Gercek","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005664","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005664","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Uzun, S, Kahraman, MY, Sanli, G, Tatar, Y, and Gercek, N. The effect of different upper extremity plyometric exercises on scapulothoracic muscle activations in female volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study investigated the EMG activity ratios of the scapulothoracic musculature during selected upper extremity plyometric exercises to identify those most effective for promoting scapular stabilization in female volleyball players. Thirty-five female volleyball players (age: 17.34 ± 2.36 years, height: 174.79 ± 6.88 cm, body mass: 63.09 ± 6.92 kg) participated. Surface EMG was recorded from the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during 8 bilateral plyometric exercises categorized as open-kinetic chain and closed-kinetic chain (CKC). EMG data were normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contractions, and UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA activation ratios were calculated to evaluate scapular stabilization. Significant differences (p < 0.01) and a large effect size (η2 = 0.254) were found in activation ratios across the exercises. The Supine Med-Ball Chest Pass demonstrated the lowest overall activation ratios among the exercises (UT/MT = 138.21%, UT/LT = 77.59%, UT/SA = 22.59%). In addition, Ground Med-Ball Throw and Wall Med-Ball Chest Pass exercises demonstrated lower UT/SA ratios (39.22 and 45.21%, respectively; p < 0.001), suggesting reduced UT activation and increased SA engagement. Conversely, plyometric push-up variations showed higher UT/SA ratios (112.77 and 103.81%; p < 0.001), indicating a less favorable scapular muscle activation profile. Exercises performed in the supine position and at lower shoulder flexion angles elicited superior scapular stabilization muscle activation patterns compared with those performed in standing and higher overhead arm positions. Open-kinetic chain exercises generally demonstrated more favorable muscle activation ratios than CKC exercises. These findings may guide practitioners in selecting plyometric exercises that promote favorable scapular muscle activation patterns to improve scapular control in volleyball players.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Progressive Overload and Muscle Hypertrophy: Its Relation to Muscle Use in Training Session.","authors":"Witalo Kassiano, Ingrid Manske, Alexandre Miguel, Rafael N S Dias, João P Siqueira, Lucas C Dantas, Aline Prado, Bruna Costa, Edilson S Cyrino","doi":"10.1519/JSC.0000000000005659","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000005659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Kassiano, W, Manske, I, Miguel, A, Dias, RNdS, Siqueira, JP, Dantas, L, Prado, A, Costa, B, and Cyrino, ES. Progressive overload and muscle hypertrophy: Its relation to muscle use in training session. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-To investigate the effects of progressive overload on skeletal muscle hypertrophy and its relationship with muscle use during training. The study comprised 2 components: a training intervention (part 1) and 2 acute resistance exercise bouts (part 2). Forty-one untrained young women had each arm randomized to progressive overload (n = 29), no-progressive overload (N-PO, n = 23), or a time-matched nonexercise control (Ctrl, n = 30). In part 1, subjects performed unilateral elbow flexion (3 sets of 8-12 repetitions, 3 d·wk-1) for 8 weeks. Progressive overload (PO) increased load when the upper repetition limit was reached, whereas N-PO maintained constant load and repetitions. Elbow flexor muscle thickness was measured pre- and post-training at 60 and 70% of arm length and summed (∑EF). In part 2, subjects performed an acute exercise bout at pre- and post-testing. Muscle thickness was measured before and immediately after exercise as a proxy for muscle use. Both training conditions increased muscle thickness vs. Ctrl, with greater increases in PO than N-PO. Acute thickness increases were similar between conditions at pretesting, but at post-testing were greater in the Ctrl and N-PO than PO, with no differences between Ctrl and N-PO. Progressive overload augments muscle hypertrophy, likely by maintaining higher muscle use during exercise.</p>","PeriodicalId":17129,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149182219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}