{"title":"Ready or Not, Here I Come: A Scoping Review of Methods Used to Assess Player Readiness Via Indicators of Neuromuscular Function in Football Code Athletes","authors":"Brian Guthrie, A. Jagim, Margaret T. Jones","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000735","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000735","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT A scoping review methodology was used to assess player readiness via indicators of neuromuscular function in response to training load. Literature search included PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and CINAHL. Search strategy was based on Population-Concept-Context framework evaluating football code athletes with the focus on player readiness in the context of longitudinal monitoring across quantified training loads with an emphasis on neuromuscular function. Demographics, frequency of data collection, methods of monitoring readiness, neuromuscular function, duration of monitoring period, and quantification of training loads were reported. Authors independently reviewed articles and, in the case of disagreement, a vote determined inclusion. The sports of rugby (n = 13) and soccer (n = 11) were most frequently examined, followed by Australian Rules Football (n = 6) and American Football (n = 1). The most common methods assessed systemic readiness with the primary focus on jump and sprint testing. Findings identified limited evidence supporting structural and tissue-specific monitoring tools. Player readiness assessment strategies have evolved with advances in technology and analytics. It is recommended that future research focus on a variety of populations, including youth and women athletes. This review is the first to summarize methods of assessing player readiness using indicators of neuromuscular function in football code athletes.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"93 - 110"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41457842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charlie R. Ottinger, Matthew H Sharp, Matthew W Stefan, Raad Gheith, Fernando de la Espriella, Jacob M. Wilson
{"title":"Muscle Hypertrophy Response to Range of Motion in Strength Training: A Novel Approach to Understanding the Findings","authors":"Charlie R. Ottinger, Matthew H Sharp, Matthew W Stefan, Raad Gheith, Fernando de la Espriella, Jacob M. Wilson","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000737","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000737","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT One resistance training variable that may be altered to achieve desired outcomes is the range of motion used in training. Generally, the strength and conditioning field has accepted that using a greater range of motion in strength training exercises results in more substantial muscle hypertrophy outcomes. However, this theory has proved to be inconsistently supported in the literature, and to date, no sufficient explanation exists to explain this phenomenon. This review article seeks to outline a novel approach for potentially describing the disparities seen in range of motion research with respect to hypertrophy outcomes by applying the unique length-tension curve of each muscle being examined. As will be discussed in the review, virtually all the results from range of motion studies in various muscles have corresponded to each muscle's length-tension curve; muscles that are active on the descending limb of the curve appear to garner greater hypertrophy from using larger ranges of motion. Conversely, muscles that are not active on the descending limb exhibit similar adaptations despite alterations in range of motion. A novel hypothesis for applying this information to resistance training programs will be presented and discussed.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"162 - 176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43344479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effectiveness of Core Exercise Training Programs Designed to Enhance Ball-Throwing Velocity in Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review","authors":"Sakiko Oyama, Thomas G. Palmer","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000738","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000738","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In overhead throwing, core muscles play a role in transferring momentum from the trunk to the arm. Yet, studies evaluating various core exercise programs on core muscle function and ball-throwing velocity yield varying results. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the effects of these programs on ball-throwing velocity and trunk muscle function based on the focus of the training program. Searches were conducted using MEDLINE on November 24, 2020, and updated on April 27, 2022. Articles were included if the training was administered to overhead-throwing athletes, targeted the core musculature, and had at least 1 comparison group. Of a total of 875 articles retrieved, 11 were selected for analysis. The synthesis of evidence suggests that (a) commonly used spinal stabilization exercises may improve trunk muscle endurance and isometric strength, but not ball-throwing velocity; (b) advanced spinal stabilization exercises performed on a sling suspension system can improve ball-throwing velocity; and (c) trunk plyometrics using medicine balls can improve trunk rotational strength, power, and ball-throwing velocity. More challenging core exercises that incorporate unstable surfaces, higher resistance, and dynamic trunk movement seem necessary to promote improvement in ball-throwing velocity.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"177 - 187"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44935646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Schneider, Bas Van Hooren, J. Cronin, Ivan Jukic
{"title":"The Effects of Training Interventions on Modifiable Hamstring Strain Injury Risk Factors in Healthy Soccer Players: A Systematic Review","authors":"C. Schneider, Bas Van Hooren, J. Cronin, Ivan Jukic","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000736","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000736","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Despite promising research on various soccer-specific injury prevention programs, hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) persist in being a major problem in the sport. Therefore, in an attempt to expand the current knowledge on the prevention of HSIs, this systematic review aimed to identify how modifiable risk factors for HSIs (hamstring strength, hamstring:quadriceps [H:Q] strength ratios, biceps femoris long head fascicle length, and hamstring angle of peak torque) were altered following various training interventions. The protocol was preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42020177363). The literature search was conducted on PubMed, SportDISCUS, and Web of Science. Following the search process, 20 studies were included in the systematic review, and the methodological quality of these studies was reported. Interventions were categorized based on exercise characteristics (movement velocity and contraction type), and the effects of each intervention subgroup were analyzed separately for all proposed risk factors for HSIs. Our findings show that a broad variety of exercise types (i.e., high- and low-velocity movements, eccentric only and traditional exercises) improves all risk factors for HSIs compared with fewer exercise types. Therefore, these findings suggest that hamstring injury risk factors can best be modified using a wide variety of exercises compared with, for example, only 1 or 2 specific exercises.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"207 - 227"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42670121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Improving Tennis Serve Velocity: Review of Training Methods and Recommendations","authors":"Joshua Colomar, F. Corbi, E. Baiget","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000733","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000733","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT One of the essential components to success in tennis is serve velocity (SV). Coaches and practitioners aim to maximize performance and results by increasing this determinant aspect. Concentrically or eccentrically predominant conventional resistance training programs have been used to raise SV, obtaining moderate increases in experienced populations. Nevertheless, indirect improvements in other components, such as asymmetry reductions and increased neural adaptations following these designs, could interest the young competitor. Other methodologies such as medicine ball throws and explosive or power-based programs that mimic the serve kinetic chain seem to obtain greater gains in young players, because the implication and body structures involved seem more specific to the action. More recent methodologies such as flywheel-based training or weighted implements or limbs also could be of interest, although further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these programs and specific load prescriptions. However, data suggest that heavier or lighter load exercises seem valid options to improve SV if the athlete performs maximal intended execution velocity. Added to the currently available literature on training methods to increase SV, exercise prescription examples are provided to help the strength and conditioning coach improve this key variable.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"385 - 394"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41559202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Raya-González, Daniel Castillo, Kevin L. de Keijzer, M. Beato
{"title":"Considerations to Optimize Strength and Muscle Mass Gains Through Flywheel Resistance Devices: A Narrative Review","authors":"J. Raya-González, Daniel Castillo, Kevin L. de Keijzer, M. Beato","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000732","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000732","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Flywheel (FW) resistance training is a valid and time-efficient method to improve force production and muscular hypertrophy. However, no definitive consensus exists regarding FW parameters for optimizing chronic training responses. Therefore, this review aims to examine the FW training literature and provide evidence-based conclusions and practical applications for practitioners. This review reports that FW resistance training is a valid strategy to improve force, power, and hypertrophy responses; however, differences with traditional training programs have not been clearly established. It is not possible to state that FW training is superior to traditional resistance training methodologies. Moreover, the differences between populations and sex should be studied in further depth to establish robust conclusions. Finally, this review reports variables (duration, volume, and intensity) that should be adopted to improve force, power, and hypertrophy responses—even though future research is needed to establish the appropriate training dose for specific populations.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"111 - 121"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49150777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patrick M. Holmberg, Peter W. Harrison, D. Jenkins, V. Kelly
{"title":"Factors Modulating the Priming Response to Resistance and Stretch-Shortening Cycle Exercise Stimuli","authors":"Patrick M. Holmberg, Peter W. Harrison, D. Jenkins, V. Kelly","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000728","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000728","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT “Priming exercises” are gaining popularity as a precompetition strategy to improve subsequent performance. Although priming exercise has been shown to improve various neuromuscular performance measures within 48 hours, a number of studies have also found no change or significant decreases in performance following priming interventions. Inconsistencies in findings are likely due to the many different variables used in the research. In addition, evidence suggests that the potential performance response following a priming stimulus is likely to be influenced by individual characteristics. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the available evidence and identify those variables that most strongly determine whether priming stimuli involving resistance and stretch-shortening cycle exercise tasks are likely to improve performance within 48 hours of that stimulus. In addition to making recommendations based on the evidence to date, directions for future research are also identified.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"188 - 206"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48007620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Santiago Zabaloy, Tomás T. Freitas, F. Pareja-Blanco, P. Alcaraz, I. Loturco
{"title":"Narrative Review on the Use of Sled Training to Improve Sprint Performance in Team Sport Athletes","authors":"Santiago Zabaloy, Tomás T. Freitas, F. Pareja-Blanco, P. Alcaraz, I. Loturco","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000730","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000730","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Sprinting is a key component for many individual and team sports. Therefore, to enhance sprint performance, various training methods are widely used by coaches and practitioners, including maximum sprint speed and resisted sprint training. Resisted sprinting with sled towing is a method that has recently received considerable attention from the sport science community. However, to date, no consensus exists regarding its acute and chronic effects in team sport athletes. This narrative review aimed to (a) review and analyze the mechanics of sprinting under unresisted and resisted conditions with a specific focus on team sport disciplines; (b) provide a thorough and applied discussion on the importance of considering acute and chronic effects of sled loading on technique, electromyographic activity, and force production, as well as on the role of muscle architecture and neural factors in sled training; (c) analyze the effects of increasing sled loads during acceleration and maximum velocity phases on contact and flight phases, while concomitantly examining kinetic, kinematic, and neuromuscular aspects, because all these factors affect each other and cannot be properly understood in isolation.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"45 1","pages":"13 - 28"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48680959","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Trunk Neuromuscular Function and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: A Narrative Review of Trunk Strength, Endurance, and Dynamic Control","authors":"Yu Song, Ling Li, B. Dai","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000727","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000727","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Trunk strength, endurance, and dynamic control may have an effect on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury rates and biomechanical ACL loading variables during athletic tasks. Individuals responsible for training athletes at risk of ACL injuries should implement training programs that address these components of athletic performance. In ski racers, deficits in trunk flexion/extension strength and decreased trunk flexion/extension strength ratios have been identified as ACL injury risk factors. Trunk strength training alone is not sufficient to decrease biomechanical ACL loading, and there is no clear association between trunk endurance and ACL injury risks. Trunk dynamic control training may improve trunk and knee movements associated with decreased ACL loading during athletic tasks. Dynamic, unanticipated, and perturbed trunk functional assessments and training are recommended to challenge the trunk more during athletic tasks. Injury prevention programs should involve exercises using unstable surfaces, sports-related dual tasks, and perturbations to address trunk dynamic control. More investigation is still needed to further understand the associations between trunk neuromuscular functions and ACL injury risks during athletic tasks.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"44 1","pages":"82 - 93"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47190535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
B. Capanema, P. S. Franco, Priscila Rodrigues Gil, G. Mazo
{"title":"A Collective Review of the Research on Training the Oldest-Old","authors":"B. Capanema, P. S. Franco, Priscila Rodrigues Gil, G. Mazo","doi":"10.1519/SSC.0000000000000725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000725","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT To synthesize the scientific evidence on physical exercise protocols for the oldest-old we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Medline, and gray literature up to January 2021. Eligibility criteria included investigation of the oldest-old population (≥80 years); use of intervention protocols with appropriate and effective variables for a physical exercise program (type, intensity, frequency, and duration); reporting positive effects of the interventions on physical fitness, execution of activities of daily living, and quality of life of the oldest-old; an experimental and/or quasiexperimental (randomized or nonrandomized) study design. Twenty studies were included. Physical exercise protocols for the oldest-old should include strength, power, aerobic endurance, flexibility, balance, and joint mobility exercises. These exercises are effective in attenuating or minimizing the declines that occur during aging, improving factors such as gait, fall rate, and functional capacity.","PeriodicalId":21993,"journal":{"name":"Strength and Conditioning Journal","volume":"44 1","pages":"94 - 115"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42645133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}