Relationships Between Anthropometry and Maximal Strength in Male Classic Powerlifters

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 1512-1531, 2020. Several studies have determined the influence of physical characteristics on strength. The present quantified the relationships between anthropometry and maximal strength. Male classic powerlifters (n=59) were measured before a championship. Two-tailed Pearson correlation analysis was used. Powerlifters that presented higher relative maximal strength (RMS) in the squat and bench generally had higher body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), torso circumference (C), waist C/height, torso C/height (r=0.26 to 0.49, p\u3c0.05), and smaller lower leg length (L)/height and forearm L/torso C (r=-0.31 to -0.45, p\u3c0.05) ratios. Powerlifters with a higher % of their deadlift on their total generally presented a smaller BW, BMI, body fat percentage (BF%), waist and torso C, trunk L, waist C/height, torso C/height, trunk L/height, waist C/hip C, thigh L/ lower leg L, trunk L/thigh L ratios (r=-0.26 to -0.49, p\u3c0.05) and higher lower leg L, lower leg L/height, reach/height, and forearm L/torso C ratios (r=0.32 to 0.51, p\u3c0.05). Stepwise regressions revealed that a bigger torso positively predicted absolute maximal strength (AMS) in the squat (β=0.41, p=0.04), the bench (β=0.77, p\u3c0.01), the deadlift (β=0.88, p\u3c0.01) and the total (β=0.89, p\u3c0.01), that a higher torso C/height ratio positively predicted RMS in the squat(β=0.48, p\u3c0.01), the bench (β=-0.87, p\u3c0.01) and the total (β=0.66, p\u3c0.01), and that reach/height positively predicted RMS in the deadlift (β=0.37, p\u3c0.01) and it’s % on the total (β=0.31, p\u3c0.01), but negatively predicted RMS in the bench (β=-0.25, p=0.02) and its % on the total (β=-0.24, p=0.04) As all of the stronger correlations came from AMS, powerlifters should focus on increasing AMS (weight lifted) instead of RMS (Wilks pts)

Efficiency of the Wilks and IPF Formulas at Comparing Maximal Strength Regardless of Bodyweight through Analysis of the Open Powerlifting Database

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 567-582, 2020. The purpose of this study was to measure the efficiency of the Wilks and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Formulas at comparing powerlifting performance (total) between weight classes of the same sex (men and women) and division (classic and equipped) in order to determine the champion of champions. The Open Powerlifting database was downloaded (June 21st, 2019), filtered (Python) and analyzed (IBM SPSS). Single factor ANOVA revealed that the total (kg) was able to compare 3 out of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (3.1%), the total ratio was able to compare 5 of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (5.1%), the Wilks Formula was able to compare 53 of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (54.1%) and that the IPF formula was able to compare 51 of the 98 weight class comparison possibilities (52%). Making the Wilks slightly more efficient than the IPF Formula (54.1% \u3e 52%) at determining the champion of champions. Results also show that the IPF Formula is more efficient at comparing women’s weight classes and that the Wilks Formula is more efficient at comparing men’s weight classes, for both divisions. Results could not validate the IPF’s decision to replace the Wilks by the IPF Formula. Subjects’ performances (kg, ratio, % of the event on the total, Wilks and IPF points) presented for each weight class per sex and division coming from a total of 26,472 open powerlifters could be utilized by practitioners. Further research should be directed towards updating the constants of both formulas

Contrast Training Generates Post-Activation Potentiation and Improves Repeated Sprint Ability in Elite Ice Hockey Players

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(6): 183-196, 2020. The purpose of this study was to measure the generating effects of Contrast Training (CT) on 6-hour post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its influence on jumping and on on-ice repeated sprint performance in ice hockey players. Forty-one participants were divided in two groups: experimental (EG) and control group (CG). The EG followed the CT PAP protocol which consisted of 5 sets of 5 half inertia back squat superset with 6 squat jumps. The effects of PAP were measured with the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ), stationary broad jump (BJ) and 9 repeated on ice 40-meter maximal sprints with hockey equipment. Results showed that the PAP generated by the CT protocol had no significant impact (p≥ 0.05) on CMJ, BJ, blood lactate concentration, heart rate peak and rated perceived exertion as EG and CG group presented no significant differences in improvement. However, results show that there was a significant improvement (p\u3c 0.05) for the EG in the total sprint time (-5.5 ± 2.6%; 56.2 ± 4.7 to 53.1 ± 3.9sec) mean sprint speed (+5.9 ± 3.0%; 6.4 ± 0.5 to 6.8 ± 0.5m/s) and in 1stsprint speed (+7.4% ± 5.9; 7.3 ± 0.7 to 7.8 ± 0.6m/s), but not for the CG (-1.4 ± 5.1%; 58.0 ± 5.4 to 57.2 ± 6.4sec), (+1.7 ± 5.1 %; 6.3 ± 0.6 to 6.4 ± 0.6m/s) and (+1.9 ± 7.7%; 6.9 ± 0.7 to 7.0 ± 0.7m/s) respectively. Thus, results show that the CT protocol utilized in this study generated PAP which had an acute effect on the on-ice hockey repeated sprint test performance. Therefore, CT could be utilized punctually to improve repeated sprint performance of elite hockey players as it could potentially help create odd man rushes during games

Ice Hockey Goaltender Physiology Profile and Physical Testing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(6): 855-875, 2021. This review aims to 1) be the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature examining the physiology and assessment of goaltenders, and 2) present a physiological profile of ice-hockey goaltenders. It will 1) highlight physiological differences between goaltenders and players at other positions, 2) determine strengths and weaknesses of ice hockey goaltenders, and 3) offer possible guidelines for strength and conditioning coaches. Six electronic databases were systematically searched in October 2019 using the PRISMA model. A total of twelve scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Professional male (PM) goaltenders had the following profile for age (A) 26.8 ± 2.5 years, body weight (BW) 85.64 ± 3.79 kg, height (H) 184.38 ± 2.79 cm, body fat % (BF%) 11.9 ± 2.22, VO2max 49.9 ± 4.45 ml/kg/min, anaerobic power (AP) 12.78 ± 1.63 W/kg, and combined hand grip strength (GS) 120.7 ± 15 kg. Amateur male (AM) goaltenders presented the following: A: 18.2 ± 0.75, BW: 83.85 ± 4.51, H: 184.96 ± 2.06, BF%: 10.51 ± 1.61, VO2max: 55.73 ± 4.57, AP: 10.9 ± 1.2 and GS: 109.08 ± 14.06. Amateur female (AF) goaltenders presented the following: A: 21.04 ± 1.84, BW: 63.4 ± 5.14, H: 164.86 ± 5.73, BF%: 22.12 ± 2.27 and VO2max: 42.84 ± 3.59. Overall, PM goaltenders are heavier, have a higher BF%, and exhibit greater GS and abdominal muscular endurance than AM, while AM goaltenders are heavier, taller, leaner, and can generate greater lower-body muscular power than AF goaltenders. In the current literature, there were a small number of studies on women players and a lack of distinction between player position in reported results. Specific physiological assessments during NHL Combines should be developed for goaltenders in accordance with their specific positional demands

XP-Antarctik Expedition: The Effect of a Month-Long Expedition in Antarctica on Physiological Performance

Antarctica is a challenging habitat for humans. A group of 6 explorers (3 women and 3 men) participated in an expedition in Antarctica. The objective was to observe the physiological acclimatization of the explorers using the following strategies: physical preparation, highcaloric nutritional intake, and the latest physiological monitoring and outdoor equipment. Anthropometric measures (dual x-ray absorptiometry), specific maximal aerobic test, maximal aerobic running speed test, submaximal aerobic cold testing, strength tests (grip strength, leg press and chin up), and endurance tests (bar suspension and chair position) were conducted pre- and post-expedition. Due to the sample size, a paired t-test was used for normally distributed data and non-parametric (Wilcoxon) to compare values pre- and post-expedition. Effect sizes are presented as Cohen’s d. The lean mass for the women was significantly higher after the expedition (45.4 ± 4.4 vs. 47.1 ± 4.1 kg; p = 0.040, d = 1.86); however, no significant difference was observed for the men (66.7 ± 7.3 vs. 66.0 ± 5.7 kg; p = 0.581, d = 0.11). Pre- and post-expedition values were significantly different for the specific maximal aerobic test, where the VO2peak was 40.8 ± 4.2 vs. 46.9 ± 7.4 ml/kg/min, respectively (p = 0.027, d = 1.01), but no significant difference was observed for the other aerobic tests. The muscular testing did not change significantly, except for the left leg one maximal repetition (295 ± 110 vs. 364 ± 135 lb, pre- and post-expedition respectively, p = 0.031, d = -0.56). The overall preparation for the expedition appears to be a key aspect in order to countermeasure the physical ability decay during an Antarctica expedition. However, further studies will need to be developed to discern the importance of the preparation components

Momentum During a Running Competition: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(5): 615-632, 2020. The purpose of this study was to better understand the psychological momentum (PM) in varsity cross-country competitive runners during a 3000 m selection trials. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used: recruitment trial race day (quantitative) and interview day (qualitative + maximal aerobic running speed [MARS]). Sample was consisted of fifteen university distance runners (n = six women [25.9 ± 7.0 years old; 22.2 ± 1.8 BMI] and nine men [23.2 ± 2.4 years old; 22.6 ± 1.6 BMI]). During the recruitment trial race, athletes’ MARS was measured and used to create a performance index (PERFI) relative to selected moments. Also, the recruitment trial race was filmed. During the interviews, the recorded film was used to support athletes in the identification of key moments of the race, as well as to discuss positive and negative PM. PM was both defined by participants and devised by three themes: psychological, physiological and psychophysiological change. A significant PERFI difference (p \u3c 0.001) was observed between positive (97.04 ± 5.88%) and negative (108.46 ± 7.76%) moments of PM. The results of PERFI for men and women athletes were not significantly different (p = 0.118). The PERFI standard deviation for women was not correlated (r2 = 0.26, p = 0.30) with the 3000 m time trial performance, but it was significantly correlated for men (r2 = 0.94, p \u3c 0.001). The results of the present study could help developing interventions to focus on specific elements of the momentum such as race management/strategy, the attentiveness of the runner during the race and other elements of mental and physical preparation of the athletes

Physiological Responses to Repeated Running Sprint Ability Tests: A Systematic Review

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 1190-1205, 2020. The purpose of this study was to review acute physiological responses induced by repeated running sprint ability (RRSA) tests that could serve as references for practitioners utilising repeated sprints as a performance measure with athletes. This research was conducted following the PRISMA methodology. The systematic search was conducted in November 2019 and yielded 26 different scientific articles. Only peer-reviewed full-text article were included as abstracts are too short to allow proper explanation of the RRSAT methodology that was employed. According to the present literature, practitioners should use the following assessments: the 6x40m RRSA protocol with one Change of Direction (COD) (20+20 m with a 180° COD) and 25s of passive recovery between sprints with soccer players; the Intensive Repeated Sprint Ability (IRSA) test with men basketball players; the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) with futsal players; the Repeated Shuttle Sprint Test (RSST) with men handball players; and the Multiple Repeated Sprint Ability test for Badminton players (MRSAB). The present review should serve as a reference standard for RRSA tests. Further research should be directed towards creating and validating more specific RRSA tests protocols to each sports physiological and physical demands

Prediction of Maximum Lactate Concentration During an All-Out Anaerobic Test in Elite Ice Hockey Players

International Journal of Exercise Science 16(4) 1385-1397, 2023. The lack of specific on-ice tests to predict maximum lactate concentration limits the ability of coaches to better track and develop their ice hockey players. Thus, this study aimed to develop an equation for indirectly assessing the maximum lactate concentration produced from an all-out on-ice skating effort in elite adolescent ice hockey players. Twenty elite male ice hockey players participated in this study (age = 15.7 ± 1.0 year). The lactate anaerobic skating test (LAST) consisted of skating back and forth on an 18.2 m course at maximal speed with abrupt stops at each end for a total of 6 shuttles (total distance = 218.2 m; average time = 52.0 ± 2.0 s). The oxygen uptake was measured using a portable metabolic analyzer (Cosmed K4b2) and the maximum post-exercise lactate concentration with a Lactate Pro analyzer. The variables used to estimate lactate concentration were time, heart rate, number of skating strides in the last shuffle (6th) and the skating stride index. The average maximum lactate concentration was 14.4 mmol· L−1, which is expected in elite players. The analysis of explained common variance using T-test (r² = 0.759) and linear regression (r² = 0.863) demonstrates the validity of the model. Additionally, the root mean square error (RMSE = 0.60 mmol· L−1), the mean absolute error (MAE = 0.45mmol· L−1) and the standard error of estimate (SEE = 0.69 mmol· L−1) values further confirm the accuracy of the model. Thus, using simple and easy-to-measure variables (i.e., time and skating stride), coaches will be able to monitor more effectively their players’ progress in an effort to optimize their individual on-ice performance

Preparation for an Half-Ironmantm Triathlon amongst Amateur Athlete: Finishing rate and physiological adaptation.

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(6): 766-777, 2020. Long distance triathlon has gained in popularity amongst the general population. Coaches establish training programs based upon their knowledge, personal experience and on current training principles. The goal was to observe the effect of a triathlon training program for a half Ironman event in neophyte amateur athletes. A specific triathlon training program was followed from February to June 2016 by a group preparing for their first half ironman. Out of the 32 participants (19 Males and 13 Females; mean age of 39 ± 9.9 years old; body weight of 72.7 ± 13.4 kg and a height of 171.5 ± 10.2 cm), only one did not complete the event. A mean training volume of 410 ± 201 min per week led to a mean finishing time of 6 hours 28 minutes. The training program significantly increased the maximal oxygen consumption (45.9 ± 8.2 to 48.6 ± 7.5 ml/kg/min, p =0.002) and the maximal power output (293.1 ± 63.7 to 307.8 ± 58.7 W, p \u3c 0.001). The absolute oxygen consumption and power output at both ventilatory thresholds also significantly increased (VT1: 2.2 ± 0.4 to 2.5 ± 0.5 L, p = 0.001; 157.8 ± 41.8 to 176.7 ± 41.1 W p = 0.009 and VT2: 2.9 ± 0.4 to 3.0 ± 0.4 L, p = 0.017; 229.3 ± 62.0 to 244.8± 55.2 W, p = 0.022 ). A significant diminution of waist circumference was observed (83.2 ± 10.0 to 81.8 ± 9.5 cm, p = 0.032) with no significant changes in body weight. Thus, a 24-week specific training program appears to be safe and efficient for amateur athletes aiming to finish their first half- Ironman event