Comparison of 1-repetition-maximum performance across 3 weightlifting overhead pressing exercises and sport groups

Objective: This study aimed to (I) compare the one repetition maximum (1RM) performance between the push press (PP), push jerk (PJ) and split jerk (SJ), and (II) explore these differences between weightlifters, CrossFit® athletes and a mixed group of athletes. Method: Forty-six resistance trained male (age: 28.8 ± 6.4 years; height: 180.0 ± 6.0 cm; body mass: 84.1 ± 10.2 kg; weightlifting training experience: 3.64 ± 3.14 years) participated in this study. The 1RM performance of the PP, PJ and SJ were assessed during the same session in a sequential order (i.e. combined 1RM assessment method). Thirty-six participants were re-tested to determine between-session reliability of the 1RM values. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and associated 95% confidence intervals showed a high between-session reliability for the PP (ICC = 0.98 [0.95-0.99]), PJ (ICC = 0.99 [0.98-1.00]) and SJ (ICC = 0.99 [0.98-1.00]). There was a significant main effect of exercise (2 = 0.662) and exercise x group interaction (2 = 0.066) on the 1RM performance (p<0.0001), while the main effect of group did not reach statistical significance (p=0.072). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that the weightlifting overhead pressing derivatives impact the 1RM performance. In addition, the interaction of exercise and sport group was caused by the higher differences in the 1RM performance between-exercises for weightlifters compared to CrossFit® and a mixed group of athletes. Therefore, strength and conditioning professionals should be aware that the differences in 1RM performance between weightlifting overhead pressing derivatives may be affected by the sport group

Match-Play and Performance Test Responses of Soccer Goalkeepers: A Review of Current Literature.

Goalkeepers are typically the last defensive line for soccer teams aiming to minimise goals being conceded, with match rules permitting ball handling within a specific area. Goalkeepers are also involved in initiating some offensive plays, and typically remain in close proximity to the goal line while covering ~ 50% of the match distances of outfield players; hence, the competitive and training demands of goalkeepers are unique to their specialised position. Indeed, isolated performance tests differentiate goalkeepers from outfield players in multiple variables. With a view to informing future research, this review summarised currently available literature reporting goalkeeper responses to: (1) match play (movement and skilled/technical demands) and (2) isolated performance assessments (strength, power, speed, aerobic capacity, joint range of motion). Literature searching and screening processes yielded 26 eligible records and highlighted that goalkeepers covered ~ 4-6 km on match day whilst spending ~ 98% of time at low-movement intensities. The most decisive moments are the 2-10 saves·match-1 performed, which often involve explosive actions (e.g. dives, jumps). Whilst no between-half performance decrements have been observed in professional goalkeepers, possible transient changes over shorter match epochs remain unclear. Isolated performance tests confirm divergent profiles between goalkeepers and outfield players (i.e. superior jump performance, reduced [Formula: see text]2max values, slower sprint times), and the training of soccer goalkeepers is typically completed separately from outfield positions with a focus primarily on technical or explosive drills performed within confined spaces. Additional work is needed to examine the physiological responses to goalkeeper-specific training and match activities to determine the efficacy of current preparatory strategies

What Performance Analysts Need to Know About Research Trends in Association Football (2012–2016): A Systematic Review

Evolving patterns of match analysis research need to be systematically reviewed regularly since this area of work is burgeoning rapidly and studies can offer new insights to performance analysts if theoretically and coherently organized