A comparison of Traditional and Block periodized strength training programs in male athletes and in women.

La prima parte dello studio riguarda la descrizione dell’origine e delle caratteristiche che differenziano la periodizzazione tradizionale e quella a blocchi per l’allenamento della forza. L’obiettivo della seconda parte del lavoro è stato quello di confrontare gli adattamento ormonali e prestativi ad un programma di allenamento della forza periodizzato secondo il modello tradizionale o secondo quello a blocchi in un campione di atleti di forza. Venticinque atleti maschi sono stati assegnati con procedura randomizzata al gruppo con programmazione tradizionale (TP) o a quello a blocchi (BP). Prelievi di saliva sono stati effettuati prima e dopo 6 diverse sedute di allenamento durante il programma al fine di rilevare i livelli di testosterone (T) e cortisolo (C). Le valutazioni dei parametri antropometrici e prestativi sono state effettuate prima e dopo le 15 settimane di allenamento previste. In nessuno dei due gruppi vi sono state variazioni significative nei livelli ormonali. I risultati indicano che il gruppo BP ha ottenuto incrementi superiori a quello TP riguardo alla forza massima (p = 0,040) ed alla potenza (p = 0,035) espressa alla panca piana. Nella terza parte dello studio, la periodizzazione tradizionale e quella a blocchi sono state confrontate riguardo agli effetti sulla forza massima e sull’ipertrofia in donne allenate di livello amatoriale. Diciassette donne hanno partecipato all’esperimento allenandosi 3 volte a settimana per 10 settimane. I risultati dimostrano che entrambe le periodizzazioni hanno portato a miglioramenti significativi di forza e potenza; il gruppo TP ha tuttavia ottenuto incrementi superiori di forza massima (p = 0,039) e ipertrofia degli arti inferiori (p = 0,004). La periodizzazione tradizionale quindi si è dimostrata più efficace per aumentare la forza massima e la sezione muscolare della coscia in partecipanti di genere femminile. I risultati contrastanti nei due generi potrebbero essere legati a rapporti diversi fra processi anabolici e catabolici.The first part of the study explored the origin and the fundamental characteristics of the traditional and the block periodization models for strength training. The aim of the second part of the study was to compare the hormonal and strength responses to a block (BP) and a traditional (TP) periodized strength training programs in male athletes. Twenty-five experienced resistance trained males were randomly assigned to either a block (BP) or a traditional (TP) periodized resistance training program. Salivary samples were taken before and after six different workouts over the training period and measured for testosterone (T) and cortisol (C). Strength and power testing occurred before and after the 15-weeks training program. No differences were noted in the hormonal responses between BP and TP during any training cycle. Results indicated that BP appears to stimulate greater gains in bench press maximal strength (p = 0,040) and power (p = 0,035) compared to TP. The third part of the study was a comparison of block (BP) and traditional periodization (TP) on maximal strength and hypertrophy of recreationally strength trained women. Seventeen women participated in the study and trained 3 days a week for 10 weeks. The results revealed that both BP and TP groups made significant increases in strength and power but improvements in lower body strength and hypertrophy were significantly greater in TP group compared to BP group (p = 0,039 and p = 0,004, respectively). Results indicate that traditional model is more effective than the block periodization model for increasing maximal strength and muscle size of the lower body in women. The conflicting data between TP –vs BP training methods in men and women may be related to a gender difference in anabolic/catabolic ratio

May a Nonlocalized Postactivation Performance Enhancement Exist Between the Upper and Lower Body in Trained Men?

The aim of this study was to establish whether a resistance exercise for the upper body may generate a postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) in the lower body. Thirteen resistance-trained men (age = 26.4 ± 3.3 years, body mass = 76.9 ± 6.3 kg, and height = 177.6 ± 5.2 cm) participated in the present investigation and were tested for upper-body and lower-body power (bench press throw and countermovement jump power [CMJP] tests). Subjects were also tested for maximum force and electromyographic (EMG) activation of quadriceps muscles while performing an isometric leg extension. All assessments were performed before and 8 minutes after a high-intensity (HI: 5 sets of 1 rep at 90% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) bench press protocol, a high-power protocol (POW: 5 sets of 1 rep at 30% of 1RM with maximum explosive intent), and a control trial (CON). Subjects performed all trials in a randomized order and on different days. A significant trial × time interaction was detected for CMJP (p = 0.049). This parameter was significantly increased following the HI protocol only (p = 0.024). A significant interaction was also noted for EMG with a significant improvement following the HI protocol (p = 0.032) and a significant decrease following the POW protocol (p = 0.020). No other significant effects were detected (p > 0.05). The results of this investigation indicate that a HI bench press protocol may produce a PAPE in the lower-body power and increase the neuromuscular activation of leg extensor muscles. The POW bench press protocol did not show any positive effects on lower-body performance. Athletes and practitioners may take advantage from the inclusion of upper-body HI resistance exercises throughout complex resistance workouts to improve lower-body power output

Shot Put: Which Role for Kinematic Analysis?

Background: To understand the technical differences between shot putters of different ages, this study compared biomechanical parameters of the best senior and youth Italian athletes and then to world‐class athletes (WC) assessed in previous investigations. Methods: The best throws of 16 shot putters [8 Senior (SG) and 8 Youth (YG)] were recorded by video cameras during the Italian Championships’ final and considered for 3D reconstruction. The following parameters were measured: time of the different throwing phases, shot trajectory, release angle, release velocity, and the force produced in the final phase. Results: Significant differences between SG and YG were detected in second single support time (p = 0.015), support time (p = 0.007), total time (p = 0.028) and in the force produced during the final phase (p < 0.001). A lower level of force, release speed, and a shorter shot trajectory during the double support were detected in SG compared to WC. Conclusions: The present study showed that, although the technical performance of all athletes was similar, some differences exist between YG and SG. The gap between the groups may be partially explained by the difference in force produced in the final phase of the throw and by a different interpretation of the technique

EFFECTS OF FATIGUE ON KINEMATICS AND SHOCK ATTENUATION DURING DOWNHILL TRAIL RUNNING

This study assessed the effects of a competitive trail run on running kinematics and shock attenuation in well-trained trail runners. Nine male runners performed a simulated short trail running race. Prior and 5-min after the race, participants completed a 290-m downhill run at pre-determined preferred speed. Inertial measurement units were used to assessselected kinematic parameters. The contact time showed a moderate increase in the fatigued condition (pre: 0.215 (0.024) s vs. post: 0.226 (0.219) s; p2vs. post: 49.1 (11.9) m/s2; p=0.038; d=0.56), while peak tibial acceleration and shock attenuation showed no change (p\u3e0.05). These findings confirm that running-induced fatigue impacts running kinematics, although shock attenuation was unaltered with the present fatiguing protocol. This study assessed the effects of a competitive trail run on running kinematics and shock attenuation in well-trained trail runners. Nine male runners performed a simulated short trail running race. Prior and 5-min after the race, participants completed a 290-m downhill run at pre-determined preferred speed. Inertial measurement units were used to assessselected kinematic parameters. The contact time showed a moderate increase in the fatigued condition (pre: 0.215 (0.024) s vs. post: 0.226 (0.219) s; p2vs. post: 49.1 (11.9) m/s2; p=0.038; d=0.56), while peak tibial acceleration and shock attenuation showed no change (p\u3e0.05). These findings confirm that running-induced fatigue impacts running kinematics, although shock attenuation was unaltered with the present fatiguing protocol

Effects of combined strength and endurance training on exercise capacity in kidney transplant cyclists and runners

Introduction: After transplantation, engaging in regular physical activity (PA) or sport is recommended for health. Participation to competitive sports is increasingly common among kidney transplant recipients while little is known on how training affects the physical performance in transplanted athletes. Aim: The purpose of this case study was to assess the effects of a tailored training program on exercise parameters in kidney transplant cyclists (CKTRs) and runners (RKTRs). Methods: Twelve male transplanted athletes were enrolled. The workload at aerobic and anaerobic thresholds, the submaximal aerobic power (V'O2 stage) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during an incremental cycling or running test, and the peak instantaneous force (PIF) during a countermovement jump were assessed at baseline (T0) and after 6 months of tailored training (T6) consisting in strength and aerobic exercises. Exercise adherence, blood lipid profile and renal function were also investigated. Results: Eight CKTRs and 4 RKTRs completed the 6-month training period, with a significant increase of training volume (minutes/week). The exercise adherence was met by 90% in both groups. At T6, there were significant (p<0.05) improvements of maximum workload attained, the workload corresponding to the aerobic threshold and PIF, while workloads at anaerobic threshold, V'O2 stage and RPE were unchanged. Blood cholesterol significantly decreased (p<0.01), while the other blood parameters were unchanged. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the combined strength and endurance training is well tolerated and may improve exercise performance in this selected population of KTRs

A Comparison between Male and Female Athletes in Relative Strength and Power Performances

The aim of this study was to compare male vs. female athletes in strength and power performance relative to body mass (BM) and lean body mass (LBM) and to investigate the relationships between muscle architecture and strength in both genders. Sixteen men (age = 26.4 ± 5.0 years; body mass = 88.9 ± 16.6 kg; height = 177.6 ± 9.3 cm) and fourteen women (age = 25.1 ± 3.2 years; body mass = 58.1 ± 9.1 kg; height = 161.7 ± 4.8 cm) were tested for body composition and muscle thickness (MT) of vastus lateralis muscle (VT), pectoralis major (PEC), and trapezius (TRAP). In addition, participants were tested for lower body power at countermovement jump (CMJP) and upper-body power at bench press throw (BPT). Participants were also assessed for one repetition maximum (1RM) at bench press (1RMBP), deadlift (1RMDE), and squat (1RMSQ). Significantly greater (p < 0.01) MT of the VL, PEC and TRAP muscles and LBM were detected in men compared to women. Significantly greater (p < 0.05) 1RMBP and BPT adjusted for LBM were detected in men than in women. No significant gender differences after adjusting for LBM were detected for 1RMSQ (p = 0.945); 1RMDE (p = 0.472) and CMJP (p = 0.656). Significantly greater (p < 0.05) results in all performance assessments adjusted for MT of the specific muscles, were detected in males compared to females. Superior performances adjusted for MT and LBM in men compared to women, may be related to gender differences in muscle morphology and LBM distribution, respectively