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Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 July 2022) | Viewed by 25823

Special Issue Editor

Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: resistance exercise; strength training; hypertrophy; powerlifting; movement tempo; blood flow restriction; endocrine responses; power output; post-activation potentiation; sports performance
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Resistance training is a common form of physical activity, and is one of the basic forms of training used in competitive sports. Resistance training studies mainly analyze variables such as the type and order of exercise, intensity, number of sets, number of repetitions, and duration and frequency of rest intervals. Furthermore, athletes as well as recreationally trained individuals are increasingly looking for innovative techniques, devices, and methods of resistance training to provide an additional stimulus to break through plateaus, prevent monotony, and achieve various training goals. Due to its significance to athletic performance and health, it is important to investigate and understand the influence of resistance training variables and their acute and chronic impact on strength, hypertrophy, power output, and sport performance.

This Special Issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health welcomes cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, and review articles related to the impact of training variables, new training concepts, and modern devices on acute and chronic changes in physical fitness and sports performance.

The objective of this Special Issue is to expend the knowledge on innovative training methods and devices that will optimize resistance training for physical fitness, athletic performance, and injury prevention.

Dr. Michal Wilk
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • resistance exercise
  • strength training
  • hypertrophy
  • power output
  • sport performance
  • volume
  • external load
  • movement tempo
  • time under tension
  • blood flow restriction
  • exercise intensity

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 388 KiB  
Article
Does the Physiological Response of a Triathlete Change in the Use or Absence of Drafting?
by David Mancha-Triguero, Pablo Pérez-Murillo, Sergio J. Ibáñez and Antonio Antúnez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159366 - 30 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
Background: Currently, tactics play an important and decisive role in sprint distance triathlons. One of the most decisive tactical elements is drafting in the cycling sector, depending on whether or not it is allowed by the test regulations. The objective was to analyze [...] Read more.
Background: Currently, tactics play an important and decisive role in sprint distance triathlons. One of the most decisive tactical elements is drafting in the cycling sector, depending on whether or not it is allowed by the test regulations. The objective was to analyze the physiological responses in running, in relation to drafting in the cycling sector, according to level and sex. Methods: To do this, a total of n = 44 subjects were divided into two levels (elite: they got a podium in the national championship, 15.68 ± 0.82 years; amateurs: they compete at the regional level, 15.68 ± 1.62 and 37.9 ± 1.74 years), undergoing two training sessions of four cycling-running multitransitions with variability in the permissibility of drafting were analyzed. A descriptive analysis of the variables was carried out, together with an inferential analysis to know the relationships and associations between the dependent and independent variables. Results: The results showed significant differences in the parameters, as related to running technique, heart rate, speed, and displacement (both between levels and sex). Conclusions: This study concludes that drafting in the cycling sector generates decisive physiological responses for the running sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
8 pages, 304 KiB  
Article
Variability of Performance and Kinematics of Different Shot Put Techniques in Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes–A Preliminary Study
by Andrzej Mastalerz and Jerzy Sadowski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031751 - 03 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2128
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to analyze the variability of performance and kinematics of different shot put techniques in elite athletes (group A: 5 athletes using the rotational technique and 3 athletes using the glide technique) and sub-elite athletes (group B: 3 [...] Read more.
The purpose of the study was to analyze the variability of performance and kinematics of different shot put techniques in elite athletes (group A: 5 athletes using the rotational technique and 3 athletes using the glide technique) and sub-elite athletes (group B: 3 athletes using the rotational technique and 3 athletes using the glide technique). Each athlete performed 6 trials. Only 34 trials in group A and 27 trials in group B were analyzed. Two high-speed digital cameras were positioned 8 m from the center of the shot put throwing circle. All throws performed during international and national competitions were analyzed using the Ariel Performance Analysis System. To estimate variability of kinematic parameters, the value of relative error was calculated. The average relative error generally showed low variability for the analyzed indicators. In only 4 analyzed cases, variability was high (>20%). Statistical analysis was used to find indicators which have a significant influence on the distance of the throw (according to the sports level and technique). Significant inverse correlations (at p < 0.05) between the distance and the average relative error of the selected indicators were mainly obtained, which meant that the distance was longer when the value of variability (average relative error) was low. The research results show that greater repeatability of the technique (lower RE) has a significant impact on the length of the shot put. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
16 pages, 3239 KiB  
Article
A Biomechanical Comparison of the Safety-Bar, High-Bar and Low-Bar Squat around the Sticking Region among Recreationally Resistance-Trained Men and Women
by Eirik Kristiansen, Stian Larsen, Markus E. Haugen, Eric Helms and Roland van den Tillaar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168351 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6985
Abstract
Barbell placement can affect squat performance around the sticking region. This study compared kinematics, kinetics, and myoelectric activity of the safety-bar squat with the high-bar, and low-bar squat around the sticking region. Six recreationally resistance-trained men (26.3 ± 3.1 years, body mass: 81 [...] Read more.
Barbell placement can affect squat performance around the sticking region. This study compared kinematics, kinetics, and myoelectric activity of the safety-bar squat with the high-bar, and low-bar squat around the sticking region. Six recreationally resistance-trained men (26.3 ± 3.1 years, body mass: 81 ± 7.7 kg) and eight women (22.1 ± 2.2 years, body mass: 65.7 ± 10.5 kg) performed three repetition maximums in all three squat conditions. The participants lifted the least load with the safety bar followed by the high-bar and then the low-bar squat. Greater myoelectric activity of the gluteus maximus was observed during safety-bar squats than high-bar squats. Also, larger knee extension moments were observed for the safety bar compared with low-bar squat. Men had higher myoelectric activity in the safety-bar condition for the gluteus maximus during all regions in comparison with women, and greater knee valgus at the second occurrence of peak barbell velocity. Our findings suggest that the more upright torso inclination during the safety-bar could allow greater gluteus maximus contribution to the hip extensor moment. Moreover, low-bar squats allowed the greatest loads to be lifted, followed by the high-bar and safety-bar squats, possibly due to the larger hip moments and similar knee moments compared to the other squat conditions. Therefore, when the goal is to lift the greatest load possible among recreationally trained men and women, they should first attempt squatting with a low-bar technique, and if the goal is to increase myoelectric activity in the gluteus maximus, a safety-bar squat may be the more effective than the high- bar squat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
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14 pages, 2110 KiB  
Article
Fast Eccentric Movement Tempo Elicits Higher Physiological Responses than Medium Eccentric Tempo in Ice-Hockey Players
by Mariola Gepfert, Robert Trybulski, Petr Stastny and Michał Wilk
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7694; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147694 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2498
Abstract
Background: Resistance training is a significant part of ice-hockey players’ conditioning, where optimal loading should ensure strength development and proper recovery. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the acute physiological responses to fast and medium movement tempo resistance exercises in ice-hockey players. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Resistance training is a significant part of ice-hockey players’ conditioning, where optimal loading should ensure strength development and proper recovery. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the acute physiological responses to fast and medium movement tempo resistance exercises in ice-hockey players. Methods: Fourteen ice-hockey players (26.2 ± 4.2 years; 86.4 ± 10.2 kg; squat one repetition maximum (1RM) = 130.5 ± 18.5) performed five sets of the barbell squat and barbell bench press at 80% 1RM until failure in a crossover design one week apart using either 2/0/2/0 or 6/0/2/0 (eccentric/isometric/concentric/isometric) tempo of movement. The blood samples to evaluate the concentration of cortisol, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and growth hormone (hGH) were taken before exercise, 3 min after the last set of the squat exercise, 3 min after the last set of the bench press exercise, and after 30 min of recovery. Results: The 2/0/2/0 tempo resulted in a higher number of repetitions (p < 0.001) and lower time under tension (p < 0.001) in the squat and bench press exercises compared to the 6/0/2/0 movement tempo. The endocrine responses to exercise were significantly higher during the 2/0/2/0 compared to the 6/0/2/0 movement tempo protocol for IGF-1, hGH, and cortisol (p < 0.01). There were no differences in testosterone responses between exercises performed with fast and medium movement tempos. Conclusion: Fast eccentric tempo induced higher cortisol, IGF-1, and hGH responses compared to the medium tempo. Therefore, fast eccentric movement tempo seems to be more useful in eliciting training stimulus than medium eccentric tempo during resistance training in ice-hockey players. However, future studies are needed to confirm our findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
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8 pages, 1269 KiB  
Article
Isokinetic Profile of Elite Serbian Female Judoists
by Wieslaw Blach, Miodrag Drapsin, Nemanja Lakicevic, Antonino Bianco, Tamara Gavrilovic, Roberto Roklicer, Tatjana Trivic, Ognjen Cvjeticanin, Patrik Drid and Maciej Kostrzewa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6988; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136988 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1841
Abstract
Elite judo athletes undergo vigorous training to achieve outstanding results. In pursuit of achieving competitive success, the occurrence of injuries amongst judo athletes is not rare. The study aimed to perform a knee flexors and extensors isokinetic torque analysis in elite female judo [...] Read more.
Elite judo athletes undergo vigorous training to achieve outstanding results. In pursuit of achieving competitive success, the occurrence of injuries amongst judo athletes is not rare. The study aimed to perform a knee flexors and extensors isokinetic torque analysis in elite female judo athletes. Fifty-eight elite female judo athletes of the Serbian national team (21.02 ± 3.11 years; 62.36 ± 11.91 kg, 165.04 ± 10.24 cm, training experience 12.72 ± 2.98 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The range of motion (ROM) was set at 90°. Testing was performed in a concentric-concentric mode for the testing speed of 60 °/s. Five maximal voluntary contractions of knee extensors and knee flexors muscle groups were measured for both legs. The obtained data showed a statistically significant difference in absolute torque values among different categories as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values. Post hoc analysis showed a significant difference between weight categories, as heavier athletes demonstrated higher values, while no significant differences in normalized torque values for different weight categories were observed. The implementation of new elements and training modalities may improve performance and prevent lateral asymmetry, thus reducing the risk of injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
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10 pages, 1734 KiB  
Article
Electromyographic Evaluation of the Shoulder Muscle after a Fatiguing Isokinetic Protocol in Recreational Overhead Athletes
by Sebastian Klich, Adam Kawczyński, Bogdan Pietraszewski, Matteo Zago, Aiguo Chen, Małgorzata Smoter, Hamidollah Hassanlouei and Nicola Lovecchio
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2516; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052516 - 03 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2555
Abstract
The goal of our study was to examine the muscle activity of the shoulder girdle after isokinetic fatigue, which may simulate muscle activities commonly occurring during specific sport-related activities in recreational overhead asymptomatic athletes. We hypothesized that exercise-induced fatigue, reported after isokinetic protocols, [...] Read more.
The goal of our study was to examine the muscle activity of the shoulder girdle after isokinetic fatigue, which may simulate muscle activities commonly occurring during specific sport-related activities in recreational overhead asymptomatic athletes. We hypothesized that exercise-induced fatigue, reported after isokinetic protocols, may cause a decrease in the median frequency (MF) of the upper trapezius (UT), infraspinatus (IS), and deltoid muscles. Twenty-four male overhead volleyball (n = 8), handball (n = 8), and tennis (n = 8) athletes participated in this study. All subjects were without shoulder injury history. The surface electromyography (SEMG) was collected on the right (dominant) side of the shoulder girdle muscles in the following order: UT, IS and anterior (DA), and posterior deltoideus (DP). The fatigue protocol consisted of three sets of 32 maximum isokinetic concentric contractions while performing shoulder internal and external rotation at an isokinetic speed of 120 o/s. The resultant difference in median frequency (ΔMF) values consistently dropped after the fatiguing tasks across all recorded muscles, in terms of the initial MF (MFINI = 65.1 ± 1.1 Hz) and final MF (MFFIN = 57.9 ± 0.9 Hz), and the main effect of time was significant (F(1,22) = 43.15, p < 0.001). MF values decreased mostly for IS (ΔMFIS = −9.9 ± 1.6 Hz) and DP (ΔMFPD = −9.5 ± 1.9 Hz) muscles, while DA and UT showed smaller changes (ΔMFDA = −6.9 ± 1.5 Hz) and (ΔMFUT = −3.2 ± 1.3 Hz). The results of our study show a meaningful contribution in determining increased fatigue of the shoulder girdle muscles during repeated isokinetic internal-external rotation protocols. We have also demonstrated a significant decrease in MF in all examined muscles, especially IS and DA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
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Review

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12 pages, 400 KiB  
Review
Resistance Training before, during, and after COVID-19 Infection: What Have We Learned So Far?
by Paulo Gentil, Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira, Carlos Alexandre Vieira, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo, Amir Hossein Haghighi, Filipe Manuel Clemente and Daniel Souza
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6323; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19106323 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2984
Abstract
At the end of 2019, a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 started a pandemic, leading to millions of deaths and many important political and social changes. Even in the absence of contamination, the mobility reduction, social distancing and closing of exercise [...] Read more.
At the end of 2019, a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 started a pandemic, leading to millions of deaths and many important political and social changes. Even in the absence of contamination, the mobility reduction, social distancing and closing of exercise facilities negatively affected physical activity and conditioning, which is associated with muscle atrophy, loss of muscle strength, and reductions in functional capacity. In cases of infection, it has been shown that increased physical capacity is associated with decreased hospitalization and mortality risk. Although millions of people have died from COVID-19, most contaminated individuals survived the infection, but carried different sequelae, such as the severe loss of physical function and a reduced quality of life. Among different physical exercise models that might help to prevent and treat COVID-19-related conditions, resistance training (RT) might be particularly relevant. Among its benefits, RT can be adapted to be performed in many different situations, even with limited space and equipment, and is easily adapted to an individual’s characteristics and health status. The current narrative review aims to provide insights into how RT can be used in different scenarios to counteract the negative effects of COVID-19. By doing this, the authors expect to provide insights to help deal with the current pandemic and similar events the world may face in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
10 pages, 3790 KiB  
Review
Effects of Attentional Focus on Muscular Endurance: A Meta-Analysis
by Jozo Grgic and Pavle Mikulic
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010089 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4409
Abstract
Several studies explored the effects of attentional focus on resistance exercise, but their analysed outcomes most commonly involved surface electromyography variables. Therefore, the effects of attentional focus on resistance exercise performance remain unclear. The aim of this review was to perform a meta-analysis [...] Read more.
Several studies explored the effects of attentional focus on resistance exercise, but their analysed outcomes most commonly involved surface electromyography variables. Therefore, the effects of attentional focus on resistance exercise performance remain unclear. The aim of this review was to perform a meta-analysis examining the acute effects of external focus vs. internal focus vs. control on muscular endurance. Five databases were searched to find relevant studies. The data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. In the analysis for external vs. internal focus of attention, there were seven comparisons with 14 study groups. In the analyses for external focus vs. control and internal focus vs. control, there were six comparisons with 12 study groups. An external focus of attention enhanced muscular endurance when compared with an internal focus (Cohen’s d: 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34 and 0.82) and control (Cohen’s d: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.08 and 0.76). In the analysis for internal focus vs. control, there was no significant difference between the conditions (Cohen’s d: –0.19; 95% CI: –0.45 and 0.07). Generally, these results remained consistent in the subgroup analyses for upper-body vs. lower-body exercises. From a practical perspective, the results presented in this review suggest that individuals should use an external focus of attention for acute enhancement of muscular endurance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resistance Training in Physical Fitness and Sports Performance)
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