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Strength Training and Performance Enhancement in Athletes, 3rd Edition
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Strength Training and Performance Enhancement in Athletes, 3rd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Athletic Training and Human Performance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 8663

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Roland Van den Tillaar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sport Science and Physical Education, Nord University, 7600 Levanger, Norway
Interests: biomechanics; 3D kinematics; motor control; strength training; team handball; sprint training; EMG measurements; sports performance; core strength; whole body vibration training; warming up and performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Strength training is a crucial component of athletic performance and plays a critical role in improving muscle strength, power, and endurance. The third volume of this Special Issue continues to explore the latest research and advancements in the field of strength training and its impact on enhancing athletic performance; therefore, we welcome contributions on various topics related to strength training, including the following:  

  • Resistance training and its effects on muscle strength, muscle hypertrophy, power, and/or endurance;
  • The effect of altering technique variations on kinematics and kinetics in different resistance exercises; 
  • The impact of strength training on the enhancement of athletic performance; 
  • The use of technology/data analytics in performance monitoring during strength training and the enhancement of athletic performance;
  • The influence of anthropometrics, age, gender, and other relevant factors on performance enhancement in strength and athletic performance.

We invite authors to write original articles, review papers, or case studies providing valuable insights and contributions to the advancement of the field of sports science. 

Prof. Dr. Roland Van den Tillaar
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • kinematics
  • conditioning
  • kinetics
  • sports
  • resistance

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 255 KB  
Article
Relationship Between Lower-Body Power and Sport-Specific Start Performance in International-Level BMX Riders
by Noel Marcen-Cinca, Pablo Jesús Bascuas and Juan Rabal-Pelay
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020198 - 17 May 2026
Viewed by 458
Abstract
Background: Bicycle Motocross (BMX) performance is strongly influenced by the start phase, which requires rapid force and power production to achieve optimal race posi-tioning; however, the relationship between lower-body power and sport-specific start performance remains insufficiently investigated. Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional [...] Read more.
Background: Bicycle Motocross (BMX) performance is strongly influenced by the start phase, which requires rapid force and power production to achieve optimal race posi-tioning; however, the relationship between lower-body power and sport-specific start performance remains insufficiently investigated. Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess lower-body muscular performance and analyze its relationship with start performance in international BMX riders. Methods: Ten international-level BMX riders (n = 10) completed a testing battery including squat jump and countermovement jump, force–velocity profile assessment, and a Wingate test preceded by 5 s maximal sprints to determine peak power (PP1, PP2), peak power during the 30 s Wingate test, and mean power. A sport-specific start test was performed on a BMX ramp, with time over the first 15 m recorded using photocell timing gates. Results: StartGate 15 m time showed a large negative correlation with PP2 (r = −0.800, 95% CI: −0.95 to −0.33, p = 0.05), whereas no significant correlations were observed with vertical jump performance or Power Mean Wingate. Strong correlations were observed among laboratory-based power variables. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-duration peak cycling power may be associated with BMX start performance. However, given the small sample size and the borderline p-value, this relationship should be interpreted with caution. Sport-specific start testing may provide relevant information for performance assessment and training monitoring in international BMX riders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training and Performance Enhancement in Athletes, 3rd Edition)
11 pages, 3226 KB  
Article
Comparison of Training Effects of Bounding and Single Leg Jumps for Speed on Sprint and Jump Kinematics in Young Female Football Players
by Bjørn Johansen, Jonathon Neville and Roland van den Tillaar
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10040468 - 2 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2016
Abstract
Objectives: This study compared the training effects of two horizontal plyometric training interventions over six weeks on sprint performance and jump kinematics in young female athletes. Methods: Nineteen female football players (age 15.3 ± 0.5 years) were stratified by sprint time into a [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study compared the training effects of two horizontal plyometric training interventions over six weeks on sprint performance and jump kinematics in young female athletes. Methods: Nineteen female football players (age 15.3 ± 0.5 years) were stratified by sprint time into a bounding for speed group (n = 10) or a single leg jumps for speed group (n = 9). All participants completed pre- and post-tests including a 40 m sprint, bounding, and single leg jumps for speed with both legs. Sprint times and velocities over 10 m, 20 m, and maximal speed were recorded, and jump kinematics (horizontal velocity, step length, and step frequency) were analyzed. Results: A significant main effect of time was found for sprint performance, indicating that both groups improved overall. The single-leg jump group showed significant within-group improvements across all sprint measures (10 m, 20 m, maximal velocity, and 40 m time) and significant increases in horizontal velocity and step length during the single-leg jump with both legs. The bounding group showed no significant sprint improvements, with only a within-group increase in step frequency during bounding and a trend toward shorter step length (p = 0.037, ηp2 = 0.40). Conclusions: Both training groups improved sprint performance overall, but only the single-leg jump group showed consistent within-group gains in both sprint and jump performance. These findings suggest that single-leg jumps for speed may be a practical and effective option for developing sprint-related qualities in young female football players, although the differences between groups should be interpreted with caution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training and Performance Enhancement in Athletes, 3rd Edition)
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22 pages, 828 KB  
Article
Unilateral Resistance Training Strategies for Boosting Rehabilitation: An Expert Survey
by Ioana Mădălina Petre, Mircea Boșcoianu and Petronela Mocanu
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(4), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10040425 - 2 Nov 2025
Viewed by 2173
Abstract
Objectives: This research paper proposes an innovative framework for developing adaptive and dedicated rehabilitation strategies based on the perceptions of specialists in sports rehabilitation (RT), sports training (AR) and with mixed expertise (RT+AR) regarding advanced resistance training methods, including Effort-Based Training (EBT-3/7), [...] Read more.
Objectives: This research paper proposes an innovative framework for developing adaptive and dedicated rehabilitation strategies based on the perceptions of specialists in sports rehabilitation (RT), sports training (AR) and with mixed expertise (RT+AR) regarding advanced resistance training methods, including Effort-Based Training (EBT-3/7), Cluster Training (CT), Rest-Pause Training (RPT) and Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP). The aim of this paper was to develop a tailored strategy for rehabilitation programs, grounded in a targeted selection of training methods, short-term periodization and exercises structured around key training variables such as frequency, intensity and volume. Methods: In order to reach this objective, a quantitative research method is proposed, aiming to identify the experts’ opinion on the way of managing and integrating Unilateral Resistance Training Exercise (URTE). Data processing and analysis were conducted by means of specific tests supplied by the SPSS Statistics for Windows (version 20.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The findings indicate that EBT-3/7 is perceived as the most effective method for rehabilitation with minimal injury risk, whereas CT and PAP are associated with performance benefits but higher perceived injury risk. RT+AR specialists reported more frequent use of these methods and higher perceived effectiveness. Additionally, they demonstrated superior operational and dynamic capabilities compared to single-domain specialists. Conclusions: According to specialists’ opinions, URTE is effective for post-injury rehabilitation, with combined rehabilitation and training expertise enhancing utilization, perceived effectiveness and implementation of personalized, performance-oriented strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training and Performance Enhancement in Athletes, 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 1324 KB  
Article
Enhancing Lower-Body Power in Highly Trained Female Athletes: Effects of Velocity-Based Strength Training
by Christoph Schärer, Caterina Barloggio and Jan Seiler
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(4), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10040411 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 2506
Abstract
Background: Only a limited number of studies have examined the effects of short-term, strength–speed-oriented velocity-based training (VBT) on lower-body power in female junior volleyball players and elite female artistic gymnasts. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a four-week VBT intervention [...] Read more.
Background: Only a limited number of studies have examined the effects of short-term, strength–speed-oriented velocity-based training (VBT) on lower-body power in female junior volleyball players and elite female artistic gymnasts. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a four-week VBT intervention on jump performance and force–velocity characteristics in these athletes. Methods: Seven junior female volleyball players (age: 17.4 ± 0.9 years; height: 179.4 ± 6.5 cm; weight: 74.01 ± 3.5 kg) (top-league team members), and seven elite female artistic gymnasts (age: 17.6 ± 2.9 years; height: 159.6 ± 7.2 cm; weight: 59.3 ± 6.3 kg) (National Team members) completed two weekly training sessions for four weeks, each consisting of four sets of six repetitions of parallel back squats (PBSs) and hip thrusts (HTs). Training loads were regulated using barbell velocity targets (PBSs: 0.46–0.72 m/s; HTs: 0.36–0.60 m/s). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included loaded (15–60% body mass) and unloaded squat jumps (SJs) and countermovement jumps (CMJs) to determine peak power output, jump height, and force–velocity profiles. Results: Volleyball players showed significant improvements in peak power predominantly during loaded SJs (SJ45%: +5.5%, p < 0.01; SJ60%: +5.7%, p < 0.05), whereas gymnasts exhibited greater gains in loaded CMJs (CMJ60%: +7.7%, p < 0.01). In contrast, unloaded SJ and CMJ performances remained largely unchanged for all athletes. Both groups demonstrated a significantly steeper post-intervention force–velocity profile (p < 0.001), indicating an enhanced capacity to produce force at lower movement velocities under external loading. Conclusions: Strength–speed-oriented VBT was effective in improving power production under loaded conditions but had limited transfer to unloaded jump performance. These findings highlight the necessity of subsequent training blocks emphasizing high-velocity, sport-specific movements to optimize explosive performance. Future studies should further investigate low-velocity-loss training protocols as a potential means of enhancing unloaded jump outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training and Performance Enhancement in Athletes, 3rd Edition)
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Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1350 KB  
Review
Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Part II: Specific Performance Indicators
by Artur Terbalyan, Karol Skotniczny, Marcin Żak, Jakub Jarosz and Robert Roczniok
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020157 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Objectives: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve performance in combat sports. This part II of the systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the acute effects of PAPE protocols on sport-specific performance outcomes and evaluated the influence of [...] Read more.
Objectives: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve performance in combat sports. This part II of the systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the acute effects of PAPE protocols on sport-specific performance outcomes and evaluated the influence of moderating variables, specifically competitive level and training experience. Methods: A PRISMA-guided search (2010–2024) identified 13 studies examining PAPE in combat sports athletes. Inclusion criteria required human trials using defined PAPE protocols and evaluating sport-specific tests, primarily the Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT-10) and the Taekwondo-Specific Agility Test (TSAT). A random-effects meta-analysis (Hedges’ g) was conducted on data from 176 athletes. Results: The meta-analysis revealed a profound moderating effect of training status on PAPE responsiveness. For the FSKT-10, amateur athletes demonstrated large, significant improvements (g = 1.28, p < 0.001), whereas elite athletes showed trivial, non-significant changes (g = 0.11, p = 0.357). Similarly, athletes with <6 years of training experience exhibited substantially larger enhancements in both FSKT-10 (g = 1.60) and TSAT agility (g = −1.64) compared to their more experienced (>6 years) counterparts (g = 0.42 and g = −0.65, respectively). Furthermore, dynamic and biomechanically specific conditioning activities (e.g., repeated high-intensity techniques) were most effective at driving sport-specific potentiation. Conclusions: PAPE protocols may enhance acute sport-specific performance when utilizing dynamic, highly specific conditioning activities. However, a possible “ceiling effect” may blunt this potentiation in elite and highly experienced athletes, suggesting a potential need for highly individualized priming strategies at the top competitive levels, specifically in taekwondo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength Training and Performance Enhancement in Athletes, 3rd Edition)
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