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The objective of this study was to compare the impact of cambered and standard barbells used during the bench press exercise on the number of performed repetitions and mean velocity during a bench press training session that included 5 sets performed to volitional failure at 70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) (for each barbell type). An additional objective was to determine whether there would be any difference in neuromuscular fatigue assessed by peak velocity changes during bench press throws performed 1 and 24 hours after the cessation of each session. The research participants included 12 healthy resistance-trained men. Participants performed 5 sets of the bench press exercise to volitional failure against 70% of 1RM with the cambered or standard barbell. The Friedman’s test showed an overall trend of a significant decrease in the mean velocity (p < 0.001) and a number of performed repetitions (p < 0.001) from the first to the fifth set (p < 0.006 and p < 0.02, respectively for all) under both conditions, yet neither bar showed significant differences between the corresponding sets. Two-way ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of time (p < 0.001) for peak velocity during the bench press throw. The post-hoc comparisons showed significantly lower peak velocity during the bench press throw one hour after the bench press compared to pre (p = 0.003) and 24-hour post intervention (p = 0.007). Both barbells caused a similar decrease in peak barbell velocity during the bench press throw performed one hour after the bench press training session, with values returning to baseline 24 hours later. This indicates that bench press workouts with either a standard or a cambered barbell present the same training demands.

Our purpose in this study was to analyze perceptual and cardiovascular responses in low-load resistance training (RT) sessions associated with a fixed non-elastic band compressed to the proximal region of the arms (p-BFR) versus a pneumatic cuff inflated to a pressure of 150 mmHg (t-BFR). Participants (16 healthy trained men) were randomly assigned to two conditions of low-load RT (20% one repetition maximum [1RM]) with BFR (p-BFR or t-BFR). In both conditions, the participants performed five exercises (4 sets/30-15-15-15) for the upper-limbs, but in one of the conditions, the exercises were performed with a p-BFR induced by a non-elastic band, while in the other, the exercises were performed with a t-BFR using a device with similar width. The devices used to generate the BFR had similar widths (5 cm). Brachial blood pressure (bBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before, after each exercise and after the experimental session (5-, 10-, 15-, and 20 min post-session). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and rating of pain perception (RPP) were reported after each exercise and 15 minutes post-session. HR increased during the training session in both conditions, with no differences between p-BFR and t-BFR. Neither intervention increased diastolic BP (DBP) during training, but there was a significant post-session reduction in DBP in the p-BFR, with no differences observed between conditions. There were no significant differences in RPE and RPP in the two training conditions, with both conditions associated with higher RPE and RPP at the end versus beginning of the experimental session. We conclude that when BFR device width and material are similar, low-load training with t-BFR and p-BFR promotes similar acute perceptual and cardiovascular responses in healthy trained men.

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of a bilateral conditioning activity consisting of back squats and drop jumps with a unilateral one consisting of split squats and depth jumps to lateral hop over sequentially performed countermovement jump (CMJ), modified t-agility test (MAT), and Achilles tendon stiffness. Twenty-six basketball players participated in this study and were randomly and equally assigned to one of two different test groups: bilateral (B - CA) or unilateral (U - CA) conditioning activity group. The B - CA group completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions of back squats at 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), then 10 drop jumps, while the U - CA group performed 2 sets of 2 repetitions of split squats on each leg at 80%1RM, followed by 5 depth jumps to lateral hop on each leg as conditioning activity (CA) complexes. After a warm-up and 5 min before the CA the baseline Achilles tendon stiffness, CMJ, and MAT time measurement were performed. In the 6th min after the CA, all tests were re-tested in the same order. The two-way repeated measures mixed ANOVAs revealed that both B - CA and U - CA failed to produce significant improvements in CMJ and MAT performance. In addition, a significant increase in Achilles stiffness was demonstrated with both protocols (a main effect of time: p = 0.017; effect size = 0.47; medium). This study revealed that combining back squats and drop jumps, as well as split squats and depth jumps to a lateral hop, had no effect on subsequent CMJ and MAT performance in basketball players. Based on these results, it can be assumed that combinations of exercises, even if they have similar movement patterns, may cause excessive fatigue, resulting in no PAPE effect.

The aim of this study was to examine whether acute whole-body vibration, a single bout of drop jumps, or a combination of both may enhance countermovement jump (CMJ) and would affect volitional pace 3 km running performance. Twelve healthy and recreationally active males completed 4 conditions in randomized order: (i) 5 sets of 30 s calf raises on the platform but without vibration; (ii) 5 sets of 30 s calf raises on the vibration platform with 30 s rest intervals between sets; (iii) 5 sets of 6 drop jump with a 30 s rest interval between sets; (iv) 5 sets of 30 s calf raises on the vibration platform followed by 6 drop jumps with a 30 s rest interval between sets. Before, 3-min after, and immediately after a 3 km run each participant performed CMJ. No significant difference between conditions (p = 0.327) for the 3 km time trial was found. Whereas CMJ height and relative peak power were significantly improved in post-3 km run than at baseline (p

This study aims to depict two-point and three-point shooting trends and explore their influence on game outcomes in the NBA across 40 consecutive seasons. Therefore, the following game-related statistics were considered: total points per game (PPG), games played (GP), field goals made (FGM), field goal attempts (FGA), field goal percentage (FG%), two-point field goals made (2PM), two-point field goal attempts (2PA), two-point field goal percentage (2P%), three-point field goals made (3PM), three-point field goal attempts (3PA), three-point field goal percentage (3P%), and a three-point field goal to two-point field goal ratio (3P/2P). The fixed-base indexes and inter-decade ANOVAs or Friedman tests were used as the main statistical tools. The number of 3PA significantly increased over time, while the number of 2PA decreased. A significant increase in 3P% was also observed, whereas 2P% remained relatively stable over the analyzed period. This study also revealed a higher number of ball possessions and more points scored per game, especially in the last decade of NBA competition.

This review aimed to summarize the reported effects of unilateral conditioning activity (CA) on unilateral performance, bilateral performance, and the contribution of activated body limb to bilateral performance. A systematic search on MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted on February 2022. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Throwing, jumping, swimming, change of direction, and isokinetic performance were used as outcome measures to assess the impact of unilateral CAs on inducing post-activation performance enhancement. Eleven studies examined the effectiveness of resistance exercises as a CA, seven investigated plyometric exercises, and five used isokinetic muscle actions as CAs. Notably, only three studies directly compared the effects of bilateral and unilateral CA, and no study reported possible changes in the contribution of each limb during bilateral exercises executed following unilateral CA. Split squats were the most often studied CA (7), and it was shown that multiple sets of high-loaded split squats (85% one-repetition maximum) executed as CA, improve vertical jumping and change of direction after 4 to 8 min of recovery. At the same time, multiple sets of alternate leg bounds performed with ~10% body weight or without any external load result in an improvement of sprint performance, 2 and 8 min later, with the effect being greater when loaded jumps are used. The unilateral CAs such as split squats, alternate leg bounds, and drop jumps can be effectively used to acutely improve a wide variety of athletic tasks, including jumping, sprinting, change of direction, and swimming performance.

This study aimed to compare the effects of bilateral and unilateral conditioning activities (CA; combined isometric and plyometric) on countermovement jump performance, modified t-agility test, Achilles tendon stiffness and skin surface temperature. Thirteen female semi-professional volleyball players performed two CAs in random order: 1) bilateral isometric half back squats followed by bilateral drop jumps (BI-CA); and 2) unilateral isometric half back squats followed by unilateral drop jumps (UNI-CA). To assess the effects of CAs, countermovement jump, modified t-agility test, Achilles tendon stiffness and skin surface temperature measurements were performed 5 min before and 6 min after the CA. Both CAs significantly increased thigh skin surface temperature from pre- to post-CA (BI-CA, p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.41 and UNI-CA, p = 0.001; ES = 1.39) but none of them influenced modified t-agility test time (interaction: p = 0.338, main effect of time: p = 0.121 and condition: p = 0.819). The countermovement jump height and modified reactive strength index significantly increased from pre-to post-CA during the BI-CA condition (p = 0.003, ES = 0.45, and p = 0.008, ES = 0.48) but not for UNI-CA (p = 0.061, ES = 0.18 and p = 0.065, ES = 0.26). No significant impact has been found for countermovement depth (interaction: p = 0.054, main effect of time: 0.097, and condition: p = 0.41) as well as for contraction time (interaction: p = 0.536, main effect of time: p = 0.224, and condition: p = 0.807). Moreover, stronger and weaker limb CMJ relative peak force significantly decreased from pre-to post-CA (p = 0.014, ES = −0.31, and p = 0.027, ES = −0.26; respectively) during UNI-CA condition but not for BI-CA (p = 0.096, ES = 0.23, and p = 1.41, ES = 0.18). The stronger and weaker limb Achilles tendon stiffness significantly increased from pre-to post-CA during the UNI-CA condition (p = 0.013, ES = 0.60 and p < 0.001, ES = 0.79; respectively) but not for BI-CA (p = 0.66; ES = 0.15 and p = 0.265; ES = 0.42). Furthermore, the post-CA stronger limb Achilles tendon stiffness during the UNI-CA was significantly higher than that noted during the BI-CA (p = 0.006, ES = 0.7). The present study showed that combined isometric and plyometric bilateral CA effectively improved the countermovement jump but did not enhance the t-agility test performance. These findings indicate that exercise combinations could effectively produce a post-activation performance enhancement effect but should replicate the following explosive task as much as possible.

The effectiveness of isometric conditioning activity (CA) is not well described in terms of the level of performance enhancement and the presence of a stretch and shortening cycle in subsequent explosive tasks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a maximum isometric squat as the CA and a subsequent squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. A total of 31 semi-professional handball and soccer players were randomly assigned to two different conditions: (i) 3 sets of 3 repetitions (each lasting 3 s) of maximum isometric back squats (EXP), and (ii) no CA (CTRL). The jump height measurements were performed 5 min before the CA and approximately at the 4th and 8th minute following the completion of the CA. Due to the high inter-individual variability in the potentiation responses, the best value obtained post-CA was also analyzed. The SJ height significantly increased from baseline to the 8th minute post-CA (p = 0.004; ES = 0.31; Δ = +3.1 ± 5.0%) in the EXP condition. On the other hand, the CMJ height was significantly higher in the 4th (p = 0.001; ES = 0.23; Δ = +2.7 ± 3.7%) and 8th minute post-CA (p = 0.005; ES = 0.32; Δ = +3.6 ± 5.7%) in comparison to baseline during the EXP condition. Furthermore, SJ height significantly increased from baseline to the best time-point during the EXP (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47; Δ = +4.9 ± 4.9%) and CTRL (p = 0.038; ES = 0.21; Δ = +2.5 ± 5.8%) condition. Moreover, the CMJ height was significantly higher at the best time-points than at the baseline during EXP (p < 0.001; ES = 0.53; Δ = +5.6 ± 4.7%) and CTRL (p = 0.002; ES = 0.38; Δ = +3.1 ± 5.2%) condition. The findings from this study indicate that a maximum isometric squat, used as a CA, effectively improved SJ and CMJ height. This suggests that the presence or absence of a stretch and shortening cycle in both CA and post-CA tasks does not significantly impact the post-activation performance enhancement response.

This study examined whether the 5-week pre-operative progressive exercise rehabilitation program with weekly monitoring contributed to a significantly lower muscle activity imbalance in the treatment group, both before and immediately after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), as well as during the next 5 weeks in comparison to the control group. Twelve professional soccer players took part in the study (from among the top three Polish levels of competition) (age: 26 ± 5 years, body mass: 73 ± 7 kg, stature: 180 ± 6 cm, training experience: 15 ± 4 years). The participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group (n = 6) or to the control group (n = 6). Both groups performed the same pre- and post-operative progressive exercise rehabilitation program, while the rehabilitation of the treatment group was extended by supplementary body-weight functional stabilization training. The three-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction for muscle × group × time (p < 0.0001; F = 24.897; η2 = 0.806). The post-hoc analysis for the interaction effect of muscle × group × time indicated a significantly higher muscle activity imbalance for every measured muscle in the control group at any time point than in the treatment group (from p = 0.036 to p < 0.0001). The muscle activity imbalance was significantly higher from the 1st to 4th weeks than in the last week before surgery for quadriceps (p < 0.016 for all) and hamstrings (p < 0.001). However, in the case of gluteal muscles’ activity imbalance, it was significantly higher at every time point of the post-operative phase than in the last week before surgery (p < 0.001). The results of this study showed that the 5-week pre-operative rehabilitation program with weekly monitoring influenced outcomes of the post-operative phase. Nevertheless, performing both pre- and post-ACLR rehabilitation significantly reduced the muscle activity imbalance of lower limbs, but in the case of the quadriceps muscles, not to a sufficient level.

Background Various studies have used different exercise protocols as post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) stimulus; however, little attention has been given to the effects of exercise range of motion on the PAPE effect and subsequent performance enhancement. This study aimed to compare the PAPE responses induced by the bench press performed with different ranges of motion on subsequent bench press throw performance. Methods Ten resistance-trained males (age: 26 ± 3 years; body mass: 93.2 ± 9.4 kg; height: 181 ± 6 cm; experience in resistance training: 6.3 ± 2.4 years; relative bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM) 1.54 ± 0.2 kg/body mass) performed four experimental sessions consisting of a single set of the bench press at 80%1RM until mean barbell velocity dropped by 10% as the conditioning activity (CA) with a (1) standard, (2) cambered, (3) and reversed cambered barbell or a control condition in which the participants did not perform any CA. To assess the PAPE effect, single-sets of 2 repetitions of the bench press throw at 30%1RM were performed before and after the CA at the following time points: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 min. Results The two-way ANOVA (4 conditions × 2time points) showed a significant interaction for peak power (p 2 = 0.556) and peak velocity (p = 0.001; η2 = 0.457). The standard barbell bench press CA led to the greatest performance enhancement in peak power (p = 0.001; ES = 0.54) and in peak velocity (p = 0.002; ES = 0.71) within the examined conditions. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that the range of motion of the CA has a significant impact on the magnitude of the PAPE response, and the greatest effect can be reached when the range of motion of the CA and the subsequent explosive task is similar.

This study aimed to analyze acute changes in the muscle mechanical properties of the triceps brachii long head after bench press exercise performed at different external loads and with different intensities of effort along with power performance. Ten resistance-trained males (age: 27.7 ± 3.7 yr, body mass: 90.1 ± 17.1 kg, height: 184 ± 4 cm; experience in resistance training: 5.8 ± 2.6 yr, relative one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press: 1.23 ± 0.22 kg/body mass) performed two different testing conditions in a randomized order. During the experimental session, participants performed four successive sets of two repetitions of the bench press exercise at: 50, 70, and 90% 1RM, respectively, followed by a set at 70% 1RM performed until failure, with a 4 min rest interval between each set. Immediately before and after each set, muscle mechanical properties of the dominant limb triceps brachii long head were assessed via a Myoton device. To determine fatigue, peak and average barbell velocity were measured at 70% 1RM and at 70% 1RM until failure (only first and second repetition). In the control condition, only muscle mechanical properties at the same time points after the warm-up were assessed. The intraclass correlation coefficients indicated “poor” to “excellent” reliability for decrement, relaxation time, and creep. Therefore, these variables were excluded from further analysis. Three-way ANOVAs (2 groups × 2 times × 4 loads) indicated a statistically significant group × time interaction for muscle tone (p = 0.008). Post hoc tests revealed a statistically significant increase in muscle tone after 70% 1RM (p = 0.034; ES = 0.32) and 90% 1RM (p = 0.011; ES = 0.56). No significant changes were found for stiffness. The t-tests indicated a significant decrease in peak (p = 0.001; ES = 1.02) and average barbell velocity (p = 0.008; ES = 0.8) during the first two repetitions of a set at 70% 1RM until failure in comparison to the set at 70% 1RM. The results indicate that low-volume, high-load resistance exercise immediately increases muscle tone but not stiffness. Despite no significant changes in the mechanical properties of the muscle being registered simultaneously with a decrease in barbell velocity, there was a trend of increased muscle tone. Therefore, further studies with larger samples are required to verify whether muscle tone could be a sensitive marker to detect acute muscle fatigue.

Background Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a physiological phenomenon that acutely improves voluntary muscular performance following a conditioning activity. A large and growing body of literature has investigated different strategies to induce a PAPE stimulus; however, little attention has been given to whether acute caffeine ingestion could augment the effect of PAPE on subsequent performance. This study evaluated the acute effects of caffeine ingestion and back squat conditioning activity on subsequent countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in female semi-professional volleyball players. Methods Fourteen resistance-trained female volleyball players (26 ± 3 years) performed 3 different testing conditions in randomized order: where each ingested 6 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PLAC) and performed a single set of back squats at 80%1RM until mean movement velocity dropped by 10% as the conditioning activity or a control (CTRL) condition where participants did not ingest any supplement and did not perform the conditioning activity. CMJ height was examined at baseline and in 2 min intervals until 10 min postconditioning activity. Furthermore, due to the wide inter-individual variation in optimal recovery time of PAPE response, the baseline and best post-conditioning activity performance were also analyzed. Results The Friedman test revealed a significant difference in jump height within CTRL (p = 0.002) and CAF (p = 0.001) conditions, but no significant difference was found within the PAP condition. The post hoc showed a significant decrease in jump height in 8th min in CTRL condition (p = 0.022, effect size [ES] = −0.31), a significant increase in jump height in 2nd min in CAF condition (p = 0.013, ES = 0.3), without differences in PLAC condition in comparison to baseline values. Moreover, a significant jump height increases from baseline to best performance post conditioning activity value for CAF (p = 0.001, ES = 0.39) and PLAC (p = 0.001, ES = 0.3) condition, but no significant difference was found for the CTRL condition. Conclusions The single set of heavy-loaded back squats with controlled velocity used as a conditioning activity in the current study enhanced subsequent CMJ performance in female volleyball players with no additional effect of caffeine.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze changes in normalized surface electromyography (sEMG) signals for the gastrocnemius medialis, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, tibialis anterior, and vastus lateralis muscles occurring during a 400 m indoor sprint between subsequent curved sections of the track. Ten well-trained female sprinters (age: 21 ± 4 years; body mass: 47 ± 5 kg; body height: 161 ± 7 cm; 400 m personal best: 52.4 ± 1.1 s) performed an all-out 400 m indoor sprint. Normalized sEMG signals were recorded bilaterally from the selected lower limb muscles. The two-way ANOVA (curve × side) revealed no statistically significant interaction. However, the main effect analysis showed that normalized sEMG signals significantly increased in subsequent curves run for all the studied muscles: gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.003), biceps femoris (p < 0.0001), gluteus maximus (p = 0.044), tibialis anterior (p = 0.001), and vastus lateralis (p = 0.023), but differences between limbs were significant only for the gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.012). The results suggest that the normalized sEMG signals for the lower limb muscles increased in successive curves during the 400 m indoor sprint. Moreover, the gastrocnemius medialis of the inner leg is highly activated while running curves; therefore, it should be properly prepared for high demands, and attention should be paid to the possibility of the occurrence of a negative adaptation, such as asymmetries.

Training at a specific movement tempo is a relatively new concept in resistance training. It is based on manipulation of the duration of particular phases of a movement. General studies have demonstrated that faster movement tempo in resistance training leads to an increase in muscle power, whereas lower movement speed is beneficial in the development of muscle strength and hypertrophy. However, the studies in this area are inconclusive and do not relate precisely to various tempos and movement speeds. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of duration of the eccentric cadence ECCREG (2/0/X/0) and ECCSLO (6/0/X/0) on muscular power generated in the concentric phase of the movement expressed in maximal PMAX, VMAX and average values PAVE, VAVE. For the ECCSLO (6/0/X/0) cadence, a significantly lower value of P (401.95 ± 65.42 W) was observed compared to the ECCREG 2/0/X/0 tempo (467.65 ± 79.18 W), at p = 0.007. The same was true for power evaluated in maximal values (PMAX), as significantly higher values were recorded for the regular ECCREG (2/0/X/0) (671.55 ± 115.79 W) compared to the slow tempo ECCSLO (6/0/X/0) (565,70 ± 117,37 W), at the level of significance of p = 0.007. The velocity evaluated for ECCREG (2/0/X/0) tempo expressed in average values (VAVE) 0.60±0.09 m/s was significantly higher compared to the ECCSLO (6/0/X/0) tempo (0.52 ± 0.08 m/s), with p=0.004. When maximal velocity (VMAX), was considered higher values for ECCREG (2/0/X/0) tempo was registered (0.79 ± 0.10 m/s) compared to the ECCSLO (6/0/X/0) tempo (0.69 ± 0.13 m/s), at significance of p = 0.001. The main finding of the study indicates that the duration of the eccentric phase of the movement has a significant impact on muscular power and velocity during the concentric phase of the movement.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Achilles tendon (AT) mechanical percussion massage (PM) on the passive stiffness of that tendon and subsequent drop jump kinematics. Eleven physically active participants performed two conditions in random order: (i) 60 s of PM applied to each AT (EXP) and (ii) no PM (CTRL). Measurements were performed 5 min before, immediately after, and 5 min following the completion of the PM. In the CTRL, measurements were performed at the same time point but no massage was applied. The two-way ANOVA indicated that there was no statistically significant interaction effect on contact time (p = 0.786), reactive strength index (p = 0.914), and relative peak power (p = 0.896). However, a statistically significant interaction on peak velocity (p = 0.046) and jump height (p = 0.03) was found. Despite that, there was no significant post-hoc comparisons for jump height, it slightly decreased 5 min post-PM (p = 0.136; ES = −0.25; Δ = −3.1%) compared with the CTRL condition (p = 1.00; ES = 0.11; Δ = +1.5%). Friedman’s test did not show significant differences in dominant (p = 0.073) and non-dominant limb (p = 0.091) AT stiffness. Although not significant, numerically, the dominant limb AT (p = 0.126; ES = −0.64; Δ = −7.8%) had a larger reduction in stiffness immediately post-PM compared with the non-dominant limb (p = 0.294; ES = −0.26; Δ = −3.6%). The results of this study indicated the temporary effect of PM on the reduction in tissue stiffness. Moreover, these findings show that a mechanical PM might slightly hinder subsequent explosive athletic performance.

The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute effects of ischemia used during rest periods on bar velocity changes during the bench press exercise at progressive loads, from 20 to 90% of 1RM. Ten healthy resistance trained men volunteered for the study (age = 26.3 ± 4.7 years; body mass = 89.8 ± 6.3 kg; bench press 1RM = 142.5 ± 16.9 kg; training experience = 7.8 ± 2.7 years). During the experimental sessions the subjects performed the bench press exercise under two different conditions, in a randomized and counterbalanced order: (a) ischemia condition, with ischemia applied before the first set and during every rest periods between sets, and (b) control condition where no ischemia was applied. During each experimental session eight sets of the bench press exercise were performed, against loads starting from 20 to 90% 1RM, increased progressively by 10% in each subsequent set. A 3-min rest interval between sets was used. For ischemia condition the cuffs was applied 3 min before the first set and during every rest period between sets. Ischemia was released during exercise. The cuff pressure was set to ∼80% of full arterial occlusion pressure. The two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction effect for peak bar velocity (p = 0.04) and for mean bar velocity (p = 0.01). There was also a statistically significant main effect of condition for peak bar velocity (p < 0.01) but not for mean bar velocity (p = 0.25). The post hoc analysis for interaction showed significantly higher peak bar velocity for the ischemia condition compared to control at a load of 20% 1RM (p = 0.007) and at a load of 50% 1RM (p = 0.006). The results of the present study indicate that ischemia used before each set even for a brief duration of

With age, many physiological changes occur in the human body, leading to a decline in biological functions, and those related to the locomotor system are some of the most visible. Hence, there is a particular need to provide simple and safe exercises for the comprehensive development of physical fitness among elderly adults. The latest recommendations for the elderly suggest that the main goal of training should be to increase muscle power. The post-activation performance enhancement effect underpinning complex training might be an approach that will allow for the development of both muscle strength and velocity of movement, which will result in an increase in muscle power and improve the ability to perform daily activities and decrease injury risk. This article briefly introduces a complex training model adapted to the elderly with its potential benefits and proposes a direction for further studies.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the modified t−agility test (MAT) time and muscular strength and power of lower limb extensors, adductors (AD), and abductors (AB). Nineteen male basketball players performed: linear sprint tests at 5 m and 20 m, MAT, countermovement (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ), leg press exercise, AD and AB hip maximum isometric strength measurements. All of them were left leg dominant. The correlation analysis showed a significant, moderate to very large negative relationship between MAT test time initiated to the left and height of CMJ and DJ (r = −0.69 and −0.54; p < 0.01, both), left (r = −0.56; p < 0.01) and right leg (r = −0.41; p < 0.05) AD, left leg AB (r = −0.48; p < 0.05) maximum isometric strength, left (r = −0.72; p < 0.01) and right (r = −0.64; p < 0.01) leg power output in leg press. In the case of the MAT test initiated on the right side first, the correlations were found between CMJ height (r = −0.46; p < 0.05), AD and AB maximum isometric strength of left (r = −0.58 and −0.84; p < 0.01, both) and right leg (r = −0.58 and −0.79; p < 0.01, both), and both legs power output in leg press (r = −0.66 for left and r = −0.59 for right; p < 0.01, both). The regression analyses showed that the prediction model of left leg press peak power, left leg AD maximum isometric strength, and CMJ height could explain up to 93% of the MAT test time initiated to the left first. The model, including left leg AB and AD maximum isometric strength, could explain up to 83% of the MAT test time initiated to the right side first. Findings from this study demonstrate that AB and AD maximum isometric muscle strength are highly related to MAT test performance, which is particularly important when the first turn is performed in the non−dominant direction in this test.

Despite the many health benefits of resistance training, it has been suggested that high-intensity resistance exercise is associated with acute increases in intraocular pressure which is a significant risk factor for the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Therefore, resistance training using a variety of forms (e.g., resistance bands, free weights, weight machines, and bodyweight) may be harmful to patients with or at risk of glaucoma. An appropriate solution for such people may involve the combination of resistance training and blood flow restriction (BFR). During the last decade, the BFR (a.k.a. occlusion or KAATSU training) method has drawn great interest among health and sports professionals because of the possibility for individuals to improve various areas of fitness and performance at lower exercise intensities. In comparison to studies evaluating the efficiency of BFR in terms of physical performance and body composition changes, there is still a paucity of empirical studies concerning safety, especially regarding ocular health. Although the use of BFR during resistance training seems feasible for glaucoma patients or those at risk of glaucoma, some issues must be investigated and resolved. Therefore, this review provides an overview of the available scientific data describing the influence of resistance training combined with BFR on ocular physiology and points to further directions of research.

Training at a specific movement tempo is a relatively new concept in resistance training. It is based on manipulation of the duration of particular phases of a movement. General studies have demonstrated that faster movement tempo in resistance training leads to an increase in muscle power, whereas lower movement speed is beneficial in the development of muscle strength and hypertrophy. However, the studies in this area are inconclusive and do not relate precisely to various tempos and movement speeds. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of duration of the eccentric cadence ECC(REG) (2/0/X/0) and ECC(SLO) (6/0/X/0) on muscular power generated in the concentric phase of the movement expressed in maximal P(MAX), V(MAX) and average values P(AVE), V(AVE.) For the ECC(SLO) (6/0/X/0) cadence, a significantly lower value of P (401.95 ± 65.42 W) was observed compared to the ECC(REG) 2/0/X/0 tempo (467.65 ± 79.18 W), at p = 0.007. The same was true for power evaluated in maximal values (P(MAX)), as significantly higher values were recorded for the regular ECC(REG) (2/0/X/0) (671.55 ± 115.79 W) compared to the slow tempo ECC(SLO) (6/0/X/0) (565,70 ± 117,37 W), at the level of significance of p = 0.007. The velocity evaluated for ECC(REG) (2/0/X/0) tempo expressed in average values (V(AVE)) 0.60±0.09 m/s was significantly higher compared to the ECC(SLO) (6/0/X/0) tempo (0.52 ± 0.08 m/s), with p=0.004. When maximal velocity (V(MAX)), was considered higher values for ECC(REG) (2/0/X/0) tempo was registered (0.79 ± 0.10 m/s) compared to the ECC(SLO) (6/0/X/0) tempo (0.69 ± 0.13 m/s), at significance of p = 0.001. The main finding of the study indicates that the duration of the eccentric phase of the movement has a significant impact on muscular power and velocity during the concentric phase of the movement.

The basic goal of this study was to analysis of the results of the 30-m running speed test in soccer players in third soccer leagues. The study examined the group of randomly selected seventy athletes from two soccer teams from the Ekstraklasa league, two teams from the first league and two teams from the second leagues were randomized into the study group. All the measurements were performed in indoor arenas. The temperature in the arenas ranged from 22 to 24 C. Measurements were recorded in the morning (between 10:00 am and 12:00 am). The Running Speed Test was used in the study to diagnose speed potential in the athletes. The running speed was measured by means of a set of photocells located at 0m, 5m, 20m, 30m. The results obtained demonstrated that the elite-level matches are more dynamic since the players show higher values of speed parameters. Apart from starting speed, the results obtained for the distance of 5 m provide information for coaches concerning their work on special strength. The speed is indicated by the results obtained for 20 and 30 m distances, whereas flying measurements between 5/20m and 20/30m reflect inherited speed aptitudes.