Influence of Different Inertial Loads on Basic Training Variables During the Flywheel Squat Exercise.

Purpose: To analyze the effects of different inertial loads on power production and power maintenance, as well as the number of sessions required for proper familiarization during the flywheel quarter-squat. Methods: Twenty-four high-level handball players attended 4 testing sessions consisting of 4 sets of 10 repetitions using 4 different inertial loads (0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg⋅m²). In addition, a 5th set of 15 repetitions was performed. Both concentric and eccentric peak power and the eccentric: concentric ratio were recorded. Results: The results showed the need to perform 3 sessions for a proper familiarization (ie, outcomes stabilization). The inertial load of 0.025 kg⋅m² led to greater concentric peak power compared with the other inertial loads (from likely to most likely greater values). Both 0.025 and 0.050 kg⋅m² inertial loads entailed greater eccentric peak power compared with 0.075 and 0.100 kg⋅m² (most likely greater). Conversely, the 0.025-kg⋅m² inertial load showed a lower eccentric: concentric ratio, presenting negative effects (most likely lower values) compared with the inertial loads of 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 kg⋅m². Participants were able to perform 5-12 repetitions per set without significant peak power output decrements. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of performing at least 3 sessions to obtain a stable measure during flywheel squat exercise. Lower inertial loads (0.025 kg⋅m²) are the better option for eliciting high concentric peak power output values. In contrast, medium to high inertial loads are more appropriate to achieve greater eccentric overload values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]