Background: This study examined the associations between dynamic maximum strength (front squat [FS] and clean [CL]), lower-limb vertical force–velocity (F–V) profile characteristics, and both absolute and scaled measures of competitive weightlifting performance in trained weightlifters. Methods: Fourteen competitive male weightlifters (age: 27.6 ± 4.2 years; height: 1.74 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 85.1 ± 6.7 kg; body fat: 11.7 ± 2.8%) completed three testing sessions separated by 48–72 h, including 1-RM assessment in the FS and CL, as well as vertical countermovement jump trials to determine individual force–velocity profile parameters (F0, V0, and Pmax). Official competition results obtained within the same competitive season were recorded for the snatch (SN), clean and jerk (C&J), total (TOT), and Sinclair score. Participants were additionally divided into higher and moderate jump performance groups using a median split of unloaded countermovement jump height. Results: Very strong correlations were found between 1-RM strength (FS and CL) and weightlifting performance, with CL showing the strongest associations with SN (r = 0.82), C&J (r = 0.93), and TOT (r = 0.94). Among F–V parameters, V0 and Pmax were significantly associated with competitive outcomes (r = 0.63–0.70), whereas F0 was not. V0 was significantly associated with SN (r = 0.69), C&J (r = 0.63), and TOT (r = 0.70), while F0 showed trivial-to-small associations (r = 0.08–0.28). When participants were divided using a median split of CMJ height, higher jumpers exhibited greater V0 (3.02 ± 0.30 vs. 2.61 ± 0.23 m·s−1, p = 0.014, g = 1.4) and relative Pmax (32.44 ± 2.65 vs. 27.28 ± 1.06 W·kg−1, p = 0.001, g = 2.4), despite similar F0 (p = 0.67). Higher jumpers also demonstrated superior SN (p = 0.016, g = 1.4), C&J (p = 0.041, g = 1.1), TOT (p = 0.018, g = 1.4), and Sinclair scores (p = 0.001, g = 2.1). Conclusions: In trained weightlifters, performance was strongly associated with maximal strength, while velocity- and power-oriented characteristics (V0 and Pmax) were also associated with performance outcomes. In contrast, F0 showed no meaningful associations with performance within this sample. These findings suggest that, among already strength-trained athletes, the ability to express force at higher contraction velocities may be associated with differences in competitive performance.

This study compared the acute effects of continuous execution (CON) and two cluster-set configurations performed to momentary failure with high loads (~85% one-repetition maximum) on mechanical and physiological responses during the bench press and half squat. Twelve recreationally trained men completed three randomized, counterbalanced conditions: two using cluster sets of three repetitions with either 10 s (CS10) or 20 s (CS20) intra-set rest, and a control (CON) condition. In the bench press, CS10 did not significantly increase the number of repetitions compared with CON, while CS20 increased repetitions from 6.8 ± 1.6 to 11.4 ± 2.9 (p = 0.044). In the half-squat, the effect of cluster sets on repetitions was evident in both CS10 and CS20 compared with CON (18.3 ± 4.0 and 42.1 ± 7.7 vs. 10.6 ± 3.2 repetitions, respectively, p < 0.001). Set duration increased progressively with longer intra-set rest, particularly in the half squat, reaching in CS20, 90.7 ± 26.2 s and 344.6 ± 65.3 s (p < 0.001) in the bench press and half squat exercises, respectively. Mean heart rate (HR) in CS20 was higher in the half squat than the bench press (87.2% ± 4.9% vs. 70.4% ± 6.5% of max HR, p < 0.001), while blood lactate responses were also greater in half-squat compared with bench press (~8.5 vs. 5.5 mmol L-1, p < 0.001), with values in CS20 reaching 10.8 ± 4.5 mmol L-1. In summary, when sets are performed to momentary failure with high loads, CS10 provides only modest performance benefits, whereas CS20 markedly increases training volume, particularly in the half squat. The elevated cardiovascular and metabolic stress observed under CS20 reflects the substantially greater total work performed rather than an inherent effect of the cluster configuration.

The purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to analyze differences in mean force, impulse, mean concentric and eccentric velocity, and peak concentric velocity across six repetitions of the flywheel deadlift exercise, with a particular focus on the first repetition initiated from zero momentum; (b) to explore relationships between these kinetic and kinematic variables and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) performance in the free-weight deadlift; (c) to examine the effects of different flywheel inertial loads on the relationships among mean force (MF), impulse, time under tension (TUT), and velocity, with the aim of identifying the most valid and reliable parameter for flywheel load prescription. Thirteen resistance-trained men (24.7 ± 5.0 y; 82.2 ± 11.7 kg; 1-RM deadlift: 174 ± 24 kg) performed six repetitions of the flywheel deadlift against six inertial loads (0.025 to 0.145 kg∙m2) on a kBox 5 device. Results showed that although the first repetition had 25–30% lower mean concentric velocity and 7–11% lower mean force compared to subsequent repetitions (p < 0.001), it exhibited 4–8% higher impulse due to the 14–20% longer time under tension. MF, velocity, and impulse in the first repetition showed moderate-to-strong correlations with 1-RM (r = 0.58 to 0.85, p < 0.05), particularly at the two higher inertia loads. MF plateaued at moderate inertia loads, while impulse and TUT increased linearly with increasing inertial load and demonstrated the strongest and most consistent relationships with inertial load (r = 0.99 ± 0.01 and 0.97 ± 0.02, p < 0.001), enabling individualized flywheel training prescription. This study highlights the distinct value of the first repetition in flywheel deadlifts and its practical value for both assessment and training. Also, it suggests that impulse and TUT may be used as simple and practical flywheel exercise prescription variables.

Background: Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a non-invasive, time-efficient strategy that has been shown to acutely enhance athletic performance. The present study examined the effects of 5 min of IPC on vertical and horizontal jump performance. A secondary aim was to explore the associations between outcomes of the 5-Hop (5-H) test and drop jump performance, in order to provide further evidence supporting the validity of the 5-H test for assessing reactive strength characteristics in trained jumpers. Methods: Twelve trained track and field jumpers (nine males, three females, age: 23.2 ± 2.9 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.07 m; body mass: 71.5 ± 8.0 kg) completed two conditions: an IPC condition applied to one leg and a control condition applied to the contralateral leg. In the first week, one leg was assigned to IPC and the other to the control condition, while in the second week, the conditions for each leg were reversed. Vertical single-leg performance was evaluated by drop jump (DJ) height, ground contact time, and reactive strength index (RSI). Horizontal jump performance was assessed by a five-hop (5-H) test during which total distance (TD), total time (TT), and reactive hopping index (RHI) were obtained. Results: Compared to the control condition, IPC enhanced DJ height (+ 3.6%) and RSI (+ 7.8%) (p < 0.05, g = 0.16 and 0.32, respectively) and reduced contact time (−4.4% p < 0.05, g = 0.41). Also, IPC resulted in significant improvements in TD (+ 4.1%) and RHI (+ 3.9%) during the 5-H test (p < 0.05, g = 0.32 and 0.42, respectively), while TT remained unchanged. Conclusions: A single cycle of IPC acutely improved vertical and horizontal jump performance and reactive strength indices in trained jumpers. These findings support the use of IPC as a practical, time-efficient method to enhance neuromuscular performance in explosive tasks.

Background: We examined the effects of linear position transducer placement during Smith machine (SM) and free weight (FW) full squats on the mean velocity and the load-velocity relationship in trained women. In addition, we examined the relationship between the load-velocity characteristics and jump performance, to determine which testing approach is more appropriate for both the testing and transfer of training effects. Methods: Eleven trained women were assessed for 1-RM in FW and SM full back squats. Linear position transducers (LPTs) were attached to the barbell (BAR) and to the belt (BELT) during FW and SM full back squats. The mean velocity was measured across progressively increasing loads (30-100%). The load-velocity relationships were modeled using linear regression, and the velocity values, as well as the load-velocity parameters, were compared across all conditions (SM BAR, SM BELT, FW BAR, and FW BELT). Squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump performance were also assessed using an optical measurement system. Results: In SM compared to FW, 1-RM was higher (92.9 ± 16.2 kg vs. 85.1 ± 14.5 kg, p < 0.05, d = 0.53). A strong agreement was observed between the FW BAR and FW BELT (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient CCC = 0.96-0.99), as well as between the SM BAR and FW BAR (CCC = 0.95-0.97) at low-to-moderate intensities (30-70% 1-RM), suggesting that these conditions can be used interchangeably. However, the SM BELT systematically showed lower mean velocity values at 30-80% 1-RM and exhibited low agreement across all other conditions. In contrast, the FW BELT mean velocity was lower than that of the FW BAR and SM BAR only at higher intensities (>80% 1-RM). V0 and mean velocities at low-to-moderate loads (30-70% 1-RM) showed strong correlations with all jump types, with relationships gradually weakening as the load increased (r = 0.63-0.93, p < 0.05). The highest correlations were observed in the SM BAR and FW BELT conditions. Lastly, the relative strength demonstrated a consistent relationship with squat jump and drop jump performance exclusively in the FW condition (r = 0.71 and 0.72, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The FW BAR and FW BELT showed strong agreement at submaximal loads and may be used interchangeably, while the SM BELT showed a lower mean velocity and low agreement with other conditions. The load-velocity relationship parameters and mean velocity at low-to-moderate loads correlated strongly with the jump performance. Coaches and practitioners can use bar-mounted and belt-mounted LPTs interchangeably during FW squats for velocity-based training at submaximal intensities when working with trained women. Additionally, tracking the mean velocity at low-to-moderate loads provides valuable insights into lower-body explosive performance, supporting more precise and individualized training prescriptions and performance monitoring.

Background: This study examined the impact of aerobic capacity on force–velocity (F–v) variables and repeated-sprint (RS) performance in male national-level sprinters (SPRs, n = 8; 177.0 ± 4.3 cm; 74.0 ± 5.0 kg; maximal oxygen uptake [VO2max]: 55.4 ± 3.0 mL/kg/min) and middle-distance runners (MDRs; n = 8; 179.0 ± 5.1 cm; 67.2 ± 5.0 kg; VO2max: 64.3 ± 3.3 mL/kg/min). Method: Participants underwent assessments of aerobic capacity, mechanical F-v profiling in sprinting 2 × 60 m with full recovery, and a 10 × 60 m repeated-sprint test with 30 s recovery. Results: MDRs exhibited significantly higher VO2max (p < 0.001) and speed at VO2max (vVO2max, p < 0.001), while SPRs demonstrated greater anaerobic speed reserve (ASR, p < 0.001), maximal theoretical horizontal force (F0, p = 0.012), and power output (Pmax, p < 0.01). During the RS test, SPRs displayed a 16.6% performance decrement (p = 0.002) and failed to complete all sprints with voluntary withdrawal after 5–8 sprints due to exhaustion, whereas MDRs maintained consistent performance. SPRs exhibited a larger decrease in v0 compared to MDRs (p < 0.01), whereas no differences were observed on F0 (p = 0.519) and Pmax (p = 0.758). Blood lactate accumulation was higher in SPRs (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis on the pooled sample identified vVO2max (p = 0.003) and not ASR (p = 0.482) as a key predictor of fatigue resistance. Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical role of aerobic capacity in sustaining RS performance. Aerobic capacity, specifically vVO2max, emerged as the primary determinant of fatigue resistance during repeated sprints, underscoring its critical role in sustaining RS performance over mechanical variables such as v0 but not F0 and Pmax.

Background: Flywheel resistance training has gained popularity due to its ability to induce eccentric overload and improve strength and power. This study examined the acute effects of low- (0.025 kg·m2) versus high-inertia (0.10 kg·m2) flywheel deadlifts, matched for force impulse, on the countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, reactive strength index (RSI) during drop jumps (DJs), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Methods: Sixteen trained participants (twelve men, and four women) performed three conditions in a randomized, counterbalanced order: low-inertia (LOW), high-inertia (HIGH), and control (CTRL). In the LOW and HIGH conditions, we used force plates to measure and equalize the force impulse in the two conditions (HIGH: 20182 ± 2275 N∙s vs. LOW: 20076 ± 2526 N∙s; p > 0.05), by calculating the number of deadlift repetitions required to achieve it (HIGH: 5 repetitions and LOW: 9.8 ± 0.4 repetitions). The RSI and CMJ performance were measured pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 min post-exercise. Results: Both the RSI and CMJ performance improved equally after LOW and HIGH flywheel deadlifts compared to baseline and CTRL (p < 0.01). Specifically, the RSI increased from baseline at 3 to 12 min in both conditions (LOW: 12.8 ± 14.9% to 15.4 ± 14.8%, HIGH: 12.1 ± 17.0% to 12.2 ± 11.7%, p < 0.01), while the CMJ increased from 3 to 9 min in LOW (4.3 ± 3.2% to 4.6 ± 4.7%, p < 0.01) and from 6 to 9 min in HIGH (3.8 ± 4.2% to 4.2 ± 4.9%, p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between LOW and HIGH conditions (p > 0.05), suggesting similar effectiveness of both inertial loads for enhancing performance. The RPE increased similarly after both conditions from baseline to immediately post-conditioning (LOW: from 2.2 ± 1.2 to 5.8 ± 1.4, HIGH: from 1.5 ± 1.0 to 6.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.01) and decreased by the end of the session, although values remained higher than baseline (LOW: 4.1 ± 1.4, p < 0.01, HIGH: 4.5 ± 2.0, p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of flywheel deadlift exercise as an effective method to potentiate explosive performance of the lower limbs, regardless of inertia, provided that the total force impulse is equal.

ABSTRACT:Panagiotopoulos, MG, Tsoukos, A, Tsolakis, C, Terzis, G, and Bogdanis, GC. Time-course of performance recovery during repeated sets of bench press exercise: a modeling approach. J Strength Cond Res 39(12): 1235-1243, 2025-We examined the influence of selected performance and physiologic parameters on the time-course of mean barbell velocity recovery during repeated sets of bench press exercise. Thirteen resistance-trained men (25.0 ± 6.3 years) participated in this study. Preliminary measurements included bench press strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]; 95.0 ± 17.4 kg), maximum theoretical velocity (Vo: 2.03 ± 0.16 m·s -1 ), and optimal load determination (56.3 ± 1.4% of 1RM), through a load-velocity test on a Smith machine. Also, the rate of barbell velocity decline was calculated during a bench press test to exhaustion performed as fast as possible against the optimal load (maximum number of repetitions [MNR]slope: -0.026 ± 0.006 m·s -1 ·rep -1 ). Maximum aerobic power (104.6 ± 18.1 W), blood lactate threshold, and heart rate recovery were determined using an incremental arm cranking test to exhaustion. Each of the 5 main sessions included four 10 seconds bench press sets performed as fast as possible against the optimal load, with rest intervals between sets ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes in a random and counterbalanced order. We calculated the percentage of mean barbell velocity recovery between the first 2 sets for each rest interval (30 seconds-5 minutes). The restoration of mean barbell velocity was modeled using a power curve to assess the individual recovery rate. This analysis showed that the time needed to regain 95% of performance from the first to the second set was mainly influenced by MNRslope and Vo ( R2 = 0.68, p < 0.01). When a neural network approach was used, the accuracy of prediction improved significantly ( R2 = 0.90-0.99). In summary, MNRslope and Vo may be used for estimating an individual's recovery ability and for determining optimal rest intervals in explosive bench press training.

We explored whether hand-held dynamometry (HHD) could serve as a low-cost, portable alternative for assessing knee flexion and extension strength across the full range of motion. Twelve healthy athletes (7 men, 5 women; aged 21.4-28.5 years) performed maximal concentric (60°/s) and isometric flexion-extension efforts on an isokinetic dynamometer in prone and seated positions. On two separate occasions, peak extension and flexion torque were measured at six knee angles, and values obtained using HHD and isokinetic dynamometry (ISD) were compared at corresponding angles. HHD data demonstrated high reliability at all angles for knee flexion and extension (ICC = 0.812-0.971, p < 0.001). Knee extension torque was similar in HHD and prone ISD isometric measurements at all angles (p > 0.38). Knee flexion torque was similar in HHD and seated ISD isometric measurements at all angles (p ≥ 0.48). The conventional hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) ratio was similar in HHD and ISD in the seated position for both concentric and isometric measurements (56 ± 11%, 55 ± 8% and 51 ± 10%, respectively, p > 0.792). Angle-specific H/Q ratios from HHD were similar to those obtained by all modes of testing at all knee angles (p > 0.70), except for the knee angle of 10o, which was the position where the knee was almost extended. The highest H/Q ratios were observed at the knee angles of 10o and 30o (p < 0.001). HHD is valid and reliable for assessing knee strength, yielding results comparable to ISD across the range of motion of the knee joint. The findings also emphasize the importance of considering angle-specific H/Q ratios.

Supplementary high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs, focusing on different aspects of fitness, are commonly used in soccer practice. This study examined the impact of two different HIIT formats applied during the competitive season on aerobic and neuromuscular performance. Twenty-six young players from two youth amateur soccer teams (aged 18.1 +/- 0.7 and 18.7 +/- 1.1 years) participated. In a randomized design, Team A served as an experimental group, performing either a 10s/10s linear running HIIT or a 15s/15s HIIT with changes of direction, both at 100% of maximum aerobic speed, twice per week for six weeks. In that period, team B acted as a control group, maintaining their usual training soccer regimen. Following two weeks of lower volume and frequency training, team B added the two HIIT formats in their training for six weeks, while team A acted as control. Before and after each 6-weeks period, aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance was evaluated by the countermovement jump (CMJ). The 3-way ANOVA showed that both HIIT formats significantly enhanced Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-YO IR1) performance compared to the respective control periods. However, the main finding was that the 10s/10s compared with the 15s/15s HIIT format induced 45 - 50% greater improvements in Yo-YO IR1 (total distance: 18.5 +/- 11.7% vs. 9.0 +/- 8.5%, (V)over dotO2max: 5.6 +/- 3.2% vs. 3.0 +/- 2.7%, and v(V)over dotO2max: (3.3 +/- 1.9% vs. 1.8 +/- 1.7%, all p = 0.39, d = 0.85). Countermovement jump performance remained unchanged across both groups (p > 0.68). During HIIT rating of perceived exertion was higher in the 15s/15s vs. the 10s/10s format (6.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 4.7 +/- 1.2 a.u., p < 0.001). These findings suggest that while both HIIT formats effectively enhance aerobic performance during the season, the 10s/10s format offers superior benefits with less perceived exertion, while the 15s/15s format induces higher internal load.

This study aimed to examine whether a conditioning activity (CA) performed by the legs (barbell back squat) may cause postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) on muscle groups other than leg extensors in isokinetic (eccentric [ECC] and concentric [CON]) and dynamic movement. Twelve male basketball players (age: 21.3 +/- 3.2, body mass: 89.6 +/- 14.1 kg, height: 187.4 +/- 4.6 cm, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat: 113 +/- 21 kg) with previous resistance-training experience of at least 2 years, performed 3 sets of 3-4 repetitions of back-squats with submaximal load (60, 90, and 90% 1RM) as CA. Before and after the CA, they performed pretest and post-test in the form of countermovement jumps (CMJs) (localized) or explosive push-ups (EPUs) (nonlocalized) along with isokinetic flexion and extension at the knee (localized) or at the elbow (nonlocalized). The localized and nonlocalized protocols were divided into 2 days in a randomized order. The back squat as CA significantly increased peak torque (PT) (p < 0.05) in all CON and ECC muscle actions and average power per repetition (APPR) (p < 0.05) (all muscle actions except ECC flexion) of the localized isokinetic tests with large (>0.8) and medium (0.4-0.79) effect sizes and significantly decreased (p < 0.01) the PT and APPR (p < 0.01) of the nonlocalized isokinetic test in the ECC flexion. The CMJ and EPU tests showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between premeasures and postmeasures of take-off height. The effect of PAPE seems to be specific to the muscles most involved in the CA, and the CA inhibits PT of subsequent muscle ECC contractions in muscles not involved in the CA.

This study examined the effects of range of motion (ROM) on applied force, power output and surface electromyographic (sEMG) responses during repeated sets of bench press exercise executed as fast as possible. Ten resistance trained men performed three sets to momentary failure with two-min rest intervals under three different ROM conditions: (a) full ROM (FULL), (b) TOP, at the top half of ROM, and (c) BOTTOM, at the bottom half of ROM. Mean and peak force were higher in TOP compared to FULL and BOTTOM (mean force: 817 ± 80 vs. 657 ± 98 vs. 623 ± 122 N, respectively, p < 0.001) with no differences between FULL and BOTTOM. During repeated sets, large decreases were found in peak (by 29.4 to 45.3%) and mean power (by 55.5 to 64.7%) from the first to the last repetitions. However, the decrease in mean force was only 2% (p < 0.01) and decreases in peak force ranged from 6.7 and 8.8% to zero, indicating the velocity loss was the main contributor to fatigue in power output. Although force and power output in set 3 were unchanged in BOTTOM, mean power output decreased significantly, suggesting that lower performance and fatigue may be related to the longer muscle length. Fatigue was accompanied by an increase in sEMG activity and a decrease in median frequency in all muscles, with triceps brachialis sEMG reflecting more the force and power differences among ROMs. In conclusion, fatigue depends on velocity rather than force loss during bench press exercise at different ROMs.

This study compared the effects of adding a weekly session of either strength training followed by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or high load plyometric training followed by small-sided games (SSG) on aerobic fitness, goals scored and conceded, and match results. Twenty-nine players from two youth elite teams competing in an under 19 (U19) first division league took part in the study. Of those, 16 players from one team followed the HIIT program (age: 17.8 ± 0.6 years) and 13 players from the other team trained once a week, following the SSG program (age: 18.0 ± 0.6 years). The training intervention lasted for 11 weeks and was applied once per week. For the HIIT team it included high-load strength training (80–95% of 1 RM) followed by high-intensity intermittent running, whereas for the SSG team (n = 13) it included plyometric exercises followed by SSG. Aerobic fitness was assessed before and after the intervention, while goals scored and conceded, as well as match results during the intervention period, were compared with the 11-week period preceding it. Only the HIIT team improved Yo-Yo IR2 performance (running distance: from 902.5 ± 147.5 to 1092.5 ± 155.8 m, p < 0.001) while there was no change for the SSG group. Moreover, during the 11-week intervention, the HIIT team improved the number of goals scored in the last 30 min of the game compared with the pre-intervention period (0.36 ± 0.50 to 1.27 ± 0.90 per match, p < 0.05) and the scored vs. conceded goals were higher in the second half (1.36 ± 1.03 vs. 0.27 ± 0.47, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for these parameters in the SSG team. Regarding match result, the HIIT team increased the proportion of wins from 5 wins in 11 matches (or 45%) in the pre-intervention period to 9 wins in 11 matches (or 82%) during the intervention period, while this profile remained unchanged for the SSG team. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the HIIT program performed once per week was superior to SSG as it improves aerobic fitness, scored and conceded goals, and match result during the in-season period.

This study compared the acute effects of different ranges of motion (ROM) on fatigue and metabolic responses during repeated sets of bench press exercise. Ten resistance trained men performed three sets to momentary failure with two-min rest intervals at three different ROM: full ROM (FULL), and partial ROM in which the barbell was moved either at the bottom half (BOTTOM) or the top half (TOP) of the full barbell vertical displacement. In TOP, a higher load was lifted, and a higher total number of repetitions was performed compared to FULL and BOTTOM (130 ± 17.6 vs. 102.5 ± 15.9 vs. 98.8 ± 17.5 kg; 55.2 ± 9.8, 32.2 ± 6.5 vs. 49.1 ± 16.5 kg, respectively p < 0.01). Work per repetition was higher in FULL than TOP and BOTTOM (283 ± 43 vs. 205 ± 32 vs. 164 ± 31 J/repetition, p < 0.01). Mean barbell velocity at the start of set 1 was 21.7% and 12.8% higher in FULL compared to TOP and BOTTOM, respectively. The rate of decline in mean barbell velocity was doubled from set 1 to set 3 (p < 0.01) and was higher in FULL than both TOP and BOTTOM (p < 0.001). Also, the rate of mean barbell velocity decline was higher in BOTTOM compared to TOP (p = 0.045). Blood lactate concentration was similarly increased in all ROM (p < 0.001). Training at TOP ROM allowed not only to lift a higher load, but also to perform more repetitions with a lower rate of decline in mean barbell velocity. Despite the lower absolute load and work per repetition, fatigue was higher in BOTTOM than TOP and this may be attributed to differences in muscle length.

Background: The tempo of resistance exercises is known to influence performance outcomes, yet its specific effects on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fast versus slow repetitions at a load of 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the bench press exercise, focusing on velocity, surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity, and applied force while equating time under tension on bench press throw performance. Methods: Eleven men (age: 23.5 ± 5.4 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.04 m, body mass: 79.1 ± 6.4 kg, maximum strength 1-RM: 91.0 ± 12.0 kg) participated. Two experimental conditions (FAST and SLOW) and one control (CTRL) were randomly assigned. Participants performed two sets of six repetitions as fast as possible (FAST condition) and two sets of three repetitions at a controlled tempo (SLOW condition) at half the concentric velocity of FAST, as determined in a preliminary session. Before and after the bench press participants performed bench press throws tests (Pre, 45 s, 4, 8, and 12 min after). Results: sEMG activity and peak force during the bench press were higher in FAST vs. SLOW conditioning activity (p < 0.001), with time under tension showing no significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during the bench press throw improved equally in both FAST and SLOW conditions compared with baseline from the 4th to the 12th min of recovery (FAST: +6.8 ± 2.9% to +7.2 ± 3.3%, p < 0.01, SLOW: +4.0 ± 3.0% to +3.6 ± 4.5%, p < 0.01, respectively). Compared to the CTRL, both conditions exhibited improved MPV values from the 4th to 12th min (p < 0.01). Peak velocity improvements were observed only after the FAST condition compared to the baseline (p < 0.01) with no differences from SLOW. For all muscles involved and time points, sEMG activity during bench press throws was higher than CTRL in both experimental conditions (p < 0.01), with no differences between FAST and SLOW. Peak force increased in both FAST and SLOW conditions at all time points (p < 0.05), compared to CTRL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that post-activation performance enhancement is independent of movement tempo, provided that the resistive load and total time under tension of the conditioning activity are similar. This study provides valuable insights into the complex training method for athletes by demonstrating that varying tempo does not significantly affect post-activation performance enhancement when load and TUT are equated.

We examined physiological responses and fatigue in adolescent boys and girls during a repeated shuttle-sprint running test in a school setting. We also compared three calculation methods to assess fatigue during repeated sprints: the fatigue index (FI), the percent sprint decrement (Sdec), and the slope of performance decrement (SlopeD). Twenty-six adolescent students (10 girls and 16 boys, age: 15.3 ± 0.5 y) performed six 30 m sprints with a 180° change of direction at 15 m, interspersed with 10 s of recovery. Blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR) and countermovement jump performance (CMJ) were measured before and after the sprint test. Boys achieved significantly faster sprint times (11.7% to 14.8% faster than girls in all sprints, p < 0.01), and had higher post-test BL compared with girls (14.0 ± 2.9 vs. 11.3 ± 3.2 mmol/L; p = 0.02; d = 0.93). However, all fatigue indices (FI, Sdec and SlopeD) were similar in boys and girls (FI = 11.5 ± 5.0 vs. 11.5 ± 5.0; SlopeD = 10.6 ± 4.8 vs. 14.5 ± 5.1; Sdec = 5.6 ± 2.2 vs. 7.3 ± 2.2, in boys and girls, respectively, p > 0.05 for all) and were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.86 to 0.97, p < 0.01). CMJ was higher in boys (p < 0.05), but CMJ performance dropped similarly from pre- to post-test in boys and girls (13.7 ± 7.0%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, neuromuscular fatigue during and after repeated shuttle-sprint running is similar in boys and girls, despite the faster sprint times, higher CMJ and higher BL in boys. SlopeD may be used as an alternative index to quantify fatigue during repeated shuttle-sprinting, as it takes into account performance in all sprints and may provide an average sprint-by-sprint performance drop.