One-Repetition-Maximum Measures or Maximum Bar-Power Output: Which Is More Related to Sport Performance?

Match-Play Running Performance in Professional Male Soccer Players: The Role of Anaerobic Speed Reserve

Purpose: This study aimed to compare match-play running performance between players with a high (HASR) and low (LASR) anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) profile in professional soccer players. Method: Thirty-six male players from the same club (age: 23.3 ± 5.4 years) took part in this study. Match data were collected from 43 home matches of the first and second division of the Brazilian National Championship over two consecutive seasons. Players had their maximal sprinting (MSS) and aerobic speeds (MAS) determined during field test-based assessments. ASR was defined as MSS minus MAS. Total distance (TD), sprinting distance, number of accelerations and decelerations, absolute peak (PMS(abs)) and mean match sprint speed (MMSS(abs)) and its relative values expressed as a percentage of MSS (PMS(rel) and MMSS(rel)), distance covered > 100% MAS(abs) and > 50% MSS(abs) were compared between the groups and halves. Results: HASR presented greater sprint demand (d > 0.80), PMS(abs) (d = 1.57), and MMSS(abs) (d = 0.99) than the LASR group. The opposite was observed for PMS(rel) and MMSS(rel). The TD and amount of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations were moderately (0.77MAS(abs) and > 50% MSS(abs) decreased between halves (d = 0.72 and 0.77), while the HASR did not (d < 0.10). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that players with larger ASR had greater sprint demand, with a lower relative running intensity, and covered longer distances above MAS. The amplitude of ASR also affected the player's running ability between halves.

Impact of Sled Loads on Performance and Kinematics of Elite Sprinters and Rugby Players

PURPOSE

To examine the changes in resisted sprint performance and kinematics provoked by different sled loads in elite sprinters and rugby players.

METHODS

Eight elite male sprinters and 10 rugby union players performed 20-m sprints under 3 loading conditions (0%, 20%, and 60% body mass [BM]). Sprint time was measured in 0 to 5, 5 to 10, and 10 to 20 m, while stride length and hip, knee, and ankle angles were measured using an 8-sensor motion analysis system at the same distances.

RESULTS

Sprinters were significantly faster than rugby players in unresisted and resisted sprints using 20% BM (effect size, "ES" [90% confidence limit, CL] range: 0.65 [0.03 to 1.27]; 3.95 [3.10 to 4.81]), but these differences were not significant at 60% BM. Compared to rugby players, sprinters showed lower velocity decrement in resisted sprints using 20% BM (ES [90% CL] range: 0.75 [0.06 to 1.44]; 2.43 [0.83 to 4.02], but higher velocity decrement using 60% BM (ES [90% CL] range: 1.13 [0.43 to 1.82]; 1.46 [0.81 to 2.11]). No significant differences were detected in stride length between sprinters and rugby players for any sprint condition (ES [90% CL] range: 0.02 [-0.72 to 0.76]; 0.84 [0.13 to 1.54]). Rugby players showed higher hip flexion in resisted sprints (ES [90% CL] range: 0.30 [-0.54 to 1.14]; 1.17 [0.20 to 2.15]) and lower plantar flexion in both unresisted and resisted sprints (ES [90% CL] range: 0.78 [0.18 to 1.38]; 1.69 [1.00 to 2.38] than sprinters.

CONCLUSIONS

The alterations induced by resisted sprints in sprint velocity and running technique differed between sprinters and rugby players. Some caution should be taken with general sled loads prescriptions, especially when relative loads are based on distinct percentages of BM, as training responses vary among sports and individuals.

Half-Squat and Jump Squat Exercises Performed Across a Range of Loads: Differences in Mechanical Outputs and Strength Deficits

ABSTRACT

Loturco, I, McGuigan, MR, Freitas, TT, Bishop, C, Zabaloy, S, Mercer, VP, Moura, TBMA, Arruda, AFS, Ramos, MS, Pereira, LA, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Half-squat and jump squat exercises performed across a range of loads: differences in mechanical outputs and strength deficits. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-The aim of this study was to compare the peak force (PF), peak power (PP), and peak velocity (PV) outputs produced during half-squat (HS) and jump squat (JS) exercises executed at 20, 40, 60, and 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the HS (HS 1RM) and to compute and compare the strength deficit (SDef) achieved in these exercises across these loads. Twenty-four national rugby union players (age: 25.7 ± 3.6 years) performed HS 1RM and a progressive loading test in the HS and JS exercises. The PF, PP, and PV values were obtained in all loads for both exercises, and the SDef was calculated as the percentage difference between the PF at distinct relative intensities and the PF at HS 1RM. The differences in HS and JS variables were determined using an analysis of variance with repeated measures. Higher PF, PP, and PV outputs were generated in the JS in comparison with the HS exercise (p < 0.05); moreover, the SDef magnitudes were significantly lower in the JS (p < 0.01), for all loading conditions. Importantly, the differences in SDef, and as a consequence, PF, PP, and PV decreased progressively with increasing load. Overall, the loaded JS exhibited increased levels of PF, PP, and PV and reduced levels of SDef when compared to the traditional HS performed across a range of loads. The JS is indicated to reduce the SDef and improve the athletes' ability to apply force at higher velocities. Nevertheless, with heavier loads (i.e., ≥80% HS 1RM), its potential advantages and effectiveness may be seriously compromised.

Within Session Exercise Sequencing During Programming for Complex Training: Historical Perspectives, Terminology, and Training Considerations

The primary aim of this narrative review was to outline the historical genesis of resistance training strategies that incorporate high-load, low-velocity exercises and low-load, high-velocity exercises in the same training session allowing for different "exercise sequences" to be simultaneously implemented. Discrepancies between scientific works and the terminology used within contemporary sport science publications are identified. Upon review of the literature, we propose "complex training" to be considered an umbrella term with 4 different implementations, generally used to indicate a method in which movement velocity or load is altered between sets and/or exercises within the same session with the aim of improving slow and fast force expression. We propose the following terminology for said implementations: contrast training-exercise sequence with alternating high-load and low-load (higher-velocity) exercises in a set-by-set fashion within the same session (corresponding with 'contrast pairs' and 'intra-contrast rest'); descending training-several sets of high-load (e.g., back squat) exercises completed before the execution of several sets of low-load, higher-velocity (e.g., vertical jump) exercises within the same session; ascending training-several sets of low-load, higher-velocity exercises completed before several sets of high-load exercises within the same session; and French contrast training-subset of contrast training in which a series of exercises are performed in sequence within a single session: heavy compound exercise, plyometric exercise, light-to-moderate load compound exercise that maximises movement speed (i.e., external power), and a plyometric exercise (often assisted). Finally, practical applications and training considerations are presented.

Differences in Strength, Speed, and Power Performance Between Visually Impaired Paralympic and Olympic Sprinters

PURPOSE

To compare the strength, speed, and power performance of elite sprinters with and without visual impairment.

METHODS

Twelve elite able-bodied sprinters and 15 Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment took part in this study. Sprinters from both groups performed the following tests: squat and countermovement jumps, maximum bar-power output in the half-squat and jump-squat exercises, and 60-m sprint. The differences between groups in all variables examined were analyzed using the independent t test.

RESULTS

Olympic sprinters revealed better performances in all tests when compared with Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment (effect sizes ranging from 1.29 to 9.04; P < .001). Differences of ∼32% and ∼20% were found for the half-squat and loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, respectively. Smaller differences (from ∼8% to ∼11%) were obtained in linear sprint performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Between-groups differences peaked at low-velocity exercises (eg, ∼32% in the half-squat) and decreased as movement velocity and specificity increased (eg, ∼8% at 60-m sprint). Thus, the greatest differences between Olympic and Paralympic sprinters seem to be related to their ability to apply force at low movement velocities. Coaches are encouraged to work on all sprinting phases and across the entire force-velocity spectrum, bearing in mind that improvements in strength capacity will possibly lead to increased sprint performance in Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment, especially in the acceleration phase of sprinting.

Strength Deficit in Elite Young Rugby Players: Differences Between Playing Positions and Associations With Sprint and Jump Performance

ABSTRACT

Zabaloy, S, Giráldez, J, Fink, B, Alcaraz, PE, Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, and Loturco, I. Strength deficit in elite young rugby players: Differences between playing positions and associations with sprint and jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 920-926, 2022-The aims of this study were twofold: to compare the strength-related performance between young forwards and backs rugby players and to examine the correlations between strength deficit (SDef), strength parameters, and sprint and jump performance. Fifty-seven male rugby players (mean ± SD: age, 17.4 ± 1.3 years) performed anthropometric and body composition assessments, vertical jumps, 30-m sprint, and squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) 1-repetition maximum tests (1RM SQ and BP). The differences in the tested variables between positions were analyzed through an independent t-test. A Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationships among the variables. Significant differences were observed for anthropometric and body composition measures and jump and sprint performance between positions (p < 0.05; effect size [ES]: 0.60-1.34), except for 5-m velocity (p = 0.080; ES: 0.57). Backs demonstrated higher relative 1RM than forwards in both exercises (p = 0.009 and p = 0.008; ES = 0.88 and 0.91, for SQ and BP, respectively). In addition, backs demonstrated lower SDef from 70 to 90% 1RM (p < 0.048) but small-to-moderate nonsignificant lower SDef against lighter loads compared with forwards (50-60% 1RM). Overall, SDef across all loads (r: -0.378 to -0.529) and 1RM SQ (r: 0.504 to -0.590) were significantly related to sprint performance. Therefore, young rugby players who present lower magnitudes of SDef and superior 1RM SQ performance tend to be faster in linear sprints.

Variations in Internal and External Training Load Measures and Neuromuscular Performance of Professional Soccer Players During a Preseason Training Period

We described the internal and external training loads (TLs) experienced by soccer players over a 4-week preseason, examined their effects on vertical jump (VJ) performance, and investigated the relationships between different TL variables. Eighteen professional soccer players performed 17 training sessions and 1 friendly-match (FM) over the preseason. The internal TL was obtained using the session-rating of perceived exertion method. The external TL variables collected were total and high-intensity distances, body-load, and high-metabolic power distance via the GPS system. VJ performance was assessed 13 times throughout the study. Moreover, total quality recovery and delayed onset muscle soreness were assessed before every training session as a measure of recovery status. Players were divided, using a median split analysis, into two groups, according to their VJ performance (i.e., “lower” and “higher” VJ). External TL variables displayed similar variations across training sessions and were significantly interrelated (r ranging from 0.48 to 0.88). In periods where higher internal TLs were detected, impaired recovery status was noticed. Notably, the higher VJ group exhibited decreased jump performance at post-test and higher internal and external TLs across the entire preseason (compared to the lower VJ group). From our results it is suggested that professional soccer players with higher VJ performance are potentially more susceptible to concurrent training effects.

The Optimum Power Load: A Simple and Powerful Tool for Testing and Training

PURPOSE

The optimal power load is defined as the load that maximizes power output in a given exercise. This load can be determined through the use of various instruments, under different testing protocols. Specifically, the "optimum power load" (OPL) is derived from the load-velocity relationship, using only bar force and bar velocity in the power computation. The OPL is easily assessed using a simple incremental testing protocol, based on relative percentages of body mass. To date, several studies have examined the associations between the OPL and different sport-specific measures, as well as its acute and chronic effects on athletic performance. The aim of this brief review is to present and summarize the current evidence regarding the OPL, highlighting the main lines of research on this topic and discussing the potential applications of this novel approach for testing and training.

CONCLUSIONS

The validity and simplicity of OPL-based schemes provide strong support for their use as an alternative to more traditional strength-power training strategies. The OPL method can be effectively used by coaches and sport scientists in different sports and populations, with different purposes and configurations.

Kinetics in lumbosacral and lower-limb joints of sprinters during barbell hip thrust compared to deadlift and back squat

Joint kinetic characteristics during the eccentric phase are important in resistance exercises because eccentric actions with elastic potential energy storage lead to the energy recoil with large joint moment and power generation during the subsequent concentric phase. Previous studies assessed the force production capacity in the barbell hip thrust; however, these were reported by the methodology using only surface electromyographic amplitudes recorded in the lower back and thigh muscles and did not focus on eccentric action. This study aimed to determine kinetic characteristics of lumbosacral, hip and knee joints of sprinters during the eccentric and concentric phases in a barbell hip thrust, compared to those of deadlift and back squat. Eleven well-trained male sprinters participated in this study. Each participant performed two full ranges of motion repetition using their previously determined six-repetition maximum loads. During strength exercises, reflective marker displacements attached to the body and a barbell were captured using 22 high-speed cameras, and ground reaction forces were captured using 4 force plates simultaneously. In the barbell hip thrust, as well as deadlift, the peak values of the lumbosacral and hip extension moments were generated almost immediately after the eccentric phase and were 24% and 42% larger than those in the back squat, respectively. In the knee joint, the largest was the peak extension moment in the back squat (155 ± 28 Nm), followed in order by that in the barbell hip thrust (66 ± 33 Nm) and that in the deadlift (24 ± 27 Nm). These demonstrated that a barbell hip thrust, as well as deadlift, can be a resistance exercise to strengthen the lower back and posterior thigh muscles. Thus, these resistance exercises may be able to be used separately according to their intended purposes, enabling transformations of strength training to specific dynamic motions such as sprint running.

Maximum Strength, Relative Strength, and Strength Deficit: Relationships With Performance and Differences Between Elite Sprinters and Professional Rugby Union Players

PURPOSE

To test the relationships between maximum and relative strength (MS and RS), absolute and relative peak force (PF and RPF), and strength deficit (SDef), with sprint and jump performance, and to compare these mechanical variables between elite sprinters and professional rugby union players.

METHODS

Thirty-five male rugby union players and 30 male sprinters performed vertical jumps, 30-m sprint, and half-squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM), where these force-related parameters were collected. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to test the relationships between the variables. An independent t test and magnitude-based inferences compared the mechanical variables between sprinters and rugby players.

RESULTS

Almost certain significant differences were observed for jump and sprint performance between groups (P < .0001). The rugby union players demonstrated a likely significant higher MS (P = .03) but a very likely lower RS (P = .007) than the sprinters. No significant differences were observed for PF between them. The sprinters exhibited an almost certain significant higher RPF than the rugby players (P < .0001). Furthermore, the rugby players demonstrated almost certain to likely significant higher SDef from 40% to 70% 1RM (P < .05) compared with the sprinters. Overall, all strength-derived parameters were significantly related to functional performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Elite sprinters present higher levels of RS and RPF, lower levels of SDef, and better sprint and jump performance than professional rugby players. Relative strength-derived values (RS and RPF) and SDef are significantly associated with speed-power measures and may be used as effective and practical indicators of athletic performance.

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Three Ultra-Portable Vertical Jump Assessment Technologies

Vertical jump is a valuable training, testing, and readiness monitoring tool used across a multitude of sport settings. However, accurate field analysis has not always been readily available or affordable. For this study, two-dimensional motion capture (Mo-Cap), G-Flight micro-sensor, and PUSH accelerometer technologies were compared to a research-grade force-plate. Twelve healthy university students (7 males, 5 females) volunteered for this study. Each participant performed squat jumps, countermovement jumps, and drop jumps on three separate occasions. Between-device differences were determined using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Systematic bias was determined by limits of agreement using Bland-Altman analysis. Variability was examined via the coefficient of variation, interclass correlation coefficient, and typical error of measure. Dependent variables included jump height, contact-time, and reactive strength index (RSI). Mo-Cap held the greatest statistical similarity to force-plates, only overestimating contact-time (+12 ms). G-Flight (+1.3-4 cm) and PUSH (+4.1-4.5 cm) consistently overestimate jump height, while PUSH underestimates contact-time (-24 ms). Correspondingly, RSI was the most valid metric across all technologies. All technologies held small to moderate variably; however, variability was greatest with the G-Flight. While all technologies are practically implementable, practitioners may want to consider budget, athlete characteristics, exercise demands, set-up, and processing time before purchasing the most appropriate equipment.

Delayed potentiation effects on neuromuscular performance after optimal load and high load resistance priming sessions using velocity loss

Aim: (i) to compare the effects of two different low-volume resistance priming sessions, where the external load is modified on neuromuscular performance after 6 h of rest; and (ii) to identify the effects on psychological readiness in participants with resistance training experience. Methods: Eleven participants (Body mass: 77.0 ± 8.9 kg; Body height: 1.76 ± 0.08 m; Half squat repetition maximum: 139.8 ± 22.4 kg) performed the priming session under three experimental conditions in a randomized and cross-over design during the morning. The control (CON) condition: no resistance training, "optimal load" (OL) condition: two half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the "optimal load", and 80% of repetition maximum (80% RM) condition: 2 half-squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the 80% RM. Countermovement jump (CMJ), mean power with OL (MP_OL) and 80% RM (MP_80RM), and mean velocity with OL (MV_OL) and 80% RM (MV_80RM) were assessed six hours after the intervention. Subjective readiness was also recorded prior to resistance training and evaluation. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: CMJ was higher after the 80% RM intervention than CON (p < 0.001; Δ = 6.5% [3.4-9.5]). MP_OL and MV_OL seemed to be unaffected by both morning sessions. Higher MP_80RM (p = 0.044; Δ = 9.7% [4.0-15.6]; d = 0.24[0.10-0.37]) and MV_80RM (p = 0.004; Δ = 8.1% [3.2-13.3]; d = 0.32[0.13-0.52]) after 80% RM than after CON were observed. No effect was observed on psychological readiness. Conclusions: 80% RM priming session increased CMJ height and the capacity to generate power and velocity under a high-load condition without any effect on psychological readiness.

Relationship Between Power Output and Speed-Related Performance in Brazilian Wheelchair Basketball Players

This study aimed to investigate the association between the optimum power load in the bench press (BP), shoulder press (SP), and prone bench pull (PBP) exercises and acceleration (ACC) and speed performances in 11 National Team wheelchair basketball (WB) players with similar levels of disability. All athletes were previously familiarized with the testing procedures that were performed on the same day during the competitive period of the season. First, athletes performed a wheelchair 20-m sprint assessment and, subsequently, a maximum power load test to determine the mean propulsive power (MPP) in the BP, SP, and PBP. A Pearson product-moment correlation was used to examine the relationships between sprint velocity (VEL), ACC, and the MPP in the three exercises. The significance level was set as p < .05. Large to very large significant associations were observed between VEL and ACC and the MPP in the BP, SP, and PBP exercises (r varying from .60 to .77; p < .05). The results reveal that WB players who produce more power in these three exercises are also able to accelerate faster and achieve higher speeds over short distances. Given the key importance of high and successive ACCs during wheelchair game-related maneuvers, it is recommended that coaches frequently assess the optimum power load in BP, SP, and PBP in WB players, even during their regular training sessions.

Performance and reference data in the jump squat at different relative loads in elite sprinters, rugby players, and soccer players

The aims of this study were to compare the outcomes and provide reference data for a set of barbell mechanical parameters collected via a linear velocity transducer in 126 male sprinters (n = 62), rugby players (n = 32), and soccer players (n = 32). Bar-velocity, bar-force, and bar-power outputs were assessed in the jump-squat exercise with jump-squat height determined from bar-peak velocity. The test started at a load of 40% of the athletes’ body mass (BM), and a load of 10% of BM was gradually added until a clear decrement in the bar power was observed. Comparisons of bar variables among the three sports were performed using a one-way analysis of variance. Relative measures of bar velocity, force, and power, and jump-squat height were significantly higher in sprinters than in rugby (difference ranging between 5 and 35%) and soccer (difference ranging between 5 and 60%) players across all loads (40–110% of BM). Rugby players exhibited higher absolute bar-power (mean difference = 22%) and bar-force (mean difference = 16%) values than soccer players, but these differences no longer existed when the data were adjusted for BM (mean difference = 2.5%). Sprinters optimized their bar-power production at significantly greater relative loads (%BM) than rugby (mean difference = 22%) and soccer players (mean difference = 25%); nonetheless, all groups generated their maximum bar-power outputs at similar bar velocities. For the first time, we provided reference values for the jump-squat exercise for three different bar-velocity measures (i.e., mean, mean propulsive, and peak velocity) for sprinters, rugby players, and soccer players, over a wide range of relative loads. Practitioners can use these reference values to monitor their athletes and compare them with top-level sprinters and team-sport players.

Reference power values for the jump squat exercise in elite athletes: A multicenter study

The present study aimed to provide reference values for lower-limb muscle power assessed during the incremental jump squat (JS) test in elite athletes (i.e., professional athletes competing at international level). We pooled data from all JS tests performed by elite athletes of different sports in two high-performance centres between 2015 and 2019, and computed reference values (i.e., terciles) for mean power (MP), mean propulsive power (MPP), and peak power (PP). Reference values were obtained from 684 elite athletes (458 male and 226 female) of 16 different sports (boxing, judo, karate, fencing, taekwondo, wrestling, basketball, soccer, futsal, handball, rugby union, badminton, tennis, long distance running, triathlon, and sprinting). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between male and female athletes for MP (7.47 ± 1.93 and 6.15 ± 1.68 W·Kg^-1, respectively), MPP (10.50 ± 2.75 and 8.63 ± 2.43 W·Kg^-1), and PP (23.64 ± 6.12 and 19.35 ± 5.49 W·Kg^-1). However, the velocity at which these power measures was attained seemed to be independent of sex (~0.95, 1.00 and 2.00 m·s^-1 for mean, mean propulsive, and peak velocity, respectively) and homogeneous across different sport disciplines (coefficient of variation <10%). These data can be used to classify athletes' power capabilities, and the optimum velocity ranges provided here could be useful for training purposes.

Determining the Optimum Bar Velocity in the Barbell Hip Thrust Exercise

PURPOSE

To identify the bar velocities that optimize power output in the barbell hip thrust exercise.

METHODS

A total of 40 athletes from 2 sports disciplines (30 track-and-field sprinters and jumpers and 10 rugby union players) participated in this study. Maximum bar-power outputs and their respective bar velocities were assessed in the barbell hip thrust exercise. Athletes were divided, using a median split analysis, into 2 groups according to their bar-power outputs in the barbell hip thrust exercise ("higher" and "lower" power groups). The magnitude-based inferences method was used to analyze the differences between groups in the power and velocity outcomes. To assess the precision of the bar velocities for determining the maximum power values, the coefficient of variation (CV%) was also calculated.

RESULTS

Athletes achieved the maximum power outputs at a mean velocity, mean propulsive velocity, and peak velocity of 0.92 (0.04) m·s-1 (CV: 4.1%), 1.02 (0.05) m·s-1 (CV: 4.4%), and 1.72 (0.14) m·s-1 (CV: 8.4%), respectively. No meaningful differences were observed in the optimum bar velocities between higher and lower power groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent of the athletes' power output and bar-velocity variable, the optimum power loads frequently occur at very close bar velocities.

Selective Influences of Maximum Dynamic Strength and Bar-Power Output on Team Sports Performance: A Comprehensive Study of Four Different Disciplines

This study examined the selective influences of one-repetition maximum (1RM) values [assessed in the half-squat (HS)] and bar-power production [assessed in both HS and jump squat (JS) exercises] on the physical performance of male and female team sport athletes from four different sports. Three-hundred and three elite players (31 Olympians) from four different disciplines (47 male soccer players, 58 female soccer players, 28 male handball players, 58 female handball players, 49 male rugby players, and 63 male futsal players) participated in this study. The physical tests were performed over 2 consecutive days for soccer and rugby players, and in 1 day for the remaining athletes. On the first day, rugby and soccer athletes performed squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), and HS 1RM. On the second day, they executed HS and JS tests (to assess the maximum bar-power output) and the linear and change-of-direction (COD) speed tests. For the other players, the sequence of the measurements was the same; however, they did not perform the HS exercise. Athletes were separated, using a median split analysis, into two distinct groups, according to their bar-power output in both JS and HS exercises and their performance in HS 1RM. The magnitude-based inferences method was used to examine the differences between "higher" and "lower" performance groups. Overall, the bar-power outputs were better connected to improved acceleration, speed, and jump performance than the 1RM measures. From these findings, it is possible to infer that players able to produce higher bar-power outputs are likely to sprint faster and jump higher. Therefore, coaches involved in team sports are strongly encouraged to use the bar-power method to evaluate the athletic performance of their players.

Optimum Power Loads for Elite Boxers: Case Study with the Brazilian National Olympic Team

The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of a resistance-training program based on the optimum power loads (OPL) method on neuromuscular performance of Olympic boxing athletes during preparation for the Rio-2016 Olympic Games. Twelve elite amateur boxers from the Brazilian National Olympic Team participated in this study. Athletes were assessed at four time-points, over two consecutive competitive seasons. In the first season (considered as "control period"), the athletes executed a non-controlled strength-power training program for 10 weeks. In the second season (a seven-week experimental period), the elite boxers performed 14 power-oriented training sessions, comprising bench press (BP) and jump squat (JS) exercises at the OPL. Maximum bar-power output in BP and JS exercises was measured pre and post both training phases. Magnitude-based inferences were used to compare changes in pre and post training tests. Bar-power outputs increased meaningfully in both BP (+8%) and JS (+7%) exercises after the OPL training program. In contrast, after the control period, no worthwhile improvements were observed in the variables tested. Based on the findings of this study, highly trained boxers might benefit from the use of a training scheme based on OPL.