Effects of Training Frequency During a 6-Month Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Movement Competency, Strength and Power in Male Youth

Frequency of Velocity-Based-Training Frequency Impacts Changes in Muscle Morphology, Neuromuscular Performance, and Functional Capability in Persons With Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACT

Calaway, C, Walls, K, Levitt, H, Caplan, J, Mann, B, Martinez, K, Gastaldo, R, Haq, I, and Signorile, JF. Frequency of velocity-based-training frequency impacts changes in muscle morphology, neuromuscular performance and functional capability in persons with Parkinson's disease. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Velocity-based training (VBT) positively impacts muscle morphology and performance in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, optimal training frequencies for VBT in patients with PD remain undetermined. Changes in ultrasound-determined muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI)-derived muscle quality of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL), neuromuscular performance, and functional capacity were examined following 2 VBT frequencies (2-3 d·wk-1) using 30% velocity loss thresholds for 12 weeks. Neuromuscular performance was assessed using computerized pneumatic resistance machines. For each variable, 2 (time) × 2 (group) repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine significant main effects and interactions. Significant time effects were seen for MT and EI of all muscles (p < 0.05). Muscle thickness improvements included right VL (RVL) (0.171 ± 0.065 cm; p = 0.019), left VL (LVL) (0.214 ± 0.101 cm; p = 0.049), right RF (RRF) (0.194 ± 0.077 cm; p = 0.023), and left RF (LRF) (0.318 ± 0.109 cm; p = 0.010). For EI, improvements occurred in RVL (-18.688 ± 3.600; p = <0.001), LVL (-10.959 ± 4.894; p = 0.040), RRF (-9.516 ± 3.537; p = 0.016), and LRF (-9.018 ± 3.444; p = 0.019). Time effects were seen for leg-press 1-repetition maximum and peak power (p < 0.01) and habitual walking speed (p = 0.022), with a group by time interaction for maximal gait speed favoring the 3 d·wk-1 condition (∆0.15 m·s-1, p = 0.002). The results indicate that VBT at 2 or 3 d·wk-1 can significantly improve muscle morphology, neuromuscular performance, and functional capability in patients with PD; however, improvements in maximal gait speed require 3 d·wk-1. These findings provide flexibility when developing exercise prescriptions for patients with PD.

Integrating Resistance Training Into Secondary School Physical Education Lessons: Effects of a 6-Week Intervention on Athletic Motor Skill Competencies

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of resistance training (RT) in physical education lessons on athletic motor skill competencies in secondary school children.

METHOD

Seventy-eight males were randomized into experimental year groups or a control group. Experimental groups participated in RT during physical education lessons for a 6-week half-term. The control group continued with their games-based curriculum. Countermovement jump (CMJ) height, seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) distance, and RT skills battery scores were measured preintervention and postintervention.

RESULTS

All experimental groups significantly improved SMBT distance and RT skills quotient (P < .05). All intervention year groups also significantly improved CMJ height (P < .05), except for year 9. Although the control group did not show improvements in CMJ height and RT skills quotient, there was a significant improvement in SMBT distance (P < .05). The year 7 and 8 males exhibited greater improvements in CMJ height and SMBT distance (d = 0.21-0.79) than in year 9 (d = 0.00-0.40).

CONCLUSION

Results of the study indicated that a 6-week half-term RT intervention in physical education lessons can improve athletic motor skill competencies (P < .05, d = 0.21-2.51) in male youths.

Twelve Weeks of Progressive Resistance Training Positively Improves Physical Fitness and Golf Swing Performance in Talented Youth Golfers

ABSTRACT

Shaw, J, Gould, ZI, Oliver, JL, and Lloyd, RS. Twelve weeks of progressive resistance training positively improves physical fitness and golf swing performance in talented youth golfers. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1103-1110, 2024-This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week resistance training program in talented junior golfers. Eighteen talented youth golfers were pair matched by maturity status and handicap, and subsequently allocated to an experimental (EXP) or control group. During the 12-week intervention, both groups continued with their normal golf practice while the EXP group also completed a progressive twice-weekly resistance training program. At baseline, subjects performed multiple trials of an isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump, golf movement screen (GMS), and isometric plank hold. Club head speed (CHS) and carry distance for a 6-iron and driver were also measured using a commercial launch monitor. When controlled for maturity offset, there were significant ( p < 0.05) interaction effects in favor of the EXP group for absolute ( g = 1.29) and relative ( g = 2.06) peak force for the IMTP, CMJ absolute ( g = 0.73) and relative ( g = 0.66) peak power, jump height ( g = 1.05), modified reactive strength index ( g = 1.30), lateral ( g = 0.48-0.88) and horizontal jump distance ( g = 1.20), and GMS total score ( g = 1.07). Significant interaction effects were also reported in 6-iron and driver CHS and carry distance in favor of the EXP group ( p < 0.05; g = 0.41-1.64). These findings indicate that twice-weekly resistance training in combination with regular golf practice can stimulate increases in measures of strength, power, and movement competency in youth golfers, which should contribute to enhanced golf swing performance.

Preseason Integrative Neuromuscular Training Improves Selected Measures of Physical Fitness in Highly Trained, Youth, Male Soccer Players

ABSTRACT

Hammami, R, Negra, Y, Nebigh, A, Ramirez-Campillo, R, Moran, J, and Chaabene, H. Preseason integrative neuromuscular training improves selected measures of physical fitness in highly trained, youth, male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): e384-e390, 2023-This study examined the effects of an 8-week integrative neuromuscular training (INT) program, including balance, strength, plyometric, and change of direction exercises, on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players. Twenty-four male soccer players participated in this study. They were randomly allocated into an INT (n = 12; age = 15.7 ± 0.6 years, body height = 179.75 ± 6.54 cm, body mass = 78.20 ± 7.44 kg, maturity-offset = +2.2 ± 0.6 years) or an active control (CG, n = 12; age = 15.4 ± 0.8 years, body height = 178.4 ± 6.4 cm, body mass = 72 ± 8.3 kg, maturity-offset = +1.9 ± 0.7 years) group. Before and after training, tests to measure dynamic balance (Y-Balance test [YBT]), muscle strength (one repetition maximum [1RM]), muscle power (five jump test [FJT], single-leg hop test [SLHT], and countermovement jump [CMJ] height), linear sprint time (10 and 30-m), and change of direction with ball (CoDball) were performed. The analysis of covariance was used to test between-group differences (INT vs. CG) at posttest using baseline values as covariates. Significant, large, between-group differences at posttest were noted for the YBT (p = 0.016; d = 1.1), 1RM (p = 0.011; d = 1.2), FJT (p = 0.027; d = 1.0), SLHT (p = 0.04; d = 1.4), CMJ height (p < 0.001; d = 1.9), 10-m sprint (p < 0.01; d = 1.6), and CoDball (p < 0.05; d = 0.9) in favor of the INT group. Significant moderate-to-large pre-to-post changes were detected in the INT group for YBT, 1RM, CMJ height, SLHT, FJT, 10-m and 30-m sprint time, and CoDball test (d = 0.7 to 3.07, p < 0.05). No significant pre-to-post changes were observed in the CG (p > 0.05), except for 10-m sprint time (d = 1.3; p < 0.05). Exposure to INT twice weekly is effective and time efficient to improve various measures of physical fitness in highly trained youth male soccer players.