Comparative Effects of Complex Contrast Training and Traditional Training Methods on Physical Performance Within Female, Semiprofessional Australian Rules Football Players

ABSTRACT

Luders, J, Garrett, J, Gleadhill, S, Mathews, L, and Bennett, H. Comparative effects of complex contrast training and traditional training methods on physical performance within female, semiprofessional Australian Rules Football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to explore whether complex contrast training (CCT) would elicit greater strength and power adaptations than traditional (TRAD) training methods using a volume- and intensity-matched design. Fourteen semiprofessional female Australian Football players completed the study. Both CCT and TRAD saw improvements in all performance outcomes: 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat (21.3 ± 8.2 and 16.7 ± 6.8 kg), 1RM bench press (5.3 ± 3.6 and 2.1 ± 4.0 kg), 1RM trap bar deadlift (5.0 ± 6.6 and 11.3 ± 2.5 kg), 5 m sprint (0.002 ± 0.09 and 0.02 ± 0.2 s), 10 m sprint (0.04 ± 0.17 and 0.02 ± 0.1 s), 15 m sprint (0.009 ± 0.15 and 0.08 ± 0.2 s), countermovement jump (CMJ) height (230 ± 150 and 340 ± 390 cm), CMJ absolute peak power (158.5 ± 69.6 and 235.6 ± 229.6 N), CMJ relative peak power (3.46 ± 4.1 and 2.68 ± 1.4 N·kg-1)), and plyometric push-up peak relative power (20.5 ± 13.4 and 15.2 ± 13.5 N). There were no between-group differences except for TRAD recording slightly greater improvements in 1RM Trap bar deadlift (Bayes factor [BF10] = 1.210). Complex contrast training completed sessions on average ∼7 minutes quicker than TRAD (BF10 = 5.722), while both groups reporting similar ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) with CCT (±SD) 58.4 ± 6.7 minutes and TRAD 65.5 ± 4.8. Based on the results, CCT training provides the same performance outcomes as traditional training methods across a period of 8 weeks, while taking less time to achieve these outcomes and with similar RPE.

Effects of complex training compared to resistance training alone on physical fitness of healthy individuals: A systematic review with meta-analysis

Combining traditional resistance and ballistic exercises in a complex training (CT) format has shown improved physical fitness compared to the control conditions. However, no meta-analysis has directly compared CT with traditional resistance training (RT) alone. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and WoS. Thirty-two studies involving 726 participants were included. Both RT and CT similarly improved one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat and bench press, 10 m and 30-60 m linear sprint time, squat jump height, jump power, reactive strength index, and standing long jump distance. Compared to RT, CT favoured 5-m (ES = 0.96) and 20-m linear sprint (ES = 0.52), change-of-direction speed (CODS; ES = 0.39), and countermovement jump height (CMJ; ES = 0.36). Furthermore, moderating effects of training frequency, duration, and complex training type were reported. Certainty of evidence was considered low for 5-m and 20-m linear sprints and CODS and very low for other outcomes. Compared to traditional resistance training, complex training may improve 5-m and 20-m linear sprints, CODS, and CMJ height. The effects of complex training may be optimised by longer interventions (≥7 weeks), with ~ 3 weekly training sessions, and using ascending and contrast training formats. However, the certainty of evidence ranges from very low to low.

Network Meta-analysis of Combined Strength and Power Training for Countermovement Jump Height

Combined strength and power training in a training program is considered to improve the vertical jump, which is frequently quantified using the countermovement jump height. It is not yet clear whether one of the different training set structures, such as complex training, contrast training, compound training and traditional training, is superior to another. The aim of this review is to describe and assess the comparative effects of the set structures on countermovement jump height in healthy subjects. A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Network Meta-Analyses. Three databases were systematically searched. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. NMAs were performed using a random-effects model. Twenty-four studies were included. All interventions were superior to control (no intervention) with mean differences ranging from 2.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.99 to 3.74] for complex training to 3.43 (95% CI: 2.61 to 4.26) for traditional training. None of the training interventions were superior compared to each other in strength and/or power trained subjects, as well as in non-strength and/or power trained subjects. The findings support the combination of strength and power training to improve countermovement jump height.

Using Machine Learning Algorithms to Pool Data from Meta-Analysis for the Prediction of Countermovement Jump Improvement

To solve the research-practice gap and take one step forward toward using big data with real-world evidence, the present study aims to adopt a novel method using machine learning to pool findings from meta-analyses and predict the change of countermovement jump. The data were collected through a total of 124 individual studies included in 16 recent meta-analyses. The performance of four selected machine learning algorithms including support vector machine, random forest (RF) ensemble, light gradient boosted machine, and the neural network using multi-layer perceptron was compared. The RF yielded the highest accuracy (mean absolute error: 0.071 cm; R²: 0.985). Based on the feature importance calculated by the RF regressor, the baseline CMJ ("Pre-CMJ") was the most impactful predictor, followed by age ("Age"), the total number of training sessions received ("Total number of training_session"), controlled or non-controlled conditions ("Control (no training)"), whether the training program included squat, lunge, deadlift, or hip thrust exercises ("Squat_Lunge_Deadlift_Hipthrust_True", "Squat_Lunge_Deadlift_Hipthrust_False"), or "Plyometric (mixed fast/slow SSC)", and whether the athlete was from an Asian pacific region including Australia ("Race_Asian or Australian"). By using multiple simulated virtual cases, the successful predictions of the CMJ improvement are shown, whereas the perceived benefits and limitations of using machine learning in a meta-analysis are discussed.

The Effect of Three Different Resistance Training Programming Approaches on Strength Gains and Jumping Performance

Background: A main goal of programming is to structure the optimal variations in training factors to optimize athletes' adaptations. Nevertheless, it remains unknown the optimal programming model leading to greater neuromuscular adaptations. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of three different magnitudes of variability within resistance training programs on performance adaptations. Methods: Forty participants were assigned to three different groups differing in the frequency of change in training contents: a weekly model (WM; n = 12), a daily model (DM; n= 14), and a session model (SM; n = 14). The training intervention lasted for six weeks, performing two sessions per week of back-squat exercise. Total training load (volume and intensity) of the six-week intervention was equated for all groups. Maximum dynamic strength (1RM) in the back-squat, countermovement (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) were measured pre- and post-training intervention. Results: All groups showed significant increases (p< .05) in 1RM, with the SM showing greater increases than the WM (20.5 vs 13.6%; p= .022). Although not reaching statistical significance, the magnitude of the increases in CMJ tended to be greater for DM and SM group (9.5% and 8.1%, respectively,) than in the WM (4.4%). All groups showed similar increases in the SJ (7.7-9.9%). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the use of more frequent stimuli variations within resistance training programming is a key factor to achieve concomitant increases in strength and jumping performance.

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.

Effects of Vest and Sled Resisted Sprint Training on Sprint Performance in Young Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Fernández-Galván, LM, Casado, A, García-Ramos, A, and Haff, GG. Effects of vest and sled resisted sprint training on sprint performance in young soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-The aim of the meta-analysis was to determine the effect of resisted sprint training (RST) on sprint performance in young (<20 years) soccer players and to analyze whether the training equipment (sled or vest) and magnitude of the resistive load (above or below 20% of body mass [BM]) influences the long-term adaptations in sprint performance. Resisted sprint training reduced the acceleration phase time [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.41], with greater reduction in sprint time occurring in response to applying resistance with a vest (SMD = -0.70) when compared with a sled (SMD = -0.27). Similar reductions were determined for resistive loads <20% (SMD = -0.55) and ≥20% of BM (SMD = -0.31). Full sprint time showed a small reduction after RST (SMD = -0.36), regardless of the training equipment (sled: SMD = -0.44; vest: SMD = -0.26) and resistive load (<20% of BM: SMD = -0.40 ≥ 20% of BM: SMD = -0.21). There was a small and nonsignificant reduction in the maximum-velocity phase after RST (SMD = -0.25), which was comparable when the training was performed with vest (SMD = -0.34) or sled (SMD = -0.22). No significant differences in the changes of the acceleration phase time (SMD = 0.05) or full sprint time (SMD = 0.08) were observed between the experimental (sled or vest RST) and control groups (only soccer or unresisted sprint training). In conclusion, RST is effective to improve sprint performance in young soccer players, but the improvements are not superior to unresisted sprint training.

A systematic review of resistance training methodologies for the development of lower body concentric mean power, peak power, and mean propulsive power in team-sport athletes

This study aimed to systematically review training methods prescribed to develop lower-body power, determine their effectiveness for the development of lower-body mechanical power and their implementation in an annual training cycle amongst team-sport athletes. The absolute and relative outcome values of concentric mean power, peak power and mean propulsive power were extracted from 19 studies. Outcomes were assessed using baseline to post intervention percent change, effect sizes, and the level of evidence concerning the method's effectiveness. A thorough analysis of the literature indicated that, based on the high level of evidence, traditional (e.g., strength training alone) and combination training (e.g., complex and contrast) methods should be considered. Further, optimal load and velocity-based training can be implemented if coaches have access to the appropriate equipment to monitor movement velocity and mechanical power in every session. This is of particular importance in periods of the season where high volumes of technical-tactical training and congested fixture periods are present. Also, flywheel, eccentric overload and weightlifting methods have been shown to be effective although the level of evidence is low. Future research should expand on current training practices whilst adequately reporting actual training loads from sport-specific training and games alongside strength-power training protocols.

The stretch-shortening cycle efficiency is dependent on the maturational stage

Abstract Maturation interferes with physiological and mechanical aspects of muscle contraction. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) between different maturation stages. One hundred forty six young people, with 72 boys and 74 girls, were recruited to participate in the study. Sexual maturation was measured and the group was stratified into adolescents (> 3 auto-tanner) and children (<2 auto-tanner). Squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance were measured to measure reactive force (RF) capacity, eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) and pre-stretch augmentation (PSAP). The children did not present statistical difference between SJ and CMJ (t(55)= -1.93; ∆ = -0.61; 95% CI = -1.24 to -0.02; p = 0.058), while the adolescents presented higher performance of CMJ (t(89)= -12.28; ∆ = -2.44; 95% CI = -2.84 to -2.05; p <0.001). In addition, adolescents had higher RF performance (t(144)= 5.18; p <0.0001; 95% CI = 2.53 to 1.13), PSAP (t(144)= 4.38; p <0.0001; 95% CI = 14.00 to 5.29) and EUR (t(144)= 4.38; p <0.0001; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.05). We conclude that more mature young people have better SSC utilization.