In-season in-field variable resistance training: effects on strength, power, and anthropometry of junior soccer players

Rationale and Feasibility of Resistance Training in hEDS/HSD: A Narrative Review

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) are genetic conditions characterized by increased joint hypermobility, often in the presence of other signs or symptoms if syndromic. This hypermobility can result in significant pain and ultimately decreased participation in recreational or competitive activity. Rehabilitation of patients with hEDS/HSD is not well understood, particularly since presentation can be relatively heterogenous. Regardless, more research is needed, particularly regarding resistance training, to allow patients with hEDS/HSD to participate in the activities they enjoy. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the clinical features displayed by those with hEDS/HSD that have been found to be improved with resistance training in other populations, and to present the current evidence for resistance training in all types of study designs, ranging from case studies to randomized controlled trials.

Effects of Variable-Resistance Training Versus Constant-Resistance Training on Maximum Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Greater muscular strength is generally associated with superior sports performance, for example, in jumping, sprinting, and throwing. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of variable-resistance training (VRT) and constant-resistance training (CRT) on the maximum strength of trained and untrained subjects. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched to identify relevant studies published up to January 2022. Fourteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were used for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Data regarding training status, training modality, and type of outcome measure were extracted for the analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The pooled outcome showed improved maximum strength with VRT, which was significantly higher than that with CRT (ES = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.42−1.19) for all the subjects. In addition, trained subjects experienced greater maximum-strength improvements with VRT than with CRT (ES = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.22−0.93). Based on subgroup analyses, maximum-strength improvement with a VRT load of ≥80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) was significantly higher than that with CRT (ES = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.37−1.16) in trained subjects, while no significant differences were found between VRT and CRT for maximum-strength improvement when the load was <80% (ES = 0.00; 95% CI: −0.55−0.55). The untrained subjects also achieved greater maximum strength with VRT than with CRT (ES = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.28−2.40). Interestingly, the improved maximum strength of untrained subjects with a VRT load of <80% of 1RM was significantly higher than that with CRT (ES = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.39−3.36); however, no significant differences were noted between VRT and CRT when the load was ≥80% of 1RM (ES = −0.04; 95% CI: −0.89−0.81). Our findings show that subjects with resistance training experience could use a load of ≥80% of 1RM and subjects without resistance training experience could use a load of <80% of 1RM to obtain greater VRT benefits.

Comparison of traditional and accommodating resistance training with chains on muscular adaptations in young men

BACKGROUND

Providing accommodating resistance with the use of chains (CRT) is a programming technique that may enhance muscle size, strength, and power. However, there is a paucity of studies comparing the responses to CRT and traditional resistance training (TRT) approaches. This study aimed to examine the effects of 8 weeks of CRT and TRT on muscular adaptations in young recreationally-trained men.

METHODS

Thirty men (26 ± 4 y) volunteered to participate in the present study and were randomly assigned to either CRT (n = 10), TRT (n = 10), or a non-exercise control group (CG, n = 10). A resistancetraining program (3-4 sets, ~8-12 repetitions at 65-80% of 1RM) was performed three times a week for 8 weeks. Percentage body fat, arm and thigh circumferences, 1RM and endurance (number of repetitions to failure 60% of 1RM) strength tests in the back squat and bench press exercises, and vertical jump power were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Following the intervention, both training groups demonstrated improvements in strength compared to CG, where greater gains were observed for CRT (e.g., bench press 1RM: CRT=28%; TRT=19% / back squat endurance: CRT=8%; TRT=2%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of chains during resistance training may promote greater gains in strength in young men.