The Effect of Autoregulated Flywheel and Traditional Strength Training on Training Load Progression and Motor Skill Performance in Youth Athletes

A comprehensive review of training methods for physical demands in adolescent tennis players: a systematic review

Background

Adolescent tennis players encounter critical physical demands, but the lack of comprehensive analysis of training types hampers the selection of optimal training programs. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to analyze the effectiveness and limitations of various training types on the physical demands of adolescent tennis players, summarizing the optimal training methods to enhance these physical qualities.

Methods

From March 2024, a comprehensive search was conducted across four electronic databases: SCOPUS, PubMed, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), and Web of Science. Additionally, Google Scholar and other sources of gray literature were referenced. Original research articles with an experimental design were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and the overall scientific evidence was determined through the best evidence synthesis (BES).

Results

Eighteen articles on exercise training met all inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. These studies maintained a high standard of quality, making their findings relatively credible. Among them, five studies investigated plyometric training, five focused on neuromuscular training, three explored functional training, two examined traditional strength training, and three assessed High-Intensity Interval Training.

Conclusion

To enhance speed, strength, power, agility, and dynamic balance, it is recommended to prioritize plyometric training, neuromuscular training, and functional training over traditional tennis training. Functional training is particularly effective for improving flexibility and balance, while plyometric training is more suited for increasing power and speed. Neuromuscular training, when performed before routine workouts, is beneficial for enhancing speed, flexibility, and strength. Hard surface training is ideal for boosting power, whereas sand training excels in improving strength, speed, and balance. Combining HIIT with strength training is especially advantageous for enhancing short-distance sprinting, repeated sprint ability, and power. By appropriately combining and utilizing these training methods, the physical capabilities and sports performance of adolescent tennis players can be comprehensively optimized.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024578147.

Building for the Future: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Eccentric Resistance Training on Measures of Physical Performance in Youth Athletes

BACKGROUND

Eccentric resistance training is recognised as an effective stimulus for enhancing measures of muscular strength and power in adult populations; however, its value in youth athletes is currently not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the effects of eccentric resistance training on measures of physical performance (i.e. muscular strength, jump, sprint and change of direction) in youth athletes 18 years of age and under.

METHODS

Original journal articles published between 1950 and June 2022 were retrieved from electronic search engines of PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar's advanced search option. Full journal articles investigating the acute and chronic effects of eccentric resistance training on measures of physical performance in youth athletes (i.e. a person 18 years of age or under who competes in sport) were included. The methodological quality and bias of each study were assessed prior to data extraction using a modified Downs and Black checklist.

RESULTS

The search yielded 749 studies, of which 436 were duplicates. Three-hundred studies were excluded based upon title and abstract review and a further 5 studies were removed following the modified Downs and Black checklist. An additional 14 studies were identified during backward screening. Accordingly, 22 studies were included in our systematic review. The Nordic hamstring exercise and flywheel inertial training were the most frequently used eccentric resistance training methods in youth athletes. Improvements in physical performance following the Nordic hamstring exercise are dependent upon an increase in the breakpoint angle, rather than training volume (sets and repetitions), and are further elevated with the addition of hip extension exercises or high-speed running. A minimum of 3 familiarisation trials is necessary to elicit meaningful adaptations following flywheel inertial training. Furthermore, an emphasis should be placed upon decelerating the rotating flywheel during the final one to two thirds of the eccentric phase, rather than gradually throughout the entire eccentric phase.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this systematic review support the inclusion of eccentric resistance training in youth athletes to improve measures of muscular strength, jump, sprint and change of direction performance. The current eccentric resistance training methods are predominantly limited to the Nordic hamstring exercise and flywheel inertial training; however, the efficacy of accentuated eccentric loading to improve jump performance warrants attention in future investigations.

A Systematic Review of Flywheel Training Effectiveness and Application on Sport Specific Performances

The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of flywheel training, which allows for the replication of specific sports movements, overloading both the concentric and eccentric phases. Inclusion criteria were injury prevention outcomes; ability in terms of strength, power, sprinting, jumping and change of direction; competitive athletes; and RCTs. Exclusion criteria were a lack of a control group and lack of baseline and/or follow-up data. The databases used were Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Sage. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of the selected RCTs. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence was used. A PICOS (participants, intervention, comparators, study outcomes, and study design) approach was used to evaluate eligibility. A total of 21 RCTs with 8 to 54 participants in each study analyzed flywheel technology and its application in nine sports. The results showed that flywheel training is a good strategy to improve sports performance, providing variation in training methodologies and athletes’ adherence. Further studies are needed to define guidelines on training modality, weekly frequency, volume, and inertia load. Only a few studies have applied the flywheel device directly to overload specific multidirectional movements at different joint angles. This method is not exempt from criticalities, such as the cost and the ability to carry out only individual training.

Inertial Flywheel Resistance Training in Tendinopathy Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Background

Inertial Flywheel Resistance Training (IFRT) has recently emerged as a beneficial rehabilitation option for some musculoskeletal disorders. Although the use of resistance training as treatment for tendinopathy has become widespread, it is unclear if IFRT has efficacy as a treatment option for tendinopathies.

Objective

To identify current evidence on IFRT in the treatment of tendinopathy, evaluating intervention parameters and outcomes.

Methods

This scoping review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Databases searched included MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, EMBase, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane library (Controlled trials, Systematic reviews), and five trial registries. Two independent reviewers screened studies at title, abstract and full text. Following screening, data were extracted and charted, and presented as figures and tables alongside a narrative synthesis. Any study design conducted on adults, investigating the effects of IFRT for tendinopathy were included. Data were extracted on intervention parameters and outcomes of IFRT interventions.

Results

Four studies on patellar tendinopathy were included. A variety of outcomes were assessed, including pain, function, strength, power, and tendon morphological and mechanical properties, particularly changes in tendon thickness. IFRT intervention parameters were largely homogenously prescribed, with slight variances.

Conclusion

Despite a paucity of studies to date on the effects of IFRT for treating tendinopathy, preliminary evidence for beneficial effects of IFRT on clinical outcomes in patellar tendinopathy is encouraging. As IFRT is a relatively new and unexplored method in tendinopathy rehabilitation, definitive conclusions, and recommendations cannot be made at present, which should be addressed in future research, due to the potential therapeutic benefits highlighted in this review.