Effects of Direction-Specific Training Interventions on Physical Performance and Inter-Limb Asymmetries

Seasonal Variations in Performance and Asymmetry Data for Jump and Change of Direction Abilities in Female Soccer Players

ABSTRACT

Mainer-Pardos, E, Bishop, C, and Gonzalo-Skok, O. Seasonal variations in performance and asymmetry data for jump and change of direction abilities in female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The study aimed to evaluate the progression of the percentage-based change of direction (COD) deficit (%CODD) over a competitive season, along with its correlation with performance tests and to examine the impact of the magnitude and direction of asymmetry at 4 stages of the season. Forty-seven (U-16, U-18, and U-20), highly trained, female soccer players performed unilateral vertical jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ]) and horizontal jumping (HJ), 10-m sprint, and 180° change of direction (COD180) tests. The %CODD was also calculated. Significant group and time effects (p < 0.05) were observed in CMJ, HJ, 10-m sprint, and COD180 tests, with U-20 players generally outperforming the U-18 and U-16 groups. Nonsignificant differences were reported in the %CODD between any time point or groups throughout the season. Moderate or large significant (r = 0.44-0.64; p < 0.05) relationships were found between %CODD and 10 m. The direction of asymmetry within and between tests at all time points was slight to moderate (k = -0.29 to 0.57). Notwithstanding, 51% of the players showed the best performance in the horizontal jump with the same leg throughout the season, whereas only 36% in %CODD. This study highlights the importance of developing strategies to improve %CODD depending on the player's position demands. Finally, individually monitoring the magnitude and direction of asymmetry can help practitioners monitor the effects of training and competition throughout the season.

Inclusion of Game-Based Stimulus During Flywheel Resistance Training Positively Influences Physical Performance in Handball Players

Handball is a body-contact Olympic ball sport that is characterized by fast-paced defensive and offensive actions. Players must coordinate explosive movements (e.g. changing of direction) and handball-specific skills (e.g. passing). Maximizing performance requires a systematic approach to training that includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical preparation. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of movement-based (MOV; unspecific sport stimulus) or game-based (GAM; sport-specific stimulus) flywheel resistance training intervention in highly trained youth handball players. Method:Twenty-five highly trained youth male handball players completed two sessions per week of flywheel resistance training (MOV, n = 12; GAM, n = 13) over the 7-week intervention period. Change-of-direction tests (180º change-of-direction speed test of both legs and test) and handball-throwing test were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved V-cut, and 180º Change-of-direction speed test performance (p < .05; d = 0.79-2.05). Notwithstanding, the GAM group demonstrated greater improvements in V-cut and COD180ASY compared with the MOV group (p < .05) with small effect. Handball throwing speed performance remained unchanged independently of training condition (p > .05). Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the training principle of "specificity" and highlight the importance of including a game-based training stimulus during resistance training. This is a key consideration for coaches wanting to enhance physical performance in youth handball players.

Influence of Vertical-Oriented vs. Horizontal-Oriented Combined Strength Training in Young Basketball Players

ABSTRACT

Sánchez-Sabaté, J, Gutiérrez, H, Marco-Contreras, LA, Younes-Egana, O, Gonzalo-Skok, O, and Piedrafita, E. Influence of vertical-oriented vs. horizontal-oriented combined strength training in young basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1280-1287, 2024-This study aimed to compare the effects of 8-week combined vertical-oriented vs. horizontal-oriented training interventions in basketball athletes. Eighteen highly trained U-16 basketball players participated in this study and were randomly assigned to either a combined vertical-oriented training group (CVG, n = 9) or a combined horizontal-oriented training group (CHG, n = 9). Bilateral and unilateral vertical jump height, unilateral horizontal jump distance, 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m sprint times, change-of-direction sprint times, and a limb symmetry index were among the measured performance variables. Combined strength training was performed twice a week for 8 weeks. CVG was compounded by the squat exercise (3 sets of 6-8 R at 30-45% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), jump squats (2 sets of 6 R, at 5-12.5% body mass [BM]), and vertical jumps (3-4 sets × 6 R). CHG included the hip thrust exercise (3 sets of 6-8 R at 30-45% 1RM), sled towing sprints (2-3 R, at 5-12.5% BM), and sprints (3-4 R of 20-m). Within-group differences showed significant ( p < 0.05 and statistical power >80%) improvements in unilateral vertical jumping with the right leg after both training interventions. By contrast, only CHG improved 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m sprint times ( p < 0.05 and statistical power >80%). Significant effects were observed for CHG compared with CVG in 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m sprint times ( p < 0.05 and statistical power >80%). This study reinforces the importance of oriented-combined training based on force-vector specificity target, mainly in horizontal-oriented actions.

Analysis of lower limb muscle strength characteristics of amateur runners with patellofemoral pain: A cross-sectional study

To analyze the lower limb muscle strength characteristics of amateur runners with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Sixty amateur runners (30 in the knee pain group, 30 in the control group) underwent measurements of hip abduction strength, knee extension strength, and knee flexion strength. Additionally, the hamstring/quadriceps ratio and limb strength symmetry index were calculated for all participants. Statistical analyses were conducted using linear mixed models. The hip abduction and knee extensors strength of amateur runners with PFP was significantly lower than that of the control group. The hamstring/quadriceps ratio was significantly higher in the male knee pain group compared to the control group, while no significant difference was found between the female knee pain group and the control group. Furthermore, both the hip abduction strength symmetry index and knee extensors symmetry index were significantly lower in the knee pain group compared to the control group. Amateur runners with PFP exhibit distinct lower limb strength characteristics compared to non-knee pain runners. Additionally, differences in lower limb strength characteristics between male and female amateur runners with PFP were observed. These findings emphasize the importance of considering functional and gender differences in PFP rehabilitation training.

From Theory to Practice: A Worldwide Cross-Sectional Survey About Flywheel Training in Basketball

PURPOSE

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the global implementation of flywheel training (FT) by basketball strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches in various contexts, encompassing daily practice, games, and sessions.

METHODS

Survey data were collected from 117 basketball S&C coaches who participated in a 24-question online survey. The survey was structured into 6 key areas, including country and competition, S&C coach context, training methodology, flywheel and competition, postactivation performance enhancement, and recovery.

RESULTS

Notably, all respondents emphasized the necessity of a familiarization period with flywheel technology, with a substantial 96% indicating that FT yielded improved player performance on the court. The predominant mention was the conical pulley system. During the season, the prevalent approach involved integrating FT into training twice a week, allocating <15 minutes per session, often in conjunction with traditional strength training. A diverse array of lower-body closed kinetic chain exercises were reported, encompassing squats, decelerations, and backward lunges. Intriguingly, FT implementation on match days was unlikely (77%), with the primary aims cited as injury prevention (34%) and enhancing players' strength levels during various phases of the regular season (27%).

CONCLUSIONS

Recognizing its inherent limitations, this descriptive study provides valuable contextual insights and practical applications for professional basketball practitioners grappling with the utilization of FT.

Stojanović MD, Bird SP, Calleja-González J. Effectiveness of Eccentric Overload Training in Basketball Players: A Systematic Review

Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of flywheel eccentric overload training in order to improve or increase muscle volume and strength, as well as several performance-related fitness attributes, but to date, there are no studies that have reviewed the effects of these training methods in basketball. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to collect the updated information about the influence of flywheel training on performance of basketball players. A search in four electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was conducted up to November 20, 2022. Articles were selected as valid for review if: (i) they were an experimental trial published in English; (ii) participants were basketball players without illnesses or injuries, and (iii) a rotational inertial overload method was used as a performance-dependent variable. A total of 93 articles were found. After filtering procedures, only seven studies were considered in this systematic review. In the selected studies, 203 participants were included, 58 females and 145 males. Focusing on basketball related performance variables, all the studies included the countermovement jump (CMJ), while five included sprinting and a change of direction test (COD). The results showed an improvement in performance-related variables associated with basketball (sprint, CMJ, and COD) through the use of inertial methods. Improvements were reported in professional, semi-professional and amateur players as well as both male and female players. However, given the low number of studies, additional investigations on this topic are warranted before a "clear picture" can be drawn concerning the effects of flywheel eccentric overload training in basketball players.

Differential Repeated Sprinting Training in Youth Basketball Players: An Analysis of Effects According to Maturity Status

The differential learning approach, which includes fluctuations that occur without movement repetitions and without corrections has received growing interest in the skill acquisition field. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 9-week training intervention involving differential repeated sprint training on a series of physical tests in youth basketball players. A total of 29 participants with different maturity statuses (pre-peak height velocity (PHV), n = 7; mid-PHV, n = 6; post-PHV, n = 16) completed 2 sessions per week of differential repeated sprint training for a period of 9 weeks. Sessions consisted of 2 × 10 repetitions sprints of 20-m whereby participants were instructed to perform various additional fluctuations for each repetition. Before and after the training intervention, participants completed jumping tests (countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg CMJs, the modified 505 agility test, and straight sprinting tests (0-10 splits time), and maturity status was evaluated as well. Within-group analysis showed improvement in CMJ asymmetries and changes in direction asymmetries and 10-m sprint performance for the pre-, mid-, and post-PHV groups, respectively (p < 0.05), with large to very large effects. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that changes in sprint time in post-PHV players were greater than in the pre- and mid-PHV groups (p < 0.05), with moderate effect. Adding random fluctuations during repeated sprint training appear to be a suitable and feasible training strategy for maintaining and enhancing physical performance in youth basketball players, irrespective of maturity status. Furthermore, the present findings encourage practitioners to implement the present approach in youth athletes to improve their physical performance, but they should be aware that training response can vary according to maturity status.