Physiological and performance changes in national and international judo athletes during block periodization training

The effect of physical exercise during competitions and in simulated conditions on hormonal-neurophysiological relationships in kickboxers

K1-format kickboxing is a widely followed combat sport that requires intense physical exercise. However, research into the body's response to this type of combat is sparse. This study aims to assess the alterations in hormone levels and brain activity in elite kickboxers following an actual K1 bout and compare these changes with those observed in a control group engaged in a simulated fight exercise with a punchbag. The study included 100 male professional kickboxers, randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (K1 fight) and a control group (simulated fight with a punchbag). Blood samples were obtained before and after exercise to evaluate testosterone (T) and cortisol concentrations (C). Concurrently, brain activity was recorded using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). After the activity in the experimental group mean testosterone level slightly, non-significantly decreased from 13.7 nmol/l to 12.4 nmol/l, while mean cortisol significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 313 to 570 nmol/l. In the control group after the exertion against a punchbag mean cortisol significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 334 to 452 nmol/l and testosterone increased non-significantly, from 15.1 to 16.3 nmol/l. In both groups, the testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C ratio) showed significantly lower levels after the intervention (p < 0.001 and p < 0.032) in the experimental and control group respectively. The comparison of groups after exercise revealed significantly higher cortisol levels (experimental group x = 570 nmol/l; control group x = 452 nmol/l) and a significantly lower T/C ratio (experimental group x = 2.7; control group x = 3.9), (p = 0.001) in the experimental group. Significantly higher brain activity was found in selected leads after a bout (experimental group). Furthermore, in the experimental group, significant associations of weak to moderate strength were found between hormone fluctuations and selected areas of brain activity (p < 0.05). K1-format kickboxing induces a stress response, evident in the sharp changes in cortisol and testosterone levels. A notable observation was the inverse direction of changes in both hormones. Brain activity analysis indicated the potential influence of raised cortisol concentrations on specific brain areas. This study augments our understanding of the physiological responses during K1 kickboxing bouts and may inform the future evolution of this sport.

Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Practices of Judo Athletes and S&C Coaches: A Survey-Based Investigation

ABSTRACT

Weldon, A, Cloak, R, Kirk, C, Ruddock, A, Langan-Evans, C, Detanico, D, Loturco, I, and Kons, R. Strength and conditioning (S&C) practices of judo athletes and S&C coaches: A survey-based investigation. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): e160-e173, 2024-The benefits of strength and conditioning (S&C) for improving judo performance and reducing injuries have been widely studied. However, the S&C practices used and perspectives held by those delivering S&C have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study investigated the S&C practices and perspectives of judokas and S&C coaches working within judo. Forty-two judokas and 9 S&C coaches completed an online survey comprising 6 sections: (a) written informed consent; (b) background information; (c) education, qualifications, and prescription; (d) views on S&C; (e) exercise selection; and (f) issues and improvements. Frequency analysis was used to report responses to fixed-response questions and thematic analysis for open-ended questions. Results indicated that S&C coaches were primarily responsible for delivering S&C programs (60%), and S&C information was predominantly sourced from S&C coaches (43%). Strength and conditioning was deemed very important for randori (78-88%), overall judo performance (67-79%), and judo fitness (62-78%). Similarly, S&C was considered very important for the development of speed and power (76-89%), strength (71-89%), and injury reduction (69-78%). Novel findings were also observed, such as integrating judo-specific training within S&C practice, which may be partly explained by more S&C coaches holding judo belts (67%) than S&C qualifications (11%). This study supports practitioners delivering S&C in judo by offering a base of information to critique or align with their existing S&C practices and perspectives. Furthermore, our results may help identify potential gaps between methods used, proposed guidelines, and actual practice, facilitating the development of research and education resources tailored to the current climate.

The effect of time of day on Special Judo Fitness Test in active judokas: Evaluation in terms of chronotype

The present cross-sectional study aims to examine the effect of time of day on the judo-specific performance in judokas, considering their chronotypes. Twenty-four male judokas participated in the study where the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was administered, and on it, they were divided into morning-type (MT:12-judokas) and evening-type groups (ET:12-judokas). Afterwards, the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) was applied to both groups at three different times (morning: 09:00 h, afternoon: 13:00 h and evening: 17:00 h) with body temperature measured before and after every SJFT performance. As a result, the Group*Test Time interaction significantly affected overall throwing performance during SJFT [F(2,44) = 29.437, p = 0.001, η2p: .572]. Furthermore, a significant time effect was found for the SJFT index [F(2,44) = 5.118, p = 0.010, η2p: .189] and for the Group*Test Time interaction with the mean value of the index [F(2,44) = 24.424, p < 0.001, η2p: .526]. Furthermore, body temperature had a significant time effect [F(2,44) = 301.454, p < 0.001, η2p: .932] and the Group*Test Time interaction [F(2,44) = 5.802, p = 0.006, η2p: .209]. In conclusion, coaches and exercise experts should consider judo athletes' chronotype when planning special training programs to improve judo-specific anaerobic capacity. Furthermore, to minimize the impact of time of day and chronotype on athletes' performance in competitions, it is recommended that MT athletes develop their judo-specific anaerobic capacity in the evening hours, when their performance is lower, while ET athletes should do so in the morning hours when their performance is lower via randori training.

Effects of Strength Training on Physical Fitness of Olympic Combat Sports Athletes: A Systematic Review

This review aimed to identify the effects of strength training programs on the physical fitness of Olympic combat sports (OCS) athletes. The systematic review included peer-reviewed articles that incorporated interventions that included pre- and post-intervention physical fitness assessment. The search was performed in the SCOPUS, PubMed, and Web of Science databases between April and September 2022. PRISMA and the TESTEX checklist were used to select and assess the methodological quality of the studies. Twenty studies with 504 participants (428 males and 76 females) were included. Significant improvements were found in athletes' maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power, flexibility, and balance. In addition, improvements in favor of the training groups in specific actions of judo, karate, fencing, and boxing were observed. In conclusion, interventions aimed at the development of muscle strength in OCS, specifically in judo, boxing, karate, wrestling, and fencing, proved to be beneficial at a physical fitness level, resulting in significant increases in favor of the training groups with OCS, which could be used by trainers and coaches to improve the physical performance of athletes.

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion on Recovery in High-Level Judokas

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) effect on recovery in high-level judokas.

METHODS

The sample of participants consisted of 10 male judokas (Age = 20 ± 2.1 years) who are judo masters (black belt holders) with a minimum of 10 years of training and competition experience. The study was designed as a double-blinded crossover design with the order of treatments being randomly assigned. The washout period was 72 h. All subjects received a dose of sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg body weight) or a placebo 120 min before the fatigue caused by the special judo fitness test (SJFT). Lactate concentration (LC), countermovement jump (CMJ), hand grip strength and degree of perceived fatigue on Borg's scale (RPE) were tested two times before SJFT and four times after SJFT.

RESULTS

There was no interaction between groups and type of recovery at any time during the two types of recovery for RPE, grip strength, VJ and lactate concentration (p > 0.05). However, there was a main effect of time for dominant grip strength (F_(1,8)= 3.3; p = 0.01; η² = 0.25, (small)), non-dominant grip strength (F_(1,8) = 3.2; p = 0.01; η² = 0.24, (small)), CMJ (F_(1,8) = 8.8; p = 0.01; η² = 0.47, (small)), and LC (F_(1,8) = 124.2; p = 0.001; η² = 0.92, (moderate)).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study show no significant difference between the NaHCO3 and placebo groups in RPE, handgrip strength, CMJ, and lactate concentration.

Effects of Supplementary Strength Program on Generic and Specific Physical Fitness in Cadet Judo Athletes

ABSTRACT

Branco, BHM, Marcondes, VA, de Paula Ramos, S, Badilla, PV, and Andreato, LV. Effects of supplementary strength program on generic and specific physical fitness in cadet judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2816-2823, 2022-This study aimed to investigate the effects of a supplementary strength program on general and specific physical fitness in under-18 judo athletes. In total, 21 athletes were randomized into 2 groups: experimental group (EG: aged = 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass = 71.3 ± 10.6 kg; practice time = 5.1 ± 1.2 years) and control group (aged = 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass = 71.7 ± 11.0 kg; practice time = 5.6 ± 0.8 years). Athletes were submitted to anthropometry, generic physical fitness tests (countermovement jump, one-repetition maximum in bench-press, row, and half-squat machine), and specific field tests (isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up and Special Judo Fitness Test [SJFT]). All measurements were presented at baseline, and 8 athletes per group completed pre-training and post-training assessments. Both groups performed the same judo training routine, and the EG also performed 3/weekly/sessions of strength training for 8 weeks. All measurements were conducted during the competitive season. There were no differences in body mass, height, and body fat percentage after the training period (p > 0.05). Improvements were observed in maximal strength for bench press (26.6%), row (17.7%), half-squat machine (29%), dynamic judogi chin-up (33%), and the following SJFT responses: block A (16.7%), block B (11.3%), sum of 3 blocks (8.3%), heart rate after 1 minute (-7.0%), and index (-12.5%), representing performance improvement for the EG. It was concluded that 8 weeks of strength training was positive for general and specific performance. Finally, this strength program may help coaches to develop strength without changes in body mass.

Aerobic Capacity and Restitution Efficiency Level in Relation to the Training Experience and Weekly Training Volume of Male and Female Judo National Team Members in the Cadet Age Group (U18) during the Preparatory Period

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the level of aerobic capacity and post-exercise restitution during the preparation period, with training experience and weekly training volume. All (12) athletes (six women; six men) participating in the training camp of the Polish national judo team in the cadet age group were tested. The Maximal Multistage 20-m Shuttle Run Test was used to investigate the level of aerobic capacity, and the Klonowicz coefficient of restitution (COR) 3 min after exercise (COR 3') and 5 min after exercise (COR 5') was used to determine the level of post-exercise restitution efficiency. The results showed that higher training experience significantly affected the deterioration of COR 3' in female athletes and improved the results in the capacity test of male athletes. Female and male athletes with a higher weekly training volume had a higher HR at the end of the performance test. Considering the demonstrated correlations, special attention should be paid to matching the loads in training programs to the age of the athletes, introducing into training programs the teaching of body management during fatigue. Failing to adjust this may make participation impossible in competitions at the international level for older age groups.

Criteria for assessing the adaptive changes in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes of strike fighting style in different training load regimes

Background

To study the peculiarities of changes in functional indicators and body composition parameters of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes of strike fighting style and a number of biochemical blood indicators during two months of using different intensity training load regimes, and to determine the most informative criteria for assessing adaptive body changes in these training conditions.

Methods

We examined 40 MMA athletes (men) aged 20-22, who used mainly strike fighting style in their competitive activity, and divided them into 2 research groups (A and B), 20 athletes in each group. Group A athletes used medium intensity (R _a  = 0.64), and group B-high intensity (R _a  = 0.72) training load regime. To assess the adaptive body changes we applied methods of control testing of maximum muscle strength growth (1 RM), special training (the number of accurate kicks on the mannequin for 30 s), and bioimpedansometry. By monitoring biochemical parameters (testosterone, cortisol, creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, cholesterol, LDH) in the blood serum of athletes, we determined the peculiarities of adaptive-compensatory body reactions in response to training loads.

Results

The obtained results of special training increased during the study period by an average of 10.5% in group B athletes, but group A participants' results had no significant changes compared to basal data. The largest increase in the development of maximum muscle strength growth by an average of 44.4% was recorded after 2 months of research in group B. Group B athletes also had positive changes in body fat and fat-free mass indicators during the study which were two times higher than the results of group A. The laboratory studies and correlation analysis showed informative biochemical markers (cortisol, testosterone and creatinine) for assessing the condition of athletes in both groups before using high and medium training load regimes. The biochemical markers for assessing the adaptive-compensatory reactions of athletes in response to high-intensity physical stimuli at the beginning of the study were indicators of LDH and cholesterol, and in conditions of medium intensity it was LDH, testosterone and cortisol. After 2 months of study the set of biochemical markers assessing the adaptation processes before the load completely changed only in group B athletes and consisted of LDH, phosphorus, cholesterol, and calcium. At the same time, the set of biochemical criteria for assessing adaptive-compensatory reactions after training in group B athletes was completely changed compared with the data recorded at the beginning of the study.

Conclusion

Defining the optimal set of criteria for assessing the adaptive-compensatory changes in MMA athletes of strike fighting style will allow in the shortest possible time to correct the parameters of the training load regime for accelerating the body functionality in the process of special power training.

Altitude differentially alters the force-velocity relationship after 3 weeks of power-oriented resistance training in elite judokas

This study investigated the effects of a 3-week power-oriented resistance training programme performed at moderate altitude on the lower-limb maximal theoretical power and force-velocity (F-V) imbalance of elite judokas. Twenty-two elite male judokas were randomly assigned to either a hypobaric hypoxia or normoxia group. Mechanical outputs from an incremental loaded countermovement jump test were assessed at sea level, before and after training, and 1 week later. Results indicated an increase in the maximal theoretical force and a reduction in the F-V imbalance both at moderate altitude and sea level. Altitude training induced additional benefits when compared to sea level for F-V imbalance (8.4%; CI: 0.3, 17.3%), maximal theoretical power (2.09 W·kg^-1; CI: 0.13, 4.52 W·kg^-1) and force (1.32 N·kg^-1; CI: -0.12, 2.96 N·kg^-1), jump height (3.24 cm; CI: 2.02, 4.80 cm) and optimal maximal theoretical force (1.61 N·kg^-1; CI: 0.06, 3.60 N·kg^-1) and velocity (0.08 m·s^-1; CI: 0.00, 0.17 m·s^-1) after the training period. The hypoxia group achieved their best results immediately after the training period, while the normoxia group achieved them one week later. These results suggest that a power-oriented resistance training programme carried out at moderate altitude accelerates and improves the gains in lower-limb muscle power, while minimizing lower-limb imbalances. Therefore, it seems appropriate to compete immediately after the return to sea level and/or use altitude training as a tool to improve muscle power levels of athletes without tapering goals, especially in highly trained power athletes, since their window of adaptation for further power enhancement is smaller.Highlights A 3-week power-oriented resistance training programme improved lower-limb mechanical outputs of elite judokas both at moderate altitude and sea level; training at moderate altitude increases and accelerates these improvements, reducing athletes' imbalances.It may be optimal for judokas to compete immediately after the return to sea level and/or use altitude training as a tool to improve muscle power levels of athletes without tapering goals, especially in highly trained power athletes, since their window of adaptation for further power enhancement is attenuated.Athletes should ensure they possess adequate strength levels before employing a power-oriented training programme to potentiate further improvements in muscle power.

Biochemical profile in mixed martial arts athletes

The study aimed to evaluate changes in selected biochemical indicators among mixed martial arts competitors in subsequent periods of the training cycle. The research involved 12 mixed martial arts athletes aged 25.8 ± 4.2 years competing in the intermediate category. Selected somatic indicators were measured twice. Biochemical indicators were assessed five times during the 14-week study period. Serum concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, uric acid, myoglobin, total protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor, as well as creatine kinase activity were determined. One hour after sparring completion, there were significant increases in cortisol (by 54.9%), uric acid (22.0%), myoglobin (565.0%), and interleukin 6 (280.3%) as compared with the values before the simulated fight. The highest creatine kinase activity (893.83 ± 139.31 U/l), as well as tumor necrosis factor (3.93 ± 0.71 pg/ml) and testosterone (5.83 ± 0.81 ng/ml) concentrations (p = 0.00) were recorded 24 hours after the simulation. Systematic observation of selected blood biochemical indicators in the training process periodization in mixed martial arts helps understand adaptive, compensatory, and regenerative mechanisms occurring in training athletes.

Profiling Combat Sports Athletes: Competitive History and Outcomes According to Sports Type and Current Level of Competition

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the competitive history (the age when training and competing started), training habits and patterns of winning and losing of competitive combat sports athletes across different combat sports as well as the level of competition (e.g. amateurs, state-level and elite).

METHODS

Competitors (N = 298) from mixed martial arts (MMA), Muay Thai/kickboxing, boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), wrestling, judo and traditional striking sports (TSS) completed an online questionnaire.

RESULTS

Most athletes began competing in their mid-teenage years and competing soon after except for wrestlers who began earlier. Elite athletes began training earlier than amateurs (13.75 ± 7.75 years and 16.2 ± 7.45 years, p<0.01, respectively). Training habits were similar across sports (~4 combat and ~3 non-combat training sessions per week), except for MMA and wrestling which did more combat sports-specific training than Judo and TSS. Wrestlers did more non-combat sports-specific training than all other sports. Elite athletes completed more combat sessions per week than their lower-level contemporaries (4.64 ± 2.49 and 3.9 ± 1.44, p=0.01, respectively). Patterns of winning or losing were consistent across sports, except for amateur athletes who were more likely to report all their victories by points and none of their victories by submission or pin. Additionally, elite athletes are less likely to report none of their victories coming by knockout.

CONCLUSIONS

Results may indicate that finishing ability is a key distinguisher of competitive level. The present study provides normative data for training and competing habits for athletes, support staff and regulators to use.

Periodization and Block Periodization in Sports: Emphasis on Strength-Power Training-A Provocative and Challenging Narrative

ABSTRACT

Stone, MH, Hornsby, WG, Haff, GG, Fry, AC, Suarez, DG, Liu, J, Gonzalez-Rave, JM, and Pierce, KC. Periodization and block periodization in sports: emphasis on strength-power training-a provocative and challenging narrative. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2351-2371, 2021-Periodization can be defined as a logical sequential, phasic method of manipulating fitness and recovery phases to increase the potential for achieving specific performance goals while minimizing the potential for nonfunctional over-reaching, overtraining, and injury. Periodization deals with the micromanagement of timelines and fitness phases and is cyclic in nature. On the other hand, programming deals with the micromanagement of the training process and deals with exercise selection, volume, intensity, etc. Evidence indicates that a periodized training process coupled with appropriate programming can produce superior athletic enhancement compared with nonperiodized process. There are 2 models of periodization, traditional and block. Traditional can take different forms (i.e., reverse). Block periodization has 2 subtypes, single goal or factor (individual sports) and multiple goals or factors (team sports). Both models have strengths and weaknesses but can be "tailored" through creative programming to produce excellent results for specific sports.

Psychometric Suitability of Adaptations to the Special Judo Fitness Test for Athletes With Visual Impairment

This study aimed to test the reliability, sensitivity, construct and logical validity of an adapted Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) for judo athletes with visual impairment . Twenty judo athletes with visual impairments performed both the adapted SJFT with tactile and sonorous stimuli (experimental conditions) and the typically administered SJFT (standard condition). We used analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated-measures to compare the groups' SJFT performances, and one-way ANOVAs to compare different visual ability classes of athletes (B1, B2 and B3). We used t-tests to compare SJFT variables between elite and sub-elite groups. We set statistical significance for all tests at p < 0.05. The standard SJFT showed excellent test-retest reliability for number of throws and overall index (ICC = 0.91-0.95), and both sonorous and tactile sensitivity adaptations of the SJFT showed medium sensitivity for detecting performance changes. The number of throws and SJFT index were higher with the sonorous adaptation of the test, compared to the tactile and standard versions (p < 0.001). Athletes who were blind (B1) presented similar performances to athletes who were partially sighted (B2 and B3) only on the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus. Moreover, only the sonorous SJFT adaptation discriminated between the performances of elite and sub-elite athletes (p < 0.001). In conclusion, both SJFT adaptations showed excellent reliability and medium sensitivity on test-retest, but, only the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus seemed valid for assessing judo athletes with varying degrees of visual impairment, and only the sonorous stimulus SJFT discriminated elite from sub-elite athletes.

Absolute and Relative Strength, Power and Physiological Characteristics of Indian Junior National-Level Judokas

The physical qualities that underpin successful junior judokas requires continuing investigation. We investigated the physical and physiological characteristics of junior national level judokas. We tested 25 (15 male, 10 female) Indian judokas for absolute and relative strength (back-squat and bench-press one-repetition maximum (1RM) as well as isometric handgrip), aerobic (RAMP test) and lower-body anaerobic power (Wingate 6-s sprint and countermovement jump), change-of-direction (5-0-5 test) and speed (30 m sprint). Athletes were grouped according to national-level competition placing (gold-medal winners (GM; n = 8), all medal winners (MW; n = 13), non-medallists (NM; n = 12), and NM plus silver and bronze; all others (AO; n = 17)). Stepwise discriminant function analysis determined characteristics likely to predict successful performance. Independent t-tests and effect size (Hedge’s g) analyses were performed between groups. GM demonstrated greater lower-body absolute (20.0%; g = 0.87, p = 0.046) and relative 1RM strength (21.0%; g = 0.87, p = 0.047), and greater lower-body absolute (25.4%; g=1.32, p=0.004) and relative (27.3%; g = 1.27, p = 0.005) anaerobic power compared to AO. Furthermore, anaerobic power can correctly predict 76.5% and 62.5% of AO and GM athletes, respectively. No differences were observed between MW and NM groups. The results suggest the importance of lower-body strength and power for junior national-level judokas and provides information for professionals working with these athletes.

The effect of block and traditional periodization training models on jump and sprint performance in collegiate basketball players

This study investigated the effect of block periodization (BP) and traditional periodization (TP) approaches on jumping and sprinting performance in collegiate basketball players during an 8-week pre-season period. Ten collegiate male basketball players (mean±SD; age: 21.5±1.7 years; body mass: 83.5±8.9 kg; stature: 192.5±5.4 cm) from the same team were equally assigned to a training group (BP or TP). BP and TP were designed with different numbers of power sessions (BP=8; TP=16) and recovery days (BP=14; TP=8). Counter-movement jump (CMJ) and 20-m sprint performance was measured prior to training commencement (baseline) and every 2 weeks thereafter (week 2, week 4, week 6 and week 8). Within-group, between-group and individual changes were assessed using magnitude-based statistics. Substantially higher (likely positive) CMJ scores were evident in week 8 compared to baseline, week 2 and week 4 with BP training. Substantially higher CMJ values were only observed in week 2 (likely positive) compared to baseline, with TP training. Sprint data showed likely negative differences in week 6 compared to baseline in both TP and BP, with no substantial differences in week 8. The only performance difference between TP and BP training was in CMJ in week 8 (very likely negative). Individual analysis showed that only three athletes demonstrated a negative predicted score (i.e. lower sprinting time) in BP, while all players following the TP model demonstrated positive predicted scores. BP training showed substantially higher jumping performance compared to TP, while no improvement in sprinting performance was observed in either training approach. Basketball coaches should consider using BP training rather than TP to train players' jumping abilities.

Differences in Strength Performance Between Novice and Elite Athletes: Evidence From Powerlifters

Latella, C, van den Hoek, D, and Teo, WP. Differences in strength performance between novice and elite athletes: Evidence from powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S103-S112, 2019-Strength forms an integral part of many sports. In particular, powerlifting success is determined solely by maximal strength, providing a unique opportunity to investigate the differences and potential factors influencing novice and elite competitors. We evaluated performance from 2,137 competitors between local (LOC), national (NAT), and international (INT) competitions. Results were analyzed by using the total (TOT) competition score within weight classes and age categories. Cohen's d effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were used to detect differences within categories between LOC, NAT, and INT competitions. The coefficient of variation (CV) was used to determine the absolute variability. A moderate to large increase in performance was observed for all weight classes between LOC and NAT (men; d = 0.76, women; d = 1.09). No meaningful differences were observed between LOC and NAT, and NAT and INT when compared using age. No meaningful differences were observed between NAT to INT competitions when compared using weight classes. The CV was not different across competition level (CV = 17.4-22.9%) categories. Several internal (athlete) and external (environmental) factors are likely to explain these findings. Therefore, factors such as training experience, performance variability, body composition, anthropometric characteristics, and competition pressure that may influence strength performance should also be considered in both training phases and during competition. Collectively, the results offer novel information regarding the difference in strength performance between novice, subelite, and elite strength athletes. Strength and conditioning professionals should consider these factors when working with various athletes where maximal strength is an important determinant of success.