The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of external compression with blood flow restriction on power output and bar velocity changes during the back-squat exercise (SQ). The study included 10 judo athletes (age = 28.4 ± 5.8 years; body mass = 81.3 ± 13.1 kg; SQ one-repetition maximum (1-RM) 152 ± 34 kg; training experience 10.7 ± 2.3 years). Methods: The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed three different exercise protocols: (1) control, without external compression (CONT); (2) intermittent external compression with pressure of 100% arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) (EC-100); and (3) intermittent external compression with pressure of 150% AOP (EC-150). To assess the differences between conditions, the participants performed 3 sets of 3 repetitions of the SQ at 70% 1-RM. The differences in peak power output (PP), mean power output (MP), peak bar velocity (PV), and mean bar velocity (MV) between the three conditions were examined using repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Results: The post hoc analysis for the main effect of conditions showed a significant increase in PP (p = 0.03), PV (p = 0.02), MP (p = 0.04), and MV (p = 0.03), for the EC-150, compared to the CONT. Furthermore, a statistically significant increase in PP (p = 0.04), PV (p = 0.03), MP (p = 0.02), and MV (p = 0.01) were observed for the EC-150 compared to EC-100. There were no significant changes in PP, PV, MP, and MV, between EC-100 and CONT conditions. Conclusion: The results indicate that the use of extremely high-pressure external compression (150% AOP) during high-loaded (70% 1-RM) lower limb resistance exercise elicits an acute increase in power output and bar velocity.

The post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect has been widely studied; however, its repeatability across training sessions during the competitive season in team sports has not yet been verified. Therefore, this study investigates whether PAPE effect, as measured by the countermovement jump (CMJ) without arm swing, induced by an maximum voluntary isometric squat as a conditioning activity (ICA) three days after the match, could be replicated over a 4-week training period throughout the season. The study also explores whether the magnitude of acute PAPE responses correlates with match running variables, as monitored by global positioning system (GPS) data. Fifteen national level soccer players participated in the study (mean age: 26.9 ± 4.2 years, body mass: 79.2 ± 6.5 kg, height: 182.1 ± 6.5 cm, experience in soccer training: 11.2 ± 4.2 years, experience in strength training: 10.5 ± 4.6 years, relative maximal strength in squat: 1.84 kg/body mass). Each participant performed 1 repetition of the CMJ approximately 120 s before (pre-ICA) and approximately 60 s after (as post-ICA) 1 set of maximum voluntary isometric squat using a Smith machine as the ICA lasting 5 s. The measurements were repeated across 4 testing sessions performed week apart and each time 3 days after the soccer match. Moreover, running performance variables during matches including total distance, high-speed running distance, sprint distance, player load, total number of accelerations, total number of decelerations were collected via GPS system. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant main effect of time, indicating an increase in CMJ height (mean difference = 1.05 ± 0.3 cm; Cohen’s d = 0.222; p = 0.005) post-ICA compared to pre-ICA. The one-way ANOVA did not reveal significant differences between sessions, which may indicate repeatable acute PAPE responses (F = 0.093, p = 0.963, η2p = 0.006). Additionally, the one-way ANOVAs did not reveal significant differences in all GPS data between particular soccer matches (p > 0.145; for all). The interclass correlation coefficient for the PAPE response was poor to moderate (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.83). The Cochran’s Q test indicated that PAPE response distributions varied across sessions (p = 0.018). However, pairwise McNemar tests did not reveal significant differences (p = 0.549–1.000), suggesting that while response distribution fluctuated, no specific session-to-session differences were detected. Moreover, Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient, did not show significant correlation between the percentage PAPE responses and all of match GPS data variables (p > 0.074; for all). The findings suggest that ICA can consistently elicit a PAPE response of small magnitude in national-level soccer players with a short 60-s rest interval. However, the variability in individual responsiveness and the lack of a relationship with running variables monitored via GPS during soccer matches indicate that other physiological and neuromuscular factors may influence the magnitude of PAPE responses. Given this variability, individually monitoring PAPE responsiveness may be beneficial for optimizing its application.

The objective of this study was to compare (i) The effects of a flywheel and free-weight resistance training program; and (ii) The effects of performing lateral and frontal split squats as part of a flywheel-resistance training program on jumping performance, the 5–0–5 change of direction test time, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat in soccer players. Twenty-four male amateur soccer players participated in this study and were randomly and equally assigned to one of three different test groups: forward split-squat group (FSQ); lateral split-squat group (LSQ); and free-weight training group (TRAD). Athletes in the FSQ group performed a squat and a forward split squat on a flywheel device, while those in the LSQ group performed a squat and a lateral split squat (instead of a forward split squat) on a flywheel device. Each training lasted 4 weeks. The main finding was that all training groups, such as TRAD, FSQ, and LSQ, significantly improved broad jump length (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.36), 5–0–5 COD time with a turn on the dominant limb (p = 0.038; ES = 0.49), and 1RM back squat (p = 0.001; ES = 0.4). In turn, both flywheel-resistance training groups (FSQ and LSQ) significantly improved their counter-movement jump height (p = 0.001; ES = 0.8 and p = 0.002; ES = 0.58; respectively) with no effect in the TRAD (p = 0.676; ES = 0.07) training group. Both free-weight and flywheel-resistance training lasting 4 weeks performed in-season contributed to significant improvement in 1RM back squat, broad jump performance, and 5–0–5 change of direction testing time, while flywheel-resistance training might be superior in counter-movement jump height enhancement in soccer players. Moreover, the manner in which split squats were performed was not a factor influencing the obtained results.

Introduction: This study examined the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) and reperfusion on the mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle at rest (frequency and stiffness).Methods: Fourteen trained men (body weight = 81.0 ± 10.3 kg; BMI = 25 ± 3.0 m/kg²; height = 181 ± 4 cm; training experience = 6.0 ± 2.2 years) participated in an experimental session involving their dominant (BFR) and non-dominant leg (control). Muscle mechanical properties were measured using Myoton’s accelerometer at the midpoint of the rectus femoris muscle at five time points. In the BFR leg, an 80% arterial occlusion pressure was applied by a cuff for 5 min. No cuff was applied in the control leg. Femoral Myoton measurements were taken from both legs 2 and 4 min after the start of BRF as well as 30 s and 2 min after the end of the occlusion period.Results: The two-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction effect for stiffness and frequency (p < 0.001; η² > 0.67). The post hoc analysis showed that both stiffness and frequency increased during BFR compared with rest and then dropped to the resting levels post BFR period. Also, stiffness and frequency were higher than control only during the BFR period, and similar during rest and post BFR.Conclusion: These results indicate that the application of BFR at rest leads to significant changes in mechanical properties of the rectus femoris muscle.

Background: This study aimed to compare the muscle activity between the symmetric and selected asymmetric loads (2.5%; 5% and 7.5% differences in load position between sides of the bar) during the flat bench press (BP) exercise at 70%1RM. The study included 10 resistance-trained males (25.3 ± 2.3 years; 82.9 ± 6.9 kg; 177.8 ± 4.5 cm; 1RM BP: 104.5 ± 8.6 kg; experience: 5.6 ± 1.5 years). Methods: To assess the differences in muscle activity between both sides of the body and load placement, the participants performed several attempts of the BP with symmetric and asymmetric load at 70%1RM in a random order (symmetric; 2.5%; 5% and 7.5% differences in load position between sides of the bar). Peak muscle activity of dominant and non-dominant body-side was recorded for the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), and the long head of the triceps brachii (TB). Results: A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a statistically significant main interaction between side and load (p < 0.01) for AD, PM and TB muscles. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that asymmetrically loaded BP leads to significantly higher muscle activity on the loaded side of the body. The offset training method during bilateral resistance exercise may be an effective and simple approach for reductions in muscle imbalances and improvement in bilateral exercise performance.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of the bench press exercise with predetermined velocity loss percentage on subsequent bench press throw (BPT) performance with raised legs or feet on the floor among disabled, sitting volleyball players. Twelve elite sitting volleyball athletes (age = 33 ± 9 years; body mass = 84.7 ± 14.7 kg; relative bench press maximum strength = 1.0 ± 0.3 kg/body mass) took part in this study. The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed a single set of bench press with a 60% one-repetition maximum (1RM) to a 10% decrease of mean bar velocity as a conditioning activity (CA). The BPT with a 60%1RM was performed to assess changes in peak power (PP), peak velocity (PV) before and after the CA. The differences between analyzed variables before and after the CA were verified using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (condition × time; 2 × 2). The ANOVA showed a significant main effect of time for peak bar velocity (p = 0.03; η² = 0.312) and peak power output (p = 0.037; η² = 0.294). The post hoc comparison showed a significant increase in post-CA peak bar velocity and peak power for raised legs condition in comparison with pre-CA value (p = 0.02, p = 0.041, respectively). The present study showed that the subsequent BPT performed with raised legs could be enhanced by the bench press with a 60% 1RM to a 10% mean bar velocity decrease as a CA among disabled sitting volleyball players. Therefore, athletes and coaches can consider performing a bench press throw with raised legs without compromising performance.