Background: Foam rolling (FR) has become very popular in recent years; however, the practice of FR between sets of resistance training (RT) for the lower limbs needs further examination. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of FR for the agonists (quadriceps) and antagonists (hamstrings) between multiple sets of the leg extension on repetition maximum performance (RM), fatigue resistance index (FRI), and muscle soreness (MS). Study design: Quasi-experimental clinical trial. Methods: Twenty trained men participated in this study (30.35 ± 6.56 years, 1.77 ± 0.05 cm, 87.70 ± 7.6 kg) and attended seven sessions with 48 h between sessions, (one familiarization session; two 10-RM test and retest sessions; and four experimental sessions). The four experimental sessions were performed in random order and included: agonist foam rolling (AFR), antagonist foam rolling (ANTFR), agonist/antagonist foam rolling (A/ANTFR), and traditional control (TP, without foam rolling). All sessions consisted of three sets for maximal repetitions with a 10-RM load for the leg extension. In the AFR and ANTFR sessions, there was a 120 s rest interval between sets, during which FR was done for the agonists or antagonists, respectively. In the A/ANTFR protocol, there was a 120 s rest interval between sets, during which FR was done for the agonists and antagonists. In the traditional protocol (TP), there was a 120 s passive rest interval between sets. Results: Regarding the total training volume (TTV), significant differences were noted between sessions (F_3,57 = 11.014; p = 0.0001). The AFR, ANTFR, and A/ANTFR sessions had significantly higher TTV versus the TP (p < 0.05). Regarding the FRI, significant differences were noted between sessions (F_3,57 = 2917, p = 0.042). A significantly higher fatigue index was shown for the ANTFR and AFR sessions versus the TP (p < 0.05). Regarding the total number of repetitions, significant differences were noted between sessions (F_3,57 = 11.086, p = 0.0001). The total number of repetitions was significantly higher in the A/ANTFR, ANTFR, and AFR versus the TP session (p < 0.05). MS was significantly lower in the A/ANTFR, ANTFR, and AFR sessions versus the TP session (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, foam rolling between sets for the agonist or antagonist separately or in succession, resulted in greater neuromuscular performance and higher fatigue indices, as well as reducing the perception of acute muscle soreness.

The purpose of present study was to compare lower limb power, linear speed, and change of direction performance in non-resistance trained soccer athletes across three distinct age categories (U15, U17, and U20). Seventy-six male soccer athletes of the same professional club participated in this study [U15 (n=25), U17 (n=20) e U20 (n=31)]. All participants were familiar with the assessments and completed all tests in a single session. Tests were performed at the end of the pre-season in the following sequence: a) squat jump (SJ); b) countermovement vertical jump (CMJ); c) linear sprint test (20-m); and d) change of direction test (COD-test). U20 athletes presented better perfomance than the under-15 and under-17 athletes in the sprint and CMJ (p < 0.001). The U20 athletes performed better than under-17 in COD-test and SJ (p < 0.001). The U17 athletes performed better than under-20 athletes in the COD deficit (p < 0.001). The U17 athletes performed better than under-15 athletes in the COD-test (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the U15 and U17 athletes in sprint, COD deficit, CMJ, and SJ (p > 0.05). No differences were observed between the U20 and U15 athletes in COD deficit and SJ (p > 0.05). These results suggest that older non-resistance trained athletes, with greater chronological maturation, and close to the transitional period to the professional level, presented better performance versus the younger age categories. Keywords: Power output; Sprint; Change of direction

Introdução: Ao iniciar uma sessão de treinamento de força é recomendado aquecimento como forma de preparação à atividade principal, com o objetivo de melhorar a capacidade fisiológica do indivíduo para determinadas tarefas motoras. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o efeito de diferentes métodos de aquecimento no desempenho de repetições na cadeira extensora. Métodos: Participaram do presente estudo 10 homens (26,9 ± 3,3 anos). Foram feitas 6 visitas, com intervalo de 72 horas. Foram realizadas a familiarização, teste e reteste de 10 repetições máximas e as demais visitas para a execução dos protocolos experimentais. Resultados: Em relação ao total de repetições, a autoliberação miofascial proporcionou maior desempenho em comparação aos demais protocolos de aquecimento. Conclusão: Podemos concluir que a autoliberação miofascial pode ser uma ferramenta importante para treinadores no que concerne à prescrição do aquecimento com a manutenção do desempenho de repetições no treinamento de força.