The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinetic and morphological adaptations that occur during distinct phases of a block periodized training cycle in weightlifters. Athlete monitoring data from nine experienced collegiate weightlifters was used. Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and ultrasonography (US) results were compared to examine the effects of three specific phases of a training cycle leading up to a competition. During the high volume strength-endurance phase (SE) small depressions in rate of force development (RFD) but statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (CSA), and body mass (BM) were observed. The lower volume higher intensity strength-power phase (SP) caused RFD to rebound above pre-training cycle values despite statistically significant reductions in CSA. Small to moderate increases only in the earlier RFD time bands (<150 ms) occurred during the peak/taper phase (PT) while CSA and BM were maintained. Changes in IMTP RFD and CSA from US reflected the expected adaptations of block periodized training phases. Changes in early (<100 ms) and late (≥150 ms) RFD time bands may not occur proportionally throughout different training phases. Small increases in RFD and CSA can be expected in well-trained weightlifters throughout a single block periodized training cycle.

THE PROPER APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF SPECIFICITY IS ESSENTIAL TO ANY STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM. HOWEVER, THE TRANSFER OF RESISTANCE TRAINING TO SPORT IS HIGHLY COMPLEX, DIFFICULT TO PREDICT, AND CHALLENGING TO ASSESS. THIS BRIEF REVIEW EXAMINES THE PRINCIPLE OF DYNAMIC CORRESPONDENCE AS AN AID TOWARD BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND PREDICTING AN EXERCISE OR TRAINING METHOD'S POTENTIAL TRANSFER TO SPORT. PRACTICAL TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS ARE GIVEN BASED ON THE RESEARCH REVIEWED.

Suarez, DG, Carroll, KM, Slaton, JA, Rochau, KG, Davis, MW, and Stone, MH. Utility of a shortened isometric midthigh pull protocol for assessing rapid force production in athletes. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1819–1825, 2022—The purpose of this investigation was to determine the magnitude of difference, reliability, and relationship to performance of a shortened isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) protocol. Fourteen strength-trained men (age: 26.8 ± 5.0 years, height: 176.3 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 86.8 ± 13.9 kg, and training age: 8.5 ± 6.9 years) performed 1-second (SHORT) and traditional (TRAD) IMTP protocols during consecutive weeks. Peak force (PF), instantaneous force (90 & 200 ms), rate of force development (RFD) (0–90 ms & 0–200 ms), and impulse (0–90 ms & 0–200 ms) from each protocol were collected. Paired samples t test and Hedge's g were calculated to determine the magnitude of difference in each variable between protocols. Within-session and between-session reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and 95% confidence intervals. Static jumps were performed to compare relationships of the IMTP variables from each protocol with jumping performance. There was no statistically significant ( p > 0.05) difference in PF between the protocols ( p = 0.345; g = −0.07). All early force-time variables were significantly higher in the SHORT protocol ( p = <0.001–0.018; g = 0.38–0.79). The SHORT protocol resulted in more reliable RFD measures within-session. Correlations with jumping performance were mostly similar between protocols ( r = 0.253–0.660). The SHORT IMTP protocol resulted in comparable PF values and considerably higher early force-time characteristics despite a restrained time to produce force and shorter rest. The SHORT protocol allows for an accurate assessment of rapid force-generating abilities while necessitating shorter collection periods than typical IMTP protocols.

The purposes of this study were to investigate the acute effects of resistance training protocol on kinetic changes in squat jump (SJ), shortened isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and isometric squat (ISQ) and to examine the relationship of dynamic maximum strength with performance changes over 48 hours in resistance-trained individuals. Participants completed performance tests at pre-, post-24 hours, and post-48 hours resistance training protocol (Baseline, Post24, and Post48). The training protocol consisted of 5 sets of 10 repetitions of back squat (BSQ) at 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). SJ variables included jump height (JH), peak power (PP), and relative PP. For the IMTP and ISQ, isometric peak force (IPF), relative IPF, rate of force development at 250 milliseconds (RFD250), and impulse at 250 milliseconds (IMP250) were calculated. Significant decreases were observed from Baseline to Post24 (p = 0.023, Cohen’s d_z effect size [d_z] = 1.00) and Post48 (p = 0.032, d_z = 0.94) in SJ JH. IMTP IMP250 significantly decreased from Baseline to Post48 (p = 0.046, d_z = 0.88). Significant negative correlation was found between relative 1RM BSQ and the changes from Baseline to Post48 in ISQ RFD250 (p = 0.046,r = −0.61). Acute performance decreases might remain until 48 hours after resistance training in explosive strength and impulse regardless of isometric testing type.

Cytokine and hormone concentrations can be linked to the manipulation of training variables and to subsequent alterations in performance. Subjects: Nine D-1 collegiate throwers and 4 control subjects participated in this preliminary and exploratory report. Methods: Hormone (testosterone (T) and cortisol (C)) and adipokine (adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) measurements were taken at weeks 1, 7, and 11 for the throwers and weeks 1 and 11 for the control group. The throwers participated in an 11-week periodized resistance training and throws program during the fall preparatory period. Volume load was recorded throughout the study. Results: Hormone values did not exhibit statistically significant changes across time; however, there were notable changes for C, the testosterone to cortisol ratio (T:C), and adiponectin. Conclusions: T:C was increased as volume load decreased, and adiponectin increased in concert with decreases in C and increases in the T:C, possibly suggesting a lesser degree of obesity-related inflammation and a higher degree of “fitness” and preparedness.

Ideally an athlete would continue to improve performance indefinitely over time, however improvement slows as the athlete approaches their genetic limits. Measuring performance is complex—performance may be temporarily depressed following aggressive training for multiple reasons, physiological and psychosocial. This reality may be vexing to the strength and conditioning coach, who, as a service provider, must answer to sport coaches about an athlete’s progress. Recently an evaluation mechanism for strength and conditioning coaches was proposed, in part to help coaches establish their effectiveness within the organization. Without formal guidance and realistic expectations, if an athlete is not bigger, leaner, stronger, etc. as a result of training within a specified timeframe, blame is often placed upon the strength and conditioning coach. The purpose of this article is to explore possible causes of what may be perceived as athlete non-responses to training and to provide guidance for the coach on how to handle those issues within their domain. A process of investigation is recommended, along with resources to assist coaches as they consider a broad range of issues, including enhancing existing testing methods, improving athlete behaviors, and adjusting processes designed to bring about performance improvement.