Objectives:Resistance training (RT) programs are often utilized to improve strength and power and thus enhance soccer performance. However, there is little research examining isometric knee extensor RTs effects upon soccer related skills. Design:The aim of this study was to examine the effects of knee extensor isometric training in female soccer athletes. Method: Sixteen female, university level, amateur soccer players (age 20.5 ± 1.1 years) were assigned to either a control or experimental group. The experimental group trained 1x/week for 6-weeks performing repeated maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) for the knee extensors alongside regular soccer training and the control group participated in soccer training alone. Knee extension MVICs were performed at seven joint angles and peak torque measured.Results: Outcome measures included, countermovement jump (CMJ), kicking distance (KD), straight sprint speed and zigzag sprint speed, with (SSB and ZSB, respectively) and without (SS and ZS, respectively) a ball. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in knee extensor MVIC (28.9%) occurred in the experimental group. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the experimental group and control group were found for change in CMJ (2.24% vs -0.78% respectively) and KD (8.8% vs -2.5% respectively); however, change in SSB, ZSB, SS, or ZS were non-significant for both within-and between-group comparisons. Conclusions:Results indicate that a 6-week isometric knee extension RT intervention can improve jump height and kicking ability of amateur female soccer players.(Journal of Trainology 2017;6:52-56)

Androulakis-Korakakis, P, Langdown, L, Lewis, A, Fisher, JP, Gentil, P, Paoli, A, and Steele, J. Effects of exercise modality during additional "high-intensity interval training" on aerobic fitness and strength in powerlifting and strongman athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 450-457, 2018-Powerlifters and strongman athletes have a necessity for optimal levels of muscular strength while maintaining sufficient aerobic capacity to perform and recover between events. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been popularized for its efficacy in improving both aerobic fitness and strength but never assessed within the aforementioned population group. This study looked to compare the effect of exercise modality, e.g., a traditional aerobic mode (AM) and strength mode (SM), during HIIT on aerobic fitness and strength. Sixteen well resistance-trained male participants, currently competing in powerlifting and strongman events, completed 8 weeks of approximately effort- and volume-matched HIIT in 2 groups: AM (cycling, n = 8) and SM (resistance training, n = 8). Aerobic fitness was measured as predicted V[Combining Dot Above]O2max using the YMCA 3 minutes step test and strength as predicted 1 repetition maximum from a 4-6RM test using a leg extension. Both groups showed significant improvements in both strength and aerobic fitness. There was a significant between-group difference for aerobic fitness improvements favoring the AM group (p ≤ 0.05). There was no between-group difference for change in strength. Magnitude of change using within-group effect size for aerobic fitness and strength was considered large for each group (aerobic fitness, AM = 2.6, SM = 2.0; strength, AM = 1.9, SM = 1.9). In conclusion, our results support enhanced strength and aerobic fitness irrespective of exercise modality (e.g., traditional aerobic and resistance training). However, powerlifters and strongman athletes wishing to enhance their aerobic fitness should consider HIIT using an aerobic HIIT mode.

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Background: Backstroke starts have received little scientific attention; this may be due to the ongoing modifications to rules but also the fact that the majority of swim starts occur from a dive. As such, this has been the focus for much swim start research. Backstrokers face the problem of slipping from the wall which is a reasonably common mishap and has serious consequences for the competitor. FINA approved the use of a new backstroke start ledge to help avoid this mishap and therefore the aim of the study was to investigate what advantages come from using this ledge (L) over the wall (W). Methods: Twelve well trained male and female competitive swimmers took part in the study and completed six maximum effort sprints; three under each condition. Results: The results showed significantly greater flight distance (L = 4.22m±0.42, W = 4.06m±0.35, p&lt;0.05) and peak hip height during the flight phase (L = 0.39m±0.15, W = 0.20m±0.14, p&lt;0.01) when using the ledge. Discussion: It was concluded therefore that the ledge positively effects backstroke start performance during the flight phase of the start.