Alejandro Martínez Cava

University of Murcia | UM · Departamento de Actividad Física y Deporte

We examined the effect of breast cancer surgery and adjuvant therapy on the relationship between bar velocity and relative intensity (load-velocity [L-V] relationship) of the bench press (BP) exercise. Twenty-two breast cancer survivors (age: 48.0±8.2 yr., relative strength: 0.40±0.08) completed a loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM)...

Purpose: To compare the effects of free-weight and machine-based resistance training on strength, hypertrophy, and joint discomfort. Methods: Thirty-eight resistance-trained men participated in an 8-week resistance program allocated into free-weight (n = 19) or machine-based (n = 19) groups. Training variables were identical for both modalities,...

Background Although the superior effectiveness of free‐weight over machine‐based training has been a traditionally widespread assumption, longitudinal studies comparing these training modalities were scarce and heterogeneous. Objective This research used the velocity‐based method to compare the effects of free‐weight and machine‐based resistance t...

Hernández-Belmonte, A, Buendía-Romero, Á, Pallares, JG, and Martínez-Cava, A. Velocity-based method in free-weight and machine-based training modalities: the degree of freedom matters. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-This study aimed to analyze and compare the load-velocity relationships of free-weight and machine-based modalities of 4 res...

This study aimed to examine the sensitivity of the isometric knee extension (IKE) test to detect changes in the lower-limb strength of institutionalized older adults after exercise and inactivity periods. Thirty-four and fifteen institutionalized older adults completed the training and inactive periods, respectively. At each time point, the partici...

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical exercise, respiratory muscle training and the self-management WHO recommendations leaflet on the recovery of physical fitness, quality of life and symptom status in people with post COVID-19 conditions. Eighty non-hospitalized adults with a post-COVID-19 condition were randomly as...

Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of patients with post-COVID-19 condition undergoing supervised therapeutic exercise intervention or following the self-management WHO (World Health Organization) rehabilitation leaflet. Methods: A randomized controlled trial that included 39 participants with post-COVID-19 condition who h...

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical fitness, cardiopulmonary function and patient-reported severity of symptoms in people with post-COVID-19 condition. We examined ambulatory patients (n = 72) with post-COVID-19 condition who had a chronic symptomatic phase lasting > 12 weeks from the onset of symptoms, but had...

Purpose: To analyze the feasibility of the 2-point method for estimating ultrasound-derived quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area (QUADACSA). First, (1) the agreement between QUADACSA measured by panoramic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied, and thereafter, we examined 2 approaches of the 2-point method in terms of (2) es...

Purpose: To compare the strength and athletic adaptations induced by 4 programming models. Methods: Fifty-two men were allocated into 1 of the following models: linear programming (intensity increased while intraset volume decreased), undulating programming (intensity and intraset volume were varied in each session or set of sessions), reverse p...

This study aimed to examine the validity and repeatability of panoramic ultrasound to evaluate the anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) of quadriceps femoris muscles. Specifically, we aimed to quantify the errors generated during the image acquisition and analysis (repeatability), as well as when comparing with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (v...

Patients recovering from COVID-19 commonly report persistence of dyspnea, exertional fatigue, and difficulties in carrying out their daily activities. However, the nature of these symptoms is still unknown. The purpose of the study was to identify limiting causes of cardiopulmonary origin for the performance of physical exercise in post-COVID-19 co...

The objective of the current study was to examine the validity and repeatability of panoramic ultrasound in evaluating the anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) of the pectoralis major. Specifically, we aimed to quantify the measurement errors generated during the image acquisition and analysis (repeatability), as well as when comparing with magne...

We aimed to analyze the isometric knee extension test (IKE) test in terms of i) intra- and inter-session repeatability, and ii) relationship with functional and body composition factors of sarcopenia among institutionalized older adults. Thirteen institutionalized older adults (age = 87 ± 10 years, body mass [BM] = 73.1 ± 10.9 kg, body mass index [...

Background Nowadays, there is a lack of consensus and high controversy about the most effective range of motion (ROM) to minimize the risk of injury and maximize the resistance training adaptations. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific evidence examining the effects of full and partial ROM resistance trainin...

Objectives: We aimed to determine whether the benefits of long (24 weeks) and short (4 weeks) training programs persisted after short (6 weeks) and long (14 weeks) periods of inactivity in elderly nursing home residents with sarcopenia. Design: Multicenter randomized trial. Intervention: The Vivifrail tailored, multicomponent exercise programme (h...

Hernández-Belmonte, A, Courel-Ibáñez, J, Conesa-Ros, E, Martínez-Cava, A, and Pallarés, JG. Level of effort: A reliable and practical alternative to the velocity-based approach for monitoring resistance training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-This study analyzed the potential of the level of effort methodology as an accurate indicator of...

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is leading to unknown and unusual health conditions that are challenging to manage. Post-COVID-19 syndrome is one of those challenges, having become increasingly common as the pandemic evolves. The latest estimates suggest that 10 t...

Purpose: To examine the reproducibility (intradevice and interdevice agreement) of the Rotor 2INpower device under a wide range of cycling conditions. Methods: Twelve highly trained male cyclists and triathletes completed 5 cycling tests, including graded exercise tests at different cadences (70-100 rpm), workloads (100-650 W), pedaling position...

This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the recently developed Assioma Favero pedals under laboratory cycling conditions. In total, 12 well-trained male cyclists and triath- letes (VO2max = 65.7 ± 8.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed five cycling tests including graded exercises tests (GXT) at different cadences (70–100 revolutions per...

Purpose: A variation of the traditional squat (SQ) rebound technique (REBOUND) including a momentary pause ∼2 seconds (PAUSE) between eccentric and concentric phases has been proposed. Although there is a consensus about the lower acute effects on performance of this PAUSE variant compared with traditional REBOUND technique, no information exists...

This study aimed to compare the effect of linear (LP) and daily-undulating (DUP) programming models on neuromuscular and functional performance using the velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) approach. Thirty-two resistance trained men were randomly assigned into 2 groups: LP (n=16) or DUP (n=16). Both training groups completed an 8-week VBRT i...

This study aimed to analyze the validity and sensitivity of two time-shortened Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnTs), by means of three phases. In Phase A, 40 participants performed a traditional 30 s WAnT, whereas the first 15 s (WAnT15) and 20 s (WAnT20) were used to elaborate two predictive models. In Phase B, another 30 s WAnT was performed by 15 dif...

This is a randomized trial on sarcopenic older adults aged ≥ 75 years living in nursing homes. Participants completed 4 weeks of the tailored multicomponent exercise training program Vivifrail© (www.vivifrail.com).One group continued the intervention for a further 14 weeks, while the other interrupted the intervention for 14 weeks because of the CO...

The purpose of this study was threefold: i) to analyse the load-velocity relationship of the shoulder press (SP) exercise, ii) to investigate the stability (intra-individual variability) of this load-velocity relationship for athletes with different relative strength levels, and after a 10-week velocity-based resistance training (VBT), and iii) to...

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232465.].

Despite the rising interest in the use of portable force sensors during isometric exercises to inform on neuromuscular performance, the design of practical field-based methods to obtain reliable measures is an ongoing challenge. We aim at identifying the intra-session and test-retest reliability of a rapid, isometric knee extension test to evaluate...

Velocity-based training (VBT) is gaining popularity in strength and conditioning due to multiple practical advantages for auto-regulating and individualizing training volume and load on a day-to-day basis. Because the load-velocity relationship varies among exercises, the knowledge of particular equations is indispensable to effectively implement t...

This study investigated the inter- and intra-device agreement of four new devices marketed for barbell velocity measurement. Mean, mean propulsive and peak velocity outcomes were obtained for bench press and full squat exercises along the whole load-velocity spectrum (from light to heavy loads). Measurements were simultaneously registered by two li...

This study investigated the inter- and intra-device agreement of four new devices marketed for barbell velocity measurement. Mean, mean propulsive and peak velocity outcomes were obtained for bench press and full squat exercises along the whole load-velocity spectrum (from light to heavy loads). Measurements were simultaneously registered by two li...

Highlights • Theoretical power models, based on laws of physics, would represent interesting proposals to examine the sensitivity of running power devices. • Running power output estimated by commercial technologies are particularly influenced by environment (indoor vs. outdoor) and running conditions (body weight, slope and running speed). • Th...

Lillo-Beviá, JR, Courel-Ibáñez, J, Cerezuela-Espejo, V, Morán-Navarro, R, Martínez-Cava, A, and Pallarés, JG. Is the functional threshold power a valid metric to estimate the maximal lactate steady state in cyclists? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-The aims of this study were to determine (a) the repeatability of a 20-minute time-trial (TT...

This study aimed to analyze the influence of range of motion (ROM) on main biomechanical parameters of the bench press (BP) exercise: i) load-velocity relationship by mean (MV) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV), ii) one-repetition maximum strength (1RM); iii) contribution of the propulsive and braking phases, and iv) presence of the sticking regio...

Martínez-Cava, A, Hernández-Belmonte, A, Courel-Ibáñez, J, Morán-Navarro, R, González-Badillo, JJ, and Pallarés, JG. Bench press at full range of motion produces greater neuromuscular adaptations than partial executions after prolonged resistance training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-Training at a particular range of motion (ROM) produ...

This is a respond to https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-019-02304-2. This comment refers to the original article "Reproducibility and Repeatability of Five Different Technologies for Bar Velocity Measurement in Resistance Training" available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-019-02265-6 Full text: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334017166_Te...

The choice of the optimal squatting depth for resistance training (RT) has been a matter of debate for decades and is still controversial. In this study, fifty-three resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to one of four training groups: full squat (F-SQ), parallel squat (P-SQ), half squat (H-SQ), and Control (training cessation). Experimenta...

This study aimed to analyze the agreement between five bar velocity monitoring devices, currently used in resistance training, to determine the most reliable device based on reproducibility (between-device agreement for a given trial) and repeatability (between-trial variation for each device). Seventeen resistance-trained men performed duplicate t...

This study aims to identify the measurement error associated with the mean movement velocity when using high-speed camera-based methods and video analysis during resistance training. Eleven resistance-trained men (26.0 ± 3.4 years) completed a progressive loading test in bench press exercise. Measurements from concentric mean velocity (MV), distanc...

This study was designed to validate a new short track test (Track(1:1)) to estimate running performance parameters maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS), based on a laboratory treadmill protocol and gas exchange data analysis (Lab(1:1)). In addition, we compared the results with the University of Montreal Track Test (UMTT)....

This study aimed to compare the load-velocity and load-power relationships of three common variations of the squat exercise. 52 strength-trained males performed a progressive loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the full (F-SQ), parallel (P-SQ) and half (H-SQ) squat, conducted in random order on separate days. Bar velocity and ver...

The aims of this study were (1) to establish the best fit between ventilatory and lactate exercise performance parameters in running and (2) to explore novel alternatives to estimate the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) in well-trained runners. Twenty-two trained male athletes ( V ˙ O2max 60.2 ± 4.3 ml·kg·min-1) completed three maximal graded exerci...

This experiment investigates the validity of six thermometers with different measuring sensors, operation and site of application, to estimate core temperature (Tc) in comparison to an ingestible thermometric sensor based on quartz crystal technology. Measurements were obtained before, during and after exercise in the heat, controlling the presence...

The main aim of this study is to assess the validity of a new cycling protocol to estimate the Maximal Lactate Steady-State workload (MLSS) through a one-day incremental protocol (1day_MLSS). Eleven well-trained male cyclists performed 3 to 4 trials of 30-min constant load test (48-72h in between) to determine their respective MLSS workload. Then,...

p>El objetivo de esta investigación es validar nuevas ecuaciones de regresión para estimar el valor de fuerza dinámica máxima absoluta (1RM) mediante test de máximo número de repeticiones hasta el fallo muscular (nRM) ejecutados con técnica de parada o stop. Igualmente, se estudian los niveles de validez que presentan las ecuaciones que ya se encue...

This study analyzed whether the loss of repetition velocity during a resistance exercise set was a reliable indicator of the number of repetitions left in reserve. Following the assessment of one-repetition (1RM) strength and full load-velocity relationship, thirty men were divided into three groups according to their 1RM strength/body mass: novice...

p>El interés por conocer las percepciones del participante respecto a la calidad y el valor del servicio, se ha trasladado a los eventos deportivos de carácter popular. Conocer los elementos determinantes para alcanzar la satisfacción general del participante, propiciará a los organizadores una mayor fidelización y mejora enpróximos eventos. A trav...