Chris Bishop

Middlesex University · London Sport Institute

Researchers and practitioners have highlighted the necessity to monitor jump strategy metrics as well as the commonly reported outcome measures during the countermovement (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) tests. However, there is a risk of confusion for practitioners, given the vast range of metrics that now seem to be on offer via analysis software when co...

Background Reactive strength index (RSI) is used frequently in the testing and monitoring of athletes. Associations with sports performance measures may vary dependent on the task but a literature synthesis has not been performed. Objectives The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine associations between RSI measured during rebound jumping tasks...

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is one of the most used performance assessments in strength and conditioning. While numerous studies discuss the usability of different metrics in this test, this is often done within the context of a specific aim. However, to our knowledge, no information currently exists providing practitioners with some over-archin...

Background Historically, golf does not have a strong tradition of fitness testing and physical training. However, in recent years, both players and practitioners have started to recognise the value of a fitter and healthier body, owing to its potential positive impacts on performance, namely clubhead speed (CHS). Objective The aim of this meta-ana...

This study examined the effects of Accentuated Eccentric Loading Countermovement Jump (AEL CMJ) training on jump performance, lower body strength, sprint performance, and change of direction ability, compared to drop jump (DJ) training. This study used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a parallel design. Forty men physical education students...

This study examined the relationship between a comprehensive physical testing battery and golf shot data in touring professional female golfers. Nineteen players (age: 31.00 ± 5.64 years; height: 170.84 ± 7.24 cm; body mass: 67.74 ± 9.16 kg; wingspan: 127.37 ± 14.21 cm) volunteered to take part in the study. Each player completed a dynamic warm up,...

Over recent years a growing body of research has investigated the relationships clubhead velocity has with kinetic variables during a countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). However, to date, no research has investigated the relationships these kinetic variables have with real-world drive distance (DD) in elite DP World Tour...

Background The presence of inter-limb asymmetry in the human body has traditionally been perceived to be detrimental for athletic performance. However, a systematic review addressing and comprehensively assessing the association of asymmetry between the lower limbs and middle- and long-distance running performance-related metrics is currently lacki...

Evaluating maximal strength, inter-limb asymmetries, and the hamstring-to-quadriceps (HQ) ratio is essential for identifying strength deficits in athletes. This cross-sectional study assessed the test-retest (inter-visit) reliability of the EasyForce dynamometer for knee extension and flexion strength in 21 young healthy participants (11 women, 10...

This study aimed to (1) assess the test-retest reliability and sensitivity of kinematic and kinetic metrics from 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m horizontal deceleration ability (HDA) tests; (2) explore the relationships of those metrics from HDA5m, HDA10m and HDA20m tests. Eighteen college athletes completed one familiarization session and two test sessions se...

The aims of this study were to: 1) assess and compare the performance of lateral shuffles and lower limbs jumps among pre-juvenile basketball players; and 2) calculate the asymmetry scores of these assessment methods and examine the association between their performance and existing inter-limb differences. Thirty-nine pre-juvenile basketball athlet...

Rebound jumping is one of the most commonly used movement patterns to assess and monitor fast stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) mechanics, a critical component for rapid movements like sprinting, jumping, and directional changes. This narrative review explores the mechanical and neuromuscular mechanics underlying fast SSC function and critically evalu...

This study aims to (1) assess the inter-limb asymmetry in hip, knee, and ankle strength and coun-termovement jump (CMJ) performance among adolescent basketball players and (2) examine the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry and CMJ performance. Thirty adolescent basketball players (15 boys and 15 girls), aged 14 to 15 years, participated in t...

Addition of an Author [...]

In strength and conditioning, ratio data are made up of more than one component part and are now commonplace in both research and practice, with an abundance of metrics from strength and jump testing being used as part of the ongoing monitoring process. Given these data have been utilised for many years, their inherent issues may not be obvious to...

This project explored whether a) landing performances and b) impact force asymmetries were different during countermovement jump (CMJ) landings with leftward versus rightward aerial rotation in 19 collegiate men’s basketball players. Replicated single-subject analyses were performed to identify differences that were both statistically significant a...

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of a commercially available inertial measurement unit (Enode) for measuring barbell kinematics and kinetics during the snatch. In order to assess validity and within and between session reliability, thirteen competitive weightlifters con-ducted two snatches on two separate occasions at 85% of...

The present study aimed to investigate the current opinions and practices of golf coaches, performance practitioners and medical staff working in golf, on the topic of monitoring training load in the sport. A cross-sectional, explorative survey was undertaken which included specific questions for each sub-group using a combination of Likert scale a...

Purpose: Different studies indicate that female players in team sports, such as soccer, tend to have a lower change of direction deficit (CODD) than their male counterparts and that players who performed better in linear and curved sprints tended to have a worse CODD, suggesting that maximum speed does not equate to a faster change of direction (CO...

Physical performance is often affected by maturation in young athletes and provides an interesting challenge to optimize performance. The present study analyzed whether maturation affects directional dominance, chronological age, body mass, and biological age predictors, and assessed between chronological or biological age group differences in youn...

Background Strength and power represent two crucial physical qualities for the attainment of a high level of performance considering the frequency and the importance of explosive actions occurring during elite soccer match-play. Evaluation of strength and power is a multifaceted concept involving a vast array of tests and outcome variables. Neverth...

This study examined the effects of three external verbal cues on countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ) performance. Twenty-five recreational athletes completed nine jumps with distinct height, velocity, and combined cue focus. A general linear model analysis of variance was used to evaluate systematic bias between conditions (p < 0.05). The height an...

The dynamic strength index (DSI) is calculated as the ratio between countermovement jump (CMJ) peak force and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force and is said to inform whether ballistic or strength training is warranted for a given athlete. This study assessed the impact of an individualized in-season resistance training program, guided by D...

The present study aimed to explore the acute effects of a novel preloading strategy on squat jump (SJ) kinetic and kinematic from 0 to 50% body mass. Twenty-one male college athletes (mean ± SD: age = 23.29 ± 3.15 yrs, body mass = 75.50 ± 6.20 kg, height = 178.07 ± 6.45 cm and body fat percentage = 13.71 ± 5.45%) completed three different jump task...

Background: Measures that assess muscle strength and its development, either voluntarily or involuntarily, are important in the clinical and research context. The main aim of this study was to verify the inter day reliability and the minimum detectable change (MDC) of the knee extensors muscles torque using evoked contractions and explosive volunta...

The aims of the present study were to: i) analyse the between-session reliability of dry-land and in-water tests, and ii) investigate the prevalence of meaningful asymmetries in swimming athletes. Twenty-eight swimmers (21 males, 7 females) performed anthropometric, shoulder range of motion (ROM), countermovement jump, shoulder isokinetic torque, a...

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between a comprehensive physical testing battery and measures of golf performance in elite female amateur players. Nineteen category one (handicap ≤ 5) or better golfers (age: 16.26 ± 1.28 years, height: 166.26 ± 3.62 cm, mass: 64.04 ± 11.27 kg, wingspan: 146.53 ± 15.59 cm, handicap: +1.45...

How do I know if an athlete’s power output would be best enhanced by increasing their force or velocity capabilities? How do I know if an athlete would benefit most from increasing their peak force or their rate of force development (RFD)? These are two questions strength and conditioning (S&C) professionals will ponder when planning strength train...

The aims of this study were to: a) investigate reliability of a unilateral maximal isometric finger and pull strength test, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and intermittent-fatiguing strength test in intermediate (INT) and advanced (ADV) climbers; b) determine the differences in physical test performance and total score of athleticism (TSA) scores...

Editorial: Return to sport (RTS): identifying injury risk factors, diagnostics and treatment process

This study investigates associations between countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ) perfor-mance metrics and various independent measures of athletic performance, including the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 20-m linear sprint, and 505 change-of-direction (COD) speed tests. Pearson correlations were used to analyse the relationship between the CMRJ...

The study aimed to evaluate the progression of the percentage-based change of direction deficit (%CODD) over a competitive season, along with its correlation with performance tests, and to examine the impact of the magnitude and direction of asymmetry at four stages of the season. Forty-seven (U-16, U-18, and U-20) highly-trained female soccer play...

Background The benefits of exercise are well known; however, many of the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Skeletal muscle secretes myokines, which mediate muscle–organ crosstalk. Myokines regulate satellite-cell proliferation and migration, inflammatory cascade, insulin secretion, angiogenesis, fatty oxidation, and cancer s...

This study provides insight into the current fitness testing practices in elite male soccer. One hundred and two practitioners from professional soccer leagues across 24 countries completed an online survey comprising 29 questions, with five sections: a) background information, b) testing selection, c) testing implementation, d) data analysis, and...

This study aimed to ascertain an in-depth understanding of current practices and perceptions of S&C training in high-level amateur female golfers. A cross-sectional, explorative survey study was constructed which asked questions relating to four key areas: i) general participant information, ii) current strength and conditioning (S&C) practices, ii...

Golfers are constantly trying all sorts of things to improve their golf game. For example, they try new clubs, new grips, new stance, and even new attitudes. But they often ignore the one thing that is most effective – physical training, which can help them hit the ball farther. What’s more, even if they do concentrate on physical training, they ma...

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between a comprehensive physical testing battery and golf performance, as quantified through a variety of previously determined usable metrics from launch monitor data. Twenty-six high level, amateur golfers undertook a series of physical assessments, including: anthropometry measurements,...

The aim of the study was to provide an understanding of current practices and perceptions of strength and conditioning (S&C) training in female touring professionals. A cross-sectional, explorative survey was undertaken and contained 30 questions separated into four sections: i) general participant information, ii) S&C practices, iii) Likert scale...

The aim of this study was to survey Chinese sport scientists to develop an understanding of their demographics, job characteristics, future career intentions, and opinions. This study adapted online survey and used convenience sampling to investigate the role of sport scientists across China. Ninety-seven practitioners across 18 provinces/municipal...

Background High level of physical fitness is a paramount soccer performance factor. As such, developing key components of physical fitness such as sprinting, jumping, and change of direction (CoD) at an early age empowers both short- and long-term performance success. Although previous research in prepubertal male soccer players has reported physic...

In the final part of this three-article collection on the training strategies of Brazilian Olympic sprint and jump coaches, we provide a detailed description of the resistance training methods and exercises most commonly employed by these speed experts. Always with the objective of maximizing the sprint and jump capabilities of their athletes, thes...

The aims of the present study were to: 1) investigate the within and between-session reliability of the Trackman 4 launch monitor system, and 2) determine the interrelationships of some of these commonly used metrics. Golfers attended two test sessions at an indoor golf academy and performed 10 shots using their own driver. Results showed excellent...

Women's rugby is a collision sport that relies heavily on body composition and physical characteristics of strength and power to achieve competitive success. Furthermore, the seasonal nature presents a variety of physical challenges that can cause fluctuations in a player's physical development. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine...

This systematic review investigated the job characteristics of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs). Three databases were searched (Web of Science, EBSCO, and PubMed) until 12th January 2023. Eligible studies had to meet four criteria: (a) written in English, (b) published in a peer-reviewed journ...

Resistance training does not necessarily require repetition failure, whereas Velocity-Based training and “training not to failure” are available alternatives to know the optimal point to interrupt the sets. Nevertheless, Velocity-Based training require exclusively maximal intended velocities and training not to failure currently relies on subjectiv...

The magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in a change of direction (COD) have increased interest in scientific research in recent years. This present study aimed to investigate the magnitude of asymmetries in an elite youth female basketball sample (n = 18, age = 17.79 ± 0.67 y) and determine its directionality using force platform tech...

This study aimed to determine, through the use of a highly sensitive statistical tool, whether real changes in performance were present; and compare the rates of meaningful variations in strength, speed, and power parameters at different time-points during the competitive season in national team rugby players. Thirty-two players were assessed 5 tim...

Backgroundː The presence of inter-limb asymmetry in the human body has traditionally been perceived to be detrimental for athletic performance. However, a systematic review addressing and comprehensively assessing the association of asymmetry between the lower limbs and endurance running performance is currently lacking. Objective: The main purpose...

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the incidence is increasing, highlighting the need for effective strategies to treat this disease. Exercise has emerged as fundamental therapeutic medicine in the management of cancer, associated with a lower risk of recurrence and increased survival. Several avenues of research demo...

This is the second article in a three-article collection regarding the plyometric, speed, and resistance training practices of Brazilian Olympic sprint and jump coaches. Here, we list and describe six out of the ten speed training methods most commonly employed by these experts to enhance the sprinting capabilities of their athletes. Maximum speed...

The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in bilateral and unilateral dynamic strength index (DSI) between age categories (seniors and juniors), player positions (guards and forwards), its variation during the basketball season, and its association with sprint and change of direction (CoD) performance. Highly trained basketball player...

The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of acute neuromuscular fatigue on unilateral jump performance and inter-limb asymmetries. Thirty elite youth female team sport athletes (age: U-14 to U-18) performed the Unilateral Countermovement Jump (UCJ) and the Unilateral Drop Jump (UDJ) (18-cm box) tests before and approximately 10...

The study analysed the difference in change of direction (COD) deficit among young male basketball players of different age groups and biological ages and analysed the relationships in COD performance (time and deficit) across single and multiple CODs depending on their biological age. Fifty-four highly-trained male players (U-13 and U-17) were tes...

There is an ongoing surge of sports science professionals within sports organizations. However, when seeking to determine training-related adaptations, sports scientists have demonstrated continued reliance on group-style statistical analyses that are held to critical assumptions not achievable in smaller-sample team settings. There is justificatio...

This study aimed to investigate the test-retest reliability of three bilateral jump tests to assess asymmetry and determine the consistency of both the magnitude and direction of asymmetry between two testing sessions. Thirty-three participants performed the countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), and countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ – jump 1...

This study aimed to assess the validity of three commercial devices in recording mean velocity (MV) and peak velocity (PV) during a unilateral resistance exercise. 18 strength-trained and healthy males performed repetitions of Bulgarian split squats at loads ranging from 40% to 90% of their one-repetition maximum. The MV and PV were simultaneously...

This study used an online survey to investigate strength and conditioning coaches (SCCs) demographic and job characteristics across different Chinese high–performance sports. Ninety-three SCCs from 44 high–-performance sports across 25 provinces/municipalities participated in this study (age 31.5 ± 6.9 yrs, experience as a SCC 5.5 ± 4.4 yrs). A bac...

Background: This longitudinal study aimed to examine the development of both upper and lower extremity functional performances, together with asymmetry magnitudes and directionality in youth tennis players. Methods: Dominant and non-dominant physical performance values of 90 players (53 males, 37 females) were determined yearly (with monitoring...

The kinetic analysis of joint work and joint contribution provides practitioners with information regarding movement characteristics and strategies of any jump test that is undertaken. This study aimed to compare joint works and contributions, and performance metrics in the countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), and countermovement rebound jum...

The kinetic analysis of joint work and joint contribution provides practitioners with information regarding movement characteristics and strategies of any jump test that is undertaken. This study aimed to compare joint works and contributions, and performance metrics in the countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ) and countermovement rebound jump...

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury occurs frequently in sport and surgical reconstruction (ACLR) is often recommended to restore knee joint stability. To guide rehabilitation and determine return to sport readiness, practitioners have used a long-standing practice of calculating the limb symmetry index (LSI) in various functional, biomechanica...

The purpose of this study was to: i) assess the validity of the FlightScope Mevo+ against the TrackMan 4, and ii) determine the within-session reliability of both launch monitor systems when using a driver and 6-iron. Twenty-nine youth golfers, with a minimum of 3-years' playing experience, volunteered for this study. All golfers completed ten shot...

The countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) are widely employed jump tests to evaluate an athlete's neuromuscular performance. Nevertheless, conducting both the CMJ and DJ assessments during one testing session can demand a considerable time investment that practitioners or coaches might not always have available. This study investigated whet...

Purpose The association between vertical jump and weightlifting performance have been well established often using discrete performance measures such as jump height or peak power which provides little insight into temporal strategies. The purpose of this investigation was to identify currently unassessed temporal countermovement jump metrics and th...

This study investigated the grouped and individualized load-velocity profile (GLVP vs. ILVP) in Bulgarian split squat using Smith machine and free weight. Seventy five recreational male lifters completed two incremental loading tests of Bulgarian split squat. Mean velocity was measured by a linear-position transducer (GymAware). Linear regression e...

Background Lower limb biomechanics, including asymmetry, are frequently monitored to determine sport performance level and injury risk. However, contributing factors extend beyond biomechanical and asymmetry measures to include psychological, sociological, and environmental factors. Unfortunately, inadequate research has been conducted using holist...