Timothy J. Suchomel

University of Pittsburgh | Pitt · Sports Medicine and Nutrition

The purposes of this study were to compare the training effects of weightlifting movements performed with (CATCH) or without (PULL) the catch phase of clean derivatives performed at the same relative loads or training without the catch phase using a force- and velocity-specific overload stimulus (OL) on isometric and dynamic performance tasks. Twen...

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) force–time curve characteristics following 10 weeks of training with either load-matched weightlifting catching (CATCH) or pulling derivatives (PULL) or pulling derivatives that included force- and velocity-specific loading (OL). Twenty-five resis...

Linear loading, the two-for-two rule, percent of one repetition maximum (1RM), RM zones, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), repetitions in reserve, set-repetition best, autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE), and velocity-based training (VBT) are all methods of adjusting resistance training intensity. Each method has advantages and di...

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in braking and propulsion force-time characteristics and barbell velocity between traditional (TRAD) and accentuated eccentric loaded (AEL) back squats using various load combinations. Sixteen resistance-trained men participated in four separate testing sessions which included a one repetitio...

The purpose of this study was to determine the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of the jump shrug (JS) using the barbell acceleration characteristics of repetitions performed with relative percentages of the hang power clean (HPC). Fifteen resistance-trained men (age=25.5±4.5 years, body mass=88.5±15.7 kg, height=176.1±8.5 cm, relative 1RM HPC=1.3±0.2 kg...

This is a Master's research topic which was presented as a poster at the NSCA National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland 13/07/2024.

This is a masters research topic which was presented as a podium at the NSCA National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on 12/07/2024.

PURPOSE: To examine the differences in downward phase durations between stronger and weaker men during traditional (TRAD) and accentuated eccentric loaded (AEL) back squats (BS). METHODS: 14 resistance-trained men were split into two separate groups based on their relative one repetition maximum (1RM) BS performance. Both stronger (n = 7, body mass...

PURPOSE: To examine the force-time characteristics of individual repetitions during an accentuated eccentric loaded (AEL) countermovement jump (CMJ) followed by four rebound jumps (RJ) during two different loading conditions. METHODS: Resistance-trained men (n = 10, age = 25.6 ± 5.1 years, body mass = 79.0 ± 10.5 kg, height = 174.6 ± 7.7 cm, relati...

The purpose of this study was to estimate the one repetition maximum hang high pull (1RM HHP) using the peak barbell velocity of a 1RM hang power clean (HPC). Fifteen resistance-trained men (age = 25.5 ± 4.5 years, body mass = 88.3 ± 15.4 kg, height = 176.1 ± 8.5 cm, relative 1RM HPC = 1.3 ± 0.2 kg·kg-1) with previous HPC experience participated in...

Considerations of the development of a strength and conditioning postgraduate course, the structure, content and learning outcomes.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of rest redistribution (RR) on kinetics and kinematics during the hang pull (HP). Twenty-one male athletes (age 29.5 ± 4.3 years, height 1.78 ± 0.07 m, body mass 75.17 ± 11.11 kg, relative one repetition maximum [1RM] power clean [PC] 1.17 ± 0.14 kg.kg⁻¹) performed the HP using 140% of 1RM PC with 3...

Keiner, M, Kierot, M, Stendahl, M, Brauner, T, and Suchomel, TJ. Maximum strength and power as determinants of match skating performance in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—Maximum strength has a strong influence on speed-strength performances such as sprints and jumps. Important for sports practice is whethe...

Although sport science as a profession has advanced in some countries, there are other countries where it is still in its infancy. This roundtable was designed to identify the perceived state of sport science in different countries around the world, including common themes that may be used to help further advance an emerging profession. Several int...

A variety of sport organizations employ sport scientists (SSs) in a range of capacities to support team operations, whereas universities employ SSs in academic (teaching and research), consulting, and support roles. Despite the growth in professional opportunities in the United States over the last few decades, little discussion has occurred to ide...

Recent trends suggest growing application of sports science programs within United States-based sport organizations. Discussion is necessary to illuminate several ways sports scientist (SS) roles may be leveraged to enhance athlete and coach performance and enable support of knowledge-related tasks within and across organizations and throughout spo...

This study examined effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on barbell and trap bar loaded countermovement jumps (LCMJ). Twenty-one subjects (16 male, 5 female; Age: 23.5 ± 1.8 years; Body mass: 81.4 ± 10.6 kg; Height: 176.9 ± 7.2 cm; Training age: 7.1 ± 2.6 years) participated in this study. Upon establishing one repetition maximum and base...

This article provides an overarching view on establishing a sport science department that fosters comprehensive integration of student-athlete health and performance support in collegiate athletics. Collegiate athletic departments have adopted the high-performance model to help manage the complex health and performance needs of their student-athlet...

PURPOSE: To examine differences in force-time characteristics across multiple sets of accentuated eccentric loaded (AEL) countermovement (CMJ) and rebound jumps (RJ) with a prescribed load of 20% the subjects’ body weight (BW). METHODS: Six resistance-trained males (age: 27.3±5.4 years, body mass: 81.7±13.3 kg, height: 176.0±8.4 cm, relative one re...

PURPOSE: To examine differences in force-time characteristics across multiple sets of accentuated eccentric loaded (AEL) countermovement (CMJ) and rebound jumps (RJ) with a prescribed load of 20% one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat. METHODS: Six resistance-trained men (age: 27.3±5.4 years, body mass: 81.7±13.3 kg, height: 176.0±8.4 cm, 1RM back...

Purpose: To determine the acute effect of an accentuated eccentric loaded (AEL) countermovement jump (CMJ) on vertical jump force-time characteristics. Methods: Resistance-trained men (n = 7, body mass = 82.5 ± 11.0 kg, height = 176.9 ± 7.4 cm, relative one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat strength = 1.97 ± 0.38 kg·kg-1) and women (n = 7, body m...

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of load on force-time characteristics during an accentuated eccentric loaded (AEL) countermovement jump (CMJ) followed by four rebound jumps (RJ). METHODS: Resistance-trained men (n = 6, body mass = 82.5 ± 11.0 kg, height = 176.9 ± 7.4 cm, relative one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat strength = 1.97 ± 0.38 kg·kg-1...

Meechan, D, McMahon, JJ, Suchomel, TJ, and Comfort, P. The effect of rest redistribution on kinetic and kinematic variables during the countermovement shrug. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1358-1366, 2023-This study compared the effects of rest redistribution (RR) on kinetic and kinematic variables during the countermovement shrug (CMS). Twenty-one mal...

Sport scientist roles are becoming more common in U.S. professional and collegiate sport. Despite the recent growth in opportunities, discussion is necessary to elucidate differences between sport scientist specialties and other roles common within the integrated support team and across the sport industry. In addition, guidance is necessary to show...

Understanding the physical qualities of athletes can lead to improved training prescription, monitoring, and ranking. Consequently, testing and profiling athletes is an important aspect of strength and conditioning. However, results can often be difficult to interpret because of the wide range of available tests and outcome variables, the diverse f...

In the last several decades in the United States, university athletic departments and professional sport teams began hiring sport scientists to support team operations. Many variations in sport science–related job titles and a variety of duties are apparent across the industry internationally. Therefore, the aims of this article were to (a) define...

Comfort, P, Haff, GG, Suchomel, TJ, Soriano, MA, Pierce, KC, Hornsby, WG, Haff, EE, Sommerfield, LM, Chavda, S, Morris, SJ, Fry, AC, and Stone, MH. National Strength and Conditioning Association position statement on weightlifting for sports performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-The origins of weightlifting and feats of strength spa...

This study examined the reliability, potential bias, and practical differences between the GymAware Powertool (GA), Tendo Power Analyzer (TENDO), and Push Band 2.0 (PUSH) during the jump shrug (JS) and hang high pull (HHP) performed across a spectrum of loads. Fifteen resistance-trained men performed JS and HHP repetitions with 20, 40, 60, 80, and...

The purpose of this study was to compare the propulsion phase characteristics of the jump squat (JS), hexagonal barbell jump (HEXJ), and jump shrug (JShrug) performed across a spectrum of relative loads. resistance-trained women (18-23 years old) performed JS, HEXJ, and JShrug repetitions at body mass (BM) or with 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100% BM during...

The aims of this study were to examine the muscle architectural, rapid force production, and force-velocity curve adaptations following 10 weeks of resistance training with either submaximal weightlifting catching (CATCH) or pulling (PULL) derivatives or pulling derivatives with phase-specific loading (OL). 27 resistance trained men were randomly a...

The effect of load on time-series data has yet to be investigated during weightlifting derivatives. This study compared the effect of load on the force-time and velocity-time curves during the countermovement shrug (CMS). Twenty-nine males performed the CMS at relative loads of 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, and 140% one repetition maximum (1RM) power...

MV: There were statistically significant main effects present for both condition (p = 0.002; g = 0.10-0.23) and load (p < 0.001; g = 0.95-3.93). However, the condition x time interaction effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.259). • PV: There were statistically significant main effects present for both condition (p = 0.016; g = 0.11-0.23)...

Analyzing different CMJ strategies among 4 Men's Division III teams.

Lum, D, Joseph, R, Ong, KY, Tang, JM, and Suchomel, TJ. Comparing the effects of long-term vs. periodic inclusion of isometric strength training on strength and dynamic performances. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-This study compared the effects of including isometric strength training (IST) for consecutive 24 weeks (CIST) against a perio...

Lum, D, Joseph, R, Ong, KY, Tang, JM, and Suchomel, TJ. Comparing the effects of long-term vs. periodic inclusion of isometric strength training on strength and dynamic performances. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-This study compared the effects of including isometric strength training (IST) for consecutive 24 weeks (CIST) against a perio...

This cross-sectional study investigated differences in lower body power of state and non-state representative junior Australian football (AF) players through countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance. A total of 627 players performed the CMJ and SJ at the end of the pre-season phase over a two-week period, with each player grouped...

Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) employs heavier load magnitudes in eccentric actions than concentric actions of complete stretch-shortening cycles. In doing so, unique neuromuscular and molecular responses are expected to result in acute post-activation performance enhancements, as evidenced by increased movement velocity or power. Improvements...

This study aimed to compare the kinetics between the push press (PP), push jerk (PJ), and split jerk (SJ). Sixteen resistance-trained participants (12 men and 4 women; age: 23.8 ± 4.4 years; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; body mass: 75.7 ± 13.0 kg; weightlifting experience: 2.2 ± 1.3 years; one repetition maximum [1RM] PP: 76.5 ± 19.5 kg) performed 3 repetit...

Cuthbert, M, Ripley, NJ, Suchomel, TJ, Alejo, R, McMahon, JJ, and Comfort, P. Electromyographical differences between the hyperextension and reverse-hyperextension. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1477-1483, 2021-The aims of this study were to compare muscle activation of the erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GMax), and biceps femoris (BF) during th...

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of a focused versus mixed-methods strength-power training plan on athletes undertaking high volumes of concurrent training. Fourteen junior elite male Australian football players were randomly assigned into either the focused or mixed group. Both training groups undertook a sequenced tra...

Aspiring and established strength and conditioning professionals are increasingly seeking opportunities to further their knowledge to gain a competitive advantage within the highly competitive profession. Postgraduate degree programs in the discipline are therefore becoming a popular option for academic institutions to meet the demands of the workf...

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative load (% of one-repetition maximum [1RM]) at which the concentric action becomes entirely propulsive in the bench-press (BP) exercise and verify whether this relative load varies between athletes with different strength levels. Twenty-eight professional athletes (Olympic boxers, professional mi...

We read the article of Buckner et al. (1), hoping to find new insights on resistance training. Unfortunately, the article is a restatement of information contained in previously published reviews from this group. Here are our major concerns: HYPERTROPHY AND STRENGTH GAINS Buckner et al. believe that high-volume phases are unnecessary. Initial alter...

Global health organizations have provided recommendations regarding exercise for the general population. Strength training has been included in several position statements due to its multi-systemic benefits. In this narrative review, we examine the available literature, first explaining how specific mechanical loading is converted into positive cel...

The purposes of this study were to examine the relationships between dynamic strength index (DSI) and other strength-power performance characteristics and to contextualize DSI scores using case study comparisons. 88 male and 67 female NCAA division I collegiate athletes performed countermovement jumps (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pulls (IMTP) duri...

James, LP, Suchomel, TJ, Comfort, P, Haff, GG, and Connick, M. Rate of force development adaptations after weightlifting-style training: the influence of power clean ability. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1560-1567, 2022-This experiment examined changes to the rate of force development (RFD) expressed under loaded jump conditions between individuals w...

The assessment of the mechanical power production is of great importance for researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this review was to compare the differences in ground reaction force (GRF), kinematic, and combined (bar velocity x GRF) methods to assess mechanical power production during weightlifting exercises. A search of electronic databa...

Meechan, D, McMahon, JJ, Suchomel, TJ, and Comfort, P. A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the pull from the knee and hang pull, across loads. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Kinetic and kinematic variables during the pull from the knee (PFK) and hang pull (HP) were compared in this study. Eighteen men (age = 29.43 ± 3.9...

Meechan, D, Suchomel, TJ, McMahon, JJ, and Comfort, P. A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the midthigh pull and countermovement shrug, across loads. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This study compared kinetic and kinematic variables during the midthigh pull (MTP) and countermovement shrug (CMS). Eighteen men (age: 29.43...

Comfort, P, Jones, PA, Thomas, C, Dos'Santos, T, McMahon, JJ, and Suchomel, TJ. Changes in early and maximal isometric force production in response to moderate- and high-load strength and power training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The aims of this study were to determine the changes in early (50-, 100-, 150-, 200-, 250 ms) and maximal...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical similarity between net joint moments (NJM) of the countermovement jump (CMJ) and the hang power clean (HPC) and jump shrug (JS). Twelve male Lacrosse players performed three maximal effort CMJs and three repetitions of the HPC and JS at 30%, 50%, and 70% of their HPC one repetition maximum...

Purpose: To determine the reliability of early force production (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ms) relative to peak force (PF) during an isometric mid-thigh pull and to assess the relationships between these variables. Methods: Male collegiate athletes (N = 29; age 21.1 [2.9] y, height 1.71 [0.07] m, body mass 71.3 [13.6] kg) performed isometric mi...

The purpose of this study was to compare the power production characteristics of the jump squat (JS), hexagonal barbell jump (HEXJ), and jump shrug (JShrug) across a spectrum of relative loads. Fifteen resistance-trained men completed three testing sessions where they performed repetitions of either the JS, HEXJ, or JShrug at body mass (BM) or with...

The purpose of this review is to provide strength and conditioning practitioners with recommendations on how best to implement tempo eccentric training (TEMPO), flywheel inertial training (FIT), accentuated eccentric loading (AEL), and plyometric training (PT) into resistance training programs that seek to improve an athlete’s hypertrophy, strength...

James, LP, Suchomel, TJ, McMahon, JJ, Chavda, S, and Comfort, P. Effect of onset threshold on kinetic and kinematic variables of a weightlifting derivative containing a first and second pull. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study sought to determine the effect of different movement onset thresholds on both the reliability and absolute...

PURPOSE: To examine and compare changes in unloaded and loaded countermovement jump (CMJ) performance that result from training with weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives. A secondary aim was to examine the training effects of using a force and velocity overload stimulus with weightlifting pulling derivatives compared to the traditional lo...

PURPOSE: To examine and compare changes in unloaded and loaded squat jump (SJ) performance that result from training with weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives. A secondary aim was to examine the training effects of using a force and velocity overload stimulus with weightlifting pulling derivatives compared to the traditional loading of we...

Purpose: To identify the bar velocities that optimize power output in the barbell hip thrust exercise. Methods: A total of 40 athletes from 2 sports disciplines (30 track-and-field sprinters and jumpers and 10 rugby union players) participated in this study. Maximum bar-power outputs and their respective bar velocities were assessed in the barbe...

The purpose of this review was to provide a physiological rationale for the use of eccentric resistance training and to provide an overview of the most commonly prescribed eccentric training methods. Based on the existing literature, there is a strong physiological rationale for the incorporation of eccentric training into a training program for an...

This review examines the literature on weightlifting overhead pressing derivatives (WOPDs) and provides information regarding historical, technical, kinetic and kinematic mechanisms as well as potential benefits and guidelines to implement the use of WOPDs as training tools for sports populations. Only 13 articles were found in a search of electron...

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the force-, velocity-, displacement-, and power-time curves during the hang-power clean (HPC) and the jump shrug (JS). To this end, 15 male lacrosse players were recruited from a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division-I team, and performed one set of 3 repetitions of the HPC and...

Reactive strength index-modified (RSImod) is a measure of lower body explosiveness calculated by dividing jump height by time to takeoff. RSImod is different between stronger and weaker athletes and between males and females. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in RSImod between males and females while controlling for maximal stre...

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a ballistic or non-ballistic concentric-only bench press (COBP) on subsequent plyometric push-up performance. Fourteen resistance trained men completed two separate one-repetition-maximum (1RM) testing sessions followed by three randomized experimental explosive push-up sessions. These session...

The primary aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of a four-week period of in-season strength training on the dynamic strength index (DSI). Pre and post a four-week period of strength-based training, twenty-four collegiate athletes (age = 19.9 ± 1.3 years; height = 1.70 ± 0.11 m; weight 68.1 ± 11.8 kg) performed three isometric mid...

This study examined the selective influences of one-repetition maximum (1RM) values (assessed in the half-squat [HS]) and bar-power production (assessed in both HS and jump squat [JS] exercises) on the physical performance of male and female team sport athletes from four different sports. Three-hundred and three elite players (31 Olympians) from fo...