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Researched Applications of Velocity Based Strength Training
Abstract and Figures
Strength training is a critical exercise stimulus for inducing changes in muscular strength, size and power (6). Recently, linear position transducers have gained in popularity as a means to monitor velocity in strength training exercises. The measurement error of such devices has been shown to be low and both relative and absolute reliability have been shown to be acceptable (2, 7, 11). The purpose of this article is to provide the overview and benefits of monitoring movement velocity in strength training exercises, along with providing the basis for novel “velocity-based” strength training prescription. We have covered the following practical applications: Guidelines to develop a velocity/load profile for athletes; Using the velocity load/profile to predict and monitor changes to maximal strength; Using velocity monitoring to control fatigue effects of strength training; Using velocity monitoring as an immediate performance feedback to promote the highest level of effort in specific training exercises and stronger adaptive stimuli. Linear position transducers are reliable and valid tools to help strength and conditioning practitioners monitor and optimize their strength training programs.
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... Beyond absolute strength assessment, recent advancements in strength diagnostics have emphasized the importance of velocity-based metrics, such as mean concentric velocity (MCV) at 1RM and load-velocity profiling, to enhance training prescription and performance monitoring (González-Badillo et al., 2011;García-Ramos et al., 2018). These parameters provide real-time insights into neuromuscular function, allowing practitioners to tailor training loads based on movement velocity rather than relying solely on percentage-based intensity models (Jovanovic and Flanagen, 2014;Held et al., 2022). The 1RM test plays a crucial role in evaluating strength levels, monitoring progress, and tailoring training programs, making it one of the most commonly used strength assessment tools in both research and practical settings (Kraemer et al., 2006;Levinger et al., 2009). ...
... Since these parameters do not appear to fluctuate significantly in the absence of targeted interventions, practitioners can use VL-Slope and PP-Position to assess baseline neuromuscular characteristics and track long-term adaptations (García-Ramos et al., 2018). However, some studies suggest that velocity-based training protocols targeting specific adaptations (e.g., power development or maximal strength) can induce meaningful changes in PP-Position over longer periods (Harries et al., 2012;Jovanovic and Flanagen, 2014). This highlights the need for future research to examine whether specific training interventions can systematically shift VL-Slope or PP-Position in different populations and exercise modalities. ...
... This is consistent with prior research showing that optimal power output in lower-body movements is achieved at loads between 60-80% 1RM, whereas upperbody exercises tend to peak at 30-70% 1RM (Jidovtseff et al., 2011;Jiménez-Reyes et al., 2016). This has direct applications for velocity-based training, where training loads are adjusted based on movement velocity to maximize power output (Jovanovic and Flanagen, 2014). Additionally, the MDC (Furlan and Sterr, 2018) values (10.0 kg for the squat and 5.6 kg for the bench press) highlight the minimum strength changes required to exceed measurement variability. ...
Maximal strength assessment, particularly the one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, is essential in resistance training and sports science. Velocity-based metrics like mean concentric velocity (MCV) at 1RM and load-velocity profiling enhance neuromuscu-lar monitoring, yet the stability of parameters such as load-velocity slope (VL-Slope) and peak power position (PP-Position) over repeated tests remains uncertain. Thus, 14 resistance-trained male participants (age: 25.2 ± 3.3 years; training experience: 2.1 ± 2.0 years) performed five 1RM tests in the squat and bench press over a seven-week period. Strength and velocity parameters, including 1RM, MCV at 1RM, VL-Slope, and PP-Position, were assessed using an inertial measurement unit. A repeated-measures ANCOVA was conducted to analyze changes over time, with effect sizes quantified using partial eta squared (ηp²) and standardized mean differences (SMD). No significant training-induced adaptations were observed for 1RM or MCV at 1RM across all testing sessions (p > 0.05). VL-Slope and PP-Position remained stable, indicating no systematic changes over time. However, exercise specific differences were found, with higher absolute loads and velocities in the squat compared to the bench press. Additionally , PP-Position was significantly higher in the squat, suggesting that peak power output occurs at a higher relative load for lower-body exercises. Repeated 1RM testing does not appear to induce relevant strength or velocity adaptations over time. Coaches and practitioners should consider exercise-specific differences in force-velocity characteristics when designing training programs and interpreting performance diagnostics.
... Indeed, to ensure reliable and safe 1RM testing, it appears essential to include strength-trained participants to meet the requirements for reliable and valid maximal strength estimations via the 1RM testing [11]. Furthermore, practical limitations have been identified in large group settings [16,17], with concerns that inadequate supervision and limited time capacity may lead to incorrect movement execution at maximal loads, as well as infrequent strength testing, thereby increasing the risk of injury [17,18]. ...
... In recent years, velocity-based training (VBT) methods have been proposed as an accessible, accurate, and precise alternative to overcome the limitations associated with traditional 1RM testing [16,[18][19][20][21]. Central to VBT is the assumption of a linear, inverse relationship between load and movement velocity, known as the loadvelocity profile (LVP), which extends to terminal velocity at maximum load [16,22,23]. ...
Introduction
In recent years, load-velocity profiles (LVP) have been frequently proposed as a highly reliable and valid alternative to the one-repetition maximum (1RM) for estimating maximal strength and prescribing training loads. However, previous authors commonly report intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) while neglecting to calculate the measurement error associated with these values. This is important for practitioners, especially in an elite sports setting, to be able to differentiate between small but significant changes in performance and the error rate.
Methods
49 youth elite athletes (17.71±2.07 years) were recruited and performed a 1RM test followed by a load-velocity profiling test using 30%, 50% and 70% of the 1RM in the bench press and bench pull, respectively. Reliability analysis, ICCs and the coefficient of variability, were calculated and supplemented by an agreement analysis including the mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) to provide the resulting measurement error. Furthermore, validity analyses between the measured 1RM and different calculation models to estimate 1RM were performed.
Results
Reliability values were in accordance with current literature (ICC = 0.79–0.99, coefficient of variance [CV] = 1.86–9.32%), however, were accompanied by a random error (mean absolute error [MAE]: 0.05–0.64 m/s, mean absolute percentage error [MAPE]: 2.7–9.5%) arising from test-retest measurement. Strength estimation via the velocity-profile overestimated the bench pull 1RM (limits of agreement [LOA]: -9.73 – -16.72 kg, MAE: 9.80–17.03 kg, MAPE 16.9–29.7%), while the bench press 1RM was underestimated (LOA: 3.34–6.37 kg, MAE: 3.74–7.84 kg, MAPE: 7.5–13.4%); dependent on used calculation model.
Discussion
Considering the observed measurement error associated with LVP-based methods, it can be posited that their utility as a programming strategy is limited. The lack of accuracy required to discriminate between small but significant changes in performance and error, coupled with the potential risks of under- and overestimating 1RM, can result in insufficient stimulus or increased injury risk, respectively. This further diminishes the practicality of these methods, particularly in elite sports settings.
... As a result, ensuring the volume and intensity of resistance training imposes neither too much nor too little training stress can be challenging in the absence of any additional context or data. Researchers have argued that the traditional practice of using a fixed resistance training schedule with %1RMs based on a single testing session may therefore not accurately standardize the resistance training intensity throughout the training program (35,53,62). By not accounting for fluctuations in athlete preparedness (1RM strength), the intended vs. actual resistance training intensity may not coincide. ...
... Rather than relying on a single 1RM test at the start of the training cycles, researchers have proposed that practitioners can use barbell velocity data to account for between-day fluctuations in maximum strength (8,9,102). The basis for this method is the inverse relationship reported between the barbell velocity attained when lifting incrementally heavier loads (35,53). An initial study to suggest this concept was by González-Badillo and Sánchez-Medina (35), who wrote: "The extremely close relationship (R2 5 0.98) observed between relative load and MPV [mean propulsive velocity] makes it possible to determine with great precision which %1RM is being used as soon as the first repetition of a set is performed with maximal voluntary velocity. ...
Hirsch, SM, Chapman, CJ, Singh, H, Baker, DG, and Frost, DM. A critical appraisal of using barbell velocity data to regulate training. J Strength Cond Res 39(3): 360-372, 2025-Practitioners must balance numerous training variables to ensure they do not impose too much nor too little training stress on their athlete. As an athlete's capacity can fluctuate based on their preparedness for training, the intended vs. actual training intensity in a fixed training program may not coincide. Similarly, the training set volume that an athlete should be exposed to may fluctuate depending on their current state. A discrepancy between intended vs. actual training intensity and volume could negatively impact subsequent training adaptations. Thus, researchers and practitioners have advocated for "autoregulation," whereby the volume and intensity of training are automatically adjusted based on the athlete's preparedness. One proposed method of autoregulating resistance training is by using barbell velocity data. However, it is unclear whether, and under which contexts, these data are appropriate for regulating resistance training. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review was to critically examine the current research on using barbell velocity data to regulate resistance training intensity and volume. After examining the relevant literature, it is the authors' belief that the current data do not support using velocity data to precisely regulate resistance training intensity. However, it is the authors' belief that the current literature does suggest that researchers and practitioners can leverage these data to regulate other aspects of resistance training, such as athlete motivation, autonomy, and focus of attention, which could also impact the resulting adaptations from training. Overall, more research is required to better understand how researchers and practitioners should use velocity data to guide training.
... Percentage-based training (PBT) requires accurate testing of the 100% 1RM before using highload, 1RM normalized training protocols (i.e., loads of 80% of the 1RM) (Włodarczyk et al., 2021). Especially in large group constellations such as athletic training or testing, literature concerns limited practicability due to insufficient supervision to fix incorrect movement execution that might cause an increased injury risk (Eston and Evans, 2009;González-Badillo and Sánchez-Medina, 2010;Jovanovic and Flanagan, 2014). Furthermore, critics of 1RM tests argue that maximum strength values possess a high variability, depending on the athlete's daily form or a lack of familiarity with 1RM testing in the intended exercises (Benton et al., 2009). ...
... To provide valuable and reliable alternatives to conduct maximal strength testing periodically and to save time and avoid fatigue (González-Badillo and Sánchez-Medina, 2010;Jovanovic and Flanagan, 2014), a growing body of evidence supports the utilization of velocity sensors such as the vMaxPro (Dragutinovic et al., 2024;Feuerbacher et al., 2022;Thompson et al., 2020) or the Tendo (Suchomel et al., 2023) that track the velocity of the bar in submaximal trials to estimate the participants' 1RM by using the velocity bar profile for linear regression (González-Badillo and Sánchez-Medina, 2010;Pestaña-Melero et al., 2018). While assumed reliable (Clemente et al., 2021;Orange et al., 2019;Orange et al., 2020) and effective in training (Zhang et al., 2022), the stated reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.65-0.99 ...
Introduction
While maximum strength diagnostics are applied in several sports and rehabilitative settings, dynamic strength capacity has been determined via the one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for decades. Because the literature concerned several limitations, such as injury risk and limited practical applicability in large populations (e.g., athletic training groups), the strength prediction via the velocity profile has received increasing attention recently. Referring to relative reliability coefficients and inappropriate interpretation of agreement statistics, several previous recommendations neglected systematic and random measurement bias.
Methods
This article explored the random measurement error arising from repeated testing (repeatability) and the agreement between two common sensors (vMaxPro and TENDO) within one repetition, using minimal velocity thresholds as well as the velocity = 0 m/s method. Furthermore, agreement analyses were applied to the estimated and measured 1RM in 25 young elite male soccer athletes.
Results
The results reported repeatability values with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.66–0.80, which was accompanied by mean absolute (percentage) errors (MAE and MAPE) of up to 0.04–0.22 m/s and ≤7.5%. Agreement between the two sensors within one repetition showed a systematic lower velocity for the vMaxPro device than the Tendo, with ICCs ranging from 0.28 to 0.88, which were accompanied by an MAE/MAPE of ≤0.13 m/s (11%). Almost all estimations systematically over/ underestimated the measured 1RM, with a random scattering between 4.12% and 71.6%, depending on the velocity threshold used.
Discussion
In agreement with most actual reviews, the presented results call for caution when using velocity profiles to estimate strength. Further approaches must be explored to minimize especially the random scattering.
... The 1RM or xRM is typically measured directly by testing the heaviest weight an athlete can lift for a given number of repetitions (18,43) or estimated from a prediction equation (16). However, this conventional practice has recently been questioned by several researchers who suggest that this practice may be a suboptimal programming strategy that tends to overlook potential daily fluctuations in an athlete's physical capacity and may not align with the athlete's actual capacities (23,57). To address these issues, it has been suggested that autoregulatory programming strategies, which adjust the training load based on the athlete's current training status and readiness to train, should be used as a complementary programming methodology to traditional methods (39). ...
Velocity-based training (VBT) is a programming method that has gained increasing popularity within the strength and conditioning profession. The increased interest in VBT has led to the development of numerous velocity measurement devices, potentially creating a dilemma for strength and conditioning professionals who seek to integrate VBT into their professional practice. The aim of this review was to provide strength and conditioning professionals with practical decision-making guidelines for selecting velocity measuring devices that align with their specific training requirements. In addition, we offer a comprehensive review of the various types of velocity measurement devices currently available in the consumer market.
... 13,34 By adjusting the training load, including the volume and intensity of training, athletes can obtain training loads that match their current status, leading to greater maximal strength gains and reduced fatigue. 11 Autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) are 2 common forms of ART. APRE can be defined as a form of ART that adjusts training based on an individual athlete's daily training status. ...
Background:
Both autoregulatory progressive resistance exercise (APRE) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) utilize real-time monitoring of athlete physical performance to adjust training loads to provide appropriate training stimuli. However, the monitoring and adjustment approaches differ between both methods. This study aimed to compare the effects of APRE and VBRT on the muscle strength, power, and agility of college taekwondo athletes.
Hypothesis:
Eight weeks of APRE and VBRT will promote similar results to strength gains in regards maximal strength, but VBRT will be superior to APRE in explosive power and agility.
Study design:
Clinical trial.
Level of evidence:
Level 3.
Methods:
Thirty taekwondo athletes were divided randomly into 2 groups (VBRT/APRE), and all participants completed an 8-week APRE/VBRT intervention. Maximum strength, explosive power, and agility performance were assessed during the squat 1-repetition maximum (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), kicking strength test (KST), taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), and hexagon test (HT).
Results:
Highly significant time effects (P < 0.01) were observed for squat 1RM, CMJ, and TSAT in both the APRE and VBRT groups. However, there were no significant group-by-time differences for any of the measured outcomes to intergroup (P > 0.05), but APRE had a small effect size (ES) over VBRT for CMJ (ES = 0.48, η2p = 0.06), TSAT (ES = 0.26, η2p = 0.02), and HT (ES = 0.42, η2p = 0.05).
Conclusion:
An 8-week autoregulatory APRE and VBRT can both effectively improve both the maximal strength, explosive power, and agility performance of taekwondo athletes, with APRE exhibiting potential advantages in improving CMJ, TSAT, and HT.
Clinical relevance:
These results provide important insights into the selection of suitable resistance training programs by professional coaches, taking into account athlete needs, training efficiency, and safety considerations.
Resistance training (RT) elicits muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in both men and women. However, sex differences in neuromuscular performance, muscle fiber composition, and hormonal environment in-fluence strength and power adaptations. While men generally exhibit greater absolute and relative strength, the extent to which these differences persist across various loads remains unclear. Understanding sex-specific strength and power profiles may optimize training strategies. Objective: To compare male and female athletes in strength and power performance during the bench press exercise relative to body mass and fat-free mass (FFM). Methods: Twenty-nine physically active individuals (16 men: 21.3 ± 4.1 years, 13 women: 22.6 ± 4.9 years) performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test and an incremental velocity-based assessment at 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85% of 1RM using a Smith machine. Barbell velocity was measured via a linear transducer, with mean propulsive velocity (MPV) recorded for each load. Power-related varia-bles (e.g., peak force [F0], maximal velocity [V0], maximal power [Pmax]) were analyzed. To account for differences in body composition, data were adjusted for body mass and FFM. Results: Men exhibited sig-nificantly greater strength and power than women at most loads relative to both body mass and FFM (p < 0.05). Differences were particularly pronounced when adjusted for FFM, with effect sizes classified as large (ηp2 > 0.110). Sex differences in MPV disappeared at 85% 1RM, suggesting that maximal neuromuscular re-cruitment reduces sex-related disparities at higher loads. Additionally, men demonstrated significantly greater values in six of the seven power-related variables, with no differences observed in %1RM required for optimal power output. Conclusions: These findings confirm that men exhibit higher strength and power than women, even when accounting for body composition differences. However, at high relative loads (>85% 1RM), sex differences in movement velocity diminish, likely due to similar recruitment patterns of fast-twitch muscle fibers. These insights underscore the need for sex-specific RT programming, particularly regarding load selection and velocity-based training applications.
Purpose: Footwork speed is closely linked to explosive strength, and both percentage- (PBRT) and velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) are popular methods for developing muscle strength. This study aimed to compare the effects of PBRT and VBRT on lower limb explosive power and footwork movement speed in elite university badminton players over a 6-week training period. Methods: A total of 20 elite badminton players (12 males, 8 females) from Tongji University were randomly divided into VBRT (n = 10) and PBRT groups (n = 10). The VBRT group trained with loads determined by target speed and velocity loss, while the PBRT participants used fixed loads based on a percentage of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). Both the groups performed free-weight back squats with relative loads ranging from 65% to 95% of 1RM over 6 weeks. The pre- and post-training measurements included back squat 1RM; countermovement (CMJ), squat (SJ), and standing long jumps (SLJs); self-weighted squat jump speed (SJS); left and right touch line (LRF), full-field four-point (FF), and front and back touch net footwork (FBF). Results: (1) The baseline measurements showed no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). (2) Post-training, both VBRT and PBRT improved the participants’ lower limb explosive power and footwork movement (p < 0.05). (3) The VBRT group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the PBRT group in all the measures (p < 0.05). Conclusions: VBRT was superior to PBRT in boosting lower limb explosive power and footwork speed in badminton players over 6 weeks, leading to more significant strength–related and neural adaptations.
This study investigated the effects of skill-based conditioning games and traditional conditioning for improving speed, agility, muscular power, and maximal aerobic power in rugby league players. Sixty-nine subelite rugby league players performed either a skill-based conditioning games program (N = 32) or a traditional conditioning (i.e., running activities with no skill component) program (N = 37). Each player participated in a 9-week in-season training program, performed over 2 competitive seasons. Players performed 2 organized field-training sessions each week. Players underwent measurements of speed (10-m, 20-m, and 40-m sprint), muscular power (vertical jump), agility (L run), and maximal aerobic power (multi-stage fitness test) before and after the training period. Skill-based conditioning games induced a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in 10-m, 20-m, and 40-m speed, muscular power, and maximal aerobic power, whereas traditional conditioning activities improved 10-m speed and maximal aerobic power only. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between the traditional conditioning and skill-based conditioning games groups for changes in 10-m speed, agility, and maximal aerobic power. Both groups won 6 of 8 matches played within the training period, resulting in a win-loss ratio of 75%. However, on average, the skill-based conditioning games group scored more points in attack (p < 0.05) and had a greater (p < 0.05) points differential than the traditional conditioning group. The results of this study demonstrate that skill-based conditioning games offer an effective method of in-season conditioning for rugby league players. In addition, given that skills learned from skill-based conditioning games are more likely to be applied in the competitive environment, their use may provide a practical alternative to traditional conditioning for improving the physiological capacities and playing performance of rugby league players.
Vertical jump is one of the most prevalent acts performed in several sport activities. It is therefore important to ensure that the measurements of vertical jump height made as a part of research or athlete support work have adequate validity and reliability. The aim of this study was to evaluate concurrent validity and reliability of the Optojump photocell system (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) with force plate measurements for estimating vertical jump height. Twenty subjects were asked to perform maximal squat jumps and countermovement jumps, and flight time-derived jump heights obtained by the force plate were compared with those provided by Optojump, to examine its concurrent (criterion-related) validity (study 1). Twenty other subjects completed the same jump series on 2 different occasions (separated by 1 week), and jump heights of session 1 were compared with session 2, to investigate test-retest reliability of the Optojump system (study 2). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for validity were very high (0.997-0.998), even if a systematic difference was consistently observed between force plate and Optojump (-1.06 cm; p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability of the Optojump system was excellent, with ICCs ranging from 0.982 to 0.989, low coefficients of variation (2.7%), and low random errors (±2.81 cm). The Optojump photocell system demonstrated strong concurrent validity and excellent test-retest reliability for the estimation of vertical jump height. We propose the following equation that allows force plate and Optojump results to be used interchangeably: force plate jump height (cm) = 1.02 × Optojump jump height + 0.29. In conclusion, the use of Optojump photoelectric cells is legitimate for field-based assessments of vertical jump height.
This study analyzed relationships between bilateral concentric (60°/s, 180°/s, 240°/s) and eccentric (30°/s) knee extensor and flexor strength differences, and linear (40-meter sprint), and change-of-direction (T-test) speed in 16 male team sport athletes. It was hypothesized that lower between-leg strength differences would be associated with faster speeds. Subjects were divided into faster and slower groups based on total time; a one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05) determined bilateral torque and work differences that distinguished the groups. All data was combined to correlate (p≤ 0.05) torque and work differences with sprint times. The faster group exhibited greater differences in concentric knee extensor torque at 240°/s (faster=11.74 ± 8.65%; slower= 4.13 ± 4.34%), and smaller differences in eccentric knee flexor torque (faster=5.64 ± 4.10%; slower=12.41 ± 7.55%) and work (faster=6.36 ± 6.65%; slower=15.55 ± 6.05%). Negative correlations were found between concentric 180°/s and 240°/s knee extensor torque differences and sprint times; however, speed was not negatively affected. Positive correlations existed between eccentric knee flexor work differences and sprint times. Eccentric strength differences negatively impacted multi-directional speed, as balanced eccentric strength is necessary for effective sprinting, deceleration, and changing direction.
Written by two certified human factors/ergonomics professionals and a criminalist and firearms expert, all of whom have testified as expert witnesses, Human Factors in Handgun Safety and Forensics draws on their formidable collective knowledge and professional experience to present the first scientifically based volume in the field. This seminal work identifies numerous human factors in handgun design, training, and related human behavior in unintentional and inadvertent shooting incidents. The book provides an overview of handgun use in general but focuses on firearm handling in unintentional and inadvertent shootings. It describes the discipline of human factors and ergonomics and includes available statistics on shootings, examines their limitations, and reviews actual cases to determine human causes in unintentional and inadvertent shootings. It provides a history of firearms and details the components and mechanics of handguns and ammunition to reveal safety problems in current designs. It explains the fundamentals of shooting and how violation of those principles can result in unintentional or inadvertent shootings. The authors stress the importance of firearms safety training. They evaluate various safety training programs (including those from the National Rifle Association), investigate inconsistencies in basic safety rules, and make suggestions to improve safety training. The importance of instructor training is also emphasized. The book concludes with a summary and application of the previous topics to forensic and investigative settings and gives advice for human factors/ergonomics professionals as expert witnesses. The book comes with an accompanying DVD with hundreds of color photos to support the topics covered in the text.
The aim of this study was to determine whether sodium bicarbonate, taken chronically in a dose of 0.5g.kg(-1) body mass over a period of five days would enhance the performance of multiple bouts of high intensity exercise. Eight male (N=6) and female (N=2) subjects volunteered to participate in this study. Their physical characteristics were age 22.5 +/- 1.15 yr; height, 171.5 +/- 4.8 cm; weight, 63.26 +/- 3.5 kg, Sigma 7skf, 68.4 +/- 5.3 mm, VO2max = 59.3 +/- 3.1 ml.kg(-1).min(-1). All subjects undertook an initial test session comprising of three, 30sec high intensity exercise bouts with 30sec recovery. Following five days of bicarbonate ingestion, subjects were again tested using the same protocol. Blood samples were taken pre and post-ingestion, daily and pre and post-exercise and were analysed for pH, Base excess (BE), HCO3-, PO2, PCO2, Na+, K+, Cl- and lactate. Following five days of sodium bicarbonate ingestion there were significant increases in pH, blood HCO3-, BE and Na+. After ingestion of sodium bicarbonate, total work and peak power were significantly higher in test 1 (p<0.009) and test 2 (p<0.0005) but not test 3. The results suggest that five days of bicarbonate ingestion in a dose of 0.5 g.kg(-1) body mass will enhance both total work completed and peak power and is useful in short term bouts of high intensity exercise.
Background: Taekwondo is a powerful sport in which the maximal performance relies on anaerobic metabolism and explosive power. Aims: to determine the dedication of different strength and power training programs (off-season, pre-season and in-season) to lower limb performance and physiological modulation during a 20-week training period. Methods: Eight male collegiate taekwondo athletes completed 20-week systemic training programs divided into a linear training mesocycle (general conditioning, muscular recruitment, and hypertrophy) from 1 to 12 weeks, and two microcycle (maximum strength, explosive power, agility, speed) from 13 to 20 weeks in periodized fluctuation. Subjects were evaluated biochemical index, forearm total vascular occlusion test and muscular stiffness test six times during Training program: at the beginning (week 0, date1, T1), in the middle (week 2, Date 13, T2; week 8, Date 55, T3; week 14, Date 97, T4; week 18, Date 125, T5) and at the end (week 21, Date 143, T6) of the training program. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and continuous jump bent leg (CJb) were tested before and after the systemic strength training period. Results: There were significantly increasing in the SJ (7.8(2.7)%), CMJ (18.3(4.1)%) and CJb (8.7(4.7)%) after the totally training programs. Training increased creatine kinase levels from T1 to T4 (327.8%) and recovered at T6 (99.4%). Muscle damage and muscular recruitment function recovered at T6 after taper. Conclusion: The conjunction of systemic periodized 20 weeks training programs would increase lower limb performance and strengthen neuromuscular controlling in taekwondo athletes. [Yen Ke-tien. Training Periodization in Lower Limb Performance and Neuromuscular Controlling in taekwondo athletes. Life Sci J 2012;9(3):850-857]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 120