Changes in performance markers and wellbeing in elite senior professional rugby union players during a pre-season period: Analysis of the differences across training phases

ObjectivesTo assess the magnitude of change and association with variation in training load of two performance markers and wellbeing, over three pre-season training blocks, in elite rugby union athletes.DesignObservational.MethodsTwenty-two professional players (age 25 ± 5 years; training age 6 ± 5 years; body mass, 99 ± 13 kg; stature 186 ± 6 cm) participated in this study, with changes in lower (CMJ height) and upper body (bench press mean speed) neuromuscular function and self-reported wellbeing (WB) assessed during an 11-week period.ResultsThere was a small increase in CMJ height (0.27, ±0.17 – likely substantial; standardised effect size, ±95% confidence limits – magnitude-based inference) (p = 0.003), bench press speed (0.26, ±0.15 – likely substantial) (p = 0.001) and WB (0.26, ±0.12 – possibly substantial) (p < 0.0001) across the pre-season period. There was a substantial interaction in the effect of training load on these three variables across the three training phases. A two-standard deviation (2SD) change in training load was associated with: a small decrease in CMJ height during the power phase (−0.32, ±0.19 – likely substantial) (p = 0.001); a small reduction in bench press speed during the hypertrophy phase (−0.40, ±0.32 – likely substantial) (p = 0.02); and a small reduction in WB during the strength phase (−0.40, ±0.24 – very likely substantial) (p < 0.0001). The effects of changes in training load across other phases were either likely trivial, only possibly substantial, or unclear.ConclusionsThe effect of training load on performance can vary both according to the type of training stimulus being administered and based on whether upper- or lower-body outcomes are being measured.     

Effects of eccentric exercise on optimum length of the knee flexors and extensors during the preseason in professional soccer players

ObjectiveTo assess the effects of eccentric exercise on optimum lengths of the knee flexors and extensors during the preseason in professional soccer.DesignTwenty-eight athletes from a professional Spanish soccer team (Division II) were randomly assigned to an eccentric exercise intervention group (EG) or a control group (CG). Over the four-week period two athletes from the control group suffered RF injuries and two athletes were contracted by other clubs. After these exclusions, both groups (EG, n = 13; and CG, n = 11) performed regular soccer training during the four-week preseason period.ResultsAfter the four weeks, the optimum lengths of the knee flexors were significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 2.3° in the CG and by 4.0° in the EG. The change in the EG was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than that of the CG. The optimum lengths of the knee extensors were significantly increased only in the EG by 6.5°. Peak torque levels and ratios of quadriceps to hamstring (Q/H ratios) were not significantly altered throughout the study for either group.ConclusionEccentric exercise can increase the optimum lengths of both the knee extensors and knee extensors flexors during the preseason in professional soccer.     

Identifying risk factors for contact injury in professional rugby league players – Application of a frailty model for recurrent injury

ObjectivesWell-developed physical qualities may protect against contact injuries. However, the potential contribution of physical qualities as risk or protective factors to contact injury risk is yet to be determined for rugby league. This study applied a frailty survival model that accounts for recurrent injury to identify risk factors for all physiotherapist-reported contact injury in professional rugby league players.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsSixty-six professional rugby league players participated in this three successive year prospective study. At the start of each season, all players underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (height, body mass, and sum of seven skinfolds), speed (10 m and 40 m sprint), muscular strength (1 repetition maximum [RM] bench press, 1RM squat, 1RM weighted chin-ups), power (vertical jump, bench throw, 1RM power clean, jump squat), and endurance (maximum repetition bench press with 60 kg resistance), repeated-sprint ability (12 × 20 m sprints performed on a 20 s cycle), prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability (8 × 12 s maximal effort shuttles performed on a 48 s cycle), and maximal aerobic power (multi-stage fitness test). Data was used to demonstrate the application of the frailty model extension of the Cox proportional regression model for recurrent events to identify factors associated with a high hazard ratio (HR) of injury.ResultsHeavier (body mass, HR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.2–5.7), and faster (40 m sprint, HR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.0–4.2) players, and those with poorly developed prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability (HR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.7–5.0) and upper-body strength (chin-up, HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3–3.7) had a higher incidence of contact injuries.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates application of a novel statistical approach for the analysis of injury data that is recurrent in nature. This approach identified that the greater impact forces generated from heavier players with faster speed may result in an increase in recurrent contact injury rates. However, the development of prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability and upper-body strength and power may assist to reduce the risk of contact injury in professional rugby league players.     

Training and game loads and injury risk in elite Australian footballers

ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between combined training and game loads and injury risk in elite Australian footballers.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsForty-six elite Australian footballers (mean ± SD age of 22.2 ± 2.9 y) from one club were involved in a one-season study. Training and game loads (session-RPE multiplied by duration in min) and injuries were recorded each time an athlete exerted an exercise load. Rolling weekly sums and week-to-week changes in load were then modelled against injury data using a logistic regression model. Odds ratios (OR) were reported against a reference group of the lowest training load range.ResultsLarger 1 weekly (>1750 AU, OR = 2.44–3.38), 2 weekly (>4000 AU, OR = 4.74) and previous to current week changes in load (>1250 AU, OR = 2.58) significantly related (p < 0.05) to a larger injury risk throughout the in-season phase. Players with 2–3 and 4–6 years of experience had a significantly lower injury risk compared to 7+ years players (OR = 0.22, OR = 0.28) when the previous to current week change in load was more than 1000 AU. No significant relationships were found between all derived load values and injury risk during the pre-season phase.ConclusionsIn-season, as the amount of 1–2 weekly load or previous to current week increment in load increases, so does the risk of injury in elite Australian footballers. To reduce the risk of injury, derived training and game load values of weekly loads and previous week-to-week load changes should be individually monitored in elite Australian footballers.     

Lower preseason reactive strength index scores are associated with injury in female collegiate volleyball players but not male collegiate basketball players

ObjectivesFunctional tests are used by sports medicine professionals to discriminate injury risk in athletes. One test that has shown promise is the drop vertical jump (DVJ); however, it is primarily used to evaluate measures associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury. The DVJ test can also be used to calculate the reactive strength index (RSI); a measure used to assess an athlete’s power. The ability of the RSI to discriminate injury risk is unknown. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the ability of preseason RSI scores to identify athletes at risk for a noncontact time-loss injury to the low back or lower extremities.DesignProspective cohort.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-five male collegiate basketball (BB) players and 117 female collegiate volleyball (VB) players were recruited for this study. DVJ tests were performed in a motion capture lab.ResultsFemale VB players with a RSI 0.9125 m/s or less (30.48 cm box) were 4 times (relative risk = 4.2 [95% CI: 1.0, 17.7]; p-value = 0.024) more likely to be injured. There was no association between preseason scores and injury in the male BB athletes.ConclusionRSI scores should be collected for female collegiate VB players as part of a preseason screen.     

Prevalence and application of priming exercise in high performance sport

ObjectivesRecent research has revealed that low volume resistance ‘priming’ exercise may improve neuromuscular performance when completed within 48 h before competition. The aim of this study was to investigate the current prevalence and application of this strategy by practitioners in sport.DesignThis study surveyed practitioners who were currently programming and/or prescribing resistance training programs for high performance athletes.MethodsSixty-nine practitioners completed the online survey relating to their perceptions of resistance priming exercise strategies and the training methods prescribed in the days prior to competition.ResultsFifty-one percent of respondents currently prescribed priming exercise. Of the practitioners who prescribed this strategy, most respondents (59%) prescribed this session within 8 h of competition. Sessions typically included 2–3 upper body and lower body exercises (mean = 2.5 ± 0.7 and 2.1 ± 0.6 respectively), usually involving both loaded and unloaded activities. Large variations in exercise selection were reported, however, unloaded jumps (87%), loaded jumps (60%) and bench press (56%) were commonly prescribed. A low volume of sets (mean = 2.8 ± 0.9) and repetitions (mean = 3.8 ± 1.3) were used during these sessions. Lastly, various resistance loading strategies were prescribed, ranging from unloaded activities to heavy loaded exercises performed at ≥85% 1RM.ConclusionsPriming exercise is currently prescribed by many practitioners to prepare athletes for competition. A wide range of priming exercise methods are used, despite limited evidence supporting these methods. Future research should examine the effects of the various priming methods which are currently applied in practice.     

Reliability of a portable fixed frame dynamometry system used to test lower limb strength in elite Australian Football League players

ObjectivesDeficits in strength of lower limb musculature have been associated with increased injury risk in a variety of athletic populations. As medical and performance staff seek to better understand the association between hip and knee strength measures and injury risk, measurement tools with high reliability and utility are required to profile and manage athletes effectively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of a portable fixed frame dynamometry system used to assess hip and knee strength of an elite Australian Football League team.DesignCase series.MethodsMaximum voluntary isometric strength of the hip abductors, hip adductors and knee flexors of 41 elite male Australian Football League footballers (mean age = 23.7 ± 4.1 years, height = 189.2 ± 7.0 cm, weight = 88.6 ± 8.4 kg) were tested during preseason training. Tests were performed one week apart on the same training day of a standard preseason week.ResultsTest-retest reliability was very high for left hip adduction (ICC 0.958), right hip adduction (ICC 0.955), left hip abduction (ICC 0.957), right hip abduction (ICC 0.945), left knee flexion (ICC 0.927) and right knee flexion (ICC 0.923). Furthermore, standard errors of measurement in per cent (SEM%) ranged from 3.21 to 5.03%, and minimal detectable change (MDC) from 3.93 to 6.65 kg for the different hip and thigh strength measures, making it possible to determine small changes in strength at the individual level.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated very high reliability when testing maximal voluntary isometric hip and knee strength using a portable fixed dynamometry system (KangaTech) in an elite male Australian Football League setting.     

Dietary intakes of professional Australian football league women’s (AFLW) athletes during a preseason training week

ObjectivesIn 2016 the Australian football league introduced the first women’s league, integrating part-time female athletes into the professional sporting environment. This study aims to assess the dietary intakes of professional Australian football league women’s (AFLW) athletes to highlight key focus areas for nutrition and additionally provide nutrition recommendations for dietitians working with these athletes.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsDietary intake data was collected from 23 players from the same club competing in the Australian football league women’s, during a preseason week. Dietary intakes were assessed using three day estimated food records.ResultsMajority of athletes did not meet recommendations for carbohydrate (96%, n = 22), iron (87%, n = 20) and calcium (61%, n = 14). In comparison, majority of athletes met protein (74%, n = 17) and fat (78%, n = 18) recommendations. No significant difference was found in energy intake on main training, light training and recovery days (p > 0.05). Energy and carbohydrate intakes reported by AFLW athletes (1884 ± 457 kcal day⁻¹ and 2.7 ± 0.7 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) were consistent with values reported in previous studies that included professional female athletes.ConclusionsThis research highlights that further exploration of the factors that influence dietary intake is required to support athletes to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations required for desired training and performance outcomes.     

Differential recovery rates of fitness following U.S. Army Ranger training

ObjectivesTo investigate tactically-related physical performance and body composition recovery following U.S. Army Ranger training.DesignProspective cohort.MethodsPhysical performance was comprehensively assessed using a tactically-related performance battery (i.e., Ranger Athlete Warrior assessment) in 10 male Soldiers at baseline (BL) two-weeks (P1), and six-weeks (P2) post-Ranger School. Body composition was determined using DXA. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons when group differences existed (p ≤ 0.05). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish associations between changes in fitness and body composition.ResultsAll performance domains except the bench press and deadlift worsened following training. Speed/mobility (Illinois agility test, seconds – BL: 16.20 ± 0.86 vs. P2: 18.66 ± 2.09), anaerobic capacity (300-yard shuttle run, seconds – BL: 62.95 ± 6.17 vs. P2: 67.23 ± 5.91), core strength (heel clap, repetitions – BL: 15.80 ± 4.08 vs. P2: 11.50 ± 4.95), and aerobic endurance (beep test, stage – BL: 9.95 ± 2.18 vs. P2: 7.55 ± 1.07) had not recovered by P2. Only upper body muscular endurance and strength (metronome push-up and pull-up, respectively) were similar to BL by P2. Percent body fat increased from 15.62 ± 3.94 (BL) to 19.33 ± 2.99 (P2) (p < 0.001). There were no significant associations between changes in body composition and performance.ConclusionsA comprehensive characterization of physical performance and body composition revealed Rangers did not experience full recovery of fitness six weeks after training. Optimal recovery strategies are needed to return Soldiers to a state of readiness following arduous training.     

Factors influencing hydration status during a National Collegiate Athletics Association division 1 soccer preseason

ObjectivesTo investigate the roles that training load and environmental conditions have on fluid balance during a collegiate men’s soccer preseason.DesignObservational study.MethodsTwenty-eight male collegiate soccer players (mean ± SD; age, 20 ± 1.7 y; body mass (BM), 79.9 ± 7.3 kg; height, 180.9 ± 6.8 cm; body fat, 12.7 ± 3.1%; VO_2max, 50.7 ± 4.3 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) participated in this study. Prior to (PRE) and following (POST) each team session, BM, percent BM loss (%BML) and hydration status was measured. Participants donned a heart rate and GPS enabled monitor to measure training load. For all team activities, ambient temperature (T_AMB) and relative humidity (RH) were obtained from the nearest local weather station. Participants consumed 500 mL of water as part of the team-based hydration strategy before and after training session. Stepwise linear regression was used to identify the variables that predicted %BML. Significance was set a-priori p < 0.05.ResultsTotal distance covered predicted %BML during all preseason activities (r² = 0.253, p < 0.001), with T_AMB and RH further adding to the model (r² = 0.302, p < 0.001). %BML never exceeded 2% of BM during any one session and daily variation in BM was <1% from baseline measures. Urine specific gravity was greater than 1.020 on 12/15 days and U_COL was above 4 on 13/15 days, indicating a state of hypohydration.ConclusionsTotal distance covered was the best predictor for the extent of body water losses during a collegiate preseason. While the team-based hydration strategy during preseason was successful in minimizing fluid losses during activity, participants arrived hypohydrated 80% of the time, necessitating a greater focus on daily fluid needs.     

Transitioning from club to national teams: Training and match load profiles of international footballers

ObjectivesTo quantify and profile the training and match loads of international footballers as they transition from club-to-camp-to-tournament contexts during multiple international tournaments.DesignRetrospective single-cohort observational study.MethodsExternal (session duration and count) and internal (session Rating of Perceived Exertion [s-RPE]) load data of all outfield players from the same national team were compared between club, pre-tournament camp and initial tournament phases of 3 recent international competitions. Further, load profiles were compared between each phase based on the acute:chronic (A/C) ratio using a 7 to 21-day ratio.ResultsModerate-to-large effect sizes existed for increased number of sessions (ES = 1.92; 90% CI: 1.56, 2.27) and s-RPE training load (ES = 1.16; 0.84, 1.48) from club to camp. Conversely, transitioning from camp-to-tournament showed very large effects for decreased number of training sessions (ES = −3.17; −3.47, −2.86) and s-RPE training load (ES = −2.05; −2.35, −1.75), alongside increased number of matches (ES = 1.87; 1.55, 2.18) and s-RPE match load (ES = 1.57; 1.25, 1.89). Consequently, a moderate effect was evident for increased A/C ratio during the club-to-camp transition (ES = 1.02; 0.70, 1.33), while a moderate decrease in the A/C ratio occurred during the tournament (ES = −0.76; −1.06, −0.46).ConclusionsInternational footballers showed expected increased training load when entering into pre-tournament camps, predominately via increased number of training sessions. Subsequent reductions in training volume coincide with increased match volume, though total load decreases. Such profiles provide insight into load accumulation transitioning from club to national teams in international footballers.     

Anaerobic capacity of elite Taiwanese Taekwondo athletes

IntroductionThis study aims to investigate anaerobic capacity with Wingate test of 11 elite male and seven elite female Taiwanese Taekwondo athletes, including Olympic gold- and silver-medalists.Synthesis of factsThe peak power, mean power, and fatigue index were 8.42 ± 0.86 (mean ± S.D.) W/kg, 6.56 ± 0.60 W/kg, and 42.17 ± 9.02%, respectively, in males, and 6.64 ± 0.42, 5.45 ± 0.88 W/kg, and 42.54 ± 19.73%, respectively, in females. The two medalists showed relatively high peak and mean power with low fatigue index.ConclusionTaiwanese Taekwondo athletes may need to improve anaerobic capacity.     

Isokinetic resistance training combined with eccentric overload improves athletic performance and induces muscle hypertrophy in young ice hockey players

ObjectivesTo determine the combined effects of slow isokinetic resistance training and eccentric overload and compare it to traditional resistance training on strength, power, body composition and muscle hypertrophy in young ice hockey players.DesignExperimental, randomized trial.MethodsTwenty-two resistance-trained ice hockey players (18 ± 1 year) were assigned to either isokinetic resistance training and eccentric overload (ISO/ECC; n = 11) or traditional resistance training (TRAD; n = 11). Participants underwent supervised progressive resistance training for 8 weeks (2–3 sessions/week) involving lower body multiple-joint exercises (heavy squats and explosive jump squats). The ISO/ECC group performed their training using a computerized robotic engine system (1080 Quantum synchro, Sweden), whereas the TRAD group performed the same resistance exercises with isotonic loading. Before and after the intervention, participants were evaluated in 1RM back squat, loaded jump squats, sprint- and jump performance, body composition and muscle thickness using ultrasound measurement.ResultsSimilar moderate increases in 1RM back squat and power output in the jump squats were found in both the ISO/ECC and TRAD groups (11–17%, P < 0.01), whereas only the ISO/ECC group showed improvements in drop jump performance (9.8%, P = 0.01). Moreover, similar trivial changes in body composition were observed in both groups, while only the ISO/ECC training group increased muscle thickness in the vastus intermedius (P = 0.01) and rectus femoris muscles (P = 0.03).ConclusionsBoth modalities effectively increased maximal strength and power output, whereas isokinetic resistance training, combined with eccentric overload, improved drop jump performance and induced greater muscle hypertrophy than traditional training in young ice hockey players.     

Effects of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation on strength and body composition in trained and competitive athletes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives

The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation interventions on modification in strength and body composition in trained and competitive athletes.

Strength increases in upper and lower body are larger with longer inter-set rest intervals in trained men

The purpose of the current study was to compare different rest interval durations on upper and lower body strength. Thirty-six recreationally trained men were randomly assigned to 1 min (G1; n = 12), 3 min (G3; n = 12) or 5 min (G5; n = 12) rest interval groups. Each group performed the same resistance training program. Maximal strength was assessed at baseline, mid-point (8 weeks) and post-training (16 weeks) for the bench press and leg press exercises. For the bench press, significant increases were demonstrated within G3 and G5 at 8 weeks and at 16 weeks versus baseline (p < 0.05). Additionally, for the bench press, G5 (98.2 ± 3.7 kg) was significantly stronger than G1 (92.5 ± 3.8 kg) at 16 weeks (p < 0.05). For the leg press, significant increases were demonstrated within all groups at 8 weeks and at 16 weeks versus baseline (p < 0.05). Additionally, for the leg press, G5 (290.8 ± 23.5 kg) was significantly stronger than G1 (251.0 ± 15.8 kg) at 8 weeks (p < 0.01) and G3 (305.0 ± 23.9 kg) and G5 (321.7 ± 21.7 kg) were significantly stronger than G1 (276.7 ± 10.7 kg) at 16 weeks (p < 0.05). The findings of the current study indicate that utilising 3 or 5 min rest intervals between sets may result in significantly greater increases in upper and lower body strength beyond the initial weeks of training versus utilising 1-min rest intervals between sets.     

Is there an athlete’s artery? A comparison of brachial and femoral artery structure and function in male strength,power and endurance athletes

ObjectivesExercise places physiological demands upon the cardiovascular system, subsequently leading to adaptations in structure and function. Different exercise modalities (endurance, strength and power) lead to distinct hemodynamic demands and, possibly, different patterns of adaptation. Our aim was to assess and compare brachial and femoral artery function and structure in elite level athletes engaged in endurance, strength and power sports.Designcross sectional comparison.Methods30 male elite athletes (runners n = 10, powerlifters n = 11, weightlifters n = 9) and 23 healthy controls were recruited. Brachial and femoral arterial diameters were assessed using ultrasound. Arterial function (brachial and femoral arteries) was determined using the flow mediated dilation (FMD) technique and body composition using body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA).ResultsWeightlifters had significantly larger brachial arterial diameters compared to controls (4.39 ± 0.34 vs 3.86 ± 0.42 mm, p < 0.01). As weightlifter and power athletes had significantly higher body mass, BMI and BSA, we adjusted diameter for BSA. BSA-correction ameliorated differences in brachial artery resting diameters between athletes and controls. However, BSA-corrected femoral artery diameter was significantly larger in runners compared to controls (3.51 ± 0.28 vs 3.25 ± 0.34 mm, p < 0.05). There were no differences in brachial FMD between groups. Femoral artery FMD was significantly higher in runners and weightlifters compared to controls (p < 0.05 for both groups).ConclusionsHeterogeneous, limb-specific structural and functional vascular adaptation is evident in athletes, which may be influenced by exercise modality. Further, vascular remodelling relates to differences in body shape, specifically body composition, which should be accounted for when comparing athletes.     

Resistance training to improve power and sports performance in adolescent athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesResistance training in untrained adolescents can positively effect health-related fitness as well as improve muscular power and sports performance. The impact of resistance training on adolescent athletes is less clear. The purpose of this review is to determine the effectiveness of resistance training programs on muscular power and sports performance in adolescent athletes.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of previously published studies investigating resistance training in adolescent athlete populations.MethodsA systematic search of Medline, Embase, and SPORTDiscus databases was conducted on 21st March 2011 to identify studies evaluating resistance training programs on power and sports performance in adolescent athletes.ResultsThirty-four studies were identified. All but two of the studies reported at least one statistically significant improvement in an alactic muscular power outcome. The most common indicators of alactic power were vertical jump (25 studies) and sprint running (13 studies) performance. Fourteen studies provided data to allow for pooling of results in a meta-analysis. A positive effect was detected for resistance training programs on vertical jump performance (mean difference 3.08 [95% CI 1.65, 4.51], Z = 4.23 [P < 0.0001]).ConclusionsThere is sufficient evidence to conclude that resistance-training interventions can improve muscular power in adolescent athletes. A positive effect on sports performance attributable to participation in resistance training was reported by almost half the included studies, however limited objective evidence to support these claims was found. Improvements in motor performance skills, such as jumping, are widely stated as indicators of improvements in sporting performance.     

Upper-body wobbleboard training effects on the post-dislocation shoulder

ObjectivesThis study assessed the effects of a four-week upper-body wobbleboard training program on discrimination of forearm-raising movements at the post-dislocation shoulder.DesignPre- and post-measures on a treatment group and control group.SubjectsSixty shoulders were tested from 15 subjects with previous anterior dislocations and from 15 uninjured subjects.MethodsDuring the four-week period, the dislocator group trained lying over a Swiss ball and balancing their upper body on a wobbleboard. The control group, included to check any learning effects on the discrimination test, undertook no training during this period. Movement discrimination tests of a ‘policeman's stop’ action were conducted in weight-bearing stance, with forward vision available, both pre and post the training period. Five locations between 0.95 and 4.77 cm forward of true vertical were used for the discrimination movements, and each shoulder was tested with a series of 100 forearm-raising movements giving external rotation at the shoulder. Absolute judgements were made, with subjects naming the distance on each trial using the numbers 1–5. Non-parametric signal detection receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied to obtain a discrimination score.ResultsFollowing one month of upper-body wobbleboard training, there was a significant movement discrimination improvement at the shoulders of previous dislocators compared to controls, and a greater improvement for the involved compared to the uninvolved limb.ConclusionUpper-body wobbleboard training can improve discrimination of shoulder movements in a position near to the dislocation posture for subjects who have had a shoulder dislocation in the previous 12 months.     

Relationship between rowing ergometer performance and physiological responses to upper and lower body exercises in rowers

The aim of this investigation was to compare the physiological responses of 2000 m rowing ergometer test with 7-min bench pull and leg press tests. We hypothesised that leg press exercise contributes to 2000 m rowing ergometer test results, rather than bench pull performed by arms. College level rowers (n = 12) performed 2000 m rowing test and after one day 7-min bench pull and leg press (50% from the 1 RM). Stroke rate, heart rate (HR), blood lactate (LA) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during all tests. The number of repetitions was highest during 2000 m rowing test (194.2 ± 19.5) and lowest during bench pull (122.6 ± 17.7) (during leg press 173.5 ± 11.8). Differences between 2000 m rowing test, leg press and bench pull tests were significant in mean and maximal HR. In LA concentration, the highest values were at 3rd min of recovery after rowing test (14.8 ± 1.7 mmol l^?1). Between bench pull (8.8 ± 1.9 and 8.5 ± 2.7 mmol l^?1) and leg press (11.8 ± 2.5 and 11.2 ± 2.3 mmol l^?1) tests, the difference in LA concentration was not significant (p > 0.05). Ratings of perceived exertion were highest in 2000 m rowing test (19.3 ± 0.9), difference with leg press and bench pull tests was not significant. There were significant relationships in mean and maximal HR (r = 0.713–0.767) and Borg scale (r = 0.764) during rowing test and leg press. The number of repetitions during leg press exercise correlated significantly with rowing test time (r = ?0.677). In conclusion, this study suggests that in rowers there are major differences in the physiological adaptation to upper body and leg exercise, performed at similar intensities. Leg press exercise could be used to measure sport-specific strength endurance in rowers.