Explore the vast range of titles available.

Background Flywheel resistance training has become more integrated within resistance training programs in a variety of sports due to the neuromuscular, strength, and task-specific enhancements reported with this training. Objective This paper aimed to present the consensus reached by internationally recognized experts during a meeting on current definitions and guidelines for the implementation of flywheel resistance training technology in sports. Methods Nineteen experts from different countries took part in the consensus process; 16 of them were present at the consensus meeting (18 May 2023) while three submitted their recommendations by e-mail. Prior to the meeting, evidence summaries were developed relating to areas of priority. This paper discusses the available evidence and consensus process from which recommendations were made regarding the appropriate use of flywheel resistance training technology in sports. The process to gain consensus had five steps: (1) performing a systematic review of systematic reviews, (2) updating the most recent umbrella review published on this topic, (3) first round discussion among a sample of the research group included in this consensus statement, (4) selection of research group members—process of the consensus meeting and formulation of the recommendations, and (5) the consensus process. The systematic analysis of the literature was performed to select the most up-to-date review papers available on the topic, which resulted in nine articles; their methodological quality was assessed according to AMSTAR 2 (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Review 2) and GRADE (Grading Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation). Statements and recommendations scoring 7–9 were considered appropriate . Results The recommendations were based on the evidence summary and researchers’ expertise; the consensus statement included three statements and seven recommendations for the use of flywheel resistance training technology. These statements and recommendations were anonymously voted on and qualitatively analyzed. The three statements reported a score ranging from 8.1 to 8.8, and therefore, all statements included in this consensus were considered appropriate . The recommendations (1–7) had a score ranging from 7.7 to 8.6, and therefore, all recommendations were considered appropriate . Conclusions Because of the consensus achieved among the experts in this project, it is suggested that practitioners and researchers should adopt the guidelines reported in this consensus statement regarding the use of flywheel resistance technology in sports.

This study aimed to compare the post-activation potentiation performance enhancement (PAPE) response to the acute inertial flywheel (FW) and free weight resistance training (TRA) on subsequent countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprint performance (10 m sprint). This study used a randomized crossover design including twenty-eight healthy males that were divided into strong (relative one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat > 2.0 × body mass) and weak (relative 1RM back squat < 2.0 × body mass) groups. All participants performed the following: (a) three reps at 90% of their 1RM back squat (TRA) and (b) three reps on an inertial FW (plus one repetition to initiate flywheel movement) with an intensity that generated a mean propulsive velocity equal to that achieved with 90% of the 1RM back squat. Before and after the conditioning activity, participants performed two CMJs and two 10 m sprints. Within-group analyses showed significantly greater CMJ (d > 0.9, p < 0.001) and sprint performance (d > 0.5, p < 0.05) in the FW and the TRA group. Between-group analysis showed that sprint changes were significantly greater in the FW-strong group when compared with the TRA (F1,18 = 5.11, p = 0.036, η2p = 0.221—large) group. These results suggest that using a squat activation protocol on a FW may lead to an acute positive effect on jump and sprint performance, especially in stronger individuals.

Background: The main aim of this study was (1) to find an index to monitor the loading intensity of flywheel resistance training, and (2) to study the differences in the relative intensity workload spectrum between the FW-load and ISO-load. Methods: twenty-one males participated in the study. Subjects executed an incremental loading test in the squat exercise using a Smith machine (ISO-load) or a flywheel device (FW-load). We studied different association models between speed, power, acceleration, and force, and each moment of inertia was used to find an index for FW-load. In addition, we tested the differences between relative workloads among load conditions using a two-way repeated-measures test. Results: the highest r2 was observed using a logarithmic fitting model between the mean angular acceleration and moment of inertia. The intersection with the x-axis resulted in an index (maximum flywheel load, MFL) that represents a theoretical individual maximal load that can be used. The ISO-load showed greater speed, acceleration, and power outcomes at any relative workload (%MFL vs. % maximum repetition). However, from 45% of the relative workload, FW-load showed higher vertical forces. Conclusions: MFL can be easily computed using a logarithmic model between the mean angular acceleration and moment of inertia to characterize the maximum theoretical loading intensity in the flywheel squat.

Flywheel resistance training devices (FRTD) is shown effective in improving strength, sprinting, jumping and changes of direction (COD) performance in male soccer players, however, this is not elucidated in female soccer players. We aimed to assess the effect of FRTD on these physical abilities in females soccer players. 24 professional female soccer players (age: 20.4 ± 2.6 years) were randomly assigned to a flywheel training group (FWTG) that trained twice a week for 6 weeks on a rotary inertia device with an initial volume of 3 sets of 6 repetitions and an inertia of 0,025 kg · m , increasing intensity and volume or a control group (CG) that did not performed any additional resistance training program. Concentric peak torque of the knee extensors (CONEXT) and flexors (CONFLEX), eccentric peak torque of the knee extensors (ECCEXT) and flexors (ECCFLEX) at 60° · s on an isokinetic dynamometer, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, COD and 30-metres sprint were assessed. Significant time by group interactions were found in CONEXT (p = 0.002; η²p = 0.425), CONFLEX (p = 0.037; η²p = 0.22), ECCEXT (p = 0.002; η²p = 0.43) and ECCFLEX (p = 0.008; η²p = 0.334). No time by group effect was found in CMJ (p = 0.061; η²p = 0.182), COD (p = 0.067; η²p = 0.184) or sprint (p = 0.926; η²p = 4.979 · e ). In conclusion, 6 weeks of flywheel squat training improved strength (especially eccentric strength) but not soccer-specific abilities such as jumping, changing of direction or sprinting in professional soccer players.

There is considerable debate about the existence of a real eccentric overload in flywheel exercises. This study aimed to analyse the differences in concentric: eccentric mechanical output ratios between different loads and variables in the flywheel squat exercise. Twenty physically active men (22.9±2.2 years, height: 1.8±0.1 m, weight: 79.6±8.2 kg) performed a loading test using five moments of inertia. Angular speed was measured using a rotary encoder, while the vertical force was measured using force plates. For each variable (angular speed, angular acceleration, power, vertical force, and torque), mean and peak values were calculated for concentric and eccentric phases to allow comparisons across the loads. We tested the possible differences in Load×Phase (concentric and eccentric) and Load×Variable. The level of significance was established as p < 0.05. A significant Load×Phase interaction was found in mean angular speed, peak vertical force, peak angular acceleration, peak power and peak torque. Higher eccentric overload values were observed with speed-derived variables (angular speed, angular acceleration and power). In conclusion, speed-derived peak variables and lower loads are more likely to show an eccentric overload and can be used to monitor responses to flywheel training.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyse the technologies and main training variables used in the literature to monitor flywheel training devices in real time. In addition, as the main research question, we investigated how eccentric overload can be effectively monitored in relation to the training variable, flywheel shaft type device and the moment of inertia selected. The initial search resulted in 11,621 articles that were filtered to twenty-eight and seventeen articles that met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The main technologies used included force sensors and rotary/linear encoders, mainly to monitor peak or mean force, power or speed. An eccentric overload was not always achieved using flywheel devices. The eccentric overload measurement was related to the main outcome selected. While mean force (p = 0.011, ES = -0.84) and mean power (p < 0.001, ES = -0.30) favoured the concentric phase, peak power (p < 0.001, ES = 0.78) and peak speed (p < 0.001, ES = 0.37) favoured the eccentric phase. In addition, the lower moments of inertia (i.e., from 0.01 to 0.2 kg·m ) and a cylindrical shaft type (i.e., vs conical pulley) showed higher possibilities to achieve eccentric overload. A wide variety of technologies can be used to monitor flywheel devices, but to achieve eccentric overload, a flywheel cylindrical shaft type with low moments of inertia is advised to be used.

  It has been showed that previous experience in the use of rotational inertia devices (RIDs) enhances acute performance outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in kinetic and kinematic profiles between athletes with and without experience in the use of different RIDs. Thirty-nine healthy men performed a half-squat incremental test on two different RIDs: a horizontal cylinder (YY) and a vertical cone-shaped axis (CP). The participants were grouped based on experience in the use of rotational inertia devices. Time, peak velocity, peak force, time to reach peak force, average force, impulse, and range of movement were analyzed to determine the differences between groups. Several biomechanical parameters differed between experts and non-experts using the same device with the same moments of inertia. Range of movement was higher in expert than in non-expert subjects only in YY devices. Experts achieved higher values using CP and YY devices in squat exercises than non-experts, except for eccentric peak force for YY. Previous experience in the use of RIDs will influence the results obtained in squat exercises.  Resumen. Se ha mostrado que la experiencia previa en el uso de dispositivos de inerciales rotatorios (RIDs) aumenta la respuesta del rendimiento de forma aguda El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar las diferencias en perfiles cinéticos y cinemáticos entre atletas con o sin experiencias en el uso de diferentes RIDs. Treinta y nueve hombres sanos realizaron un test incremental en el ejercicio de media sentadilla en dos RIDs diferentes: un dispositivo de eje horizontal con forma cilíndrica (YY) y otro de eje vertical y forma cónica (CP). Los participantes se agruparon en función de la experiencia en el uso de los dispositivos de inercia rotacional. Se analizaron el tiempo, la velocidad pico, la fuerza pico, el tiempo para alcanzar la fuerza pico, la fuerza promedio, el impulso y el rango de movimiento con el objetivo de determinar diferencias entre los grupos. Varios parámetros biomecánicos difirieron entre expertos y no expertos al usar el mismo dispositivo con los mismos momentos de inercia. El rango de movimiento fue mayor en los sujetos expertos que en los no expertos solo en los dispositivos YY. Los expertos lograron valores más altos usando dispositivos CP e YY en ejercicios de sentadilla que los no expertos, excepto por la fuerza pico excéntrica para YY. La experiencia previa en el uso de RIDs influirá en los resultados obtenidos en los ejercicios de sentadilla.

This workstudiedthe conceptof the maximum flywheel load (MFL) as a measure of maximum dynamic performance in the flywheel half-squat exercise. Twenty physically active participants were recruited for the study. The MFL load was calculated using anexponential mean concentric angular acceleration-moment of inertia relationship, at the point where its’ first derivative was lower to 1 unit. Construct validity was analysed by studying the association between MFL and sprint (peak velocity) and jump (countermovement jump, drop jump, and repeated jump in 30” heights, vertical stiffness, and reactive strength index) performance. The reliability of the test-retest was analysed after four and eight sessions. MFL showed moderate to very large significant associations with sprintvelocity, jump height, drop jump stiffness, and reactive strength index. Test-retest analysis revealed excellent relative (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91) and good absolute reliability (coefficient of variation, after four (4.2%), and after eight (3.9%) familiarization sessions). Este trabajo analizó el concepto de la máxima carga en flywheel (MLF) como un valor de máximo rendimiento dinámico en el ejercicio de media sentadilla en flywheel. Veinte personas físicamente activas participaron en este estudio. La carga de MLF fue calculada utilizando la relación exponencial de la aceleración-momento media de inercia angular concéntrica en el punto en el que la primera derivada era inferior a 1 unidad. La validez fue analizada estudiando la asociación entre el MLF y el rendimiento en sprint (velocidad máxima) y el salto (salto con contra movimiento, drop jump, saltos repetidos en 30”, stiffness vertical y el índice reactivo de fuerza). La fiabilidad del test-retest fue analizada después de la cuarta y octava sesión. El MFL mostró una asociación significativa de moderada a muy larga con la velocidad de sprint, altura de salto, el stiffness del drop jump, y el índice reactivo de fuerza. El análisis de test-retest reveló una excelente fiabilidad (coeficiente de correlación intraclase = 0,91) y buena fiabilidad absoluta (coeficiente de variación, tras cuatro (4,2%) y tras ocho (3,9%) sesiones de familiarización).

This work studied the concept of the maximum flywheel load (MFL) as a measure of maximum dynamic performance in the flywheel half-squat exercise. Twenty physically active participants were recruited for the study. The MFL load was calculated using an exponential mean concentric angular acceleration-moment of inertia relationship, at the point where its’ first derivative was lower to 1 unit. Construct validity was analysed by studying the association between MFL and sprint (peak velocity) and jump (countermovement jump, drop jump, and repeated jump in 30” heights, vertical stiffness, and reactive strength index) performance. The reliability of the test-retest was analysed after four and eight sessions. MFL showed moderate to very large significant associations with sprint velocity, jump height, drop jump stiffness, and reactive strength index. Test-retest analysis revealed excellent relative (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.91) and good absolute reliability (coefficient of variation, after four (4.2%), and after eight (3.9%) familiarization sessions).

Heart rate variability (HRV) analyses can be performed using group or individual changes. Individual changes could be of potential interest during training camps for national soccer teams. The purpose of this study was to compare whether analysis of individual daily HRV could detect changes in cardiac autonomic responses during training camps for national soccer teams. During two different training camps, 34 professional soccer players were monitored daily over 9 days, using heart rate monitors. Players were divided into First Eleven (those who participated in the main squad) or Reserves. Daily HRV was individually analyzed using a day-to-day method or a baseline (days prior to first match) method, using the smallest worthwhile change and the typical error in the estimate to establish a trivial (random change) zone. Group changes were also analyzed using an ANOVA one-way repeated measures test. Players’ responsiveness was classified as High-, Low- or Non-response depending on individual changes. Both analyses showed substantial daily individual changes after playing a soccer match, regardless of the group. However, group changes showed that only First Eleven players had significant changes after playing a soccer match. In conclusion, individual daily HRV analyses are useful in detecting individual changes in professional soccer players.