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Strength training is fundamental during long-term athlete development to enhance strength and power supporting sport-specific performance. In rowing, trunk muscles stabilize the body and transmit forces between the lower and upper limbs. This study compared the effects of pre-season global (GST) versus local (LST) trunk strength training on muscle strength, power, and rowing-specific performance in young male rowers. Twenty-eight Tier 2 athletes aged 12–13 years (circa-PHV = 0.2–0.3) completed a 6-week program with two weekly sessions. GST involved machine-based and free-weight trunk exercises at 70% 1-RM, whereas LST emphasized body-weight trunk exercises on stable and unstable surfaces. Pre- and post-tests included lower- and upper-limb power, trunk strength, and a 700-m rowing ergometer test. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for all strength (d = 3.04–3.84; p < 0.001), power (d = 0.75–2.34; p < 0.01), and rowing performance outcomes (d = 1.61; p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses indicated greater improvements in GST (d = 0.28–1.87; p < 0.001) than in LST (d = 0.11–0.73; p < 0.001). In conclusion, GST produced larger performance gains than LST. However, these effects likely reflect the combined influence of exercise modality and higher external loading intensity, rather than trunk muscle recruitment patterns alone. These findings should be interpreted with caution given that differences in external loading between conditions (70% 1-RM vs. athletes’ body mass) confound the comparison of GST versus LST modalities. Strength and conditioning specialists may consider incorporating GST to enhance foundational strength and power in pubertal male rowers, but further research controlling for training load is needed to isolate the effects of exercise modality.

Boxing is one of the oldest combat sports. The aim of the current review is to critically analyze the amateur boxer’s physical and physiological characteristics and to provide practical recommendations for training as well as new areas of scientific research. High-level male and female boxers show a propensity for low body fat levels. Although studies on boxer somatotypes are limited, the available information shows that elite-level male boxers are characterized by a higher proportion of mesomorphy with a well-developed muscle mass and a low body fat level. To help support the overall metabolic demands of a boxing match and to accelerate the recovery process between rounds, athletes of both sexes require a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. International boxers show a high peak and mean anaerobic power output. Muscle strength in both the upper and lower limbs is paramount for a fighter’s victory and is one of the keys to success in boxing. As boxing punches are brief actions and very dynamic, high-level boxing performance requires well-developed muscle power in both the upper and lower limbs. Albeit limited, the available studies reveal that isometric strength is linked to high-level boxing performance. Future investigations into the physical and physiological attributes of boxers are required to enrich the current data set and to help create a suitable training program.

While there is ample evidence on the effects of neuromuscular training (NMT) and stretching training on selected measures of physical fitness in young athletes, less is known on the mental well-being effects. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of NMT versus stretching training (ST) performed during the warm-up and active control (CG) on selected physical fitness measures and mental well-being in highly-trained male pubertal soccer players. A secondary aim was to investigate associations between training-induced changes in physical fitness and mental well-being. Forty-six pubertal participants aged 12.2 ± 0.6 years were randomly allocated to NMT, ST, or CG. The eight-weeks NMT included balance, strength, plyometric, and change-of-direction (CoD) exercises. ST comprised four weeks of lower limbs static stretching followed by four weeks of dynamic stretching. The CG performed a soccer-specific warm-up. Training volumes were similar between groups. Pre-, and post-training, tests were scheduled to assess dynamic balance (Y-balance test), 15-m CoD speed, power (five-jump-test [FJT]), cognitive (CA), somatic anxiety (SA), and self-confidence (SC). Findings showed significant group-by-time interactions for all physical fitness measures (d =  1.00-3.23; p < 0.05) and mental well-being (d = 0.97-1.08; p < 0.05) tests. There were significant pre-post changes for all tested variables (d = 0.69-4.23; p < 0.05) in favor of NMT but not ST and CG. Pooled data indicated significant moderate correlations between training-induced performance changes in FJT and SA (r = −0.378, p < 0.05), FJT and SC (r = 0.360, p < 0.05) and 15-m CoD and SA (r = 0.393, p < 0.01). NMT but not ST or CG resulted in improved measures of physical fitness and mental well-being in highly-trained pubertal male soccer players. NMT performed during the warm-up is a safe and effective training method as it exerts positive effects on physical fitness and self-confidence as well as the coping of anxiety in highly-trained male pubertal soccer players.

Neuromuscular training (NMT) and plyometric training (PT) are commonly used during long-term athlete development, yet their relative effects on physical fitness and mental well-being are not fully understood. This study compared 8 weeks of NMT versus PT on physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and attention in pubertal male soccer players and explored associations between training-induced changes in these domains. Twenty-four male soccer players (12.3–12.5 years, circa-peak height velocity: − 0.7 to − 0.8) were randomly assigned to NMT or PT. Both groups trained twice weekly in addition to regular soccer practice. NMT included balance, strength, plyometric, change-of-direction, and agility exercises, while PT focused on bilateral and unilateral jump-landing drills. Training volumes were matched. Physical fitness tests included the five-time jump test, 20-m sprint, and 15-m change-of-direction speed test. Mental well-being outcomes included cognitive and somatic anxiety, self-confidence, attention, and emotional intelligence. PT led to larger improvements in jump, sprint, and change-of-direction speed performances, whereas NMT produced greater gains in self-confidence, anxiety regulation, attention, and emotional intelligence. A graphical summary illustrates the distinct physical and psychological adaptations to PT and NMT, highlighting their complementary nature. The observed fitness improvements significantly correlated with changes in psychological outcomes. These findings suggest that strength and conditioning professionals should prioritize PT when aiming to enhance physical fitness and NMT when targeting psychological well-being, supporting a holistic approach to athletic development in pubertal soccer players.

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of an 8-week, volume-equated eccentric training program comprising Nordic hamstring and reverse Nordic exercises performed either once or twice per week on measures of physical fitness in pubertal male soccer players. Methods: A total of 34 participants were randomly assigned into a 1-day (n = 16; age = 14.58 ± 0.28 years) or 2-day (n = 18; age = 14.84 ± 0.22 years) per week training group. Physical fitness was assessed using 5 m and 10 m sprints, the 505 change in direction (CiD) speed test, Y-shaped agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for the 505 CiD test, agility, and CMJ performance (effect sizes [ES] = 0.80 to 1.13). However, no significant interactions were found for the 5 and 10 m sprints or for SLJ (p > 0.05). Compared to the 1-day group, the 2-day training group showed greater improvements in CiD speed (∆7.36%; p < 0.001; ES = 0.92), agility (∆7.91%; p < 0.001; ES = 1.68), and CMJ (∆7.44%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.35), while no differences were observed in 5 and 10 m linear sprints or SLJ performance. According to individual response analysis, improvements across the physical fitness parameters beyond the smallest worthwhile change (SWC0.2) were observed in 22–83% of players in the 1-day group and 77–100% in the 2-day group. Conclusions: In summary, the findings suggest that when training volume is matched, distributing the eccentric training regimen over two days per week may lead to greater improvements in CiD speed, agility, and CMJ performance compared to a single-day approach.

Background: A high level of physical fitness is a critical factor for optimal soccer performance. Therefore, developing key physical components such as sprinting, jumping, and change of direction (CoD) abilities from an early age is essential for both short- and long-term athletic success. While previous research in adolescent male athletes has demonstrated improvements in physical fitness following eccentric training, the effects of such training during the pubertal stage remain unclear. This study examined how an eccentric training program, combining the Nordic hamstring exercise with horizontal speed deceleration training, influenced physical fitness parameters in prepubertal soccer players. Methods: Thirty-six players were randomly divided into an ET group (n = 19) or an active control group (CG; n = 17). Both groups maintained their regular soccer training routines, with the ET group replacing 15 to 25 min of low-intensity drills with eccentric exercises twice per week for eight weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 20 m linear sprint speed, change of direction, agility, vertical jump, and standing long jump. Results: Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for all performance measures (p < 0.05), with moderate-to-large improvements in the ET group (d = 0.56 to 1.51; ∆3.83% to 14.95%) and no significant changes in the CG (d = 0.05 to 0.24; ∆0.38% to 1.31%). Individual response analysis indicated that 57 to 100% of players from the ET group and 23–58% from the CG group reached improvements beyond the smallest worthwhile change (SWC0.2). Conclusions: Collectively, these findings support the inclusion of eccentric training interventions, such as the Nordic hamstring exercise and horizontal speed deceleration training, to enhance sprinting, jumping, directional changes, and agility in young soccer players.

Background: Attentional focus strategies, including internal, external, and sport-specific cues, can influence muscle strength by modulating motor control. However, their acute effects on maximal isometric back-extensor strength in youth athletes under controlled laboratory conditions remain unclear. Methods: Fourteen youth golfers (15.8 ± 0.5 years) performed maximal voluntary isometric back-extension tasks under nine cueing conditions: three internal, three external, and three golf-specific. The task involved exerting maximal force against a fixed, immovable resistance while maintaining standardized trunk and hip positions to ensure consistent execution. Cueing was delivered verbally in a standardized manner across participants and sessions. Maximal isometric strength was compared across conditions using repeated-measures analyses. Results: Maximal isometric back-extensor strength was significantly (p = 0.004 ηp2 = 0.34) lower with internal cues (57.1 ± 16.0 kg) compared with external (68.2 ± 13.0 kg) and golf-specific (68.1 ± 12.5 kg) cues. Specifically, the internal cues ‘engage your glutes and hamstrings’, ‘tighten your core’, and ‘maintain a neutral spine’ produced lower force than all external cues and the golf-specific cue ‘focus on using your lower body to create a stable base for your golf swing’. Among internal cues, ‘engage your glutes and hamstrings’ resulted in the lowest torque. Conclusions: External and certain golf-specific verbal cues acutely enhance maximal isometric back-extensor force more effectively than internal cues in a controlled laboratory setting. While these results inform how attentional focus can modulate acute force output in youth athletes, the task does not replicate the dynamic, rotational nature of the golf swing, and the findings should not be interpreted as direct indicators of golf performance. Future research should explore long-term adaptations and assess transfer to sport-specific, dynamic movements.

Background: Change-of-direction (CoD) ability is critical in karate, yet sport-specific assessment tools are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a newly developed karate-specific CoD test for male and female athletes and to examine its relationships with other motor performance measures. Methods: Thirty-six experienced karatekas (20 men: age 20.8 ± 1.8 years, height 1.79 ± 0.05 m, body mass 73.1 ± 10.6 kg; 16 women: age 21.2 ± 1.7 years, height 1.67 ± 0.04 m, body mass 63.5 ± 8.9 kg), all national squad members, participated. Athletes performed the karate CoD test twice to assess test–retest reliability, and completed additional CoD tests (Y CoD, T-half), linear sprint tests, standing long jump, and Y-balance tests to evaluate criterion validity and associations with other motor abilities. Results: The karate CoD test demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.996), with similar consistency in men and women. Criterion validity was supported by a meaningful correlation with the Y CoD test, but not with the T-half test. Associations with linear sprinting and lower-limb power (standing long jump) were weak or inconsistent, indicating that karate-specific CoD performance is distinct from general physical capacities. Conclusions: The karate CoD test shows good reliability and validity for assessing planned change-of-direction ability in elite karate athletes. Its use should be limited to pre-planned movements and complemented with other tests (e.g., reactive agility, sprinting, jumping, strength) for a fuller performance assessment.

Aim: This study analyzed the concurrent validity of the Optojump infrared photocell system for estimating lower limb peak power by comparing it with the 15 s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) and examining relationships with sprint performance indicators. Methods: Twelve physically active university students (ten males, two females; age: 23.39 ± 1.47 years; body mass: 73.08 ± 9.19 kg; height: 173.67 ± 6.97 cm; BMI: 24.17 ± 1.48 kg·m−2) completed a cross-sectional validation protocol. Participants performed WAnT on a calibrated Monark ergometer (7.5% body weight for males, 5.5% for females), 30 s continuous jump tests using the Optojump system (Microgate, Italy), and 30 m sprint assessments with 10 m and 20 m split times. Peak power was expressed in absolute (W), relative (W·kg−1), and allometric (W·kg−0.67) terms. Results: Thirty-second continuous jump testing produced systematically higher peak power values across all metrics (p < 0.001). Mean differences indicated large effect sizes: relative power (Cohen’s d = 0.99; 18.263 ± 4.243 vs. 10.99 ± 1.58 W·kg−1), absolute power (d = 0.86; 1381.71 ± 393.44 vs. 807.28 ± 175.45 W), and allometric power (d = 0.79). Strong correlations emerged between protocols, with absolute power showing the strongest association (r = 0.842, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that 30 s continuous jump-derived measurements explained 71% of the variance in Wingate outcomes (R2 = 0.710, p < 0.001). Sprint performance showed equivalent predictive capacity for both tests (Wingate: R2 = 0.66; 30 s continuous jump: R2 = 0.67). Conclusions: The Optojump infrared photocell system provides a valid and practical alternative to laboratory-based ergometry for assessing lower limb anaerobic power. While it systematically overestimates absolute values compared with the Wingate anaerobic test, its strong concurrent validity (r > 0.80), large effect sizes, and equivalent predictive ability for sprint performance (R2 = 0.66–0.71) confirm its reliability as a field-based assessment tool. These findings underscore the importance of sport-specific, weight-bearing assessment technologies in modern sports biomechanics, providing coaches, practitioners, and clinicians with a feasible method for monitoring performance, talent identification, and training optimization. The results further suggest that Optojump-based protocols can bridge the gap between laboratory precision and ecological validity, supporting both athletic performance enhancement and injury prevention strategies.

This study aimed to examine the effect of 9 weeks of concurrent resistance training (CRT) between resistance on dry land (bench press (BP) and medicine ball throw) and resistance in water (water parachute and hand paddles) on muscle strength, sprint swimming performance and kinematic variables compared by the usual training (standard in-water training). Twenty-two male competitive swimmers participated in this study and were randomly allocated to two groups. The CRT group (CRTG, age = 16.5 ± 0.30 years) performed a CRT program, and the control group (CG, age = 16.1 ± 0.32 years) completed their usual training. The independent variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. The findings showed that the one-repetition maximum bench press (1RM BP) was improved only after a CRT program (d = 2.18; +12.11 ± 1.79%). Moreover, all sprint swimming performances were optimized in the CRT group (d = 1.3 to 2.61; −4.22 ± 0.18% to −7.13 ± 0.23%). In addition, the findings revealed an increase in velocity and stroke rate (d = 1.67, d = 2.24; 9.36 ± 2.55%, 13.51 ± 4.22%, respectively) after the CRT program. The CRT program improved the muscle strength, which, in turn, improved the stroke rate, with no change in the stroke length. Then, the improved stroke rate increased the swimming velocity. Ultimately, a faster velocity leads to better swim performances.