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Velocity-Based Training (VBT) is an emerging method in resistance training for objectively prescribing and monitoring training intensity and neuromuscular function. Given its growing popularity, assessing the validity and reliability of VBT devices is critical for strength and conditioning coaches. The primary purpose of this review was twofold: (1) to identify and address methodological gaps in current assessments of VBT device validity and reliability, and (2) to propose and apply a novel, multi-layered, criterion-based framework-developed in collaboration with statisticians and domain experts-for evaluating these devices. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on original research studies published before February 2024 that assessed VBT device validity or reliability. Out of 568 studies identified, 75 met the inclusion criteria. Among the included studies, 66 investigated device validity and 56 examined reliability, with some studies addressing both aspects. Notably, only 5 of the 66 validity studies met all of the proposed criteria, while just 16 of the 56 reliability investigations satisfied the required statistical thresholds defined by our framework. These findings highlight significant methodological variability and underscore the need for more standardized evaluation practices. This review systematically evaluated the validity and reliability of various VBT devices and introduced a robust, multi-layered framework for their assessment. By integrating statistician-led and domain expert-led criteria, the framework offers a standardized approach that enhances the precision of device evaluation. Promising tools identified include the GymAware LPT, Perch Motion Capture Single Camera System, Flex optical device, and VmaxPro. Future research should build upon and refine this methodology to further standardize study designs, improve data reporting, and ultimately support more informed decision-making in sports technology and training practice.

The aim of this review was to describe and summarize the scientific literature on programming parameters related to jump or plyometric training in male and female soccer players of different ages and fitness levels. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus using keywords related to the main topic of this study (e.g., “ballistic” and “plyometric”). According to the PICOS framework, the population for the review was restricted to soccer players, involved in jump or plyometric training. Among 7556 identified studies, 90 were eligible for inclusion. Only 12 studies were found for females. Most studies (n = 52) were conducted with youth male players. Moreover, only 35 studies determined the effectiveness of a given jump training programming factor. Based on the limited available research, it seems that a dose of 7 weeks (1–2 sessions per week), with ~80 jumps (specific of combined types) per session, using near-maximal or maximal intensity, with adequate recovery between repetitions (<15 s), sets (≥30 s) and sessions (≥24–48 h), using progressive overload and taper strategies, using appropriate surfaces (e.g., grass), and applied in a well-rested state, when combined with other training methods, would increase the outcome of effective and safe plyometric-jump training interventions aimed at improving soccer players physical fitness. In conclusion, jump training is an effective and easy-to-administer training approach for youth, adult, male and female soccer players. However, optimal programming for plyometric-jump training in soccer is yet to be determined in future research.

Introduction: Judo is a high-intensity sport, characterized by a series of acyclic movements that require high technical mastery during combat. It was previously shown that growth of components of physical function is related with an increased probability successful competitive performance. Suspension training is effective at improving components of physical function. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the changes in physical performance traits of youth judokas after a 5-week suspension-training programme. Methods: Ten judokas (age, 15.4 ± 2.8 y) completed a 5-week suspension training routine into their normal training schedule. The difficulty and intensity of the exercises were increased each week. Before and after the intervention athletes were assessed in the single-leg horizontal jumping, Sorensen test, sit-and-reach, Y balance, prone instability and handgrip strength tests. Results: Significant improvements (p<.05; Cohen d effect size ≥.2) were observed in the single-leg horizontal jumping (right leg: 137 ± 23.3 vs 164 ± 22.0; left leg: 131 ± 24.1 vs 169 ± 26.5 cm), Sorensen (134 ± 43.4 vs 195 ± 46.7 s), sit-and-reach (42.1 ± 8.2 vs 46.2 ± 7.5 cm), leg Y balance test (right leg: 91.3 ± 6.6 vs 101 ± 7.6%; left leg: 91.2 ± 4.8 vs 103 ± 6.6%) and arm Y balance test (right arm: 80.9 ± 9.2 vs 89.3 ± 8.4; left arm: 81.4 ± 8.6 vs 90.0 ± 9.6%) Conclusions: Lower-body muscle power, muscle endurance, flexibility, lower-body and upper-body balance physical performance traits were improved after a 5-week training period in youth judokas that replaced a part of their regular judo training with a suspension training routine. 5-week suspension training program increase physical performance of youth judokas: a pilot studyUn programa de entrenamiento de suspensión de 5 semanas incrementa el rendimiento físico en jóvenes judocas: un estudio piloto*Yessenia Norambuena, *Lorena Winkler, *Rocío Guevara, *Pamela Llavados, *Manuel Monrroy, **Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo, ***Tomás Herrera-Valenzuela, *Rubén Gajardo-Burgos*Universidad Austral de Chile (Chile), **Universidad de Los Lagos (Chile), ***Universidad Santo Tomás (Chile) Abstract. Introduction: Judo is a high-intensity sport, characterized by a series of acyclic movements that require high technical mastery during combat. It was previously shown that growth of components of physical function is related with an increased probability successful competitive performance. Suspension training is effective at improving components of physical function. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the changes in physical performance traits of youth judokas after a 5-week suspension-training programme. Methods: Ten judokas (age, 15.4 ± 2.8 y) completed a 5-week suspension training routine into their normal training schedule. The difficulty and intensity of the exercises were increased each week. Before and after the intervention athletes were assessed in the single-leg horizontal jumping, Sorensen test, sit-and-reach, Y balance, prone instability and handgrip strength tests. Results: Significant improvements (p<.05; Cohen d effect size e».2) were observed in the single-leg horizontal jumping (right leg: 137 ± 23.3 vs 164 ± 22.0; left leg: 131 ± 24.1 vs 169 ± 26.5 cm), Sorensen (134 ± 43.4 vs 195 ± 46.7 s), sit-and-reach (42.1 ± 8.2 vs 46.2 ± 7.5 cm), leg Y balance test (right leg: 91.3 ± 6.6 vs 101 ± 7.6%; left leg: 91.2 ± 4.8 vs 103 ± 6.6%) and arm Y balance test (right arm: 80.9 ± 9.2 vs 89.3 ± 8.4; left arm: 81.4 ± 8.6 vs 90.0 ± 9.6%) Conclusions: Lower-body muscle power, muscle endurance, flexibility, lower-body and upper-body balance physical performance traits were improved after a 5-week training period in youth judokas that replaced a part of their regular judo training with a suspension training routine.Key words: physical fitness; judo; sports injury; unstable surface training; plyometric exercise; combat sport; martial arts, maturity. Resumen. Introducción: El judo es un deporte de alta intensidad, caracterizado por una serie de movimientos acíclicos con una alta maestría técnica durante el combate. Se ha demostrado previamente que el desarrollo de componentes de la función física se relaciona con una mayor probabilidad de rendimiento competitivo exitoso. El entrenamiento de suspensión es efectivo en mejorar los componentes de la función física. Objetivo: Determinar los cambios en el rendimiento físico en judocas jóvenes, después de un programa de entrenamiento de suspensión de 5 semanas. Método: Diez judocas (15.4 ± 2.8 años de edad) completaron un programa de entrenamiento de suspensión de 5 semanas dentro de su programación normal de entrenamiento. La dificultad e intensidad de los ejercicios se incrementó cada semana. Antes y después de la intervención se evaluó un salto horizontal monopodal, test de Sorensen, sit and reach, Y balance test de miembros inferiores y superiores, test de inestabilidad en prono y fuerza prensil. Resultados: Mejoras significativas (p<.05; Cohen d effect size e».2) fueron encontradas en salto horizontal monopodal (derecha: 137 ± 23.3 vs 164 ± 22.0; izquierda: 131 ± 24.1 vs 169 ± 26.5 cm), test de Sorensen (134 ± 43.4 vs 195 ± 46.7 s), sit-and-reach (42.1 ± 8.2 vs 46.2 ± 7.5 cm), Y balance test de miembros inferiores (derecha: 91.3 ± 6.6 vs 101 ± 7.6%; izquierda: 91.2 ± 4.8 vs 103 ± 6.6%) and Y balance test de miembros superiores (derecho: 80.9 ± 9.2 vs 89.3 ± 8.4; izquierdo: 81.4 ± 8.6 vs 90.0 ± 9.6%). Conclusiones: La potencia de miembros inferiores, resistencia muscular, flexibilidad y balance de miembros inferiores y superiores mejoró después de un programa de entrenamiento de suspensión de 5 semanas en judocas jóvenes.Palabras claves: aptitud física; judo; lesión deportiva; entrenamiento en superficie inestable; ejercicio pliométrico; deportes de combate; artes marciales, madurez.

The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise and endurance exercise (EE) on pulmonary function, sympathetic/parasympathetic balance, and cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC) in healthy participants. Using a crossover repeated‐measurements design, four females and four males were exposed to EE (20 min at 80% maximal heart rate [HR]), HIIT (1 min of exercise at 90% maximal HR per 1 min of rest, 10 times), or control condition (resting). Pulmonary function, HR, CRC, and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed before and after the interventions. Results revealed no significant effects of EE or HIIT on pulmonary function. The EE, but not HIIT, significantly increased CRC. In contrast, HRV was markedly changed by HIIT, not by EE. Indeed, both the low‐frequency (LFHRV) and high‐frequency (HFHRV) components of HRV were increased and decreased, respectively, after HIIT. The increase in LFHRV was greater after HIIT than after EE. Therefore, a single bout of HIIT or EE has no effects on pulmonary function. Moreover, CRC and cardiac autonomic regulation are targeted differently by the two exercise modalities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined youth overweight and obesity as pandemic due to a large global overweight and obesity prevalence of 14.8% and 8.1% in 2023. However, the impact of overweight and obesity on youth muscle strength, morphology, and oxidative capacity is unclear despite increased research efforts. To systematically review the literature and meta-analyze findings on muscle strength, morphology, and oxidative capacity in youth with overweight and/or obesity (OW) versus those with normal-weight (NW). Following PRISMA guidelines, electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE) were searched for cross-sectional studies that compared OW with NW regarding the outcomes muscle strength (e.g., absolute, relative [e.g., to fat-free mass, body mass]), morphology (e.g., muscle cross-sectional area [CSA]), and oxidative capacity (e.g., phase II of volume of oxygen [VO 2 ] kinetics). The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute 8-item checklist. A random-effects three-level meta-analysis was used, and within- as well as between-group effect sizes (Hedges’ g [g]) were computed. Study heterogeneity was assessed using I 2 statistics. The Grading Recommendation Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Overall, 15 studies were meta-analyzed, including 1,475 participants aged 8.4 to 16.6 years. The mean RoB amounted to 6.1 on a 0 to 8 scale. Muscle absolute strength (n = 346; g = 0.68; p  = 0.011; I 2  = 59.3% [ p  < 0.001]) and CSA (n = 1,024; g = 1.12; p  < 0.001; I 2  = 73% [ p  < 0.001]) was significantly greater in OW versus NW. However, relative muscle strength tended to be larger in NW versus OW (n = 320; g = -0.455; p  = 0.165; I 2  = 92.7% [ p  < 0.001]). Moreover, muscle oxidative capacity was significantly greater in NW versus OW (n = 105; g = -0.58; p  = 0.019; I 2  = 37.5% [ p  = 0.18]). GRADE revealed very low (absolute and relative strength and muscle oxidative capacity) to moderate (muscle CSA) certainty of evidence. Absolute muscle strength and CSA seem larger in OW versus NW, potentially related to the chronic overload during every day and sports-related tasks imposed by overweight and/or obesity. However, relative muscle strength tended to be lower in OW versus NW, suggesting impaired muscle quality in OW. Further, muscle oxidative capacity seems lower in OW versus NW, which might be indicative of muscle mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired oxygen supply, with a potential negative impact on exercise tolerance. However, the cross-sectional nature of included studies, results heterogeneity, and reduced control of confounders among the included studies (e.g., biological maturation) preclude a robust conclusion, due to a low certainty of evidence.

Background The present study compared the effects of training and detraining periods of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on functional performance, body composition, resting blood pressure and heart rate in elderly women nursing home residents. Methods Forty-six volunteers (age, 80.8 ± 5.2 y; body mass, 69.8 ± 5.2 kg, height, 164.2 ± 4.12 cm) were divided into groups that performed treadmill exercise twice-weekly HIIT (4 bouts of 4-min intervals at 85–95% of the maximal heart rate [HR max ], interspersed by 4 min at 65% HR max ), MIIT (4 bouts of 4 min intervals at 55–75% HR max , interspersed by 4 min at 45–50% HR max ) and MICT (30-min at 55–75% HR max ). Tests were performed before and after 8 weeks of training and 2 and 4 weeks of detraining. ANCOVA was used to analyze dependent variable changes. Results After 8 weeks HIIT promoted greater reductions in body mass (HIIT = − 1.6 ± 0.1 kg; MICT = − 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; MIIT = − 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; p = 0.001), fat mass (HIIT = − 2.2 ± 0.1%; MICT = − 0.7 ± 0.1%; MIIT = − 1.2 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001) and resting heart rate (HIIT = − 7.3 ± 0.3%; MICT = − 3.6 ± 0.3%; MIIT = − 5.1 ± 0.3%; p < 0.001) and greater improvement in the chair stand test (HIIT = 3.4 ± 0.1 reps; MICT = 2.5 ± 0.1 reps; MIIT = 3.1 ± 0.1 reps; p < 0.001) when compared to MIIT and MICT. These improvements were sustained after 2 and 4 weeks of detraining only in the HIIT group. Conclusion HIIT promoted greater benefits for body composition and functional performance than MICT and MIIT and also showed less pronounced effects of detraining. This suggests that the intensity of physical exercise is an important factor to consider when prescribing exercise to the elderly.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of three weeks of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) training on oxidative stress markers and endurance performance in young soccer players. Participants ( 18.6 ± 1.6 years) were randomized into hyperbaric-hyperoxic (HH) training ( n = 6 ) and normobaric normoxic (NN) training ( n = 6 ) groups. Immediately before and after the 5th, 10th, and 15th training sessions, plasma oxidative stress markers (lipid hydroperoxides and uric acid), plasma antioxidant capacity (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid [TROLOX]), arterial blood gases, acid-base balance, bases excess (BE), and blood lactate analyses were performed. Before and after intervention, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and peak power output (PPO) were determined. Neither HH nor NN experienced significant changes on oxidative stress markers or antioxidant capacity during intervention. VO2max and PPO were improved (moderate effect size) after HH training. The results suggest that HBO2 endurance training does not increase oxidative stress markers and improves endurance performance in young soccer players. Our findings warrant future investigation to corroborate that HBO2 endurance training could be a potential training approach for highly competitive young soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of vertical (VPT), horizontal (HPT) and combined vertical and horizontal (V+HPT) plyometric training on sprint, jump and change of direction (COD) performance in adult male soccer players. Participants were randomly allocated into VPT (n = 8), HPT (n = 8) and V+HPT (n = 8) groups which undertook eight weeks of PT, executing 100 foot contacts per session, twice weekly. Though demonstrably effective, no specific one of the three applied programmes enhanced performance to a greater extent than another with only the 40 m sprint for the HPT group (mean difference = 0.07 s [HPT] vs. 0.04 s [VPT] and 0.04 s [V+HPT]) and the vertical jump for the V+HPT group (mean difference = 4.5 cm [V+HPT] vs. 4.0 cm [VPT] and 3.25 cm [HPT]) appearing to deviate from a uniform pattern of group level adaptation across the performance tests. A total volume of 100 foot contacts per session, twice per week for eight weeks was sufficient to achieve the observed changes. Though jump and changing direction performance were enhanced, linear sprint performance was largely unchanged and so a more complete and intense programme may have been warranted. No method was superior to another in eliciting changes across these tests and a directionally-specific pattern of adaptation was not apparent.

Multidirectional jumping and repeated sprint ability are crucial performance factors in basketball. The main aim of this investigation was to examine the neuromuscular performance and body balance adaptations following basketball-specific combined training programs based on drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint versus multidirectional plyometric training. Forty-two professional basketball male players participated in the current investigation and were randomly assigned to three groups: a combined group (COMB; n = 14), a multidirectional jump group (MJG; n = 14) and an active control group (CON; n = 14). The COMB and the MJG groups completed the 8-week training programs with two weekly sessions while the CON continued their usual training. The static and dynamic balance tests, the repeated sprint ability test (IRSA 5COD ), the T–change of direction (CoD) test, the vertical jump tests, the five time-jump test (FJT) were performed by participants before and after the intervention period. The results showed a significant main effect of time with remarkable improvements at the end of the intervention ( P < 0.001, effect size small / moderate ) except the physiological parameters for IRSA 5COD . Only, significant group × time interactions for body balance, T-CoD test, IRSA 5COD (total time and best time), and jump tests were found ( P < 0.001, effect size from trivial to moderate ). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc tests revealed significantly greater improvement in favor of COMB compared to MJG for body balance, CoD and IRSA 5COD ( P < 0.005, effect size small / moderate ). Otherwise, no significant differences between COMB and MJG concerning jump performances were found. Combined drop jump and multidirectional repeated sprint training program lead to significantly better neuromuscular performance, body balance and CoD in professional basketball players when compared with an usual training.

Introduction:In recent years, handgrip strength assessment has gained special relevance in health. However, a standardized application protocol that includes warm-up procedures is required to measure it. Objective:To compare the acute effects of four warm-up strategies on maximal handgrip strength (MHS) in sedentary overweight women. Materials and methods:Single-blind, randomized, crossover study in which MHS was measured in 12 overweight women under the following conditions: i) no warm-up (control condition), ii) static stretching warm-up, iii) strength-based warm-up (i.e., resistance band exercise), and iv) isometric squeezing-ball warm-up for the forearm muscles. A Jamar dynamometer was used for the measurements, which were taken on four different days, at 48-hour rest intervals; three measurements were made per hand. Results:MHS mean values were 23.8 and 24.9 kg without warm-up, 20.3 and 21.4 kg after stretching warm-up, 20.9 and 22.9 kg after strength-based warm-up, and 22.0 and 23.0 kg after squeezing-ball warm-up for non-dominant and dominant hand, respectively. No significant differences (p>0.05; one-way ANOVA) were observed between protocols, nor were there differences in MHS in relation to nutritional status, lean mass, or fat mass. Conclusion:Warm-up is not required to measure MHS in overweight sedentary women when three measurements are made.