Current Guidelines for the Implementation of Flywheel Resistance Training Technology in Sports: A Consensus Statement.

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.

Six Weeks of Unilateral Flywheel Hip-Extension and Leg-Curl Training Improves Flywheel Eccentric Peak Power but Does Not Enhance Hamstring Isokinetic or Isometric Strength.

PURPOSE: This preregistered trial investigated how 6 weeks of unilateral flywheel leg-curl and hip-extension training impact isokinetic, isometric, and flywheel strength and power outcomes. METHODS: The study involved 11 male university athletes (age 22 [2] y; body mass 77.2 [11.3] kg; height 1.74 [0.09] m) with one leg randomly allocated to flywheel training and one leg to control. Unilateral eccentric and isometric knee-flexion torque and flywheel unilateral leg-curl and hip-extension peak power were tested. Training intensity and volume (3-4 sets of 6 + 2 repetitions) were progressively increased. RESULTS: The intervention enhanced hip-extension concentric (P < .01, d = 1.76, large) and eccentric (P < .01, d = 1.33, large) peak power more than the control (significant interaction effect). Similarly, eccentric (P = .023, d = 1.05, moderate) peak power was enhanced for the leg curl. No statistically significant differences between conditions were found for isokinetic eccentric (P = .086, d = 0.77, moderate) and isometric (P = .431, d = 0.36, small) knee-flexor strength or leg-curl concentric peak power (P = .339, d = 0.52, small). Statistical parametric mapping analysis of torque-angle curves also revealed no significant (P > .05) time-limb interaction effect at any joint angle. CONCLUSION: Unilateral flywheel hamstring training improved knee-flexor eccentric peak power during unilateral flywheel exercise but not flywheel concentric, isokinetic eccentric, or isometric (long-lever) knee-flexor strength.

The Interunit Reliability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems Apex (STATSports) Metrics During a Standardized Intermittent Running Activity.

ABSTRACT: Beato, M, Wren, C, and de Keijzer, KL. The interunit reliability of global navigation satellite systems Apex (STATSports) metrics during a standardized intermittent running activity. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): e49-e55, 2024-This study aimed to evaluate the interunit reliability of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) STATSports Apex metrics and to assess which metrics can be used by practitioners for the monitoring of short-distance intermittent running activities. Fifty-four male soccer players were enrolled (age = 20.7 ± 1.9 years, body mass = 73.2 ± 9.5 kg, and height = 1.76 ± 0.07 m) in this observational study. 10-Hz GNSS Apex (STATSports, Northern Ireland, Newry) units recorded total distance, high speed running (HSR), accelerations, decelerations, peak speed, average metabolic power, metabolic distance, dynamic stress load (DSL), relative distance, and speed intensity. The standardized intermitted running protocol used was a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1. This study reported that Apex interunit analysis did not show any significant difference (delta difference and 95% confidence interval [CIs]) in total distance = 2.6 (-2.6; 7.9) m, HSR = 3.2 (-0.2; 6.8) m, accelerations = 0.09 (-0.9; 1.1), decelerations = 0.3 (-0.4; 1.1), peak speed = 0.02 (-0.03; 0.07) m·s -1 , average metabolic power = 0.01 (-0.02; 0.04) W·kg -1 , metabolic distance = 0.9 (-6.2; 8.0) m, DSL = 2.8 (-5.6; 10.7) au, relative distance = 0.14 (-0.19; 0.47) m·min -1 , and speed intensity = 0.21 (-0.21; 0.64) au. All metrics presented a delta d between trivial to small. The interunit intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was good or excellent for all metrics, with the exception of DSL, which was considered questionable . In conclusion, this study reports that all the metrics analysis in this study presents a low interunit bias and high reliability (ICC), with the exception of DSL.

Perception and use of flywheel resistance training amongst therapists in sport.

Flywheel (isoinertial) resistance training is a valid strength training method that has been incorporated in sport for decades, yet little is known about how therapists working in sport apply flywheel resistance training. We aimed to describe and understand current application and perception of flywheel resistance training amongst therapists working in sport. Seventy- three therapists (13 ± 10 years of experience) started part of this survey with 52 completing the entire electronic questionnaire. Nine multiple choice questions on application and perceptions of flywheel training (prerequisites, use of technology, barriers, and upper- and lower-body exercises) preceded two 6-point Likert scale statements on strength and reduction of injury likelihood. Most therapists (47/73) either used or intended to use flywheel training with their athletes and stated familiarisation would be a priority prior to initiating training. Although more than half suggested they were confident flywheel training could enhance strength (27/52) and muscular prehabilitation outcomes (40/52), many remained unsure. Nonetheless, it appears that therapists would mostly include flywheel training within prehabilitation (40/52) or during the later stages of rehabilitation (37/52). To monitor progress, therapists slightly prefer power (30/52) over velocity outputs, while few would not use them at all. Although therapists would prescribe most exercises - the squat, rotational exercise, and unilateral leg curl would be the most selected. Meanwhile, therapists reported remain most unsure or would avoid prescribing the lateral squat and unilateral hip extension. The biggest perceived barriers to flywheel training are equipment cost/space, evidence, and scheduling. The investigation provides valuable insight into the application and perception of flywheel training amongst therapists working in sport.

External and internal training load comparison between sided-game drills in professional soccer.

This study aims to quantify and compare the external and internal training load demands of sided-game drills in professional team players during the competitive season. Twenty-four male professional soccer players of the same club were enrolled in this study. Drills were categorized as large-sided games (LSG): 10vs10 (84 × 60 m or 72 × 60 m), Hexagon possession 9vs9 + 3 (36 × 48 m), Possession gate 8vs8 + 2 (36 × 44 m), Possession 7vs7 + 3 (30 × 32 m) or as Small-sided games (SSG): 6vs6 (48 × 42 m), and Possession 6vs4 (30 × 60 m). A total of 7 drills and 279 individual data points were included in this analysis. Distance covered, high-speed running (HSR), and sprinting distance were all calculated in meters per minute (m.min-1) while total accelerations (>3 m.s-2) and total decelerations (- < 3 m.s-2) were calculated in number of actions per minute (n.min-1). All external load was measured with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) STATSports Apex units. Players' internal load was quantified using their rating of perceived exertion (RPE). We found that distance covered (p < 0.01, large), HSR (p < 0.01, large), and sprinting distance (p < 0.01, large) changed between drills (e.g., greater in LSG formats), acceleration (p < 0.01, large) and deceleration (p < 0.01, large) demands were greater in smaller formats (e.g., SSG 6vs6, and Possession 6vs4), while RPE was lower in the Possession gate 8vs8 + 2 format (p < 0.01, large). This study found that sided-games can replicate and sometimes exceed some match-specific intensity parameters, however, HSR and sprinting were consistently lower compared to official matches.

Concentric Phase Assistance Enhances Eccentric Peak Power During Flywheel Squats: Intersession Reliability and the Linear Relationship Between Concentric and Eccentric Phases.

BACKGROUND: It remains unknown if flywheel-assisted squats can be reliably utilized to increase power outputs and if such outputs are related. OBJECTIVES: To compare assisted and unassisted flywheel squat peak power outputs, determine their reliability, and analyze the relationship of the delta difference between peak power outputs during the squats. METHODS: Twenty male athletes attended the laboratory 6 times-performing 3 sets of 8 repetitions of assisted and unassisted squats during 2 familiarization sessions and then 3 sets of 8 repetitions during experimental sessions 3 to 6 (2 sessions for unassisted and assisted squat in randomized order, respectively). RESULTS: Concentric and eccentric peak power were significantly greater during assisted squats (both P < .001, d = 1.59, d = 1.57, respectively). Rating of perceived exertion (P = .23) and eccentric:concentric ratio (P = .094) did not differ between squat conditions. Peak power measures obtained excellent reliability, while rating of perceived exertion and eccentric:concentric ratio estimates were rated as acceptable to good, with greater uncertainty. A large to very large correlation (r = .77) was found between concentric and eccentric peak power delta difference of assisted and unassisted squats. CONCLUSIONS: Greater concentric outputs during assisted squats induce greater eccentric outputs and obtain greater mechanical load. Peak power is a reliable metric for monitoring flywheel training, whereas the eccentric:concentric ratio should be used with caution. Eccentric and concentric peak power are strongly related during flywheel squats, evidencing the need to maximize the concentric output to enhance the eccentric output.

Measuring Interlimb Asymmetry for Strength and Power: A Brief Review of Assessment Methods, Data Analysis, Current Evidence, and Practical Recommendations.

ABSTRACT: Bishop, C, de Keijzer, KL, Turner, AN, and Beato, M. Measuring interlimb asymmetry for strength and power: A brief review of assessment methods, data analysis, current evidence, and practical recommendations. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 745-750, 2023-The aim of this brief narrative review is to summarize the present evidence, provide recommendations for data analysis, and provide appropriate training methods to reduce strength and power asymmetries within athlete populations. Present evidence shows that a strong interest in the assessment of asymmetry exists. Despite the perceived associated relationship between asymmetry and injury and performance, a clear link is still missing. Practitioners need to be aware of this when they decide to assess asymmetries and later design training interventions. Several bilateral and unilateral tests could be used to assess asymmetries, such as isokinetic dynamometry, the isometric mid-thigh pull, squat, and Nordic hamstring exercise. Based on the current evidence, future investigations require further standardization of methodology and analysis to optimize interpretation (e.g., within session and between session), adoption, and implementation of interlimb asymmetry testing and appropriate interventions. In this review, 3 training interventions have been proposed to reduce existing lower limb asymmetries in sport populations: traditional resistance training, flywheel resistance training, and combined training interventions, with some evidence suggesting that such interventions can reduce lower limb asymmetries. Nonetheless, the number and quality of articles currently available are too limited to draw firm conclusions; therefore, further research is needed to verify whether training interventions can achieve these aims. To develop an understanding and application of interventions addressing interlimb asymmetries within the sport, greater methodological rigor should be applied toward study design, data analysis, and interpretation of future investigations and when appraising the current literature.

Chronic effects of flywheel training on physical capacities in soccer players: a systematic review.

The aims of the current systematic review were to evaluate the current literature surrounding the chronic effect of flywheel training on the physical capacities of soccer players, and to identify areas for future research to establish guidelines for its use.Studies were identified following a search of electronic databases (PubMed and SPORTDiscus) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA).Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged between 10 and 18 with an average score of 15 points using the PEDro scale. The training duration ranged from 6 weeks to 27 weeks, with volume ranging from 1 to 6 sets and 6 to 10 repetitions, and frequency from 1 to 2 times a week. This systematic review reported that a diverse range of flywheel training interventions can effectively improve strength, power, jump, and changes of direction in male soccer players of varying levels.Flywheel training interventions improve the physical capacities of soccer players of varying levels. Nonetheless, the current literature suggests contrasting evidence regarding flywheel training induced changes in sprint speed and acceleration capacity of soccer players.

Post flywheel squat vs. flywheel deadlift potentiation of lower limb isokinetic peak torques in male athletes.

The present study investigated the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings torque after flywheel (FW)-squat vs. FW-deadlift in comparison to a control condition. Fifteen male athletes were enrolled in this randomised, crossover study. Each protocol consisted of 3 sets of 6 repetitions, with an inertial load of 0.029 kg.m2. Isokinetic quadriceps (knee extension) and hamstrings (knee flexion) concentric peak torque (60º/s) and hamstring eccentric peak torque (-60º/s) were measured 5 min after experimental or control conditions. A significant condition (PAPE) effect was reported (f = 4.067, p = 0.008) for isokinetic hamstrings eccentric peak torque following FW-squat and FW-deadlift, but no significant differences were found for quadriceps and hamstrings concentric peak torques. The significant difference averaged 14 Nm between FW-squat vs. control (95% CI: 2, 28; d = 0.75, moderate; p = 0.033), and 13 Nm between FW-deadlift vs. control (95% CI: 1, 25; d = 0.68, moderate; p = 0.038). This study reported that both FW-squat and FW-deadlift exercises are equivalently capable of generating PAPE of isokinetic hamstrings eccentric torque. Practitioners may use these findings to inform strength and power development during complex training sessions consisting of flywheel-based exercises prior to a sport-specific task.

Perception and application of flywheel training by professional soccer practitioners.

Growing evidence supports use of eccentric methods for strength development and injury prevention within elite soccer, yet uncertainty remains regarding practitioners' application of flywheel (isoinertial) methods. The aims of this study were to investigate how the flywheel training literature is perceived and applied by elite soccer practitioners, highlight gaps in knowledge and develop industry-relevant research questions. Fifty-one practitioners completed an electronic questionnaire. Fourteen Likert scale statements were grouped into topics: strength and performance; post-activation performance enhancement and methodological considerations; chronic strength; chronic performance; injury prevention. Three general questions followed, allowing more detail about flywheel training application. A Majority of the participants reported ≥ 2 years' experience of programming flywheel training. Nearly all participants agreed that familiarisation is needed. Practitioners agree that flywheel training can improve sport performance, strength and likelihood of non-contact injury outcomes. Most practitioners prescribe 2 weekly sessions during pre- and in-season periods. Flywheel sessions mostly consist of squats but a variety of exercises (lunge, hip hinge, and open kinetic chain) are also frequently included. Practitioners are mostly unsure about differences between flywheel and traditional resistance training equipment and outcomes, practicality of flywheel equipment, and evidence-based guidelines. The investigation provides valuable insight into the perspectives and application of flywheel training within elite soccer, highlighting its perceived efficacy for strength and injury prevention.

The Effect of Flywheel Inertia on Peak Power and Its Inter-session Reliability During Two Unilateral Hamstring Exercises: Leg Curl and Hip Extension.

This study investigated the effect of flywheel moment of inertia (0.029, 0.061, and 0.089 kg·m2) on concentric and eccentric peak power and eccentric:concentric peak power ratio during unilateral flywheel leg curl and hip extension exercises. Moreover, the inter-session reliability of peak power was analyzed during both exercises. Twenty amateur male soccer athletes attended five visits-performing three sets of eight repetitions of either unilateral leg curl or hip extension (all three moments of inertias) during each visit. For the unilateral leg curl, there were no differences in any measure between moments of inertia (p = 0.479) but a higher eccentric than concentric peak power for all moments of inertia (p < 0.001). For the unilateral hip extension, differences between moments of inertia were reported for all measures (p < 0.05). Specifically, the lowest moment of inertia elicited the greatest concentric peak power (p = 0.022), there were no differences with the medium inertia (p = 0.391), and the greatest moment of inertia obtained the greatest eccentric peak power (p = 0.036). Peak power measures obtained acceptable to excellent reliability while the eccentric:concentric ratio reported unacceptable to good reliability for both exercises. A variety of moments of inertia can elicit high eccentric knee flexor demands during unilateral leg curls, whereas higher moments of inertia are needed to achieve an eccentric-overload in peak power during hip extensions. Different exercises may have different inertia-power relationships. Concentric and eccentric peak power measures should continue to inform training, while the eccentric:concentric ratio should not be used.

The effect of flywheel training on strength and physical capacities in sporting and healthy populations: An umbrella review.

The aim of this umbrella review was to provide a detailed summary of how flywheel training enhances strength and physical capacities in healthy and athletic populations. The eleven reviews included were analyzed for methodological quality according to the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Review 2 (AMSTAR 2) and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Two were systematic reviews, six were systematic reviews with meta-analyses and three were narrative reviews. Although the included reviews support use of flywheel training with athletic and healthy populations, the umbrella review highlights disparity in methodological quality and over-reporting of studies (38 studies were included overall). Flywheel post-activation performance enhancement protocols can effectively enhance strength and physical capacities acutely with athletes and healthy populations. All relevant reviews support flywheel training as a valid alternative to traditional resistance training for enhancing muscular strength, power, and jump performance with untrained and trained populations alike. Similarly, reviews included report flywheel training enhances change of direction performance-although conclusions are based on a limited number of investigations. However, the reviews investigating the effect of flywheel training on sprint performance highlight some inconsistency in attained improvements with elite athletes (e.g., soccer players). To optimize training outcomes, it is recommended practitioners individualize (i.e., create inertia-power or inertia-velocity profiles) and periodize flywheel training using the latest guidelines. This umbrella review provides an analysis of the literature's strengths and limitations, creating a clear scope for future investigations.

Effects of flywheel training on strength-related variables in female populations. A systematic review.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of flywheel training on female populations, report practical recommendations for practitioners based on the currently available evidence, underline the limitations of current literature, and establish future research directions. Studies were searched through the electronic databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement guidelines. The methodological quality of the seven studies included in this review ranged from 10 to 19 points (good to excellent), with an average score of 14-points (good). These studies were carried out between 2004 and 2019 and comprised a total of 100 female participants. The training duration ranged from 5 weeks to 24 weeks, with volume ranging from 1 to 4 sets and 7 to 12 repetitions, and frequency ranged from 1 to 3 times a week. The contemporary literature suggests that flywheel training is a safe and time-effective strategy to enhance physical outcomes with young and elderly females. With this information, practitioners may be inclined to prescribe flywheel training as an effective countermeasure for injuries or falls and as potent stimulus for physical enhancement.

The effect of a weekly flywheel resistance training session on elite U-16 soccer players' physical performance during the competitive season. A randomized controlled trial.

This study investigated the effects of a weekly flywheel resistance training session over a 10-week period on U16 soccer players' physical performance with special attention to change of direction ability (e.g., deficit [CODdef]). Twenty elite young soccer players were assigned to an experimental (EG, n = 10) or control (CG, n = 10) group. Unilateral countermovement jumps with dominant (CMJd) and non-dominant (CMJnd) leg, 10, 20, and 30-m linear sprint test and change of direction sprint test in 5 + 5 (COD10) and 10 + 10 m (COD20) were performed before and after flywheel training period. Significant within-group differences were found in CG in COD10 (p = 0.01; effect size [ES] = large) and CODdef10 (p = 0.03; ES = small) with dominant leg, while differences in EG were observed in CMJ (p = 0.001-0.01; ES = moderate-large) and in all COD and CODdef variables (p = 0.001-0.04; ES = large). Between-groups analysis revealed differences in favour of the EG in CMJ (p = 0.03-0.05) and COD and CODdef variables (p = 0.001-0.05). These findings suggest a weekly flywheel training session is suitable for improving jumping and COD abilities in U16 elite soccer players in season.

Effect of Postactivation Potentiation After Medium vs. High Inertia Eccentric Overload Exercise on Standing Long Jump, Countermovement Jump, and Change of Direction Performance.

ABSTRACT: Beato, M, De Keijzer, KL, Leskauskas, Z, Allen, WJ, Dello Iacono, A, and McErlain-Naylor, SA. Effect of postactivation potentiation after medium vs. high inertia eccentric overload exercise on standing long jump, countermovement jump, and change of direction performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2616-2621, 2021-This study aimed to evaluate the postactivation potentiation (PAP) effects of an eccentric overload (EOL) exercise on vertical and horizontal jumps and change of direction (COD) performance. Twelve healthy physically active male subjects were involved in a crossover study. The subjects performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions of EOL half squats for maximal power using a flywheel ergometer. Postactivation potentiation using an EOL exercise was compared between a medium (M-EOL) vs. high inertia (H-EOL) experimental condition. Long jump (LJ) was recorded at 30 seconds, 3, and 6 minutes after both EOL exercises and compared with baseline values (control). The same procedure was used to assess countermovement jump (CMJ) height and peak power and 5-m COD test (COD-5m). A fully Bayesian statistical approach to provide probabilistic statements was used in this study. Long jump performance reported improvements after M-EOL and H-EOL exercise (Bayes factor [BF10] = 32.7, strong; BF10 = 9.2, moderate), respectively. Countermovement jump height (BF10 = 135.6, extreme; BF10 > 200, extreme), CMJ peak power (BF10 > 200, extreme; BF10 = 56.1, very strong), and COD-5m (BF10 = 55.7, very strong; BF10 = 16.4, strong) reported improvements after M-EOL and H-EOL exercise, respectively. Between analysis did not report meaningful differences in performance between M-EOL and H-EOL exercises. The present outcomes highlight that PAP using an EOL (M-EOL and H-EOL) improves LJ, CMJ height, CMJ peak power, and COD-5m in male athletes. The optimal time window for the PAP effect was found for both EOL conditions from 3 to 6 minutes. However, M-EOL and H-EOL produce similar PAP effect on LJ, CMJ, and COD-5m tasks.

Effect of Volume on Eccentric Overload-Induced Postactivation Potentiation of Jumps.

PURPOSE: To investigate the postactivation potentiation (PAP) effects of different eccentric overload (EOL) exercise volumes on countermovement-jump (CMJ) and standing-long-jump (LJ) performance. METHODS: In total, 13 male university soccer players participated in a crossover design study following a familiarization period. Control (no PAP) CMJ and LJ performances were recorded, and 3 experimental protocols were performed in a randomized order: 1, 2, or 3 sets of 6 repetitions of flywheel EOL half-squats (inertia = 0.029 kg·m2). Performance of CMJ and LJ was measured 3 and 6 minutes after all experimental conditions. The time course and magnitude of the PAP were compared between conditions. RESULTS: Meaningful positive PAP effects were reported for CMJ after 2 (Bayes factor [BF10] = 3.15, moderate) and 3 (BF10 = 3.25, moderate) sets but not after 1 set (BF10 = 2.10, anecdotal). Meaningful positive PAP effects were reported for LJ after 2 (BF10 = 3.05, moderate) and 3 (BF10 = 3.44, moderate) sets but not after 1 set (BF10 = 0.53, anecdotal). The 2- and 3-set protocols resulted in meaningful positive PAP effects on both CMJ and LJ after 6 minutes but not after 3 minutes. CONCLUSION: This study reported beneficial effects of multiset EOL exercise over a single set. A minimum of 2 sets of flywheel EOL half-squats are required to induce PAP effects on CMJ and LJ performance of male university soccer players. Rest intervals of around 6 minutes (>3 min) are required to maximize the PAP effects via multiple sets of EOL exercise. However, further research is needed to clarify the optimal EOL protocol configurations for PAP response.

Post-activation potentiation effect of eccentric overload and traditional weightlifting exercise on jumping and sprinting performance in male athletes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-activation potentiation (PAP) effects following eccentric overload (EOL) and traditional weightlifting (TW) exercise on standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 5 m sprint acceleration performance. Ten male athletes were involved in a randomized, crossover study. The subjects performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions of EOL or TW half squat exercise followed by SLJ, CMJ, and 5 m sprint tests at 1 min, 3 min and 7 min, in separate sessions using a randomized order. Bayes factor (BF10) was reported to show the strength of the evidence. Differences were found using EOL for SLJ distance at 3 min (BF10 = 7.24, +8%), and 7 min (BF10 = 19.5, +7%), for CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.25, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 4.12, +10.5%). Differences were found using TW exercise for SLJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.88, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +9%), CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 7.42, +9.5%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +12%). No meaningful differences were found between EOL and TW exercises for SLJ (BF10 = 0.33), CMJ (BF10 = 0.27), and 5 m sprint (BF10 = 0.22). In conclusion, EOL and TW exercises acutely increase SLJ and CMJ, but not 5 m sprint performance. The PAP time window was found between 3 min and 7 min using both protocols. This study did not find differences between EOL and TW exercises, and so both methodologies can be used to stimulate a PAP response.

Monitoring Fatigue During Intermittent Exercise With Accelerometer-Derived Metrics.

The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of accelerometer-derived metrics for monitoring fatigue during an intermittent exercise protocol. Fifteen university students were enrolled in the study (age 20 ± 1 years). A submaximal intermitted recovery test (Sub-IRT) with a duration of 6 min and 30 s (drill 1) was performed. In order to increase the participants' fatigue, after that, a repeated sprint protocol (1×6 maximal 20 m sprints) was performed. Following that, participants repeated the Sub-IRT (drill 2) to evaluate the external and internal training load (TL) variations related to fatigue. Apex 10 Hz global navigation satellite system (GNSS) units were used to collect the variables total distance (TD), high metabolic distance (HMD), relative velocity (RV), average metabolic power (MP), heart rate maximal (HRmax) and mean (HRmean), muscular (RPEmus) and respiratory rating of perceived exertion (RPEres), dynamic stress load (DSL), and fatigue index (FI). A Bayesian statistical approach was used. A likelihood difference (between drill 1 and drill 2) was found for the following parameters: TD (BF10 = 0.33, moderate per H0 ), HMD (BF10 = 1.3, anecdotal), RV (BF10 = 0.29, moderate per H0 ), MP (BF10 = 1.3, anecdotal), accelerations (BF10 = 1.6, anecdotal ), FI (BF10 = 4.7, moderate), HRmax (BF10 = 2.2, anecdotal), HRmean (BF10 = 4.3, moderate), RPEmus (BF10 = 11.6, strong), RPEres (BF10 = 3.1, moderate), DSL (BF10 = 5.7, moderate), and DSL•m-1 (BF10 = 4.3, moderate). In conclusion, this study reports that DSL, DSL•m-1, and FI can be valid metrics to monitor fatigue related to movement strategy during a standardized submaximal intermittent exercise protocol.

The inter-unit and inter-model reliability of GNSS STATSports Apex and Viper units in measuring peak speed over 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 meters.

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the inter-unit reliability (Apex vs. Apex; Viper vs. Viper) and inter-model reliability (Apex vs. Viper) from 5 to 30 m sprinting activity. Ten team sport players (age 22 ± 1 years) were enrolled in this crossover study and performed 1271 trials (436 Apex vs. Apex, 464 Viper vs. Viper, 371 Apex vs. Viper) consisting of 5-10 m, 10-15 m, 15-20 m, and 20-30 m sprints. Inter-unit reliability was calculated using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and coefficient of variation (CV), while between-unit and model analysis were subsequently performed to evaluate differences in Vpeak. Apex (10 Hz) units had excellent inter-unit reliability for all distances, whereas Viper (10 Hz) units had good to excellent reliability. The CV was good (< 5%) for both GNSS models. Significant differences were found in Vpeak in Sprint 5-10 = 0.13 CI (0.08, 0.182) m.s-1, Sprint 10-15 = 0.06 CI (0.01, 0.1) m.s-1, and in Sprint overall = 0.06 CI (0.03, 0.09) m.s-1. Both Viper and Apex units can consistently report Vpeak measurements since good to excellent ICC and good CV were found. However, Vpeak measurements are significantly different between models for distances less than 15 m. In conclusion, this study shows that differences exist among manufacturers' models and that the two GNSS models should not be used interchangeably to quantify Vpeak.