@article{LesinskiMuehlbauerBueschetal.2013, author = {Lesinski, Melanie and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Buesch, Dirk and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Acute Effects of Postactivation Potentiation on Strength and Speed Performance in Athletes}, series = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, volume = {27}, journal = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, number = {3}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0932-0555}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1335414}, pages = {147 -- 155}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Background: The contractile history of a muscle or a muscle group can result in an acute enhancement of subsequent muscle force output. This phenomenon is referred to as postactivation potentiation (PAP) and it was frequently substantiated in original research manuscripts, systematic literature reviews, and meta-analyses. However, there is a lack in the literature regarding precise dose-response relations. This literature review describes the main determinants of PAP effects and additionally presents the state of the art regarding the acute effects of PAP protocols on measures of strength, power, and speed in subelite and elite athletes of different sport disciplines. Furthermore, an attempt is made to demonstrate evidence-based information concerning the design of effective PAP protocols. Methods: Our literature search included the electronic databases Pubmed, SportDiscus, and Google Scholar (1995 - March 2013). In total, 23 studies met the inclusionary criteria for review. Results: Findings from our literature review indicate that various conditioning activities produce acute PAP effects in subelite and particularly elite athletes. More specifically, conditioning activities that are characterised by multiple sets, moderate to high intensities (60 - 84 \% of the one repetition maximum), and rest intervals of 7 - 10 min. following the conditioning activity have the potential to induce short-term improvements in muscle force output and sports performance. Conclusion: It is recommended that subelite and particularly elite athletes from strength, power, and speed disciplines apply specifically tailored conditioning activities during the acute preparation process for competition to induce performance enhancing PAP effects.}, language = {de} } @misc{LesinskiMuehlbauerBueschetal.2014, author = {Lesinski, Melanie and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Buesch, Dirk and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of complex training on strength and speed performance in athletes: A systematic review effects of complex training on athletic performance}, series = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, volume = {28}, journal = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, number = {2}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0932-0555}, doi = {10.1055/s-0034-1366145}, pages = {85 -- 107}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Post-activation potentiation (PAP) can elicit acute performance enhancements in variables of strength, power, and speed. However, it is unresolved whether the frequent integration of PAP eliciting conditioning activities in training (i.e., complex training) results in long-term adaptations. In this regard, it is of interest to know whether complex training results in larger performance enhancements as compared to more traditional and isolated training regimens (e. g., resistance training). Thus, this systematic literature review summarises the current state of the art regarding the effects of complex training on measures of strength, power, and speed in recreational, subelite, and elite athletes. Further, it provides information on training volume and intensities that proved to be effective. Methods: Our literature search included the electronic databases Pubmed, SportDiscus, and Web of Science (1995 to September 2013). In total, 17 studies met the inclusionary criteria for review. Ten studies examined alternating complex training and 7 studies sequenced complex training. Results: Our findings indicated small to large effects for both alternating complex training (countermovement jump height: +7.4 \% [ESd = -0.43]; squat jump height: +9.8 \% [ESd = -0.66]; sprint time: -2.4\% [ESd = 0.63]) and sequenced complex training (countermovement jump height: +6.0 \% [ESd = -0.83]; squat jump height: +11.9\% [ESd = -0.97], sprint time: -0.7\% [ESd = 0.52]) in measures of power and speed. As compared to more traditional training regimens, alternating and sequenced complex training showed only small effects in measures of strength, power, and speed. A more detailed analysis of alternating complex training revealed larger effects in countermovement jump height in recreational athletes (+9.7\% [ESd = -0.57]) as compared to subelite and elite athletes (+2.7\% [ESd = -0.15]). Based on the relevant and currently available literature, missing data (e.g., time for rest interval) and diverse information regarding training volume and intensity do not allow us to establish evidence-based dose-response relations for complex training. Conclusion: Complex training represents an effective training regimen for athletes if the goal is to enhance strength, power, and speed. Studies with high methodological quality have to be conducted in the future to elucidate whether complex training is less, similar, or even more effective compared to more traditional training regimens. Finally, it should be clarified whether alternated and/or sequenced conditioning activities implemented in complex training actually elicit acute PAP effects.}, language = {de} } @article{NegraChaabeneSammoudetal.2017, author = {Negra, Yassine and Chaabene, Helmi and Sammoud, Senda and Bouguezzi, Raja and Abbes, Mohamed Aymen and Hachana, Younes and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness in Prepuberal Soccer Athletes}, series = {International journal of sports medicine}, volume = {38}, journal = {International journal of sports medicine}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0172-4622}, doi = {10.1055/s-0042-122337}, pages = {370 -- 377}, year = {2017}, abstract = {This study aimed at examining the effects of plyometric training on stable (SPT) vs. unstable (UPT) surfaces on physical fitness in prepuberal soccer players. Male athletes were randomly assigned to SPT (n = 18; age = 12.7 +/- 0.2 years) or UPT (n = 16; age = 12.2 +/- 0.5 years). Both groups conducted 3 regular soccer training sessions per week combined with either 2 SPT or UPT sessions. Assessment of jumping ability (countermovement jump [CMJ], and standing long jump [SLJ]), speed (10-m, 20-m, 30-m sprint), agility (Illinois agility test [IAT]), and balance (stable [SSBT], unstable [USBT] stork balance test; stable [SYBT], unstable [UYBT] Y balance test) was conducted pre-and post-training. An ANCO-VA model was used to test for between-group differences (SPT vs. UPT) at post-test using baseline values as covariates. No significant differences were found for CMJ height (p > 0.05, d = 0.54), SLJ (p > 0.05; d = 0.81), 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m sprint performances (p > 0.05, d = 0.00-0.24), IAT (p > 0.05, d = 0.48), and dynamic balance (SYBT and UYBT, both p > 0.05, d = 0.39, 0.08, respectively). Statistically significant between-group differences were detected for the USBT (p < 0.01, d = 1.86) and the SSBT (p < 0.01, d = 1.75) in favor of UPT. Following 8 weeks of SPT or UPT in prepuberal athletes, similar performance levels were observed in both groups for measures of jumping ability, speed, dynamic balance, and agility. However, if the goal is to additionally enhance static balance, UPT has an advantage over SPT.}, language = {en} } @article{NegraChaabeneSammoudetal.2017, author = {Negra, Yassine and Chaabene, Helmi and Sammoud, Senda and Bouguezzi, Raja and Mkaouer, Bessem and Hachana, Younes and Granacher, Urs}, title = {EFFECTS OF PLYOMETRIC TRAINING ON COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS IN PREPUBERAL MALE SOCCER ATHLETES: THE ROLE OF SURFACE INSTABILITY}, series = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, volume = {31}, journal = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {1064-8011}, pages = {3295 -- 3304}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Previous studies contrasted the effects of plyometric training (PT) conducted on stable vs. unstable surfaces on components of physical fitness in child and adolescent soccer players. Depending on the training modality (stable vs. unstable), specific performance improvements were found for jump (stable PT) and balance performances (unstable PT). In an attempt to combine the effects of both training modalities, this study examined the effects of PT on stable surfaces compared with combined PT on stable and unstable surfaces on components of physical fitness in prepuberal male soccer athletes. Thirty-three boys were randomly assigned to either a PT on stable surfaces (PTS; n = 17; age = 12.1 +/- 0.5 years; height = 151.6 +/- 5.7 cm; body mass = 39.2 +/- 6.5 kg; and maturity offset = 22.3 +/- 0.5 years) or a combined PT on stable and unstable surfaces (PTC; n = 16; age = 12.2 +/- 0.6 years; height = 154.6 +/- 8.1 cm; body mass = 38.7 +/- 5.0 kg; and maturity offset = 22.2 +/- 0.6 years). Both intervention groups conducted 4 soccer-specific training sessions per week combined with either 2 PTS or PTC sessions. Before and after 8 weeks of training, proxies of muscle power (e.g., countermovement jump [CMJ], standing long jump [SLJ]), muscle strength (e.g., reactive strength index [RSI]), speed (e.g., 20-m sprint test), agility (e.g., modified Illinois change of direction test [MICODT]), static balance (e.g., stable stork bal-ance test [SSBT]), and dynamic balance (unstable stork balance test [USBT]) were tested. An analysis of covariance model was used to test between-group differences (PTS vs. PTC) at posttest using baseline outcomes as covariates. No significant between-group differences at posttest were observed for CMJ (p > 0.05, d = 0.41), SLJ (p > 0.05, d = 0.36), RSI (p > 0.05, d = 0.57), 20-m sprint test (p > 0.05, d = 0.06), MICODT (p > 0.05, d = 0.23), and SSBT (p > 0.05, d = 0.20). However, statistically significant between-group differences at posttest were noted for the USBT (p < 0.01, d = 1.49) in favor of the PTC group. For most physical fitness tests (except RSI), significant pre-to-post improvements were observed for both groups (p < 0.01, d = 0.55-3.96). Eight weeks of PTS or PTC resulted in similar performance improvements in components of physical fitness except for dynamic balance. From a performance-enhancing perspective, PTC is recommended for pediatric strength and conditioning coaches because it produced comparable training effects as PTS on proxies of muscle power, muscle strength, speed, agility, static balance, and additional effects on dynamic balance.}, language = {en} } @article{HelmPrieskeMuehlbaueretal.2018, author = {Helm, Norman and Prieske, Olaf and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Kr{\"u}ger, Tom and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of judo-specific resistance training on kinetic and electromyographic parameters of pulling exercises in judo athletes}, series = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, volume = {32}, journal = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, number = {2}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0932-0555}, doi = {10.1055/s-0043-122781}, pages = {134 -- 142}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Background In judo, rapid force production during pulling movements is an important component of athletic performance, which is why this capacity needs to be specifically exercised in judo. This study aimed at examining the effects of a judo-specific resistance training program using a judo ergometer system (PTJ) versus a traditional resistance training regime using a partner (PTP) on kinetics and muscle activity of judo-specific pulling exercises. Method Twenty-four male judo athletes (age: 22 +/- 4 years, training experience: 15 +/- 3 years) were randomly assigned to two groups. In a crossover design, the first group completed a 4-week PTJ followed by four weeks of PTP (each with three sessions per week). The second group conducted PTP prior to PTJ. PTJ and PTP were completed in addition to regular training. Before, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after training, tests were conducted to assess judo-specific pulling kinetics (i.e. maximal force, rate of force development [RFD], mechanical work) and electromyographic (EMG) shoulder/trunk muscle activity (i.e. biceps brachii muscle, deltoid muscle, trapezius muscle, erector spinae muscle) during pulling movements using a judo ergometer as well as unspecific strength tests (i.e. bench-pull, pull-ups). Results The statistical analysis revealed that in both groups ergometer pulling kinetics (p<.05, 0.83 <= d <= 1.77) and EMG activity (p<.05; 1.07 <= d <= 2.25) were significantly enhanced following 8 weeks of training. In addition, significantly larger gains in RFD, mechanical work, and EMG activity (i.e. deltoid muscle, erector spinae muscle, trapezius muscle) were found following PTJ compared to PTP (p<.05, 1.25 <= d <= 2.79). No significant enhancements were observed with the unspecific strength tests. Conclusion Our findings indicate that PTJ is superior to PTP regarding training-induced improvements in force production and muscle activity during judo-specific pulling exercises. Performance enhancements may partly be attributed to neural adaptations. No transfer effects on unspecific strength tests were detected following PTJ and PTP.}, language = {de} } @article{FernandezFernandezGranacherSanzRivasetal.2018, author = {Fernandez-Fernandez, Jaime and Granacher, Urs and Sanz-Rivas, David and Sarabia Marin, Jose Manuel and Luis Hernandez-Davo, Jose and Moya, Manuel}, title = {Sequencing Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Fitness in Youth Elite Tennis Players}, series = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, number = {3}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {1064-8011}, doi = {10.1519/JSC.0000000000002319}, pages = {849 -- 856}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Granacher, U, Sanz-Rivas, D, Sarabia Marin, JM, Hernandez-Davo, JL, and Moya, M. Sequencing effects of neuromuscular training on physical fitness in youth elite tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 849-856, 2018-The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 5-week neuromuscular training (NMT) implemented before or after a tennis session in prepubertal players on selected components of physical fitness. Sixteen high-level tennis players with a mean age of 12.9 +/- 0.4 years participated in this study, and were assigned to either a training group performing NMT before tennis-specific training (BT; n = 8) or a group that conducted NMT after tennis-specific training (AT; n = 8). Pretest and posttest included: speed (5, 10, and 20 m); modified 5-0-5 agility test; countermovement jump (CMJ); overhead medicine ball throw (MBT); and serve velocity (SV). Results showed that the BT group achieved positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in speed (d = 0.52, 0.32, and 1.08 for 5, 10, and 20 m respectively), 5-0-5 (d = 0.22), CMJ (d = 0.29), MBT (d = 0.51), and SV (d = 0.32), whereas trivial (10 m, 20 m, CMJ, SV, and MBT) or negative effects (d = -0.19 and -0.24 for 5 m and 5-0-5, respectively) were reported for the AT group. The inclusion of an NMT session before the regular tennis training led to positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in performance-related variables (i.e., jump, sprint, change of direction capacity, as well as upper-body power), whereas conducting the same exercise sessions after the regular tennis training was not accompanied by the same improvements.}, language = {en} } @misc{GranacherPutaGabrieletal.2018, author = {Granacher, Urs and Puta, Christian and Gabriel, Holger H. W. and Behm, David George and Arampatzis, Adamantios}, title = {Neuromuscular Training and Adaptations in Youth Athletes}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {9}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2018.01264}, pages = {5}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{HelmPrieskeMuehlbaueretal.2020, author = {Helm, Norman and Prieske, Olaf and M{\"u}hlbauer, Thomas and Kr{\"u}ger, Tom and Retzlaff, Matthias and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Associations between trunk muscle strength and judo-specific pulling performances in judo athletes}, series = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, volume = {34}, journal = {Sportverletzung, Sportschaden : Grundlagen, Pr{\"a}vention, Rehabilitation}, number = {1}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0932-0555}, doi = {10.1055/a-0677-9608}, pages = {18 -- 27}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background: Good trunk stability is an important prerequisite for the mobility of the upper and lower limbs during sport-specific movements. Therefore, trunk muscle strength may represent an important performance determinant for judo-specific movements. This study aimed at evaluating statistical correlations between trunk muscle strength and kinetic parameters during judo-specific pulling movements in judo players. Method: Twenty-one male sub-elite judo players aged 22 +/- 4 years with a mean training volume of 15 +/- 4 hours per week participated in this study. Peak isokinetic torque (PIT) of the trunk flexors (PITFlex), extensors (PITEx) and rotators (PITRot) was tested using an isokinetic dynamometer (IsoMed 2000). In addition, two kinetic parameters (mechanical work [W], maximal force [F-max]) were analysed using the judo-specific measurement and information system JERGo (c). For this purpose, athletes were asked to do their judo-specific pulling movements while standing and with a dynamic change of position (i.e. Morote-seoi-nage). Results: Regarding pulling movements while standing, significant correlations (0.62 <= r(P) <= 0.72) were found between isokinetic tests (PITFlex, PITEx, PITRot) and mechanical work during judo-specific movement. Further, significant correlations (0.59 <= r(P) <= 0.65) were detected between isokinetic tests (PITEx, PITRot) and judo-specific pulling movements (Fmax). Regarding pulling movements with a change of position, significant correlations (0.47 <= r(P) <= 0.88) were observed between isokinetics (PITFlex, PITEx, PITRot) and the kinetic pulling parameters (W, Fmax), irrespective of the examined arm. No significant differences in magnitude of correlation coefficients were found between PIT of the trunk flexors, extensors, and rotators and judo-specific movements. Further, the regression analysis indicated that PIT of the trunk extensors is the single best predictor for mechanical work during pulling movements while standing (46.9 \%). Trunk rotator PIT is the single best predictor for mechanical work during pulling movements with a change of position (69.4 \%). Conclusions: Findings from this study indicate that trunk muscle strength, particularly trunk rotator PIT is associated with kinetic pulling variables during pulling movements with a change of position. This implies that the development of trunk rotator strength could have an impact on pulling movements with a change of position (i.e. Morote-seoi-nage) in judo athletes.}, language = {de} } @article{HortobagyiGranacherFernandezdelOlmoetal.2020, author = {Hortobagyi, Tibor and Granacher, Urs and Fernandez-del-Olmo, Miguel and Howatson, Glyn and Manca, Andrea and Deriu, Franca and Taube, Wolfgang and Gruber, Markus and Marquez, Gonzalo and Lundbye-Jensen, Jesper and Colomer-Poveda, David}, title = {Functional relevance of resistance training-induced neuroplasticity in health and disease}, series = {Neuroscience \& biobehavioral reviews : official journal of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society}, volume = {122}, journal = {Neuroscience \& biobehavioral reviews : official journal of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0149-7634}, doi = {10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.019}, pages = {79 -- 91}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Repetitive, monotonic, and effortful voluntary muscle contractions performed for just a few weeks, i.e., resistance training, can substantially increase maximal voluntary force in the practiced task and can also increase gross motor performance. The increase in motor performance is often accompanied by neuroplastic adaptations in the central nervous system. While historical data assigned functional relevance to such adaptations induced by resistance training, this claim has not yet been systematically and critically examined in the context of motor performance across the lifespan in health and disease. A review of muscle activation, brain and peripheral nerve stimulation, and imaging data revealed that increases in motor performance and neuroplasticity tend to be uncoupled, making a mechanistic link between neuroplasticity and motor performance inconclusive. We recommend new approaches, including causal mediation analytical and hypothesis-driven models to substantiate the functional relevance of resistance training-induced neuroplasticity in the improvements of gross motor function across the lifespan in health and disease.}, language = {en} } @article{ThielePrieskeChaabeneetal.2020, author = {Thiele, Dirk and Prieske, Olaf and Chaabene, Helmi and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of strength training on physical fitness and sport-specific performance in recreational, sub-elite, and elite rowers}, series = {Journal of sports sciences}, volume = {38}, journal = {Journal of sports sciences}, number = {10}, publisher = {Routledge, Taylor \& Francis Group}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {0264-0414}, doi = {10.1080/02640414.2020.1745502}, pages = {1186 -- 1195}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to examine the effects of strength training (ST) on selected components of physical fitness (e.g., lower/upper limb maximal strength, muscular endurance, jump performance, cardiorespiratory endurance) and sport-specific performance in rowers. Only studies with an active control group were included if they examined the effects of ST on at least one proxy of physical fitness and/or sport-specific performance in rowers. Weighted and averaged standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were computed to identify effects of ST type or expertise level on sport-specific performance. Our analyses revealed significant small effects of ST on lower limb maximal strength (SMD = 0.42, p = 0.05) and on sport-specific performance (SMD = 0.32, p = 0.05). Non-significant effects were found for upper limb maximal strength, upper/lower limb muscular endurance, jump performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Subgroup analyses for ST type and expertise level showed non-significant differences between the respective subgroups of rowers (p >= 0.32). Our systematic review with meta-analysis indicated that ST is an effective means for improving lower limb maximal strength and sport-specific performance in rowers. However, ST-induced effects are neither modulated by ST type nor rowers' expertise level.}, language = {en} }