TY - JOUR A1 - Lesinski, Melanie A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Seasonal effects of strength endurance vs. power training in young female soccer athletes JF - Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA N2 - Lesinski, M, Prieske, O, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Seasonal effects of strength endurance vs. power training in young female soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S90-S96, 2021-This study examined the seasonal effects of strength endurance training (SET) vs. power training (PT) on physical fitness and body composition in young female soccer players. Thirty-six young female elite soccer players (15 +/- 1 years; maturity offset +3 +/- 1 years) were allocated to progressive SET (n = 19) or PT (n = 17). Over the course of one soccer season, SET performed slow movement velocity, moderate intensity (50-60% of the 1 repetition maximum [1RM]; 20-40 repetitions) strength exercises while PT performed moderate-to-high intensity (50-95% of the 1RM; 3-8 repetitions), high movement velocity strength exercises (2 sessions center dot wk(-1)). Before and after training, tests were performed for the assessment of muscle strength (1RM leg press), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jump [DJ]), muscular endurance (ventral Bourban test), linear speed (10 m, 20 m), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (T-test), dynamic balance (Y-balance test), sport-specific performance (kicking velocity), and body composition (lean body mass and fat mass). An analysis of covariance was used to test for between-group differences at post-test with baseline values as covariate. No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of total training volume over the respective soccer seasons (p = 0.069; d = 0.68). At post-test, SET showed significantly better ventral Bourban and T-test performances (d = 1.28-2.28; p = 0.000-0.001) compared with PT. However, PT resulted in significantly better 1RM leg press, DJ, 10-m, and 20-m sprint performances (d = 0.85-1.44; p = 0.000-0.026). No significant between-group differences were observed at post-test for CMJ, Y-balance test, kicking performance, and body composition (d = 0.20-0.74, p = 0.051-0.594). Our findings are mainly in accordance with the principle of training specificity. Both SET and PT are recommended to be implemented in young female elite soccer players according to the respective training period. KW - strength training KW - elite KW - training specificity KW - soccer players KW - muscle KW - endurance KW - periodization Y1 - 2021 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003564 SN - 1064-8011 SN - 1533-4287 VL - 35 IS - Supplement 12 SP - S90 EP - S96 PB - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins CY - Philadelphia ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo A1 - Alvarez, Cristian A1 - Garcia-Hermoso, Antonio A1 - Ramirez-Velez, Robinson A1 - Gentil, Paulo A1 - Asadi, Abbas A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Moran, Jason A1 - Meylan, Cesar A1 - Garcia-de-Alcaraz, Antonio A1 - Sanchez-Sanchez, Javier A1 - Nakamura, Fabio Y. A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Kraemer, William A1 - Izquierdo, Mikel T1 - Methodological characteristics and future directions for plyometric jump training research BT - a scoping review JF - Sports medicine N2 - Recently, there has been a proliferation of published articles on the effect of plyometric jump training, including several review articles and meta-analyses. However, these types of research articles are generally of narrow scope. Furthermore, methodological limitations among studies (e.g., a lack of active/passive control groups) prevent the generalization of results, and these factors need to be addressed by researchers. On that basis, the aims of this scoping review were to (1) characterize the main elements of plyometric jump training studies (e.g., training protocols) and (2) provide future directions for research. From 648 potentially relevant articles, 242 were eligible for inclusion in this review. The main issues identified related to an insufficient number of studies conducted in females, youths, and individual sports (~ 24.0, ~ 37.0, and ~ 12.0% of overall studies, respectively); insufficient reporting of effect size values and training prescription (~ 34.0 and ~ 55.0% of overall studies, respectively); and studies missing an active/passive control group and randomization (~ 40.0 and ~ 20.0% of overall studies, respectively). Furthermore, plyometric jump training was often combined with other training methods and added to participants’ daily training routines (~ 47.0 and ~ 39.0% of overall studies, respectively), thus distorting conclusions on its independent effects. Additionally, most studies lasted no longer than 7 weeks. In future, researchers are advised to conduct plyometric training studies of high methodological quality (e.g., randomized controlled trials). More research is needed in females, youth, and individual sports. Finally, the identification of specific dose-response relationships following plyometric training is needed to specifically tailor intervention programs, particularly in the long term. Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0870-z SN - 0112-1642 SN - 1179-2035 VL - 48 IS - 5 SP - 1059 EP - 1081 PB - Springer CY - Northcote ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Lesinski, Melanie A1 - Behm, David George A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Performance- and healthrelated benefits of youth resistance training T1 - Leistungs- und gesundheitsbezogene Wirkungen von Krafttraining mit Heranwachsenden JF - Sports Orthopaedics and Traumatology N2 - Performance- and healthrelated benefits of yoThere is ample evidence that youth resistance training (RT) is safe, joyful, and effective for different markers of performance (e.g., muscle strength, power, linear sprint speed) and health (e.g., injury prevention). Accordingly, the first aim of this narrative review is to present and discuss the relevance of muscle strength for youth physical development. The second purpose is to report evidence on the effectiveness of RT on muscular fitness (muscle strength, power, muscle endurance), on movement skill performance and injury prevention in youth. There is evidence that RT is effective in enhancing measures of muscle fitness in children and adolescents, irrespective of sex. Additionally, numerous studies indicate that RT has positive effects on fundamental movement skills (e.g., jumping, running, throwing) in youth regardless of age, maturity, training status, and sex. Further, irrespective of age, sex, and training status, regular exposure to RT (e.g., plyometric training) decreases the risk of sustaining injuries in youth. This implies that RT should be a meaningful element of youths’ exercise programming. This has been acknowledged by global (e.g., World Health Organization) and national (e.g., National Strength and Conditioning Association) health- and performance-related organizations which is why they recommended to perform RT as an integral part of weekly exercise programs to promote muscular strength, fundamental movement skills, and to resist injuries in youth.uth resistance training N2 - Die aktuelle Literatur zum Krafttraining mit Kindern und Jugendlichen zeigt eindrücklich, dass ein altersgerechtes und fachlich angeleitetes Krafttraining eine sichere, freudvolle und effektive Maßnahme für die Leistungsentwicklung (z. B. Muskelkraft, Schnellkraft, Sprintgeschwindigkeit) und Gesundheitserhaltung (z. B. Verletzungsprävention) von Heranwachsenden darstellt. Einerseits ist es das Ziel dieses narrativen Übersichtsartikels, die Relevanz der Muskelkraft für die körperliche Entwicklung von Heranwachsenden zu diskutieren. Andererseits sollen aktuelle Befunde zur Effektivität von Krafttraining auf die muskuläre Fitness (Maximal-/Schnellkraft, Kraftausdauer), elementare Bewegungsfertigkeiten (z.B. Springen, Rennen, Werfen) sowie die Verletzungsprävention bei Kindern und Jugendlichen beschrieben werden. Die aktuelle Literatur belegt, dass Krafttraining die Muskelkraft, die Schnellkraft und die Kraftausdauer von Kindern und Jugendlichen unabhängig vom Geschlecht verbessern kann. Weiterhin zeigen Studien, dass trainingsbedingte Verbesserungen der muskulären Fitness auf elementare Bewegungsfertigkeiten transferieren. Diese Wirkungen sind unabhängig vom Alter, der biologischen Reife, dem Trainingsstatus und dem Geschlecht der Trainierenden. Zudem verringert regelmäßiges Krafttraining das Verletzungsrisiko der Heranwachsenden unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht und Trainingsstatus. Aufgrund dieses breiten Wirkungsspektrums sollte Krafttraining ein elementarer Bestandteil des Trainings von Heranwachsenden darstellen. Nationale (National Strength and Conditioning Association) sowie internationale (Weltgesundheitsorganisation) gesundheits- und leistungsorientierte Standesgesellschaften haben die positiven Wirkungen von Krafttraining erkannt und in ihre Bewegungsempfehlungen für Kinder und Jugendliche übernommen. KW - muscle strength KW - muscle power KW - strength training KW - children KW - adolescents KW - Maximalkraft KW - Schnellkraft KW - Widerstandstraining KW - Kinder KW - Jugendliche Y1 - 2020 VL - 36 IS - 3 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Negra, Yassine A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Change of direction speed BT - toward a strength training approach with accentuated eccentric muscle actions JF - Sports medicine N2 - There is growing evidence that eccentric strength training appears to have benefits over traditional strength training (i.e., strength training with combined concentric and eccentric muscle actions) from muscular, neuromuscular, tendinous, and metabolic perspectives. Eccentric muscle strength is particularly needed to decelerate and stabilize the body during the braking phase of a jump exercise or during rapid changes of direction (CoD) tasks. However, surprisingly little research has been conducted to elucidate the effects of eccentric strength training or strength training with accentuated eccentric muscle actions on CoD speed performance. In this current opinion article, we present findings from cross-sectional studies on the relationship between measures of eccentric muscle strength and CoD speed performance. In addition, we summarize the few available studies on the effects of strength training with accentuated eccentric muscle actions on CoD speed performance in athletic populations. Finally, we propose strength training with accentuated eccentric muscle actions as a promising element in strength and conditioning programs of sports with high CoD speed demands. Our findings from five cross-sectional studies revealed statistically significant moderate-to large-sized correlations (r = 0.45-0.89) between measures of eccentric muscle strength and CoD speed performance in athletic populations. The identified three intervention studies were of limited methodological quality and reported small-to large-sized effects (d = 0.46-1.31) of strength training with accentuated eccentric muscle actions on CoD speed performance in athletes. With reference to the available but preliminary literature and from a performance-related point of view, we recommend strength and conditioning coaches to include strength training with accentuated eccentric muscle actions in training routines of sports with high CoD speed demands (e.g., soccer, handball, basketball, hockey) to enhance sport-specific performance. Future comparative studies are needed to deepen our knowledge of the effects of strength training with accentuated eccentric muscle actions on CoD speed performance in athletes. Y1 - 2018 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0907-3 SN - 0112-1642 SN - 1179-2035 VL - 48 IS - 8 SP - 1773 EP - 1779 PB - Springer CY - Northcote ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Negra, Yassine A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Sammoud, Senda A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Moran, Jason A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo A1 - Nejmaoui, Ali A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - The increased effectiveness of loaded versus unloaded plyometric jump training in improving muscle power, speed, change of direction, and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players JF - International journal of sports physiology and performance : IJSSP N2 - Purpose: To examine the effects of loaded (LPJT) versus unloaded plyometric jump training (UPJT) programs on measures of muscle power, speed, change of direction (CoD), and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players. Methods: Participants (N = 29) were randomly assigned to a LPJT group (n = 13; age = 13.0 [0.7] y) using weighted vests or UPJT group (n = 16; age = 13.0 [0.5] y) using body mass only. Before and after the intervention, tests for the assessment of proxies of muscle power (ie, countermovement jump, standing long jump); speed (ie, 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint); CoD (ie, Illinois CoD test, modified 505 agility test); and kicking-distance were conducted. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Results: Within-group analyses for the LPJT group showed large and very large improvements for 10-m sprint time (effect size [ES] = 2.00) and modified 505 CoD (ES = 2.83) tests, respectively. For the same group, moderate improvements were observed for the Illinois CoD test (ES = 0.61), 5- and 20-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00 for both the tests), countermovement jump test (ES = 1.00), and the maximal kicking-distance test (ES = 0.90). Small enhancements in the standing long jump test (ES = 0.50) were apparent. Regarding the UPJT group, small improvements were observed for all tests (ES = 0.33-0.57), except 5- and 10-m sprint time (ES = 1.00 and 0.63, respectively). Between-group analyses favored the LPJT group for the modified 505 CoD (ES = 0.61), standing long jump (ES = 0.50), and maximal kicking-distance tests (ES = 0.57), but not for the 5-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00). Only trivial between-group differences were shown for the remaining tests (ES = 0.00-0.09). Conclusion: Overall, LPJT appears to be more effective than UPJT in improving measures of muscle power, speed, CoD, and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players. KW - young KW - football KW - stretch-shortening cycle KW - maturity KW - athletic KW - performance Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0866 SN - 1555-0265 SN - 1555-0273 VL - 15 IS - 2 SP - 189 EP - 195 PB - Human Kinetics CY - Champaign, Ill. ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thiele, Dirk A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Effects of strength training on physical fitness and sport-specific performance in recreational, sub-elite, and elite rowers BT - a systematic review with meta-analysis JF - Journal of sports sciences N2 - 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. KW - resistance training KW - plyometric training KW - on-water performance KW - race KW - time KW - oarsmen KW - athletic performance Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1745502 SN - 0264-0414 SN - 1466-447X VL - 38 IS - 10 SP - 1186 EP - 1195 PB - Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group CY - Abingdon ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Moran, Jason A1 - Negra, Yassine A1 - Attia, Ahmed A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Effects of resistance training on Change-of-Direction speed in youth and young physically active and athletic adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis JF - Sports medicine : the world's premier sports medicine preview journal N2 - Background Change-of-direction (CoD) speed is a physical fitness attribute in many field-based team and individual sports. To date, no systematic review with meta-analysis available has examined the effects of resistance training (RT) on CoD speed in youth and adults. Objective To aggregate the effects of RT on CoD speed in youth and young physically active and athletic adults, and to identify the key RT programme variables for training prescription. Data sources A systematic literature search was conducted with PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with no date restrictions, up to October 2019, to identify studies related to the effects of RT on CoD speed. Study Eligibility Criteria Only controlled studies with baseline and follow-up measures were included if they examined the effects of RT (i.e., muscle actions against external resistances) on CoD speed in healthy youth (8-18 years) and young physically active/athletic male or female adults (19-28 years). Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted standardised mean differences (SMD) between intervention and control groups. In addition, an independent single training factor analysis (i.e., RT frequency, intensity, volume) was undertaken. Further, to verify if any RT variable moderated effects on CoD speed, a multivariate random-effects meta-regression was conducted. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale. Results Fifteen studies, comprising 19 experimental groups, were included. The methodological quality of the studies was acceptable with a median PEDro score of 6. There was a significant large effect size of RT on CoD speed across all studies (SMD = - 0.82 [- 1.14 to - 0.49]). Subgroup analyses showed large effect sizes on CoD speed in males (SMD = - 0.95) contrasting with moderate improvements in females (SMD = - 0.60). There were large effect sizes on CoD speed in children (SMD = - 1.28) and adolescents (SMD = - 1.21) contrasting with moderate effects in adults (SMD = - 0.63). There was a moderate effect in elite athletes (SMD = - 0.69) contrasting with a large effect in subelite athletes (SMD = - 0.86). Differences between subgroups were not statistically significant. Similar improvements were observed regarding the effects of independently computed training variables. In terms of RT frequency, our results indicated that two sessions per week induced large effects on CoD speed (SMD = - 1.07) while programmes with three sessions resulted in moderate effects (SMD = - 0.53). For total training intervention duration, we observed large effects for <= 8 weeks (SMD = - 0.81) and > 8 weeks (SMD = - 0.85). For single session duration, we found large effects for <= 30 min and >= 45 min (both SMD = - 1.00). In terms of number of training sessions, we identified large effects for <= 16 sessions (SMD = - 0.83) and > 16 sessions (SMD = - 0.81). For training intensity, we found moderate effects for light-to-moderate (SMD = - 0.76) and vigorous-to-near maximal intensities (SMD = - 0.77). With regards to RT type, we observed large effects for free weights (SMD = - 0.99) and machine-based training (SMD = - 0.80). For combined free weights and machine-based training, moderate effects were identified (SMD = - 0.77). The meta-regression outcomes showed that none of the included training variables significantly predicted the effects of RT on CoD speed (R-2 = 0.00). Conclusions RT seems to be an effective means to improve CoD speed in youth and young physically active and athletic adults. Our findings indicate that the impact of RT on CoD speed may be more prominent in males than in females and in youth than in adults. Additionally, independently computed single factor analyses for different training variables showed that higher compared with lower RT intensities, frequencies, and volumes appear not to have an advantage on the magnitude of CoD speed improvements. In terms of RT type, similar improvements were observed following machine-based and free weights training. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01293-w SN - 0112-1642 SN - 1179-2035 VL - 50 IS - 8 SP - 1483 EP - 1499 PB - Springer CY - Berlin [u.a.] ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Behrens, Martin A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Granacher, Urs A1 - Maffiuletti, Nicola A. T1 - Time to differentiate postactivation "potentiation" from "performance enhancement" in the strength and conditioning community JF - Sports medicine : the world's premier sports medicine preview journal N2 - Coaches and athletes in elite sports are constantly seeking to use innovative and advanced training strategies to efficiently improve strength/power performance in already highly-trained individuals. In this regard, high-intensity conditioning contractions have become a popular means to induce acute improvements primarily in muscle contractile properties, which are supposed to translate to subsequent power performances. This performance-enhancing physiological mechanism has previously been called postactivation potentiation (PAP). However, in contrast to the traditional mechanistic understanding of PAP that is based on electrically-evoked twitch properties, an increasing number of studies used the term PAP while referring to acute performance enhancements, even if physiological measures of PAP were not directly assessed. In this current opinion article, we compare the two main approaches (i.e., mechanistic vs. performance) used in the literature to describe PAP effects. We additionally discuss potential misconceptions in the general use of the term PAP. Studies showed that mechanistic and performance-related PAP approaches have different characteristics in terms of the applied research field (basic vs. applied), effective conditioning contractions (e.g., stimulated vs. voluntary), verification (lab-based vs. field tests), effects (twitch peak force vs. maximal voluntary strength), occurrence (consistent vs. inconsistent), and time course (largest effect immediately after vs. similar to 7 min after the conditioning contraction). Moreover, cross-sectional studies revealed inconsistent and trivial-to-large-sized associations between selected measures of mechanistic (e.g., twitch peak force) vs. performance-related PAP approaches (e.g., jump height). In an attempt to avoid misconceptions related to the two different PAP approaches, we propose to use two different terms. Postactivation potentiation should only be used to indicate the increase in muscular force/torque production during an electrically-evoked twitch. In contrast, postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) should be used to refer to the enhancement of measures of maximal strength, power, and speed following conditioning contractions. The implementation of this terminology would help to better differentiate between mechanistic and performance-related PAP approaches. This is important from a physiological point of view, but also when it comes to aggregating findings from PAP studies, e.g., in the form of meta-analyses, and translating these findings to the field of strength and conditioning. Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01300-0 SN - 0112-1642 SN - 1179-2035 VL - 50 IS - 9 SP - 1559 EP - 1565 PB - Springer CY - Berlin [u.a.] ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Gäbler, Martijn A1 - Herz, Michael A1 - Helm, Norman A1 - Markov, Adrian A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Seasonal changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness and the relationships with sporting success in young sub-elite judo athletes BT - an exploratory study JF - International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH N2 - This exploratory study aimed to monitor long-term seasonal developments in measures of anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness in young judo athletes, and to compute associations between these measures and sporting success. Forty-four young judoka (20 females, 24 males) volunteered to participate. Tests for the assessment of anthropometry (e.g., body height/mass), body-composition (e.g., lean body mass), muscle strength (isometric handgrip strength), vertical jumping (e.g., countermovement-jump (CMJ) height), and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were conducted at the beginning and end of a 10-month training season. Additionally, sporting success at the end of the season was recorded for each athlete. Analyses revealed significant time x sex interaction effects for lean-body-mass, isometric handgrip strength, and CMJ height (0.7 <= d <= 1.6). Post-hoc analyses showed larger gains for all measures in young males (1.9 <= d <= 6.0) compared with females (d = 2.4) across the season. Additionally, significant increases in body height and mass as well as Y-balance test scores were found from pre-to-post-test (1.2 <= d <= 4.3), irrespective of sex. Further, non-significant small-to-moderate-sized correlations were identified between changes in anthropometry/body composition/physical fitness and sporting success (p > 0.05; -0.34 <= rho <= 0.32). Regression analysis confirmed that no model significantly predicted sporting success. Ten months of judo training and/or growth/maturation contributed to significant changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness, particularly in young male judo athletes. KW - combat sports KW - periodization KW - somatic variables KW - training load KW - training KW - monitoring KW - young athletes Y1 - 2020 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197169 SN - 1660-4601 VL - 17 IS - 19 PB - MDPI AG CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Prieske, Olaf A1 - Chaabene, Helmi A1 - Kullmann, Niclas A1 - Granacher, Urs T1 - Effects of Individualized Versus Traditional Power Training on Strength, Power, Jump Performances, and Body Composition in Young Male Nordic Athletes JF - International journal of sports physiology and performance N2 - Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of individualized-load power training (IPT) versus traditional moderate-load power training (TPT) on strength, power, jump performance, and body composition in elite young Nordic athletes. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, 10 young male athletes (ski jumpers, Nordic combined athletes) age 17.5 (0.6) years (biological maturity status: +3.5 y postpeak height velocity) who competed on a national or international level performed 5 weeks of IPT (4 x 5 repetitions at 49%-72% 1-repetiton maximum [RM]) and TPT (5 x 5 repetitions at 50%-60% 1-RM) in addition to their regular training. Testing before, between, and after both training blocks comprised the assessment of muscle strength (loaded back squat 3-RM), power (maximal loaded back squat power), jump performance (eg, drop-jump height, reactive strength index), and body composition (eg, skeletal muscle mass). Results: Significant, large-size main effects for time were found for muscle strength (P < .01; g = 2.7), reactive strength index (P = .03; g= 1.6), and drop jump height (P = .02; g= 1.9) irrespective of the training condition (IPT, TPT). No significant time-by-condition interactions were observed. For measures of body composition, no significant main effects of condition and time or time-by-condition interactions were found. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that short-term IPT and TPT at moderate loads in addition to regular training were equally effective in improving measures of muscle strength (loaded back squat 3-RM) and vertical jump performance (reactive strength index, drop jump, and height) in young Nordic athletes. KW - ballistic training KW - optimal load KW - monitoring KW - progression KW - ski jumping Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2021-0074 SN - 1555-0265 SN - 1555-0273 VL - 17 IS - 4 SP - 541 EP - 548 PB - Human Kinetics Publ. CY - Champaign ER -