Felipe García-Pinillos

Effects of a Contrast Training Program Without External Load on Vertical Jump, Kicking Speed, Sprint, and Agility of Young Soccer Players

Abstract García-Pinillos, F, Martínez-Amat, A, Hita-Contreras, F, Martínez-López, EJ, and Latorre-Román, PA. Effects of a contrast training program without external load on vertical jump, kicking speed, sprint, and agility of young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 28(9): 2452–2460, 2014—The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week contrast training (CT) program (isometric + plyometric), with no external loads, on the vertical jump, kicking speed, sprinting, and agility skills of young soccer players. Thirty young soccer players (age, 15.9 ± 1.43 years; weight, 65.4 ± 10.84 kg; height, 171.0 ± 0.06 cm) were randomized in a control group (n = 13) and an experimental group (n = 17). The CT program was included in the experimental groups training sessions, who undertook it twice a week as a part of their usual weekly training regime. This program included 3 exercises: 1 isometric and 2 plyometric, without external loads. These exercises progressed in volume throughout the training program. Performance in countermovement jump (CMJ), Balsom agility test (BAT), 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprint, and soccer kick were assessed before and after the training program. A 2-factor (group and time) analysis of variance revealed significant improvements (p < 0.001) in CMJ, BAT, and kicking speed in the experimental group players. Control group remained unchanged in these variables. Both groups significantly reduced sprint times over 5, 10, 20, and 30 m (p ⩽ 0.05). A significant correlation (r = 0.492, p < 0.001) was revealed between &Dgr;BAT and &Dgr;average kicking speed. Results suggest that a specific CT program without external loads is effective for improving soccer-specific skills such as vertical jump, sprint, agility, and kicking speed in young soccer players.

Acute effects of extended interval training on countermovement jump and handgrip strength performance in endurance athletes: postactivation potentiation.

Abstract García-Pinillos, F, Soto-Hermoso, VM, and Latorre-Román, PA. Acute effects of extended interval training on countermovement jump and handgrip strength performance in endurance athletes: postactivation potentiation. J Strength Cond Res 29(1): 11–21, 2015—The purpose of this study was to analyze multiple effects of an extended interval training (EIT) protocol on countermovement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength in endurance athletes and to determine the relationship between fatigue and potentiation. Thirty experienced sub-elite male long-distance runners (age = 28.26 ± 8.27 years, body mass index = 22.24 ± 2.50 kg·m−2, and = 58.7 ± 4.50 ml·kg−1·min−1) participated voluntarily in this study. Subjects performed the protocol on an outdoor running track, which consisted of 12 runs of 400 m, grouped into 4 sets of 3 runs, with a passive recovery of 1 minute between runs and 3 minutes between sets (4 × 3 × 400 m). During protocol, fatigue parameters (lactate, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion) and performance parameters (CMJ, handgrip strength, and time spent in each 400-m run) were controlled. Analysis of variance revealed a significant improvement in CMJ (p < 0.001) throughout the protocol. Cluster analysis grouped according to whether potentiation was experienced (responders group, n = 17) or not (nonresponders group, n = 13) in relation to CMJ change from rest to fatigued condition at the end of activity. Responders group significantly improved (p ⩽ 0.05) the performance in CMJ, handgrip strength and time spent in each 400-m run. Results suggest that despite induced fatigue for EIT, trained subjects can maintain their strength and power levels and their work capacity. This fact would support the rationale that improvements in performance may be due not only to metabolic adaptations but also to specific neuromuscular adaptations. Therefore, the evaluation of power should be considered simultaneously with running performance when monitoring endurance athletes.

Acute effect of a long-distance road competition on foot strike patterns, inversion and kinematics parameters in endurance runners

The purpose of this study was to determine the foot strike patterns, inversion and kinematics variables in recreational runners during a long-distance road competition, determining an association between foot strike pattern’s classification, inversion and kinematics variables with athletic performance and sex. Five hundred and forty-two athletes who participated in a half marathon passed through the 15 km data collection point. Photogrammetric techniques (2D) were used to measure contact time and flight time. A high prevalence of rearfoot and high rearfoot strikes was found among the most recreational distance runners. No significant differences between sexes in foot strike pattern were found, whilst significant differences between level groups in the asymmetry (first level = 96.5%, second level = 10.6% and third level = 0.4%) were found. Additionally, forefoot and high forefoot strike exhibit greater percentage for inversion. Moreover, athletes with high rearfoot and rearfoot strike showed a greater contact time and lower flight time. Foot strike patterns were influenced by running speed; thus, athletes with higher performance exhibit lower frequency of rearfoot and high rearfoot strikes. Further research could clarify the causes and consequences (performance and injury) of the current findings.

Association of the weekly practice of guided physical activity with the reduction of falls and symptoms of fibromyalgia in adult women.

Abstract Martínez-Amat, A, Hita-Contreras, F, Latorre-Román, PA, Gutierrez-López, MdlC, García-Pinillos, F, and Martínez-López, EJ. Association of the weekly practice of guided physical activity with the reduction of falls and symptoms of fibromyalgia in adult women. J Strength Cond Res 28(11): 3151–3159, 2014—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of weekly physical activity on the risk of falls and the impact of fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms on daily function in Spanish women. Fibromyalgia is a common widespread pain condition that has been linked to an increased risk of falling and a low amount of guided physical activity, defined as regular participation in moderate-intensity exercise. Before the development of fall-risk reduction interventions, it is essential to understand the context of falls and fall-related experiences in patients with FM. Ours was a descriptive longitudinal study, wherein 140 women participated, all aged 28–73 years and belonging to AFIXA (Asociación Provincial de Fibromialgia y Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica), the Fibromyalgia Association of Jaén (Andalusia, Spain). The study took place during 2013; data were collected through fall diaries, interviews, and questionnaires. Results showed that weekly physical activity can explain up to 12% of the variance in the fear of falling and 18% of the number of falls per year in patients with FM. However, the weekly physical activity prediction against the perceived impact of FM yielded R2 values below 10% in the 3 factors and in the total score of the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-R). Inactive women were proven to have a significantly higher number of falls per year than active ones (1.86 ± 1.46 vs. 0.69 ± 0.43, p < 0.001), but their fear of falling was similar (p > 0.05). In addition, physically active women had a significantly lower intensity in the symptoms of their condition (FIQ-R symptoms: 30.87 ± 8.58 vs. 34.78 ± 7.58 arbitrary units [a.u.], p = 0.014), and lower scores in the total score of the FIQ-R (54.33 ± 21.50 vs. 65.19 ± 19.27 a.u., p = 0.004). Results show that, with at least 1 hour per session of guided physical activity, a higher weekly number of sessions reduced the fear of falling in patients with FM and the total number of falls per year, and is associated with less severe symptoms (FIQ-R3).

A High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)-Based Running Plan Improves Athletic Performance by Improving Muscle Power

Abstract García-Pinillos, F, Cámara-Pérez, JC, Soto-Hermoso, VM, and Latorre-Román, PÁ. A High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)-based running plan improves athletic performance by improving muscle power. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 146–153, 2017—This study aimed to examine the effect of a 5-week high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT)-based running plan on athletic performance and to compare the physiological and neuromuscular responses during a sprint-distance triathlon before and after the HIIT period. Thirteen triathletes were matched into 2 groups: the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG). The CG was asked to maintain their normal training routines, whereas the EG maintained only their swimming and cycling routines and modified their running routine. Participants completed a sprint-distance triathlon before (pretest) and after (posttest) the intervention period. In both pretest and posttest, the participants performed 4 jumping tests: before the race (baseline), postswim, postcycling, and postrun. Additionally, heart rate was monitored (HRmean), whereas rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate accumulation (BLa) were registered after the race. No significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between groups were found before HIIT intervention (at pretest). Significant group-by-training interactions were found in vertical jumping ability and athletic performance: the EG improved jumping performance (∼6–9%, p ⩽ 0.05, effect size (ES) > 0.7), swimming performance (p = 0.013, ES = 0.438), and running time (p = 0.001, ES = 0.667) during the competition, whereas the CG remained unchanged (p ≥ 0.05, ES < 0.4). No changes (p ≥ 0.05, ES < 0.4) were observed in RPE, HRmean, and BLa. A linear regression analysis showed that &Dgr;CMJ predicted both the &Dgr;Ru_time (R 2 = 0.559; p = 0.008) and the &Dgr;Overall_time (R 2 = 0.391; p = 0.048). This low-volume, HIIT-based running plan combined with the high training volumes of these triathletes in swimming and cycling improved athletic performance during a sprint-distance triathlon. This improvement may be due to improved neuromuscular characteristics that were transferred into improved muscle power and work economy.

Inter-individual variability in responses to seven weeks of plyometric jump training in male youth soccer players

The purpose of this study was to compare the inter-individual variability in the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on measures of physical fitness (sprint time, change of direction speed, countermovement jump, 20- and 40-cm drop jump reactive strength index, multiple five bounds distance, maximal kicking distance, and 2.4-km time trial) in youth soccer players who completed a PJT program versus players who completed soccer training only. In a single-blinded study, participants aged between 10 and 16 years were randomly divided into a PJT group (n = 38) and a control group (n = 38). The experimental group participated in a PJT program twice weekly for 7 weeks, whereas the control group continued with their regular soccer training sessions. Between-group differences were examined using a Mann–Whitney U test. Nonresponders where defined as individuals who failed to demonstrate any beneficial change that was greater than two times the typical error of measurement from zero. The results indicated that the mean group improvement for all physical fitness measures was greater (p < 0.05) in the PJT group (Δ = 0.4 to 23.3%; ES = 0.04 to 0.58) than in the control group (Δ = 0.1 to 3.8%; ES = 0.02 to 0.35). In addition, a significantly greater (p < 0.05) number of responders across all dependent variables was observed in the PJT group (from 4 up to 33 responders) than in the control group (from 0 up to 9 responders). In conclusion, compared to soccer training only, PJT induced greater physical fitness improvements in youth soccer players, with a greater number of responders for all the physical fitness tests related to jumping, speed, change of direction speed, endurance, and kicking technical ability.

Foot strike pattern in preschool children during running: sex and shod–unshod differences

Abstract Purpose: This study aims to determine the foot strike patterns (FSPs) and neutral support (no inversion [INV]/eversion [EVE] and no foot rotation) in preschool children, as well as to determine the influence of shod/unshod conditions and sex. Methods: A total of 1356 children aged 3–6 years (673 boys and 683 girls) participated in this study. A sagittal and frontal-plane video (240 Hz) was recorded using a high-speed camcorder to record the following variables: rearfoot strike (RFS), midfoot strike (MFS), forefoot strike (FFS), inversion/ eversion (INV/EVE) and foot rotation on initial contact. Results: There were no between-sex significant differences in both shod and unshod conditions in RFS. In the unshod condition, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of RFS prevalence in both boys (shod condition = 44.2% vs. 34.7% unshod condition) and girls (shod condition = 48.5% vs. 36.1% unshod condition). As for neutral support, there were no between-sex differences in both shod and unshod conditions or in the shod–unshod comparison. Conclusion: In preschool children, no between-sex differences were found in relation to prevalence of RFS and neutral support (no INV/EVE). Shod running alters FSP of running barefoot, producing a significant increase of RFS prevalence.

Effects of 12-week concurrent high-intensity interval strength and endurance training programme on physical performance in healthy older people.

Abstract García-Pinillos, F, Laredo-Aguilera, JA, Muñoz-Jiménez, M, and Latorre-Román, PA. Effects of 12-week concurrent high-intensity interval strength and endurance training program on physical performance in healthy older people. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1445–1452, 2019—This study aimed to analyze the effect of 12-week low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-based concurrent training program on body composition, upper- and lower-body muscle strength, mobility, and balance in older adults, as well as to compare it with a low-moderate–intensity continuous training. Ninety active older adults were randomly assigned to experimental group (EG, n = 47) and control group (CG, n = 43). Body composition and physical functioning were assessed before (pretest) and after (posttest) a 12-week intervention. A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to test for an interaction between training program and groups. The time × group interaction revealed no significant between-group differences at pretest (p ≥ 0.05). The group × time interaction showed significant improvements for the EG in body composition parameters (p ⩽ 0.05) and physical functioning (muscle strength: p < 0.001; mobility: p < 0.001; and balance: p ⩽ 0.05); whereas the CG remained unchanged (p ≥ 0.05). This HIIT-based concurrent training program led to greater improvements in body composition, muscle strength, mobility, and balance in healthy older people than a regular low-moderate–intensity continuous training, despite the reduction in overall training volume.

Physiological and Neuromuscular Response to a Simulated Sprint-Distance Triathlon: Effect of Age Differences and Ability Level.

Abstract García-Pinillos, F, Cámara-Pérez, JC, González-Fernández, FT, Párraga-Montilla, JA, Muñoz-Jiménez, M, and Latorre-Román, PÁ. Physiological and neuromuscular response to a simulated sprint-distance triathlon: effect of age differences and ability level. J Strength Cond Res 30(4): 1077–1084, 2016—This study aimed to describe the acute impact of a simulated sprint-distance triathlon at physiological and neuromuscular levels and to determine whether age and athletic performance influenced the response in triathletes. Nineteen triathletes performed a sprint-distance triathlon under simulated conditions. Cardiovascular response was monitored during the race. Rate of perceived exertion along with muscular performance parameters (countermovement jump [CMJ], squat jump [SJ], and handgrip strength test [HS]) were tested at pre- and posttest and during every transition, while a 20-m sprint test (S20m) was performed before and after the race. Blood lactate was recorded postrace. A repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the neuromuscular response—in terms of CMJ, SJ, and HS—was unchanged (p ≥ 0.05), while S20m performance was impaired at posttest (p < 0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that &Dgr;CMJ predicted the overall race time (R 2 = 0.226; p = 0.046). In addition, 2 cluster analyses (k-means) were performed by grouping according to athletic performance and age. Between-group comparison showed no significant differences in the impact of the race at either the physiological or the neuromuscular level. The results showed that muscular performance parameters were not impaired throughout the race despite high levels of fatigue reported. However, despite maintaining initial levels of muscle force after the race, the fatigue-induced changes in S20m were significant, which could reinforce the need to train sprint ability in endurance athletes. Finally, despite the differences in ability level or in age, the acute physiological and neuromuscular responses to a simulated sprint-distance triathlon were similar.

Effects of a 10-week functional training programme on pain, mood state, depression, and sleep in healthy older adults: FT 10-week on mood, depression and sleep

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of a 10‐week functional training (FT) programme on pain, mood state, sleep, and depression in healthy older adults.