Kyle Pierce

The relationship between vertical jump power estimates and weightlifting ability: a field-test approach.

&NA; Carlock, J.M., S.L. Smith, M.J. Hartman, R.T. Morris, D.A. Ciroslan, K.C. Pierce, R.U. Newton, E.A. Harman, W.A. Sands, and M.H. Stone. The relationship between vertical jump power estimates and weightlifting ability: A field‐test approach. J. Strength Cond. Res. 18(3):534–539. 2004.—The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of the vertical jump and estimated vertical‐jump power as a field test for weightlifting. Estimated PP output from the vertical jump was correlated with lifting ability among 64 USA national‐level weightlifters (junior and senior men and women). Vertical jump was measured using the Kinematic Measurement System, consisting of a switch mat interfaced with a laptop computer. Vertical jumps were measured using a hands‐on‐hips method. A counter‐movement vertical jump (CMJ) and a static vertical jump (SJ, 90° knee angle) were measured. Two trials were given for each condition. Testretest reliability for jump height was intra‐class correlation (ICC) = 0.98 (CMJ) and ICC = 0.96 (SJ). Athletes warmed up on their own for 2–3 minutes, followed by 2 practice jumps at each condition. Peak power (PP) was estimated using the equations developed by Sayers et al. (24). The athletes’ current lifting capabilities were assessed by a questionnaire, and USA national coaches checked the listed values. Differences between groups (i.e., men versus women, juniors versus resident lifters) were determined using t‐tests (p ≤ 0.05). Correlations were determined using Pearsons r. Results indicate that vertical jumping PP is strongly associated with weightlifting ability. Thus, these results indicate that PP derived from the vertical jump (CMJ or SJ) can be a valuable tool in assessing weightlifting performance.

Position statement on youth resistance training: the 2014 International Consensus

The current manuscript has been adapted from the official position statement of the UK Strength and Conditioning Association on youth resistance training. It has subsequently been reviewed and endorsed by leading professional organisations within the fields of sports medicine, exercise science and paediatrics. The authorship team for this article was selected from the fields of paediatric exercise science, paediatric medicine, physical education, strength and conditioning and sports medicine.

Young weightlifters' performance across time.

Abstract Prestigious professional organisations have questioned the efficacy of resistive training by children or have often neglected to address weightlifting in their position papers on resistive training for children. The purpose of this paper was to address the deficit in data regarding the efficacy of training children for weightlifting and to report data regarding to safety in this population. Eleven subjects (3 female, 8 male) who had trained at the USA Weightlifting Development Centre in Shreveport Louisiana for a minimum of 22 months (mean = 28.8; SD ±4.4) served as subjects for this study. Means for the pool of subjects subjected to t‐test to compare data obtained at each subjects initial competition with that obtained at the individuals most recent competition revealed significant positive changes in body weight, snatch weight, clean and jerk weight, and total weight lifted. The latter three were significant both in absolute weight and in weight lifted per kg of body weight. Total weight lifted at competitions plotted separately for boys and for girls across time indicated an apparently steeper slope of improvement for boys. The latter were not tested for significance because of the small sample sizes. The lack of injury in training and in 534 competitive lifts was discussed. None required medical attention or loss of training time. It was concluded that there can be no doubt regarding the efficacy of weightlifting as carried out at the USA Weightlifting Development Centre. The importance of proper application of scientific theory of conditioning in a conservative manner for this population was emphasised.Prestigious professional organisations have questioned the efficacy of resistive training by children or have often neglected to address weightlifting in their position papers on resistive training for children. The purpose of this paper was to address the deficit in data regarding the efficacy of training children for weightlifting and to report data regarding to safety in this population. Eleven subjects (3 female, 8 male) who had trained at the USA Weightlifting Development Centre in Shreveport Louisiana for a minimum of 22 months (mean = 28.8; SD +/- 4.4) served as subjects for this study. Means for the pool of subjects subjected to t-test to compare data obtained at each subjects initial competition with that obtained at the individuals most recent competition revealed significant positive changes in body weight, snatch weight, clean and jerk weight, and total weight lifted. The latter three were significant both in absolute weight and in weight lifted per kg of body weight. Total weight lifted at competitions plotted separately for boys and for girls across time indicated an apparently steeper slope of improvement for boys. The latter were not tested for significance because of the small sample sizes. The lack of injury in training and in 534 competitive lifts was discussed. None required medical attention or loss of training time. It was concluded that there can be no doubt regarding the efficacy of weightlifting as carried out at the USA Weightlifting Development Centre. The importance of proper application of scientific theory of conditioning in a conservative manner for this population was emphasised.

Heart Rate and Lactate Levels During Weight-Training Exercise in Trained and Untrained Men.

In brief: The effects of squatting exercise on heart rate and blood lactate levels were studied in five trained and five untrained men between the ages of 22 and 37. The subjects performed squats (sets of ten repetitions until exhaustion), resting for 2 1/2 minutes between sets. Total positive work was estimated with the following formula: (bar mass + body mass) X vertical displacement X repetitions. Heart rate, lactate, and rating of perceived exertion were measured immediately before exercise, after each set, and five minutes after reaching exhaustion. The trained subjects performed more total work and had higher heart rates and lactate levels at exhaustion than the untrained subjects, though heart rates and lactate levels were lower for trained subjects at a given bar mass or submaximal work load. The findings suggest that weight training may cause adaptations that result in reduced fatigue and/or enhanced recovery.

Children and sport – how hard should children be trained?

The participation of children and early and late adolescents in resistance training activities, including training for sport, appears to continually be on the rise. The involvement of youth in the sport of weightlifting and the use of weightlifting methods as part of training for sport performance also appears to be growing. The increased acceptance of these activities is evidenced by the number of both lay and scientific articles, specialized magazines and publications devoted to the different types of resistance training. It is also indicated by simple observation of fitness centres and sports training facilities. The use of resistance training appears to be growing in popularity despite poorly supported position statements, anecdotal reports and speculation concerning the potential for injury. Children and adolescents participating in resistance training programs can make noticeable increases in strength and power as well as physiological parameters associated with both health and sport performance. Although the number of children and adolescents (aged 8 – 18 years) involved in some form of resistance training is increasing and evidenced-based reviews that support these activities have been published, controversy still exists. There are still those who insist that training with free weights, particularly the sport of weightlifting, should not take place until a person is fully developed, even though there is not much objective evidence to support such a position. More recently published scientific data support the notion that properly supervised resistance training programs can improve sport performance, reduce injury potential and enhance healthy facets of children and early and late adolescents.

The Effects of a Pre-Season Physical Conditioning Program on the Physical and Physiological Characteristics of Collegiate Level Basketball Players: 3736 Board #175 June 4, 9

PURPOSE: The relevé (raising the body on the forefoot) and pirouettes (turns) are challenging skills in ballet due to the small base of support. The Pilates Method is described as to improve strength, endurance, flexibility and core stability, which are essential to ballet performance. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect Pilates training in the static (relevé) and dynamic (pirouettes) balance of ballet dancers. METHODS: One group underwent two Pilates classes per week during three months (PG;n=7) while the other did not (CG; n=8). They performed a relevé and a pirouette on a force platform. The displacement and speed of the CoP in the AP and ML directions were measured. The total length of the CoP was also determined. Data were analyzed by t-test for independent samples (p<0.05). RESULTS: No differences were found between groups in the relevé condition. All variables differed between groups when the pirouette was performed (p<0.05). The AP and ML CoP displacements were 36% and 56% smaller (p<0.05) in the PG when compared to the CG. The speed of the CoP in the AP and ML directions were 10% and 25% smaller, respectively, in CP than in the CG (p<0.05). Total CoP length of the PG was also smaller (49%) than the CG (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:The dynamic condition of the pirouettes may have benefited more from Pilates training than the relevé, which is less demanding. Thus, Pilates training was able to improve pirouettes of ballet dancers’ performance.