Hammond, KG, Bair, AC, Strang, AJ, Young, JC, Kruskall, LJ, Dunnick, DD, and Schilling, BK. Feasibility of heart rate-based total daily energy expenditure estimation of pararescuemen in garrison. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Pararescuemen are a group of Air Force Special Operations Forces who engage in vigorous daily training to prepare for deployment operations. This training can elicit high-energy expenditure, yet few studies have measured the energy expenditure of these airmen while at their home station (in garrison). Twelve operational pararescuemen (age: 27 ± 3 years; years of service: 5 ± 3 years) were assessed for resting energy expenditure, heart rate (HR) at rest and during initial exercise, and the HR-oxygen consumption (V̇o2) linear equation. Subjects' HR was recorded over 2 normal training days and used to estimate total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Subjects reported an average 9 ± 2 hours of sleep per night of analysis and had an average basal metabolic rate = 82 ± 4 kcal·h-1. Average TDEE was 4,021 ± 890 kcals. Pararescuemen expend high levels of energy during routine training at their home station, similar to those of other elite military groups. Observed and reported high-energy expenditures in pararescuemen suggest further investigation into energy intake in this population to optimize performance.

Vehrs, PR, Cox, K, Heyborne, S, Knotes, E, Broberg, C, Clark, J, Swinson, K, Callahan, C, McDougal, H, and Miller, E. B-Strong and KAATSU bands produce similar patterns of blood flow restriction in the leg. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-B-Strong and KAATSU blood flow restriction (BFR) bands are narrow and made of soft, elastic material with multichambered or segmented bladder designs. Research has yet to compare their ability to regulate blood flow at various set pressures in the leg. Ultrasound was used to measure unoccluded blood flow and blood flow at 4 set pressures (200, 300, 400, and 500 mm Hg) in the leg using B-Strong multichambered BFR bands and KAATSU bands in each of 40 healthy young adults (20 male and 20 female subjects). Unoccluded blood flow was measured before the measurement of blood flow at each set pressure. Blood flow at each set pressure was expressed as a percentage of the paired unoccluded blood flow value. A set pressure of 500 mm Hg was unable to occlude superficial femoral artery blood flow using either band in all subjects. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model. There were no significant main effects for gender (p = 0.716) or band (p = 0.750). There was a significant effect for set pressure (p < 0.001). Further post hoc pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in relative blood flow between all combinations of set pressures (p < 0.006). All 2-way and 3-way interactions were not significant (p values = 0.524-0.981). B-Strong and KAATSU bands resulted in similar blood flow responses to BFR of the superficial femoral artery in both male and female subjects.

Akbaş, A, Hadyk, V, Bryk, P, Mazzei, S, Stanula, A, and Juras, G. Large-scale evaluation of performance and biological maturation in post-PHV youth soccer players: Sprinting, jumping, aerobic fitness, and functional movement. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to provide an integrated developmental profile of adolescent soccer players by examining how chronological age, biological maturation, and functional movement quality interact to shape sprint, jump, and aerobic fitness performance. A total of 246 male athletes (U15-U17) from 5 elite youth soccer academies completed sprint, jump, change-of-direction (COD), and aerobic tests alongside Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) assessments. Maturity offset (years from peak height velocity, PHV) was used to estimate biological age, and group differences were analyzed using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Significant improvements with age were observed in sprinting, jumping, and aerobic fitness (p < 0.001); however, after controlling for PHV, differences in jumping and COD performance were no longer significant, whereas sprint performance and aerobic fitness remained age-dependent. Functional movement and balance showed small age-related differences that were largely explained by maturational variation. Weak and inconsistent correlations between FMS, YBT, and performance (|r| ≈ 0.20-0.35) suggested partial independence between movement quality and motor output. Notably, in older players, higher scores in mobility-related FMS components were associated with slower sprinting, a pattern that may reflect-rather than cause-reduced mechanical efficiency associated with greater flexibility. These findings indicate that post-PHV players are not a homogeneous group and support the use of maturity-informed, multidimensional athlete monitoring to guide individualized training even after PHV.

Sebastian-Rico, JM, Muñoz-Fernández, MJ, Martínez-Aranda, LM, Calvo-Lluch, Á, and Ortega-Becerra, M. Effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training in women soccer players and its relationship with quality of life and pelvic floor muscle strength: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study investigated the effects of a 6-week pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on muscle strength, function, and the prevalence of related dysfunctions in professional female soccer players using a randomized controlled pilot study design. Twenty nulliparous professional soccer players from the Spanish professional league (2024-2025 season) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 12) or a control group (n = 8). Assessments included anthropometric data, validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form and Broome Pelvic Muscle Self-Efficacy Scale), clinical interviews, and physical examination using the PERFECT method and manometry. The intervention consisted of a 6-week supervised PFMT program (4 sessions/week, 30 minutes each) progressed through 4 phases: education, proprioception, strengthening, and functional integration. Results showed significant group × time interactions for pelvic floor self-efficacy (Broome Pelvic Muscle Self-Efficacy Scale), with scores in the PFMT group increasing by 48.8 and 59.6% (p < 0.05), representing large between-group effect sizes (d = 0.91-1.26). Pelvic floor muscle performance increased by 122.4% in the intervention group (d = 1.25), whereas no meaningful changes were observed in the control group. No adverse events were reported. In conclusion, a 6-week supervised PFMT program is an effective and safe intervention for professional female soccer players, significantly improving muscle function and self-efficacy. These findings support the integration of PFMT for both therapeutic and preventive purposes in elite, high-impact sports environments.

Le Moan, D, Slawinski, J, Lecru, L, Braize, E, Brocherie, F, and Bouten, J. Ergocycling-based repeated-sprint training in hypoxia performed at either 3,000 m or 2,000 m similarly impacts overground performance in under-18 field hockey players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 levels of hypoxic stress during ergocycling-based repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) on overground repeated-sprint ability (RSA). Fifteen highly trained under-18 male field hockey players performed a 3-week training program with 6 ergocycling-based RSH sessions (3 × 6 10-s "all-out" sprints with 20-second intraset passive recovery and 5-minute interset rest; 2 sessions per week) under moderate (MH, FiO2 14.5%, simulated altitude of 3,000 m, n = 8) or low normobaric hypoxia (LH, FiO2 16.3%, 2,000 m, n = 7). Peak (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) were recorded during each RSH session. At Pre- and Postintervention, overground sprinting horizontal force-velocity profiles and RSA test (6 × 20-m "all-out" sprints interspersed by 20 seconds) were performed. Ergocycling-based PPO (p < 0.001) and MPO (p = 0.015) improved significantly for both groups from training 1 to 6. However, overground theoretical maximal force and theoretical maximal power remained unchanged (both p > 0.377), and theoretical maximal velocity (p = 0.026) was significantly decreased for both groups. Although no significant effect (time, group, interaction) was observed for overground RSA best time and sprint decrement (all p > 0.139), RSA total time decreased (p = 0.048) in both MH and LH (-1.1 ± 2.9% and -0.9 ± 1.0%), indicating performance enhancement, irrespective of the hypoxic stress. Using moderate or low normobaric hypoxic stress during a 3-week ergocycling-based RSH intervention resulted in similar improvement during training, albeit with limited, but not negligible, transferability effect in overground performance.

Sayer, TA, and Cross, N. Key physical predictors of maximal velocity sprinting in Australian track and field athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to identify the key physical predictors of maximal velocity (MaxV) sprinting at 20 and 60 meters among highly trained Australian track sprinters. Twenty-four athletes (mixed sample: 12 male, 12 female, 68.90 ± 8.77 kg, 1.74 ± 0.08 m) completed a battery of strength and dynamic tests followed by maximal 60-meter sprints. Best-subset multiple linear regression (up to 5 predictors), evaluated by leave-one-out cross-validation, was used to model MaxV at each distance. The 60-meter MaxV model was highly significant, F (5,18) = 50.39, p < 0.001, explaining 93.3% of the variance (R2 = 0.93, adjusted R2 = 0.92, SEE = 0.19), with countermovement jump (CMJ) impulse (β = 0.78, p < 0.001), isometric leg-press peak force (β = 0.43, p = 0.001) and CMJ stiffness (β = 0.40, p < 0.001) the strongest positive contributors. The 20 meter MaxV model was also significant, F (5,18) = 28.12, p < 0.001, explaining 88.6% of the variance (R2 = 0.89, adjusted R2 = 0.86, SEE = 0.18), with single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) eccentric impulse (β = 0.87, p < 0.001) and CMJ power (β = 0.46, p < 0.001) the strongest contributors. Single-leg drop jump reactive strength index and isometric quadriceps force were significant within both models but carried suppressor (sign-reversed) coefficients. These results indicate that vertical jump force time qualities, particularly CMJ impulse and power, isometric leg-press force, and SLDJ eccentric impulse, are key physical components of MaxV sprinting and should be prioritized by coaches when assessing and developing sprint athletes.

Trane, G, Rodahl, SE, Gomo, OM, Mehus, HA, Helgerud, J, and Unhjem, RJ. Athletic performance adaptations: Just training sprints or combining sprints with three different strength training methods? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-In this exploratory study, we compared the effects of combining maximal strength training (MST), hypertrophy training (HT), or explosive strength training (EST) with sprint running vs. sprint running alone in control (CON). Fifty-eight recreationally active, nonstrength-trained men and women were randomized to 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week of MST (4 × 4 squats at ≥ 85% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), HT (3 × 8-12 squats at ∼70-80% 1RM), EST (4 × 6-7 squat jumps at body weight), or CON (no strength training). All 4 groups performed 2 weekly 6 × 25-meter sprints. Maximal and explosive strength, sprint running performance, endurance performance determinants, and 30-second Wingate test cycling performance were evaluated. Leg press maximal voluntary isometric force (MVIF) improved more after MST (+14.5%) than after EST (+5.2%, p = 0.004) and CON (p ≤ 0.001), and more after HT (+10.6%) than CON (p = 0.008). The squat dynamic rate of force development improved more after MST (+37.4%) and HT (+36.0%) than CON (p = 0.014 and 0.002). Moreover, 0-25-meter sprint time improved more after MST (-0.11 s) and HT (-0.10 s) than CON (p = 0.019 and 0.042). Running economy improved more after MST (-2.5%) than CON (p = 0.026). Wingate test average power output improved more after MST (+6.6%) and HT (+6.9%) than EST (p = 0.020 and 0.010) and CON (p = 0.016 and 0.009). Peak power output improved more after MST (+11.8%) and HT (+10.1%) than CON (p = 0.011 and 0.040). ΔMVIF was associated with performance changes. Integrating sprint training with high-load strength training improved maximal and explosive strength and athletic performance more than sprint training alone, whereas this was not observed in EST. Performance improvements were attributed to enhanced maximal strength. Given the exploratory study design and the use of Fisher's least significant difference post hoc tests for between-group comparisons, these findings should be interpreted with caution and regarded as hypothesis-generating.

Villaseca-Vicuña, R, Freitas, TT, Spyrou, K, Marín-Cascales, E, Comyns, T, Loturco, I, and Zabaloy, S. Countermovement jump performance across 10 competitive microcycles in under-18 soccer players: An analysis of delayed and long-term responses to training and official competition. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The aims of this study were to (a) determine within-microcycle changes in countermovement jump (CMJ) measures (i.e., jump height, reactive strength index modified [RSImod], and eccentric peak velocity [EPV]) collected 2 days after (MD+2) and 1 day before (MD-1) the match-day across 10 weeks during the competitive period in under-18 soccer players and (b) analyze week-to-week variations in the selected CMJ-metrics collected on MD+2 across the entire mesocycle. Twelve (n = 12) under-18 academy soccer players (age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 71.9 ± 7.7 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. Over 10 competitive weeks, CMJ assessments were recorded on force plates at 2 key microcycle time points: MD+2 (active recovery phase at the start of the microcycle) and MD-1 (end of the microcycle). Results showed significant within-week changes in CMJ height and EPV in most of the training microcycles (p: <0.001 to 0.049) while RSImod showed significant changes in only 4 of the 10 microcycles (p: 0.001 to 0.049). Similarly, the between-week comparisons showed significant variations only in EPV and RSI (p: 0.005 to 0.049). These findings suggest that jump height might be better suited to assess within-week changes, while RSImod appears to hold greater discriminative value for detecting between-week fluctuations. Eccentric peak velocity, in turn, may provide useful information for both within-week and between-week changes in young soccer players.

Han, T-G and Lee, H-D. Architectural and force-producing characteristics of knee extensor muscles between alpine skiers and road cyclists. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to investigate whether muscle architecture and torque characteristics differ among athletes subjected to different sport-specific loading conditions. Alpine skiers (AS; n = 9, predominantly eccentric [ECC]-loading exposure) and road cyclists (RC; n = 9, predominantly concentric [CON]-loading exposure) were recruited. Muscle architecture (fascicle length, pennation angle, and thickness) of the vastus lateralis (VL) was measured at rest using ultrasonography at 10° and 100° of knee flexion. Maximum voluntary isometric (ISO) knee-extension torque was measured at 40°, 60°, 80°, and 100° of knee flexion, from which the optimum joint angle and peak ISO torque were estimated. Peak knee-extension torque was measured during CON and ECC contractions over a knee-flexion range of 0°-110° at 30°/s and 150°/s. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Among the architectural variables, RC exhibited greater VL thickness than AS at 10° of knee flexion, whereas fascicle length and pennation angle did not differ between groups. Compared with RC, AS showed significantly greater ISO knee-extension torque at 100° (p < 0.05). The estimated optimum joint angle was also greater in AS (p < 0.05). Absolute ECC peak torque did not differ significantly between groups; however, AS demonstrated greater ECC torque when values were normalized to the estimated peak ISO torque. These findings show that AS and RC demonstrate different knee-extensor torque-angle and torque-velocity characteristics despite similar VL fascicle length and pennation angle. They further indicate that knee-extensor force-producing characteristics may be shaped by the dominant loading and contraction-mode demands repeatedly experienced in each sport.

Campos, BT, Rodrigues, JGdS, Cal Abad, CC, Bachi, ALL, dos Santos, CMM, Tritto, AC, Kons, RL, Penna, EM, and Prado, LS. Performance and physiological responses to strength training programs in elite judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study compared the effects of 2 short-term strength training models, block planning (BP) and undulating planning (UP), on performance, physiological, and perceptual responses in elite judo athletes. We hypothesized that BP would induce greater physiological strain due to the concentration of training stimuli. Eighteen judokas (14 men and 4 women) were randomly assigned to BP (n = 9) or UP (n = 9) for 4 weeks, performing 6 weekly strength sessions alongside technical-tactical training. Performance outcomes included countermovement jump (CMJ), muscle power (back squat and bent-over row), and the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Monitoring variables included internal load, heart rate variability (HRV), and well-being, while physiological markers included creatine kinase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cortisol. Data were analyzed using 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). Both groups improved SJFT performance (p < 0.01), with no between-group differences. Block planning increased lower-limb peak power (p = 0.01; d = 0.90), whereas UP showed no meaningful change. Upper-limb power and CMJ did not change in either group. Internal load showed different temporal patterns between models. Block planning presented higher HRVcv values (p = 0.04), indicating greater autonomic perturbation. Creatine kinase and TNF-α increased over time in both groups (p ≤ 0.05), while cortisol showed an interaction without clear post hoc differences. In conclusion, BP improved lower-limb power but increased physiological strain, whereas UP elicited similar judo-specific improvements with lower recovery demands. These findings highlight the importance of training organization for balancing performance and recovery in elite judo athletes.

Wei, X, Zhu, H, Zheng, X, Gao, Y, Huang, J, Chen, X, Vigh-Larsen, JF, Mohr, M, and Krustrup, P. Greater reductions in deceleration compared with sprint ability following repeated high-intensity exercise in male and female soccer players, but no effect on countermovement jump (CMJ) or ball-kicking performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The aim of this study was to examine the acute effect of repeated sprint and deceleration on the fatigue of each component (sprint vs. deceleration) and on CMJ and soccer kicking performance, and to investigate the association between deceleration ability and fatigue. Thirty-three high-level male (n = 18) and female (n = 15) college soccer players completed 10 × 15-m sprints with subsequent 5-m enforced deceleration, interspersed with 20-s recovery intervals. Sprint and deceleration performance were measured continuously during the protocol, while CMJ and kicking performance were assessed before and immediately after. Furthermore, the players' deceleration ability was measured using deceleration deficit and deceleration index. Peak deceleration had significantly higher fatigue index (FI) and decrement score (Sdec) compared with speed (p < 0.05, Cohen's d = 3.18-3.32), while no significant decline was found in CMJ or kicking performance after the repeated sprint and deceleration protocol (p > 0.05, Cohen's d = -0.06∼0.23). A significant repeated sprint and deceleration × sex interaction effect was observed in peak ball speed (p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.149), with women showing a decrease in peak ball speed compared with their male counterparts. The deceleration index correlated with FI and Sdec of speed (r = -0.444∼-0.516, p < 0.05), and the rate of CMJ decline correlated with FI and Sdec deceleration (r = 0.530-0.549, p < 0.05). Finally, the rate of decline in kicking speed was positively correlated with the Sdec deceleration rate (r = 0.423, p < 0.05). Deceleration capacity is more prone to acute fatigue than sprint ability. In addition, repeated sprint and deceleration had a limited effect on athletic performance, but men and women showed different adjusted trends in kicking speed. Finally, players having better deceleration capacity show a smaller performance drop.

So, YLI, Faricier, R, Guluzade, NA, Belfry, GR, Murias, JM, and Keir, DA. The respiratory compensation point predicts 19.2-km cycling performance in trained male cyclists. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study tested the hypothesis that the step-ramp-step (SRS)-corrected cycling power output (PO) at the respiratory compensation point (RCP) predicts cycling time-trial performance and explored the independent and collective contributions to trial time of 4 physiological variables derived from single or repeated SRS protocols: peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak), cycling economy, RCP, and fatigue resistance. Twenty-eight trained male cyclists completed an SRS protocol before and after a 19.2-km virtual time trial (∼30 minutes) on their personal road bikes using a smart trainer. V̇o2peak, cycling economy, and SRS-corrected PO at RCP were derived from the pre-time-trial SRS protocol. Fatigue resistance was quantified as the change in peak ramp PO from pre- to post-time trial. Independent and multilinear regression evaluated the predictive strength of each variable. Relative SRS-corrected RCP (W·kg-1) showed the strongest independent correlation with time-trial completion time (r = -0.61, p < 0.001). Relative V̇o2peak (mL·kg-1·min-1) and cycling economy (%) were also moderately associated with time-trial performance (r = -0.42, p = 0.03; and r = -0.55, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas fatigue resistance was not significantly correlated. In the multilinear regression analysis, SRS-corrected RCP uniquely explained 30.9% of the model's total predictive variance (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) followed by cycling economy (21.3%), ΔPOpeak (2.1%), and absolute V̇o2peak (3.3%). Among trained male cyclists, relative PO at SRS-corrected RCP is a strong and independent predictor of ∼30-minute time-trial performance. The SRS protocol provides a practical, single-session method to assess key physiological determinants of endurance performance, with valuable applications for training prescription and athlete monitoring.

Benitez, B, Kwak, M, Succi, PJ, Mitchinson, CJ, Snell, ER, and Bergstrom, HC. Gotta go fast: Intended concentric effort produces divergent myoelectric spectral profiles during fatiguing, load-equated resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The aim of this study was to examine how intended concentric velocity, that is, the volitional effort applied to accelerate a load, influences the spectral characteristics of the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal during fatiguing, load-equated resistance exercise. Twenty recreationally active adults (10 men and 10 women) performed unilateral leg extensions to task failure at 70% 1 repetition maximum under 2 within-participant conditions as follows: maximal intended concentric velocity (Vmax) and 50% of individualized Vmax (50%Vmax). Bipolar sEMG from the vastus lateralis was decomposed into 10 frequency bands using wavelet-based time-frequency analysis. Band-specific spectral intensities were modeled with a lognormal generalized linear mixed-effects model, and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) was computed between condition-specific spectral profiles across pairwise time points. The mean propulsive concentric velocity and total repetitions to task failure were secondary outcomes. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The 3-way interaction of condition × frequency × repetition was significant (χ2(3) = 23.98, p < 0.001). Across the set, Vmax redistributed spectral power bidirectionally, increasing the low bands while suppressing the high bands, whereas 50%Vmax increased across the entire spectrum without high-frequency suppression. Despite these divergent profiles, the conditions converged at task failure (ρc = 0.98), and the convergence was asymmetric. The fatigued 50%Vmax profile approximated the fresh Vmax profile (ρc = 0.97) rather than the reverse (ρc = 0.74), indicating that submaximal effort approached the maximal-effort state as fatigue accumulated. The mean propulsive concentric velocity also declined 3.6 times more steeply under Vmax despite similar repetitions. Intended concentric velocity appears to shape the spectral profile of muscle excitation under fixed loading.