Roca, GM, Barker, GA, and Waldman, HS. Ketone monoester, with and without caffeine, prevents mental fatigue and preserves cognitive performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study examined the effects of acute ingestion of a ketone monoester (KME), with and without caffeine (KME + CAF), on cognitive performance after mental fatigue (MF). In a double-blind, randomized crossover design, 25 healthy adults (20 men, 5 women) completed 3 trials (KME + CAF, KME, placebo [PLA]) involving a battery of cognitive tests (task-switching [TS], Stroop Test [ST]) before and after a 20-minute MF time load dual back (TLDB) protocol. Subjective fatigue and workload were assessed alongside capillary blood β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) and glucose. Mental fatigue induction was confirmed by a ∼100% increase in perceived fatigue and impaired TLDB reaction time in PLA. Both KME conditions elevated βHB to ∼1.5 mM, confirming nutritional ketosis. Compared with PLA, KME + CAF produced the largest improvements in TS (Δ reaction time: -97 ms; d = -0.97) and ST (Δ reaction time: -61 ms; d = -0.61), whereas KME alone primarily prevented the decline observed in the PLA condition. Time load dual back reaction time was faster for KME + CAF and KME vs. PLA (p < 0.05), with no differences between ketone conditions. Subjective workload and fatigue did not differ by supplement, and gastrointestinal symptoms were mild. These findings suggest that acute KME ingestion preserves cognitive flexibility and selective attention under MF, with additive benefits when combined with CAF. These findings highlight the potential of KME + CAF as a strategy to sustain executive function during cognitively demanding tasks in athletic and tactical settings.

Guitink, E, Ladru, B-J, Langhout, R, Hoozemans, M, Kerkhoffs, G, and Tak, I. The effect of individualized lead leg strength training on drag-flick performance in youth elite field hockey players: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Improving braking capacity during forward motion is crucial for drag-flick performance. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of an 11-week individualized lead-leg strength program on drag-flick ball speed in elite youth field hockey players, and monitored exercise progression. Twenty-nine players (age 14-18 years; 16 intervention, 13 control) completed pre- and postintervention assessments. The intervention group performed 6 lead-leg targeted exercises twice weekly in addition to regular training; controls continued regular training only. Exercises were adapted based on individual progression, monitored through video and training logs. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). A significant time × group interaction was observed (F(1,27) = 2.89, p = 0.046, η2 = 0.14) indicating different changes in ball speed over time between the intervention and control groups. At baseline, both groups had similar ball speeds (intervention: 82.9 km·h-1, control: 82.7 km·h-1, p = 0.943). Postintervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in ball speed (2.8 km·h-1, p = 0.009) to 85.7 km·h-1, while the control group showed no significant change (82.4 km·h-1, p = 0.809). Individualized training of the lead-leg led to improvement in drag-flick ball speed within youth elite field hockey players.

Burke, AA, Saine, ND, King, EL, Fields, JB, Jagim, AR, Miller, AD, Green, BC, and Jones, MT. Longitudinal modeling of pitching workload and countermovement jump performance as determinants of fastball velocity and consistency in collegiate baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Maintenance of four-seam fastball (FSFB) velocity across the baseball season is critical, yet the extent to which workload and neuromuscular status relate to velocity is unclear. Thus, aims of the current study were to assess the relationship between external pitching workload metrics and FSFB velocity; quantify within-season FSFB velocity; and examine how countermovement jump (CMJ) performance predicts FSFB velocity. Collegiate pitchers (n = 8) completed weekly CMJ testing during a 15-week, 53-game season. Countermovement jump metrics included jump height (JH), reactive strength index-modified (RSImod), peak braking force, and peak propulsive force normalized to body mass. Workload variables (innings, total pitches, FSFB pitches) and FSFB velocity were evaluated via repeated measures correlation (RMCORR). A longitudinal heat map visualized velocity trends, and a hierarchical location-scale model assessed predictors of mean velocity and variance. Repeated measures correlation showed weak negative associations between FSFB velocity and innings (r = -0.15, p = 0.11), total pitches (r = -0.18, p = 0.05), and FSFB pitches (r = -0.18, p = 0.05). Heat map analysis identified 3 distinct velocity clusters. Location model results indicated no predictors of mean velocity. The scale model showed JH (γ = -0.060, p = 0.001) predicted reduced velocity variance, and RSImod (γ = 3.800, p < 0.001) predicted increased variance. Findings suggest that velocity patterns varied across athletes, where greater workloads were negatively associated with FSFB pitch velocity. Further, CMJ performance related to velocity stability rather than mean velocity. Routine longitudinal monitoring and continued strength-power training are recommended to support FSFB velocity.

Lee Ramsey, J, Walsh, J, Asare, A, Guluzade, N, Faricier, R, Thiessen, J, Boldt, K, and Belfry, G. Cardiorespiratory differences between female and male subjects during three sets of 10 repetitions of trap bar deadlift exercise. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Energy cost of exercise, including resistance exercise, is commonly quantified using rate of oxygen uptake. However, cardiovascular responses to resistance training movements peak after the completion of a set, and little is known about how these responses differ between male and female subjects. The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory responses of strength-trained female and male subjects during and after trap bar deadlift exercise. Ten male and 10 female subjects with at least 2 years of resistance training experience completed warm-up sets at 45 and 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), followed by 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 75% of 1RM in the trap bar deadlift. Over 3 visits, each separated by 72 hours, subjects completed a 1RM test, a V̇O2max test on a cycle ergometer, and an experimental visit with 3 sets to determine peak exercise V̇O2, V̇O2 kinetics (on- and off-responses), and blood lactate concentrations. Data were analyzed using t tests and two-way analysis of variance with an alpha level set at 0.05. Male subjects displayed significantly greater absolute V̇O2 (∼26.3% higher in males, p = 0.023) and blood lactate (∼23.1% higher in males, p = 0.015) than female subjects both during and after sets 2 and 3 of the exercise. However, when normalized to V̇O2max, no sex-based differences were observed for exercising V̇O2. Absolute and relative V̇O2 spiked after each set in male subjects compared with values recorded at the end of each set, whereas female subjects did not demonstrate this pattern. Female subjects exhibited significantly faster V̇O2 off-kinetics (∼29.5% faster in females, p = 0.028), reaching peak V̇O2 more quickly after each set than male subjects. No sex differences were found in V̇O2 on-kinetics during the exercise (p = 0.404). In conclusion, although male subjects show higher absolute metabolic demands, relative responses were similar between sexes. Female subjects recovered faster, supporting shorter rest intervals during resistance training to promote individualized training and recovery strategies.

Fry, AC, Schechter, EGK, Johnson, QR, and Cabarkapa, D. Tons of resistance exercise research, but does it apply to highly trained athletes? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The volume of scientific research reviews on resistance exercise has increased markedly in recent years. The purpose of this report was to determine what subject populations have been studied to determine whether the findings are relevant to highly trained and elite athletes. A representative sample of 26 highly cited systematic reviews and meta-analyses on resistance exercise topics from the most recent 15 years (2010-2024) were analyzed to determine the subject characteristics of each study cited in the reviews. All reviews included dependent variables of strength or hypertrophy, and dependent variables of exercise choice, order, intensity [load], volume, interset rest, frequency, or lifting tempo. Subjects were classified with a 6-tiered scale ranging from sedentary (tier 0) to world class athlete (tier 5). Of 18,574 subjects reported in the selected reviews, only 2.3% were classified as highly trained or elite athletes. Similar distributions were observed when reviews were analyzed separately for each resistance exercise topic. Cumulatively, the reviews included have been cited by scientific and lay literature more than 7,000 times to date, indicating how effectively their findings are being disseminated. Although each of the reviews cited may provide helpful information for the general population for health and fitness purposes, the findings are not primarily based on the study of highly trained elite athletes, and does not consider training performed outside the weight room, training histories, competition schedules, or the specific demands of their sports. Several practical suggestions are presented that may facilitate research access to highly trained or elite athletes.

Robinson, RM and Hahn, ME. The effect of resistance training on uphill running economy and biomechanics. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week resistance training program on level ground and uphill running economy (RE) in recreational runners and determine whether changes in RE were associated with changes in running biomechanics and lower-extremity muscle strength. Twenty-five recreational runners (12 female, age: 34.2 ± 13.2 years, mass: 70.4 ± 13.0 kg, height: 176.4 ± 9.2 cm) were randomly allocated to a resistance training or control group. The resistance training group completed 8 weeks of resistance training focused on the hip extensors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexors. Level ground and uphill (5 and 10% grade) RE, biomechanics, and isokinetic dynamometry tests were performed by all subjects before and after the intervention period. Despite a significant group-by-time interaction effect for plantar flexor strength (p = 0.026), RE, joint work, and joint stiffness were not significantly affected by the resistance training program for any grade condition (p > 0.05). Although some subjects did demonstrate changes in RE above the smallest worthwhile change, change in RE was not significantly correlated with change in strength or running biomechanics (p > 0.05). Although numerous benefits for resistance training have been reported for endurance runners, coaches, health care providers, and athletes may need to explore other interventions to change RE or biomechanics.

Moore, SR, Cantú, EI, Brantner, CL, Britton, ME, DelBiondo, GM, Blue, MNM, Bruinvels, G, Hackney, AC, Register-Mihalik, JK, and Smith-Ryan, AE. Using machine learning for identification of athlete availability predictors in a multisport elite female athlete cohort. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study used machine learning to identify influential predictors (training load, recovery, wellness, body composition, and force plate jumps [FP]) of athlete availability (AA) in female athletes. Fifty-two National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female lacrosse (n = 28) and soccer (n = 24) athletes were tracked across a season for AA (% of unmodified practices and games). Potential predictors included measures of training load (average max speed, top speed, distance, high-intensity running [HIR], acute to chronic ratios for distance and HIR), sleep recovery (duration, efficiency, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and temperature), wellness (stress, soreness, mood, fatigue, sleep quality, and hormonal profile), body composition changes (lean mass, percent body fat, fat-free mass index, and bone mineral density), and preseason FP testing (reactive strength modified, eccentric mean braking, jump height, and peak power). Influential predictors were identified using elastic net regression. Goodness of fit was described with root mean squared error (RMSE). Root mean squared errors for combined, lacrosse, and soccer models were 17.8, 8.9, and 17.8%, respectively. Influential predictors of training load, recovery, and wellness variables were selected in all models, with differing impact between teams. Single-team analyses demonstrated inconsistent predictors; most notable contrasts included no FP variables selected for lacrosse AA, and no body composition variables selected for soccer AA. Differences in RMSEs and predictors between teams suggest single-team models as a stronger approach to understanding key outcomes for AA. Comprehensive modeling to identify athletes at risk of low athlete availability before injury would be valuable for practitioners to refine testing batteries and hone meaningful predictors to prioritize data streams.

Loturco, I, Requena, B, Tavares, LD, Mercer, VP, Moura, TBMA, Alexandre, MGA, Oliveira, LP, Nakamura, FY, and Pereira, LA. Comparison of speed-related and power-related variables between first-division and second-division professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study investigated whether speed-related and power-related variables differ between professional soccer players competing in the first and second divisions within the same regional federation, where training conditions and testing procedures are standardized. One hundred fifty male players (first division: n = 78; second division: n = 72) performed countermovement jumps; linear sprints over 5, 10, and 20 m; a curvilinear sprint test; and jump squat (JS) assessments to determine peak velocity and peak power using a load corresponding to 40% body mass. Players from the first division consistently demonstrated superior performance across all tests, including higher jump height, greater JS peak velocity and JS peak power, and faster linear and curvilinear sprint speeds compared with second-division soccer players (p < 0.05; effect sizes = 0.40-0.89). These predominantly moderate differences indicate that speed and power meaningfully differentiate competitive levels in professional soccer, even when testing procedures and training environments are comparable. For coaches and performance staff, the findings highlight the practical value of routinely monitoring sprinting and power-related metrics and reinforce the importance of prioritizing the identification and selection of fast and powerful players, particularly in contexts where opportunities to substantially improve these neuromuscular qualities are limited.

Salter, J, Dawson, Z, Rymer, J, Walsh, L, Mundy, P, Gledhill, A, and Forsdyke, D. Maturity-related adaptations in athletic profile and performance: Considerations for training prescription in adolescent females. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study investigated the influence of biological maturity on the athletic profile and physical performance of adolescent girls to provide much-needed data-driven considerations for training prescription. A cross-sectional design assessed 116 female athletes (age: 13.5 ± 2.8 years; stature: 155.9 ± 14.0 cm; body mass: 50.1 ± 16.0 kg; percentage of predicted adult height: 93.4 ± 6.9%) categorized by maturity offset into pre-, circa-, and post-peak height velocity (PHV) groups. Subjects completed a testing battery comprising an isometric mid-thigh pull with absolute (i.e., Peak Force) and time-locked (i.e., Force at 50 [Force50], 100 [Force100], and 200 [Force200] ms) variables, and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal sprinting speed (MSS) to obtain athletic profiles based on Anaerobic Speed Reserve (ASR). The results indicated significant increases across maturity groups for PF and all time-locked variables (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes observed between pre- and post-PHV groups. Although MSS significantly improved following PHV (p < 0.001, d = 1.59), no significant differences were observed for MAS across the maturity spectrum (p > 0.05). This study concludes that biological maturity stimulates significant gains in absolute and reactive strength and sprinting speed in adolescent girls, yet qualities such as aerobic capacity remain stagnant, leading to an increased ASR across maturation. These findings suggest that athletes transition from aerobic toward anaerobic dominance, which may have implications for performance, recovery, and injury risk if sufficient profile-specific training adaptations are not implemented.

Colini, CL, Teixeira, EL, Andreato, LV, Marques, DC, Magnani Branco, BH, and de Salles Painelli, V. Beta-alanine supplementation improves isotonic strength endurance performance without altering psychological responses during drop-set and bi-set resistance exercises in resistance-trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The ergogenic effects of beta-alanine (BA) supplementation are widely recognized, yet its effects on resistance exercises remain uncertain. It is possible that previous protocols were not sufficiently 'acidotic,' such as advanced drop-set and bi-set training systems. This study investigated whether BA supplementation improves isotonic strength endurance performance and psychological responses (perceived exertion, motivation, affect) during drop-set and bi-set protocols. In a double-blind parallel-group design, 22 young resistance-trained men and women were randomly assigned to either a BA group (6.4 g·day-1, n = 12) or a placebo (maltodextrin, n = 10). After familiarization with psychological scales, maximal strength (1-RM), and strength endurance tests, subjects' total number of repetitions and psychological responses were recorded during drop-set (three sets at 80% 1-RM, with 3 successive 20% load reductions) and bi-set (three sets at 70% 1-RM, consisting of inclined bench press followed by flat bench press) protocols before and after a 4-week supplementation period. Outcomes were analyzed using mixed models for repeated measures (p < 0.05). The total number of repetitions increased with BA in the drop-set (+17.3%, effect size [ES] = 0.74, p = 0.007) and bi-set (+18.2%, ES = 0.98, p < 0.0001) protocols, but not with placebo (respectively, -0.98%, ES = -0.06, p = 0.988; and +5.6%, ES = 0.01, p = 0.406). Perceived exertion increased across sets during drop-set and bi-set protocols (both p < 0.0001), but without between-group differences (both p > 0.05). Other psychological responses were not influenced by set, group, or time (all p > 0.05). Four weeks of BA supplementation enhanced isotonic strength endurance performance in trained individuals performing drop-set and bi-set resistance protocols, without concurrent change in psychological responses.

Roberts, TD, Arnett, JE, Pioske, JS, Ortega, DG, Schmidt, RJ, and Housh, TJ. Fatiguing, unilateral, maximal intended velocity leg extensions do not affect the performance of the contralateral limb. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study examined changes in performance and neuromuscular outcomes in a working and nonworking limb from a fatiguing, unilateral, maximal intended velocity (MIV) task. Twelve recreationally active men performed unilateral, MIV leg extensions to failure at 40% 1-repetition maximum with the working limb (initial repetition = PRE; final repetition = POST). The nonworking limb performed 2 unilateral, MIV repetitions before (PRE = highest velocity repetition) and after (POST = highest velocity repetition) the fatiguing task. Mean and peak force, velocity, and power were collected with a linear transducer. Normalized (to PRE) electromyographic amplitude (EMG AMP), mean power frequency (EMG MPF), and neuromuscular efficiency (NME = mean force/EMG AMP) were calculated for both limbs' rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM). Separate 2-way (Repetition × Limb) and 3-way (Repetition × Limb × Muscle) repeated-measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the performance and neuromuscular outcomes, respectively. The significance level was p ≤ 0.05. All performance outcomes decreased (p < 0.001) PRE to POST for the working limb but not (p = 0.177-0.942) the nonworking limb. Collapsed across Limb and Muscle, EMG AMP increased (p < 0.001) from PRE to POST. There were no changes (p = 0.351-0.818) in EMG MPF for all muscles of the nonworking limb, but for the working limb, the RF exhibited a greater (p < 0.001) decrease than the VL and VM. Collapsed across Muscle, NME decreased (p < 0.001) for the working limb but not (p = 0.545) the nonworking limb. The decrease in performance for the working limb was likely due to peripheral fatigue, which was muscle-specific (RF fatigue > VL/VM fatigue). Despite an increase in EMG AMP, the performance of the nonworking limb was unaffected.

Metoyer, CJ, Lever, JR, Langman, D, Smith-Hale, V, Reuter, M, Hauenstein, JD, Huebner, A, and Wagle, JP. Seasonal changes in collegiate Division-I soccer athlete countermovement jump performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study examined seasonal changes in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance among NCAA Division I male and female soccer athletes across competitive and off-season phases. Twenty-three male and 16 female athletes completed CMJ testing at 6 in-season and 6 off-season time points using uniaxial force plates. Variables assessed included jump height, peak power, countermovement depth, modified reactive strength index, and eccentric-specific metrics such as force at zero velocity, eccentric rate of force development, and eccentric duration. Linear mixed models were used to analyze within-season changes. Concentric performance metrics remained stable during the in-season for both sexes, while significant declines in eccentric variables were observed. In men, countermovement depth and eccentric velocity decreased in the latter half of the season (p < 0.05). Women exhibited more pronounced fatigue responses, including reductions in eccentric rate of force development, force at zero velocity, and increased eccentric duration (p < 0.05). In the off-season, both men and women demonstrated significant improvements in peak power, relative power, and concentric impulse (p < 0.05), with female athletes also improving jump height and eccentric metrics. These findings highlight the utility of CMJ force plate metrics in detecting neuromuscular fatigue and performance adaptation. While resistance training may help preserve concentric performance during the season, eccentric function seems more vulnerable, particularly in women, underscoring the need for targeted eccentric training and monitoring. The off-season presents a valuable window for restoring and enhancing lower-body power.

McMahon, G, Morse, C, Burden, A, Winwood, K, and Onambele-Pearson, G. Moderate intensity resistance training with partial range-of-motion at long muscle lengths elicits similar hypertrophy and architectural adaptations as high intensity resistance training using full range-of-motion. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Resistance training (RT) elicits varying magnitudes of active and passive forces in muscle. Evidence is lacking comparing chronic RT outcomes including muscle thickness (MTH) and muscle architecture (fascicle length [Lf], pennation angle [pen]) performing training at shorter, longer, and full ranges-of-motion (ROM). A total of 45 subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups-shortened partial ROM (SP, 0-50° knee flexion, 80% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), lengthened partial ROM (LP, 40-90° knee flexion, 55% 1RM), full ROM (FROM, 0-90° knee flexion, 80% 1RM), or control (CON)-completing 8 weeks of knee extensor exercise. Vastus Lateralis MTH, PEN, and Lf were measured at 25, 50, and 75% femur length pre-post training and analyzed as delta (Δ) change (%); statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. ΔMTH was greater in LP and FROM (p < 0.05) vs. SP at 75%. ΔMTH LP was greater than SP at 25% (p < 0.05) and ΔMTH FROM was greater than SP at 50% (p < 0.05) with no differences between LP and FROM at any location. ΔLf was greater in LP vs. FROM (p < 0.05) at 25 and 75%, and LP vs. SP (p < 0.05) at all sites. ΔLf was greater in FROM vs. SP (p < 0.05) at 50 and 75%. Absolute and normalized baseline Lf was inversely correlated with ΔLf in all groups (p < 0.001). This study provides novel evidence that moderate-intensity RT with partial ROM at long muscle lengths elicits similar hypertrophic and superior Lf adaptations as high-intensity full ROM training. These findings challenge traditional RT prescription, offering new insights for optimizing muscle size and architecture in athletic populations.

Moore, DA, Darrall-Jones, JD, Weakley, JJS, Sawczuk, TS, Heyward, OW, Jones, BL, and Till, K. Countermovement jump responses during an academy rugby league in-season. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The countermovement jump (CMJ) is widely used to assess lower-body force-time characteristics in rugby league; however, how these characteristics change across the in-season period remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in lower-body force-time characteristics over an 8-week in-season period using CMJ outcome, driver, and strategy metrics derived from force plates. Twenty-five male academy rugby league players (17.0 ± 1.9 years) completed CMJ assessments twice weekly (2 trials per session): 24 hours prematch and 24-72 hours postmatch, while engaging in regular field training, resistance training, and weekly competition. Force plate-derived variables included outcome (i.e., jump height, relative peak power), driver (phase-specific mean force, impulse), and strategy (i.e., countermovement depth, contraction time) metrics. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess acute (24-72 hours) and preobservation to postobservation window (8 weeks) changes, with "week" included as a fixed effect and "athlete identity" as a random effect. Hedges' g effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results demonstrated trivial reductions in CMJ performance across the observation window. Jump height and concentric impulse remained unchanged, but countermovement depth exhibited a moderate increase (Δ = 3.46 ± 1.60 cm, g = 0.61 (0.33-0.89); p < 0.001). These findings suggest athletes adopt compensatory patterns, characterized by greater ranges of motion and contraction time, to sustain performance under conditions of accumulating load. Incorporating outcome, driver and strategy metrics enhances the utility of CMJ testing for athlete monitoring, informing training adjustments, guiding recovery strategies and supporting long-term athlete development.

Wijekulasuriya, GA, Woods, CT, Kittel, A, and Larkin, P. The association between athletic movement quality and physical fitness in athletic populations: A systematic review with multilevel meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Proficient athletic movement skill is purported to be foundational for the development of physical fitness qualities. Conducting a meta-analysis to determine the association between athletic movement quality and physical fitness in athletic populations would thus provide empirical evidence to substantiate or challenge this purportion. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between athletic movement quality and physical fitness measures in athletic populations. Following our literature search, 62 studies were identified for inclusion. Multilevel meta-analyses were then conducted to determine the association between assessments of athletic movement quality and physical fitness measures, which included GRADE assessments for certainty of evidence. Subgroup analysis determined whether associations differed between movement quality assessments. There was high certainty of evidence for the association between athletic movement quality and balance, lower-body bilateral power, and speed. There were also associations between athletic movement quality and cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength. However, associations were negligible to low in magnitude and were assessment-dependent for some physical fitness measures. Bias due to nonreporting and limited control for confounding factors was identified, and moderate model and between-study heterogeneity was evident for most meta-analyses. Thus, the association between athletic movement quality and physical fitness seems small and assessment specific. These results may influence the selection of athletic movement quality assessments for athletes in addition to long-term athletic development strategies in youth populations.