Publication Details
Vernon, A.,
Joyce, C.,
&
Banyard, H. G.
(2020).
Readiness to train: Return to baseline strength and velocity following strength or power training.
International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, Early View, Online First.
Abstract
This study investigated the return to baseline of movement velocity and maximal strength following a strength-orientated session and power-orientated session in the free-weight back-squat performed with maximal concentric velocity. Fourteen strength-trained males completed a strength-orientated session (five sets of five repetitions @80% of a one-repetition maximum) and a power-orientated session (three sets of six repetitions @50% one-repetition maximum ) in a randomised order over two weeks (e.g. strength week 1, power week 2). The back-squat was then performed with loads of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 90% and 100% one-repetition maximum at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h following the strength and power exercise sessions to assess return to baseline of squat velocity and maximal strength. Dependent variables included one-repetition maximum, back-squat mean velocity and peak velocity and countermovement jump peak velocity. Meaningful changes ((effect size) ≥ −0.60) were reported for mean velocity and peak velocity at loads ≥ 60% one-repetition maximum at 24 and 48 h after the strength-orientated session. Trivial to small (effect size ≤ −0.59) differences were reported for squat velocities following the power-orientated session. Only trivial to small effect size differences were observed for countermovement jump peak velocity and one-repetition maximum at all time points following both sessions. Squat velocity (mean velocity and peak velocity) across the load–velocity profile had recovered at 72 h following the strength-orientated session. However, the return to baseline of squat velocity (mean velocity and peak velocity) did not coincide with the return to baseline of one-repetition maximum or countermovement jump peak velocity. Therefore, measuring and monitoring meaningful changes in velocity may be a more valid and practical alternative in determining full recovery and readiness to train.
Keywords
countermovement jump, monitoring, one-repetition maximum, power, strength, velocity
