A training program consisting of working up to a one-repetition maximum (1RM) results in similar strength adaptations as traditional resistance exercise, while also decreasing the volume of work necessary to achieve this outcome. However, little is known regarding the cardiovascular adaptations to this type of training. Objective: To examine chronic changes in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as forearm and calf vascular conductance to either a traditional resistance exercise program or a bi-weekly 1RM-training program. Design and Methods: Participants trained for 8 weeks (2x/week) on the knee extension and chest press exercises. The HYPER group completed 4 sets of 8-12 repetitions; the 1RM group (TEST) worked up to a single maximal rep. Results: Age [HYPER: 21 (SD 3) vs. TEST: 22 (SD 4) years], height [HYPER: 169.3 (SD 8.4) vs. TEST: 173.5 (SD 8.5) cm], and body mass HYPER: 79.3 (SD 22.6) vs. TEST: 70.4 (SD 14.4) kg]. There were no between group differences for changes in systolic [1 (-3, 5) mmHg, p = 0.586] or diastolic blood pressure [1 (-3, 4) mmHg, p = 0.775]. For heart rate, there were between group differences [6 (1, 11) bpm, p = 0.025], with the TEST group having a greater reduction than the HYPER group. There were no differences in changes in forearm or calf conductance. Conclusion: HYPER and TEST training elicited similar cardiovascular adaptations. Thus, 1RM training may provide a low vol ume, less time-demanding alternative to traditional resistance exercise.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lower-body power output and pitching velocity in professional baseball pitchers. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to assess twenty-seven minor league baseball pitchers were for lower body power output using two methods. Countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) and a 30 second sprint cycling test (Cycle) were used to calculate peak and mean power, as well as normalized peak and mean power respectively. Additionally, peak velocity, and mean velocity was assessed during the CMVJ with the use of a linear position transducer attached to a wooden dowel. Pitching velocity was measured as the greatest fastball pitch velocity for each subject recorded during a minor league spring training game. Mean velocity was that of all fastballs thrown. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to analyze the relationship between all variables with alpha levels set at p < 0.05. Results: Mean power during Cycle showed a significant positive relationship to both peak and mean throwing velocities (r = 0.441 and 0.428, respectively). Conclusions: Sprint cycling performance and more specifically the mean output over the duration of the sprint has a significant linear relationship with both peak and mean throwing velocity in professional baseball pitchers.

Objectives: We sought to determine if individualized programming by heart rate variability (HRV), improves resistance training outcomes in American football players. Design and Methods: Twenty-seven National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCA) Division II American football players (age 19.03 ± .98 y, height 185.50 ± 5.30 cm, body mass 100.59 ± 18.57 kg) were divided into an experimental (HVG) group (n = 11), and a control (CON, n = 16). Subjects completed 5-weeks of 3 d·wk^‒1 periodized resistance training during the offseason. The HVG monitored HRV on mornings before training, and their training volume was adjusted by their HRV. Specifically, on training days when HRV indicated that a subject was fatigued, the subject performed half of the originally planned repetitions for the training day. CON performed assigned workouts with no alterations. Performance was assessed via 1RM bench press (BP), power clean (PC), back squat (BS), and vertical jump (VJ) between groups using a 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The HVG had an average of 4 ± 1.51 days modified over the 5 wks, but volume load lifted was similar (p = 0.955) between groups. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant increases in BP (time effect p < .001), BS (time effect p < 0.001), PC (time effect p = 0.002), and VJ (time effect p = 0.042) for both HVG and CON. There were no significant betweengroup differences in performance variables. The group × time interaction for PC (p = 0.087) trended towards a significantly greater increase in HVG (+ 8.6%) vs. CON (+ 2.6%). Conclusions: Periodized training can improve performance without monitoring HRV, but it may have an advantageous effect for highly technical movements such as the PC.

Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold, firstly to assess the reliability of the VX Sport Log GPS-based accelerometer, and secondly the validity of the same device compared to a Catapult Optieye S5 (considered a gold standard) recording at 100 Hz. Design & Methods: A total of 15 participants were recruited to take part in two separate trials of a Badminton specific endurance test. Reliability and validity assessments were conducted using coefficients of variation, intra-class correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman plots per axis (Vertical, Antero-posterior and Medio-lateral) and for vector magnitude (player load). Results: Reliability results demonstrate high levels of agreement between devices. Validity results also demonstrate high levels of agreement. However, there were issues with sample rate agreement between manufacturers of 0.25%. Conclusion: This study re-emphasises the need for sports utilising GPS-based accelerometers to conduct reliability and validity studies to ensure the consistency between data collection systems.