Beatriz Bachero Mena | Universidad de Sevilla (original) (raw)

Papers by Beatriz Bachero Mena

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay between gastrocnemius medialis force–length and force–velocity potentials, cumulative EMG activity and energy cost at speeds above and below the walk to run transition speed

Research paper thumbnail of Load Index and Vertical Jump to Monitor Neuromuscular Fatigue in an Elite 800-m Athlete

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Purpose: To analyze the relationships between the evolution of training-load values and countermo... more Purpose: To analyze the relationships between the evolution of training-load values and countermovement jump (CMJ) as an indicator of stress and fatigue in a high-level 800-m runner during a whole season, including indoor (ID) and outdoor season (OD). Methods: Over 42 weeks, daily training load was quantified as the result of the product of the intensity and volume, and it was termed load index (LI). CMJ was measured in every running session after warm-up and immediately after the last effort of the session. Other jump-related variables such as CMJ height loss, average weekly CMJ, initial CMJ of the next consecutive session, and initial CMJ of the following week were studied. Results: A significant negative relationship was observed between LI and weekly CMJ (ID: r = −.68, P < .001, common variance [CV] = 46%; OD: r = −.73, P < .001, CV = 53%), initial CMJ of the following week (OD: r = −.71, P < .01, CV = 50%), and CMJ height loss (ID: r = −.58, P < .01, CV = 34%; OD: r...

Research paper thumbnail of La Presencia De Falsas Creencias Sobre Hábitos Generales De Ejercicio Físico en Estudiantes en Formación De La Actividad Física y Deporte

Investigación educativa en contextos de pandemia.

Research paper thumbnail of Análisis de la condición física en personas con discapacidad intelectual tras un plan de entrenamiento de cuatro semanas

Innovación Docente e Investigación en Educación: avanzando en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, 2020, ISBN 978-84-1377-221-9, págs. 411-420, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Efectos de seis semanas de entrenamiento concurrente de fuerza y resistencia sobre el rendimiento en personas con discapacidad intelectual

Innovación Docente e Investigación en Educación y Ciencias Sociales. Avanzando en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, 2020, ISBN 978-84-1377-219-6, págs. 403-410, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of muscle‐belly and tendon gearing on the energy cost of human walking

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2022

Walking is the most common locomotor task during daily life activities. It has been classically d... more Walking is the most common locomotor task during daily life activities. It has been classically described by an inverted pendulum paradigm, where the potential and kinetic energies associated to the body center of mass (BCoM) are out of phase and continuously exchange (as in a pendulum-like motion), reducing the total mechanical energy oscillations over a stride. 1 In walking, the relationship between net energy cost (C net : the metabolic energy expended, above rest, to cover one unit distance) and speed can be empirically described by a quadratic

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships among repeated sprint ability, vertical jump performance and upper-body strength in professional basketball

Summary The repeated sprint ability (RSA), counter-movement jump (CMJ) performance and upper-body... more Summary The repeated sprint ability (RSA), counter-movement jump (CMJ) performance and upper-body strength are very important variables in high-level basketball competition. However, the relationships among these variables are poorly studied in elite basketball players. Thus, the purpose of this research is to study the relationships among the Running-Based Anaerobic Speed Test (RAST), the CMJ and upper-body strength in professional male basketball players from the highest-level competition of Spain (League Endesa). Eleven, athletes (N=11, age = 24.5 ± 5.8 yrs, height = 200 ± 10.9 cm, weight = 98.4 ± 9 kg) were tested on the RAST, the CMJ before and after the RAST and the bench press strength in one single morning. The results show, high and statistically signifi cant correlations between the RAST fatigue index (FI) and CMJ loss (the diff erence between pre and post RAST measures) (r = 0.78, p <0.01), the FI and the maximum force production on the bench press (r = -0.86, p <0....

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanical and Metabolic Responses during High-intensity Training in Elite 800-m Runners

International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the mechanical and metabolic responses of a typical hig... more The purpose of this study was to describe the mechanical and metabolic responses of a typical high-intensity training session in high-level 800-m athletes. Nine male high-level 800-m athletes (personal best 1:43–1:56 min:ss) performed a typical high-intensity interval training session consisting of 5×200 m with 4 min rest. Countermovement jump and blood lactate were measured at rest and after each running bout. Running times, ground contact times, and stride length were also measured. Running times and lactate (p<0.01) progressively increased from the first to the last running bout. Jump height (p<0.01) and stride length (p<0.05) progressively decreased from the first running bout to the last. A significant negative relationship (p<0.001; r =−0.83) was found between the individual values of jumping height and blood lactate concentration; and a significant positive relationship (p<0.01; r=0.67) was observed between the time in the 200 m and the contact times. In conclu...

Research paper thumbnail of Resistance Training in Women

Resistance Training Methods, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Do Faster, Stronger, and More Powerful Athletes Perform Better in Resisted Sprints?

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020

Lizana, JA, Bachero-Mena, B, Calvo-Lluch, A, Sánchez-Moreno, M, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, and Pare... more Lizana, JA, Bachero-Mena, B, Calvo-Lluch, A, Sánchez-Moreno, M, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Do faster, stronger, and more powerful athletes perform better in resisted sprints? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This study aimed to analyze the relationships between different strength, power, and speed abilities and resisted sprint performance across a wide range of sled loads (10, 30, and 50% body mass [BM]). Seventy-nine young physically active male sport science students (age: 22.8 ± 3.4 years, BM: 74.2 ± 9.1 kg, and height: 175.4 ± 8.5 cm) performed 2 testing sessions. Session 1 consisted of a 20 m sprint without any additional load and with 10, 30, and 50% BM. Session 2 consisted of countermovement jump and full squat (SQ) tests. The CMJ was performed without any additional load and with loads of 30 and 50% BM, and the SQ was performed with loads corresponding to 30, 50, 70, and 90% BM. Resisted sprint times were moderate to large correlated with unloaded sprint times (r = 0.79 to 0.89), unloaded and loaded jump height (r = -0.62 to -0.71), and SQ performance (r = -0.56 to -0.71). Negative relationships were observed between velocity loss induced by each sled load and jump and SQ performance. The magnitude of these relationships increased with increasing sled loads. In conclusion, differences in speed, strength, and power abilities may explain, at least partially, the individual response of each athlete during sprinting towing a sled, especially with heavier sled loads. Thus, faster, stronger, and more powerful athletes require heavier sled loads (relative to %BM) to experience similar exercise intensities.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Different Loading Conditions During Resisted Sprint Training on Sprint Performance

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020

ABSTRACT Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Sáez de Villarreal, E, Mora-Custodio, R, Asián-Clemente, JA, Bacher... more ABSTRACT Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Sáez de Villarreal, E, Mora-Custodio, R, Asián-Clemente, JA, Bachero-Mena, B, Loturco, I, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Effects of different loading conditions during resisted sprint training on sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 5 loading conditions (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% of body mass [BM]) during weighted sled sprint training on unresisted and resisted sprint performance and jump ability. Sixty physically active men were randomly assigned into 5 groups according to the overload used during sled sprint training: 0% (G0%, n = 12), 20% (G20%, n = 12), 40% (G40%, n = 12), 60% (G60%, n = 12), and 80% BM (G80%, n = 12). Pretraining and post-training assessments included: countermovement jump (CMJ), 30-m sprint without extra load, and 20-m sprint with 20, 40, 60, and 80% BM. All 5 experimental groups trained once a week for a period of 8 weeks completing the same training program (number of sessions, number of bouts, running distance in each sprint, rest intervals between repetitions, and total running distance), but with different sled loads (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% BM). There was a significant "time × group" interaction for resisted sprint performance at 80% BM condition, where the G40% group attained improvements in performance and G80% worsened. Moreover, G40% increased performance in unresisted and the rest of loading conditions. In addition, G0% and G60% showed statistically significant increases in unresisted sprint performance. No relevant changes were observed in the other experimental groups. All groups showed significant improvements (p < 0.05-0.001) in CMJ height. Therefore, our findings suggest that resisted sprint training with moderate loads (i.e., 40% BM) may have a positive effect on unresisted and resisted sprint performance.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute Mechanical, Neuromuscular, and Metabolic Responses to Different Set Configurations in Resistance Training

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2021

ABSTRACT Piqueras-Sanchiz, F, Cornejo-Daza, PJ, Sánchez-Valdepeñas, J, Bachero-Mena, B, Sánchez-M... more ABSTRACT Piqueras-Sanchiz, F, Cornejo-Daza, PJ, Sánchez-Valdepeñas, J, Bachero-Mena, B, Sánchez-Moreno, M, Martín-Rodríguez, S, García-García, Ó, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Acute Mechanical, Neuromuscular, and Metabolic Responses to Different Set Configurations in Resistance Training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of set configuration on mechanical performance, neuromuscular activity, metabolic response, and muscle contractile properties. Sixteen strength-trained men performed 2 training sessions in the squat exercise consisting of (a) 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 5 minutes rest between sets (3 × 8) and (b) 6 sets of 4 repetitions with 2 minutes rest between sets (6 × 4). Training intensity (75% one repetition maximum), total volume (24 repetitions), total rest (10 minutes), and training density were equalized between protocols. A battery of tests was performed before and after each protocol: (a) tensiomyography (TMG), (b) blood lactate and ammonia concentration, (c) countermovement jump, and (d) maximal voluntary isometric contraction in the squat exercise. Force, velocity, and power output values, along with electromyography data, were recorded for every repetition throughout each protocol. The 6 × 4 protocol resulted in greater mechanical performance (i.e., force, velocity, and power) and lower neuromuscular markers of fatigue (i.e., lower root mean square and higher median frequency) during the exercise compared with 3 × 8, particularly for the last repetitions of each set. The 3 × 8 protocol induced greater lactate and ammonia concentrations, greater reductions in jump height, and greater impairments in TMG-derived velocity of deformation after exercise than 6 × 4. Therefore, implementing lower-repetition sets with shorter and more frequent interset rest intervals attenuates impairments in mechanical performance, especially in the final repetitions of each set. These effects may be mediated by lower neuromuscular alterations, reduced metabolic stress, and better maintained muscle contractile properties.

Research paper thumbnail of Strength performance profile in 800-m athletes: a comparison between high, medium, and low performance levels

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Unloaded Sprint and Heavy Sled Training on Sprint Performance in Physically Active Women

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of unresisted versus heavy sled sprint training ... more Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of unresisted versus heavy sled sprint training (0% vs 40% body mass [BM]) on sprint performance in women. Moreover, the effects of the aforementioned loads on resisted sprint and jump performance were analyzed. Methods: Twenty-eight physically active women were randomly allocated into 2 groups: unloaded sprint training group (G0%, n = 14), and resisted sprint training with 40% BM group (G40%, n = 14). Pretraining and posttraining assessments included countermovement jump, unloaded 30-m sprint, and 20-m sprint with 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% BM. Times to cover 0 to 10 (T10), 0 to 20 (T20), 0 to 30 (T30), 10 to 20 (T10–20), 20 to 30 (T20–30), and 10 to 30 m (T10–30) were recorded. Both groups were trained once a week for 8 weeks and completed the same training program, but with different loads (0% vs 40% BM). Results: No significant time × group interactions were observed. For unloaded sprint performance, G0% showed significant (P = .027) ...

Research paper thumbnail of Acute and Short-Term Response to Different Loading Conditions During Resisted Sprint Training

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2020

Purpose: To analyze the acute and short-term physical and metabolic responses to resisted sprint ... more Purpose: To analyze the acute and short-term physical and metabolic responses to resisted sprint training with 5 different loading conditions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% body mass). Methods: Fifteen male participants performed 8 × 20-m sprints with 2-minute rests between sprints with 5 different loading conditions. Subjects performed a battery of tests (creatine kinase and lactate concentrations, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and isokinetic knee extension and flexion contractions) at 3 different time points (preexercise [PRE], postexercise [POST], and 24-h postexercise [POST24H]). Results: Results revealed significant increases in blood lactate for all loading conditions; however, as sled loadings increased, higher blood lactate concentrations and increments in sprint times during the training session were observed. Significant increases in creatine kinase concentration were observed from PRE to POST24H for all loading conditions. Concerning physical performance, significant de...

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in the immune response during an athletics training and competition season in 800 m high-level athletes

Annals of Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 2018

A navegação consulta e descarregamento dos títulos inseridos nas Bibliotecas Digitais UC Digitali... more A navegação consulta e descarregamento dos títulos inseridos nas Bibliotecas Digitais UC Digitalis, UC Pombalina e UC Impactum, pressupõem a aceitação plena e sem reservas dos Termos e Condições de Uso destas Bibliotecas Digitais, disponíveis em https://digitalis.uc.pt/pt-pt/termos. Conforme exposto nos referidos Termos e Condições de Uso, o descarregamento de títulos de acesso restrito requer uma licença válida de autorização devendo o utilizador aceder ao(s) documento(s) a partir de um endereço de IP da instituição detentora da supramencionada licença. Ao utilizador é apenas permitido o descarregamento para uso pessoal, pelo que o emprego do(s) título(s) descarregado(s) para outro fim, designadamente comercial, carece de autorização do respetivo autor ou editor da obra. Na medida em que todas as obras da UC Digitalis se encontram protegidas pelo Código do Direito de Autor e Direitos Conexos e demais legislação aplicável, toda a cópia, parcial ou total, deste documento, nos casos em que é legalmente admitida, deverá conter ou fazer-se acompanhar por este aviso.

Research paper thumbnail of Velocity Loss as a Critical Variable Determining the Adaptations to Strength Training

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2020

The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification,... more The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by the American College of Sports Medicine. This study has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Resistance Training on Physical Performance in High-Level 800-Meter Athletes

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2019

Bachero-Mena, B, Pareja-Blanco, F, and González-Badillo, JJ. Effects of resistance training on ph... more Bachero-Mena, B, Pareja-Blanco, F, and González-Badillo, JJ. Effects of resistance training on physical performance in high-level 800-meter athletes: a comparison between high-speed resistance training and circuit training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study compared the effects of 2 resistance training programs during 25 weeks on physical performance and hormonal response in high-level 800 m athletes. Thirteen male athletes (800 m personal best: 1:43-1:58 minutes:ss) were divided into 2 groups: high-speed resistance training group (RTG) (n = 6) and circuit training group (CTG) (n = 7). Three tests (T1, T2, and T3) including sprint and 800 m running, strength exercises, and blood hormones samples were performed. Both groups showed improvements in 800 m performance (RTG: likely positive, 80/20/0%; CTG: very likely positive, 98/2/0%); however, RTG showed an additional improvement in 200 m (likely positive, 85/15/0%), countermovement jump (CMJ) (very likely positive, 98/2/0%), and squat (likely positive, 91/9/0%), whereas CTG reached likely positive (88/11/1%) effects in CMJ and unclear/possibly negative effects in the rest of the strength variables analyzed. Concerning hormones, RTG resulted in a likely increase (83/15/3%) in testosterone from T1 to T3, and CTG showed a likely increase (79/17/4%) in cortisol from T2 to T3, remaining the rest of the hormones analyzed unclear. These results suggest that a resistance training characterized by high-speed and low-volume produced better improvements in both strength and running performance than a circuit training, accompanied by little changes in the hormonal response.

Research paper thumbnail of Enhanced Strength and Sprint Levels, and Changes in Blood Parameters during a Complete Athletics Season in 800 m High-Level Athletes

Frontiers in Physiology, 2017

The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in sprint, strength, hematological, and hormonal... more The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in sprint, strength, hematological, and hormonal parameters in high-level 800 m athletes during a complete athletics season. Thirteen male athletes of national and international level in 800 m (personal best ranging from 1:43 to 1:58 min:ss) participated in this study. A total of 5 tests were conducted during a complete athletics season. Athletes performed sprint tests (20 and 200 m), countermovement jump (CMJ), jump squat (JS), and full squat (SQ) tests. Blood samples (red and white blood profile) and hormones were collected in test 1 (T1), test 3 (T3), and test 5 (T5). A general increase in the performance of the strength and sprint parameters analyzed (CMJ, JS, SQ, 20 m, and 200 m) during the season was observed, with a significant time effect in CMJ (P < 0.01), SQ (P < 0.01), and 200 m (P < 0.05). This improvement was accompanied by a significant enhancement of the 800 m performance from T3 to T5 (P < 0.01). Significant changes in some hematological variables: hematocrit (Hct) (P < 0.01), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P < 0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MCHC) (P < 0.001), white blood cells count (WBC) (P < 0.05), neutrophils (P < 0.05), monocytes (P < 0.05), and mean platelet volume (MPV) (P < 0.05) were observed throughout the season. The hormonal response and creatin kinase (CK) did not show significant variations during the season, except for insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest the importance of strength levels in middle-distance athletes. On the other hand, variations in some hematological parameters and a depression of the immune system occurred during the season. Therefore, monitoring of the mechanical, hematological and hormonal response in athletes may help coaches and athletes to optimize the regulation of training contents and may be useful to diagnose states of overreaching or overtraining in athletes throughout the season.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships Between Sprint, Jumping and Strength Abilities, and 800 M Performance in Male Athletes of National and International Levels

Journal of Human Kinetics, 2017

This study analysed the relationships between sprinting, jumping and strength abilities, with reg... more This study analysed the relationships between sprinting, jumping and strength abilities, with regard to 800 m running performance. Fourteen athletes of national and international levels in 800 m (personal best: 1:43-1:58 min:ss) completed sprint tests (20 m and 200 m), a countermovement jump, jump squat and full squat test as well as an 800 m race. Significant relationships (p < 0.01) were observed between 800 m performance and sprint tests: 20 m (r = 0.72) and 200 m (r = 0.84). Analysing the 200 m run, the magnitude of the relationship between the first to the last 50 m interval times and the 800 m time tended to increase (1st 50 m: r = 0.71; 2nd 50 m: r = 0.72; 3rd 50 m: r = 0.81; 4th 50 m: r = 0.85). Performance in 800 m also correlated significantly (p < 0.01-0.05) with strength variables: the countermovement jump (r = -0.69), jump squat (r = -0.65), and full squat test (r = -0.58). Performance of 800 m in high-level athletes was related to sprint, strength and jumping abi...

Research paper thumbnail of The interplay between gastrocnemius medialis force–length and force–velocity potentials, cumulative EMG activity and energy cost at speeds above and below the walk to run transition speed

Research paper thumbnail of Load Index and Vertical Jump to Monitor Neuromuscular Fatigue in an Elite 800-m Athlete

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Purpose: To analyze the relationships between the evolution of training-load values and countermo... more Purpose: To analyze the relationships between the evolution of training-load values and countermovement jump (CMJ) as an indicator of stress and fatigue in a high-level 800-m runner during a whole season, including indoor (ID) and outdoor season (OD). Methods: Over 42 weeks, daily training load was quantified as the result of the product of the intensity and volume, and it was termed load index (LI). CMJ was measured in every running session after warm-up and immediately after the last effort of the session. Other jump-related variables such as CMJ height loss, average weekly CMJ, initial CMJ of the next consecutive session, and initial CMJ of the following week were studied. Results: A significant negative relationship was observed between LI and weekly CMJ (ID: r = −.68, P < .001, common variance [CV] = 46%; OD: r = −.73, P < .001, CV = 53%), initial CMJ of the following week (OD: r = −.71, P < .01, CV = 50%), and CMJ height loss (ID: r = −.58, P < .01, CV = 34%; OD: r...

Research paper thumbnail of La Presencia De Falsas Creencias Sobre Hábitos Generales De Ejercicio Físico en Estudiantes en Formación De La Actividad Física y Deporte

Investigación educativa en contextos de pandemia.

Research paper thumbnail of Análisis de la condición física en personas con discapacidad intelectual tras un plan de entrenamiento de cuatro semanas

Innovación Docente e Investigación en Educación: avanzando en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, 2020, ISBN 978-84-1377-221-9, págs. 411-420, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Efectos de seis semanas de entrenamiento concurrente de fuerza y resistencia sobre el rendimiento en personas con discapacidad intelectual

Innovación Docente e Investigación en Educación y Ciencias Sociales. Avanzando en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, 2020, ISBN 978-84-1377-219-6, págs. 403-410, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of muscle‐belly and tendon gearing on the energy cost of human walking

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2022

Walking is the most common locomotor task during daily life activities. It has been classically d... more Walking is the most common locomotor task during daily life activities. It has been classically described by an inverted pendulum paradigm, where the potential and kinetic energies associated to the body center of mass (BCoM) are out of phase and continuously exchange (as in a pendulum-like motion), reducing the total mechanical energy oscillations over a stride. 1 In walking, the relationship between net energy cost (C net : the metabolic energy expended, above rest, to cover one unit distance) and speed can be empirically described by a quadratic

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships among repeated sprint ability, vertical jump performance and upper-body strength in professional basketball

Summary The repeated sprint ability (RSA), counter-movement jump (CMJ) performance and upper-body... more Summary The repeated sprint ability (RSA), counter-movement jump (CMJ) performance and upper-body strength are very important variables in high-level basketball competition. However, the relationships among these variables are poorly studied in elite basketball players. Thus, the purpose of this research is to study the relationships among the Running-Based Anaerobic Speed Test (RAST), the CMJ and upper-body strength in professional male basketball players from the highest-level competition of Spain (League Endesa). Eleven, athletes (N=11, age = 24.5 ± 5.8 yrs, height = 200 ± 10.9 cm, weight = 98.4 ± 9 kg) were tested on the RAST, the CMJ before and after the RAST and the bench press strength in one single morning. The results show, high and statistically signifi cant correlations between the RAST fatigue index (FI) and CMJ loss (the diff erence between pre and post RAST measures) (r = 0.78, p <0.01), the FI and the maximum force production on the bench press (r = -0.86, p <0....

Research paper thumbnail of Mechanical and Metabolic Responses during High-intensity Training in Elite 800-m Runners

International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the mechanical and metabolic responses of a typical hig... more The purpose of this study was to describe the mechanical and metabolic responses of a typical high-intensity training session in high-level 800-m athletes. Nine male high-level 800-m athletes (personal best 1:43–1:56 min:ss) performed a typical high-intensity interval training session consisting of 5×200 m with 4 min rest. Countermovement jump and blood lactate were measured at rest and after each running bout. Running times, ground contact times, and stride length were also measured. Running times and lactate (p<0.01) progressively increased from the first to the last running bout. Jump height (p<0.01) and stride length (p<0.05) progressively decreased from the first running bout to the last. A significant negative relationship (p<0.001; r =−0.83) was found between the individual values of jumping height and blood lactate concentration; and a significant positive relationship (p<0.01; r=0.67) was observed between the time in the 200 m and the contact times. In conclu...

Research paper thumbnail of Resistance Training in Women

Resistance Training Methods, 2021

Research paper thumbnail of Do Faster, Stronger, and More Powerful Athletes Perform Better in Resisted Sprints?

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020

Lizana, JA, Bachero-Mena, B, Calvo-Lluch, A, Sánchez-Moreno, M, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, and Pare... more Lizana, JA, Bachero-Mena, B, Calvo-Lluch, A, Sánchez-Moreno, M, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Do faster, stronger, and more powerful athletes perform better in resisted sprints? J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-This study aimed to analyze the relationships between different strength, power, and speed abilities and resisted sprint performance across a wide range of sled loads (10, 30, and 50% body mass [BM]). Seventy-nine young physically active male sport science students (age: 22.8 ± 3.4 years, BM: 74.2 ± 9.1 kg, and height: 175.4 ± 8.5 cm) performed 2 testing sessions. Session 1 consisted of a 20 m sprint without any additional load and with 10, 30, and 50% BM. Session 2 consisted of countermovement jump and full squat (SQ) tests. The CMJ was performed without any additional load and with loads of 30 and 50% BM, and the SQ was performed with loads corresponding to 30, 50, 70, and 90% BM. Resisted sprint times were moderate to large correlated with unloaded sprint times (r = 0.79 to 0.89), unloaded and loaded jump height (r = -0.62 to -0.71), and SQ performance (r = -0.56 to -0.71). Negative relationships were observed between velocity loss induced by each sled load and jump and SQ performance. The magnitude of these relationships increased with increasing sled loads. In conclusion, differences in speed, strength, and power abilities may explain, at least partially, the individual response of each athlete during sprinting towing a sled, especially with heavier sled loads. Thus, faster, stronger, and more powerful athletes require heavier sled loads (relative to %BM) to experience similar exercise intensities.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Different Loading Conditions During Resisted Sprint Training on Sprint Performance

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2020

ABSTRACT Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Sáez de Villarreal, E, Mora-Custodio, R, Asián-Clemente, JA, Bacher... more ABSTRACT Rodríguez-Rosell, D, Sáez de Villarreal, E, Mora-Custodio, R, Asián-Clemente, JA, Bachero-Mena, B, Loturco, I, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Effects of different loading conditions during resisted sprint training on sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 5 loading conditions (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% of body mass [BM]) during weighted sled sprint training on unresisted and resisted sprint performance and jump ability. Sixty physically active men were randomly assigned into 5 groups according to the overload used during sled sprint training: 0% (G0%, n = 12), 20% (G20%, n = 12), 40% (G40%, n = 12), 60% (G60%, n = 12), and 80% BM (G80%, n = 12). Pretraining and post-training assessments included: countermovement jump (CMJ), 30-m sprint without extra load, and 20-m sprint with 20, 40, 60, and 80% BM. All 5 experimental groups trained once a week for a period of 8 weeks completing the same training program (number of sessions, number of bouts, running distance in each sprint, rest intervals between repetitions, and total running distance), but with different sled loads (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% BM). There was a significant "time × group" interaction for resisted sprint performance at 80% BM condition, where the G40% group attained improvements in performance and G80% worsened. Moreover, G40% increased performance in unresisted and the rest of loading conditions. In addition, G0% and G60% showed statistically significant increases in unresisted sprint performance. No relevant changes were observed in the other experimental groups. All groups showed significant improvements (p < 0.05-0.001) in CMJ height. Therefore, our findings suggest that resisted sprint training with moderate loads (i.e., 40% BM) may have a positive effect on unresisted and resisted sprint performance.

Research paper thumbnail of Acute Mechanical, Neuromuscular, and Metabolic Responses to Different Set Configurations in Resistance Training

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2021

ABSTRACT Piqueras-Sanchiz, F, Cornejo-Daza, PJ, Sánchez-Valdepeñas, J, Bachero-Mena, B, Sánchez-M... more ABSTRACT Piqueras-Sanchiz, F, Cornejo-Daza, PJ, Sánchez-Valdepeñas, J, Bachero-Mena, B, Sánchez-Moreno, M, Martín-Rodríguez, S, García-García, Ó, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Acute Mechanical, Neuromuscular, and Metabolic Responses to Different Set Configurations in Resistance Training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of set configuration on mechanical performance, neuromuscular activity, metabolic response, and muscle contractile properties. Sixteen strength-trained men performed 2 training sessions in the squat exercise consisting of (a) 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 5 minutes rest between sets (3 × 8) and (b) 6 sets of 4 repetitions with 2 minutes rest between sets (6 × 4). Training intensity (75% one repetition maximum), total volume (24 repetitions), total rest (10 minutes), and training density were equalized between protocols. A battery of tests was performed before and after each protocol: (a) tensiomyography (TMG), (b) blood lactate and ammonia concentration, (c) countermovement jump, and (d) maximal voluntary isometric contraction in the squat exercise. Force, velocity, and power output values, along with electromyography data, were recorded for every repetition throughout each protocol. The 6 × 4 protocol resulted in greater mechanical performance (i.e., force, velocity, and power) and lower neuromuscular markers of fatigue (i.e., lower root mean square and higher median frequency) during the exercise compared with 3 × 8, particularly for the last repetitions of each set. The 3 × 8 protocol induced greater lactate and ammonia concentrations, greater reductions in jump height, and greater impairments in TMG-derived velocity of deformation after exercise than 6 × 4. Therefore, implementing lower-repetition sets with shorter and more frequent interset rest intervals attenuates impairments in mechanical performance, especially in the final repetitions of each set. These effects may be mediated by lower neuromuscular alterations, reduced metabolic stress, and better maintained muscle contractile properties.

Research paper thumbnail of Strength performance profile in 800-m athletes: a comparison between high, medium, and low performance levels

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Unloaded Sprint and Heavy Sled Training on Sprint Performance in Physically Active Women

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of unresisted versus heavy sled sprint training ... more Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of unresisted versus heavy sled sprint training (0% vs 40% body mass [BM]) on sprint performance in women. Moreover, the effects of the aforementioned loads on resisted sprint and jump performance were analyzed. Methods: Twenty-eight physically active women were randomly allocated into 2 groups: unloaded sprint training group (G0%, n = 14), and resisted sprint training with 40% BM group (G40%, n = 14). Pretraining and posttraining assessments included countermovement jump, unloaded 30-m sprint, and 20-m sprint with 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% BM. Times to cover 0 to 10 (T10), 0 to 20 (T20), 0 to 30 (T30), 10 to 20 (T10–20), 20 to 30 (T20–30), and 10 to 30 m (T10–30) were recorded. Both groups were trained once a week for 8 weeks and completed the same training program, but with different loads (0% vs 40% BM). Results: No significant time × group interactions were observed. For unloaded sprint performance, G0% showed significant (P = .027) ...

Research paper thumbnail of Acute and Short-Term Response to Different Loading Conditions During Resisted Sprint Training

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2020

Purpose: To analyze the acute and short-term physical and metabolic responses to resisted sprint ... more Purpose: To analyze the acute and short-term physical and metabolic responses to resisted sprint training with 5 different loading conditions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% body mass). Methods: Fifteen male participants performed 8 × 20-m sprints with 2-minute rests between sprints with 5 different loading conditions. Subjects performed a battery of tests (creatine kinase and lactate concentrations, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and isokinetic knee extension and flexion contractions) at 3 different time points (preexercise [PRE], postexercise [POST], and 24-h postexercise [POST24H]). Results: Results revealed significant increases in blood lactate for all loading conditions; however, as sled loadings increased, higher blood lactate concentrations and increments in sprint times during the training session were observed. Significant increases in creatine kinase concentration were observed from PRE to POST24H for all loading conditions. Concerning physical performance, significant de...

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in the immune response during an athletics training and competition season in 800 m high-level athletes

Annals of Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 2018

A navegação consulta e descarregamento dos títulos inseridos nas Bibliotecas Digitais UC Digitali... more A navegação consulta e descarregamento dos títulos inseridos nas Bibliotecas Digitais UC Digitalis, UC Pombalina e UC Impactum, pressupõem a aceitação plena e sem reservas dos Termos e Condições de Uso destas Bibliotecas Digitais, disponíveis em https://digitalis.uc.pt/pt-pt/termos. Conforme exposto nos referidos Termos e Condições de Uso, o descarregamento de títulos de acesso restrito requer uma licença válida de autorização devendo o utilizador aceder ao(s) documento(s) a partir de um endereço de IP da instituição detentora da supramencionada licença. Ao utilizador é apenas permitido o descarregamento para uso pessoal, pelo que o emprego do(s) título(s) descarregado(s) para outro fim, designadamente comercial, carece de autorização do respetivo autor ou editor da obra. Na medida em que todas as obras da UC Digitalis se encontram protegidas pelo Código do Direito de Autor e Direitos Conexos e demais legislação aplicável, toda a cópia, parcial ou total, deste documento, nos casos em que é legalmente admitida, deverá conter ou fazer-se acompanhar por este aviso.

Research paper thumbnail of Velocity Loss as a Critical Variable Determining the Adaptations to Strength Training

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2020

The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification,... more The results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by the American College of Sports Medicine. This study has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Resistance Training on Physical Performance in High-Level 800-Meter Athletes

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2019

Bachero-Mena, B, Pareja-Blanco, F, and González-Badillo, JJ. Effects of resistance training on ph... more Bachero-Mena, B, Pareja-Blanco, F, and González-Badillo, JJ. Effects of resistance training on physical performance in high-level 800-meter athletes: a comparison between high-speed resistance training and circuit training. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study compared the effects of 2 resistance training programs during 25 weeks on physical performance and hormonal response in high-level 800 m athletes. Thirteen male athletes (800 m personal best: 1:43-1:58 minutes:ss) were divided into 2 groups: high-speed resistance training group (RTG) (n = 6) and circuit training group (CTG) (n = 7). Three tests (T1, T2, and T3) including sprint and 800 m running, strength exercises, and blood hormones samples were performed. Both groups showed improvements in 800 m performance (RTG: likely positive, 80/20/0%; CTG: very likely positive, 98/2/0%); however, RTG showed an additional improvement in 200 m (likely positive, 85/15/0%), countermovement jump (CMJ) (very likely positive, 98/2/0%), and squat (likely positive, 91/9/0%), whereas CTG reached likely positive (88/11/1%) effects in CMJ and unclear/possibly negative effects in the rest of the strength variables analyzed. Concerning hormones, RTG resulted in a likely increase (83/15/3%) in testosterone from T1 to T3, and CTG showed a likely increase (79/17/4%) in cortisol from T2 to T3, remaining the rest of the hormones analyzed unclear. These results suggest that a resistance training characterized by high-speed and low-volume produced better improvements in both strength and running performance than a circuit training, accompanied by little changes in the hormonal response.

Research paper thumbnail of Enhanced Strength and Sprint Levels, and Changes in Blood Parameters during a Complete Athletics Season in 800 m High-Level Athletes

Frontiers in Physiology, 2017

The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in sprint, strength, hematological, and hormonal... more The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in sprint, strength, hematological, and hormonal parameters in high-level 800 m athletes during a complete athletics season. Thirteen male athletes of national and international level in 800 m (personal best ranging from 1:43 to 1:58 min:ss) participated in this study. A total of 5 tests were conducted during a complete athletics season. Athletes performed sprint tests (20 and 200 m), countermovement jump (CMJ), jump squat (JS), and full squat (SQ) tests. Blood samples (red and white blood profile) and hormones were collected in test 1 (T1), test 3 (T3), and test 5 (T5). A general increase in the performance of the strength and sprint parameters analyzed (CMJ, JS, SQ, 20 m, and 200 m) during the season was observed, with a significant time effect in CMJ (P < 0.01), SQ (P < 0.01), and 200 m (P < 0.05). This improvement was accompanied by a significant enhancement of the 800 m performance from T3 to T5 (P < 0.01). Significant changes in some hematological variables: hematocrit (Hct) (P < 0.01), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P < 0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (MCHC) (P < 0.001), white blood cells count (WBC) (P < 0.05), neutrophils (P < 0.05), monocytes (P < 0.05), and mean platelet volume (MPV) (P < 0.05) were observed throughout the season. The hormonal response and creatin kinase (CK) did not show significant variations during the season, except for insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest the importance of strength levels in middle-distance athletes. On the other hand, variations in some hematological parameters and a depression of the immune system occurred during the season. Therefore, monitoring of the mechanical, hematological and hormonal response in athletes may help coaches and athletes to optimize the regulation of training contents and may be useful to diagnose states of overreaching or overtraining in athletes throughout the season.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships Between Sprint, Jumping and Strength Abilities, and 800 M Performance in Male Athletes of National and International Levels

Journal of Human Kinetics, 2017

This study analysed the relationships between sprinting, jumping and strength abilities, with reg... more This study analysed the relationships between sprinting, jumping and strength abilities, with regard to 800 m running performance. Fourteen athletes of national and international levels in 800 m (personal best: 1:43-1:58 min:ss) completed sprint tests (20 m and 200 m), a countermovement jump, jump squat and full squat test as well as an 800 m race. Significant relationships (p < 0.01) were observed between 800 m performance and sprint tests: 20 m (r = 0.72) and 200 m (r = 0.84). Analysing the 200 m run, the magnitude of the relationship between the first to the last 50 m interval times and the 800 m time tended to increase (1st 50 m: r = 0.71; 2nd 50 m: r = 0.72; 3rd 50 m: r = 0.81; 4th 50 m: r = 0.85). Performance in 800 m also correlated significantly (p < 0.01-0.05) with strength variables: the countermovement jump (r = -0.69), jump squat (r = -0.65), and full squat test (r = -0.58). Performance of 800 m in high-level athletes was related to sprint, strength and jumping abi...