Building for the Future: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Eccentric Resistance Training on Measures of Physical Performance in Youth Athletes

Bright, Thomas E., Handford, Matthew J., Mundy, Peter, Lake, Jason, Theis, Nicola and Hughes, Jonathan D. (2023) Building for the Future: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Eccentric Resistance Training on Measures of Physical Performance in Youth Athletes. Sports Medicine, 53. pp. 1219-1254. ISSN 0112-1642

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Abstract

Background Eccentric resistance training is recognised as an effective stimulus for enhancing measures of muscular strength and power in adult populations; however, its value in youth athletes is currently not well understood. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the effects of eccentric resistance training on measures of physical performance (i.e. muscular strength, jump, sprint and change of direction) in youth athletes 18 years of age and under. Methods Original journal articles published between 1950 and June 2022 were retrieved from electronic search engines of PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar’s advanced search option. Full journal articles investigating the acute and chronic effects of eccentric resistance training on measures of physical performance in youth athletes (i.e. a person 18 years of age or under who competes in sport) were included. The methodological quality and bias of each study were assessed prior to data extraction using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Results The search yielded 749 studies, of which 436 were duplicates. Three-hundred studies were excluded based upon title and abstract review and a further 5 studies were removed following the modified Downs and Black checklist. An additional 14 studies were identified during backward screening. Accordingly, 22 studies were included in our systematic review. The Nordic hamstring exercise and flywheel inertial training were the most frequently used eccentric resistance training methods in youth athletes. Improvements in physical performance following the Nordic hamstring exercise are dependent upon an increase in the breakpoint angle, rather than training volume (sets and repetitions), and are further elevated with the addition of hip extension exercises or high-speed running. A minimum of 3 familiarisation trials is necessary to elicit meaningful adaptations following flywheel inertial training. Furthermore, an emphasis should be placed upon decelerating the rotating flywheel during the final one to two thirds of the eccentric phase, rather than gradually throughout the entire eccentric phase. Conclusions The findings of this systematic review support the inclusion of eccentric resistance training in youth athletes to improve measures of muscular strength, jump, sprint and change of direction performance. The current eccentric resistance training methods are predominantly limited to the Nordic hamstring exercise and flywheel inertial training; however, the efficacy of accentuated eccentric loading to improve jump performance warrants attention in future investigations. Key Points Nordic hamstring exercise and flywheel inertial training are currently the most used eccentric resistance training methods in youth athletes. The Nordic hamstring exercise has been shown to provide positive adaptations in measures of physical performance (i.e., sprint speed and change of direction); however, these appear to be mediated by an increase in breakpoint angle (the angle at which the individual can no longer resist the increasing gravitational moment and falls to the floor). A minimum of 3 familiarisation trials is an essential prerequisite to effectively utilise flywheel inertial training. To ensure the greatest carry over to measures of physical performance after flywheel inertial training, youth athletes should be instructed to gently resist during the first third of the eccentric phase before working maximally to decelerate the rotating flywheel.

Item Type:	Article
Depositing User:	Ms Raisa Burton
Date Deposited:	27 Apr 2023 13:24
Last Modified:	05 Jun 2024 14:32
URI:	https://marjon.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17739
Related URLs:	https://link.sp ... 279-023-01843-y (Publisher URL)

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