Study summary
Velocity-loss thresholds, strength and muscle size in ice hockey
- Velocity-based training
- Sport performance
In brief
This eight-week in-season study compared back-squat training stopped at 20% or 40% velocity loss and examined strength and muscle size. Leg-press maximal force changed differently between the groups, in favour of the 40% group. Back-squat 1RM and muscle thickness did not differ significantly between the groups. It is a companion thesis to Remme (2023), from the same training intervention.
What was studied
Fifteen semi-professional male ice hockey players were randomised to train back squats until 20% or 40% velocity loss for eight weeks during the season. Strength was tested with back-squat 1RM and maximal force in a pneumatic leg press, and muscle thickness of the front thigh was measured with ultrasound.
What the source reported
- 01
Leg-press maximal force changed by 4.4 ± 5.3% in the 40% group and by −2.0 ± 2.6% in the 20% group, a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.01).
- 02
Back-squat 1RM increased by 10.3 ± 7.0% in the 40% group and 4.4 ± 6.8% in the 20% group; the difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.136).
- 03
The 40% group completed more repetitions per set (8.8 vs 6.9). Muscle thickness did not differ between the groups.
How to interpret the findings
The sample included only 15 players and the 40% group trained with more repetitions, so the threshold and the extra volume cannot be separated. The author noted that the small sample may have influenced the results.
Source details
- Author(s)
- Nicholas Nyquist
- Institution
- University of Stavanger
- Year
- 2023
- Document type
- Master's thesis
- Length
- 113 pages
- Source language
- English
The PDF is provided from the source file linked to this record.
This is Alphatek's editorial summary of the linked source. It is not a new peer-reviewed publication or an individual diagnostic recommendation.