Strength- and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Training in Male Collegiate Team-Sport Players

Effects of Eight Weeks of Strength- and Velocity-Oriented Unilateral Resistance Training on Limb-Specific Load-Velocity Relationships and Lower-Limb Asymmetry in Male Collegiate Team-Sport Players: A Randomized Parallel-Group Trial

This randomized, parallel-group study evaluated the effects of an 8-week unilateral resistance training program with strength- and velocity-oriented loading on limb-specific load-velocity relationships and lower-limb asymmetry in male university team-sport players. Participants were randomly assigned to a strength-oriented training group, which trained at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum (1RM), or a velocity-oriented training group, which trained at 40% of the limb-specific 1RM. Both groups completed 16 supervised free-weight split-squat training sessions over 8 weeks. In each session, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions, while the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions. All repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity and real-time velocity feedback. Limb-specific load-velocity relationships were assessed at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. Lower-limb asymmetry, balance, unilateral jump performance, and basketball-specific change-of-direction performance were assessed at baseline and Week 8. The purpose was to determine whether the two training orientations produced different adaptations and whether the additional training volume assigned to the non-dominant limb influenced inter-limb asymmetry.

This study used a randomized, two-arm, parallel-group design. Following familiarization and baseline testing, eligible male university team-sport players were randomly allocated to either a strength-oriented training group or a velocity-oriented training group.

Participants completed two supervised training sessions per week for 8 weeks, resulting in a total of 16 training sessions. The primary training exercise was the unilateral free-weight split squat. The strength-oriented group trained at 80% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum, whereas the velocity-oriented group trained at 40% of the limb-specific one-repetition maximum. In both groups, the non-dominant limb performed four sets of five repetitions and the dominant limb performed three sets of five repetitions during each session. Repetitions were performed with maximal intended concentric velocity, with real-time velocity feedback provided to participants. Loads were adjusted when necessary to maintain the prescribed limb-specific training intensity.

Assessments were conducted before the intervention and after completion of the 8-week intervention. An additional interim assessment was conducted at Week 4, after the first eight training sessions. Data from the Week 4 assessment were used for an exploratory interim analysis of limb-specific load-velocity relationships and between-limb differences in derived mean concentric velocity. The Week-8 assessment evaluated the effects of the complete intervention on unilateral strength, load-velocity characteristics, balance, unilateral jump performance, basketball-specific change-of-direction performance, and lower-limb asymmetry.

Inclusion Criteria:

Functional Movement Screen inline lunge score of at least 2 and ability to correctly perform the barbell split squat.

At least one year of resistance-training experience. No sports-related injury within the previous 3 months that could affect participation in the study procedures.

Willing and able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Current or planned use during the study of medications that could affect the study outcomes.

Current musculoskeletal injury or medical condition that could prevent completion of the training program or study assessments.