Intensity-Dependent Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Lower-Limb Muscle Strength and Power in Elite Male Youth Gymnasts: A Randomized Crossover Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 18
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Change in countermovement jump height measured by force platform (cm)
研究概览
简要总结
This study investigates the acute effects of different aerobic exercise intensities on lower-limb muscle strength and power in elite male youth gymnasts. Aerobic exercise is commonly included in gymnastics training to improve fitness and recovery, but performing aerobic exercise immediately before strength- and power-demanding activities may temporarily influence neuromuscular performance.
Eighteen nationally certified male youth gymnasts aged 15 to 18 years participated in a randomized crossover trial. Each participant completed three treadmill-based aerobic exercise conditions on separate days: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and low-intensity steady-state exercise (LSD). Muscle strength and power were assessed before and 15 minutes after each exercise condition using validated force-platform tests, including vertical jumps and isometric strength assessment.
The results of this study will help clarify how aerobic exercise intensity influences short-term strength and power performance in youth gymnasts and may inform evidence-based decisions on training sequencing and warm-up strategies in gymnastics practice.
详细描述
This study is a randomized crossover trial designed to examine the acute, intensity-dependent effects of aerobic exercise on lower-limb muscle strength, power, and power endurance in elite male youth gymnasts. In high-performance gymnastics training, aerobic conditioning is frequently combined with strength and technical training within the same day. However, the immediate neuromuscular effects of aerobic exercise performed at different intensities remain unclear in youth power-oriented athletes.
Eighteen elite male youth gymnasts (aged 15-18 years), free from musculoskeletal injury and with national-level competitive experience, were recruited. After baseline assessments, each participant completed three aerobic exercise conditions in a randomized order, with a minimum washout period of 72 hours between sessions. The exercise conditions included high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and low-intensity steady-state exercise (LSD), all performed on a motorized treadmill. Exercise intensity was individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed determined during baseline testing.
Lower-limb muscle strength and power were assessed before and 15 minutes after each exercise condition using force-platform-based tests, including countermovement jump, squat jump, drop jump, repeated countermovement jumps, and isometric mid-thigh pull. Subjective fatigue and muscle discomfort were also recorded using standardized rating scales.
The primary objective of the study is to compare the acute changes in explosive power, power endurance, and maximal strength following aerobic exercise performed at different intensities. This study focuses on short-term neuromuscular responses rather than long-term training adaptations. Findings from this trial are expected to provide practical evidence for optimizing the sequencing of aerobic and strength-power training in elite youth gymnastics.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Crossover
- 主要目的
- Basic Science
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 15 Years 至 18 Years（Child, Adult）
- 性别
- Male
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Male youth gymnasts aged 15 to 18 years.
- •Nationally certified or competitively trained gymnasts with regular training experience.
- •Free from musculoskeletal injury within the past six months.
- •Able to complete treadmill running and strength and power testing.
- •Written informed consent provided by participants and their legal guardians.
排除标准
- •Presence of acute or chronic musculoskeletal injury.
- •History of cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disorders.
- •Use of medications or supplements that could affect neuromuscular performance.
- •Inability to complete all exercise conditions or testing procedures.
研究组 & 干预措施
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Participants complete a high-intensity interval treadmill running protocol consisting of repeated short bouts performed at high intensity. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed.
干预措施: High-Intensity Interval Training (Behavioral)
Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT)
Participants complete a continuous treadmill running session performed at a moderate intensity. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed.
干预措施: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (Behavioral)
Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise (LSD)
Participants complete a continuous low-intensity treadmill running session. Exercise intensity is individually prescribed based on maximal heart rate and maximal aerobic speed.
干预措施: Low-Intensity Steady-State Exercise (Behavioral)
结局指标
主要结局
Change in countermovement jump height measured by force platform (cm)
时间窗: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Countermovement jump (CMJ) height assessed using a force platform system. Jump height (cm) will be calculated from flight time. The primary variable will be the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition (HIIT, MICT, and LSD).
Change in isometric mid-thigh pull peak force measured by force plate (N)
时间窗: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Peak force during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test measured using a force plate. Force values will be recorded in Newtons (N). The primary outcome will be calculated as the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
Change in squat jump height measured by force platform (cm)
时间窗: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Squat jump (SJ) height assessed using a force platform. Jump height will be expressed in centimeters (cm). The outcome variable will be the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
Change in drop jump height measured by force platform (cm)
时间窗: Immediately before and 15 minutes after completion of each intervention session
Drop jump (DJ) height assessed using a force platform following a standardized drop protocol. Jump height (cm) will be analyzed as the change from pre-exercise baseline to 15 minutes after completion of each aerobic exercise condition.
次要结局
- Muscle discomfort assessed by Borg CR10 scale (score)(Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session)
- Rating of perceived exertion assessed by Borg CR10 scale (score)(Immediately before and immediately after each intervention session)
研究者
Chaoran Han
Sponsor-Investigator
Shanghai University of Sport