Pascal Bauer1, Florian Uebellacker2, Benedikt Mitter2, Alexander J Aigner2, Timothy Hasenoehrl3, Robin Ristl4, Harald Tschan2, Laurent B Seitz5. 1. University of Vienna, Centre for Sports Science and University Sports, Austria. Electronic address: pascal.bauer@univie.ac.at. 2. University of Vienna, Centre for Sports Science and University Sports, Austria. 3. Medical University of Vienna, Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Austria. 4. Medical University of Vienna, Section of Medical Statistics, CeMSIIS, Austria. 5. Edith Cowan University, Centre for Exercise and Sport Science Research, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present meta-analytical review was to determine the effectiveness of training programmes combining higher-load and lower-load exercises in one workout (i.e. complex training [CT]) on lower-body performance. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, CINAHL and Scopus) was conducted to identify all publications up to 7 March 2018. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with the dependent variables countermovement jump (CMJ) height, squat jump (SJ) height, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat performance and sprint time for 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m and 40m, respectively. RESULTS: The analysis comprised 33 studies and a total of 1064 healthy participants. The meta-analysis revealed that CT is effective in improving CMJ (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6%-12.3%), SJ (95% CI 8.0%-17.4%), 1-RM squat (95% CI 16.4%-30.7%) and sprint performance (5m=95% CI -14.8% to -0.9%, 10m=95% CI -6.0% to -2.1%, 20m=95% CI -7.4% to -1.4%, 30m=95% CI -8.0% to -0.6%). However, when directly compared to traditional training methods, only 1-RM squat strength performance and 20m sprint time were superior following CT interventions (95% CI 0.2%-13.7% and 95% CI -1.6% to -0.1%, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: CT is an acceptable method for improving jump, strength and sprint performance in athletes. Compared to traditional training methods, CT seems to produce superior training effects only for 1-RM squat and 20m sprint performance; however, these findings were influenced by single studies and should be therefore interpreted with circumspection.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present meta-analytical review was to determine the effectiveness of training programmes combining higher-load and lower-load exercises in one workout (i.e. complex training [CT]) on lower-body performance. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, CINAHL and Scopus) was conducted to identify all publications up to 7 March 2018. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with the dependent variables countermovement jump (CMJ) height, squat jump (SJ) height, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat performance and sprint time for 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m and 40m, respectively. RESULTS: The analysis comprised 33 studies and a total of 1064 healthy participants. The meta-analysis revealed that CT is effective in improving CMJ (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6%-12.3%), SJ (95% CI 8.0%-17.4%), 1-RM squat (95% CI 16.4%-30.7%) and sprint performance (5m=95% CI -14.8% to -0.9%, 10m=95% CI -6.0% to -2.1%, 20m=95% CI -7.4% to -1.4%, 30m=95% CI -8.0% to -0.6%). However, when directly compared to traditional training methods, only 1-RM squat strength performance and 20m sprint time were superior following CT interventions (95% CI 0.2%-13.7% and 95% CI -1.6% to -0.1%, respectively) CONCLUSIONS:CT is an acceptable method for improving jump, strength and sprint performance in athletes. Compared to traditional training methods, CT seems to produce superior training effects only for 1-RM squat and 20m sprint performance; however, these findings were influenced by single studies and should be therefore interpreted with circumspection.
Authors: Patrick Cormier; Tomás T Freitas; Irineu Loturco; Anthony Turner; Adam Virgile; G Gregory Haff; Anthony J Blazevich; Dana Agar-Newman; Molly Henneberry; Daniel G Baker; Michael McGuigan; Pedro E Alcaraz; Chris Bishop Journal: Sports Med Date: 2022-07-11 Impact factor: 11.928