This first issue of the Volume 2 of Coaching Science Abstracts reviews articles concerned with strength training. This is an area of coaching that is steeped in myth and misconception which ultimately leads to many athletes being exposed to counter-productive training and injury. The generalizations that can be drawn from research in various facets of strength training will not be welcomed by many strength-training advocates, particularly those individuals who derive their livelihood from strength-training programs. There are places for strength training in the fitness industry, injury rehabilitation, and corrective therapy. However, for elite athletes it does not appear to be as beneficial as is popularly thought. Despite this caveat, the reader should draw personal opinions about this topic . THEORETICAL BASES OF STRENGTH TRAINING 1. THEORETICAL BASIS FOR DOING STRENGTH WORK TO IMPROVE SPEED Stegeman, J. (translated by J. S. Skinner). (1981) Exercise physiology. Chicago, IL: Year Book Medical Publishers (p. 277). 2. FURTHER ISOLATED STATEMENTS ABOUT STRENGTH Stegeman, J. (translated by J. S. Skinner). (1981) Exercise physiology. Chicago, IL: Year Book Medical Publishers (p. 273). SPECIFICITY 3. SPECIFICITY OF STRENGTH TRAINING Behm, D. G., & Sale, D. G. (1993). Intended rather than actual movement velocity determines velocity-specific training response. Journal of Applied Physiology, 74(1), 359-368. 4. STRENGTH TRAINING EFFECTS DO NOT TRANSFER Hetzler, R. K., DeRenne, C., Buxton, B. P., Nelson, K. R., Seichi, G. M., Chai, D. X., & Ho, K. W. (1994). Effect of 12 weeks of strength training on anaerobic power in pubescent male athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(5,) Supplement abstract 469. 5. HEAVY STRENGTH TRAINING IS ONLY SPECIFIC Hickson, R. C., Hidaka, K., & Foster, C. (1994). Skeletal muscle fiber type, resistance training, and strength-related performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(5), 593-598. 6. TRAINING SPECIFICITY - NO VALUE IN WEIGHTS Bell, G. J., Petersen, S. R., Quinney, A. H., & Wenger, H. A. (1989). The effect of velocity-specific strength training on peak torque and anaerobic rowing power. Journal of Sports Sciences, 7, 205-214. 7. FAILURE OF STRENGTH TRAINING TO IMPROVE THROWING VELOCITY Bloomfield, J., Blanksby, B. A., Ackland, T. R., & Allison, G. T. (1990). The influence of strength training on overhead throwing velocity of elite water polo players. Australian Journal of Sience and Medicine in Sport, 22(3), 63-67. 8. SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF ADAPTATION RESULTING FROM TRAINING ON DIFFERENT FORMS OF SWIMMING EXERCISE EQUIPMENT Sexsmith, J. R., Oliver, M. L., & Johnson-Bos, J. M. (1992). Acute responses to surgical tubing and biokinetic swim bench interval exercise. Journal of Swimming Research, 8, 5-10. 9. STRENGTH TRAINING HAS SPECIFIC EFFECTS Housh, D. J., Housh, T. J., Weir, J. P., & Weir, L. L. (1995). Effect of eccentric dynamic constant external resistance training on the concentric isokinetic torque-velocity curve. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 117. 10. WEIGHT TRAINING EFFECTS AND MECHANISMS ARE SPECIFIC Butchar, J., & Becque, M. D. (1966). Effects of high and low intensity weight training on iEMG and force. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 1139. 11. STRENGTH TRAINING EFFECTS ON NON-ATHLETES Gaines, R., Sebolt, D., & Bos, R. (1996). The effects of velocity specific isokinetic training on strength, hypertrophy and cross education. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 1143. 12. EVALUATION OF STRENGTH TRAINING CONCEPTS Sale, D., & MacDougall, D. (1981). Specificity in strength training: A review for the coach and athlete. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Sciences, 6, 87-92. 13. STRENGTH TRAINING HAS LIMITED POTENTIAL MacDougall, J. D., Ward, G. R., Sale, D. G., & Sutton, J. R. (1977). Biochemical adaptation of human skeletal muscle to heavy resistance training and immobilization. Journal of Applied Physiology, 43, 700-703. 14. SPECIFICITY OF WEIGHT TRAINING Rutherford, O. M., Greig, C. A., Sargeant, A. J., & Jones, D. A. (1986). Strength training and power output: Transference effects in the human quadriceps muscle. Journal of Sports Sciences, 4, 101-107. GENERAL 15. STRENGTH TRAINING IN SWIMMERS Sharp, R. L., Troup, J. P., & Costill, D. L. (1982). Relationship between power and sprint freestyle swimming. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 14, 53-56. 16. ISOTONIC BETTER THAN ISOKINETIC TRAINING EFFECTS Kovaleski, J. E., Heitman, R. J., & Trundle, T. L. (1994). Isotonic preload versus isokinetic knee extension resistance training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(5), Supplement abstract 65. 17. RESISTANCE TRAINING HELPS SWIMMERS' SHOULDER PAIN Diakoumis, K., Flauto, R., Yaroch, J., & Romano, F. (1994). Effects of a resistance training program on the report of shoulder pain in adolescent swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(5), Supplement abstract 77. 18. ONE SET OF STRENGTH TRAINING IS AS GOOD AS THREE Starkey, D. B., Welsch, M. A., Pollock, M. L., Graves, J. E., Brechue, W. F., & Ishida, Y. (1994). Equivalent improvement in strength following high intensity, low and high volume training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26(5), Supplement abstract 651. 19. A POSSIBLE USE FOR WEIGHT TRAINING (MODIFIED) FOR SPORTS Wilson, G. J., Newton, R. U., Murphy, A. J., & Humphries, B. J. (1994). The optimal training load for the development of dynamic athletic performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 25(11), 1279-1286. 20. CONTROL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF STRENGTH Bobbert, M. F., & Van Soest, A. J. (1994). Effects of muscle strengthening on vertical jump height: a simulation study. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 26, 1012-1020. 21. RESISTANCE TRAINING AND SWIMMING Toussaint, H. M., & Vervoorn, K. (1990). Effects of specific high resistance training in the water on competitive swimmers. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 11, 228-23. 22. LAND AND WATER STRENGTH TRAINING Bulgakova, N. Z., Vorontsov, A. R., & Fomichenko, T. G. (1987). Improving the technical preparedness of young swimmers by using strength training. Theory and Practice of Physical Culture, 7, 31-33. 23. LEARNING TO GET STRONG Patten, C., Kamen, G., Rowland, D., & Du, C. C. (1995). Rapid adaptations of motor unit firing rate during the initial phase of strength development. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 34. 24. STRENGTH TRAINING HELPS RUNNING ECONOMY Johnston, R. E., Quinn, T. J., Kertzer, R., & Vroman, N. B. (1995). Strength training in female distance runners: Impact on running economy. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 47. 25. DIFFERENCES IN STRENGTH FACTORS IN ADOLESCENT BOYS AND GIRLS Clapp, A. J., Murray, T. D., Walker, J. L., Rainey, D. L., Squires, W. G., & Jackson, A. S. (1995). The effect of six weeks of resistance training on isometric and isotonic strength in adolescents. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 118. 26. STRETCHING DEVELOPS STRENGTH Kokkonen, J., & Lauritzen, S. (1995). Isotonic strength and endurance gains through PNF stretching. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 127. 27. SHOES FOR IMPROVING JUMPING Reneau, P., Martino, M., Smith, J., Richardson, M., & Bishop, P. (1995). Vertical jump improvement in elite swimmers following 8 weeks training with 'strength' shoes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 156. 28. STRENGTH-TRAINING HORMONAL RESPONSE IN FEMALE SWIMMERS Ferrando, A. A., Tipton, K. D., Williams, B. D., & Wolfe, R. R. (1995). Hormonal effects of swim and resistance training female swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 166. 29. HOW MUCH WEIGHT-TRAINING FOR CHILDREN? Stahle, S. D., Roberts, S. O., Davis, B., & Rybicki, L. A. (1995). Effect of a 2 versus 3 times per week weight training program in boys aged 7 to 16. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 648. 30. STRENGTH TRAINING RESPONSE OF CHILDREN Faigenbaum, A., Westcott, W., Micheli, L., Outerbridge, R., Long, C., LaRosa-Loud, R., & Zaichkowsky, L. (1995). The effects of strength training and detraining on children. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 656. 31. CONTRIBUTION OF LEG STRENGTH AND KICKING IN SWIMMING Delisle, A. T., Brechue, W. F., Garzarella, L., Kearns, C. F., & Pollock, M. L. (1995). Leg strength, anaerobic power, and swim kick performance in adolescent swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 663. 32. STRENGTH TRAINING AND SPRINT CYCLING Sleivert, G. G., Backus, R. D., & Wenger, H. A. (1995). The influence of sequenced strength-sprint training on multi-joint power acquisition. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 1013. 33. STRENGTH TRAINING EFFECTS DIFFERENT FOR PREPUBESCENT MALES AND FEMALES Isaacs, L. D., & Pohlman, R. L. (1995). Specificity of strength training modes in prepubescent females. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 1016. 34. EFFECT OF PROLONGED RUNNING ON LEG STRENGTH Gleeson, N. P., & Mercer, T. H. (1966). Influence of prolonged intermittent high intensity running on leg strength. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 55. 35. EFFECTS OF PLYOMETRIC JUMP TRAINING IN FEMALES Hewett, T. E., Strouppe, A. L., Nance, T. A., & Noyes, F. R. (1966). Decreased impact forces and increased hamstrings torques in female athletes with plyometric training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 321. 36. STRENGTH CROSS-TRANSFER Housh, D. J., Housh, T. J., Weir, J. P., Weir, L. L., Donlin, P. E., & Chu, W. K. (1996). Concentric isokinetic training and hypertrophy of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 684. 37. ECCENTRIC STRENGTH TRAINING MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CONCENTRIC TRAINING Hortobagyi, T., Barrier, J., Beard, D., Braspennincx, J., Koens, P., De Vita, P., Dempsey, L., Israel, R., & Lambert, J. (1996). Greater adaptations with submaximal muscle lengthening than maximal shortening contractions. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 761. 38. POST-TRAINING CARBOHYDRATE INGESTION MODERATES STRENGTH TRAINING DAMAGE Roy, B. D., Tamopolsky, M. A., MacDougall, J. D., Fowles, J., & Yarasheski, K. E. (1996). The effect of oral glucose supplements on muscle protein synthesis following resistance training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 769. 39. EXCESSIVE STRETCHING INHIBITS STRENGTH PERFORMANCE Kokkonen, J., & Nelson, A. G. (1996). Acute stretching exercises inhibit maximal strength performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 1130. 40. PLYOMETRICS VERSUS STRENGTH TRAINING Kubachka, E. M., & Stevens, W. C. (1966). The effects of plyometric training and strength training on the muscular capacities of the trunk. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 1145. 41. FATIGUE FROM STRENGTH TRAINING Scala, D., McMillan, J., Blessing, D., Rozenek, R., & Stone, M. (1987). Metabolic cost of a preparatory phase of training in weight lifting: A practical observation. Journal of Applied Sport Science Research, 1, 48-52. 42. NEURAL TRAINING IN STRENGTH Bosco, C., Rusko, H., & Hirvonen, J. (1984). The effect of extra-load conditioning on muscle performance in athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 18, 415-419. 43. DEPTH JUMPING AND WEIGHT TRAINING EFFECTS Clutch, D., Wilton, M., McGown, C., & Bryce, G. R. (1983). The effect of depth jumps and weight training on leg strength and vertical jump. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 54, 5-10. 44. STRENGTH TRAINING IN CHILDREN Falk, B., & Tenenbaum, G. (1996). The effectiveness of resistance training in children: A meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 22, 176-186. 45. TYPES OF WEIGHT TRAINING SESSIONS AND STRENGTH IMPROVEMENTS Calder, A. W., Chilibeck, P. D., Webber, C. E., & Sale, D. G. (1996). Comparison of whole and split weight training routines in young women. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 19, 185-199. 46. A GOOD REVIEW OF RESEARCH INTO STRENGTH Morrissey, M. C., Harman, E. A., & Johnson, M. J. (1995). Resistance training modes: Specificity and effectiveness. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27, 648-660. 47. FACTORS FOR TRAINING EXPLOSIVE POWER Kraemer, W. J., & Newton, R. U. (1994). Training for improved vertical jump. Sports Science Exchange, 7(6), 1-12. STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE 48. STRENGTH TRAINING AND ENDURANCE TRAINING EFFECTS Schantz, P. G., & Kallman, M. (1989). Strength training is ineffective for oxidative metabolism. Swimming Technique, 5, 5-6. 49. STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE Hortobagyi, T., Katch, F. I., & Lachance, P. F. (1991). Effects of simultaneous training for strength and endurance on upper and lower body strength and running performance. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 31, 20-30. 50. STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE TRAINING TOGETHER DOES NOT IMPAIR STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT Blessing, D. L., Gravelle, B. L., Wang, Y. T., & Kim, C. K. (1995). The influence of co-activation on the adaptive response to concurrent strength and endurance training in women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 1097. 51. STRENGTH TRAINING INHIBITS AEROBIC ADAPTATION IN FEMALES Gravelle, B. L., & Blessing, D. L. (1995). Physiological adaptation in women concurrently training for strength and endurance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), Supplement abstract 1098. 52. EFFECT OF ENDURANCE TRAINING ON STRENGTH Ystrom, L., & Tesch, P. A. (1966). Effect of acute endurance exercise on muscle glycogen content and performance during subsequent resistance exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 128. 53. STRENGTH TRAINING COULD HARM ENDURANCE TRAINING MacDougall, J. D., Sale, D. G., Moroz, J. R., Elder, G. C. B., Sutton, J. R., & Howard, H. (1979). Mitochondrial volume density in human skeletal muscle following heavy resistance training. Medicine and Science in Sports, 11, 164-166. TESTING 54. STRENGTH AND POWER TESTING (DYNAMOMETRY) Abernethy, P., Wilson, G., & Logan, P. (1995). Strength and power assessment. Sports Medicine, 19, 401-417. 55. TESTING SWIMMING STRENGTH, POWER, AND SPEED Costill, D. L., King, D. S., Holdren, A., & Hargreaves, M. (1983). Sprint speed vs. swimming power. Swimming Technique, May-July, 20-22. 56. TESTING EXPLOSIVE POWER Igna, I., Wygand, J., & Otto, R. M. (1996). A comparison of two measures of explosive power. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 53. 57. STRENGTH TESTS IN JUNIOR TENNIS PLAYERS Roetert, E. P., McCormick, T. J., Brown, S. W., & Ellenbecker, T. S. (1996). Relationship between isokinetic strength and field tests of physical fitness in elite junior tennis players. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(5), Supplement abstract 758. SUGGESTED READING 58. SUGESTED READING Rushall, B. S., & Pyke, F. S. Training for sports and fitness.Melbourne, Australia: Macmillan Educational.