Efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza basado en la velocidad a distintos rangos de movimiento sobre las adaptaciones neuromusculares y funcionales

Abstract

This Doctoral Thesis has been designed on the basis of three studies: two descriptive (Study I and II) and one experimental (Study III). The main objective of the Study I (Research paper I) was to determine which devices, of those currently on the market, have enough validity and accuracy levels to detect slight but practically relevant changes on athletes' performance. The Study II (Research papers II and III) aimed to describe the effects of the range of motion manipulation on the biomechanics of the main upper- and lower-body resistance training exercises. This analysis is focused on the maximal dynamic strength and the velocity- and power-load relationships, to make proper load adjustments and quantify true training adaptations subsequently identified in the Study III. This last study (Research papers IV and V) has as main goal to clear up the effect of training at different ranges of motion on neuromuscular and functional adaptations following a continuous and periodized resistance training program. Furthermore, the Study III made it possible to clarify the influence of the range of motion trained on the health and physical integrity of the musculoskeletal structures involved. All the aforementioned effects were measured by using the most valid and reliable devices and protocols to date, according to the international literature. This way made it possible to unequivocally identify the effects and adaptive differences generated by the range of motion used during the resistance training. The T-Force device was found the most reliable device, among the analyzed, for the bar velocity measurement of the main resistance training exercises, as well as the only technology recommended as gold standard for comparing emerging monitoring tools. If T-Force is unavailable, the devices Velowin y Chronojump are fine alternatives for assessing bar velocity, considering their particular errors of measurement. On the other hand, the PushTM Band and mobile phone application PowerLift are inadvisable as monitoring tools for velocity-based purposes because the excessive errors and uncertainty of their data. The range of motion performed on the resistance training exercises influences greatly on the absolute maximal dynamic strength, since it significantly increases as the displacement of the concentric phase decreases. Velocity and mechanical power produced against each load (% 1RM) are substantially different in function of the range of movement executed on the main isoinertial resistance training exercises. Resistance training performed using ranges of motion in which the sticking region appears totally or partially leads to higher neuromuscular adaptations compared to partial or incomplete ranges. Moreover, performing the squat exercise by using full range of motion during a resistance training program generates superior functional adaptations in the medium to long term than executing this exercise at partial ranges. Finally, continuous resistance training at full ranges of motion minimizes the discomfort and injuries associated in the medium to long term.