title: Comparison between linear and nonlinear in-season training programs in freshman football players.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare linear (LT) with nonlinear (NL) in-season training programs in freshman football players during the course of 2 separate seasons. During the first year (n = 14, mean +/- SD = 177.3 +/- 4.8 cm, 88.0 +/- 9.7 kg), the LT program was employed 2 days per week. In the second year (n = 14, 175.0 +/- 7.1 cm, 94.2 +/- 20.5 kg), a 2 days per week LT was used. Subjects were tested for maximal strength in the squat (1 repetition maximum [1RM]) and bench press (1RM) exercises. A significant improvement in 1RM squat was seen in LT, but not in NL. No significant improvement in 1RM bench press was seen in either group. A significant difference between LT and NL was observed in Delta1RM squat (13.8 +/- 7.4 kg compared with 1.6 +/- 2.6 kg, respectively). Results of this study suggest that LT may be more effective in eliciting strength gains than NL in freshman football players during an in-season training program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Exercise Science, College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA. hoffmanj@tcnj.edu
authors.forename: Jay R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wendell
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000886:Anthropometry; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*