Protective Effect of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Resistance Training on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease. The present study aimed to investigate the association of NAFLD with leisure-time physical activity (PA) levels and resistance training (RT). Methods: We used data from large nationwide cohorts in Korea. NAFLD was defined based on the Framingham steatosis index. Participants were categorized into four groups based on RT frequency and adherence to PA guidelines (≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity PA): Low-PA, Low-PA+RT, High-PA, and High-PA+RT. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of NAFLD according to leisure-time PA levels and regularity of RT. Results: When compared with Low-PA, High-PA decreased the risk of NAFLD by 17%, and High-PA+RT further decreased the risk by 30%. However, the additional reduction in risk associated with the addition of RT was observed in men (19%), but not in women. In the High-PA group, men had a significantly higher training frequency and period for RT than women. Conclusions: Following the PA guideline may confer protective effects against NAFLD, while adding RT to High-PA can further decrease the risk of NAFLD. Sex-based differences in NAFLD risk in the High-PA+RT group may be due to the differences in the frequency and period of RT.

Effects of Resistance Training on Motor- and Non-Motor Symptoms in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous reviews indicated positive effects of resistance training (RT) on motor outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, inconsistencies between the included studies exist, and non-motor outcomes have only scarcely been considered in a review on RT in PD.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the RT effects on motor- and non-motor outcomes in PD patients compared to passive and physically active control groups (i.e., other structured physical interventions).

METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials of RT in PD. After identifying 18 studies, a meta-analysis was conducted for the outcomes muscle strength, motor impairment, freezing of gait (FoG), mobility and balance, quality of life (QoL), depression, cognition, and adverse events. Meta-analyses with random models were calculated using mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

When comparing RT with passive control groups, the meta-analyses showed significant large effects on muscle strength (SMD = -0.84, 95% CI -1.29--0.39, p = 0.0003), motor impairment (SMD = -0.81, 95% CI -1.34--0.27, p = 0.003), mobility and balance (MD = -1.81, 95% CI -3.13--0.49, p = 0.007), and small significant effects on QoL (SMD = -0.48, 95% CI -0.86--0.10, p = 0.01). RT compared with physically active control groups reached no significant results for any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

RT improves muscle strength, motor impairment, mobility and balance, QoL, and depression in PD patients. However, it is not superior to other physically active interventions. Therefore, exercise is important for PD patients but according to this analysis, its type is of secondary interest.

Sex differences in stretch-induced hypertrophy, maximal strength and flexibility gains

Introduction: If the aim is to increase maximal strength (MSt) and muscle mass, resistance training (RT) is primarily used to achieve these outcomes. However, research indicates that long-duration stretching sessions of up to 2 h per day can also provide sufficient stimuli to induce muscle growth. In RT literature, sex-related differences in adaptations are widely discussed, however, there is a lack of evidence addressing the sex-related effects on MSt and muscle thickness (MTh) of longer duration stretch training. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of daily (1 h) unilateral static stretch training of the plantar flexors using a calf-muscle stretching device. Methods: Fifty-five healthy (m = 28, f = 27), active participants joined the study. MSt and range of motion (ROM) were measured with extended and flexed knee joint, and MTh was investigated in the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius. Results: Statistically significant increases in MSt of 6%-15% (p < .001-.049, d = 0.45-1.09), ROM of 6%-21% (p < .001-.037, d = 0.47-1.38) and MTh of 4%-14% (p < .001-.005, d = 0.46-0.72) from pre-to post-test were observed, considering both sexes and both legs. Furthermore, there was a significant higher increase in MSt, MTh and ROM in male participants. In both groups, participants showed more pronounced adaptations in MSt and ROM with an extended knee joint as well as MTh in the medial head of the gastrocnemius (p < .001-.047). Results for relative MSt increases showed a similar result (p < .001-.036, d = 0.48-1.03). Discussion: Results are in accordance with previous studies pointing out significant increases of MSt, MTh and ROM due to long duration static stretch training. Both sexes showed significant increases in listed parameters however, male participants showed superior increases.

Resistance training induces similar adaptations of upper and lower-body muscles between sexes

The purpose of the study was to compare sex adaptations in hypertrophy, strength and contractile properties of upper and lower-body muscles induced by resistance training (RT). Eighteen RT untrained male (MG) and female (FG) students (aged 24.1 ± 1.7 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.08 m, weight: 70.4 ± 12.3 kg) undervent 7 weeks of biceps curl and squat training (2 days/week, 60–70% repetition maximum, 3–4 sets, 120 s rest intervals, reps until muscular failure). At baseline and final measurement, thickness and cross-section area, one-repetition maximum and tensiomyography parameters (contraction time − Tc and radial displacement − Dm) of elbow flexors (biceps brachii) and knee extensors (4 quadriceps muscles) were evaluated. Although MG tends to display greater absolute strength gains for upper- (p = 0.055) and lower-body (p = 0.098), for relative changes ANCOVA revealed no sex-specific differences for either of the tested variables. Significant hypertrophy was observed for all tested muscles, except for vastus intermedius in FG (p = 0.076). The Dm significantly decreased for biceps brachii (MG by 12%, p < 0.01 and FG by 13.1%, p < 0.01) and rectus femoris (MG by19.2%, p < 0.01 and FG by 12.3%, p < 0.05), while Tc values remain unchanged. These results indicate that initial morphological, functional and contractile alterations following RT are similar for males and females, and that there are no specific sex adaptations either for the upper- or lower-body muscles. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04845295).

A 12-Week Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial, Evaluating the Effect of Supplementation with a Spinach Extract on Skeletal Muscle Fitness in Adults Older Than 50 Years of Age

The aim of a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was to assess the effect of daily supplementation with a natural extract of Spinacia oleracea L. (4 × 500 mg capsules/day; total 2 g per day) combined with a moderate-intensity training program (1 h session/3 times a week) on skeletal muscle fitness in adults over 50 years of age. Muscle strength assessed by isokinetic and isometric dynamometry improved significantly in the experimental (n = 23) and the placebo (n = 22) groups, but the magnitude of improvement was higher in the experimental group, with between-group differences in almost all variables, including isokinetic at 60° s⁻¹ in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.007); total work per repetition maximum (p < 0.009); isokinetic at 180°s⁻¹ in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.002); total work (p < 0.007); total work per repetition maximum (p < 0.005); average power (p < 0.027); isometric in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.005); and average peak torque (p < 0.002). Similar findings were observed for muscle quality. Changes in quality of life (SF-36) were not found, except for improvements in the role physical (p < 0.023) and role emotional (p < 0.001) domains, likely as a result of the physical training sessions. A nutritional survey did not revealed changes in dietary habits. No adverse events were recorded. In subjects over 50 years of age, moderate-intensity strength training combined with daily supplementation for 12 weeks with a natural extract of Spinacia oleracea L. improved muscle-related variables and muscle quality. Maintaining muscle health is a key component of healthy aging.

Weightlifting for Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review

The involvement of youth in the sport of weightlifting and the use of weightlifting methods as part of training for youth sport performance appears to be increasing. Weightlifting for children and adolescents has been criticized in some circles and is a controversial aspect of resistance training for young people. Although injuries can occur during weightlifting and related activities, the incidence and rate of injury appear to be relatively low and severe injury is uncommon. A number of performance, physical, and physiological variables, such as body composition, strength, and power, are improved by weightlifting training in children, adolescents, and young athletes. Manipulating program variables, when appropriate, can have a substantial and profound influence on the psychological, physiological, physical, and performance aspects of weightlifters. An understanding of the sport, scientific training principles, and musculoskeletal growth development is necessary to properly construct a reasonable and appropriate training program. A scientific background aids in providing an evidenced basis and sound rationale in selecting appropriate methods and directing adaptations toward more specific goals and enables the coach to make choices about training and competition that might not otherwise be possible. If weightlifting training and competition are age group appropriate and are properly supervised, the sport can be substantially safe and efficacious.

Acute cellular and molecular responses and chronic adaptations to low-load blood flow restriction and high-load resistance exercise in trained individuals

Blood flow restriction (BFR) with low-load resistance exercise (RE) is often used as a surrogate to traditional high-load RE to stimulate muscular adaptations, such as hypertrophy and strength. However, it is not clear whether such adaptations are achieved through similar cellular and molecular processes. We compared changes in muscle function, morphology and signaling pathways between these differing training protocols. Twenty-one males and females (mean ± SD: 24.3 ± 3.1 years) experienced with resistance training (4.9 ± 2.6 years) performed nine weeks of resistance training (three times per week) with either high-loads (75-80% 1RM; HL-RT), or low-loads with BFR (30-40% 1RM; LL-BFR). Before and after the training intervention, resting muscle biopsies were collected, and quadricep cross-sectional area (CSA), muscular strength and power were measured. Approximately 5 days following the intervention, the same individuals performed an additional 'acute' exercise session under the same conditions, and serial muscle biopsies were collected to assess hypertrophic- and ribosomal-based signaling stimuli. Quadricep CSA increased with both LL-BFR (7.4±4.3%) and HL-RT (4.6±2.9%), with no significant differences between training groups (p=0.37). Muscular strength also increased in both training groups, but with superior gains in squat 1RM occurring with HL-RT (p<0.01). Acute phosphorylation of several key proteins involved in hypertrophy signaling pathways, and expression of ribosomal RNA transcription factors occurred to a similar degree with LL-BFR and HL-RT (all p>0.05 for between-group comparisons). Together, these findings validate low-load resistance training with continuous BFR as an effective alternative to traditional high-load resistance training for increasing muscle hypertrophy in trained individuals.

Effects of Resistance Training Methods on Golf Clubhead Speed and Hitting Distance: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

Uthoff, A, Sommerfield, LM, and Pichardo, AW. Effects of resistance training methods on golf clubhead speed and hitting distance: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2651-2660, 2021-Resistance training is widely regarded within the golfing community to improve golf performance by increasing clubhead speed (CHS) and drive distance and can be classified into 3 categories: nonspecific, specific, and combined. However, it is currently unclear which resistance training methods are most effective in improving predictors of golf performance. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to compare the effectiveness of nonspecific, specific, and combined strength training methods on CHS and drive distance. A systematic search strategy was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines to identify eligible articles through PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE (EBSCO), and Google Scholar. The searches identified 4,557 potentially relevant results, with 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review. Thirteen studies investigated nonspecific resistance training, one study investigated specific resistance training, and 7 studies investigated combined resistance training. Collectively, resistance training positively impacts golf CHS and hitting distance, but adaptations vary depending on the type and intensity of training, as well as subject's characteristics. Using a combination of nonspecific and golf-specific training (average increase of 4.1% CHS and 5.2% hitting distance) seems to enhance golf performance more than nonspecific strength training (average increase of 1.6% CHS and 4.8% hitting distance). Eight-week programs including golf-specific movements at high velocities for 3 to 4 sets of 5 to 15 repetitions are the most effective in increasing CHS and hitting distance. Future research investigating how golf-specific training influences CHS and hitting distance in various subgroups may provide further insight regarding prescription of this training type.

Performance Differences Between Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestlers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Ulupınar, S, Özbay, S, Gençoğlu, C, and İnce, İ. Performance differences between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2021-This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize evidence on performance differences between Greco-Roman (GR) and freestyle (Fr) wrestlers. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria (91 individual data and a total of 752 wrestlers). The analysis of handgrip strength comprised 9 outcomes from 5 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of isometric (back or leg) strength comprised 15 outcomes from 6 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of muscle power comprised 15 outcomes from 5 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of strength endurance comprised 4 outcomes from 3 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of anaerobic capacity and power comprised 6 outcomes from 3 studies with no significant difference between GR and Fr wrestlers. The analysis of speed comprised 19 outcomes from 7 studies with a significant effect favoring GR wrestlers. The analysis of flexibility comprised 20 outcomes from 6 studies with a significant effect favoring Fr wrestlers. This study indicated that GR wrestlers had greater isometric strength, muscle power, and speed performance, but Fr wrestlers had greater flexibility. Given the significant effect sizes favoring GR wrestlers, it is possible that they focused on training strategies to improve physical strength-power performance. However, considering the significant effect size favoring Fr wrestlers, it is possible that they focused on training strategies to improve flexibility because Fr wrestling techniques require a larger range of motion during both attack and defense.

Neural adaptations to long-term resistance training: evidence for the confounding effect of muscle size on the interpretation of surface electromyography

This study compared elbow flexor (EF; experiment 1) and knee extensor (KE; experiment 2) maximal compound action potential (M_max) amplitude between long-term resistance trained (LTRT; n = 15 and n = 14, 6 ± 3 and 4 ± 1 yr of training) and untrained (UT; n = 14 and n = 49) men, and examined the effect of normalizing electromyography (EMG) during maximal voluntary torque (MVT) production to M_max amplitude on differences between LTRT and UT. EMG was recorded from multiple sites and muscles of EF and KE, M_max was evoked with percutaneous nerve stimulation, and muscle size was assessed with ultrasonography (thickness, EF) and magnetic resonance imaging (cross-sectional area, KE). Muscle-electrode distance (MED) was measured to account for the effect of adipose tissue on EMG and M_max. LTRT displayed greater MVT (+66%-71%, P < 0.001), muscle size (+54%-56%, P < 0.001), and M_max amplitudes (+29%-60%, P ≤ 0.010) even when corrected for MED (P ≤ 0.045). M_max was associated with the size of both muscle groups (r ≥ 0.466, P ≤ 0.011). Compared with UT, LTRT had higher absolute voluntary EMG amplitude for the KE (P < 0.001), but not the EF (P = 0.195), and these differences/similarities were maintained after correction for MED; however, M_max normalization resulted in no differences between LTRT and UT for any muscle and/or muscle group (P ≥ 0.652). The positive association between M_max and muscle size, and no differences when accounting for peripheral electrophysiological properties (EMG/M_max), indicates the greater absolute voluntary EMG amplitude of LTRT might be confounded by muscle morphology, rather than providing a discrete measure of central neural activity. This study therefore suggests limited agonist neural adaptation after LTRT.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In a large sample of long-term resistance-trained individuals, we showed greater maximal M-wave amplitude of the elbow flexors and knee extensors compared with untrained individuals, which appears to be at least partially mediated by differences in muscle size. The lack of group differences in voluntary EMG amplitude when normalized to maximal M-wave suggests that differences in muscle morphology might impair interpretation of voluntary EMG as an index of central neural activity.

Sex Differences in Adaptations in Muscle Strength and Size Following Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Reductions in muscle size and strength occur with aging. These changes can be mitigated by participation in resistance training. At present, it is unknown if sex contributes to differences in adaptation to resistance training in older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to determine if sex differences are apparent in adaptations to resistance training in older adults.

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Web of Science; Science Direct; SPORTDiscus; CINAHL; and MEDLINE were searched from inception to June 2020.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies where males and females older than 50 years of age performed identical resistance training interventions and had outcome measures of muscle strength or size.

RESULTS

We initially screened 5337 studies. 30 studies (with 41 comparison groups) were included in our review (1410 participants; 651 males, 759 females). Mean study quality was 14.7/29 on a modified Downs and Black checklist, considered moderate quality. Females gained more relative lower-body strength than males (g = - 0.21 [95% CI - 0.33, - 0.10], p = 0.0003) but there were no differences in relative change for upper-body strength (g = - 0.29 [95% CI - 0.62, 0.04], p = 0.08) or relative muscle size (g = 0.10 [95% CI - 0.04, 0.23], p = 0.16). Males gained more absolute upper-body strength (g = 0.48 [95% CI 0.09, 0.88], p = 0.016), absolute lower-body strength (g = 0.33 [95% CI 0.19, 0.47], p < 0.0001), and absolute muscle size (g = 0.45 [95% CI 0.23, 0.66], p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that sex differences in adaptations to resistance training are apparent in older adults. However, it is evident that the interpretation of sex-dependent adaptations to resistance training is heavily influenced by the presentation of the results in either an absolute or relative context.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework (osf.io/afn3y/).

Echo intensity is weakly associated with muscular strength and endurance in young, healthy adults

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between echo intensity (EI) and muscular strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) and endurance (time-to task-failure [TTF]) in young adults. Ultrasonography was used to examine the dominant vastus lateralis of 15 young men and 15 young women. The participants completed an MVIC to assess muscular strength and sustained a bilateral, leg extension at 45% MVIC to assess muscular endurance. There was a significant (r = -0.354, p = 0.028) correlation between EI and normalized MVIC force for the combined sample (n = 30). There was also a significant (r = -0.520, p = 0.002) correlation between EI and absolute MVIC force for the combined sample. The correlation between EI and TTE was significant for the men (r = -0.449, p = 0.047) and the combined sample (r = -0.477, p = 0.004). Overall, muscle quality as assessed by EI does not appear to be strongly related to muscular strength, but there may be a modest correlation with muscular endurance.

Transgender Women in the Female Category of Sport: Perspectives on Testosterone Suppression and Performance Advantage

Males enjoy physical performance advantages over females within competitive sport. The sex-based segregation into male and female sporting categories does not account for transgender persons who experience incongruence between their biological sex and their experienced gender identity. Accordingly, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) determined criteria by which a transgender woman may be eligible to compete in the female category, requiring total serum testosterone levels to be suppressed below 10 nmol/L for at least 12 months prior to and during competition. Whether this regulation removes the male performance advantage has not been scrutinized. Here, we review how differences in biological characteristics between biological males and females affect sporting performance and assess whether evidence exists to support the assumption that testosterone suppression in transgender women removes the male performance advantage and thus delivers fair and safe competition. We report that the performance gap between males and females becomes significant at puberty and often amounts to 10-50% depending on sport. The performance gap is more pronounced in sporting activities relying on muscle mass and explosive strength, particularly in the upper body. Longitudinal studies examining the effects of testosterone suppression on muscle mass and strength in transgender women consistently show very modest changes, where the loss of lean body mass, muscle area and strength typically amounts to approximately 5% after 12 months of treatment. Thus, the muscular advantage enjoyed by transgender women is only minimally reduced when testosterone is suppressed. Sports organizations should consider this evidence when reassessing current policies regarding participation of transgender women in the female category of sport.

A 10-Week Block of Combined High-Intensity Endurance and Strength Training Produced Similar Changes in Dynamic Strength, Body Composition, and Serum Hormones in Women and Men

Purpose: To examine the potential sex differences in adaptations to combined endurance and strength training in recreationally endurance trained (eumenorrheic) women (n = 9) and men (n = 10).

Methods: Isometric (ISOM_max) and dynamic bilateral leg press (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ), running performance (3,000 m time trial), lean mass and body fat % (LEAN and FAT% determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry) as well as serum testosterone and cortisol (TES and COR, respectively, measured using hormone-specific immunoassay kits) were examined before a control period and pre, mid, and post a supervised 10-week combined high-intensity interval endurance training (4 × 4 min intervals and 3 × 3 × 100 m repeated sprints) and mixed maximal and explosive strength training. No more than 2 weeks separated training and testing for either women or men and all women were tested in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle to minimize the possible influence of menstrual cycle phase on performance measures.

Results: Absolute and relative changes in 1RM, CMJ, 3,000 m, LEAN, and FAT% were similar between groups. The only statistically significant differences observed between groups were observed at post and included a larger Δ% increase in ISOM_max force in men and a relatively greater Δ% decrease in serum TES in women.

Conclusion: Women and men can achieve similar relative adaptations in dynamic maximal strength and CMJ as well as endurance performance gains and body composition over the same high-intensity 10-week combined program, although relative adaptations in TES may differ.

The effects of resistance training with or without peanut protein supplementation on skeletal muscle and strength adaptations in older individuals

Several studies suggest resistance training (RT) while supplementing with various protein supplements can enhance strength and muscle mass in older individuals. However, to date, no study has examined the effects of RT with a peanut protein powder (PP) supplement on these outcomes. Herein, 39 older, untrained individuals (n = 17 female, n = 22 male; age = 58.6 ± 8.0 years; body mass index =28.7 ± 5.8) completed a 6-week (n = 22) or 10-week (n = 17) RT program, where full-body training was implemented twice weekly (ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration NCT04015479; registered July 11, 2019). Participants in each program were randomly assigned to consume either a PP supplement once per day (75 total g powder providing 30 g protein, > 9.2 g essential amino acids, ~ 315 kcal; n = 20) or no supplement (CTL; n = 19). Right leg vastus lateralis (VL) muscle biopsies were obtained prior to and 24 h following the first training bout in all participants to assess the change in myofibrillar protein synthetic rates (MyoPS) as measured via the deuterium-oxide (D₂O) tracer method. Pre- and Post-intervention testing in all participants was conducted using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), VL ultrasound imaging, a peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scan at the mid-thigh, and right leg isokinetic dynamometer assessments. Integrated MyoPS rates over a 24-h period were not significantly different (p < 0.05) between supplement groups following the first training bout. Regarding chronic changes, there were no significant supplement-by-time interactions in DXA-derived fat mass, lean soft tissue mass or percent body fat between supplementation groups. There was, however, a significant increase in VL thickness in PP versus CTL participants when the 6- and 10-week cohorts were pooled (interaction p = 0.041). There was also a significant increase in knee flexion torque in the 10-week PP group versus the CTL group (interaction p = 0.032). In conclusion, a higher-protein, defatted peanut powder supplement in combination with RT positively affects select markers of muscle hypertrophy and strength in an untrained, older adult population. Moreover, subanalyses indicated that gender did not play a role in these adaptations.

Lean Body Mass, Muscle Architecture, and Performance in Well-Trained Female Weightlifters

Lean mass and quadriceps muscle architecture have been associated with performance in male well-trained weightlifters, but no data exist for female weightlifters. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between lean mass, quadriceps cross sectional area (CSA), and muscle architecture with weightlifting performance in female weightlifters. Eight well-trained female weightlifters (age 23.5 ± 6.3 years, maximum total lifting performance = 147.4 ± 34.1 kg) participated in the study. Five of the athletes were members of the national team and three were among the nation's top-five performers of the respective body-weight category. Measurements included maximum lifting performance in snatch and clean and jerk, body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry), vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, vastus intermedius (VI) muscle thickness and quadriceps muscles' CSA and countermovement jump (CMJ). Very large to nearly perfect correlations were found between snatch and clean and jerk for trunk lean body mass (r = 0.959 and 0.929), for total CSA (r = 0.732 and 0.608), and CMJ power (r = 0.933 and 0.896). These results suggest that lean body mass, quadriceps' CSA and CMJ should be monitored regularly in female weightlifters to detect potential modifications in lifting performance.