Current Research

The Optimal Athlete prides itself in bringing you the most current, reliable, and up-to-date training methods in the field of athletic performance enhancement. In order to accomplish this, we must provide you with current research being conducted in the field. Please choose a link below to view an easy-to-understand summary of the research articles. New summaries are added weekly.

Hormonal Responses to Different Resistance Training Schemes ... (10.24)

Effect of Chain Resistance on Barbell Velocity ... (10.18)

Effects of Different Periodization Models on Power ... (10.11)

Can Whole-Body Vibration Reduce DOMS? ... (10.4)

Can Caffine Ingestion Improve NFL Combine Testing Performance? ... (8.9)

Over-Speed Training ... (7.12)

"Strongman" Training Considerations ... (7.5)

Effects of Creatine on Muscular Strength and Anaerobic Power ... (6.28)

The Forward Lunge ... (6.21)

Ballistic Abdominal Exercises ... (6.13)

Can the Squat Jump Predict Weightlifting Performance? ... (6.6)

Effects of Band and Chain Training ... (5.31)

Physical Conditioning for Golf ... (5.24)

Does Interval Training Improve Field Hockey Performance? ... (5.10)

Vibration Training: Does it Enhance Performance? ... (4.19)

Increase Maximal Running Velocity ... (4.4)

Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Endurance Performance ... (2.21)

Affect of Whole-Body Vibration on Power Output ... (2.15)

Do Energy Drinks Enhance Athletic Performance? ... (2.8)

Milk: The New Sports Drink? ... (2.1)

The Effect of Compression Stockings on Running Performance ... (1.25)

Back Squat vs. Front Squat ... (1.18)

Does Cryotherapy Effect Performance? ... (1.11)

Sled Training: Does it Effect Acceleration Mechanics? ... (1.4)

Does Jaw-Clenching Improve Jumping Performance? ... (12.28)

Does the NFL Combine Predict Performance? ... (12.14)

The Relationship Between Core Stability and Performance ... (12.7)

Jump Squat Training: Light vs. Heavy Loading ... (11.30)

A Relationship Between Eccentric Strength and Power Output? ... (11.23)

Ballistic Exercise Improves Power Independently of Changes in Strength ... (11.16)

Timing of Nutrient Intake ... (11.9)

Horizontal Jumping Ability Related to Sprint Performance? ... (11.2)

Yoga Used for Steadiness Training? ... (10.19)

Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on BMX Performance ... (10.12)

Oral Contraceptives and Strength Development in Female Athletes ... (10.5)

Effects of Caffine on Strength and Endurance ... (9.28)

Olympic vs. Traditional Weight Training ... (9.14)

Closed Skill vs. Open Skill Warm-Up ... (9.6)

Hydration State and Resistance Training ... (8.31)

Creatine vs. Carbohydrate Supplementation ... (8.24)

An Evaluation of Baseball-Specific Field Tests ... (8.17)

An Evaluation of Soccer-Specific Field Tests ... (8.9)

ISSN Position Stand: Protein and Exercise ... (8.2)

Effect of Complex Training on Explosive Strength in Adolescents ... (7.27)

Effect of Concurrent Endurance and Resistance Training ... (7.13)

The Effectiveness of Resisted Jump Training ... (7.6)

Heavy-Load Squats "Supercharge" Acute Jump Squat Performance ... (6.21)

Plyometric Training: Less is Better? ... (6.14)

Jump Performance Related to Maximal Strength ... (6.7)

The Influence of Trunk Curl-Up Speed on Muscular Recruitment ... (5.31)

Circuit Training vs. Traditional Weight Training ... (5.25)

Compatibility of Power and Endurance Training ... (5.18)

Effect of Elastic and Free Weight Resistance Training... (5.2)

Hang Clean Performance Related to Jumping and Sprinting Performance ... (4.27)

Work to Rest Ratios in Collegiate Football ... (4.20)

The Effect of Strength Training on Aerobic Performance ... (4.13)

Vertimax vs. Depth Jump Training ... (3.15)

Fat Intake and Injury in Competitive Runners ... (3.9)

Acute Effect of Heavy Squats on Sprint Performance ... (3.1)

Trunk Training: Stability Ball vs. Free Weight Exercises ... (2.23)

Static Stretching Impairs Sprint Performance ... (2.17)

NFL Combine: Performance Differences Between Drafted and Nondrafted Players ... (2.10)

Performance Effects of Raisins vs. Sports Gels ... (2.2)

Acute Effect of Heavy Resistance Training on Running Speed ... (1.27)

The Importance of Exercise Order ... (1.20)

Does Massage Increase Performance? ... (1.13)

Core Activation During Different Popular Exercises ... (1.6)

Does Vertical Jump Predict Hockey Playing Potential? ... (1.1)

Does Saddle Height Affect Power Production When Cycling ... (12.23)

Creatine Does Not Enhance Recovery ... (12.16)

Single vs. Multiple Set Resistance Training ... (12.9)

Arachidonic Acid Supplementation Enahnces Performance? ... (12.1)

Carbohydrate Ingestion Following Exercise ... (11.25)

Is Creatine Safe to Use While Exercising in Hot Conditions? ... (11.17)

Vibration Training: Dangerous to the Human Body? ... (11.4)

Is Vertical Jump Training Better With or Without Resistance? ... (10.28)

Treadmill Training vs. Ground-Based Speed Training ... (10.21)

Caffeine Reduces Heart Rate During Exercise ... (10.14)

ISSN Position Stand: Protein and Exercise ... (10.7)

Carbohydrate-Protein Gel Improves Performancxe and Prevents Muscle Damage ... (9.30)

Protease Supplement Could Help Decrease Strength Losses After Exercise ... (9.23)

Living at Altitude and Training at Sea Level ... (9.16)

ISSN Position Stand: Creatine Supplementation and Exercise ... (9.9)

Dry-Land Predictors of Skating Performance in Hockey Players ... (9.2)

Do Hockey Players Need Aerobic Fitness? ... (8.26)

Forced Repetitions: Do They Really Increase Strength? ... (8.19)

Contrast Water Therapy Shown to Increase Recovery ... (8.12)

Effect of Protein Source on Body Composition and Hormone Levels ... (8.5)

Phospholipids and Sports Performance ... (7.29)

One- vs. Three-Set Resistance Training: The Debate Continues ... (7.22)

Carbohydrate and Protein Supplementation Found to Decrease Muscle Soreness ... (7.15)

Pre-Activity Maximal Isometric Contraction Improves Jump Height and Power Output ... (7.8)

Adding Drop Jumps to a Warm-Up Routine Improves Explosive Performance ... (7.1)

Nutritionally Enriched Coffee Shown to Improve Aerobic Performance ... (6.24)

Sprint Training vs. Plyometric Training ... (6.17)

Does Unstable Surface Training Improve Athletic Performance? ... (6.10)

Aquatic Plyometrics Found To Be As Beneficial As Land-Based Plyometrics ... (6.3)

Does Upper-Body Vibration Training Increase Climbing Performance? ... (5.27)

New Formula For Predicting Maximal Heart Rate ... (5.20)

Bodybuilders Found To Be As Powerful As Sprinters? ... (5.13)

Carbohydrate Ingestion During Exercise Found to Reduce Perceived Exertion ... (5.6)

Vibration Training: Myth or the Future of Athletic Performance? ... (4.29)

Vitamin C & E Supplementation Reduces Muscle Soreness? ... (4.22)

Does More Protein Mean Better Results? ... (4.15)

Does L-Carnitine and L-Tartrate Supplementation Improve Recovery? ... (4.8)

Effects Of Three- vs. One-Set Resistance Training ... (4.1)

Does Upper-Body Plyometric Training Increase Throwing Velocity? ... (3.25)

Resisted Sprint Training Shown to be No More Effective Than Non-Resisted Sprint Training ... (3.18)

Weighted Dynamic Warm-Up Shown to Increase Acute Power Production ... (3.11)

Cycling Field Test Proves to be a Valid Measure of Fitness ... (3.4)

Natural Plant Substance Helps Reduce Illness In Physically Stressed Athletes ... (2.25)

Is Soy or Whey Protein Better for Muscles Building and Recovery? ... (2.18)

Power Output: A Good Indicator of Mountain Biking Performance? ... (2.11)