Sports science, distilled.
Summaries and analysis of key research papers in sports science, velocity-based training, and performance measurement.
Velocity-Based Training for Adolescent Athletes: Safety Evidence Review
The safety evidence on VBT with adolescents: how it caps fatigue without 1RM testing, why peak height velocity changes guidance, and where gaps remain.
Velocity Drop-Off as a Fatigue Biomarker: Evidence Review
How well does bar speed track fatigue compared to creatine kinase, HRV, and countermovement jump decline? A practical comparison for VBT coaches.
Velocity Feedback and Motivation: The Psychology of Real-Time Output Data
Weakley and Randell's research on real-time velocity feedback: how much it lifts effort and intent, and how to dose it so motivation doesn't fade.
Velocity Loss and Muscle Damage Markers: Evidence Review
Sánchez-Medina and Pareja-Blanco's data on VL% thresholds vs creatine kinase, lactate, and ammonia — and how much recovery cost each threshold adds.
IMU Jump Height Accuracy vs Force Plate: Research Review
Can wearable IMU sensors replace a force plate for measuring jump height? This review breaks down validity and reliability data across lab and field.
Load-Velocity Profiling for 1RM Prediction: Accuracy Review
Can load-velocity profiling replace a maximal 1RM test? This review breaks down error rates by method and which protocols hold up in practice.
Neuromuscular Readiness: Daily CMJ Monitoring Evidence
Jump height alone misses fatigue that the Ft:Ct ratio catches early. This synthesis shows which CMJ metrics flag readiness and why stacking markers helps.
Power Output Decline as a Fatigue Monitoring Tool
What does research say about tracking power output decline to flag fatigue in strength and power athletes? A systematic review of intra-session drop-off.
Rate of Force Development Training Methods: Evidence Review
Plyometrics, ballistic lifts, VBT, and isometrics all claim to improve rate of force development, but not equally. This review ranks which methods work.
Velocity Loss Thresholds: Hypertrophy vs Power Outcomes
A head-to-head synthesis of 10%, 20%, and 30% velocity loss thresholds — which produces more power, which builds more muscle, and where they overlap.
Contrast Training Research Review: Heavy + Explosive Pairings for Power
Pairing heavy squats with jumps only works if the rest between them is right. This review covers the PAP mechanism, optimal timing, and what VBT confirms.
Tendon Stiffness and Power Development: Research Review
Stiffer tendons transmit force faster, raising rate of force development and reactive strength. See which methods change stiffness, and how to measure it.