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Outputs (229)

Neuromuscular Capabilities in Top-Level Weightlifters and Their Association with Weightlifting Performance (2024)
Journal Article
Soriano, M. A., Flores, F. J., Lama-Arenales, J., Fernández-del-Olmo, M., & Comfort, P. (2024). Neuromuscular Capabilities in Top-Level Weightlifters and Their Association with Weightlifting Performance. Applied Sciences, 14(9), 3762. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093762

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the front and back squat, countermovement jump (CMJ) and deep squat jump (DSJ) force–time metrics, and weightlifting performance in top-level weightlifters. Thirteen top-level weightlift... Read More about Neuromuscular Capabilities in Top-Level Weightlifters and Their Association with Weightlifting Performance.

Association between protein intake and muscle wasting in critically ill children: A prospective cohort study (2024)
Journal Article
Tume, L. N., Simons, C., Latten, L., Huang, C., Comfort, P., Compton, V., …Valla, F. V. (in press). Association between protein intake and muscle wasting in critically ill children: A prospective cohort study. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, https://doi.org/10.1002/jpen.2627

Background: Survival from pediatric critical illness in high‐income countries is high, and the focus now must be on optimizing the recovery of survivors. Muscle mass wasting during critical illness is problematic, so identifying factors that may redu... Read More about Association between protein intake and muscle wasting in critically ill children: A prospective cohort study.

The effect of rest redistribution on kinetic and kinematic variables during the hang pull (2024)
Journal Article
Meechan, D., McMahon, J. J., Suchomel, T. J., & Comfort, P. (in press). The effect of rest redistribution on kinetic and kinematic variables during the hang pull. PloS one, 19(2), e0299311. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299311

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of rest redistribution (RR) on kinetics and kinematics during the hang pull (HP). Twenty-one male athletes (age 29.5 ± 4.3 years, height 1.78 ± 0.07 m, body mass 75.17 ± 11.11 kg, relative one repetiti... Read More about The effect of rest redistribution on kinetic and kinematic variables during the hang pull.

Relative strength explains the differences in multi-joint rapid force production between sexes (2024)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., McMahon, J. J., Lake, J. P., Ripley, N. J., Triplett, N. T., & Haff, G. G. (in press). Relative strength explains the differences in multi-joint rapid force production between sexes. PloS one, 19(2), e0296877. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296877

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether relative strength explains the differences in the rapid force production (force developed during first 150-, 200-, and 250 ms) of females and males, and to evaluate the relationships between peak... Read More about Relative strength explains the differences in multi-joint rapid force production between sexes.

Effect of Sampling Frequency on a Unilateral Isometric Hamstring Strength Assessment Using Force Plates (2024)
Journal Article
Ripley, N., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (in press). Effect of Sampling Frequency on a Unilateral Isometric Hamstring Strength Assessment Using Force Plates. #Journal not on list,

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sampling frequency on the 90-90 (90-degrees hip and knee flexion) isometric hamstring assessment. Thirty-three elite female soccer players (age: 18.7 ± 3.7 years; height: 158.3 ± 5.9 cm; body m... Read More about Effect of Sampling Frequency on a Unilateral Isometric Hamstring Strength Assessment Using Force Plates.

Real-World Fatigue Testing in Professional Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. (2023)
Journal Article
Grainger, A., Comfort, P., Twist, C., M. Heffernan, S., & Tarantino, G. (2023). Real-World Fatigue Testing in Professional Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 10.1007/s40279-023-01973-3. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01973-3

Professional rugby union is a high-intensity contact sport with position-specific high training and match volumes across a season that may lead to periods of fatigue if above a typically experienced threshold. This study assesses the influence of mat... Read More about Real-World Fatigue Testing in Professional Rugby Union: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis..

The Kneeling Isometric Plantar Flexor Test: Preliminary Reliability and Feasibility in Professional Youth Football (2023)
Journal Article
McMahon, J. J., Ripley, N. J., Comfort, P., Robles-Palazón, F. J., Fahey, J. T., Badby, A. J., & Bramah, C. (2023). The Kneeling Isometric Plantar Flexor Test: Preliminary Reliability and Feasibility in Professional Youth Football. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(4), 164. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040164

Calf injuries are common in professional football; thus, the establishment of reliable and time-efficient methods of measuring the peak force capabilities of the plantar flexors with equipment that is accessible to football practitioners is valuable.... Read More about The Kneeling Isometric Plantar Flexor Test: Preliminary Reliability and Feasibility in Professional Youth Football.

Rapid force generation during unilateral isometric hamstring assessment: reliability and relationship to maximal force. (2023)
Journal Article
Ripley, N., Fahey, J., Cuthbert, M., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2023). Rapid force generation during unilateral isometric hamstring assessment: reliability and relationship to maximal force. Sports Biomechanics, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2023.2276316

Limited research has reported the reliability of rapid force generation characteristics during isometric assessments of the hamstrings. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the between-session reliability of rapid force genera... Read More about Rapid force generation during unilateral isometric hamstring assessment: reliability and relationship to maximal force..

Development Pathways for the Sport Scientist: A Process for the United States (2023)
Journal Article
Gleason, B. H., Suchomel, T. J., Pyne, D. B., Comfort, P., McMahon, E., Hornsby, W. G., …Stone, M. H. (2023). Development Pathways for the Sport Scientist: A Process for the United States. Strength and Conditioning Journal, https://doi.org/10.1519/ssc.0000000000000804

A variety of sport organizations employ sport scientists (SSs) in a range of capacities to support team operations, whereas universities employ SSs in academic (teaching and research), consulting, and support roles. Despite the growth in professional... Read More about Development Pathways for the Sport Scientist: A Process for the United States.

Force plate methodologies applied to injury profiling and rehabilitation in sport: A scoping review protocol (2023)
Journal Article
Robles-Palazón, F. J., Comfort, P., Ripley, N. J., Herrington, L., Bramah, C., & McMahon, J. J. (in press). Force plate methodologies applied to injury profiling and rehabilitation in sport: A scoping review protocol. PloS one, 18(10), e0292487. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292487

Musculoskeletal injuries are a common health problem among sporting populations. Such injuries come with a high financial burden to the involved organisations and can have a detrimental impact on the career attainment of injured individuals. Force pl... Read More about Force plate methodologies applied to injury profiling and rehabilitation in sport: A scoping review protocol.

Predicting Weight Category–Specific Performance Zones for Olympic, World, and European Weightlifting Competitions (2023)
Journal Article
Chavda, S., Comfort, P., Lake, J. P., Bishop, C., & Turner, A. N. (2023). Predicting Weight Category–Specific Performance Zones for Olympic, World, and European Weightlifting Competitions. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(10), 2038-2045. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004511

Understanding the total likely required weight category to achieve a specific rank within a specific competition can aid in the long-term and short-term preparation and tactics for performance teams. The primary objective of this investigation was to... Read More about Predicting Weight Category–Specific Performance Zones for Olympic, World, and European Weightlifting Competitions.

The Good Morning—Exercise Technique and Exercise Selection Principles (2023)
Journal Article
Ross, S., Comfort, P., & McMahon, J. (2023). The Good Morning—Exercise Technique and Exercise Selection Principles. Strength and Conditioning Journal, https://doi.org/10.1519/ssc.0000000000000802

The good morning is a barbell exercise that can be used to develop muscular strength and hypertrophy in the posterior chain (i.e., hamstring muscles, gluteal muscles, spinal erectors, calf complex). The exercise uses a hip hinge motion with the barbe... Read More about The Good Morning—Exercise Technique and Exercise Selection Principles.

The Predictive Validity of Individualised Load–Velocity Relationships for Predicting 1RM: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis (2023)
Journal Article
Greig, L., Aspe, R. R., Hall, A., Comfort, P., Cooper, K., & Swinton, P. A. (2023). The Predictive Validity of Individualised Load–Velocity Relationships for Predicting 1RM: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 53(9), 1693-1708. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01854-9

Background: Load–velocity relationships are commonly used to estimate one-repetition maximums (1RMs). Proponents suggest these estimates can be obtained at high frequencies and assist with manipulating loads according to session-by-session fluctuatio... Read More about The Predictive Validity of Individualised Load–Velocity Relationships for Predicting 1RM: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis.

Microdosing: A Conceptual Framework for use as Programming Strategy for Resistance Training in Team Sports (2023)
Journal Article
Cuthbert, M., Haff, G. G., McMahon, J. J., Evans, M., & Comfort, P. (2023). Microdosing: A Conceptual Framework for use as Programming Strategy for Resistance Training in Team Sports. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 46(2), 180-201. https://doi.org/10.1519/ssc.0000000000000786

Microdosing, in the context of resistance training, has increased in popularity within sporting environments where it is frequently used among strength and conditioning professionals. Although there is a clear definition for the concept within the li... Read More about Microdosing: A Conceptual Framework for use as Programming Strategy for Resistance Training in Team Sports.

Development of Physical Qualities Related to Multidirectional Speed (2023)
Book Chapter
Comfort, P. (2023). Development of Physical Qualities Related to Multidirectional Speed. In P. Jones, & T. Dos'Santos (Eds.), Multidirectional Speed in Sport. Taylor and Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003267881-10

In addition to the development of the appropriate movement patterns required to perform rapid multidirectional speed movements, while minimising the risk of injury, it is essential that athletes develop the appropriate force production capacities (e.... Read More about Development of Physical Qualities Related to Multidirectional Speed.

The Validity of Hawkin Dynamics Wireless Dual Force Plates for Measuring Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump Variables (2023)
Journal Article
J. Badby, A., D. Mundy, P., Comfort, P., Lake, J. P., & McMahon, J. (2023). The Validity of Hawkin Dynamics Wireless Dual Force Plates for Measuring Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump Variables. Sensors, 23(10), 4820. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23104820

Force plate testing is becoming more commonplace in sport due to the advent of commercially available, portable, and affordable force plate systems (i.e., hardware and software). Following the validation of the Hawkin Dynamics Inc. (HD) proprietary s... Read More about The Validity of Hawkin Dynamics Wireless Dual Force Plates for Measuring Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump Variables.

National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Weightlifting for Sports Performance (2023)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Haff, G. G., Suchomel, T. J., Soriano, M. A., Pierce, K. C., Hornsby, W. G., …Stone, M. H. (in press). National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Weightlifting for Sports Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(6), 1163-1190. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004476

The origins of weightlifting and feats of strength span back to ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, with the introduction of weightlifting into the Olympic Games in 1896. However, it was not until the 1950s that training based on weightlifting was adop... Read More about National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Weightlifting for Sports Performance.

A systematic review of the different calculation methods for measuring jump height during the countermovement and drop jump tests (2023)
Journal Article
Xu, J., Turner, A., Comfort, P., Harry, J., McMahon, J., Chavda, S., & Bishop, C. (in press). A systematic review of the different calculation methods for measuring jump height during the countermovement and drop jump tests. Sports Medicine, 11, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01828-x

Background The height obtained during the countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) tests have been measured by numerous studies using different calculation methods and pieces of equipment. However, the differences in calculation methods and e... Read More about A systematic review of the different calculation methods for measuring jump height during the countermovement and drop jump tests.

Reliability, Validity, and Comparison of Barbell Velocity Measurement Devices during the Jump Shrug and Hang High Pull (2023)
Journal Article
J. Suchomel, T., S. Techmanski, B., R. Kissick, C., & Comfort, P. (2023). Reliability, Validity, and Comparison of Barbell Velocity Measurement Devices during the Jump Shrug and Hang High Pull. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(1), https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8010035

This study examined the reliability, potential bias, and practical differences between the GymAware Powertool (GA), Tendo Power Analyzer (TENDO), and Push Band 2.0 (PUSH) during the jump shrug (JS) and hang high pull (HHP) performed across a spectrum... Read More about Reliability, Validity, and Comparison of Barbell Velocity Measurement Devices during the Jump Shrug and Hang High Pull.

Effect of additional Nordic hamstring exercise or sprint training on the modifiable risk factors of hamstring strain injuries and performance (2023)
Journal Article
Ripley, N., Cuthbert, M., Comfort, P., & McMahon, J. (2023). Effect of additional Nordic hamstring exercise or sprint training on the modifiable risk factors of hamstring strain injuries and performance. PLoS ONE, 18(3), https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281966

The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has commonly been investigated in isolation, however, within practice multiple modalities are commonly incorporated. However, the NHE has a low level of compliance within sport, with sprinting being potentially bei... Read More about Effect of additional Nordic hamstring exercise or sprint training on the modifiable risk factors of hamstring strain injuries and performance.

Selecting Metrics That Matter: Comparing the Use of the Countermovement Jump for Performance Profiling, Neuromuscular Fatigue Monitoring, and Injury Rehabilitation Testing (2023)
Journal Article
Bishop, C., Jordan, M., Torres-Ronda, L., Loturco, I., Harry, J., Virgile, A., …Comfort, P. (in press). Selecting Metrics That Matter: Comparing the Use of the Countermovement Jump for Performance Profiling, Neuromuscular Fatigue Monitoring, and Injury Rehabilitation Testing. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 45(5), 545-553. https://doi.org/10.1519/ssc.0000000000000772

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is one of the most used performance assessments in strength and conditioning. Although numerous studies discuss the usability of different metrics in this test, this is often performed within the context of a specific a... Read More about Selecting Metrics That Matter: Comparing the Use of the Countermovement Jump for Performance Profiling, Neuromuscular Fatigue Monitoring, and Injury Rehabilitation Testing.

Strength and Conditioning for Cricket Fielding: A Narrative Review (2022)
Journal Article
Lim, J., Wong, S., McErlain-Naylor, S. A., Scanlan, A., Goggins, L., Ahmun, R., …Weldon, A. (in press). Strength and Conditioning for Cricket Fielding: A Narrative Review. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 45(5), 509-524. https://doi.org/10.1519/ssc.0000000000000758

The main aim of cricket fielding is to minimize runs scored by the opposing batting team. This is achieved through (a) collecting a batted ball and returning it to the wicket-keeper to prevent runs from being scored, (b) dismissing a batter by catchi... Read More about Strength and Conditioning for Cricket Fielding: A Narrative Review.

Muscle architectural and force-velocity curve adaptations following 10 weeks of training with weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives (2022)
Journal Article
Suchomel, T., McKeever, S., Nolen, J., & Comfort, P. (2022). Muscle architectural and force-velocity curve adaptations following 10 weeks of training with weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 21(4), 504-516. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2022.504

The aims of this study were to examine the muscle architectural, rapid force production, and force-velocity curve adaptations following 10 weeks of resistance training with either submaximal weightlifting catching (CATCH) or pulling (PULL) derivative... Read More about Muscle architectural and force-velocity curve adaptations following 10 weeks of training with weightlifting catching and pulling derivatives.

The Effect of Rest Redistribution on Kinetic and Kinematic Variables During the Countermovement Shrug. (2022)
Journal Article
Meechan, D., McMahon, J. J., Suchomel, T. J., & Comfort, P. (in press). The Effect of Rest Redistribution on Kinetic and Kinematic Variables During the Countermovement Shrug. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(7), 1358-1366. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004238

This study compared the effects of rest redistribution (RR) on kinetic and kinematic variables during the countermovement shrug (CMS). Twenty-one male subjects (age 27.2 ± 3.3. years, height 1.78 ± 0.07 m, body mass 77.2 ±10.6 kg, relative one repeti... Read More about The Effect of Rest Redistribution on Kinetic and Kinematic Variables During the Countermovement Shrug..

Force plate-derived countermovement jump normative data and benchmarks for professional Rugby League players (2022)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Ripley, N., & Comfort, P. (2022). Force plate-derived countermovement jump normative data and benchmarks for professional Rugby League players. Sensors, 22(22), 8669. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22228669

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is an important test in rugby league (RL), and the force plate is the recommended assessment device, as it permits the calculation of several variables that explain jump strategy, alongside jump height. The purpose of t... Read More about Force plate-derived countermovement jump normative data and benchmarks for professional Rugby League players.

Comparing biomechanical time series data across countermovement shrug load (2022)
Journal Article
Meechan, D., McErlain-Naylor, S., McMahon, J., Suchomel, T., & Comfort, P. (2022). Comparing biomechanical time series data across countermovement shrug load. Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(15), 1658-1667. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2022.2091351

The effect of load on time series data has yet to be investigated during weightlifting derivatives. This study compared the effect of load on the force-time and velocity-time curves during the countermovement shrug (CMS). Twenty-nine males performed... Read More about Comparing biomechanical time series data across countermovement shrug load.

A comparison of three load-velocity based methods to estimate maximum overhead press performance in weightlifters (2022)
Journal Article
Soriano, M. A., Jiménez-Ormeño, E., Haff, G. G., Comfort, P., Giráldez-Costas, V., Ruiz-Moreno, C., & García-Ramos, A. (2022). A comparison of three load-velocity based methods to estimate maximum overhead press performance in weightlifters. International journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 18(5), 1585-1593. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541221115854

This study aimed to evaluate whether lifting velocity can be used to estimate the overhead press one repetition maximum (1RM) and to explore the differences in the accuracy of the 1RM between three velocity-based methods. Twenty-seven weightlifters (... Read More about A comparison of three load-velocity based methods to estimate maximum overhead press performance in weightlifters.

A biomechanical analysis of weightlifting pulling derivatives and their application to performance programming (2022)
Thesis
Meechan, D. A biomechanical analysis of weightlifting pulling derivatives and their application to performance programming. (Thesis). University of Salford

The aims of the studies within this thesis were to determine if kinetics and kinematics differences occur between weightlifting pulling derivatives across loads, and to provide greater context regarding biomechanical time series data across loads. Ad... Read More about A biomechanical analysis of weightlifting pulling derivatives and their application to performance programming.

Rate of force development adaptations after weightlifting-style training: the influence of power clean ability. (2022)
Journal Article
James, L., Suchomel, T., Comfort, P., Haff, G., & Connick, M. (2022). Rate of force development adaptations after weightlifting-style training: the influence of power clean ability. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(6), 1560-1567. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003673

This experiment examined changes to the rate of force development (RFD) expressed under loaded jump conditions between individuals with a higher (stronger) and lower (weaker) weightlifting performance (as assessed by the 1 repetition maximum [RM] pow... Read More about Rate of force development adaptations after weightlifting-style training: the influence of power clean ability..

How Does Lower-Body and Upper-Body Strength Relate to Maximum Split Jerk Performance? (2022)
Journal Article
Soriano, M. A., Jiménez-Ormeño, E., Amaro-Gahete, F. J., Haff, G. G., & Comfort, P. (2022). How Does Lower-Body and Upper-Body Strength Relate to Maximum Split Jerk Performance?. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(8), 2102-2107. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004289

The aims of this study were to (I) determine the relationships between the maximum dynamic strength of the upper and lower body, measured by overhead press and back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM) performances, and the split jerk (SJ) performance in... Read More about How Does Lower-Body and Upper-Body Strength Relate to Maximum Split Jerk Performance?.

Comparisons of countermovement jump and isokinetic performance in youth athletes: maturation and early sport specialization considerations (2022)
Thesis
Hofmann, C. Comparisons of countermovement jump and isokinetic performance in youth athletes: maturation and early sport specialization considerations. (Thesis). University of Salford

This thesis examines the impact of maturation status and single versus multiple sport participation on the physical performance of adolescent athletes across 6 studies. Study 1 investigated the test – retest reliability of isokinetic knee flexion and... Read More about Comparisons of countermovement jump and isokinetic performance in youth athletes: maturation and early sport specialization considerations.

Comparison between methods to estimate bicep femoris fascicle length from three estimation equations using a 10 cm ultrasound probe (2022)
Journal Article
Ripley, N., Comfort, P., & McMahon, J. (2022). Comparison between methods to estimate bicep femoris fascicle length from three estimation equations using a 10 cm ultrasound probe. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 27(1), 43-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2022.2063689

The aim of the present study was to determine the reliability and differences between three fascicle length (FL) estimation methods when utilizing a 10-cm ultrasound (US) probe. Thirteen males (24.1 ± 3.8 years, 79.3 ± 14 kg, 179 ± 6.6 cm) participat... Read More about Comparison between methods to estimate bicep femoris fascicle length from three estimation equations using a 10 cm ultrasound probe.

Identifying and reporting position-specific countermovement jump outcome and phase characteristics within rugby league. (2022)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Lake, J., & Comfort, P. (2022). Identifying and reporting position-specific countermovement jump outcome and phase characteristics within rugby league. PLoS ONE, 17(3), e0265999. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265999

The countermovement jump (CMJ) has been suggested to be an important test of neuromuscular performance for rugby league (RL) players. Identifying force platform-derived CMJ variables that may be more applicable to RL positions (e.g., forwards and bac... Read More about Identifying and reporting position-specific countermovement jump outcome and phase characteristics within rugby league..

Intra- and Interday Reliability of Weightlifting Variables and Correlation to Performance During Cleans (2022)
Journal Article
Sorensen, A. M., Chavda, S., Comfort, P., Lake, J., & Turner, A. N. (2022). Intra- and Interday Reliability of Weightlifting Variables and Correlation to Performance During Cleans. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(11), 3008-3014. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004241

Sorensen, AM, Chavda, S, Comfort, P, Lake, J, and Turner, AN. Intra- and interday reliability of weightlifting variables and correlation to performance during cleans. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3008–3014, 2022—The purpose of this investigation was t... Read More about Intra- and Interday Reliability of Weightlifting Variables and Correlation to Performance During Cleans.

The Reliability and Magnitude of Time-Dependent Force-Time Characteristics During the Isometric Midthigh Pull Are Affected by Both Testing Protocol and Analysis Choices (2022)
Journal Article
Guppy, S. N., Kotani, Y., Brady, C. J., Connolly, S., Comfort, P., & Haff, G. G. (2022). The Reliability and Magnitude of Time-Dependent Force-Time Characteristics During the Isometric Midthigh Pull Are Affected by Both Testing Protocol and Analysis Choices. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(5), 1191-1199. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004229

Guppy, SN, Kotani, Y, Brady, CJ, Connolly, S, Comfort, P, and Haff, GG. Title: The reliability and magnitude of time-dependent force-time characteristics during the isometric mid-thigh pull are impacted by both testing protocol and analysis choices.... Read More about The Reliability and Magnitude of Time-Dependent Force-Time Characteristics During the Isometric Midthigh Pull Are Affected by Both Testing Protocol and Analysis Choices.

The reliability of novel, temporal-based dynamic strength index metrics. (2022)
Journal Article
James, L., & Comfort, P. (2022). The reliability of novel, temporal-based dynamic strength index metrics. Sports Biomechanics, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2022.2032298

The purpose of this study was: i) to determine the reliability of alternate forms of the dynamic strength index (DSI) calculated over time-specific intervals that represent decisive actions in sport and ii) to assess the association between the origi... Read More about The reliability of novel, temporal-based dynamic strength index metrics..

The effect of exercise compliance on risk reduction for hamstring strain injury : a systematic review and meta-analyses (2021)
Journal Article
Ripley, N., Cuthbert, M., Ross, S., Comfort, P., & McMahon, J. (2021). The effect of exercise compliance on risk reduction for hamstring strain injury : a systematic review and meta-analyses. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(21), e11260. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111260

Eccentric strength training can reduce the risk of hamstring strain injury (HSI) occurrence; however, its implementation can be impacted by athlete compliance and prescription. The aim of this review was to investigate the effects of intervention com... Read More about The effect of exercise compliance on risk reduction for hamstring strain injury : a systematic review and meta-analyses.

No differences in weightlifting overhead pressing exercises kinetics (2021)
Journal Article
Soriano, M., Lake, J., Comfort, P., Suchomel, T., McMahon, J., Jiménez-Ormeño, E., & Sainz de Baranda, P. (2021). No differences in weightlifting overhead pressing exercises kinetics. Sports Biomechanics, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2021.1993983

This study aimed to compare the kinetics between the push press (PP), push jerk (PJ), and split jerk (SJ). Sixteen resistance-trained participants (12 men and 4 women; age: 23.8 ± 4.4 years; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; body mass: 75.7 ± 13.0 kg; weightlifti... Read More about No differences in weightlifting overhead pressing exercises kinetics.

A comparison of manual and automatic force-onset identification methodologies and their effect on force-time characteristics in the isometric midthigh pull (2021)
Journal Article
Guppy, S., Brady, C., Kotani, Y., Connolly, S., Comfort, P., Lake, J., & Haff, G. (2021). A comparison of manual and automatic force-onset identification methodologies and their effect on force-time characteristics in the isometric midthigh pull. Sports Biomechanics, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2021.1974532

The aim of this study was to assess the agreement of three different automated methods of identifying force-onset (40 N, 5 SDs, and 3 SDs) with manual identification, during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Fourteen resistance-trained particip... Read More about A comparison of manual and automatic force-onset identification methodologies and their effect on force-time characteristics in the isometric midthigh pull.

Kinematic and neuromuscular measures of intensity during drop jumps in female volleyball players (2021)
Journal Article
Torres-Banduc, M., Ramirez-Campillo, R., Andrade, D., Calleja-González, J., Nikolaidis, P., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2021). Kinematic and neuromuscular measures of intensity during drop jumps in female volleyball players. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 724070. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.724070

The aim of this study was to assess drop jump (DJ) performance variables (jump height, contact time, and reactive strength index) concomitant to surface electromyography (sEMG) of lower limb muscles during DJs from different drop heights (intensities... Read More about Kinematic and neuromuscular measures of intensity during drop jumps in female volleyball players.

A proposed method for evaluating drop jump performance with one force platform (2021)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Lake, J., Stratford, C., & Comfort, P. (2021). A proposed method for evaluating drop jump performance with one force platform. Biomechanics, 1(2), 178-189. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics1020015

The drop jump (DJ) is commonly utilised to assess athletes. The criterion two force platform (2FP) method of assessing DJ performance involves two adjacent force platforms, one for the box and one for the athlete to rebound from. Most researchers and... Read More about A proposed method for evaluating drop jump performance with one force platform.

How effective is an evidence-based exercise intervention in individuals with patellofemoral pain? (2021)
Journal Article
Greaves, H., Comfort, P., Liu, A., Herrington, L., & Jones, R. (2021). How effective is an evidence-based exercise intervention in individuals with patellofemoral pain?. Physical Therapy in Sport, 51, 92-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.013

Objectives Guidelines for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for patellofemoral pain (PFP) have been developed by international experts. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of such a rehabilitative exercise programme on pain, funct... Read More about How effective is an evidence-based exercise intervention in individuals with patellofemoral pain?.

Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change-of-Direction Technique Modification Intervention on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk (2021)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. A. (2021). Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change-of-Direction Technique Modification Intervention on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(8), 2133-2144. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004075

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of a 6-week change-of-direction (COD) technique modification intervention on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk (i.e., multiplanar knee joint loads) during 45° (CUT45) and 90°... Read More about Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change-of-Direction Technique Modification Intervention on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk.

Effects of spaceflight on musculoskeletal health : a systematic review and meta-analysis, considerations for interplanetary travel (2021)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., McMahon, J., Jones, P., Cuthbert, M., Kendall, K., Lake, J., & Haff, G. (2021). Effects of spaceflight on musculoskeletal health : a systematic review and meta-analysis, considerations for interplanetary travel. Sports Medicine, 51(10), 2097-2114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01496-9

If interplanetary travel is to be successful over the coming decades, it is essential that countermeasures to minimize deterioration of the musculoskeletal system are as effective as possible, given the increased duration of spaceflight associated wi... Read More about Effects of spaceflight on musculoskeletal health : a systematic review and meta-analysis, considerations for interplanetary travel.

Is there a relationship between the overhead press and split jerk maximum performance? Influence of sex (2021)
Journal Article
Soriano, M., Haff, G., Comfort, P., Amaro-Gahete, F., Torres-González, A., García-Cifo, A., …de Baranda, P. (2022). Is there a relationship between the overhead press and split jerk maximum performance? Influence of sex. International journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 17(1), 143-150. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541211020452

The aims of this study were to (I) determine the differences and relationship between the overhead press and split jerk performance in athletes involved in weightlifting training, and (II) explore the magnitude of these differences in one-repetition... Read More about Is there a relationship between the overhead press and split jerk maximum performance? Influence of sex.

Change of direction speed and technique modification training improves 180° turning performance, kinetics, and kinematics (2021)
Journal Article
Dos’Santos, T., Thomas, C., McBurnie, A., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2021). Change of direction speed and technique modification training improves 180° turning performance, kinetics, and kinematics. Sports, 9(6), e73. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports9060073

This study aimed to examine the effects of change of direction (COD) speed and technique modification training on 180° turning performance (completion time, ground contact time [GCT], and exit velocity), kinetics, and kinematics. A non-randomised 6 w... Read More about Change of direction speed and technique modification training improves 180° turning performance, kinetics, and kinematics.

Effects of variations in resistance training frequency on strength development in well-trained populations and implications for in-season athlete training : a systematic review and meta-analysis (2021)
Journal Article
Cuthbert, M., Haff, G., Arent, S., Ripley, N., McMahon, J., Evans, M., & Comfort, P. (2021). Effects of variations in resistance training frequency on strength development in well-trained populations and implications for in-season athlete training : a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(9), 1967-1982. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01460-7

In-season competition and tournaments for team sports can be both long and congested, with some sports competing up to three times per week. During these periods of time, athletes need to prepare technically, tactically and physically for the next fi... Read More about Effects of variations in resistance training frequency on strength development in well-trained populations and implications for in-season athlete training : a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Electromyographical Differences Between the Hyperextension and Reverse-Hyperextension (2021)
Journal Article
Cuthbert, M., Ripley, N. J., Suchomel, T. J., Alejo, R., McMahon, J. J., & Comfort, P. (2021). Electromyographical Differences Between the Hyperextension and Reverse-Hyperextension. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(6), 1477-1483. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000004049

The aims of this study were to compare muscle activation of the erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GMax), and biceps femoris (BF) during the hyperextension (HE) and reverse-HE (RHE) exercises. Ten subjects (age, 23 ± 4 years; height, 175.9 ± 6.9 c... Read More about Electromyographical Differences Between the Hyperextension and Reverse-Hyperextension.

Comparing the effects of plyometric and isometric strength training on dynamic and isometric force-time characteristics (2021)
Journal Article
Lum, D., Comfort, P., M. Barbosa, T., & Balasekaran, G. (2022). Comparing the effects of plyometric and isometric strength training on dynamic and isometric force-time characteristics. Biology of Sport, 39(1), 189-197. https://doi.org/10.5114/BIOLSPORT.2022.103575

The purpose of the study was to compare the change in dynamic and isometric force-time characteristics after plyometric (PLYO) or isometric strength training (ISO). Twenty-two endurance runners (age = 37 ± 6 years,stature = 1.71 ± 0.05 m, body mass... Read More about Comparing the effects of plyometric and isometric strength training on dynamic and isometric force-time characteristics.

Biomechanical determinants of performance and injury risk during cutting : a performance-injury conflict? (2021)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., McBurnie, A., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2021). Biomechanical determinants of performance and injury risk during cutting : a performance-injury conflict?. Sports Medicine, 51(9), 1983-1998. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01448-3

Most cutting biomechanical studies investigate performance and knee joint load determinants independently. This is surprising because cutting is an important action linked to performance and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The... Read More about Biomechanical determinants of performance and injury risk during cutting : a performance-injury conflict?.

Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change of Direction Speed and Technique Modification Intervention: Implications for Change of Direction Side step Performance (2021)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. A. (2021). Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change of Direction Speed and Technique Modification Intervention: Implications for Change of Direction Side step Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(10), 2780-2791. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000003950

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of change of direction (COD) speed and technique modification training on COD performance (completion time, ground contact time [GCT], and exit velocity) during 45° (CUT45) and 90° (CUT9... Read More about Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change of Direction Speed and Technique Modification Intervention: Implications for Change of Direction Side step Performance.

Unilateral vs. bilateral hamstring strength assessments : comparing reliability and inter-limb asymmetries in female soccer players (2021)
Journal Article
Cuthbert, M., Comfort, P., Ripley, N., McMahon, J., Evans, M., & Bishop, C. (2021). Unilateral vs. bilateral hamstring strength assessments : comparing reliability and inter-limb asymmetries in female soccer players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(13), 1481-1488. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1880180

The aims in the present study were to assess reliability for two unilateral and two bilateral field-based hamstring assessments and compare magnitude, direction and agreement of inter-limb asymmetry between tests and sessions. Twenty-nine female socc... Read More about Unilateral vs. bilateral hamstring strength assessments : comparing reliability and inter-limb asymmetries in female soccer players.

Modifiable risk factors of hamstring strain injury : assessment, performance and training (2021)
Thesis
Ripley, N. Modifiable risk factors of hamstring strain injury : assessment, performance and training. (Thesis). University of Salford

Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs), which are typically sustained during high velocity movements (i.e., sprinting or high velocity running), commonly involves the bicep femoris long head (BFLH). To date, the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is the most... Read More about Modifiable risk factors of hamstring strain injury : assessment, performance and training.

Association of jumping ability and maximum strength with dive distance in swimmers (2020)
Journal Article
Calderbank, J., Comfort, P., & McMahon, J. (2021). Association of jumping ability and maximum strength with dive distance in swimmers. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 16(2), 296-303. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0773

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between dive distance (DD) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height, track start CMJ height, countermovement broad jump (CMBJ) distance, track start broad jump distance, and isome... Read More about Association of jumping ability and maximum strength with dive distance in swimmers.

Male and female soccer players exhibit different knee joint mechanics during pre-planned change of direction (2020)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Dos’Santos, T., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2020). Male and female soccer players exhibit different knee joint mechanics during pre-planned change of direction. Sports Biomechanics, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1830160

Change of direction manoeuvres is important in soccer and associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury, yet it is not known how the mechanics differentiate between males and females during 180° turns. Twenty-eight soccer players (14... Read More about Male and female soccer players exhibit different knee joint mechanics during pre-planned change of direction.

Duplex ultrasound assessment of early-stage peripheral artery disease in the lower limbs of Zimbabwean diabetic patients (2020)
Thesis
Tityiwe, J. Duplex ultrasound assessment of early-stage peripheral artery disease in the lower limbs of Zimbabwean diabetic patients. (Thesis). University of Salford

Keywords: Spectral Doppler imaging, peak systolic velocity, pulsatility index, vessel diameter, resistive index, nitrite, nitric oxide, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure. Objectives: i) To determine the repeatability of ultrasound... Read More about Duplex ultrasound assessment of early-stage peripheral artery disease in the lower limbs of Zimbabwean diabetic patients.

Autoregulation in resistance training : addressing the inconsistencies (2020)
Journal Article
Greig, L., Stephens Hemingway, B., Aspe, R., Cooper, K., Comfort, P., & Swinton, P. (2020). Autoregulation in resistance training : addressing the inconsistencies. Sports Medicine, 50(11), 1873-1887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01330-8

Autoregulation is a process that is used to manipulate training based primarily on the measurement of an individual's performance or their perceived capability to perform. Despite being established as a training framework since the 1940s, there has b... Read More about Autoregulation in resistance training : addressing the inconsistencies.

Vertical jump testing in rugby league: a rationale for calculating take-off momentum (2020)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Lake, J., Ripley, N., & Comfort, P. (2020). Vertical jump testing in rugby league: a rationale for calculating take-off momentum. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 36(6), 370-374. https://doi.org/10.1123/JAB.2020-0100

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of calculating jump take-off momentum in rugby league (RL) by exploring its relationship with sprint momentum, due to the latter being an important attribute of this sport. Twenty-five male RL... Read More about Vertical jump testing in rugby league: a rationale for calculating take-off momentum.

Vertical jump testing in rugby league : a rationale for calculating take-off momentum (2020)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Lake, J., Ripley, N., & Comfort, P. (2020). Vertical jump testing in rugby league : a rationale for calculating take-off momentum. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 36(6), 370-374. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2020-0100

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of calculating jump take-off momentum in rugby league (RL) by exploring its relationship with sprint momentum, due to the latter being an important attribute of this sport. Twenty-five male RL... Read More about Vertical jump testing in rugby league : a rationale for calculating take-off momentum.

Effects of plyometric jump training on vertical jump height of volleyball players : a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trial (2020)
Journal Article
Ramirez-Campillo, R., Andrade, D., Nikolaidis, P., Moran, J., Clemente, F., Chaabene, H., & Comfort, P. (2020). Effects of plyometric jump training on vertical jump height of volleyball players : a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 19(3), 489-499

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on volleyball players' vertical jump height (VJH), comparing changes with those observed in a matched control group. A literature search in the databases of PubMed, MEDL... Read More about Effects of plyometric jump training on vertical jump height of volleyball players : a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trial.

Does sex impact the differences and relationships in the one repetition maximum performance across weightlifting overhead pressing exercises? (2020)
Journal Article
Soriano, M., García-Ramos, A., Calderbank, J., Marín, P., Sainz de Baranda, P., & Comfort, P. (2020). Does sex impact the differences and relationships in the one repetition maximum performance across weightlifting overhead pressing exercises?. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003746

This study aimed to determine the impact of sex on the differences and relationships of the one repetition maximum (1RM) performance between 3 overhead pressing exercises (push press [PP], push jerk [PJ] and split jerk [SJ]). 15 men (body mass [BM]:... Read More about Does sex impact the differences and relationships in the one repetition maximum performance across weightlifting overhead pressing exercises?.

Countermovement jump standards in rugby league : what is a “good” performance? (2020)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Lake, J., Dos'Santos, T., Jones, P., Thomasson, M., & Comfort, P. (2020). Countermovement jump standards in rugby league : what is a “good” performance?. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(6), 1691-1698. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003697

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is considered an important test in rugby league and the force platform is the recommended tool for assessing CMJ performance in this cohort. Due to inconsistent methods applied across previous studies, there is curren... Read More about Countermovement jump standards in rugby league : what is a “good” performance?.

The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health : practical applications for interdisciplinary care (2020)
Journal Article
Maestroni, L., Read, P., Bishop, C., Papadopoulos, K., Suchomel, T., Comfort, P., & Turner, A. (2020). The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health : practical applications for interdisciplinary care. Sports Medicine, 50, 1431-1450. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01309-5

Global health organizations have provided recommendations regarding exercise for the general population. Strength training has been included in several position statements due to its multi-systemic benefits. In this narrative review, we examine the a... Read More about The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health : practical applications for interdisciplinary care.

Training with weightlifting derivatives : the effects of force and velocity overload stimuli (2020)
Journal Article
Suchomel, T., McKeever, S., & Comfort, P. (2020). Training with weightlifting derivatives : the effects of force and velocity overload stimuli. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(7), 1808-1818. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003639

The purposes of this study were to compare the training effects of weightlifting movements performed with (CATCH) or without (PULL) the catch phase of clean derivatives performed at the same relative loads or training without the catch phase using a... Read More about Training with weightlifting derivatives : the effects of force and velocity overload stimuli.

The effect of training with weightlifting catching or pulling derivatives on squat jump and countermovement jump force–time adaptations (2020)
Journal Article
Suchomel, T., McKeever, S., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2020). The effect of training with weightlifting catching or pulling derivatives on squat jump and countermovement jump force–time adaptations. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 5(2), 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk5020028

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) force−time curve characteristics following 10 weeks of training with either load-matched weightlifting catching (CATCH) or pulling derivatives (PUL... Read More about The effect of training with weightlifting catching or pulling derivatives on squat jump and countermovement jump force–time adaptations.

A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the midthigh pull and countermovement shrug, across loads (2020)
Journal Article
Meechan, D., Suchomel, T., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2020). A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the midthigh pull and countermovement shrug, across loads. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(7), 1830-1841. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003288

This study compared kinetic and kinematic variables during the midthigh pull (MTP) and countermovement shrug (CMS). Eighteen men (age: 29.43 ± 3.95 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 84.65 ± 18.79 kg, and 1 repetition maximum [1RM] power clean:... Read More about A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the midthigh pull and countermovement shrug, across loads.

Mechanical power production assessment during weightlifting exercises. A systematic review (2020)
Journal Article
Soriano, M., Kipp, K., Lake, J., Suchomel, T., Marin, P., Sainz De Baranda, M., & Comfort, P. (2020). Mechanical power production assessment during weightlifting exercises. A systematic review. Sports Biomechanics, 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1747529

The assessment of the mechanical power production is of great importance for researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this review was to compare the differences in ground reaction force (GRF), kinematic, and combined (bar velocity x GRF) methods... Read More about Mechanical power production assessment during weightlifting exercises. A systematic review.

A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the pull from the knee and hang pull, across loads (2020)
Journal Article
Meechan, D., McMahon, J., Suchomel, T., & Comfort, P. (2020). A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the pull from the knee and hang pull, across loads. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(7), 1819-1829. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003593

Kinetic and kinematic variables during the pull from the knee (PFK) and hang pull (HP) were compared in this study. Eighteen men (age = 29.43 ± 3.95 years; height 1.77 ± 0.08 m; body mass 84.65 ± 18.79 kg) performed the PFK and HP with 40, 60, 80, 10... Read More about A comparison of kinetic and kinematic variables during the pull from the knee and hang pull, across loads.

Relationship between physical fitness and the physical demands of 50-over cricket in fast bowlers (2020)
Journal Article
Webster, T., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2020). Relationship between physical fitness and the physical demands of 50-over cricket in fast bowlers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003542

Professional cricket is constantly evolving and resulting in increased physiological demand placed on players. Fast bowlers experience the greatest physical demand during match-play; despite this, research has overlooked the importance of specific ph... Read More about Relationship between physical fitness and the physical demands of 50-over cricket in fast bowlers.

Changes in early and maximal isometric force production in response to moderate- and high-load strength and power training (2020)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Jones, P., Thomas, C., Dos'Santos, T., McMahon, J., & Suchomel, T. (2020). Changes in early and maximal isometric force production in response to moderate- and high-load strength and power training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003544

The aims of this study were to determine the changes in early (50-, 100-, 150-, 200-, 250 ms) and maximal isometric force production, in response to a 4-week period of moderate-load resistance training (60-82.5% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), followed... Read More about Changes in early and maximal isometric force production in response to moderate- and high-load strength and power training.

Comparison of 1-repetition-maximum performance across 3 weightlifting overhead pressing exercises and sport groups (2020)
Journal Article
Soriano, M., García-Ramos, A., Torres-González, A., Castillo-Palencia, J., Marín, P., de Baranda, P., & Comfort, P. (2020). Comparison of 1-repetition-maximum performance across 3 weightlifting overhead pressing exercises and sport groups. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(6), 862-867. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0582

Objective: This study aimed to (I) compare the one repetition maximum (1RM) performance between the push press (PP), push jerk (PJ) and split jerk (SJ), and (II) explore these differences between weightlifters, CrossFit® athletes and a mixed group of... Read More about Comparison of 1-repetition-maximum performance across 3 weightlifting overhead pressing exercises and sport groups.

Effect of asymmetry on biomechanical characteristics during 180° change of direction (2020)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., DosʼSantos, T., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2020). Effect of asymmetry on biomechanical characteristics during 180° change of direction. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(5), 1297-1306. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003553

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of asymmetry on biomechanical characteristics during two 180° change of direction (CoD) tasks (505 and modified 505 [505mod]). Fifty-two male (n = 24; age = 22.1 ± 4.8 years; height = 1.78 ± 0.06 m; bod... Read More about Effect of asymmetry on biomechanical characteristics during 180° change of direction.

Validity and reliability of a standardized protocol for assessing the one repetition maximum performance during overhead pressing exercises (2020)
Journal Article
Soriano, M., García-Ramos, A., Torres-González, A., Castillo-Palencia, J., Ayuso, V., Marín, P., & Comfort, P. (2021). Validity and reliability of a standardized protocol for assessing the one repetition maximum performance during overhead pressing exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(11), 2988-2992. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003284

The aim of this study was to determine the validity of performing 3 one repetition maximum (1RM) assessments for the push press (PP), push jerk (PJ), and split jerk (SJ) in sequence in one testing session vs. the criterion method (testing on separate... Read More about Validity and reliability of a standardized protocol for assessing the one repetition maximum performance during overhead pressing exercises.

Biomechanical determinants of injury risk and performance during change of direction : implications for screening and intervention (2020)
Thesis
Dos'Santos, T. Biomechanical determinants of injury risk and performance during change of direction : implications for screening and intervention. (Thesis). University of Salford

Changing direction is a key action linked to successful performance in multidirectional sports, but also an action associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Despite the importance of directional changes for sports per... Read More about Biomechanical determinants of injury risk and performance during change of direction : implications for screening and intervention.

The Benefits and Limitations of Predicting One Repetition Maximum Using the Load-Velocity Relationship (2019)
Journal Article
Alistair J., M., Kieran P., A., Maybanks, G., McDwyer, M., Dos'Santos, T., Paul A., J., …John J., M. (2019). The Benefits and Limitations of Predicting One Repetition Maximum Using the Load-Velocity Relationship. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 41(6), 28-40. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000496

This review aims to provide an overview of the current load-velocity (L-V) approaches and their ability to estimate one-repetition maximum (1RM). The bench press exercise appears to be the most valid and reliable when applying this approach. The abil... Read More about The Benefits and Limitations of Predicting One Repetition Maximum Using the Load-Velocity Relationship.

Biomechanical determinants of the modified and traditional 505 change of direction speed test (2019)
Journal Article
DosʼSantos, T., McBurnie, A., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2020). Biomechanical determinants of the modified and traditional 505 change of direction speed test. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(5), 1285-1296. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003439

The aim of this study was to investigate the whole-body biomechanical determinants of 180° change of direction (COD) performance. Sixty-one male athletes (age: 20.7 ± 3.8 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.06 m, mass: 74.7 ± 10.0 kg) from multiple sports (socce... Read More about Biomechanical determinants of the modified and traditional 505 change of direction speed test.

Reply to: "Comment on : the effect of Nordic hamstring exercise intervention volume on eccentric strength and muscle architecture adaptations : a systematic review and meta-analyses" (2019)
Journal Article
Cuthbert, M., Ripley, N., McMahon, J., Evans, M., Haff, G., & Comfort, P. (2020). Reply to: "Comment on : the effect of Nordic hamstring exercise intervention volume on eccentric strength and muscle architecture adaptations : a systematic review and meta-analyses". Sports Medicine, 50, 223-225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01245-z

Letter to the Editor

Correlational analysis between joint-level kinetics of countermovement jumps and weightlifting derivatives (2019)
Journal Article
Kipp, K., Suchomel, T., & Comfort, P. (2019). Correlational analysis between joint-level kinetics of countermovement jumps and weightlifting derivatives. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 18(4), 663-668

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical similarity between net joint moments (NJM) of the countermovement jump (CMJ) and the hang power clean (HPC) and jump shrug (JS). Twelve male Lacrosse players performed three maximal effort C... Read More about Correlational analysis between joint-level kinetics of countermovement jumps and weightlifting derivatives.

Corrections to : The effect of Nordic hamstring exercise intervention volume on eccentric strength and muscle architecture adaptations : a systematic review and meta-analyses (2019)
Journal Article
Cuthbert, M., Ripley, N., McMahon, J., Evans, M., Haff, G., & Comfort, P. (2020). Corrections to : The effect of Nordic hamstring exercise intervention volume on eccentric strength and muscle architecture adaptations : a systematic review and meta-analyses. Sports Medicine, 50(1), 101-102. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01208-4

Correction to: Sports Medicine https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01178-7

Comparison of countermovement jump–derived reactive strength index modified and underpinning force-time variables between super league and championship rugby league players (2019)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2019). Comparison of countermovement jump–derived reactive strength index modified and underpinning force-time variables between super league and championship rugby league players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003380

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is regularly tested in rugby league (RL), with recent work reporting reactive strength index modified (RSImod) to distinguish between levels of play. Differences in CMJ-derived RSImod and underpinning force-time variabl... Read More about Comparison of countermovement jump–derived reactive strength index modified and underpinning force-time variables between super league and championship rugby league players.

Normalization of early isometric force production as a percentage of peak force during multijoint isometric assessment (2019)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Dos’Santos, T., Jones, P., McMahon, J., Suchomel, T., Bazyler, C., & Stone, M. (2020). Normalization of early isometric force production as a percentage of peak force during multijoint isometric assessment. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(4), 478-482. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0217

Purpose: To determine the reliability of early force production (50-, 100-, 150-, 200-, 250 ms) relative to peak force (PF) during an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and assess the relationships between these variables. Methods: Male collegiate athle... Read More about Normalization of early isometric force production as a percentage of peak force during multijoint isometric assessment.

The effect of Nordic hamstring exercise intervention volume on eccentric strength and muscle architecture adaptations : a systematic review and meta-analyses (2019)
Journal Article
Cuthbert, M., Ripley, N., McMahon, J., Evans, M., Haff, G., & Comfort, P. (2020). The effect of Nordic hamstring exercise intervention volume on eccentric strength and muscle architecture adaptations : a systematic review and meta-analyses. Sports Medicine, 50, 83-99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01178-7

Although performance of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has been shown to elicit adaptations that may reduce hamstring strain injury (HSI) risk and occurrence, compliance in NHE interventions in professional soccer teams is low despite a high occ... Read More about The effect of Nordic hamstring exercise intervention volume on eccentric strength and muscle architecture adaptations : a systematic review and meta-analyses.

Field tests of performance and their relationship to age and anthropometric parameters in adolescent handball players (2019)
Journal Article
Hammami, M., Hermassi, S., Gaamouri, N., Aloui, G., Comfort, P., Shephard, R., & Chelly, M. (2019). Field tests of performance and their relationship to age and anthropometric parameters in adolescent handball players. Frontiers in Physiology, 10, 1124. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01124

Handball performance is influenced by age, anthropometric characteristics, technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical abilities. The aims of this study were (i) to determine differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical perfo... Read More about Field tests of performance and their relationship to age and anthropometric parameters in adolescent handball players.

The effect of training interventions on change of direction biomechanics associated with increased anterior cruciate ligament loading : a scoping review (2019)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2019). The effect of training interventions on change of direction biomechanics associated with increased anterior cruciate ligament loading : a scoping review. Sports Medicine, 49, 1837-1859. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01171-0

Change of direction (COD) manoeuvres are associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk due to the propensity to generate large multiplanar knee joint loads. Given the short- and long-term consequences of ACL injury, practitioners are i... Read More about The effect of training interventions on change of direction biomechanics associated with increased anterior cruciate ligament loading : a scoping review.

The effects of six-weeks change of direction speed and technique modification training on cutting performance and movement quality in male youth soccer players. (2019)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., McBurnie, A., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2019). The effects of six-weeks change of direction speed and technique modification training on cutting performance and movement quality in male youth soccer players. Sports, 7(9), 205. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7090205

Cutting manoeuvres are important actions associated with soccer performance and a key action associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury; thus, training interventions that can improve cutting performance and movement quality are of... Read More about The effects of six-weeks change of direction speed and technique modification training on cutting performance and movement quality in male youth soccer players..

The effect of load placement on the power production characteristics of three lower extremity jumping exercises (2019)
Journal Article
Suchomel, T. J., McKeever, S. M., Sijuwade, O., Carpenter, L., McMahon, J., Loturco, I., & Comfort, P. (2019). The effect of load placement on the power production characteristics of three lower extremity jumping exercises. Journal of Human Kinetics, 68(1), 109-122. https://doi.org/10.2478/hukin-2019-0060

The purpose of this study was to compare the power production characteristics of the jump squat (JS), hexagonal barbell jump (HEXJ), and jump shrug (JShrug) across a spectrum of relative loads. Fifteen resistance-trained men completed three testing s... Read More about The effect of load placement on the power production characteristics of three lower extremity jumping exercises.

Changes in performance markers and wellbeing in elite senior professional rugby union players during a pre-season period : analysis of the differences across training phases (2019)
Journal Article
Grainger, A., Neville, R., Ditroilo, M., & Comfort, P. (2020). Changes in performance markers and wellbeing in elite senior professional rugby union players during a pre-season period : analysis of the differences across training phases. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23(1), 20-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.012

Objectives: To assess the magnitude of change and association with variation in training load of two performance markers and wellbeing, over three pre-season training blocks, in elite rugby union athletes. Design: Observational. Methods: Twenty-tw... Read More about Changes in performance markers and wellbeing in elite senior professional rugby union players during a pre-season period : analysis of the differences across training phases.

The reliability and validity of the bar-mounted PUSH BandTM 2.0 during bench press with moderate and heavy loads (2019)
Journal Article
Lake, J., Augustus, S., Austin, K., Comfort, P., McMahon, J., Mundy, P., & Haff, G. (2019). The reliability and validity of the bar-mounted PUSH BandTM 2.0 during bench press with moderate and heavy loads. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37(23), 2685-2690. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019.1656703

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the bar-mounted PUSH BandTM 2.0 to determine peak and mean velocity during the bench press exercise with a moderate (60% one repetition maximum [1RM]) and heavy (90% 1RM) load. We di... Read More about The reliability and validity of the bar-mounted PUSH BandTM 2.0 during bench press with moderate and heavy loads.

Effect of onset threshold on kinetic and kinematic variables of a weightlifting derivative containing a first and second pull (2019)
Journal Article
James, L., Suchomel, T., McMahon, J., Chavda, S., & Comfort, P. (2020). Effect of onset threshold on kinetic and kinematic variables of a weightlifting derivative containing a first and second pull. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(2), 298-307. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003316

James, LP, Suchomel, TJ, McMahon, JJ, Chavda, S, and Comfort, P. Effect of onset threshold on kinetic and kinematic variables of a weightlifting derivative containing a first and second pull. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study sought... Read More about Effect of onset threshold on kinetic and kinematic variables of a weightlifting derivative containing a first and second pull.

A qualitative screening tool to identify athletes with ‘high-risk’ movement mechanics during cutting : the cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) (2019)
Journal Article
assessment score (CMAS). Physical Therapy in Sport, 38, 152-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.05.004

Objective To assess the validity of the cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) to estimate the magnitude of peak knee abduction moments (KAM) against three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis, while comparing whole-body kinetics and kinematics betw... Read More about A qualitative screening tool to identify athletes with ‘high-risk’ movement mechanics during cutting : the cutting movement assessment score (CMAS).

Effects of an 8-week in-season upper limb elastic band training programme on the peak power, strength, and throwing velocity of junior handball players (2019)
Journal Article
Aloui, G., Hermassi, S., Hammami, M., Gaamouri, N., Bouhafs, E., Comfort, P., …Chelly, M. (2019). Effects of an 8-week in-season upper limb elastic band training programme on the peak power, strength, and throwing velocity of junior handball players. Sportverletzung, Sportschaden (Internet), 33(03), 133-141. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0819-5185

Abstract Background Team handball is an intense sport with special requirements on technical and tactical skills as well as physical performance. The ability of handball players to make repeated powerful muscular contractions in pushing and throwing... Read More about Effects of an 8-week in-season upper limb elastic band training programme on the peak power, strength, and throwing velocity of junior handball players.

No effect of partial-body cryotherapy on restoration of countermovement-jump or well-being performance in elite rugby union players during the competitive phase of the season (2019)
Journal Article
Grainger, A., Comfort, P., & Heffernan, S. (2019). No effect of partial-body cryotherapy on restoration of countermovement-jump or well-being performance in elite rugby union players during the competitive phase of the season. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(1), 98-104. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0911

Purpose:Partial body cryotherapy (PBC) has been shown to be beneficial for post-exercise recovery, however, no study has demonstrated the effectiveness of PBC as a recovery modality following elite rugby union (RU) training. RU is a unique sport that... Read More about No effect of partial-body cryotherapy on restoration of countermovement-jump or well-being performance in elite rugby union players during the competitive phase of the season.

Comparing biomechanical time series data during the hang-power clean and jump shrug (2019)
Journal Article
Kipp, K., Comfort, P., & Suchomel, T. (2021). Comparing biomechanical time series data during the hang-power clean and jump shrug. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(9), 2389-2396. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003154

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the force-, velocity-, displacement-, and power-time curves during the hang-power clean (HPC) and the jump shrug (JS). To this end, 15 male lacrosse players were recruited from a National Co... Read More about Comparing biomechanical time series data during the hang-power clean and jump shrug.

The effect of limb dominance on change of direction biomechanics : a systematic review of its importance for injury risk (2019)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Bishop, C., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2019). The effect of limb dominance on change of direction biomechanics : a systematic review of its importance for injury risk. Physical Therapy in Sport, 37, 179-189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2019.04.005

Objective:To critically evaluate the effect of limb dominance on change of direction (COD) biomechanicsassociated with increased ACL injury-risk.Methods:A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Medline and Sport DISCUS data-bases. St... Read More about The effect of limb dominance on change of direction biomechanics : a systematic review of its importance for injury risk.

Weightlifting overhead pressing derivatives : a review of the literature (2019)
Journal Article
Soriano, M., Suchomel, T., & Comfort, P. (2019). Weightlifting overhead pressing derivatives : a review of the literature. Sports Medicine, 49(6), 867-885. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01096-8

This review examines the literature on weightlifting overhead pressing derivatives (WOPDs) and provides information regarding historical, technical, kinetic and kinematic mechanisms as well as potential benefits and guidelines to implement the use of... Read More about Weightlifting overhead pressing derivatives : a review of the literature.

Role of the penultimate foot contact during change of direction : implications on performance and risk of injury (2019)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, A., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2019). Role of the penultimate foot contact during change of direction : implications on performance and risk of injury. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 41(1), 87-104. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000395

Most change of direction biomechanical investigations and current technique guidelines focus on the role of the final foot contact (plant foot contact). However, it is evident that the braking characteristics during the penultimate foot contact pla... Read More about Role of the penultimate foot contact during change of direction : implications on performance and risk of injury.

Between-Session Reliability of Isometric Midthigh Pull Kinetics and Maximal Power Clean Performance in Male Youth Soccer Players. (2018)
Journal Article
T, D., C, T., P, C., JJ, M., PA, J., NP, O., & AL, Y. (2018). Between-Session Reliability of Isometric Midthigh Pull Kinetics and Maximal Power Clean Performance in Male Youth Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(12), https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000001830

Between-session reliability of isometric midthigh pull kinetics and maximal power clean performance in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3373–3381, 2018—The aim of the study was to determine the between-session reliability of iso... Read More about Between-Session Reliability of Isometric Midthigh Pull Kinetics and Maximal Power Clean Performance in Male Youth Soccer Players..

Changes in dynamic strength index in response to strength training (2018)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Thomas, C., Dos'Santos, T., Suchomel, T., Jones, P., & McMahon, J. (2018). Changes in dynamic strength index in response to strength training. Sports, 6(4), 176. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6040176

The primary aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of a four-week period of in-season strength training on the dynamic strength index (DSI). Pre and post a four-week period of strength-based training, twenty-four collegiate athletes (... Read More about Changes in dynamic strength index in response to strength training.

Comparison of change of direction speed performance and asymmetries between team-sport athletes : application of change of direction deficit (2018)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2018). Comparison of change of direction speed performance and asymmetries between team-sport athletes : application of change of direction deficit. Sports, 6(4), 174. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6040174

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine differences in change of direction (COD) performance and asymmetries between team-sports while considering the effects of sex and sport; (2) to evaluate the relationship between linear speed, COD... Read More about Comparison of change of direction speed performance and asymmetries between team-sport athletes : application of change of direction deficit.

Optimizing Squat Technique—Revisited (2018)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., McMahon, J., & Suchomel, T. J. (2018). Optimizing Squat Technique—Revisited. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 40(6), 68-74. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000398

The back squat is the cornerstone of many strength and conditioning programs, with increases in back squat strength associated with improvements in athletic performance. A variety of back squat techniques have been described throughout the literature... Read More about Optimizing Squat Technique—Revisited.

The validity of the Push Band 2.0 during vertical jump performance (2018)
Journal Article
Lake, J., Augustus, S., Austin, K., Mundy, P., McMahon, J., Comfort, P., & Haff, G. (2018). The validity of the Push Band 2.0 during vertical jump performance. Sports, 6(4), 140. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6040140

The Push Band has the potential to provide a cheap and practical method of measuring velocity and power during countermovement vertical jumping (CMJ). However, very little is known about whether it conforms to laboratory-based gold standards. The aim... Read More about The validity of the Push Band 2.0 during vertical jump performance.

Resistance training volume load with and without exercise displacement (2018)
Journal Article
Hornsby, W., Gentles, J., Comfort, P., Suchomel, T., Mizuguchi, S., & Stone, M. (2018). Resistance training volume load with and without exercise displacement. Sports, 6(4), 137. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6040137

Monitoring the resistance training volume load (VL) (sets × reps × load) is essential to managing resistance training and the recovery⁻adaptation process. Eight trained weightlifters, seven of which were at national level, participated in the study.... Read More about Resistance training volume load with and without exercise displacement.

Standardization and methodological considerations for the isometric mid-thigh pull (2018)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Dos'Santos, T., Beckham, G., Stone, M., Guppy, S., & Haff, G. (2019). Standardization and methodological considerations for the isometric mid-thigh pull. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 41(2), 57-79. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000433

The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) is commonly used to assess an athlete’s force generation ability. This test is highly reliable and is simple and relatively quick to perform. The data that can be determined from the force-time curves generated by... Read More about Standardization and methodological considerations for the isometric mid-thigh pull.

The perceived psychological responsibilities of a strength and conditioning coach (2018)
Journal Article
Radcliffe, J., Comfort, P., & Fawcett, T. (2018). The perceived psychological responsibilities of a strength and conditioning coach. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(10), 2853-2862. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001656

Research is limited in exploring the specific psychology-oriented responsibilities of the strength and conditioning professional. The present research explored the psychological responsibilities adopted by accredited strength and conditioning coaches... Read More about The perceived psychological responsibilities of a strength and conditioning coach.

Ultrasound characteristics of foot and ankle structures in healthy, coper, and chronically unstable ankles (2018)
Journal Article
Abdeen, R., Comfort, P., Starbuck, C., & Nester, C. (2018). Ultrasound characteristics of foot and ankle structures in healthy, coper, and chronically unstable ankles. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 38(4), 917-926. https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.14770

Objective: Ankle sprains constitute approximately 85% of all ankle injuries and up to 70% of people experience residual symptoms. Whilst the injury to ligaments is well understood the potential role of other foot and ankle structures has not been exp... Read More about Ultrasound characteristics of foot and ankle structures in healthy, coper, and chronically unstable ankles.

Relationships between unilateral muscle strength qualities and change of direction in adolescent team-sport athletes (2018)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Dos'Santos, T., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2018). Relationships between unilateral muscle strength qualities and change of direction in adolescent team-sport athletes. Sports, 6(3), 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6030083

Previous studies have reported an association between global measures of bilateral strength and change of direction (COD) ability. Yet, little is known about the association between unilateral muscle strength qualities and COD ability. The aim of thi... Read More about Relationships between unilateral muscle strength qualities and change of direction in adolescent team-sport athletes.

Average of trial peaks versus peak of average profile : impact on change of direction biomechanics (2018)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2020). Average of trial peaks versus peak of average profile : impact on change of direction biomechanics. Sports Biomechanics, 19(4), 483-492. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1497197

The aims of this study were twofold: firstly, to compare lower limb kinematic and kinetic variables during a sprint and 90° cutting task between two averaging methods of obtaining discrete data (peak of average profile vs. average of individual trial... Read More about Average of trial peaks versus peak of average profile : impact on change of direction biomechanics.

Quadriceps Strength and Functional Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Soccer players at Time of Return to Sport (2018)
Journal Article
Herrington, L., Hussain, G., & Comfort, P. (2021). Quadriceps Strength and Functional Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Soccer players at Time of Return to Sport. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(3), 769-775. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002749

Poor quadriceps strength has been associated with poor outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). This study aims to assess quadriceps strength, muscle inhibition, and hop test performance in professional soccer players aft... Read More about Quadriceps Strength and Functional Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Professional Soccer players at Time of Return to Sport.

Reliability of and relationship between flight time to contraction time ratio and reactive strength index modified (2018)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Lake, J., & Comfort, P. (2018). Reliability of and relationship between flight time to contraction time ratio and reactive strength index modified. Sports, 6(3), 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6030081

Countermovement jump (CMJ) force-time testing is commonly used to monitor seasonal alterations in athletes’ CMJ strategy (to infer alterations in neuromuscular function). The flight time to contraction time (FT:CT) ratio and reactive strength index m... Read More about Reliability of and relationship between flight time to contraction time ratio and reactive strength index modified.

The effect of angle and velocity on change of direction biomechanics : an angle-velocity trade-off (2018)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2018). The effect of angle and velocity on change of direction biomechanics : an angle-velocity trade-off. Sports Medicine, 48(10), 2235-2253. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0968-3

Changes of direction (CODs) are key manoeuvres linked to decisive moments in sport and are also key actions associated with lower limb injuries. During sport athletes perform a diverse range of CODs, from various approach velocities and angles, thus... Read More about The effect of angle and velocity on change of direction biomechanics : an angle-velocity trade-off.

Assessing the frequency and magnitude of match impacts accrued during an elite rugby union playing season (2018)
Journal Article
Grainger, A., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2018). Assessing the frequency and magnitude of match impacts accrued during an elite rugby union playing season. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 18(4), 507-522. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1496392

The aim of this study was to identify position-related differences in absolute and relative match impacts in rugby union. Thirty-eight subjects were tracked, using GPS units containing inertial sensors, across one full playing season (n = 462 data se... Read More about Assessing the frequency and magnitude of match impacts accrued during an elite rugby union playing season.

Barriers to the prescription of psychological strategies by strength and conditioning specialists (2018)
Journal Article
Radcliffe, J., Comfort, P., & Fawcett, T. (2018). Barriers to the prescription of psychological strategies by strength and conditioning specialists. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(7), 1948-1959. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002101

The purpose of this article was to explore the barriers to strength and conditioning coaches integrating psychological strategies within the strength and conditioning practice. The sample of accredited strength and conditioning coaches comprised 10 s... Read More about Barriers to the prescription of psychological strategies by strength and conditioning specialists.

An investigation into the effects of excluding the catch phase of the power clean on force-time characteristics during isometric and dynamic tasks (2018)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., McMahon, J., & Suchomel, T. (2018). An investigation into the effects of excluding the catch phase of the power clean on force-time characteristics during isometric and dynamic tasks. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(8), 2116-2129. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002656

The aims of this study were to compare the effects of the exclusion or inclusion of the catch phase during power clean (PC) derivatives on force-time characteristics during isometric and dynamic tasks, after two 4-week mesocycles of resistance traini... Read More about An investigation into the effects of excluding the catch phase of the power clean on force-time characteristics during isometric and dynamic tasks.

Concurrent validity of a portable force plate using vertical jump force-time characteristics (2018)
Journal Article
Lake, J., Mundy, P., Comfort, P., McMahon, J., Suchomel, T., & Carden, P. (2018). Concurrent validity of a portable force plate using vertical jump force-time characteristics. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 34(5), 410-413. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2017-0371

This study examined concurrent validity of countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) reactive strength index modified and force-time characteristics recorded using a one dimensional portable and laboratory force plate system. Twenty-eight men performed bil... Read More about Concurrent validity of a portable force plate using vertical jump force-time characteristics.

Do the peak and mean force methods of assessing vertical jump force asymmetry agree? (2018)
Journal Article
Lake, J., Mundy, P., Comfort, P., & Suchomel, T. (2020). Do the peak and mean force methods of assessing vertical jump force asymmetry agree?. Sports Biomechanics, 19(2), 227-234. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1465116

The aim of this study was to assess agreement between peak and mean force methods of quantifying force asymmetry during the countermovement jump (CMJ). Forty-five men performed four CMJ with each foot on one of two force plates recording at 1000 Hz... Read More about Do the peak and mean force methods of assessing vertical jump force asymmetry agree?.

The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training (2018)
Journal Article
James, L., Comfort, P., Suchomel, T., Kelly, V., Beckman, E., & Haff, G. (2019). The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(11), 2936-2944. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002534

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether weightlifting actions are a viable method for improving athletic performance amongst weaker, inexperienced lifters when compared to individuals with a greater power clean result, and hence we... Read More about The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training.

Effect of Barbell Load on Vertical Jump Landing Force-Time Characteristics (2018)
Journal Article
Lake, J. P., Mundy, P. D., Comfort, P., McMahon, J. J., Suchomel, T. J., & Carden, P. (2023). Effect of Barbell Load on Vertical Jump Landing Force-Time Characteristics. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(1), 25-32. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002554

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect that barbell load has on the jump height and force-time characteristics of the countermovement jump (CMJ). Fifteen strength-trained men (mean ± SD: age 23 ± 2 years, mass 84.9 ± 8.1 kg, height 1.80 ± 0... Read More about Effect of Barbell Load on Vertical Jump Landing Force-Time Characteristics.

Asymmetries in isometric force-time characteristics are not detrimental to change of direction speed (2018)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2018). Asymmetries in isometric force-time characteristics are not detrimental to change of direction speed. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(2), 520-527. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002327

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of between-limb asymmetries in isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) force-time characteristics on change of direction speed (CODS). Twenty multisport collegiate athletes (mean ± SD: age: 21.0 ± 1.9 year... Read More about Asymmetries in isometric force-time characteristics are not detrimental to change of direction speed.

Relationship Between Reactive Strength Index Variants in Rugby League Players (2018)
Journal Article
McMahon, J. J., Suchomel, T. J., Lake, J. P., & Comfort, P. (2023). Relationship Between Reactive Strength Index Variants in Rugby League Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(1), 280-285. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000002462

Two reactive strength index (RSI) variants exist, the RSI and RSI modified (RSImod) which are typically calculated during the drop jump (DJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), respectively. Both RSI variants have been used to monitor athletes’ ability t... Read More about Relationship Between Reactive Strength Index Variants in Rugby League Players.

Understanding the key phases of the countermovement jump force-time curve (2018)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Suchomel, T., Lake, J., & Comfort, P. (2018). Understanding the key phases of the countermovement jump force-time curve. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 40(4), 96-106. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000375

The countermovement jump (CMJ) test is commonly conducted to assess neuromuscular function and is being increasingly performed using force platforms. Comprehensive insight into athletes’ neuromuscular function can be gained through detailed analys... Read More about Understanding the key phases of the countermovement jump force-time curve.

Effect of low-pass filtering on isometric midthigh pull kinetics (2018)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Lake, J., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2018). Effect of low-pass filtering on isometric midthigh pull kinetics. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(4), 983-989. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002473

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-pass filtering on isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) kinetics, including body weight (BW), onset threshold force, time-specific force values (50, 100, 150 and 200 ms) and peak force (PF). Fo... Read More about Effect of low-pass filtering on isometric midthigh pull kinetics.

Assessing asymmetries in change of direction speed performance; application of change of direction deficit (2018)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2019). Assessing asymmetries in change of direction speed performance; application of change of direction deficit. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(11), 2953-2961. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002438

The aims of this study were to quantify asymmetries in change of direction (COD) performance via completion time and COD deficit, and determine its influence on asymmetry profiling of COD ability. A secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship betw... Read More about Assessing asymmetries in change of direction speed performance; application of change of direction deficit.

Comparison of the force-, velocity- and power-time curves between the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press exercises (2018)
Journal Article
Pérez-Castilla, A., Comfort, P., McMahon, J., Pestaña-Melero, F., & García-Ramos, A. (2020). Comparison of the force-, velocity- and power-time curves between the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(6), 1618-1624. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002448

The aim of this study was to compare the temporal and mechanical variables between the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press (BP) variants. Twenty-one men (age: 22.0±4.2 years, body mass: 73.4±7.7 kg, height: 177.2±8.0 cm; one-repetiti... Read More about Comparison of the force-, velocity- and power-time curves between the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press exercises.

A comparison of isometric midthigh-pull strength, vertical jump, sprint speed, and change-of-direction speed in academy netball players (2017)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Comfort, P., Jones, P. A., & Dos’Santos, T. (2017). A comparison of isometric midthigh-pull strength, vertical jump, sprint speed, and change-of-direction speed in academy netball players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(7), 916-921. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0317

Purpose: To investigate the relationships between maximal isometric strength, vertical jump (VJ), sprint speed, and change-of-direction speed (CoDS) in academy netball players and determine whether players who have high performance in isometric stre... Read More about A comparison of isometric midthigh-pull strength, vertical jump, sprint speed, and change-of-direction speed in academy netball players.

Effect of different onset thresholds on isometric midthigh pull force-time variables (2017)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Jones, P., Comfort, P., & Thomas, C. (2017). Effect of different onset thresholds on isometric midthigh pull force-time variables. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(12), 3463-3473. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001765

Dos'Santos, T, Jones, PA, Comfort, P, and Thomas, C. Effect of different onset thresholds on isometric midthigh pull force-time variables. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3463–3473, 2017—Various thresholds have been used to identify the onset of contract... Read More about Effect of different onset thresholds on isometric midthigh pull force-time variables.

Lack of effect of ankle position during the Nordic curl on muscle activity of the biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius (2017)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Regan, A., Herrington, L., Thomas, C., McMahon, J., & Jones, P. (2017). Lack of effect of ankle position during the Nordic curl on muscle activity of the biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 26(3), 202-207. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2015-0130

Context: Regular performance (~2×/wk) of Nordic curls has been shown to increase hamstring strength and reduce the risk of hamstring strain injury, although no consensus on ankle position has been provided. Objective: To compare the effects of p... Read More about Lack of effect of ankle position during the Nordic curl on muscle activity of the biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius.

Load absorption force-time characteristics following the second pull of weightlifting derivatives (2017)
Journal Article
Suchomel, T. J., Lake, J. P., & Comfort, P. (2017). Load absorption force-time characteristics following the second pull of weightlifting derivatives. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(6), 1644-1652. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001634

Load absorption force-time characteristics following the second pull of weightlifting derivatives. J Strength Cond Res 31(6): 1644–1652, 2017—The purpose of this study was to compare the load absorption force-time characteristics of weightlifting cat... Read More about Load absorption force-time characteristics following the second pull of weightlifting derivatives.

The effects of a four week jump-training program on frontal plane projection angle in female gymnasts (2017)
Journal Article
Colclough, A., Munro, A., Herrington, L., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2018). The effects of a four week jump-training program on frontal plane projection angle in female gymnasts. Physical Therapy in Sport, 30, 29-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.11.003

Objectives: To investigate the effects of a four week jump training program on frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) in young female gymnasts. Design: Intervention study, consisting of a four week jump training program performed for 15 minutes as... Read More about The effects of a four week jump-training program on frontal plane projection angle in female gymnasts.

Returners exhibit greater jumping performance improvements during a peaking phase compared to new players on a volleyball team (2017)
Journal Article
Bazyler, C., Mizuguchi, S., Kavanaugh, A., McMahon, J., Comfort, P., & Stone, M. (2017). Returners exhibit greater jumping performance improvements during a peaking phase compared to new players on a volleyball team. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(6), 709-716. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0474

Purpose: To determine if jumping performance changes during a peaking phase differed between returners and new players in a female collegiate volleyball team and to determine which variables best explained the variation in performance changes. Metho... Read More about Returners exhibit greater jumping performance improvements during a peaking phase compared to new players on a volleyball team.

The effect of hip joint angle on isometric midthigh pull kinetics (2017)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Jones, P., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2017). The effect of hip joint angle on isometric midthigh pull kinetics. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(10), 2748-2757. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002098

The aim of this study were to compare isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) peak force (PF), time-specific force values (100-, 150-, and 200 ms), rate of force development (RFD) at predetermined time bands (0–100, 0–150, and 0–200 ms) and net forces between... Read More about The effect of hip joint angle on isometric midthigh pull kinetics.

Influence of dynamic strength index on countermovement jump force-, power-, velocity-, and displacement-time curves (2017)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Jones, P., Dos'Santos, T., & Comfort, P. (2017). Influence of dynamic strength index on countermovement jump force-, power-, velocity-, and displacement-time curves. Sports, 5(4), 72-83. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5040072

The dynamic strength index (DSI), often calculated as the ratio of countermovement jump (CMJ) propulsion peak force to isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force, is said to inform whether ballistic or maximal strength training is warranted for a giv... Read More about Influence of dynamic strength index on countermovement jump force-, power-, velocity-, and displacement-time curves.

Relationships between isometric force-time characteristics and dynamic performance (2017)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Comfort, P., McMahon, J., & Jones, P. (2017). Relationships between isometric force-time characteristics and dynamic performance. Sports, 5(3), https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5030068

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force-time characteristics (peak force and time-specific force vales (100–250 ms)) and dynamic performance and compare dynamic performance between stro... Read More about Relationships between isometric force-time characteristics and dynamic performance.

Strength and Conditioning for Netball: A Needs Analysis and Training Recommendations (2017)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Comfort, P., Jones, P. A., & Dos'Santos, T. (2017). Strength and Conditioning for Netball: A Needs Analysis and Training Recommendations. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 39(4), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000287

There is a lack of strength and conditioning research into the demands and the specific areas of development required to optimize performance and reduce the risk of common injuries in female netball athletes. Netball is predominantly anaerobic, chara... Read More about Strength and Conditioning for Netball: A Needs Analysis and Training Recommendations.

Comment on : "Anthropometric and physical qualities of elite male youth rugby league players" (2017)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2017). Comment on : "Anthropometric and physical qualities of elite male youth rugby league players". Sports Medicine, 47(12), 2667-2668. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0771-6

We read with interest the recent review on anthropometric and physical qualities of elite male youth rugby league players by Till et al. and congratulate the authors for producing a very informative review. However, we would like to raise an issue th... Read More about Comment on : "Anthropometric and physical qualities of elite male youth rugby league players".

Determining bilateral strength imbalances in youth basketball athletes (2017)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Comfort, P., Dos’Santos, T., & Jones, P. (2017). Determining bilateral strength imbalances in youth basketball athletes. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(09), 683-690. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-112340

The aims of this study were: 1) to compare the strongest (D) and weakest (ND) limbs in determining muscle strength asymmetry (MSA) ratios among various muscle strength qualities and 2) to determine the relationships among various muscle strength qual... Read More about Determining bilateral strength imbalances in youth basketball athletes.

Assessment of loaded squat jump height with a free-weight barbell and Smith machine : comparison of the take-off velocity and flight time procedures (2017)
Journal Article
Pérez-Castilla, A., McMahon, J., Comfort, P., & García-Ramos, A. (2020). Assessment of loaded squat jump height with a free-weight barbell and Smith machine : comparison of the take-off velocity and flight time procedures. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(3), 671-677. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002166

The aims of this study were to compare the reliability and magnitude of jump height between the two standard procedures of analysing force platform data to estimate jump height (take-off velocity [TOV] and flight time [FT]) in the loaded squat jump (... Read More about Assessment of loaded squat jump height with a free-weight barbell and Smith machine : comparison of the take-off velocity and flight time procedures.

Comparison of methods of calculating dynamic strength index (2017)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Thomas, C., Dos'Santos, T., Jones, P., Suchomel, T., & McMahon, J. (2017). Comparison of methods of calculating dynamic strength index. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(3), 320-325. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0255

Purpose: To determine the reliability and variability of dynamic strength index (DSI) calculated from squat jump (SJ) (DSI-SJ) versus countermovement jump (CMJ) (DSI-CMJ) peak force (PF) and to compare DSI values between methods. Methods: Male youth... Read More about Comparison of methods of calculating dynamic strength index.

A comparison of catch phase force-time characteristics during clean derivatives from the knee (2017)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Williams, R., Suchomel, T., & Lake, J. (2017). A comparison of catch phase force-time characteristics during clean derivatives from the knee. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(7), 1911-1918. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001660

The aim of this study was to compare load-absorption force-time characteristics of the clean from the knee (CK), power clean from the knee (PCK) and clean pull from the knee (CPK). Ten collegiate athletes (age 27.5 ± 4.2 years; height 180.4 ± 6.7 cm;... Read More about A comparison of catch phase force-time characteristics during clean derivatives from the knee.

Countermovement jump phase characteristics of senior and academy rugby league players (2017)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Murphy, S., Rej, S., & Comfort, P. (2017). Countermovement jump phase characteristics of senior and academy rugby league players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(6), 803-811. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0467

Purpose: Gross measures of countermovement jump (CMJ) performance are commonly used to track maturational changes in neuromuscular function within rugby league (RL). The purpose of this study was to conduct both a gross and a more detailed tempor... Read More about Countermovement jump phase characteristics of senior and academy rugby league players.

Influence of reactive strength index modified on force- and power-time curves (2017)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Jones, P., Suchomel, T., Lake, J., & Comfort, P. (2017). Influence of reactive strength index modified on force- and power-time curves. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(2), 220-227. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0056

Purpose: The reactive strength index modified (RSImod) has been recently identified and validated as a method of monitoring countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. The kinetic and kinematic mechanisms that optimize a higher RSImod score are, however,... Read More about Influence of reactive strength index modified on force- and power-time curves.

Physical profiles of female academy netball players by position (2017)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Ismail, K., Simpson, R., Comfort, P., Jones, P., & Dos’Santos, T. (2019). Physical profiles of female academy netball players by position. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(6), 1. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001949

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the height, body mass and physical characteristics of female academy netball players by position (centers, defenders and shooters). Data were collected on 43 regional academy players during the preseason peri... Read More about Physical profiles of female academy netball players by position.

Between-session reliability of common strength- and power-related measures in adolescent athletes (2017)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Dos'Santos, T., Comfort, P., & Jones, P. (2017). Between-session reliability of common strength- and power-related measures in adolescent athletes. Sports, 5(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5010015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the between-session reliability of common strength- and power-related measures in adolescent athletes. Seventeen adolescent athletes (males: n = 8: age 17.1 ± 2.2 years; height 175.6 ± 3.5 cm; mass 80.2 ±... Read More about Between-session reliability of common strength- and power-related measures in adolescent athletes.

Enhancing the force-velocity profile of athletes using weightlifting derivatives (2017)
Journal Article
Suchomel, T., Comfort, P., & Lake, P. (2017). Enhancing the force-velocity profile of athletes using weightlifting derivatives. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 39(1), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000275

Weightlifting movements and their derivatives may be implemented in a sequenced progression throughout the training year to optimize the development of an athlete’s strength, rate of force development, and power output. Weightlifting movements and th... Read More about Enhancing the force-velocity profile of athletes using weightlifting derivatives.

Sex differences in countermovement jump phase characteristics (2017)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Rej, S., & Comfort, P. (2017). Sex differences in countermovement jump phase characteristics. Sports, 5(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports5010008

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is commonly used to explore sex differences in neuromuscular function, but previous studies have only reported gross CMJ measures or have partly examined CMJ phase characteristics. The purpose of this study was to explo... Read More about Sex differences in countermovement jump phase characteristics.

Changes in strength, power, and speed across a season in English county cricketers (2017)
Journal Article
Carr, C., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2017). Changes in strength, power, and speed across a season in English county cricketers. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(1), 50-55. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0524

PURPOSE: Previous research has investigated changes in athletes' strength, power, and speed performances across the competitive season of many sports, although this has not been explored in cricketers. The aim of this study was to investigate changes... Read More about Changes in strength, power, and speed across a season in English county cricketers.

The relationship between 2D knee valgus angle during single leg squat, single leg land and drop jump screening tests (2017)
Journal Article
Munro, A., Herrington, L., & Comfort, P. (2017). The relationship between 2D knee valgus angle during single leg squat, single leg land and drop jump screening tests. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 26(1), 72-77. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2015-0102

Context: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) are a significant problem in female athletes. A number of screening tasks have been used in the literature to identify those at greatest risk of injury. To dat... Read More about The relationship between 2D knee valgus angle during single leg squat, single leg land and drop jump screening tests.

Relationship between maximum aerobic speed performance and distance covered in rugby union games (2016)
Journal Article
Swaby, R., Jones, P. A., & Comfort, P. (2016). Relationship between maximum aerobic speed performance and distance covered in rugby union games. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(10), 2788-2793. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001375

Relationship between maximum aerobic speed performance and distance covered in rugby union games. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2788–2793, 2016—Researchers have shown a clear relationship between aerobic fitness and the distance covered in professional... Read More about Relationship between maximum aerobic speed performance and distance covered in rugby union games.

A comparison of frontal plane projection angle across landing tasks in female gymnasts (2016)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Colclough, A., & Herrington, L. (2016). A comparison of frontal plane projection angle across landing tasks in female gymnasts. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 21(5), 42-47. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2015-0068

The aim of this study was to compare FPPA between three landing tasks and determine the reliability of FPPA in 15 competitive female gymnasts (age 13.5 ± 2.07 years). Reliability of FPPA was highest in the drop landing task, with no learning effect p... Read More about A comparison of frontal plane projection angle across landing tasks in female gymnasts.

Assessing muscle strength asymmetry via a unilateral stance isometric mid-thigh pull (2016)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2017). Assessing muscle strength asymmetry via a unilateral stance isometric mid-thigh pull. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(4), 505-511. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2016-0179

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the within-session reliability of bilateral and unilateral stance isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) force-time characteristics including peak force (PF), relative PF and impulse at time bands (0-100... Read More about Assessing muscle strength asymmetry via a unilateral stance isometric mid-thigh pull.

A methodological approach to quantifying plyometric intensity (2016)
Journal Article
Jarvis, M., Graham-Smith, P., & Comfort, P. (2016). A methodological approach to quantifying plyometric intensity. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(9), 2522-2532. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000518

In contrast to other methods of training, the quantification of plyometric exercise intensity is poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a range of neuromuscular and mechanical variables to describe the intensity... Read More about A methodological approach to quantifying plyometric intensity.

Mechanical determinants of faster change of direction speed performance in male athletes (2016)
Journal Article
Dos'Santos, T., Thomas, C., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2017). Mechanical determinants of faster change of direction speed performance in male athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(3), 696-705. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001535

Mechanical variables during change of directions for example braking and propulsive forces,impulses and ground contact times (GCT) have been identified as determinants of faster change of direction speed (CODS) performance. The purpose of this study... Read More about Mechanical determinants of faster change of direction speed performance in male athletes.

Effects of strength training on squat and sprint performance in soccer players (2016)
Journal Article
Styles, W., Matthews, M., & Comfort, P. (2016). Effects of strength training on squat and sprint performance in soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(6), 1534-1539. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001243

Researchers have demonstrated that increases in strength result in increases in athletic performance, although the development of strength is still neglected in some sports. Our aim was to determine whether a simple in-season strength training progra... Read More about Effects of strength training on squat and sprint performance in soccer players.

Within- and between-session reliability of medial gastrocnemius architectural properties (2016)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Turner, A., & Comfort, P. (2016). Within- and between-session reliability of medial gastrocnemius architectural properties. Biology of Sport, 33(2), 185-188. https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1200511

This study aimed to determine the within- and between-session reliability of medial gastrocnemius (MG) architecture (e.g. muscle thickness (MT), fascicle length (FL) and pennation angle (PA)), as derived via ultrasonography followed by manual digit... Read More about Within- and between-session reliability of medial gastrocnemius architectural properties.

Reliability of the 505 change-of-direction test in netball players (2016)
Journal Article
Barber, O., Thomas, C., Jones, P., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2016). Reliability of the 505 change-of-direction test in netball players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(3), 377-380. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0215

PURPOSE: To determine the reliability of the 505 change-of-direction (COD) test performed with both a stationary and a flying start. METHODS: Fifty-two female netball players (age 23.9 ± 5.4 y, height 169.9 ± 3.3 cm, body mass 65.2 ± 4.6 kg) pe... Read More about Reliability of the 505 change-of-direction test in netball players.

Comparison of peak power output during exercises with similar lower-limb kinematics (2016)
Journal Article
with similar lower-limb kinematics. Journal of trainology, 5(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.17338/trainology.5.1_1

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to compare peak power between the mid-thigh power clean, squat jump and push press. Design and Methods: Eleven recreationally trained men (age 22.2 ± 3.5 yrs; height 178.6 ± 8.5 cm; body mass 88.7 ± 13.... Read More about Comparison of peak power output during exercises with similar lower-limb kinematics.

Effect of sampling frequency on isometric midthigh-pull kinetics (2016)
Journal Article
Dos’Santos, T., Jones, P., Kelly, J., McMahon, J., Comfort, P., & Thomas, C. (2016). Effect of sampling frequency on isometric midthigh-pull kinetics. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(2), 255-260. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0222

Purpose: Skeletal-muscle function can be evaluated using force–times curves generated via the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP). Various sampling frequencies (500–1000 Hz) have been used for IMTP assessments; however, no research has investigated the in... Read More about Effect of sampling frequency on isometric midthigh-pull kinetics.

Reliability of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test in semiprofessional soccer players (2016)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Dos’Santos, T., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2016). Reliability of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test in semiprofessional soccer players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(2), 172-175. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0056

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the reliability of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) in semiprofessional soccer players. Methods: Fourteen male semiprofessional soccer players performed the 30-15IFT on 2 occas... Read More about Reliability of the 30-15 intermittent fitness test in semiprofessional soccer players.

Reliability of hop distance and frontal-plane dynamic knee valgus angle during single-leg horizontal hop test (2015)
Journal Article
valgus angle during single-leg horizontal hop test. Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 4(6), https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-9080.1000218

Context: Single-leg hop for distance (SHD) performance and twodimensional (2-D) video assessment of frontal-plane knee valgus, during the single-leg landings, have been reported to identify the risk of knee injuries such as patellofemoral pain syn... Read More about Reliability of hop distance and frontal-plane dynamic knee valgus angle during single-leg horizontal hop test.

Relationships between lower body muscle structure and isometric mid-thigh pull peak force (2015)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Stapley, J., Suchomel, T., & Comfort, P. (2015). Relationships between lower body muscle structure and isometric mid-thigh pull peak force. Journal of trainology, 4(2), 43-48. https://doi.org/10.17338/trainology.4.2_43

Objectives: To explore relationships between aspects of vastus lateralis (VL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle structure (muscle thickness, fascicle length and pennation angle) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force capacity. Design and M... Read More about Relationships between lower body muscle structure and isometric mid-thigh pull peak force.

Relationships between speed, change of direction and jump performance with cricket specific speed tests in male academy cricketers (2015)
Journal Article
Foden, M., Astley, S., McMahon, J., Comfort, P., Matthews, M., & Jones, P. (2015). Relationships between speed, change of direction and jump performance with cricket specific speed tests in male academy cricketers. Journal of trainology, 4(2), 37-42. https://doi.org/10.17338/trainology.4.2_37

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between general speed and change of direction speed and‘cricket specific’ speed tests and the relationships between jump performance and speed and change of direction ability in m... Read More about Relationships between speed, change of direction and jump performance with cricket specific speed tests in male academy cricketers.

Reliability of maximal back squat and power clean performances in inexperienced athletes (2015)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., & McMahon, J. (2015). Reliability of maximal back squat and power clean performances in inexperienced athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(11), 3089-3096. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000815

The aim of the study was to determine between-session reliability of maximal weight lifted during the back squat and power clean, in inexperienced athletes, and to identify the smallest detectable difference between sessions. Forty-four collegiate at... Read More about Reliability of maximal back squat and power clean performances in inexperienced athletes.

Joint kinetics and kinematics during common lower limb rehabilitation exercises (2015)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Jones, P., Smith, L., & Herrington, L. (2015). Joint kinetics and kinematics during common lower limb rehabilitation exercises. Journal of Athletic Training, 50(10), 1011-1018. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-50.9.05

Context: Unilateral body-weight exercises are commonly used to strengthen the lower limbs during rehabilitation after injury, but data comparing the loading of the limbs during these tasks are limited. Objective: To compare joint kinetics and kinem... Read More about Joint kinetics and kinematics during common lower limb rehabilitation exercises.

A correction equation for jump height measured using the just jump system (2015)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2016). A correction equation for jump height measured using the just jump system. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(4), 555-557. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0194

Purpose: To determine the concurrent validity and reliability of the popular Just Jump system (JJS) for determining jump height and, if necessary, provide a correction equation for future reference. Methods: Eighteen male college athletes performed 3... Read More about A correction equation for jump height measured using the just jump system.

Psychological strategies included by strength and conditioning coaches in applied strength and conditioning (2015)
Journal Article
Radcliffe, J., Comfort, P., & Fawcett, T. (2015). Psychological strategies included by strength and conditioning coaches in applied strength and conditioning. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(9), 2641-2654. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000919

This study provided the basis by which professional development needs can be addressed and add to the applied sport psychology literature from an underresearched sport domain. This study endeavored to use qualitative methods to explore the specific t... Read More about Psychological strategies included by strength and conditioning coaches in applied strength and conditioning.

An investigation into the relationship between maximum isometric strength and vertical jump performance (2015)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Jones, P., Rothwell, J., Chiang, C., & Comfort, P. (2015). An investigation into the relationship between maximum isometric strength and vertical jump performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(8), 2176-2185. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000866

Research has demonstrated a clear relationship between dynamic strength and vertical jump (VJ) performance; however, the relationship of isometric strength and VJ performance has been studied less extensively. The aim of this study was to determine t... Read More about An investigation into the relationship between maximum isometric strength and vertical jump performance.

An investigation into the relationship between maximum Isometric strength and vertical jump performance (2015)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Jones, P., Rothwell, J., Chiang, C., & Comfort, P. (2015). An investigation into the relationship between maximum Isometric strength and vertical jump performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(8), 2176-2185. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000000866

Abstract: Thomas, C, Jones, PA, Rothwell, J, Chiang, CY, and Comfort, P. An investigation into the relationship between maximum isometric strength and vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 29(8): 2176–2185, 2015—Research has demonstrated a c... Read More about An investigation into the relationship between maximum Isometric strength and vertical jump performance.

Relationships between lower body muscle structure and maximal power clean performance (2015)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Turner, A., & Comfort, P. (2015). Relationships between lower body muscle structure and maximal power clean performance. Journal of trainology, 4(2), 32-36. https://doi.org/10.17338/trainology.4.2_32

Objectives: Correlational studies have linked distinct characteristics of lower body muscle structure (e.g. muscle thickness and pennation angle) to key variables attained during various tasks (e.g. squatting and jumping) which are beneficial to athl... Read More about Relationships between lower body muscle structure and maximal power clean performance.

Reliability of the dynamic strength index in college athletes (2015)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Jones, P., & Comfort, P. (2015). Reliability of the dynamic strength index in college athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(5), 542-545. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0255

Purpose: To determine the reliability of the Dynamic Strength Index (DSI) in college athletes. Method: Nineteen male college athletes performed the squat jump (SJ) and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) to determine peak force, on 2 separate days. Relia... Read More about Reliability of the dynamic strength index in college athletes.

A preliminary study into the effect of jumping–landing training and strength training on frontal plane projection angle (2015)
Journal Article
Herrington, L., Munro, A., & Comfort, P. (2015). A preliminary study into the effect of jumping–landing training and strength training on frontal plane projection angle. Manual Therapy, 20(5), 680-685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2015.04.009

The presence of increased knee valgus angles during functional tasks has been associated with a range of knee pathologies. A number of different exercise interventions have been undertaken to improve knee alignment during functional tasks. The most s... Read More about A preliminary study into the effect of jumping–landing training and strength training on frontal plane projection angle.

Weightlifting pulling derivatives : Rationale for implementation and application (2015)
Journal Article
Suchomel, T., Comfort, P., & Stone, M. (2015). Weightlifting pulling derivatives : Rationale for implementation and application. Sports Medicine, 45(6), 823-839. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0314-y

This review article examines previous weightlifting literature and provides a rationale for the use of weightlifting pulling derivatives that eliminate the catch phase for athletes who are not competitive weightlifters. Practitioners should emphasize... Read More about Weightlifting pulling derivatives : Rationale for implementation and application.

Relationship between isometric mid-thigh pull variables and sprint and change of direction performance in collegiate athletes (2015)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Comfort, P., Chiang, C., & Jones, P. (2015). Relationship between isometric mid-thigh pull variables and sprint and change of direction performance in collegiate athletes. Journal of trainology, 4(1), 6-10. https://doi.org/10.17338/trainology.4.1_6

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to assess the use of isometric strength testing as a determinant of sprint and change of direction performance in collegiate athletes. Design and Methods: Fourteen male collegiate athletes (mean ± SD; a... Read More about Relationship between isometric mid-thigh pull variables and sprint and change of direction performance in collegiate athletes.

The validity of the Nordic hamstring lower as a field-based assessment of eccentric hamstring strength (2015)
Journal Article
Sconce, E., Jones, P., Turner, E., Comfort, P., & Graham-Smith, P. (2015). The validity of the Nordic hamstring lower as a field-based assessment of eccentric hamstring strength. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 24(1), 13-20. https://doi.org/10.1123/JSR.2013-0097

Context: Hamstring injury-risk assessment has primarily been investigated using isokinetic dynamometry. However, practical issues such as cost and availability limit the widespread application of isokinetics for injury-risk assessment; thus, field-... Read More about The validity of the Nordic hamstring lower as a field-based assessment of eccentric hamstring strength.

Relationships between jump and sprint performance in first-class county cricketers (2015)
Journal Article
Carr, C., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2015). Relationships between jump and sprint performance in first-class county cricketers. Journal of trainology, 4(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.17338/trainology.4.1_1

Objectives: Research across a number of sports has identified a meaningful relationship between jump and sprint performance. The aim of this study was to investigate these relationships in first-class county cricketers. Design and Methods: Using a wi... Read More about Relationships between jump and sprint performance in first-class county cricketers.

The effect of load and sex on kinematic and kinetic variables during the mid-thigh clean pull (2015)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Jones, P., & Udall, R. (2015). The effect of load and sex on kinematic and kinetic variables during the mid-thigh clean pull. Sports Biomechanics, 14(2), 139-156. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2015.1025237

Power is a fundamental component for many sporting activities; while the load that elicits peak power during different exercises and differences between sexes remains unclear. This study aims to determine the effect of sex and load on kinematic and k... Read More about The effect of load and sex on kinematic and kinetic variables during the mid-thigh clean pull.

Effect of knee and trunk angle on kinetic variables during the isometric mid-thigh pull : test-retest reliability (2015)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Jones, P., McMahon, J., & Newton, R. (2015). Effect of knee and trunk angle on kinetic variables during the isometric mid-thigh pull : test-retest reliability. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(1), 58-63. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0077

The isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) has been used to monitor changes in force, maximum rate of force development (mRFD), and impulse, with performance in this task being associated with performance in athletic tasks. Numerous postures have been adopte... Read More about Effect of knee and trunk angle on kinetic variables during the isometric mid-thigh pull : test-retest reliability.

A comparison of maximal power clean performances performed from the floor, knee and mid-thigh (2014)
Journal Article
Kelly, J., McMahon, J., & Comfort, P. (2014). A comparison of maximal power clean performances performed from the floor, knee and mid-thigh. Journal of trainology, 3(2), 53-56. https://doi.org/10.17338/trainology.3.2_53

Objectives: This study aimed to compare one repetition maximum (1RM) power clean performances, performed from the floor, the knee and from mid-thigh, to determine the differences between variations. Design and Methods: Using a within subjects repeate... Read More about A comparison of maximal power clean performances performed from the floor, knee and mid-thigh.

Hamstring strain prevention in elite soccer players (2014)
Journal Article
Turner, A. N., Cree, J., Comfort, P., Jones, L., Chavda, S., Bishop, C., & Reynolds, A. (2014). Hamstring strain prevention in elite soccer players. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 36(5), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000076

Hamstring strains are a common soft tissue injury in elite soccer. The injury and reinjury rates for this are high, and efficacious prevention strategies are yet to be standardized. After the research herein, training modalities emphasizing hamstring... Read More about Hamstring strain prevention in elite soccer players.

Changes in sprint, change of direction and jump performance during a competitive season in male lacrosse players (2014)
Journal Article
Thomas, C., Mather, D., & Comfort, P. (2014). Changes in sprint, change of direction and jump performance during a competitive season in male lacrosse players. Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 3(5), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-9080.1000167

This study aimed to examine performance changes in lacrosse players during a 24-week competitive season (including 22 weeks of periodized resistance training (RT)). Eleven male lacrosse players (age 24.5 ± 4.3 years, height 180.4 ± 5.6 cm, body... Read More about Changes in sprint, change of direction and jump performance during a competitive season in male lacrosse players.

Power and impulse applied during push press exercise (2014)
Journal Article
Lake, J., Mundy, P., & Comfort, P. (2014). Power and impulse applied during push press exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(9), 2552-2559. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000438

Lake, JP, Mundy, PD, and Comfort, P. Power and impulse applied during push press exercise. J Strength Cond Res 28(9): 2552-2559, 2014-The aim of this study was to quantify the load, which maximized peak and mean power, and impulse applied to these lo... Read More about Power and impulse applied during push press exercise.

A comparison of field test performances between elite and sub-elite academy soccer players (2014)
Journal Article
Stewart, A., Bloom, L., Clarkson, B., & Comfort, P. (2014). A comparison of field test performances between elite and sub-elite academy soccer players. Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 3(4), https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-9080.1000158

The findings of this study highlight that there are no significant differences (p>0.05) in the height (175.1 ± 5.4 cm vs. 171.8 ± 5.8 cm) and body mass (69.5 ± 6.9 kg vs. 68.1 ± 5.8 kg) of Elite and Sub-Elite squads respectively. In contrast the Elit... Read More about A comparison of field test performances between elite and sub-elite academy soccer players.

Which methods best predict performance? (2014)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., & Pearson, S. (2014). Which methods best predict performance?. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(6), 1565-1572. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000394

Athletes with a higher body mass (BM) tend to be stronger, with ratio scaling possibly eliminating this effect. The aim of this study was to compare relationships between sprint performances with scaled measures of strength and power. Fifteen profess... Read More about Which methods best predict performance?.

The effect of peer tutoring on academic achievement (2014)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., & McMahon, J. (2014). The effect of peer tutoring on academic achievement. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 6(1), 168-175. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-06-2012-0017

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of peer tutoring on the academic achievement, during practical assessments, of the tutors and tutees. Design/methodology/approach – Final year students on an undergraduate Sports Scie... Read More about The effect of peer tutoring on academic achievement.

Relationships between strength, sprint, and jump performance in well-trained youth soccer players (2014)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Stewart, A., Bloom, L., & Clarkson, B. (2014). Relationships between strength, sprint, and jump performance in well-trained youth soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(1), 173-177. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318291b8c7

Research has demonstrated a clear relationship between absolute and relative strength and sprint and jump performance in adult athletes; however, this relationship in younger athletes has been less extensively studied. The aim of this study, therefor... Read More about Relationships between strength, sprint, and jump performance in well-trained youth soccer players.

Shoulder joint position sense in injured and noninjured judo athletes (2013)
Journal Article
May Green, C., Comfort, P., & Herrington, L. (2013). Shoulder joint position sense in injured and noninjured judo athletes. International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training, 18(2), 29-33. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.18.2.29

Context: A reduction in joint position sense (JPS) is sometimes a consequence of shoulder injury that may adversely affect the ability to maintain dynamic joint stability. Objective: To compare shoulder JPS between previously injured and noninju... Read More about Shoulder joint position sense in injured and noninjured judo athletes.

Strength, power and speed qualities in english junior elite rugby league players (2013)
Journal Article
Kirkpatrick, J., & Comfort, P. (2013). Strength, power and speed qualities in english junior elite rugby league players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27(9), 2414-2419. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182804a6d

The aim of this study was to compare strength, power, and speed characteristics of elite junior English rugby league forwards and backs. A squad of males under 20's (n = 24; age 18.70 ± 0.90 years; body mass 86.4 ± 9.93 kg; height 178.47 ± 6.97 cm) p... Read More about Strength, power and speed qualities in english junior elite rugby league players.

No differences in kinetics between the squat jump, push press and mid-thigh power clean (2013)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Mather, D., & Graham-Smith, P. (2013). No differences in kinetics between the squat jump, push press and mid-thigh power clean. Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 2(6), https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-9080.1000132

The aim of this investigation was to determine the differences in kinetic data during the mid-thigh power clean, squat jump and push press. Trained individuals (n=11; age 23 ± 3.5 yrs; height 176.5 ± 5.56 cm; body mass 85.78 ± 14.29 kg) performed 1 s... Read More about No differences in kinetics between the squat jump, push press and mid-thigh power clean.

Within and between session reliability of power, force and rate of force development during the power clean (2013)
Journal Article
Comfort, P. (2013). Within and between session reliability of power, force and rate of force development during the power clean. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27(5), 1210-1214. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182679364

Although there has been extensive research regarding the power clean, its application to sports performance, and use as a measure of assessing changes in performance, no research has determined the reliability assessing the kinetics of the power clea... Read More about Within and between session reliability of power, force and rate of force development during the power clean.

The perception of psychology and the frequency of psychological strategies used by strength and conditioning practitioners (2013)
Journal Article
Radcliffe, J., Comfort, P., & Fawcett, T. (2013). The perception of psychology and the frequency of psychological strategies used by strength and conditioning practitioners. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27(4), 1136-1146. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182606ddc

The study aimed to first examine the frequency of the psychological skills and strategies of strength and conditioning practitioners and second distinguish between demographic differences in relation to psychological skills and strategy use. The Stre... Read More about The perception of psychology and the frequency of psychological strategies used by strength and conditioning practitioners.

Female Soccer: Part 2 – training considerations and recommendations (2013)
Journal Article
Turner, E., Munro, A., & Comfort, P. (2013). Female Soccer: Part 2 – training considerations and recommendations. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 35(1), 58-65. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e318282106d

Summary: part 1 of this article identified the demands of female soccer and the specific areas of development required to optimize performance and reduce the risk of common injuries. increases in aerobic capacity, strength, and lower limb control wer... Read More about Female Soccer: Part 2 – training considerations and recommendations.

Female soccer: Part 1 - a needs analysis (2013)
Journal Article
Turner, E., Munro, A., & Comfort, P. (2013). Female soccer: Part 1 - a needs analysis. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 35(1), 51-57. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e318281f689

Summary: it is imperative for strength and conditioning coaches to conduct a detailed analysis of the demands of a sport, identifying normative data where possible to permit an evidence-based evaluation of an athlete’s current performance status and... Read More about Female soccer: Part 1 - a needs analysis.

The affect of grip width and hand orientation on muscle activity during pullups and the lat pulldown exercises (2013)
Journal Article
Lesley, K., & Comfort, P. (2013). The affect of grip width and hand orientation on muscle activity during pullups and the lat pulldown exercises. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 35(1), 75-78. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e318282120e

Summary: hand orientation (supinated, neutral, pronated) and grip width are commonly varied during pull-ups and lat pull-downs in an attempt to focus the training on specific muscle groups or to ensure that the movement is specific to the sporting ac... Read More about The affect of grip width and hand orientation on muscle activity during pullups and the lat pulldown exercises.

No kinetic differences during variations of the power clean in inexperienced collegiate athletes (2013)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., McMahon, J., & Fletcher, C. (2013). No kinetic differences during variations of the power clean in inexperienced collegiate athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27(2), 363-368. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825489c6

Previous research has identified that the second pull phase of the clean generates the greatest power output and that the midthigh variations of the power clean also result in the greatest force and power output in male athletes; however, no research... Read More about No kinetic differences during variations of the power clean in inexperienced collegiate athletes.

Movement Specificity: What does it mean? (2012)
Journal Article
Graham-Smith, P., Comfort, P., Jones, P., & Matthews, M. (2012). Movement Specificity: What does it mean?. Professional strength & conditioning,

When an exercise is described as ‘specific’, there is an assumption that the exercise is ‘functional’ and is therefore transferable to a sports skill. Often the main criteria for ‘specificity’ is that the exercise must follow the same movement patter... Read More about Movement Specificity: What does it mean?.

Comparison of landing knee valgus angle between female basketball and football athletes: Possible implications for anterior cruciate ligament and patellofemoral joint injury rates (2012)
Journal Article
Munro, A., Herrington, L., & Comfort, P. (2012). Comparison of landing knee valgus angle between female basketball and football athletes: Possible implications for anterior cruciate ligament and patellofemoral joint injury rates. Physical Therapy in Sport, 13(4), 259-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2012.01.005

Objective To evaluate landing strategies of female football and basketball athletes with relation to possible injury mechanisms and disparity in injury. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Participants 52 female football players and 41 fema... Read More about Comparison of landing knee valgus angle between female basketball and football athletes: Possible implications for anterior cruciate ligament and patellofemoral joint injury rates.

The affect of loading on kinematic and kinetic variables during the mid-thigh clean pull (2012)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Udall, R., & Jones, P. (2012). The affect of loading on kinematic and kinetic variables during the mid-thigh clean pull. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(5), 1208-1214. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182510827n

The ability to develop high levels of muscular power is considered a fundamental component for many different sporting activities; however, the load that elicits peak power still remains controversial. The primary aim of this study was to determine a... Read More about The affect of loading on kinematic and kinetic variables during the mid-thigh clean pull.

Are changes in maximal squat strength during pre-season training reflected in sprint performance in rugby league players? (2012)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Haigh, A., & Matthews, M. (2012). Are changes in maximal squat strength during pre-season training reflected in sprint performance in rugby league players?. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(3), 772-776. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822a5cbf

Comfort, P, Haigh, A, and Matthews, MJ. Are changes in maximal squat strength during preseason training reflected in changes in sprint performance in rugby league players? J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 772–776, 2012—Because previous research has show... Read More about Are changes in maximal squat strength during pre-season training reflected in sprint performance in rugby league players?.

Occurrence of fatigue during sets of static squat jumps at a variety of loads (2012)
Journal Article
Thomasson, M., & Comfort, P. (2012). Occurrence of fatigue during sets of static squat jumps at a variety of loads. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(3), 677-683. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822a61b5

Thomasson, ML and Comfort, P. Occurrence of fatigue during sets of static squat jumps performed at a variety of loads. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 677–683, 2012—Research has identified that the optimal power load for static squat jumps (with no cou... Read More about Occurrence of fatigue during sets of static squat jumps at a variety of loads.

Determination of optimal load during the power clean, in collegiate athletes (2012)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Fletcher, C., & McMahon, J. (2012). Determination of optimal load during the power clean, in collegiate athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(11), 2962-2969. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318245bed4

Although previous research has been performed in similar areas of study, the optimal load for the development of peak power during training remains controversial, and this has yet to be established in collegiate level athletes. The purpose of this st... Read More about Determination of optimal load during the power clean, in collegiate athletes.

Nitrate ingestion: Implication for performance and training (2012)
Journal Article
Mahoney, L., Wiper, M., & Comfort, P. (2012). Nitrate ingestion: Implication for performance and training. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 34(4), 22-25. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e31824eda1e

Summary: increasing blood flow to working muscles, through increased vasodilatation, has the potential to increase work capacity during both aerobic and anaerobic performances and possibly enhance recovery through increased nutrient delivery. because... Read More about Nitrate ingestion: Implication for performance and training.

Lower limb stiffness: Effect on performance and training considerations (2012)
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Comfort, P., & Pearson, S. (2012). Lower limb stiffness: Effect on performance and training considerations. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 34(6), 94-101. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e3182781b4e

Summary: the aim of this review was to summarize the research to date on lower limb stiffness in relation to both its effect on performance and training considerations. Evidence suggests that some amount of lower limb stiffness is required for succes... Read More about Lower limb stiffness: Effect on performance and training considerations.

A comparison of maximal squat strength and five, ten and twenty meter sprint times in Athletes and recreationally trained individuals (2012)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Bullock, N., & Pearson, S. (2012). A comparison of maximal squat strength and five, ten and twenty meter sprint times in Athletes and recreationally trained individuals. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(4), 937-940. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31822e5889

A comparison of maximal squat strength and 5-, 10-, and 20-meter sprint times, in athletes and recreationally trained men. J Strength Cond Res 26(4): 937-940, 2012-The purpose of this study was to identify whether there was a relationship between rel... Read More about A comparison of maximal squat strength and five, ten and twenty meter sprint times in Athletes and recreationally trained individuals.

Kinetic comparisons during variations of the power clean (2011)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Allen, M., & Graham-Smith, P. (2011). Kinetic comparisons during variations of the power clean. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(12), 3269-3274. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182184dea

The aim of this investigation was to determine the differences in peak power, peak vertical ground reaction forces, and rate of force development (RFD) during variations of the power clean. Elite rugby league players (n = 16; age 22 6 1.58 years;... Read More about Kinetic comparisons during variations of the power clean.

An investigation into the acute effects of depth jumps on maximal strength performance (2011)
Journal Article
Bullock, N., & Comfort, P. (2011). An investigation into the acute effects of depth jumps on maximal strength performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(11), 3137-3141. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212e224

Research has demonstrated that high-load low-velocity (HLLV) exercises ($85% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) increase performance in subsequent low-load high-velocity (LLHV) exercises, when separated by a rest period $4 minutes. To date, few studies... Read More about An investigation into the acute effects of depth jumps on maximal strength performance.

The effect of peer tutoring on academic achievement during practical assessments in applied sports science students (2011)
Journal Article
Comfort, P. (2011). The effect of peer tutoring on academic achievement during practical assessments in applied sports science students. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 48(2), 207-211. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2011.564015

Peer tutoring has been shown to be highly effective in enhancing both tutor and tutee achievements and skill development in a range of educational settings, although this has not currently been investigated in an applied sports science degree setting... Read More about The effect of peer tutoring on academic achievement during practical assessments in applied sports science students.

Comparisons of peak ground reaction force and rate of force development during variations of the power clean (2011)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Allen, M., & Graham-Smith, P. (2011). Comparisons of peak ground reaction force and rate of force development during variations of the power clean. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(5), 1235-1239. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d6dc0d

The aim of this investigation was to determine the differences in vertical ground reaction forces and rate of force development (RFD) during variations of the power clean. Elite rugby league players (n = 11; age 21 ± 1.63 years; height 181.56 ± 2.61... Read More about Comparisons of peak ground reaction force and rate of force development during variations of the power clean.

Strength and power characteristics in English elite rugby league players (2011)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Graham-Smith, P., Matthews, M., & Bamber, C. (2011). Strength and power characteristics in English elite rugby league players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(5), 1374-1384. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d687f5

The aim of this article is to present data on the strength and power characteristics of forwards and backs in a squad of elite English rugby league players and compare these findings to previously published literature from Australia. Participants wer... Read More about Strength and power characteristics in English elite rugby league players.

An electromyographical comparison of trunk muscle activity during isometric trunk and dynamic strengthening exercises (2011)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Pearson, S., & Mather, D. (2011). An electromyographical comparison of trunk muscle activity during isometric trunk and dynamic strengthening exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(1), 149-154. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181fb412f

The purpose of this study was to compare rectus abdominis and erector spinae muscle activity during isometric (prone bridge [PB] and superman [SM]) and dynamic strengthening exercises (back squat, front squat [FS], and military press). Participants... Read More about An electromyographical comparison of trunk muscle activity during isometric trunk and dynamic strengthening exercises.

Complex training in ice hockey: the effects of a heavy resisted sprint on subsequent ice-hockey sprint performance (2010)
Journal Article
Matthews, M., Comfort, P., & Crebin, R. (2010). Complex training in ice hockey: the effects of a heavy resisted sprint on subsequent ice-hockey sprint performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(11), 2883-2887. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e7253c

The aim of the study was to investigate the acute effect of a heavy resisted sprint when used as a preload exercise to enhance subsequent 25-m on-ice sprint performance. Eleven competitive ice-hockey players (mean 6 SD: Age = 22.09 6 3.05 years; Bo... Read More about Complex training in ice hockey: the effects of a heavy resisted sprint on subsequent ice-hockey sprint performance.

An Introduction to Periodisation (2010)
Book Chapter
Comfort, P., & Matthews, M. (2013). An Introduction to Periodisation. In P. Comfort, & E. Abrahamson (Eds.), Sports Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118685150.ch9

This chapter contains sections titled: Periodisation Training cycles Application to sports performance Application to rehabilitation Summary References

Chapter 11 : musculoskeletal assessment (2010)
Book Chapter
Hatcher, J. (2010). Chapter 11 : musculoskeletal assessment. In P. Comfort, & E. Abrahamson (Eds.), Sports Rehabilitation & Injury Prevention (185-197). Wiley-Blackwell Publications

The acute effects of heavy and light resistances on the flight time of a basketball push-pass during upper body complex training (2009)
Journal Article
Matthews, M., O'Conchuir, C., & Comfort, P. (2009). The acute effects of heavy and light resistances on the flight time of a basketball push-pass during upper body complex training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(7), 1988-1995. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b3e076

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of high-load and low-load complex training on upper-body performance—determined by the flight time of a basketball push-pass. Twelve competitive male athletes (21.8 6 4.5 years, 82.0 6 11.7 k... Read More about The acute effects of heavy and light resistances on the flight time of a basketball push-pass during upper body complex training.

Applying complex training principles to boxing: A practical approach (2008)
Journal Article
Matthews, M., & Comfort, P. (2008). Applying complex training principles to boxing: A practical approach. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 30(5), 12-15. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e318187d31b

This article discusses the application of complex training principles in the development of speed and power in boxing. In it, we illustrate how the addition of external resistance, applied in biomechanically similar ways to traditional boxing skills... Read More about Applying complex training principles to boxing: A practical approach.

Optimizing squat technique (2007)
Journal Article
Comfort, P., & Kasim, P. (2007). Optimizing squat technique. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 29(6), 10-13. https://doi.org/10.1519/00126548-200712000-00001

There are many variations of the squat technique, including stance width, foot positioning, and squat depth. However, research indicates that the optimal squat technique is a wide stance (≥ shoulder width) with natural foot positioning, unrestricted... Read More about Optimizing squat technique.

The affect of grip width on bench press performance and risk of injury (2007)
Journal Article
Green, C., & Comfort, P. (2007). The affect of grip width on bench press performance and risk of injury. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 29(5), 10-14. https://doi.org/10.1519/00126548-200710000-00001

Bodybuilders, athletes, and recreational lifters select a grip width during the bench press that they believe will produce a greater force output. Research has demonstrated that a wide grip (> 1.5 biacromial width) may increase the risk of shoulder i... Read More about The affect of grip width on bench press performance and risk of injury.

Contemporary and novel assessment of biomechanics in plyometric and ballistic exercise and the implications for elite and recreational athletes
Thesis
Jarvis, M. (in press). Contemporary and novel assessment of biomechanics in plyometric and ballistic exercise and the implications for elite and recreational athletes. (Thesis). University of Salford

Jumping exercises, comprising plyometrics and ballistic jumps, are commonly used and important in the development of athletic performance. However, our ability to describe training doses with accurate and meaningful measures lags significantly behind... Read More about Contemporary and novel assessment of biomechanics in plyometric and ballistic exercise and the implications for elite and recreational athletes.

A biomechanical analysis of variations of the power clean and their application for athletic development
Thesis
Comfort, P. A biomechanical analysis of variations of the power clean and their application for athletic development. (Thesis). University of Salford

The aim of this series of studies was to determine the effect of power clean variation (power clean (PC), hang power clean (HPC), mid-thigh power clean (MTPC) and mid-thigh clean pull (MTCP)) and load on force time characteristics, in an attempt to i... Read More about A biomechanical analysis of variations of the power clean and their application for athletic development.

Lower limb stiffness: Considerations for female athletes
Journal Article
McMahon, J., Comfort, P., & Pearson, S. Lower limb stiffness: Considerations for female athletes. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 34(5), 70-73. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e318268131f

Women demonstrate lower limb stiffness recruitment strategies, which may predispose them to greater sustainment of lower limb injuries, particularly to the anterior cruciate ligament. To positively alter such strategies in women, lower limb muscle st... Read More about Lower limb stiffness: Considerations for female athletes.

Training Considerations after hamstring injury in athletes
Journal Article
Comfort, P., Green, C., & Matthews, M. Training Considerations after hamstring injury in athletes. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 31(1), 68-74. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e318195d225

Hamstring strains are compounded by a high recurrence rate of 12-31% within the first year of return to sport. Explanations include reduced tensile strength, reduced strength of muscle and surrounding sites, and reduced flexibility of the muscle tend... Read More about Training Considerations after hamstring injury in athletes.