Velocity-based resistance training with 10% vs 20% velocity loss thresholds in female basketball players

This randomized controlled trial enrolled 15 college-level female basketball players to compare two velocity-based resistance training (VBT) protocols using parallel back squats at a target mean propulsive velocity of 0.7 m/s. The intervention group used a velocity loss threshold of 10% (VL10%), while the comparator group used a threshold of 20% (VL20%), with both groups training for 1.8 months.

Performance outcomes included one-repetition maximum (1RM), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and sprint tests at 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m distances. Both groups showed significant improvements in multiple measures: VL10% group showed SJ improvements (d = 1.30, p = 0.048), SP10 improvements (d = 0.62, p = 0.004), SP20 improvements (d = 0.67, p = 0.002), and 1RM improvements (d = 0.29, p = 0.002). VL20% group showed SP10 improvements (d = 0.42, p = 0.004), SP20 improvements (d = 0.56, p = 0.002), and 1RM improvements (d = 0.62, p = 0.002). However, SJ did not significantly improve in the VL20% group, and CMJ showed no clear improvement in either group.

Safety and tolerability were not reported. Key limitations include no significant interaction effects between groups, between-group differences that were not statistically significant, and effect sizes that suggest possible differences requiring verification in adequately powered trials. The study authors note that larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these trends.

For practice, VBT using low velocity loss thresholds may be useful for maintaining movement velocity with lower training volume, but clinicians should interpret these results cautiously due to the small sample size and lack of statistically significant between-group differences. The findings suggest both protocols can improve some performance measures in this population, but cannot determine superiority of one threshold over the other.