(20) RESISTANCE TRAINING MESOCYCLIC REPETITION VOLUME CHARACTERISTICS FOR YOUTH BASEBALL ATHLETES – A RECOMMENDATION FOR PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify mesocycle periodization characteristics, specifically percent changes from mesocycle to mesocycle, average sets and repetitions performed in each mesocycle, average reps per set, average sets per exercise, and total reps and sets performed in each specific mesocycle for a resistance training program that was specifically designed for youth baseball athletes. Methods: Mesocycle characteristics, specifically total reps and sets completed in each individual cycle and percent change from cycle to cycle in a resistance training program designed specifically for middle school aged youth athletes that trained twice per week for one hour each day and performed exercises focused on increasing muscular strength and power, foundational movement patterns, linear speed, and change of direction speed were analyzed. Results: Weekly repetitions and sets completed in mesocycle one (week 1=39 sets, 345reps; week 2=36 sets, 330 reps; week 3=30 sets, 360 reps; week 4=39 sets, 345 reps; week 5=36 sets, 330 reps; week 6=30 sets, 360 reps), mesocycle two (week 1=53 sets, 340 reps; week 2=53 sets, 340 reps; week 3=39 sets, 357 reps; week 4=53 sets, 340 reps; week 5=53 sets, 340 reps; week 6=39 sets, 357 reps), mesocycle three (week 1=46 sets, 410 reps; week 2=46 sets, 410 reps; week 3=42 sets, 570 reps; week 4=46 sets, 410 reps; week 5=46 sets, 410 reps; week 6=42 sets, 570 reps) differed. Average reps and sets performed in each mesocycle (mesocycle 1=35.00 sets, 345 reps; mesocycle 2=48.33 sets, 345.67 reps; mesocycle 3=44.67 sets, 463.33 reps) differed. Percent change in sets and repetitions from mesocycle to mesocycle included (mesocycle 1-mesocycle 2=38.10% sets, 0.19% reps; mesocycle 2-mesocycle 3=-7.59% sets, 34.04% reps) differed. Average repetitions per set by mesocycle (mesocycle 1=10 repetitions per set; mesocycle 2=8 repetitions per set; mesocycle 3=10.71 repetitions per set) differed. Average sets per exercise by mesocycle (mesocycle 1=2.3 sets; mesocycle 2=3.72 sets; mesocycle 3=3.19 sets) were similar. Conclusions: The present study’s findings quantified the mesocycle periodization characteristics designed to increase muscular strength and power, linear speed, and change of direction speed in youth baseball populations. Unique differences between mesocycles were observed for repetition and set volume. However, similarities between average repetitions per set and sets per exercise were observed. Practical Applications: Quantifying resistance training program periodization characteristics for youth athletes may assist with the development of muscular strength and power, linear speed, and change of direction speed as the resistance training program progresses. Practitioners may note that maintaining consistency in average repetitions per set and sets per exercise may be beneficial. Acknowledgements: This research investigation was funded by the Clara Wu and Joseph Tsai Foundation.