Gøran Paulsen

• Andersen, Vidar; Paulsen, Gøran; Stien, Nicolay; Baarholm, Martin; Seynnes, Olivier R. & Sæterbakken, Atle Hole (2024). Resistance Training with Different Velocity Loss Thresholds Induce Similar Changes in Strength and Hypertrophy. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. ISSN 1064-8011. 38(3), p. E135–E142. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004067.
• Ryningen, Anita; Rostad, Kari; Ersvær, Elisabeth; Sjøholt, Gry; Paulsen, Gøran & Gundersen, Hilde [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2024). Acute response in circulating microRNAs following a single bout of short-sprint and heavy strength training in well-trained cyclists. Frontiers in Physiology. ISSN 1664-042X. 15. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1365357. Full text in Research Archive
• Støvland, Varg Ringdal; Amundsen, Roar; Paulsen, Gøran & Dalen-Lorentsen, Torstein (2023). Prepare to fail or failing to prepare? Acute performance after the 11+ with and without strength exercises. BMJ Open sport & exercise medicine. ISSN 2055-7647. 9(4). doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001634. Full text in Research Archive
• Nysether, Sondre; Hopkins, Will G.; Mentzoni, Fredrik; Paulsen, Gøran; Haugen, Thomas André & Solberg, Paul Andre (2023). Monitoring Changes in Lower-Limb Strength and Power in Elite Athletes With the Countermovement-Jump and Keiser Leg-Press Tests. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (IJSPP). ISSN 1555-0265. 18(10), p. 1145–1151. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0088.
• Bobbert, Maarten F.; Lindberg, Kolbjørn Andreas; Bjørnsen, Thomas; Solberg, Paul Andre & Paulsen, Gøran (2023). The Force-Velocity Profile for Jumping: What It Is and What It Is Not. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. ISSN 0195-9131. 55(7), p. 1241–1249. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003147. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction Force–velocity profiling has been proposed in the literature as a method to identify the overall mechanical characteristics of lower extremities. A force–velocity profile is obtained by plotting for jumps at different loads the effective work as a function of the average push-off velocity, fitting a straight line to the results, and extrapolating this line to find the theoretical maximum isometric force and unloaded shortening velocity. Here we investigated whether the force–velocity profile and its characteristics can be related to the intrinsic force–velocity relationship. Methods We used simulation models of various complexity, ranging from a simple mass actuated by a linearly damped force to a planar musculoskeletal model comprising four segments and six muscle–tendon complexes. The intrinsic force–velocity relationship of each model was obtained by maximizing the effective work during isokinetic extension at different velocities. Results Several observations were made. First, at the same average velocity, less effective work can be done during jumping than during isokinetic lower extremity extension at this velocity. Second, the intrinsic relationship is curved; fitting a straight line and extrapolating it seem arbitrary. Third, the maximal isometric force and the maximal velocity corresponding to the profile are not independent. Fourth, they both vary with inertial properties of the system. Conclusions For these reasons, we concluded that the force–velocity profile is specific for the task and is just what it is: the relationship between effective work and an arbitrary estimate of average velocity; it does not represent the intrinsic force–velocity relationship of the lower extremities.

• Myrholt, Roger Behrman; Solberg, Paul Andre; Pettersen, Henrik; Seynnes, Olivier R. & Paulsen, Gøran (2023). Effects of Low- Versus High-Velocity-Loss Thresholds With Similar Training Volume on Maximal Strength and Hypertrophy in Highly Trained Individuals. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (IJSPP). ISSN 1555-0265. 18(4), p. 368–377. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0161. Show summary

  Aims: In the present intervention study, low-velocity-loss (LVL) versus high-velocity-loss (HVL) thresholds in the squat and bench press were compared for changes in muscle strength, power, and hypertrophy. Methods: Strength-trained volunteers (7♀ and 9♂; age: 27.2 [3.4] y; height: 174.6 [8.0] cm; body mass: 75.3 [10.1] kg) were randomized into an LVL or HVL threshold group (LVL n = 3♀ + 5♂, and HVL n = 4♀ + 4♂). Training took place 3 times per week over 6 weeks (loads: ∼75%–90% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]). The thresholds of LVLs and HVLs were set at 20% and 40% of maximal velocity, respectively, for the squat, and at 30% and 60%, respectively, for the bench press. Before and after the intervention, 1RM, leg press power, and squat jump were tested. The load (∼45% of 1RM) corresponding to 1-m/s velocity was assessed in all sessions for both exercises. In addition, the thickness of the vastus lateralis and triceps brachii and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry [DEXA]) were measured. Results: Squat and bench-press 1RM increased similarly in both groups by 7% to 11% (SD: 4%–6%, P < .05). No group differences were observed for changes in jump height, leg press power, or DEXA lean mass. However, HVL showed a small increase in muscle thickness of the vastus lateralis compared with LVL (6 ± 6% [95% CI] group difference, P < .05). Conclusion: For strength-trained individuals, high-volume lower-velocity-loss thresholds were as effective as higher thresholds for improvements in 1RM strength; but local hypertrophy was seemingly elicited faster with higher velocity-loss thresholds.

• Werkhausen, Amelie; Gløersen, Øyvind; Nordez, Antoine; Paulsen, Gøran; Bojsen-Møller, Jens & Seynnes, Olivier R. (2023). Linking muscle architecture and function in vivo: conceptual or methodological limitations? PeerJ. ISSN 2167-8359. 11. doi: 10.7717/peerj.15194. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Despite the clear theoretical link between sarcomere arrangement and force production, the relationship between muscle architecture and function remain ambiguous in vivo. Methods: We used two frequently used ultrasound-based approaches to assess the relationships between vastus lateralis architecture parameters obtained in three common conditions of muscle lengths and contractile states, and the mechanical output of the muscle in twenty-one healthy subjects. The relationship between outcomes obtained in different conditions were also examined. Muscle architecture was analysed in panoramic ultrasound scans at rest with the knee fully extended and in regular scans at an angle close to maximum force (60°), at rest and under maximum contraction. Isokinetic and isometric strength tests were used to estimate muscle force production at various fascicle velocities. Results: Measurements of fascicle length, pennation angle and thickness obtained under different experimental conditions correlated moderately with each other (r = 0.40−.74). Fascicle length measured at 60° at rest correlated with force during high-velocity knee extension (r = 0.46 at 400° s−1) and joint work during isokinetic knee extension (r = 0.44 at 200° s−1 and r = 0.57 at 100° s−1). Muscle thickness was related to maximum force for all measurement methods (r = 0.44–0.73). However, we found no significant correlations between fascicle length or pennation angle and any measures of muscle force or work. Most correlations between architecture and force were stronger when architecture was measured at rest close to optimal length. Conclusion: These findings reflect methodological limitations of current approaches to measure fascicle length and pennation angle in vivo. They also highlight the limited value of static architecture measurements when reported in isolation or without direct experimental context.

• Lindberg, Kolbjørn Andreas; Bjørnsen, Thomas; Vårvik, Fredrik Tonstad; Paulsen, Gøran; Joensen, Malene & Kristoffersen, Morten [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2023). The effects of being told you are in the intervention group on training results: a pilot study. Scientific Reports. ISSN 2045-2322. 13(1), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-29141-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Little is known about the placebo effects when comparing training interventions. Consequently, we investigated whether subjects being told they are in the intervention group get better training results compared to subjects being told they are in a control group. Forty athletes (male: n = 31, female: n = 9) completed a 10-week training intervention (age: 22 ± 4 years, height: 183 ± 10 cm, and body mass: 84 ± 15 kg). After randomization, the participants were either told that the training program they got was individualized based on their force–velocity profile (Placebo), or that they were in the control group (Control). However, both groups were doing the same workouts. Measurements included countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, one-repetition maximum (1RM) back-squat, a leg-press test, ultrasonography of muscle-thickness (m. rectus femoris), and a questionnaire (Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale) (Younger et al. in Clin Trials 9(6):767–776, 2012). Placebo increased 1RM squat more than Control (5.7 ± 6.4% vs 0.9 ± 6.9%, [0.26 vs 0.02 Effect Size], Bayes Factor: 5.1 [BF10], p = 0.025). Placebo had slightly higher adherence compared to control (82 ± 18% vs 72 ± 13%, BF10: 2.0, p = 0.08). Importantly, the difference in the 1RM squat was significant after controlling for adherence (p = 0.013). No significant differences were observed in the other measurements. The results suggest that the placebo effect may be meaningful in sports and exercise training interventions. It is possible that ineffective training interventions will go unquestioned in the absence of placebo-controlled trials.

• Andersen, Vidar; Hermans, Espen ; Vereide, Vegard Albert; Stien, Nicolay; Paulsen, Gøran & Baláš, Jiří [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2023). Comparison of finger flexor resistance training, with and without blood flow restriction, on perceptional and physiological responses in advanced climbers. Scientific Reports. ISSN 2045-2322. 13, p. 1–8. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-30499-x. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study compared perceptional and physiological responses of finger flexor exercise performed with free flow and blood flow restriction (BFR). Thirteen male advanced climbers completed three sessions of finger flexor resistance exercise at (1) 40% of MVC (Low) and (2) 75% of MVC (High) and (3) BFR at 40% of MVC (Low + BFR) in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Rate of perceived exertion for effort (RPE) and discomfort (RPD), session pleasure/displeasure (sPDF), exercise enjoyment (EES), lactate concentration and oxygen saturation were recorded after the last set. Both low-intensity sessions induced higher RPD than High (p = 0.018–0.022, ES = 1.01–1.09) and High was perceived as more enjoyable than Low-BFR (p = 0.031, ES = 1.08). No differences were found for RPE or sPDF (p = 0.132–0.804). Lactate was elevated more after High than the Low-sessions (p < 0.001, ES = 1.88–2.08). Capillary oxygen saturation was lower after Low + BFR compared to the other sessions (p = 0.031, ES = 1.04–1.27). Finally, the exercise volume was greater in Low compared to High (p = 0.022, ES = 1.14) and Low + BFR (p = 0.020, ES = 0.77). In conclusion, among advanced male climbers, performing Low + BFR led to a similar exercise volume but was perceived as more discomforting and less enjoyable compared to High. The Low session yielded similar responses as the Low + BFR but required a much greater exercise volume.

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• Andersen, Vidar; Hermans, Espen ; Vereide, Vegard Albert; Stien, Nicolay; Paulsen, Gøran & Baláš, Jiří [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2023). Publisher Correction: Comparison of finger flexor resistance training, with and without blood flow restriction, on perceptional and physiological responses in advanced climbers (Scientific Reports, (2023), 13, 1, (3287), 10.1038/s41598-023-30499-x). Scientific Reports. ISSN 2045-2322. 13(1). doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-31266-8.

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