The aim of this study was to investigate how accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) is currently utilised by strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches. The survey consisted of closed- and open-ended questions divided into 3 key areas of focus (1-Coach and Athlete Demographic, 2-Perceptions of AEL, and 3-Program Design) was administered to S&C coaches. Response frequencies for sections 1 and 2 were calculated as percentages of total respondents, whereas frequencies in Section 3 were calculated relative to respondents who selected each specific training purpose. A thematic analysis was conducted for the responses to an open-ended question. A total of 38 respondents met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Twenty-three (age: 38.9 ± 13.6 years) reported having previously prescribed AEL with resistance training, while 15 (age: 34.7 ± 8.0 years) did not. Respondents most frequently learned about AEL from S&C experts (83%), academic journals (83%), and S&C colleagues (65%). Limited equipment access (60%), supervision issues associated with large athlete cohorts (33%), inappropriate athlete populations (33%), and lack of full knowledge about this training method (33%) were identified as the main barriers preventing non-users from integrating AEL into their resistance training programs. AEL was reported to be primarily applied to athletes involved in team sports (65%), weightlifting/powerlifting (30%), and track and field (22%), most of whom were younger than 30 years and had substantial resistance training experience. AEL was most frequently implemented with the back squat (83%) with a primary goal of enhancing maximal strength (84%) and/or power output (74%). Further practical and evidence-based information on how to safely and effectively apply AEL for different training purposes is warranted to guide practice.
Yang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.