From Monitoring to Prediction: Velocity-Based Strength Training in Female Floorball Athletes

This study examined the use of linear regression models for predicting the outcomes of a six-week velocity-based training (VBT) intervention in female floorball players. The intervention was integrated into regular training and consisted of brief 30-min sessions focused on back squats and trap bar deadlifts. Key performance metrics included neuromuscular adaptation, sprint speed, jump performance, stop-and-go (SAG) performance, and load-velocity profiles. Seventeen participants completed 12 training sessions, a strength block set (Sessions 1-6) and a power block set (Sessions 7-12). The predictive models explained 54% to 79% (R2 = 0.54-0.79) of the performance improvement in the strength-related tests. Significant gains were observed in neuromuscular metrics, including estimated one-repetition maximum (1RMest) and average mean concentric velocity for both exercises. These findings underscore the predictive potential of VBT in enhancing strength and power while highlighting the need to integrate task-specific exercises to optimize sport-specific performance. This study provides valuable insights for tailoring VBT strategies for female athletes in high-demand team sports such as floorball.