Unilateral Resistance Training Strategies for Boosting Rehabilitation: An Expert Survey

Objectives: This research paper proposes an innovative framework for developing adaptive and dedicated rehabilitation strategies based on the perceptions of specialists in sports rehabilitation (RT), sports training (AR) and with mixed expertise (RT+AR) regarding advanced resistance training methods, including Effort-Based Training (EBT-3/7), Cluster Training (CT), Rest-Pause Training (RPT) and Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP). The aim of this paper was to develop a tailored strategy for rehabilitation programs, grounded in a targeted selection of training methods, short-term periodization and exercises structured around key training variables such as frequency, intensity and volume. Methods: In order to reach this objective, a quantitative research method is proposed, aiming to identify the experts' opinion on the way of managing and integrating Unilateral Resistance Training Exercise (URTE). Data processing and analysis were conducted by means of specific tests supplied by the SPSS Statistics for Windows (version 20.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The findings indicate that EBT-3/7 is perceived as the most effective method for rehabilitation with minimal injury risk, whereas CT and PAP are associated with performance benefits but higher perceived injury risk. RT+AR specialists reported more frequent use of these methods and higher perceived effectiveness. Additionally, they demonstrated superior operational and dynamic capabilities compared to single-domain specialists. Conclusions: According to specialists' opinions, URTE is effective for post-injury rehabilitation, with combined rehabilitation and training expertise enhancing utilization, perceived effectiveness and implementation of personalized, performance-oriented strategies.