This article presents a robust science-based investigation into the tapering practices of United States and Canadian raw powerlifters, offering key insights for the field of strength and conditioning. Introduction and Objectives The study’s central objective was to characterize how North American powerlifters adjust their training in the final stage before major competitions. Tapering—involving deliberate reduction of training load and an increase in lift specificity—has been

In recent years, the rise of sports science technologies such as force plates, motion capture, and wearable sensors has brought asymmetry data to the forefront of athlete monitoring. These tools allow coaches and practitioners to quantify even subtle differences in strength, power, or movement patterns between limbs with remarkable precision. Yet, while asymmetry is often viewed as a potential risk factor for injury or a limitation to performance, the interpretation is far fr

Introduction This article by Ishida et al. addresses a critical topic for sports scientists and strength and conditioning professionals: the reliability of commonly used performance tests—namely, the isometric squat (ISQ), isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), and squat jump (SJ)—in moderately resistance-trained men. By evaluating both intrasession (within the same session) and intersession (between separate sessions) reliability, the study aims to clarify which kinetic variables a