This excerpt from NSCA’s Guide to Sport and Exercise Nutrition explains branched-chain amino acids

Since traditional sport-specific training or exercise programs do not create enough stimulus to improve the function of the respiratory muscles, the rationale to introduce respiratory muscle training (RMT) emerged. RMT is associated with improved endurance performance and pulmonary function, and it reduced respiratory fatigue, perceived exertion, or breathlessness. The purpose of this article is to provide coaches with tools to select the appropriate form of RMT in the context of the athletes’ needs, using appropriate methods, techniques, devices, and testing protocols. The video abstract is presented in Supplemental Digital Content as SDC 1

This NSCA Coach article offers a brief description on the various methods for setting resistance training loads. Visit NSCA online to read more on strength training and program development.

The purpose of this article is to give an overview and theoretical framework on the concept of periodized nutrition—with an emphasis on adequate carbohydrate intake to enhance performance.

This article will explore the wide-ranging benefits of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM), specifically in the context of NCAA athletes, and how it has the potential to become a vital tool.

With almost one million people in the United States living with multiple sclerosis, this article aims to provide personal trainers with ideas for exercises to meet the needs of these individuals.

This Personal Training Quarterly article presents alternative ways of teaching the squat technique. Visit NSCA online to read more on exercise science, health, and fitness.

This article addresses three main areas of resistance exercise that best prepares tactical personnel for load carriage.

The purpose of this article is to review the related literature that has explored the influence of resistance training programs on the onset of fatigue and muscular power as it relates to non-contact high-intensity intermittent sports, in order to provide suggestions for creating same-day training programs.

Exercise is increasingly recognized as an effective, nonpharmacological approach for managing both acute and chronic pain. However, accurate pain assessment methods tailored to different exercise settings and populations are essential. This review evaluates existing pain assessment techniques, highlighting self-report measures such as the Visual Analog Scale and Numerical Rating Scale, as well as quantitative measures, such as Pressure Pain Threshold and Conditioned Pain Modulation. These techniques provide valuable insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms behind pain reduction. Although exercise commonly produces a temporary reduction in pain sensitivity known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), the effectiveness of this response depends on various factors, such as exercise intensity, psychological state, and pre-existing pain conditions. In addition, exercise itself can sometimes lead to short-term discomfort due to muscle fatigue or delayed-onset muscle soreness. This review offers strength and conditioning providers, as well as researchers, a clear framework for (a) selecting appropriate pain assessment tools, (b) designing research protocols, and (c) customizing exercise interventions for specific populations and pain conditions. By examining self-report and quantitative assessment techniques, along with considerations for data analysis and practical application, this review helps strength and conditioning professionals interpret the literature surrounding EIH and apply practical pain monitoring strategies to guide training and recovery in various populations.