Velocity-Based Training (VBT) Masterclass

The Velocity-Based Training (VBT) Masterclass is a cutting-edge course designed to empower sports professionals and rehabilitation specialists with the knowledge and skills to optimize performance and recovery using VBT. Led by Bram Swinnen, a leading authority in sports science and kinesiology, this masterclass offers participants a deep dive into VBT principles and their practical application in sports performance, strength training, and rehabilitation.

Participants will learn how to assess and monitor fatigue, tailor training intensity, and improve key athletic metrics such as strength, hypertrophy, sprint performance, and rate of force development (RFD). The masterclass also delves into force-velocity profiling and its significance in customizing training programs to individual needs, making this course essential for coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists looking to stay ahead of the curve in modern training methodologies.

Key Course Topics:

• VBT and Neuromuscular Fatigue: Understanding how VBT monitors neuromuscular fatigue and optimizes training for performance enhancement.
• Relationship Between Velocity Loss and Neuromuscular Performance: Analyzing how velocity loss during training impacts neuromuscular output.
• Strength Development: Applying VBT to strength training across different populations, from athletes to patients in rehabilitation.
• Rate of Force Development (RFD), Vertical Jump, Change of Direction: Enhancing explosive power through targeted VBT strategies.
• Sprint Performance: Using velocity and strength training principles to improve sprint speed and efficiency.
• Hypertrophy: Implementing VBT methods to drive muscle growth and strength gains.
• Strength Endurance: Designing programs to improve muscular endurance using VBT metrics.
• Phenotype, Stiffness, Activation Delay, Fascicle Length: Understanding muscle structure and mechanics for performance optimization.
• Force-Velocity Profiling: Developing force-velocity profiles to individualize training programs.
• VBT Prescription (Velocity Zones/Prilepin/Percentage-Based): Prescribing training intensity based on velocity metrics for optimized results.
• VBT Periodization: Creating periodized VBT-driven programs for peak performance.
• VBT in Rehabilitation: Using VBT to safely progress patients through rehabilitation.
• Augmented Feedback and External Focus: Leveraging real-time feedback to enhance motor learning and performance.

Goals & Learning outcomes:

1. VBT (Velocity-Based Training) and Neuromuscular Fatigue

   • Goal: Understand how VBT can be applied to monitor and optimize neuromuscular fatigue during strength and performance-based training.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to evaluate the effects of VBT on fatigue levels and apply it in training programs for athletes.

2. Relationship Between Velocity Loss and Neuromuscular Performance

   • Goal: Gain insight into the relationship between velocity loss during sets and the decline in neuromuscular performance.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to quantify the correlation between velocity loss and neuromuscular performance and apply it to training programs.

3. Strength Development

   • Goal: Understand and apply the fundamental principles of strength training for various populations, from athletes to patients in rehabilitation.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to design and implement evidence-based strength training methods.

4. Rate of Force Development (RFD), Vertical Jump, Change of Direction

   • Goal: Understand how strength training influences RFD, vertical jump, and change of direction performance.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to apply techniques to increase RFD and improve performance in jumping and sprinting sports.

5. Sprint Performance

   • Goal: Analyze how speed and strength interact to influence sprint performance and use this information to enhance training programs.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to assess and improve sprint performance through speed and strength training.

6. Hypertrophy

   • Goal: Understand the physiological mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and how to practically apply them in training.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to design training programs for muscle growth based on scientific evidence.

7. Strength Endurance

   • Goal: Understand the importance of strength endurance in different sports and how to design training programs for this quality.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to evaluate and improve strength endurance in functional training programs.

8. Phenotype, Stiffness, Activation Delay, Fascicle Length

   • Goal: Understand the influence of muscle phenotype and structural characteristics, such as fascicle length, on performance.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to assess how different muscle structures and mechanical properties affect performance and adjust training accordingly.

9. Force-Velocity Profiling

   • Goal: Create and interpret force-velocity profiles to optimize individual training programs.
   • Learning Outcome: Students will be able to develop a force-velocity profile and use the results to design personalized training programs.

10. VBT Prescription (Velocity Zones/Prilepin/Percentage-Based)

• Goal: Use different VBT methods to prescribe training intensity and evaluate the effectiveness of each method.
• Learning Outcome: Students will be able to choose and implement the appropriate VBT method based on training goals and athletic demands.

11. VBT Periodization

• Goal: Apply periodization principles in a VBT-driven program to maximize peak performance.
• Learning Outcome: Students will be able to design periodization plans for athletes using VBT to peak at the right moment.

12. VBT in Rehabilitation

• Goal: Understand and apply VBT in rehabilitation to ensure safe and effective recovery.
• Learning Outcome: Students will be able to use VBT in rehabilitation programs to monitor and optimize progressive overload.

13. Augmented Feedback and External Focus

• Goal: Use augmented feedback and external focus strategies in training to improve performance and motor learning.
• Learning Outcome: Students will be able to effectively apply feedback mechanisms in coaching and training to enhance learning outcomes and performance.