An International Survey of Practitioners' Perceptions and Practices Regarding Accentuated Eccentric Loading for Power Development in Sport

The aim of this study was to examine strength and conditioning (S&C) practitioners' perceptions and practices of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) for power development in sport. An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was completed by S&C practitioners (n = 106), of whom 66 (62%) reported using AEL for power development. The survey comprised fixed-response and open-ended questions across 5 sections: informed consent, background information, perceptions, practices, and additional feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze fixed-response data, whereas open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Among AEL users, submaximal and supramaximal approaches were equally reported (both 42.4%), with 15.2% of practitioners using both. Accentuated eccentric loading was most commonly implemented 1 to 2 times per week using low volumes (1–3 sets of 4–6 repetitions), with application distributed across general (31.2%), specific (36.6%), and in-season (24.7%) phases. Practitioners reported improvements in jump and explosive performance, although implementation was influenced by athlete readiness, training age, and technical competency. Key limitations included fatigue and recovery demands (49.0%) and technical complexity (28.6%). Non-use was primarily attributed to practical constraints (43.8%), athlete readiness (37.5%), and perceived risk or uncertainty (18.8%). Accentuated eccentric loading is widely used by S&C practitioners to enhance power development; however, its application is highly variable and constrained by practical and contextual factors. Practitioners should individualize AEL prescription based on athlete characteristics, training phase, and logistical constraints, while carefully managing eccentric load and velocity to optimize power-oriented outcomes. Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.