This literature review covers articles relating to nonoperative vs. surgical treatment of acute achilles’ tendon rupture.

In May 2026's Barbell Mastery Club Literature Review, we examined the current research on atrial fibrillation (AFib), exercise, and return-to-training considerations.

Using two recent meta-analyses, we explored what the literature currently supports regarding exercise interventions for individuals with AFib and how these findings apply to strength athletes and active adults.

Topics covered include:

• The relationship between exercise and atrial fibrillation symptoms

• Current evidence supporting exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for individuals with AFib

• Why moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise appears to improve symptom severity and recurrence rates

• The limitations of the current research, particularly regarding resistance training and strength athletes

• How inflammation, stress, recovery, and sleep can influence AFib symptoms

• Why exercise recommendations should be individualized rather than protocol-driven

• Considerations for athletes returning to training after cardiac ablation procedures

• The impact of medications such as beta blockers on exercise performance and perceived exertion

• Practical coaching considerations for modifying training in individuals with AFib

We also discuss gaps in the current literature and why future research on AFib in athletic populations is needed.

This review provides practical takeaways for coaches, clinicians, and lifters who want to better understand how to safely navigate training with AFib while maintaining long-term fitness and performance goals.

Literature Review Details:
Topic: Understanding what the literature says about knee pain and squatting.

Goal: To dissect and understand the quality and interpretation of recent literature surrounding knee pain and squatting. This will provide coaches and clinicians with language to confidently help their clients continue to get stronger and modify training even if they are experiencing knee pain.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are rapidly becoming one of the most discussed medications in healthcare. Originally developed for diabetes management, they are now widely prescribed for obesity, cardiometabolic disease, and weight management. As their use increases, so do questions from athletes, coaches, and clinicians.

This literature review covers articles relating to the impact of corticosteroid injection on rotator cuff tendon health and repair.

This literature review covers articles relating to injuries among weightlifters and powerlifters.

Literature Review Details:
This month we’ll be reviewing recent literature on conservative versus surgical management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and discussing its relevance in the context of working with and advising barbell training athletes with FAI and other similar hip symptoms.

This literature review covers articles relating to nonsurgical vs. surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy.

Literature Review Details:
The focus of this month’s literature review is to explore recent peer reviewed studies, systematic reviews, and meta analyses to understand the prevalence of LBP in the general and active populations, short and long term outcomes from different treatment options, and what this means for barbell training and powerlifting athletes.

In this Literature Review, we break down the recently updated American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Position Stand on Resistance Training, the first major update since 2009.

Drawing from 137 systematic reviews and more than 30,000 participants, this paper represents one of the most comprehensive summaries of resistance training research to date.

Topics covered include:

• What has changed in resistance training recommendations since 2009

• Why individualization is emphasized over rigid programming prescriptions

• The current evidence on training to failure and its impact on strength and hypertrophy

• The effectiveness of free weights, machines, and resistance bands for different populations

• What the research says about periodization and who may benefit from it

• The role of consistency, adherence, and enjoyment in long-term progress

• Hypertrophy recommendations, including volume and frequency considerations

• Evidence-based recommendations for maximal strength development

• Power training considerations and the role of Olympic lifts

• Current evidence regarding blood flow restriction (BFR) training in healthy individuals

One of the major themes throughout the paper is that there is no single "best" resistance training program. Instead, successful programs are those that align with an individual's goals, preferences, abilities, and circumstances while applying the principles of progressive overload consistently over time.

This review highlights how the latest evidence supports a flexible, individualized approach to resistance training while reinforcing many of the principles that have guided successful strength training for decades.