Quiroga 1

Gael Quiroga

ENGL 13011- 102

Dr. Sharity Nelson

7 November 2023

Rhetorical Analysis of a Peer-Reviewed Article

Eduardo Abade, et al.'s research article, titled "Effects of Compound and Complex

Strength-Power Training in Team Sports during In-season," aims to highlight the significance of

specific strength and power training methods, such as compound and complex training, for

improving the performance of team sport athletes during their in-season period. Abade and

colleagues conducted a study with twenty male handball players aged 22 to 27, involving a 12-

week in-season training program. The participants were divided into two groups: stronger

athletes performed compound training on separate days, while weaker athletes engaged in

complex training during the same session. Pre-test measurements, including vertical jump tests,

assessments of linear sprint capacity, a change of direction test, and repetitive sprint ability tests,

were conducted before the trial (Abade et al. 373-374). Eduardo Abade's article demonstrates its

strong creditability by thoroughly presenting well-sourced data. It incorporates data tables and

graphs while maintaining objectivity by refraining from emotional appeals delivering a highly

informative and unbiased analysis.

One of the first ways Abade effectively delivers a compelling argument is by building

strong credibility with the readers. The first example is when Abade states, "This is the first

study to explore the effects of a combined strength-power training program applied during a

team sports' in-season period under two different contexts." (Abade, et al. 377). Here, the peer-

reviewed journal article emphasizes the importance of the study, underlining its contribution to
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the body of research in the field. This demonstrates the reliability of the information as it is

derived from an original research study. The article relies on information from a scientific

research study, which inherently carries credibility and reliability. Using statistics,

measurements, and standardized mean differences adds to the credibility of the information

presented. This aligns with the use of ethos and logos because it appeals to the authority and

logic of the research. Another example is that the article references relevant scientific literature

and principles to support its claims. For example, it mentions, " The physiological mechanisms

underlying the post-activation potentiation effects appear to be related to the motor-neurons

excitability resultant from a pre-conditioning high-intensity activity (Matthews, Matthews, &

Snook, 2004) and an increase in the synchronization and number of motor units recruited (Sale,

2004).," (Abade et al. 377) show that the information presented is based on established scientific

knowledge. Not only does it demonstrate scientists' knowledge, but it also shows that other

reliable researchers held the same belief. Abade excellently demonstrates his credibility, which

builds a strong argument.

While the peer review article clearly shows reliable credibility, it also demonstrates a

great sense of data, which is the use of ethos. In the Article, Abade provides the audience with

data tables and figures to present his research results. He explicitly states, "Table 1 presents

descriptive and probabilistic statistics, and Figure 2 includes standardized differences for the pre-

to post-test performance measures" (Abade, et al. 376). This reveals that Table 1 showcases the

pre and post-test results for compound training, and Figure 2 depicts a graphical representation

of the same results. The data indicates no significant impact on stronger players who undergo the

compound training program (Abade, et al. 378). Additionally, Abade uses the same concept of

table 1 and figure 2 by illustrating the results of complex training in Table 2 and Figure 3, noting,
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"The results show that weaker players experienced significant improvements in physical profiles

during in-season periods when performing complex strength training" (Abade, et al. 378). This

indicates that weaker players had significant improvements after completing complex training.

The article also makes use of specific data and metrics to support its arguments and findings. For

example, it states, "The CMJ presented a most likely improvement (13.7%; 5.4%, moderate

effect) after strength training intervention." (Abade, et al. 376). This data-driven statement shows

the improvement in Countermovement Jump (CMJ) performance, making it clear to the reader

that the strength training program had a significant positive impact. The article presents data

from the research study in a clear and organized manner. It discusses the performance measures'

pre-test and post-test values and provides insights into the effects of the training programs on the

athletes. This logical presentation of data aligns with the use of logos.

Throughout this article, Abade uses ethos and logos since his goal is to inform about the

research he conducted. The article is more informative and does not use pathos since it does not

use emotion, just facts. Abade maintains an informative and objective tone throughout. It avoids

emotional appeals and instead focuses on presenting the facts and findings of the study. The

article maintains an informative and objective tone, avoiding emotional appeals or

sensationalism. For instance, it does not use exaggerated or emotional language when discussing

performance improvements. It states the facts clearly and objectively, such as, "The CMJ

presented a most likely improvement (13.7%; 5.4%, moderate effect) after the strength training

intervention" (Abade, et al. 376), avoiding emotional language. Another example of this is when

Abade states, "This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week combined strength

powertraining programme applied during handball in-season period under two different contexts:

(i) compound strength-power performed by stronger athletes at different days and (ii) complex
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strength-power performed by weaker athletes within the same training session." (Abade, et al.

373). This article aims to present only information, with no emotional content, and compare

complex and compound training.

Eduardo Abade's research article utilizes ethos, logos, and an objective standpoint based

on results. Abade establishes his credibility by employing ethos through the new study of

strength-power training in team sports during the in-season period. This credibility is further

bolstered by references to peer-reviewed literature and scientific principles, creating a foundation

of trust in the research presented. Using logos is evident in Abade's data-driven approach, where

statistics, measurements, and standardized mean differences converge to paint a clear picture of

the study's findings. Abade communicates complex information precisely through tables and

figures, enhancing the article's overall informative quality. Notably, the deliberate absence of

pathos underscores the article's commitment to a purely factual presentation. Abade tactfully

avoids emotional appeals, opting for a measured and objective tone. The language remains free

from exaggeration, ensuring the focus remains squarely on the research's objective and unbiased

portrayal of performance improvements. Abade conducts a powerfully written article with an

objective standpoint, and the use of factual evidence makes his article very trustworthy.
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Work Cited

Abade, Eduardo, et al. “Effects Of Using Compound Or Complex Strength-power Training

During In-season In Team Sports.” Research In Sports Medicine, vol. 28, no.3, 2020, pp

371-382. Academic Search Complete, DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2019.1697927