Prof. Dr. Steffen Held

Prof. Dr. Steffen Held

Steffen Held studierte an der Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, wo er einen Abschluss in Sport und Physik erlangte. Nach seinem Studium arbeitete er als Lehrer an einem Gymnasium in Wiesbaden, bevor er seine Leidenschaft für die Forschung entdeckte. 2021 promovierte er im Bereich der Trainingswissenschaften an der Deutschen Sporthochschule Köln. Seine Promotion konzentrierte sich hauptsächlich auf die Analyse der Muskelaktivität beim Rudern im Labor und im Feld, den Zusammenhang zwischen Leistungs- und Ruderkonfiguration sowie die Entwicklung von Kraft- und Ausdauerinterventionen. Seit 2023 ist er Professor (FH) an der IST-Hochschule für Management und leitet den Bachelor Studiengang „Sportwissenschaften und Training“. Aktuelle Forschungsvorhaben umfassen insbesondere die Anwendung biomechanischer Analysemethoden und die Durchführung interdisziplinärer Interventionsstudien zur Optimierung des Trainings und zur Verbesserung der sportlichen Leistung. Neben zahlreichen nationalen und internationalen Publikationen und Kongressbeiträgen arbeitet Prof. Held als Gutachter für verschiedene internationale Journale.

Steffen Held completed his studies at Goethe University Frankfurt, where he earned a degree in Sports Science and Physics. Following his studies, he worked as a teacher at a secondary school in Wiesbaden before discovering his passion for research. In 2021, he earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the German Sport University Cologne. His doctoral research primarily focused on analyzing muscle activity during rowing in both laboratory and field settings, examining the relationship between performance and rowing settings, and developing strength and endurance interventions. Since 2023, he works as a Professor at the IST University of Applied Sciences, where he leads the Bachelor's program in Sports Science and Training. His current research projects particularly involve the application of biomechanical analysis methods and the conduct of interdisciplinary intervention studies aimed at optimizing training and enhancing athletic performance. In addition to numerous national and international publications and conference presentations, Prof. Held serves as a reviewer for various international journals.

ResearchGate

Latest (peer reviewed) publications:

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Brockherde J, Donath L. Reliability of the Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate in Rowers. Int J Sports Med. 2023 Dec 18. doi: 10.1055/a-2206-4959. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38109898.

  • Geisler S, Havers T, Isenmann E, Schulze J, Lourens LK, Nowak J, Held S, Haff GG. Effects of Expertise on Muscle Activity during the Hang Power Clean and Hang Power Snatch Compared to Snatch and Clean Pulls - An Explorative Analysis. J Sports Sci Med. 2023 Dec 1;22(4):778-789. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2023.778. PMID: 38045750; PMCID: PMC10690512.

  • Lichtenstein E, Held S, Rappelt L, Zacher J, Eibl A, Ludyga S, Faude O, Donath L. Agility training to integratively promote neuromuscular, cardiorespiratory and cognitive function in healthy older adults: a one-year randomized-controlled trial. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2023 Nov 11;20(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s11556-023-00331-6. PMID: 37951885; PMCID: PMC10638759.

  • Rappelt L, Micke F, Held S, Dörmann U, Kleinöder H, Donath L. Effects of Four Weeks of Static vs. Dynamic Bodyweight Exercises with Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Jump and Strength Performance: A Two-Armed, Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Sports Sci Med. 2023 Jun 1;22(2):226-234. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2023.226. PMID: 37293409; PMCID: PMC10244999.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Rein R, Wiedenmann T, Donath L. Low-intensity climbing with blood flow restriction over 5 weeks increases grip and elbow flexor endurance in advanced climbers: A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Sport Sci. 2023 Oct;23(10):2031-2037. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2023.2207079. Epub 2023 May 11. PMID: 37167343.

  • Rappelt L, Held S, Wiedenmann T, Deutsch JP, Hochstrate J, Wicker P, Donath L. Restricted nasal-only breathing during self-selected low intensity training does not affect training intensity distribution. Front Physiol. 2023 Apr 20;14:1134778. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1134778. PMID: 37153227; PMCID: PMC10156973.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Donath L. Acute and Chronic Performance Enhancement in Rowing: A Network Meta-analytical Approach on the Effects of Nutrition and Training. Sports Med. 2023 Jun;53(6):1137-1159. doi: 10.1007/s40279-023-01827-y. Epub 2023 Apr 25. PMID: 37097415; PMCID: PMC10185652.

  • Drum SN, Rappelt L, Held S, Donath L. Effects of Trail Running versus Road Running-Effects on Neuromuscular and Endurance Performance-A Two Arm Randomized Controlled Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Mar 3;20(5):4501. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20054501. PMID: 36901510; PMCID: PMC10002259.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Wiedenmann T, Deutsch JP, Röttgen J, Donath L. Blood Flow Restricted Cycling Impairs Subsequent Jumping But Not Balance Performance Slightly More Than Non-Restricted Cycling: An Acute Randomized Controlled Cross- Over Trial. J Sports Sci Med. 2023 Mar 1;22(1):44-50. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2023.44. PMID: 36876181; PMCID: PMC9982535.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Giesen R, Wiedenmann T, Deutsch JP, Wicker P, Donath L. Increased oxygen uptake in well-trained runners during uphill high intensity running intervals: A randomized crossover testing. Front Physiol. 2023 Feb 16;14:1117314. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1117314. PMID: 36875023; PMCID: PMC9977817.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Deutsch JP, Rein R, Wiedenmann T, Schiffer A, Bieder A, Staub I, Donath L. Low-intensity swimming with blood flow restriction over 5 weeks increases VO2peak: A randomized controlled trial using Bayesian informative prior distribution. Eur J Sport Sci. 2023 Aug;23(8):1622-1628. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2023.2180671. Epub 2023 Mar 6. PMID: 36780333.

  • Wiedenmann T, Held S, Rappelt L, Grauduszus M, Spickermann S, Donath L. Exercise based reduction of falls in communitydwelling older adults: a network meta-analysis. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2023 Jan 28;20(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s11556-023-00311-w. PMID: 36707758; PMCID: PMC9883964.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Deutsch JP, Donath L. Jump and Sprint Performance Directly and 24 h After Velocity- vs. Failure-based Training. Int J Sports Med. 2023 Mar;44(3):199-205. doi: 10.1055/a-1897-5694. Epub 2022 Dec 2. PMID: 36460046.

  • Reichel T, Held S, Schwarz A, Hacker S, Wesemann F, Donath L, Krüger K. Acute response of biomarkers in plasma from capillary blood after a strenuous endurance exercise bout. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2023 Jan;123(1):179-189. doi: 10.1007/s00421-022-05068-1. Epub 2022 Oct 13. PMID: 36227377; PMCID: PMC9813032.

  • Rappelt L, Held S, Leicht M, Wicker P, Donath L. Similar strength gains at lower perceived efforts via cluster set vs. traditional home-based online training: A 6 weeks randomized controlled trial. Front Sports Act Living. 2022 Aug 25;4:968258. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.968258. PMID: 36091869; PMCID: PMC9453863.

  • Held S, Raiteri B, Rappelt L, Hahn D, Donath L. Ultrasound and surface electromyography analyses reveal an intensity dependent active stretch- shortening cycle of the vastus lateralis muscle during ergometer rowing. Eur J Sport Sci. 2023 Sep;23(9):1940-1949. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2119434. Epub 2022 Oct 10. PMID: 36043353.

  • Held S, Speer K, Rappelt L, Wicker P, Donath L. The effectiveness of traditional vs. velocity-based strength training on explosive and maximal strength performance: A network meta-analysis. Front Physiol. 2022 Aug 10;13:926972. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.926972. PMID: 36035476; PMCID: PMC9399433.

  • Labott BK, Held S, Wiedenmann T, Rappelt L, Wicker P, Donath L. Validity and Reliability of a Commercial Force Sensor for the Measurement of Upper Body Strength in Sport Climbing. Front Sports Act Living. 2022 Jul 22;4:838358. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.838358. PMID: 35935067; PMCID: PMC9353027.

  • Micke F, Held S, Lindenthal J, Donath L. Effects of electromyostimulation on performance parameters in sportive and trained athletes: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Eur J Sport Sci. 2023 Aug;23(8):1570-1580. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2107437. Epub 2022 Aug 22. PMID: 35913269.

  • Ludyga S, Held S, Rappelt L, Donath L, Klatt S. A network meta-analysis comparing the effects of exercise and cognitive training on executive function in young and middle-aged adults. Eur J Sport Sci. 2023 Jul;23(7):1415-1425. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2099765. Epub 2022 Jul 25. PMID: 35848068.

  • Rappelt L, Held S, Donath L. Handcycling with concurrent lower body low- frequency electromyostimulation significantly increases acute oxygen uptake: implications for rehabilitation and prevention. PeerJ. 2022 May 18;10:e13333. doi: 10.7717/peerj.13333. PMID: 35607449; PMCID: PMC9123886.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Wicker P, Donath L. Changing Oar Rotation Axis Position Increases Catch Angle During Indoor and In-Field Para-Rowing: A Randomized Crossover Trial Verified by a Repeated Measurement Trial. Front Physiol. 2022 Feb 22;13:833646. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.833646. PMID: 35273520; PMCID: PMC8904152.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Donath L. Reliable Peak Power Assessment During Concentric and Flexion-Extension-Cycle Based Rowing Strokes using a Non-Modified Rowing Ergometer. J Sports Sci Med. 2022 Feb 15;21(1):131-136. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2022.131. PMID: 35250343; PMCID: PMC8851121.

  • Held S, Rappelt L, Deutsch JP, Donath L. Valid and Reliable Barbell Velocity Estimation Using an Inertial Measurement Unit. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Aug 31;18(17):9170. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18179170. PMID: 34501761; PMCID: PMC8431394.

  • Rappelt L, Held S, Donath L. Concentric not eccentric cycling sprint intervals acutely impair balance and jump performance in healthy active young adults: A randomized controlled cross-over study. Gait Posture. 2021 Oct;90:55-60. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.08.006. Epub 2021 Aug 9. PMID: 34390923.

  • Baumgartner T, Held S, Klatt S, Donath L. Limitations of Foot-Worn Sensors for Assessing Running Power. Sensors (Basel). 2021 Jul 21;21(15):4952. doi: 10.3390/s21154952. PMID: 34372188; PMCID: PMC8348641.

  • Boullosa D, Dragutinovic B, Deutsch JP, Held S, Donath L, Bloch W, Schumann M. Acute and Delayed Effects of Time-Matched Very Short "All Out" Efforts in Concentric vs. Eccentric Cycling. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 28;18(15):7968. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18157968. PMID: 34360257; PMCID: PMC8345736.

  • Held S, Hecksteden A, Meyer T, Donath L. Improved Strength and Recovery After Velocity-Based Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2021 Aug 1;16(8):1185–1193. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0451. Epub 2021 Feb 4. PMID: 33547265.

  • Ebner SA, Meikis L, Morat M, Held S, Morat T, Donath L. Effects of Movement- Based Mind-Body Interventions on Physical Fitness in Healthy Older Adults: A Meta-Analytical Review. Gerontology. 2021;67(2):125-143. doi: 10.1159/000512675. Epub 2021 Jan 27. PMID: 33503630.

  • Labott BK, Held S, Donath L. Grip Strength-Endurance in Ambitious and Recreational Climbers: Does the Strength Decrement Index Serve as a Feasible Measure? Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 19;17(24):9530. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17249530. PMID: 33352653; PMCID: PMC7766408.

  • Röhrken G, Held S, Donath L. Six Weeks of Polarized Versus Moderate Intensity Distribution: A Pilot Intervention Study. Front Physiol. 2020 Nov 12;11:534688. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.534688. PMID: 33281607; PMCID: PMC7689383.

  • Held S, Siebert T, Donath L. Author Correction: Electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis and gastrocnemius implicates a slow stretch-shortening cycle during rowing in the field. Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 23;10(1):15906. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-73251-5. Erratum for: Sci Rep. 2020 Jun 11;10(1):9451. PMID: 32968189; PMCID: PMC7511959.

  • Hanel J, Owen PJ, Held S, Tagliaferri SD, Miller CT, Donath L, Belavy DL. Effects of Exercise Training on Fear-Avoidance in Pain and Pain-Free Populations: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2020 Dec;50(12):2193-2207. doi: 10.1007/s40279-020-01345-1. PMID: 32946074.

  • Held S, Siebert T, Donath L. 10% Higher Rowing Power Outputs After Flexion- Extension-Cycle Compared to an Isolated Concentric Contraction in Sub-Elite Rowers. Front Physiol. 2020 Jun 17;11:521. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00521. PMID: 32625103; PMCID: PMC7311752.

  • Held S, Siebert T, Donath L. Electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis and gastrocnemius implicates a slow stretch-shortening cycle during rowing in the field. Sci Rep. 2020 Jun 11;10(1):9451. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-66124-4. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 23;10(1):15906. PMID: 32528173; PMCID: PMC7289868.

  • Engel FA, Rappelt L, Held S, Donath L. Can High-Intensity Functional Suspension Training over Eight Weeks Improve Resting Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Young Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 12;16(24):5062. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16245062. PMID: 31842259; PMCID: PMC6950016.

  • Held S, Behringer M, Donath L. Low intensity rowing with blood flow restriction over 5 weeks increases V̇O2max in elite rowers: A randomized controlled trial. J Sci Med Sport. 2020 Mar;23(3):304-308. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.10.002. Epub 2019 Oct 15. PMID: 31672481.

  • Held S, Siebert T, Donath L. Changes in mechanical power output in rowing by varying stroke rate and gearing. Eur J Sport Sci. 2020 Apr;20(3):357-365. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1628308. Epub 2019 Jun 23. PMID: 31232195.