Estratégias resilientes de jogadores de futebol profissional atuantes no estado do Ceará / Resilient strategies of professional soccer players acting in the state of Ceará / Estrategias resistentes de jugadores de fútbol profesionales que actúan en el estado de Ceará

Esta pesquisa objetiva investigar a existência de comportamentos resilientes em jogadores de futebol profissional atuantes no estado do Ceará, bem como identificar estratégias de enfrentamento e redes de apoio social dos jogadores. O estudo é fruto de uma pesquisa descritiva exploratória, qualitativa, na qual foram entrevistados dez jogadores de futebol vinculados a clubes cearenses, entre 18 e 38 anos, nascidos no estado ou não. Para contatá-los foi utilizado as redes sociais, o método bola de neve e o auxílio das assessorias esportivas. Devido a pandemia, a coleta de dados ocorreu de forma online e estes foram analisados através de uma análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostraram que os jogadores entrevistados são munidos de características da personalidade resiliente, tais como: crença em seu próprio potencial, o diálogo com pessoas de confiança, a religiosidade, as motivações individuais e o foco nos objetivos, e possuem uma forte rede de apoio social. Pôde-se concluir que os jogadores detêm um alto nível de resiliência, utilizando-se destas estratégias para superarem as dificuldades e se fortalecerem. Evidenciou-se que na percepção dos jogadores a atuação do psicólogo no esporte é crucial.

This research aims to analyze whether there is resilience in professional soccer players working in the state of Ceará, describe the resilient strategies used and identify whether players have a social support network. The study is the result of an exploratory, qualitative descriptive research, in which ten football players linked to Ceará clubs, between 18 and 38 years old, born in the state or not, were interviewed. To contact them, social networks, the snowball method and the help of sports advisors were used. Due to the pandemic, data collection took place online and these were analyzed through content analysis. The results showed that the interviewed players are equipped with resilient personality characteristics, such as: belief in their own potential, dialogue with trusted people, religiosity, individual motivations and focus on goals, and have a strong support network. Social. It can be concluded that players have a high level of resilience, using these strategies to overcome difficulties and strengthen themselves. It was evidenced that in the perception of the players the role of the psychologist in the sport is crucial.

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar si existe resiliencia en futbolistas profesionales que actúan en el estado de Ceará, describir las estrategias resilientes utilizadas e identificar si los jugadores cuentan con una red de apoyo social. El estudio es resultado de una investigación cualitativa descriptiva, exploratoria, en la que fueron entrevistados diez futbolistas vinculados a clubes de Ceará, entre 18 y 38 años, nacidos en el estado o no. Para contactarlos se utilizaron las redes sociales, el método bola de nieve y la ayuda de asesores deportivos. Debido a la pandemia, la recolección de datos se realizó en línea y estos fueron analizados a través del análisis de contenido. Los resultados mostraron que los jugadores entrevistados están dotados de características de personalidad resilientes, tales como: creencia en su propio potencial, diálogo con personas de confianza, religiosidad, motivaciones individuales y enfoque en objetivos, y cuentan con una fuerte red de apoyo social. Se puede concluir que los jugadores tienen un alto nivel de resiliencia, utilizando estas estrategias para superar las dificultades y fortalecerse. Se evidenció que en la percepción de los jugadores el papel del psicólogo en el deporte es crucial.

Resonancia magnética cardíaca y seguimiento de futbolistas profesionales post COVID-19 / Cardiac magnetic resonance and follow up of professional soccer players recovering from COVID-19

Resumen La incidencia de compromiso cardíaco post COVID-19 en pacientes que cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos o con síntomas leves no es bien conocida. Tampoco están claras las eventuales repercusiones cardíacas en el regreso al deporte de alto rendimiento. Se realizó un estudio observacional pros pectivo con evaluación mediante electrocardiograma, ecocardiograma Doppler y resonancia magnética cardiaca (RMC) a hombres futbolistas profesionales de nivel internacional que habían cursado COVID-19 asintomáticos o con síntomas leves; seguimiento 4 meses con participación en competencias nacionales e internacionales. Se incluyeron 24 futbolistas, edad media 27, (20-36). Nueve (37.5%) cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos y 15 (62.5%) con síntomas leves. Los exámenes físicos, electro y ecocardiográficos no evidenciaron cardiopatía. Las RMCs mostraron espesores y volúmenes ventriculares acordes a deportistas de alto rendimiento. En las señales de T1, T2 y saturación grasa no se observó infiltración grasa ni signos de edema; sin realce tardío post inyección de gadolinio. Comenzaron sus entrenamientos entre 12 y 14 días post diagnóstico. Once (45.8%) participaron entre 4 y 6 encuentros internacionales de la Copa Libertadores de América. Los restantes 13 cumplieron con entrenamientos de alta intensidad y participaron en competencias de liga local. A 4 meses del diagnóstico nin guno de los futbolistas desarrolló eventos cardíacos y los entrenamientos y competencias fueron bien tolerados. Estos hallazgos sugieren la escasa repercusión cardiovascular de COVID-19 y la excelente tolerancia al ejercicio de alta intensidad realizado en forma precoz post COVID de deportistas jóvenes que cursaron la enfermedad asintomáticos o con síntomas leves.

Abstract The incidence of post-COVID-19 cardiac compromise is not well known. The eventual cardiac repercussions on a return to high-performance sport are unclear. A prospective observational study with evaluation by physical examination, electrocardiogram, Doppler echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was carried out in international level professional soccer players recovering from COVID-19 who had the disease asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. Four-month follow-up with participation in national and international competitions. Twenty-four soccer players were included, age 27.13 years (between 20 and 36). Nine (37.5%) had asymptomatic disease and 15 (62.5%) had mild symptoms. No athletes required hospitalization. Physical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic examinations did not reveal heart disease. CMRs showed ventricular thicknesses and volumes consistent with high-performance athletes. In T1, T2 and fat saturation signals, no fat infiltration or signs of edema were observed. No late enhancement after gadolinium injection. They began their training between 12 and 14 days after diagnosis. Eleven (45.8%) participated between 4 and 6 international matches of Libertadores de América International Cup. The remaining 13 completed high intensity training sessions and participated in local league competitions. At 4 months after diagnosis, none of the soccer players developed cardiac events and training and competitions were well tolerated. These findings suggest low cardiovascular impact of COVID 19 and excellent tolerance to early post-COVID high intensity exercise of young athletes recovering from the disease with no or mild symptoms.

Masaje deportivo, una opción en la preparación del futbolista élite / Sport massage, an option in the preparation of the elite soccer player

Resumen Para el futuro incremento de los logros deportivos, se hace necesaria una estructura del proceso de entrenamiento y debe utilizarse todo un arsenal de medios, dirigidos a elevar la capacidad de trabajo de los deportistas. El masaje deportivo constituye uno de los medios más eficaces para lograr estos objetivos, como parte del entrenamiento, además, tiene gran importancia como medio para lograr el perfeccionamiento físico del deportista, alcanzar y mantener por más tiempo la forma deportiva. Por esta razón se propone como un medio en la preparación de los jugadores de fútbol. Para la realización de este trabajo, el autor se plantea como objetivo: proponer una planificación para la aplicación del masaje deportivo en la preparación de los jugadores de un equipo de fútbol de primera categoría. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos como: histórico-lógico, análisis y síntesis, análisis de documentos, modelación y sistémico estructural y métodos empíricos como: la encuesta y la estadística de análisis porcentual. Se seleccionó una población de tres entrenadores, un masajista, un médico deportivo y 17 jugadores de un equipo de fútbol de primera categoría para conocer los criterios, desde el punto de vista teórico como práctico, que tienen sobre el masaje deportivo como medio de preparación del equipo.

Abstract For the future increase of the sport achievements it becomes necessary a structure of the process of training and an entire set of means should be used, aimed at improving the capacity of the sportsmen's work. The sport massage constitutes one of the most effective means to achieve these objectives, as a part of training having great importance as means to achieve the sportsman's physical improvement, to reach and to keep for longer the sport body shape. This is mainly the reason which it is intended as a means in the preparation of the soccer players. For the realization of this work the author sets as objective: to propose a planning for the application of the sport massage in the preparation of the players of a team of soccer of first category. Theoretical methods were used as: historical-logical, analysis and synthesis, analysis of documents, modeling, systemic structural, and empiric methods as the survey, as well as the statistic of percentage analysis. A population of three coaches, a masagist, a sports doctor and 17 players from a first class football team were selected to know the criteria, from the theoretical and practical point of view, that they have on sports massage as a means of preparation of the team.

Characteristics of pre-existing physical factors associated with the onset of Osgood–Schlatter disease in junior soccer players / 体力科学

The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of pre-existing physical factors associated with the onset of Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) in junior soccer players. Fifty-nine junior soccer players of the elementary school were included in this study. The boys who had been diagnosed as OSD were excluded. At the time of the first investigation, the subjects were examined through physical evaluation and an ultrasonography. The subjects were followed up one and a half years, and the tibial tuberosity was classified according to the growth stages using the ultrasonography. After the end of follow-up period, the subjects were divided into two groups, those with signs and symptoms of OSD that appeared during the follow up period and those without that. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for the comparison between OSD group’s and control group’s initial assessments. The players who were followed up for one and half years were 38 people. 5 knees of the 4 players were clinically diagnosed as OSD (OSD group), and the remaining 34 players with no symptoms of the OSD constituted the control group. The range of the bilateral hip external rotation, straight leg raise of the non-dominant side, and knee flexion in the OSD group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). We concluded that a decrease in specific joint flexibility might be related with the onset of OSD.

Mídia e a produção do sujeito jogador de futebol profissional / Media and the production of the professional soccer player

Este artigo tem como objetivo visibilizar e problematizar a constituição do sujeito jogador de futebol profissional na sociedade contemporânea. Como ferramenta metodológica, utilizou-se a análise das práticas discursivas provenientes de materiais midiáticos, articuladas com as regularidades de enunciados construídos pelos campos de conhecimento na produção dos modos de subjetivação deste profissional. Para a análise, selecionou-se o material proveniente da mídia impressa – Jornal Zero Hora, de Porto Alegre, especialmente, em um período que caracterizou-se pelo surgimento de um atleta jovem na categoria profissional. Como resultado, pode ser visibilizado que o jogador de futebol profissional é constituído na contemporaneidade pelos modos de subjetivação através dos imperativos dos investimentos técnicos e do lucro. O sujeito é submetido a intensa produção de metodologias dos campos de saber para aperfeiçoamento para um alto-rendimento e por consequência estar de acordo com as exigências de qualificações do mercado profissional...

This paper aims to visualize and problematize the constitution of the professional football player in contemporary society. As a methodological tool, it is used to analysis the discursive practices from media materials, articulated with the regularities of statements constructed by knowledge fields in the production of professional modes of subjectivity. It was selected for analysis, a media material came from diaries, especially the period characterized by the emergence of a young athlete in the professional category and have earned attention from media. As a result, it can be visualized that the contemporary professional soccer player is composed by the modes of subjectivity through the imperatives of technical investment and profit on body. It is remarkably seen the production of methodological knowledge on athletes, that turns to a high performance...

Relationship between physical function and hamstrings strain in junior high school soccer players / 体力科学

In this study, we examined the relationship between physical function and muscle strain of hamstrings in junior high school soccer players. The subjects were 29 junior high school soccer players. The muscle strength of knee flexors and extensors relative to body weight and the hamstrings/quadriceps muscle strength ratio (H/Q ratio) were measured, and a tightness test, general joint looseness test and the New Physical Fitness Test of Japanese Ministry of Education and science were performed. We contacted the trainer to confirm occurrence of hamstrings strain, and we compared the above measurement and test results in subjects with and those without hamstring strain. Differences were analyzed by the unpaired t-test. There were significant differences between the two groups in muscle strength of knee extensors, H/Q ratio and tightness of hamstrings (p<0.05). The results suggest that increasing the H/Q ratio and stretching hamstrings are important for preventing hamstrings strain in junior high school soccer players.

Análise comparativa do perfil antropométrico de árbitros e jogadores de futebol / Comparative analysis of anthropometric profile in soccer players and referees

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e comparar o perfil antropométrico de jogadores da categoria júnior, com alunos a árbitros de futebol, já que ambos estão se preparando para atuarem no futebol profissional. A amostra foi composta por 22 jogadores juniores e 37 alunos árbitros. Foram avaliadas as variáveis antropométricas de massa corporal e estatura, quatro dobras cutâneas, dois diâmetros ósseos e dois perímetros. Os alunos árbitros apresentaram um percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) de 14,3 ± 4,8, contra 11,2 ± 2,3% dos jogadores, sendo diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,0427). O somatotipo dos atletas da categoria júnior, foi classificado como mesomorfo-ectomorfo (2,5?3,6?3,3), ou seja, existe uma predominância dos componentes músculo-esquelético e linear (estatura). Os alunos árbitros apresentaram um somatotipo classificado como mesomorfo endomorfos (3,4-4,7-2,5), apresentando predominância dos componentes músculo-esquelético e tecido adiposo. Este maior acúmulo de gordura apresentado pelos alunos árbitros pode vir a ser um limitador do desempenho física durante a partida.

The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the anthropometric profile of junior soccer players with soccer referee students, since both are preparing to work in professional soccer. The sample was composed by 22 junior players and 37 student referees. Anthropometric variables of body mass and height, four skinfolds, two bone diameters and two bone perimeters were assessed. Student referees had a body fat percentage (BF%) of 14.3 ± 4.8 against 11.2 ± 2.3% of the soccer players, being statistically significant (p = 0.0427). Junior athlete somatotype was classified as mesomorphic-ectomorphic (2.5?3.6?3.3), that is, there is a predominance of musculoskeletal and linear (height) components. Students referees presented somatotype which was classified as mesomorphic?endomorphic (3.4?4.7?2.5), demonstrating predominance of musculoskeletal components and adipose tissue. This higher fat accumulation presented by student referees can become a limiting physical performance during a match.

Fracture of the Fifth Proximal Metatarsal Bone in Soccer Players / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate correlation between lower limb varus and fracture of proximal 5th metatarsal bone occurred to soccer players and clinical results of treatment. Twenty soccer players (21 cases) were included and the average age of patients is 20.7 years. The average of follow up is 25 months. Fifteen cases were treated with intramedullary screw and 6 cases by conservative method. Union time, time of returning to exercise, lower extremity varus and complications were evaluated. In surgically treated group, the 14 cases gained radiological union in 7 weeks and the average time of returning to exercise was 3.4 months. In conservatively treated group, the 4 cases gained radiological union in 11 weeks and the average time of returning to exercise was 4.5 months. Radiological lower limb varus was observed in 17 cases. Lower limb varus may be one of predisposing factors to developing the fracture of proximal 5th metatarsal bone. And the surgical treatment was recommended than conservative treatment for better clinical outcomes.

A Comparison of Bone Mineral Density between Female Soccer Players and Sedentary College Students / 中国运动医学杂志

Objective To determine the effect of high-intensity physical activity on bone mineral density(BMD). Methods Thirty-six female soccer players (19.56±1.46 years) with more than two years training history and at least ten months soccer training annually were recruited as experiment group. Thirty-three female sedentary college students, whose physical activities were limited to the compulsory physical education curriculum,were assigned to the control group. BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neck were obtained before and after 24 months research,using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results After 24 months research, increased BMD were found in both groups. Soccer players had 2.25% increase of lumbar spine BMD(P0.05) and 2.03% increase of femoral neck BMD(P>0.05). Compared with sedentary college students,Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD in soccer players were significantly higher(P<0.05) after 24 months research. Conclusion Long-term soccer training had the effect of greater acquisition of BMD.

The Use of Nutritional Supplements in Korean Elite Soccer Players

This study was done to investigate the use of nutritional supplements (NS) in Korean elite soccer players using an anonymous questionnaire. NS were classified into health supplements, manufactured health food supplements, chinese medicines and tonic foods, and nutrient supplements. Information was sought on the type of NS and factors that might influence supplement use including selected demographic parameters and health related variables. The data were collected from 241 athletes (aged 24.6+/-3.8 years) in 9 professional soccer club. The prevalence of NS use among the subjects was 81.3%. Health supplements were used most frequently and nutrient supplement drug was the second one. Among the health supplements, weight/muscle gainer and calorie replacement product were most frequently used. Vitamin supplements were most frequently used among all nutrient supplement drugs. Users of NS were higher age (p < 0.05) , duration of exercise (p < 0.05) , and income (p < 0.05) than non-users. The married (p < 0.05) and a member of K-league (p < 0.01) tended to have higher prevalence of NS use. The main adviser of NS were family (55.3%) and oneself (39%) instead of coach or sports nutritionist. Although NS use, only 26.2% certainly check up nutritional information on their used NS. Among the subjects, 84.5% of them felt that NS use were improved athletic performance, and 86.5% of them will to keep on taking supplement. These data suggest that a large number of elite soccer players use NS and these players may require education about healthy nutritional supplement practice and on the proper use of nutritional supplements.

Open Treatment of Anterior Impingement Syndrome of the Ankle in Elite Level Soccer Players / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We assessed the results of open treatment of anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle in elite level soccer players and concomitant injuries were idenfied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed twenty one elite level soccer players diagnosed with anterior impingement syndrome who underwent open debridement between January 1997 and January 2002. All were men and the mean age at the operation was 21 years (range 16 to 27). The mean follow-up duration was 31 months (13 to 71). Concomitant abnormalities were idenfied through physical examination, bone scan and MRI. On a preoperative lateral radiograph, patients were classified according to McDermott's stage. Anteromedial or anterolateral approach was used at the operation and osteophyte was removed with osteotome and rongeur. When chronic ankle instability was accompanying, we performed Modified Brostrom-Gould procedure and for osteochondral lesion, multiple drilling was applied. The Ogilvie-Harris scoring system was used as a clinical scale to evaluate pain, swelling, stiffness and limitation of activity. The results were scored as excellent (15 to 16 points), good (13 to 14) and otherwise unsatisfactory. The time to return to full activity including sports activity was determined. RESULTS: Eighteen of twenty one patients had an excellent outcome. Three patients were graded unsatisfactory and two of them abandoned their career due to the persistence of residual pain. Concomitant abnormalities were found including twelve cases of chronic ankle instability, three cases of osteochondral lesion and two cases of flexor hallucis longus tendinitis. CONCLUSION: Open debridement was successfully applied to the elite level soccer player with anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle. Considerable coexistence of other abnormalities such as chronic ankle instability may encourage us to consider additional operative procedure.

Effects of Iron Supplementation on Iron Status and Immunity Status of Elite Female Soccer Players

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of iron supplement for 4 weeks on iron status, immunity, and antioxidant status of national female soccer players (n = 25). This study was performed at summer hard training period right before competition. A single blind design was used to divide the subjects into iron-supplement (IS) or placebo group (P). Iron-supplement group was supplemented with iron (40 mg/d) for 4 weeks. The mean age of the subjects was 23.3 +/- 2.5 years old. Mean height and body weight of the subjects were 164.4 +/- 5.7 em and 57.4 +/- 4.6 kg, respectively. The mean carrier as soccer player was 11.0 +/- 2.6 years and mean training time was 7.0 +/- 1.3 hr/day. The mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, total iron binding capacity and ferritin concentrations before iron supplementation were not different between two groups. After 4 weeks of summer training and iron supplementation, serum ferritin level was significantly increased only in IS group after supplementation. Mean corpuscular volume and total iron binding capacity were significantly decreased in both groups. Meanwhile, hemoglobin and red blood cell count were significantly lowered only in placebo group. The IgM concentration increased significantly in both groups, but IgG concentration had increasing tendency only in IS group (p<0.064). Therefore, iron supplementation during hard training period may be helpful to improve work capacity of the athletes by improving ferritin status and humoral immune responses.

Cross-Sectional Change in Reaction Time and Stepping Ability Estimated from Skeletal and Chronological Age in Adolescent Soccer Players / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in reaction time, stepping frequency and stepping endurance estimated by chronological age compared to skeletal age. The participants were 76 well-trained soccer players aged from 9.7 to 14.8 years old. Height and weight were measured before training. Their skeletal ages were evaluated by RUS score of TW II method. RUS score was calculated for skeletal age by Murata's method. Reaction time, stepping frequency and endurance were measured by Talent-Diagnose-System (Werthner Sports Consulting, KEG, Co, Ltd.) . For chronological age, height increased linearly from 9 to 14. Height estimated by skeletal age increased slowly from 8 to 10, then increased drastically between the ages of 10 to 15. Significant change was shown between the ages of 12 and 13 (p<0.01) . Complex reaction time (CRT) estimated from chronological age developed linearly from 9 to 14 years of age. However for skeletal age, CRT at 10 was slower than at 8 and 9 years of age. Then it developed significantly between the ages of 10 and 11 (p<0.05) . On the other hand, stepping frequency and endurance did not show as remarkable a change with increasing age as reaction time. The results of this present study indicate that in adolescent soccer players, there are some differences between skeletal age and chronological age in cross-sectional change of reaction time. Moreover, skeletal age did not affect the development of stepping frequency and endurance.

Efeito do treinamento físico específico nas respostas cardiorrespiratórias e metabólicas em repouso e no exercício máximo em jogadores de futebol profissional / Effect of specific exercise training in metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses at rest and maximum exercise in professional soccer players

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as alterações provocadas pelo treinamento físico específico (TFE) nas respostas cardiorrespiratórias e metabólicas de 16 jogadores de futebol profissional, com média de idade de 24,2 ± 3,6 anos. Todos os atletas foram avaliados antes e depois de quinze semanas de um programa de TFE, durante período competitivo. Os futebolistas foram submetidos a teste máximo em esteira rolante, utilizando-se o protocolo de Ellestad20. A resposta de freqüência cardíaca (FC) foi registrada por meio de um eletrocardiógrafo de 3 derivações simultâneas e a pressão arterial (PA), por meio de método auscultatório. A ventilação pulmonar (V E), o consumo de oxigênio (VO2), a produção de dióxido de carbono (VCO2) e a razão de troca respiratória (RER) foram calculados a partir de valores medidos por um sistema espirométrico computadorizado (Beckman) e a capacidade anaeróbia máxima, por meio da concentração sanguínea de ácido lático, utilizando-se analisador automático. O TFE não modificou significativamente a FC máxima (192 ± 8 vs. 186 ± 6bpm) e a PA sistólica máxima (196 ± 10 vs. 198 ± 8mmHg). A resposta ventilatória máxima foi significativamente aumentada (129 ± 19 vs. 140 ± 16L.min_1 [p< 0.05]), enquanto a capacidade aeróbia máxima não foi significativamente modificada (50,0 ± 6,0 vs. 53,0 ± 5,0ml.kg._1min_1) por esse treinamento. Ao contrário, a capacidade anaeróbia máxima aumentou significativamente (8,3 ± 0,2 vs. 9,8 ± 2,4mmol.L_1 [p< 0,05]). Concluiu-se: 1) o TFE não modificou as respostas de FC e PA no repouso e no exercício máximo; 2) a maior V E no exercício máximo associada a elevada concentração sanguínea de ácido lático demonstraram que o TFE utilizado nesse estudo foi caracterizado por exercícios predominantemente intensos; e 3) o TFE não representou estímulo adequado para aumentar a capacidade aeróbia máxima dos futebolistas.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effect of specific training on cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses in sixteen male professional soccer players, aged 24.2 ± 3.6 years old. They were evaluated before and after fifteen weeks of specific training. All subjects were submitted to an exercise test on treadmill, using Ellestad's protocol. The heart rate was recorded by means of ECG, and the arterial blood pressure by auscultatory measurement. Oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, and pulmonary ventilation were measured by a Measurement Metabolic Cart (Beckman). Maximum anaerobic capacity was evaluated by blood lactate concentration, using an automated analyzer. Specific training did not modify the maximum heart rate (192 ± 8 vs. 186 ± 6 beats.min_1) and the maximum systolic blood pressure (196 ± 10 vs. 198 ± 8 mmHg). Maximum respiratory ventilation was significantly increased by specific training (129 ± 19 vs. 140 ± 16 L.min_1), whereas maximum aerobic capacity was not significantly increased (50 ± 6 vs. 53 ± 5 ml.kg._1 min_1 ofO2). On the other hand, maximum aerobic capacity improved significantly (8.3 ± 0.2 vs. 9.8 ± 2.4 mmol.L_1). Conclusion: 1) the specific training used in the present study did not modify heart rate and arterial blood pressure responses at rest and during maximum exercises; 2) improvement of maximum pulmonary ventilation and higher lactic acid concentrations during maximum exercise showed that the exercise training used in this study was predominantly characterized by intense exercise, and 3) specific training was not an adequate stimulus to improve maximum aerobic capacity of the soccer players.

Cardiopulmonary Response to Maximal Exercise Loading in Professional Soccer Players

BACKGROUND: Although maximal exercise stress tests are widely used in the athletic and medical fields, studies on professional soccer players are few. The purpose of our study is to observe the cardiopulmonary response to maximal exercise loading and the AT in professional soccer players. METHODS: Maximal exercise stress tests were carried out by a ramp protocol using a treadmill on 20 professional soccer players with a mean age of 25.2 years and with over 10 career years. The tests were also done on 21 college students majoring in physical education with a mean age of 19.4 years, which served as the control group. The AT was determined by the V-slope method. RESULTS: In the players, the VO2 max, VCO2 max and O2 pulse max were significantly larger than those in the control group, and the HR max was smaller for their ages. The VE max, VT max and RP max showed not much difference between the 2 groups but the VE max/VO2 max and VE max/VCO2 max were significantly lower in the players. The AT was larger in the players but the AT/VO2 max was essentially similar to that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that the professonal soccer players, despite their mean ages were approximately 6 years older than the subjects in the control group, had larger VO2 max and VCO2 max, and smaller HR max for their ages. The VE max was similar in both groups. This suggests that the players have higher aerobic capacity than the control group and exchange respiratiory gases more efficiently.

Comparisons of Electrocardiograms and Echocardiograms in Soccer Players before and after Intensive Training

BACKGROUND: In athlete's heart, functional and structural alteration are main features. We studied electrocardiograms(ECG's) and echocardiograms(UCG's) in soccer players before and after intensive training. METHODS: Fifteen soccer players with the mean age and career of 19.3 and 8.5 years,respectively,underwent intensive training for 5-5.5 months, which included running of 2 km daily during the last 2-2.5 months. Comparisons of ECG's and UCG's recorded before and after the training were made. RESULTS: The major abnormal finding in pre-training ECG's was high voltage being seen in 40% of the cases, and in UCG's left ventricular(LV) dilatation and/or hypertrophy or asymmetrical septal hypertrophy(ASH) were noted in approximately 80% of the cases. The incidences of these finding after the intensive training were essentially unchanged, and the mean of pre-and post-training fractional shortening(FS) and LV and left atrial dimensions were similar. The high voltage in ECG's showed no close correlation with LV dilatation or hypertrophy on UCG's. After the training, however, the mean values of the thickness of LV posterior wall and ventricular septum along with LV mass were significantly increased, and the right ventricular dimension was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent finding in ECG's and UCG's in soccer players, before and after intensive training,were high voltage, LV dilatation and /or hyperophy with or without ASH. The intensive training of 5-5.5 months duration caused no change in F8,but caused significant increase in the thickness of LV posterior wall and ventricular septum, and LV mass.

Effects of Intensive Training on Cardiorespiratory Response to Maximal Exercise Loading in Soccer Players

BACKGROUND: In order to investigate the effects of intensive training on cardiorespiratory response to maximal exercise in soccer players, graded excercise stress tests were carried out before and after the training, and the results were compared. METHODS: Fourteen male soccer players of a university team with the mean age and career of 19.9 and 7.8 years, respectively, underwent intensive training for approximately 20 weeks, 6 days a week and 4 hours a day, which included running of 2 km daily during the last 8-9 weeks. The symptom-limited maximal exercise test was done by Bruce protocol. RESULTS: After the training. HR max showed no significant changes but Vo2 max, O2 pulse and AT were increased approximately 13%, 12% and 10%, respectively. At maximal exercise, the V(E)/M2 was also increased 18%, but VE/MVV was significantly decreased owing to a marked increase in MVV. However, the rest of various ventilatory parameters showed no significant changes. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the intensive training of about 20 weeks duration can further improve the level of cardiorespiratory fitness in the soccer players who have been regularly trained and are already highly fit.

THE EFFECTS OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON CARDIAC STRUCTURE IN 11-12 Y. O. BOYS / 体力科学

Little is known about the effects of aerobic exercise on cardiac structure in children. Echocardiographic study was performed at rest in 38 boys aged 11-12 (18 soccer players and 20 untrained) . Soccer players had significantly increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (43.6±2.8 vs 40.1±2.8 mm) and left atrial dimension (27.7±3.7 vs 23.0±2.8 mm) . There was no difference in interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall thickness between the two groups, these data show that intensive aerobic exercise may influence on cardiac structure in children.