Anthropometric Profile in Relation to Playing Position of Elite Indian Soccer Players.

Background: Previous literature has demonstrated that each specialized playing position may have unique physical and physiological requirements. Body fat is highly related to playing position of football players. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine differences among positions in body size and percent body fat of elite football players prior to the start of regular season. Subjects: The subjects of this study were 34 (10 forwards, 10 midfielders, 10 defenders, 4 goalkeepers) normal, healthy elite football players without any orthopedic, respiratory or cardiovascular problems. Methods: Anthropometric profiles of the subjects were determined by measuring height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat. The prediction formula used to calculate percent body fat using BMI was: body fat % = (1.20 × BMI) + (0.23 × age) - (10.8 × gender) - 5.4 (R2 0.79, standard error estimate = 4.1% BF%), taking age and gender (male = 1, female = 0) into account. Results: The results demonstrated significant differences (p < 0.005) in the percent body fat among the players of different playing positions. Goalkeepers possessed highest values for body fat percentage followed by defenders and forwards while midfielders had the least body fat percentage. Conclusion: The study suggests that anthropometric characteristics differ in players of different playing positions. The differences found despite similar training protocol might be due to the physiological adaptations in the players.

Effects of eight-week supplementation of Ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists.

Background: Cycling is an endurance sport relying mainly on aerobic capacity to provide fuel during long-duration cycling events. Athletes are constantly searching for new methods to improve this capacity through various nutritional and ergogenic aids. Purpose: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of Ashwagandha on the cardiorespiratory endurance capacity, that is, aerobic capacity of elite Indian cyclists. Materials and Methods: Forty elite (elite here refers to the participation of the athlete in at least state-level events) Indian cyclists were chosen randomly and were equally divided into experimental and placebo groups. The experimental group received 500 mg capsules of aqueous roots of Ashwagandha twice daily for eight weeks, whereas the placebo group received starch capsules. Outcome Measures: The baseline treadmill test for the cyclists were performed to measure their aerobic capacity in terms of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), metabolic equivalent, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and total time for the athlete to reach his exhaustion stage. After eight weeks of supplementation, the treadmill test was again performed and results were obtained. Results: There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, whereas the placebo group did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. There was significant improvement in the experimental group in all parameters, namely, VO2 max (t = 5.356; P < 0.001), METS (t = 4.483; P < 0.001), and time for exhaustion on treadmill (t = 4.813; P < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo group which did not show any change with respect to their baseline parameters. Conclusion: Ashwagandha improved the cardiorespiratory endurance of the elite athletes.

Effects of progressive resistance training and aerobic exercise on type 2 diabetics in Indian population

The Indian population faces a high risk for diabetes because of a high genetic predisposition and susceptibility to environmental insults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 16 weeks of Progressive resistance training [PRT] and Aerobic exercise [AE] on glycemic control, blood pressure, heart rate, muscle strength and control of type 2 diabetics. A total of 30 type 2 diabetics, 14 females and 16 males, aged between 40-70 years, were randomly assigned to the 16 weeks supervised PRT [n=10], or AE [n=10] or Control group [n=10]. Pre- and post-outcome measures included glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], fasting blood glucose [FBG], blood pressure [BP], heart rate [HR] and isometric muscle strength of the right hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Plasma glycosylated hemoglobin levels decreased significantly [p=0.002] both in the PRT [7.57 +/- 1.4 to 5.74 +/- 0.8] and in AE group [8.11 +/- 0.9 to 6.78 +/- 1.3]. FBG decreased by 39.9% in PRT group by14.3% in AE group and by 18.6% in the control group. PRT group exhibited significant reductions in blood pressure [p=0.002 for systolic BP, p<0.001 for diastolic BP] and heart rate [p=0.007]. Improvements in isometric muscle strength and balance were seen in both exercise groups. PRT is a more effective form of exercise training than AE for improving glycemic control, blood pressure and heart rate in type 2 diabetics

Effects of strength training and jatamansi on reducing hand tremor amongst archers

To investigate and compare the effects of strength training (Shoulder girdle and respiratory muscles) and drug (Jatamansi) on reducing hand tremor in archers. Randomized experimental, different subject design. Institutional study done at Manipur Archery Association. Thera-band (Hygienic Corporation) and Nardostachys jatamansi (GMP Certified) were used as interventions. Pre & Post Hand Steadiness Score (Arm-Hand-Steadiness Tester on 4 mm hole) and Performance Test Scores (AAPHER Archery Test) was evaluated. 45 National Level Archers within age 16-28yrs were assigned into three groups: Group I (Medicine), Group II (Strength Training) and Group III (Control). Medicine was consumed for 4 weeks continuously 3 gm TDS and Thera-band strength training was given for 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: It was hypothesized that strength training is more effective in reducing hand tremors than medicinal or control groups. Arm-Hand-Steadiness: Numbers of Contact (NOC): On inter Group Comparison of the three Groups using One Way ANOVA, left and right arm showed significant differences (F = 5.64, p<0.05; F = 8.97, p<0.001) respectively and on Post Hoc Scheffe’s analysis, Group II showed maximum improvement. Total Contact Time (TCT): On inter Group comparison of the three Groups using One Way ANOVA, left and right arm showed significant differences (F = 12.50, p<0.001; F = 9.23, p<0.001) respectively and On Post Hoc Scheffe’s analysis, Group II showed maximum improvement. Archery Performance: On inter Group comparison of the three Groups using One Way ANOVA showed significant difference (F = 6.53, p<0.005) and on Post Hoc Scheffe’s analysis, Group II showed maximum improvement. Intervention of strength training and jatamansi may be effective for an archer however, strength training with thera-band and respiratory muscles conditioning intervention in combination increases steadiness and archery performance.