Caffeine intake improves muscular endurance and induces depletion of anaerobic work capacity in the bench press

Abstract Aim: To investigate the effects of caffeine (CAF) ingestion on anaerobic work capacity (AWC) and muscular endurance in the bench press exercise at predictive intensities equivalent to 20, 25, and 30% of 1RM. Methods: Thirteen males (age: 23 ± 3 years; body mass 83.5 ± 4.9 kg; height 172.8 ± 5.0 cm and 1RM 82 ± 24 kg) had their 1RM test evaluated in the bench press exercise and the time until failure was performed at intensities equivalent to 20%, 25%, and 30% of 1RM to CAF (350mg) or placebo (PLA, cellulose). AWC was measured from the linear equation: "Force = Critical Force + (AWC x 1/timeout)". Results: CAF enhanced the time until failure at 20% of 1RM (PLA = 202.6 ± 29.1s; CAF = 243.2 ± 20.6s), but there was no ergogenic effect at 25% (PLA = 188.8 ± 23.5 s; CAF = 195.6 ± 27.1 s), and 30% (PLA = 147.4 ± 15.8 s; CAF = 145.4 ± 14.8 s). AWC in CAF was lower than PLA (PLA = 6378.0 ± 1214.9 J; CAF = 3246.4 ± 1389.7 J; p = 0.03; Effect size = 0.88). Critical Force (N) was not different between treatments PLA 29.97 ± 11.54% of 1RM and CAF 3.74 ± 3.69% of 1 RM (p=0.47; Effect size= 0.28). Conclusion: Acute CAF intake (350mg) reduces the AWC and increases the time until failure at 20% of 1 RM, but not Critical Force and muscular endurance at 25% and 30% of 1 RM in the bench press.

Physiological and technical demands of the small-sided and generic games in female futsal players

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to compare the heart rate (HR) values and technical actions frequencies during small-sided (SSG) and generic (GG) games in women futsal players. Methods: Six futsal players (age: 20.5 ± 7.4 years, height: 163.3 ± 16 cm, body mass: 57.9 ± 22 kg, maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max): 42.0 ± 9 mL.kg.min−1) performed two experimental conditions in two days separated for at least 72h of interval: (1) one set of 10 min of SSG, 3x3 players; and (2) one set of 10 min of GG, 4 (1 joker) x 4 (1 joker) players. During each experimental session, the subject's HR values were monitored every 1 min of play. Pass, shot, dribbling, driving, and disarmament were recorded during the games. Results: There was no difference between SSG and GG for HR average (p = 0.50). The HR values that were recorded at the first minute of GG were higher than SSG (p = 0.02). The HRmax in SSG and GG were equivalent to 91.9% and 90.8% of HRmax of the incremental test, respectively. Total technical actions were higher in SSG (+ 18.4%, p = 0.001) than GG. Pass was higher in the SSG (+16%; p = 0.01) in comparison to GG. Conclusion: Both models were higher than HRmax equivalent to AT velocity. The technical actions of the SSG were higher than GG, suggesting that the SSG model is a suitable technical and physiological stimulus for the development of female futsal players.

Ingestion of a drink containing carbohydrate increases the number of bench press repetitions / A ingestão de uma bebida com carboidrato aumenta o número de repetições no exercício supino reto

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of carbohydrate ingestion prior to exercise on the number of bench press repetitions. Methods Eight male physically active (21.3±2.7 years, 176±5cm, 73.12±6.12kg), with a minimum experience of at least one year exercising regularly, visited the laboratory at three moments. During the first visit, candidates went through their anthropometric evaluation and the application of their maximum number of bench press repetitions. The experimental tests were performed during their second and third visits in a crossover and blind study. The participants performed the maximum number of repetitions with an intensity of 70% of their maximum repetition strength. One hour before the experimental trials, participants randomly ingested a solution containing either carbohydrate or a placebo. Results The ingestion of carbohydrate increases muscle resistance in relation to placebo (p=0.014; effect size=0.71). This is evidenced by the increase in the number of repetitions (12.9±2.4 and 11.3±1.9, respectively). The individual's perception of effort is higher in the carbohydrate group than in the placebo group after exhaustion (4±0.93 and 3.1±0.64, respectively, p=0.006, effect size=0.89). Conclusion It is concluded that a previous intake of carbohydrate is useful in improving performance in resistance exercises, providing an increase in the individual's perception of effort.

RESUMO Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos da ingestão prévia de carboidrato no número de repetições durante o exercício supino reto em indivíduos praticantes de musculação. Métodos Oito participantes fisicamente ativos do sexo masculino (21,3±2,7 anos, 176±5cm, 73,12±6,12kg) com experiência mínima de um ano em treinamento de força visitaram o laboratório em três momentos. Durante a primeira visita foi realizada uma avaliação antropométrica e aplicação do teste de uma repetição máxima no exercício supino reto. Os testes experimentais foram realizados nas visitas dois e três em um modelo cross over e cego onde os participantes executaram o número máximo de repetições com uma intensidade de 70% de uma repetição máxima. Uma hora antes dos testes experimentais, de forma randômica, os participantes ingeriram uma solução contendo carboidrato ou placebo. Resultados A ingestão de carboidrato foi capaz de aumentar a resistência muscular em relação ao placebo (p=0.014; effect size=0.71), fato evidenciado pelo aumento no número de repetições (12,9±2,4 e 11,3±1,9, respectivamente). A percepção subjetiva de esforço foi maior no grupo carboidrato em relação ao grupo placebo após a exaustão (4±0,93 e 3,1±0,64, respectivamente p=0.006, effect size=0.89). Conclusão Concluímos que a ingestão prévia de carboidrato é útil em melhorar o desempenho em exercícios de resistência com aumento associado da percepção subjetiva de esforço.