Muscular performance analysis in "cross" modalities: comparison between "AMRAP," "EMOM" and "RFT" configurations.

Introduction: In recent years, a surge of interest in high-intensity training methods, associated with "cross" modalities has emerged as a promising approach for improving performance and overall health. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to compare the acute effects on heart rate, mean propulsive velocity and intra and inter-set velocity loss in "Cross" modalities. Materials and methods: Twelve athletes, 10 men's and 2 women's (age: 31.5 ± 6.74 years; height: 174.17 ± 6.05 cm; weight: 75.34 ± 7.16 kg) with at least 1 year of experience in "cross" training. The participants performed three different "cross" modalities, Rounds for Time (RFT), Every Minute on the Minute (EMOM) and As Many Rounds As Possible (AMRAP) across three separate days. In each modality participants carried out 10 repetitions of squat, pull-ups, and shoulder press with difference rates of work-rest. Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and heart rate (HR) were recorded and analysed for each athlete. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA and repeated measures two-way ANOVA were performed to analyse the differences between modalities and subjects. Besides, a Bonferroni post hoc analysis was carried out to assess the differences between modalities in each subject. Results: Significant differences in MPV were observed among the modalities. The comparisons between RFT and AMRAP, as well as EMOM and AMRAP, revealed lower MPV in the AMRAP modality (p < 0.01). RFT exhibited the greatest intra-set velocity loss, while EMOM showed the least, with significant distinctions (p < 0.01) between them. Furthermore, significant differences in the HR results were noted among all modalities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Findings consistently identify the AMRAP modality as having the lowest MPV values due to its prolonged duration, promoting self-regulated tempo for optimal performance and technique, while the RFT modality exhibits higher fatigue and intra-set MPV losses. These insights into propulsive velocity, intensity, fatigue, and pacing across various "Cross" modalities provide valuable guidance for athletes and trainers seeking to enhance their exercise programs.

Do women and men compete equally on a level playing field? An empirical investigation into the 2021 Olympic shooting competitions.

Due to physical differences between the genders, it is hard to study whether women also vary from men in their competitive drive in sports. The Olympic committee instituted major rule changes in the sport of shooting in the Tokyo Olympic Games (2021), leveling the playing field. We explored performance in a myriad of competitions including newly established mixed-gender doubles events in this unique sport of very limited physical input. Men performed better than women in events which required "dynamic" qualities (following moving targets) but when the competitions were held most constant (rifle shooting with stationary targets indoors) and regardless of distance or posture, women performed equally to men exhibiting seemingly similar competitive drive. The last finding should propel the Olympic committee to fully integrate rifle events. In the broader sense, we find that when the playing field is even, the genders, at least among highly trained selective competitors compete equally.

Effect of Increasing the Number of Substitutions on Physical Performance during Periods of Congested Fixtures in Football.

(I) This study aimed to evaluate the impact on physical demands induced by FIFA's new rule implemented based on the number of substitutions caused by COVID-19. (II) Sixty-six matches were analysed in peak periods (microcycles of three matches in a week) in the competition period before and after the pandemic. The variables collected were organised by team (22 from LaLigaTM SmartBank 2019-2020) for a total of 132 team records and 1077 player performance reports using a multi-camera tracking system and Mediacoach® software. Physical performance variables were analysed in the first half, second half and whole match, thus determining the individual and collective performances of the team. (III) This study shows how, despite the increase in substitutions allowed with the new rule, physical performance increased in some variables in the congested periods (e.g., total distance run and distance run in the first and second halves). Additionally, the players' physical performance involved in a substitution was greater than it was for players who completed the game. (IV) The new substitution rule helps to maintain and even improve physical performance. This measure could improve intensity levels in both individual and team performance. It could even safeguard the physical integrity of the players by reducing the risk of injury, as fewer players have to play the full match.

How has COVID-19 modified training and mood in professional and non-professional football players?

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has restricted freedom of movement with several countries 'locked down' worldwide. During this isolation period or quarantine, habits have been modified. This might have had negative effects on physiological variables but also influenced numerous emotional aspects, especially in elite athletes, which can have a negative impact on training and sleep quality, affecting their performance. METHODS: 175 Spanish professional and non-professional association football players answered an online survey about demographic and training habits, as well as two validated questionnaires to assess psychological variables (POMS and WLEIS-S). RESULTS: The results showed that the confinement period reduced the load of training (p < 0.01), and modified the sleeping behaviour (both, sleep time (p < 0.05) and quality (p < 0.001)) across soccer players. Higher emotional intelligence (EI) values were positively related to training variables and strongly correlated with the mood. Interestingly, athletes' mood was affected differently depending on gender. CONCLUSION: We found that confinement period affects both, training load and recovery process and that mood states and EI could predict the training variables and performance of top-level football players.