Psychophysiological Intervention to Improve Preparedness in Military Special Operations Forces.

BACKGROUND: Actual studies in military training support the use of new methodological approaches such as high intensity interval training and inverse periodization training rather than conventional approaches. However, the application and analysis of success of these new methodologies are as yet unknown.METHODS: The military adapted the civil reverse periodization training system, composed of 6 wk and five sessions per week. For the first 3 wk soldiers performed two sessions with the objective of increasing the maximal strength of the upper and lower body muscles, and three sessions of short high-intensity interval training (HIIT). In the following 3 wk they combined two endurance HIIT and two resistance HIIT sessions with military equipment while conducting a military task.RESULTS: After the training a significant body mass index decrease was found, along with an increase in lower limb muscular strength, aerobic and anaerobic performance, resilience, stress tolerance, and psychological flexibility. Regarding the ratio of acceptance there was an increased ratio compared to previous years of 7%. In addition, married soldiers with children presented greater resilience, stress tolerance, psychological flexibility, and a higher ratio of success.DISCUSSION: Accepted soldiers presented greater psychological status and stress tolerance, highlighting the importance of the work of the unit psychologists to reinforce and monitor the psychometric profile of the soldiers as well as their intrinsic characteristics of personality and emotionality. The greater baseline physical condition and higher performance in all physical tests proves how reverse periodization training models are a great stimuli and training approach in soldiers.Tornero-Aguilera JF, Gregório Pelarigo J, Clemente-Suarez VJ. Psychophysiological intervention to improve preparedness in military Special Operations forces. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(11):953-958.

Oxygen uptake kinetics and energy system's contribution around maximal lactate steady state swimming intensity.

The purpose of this study was to examine the oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) kinetics and the energy systems' contribution at 97.5, 100 and 102.5% of the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) swimming intensity. Ten elite female swimmers performed three-to-five 30 min submaximal constant swimming bouts at imposed paces for the determination of the swimming velocity (v) at 100%MLSS based on a 7 x 200 m intermittent incremental protocol until voluntary exhaustion to find the v associated at the individual anaerobic threshold. [Formula: see text] kinetics (cardiodynamic, primary and slow component phases) and the aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions were assessed during the continuous exercises, which the former was studied for the beginning and second phase of exercise. Subjects showed similar time delay (TD) (mean = 11.5-14.3 s) and time constant (τp) (mean = 13.8-16.3 s) as a function of v, but reduced amplitude of the primary component for 97.5% (35.7 ± 7.3 mL.kg.min-1) compared to 100 and 102.5%MLSS (41.0 ± 7.0 and 41.3 ± 5.4 mL.kg.min-1, respectively), and τp decreased (mean = 9.6-10.8 s) during the second phase of exercise. Despite the slow component did not occur for all swimmers at all swim intensities, when observed it tended to increase as a function of v. Moreover, the total energy contribution was almost exclusively aerobic (98-99%) at 97.5, 100 and 102.5%MLSS. We suggest that well-trained endurance swimmers with a fast TD and τp values may be able to adjust faster the physiological requirements to minimize the amplitude of the slow component appearance, parameter associated with the fatigue delay and increase in exhaustion time during performance, however, these fast adjustments were not able to control the progressive fatigue occurred slightly above MLSS, and most of swimmers reached exhaustion before 30min swam.

Do 5% changes around maximal lactate steady state lead to swimming biophysical modifications?

Our purpose was to examine the swimming biophysical responses at velocities (v) of 97.5, 100 and 102.5% of the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Ten elite female swimmers performed three-to-five 30-min constant tests at imposed paces to determine 97.5, 100 and 102.5%MLSS v. Gas exchange, blood lactate concentration ([La-]), stroke rate (SR) and v were determined during each test. The v values at 97.5, 100 and 102.5%MLSS were 1.21±0.07, 1.24±0.07 and 1.27±0.07m.s(-1), respectively. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and Pulmonary ventilation (V̇E) increased as function of v. SR and stroke length (v/SR=SL) increased as a function of v. All measured variables were constant as a function of time at 97.5%MLSS and 100%MLSS. At 102.5%MLSS SR increased (3.5%) and stroke length (SL) decreased (3.5%) as a function of time. While V̇O2 was constant at 102.5%MLSS, [La-] and V̇E increased as a function of time, suggesting hyperventilation, at v's of 97.5%MLSS and 100%MLSS swimmers completed the 30min swim in spite of decreased SL and increased SR. However, the decrease in SL and increased SF were accompanied by increased [La-] and V̇E and resulted in the inability of most swimmers to complete the 30min swim presumably due to fatigue at 102.5%MLSS.

Kinematical Analysis along Maximal Lactate Steady State Swimming Intensity.

The purpose of this study was to conduct a kinematical analysis during swimming at the intensity corresponding to maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Thirteen long distance swimmers performed, in different days, an intermittent incremental protocol of n x 200 m until exhaustion and two to four 30-min submaximal constant speed bouts to determine the MLSS. The video analysis, using APAS System (Ariel Dynamics Inc., USA), allowed determining the following relevant swimming determinants (in five moments of the 30-min test: 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%): stroke rate, stroke length, trunk incline, intracyclic velocity variation, propelling efficiency, index of coordination and the time allotted to propulsion per distance unit. An ANOVA for repeated measures was used to compare the parameters mean values along each moment of analysis. Stoke rate tended to increase and stroke length to decrease along the test; a tendency to decrease was also found for intracyclic velocity variation and propelling efficiency whereas the index of coordination and the propulsive impulse remained stable during the MLSS test. It can be concluded that the MLSS is not only an intensity to maintain without a significant increase of blood lactate concentration, but a concomitant stability for some biomechanical parameters exists (after an initial adaptation). However, efficiency indicators seem to be more sensitive to changes occurring during swimming at this threshold intensity. Key PointsIn MLSS swimming intensity, stability of the stroke length and stroke frequency occurs after an initial adaptation.Efficiency indicators seem to be more sensitive to possible changes occurring through time at MLSS intensity.MLSS is a useful and practical swimming intensity to be maintained for a long period of time, but some constraints in technique can occur.

Efeitos do desempenho aeróbio na máxima fase estável de lactato sanguíneo determinada em protocolo intermitente na natação / Effect of aerobic performance level on the maximal lactate steady state determined during intermittent protocol in swimming

Atletas de endurance frequentemente realizam exercícios intermitentes, com o objetivo de aumentar a intensidade do treinamento. Um índice bastante importante na avaliação desses atletas é a máxima fase estável de lactato sanguíneo (MLSS), que em geral é determinada com um protocolo contínuo. No entanto, as pausas existentes durante o exercício intermitente podem modificar as condições metabólicas dele. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a intensidade de nado correspondente à MLSS determinada de forma contínua (MLSSc) e intermitente (MLSSi) em atletas com diferentes níveis de rendimento aeróbio. Doze nadadores (22 ± 8 anos; 69,9 ± 7,63kg e 1,76 ± 0,07m) e oito triatletas do gênero masculino (22 ± 9 anos; 69,5 ± 10,4kg e 1,76 ± 0,13m), realizaram os seguintes testes em diferentes dias em uma piscina de 25 m: 1) teste máximo na distância de 400m (v400); 2) duas a quatro repetições com duração de 30 min em diferentes intensidades, para a determinação da MLSSc, e; 4) duas a quatro tentativas de 12 x 150s com intervalo de 30s (5:1) em diferentes intensidades, para a determinação da MLSSi. Os nadadores apresentaram maiores valores em relação aos triatletas da v400 (1,38 ± 0,05 e 1,26 ± 0,06m.s-1, respectivamente), MLSSc (1,23 ± 0,05 e 1,08 ± 0,04m.s-1, respectivamente) e MLSSi (1,26 ± 0,05 e 1,11 ± 0,05m.s-1, respectivamente). No entanto, a diferença percentual entre a MLSSc e a MLSSi foi estatisticamente similar entre os grupos (3 por cento). Não houve diferença significante entre a concentração de lactato na MLSSc e na MLSSi nos dois grupos. Com base nesses resultados, pode-se concluir que o exercício intervalado utilizado permite um aumento na intensidade do exercício correspondente a MLSS, sem modificação na concentração de lactato, independente do nível de desempenho aeróbio.

Endurance athletes frequently perform intermittent exercises with the aim to increase training intensity. A very important index in the evaluation of these athletes is the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), which is usually determined by a continuous protocol. However, the interruptions during intermittent exercise may alter the metabolic conditions of the exercise. The objective of this study was to compare the intensity at MLSS determined by continuous (MLSSc) and intermittent protocols (MLSSi) in athletes with different aerobic performance levels. Twelve male swimmers (22 ± 8 years, 69.9 ± 7.6 kg and 1.76 ± 0.07 m) and eight male triathletes (22 ± 9 years, 69.5 ± 10.4 kg and 1.76 ± 0.13 m) performed the following tests on different days in a 25 m swimming pool: 1) 400 m performance test (v400) 2) 2 to 4 repetitions with 30 min duration at different intensities to determine MLSSc, and 4) 2-4 repetitions of 12 x 150 s with an interval of 30 s (5:1) at different intensities to determine MLSSi. The swimmers showed v400 (1.38 ± 0.05 and 1.26 ± 0.06 ms-1, respectively), MLSSc (1.23 ± 0.05 and 1.08 ± 0.04 ms-1, respectively) and MLSSi (1.26 ± 0.05 and 1.11 ± 0.05 ms-1, respectively) values higher than triathletes. However, the percentage difference between MLSSc and MLSSi was statistically similar between groups (3 percent). There was no difference between blood lactate concentration at MLSSc and MLSSi in either group. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the intermittent exercise used enables increase in the exercise intensity at MLSS, without change in lactate concentration regardless of the aerobic performance level.

Máxima fase estável de lactato sanguíneo e o limite superior do domínio pesado em ciclistas treinados / Maximal lactate steady state and the upper boundary of heavyintensitydomain in trained cyclists

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a máxima fase estável de lactato (MLSS) delimita o limite superior do domínio pesado em ciclistas bem treinados. Quatorze ciclistas do sexo masculino (25,5 ± 4,4 anos, 69.5 ± 7,8 kg, 175,8 ± 7,5 cm) realizaram, em diferentes dias, os seguintes testes: exercício incremental até a exaustão para a determinação do picode consumo de oxigênio (VO2pico) e; 2 a 4 testes de carga constante com duração de até 30 minutos para a determinação da MLSS. O valor do VO2 obtido no 30o min de exercício foi estatisticamente maior que o valor obtido no 3o min de exercício a 100%MLSS (3379,3 ± 250,1 vs. 3496,7 ± 280,2 ml/min, p<0,05) e a 105%MLSS (3439,5 ± 289,3 vs. 3545,5 ± 303,2 ml/min, p<0,05). O VO2 obtido no 30o min no exercício realizado tanto a 100%MLSS quanto a 105%MLSS foi significantemente menor do que o VO2pico (3978,6 ± 296,2 ml/min, p>0,05). Com base nestes resultados, pode-se concluir que durante o exercício pesado (MLSS) o VO2 não apresenta estabilidade, tomando como referência os valores obtidospor volta do 3o minuto de exercício. Em indivíduos treinados, a MLSS não parece ser o limite superior do domínio pesado, pois quando o exercício é realizado acima desta (~ 5%), o VO2pico não é alcançado ao final de 30 minutos de exercício.

The objective of this study was to determine the validity of maximum lactate steady state (MLSS) for the identification of the upper limit of the heavy-intensity domain in well-trained cyclists. Fourteen male cyclists (25.5 ± 4.4 years, 69.5 ± 7.8 kg, 175.8 ± 7.5 cm) underwent the following tests on different days: incremental exercise test until exhaustion to determine peakoxygen uptake (VO2peak), and 2 to 4 constant submaximal load tests to determine MLSS. VO2 obtained in the 30th min was significantly higher than that obtained in the 3rd min of exercise performed at 100% MLSS (3379.3 ± 250.1 vs. 3496.7 ± 280.2 ml/min, p<0.05) and 105% MLSS (3439.5 ± 289.3 vs. 3545.5 ± 303.2 ml/min, p<0.05). VO2 obtained in the 30th min ofexercise performed at 100% and 105% MLSS was significantly lower than VO2peak (3978.6 ± 296.2 ml/min, p>0.05). These results suggest that during heavy exercise (MLSS) VO2 does not present stability when values obtained around the 3rd minute of exercise are used as reference. MLSS does not seem to be the upper limit of the heavy-intensity domain in trained subjects since VO2peak is not reached by the end of 30 min of exercise when exercise is performed above this intensity (~ 5%).

Índices técnicos correspondentes à velocidade crítica e à máxima velocidade de 30 minutos em nadadores com diferentes níveis de performance aeróbia / Technical indexes corresponding to the critical speed and the maximal speed of 30 minutes in swimmers with different aerobic performance levels

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito do nível de performance aeróbia na relação entre os índices técnicos correspondentes à velocidade crítica (VC) e à velocidade máxima de 30 minutos (V30) em nadadores. Participaram deste estudo, 23 nadadores do gênero masculino com características antropométricas similares, divididos segundo o nível de performance aeróbia em grupo G1 (maior performance) (n = 13) e G2 (menor performance) (n = 10). Os indivíduos tinham pelo menos quatro anos de experiência no esporte e treinavam um volume semanal de 30.000 a 45.000m. A VC foi determinada através do coeficiente angular da regressão linear entre as distâncias (200 e 400m) e seus respectivos tempos. A V30 foi determinada através da máxima distância realizada em um teste de 30 minutos. Todas as variáveis foram determinadas no nado crawl. A VC foi significantemente maior do que a V30 no grupo G1 (1,30 ± 0,04 vs. 1,23 ± 0,06m.s-1) e no G2 (1,17 ± 0,08 vs. 1,07 ± 0,06m.s-1). As duas variáveis foram maiores no grupo G1. As taxas de braçada correspondentes à VC (TBVC) e à V30 (TBV30) obtidas nos grupos G1 (33,07 ± 4,34 vs. 31,38 ± 4,15 ciclos.min-1) e G2 (35,57 ± 6,52 vs. 33,54 ± 5,89 ciclos.min-1) foram similares entre si. A TBVC foi significantemente menor no grupo 1 do que no grupo 2, enquanto que a TBV30 não foi diferente entre os grupos. Os comprimentos de braçada correspondentes à VC (CBVC) e à V30 (CBV30) foram significantemente maiores no grupo G1 (2,41 ± 0,33 vs. 2,38 ± 0,30m.ciclo-1) do que no G2 (2,04 ± 0,43 vs. 1,97 ± 0,40m.ciclo-1), e similares entre si nos dois grupos. As correlações (r) entre a VC e a V30 e as variáveis técnicas correspondentes às duas velocidades foram significantes em todas as comparações (0,68 a 0,91). Portanto, a relação entre a velocidade e as variáveis técnicas correspondentes à VC e à V30 não é modificada pelo nível de performance aeróbia.

The main objective of this study was to verify the effect of aerobic performance level on the relationship between the technical indexes corresponding to critical speed (CS) and maximal speed of 30 minutes (S30) in swimmers. Participated of this study 23 male swimmers with similar anthropometric characteristics, divided by aerobic performance level in groups G1 (n = 13) and G2 (n = 10). They had at least four years of experience in the modality and a weekly training volume between 30,000 to 45,000 m. The CS was determined through the angular coefficient of the linear regression line between the distances (200 and 400 m) and respective times. The S30 was determined through the maximal distance covered in a 30 minutes test. All variables were determined in front crawl. CS was higher than S30 in G1 (1.30 ± 0.04 vs. 1.23 ± 0.06 m.s-1) and G2 (1.17 ± 0.08 vs. 1.07 ± 0.06 m.s -1). These variables were higher in group G1. The stroke rate corresponding to CS (SRCS) and S30 (SRS30) obtained in group G1 (33.07 ± 4.34 vs. 31.38 ± 4.15 cycles.min-1) and G2 (35.57 ± 6.52 vs. 33.54 ± 5.89 cycles.min-1) were similar. The SRCS was significantly lower in group G1 than G2, while SRS30 was not different between groups. The stroke length corresponding to CS (SLCS) and S30 (SLS30) was significantly higher in group G1 (2.41 ± 0.33 vs. 2.38 ± 0.30 m.cycle-1) than in G2 (2.04 ± 0.43 vs. 1.97 ± 0.40 m.cycle-1), and had similar values in both groups. The correlation (r) between CS and S30 and technical variables corresponding to CS and S30 were significant in all comparisons (0.68 to 0.91). Thus, the relationship between the speed and technical variables corresponding to CS and S30 was not modified by the aerobic performance level.