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1.
Percept Mot Skills ; 130(4): 1714-1731, 2023 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37159080

ABSTRACT

In recent research, we found that the use of goggles and snorkel benefited non-swimmers with fear of water in a learn-to-swim program. Our purpose in this study was to examine the effects of using goggles and snorkel during a learn-to-swim program on the aquatic skills of young non-swimmers without fear of water. We modelled this research on our prior study. Following informed parental consent, 40 children (aged 10-11 years) were randomly divided into two groups: one that used goggles and snorkel (GS) and one that did not (NGS). After 4 weeks (five sessions per week) of learn-to-swim intervention, both groups improved aquatic skills such that the only group differences were for the blowing bubbles test, for which the learn-to-swim program resulted in smaller gains for the GS than the NGS group. Thus, the use (vs. non-use) of goggles and snorkels during the learn-to-swim program had no significant effect on most aquatic skills of young non-swimmers without fear of water. The only exception was a significant finding of reduced improvement in blowing bubbles in the goggles and snorkels group when compared to the no goggles and snorkel group. Together with past findings these results highlight important learn-to-swim differences between young non-swimmers with and without fear of water.


Subject(s)
Swimming , Water , Humans , Child , Fear , Parents
2.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36981708

ABSTRACT

Voluntary drive of the exercising muscle is usually assessed with the interpolated twitch technique (ITT), using paired supramaximal electrical stimuli. The aim of this study was to directly compare voluntary activation (VA) of the quadriceps muscle (QM) measured with the ITT, using paired and triple electrical stimuli during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). In addition, perceived discomfort was compared with the use of paired and triple electrical stimuli during ITT. Ten healthy participants (23.6 ± 1.6 years) were included. They performed four MVIC, with paired or triple stimuli, in random order. MVIC torque, superimposed evoked torque, evoked torque at rest, VA, and visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), were analysed. The amplitude of the triplet-evoked torque was higher than doublet-evoked torque, i.e., the signal-to-noise ratio increased. However, the differences between the estimation of VA with paired and triple stimuli were not significant (p = 0.136). Triple stimuli yielded higher VAS-pain scores than paired stimuli (p = 0.016). The limits of agreement for the VA using the Bland-Altman method were 7.66/0.629. It seems that the use of additional electrical stimuli is not a recommended solution for the evaluation of VA, because the advantages (i.e., better signal-to-noise ratio) do not outweigh the disadvantages (i.e., an increase in pain).


Subject(s)
Isometric Contraction , Quadriceps Muscle , Humans , Electromyography , Exercise , Isometric Contraction/physiology , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Pain/etiology , Quadriceps Muscle/physiology , Torque
3.
J Hum Kinet ; 83: 23-28, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36157963

ABSTRACT

Biomechanical adjustments of the jump shot in presence of an opponent and their associations with shooting efficiency remain to be determined in elite basketball. The aim of this research was to examine the selected biomechanical determinants of the jump shot when shooting over opponents of different height. Nineteen elite basketball players, age 22 ± 3 years, performed three trials of 20 basketball shots in a crossover, randomised manner: over an obstacle of the height of standing reach (RH), over reach height with additional 20 cm (RH+20 cm), over reach height with additional 40 cm (RH+40 cm), and the maximum height jump shot without an obstacle (JSmax). Jump height, the ball entry angle, and shooting efficiency were measured on each trial. Jump height when shooting over RH+40 cm was significantly higher than RH+20 cm (+0.022 m, p = 0.030) and RH (+0.023 m, p = 0.029). Similarly, the ball entry angle was greater at RH+40 cm compared to RH (+7.19 °, p < 0.001) and RH+20 cm (+2.90°, p < 0.001). In contrast, shooting efficiency decreased significantly when shooting over RH+40 cm compared to RH (-10.79%, p = 0.048) and RH+20 cm (-8.95%, p = 0.015). We recorded the highest jump height (0.35 ± 0.08m, p < 0.001) and the lowest angle of entry (39.16 ± 1.19°, p < 0.001) when participants performed JSmax. Shooting over higher opponents should be prioritised in training to significantly improve shooting efficiency. Future research is needed to determine additional potential biomechanical determinants of a successful jump shot in elite basketball.

4.
Front Physiol ; 13: 861927, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35547581

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to test whether ascending to a moderate real altitude affects motoneuron pool excitability at rest, as expressed by a change in the H-reflex amplitude, and also to elucidate whether a possible alteration in the motoneuron pool excitability could be reflected in the execution of lower-body concentric explosive (squat jump; SJ) and fast eccentric-concentric (drop jump; DJ) muscle actions. Fifteen participants performed four experimental sessions that consisted of the combination of two real altitude conditions [low altitude (low altitude, 690 m), high altitude (higher altitude, 2,320 m)] and two testing procedures (H-reflex and vertical jumps). Participants were tested on each testing day at 8, 11, 14 and 17 h. The only significant difference (p < 0.05) detected for the H-reflex was the higher H-reflex response (25.6%) obtained 15 min after arrival at altitude compared to baseline measurement. In terms of motor behavior, DJ height was the only variable that showed a significant interaction between altitude conditions (LA and HA) and time of measurement (8, 11, 14 and 17 h) as DJ height increased more during successive measurements at HA compared to LA. The only significant difference between the LA and HA conditions was observed for DJ height at 17 h which was higher for the HA condition (p = 0.04, ES = 0.41). Although an increased H-reflex response was detected after a brief (15-20 min) exposure to real altitude, the effect on motorneuron pool excitability could not be confirmed since no significant changes in the H-reflex were detected when comparing LA and HA. On the other hand, the positive effect of altitude on DJ performance was accentuated after 6 h of exposure.

5.
J Strength Cond Res ; 36(4): 1111-1119, 2022 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32235239

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Tomazin, K, Strojnik, V, Feriche, B, Garcia Ramos, A, Strumbelj, B, and Stirn, I. Neuromuscular adaptations in elite swimmers during concurrent strength and endurance training at low and moderate altitudes. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1111-1119, 2022-This study evaluated neuromuscular adaptations in elite swimmers during concurrent strength and endurance training (SET) at low (295 m) and moderate (2,320 m) altitudes. Sixteen elite swimmers took part in a 3-week SET during a general preparation phase. All neuromuscular tests were performed a week before and after a SET. In posttraining, maximal knee isometric torque (TMVC) and soleus H-reflex remained statistically unchanged for sea-level (SL) and for altitude (AL) training. Rate of torque development (RTD) decreased post-SL (-14.5%; p < 0.01) but not post-AL (-4.7%; p > 0.05) training. Vastus lateralis electromyographic (EMG) activity during RTD decreased post-SL (-17.0%; P = 0.05) but not post-AL (4.8%; p > 0.05) training. Quadriceps twitch torque (TTW) significantly increased post-AL (12.1%; p < 0.01) but not post-SL (-1.0%; p > 0.05; training × altitude: F1,15 = 12.4; p < 0.01) training. Quadriceps twitch contraction time and M-wave amplitude remained statistically unchanged post-SL and post-AL training. After SL training, increment in TMVC was accompanied with increment in vastus lateralis EMG (R = 0.76; p < 0.01) and TTW (R = 0.48; p < 0.06). Posttraining in AL, increment in TMVC was accompanied with increment in TTW (R = 0.54; p < 0.05). Strength and endurance training at altitude seems to prompt adaptations in twitch contractile properties. In contrast, SET performed at SL may hamper the magnitude of neural adaptations to strength training, particularly during rapid voluntary contractions. In conclusion, SET at AL might benefit muscular adaptations in swimmers compared with training at SL.


Subject(s)
Endurance Training , Resistance Training , Adaptation, Physiological , Altitude , Electromyography , Humans , Isometric Contraction , Muscle Strength , Muscle, Skeletal
6.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34202491

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate neuromuscular adaptations in elite judo athletes after three weeks of power-oriented strength training at terrestrial altitude (2320 m). Nineteen men were assigned to altitude training (AL) (22.1 ± 2.3 years) and sea level training (SL) (22.6 ± 4.1 years). Neuromuscular assessment consisted of: (1) maximal isometric knee extensor (KE) torque, (2) KE rate of torque development (RTD), (3) quadriceps activity and voluntary activation, (4) soleus H-reflex, (5) quadriceps single (TTW) and double twitch torque (TDB100) and contraction time (CTTW). There were no significant differences between groups at baseline for any of the observed parameters. Significant differences were found between groups in terms of change in RTD (p = 0.04). Cohen's d showed a positive significant effect (0.43) in the SL group and a negative significant effect (-0.58) in the AL group. The difference between groups in changes in CTTW as a function of altitude was on the edge of significance (p = 0.077). CTTW increased by 8.1 ± 9.0% in the AL group (p = 0.036) and remained statistically unchanged in the SL group. Only the AL group showed a relationship between changes in TTW and TDB100 and changes in RTD at posttest (p = 0.022 and p = 0.016, respectively). Altitude induced differences in muscular adaptations likely due to greater peripheral fatigue.


Subject(s)
Altitude , Martial Arts , Athletes , Electromyography , Humans , Isometric Contraction , Male , Muscle Strength , Muscle, Skeletal
7.
J Strength Cond Res ; 32(2): 475-481, 2018 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27537408

ABSTRACT

García-Ramos, A, Stirn, I, Padial, P, Argüelles-Cienfuegos, J, De la Fuente, B, Strojnik, V, and Feriche, B. The maximal mechanical capabilities of leg extensors muscles to generate velocity and power improve at altitude. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 475-481, 2018-This study aimed (a) to analyze the effect of an acute exposure to terrestrial altitude on the force-velocity relationship parameters (maximum force [F0], maximum velocity [V0], and maximum power [P0]) during a loaded squat jump (SJ), and (b) to compare unloaded SJ and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance between sea level and altitude conditions. Seventeen international swimmers were tested at sea level (295 m asl) and 7 days later at terrestrial altitude (2,320 m asl) during their first 24 hours of altitude exposure. The maximum values of force and velocity were recorded during a loaded SJ (25-100% of body weight) to determine F0, V0, and P0 parameters. Inconsequential differences between environmental conditions were found for F0 (p = 0.993, 0.02%). However, V0 (p = 0.038, 7.6%) and P0 (p = 0.004, 6.8%) were higher at altitude. Peak values of force (SJ: p = 0.420, 1.19%; CMJ: p = 0.010, 3.6%), power (SJ: p = 0.028, 3.5%; CMJ: p = 0.005, 3.82%), and take-off velocity (SJ: p = 0.071, 1.6%; CMJ: p = 0.009, 1.9%) recorded during the SJ and CMJ were also higher at altitude. These results highlight the potential effect of an acute exposure to terrestrial altitude on enhancing vertical jump performance. The increase in maximal power of the leg muscles at altitude is caused by an improvement in the theoretical maximal velocity at which lower limbs can extend with no significant changes in the theoretical maximal force.


Subject(s)
Altitude , Leg/physiology , Muscle Strength/physiology , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Swimming/physiology , Adolescent , Exercise Test , Female , Humans , Lower Extremity , Male , Oxygen Consumption , Young Adult
8.
J Hum Kinet ; 56: 197-205, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28469758

ABSTRACT

In the present study, the effect of frequent, immediate, augmented feedback on the increase of throwing velocity was investigated. An increase of throwing velocity of a handball set shot when knowledge of results was provided or not provided during training was compared. Fifty female and seventy-three male physical education students were assigned randomly to the experimental or control group. All participants performed two series of ten set shots with maximal effort twice a week for six weeks. The experimental group received information regarding throwing velocity measured by a radar gun immediately after every shot, whereas the control group did not receive any feedback. Measurements of maximal throwing velocity of an ordinary handball and a heavy ball were performed, before and after the training period and compared. Participants who received feedback on results attained almost a four times greater relative increase of the velocity of the normal ball (size 2) as compared to the same intervention when feedback was not provided (8.1 ± 3.6 vs. 2.7 ± 2.9%). The velocity increases were smaller, but still significant between the groups for throws using the heavy ball (5.1 ± 4.2 and 2.5 ± 5.8 for the experimental and control group, respectively). Apart from the experimental group throwing the normal ball, no differences in velocity change for gender were obtained. The results confirmed that training oriented towards an increase in throwing velocity became significantly more effective when frequent knowledge of results was provided.

9.
PLoS One ; 11(7): e0160401, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27467760

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the influence of an altitude training (AT) camp on swimming start time and loaded squat jump performance. To accomplish this goal, 13 international swimmers (8 women, 5 men) were allocated to both the control (Sea Level Training, SLT) and experimental conditions (AT, 2320 m above sea level) that were separated by a one year period. All tests (15 m freestyle swimming start and loaded squat jumps with additional loads of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of swimmers' body weight) were performed before and after a concurrent 3-week strength and endurance training program prescribed by the national coach. Following the SLT camp, significant impairments in swimming start times to 10 (+3.1%) and 15 m (+4.0%) were observed (P < 0.05), whereas no significant changes for the same distances were detected following the AT camp (-0.89%; P > 0.05). Trivial changes in peak velocity were obtained during the loaded squat jump after both training periods (effect sizes: < 0.20). Based on these results we can conclude that a traditional training high-living high strategy concurrent training of 3 weeks does not adversely affect swimming start time and loaded squat jump performance in high level swimmers, but further studies are necessary to assess the effectiveness of power-oriented resistance training in the development of explosive actions.


Subject(s)
Altitude , Exercise , Swimming , Weight Lifting , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Reproducibility of Results , Young Adult
10.
Sports Biomech ; 15(3): 329-41, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27239893

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to correlate, compare, and determine the reliability of force, velocity, and power values collected with a force plate (FP) and a linear transducer during loaded jumps. Twenty-three swimmers performed an incremental loading test at 25, 50, 75, and 100% of their own body weight on a FP. A linear velocity transducer (LVT) was attached to the bar to assess the peak and the mean values of force, velocity, and power. Both the peak variables (r = 0.94 - 0.99 for peak force, r = 0.83 - 0.91 for peak velocity, and r = 0.90-0.94 for peak power; p < 0.001) and the mean variables (r = 0.96-0.99 for mean force, r = 0.87-0.89 for mean velocity, and r = 0.93-0.96 for mean power; p < 0.001) were strongly correlated between both measurement tools. Differences in the shape of the force-, velocity-, and power-time curves were observed. The LVT data showed a steeper increase in these variables at the beginning of the movement, while the FP recorded larger values in the latter part. Peak values were more reliable than mean values. These results suggest that the LVT is a valid tool for the assessment of loaded squat jump.


Subject(s)
Lower Extremity/physiology , Muscle Strength/physiology , Plyometric Exercise/instrumentation , Resistance Training/instrumentation , Adolescent , Biomechanical Phenomena , Female , Humans , Plyometric Exercise/methods , Reproducibility of Results , Resistance Training/methods , Transducers , Weight-Bearing
11.
J Hum Kinet ; 50: 157-165, 2016 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28149353

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the correlation of different dry land strength and power tests with swimming start performance. Twenty international level female swimmers (age 15.3 ± 1.6 years, FINA point score 709.6 ± 71.1) performed the track freestyle start. Additionally, dry land tests were conducted: a) squat (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ), b) squat jumps with additional resistance equivalent to 25, 50, 75 and 100% of swimmers' body weight [BW]), and c) leg extension and leg flexion maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Correlations between dry land tests and start times at 5, 10 and 15 m were quantified through Pearson's linear correlation coefficients (r). The peak bar velocity reached during the jumps with additional resistance was the variable most correlated to swimming start performance (r = -0.57 to -0.66 at 25%BW; r = -0.57 to -0.72 at 50%BW; r = -0.59 to -0.68 at 75%BW; r = -0.50 to - 0.64 at 100%BW). A few significant correlations between the parameters of the SJ and the CMJ with times of 5 and 10 m were found, and none with the isometric variables. The peak velocity reached during jumps with external loads relative to BW was found a good indicator of swimming start performance.

12.
J Hum Kinet ; 47: 51-9, 2015 Sep 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26557190

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine test-retest reliability for peak barbell velocity (Vpeak) during the bench press (BP) and bench press throw (BPT) exercises for loads corresponding to 20-70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Thirty physically active collegiate men conducted four evaluations after a preliminary BP 1RM determination (1RM·bw-1 = 1.02 ± 0.16 kg·kg-1). In counterbalanced order, participants performed two sessions of the BP in one week and two sessions of the BPT in another week. Recovery time between sessions within the same week was 48 hours and recovery time between sessions of different weeks was 120 hours. On each day of evaluation the individual load-velocity relationship at each tenth percentile (20-70% of 1RM) in a Smith machine for the BP or BPT was determined. Participants performed three attempts per load, but only the best repetition (highest Vpeak), registered by a linear position transducer, was analysed. The BPT resulted in a significantly lower coefficient of variation (CV) for the whole load-velocity relationship, compared to the BP (2.48% vs. 3.22%; p = 0.040). Test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from r = 0.94-0.85 for the BPT and r = 0.91-0.71 for the BP (p < 0.001). The reduction in the biological within-subject variation in BPT exercise could be promoted by the braking phase that obligatorily occurs during a BP executed with light or moderate loads. Therefore, we recommend the BPT exercise for a most accurate assessment of upper-body velocity.

13.
Coll Antropol ; 39 Suppl 1: 167-72, 2015 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26434026

ABSTRACT

Running is performed on different natural surfaces (outdoor) and artificial surfaces (indoor). Different surface characteristics cause modification of the lower leg muscle activation pattern to adopt ankle stiffness to these characteristics. So the purpose of our investigation was to study changes of lower leg muscles activation pattern in running on different natural running surfaces. Six male and two female runners participated. The participants ran at a freely chosen velocity in trials on asphalt while in trials on gravel, and grass surfaces they were attempting to reach similar velocities as in the trials on asphalt. Muscle activation of the peroneus brevis, tibialis anterior, soleus, and gastrocnemius medialis of the right leg was recorded. Running on asphalt increased average EMG amplitude of the m. tibialis anterior in the pre-activation phase and the m. gastrocnemius medialis in the entire contact phase compared to running on grass from 0.222 ± 0.113 V to 0.276 ± 0.136 V and from 0.214 ± 0.084 V to 0.238 ± 0.088 V, respectively. The average EMG of m. peroneus brevis in pre-activation phase increased from 0.156 ± 0.026 V to 0.184 ± 0.455 V in running on grass in comparison to running on gravel. Running on different surfaces is connected with different activation patterns of lower leg muscles. Running on asphalt requires stiff ankle joints, running on gravel requires greater stability in ankle joints, while running on grass is the least demanding on lower leg muscles.


Subject(s)
Hydrocarbons , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Poaceae , Running/physiology , Adult , Ankle/physiology , Biomechanical Phenomena , Electromyography , Female , Foot/physiology , Humans , Leg/physiology , Male , Young Adult
14.
Eur J Sport Sci ; 15(8): 687-95, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26305175

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between different variables measured with a force plate during the swimming start push-off phase and start performance presented by times to 5, 10 and 15 m. Twenty-one women from the Slovenian national swimming team performed two different swim starts (freestyle and undulatory) on a portable force plate to a distance further than 15 m. Correlations between push-off variables and times to 5, 10 and 15 m were quantified through Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient (r). The variables that significantly correlated (p < .05) to all times measured in the two starts performed were: average horizontal acceleration (freestyle: r = -0.58 to -0.71; and undulatory: r = -0.55 to -0.66), horizontal take-off velocity (freestyle: r = -0.56 to -0.69; and undulatory: r = -0.53 to -0.67) and resultant take-off velocity (freestyle: r = -0.53 to -0.65; and undulatory: r = -0.52 to -0.61). None of the variables derived from the vertical force were correlated to swimming start performance (p > .05). Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that horizontal take-off velocity and average horizontal acceleration (calculated as the average horizontal force divided by swimmer's body mass) are the variables most related to swimming start performance in experienced swimmers, and therefore could be the preferred measures to monitor swimmers' efficiency during the push-off phase.


Subject(s)
Athletic Performance/physiology , Swimming/physiology , Acceleration , Adolescent , Biomechanical Phenomena/physiology , Female , Humans , Reaction Time/physiology , Reproducibility of Results
15.
J Sports Sci Med ; 14(2): 256-62, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25983572

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to assess the use of maximum (Vmax) and final propulsive phase (FPV) bar velocity to predict jump height in the weighted jump squat. FPV was defined as the velocity reached just before bar acceleration was lower than gravity (-9.81 m·s(-2)). Vertical jump height was calculated from the take-off velocity (Vtake-off) provided by a force platform. Thirty swimmers belonging to the National Slovenian swimming team performed a jump squat incremental loading test, lifting 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of body weight in a Smith machine. Jump performance was simultaneously monitored using an AMTI portable force platform and a linear velocity transducer attached to the barbell. Simple linear regression was used to estimate jump height from the Vmax and FPV recorded by the linear velocity transducer. Vmax (y = 16.577x - 16.384) was able to explain 93% of jump height variance with a standard error of the estimate of 1.47 cm. FPV (y = 12.828x - 6.504) was able to explain 91% of jump height variance with a standard error of the estimate of 1.66 cm. Despite that both variables resulted to be good predictors, heteroscedasticity in the differences between FPV and Vtake-off was observed (r(2) = 0.307), while the differences between Vmax and Vtake-off were homogenously distributed (r(2) = 0.071). These results suggest that Vmax is a valid tool for estimating vertical jump height in a loaded jump squat test performed in a Smith machine. Key pointsVertical jump height in the loaded jump squat can be estimated with acceptable precision from the maximum bar velocity recorded by a linear velocity transducer.The relationship between the point at which bar acceleration is less than -9.81 m·s(-2) and the real take-off is affected by the velocity of movement.Mean propulsive velocity recorded by a linear velocity transducer does not appear to be optimal to monitor ballistic exercise performance.

16.
Int J Sports Phys Ther ; 10(2): 203-12, 2015 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25883869

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Increased flexibility is often desirable immediately prior to sports performance. Static stretching (SS) has historically been the main method for increasing joint range-of-motion (ROM) acutely. However, SS is associated with acute reductions in performance. Foam rolling (FR) is a form of self-myofascial release (SMR) that also increases joint ROM acutely but does not seem to reduce force production. However, FR has never previously been studied in resistance-trained athletes, in adolescents, or in individuals accustomed to SMR. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of SS and FR and a combination of both (FR+SS) of the plantarflexors on passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM in resistance-trained, adolescent athletes with at least six months of FR experience. METHODS: Eleven resistance-trained, adolescent athletes with at least six months of both resistance-training and FR experience were tested on three separate occasions in a randomized cross-over design. The subjects were assessed for passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM after a period of passive rest pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and after 10, 15, and 20 minutes of passive rest. Following the pre-intervention test, the subjects randomly performed either SS, FR or FR+SS. SS and FR each comprised 3 sets of 30 seconds of the intervention with 10 seconds of inter-set rest. FR+SS comprised the protocol from the FR condition followed by the protocol from the SS condition in sequence. RESULTS: A significant effect of time was found for SS, FR and FR+SS. Post hoc testing revealed increases in ROM between baseline and post-intervention by 6.2% for SS (p < 0.05) and 9.1% for FR+SS (p < 0.05) but not for FR alone. Post hoc testing did not reveal any other significant differences between baseline and any other time point for any condition. A significant effect of condition was observed immediately post-intervention. Post hoc testing revealed that FR+SS was superior to FR (p < 0.05) for increasing ROM. CONCLUSIONS: FR, SS and FR+SS all lead to acute increases in flexibility and FR+SS appears to have an additive effect in comparison with FR alone. All three interventions (FR, SS and FR+SS) have time courses that lasted less than 10 minutes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c.

17.
J Hum Kinet ; 41: 215-26, 2014 Jun 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25114748

ABSTRACT

The eggbeater kick presents an important basic technical skill in water polo. The aim of this study was to examine some different tests in order to recommend the best ones for the evaluation of the eggbeater kick. Twenty eight young male water polo players performed one test (squat jump) on land and ten tests in water: tethered swimming with legs only, using alternating and simultaneous eggbeater kicks, jumps out of water from basic and vertical (arms vertically above the head) position, water start and swimming two meters and swimming horizontally with legs only five meters with a flying start. The differences between tests were checked by executing dependent t-tests, while Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the correlation between different parameters. Results showed that when performing alternate eggbeater kicks greater average forces were produced by the water polo players when compared to consecutive simultaneous eggbeater kicks. However, a short time maximal acceleration of the body in the vertical and horizontal plane was greater when the single simultaneous kick was performed. It was determined that horizontal swimming using legs only and a squat jump were less useful for the evaluation of the eggbeater kick. Therefore, the recommendation was to measure the average force of successive alternating eggbeater kicks, the height of the jump out of the water from the basic position and the water start and swim over a distance of 2 meters.

18.
Eur J Appl Physiol ; 111(1): 101-13, 2011 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20824283

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate muscle fatigue in upper body muscles during 100-m all-out front crawl. Surface electromyogram (EMG) was collected from the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and triceps brachii muscles of 11 experienced swimmers. Blood lactate concentration level increased to 14.1 ± 2.9 mmol l(-1) 5 min after the swim. The velocity, stroke length and stroke rate calculated based on video analysis decreased by 15.0, 5.8 and 7.4%, respectively, during the swim. EMG amplitude of the triceps and the lower part of the latissimus muscles increased, whilst the mean power frequency (MNF) of all muscles significantly decreased by 20-25%. No significant differences in the relative MNF decrease were observed amongst the muscles; however, the differences in the rate of the MNF decrease between the lower part of the latissimus and the triceps brachii muscles were found (P < 0.05). The time of rest between the muscle activation of the two consecutive arm strokes at the end of swimming was extended (P < 0.05). It was concluded that 100-m all-out crawl induced significant fatigue with no evident differences amongst the analysed muscles.


Subject(s)
Lactates/blood , Muscle Fatigue/physiology , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Arm/physiology , Electromyography , Humans , Motor Skills/physiology , Swimming , Young Adult
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