Circulating miRNA Signaling for Fatty Acid Metabolism in Response to a Maximum Endurance Test in Elite Long-Distance Runners.

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a determining indicator for cardiorespiratory capacity in endurance athletes, and epigenetics is crucial in its levels and variability. This initial study examined a broad plasma miRNA profile of twenty-three trained elite endurance athletes with similar training volumes but different VO2max in response to an acute maximal graded endurance test. Six were clustered as higher/lower levels based on their VO2max (75.4 ± 0.9 and 60.1 ± 5.0 mL.kg-1.min-1). Plasma was obtained from athletes before and after the test and 15 ng of total RNA was extracted and detected using an SYBR-based 1113 miRNA RT-qPCR panel. A total of 51 miRNAs were differentially expressed among group comparisons. Relative amounts of miRNA showed a clustering behavior among groups regarding distinct performance/time points. Significantly expressed miRNAs were used to perform functional bioinformatic analysis (DIANA tools). Fatty acid metabolism pathways were strongly targeted for the significantly different miRNAs in all performance groups and time points (p < 0.001). Although this pathway does not solely determine endurance performance, their significant contribution is certainly achieved through the involvement of miRNAs. A highly genetically dependent gold standard variable for performance evaluation in a homogeneous group of elite athletes allowed genetic/epigenetic aspects related to fatty acid pathways to emerge.

Why Pheidippides could not believe in the 'Central Governor Model': Popper's philosophy applied to choose between two exercise physiology theories.

An important epistemological problem has been faced by Exercise Physiologists. On one hand, one theory explains the fatigue through a ceiling effect of oxygen uptake. On the other hand, the new theory proposes that an encephalon mechanism would stop the effort before a catastrophic homeostasis failure. Many physiologists have looked for evidence to support their favourite theory even though the induction logic problem does not allow to prove whether truth is discovered; however, it is possible to prove that it does not occur. When some researchers fail to test their hypotheses, they use relativism to bring up their theories again. Noakes and his colleagues have based their theory on relativism, because it is impossible to refute by empirical observation. It also doesn't explain all phenomena that the oldest Hill's theory is able to explain. Noakes's theory isn't more accurate in its previsions. Noakes did not check whether the oxygen uptake plateau occurs in suitable tests to measure on the mouth what happens in the muscles. Finally, it doesn't propose new tests for the encephalon role during maximal effort, as that is expected in scientific work. For all of these reasons, it is possible to conclude there are no advantages in switching to the "Central Governor" theory.

Effect of Achilles Tendon Mechanics on the Running Economy of Elite Endurance Athletes.

The Achilles tendon stores and releases strain energy, influencing running economy. The present study aims to verify the influence of the Achilles tendon tangent modulus, as a material property, on running economy by comparing two groups of elite endurance-performance athletes undergoing different running training volumes. Twelve athletes, six long-distance runners and six pentathletes, were studied. Long-distance runners had a higher weekly running training volume (116.7±13.7 vs. 58.3±20.4 km, p<0.05) and a better running economy (204.3±12.0 vs. 222.0±8.7 O2 mL ∙ kg-1 ∙ km-1, p<0.05) evaluated in a treadmill at 16 km·h-1, 1% inclination. Both groups presented similar VO2max (68.5±3.8 vs. 65.7±5.0 mL ∙ min-1 ∙ kg-1, p>0.05). Achilles tendon tangent modulus was estimated from ultrasound-measured deformations, with the ankle passively mobilized by a dynamometer. True stress was calculated from the measured torque. The long-distance runners had a higher maximum tangent modulus (380.6±92.2 vs. 236.2±82.6 MPa, p<0.05) and maximum true stress than pentathletes (24.2±5.1 vs. 16.0±3.5 MPa, p<0.05). The correlation coefficient between tangent modulus at larger deformations was R=-0.7447 (p<0.05). Quantifying tendon tissue adaptations associated with different running training volumes will support subject and modality-specific workouts prescription of elite endurance athletes.

Different Signatures of High Cardiorespiratory Capacity Revealed With Metabolomic Profiling in Elite Athletes.

PURPOSE: High cardiorespiratory capacity is a key determinant of human performance and life expectancy; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate biochemical signatures of endurance-performance athletes using high-resolution nontargeted metabolomics. METHODS: Elite long-distance runners with similar training and anthropometrical records were studied. After athletes' maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max) was measured, they were divided into 2 groups: low V˙O2max (<65 mL·kg-1·min-1, n = 7) and high V˙O2max (>75 mL·kg-1·min-1, n = 7). Plasma was collected under basal conditions after 12 hours of fasting and after a maximal exercise test (nonfasted) and analyzed by high-resolution LC-MS. Multivariate and univariate statistics were applied. RESULTS: A total of 167 compounds were putatively identified with an LC-MS-based metabolomics pipeline. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis showed a clear separation between groups. Significant variations in metabolites highlighted group differences in diverse metabolic pathways, including lipids, vitamins, amino acids, purine, histidine, xenobiotics, and others, either under basal condition or after the maximal exercise test. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the metabolic alterations revealed in the study affect cellular energy use and availability, oxidative stress management, muscle damage, central nervous system signaling metabolites, nutrients, and compound bioavailability, providing new insights into metabolic alterations associated with exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness levels in trained athletes.

A Multidimensional Approach to Assessing Anthropometric and Aerobic Fitness Profiles of Elite Brazilian Endurance Athletes and Military Personnel.

INTRODUCTION: Military personnel must remain physically active to meet operational requirements. Military physical training not only provides the performance capabilities required for performing occupational tasks but also fosters the development of sport. Thus, Armed Forces across the world have historically invested in developing elite- and Olympic-level athletes. This study aimed to assess the anthropometric and physiological differences among groups of Brazilian military athletes (MA), non-military athletes (A), and military non-athletes (M). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five individuals participated in the study: 17 MA (23.7 ± 4.8 years), 27 A (24.7 ± 5.3 years), and 31 M (26.9 ± 3.3 years). MA and A individuals specialized in endurance sports, and had a mean weekly training volume of (100.0 ± 34.8 and 106.3 ± 40.5 Km; F = 0.894, p = 0.6), respectively. Anthropometric measures and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2máx) were assessed in all participants. Ergospirometry and anthropometry variables were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent measures. Comparisons of weekly training volume (km) and training experience (years) were performed only between the A and MA using the Student's t-test for independent samples. For a multidimensional approach, Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed for all variables using the online tool MetaboAnalyst. RESULTS: We found no differences in anthropometric and physiological profiles between A and MA, but significant differences between M and MA/A in body mass index (kg/m2) (BMI), body fat percentage, fat mass (kg), waist circumference (cm) (WC), somatotype, and V̇O2máx (mL min-1 kg-1). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, military endurance athletes have similar anthropometric and physiological profiles to non-military athletes and superior levels to non-athlete military. These findings indicate that the Brazilian Armed Forces scouting system has been successful in identifying endurance athletic talent in line with their historic role of developing sport in Brazil.

Acute effect of Ethanol and Taurine on frontal cortex absolute beta power before and after exercise.

Ethanol (ET) is a substance that modulates the Central Nervous System (CNS). Frequently, ET intake occurs combined with energy drinks, which contain taurine (TA), an important amino acid found in the body (i.e brain and muscles). Although TA administration has been used in the improvement of physical performance, the impact of TA, ET and exercise remains unknown. This study aimed to analyze the acute effect of 6g of Taurine (TA), 0.6 mL∙kg-1 of Ethanol (ET), and Taurine combined with Ethanol (TA+ET) ingestion on the electrocortical activity before and after a moderate intensity exercise in 9 subjects, 5 women (counterbalanced experimental design). In each of the 4 treatments (Placebo-PL, TA, ET and TA+ET), electroencephalography (EEG) tests were conducted in order to analyze changes in absolute beta power (ABP) in the frontal lobe in 3 moments: baseline (before ingestion), peak (before exercise) and post-exercise. In the PL treatment, the frontal areas showed decrease in ABP after exercise. However, in the ET+TA treatment, ABP values were greater after exercise, except for Fp1. The ET treatment had no effect on the Superior Frontal Gyrus area (F3, Fz and F4) and ABP decreased after exercise in Fp1 and Fp2. In the TA treatment, ABP increased after exercise, while it decreased at the peak moment in most of the frontal regions, except for Fp1, F3 and Fz. We concluded that after a moderate intensity exercise, a decrease in cortical activity occurs in placebo treatment. Moreover, we found a inhibitory effect of TA on cortical activity before exercise and a increased in cortical activity after exercise. A small ET dose is not enough to alter ABP in all regions of the frontal cortex and, in combination with TA, it showed an increase in the frontal cortex activity at the post-exercise moment.

Acute ethanol and taurine intake affect absolute alpha power in frontal cortex before and after exercise.

Taurine and alcohol has been popularly ingested through energy drinks. Reports from both compounds shows they are active on nervous system but little is known about the acute effect of these substances on the frontal cortex in an exercise approach. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 0,6mldL-1 of ethanol (ET), 6g of taurine (TA), and taurine with ethanol (TA+ET) intake on absolute alpha power (AAP) in the frontal region, before and after exercise. Nine participants were recruited, five women (22±3years) and four men (26±5years), for a counterbalanced experimental design. For each treatment, the tests were performed considering three moments: "baseline", "peak" and "post-exercise". In the placebo treatment (PL), the frontal areas showed AAP decrease at the post-exercise. However, in the TA, AAP decreased at peak and increased at post-exercise. In the ET treatment, AAP increased at the peak moment for the left frontal electrodes. In the TA+ET treatment, an AAP increase was observed at peak, and it continued after exercise ended. These substances were able to produce electrocortical activity changes in the frontal regions after a short duration and low intensity exercise. Left and right regions showed different AAP dynamics during peak and post-exercise moments when treatments were compared.

Carbohydrate mouth rinse enhances time to exhaustion during treadmill exercise.

Mouth rinsing with a CHO solution has been suggested to improve short (<1 h) endurance performance through central effect. We examined the effects of mouth rinsing with a CHO solution on running time to exhaustion on a treadmill. Six well-trained subjects ran to exhaustion at 85% VO2max , on three separate occasions. Subjects received either an 8% CHO solution or a placebo (PLA) every 15 min to mouth rinse (MR) or a 6% CHO solution to ingest (ING). Treatments were assigned in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion, with the mouth-rinsing treatments double-blinded. Blood samples were taken to assess glucose (Glu) and lactate (Lac), as well as the perceived exertion (RPE). Gas exchange and heart rate (HR) were collected during all trials. Subjects ran longer (P = 0·038) in both the MR (2583 ± 686 s) and ING (2625 ± 804 s) trials, compared to PLA (1935 ± 809 s), covering a greater distance (MR 9685 ± 3511·62 m; ING 9855 ± 4118·62; PLA 7295 ± 3727 m). RER was significantly higher in both ING and MR versus PLA. No difference among trials was observed for other metabolic or cardiovascular variables (VO2 , Lac, Glu, HR), nor for RPE. Endurance capacity, based on time to exhaustion on a treadmill, was improved when either mouth rinsing or ingesting a CHO solution, compared to PLA.

Taurine supplementation improves economy of movement in the cycle test independently of the detrimental effects of ethanol.

Taurine (TA) ingestion has been touted as blunting the deleterious effects of ethanol (ET) ingestion on motor performance. This study investigated the effects of ingestion of 0.6 mL·kg-1 of ET, 6 grams of TA, and ethanol in combination with taurine (ET+TA) on economy of movement (EM) and heart rate (HR). Nine volunteers, five female (22 ± 3 years) and four male (26 ± 5 years), participated in a study that used a counterbalanced experimental design. EM and HR were measured for 6 min while the subjects were pedalling at a fixed load 10% below the anaerobic threshold. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was similar between ET and ET+TA treatments at 30 min after ingestion and after exercise (12.3 mmol·L-1 vs. 13.7 mmol·L-1, and 9.7 mmol • L-1 vs 10.9 mmol·L-1, respectively). EM was significantly different among treatments, with lower mL·W-1 following ingestion of TA (-7.1%, p<0.001) than placebo and ET+TA (-2.45%, p=0.001) compared to ET. HR (bpm) was significantly (p<0.05) higher for ET (137 ± 14 bpm) than the other three treatments (placebo = 129 ± 14 bpm; TA = 127 ± 11 bpm; TA+ET = 133 ± 12 and ET = 137 ± 14 bpm). Taurine improved EM when compared to placebo or ET, and reduced HR when compared to ET. The combination of ET+TA also enhanced EM compared to placebo, and reduced HR in comparison to ET alone. Therefore, these findings indicate that taurine improves EM and counteracts ethanol-induced increases in HR during submaximal exercise.

Effects of Sprint versus High-Intensity Aerobic Interval Training on Cross-Country Mountain Biking Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The current study compared the effects of high-intensity aerobic training (HIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) on mountain biking (MTB) race simulation performance and physiological variables, including peak power output (PPO), lactate threshold (LT) and onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA). METHODS: Sixteen mountain bikers (mean ± SD: age 32.1 ± 6.4 yr, body mass 69.2 ± 5.3 kg and VO2max 63.4 ± 4.5 mL∙kg(-1)∙min(-1)) completed graded exercise and MTB performance tests before and after six weeks of training. The HIT (7-10 x [4-6 min--highest sustainable intensity / 4-6 min-CR100 10-15]) and SIT (8-12 x [30 s--all-out intensity / 4 min--CR100 10-15]) protocols were included in the participants' regular training programs three times per week. RESULTS: Post-training analysis showed no significant differences between training modalities (HIT vs. SIT) in body mass, PPO, LT or OBLA (p = 0.30 to 0.94). The Cohen's d effect size (ES) showed trivial to small effects on group factor (p = 0.00 to 0.56). The interaction between MTB race time and training modality was almost significant (p = 0.08), with a smaller ES in HIT vs. SIT training (ES = -0.43). A time main effect (pre- vs. post-phases) was observed in MTB race performance and in several physiological variables (p = 0.001 to 0.046). Co-variance analysis revealed that the HIT (p = 0.043) group had significantly better MTB race performance measures than the SIT group. Furthermore, magnitude-based inferences showed HIT to be of likely greater benefit (83.5%) with a lower probability of harmful effects (0.8%) compared to SIT. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study suggest that six weeks of either HIT or SIT may be effective at increasing MTB race performance; however, HIT may be a preferable strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01944865.

Low-frequency rTMS over the Parieto-frontal network during a sensorimotor task: The role of absolute beta power in the sensorimotor integration.

Several studies have demonstrated that Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) promotes alterations in the Central Nervous System circuits and networks. The focus of the present study is to examine the absolute beta power patterns in the Parieto-frontal network. We hypothesize that rTMS alters the mechanisms of the sensorimotor integration process during a visuomotor task. Twelve young healthy volunteers performed a visuomotor task involving decision making recorded (Catch a ball in a free fall) by Electroencephalography. rTMS was applied on the Superior Parietal Cortex (SPC; Brodmann area [BA] 7) with low-frequency (1 Hz - 15 min - 80% Resting Motor Threshold). For each Frontal and Parietal region, a two-way ANOVA was used to compare the absolute beta power before and after TMS for each condition of the study (Rest 1, Task and Rest 2). The results demonstrated interactions (TMS vs. Condition) for the Frontal electrodes: Fp1, Fp2 and F7 and an effect of TMS (before and after) for F4.The results for the Parietal region showed a main effect of Condition for the P3, PZ and P4 electrodes. Thus, our paradigm was useful to better understand the reorganization and neural plasticity mechanisms in the parieto-frontal network during the sensorimotor integration process.

The effects of bromazepam over the central and frontal areas during a motor task: an EEG study.

The present study investigates the influence of bromazepam while executing a motor task. Specifically, we intend to analyze the changes in alpha absolute power under two experimental conditions, bromazepam and placebo. We also included analyses of theta and beta frequencies. We collected electroencephalographic data before, during, and after motor task execution. We used a Two Way ANOVA to investigate the condition (PL × Br6 mg) and moment (pre and post) variables for the following electrodes: Fp1, Fp2, F7, F3, Fz, F4, F8, C3, CZ and C4. We found a main effect for condition on the electrodes FP1, F7, F3, Fz, F4, C3 and CZ, for alpha and beta bands. For beta band we also found a main effect for condition on the electrodes Fp2, F8 and C4; for theta band we identified a main effect for condition on C3, Cz and C4 electrodes. This finding suggests that the motor task did not have any influence on the electrocortical activity in alpha, and that the existing modifications were a consequence due merely to the drug use. Despite its anxiolytic and sedative action, bromazepam did not show any significant changes when the individuals executed a finger extension motor task.

The influence of levetiracetam in cognitive performance in healthy individuals: neuropsychological, behavioral and electrophysiological approach.

OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to analyze the influence of Levetiracetam (LEV) in cognitive performance by identifying the changes produced by LEV in reaction time, in neuropsychological assessment of attention and memory and in absolute theta power in frontal activity. METHODS: Twelve healthy subjects (5 men and 7 women; mean age, 30.08 years, standard deviation, 4.71) were recruited for this study. The neuropsychological tests: Trail Making Test (A and B), Digit Span (direct and indirect numerical orders/working memory); Stroop test (inhibitory control of attention); Tower of London (planning and decision-making) and a quantitative electroencephalography were applied in 2 different days after and before the participants ingested the capsule of placebo or 500 mg LEV. RESULTS: A two-way-ANOVA was implemented to observe the interaction between conditions (placebo or LEV 500 mg) and moments (pre- and post-ingestion of LEV or placebo). The data were analyzed by the SPSS statistical package (p<0.05). For the neuropsychological parameter, the Trail Making Test (A) was the only test that showed significant difference for condition in the task execution time (p=0.026). Regarding the reaction time in the behavioral parameter, an interaction between both factors (p=0.034) was identified through a two-way-ANOVA (condition versus moment). Electrophysiological measures showed a significant interaction for electrodes: F7, F3, and FZ. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that LEV promotes an important cognitive enhancement in the executive functions.

The effects of bromazepam over the central and frontal areas during a motor task: an EEG study / Os efeitos do bromazepam nas áreas corticais central e frontal durante execução de uma tarefa motora: um estudo de EEG

The present study investigates the influence of bromazepam while executing a motor task. Specifically, we intend to analyze the changes in alpha absolute power under two experimental conditions, bromazepam and placebo. We also included analyses of theta and beta frequencies. We collected electroencephalographic data before, during, and after motor task execution. We used a Two Way ANOVA to investigate the condition (PL × Br6 mg) and moment (pre and post) variables for the following electrodes: Fp1, Fp2, F7, F3, Fz, F4, F8, C3, CZ and C4. We found a main effect for condition on the electrodes FP1, F7, F3, Fz, F4, C3 and CZ, for alpha and beta bands. For beta band we also found a main effect for condition on the electrodes Fp2, F8 and C4; for theta band we identified a main effect for condition on C3, Cz and C4 electrodes. This finding suggests that the motor task did not have any influence on the electrocortical activity in alpha, and that the existing modifications were a consequence due merely to the drug use. Despite its anxiolytic and sedative action, bromazepam did not show any significant changes when the individuals executed a finger extension motor task.

O presente estudo investiga a influência do bromazepam durante a execução de uma tarefa motora. Especificamente, pretende-se analisar as mudanças na potência absoluta de alfa sob duas condições experimentais, bromazepam e placebo. Nós também incluímos as analises das frequências teta e beta. Foram coletados dados eletroencefalográficos antes, durante e depois da execução da tarefa motora. Usamos uma Anova de 2 fatores para investigar a condição (PL × Br6 mg) e variáveis no momento (pré e pós) para os seguintes eletrodos: Fp1, Fp2, F7, F3, Fz, F4, F8, C3, C4 e CZ. Encontramos um efeito principal para a condição e eletrodos FP1, F7, F3, Fz, F4, C3 e CZ para alfa e beta. Para beta também foi encontrado um efeito principal para condição nos eletrodos Fp2, F8 e C4; para theta nós identificamos um efeito principal para condition em C3, Cz e C4. Este achado sugere que a tarefa motora não tem qualquer influência sobre a atividade eletrocortical alfa e que as modificações existentes foram uma consequência devido o uso de drogas. Apesar de sua ação ansiolítica e sedativa, o bromazepam não apresentou mudança significativa quando os indivíduos executaram uma tarefa motora.

Validade preditiva da medida e estimativas do VO2máx no desempenho de Mountain Bikers / Predictive validity of VO2máx measurement and estimates in Mountain Bikers' performance / Validez predictiva de la medida y estimativas del VO2máx en el desempeño de Mountain Bikers

INTRODUÇÃO: considerando o racional para a utilização das equações preditivas na estimativa do VO2máx em atletas, nenhum estudo estabeleceu sua validade para o desempenho no mountain bike cross-country (XCO). OBJETIVO: comparar diferentes estratégias de determinação do VO2máx, de forma direta ou indireta, para a predição do desempenho em uma prova real e outra simulada. MÉTODOS: 20 atletas de XCO do sexo masculino (31,6 ± 6,8 anos; 68,1 ± 6,5 kg; 175,5 ± 5,7cm; 64,9 ± 4,4 mL. kg-1.min-1), foram submetidos a três sessões experimentais. A primeira visita consistiu na estratificação de risco, avaliação antropométrica e teste progressivo máximo. Na segunda, foi realizada a prova simulada e, na terceira, foi realizada a competição de XCO. RESULTADOS: a correlação entre a prova simulada e as equações preditivas do VO2máx de forma absoluta alcançaram relação quase perfeita (r ≥ 0,9). As correlações entre a competição real e as estimativas de VO2máx relativizadas à massa corporal alcançaram resultados classificados como muito altos (r = 0,7-0,89). As associações entre a medida direta do VO2máx e a simulação apresentaram uma classificação baixa para valores relativos à massa corporal (r = 0,10, IC95% -0,35 a 0,51). Para o desempenho real, a classificação foi moderada (r = 0,48, IC95% 0,009 a 0,78). CONCLUSÃO: o presente estudo foi o primeiro a demonstrar a validade preditiva das estimativas do VO2máx para o desempenho simulado e real de MTB. Em complemento, confirmou a baixa validade preditiva da medida direta do VO2máx para o mesmo propósito. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: considerando el racional para el uso de las ecuaciones predictivas en la estimativa del VO2máx en atletas de ciclismo, ningún estudio estableció su validez predictiva para el desempeño en el mountain bike cross-country (XCO). OBJETIVO: comparar diferentes estrategias de determinación del VO2máx, de forma directa o indirecta, para la predicción del desempeño en una prueba real y otra simulada. MÉTODOS: veinte atletas de XCO del sexo masculino (31,6 ± 6,8 años; 68,1 ± 6,5 kg; 175,5 ± 5,7cm; 64,9 ± 4,4 mL. kg-1.min-1), fueron sometidos a tres sesiones experimentales. La primera visita consistió en la estratificación de riesgo, evaluación antropométrica y test progresivo máximo. En la segunda, fue realizada la prueba simulada y en la tercera fue realizada la competición de XCO. RESULTADOS: la correlación entre la prueba simulada y las ecuaciones predictivas del VO2máx de forma absoluta alcanzaron relación casi perfecta (r ≥ 0,9). Las correlaciones entre la competición real y las estimativas de VO2máx relativizada a la masa corporal alcanzaron resultados clasificados como muy grande (r = 0,7-0,89). Las asociaciones entre la medida directa del VO2máx y la simulación presentaron clasificación pequeña para valores relativos a masa corporal (r = 0,10, IC95% -0,35 a 0,51). Para el desempeño real, la clasificación fue moderada (r = 0,48, IC95% 0,009 a 0,78). CONCLUSIÓN: el presente estudio fue el primero en demostrar la validez predictiva de las estimativas del VO2máx para el desempeño simulado y real de MTB. En complemento, confirmó la baja validez predictiva de la medida directa del VO2máx para el mismo propósito. .

INTRODUCTION: considering the rationale for the use of predictive equations to estimate VO2max in athletes, no study has established its validity for performance in mountain bike cross-country (XCO). OBJECTIVE: the aim was to compare different strategies for determining VO2max, directly or indirectly, for predicting performance in a simulated and in a real competition. METHODS: 20 XCO male athletes (31.6 ± 6.8 anos; 68.1 ± 6.5 kg; 175.5 ± 5.7cm; VO2max 64.9 ± 4.4 mL. kg-1.min-1), were submitted to three experimental sessions. In the first visit, there were risk stratification, anthropometric evaluation and maximum progressive test. In the second, a simulated race was performed and, in the third session, a XCO competition was performed. RESULTS: the correlation between the simulated competition and the predictive equations of VO2max in absolute values reached an almost perfect relationship (r ≥ 0.9). The correlations between the real competition and estimated VO2max relativized to body mass achieved results classified as very high (r = 0.7 to .89). The associations between the direct measurement of VO2max and the simulation were classified as small for values relative to body mass (r = 0.10, CI95% -0.35 to 0.51). For the actual performance, the classification was moderate (r = 0.48, CI95% 0.009 to 0.78). CONCLUSION: this study was the first to demonstrate the predictive validity of the estimates of VO2max for the simulated and real MTB performance. In addition, it confirmed the low predictive validity of direct measurement of VO2max for the same purpose. .

Predição da massa corporal magra de adultos brasileiros através da área muscular do braço / Prediction of lean body mass in Brazilian adults through arm muscle area / Predicción de la masa corporal magra de adultos brasileños a través del área muscular del brazo

INTRODUÇÃO: A área muscular do braço (Amb) é componente da massa corporal magra (MCM). OBJETIVO: Propor uma equação para estimativa da MCM através da Amb. MÉTODOS: Quarenta e cinco voluntários masculinos, aparentemente saudáveis, com idade média de 22 ± 3 anos e massa corporal 74,9 ± 8,43 kg, foram distribuídos randomicamente em grupos de validação interna (VI) e validação externa (VE). Tais sujeitos foram submetidos a medidas antropométricas e à hidrometria. Antes dos testes, os sujeitos receberam as seguintes orientações: a) evitar o consumo de cafeína e álcool nas 24 horas precedentes; b) não realizar atividade física extenuante (≥ 5 METs), pelo menos nas 12 horas prévias ao exame e; c) período pós-prandial de quatro horas. A área muscular do braço foi determinada através da equação: Ama= [C-(T . π)]²÷(4 . π). RESULTADOS: O modelo derivado para predição foi: MCM= 9,127 + (0,625 . MC) + (0,139 . Amb); r2= 0,91, EPE= 1,85 kg (2,5% da massa corporal ou MC). Para VE, não houve diferença significativa entre a MCM medida pela eletrobioimpedância e a prevista pela fórmula acima (p=0,350), r²= 0,94, CV%= 2,0%, CCI= 0,97 e EPE= 1,87 kg. CONCLUSÃO: A equação de regressão múltipla derivada permite estimar a MCM de jovens brasileiros do sexo masculino. .

INTRODUCTION: Arm muscle area (Ama) is a component of lean body mass (LBM). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop an equation for estimating LBM through the Ama. METHODS: Forty-five apparently healthy young males, with an average age of 22 ± 3 years and body mass of 74.9 ± 8.43 kg, were randomly divided into two groups: internal validation (IV) and external validation (EV). The total sample was submitted to anthropometric and hydrometric measurements. Before the test, the subjects received the following instructions: a) to avoid caffeine and alcohol 24 hours before the test; b) not to do any strenuous physical activity (≥5 METs) for at least 12 hours prior to exam and; c) a postprandial period of 4 hours. Ama was obtained by the equation: Ama=[C- (T . π) ]² ÷ (4 . π). RESULTS: The prediction model obtained was: LBM= 9.127 + (0.625 . BW) + (0.139 . Ama); r2=0.91; SEE=1.85 kg (2.5% BW). For the EV, no significant difference was found between LBM measured by BIA and that provided by the formula (p=0.35); r²= 0.94; CV%= 2.0%; ICC= 0.97 and SEE= 1.87 kg. CONCLUSION: The multiple regression equation enables the LBM to be estimated for young Brazilian males. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: El área muscular del brazo (Amb) es componente de la masa corporal magra (MCM). OBJETIVO: Proponer una ecuación para estimativa de la MCM a través de Amb. MÉTODOS: Cuarenta y cinco voluntarios masculinos, aparentemente saludables, con edad promedio de 22 ± 3 años y masa corporal 74,9 ± 8,43 kg, fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en grupos de validación interna (VI) y validación externa (VE). Tales sujetos fueron sometidos a medidas antropométricas y a hidrometría. Antes de los tests, los sujetos recibieron las siguientes orientaciones: a) evitar el consumo de cafeína y alcohol en las 24 horas precedentes; b) no realizar actividad física extenuante (≥ 5 METs), por lo menos en las 12 horas previas al examen y, c) período postprandial de cuatro horas. El área muscular del brazo fue determinada a través de la ecuación: Ama= [C-(T . π)]²÷(4 . π). RESULTADOS: El modelo derivado para predicción fue: MCM= 9,127 + (0,625 . MC) + (0,139 . Amb); r2= 0,91, EPE= 1,85 kg (2,5% de la masa corporal o MC). Para VE, no hubo diferencia significativa entre la MCM medida por la electrobioimpedancia y la prevista por la fórmula de arriba (p=0,350), r²= 0,94, CV%= 2,0%, CCI= 0,97 y EPE= 1,87 kg. CONCLUSIÓN: La ecuación de regresión múltiple derivada permite estimar la MCM de jóvenes brasileños del sexo masculino. .

Eletromiografia do bíceps braquial em contrações dinâmicas / Electromyography of the biceps brachii during dynamic contractions / Electromiografía del bíceps braquial en contracciones dinámicas

INTRODUÇÃO: A reprodutibilidade da atividade eletromiográfica de superfície (EMG) é mais estudada em protocolos que envolvem contrações isométricas. Alguns fatores relacionados às contrações dinâmicas podem contribuir para a instabilidade do sinal mioelétrico e dificultar a reprodutibilidade da medida da EMG. OBJETIVO: Determinar a reprodutibilidade teste-reteste e quantificar o erro técnico da medida da frequência mediana (FM) e da amplitude (root mean square, RMS) da EMG, em contrações dinâmicas e estáticas. MÉTODOS: Dez sujeitos foram testados em dois dias, sendo a atividade EMG registrada na maior porção do bíceps braquial. No primeiro dia foi feito o teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) e de contração voluntária máxima (CVM). No segundo dia foram realizadas duas séries de 10 contrações dos flexores do cotovelo com 75% de 1RM, entremeadas por 1 h em repouso. Antes de cada série foi realizada uma CVM. RESULTADOS: Para a FM e RMS foi observado alto coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para o sinal do bíceps braquial (CCI = 0,90-0,98 para a FM; CCI = 0,89-0,94 para o RMS) e de baixo para moderado coeficiente de variação (CV = 2,5-6,2% para a FM; CV = 14,6-16,3% para o RMS) em ambos os testes. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre teste e reteste (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A FM e o RMS apresentam alta confiabilidade e baixo a moderado erro em contrações estáticas e dinâmicas, possibilitando o uso da EMG para investigação da fadiga e de desordens neuromusculares.

INTRODUCTION: Reproducibility of electromyographic activity (EMG) is the most studied in protocols involving isometric contractions. Some factors related to dynamic contractions may contribute to the instability of the myoelectric signal and affect the reproducibility of the measurement of EMG. OBJECTIVE: To determine the test-retest reproducibility and quantify the technical error of the measurement of the median frequency (MF) and amplitude (root mean square, RMS) of the surface EMG in static and dynamic contractions. METHODS: Ten subjects were tested in two days with the EMG activity recorded for the greatest portion of the biceps brachii tendon. In the first day the subjects did one test of maximum repetition (1MR) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). On the second day the subjects performed two sets of 10 dynamic contractions of the elbow flexors at 75% of 1MR interspersed by 1 h at rest. Before each set one MVC was performed. RESULTS: For both MF and RMS, was observed high intraclass reliability for biceps brachii (ICC = 0.90-0.98 for MF; ICC = 0.89-0.94 for RMS) and low to moderate coefficient of variation (CV = 2.5-6.2% for MF; CV =14.6-16.3% for RMS) in both tests. No significant difference between test and retest was found (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The MF and RMS have high reliability and low to moderate error in static and dynamic contractions, enabling the use of EMG for the investigation of fatigue and neuromuscular disorders.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La reproducibilidad de la actividad electromiográfica de superficie (EMG) es más estudiada en protocolos que involucran contracciones isométricas. Algunos factores relacionados con las contracciones dinámicas pueden contribuir para la inestabilidad de la señal mioeléctrica y dificultar la reproducibilidad de la medida de la EMG. OBJETIVO: Determinar la reproducibilidad prueba-nueva prueba y cuantificar el error técnico cuanto a la medida de la frecuencia mediana (FM) y de la amplitud (root mean square, RMS) de la EMG de superficie, en contracciones dinámicas y estáticas. MÉTODOS: diez individuos fueron examinados en dos días, siendo la actividad EMG registrada en el área más grande del bíceps braquial. En el primer día, se hizo la prueba de una repetición máxima (1RM) y de contracción voluntaria máxima (CVM). En el segundo día, se realizaron dos series de 10 contracciones de los flexores del codo, con 75% de 1RM, alternadas por 1 hora en reposo. Antes de cada serie, se hizo una CVM. RESULTADOS: Para la FM y el RMS se observó un alto coeficiente de correlación para la señal del bíceps braquial (CCI = 0,90-0,98 para la FM; CCI = 0,89-0,94 para el RMS) y un coeficiente de variación de bajo para moderado (CV = 2,5-6,2% para la FM; CV = 14,6-16,3% para el RMS) en ambas pruebas. No se observó una diferencia significativa entre prueba y nueva prueba (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: La FM y el RMS presentan alta confiabilidad, y error de bajo a moderado en contracciones estáticas y dinámicas, posibilitando el uso de la EMG para investigación de la fatiga y de desórdenes neuromusculares.

Relação entre esporte, resiliência, qualidade de vida e ansiedade / Relationship between sport, resilience, quality of life, and anxiety

CONTEXTO: A prática de esportes apresenta efeitos benéficos para o sistema cardiorrespiratório e muscular, para a função comportamental e para a saúde mental. Entretanto, não se sabe o papel do esporte de alto nível na construção de perfis resilientes. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar resiliência, qualidade de vida e ansiedade de ex-atletas de alto rendimento de ginástica artística, de outros esportes e indivíduos não atletas. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo ex-atletas de ginástica artística (n = 17), de outras modalidades (n = 15) e indivíduos não atletas (n = 30). Foram utilizadas as seguintes escalas e questionários: Inventário de Depressão de Beck, Inventário de Ansiedade Traço e Estado (IDATE T e E), Escala de Resiliência e Questionário de Qualidade de Vida SF-36®. RESULTADOS: Foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos na resiliência (p = 0,001), IDATE T (p = 0,049), estado geral de saúde (p = 0,044) e aspectos emocionais da qualidade de vida (p = 0,002), indicando que o grupo de ex-atletas apresentou maior resiliência e melhor aspecto emocional que não atletas. CONCLUSÃO: O esporte parece favorecer a construção de um perfil mais resiliente, além de contribuir para melhor qualidade de vida.

BACKGROUND: The practice of sports has beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory and muscle systems, behavioral function, and mental health. However, the influence of elite sports on the development of resilience is not known. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to compare resilience, quality of life, and anxiety in ex-athletes of artistic gymnastic and other sports with non-athletic individuals. METHODS: Ex-artistic gymnastics athletes (n = 17), ex-athletes of other sports (n = 15), and non-athletic individuals (n = 30) were recruited. Structured anamneses as well as depression, anxiety, resilience and quality of life scales were applied in all groups. RESULTS: Significant difference between groups were found in resilience (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.049), general health status (p = 0.044), and emotional aspects of quality of life (p = 0.002). Ex-athletes showed greater resilience and better quality of life regarding to emotional aspects than non-athletes. DISCUSSION: Sport seems to contribute to the development of a more resilient profile and better quality of life.