Effects of high-intensity interval training and resistance training on physiological parameters and performance of well-trained runners: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to verify the effects of 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), heavy (HRT) and explosive (ERT) resistance training on aerobic, anaerobic and neuromuscular parameters and performance of well-trained runners. Twenty-six male athletes were divided into HIIT (n = 10), HRT (n = 7) and ERT (n = 9) groups. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and the corresponding velocity (vVO2max), anaerobic threshold (AT), running economy (RE), oxygen uptake kinetics, lower-body strength (1RM) and power (CMJ), and the 1500m and 5000m time-trial (TT) were determined. Improvements were observed in vVO2max (mean difference (Δ): 2.6%; effect size (ES): 0.63) with HIIT, while AT was incresead in ERT (Δ: 4.3%; ES: 0.73) and HRT (Δ: 6.9%; ES: 0.72) groups. The CMJ performance was increased in ERT (Δ: 13.8%; ES: 1.03), HRT (Δ: 6.9%; ES: 0.55) and HIIT (Δ: 5.4%; ES: 0.34), whereas 1RM increase in HRT (Δ: 38.1%; ES: 1.21) and ERT (Δ: 49.2%; ES: 0.96) groups. HIIT improved the 1500m (Δ: -2.3%; ES: -0.62) and both HRT (Δ: -1.6%; ES: -0.32) and ERT (Δ: -1.7%; ES: -0.31) the 5000m TT. Despite performance adaptations were dependent on the training characteristics, both RT and HIIT model constitute an alternative for training periodization.

Anthropometric Characteristics, Training Intensity Distribution, Physiological Profile and Performance of an Elite Trail Runner: A Longitudinal Case Study / Características Antropométricas, Distribución de la Intensidad del Entrenamiento, Perfil Fisiológico y Rendimiento de un Corredor de Montaña de Élite: Un Estudio de Caso Longitudinal

SUMMARY: Trail running (TR), an extreme endurance sport, presents unique challenges due to the variety of terrain and distances, where physiological capacity and body composition have been considered better predictors of performance. This longitudinal case study examines the impact of training intensity distribution (TID) on an elite trail runner's physiological profile and performance over four years. Two TID models were implemented: polarized (POL) and pyramidal (PYR). Physiological assessments included maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), lactate thresholds (LT1 and LT2), and anthropometric characteristics. The training was classified according to the 3-zone intensity model (zone 1: below the first lactate threshold; zone 2: between the first and second lactate threshold; zone 3: above the second lactate threshold). During the four years, the average TID distribution was 75 % zone 1, 18 % zone 2, and 7 % zone 3. Physiological capacity increased by 7.14 % (14 to 15 km/h) for velocity at LT1 (vLT1) and 8.13 % (16 to 17.3 km/h) for velocity at LT2 (vLT2). The most significant increases were observed during the second year when the percentage of training time in zone 1 was lower (65 %) and in zone 2 greater (30 %) than those reported in other years. Consequently, vLT1 and vLT2 increased by 3.5 % (from 14.1 to 14.6 km/h) and 3.6 % (from 16.5 to 17.1 km/h), respectively. In conclusion, this case study revealed that emphasizing training in zone 2 (moderate intensity) and increasing the training load significantly improved performance at lactate thresholds. Despite modifying body composition, no influence on improving endurance performance was observed. These findings underscore the importance of TID in elite trail runners and highlight the potential to optimize physiological adaptations and performance outcomes.

Trail running (TR), un deporte de resistencia extrema, presenta desafíos únicos debido a la variedad de terrenos y distancias, donde la capacidad fisiológica y la composición corporal se han considerado mejores predictores del rendimiento. Este estudio de caso longitudinal examina el impacto de la distribución de la intensidad del entrenamiento (TID) en el perfil fisiológico y el rendimiento de un corredor de montaña de élite durante cuatro años. Se implementaron dos modelos TID: polarizado (POL) y piramidal (PYR). Las evaluaciones fisiológicas incluyeron el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max), los umbrales de lactato (LT1 y LT2) y las características antropométricas. El entrenamiento se clasificó según el modelo de intensidad de 3 zonas (zona 1: por debajo del primer umbral de lactato; zona 2: entre el primer y segundo umbral de lactato; zona 3: por encima del segundo umbral de lactato). Durante los cuatro años, la distribución TID promedio fue 75 % zona 1, 18 % zona 2 y 7 % zona 3. La capacidad fisiológica aumentó un 7,14 % (14 a 15 km/h) para la velocidad en LT1 (vLT1) y un 8,13 % (16 a 17,3 km/h) para velocidad en LT2 (vLT2). Los incrementos más significativos se observaron durante el segundo año cuando el porcentaje de tiempo de entrenamiento en la zona 1 fue menor (65 %) y en la zona 2 mayor (30 %) que los reportados en otros años. En consecuencia, vLT1 y vLT2 aumentaron un 3,5 % (de 14,1 a 14,6 km/h) y un 3,6 % (de 16,5 a 17,1 km/h), respectivamente. En conclusión, este estudio reveló que enfatizar el entrenamiento en la zona 2 (intensidad moderada) y aumentar la carga de entrenamiento mejoró significativamente el rendimiento en los umbrales de lactato. A pesar de modificar la composición corporal, no se observó influencia en la mejora del rendimiento de resistencia. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia del TID en los corredores de trail de élite y resaltan el potencial para optimizar las adaptaciones fisiológicas y los resultados de rendimiento.

Effects of dominance and vision on unipedal balance tests in futsal players using a triaxial accelerometer.

Optimal postural control improves performance and reduces the risk of injury in futsal. In this context, wearable accelerometers may detect velocity changes of the centre of mass during a task, enabling the analysis of postural control in different environments. This work aimed to determine the influence of vision and dominance on unipodal static postural balance in non-professional athletes. Twenty-four university male futsal players performed a unipodal balance test to assess their body sway using a triaxial accelerometer. To assess dominance, the preferred limb for kicking the ball was considered, while vision was manipulated by asking participants to close their eyes during the test. Root mean square (RMS) and sample entropy (SaEn) of centre of mass variables were analysed. For statistical analysis, a multivariate analysis of variance model was used. Our results suggest an effect of vision, but not of dominance nor the interaction between vision and limb dominance. Specifically, a higher-acceleration RMS in the mediolateral axis was observed, as well as an increased SaEn in the three axes. To conclude, unipodal postural demand in futsal players under visual input suppression was not influenced by their limb dominancy.

Sport bodies: An examination of positive body image, sport-confidence, and subjective sport performance in Jamaican athletes.

Guided by the Sport-Confidence Model, this study examined the associations among a positive body image, sport-confidence, and sport performance evaluations. Using a cross-sectional design, a purposive sample of 314 Jamaican athletes (male = 70.7%; Mage = 22.85; SD = 4.89) completed measures of body and functionality appreciation, sport-confidence, and subjective sport performance. Results from path analysis provided evidence for good model-data fit. Body (B = 9.03, p < .001) and functionality (B = 4.93, p = .036) appreciation exerted direct effects on sport-confidence. Sport-confidence exerted a direct effect on sport performance evaluations (B = 0.09, p < .001). Body (B = 0.79, CI95% [0.44, 1.17]) and functionality (B = 0.43, CI95% [0.05, 0.92]) appreciation exerted indirect effects on sport performance evaluations through sport-confidence. Results indicate that supporting the development of a positive body image in athletes may contribute to feelings of sport-confidence and positive performance outcomes.

Voleibol escolar: caracterização das escolas/municípios participantes dos jogos escolares de Santa Catarina / School volleyball: characterization of the schools/municipalities participating in the Santa Catarina school games

RESUMO O ambiente escolar tem contribuído no processo de desenvolvimento esportivo, especialmente pela oferta diversificada de atividades nas aulas de Educação Física e em projetos extracurriculares voltados às modalidades esportivas. O trabalho realizado com as equipes escolares de voleibol no estado de Santa Catarina tem sido altamente reconhecido ao longo dos anos, porém há poucas evidências sobre as escolas que têm contribuído na formação de jogadores de voleibol no cenário catarinense. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar as escolas participantes dos Jogos Escolares de Santa Catarina (JESC) de voleibol. Realizou-se a análise documental dos boletins dos JESC disponibilizados pela Fundação Catarinense de Esporte (FESPORTE). As evidências revelaram que os estabelecimentos de ensino com maiores participações e conquistas, em ambas as categorias investigadas, são escolas de educação básica da rede estadual, seguidas pelas instituições de ensino da rede privada e, em menor número, por escolas municipais. Enquanto na categoria feminina as escolas estão localizadas em sua grande maioria nas regiões Leste-Norte e Sul, na categoria masculina concentram-se na região Centro-oeste, especialmente em cidades de pequeno e médio porte, com elevado Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH).

ABSTRACT The school environment has contributed to the sports development process, especially due to the diversified offer of activities in Physical Education classes and extracurricular projects focused on sports. The work done with school volleyball teams in the state of Santa Catarina has been highly recognized over the years, but there is little evidence about schools that have contributed to the training of volleyball players in the Santa Catarina scenario. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the schools participating in the Jogos Escolares de Santa Catarina (JESC, Santa Catarina School Games) of volleyball. The documentary analysis of the JESC bulletins provided by the Fundação Catarinense de Esporte (FESPORTE, Santa Catarina Sports Foundation) was carried out. The evidence revealed that the educational establishments with the highest participation and achievements in both categories investigated were basic education schools of the state school system, followed by private educational institutions and, to a lesser extent, municipal schools. While in the women's group, the schools were mostly located in the East-North and South regions, in the men's group, they were concentrated in the Midwest region, especially in small and medium-sized cities with high Human Development Indices (HDIs).

High-Intensity Interval Exercise Performance in Judo Athletes: Physiological, Perceptual, and Pacing Responses.

This study aimed to verify the behavior of physiological, perceptual, and performance responses during a high-intensity exercise in judo athletes and to identify if this protocol is able to discriminate athletes from different levels (national vs. state). Forty-five male judo athletes participated and were divided into two groups: state (age 24.2 ± 3.7 years) and national (22.1 ± 3.3 years). Judo athletes performed a judo-specific protocol contained high-intensity intermittent exercise consisted of 12 sets of 20 s in all-out intensity. During the protocol, the repetitions and heart rate were assessed over the sets, and at the end of the protocol, the rate of perceived exertion was measured. The results showed that the national group presented higher repetitions (29 ± 4 repetitions) during the high-intensity intermittent exercise compared with state (22 ± 2 repetitions). However, the national group showed a progressive decrease of repetitions up to the middle of the protocol, which coincided with higher values of heart rate compared with state (first and second sets). There was a decrease of repetitions from the first set (p < .001) and similar values of heart rate from the third set in the state. In conclusion, the performance (in repetitions) during the high-intensity intermittent exercise was able to discriminate athletes from different competitive levels. National athletes presented better performance, but worse pacing strategy compared with state.

Análisis del rendimiento competitivo de las jugadoras de voleibol categoría escolar de La Habana / Análise do rendimento competitivo dos jogadores de voleibol de categoria escolar em Havana / Analysis of the competitive performance of school category volleyball players in Havana

RESUMEN La exigencia del deporte de alto rendimiento y los cambios que han venido aconteciendo en este demandan una adecuada preparación de las futuras voleibolistas de las categorías escolares. En una búsqueda documental realizada, se pudo verificar la no existencia de parámetros y valores reales a nivel nacional sobre el comportamiento físico, técnico y táctico de los equipos de voleibol de las categorías escolares de Cuba. Partiendo de ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo se centra en analizar el rendimiento competitivo de las voleibolistas 13-15 años de La Habana, donde se utilizaron determinados indicadores para evaluar el comportamiento de las jugadoras durante la competencia, entre ellos: por ciento de puntos obtenidos por acciones propias o errores del contrario, así como la cantidad de saltos por funciones de juego, set y partidos. Se utilizaron métodos científicos tales como la observación directa en los partidos para poder evaluar los elementos deseados, encuesta a los entrenadores, la revisión de documentos y los métodos matemáticos para tabular la información que genera demandas importantes para el ajuste en las cargas de entrenamiento que se les aplicarán a los atletas en la próxima temporada. El control de estos parámetros resulta de importancia en la planificación de la preparación de las atletas, permitiendo a los entrenadores desarrollar de una manera eficaz el proceso de dirección del entrenamiento en estas categorías.

RESUMO A exigência do desporto de alto rendimento e as mudanças que têm vindo a ocorrer neste desporto exigem uma preparação adequada dos futuros jogadores de voleibol nas categorias escolares. Numa pesquisa documental realizada, foi possível verificar a inexistência de parâmetros e valores reais a nível nacional sobre o comportamento físico, técnico e táctico das equipas de voleibol das categorias escolares em Cuba. Com base nisto, o objetivo do presente trabalho centra-se na análise do desempenho competitivo dos jogadores de voleibol de 13-15 anos de idade em Havana, onde certos indicadores foram utilizados para avaliar o comportamento dos jogadores durante a competição, entre eles: percentagem de pontos obtidos por ações próprias ou erros do adversário, bem como o número de saltos por jogo, funções de set e match. Foram utilizados métodos científicos como a observação direta nos jogos para avaliar os elementos desejados, um levantamento dos treinadores, revisão de documentos e métodos matemáticos para tabular a informação que gera importantes exigências para o ajustamento das cargas de treino que serão aplicadas aos atletas na próxima época. O controlo destes parâmetros é importante no planeamento da preparação dos atletas, permitindo aos treinadores desenvolverem de forma eficaz o processo de gestão do treino nestas categorias.

ABSTRACT The demands of high performance sport and the changes that have been taking place in it, demand adequate preparation of future female volleyball players of school categories. In a documentary search it was possible to verify the non-existence of parameters and real values at national level on the physical, technical and tactical behavior of volleyball teams of school categories in Cuba. Based on this, the objective of the present work is focused on analyzing the competitive performance of 13-15-year-old female volleyball players in Havana, where certain indicators were used to evaluate the behavior of the players during the competition, among them: percentage of points obtained by own actions or errors of the opponent, as well as the number of jumps per game, set and match functions. Scientific methods were used such as direct observation to evaluate the desired elements; surveys to coaches; review of documents and mathematical methods to tabulate the information that generates important demands for the adjustment in the training loads that will be applied to the athletes in the next season. The control of these parameters is of importance in the planning of the preparation of the athletes, allowing the coaches to develop in an effective way the process of training management in these categories.

Analysis of the sports career of brazilian international elite squash athletes / Análise da carreira esportiva de atletas brasileiros de squash com nível internacional

ABSTRACT The sports career is a process through which the athletes voluntarily seek to achieve high levels of sport performance, however, how the development of international elite squash athletes has occurred in different periods of their sports career is not known. This study aimed at describing and assessing the sport trajectory of Brazilian international elite squash athletes at different periods of their career, in light of dynamic elements, that is, personal engagement, quality relationships and appropriate settings. Semi-structured interviews were carried out based on the Personal Assets Framework (PAF). The interviews were applied to six athletes (three males and three females) and evaluated according to the Thematic Analysis (TA) method. The results showed that personality traits, interpersonal relationships and the sport practice settings enabled the squash players to develop their sports career. In conclusion, these three aspects when acting concurrently can favor the development of international elite squash athletes.

RESUMO A carreira esportiva é um processo onde o atleta, de forma voluntária, busca atingir níveis elevados de desempenho esportivo, entretanto não se conhece sobre como ocorreu o desenvolvimento da carreira esportiva em atletas de squash. O objetivo foi analisar a trajetória esportiva de atletas brasileiros de squash de nível internacional em diferentes momentos da carreira esportiva. Utilizando o Quadro de Desenvolvimento de Valores Pessoais no Esporte como base, realizamos entrevista semi-estruturada com seis atletas (três do sexo masculino e três do sexo feminino), e empregamos para a análise das entrevistas a Análise Temática. Os resultados encontrados foram que os temas características pessoais, relações interpessoais e o contexto de prática esportiva são temas que possibilitam o desenvolvimento da carreira esportiva de atletas de squash. De modo conclusivo os três aspectos, atuando de forma concomitante, possam ofertar, de modo favorável, o desenvolvimento de atletas de squash de nível internacional.

Do heart rate variability is relationed to endurance performance in female futsal players? / A variabilidade da frequência cardíaca está relacionada ao desempenho de resistência em jogadoras de futsal?

abstract The study aimed to verify the correlation between resting heart rate variability (HRVrest) and endurance performance in female futsal players, as well as to evaluate the reliability of this parasympathetic autonomic marker. A total of 16 female futsal players (age: 22 ± 3 years; VO2max: 42.3 ± 2.0 ml.kg-1.min-1) were evaluated during the first week of preseason training. Vagal modulation was evaluated from the HRVrest (i.e., log-transformed root mean square of successive R-R interval differences - Ln-RMSSD) for two consecutive days, while endurance performance was evaluated by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the variables. Strong correlation between the HRVrest index and endurance performance (r = 0.643; p = 0.007). Reliability was tested through the intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation (CV), and Bland-Altman analysis of the agreement. Furthermore, acceptable repeatability of HRVrest, but with great inter-subject variability (ICC = 0.670, 95%CI = 0.056-0.885, CV = 15.8%). The current study demonstrated a strong correlation between Ln-RMSSD and endurance performance, and despite the acceptable values of intrasubject reliability, HRVrest presented high inter-individual variability in female futsal players.

resumo O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a correlação entre a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca de repouso (VFCRepouso) e o desempenho de resistência em jogadoras de futsal, bem como avaliar a confiabilidade do marcador parassimpático. No total, 16 jogadoras de futsal (idade: 22 ± 3 anos; VO2max: 42.3 ± 2.0 ml.kg-1.min-1) foram avaliadas durante a primeira semana de treinamento da pré-temporada. A modulação vagal foi avaliada a partir da VFC de repouso (isto é, raiz quadrada da média das diferenças sucessivas ao quadrado dos intervalos R-R adjacentes - Ln-RMSSD) por dois dias consecutivos, enquanto o desempenho da resistência foi avaliado pelo Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). A correlação de Pearson foi utilizada para analisar a relação entre as variáveis. A confiabilidade foi testada através do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, coeficiente de variação e análise de concordância de Bland-Altman. Observou-se uma forte correlação entre o índice de VFCrepouso e o desempenho de endurance (r = 0,643; p = 0,007). Por outro lado, repetibilidade aceitável dos índices de repouso vagal, mas com grande variabilidade interindividual (ICC = 0,670, IC = 0,056-0,885, CV = 15,8%). O presente estudo apresentou forte correlação entre Ln-RMSSD e desempenho de endurance, e mesmo com valores aceitáveis de confiabilidade intrasujeito, a VFC em repouso apresentou alta variabilidade interindividual em jogadoras de futsal.

Strength and power training improve skill performance in volleyball players

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to test the influence of functional improvements in volleyball skills performance. Methods: Twenty-eight amateur female volleyball players were assigned to Skill (S: n = 14, 19.5 ± 4.6 yrs; 169.7 ± 7.2 cm; 62.9 ± 12.7 kg) or Skill and Strength/Power (S+SP: n = 14; 18.6 ± 3.5 yrs; 169.7 ± 5.1 cm; 63.3 ± 9.2 kg). S+SP performed eight weeks of volleyball and conditioning training. S maintained only volleyball training. Functional variables (i.e. strength, power, and agility measures) and volleyball skills performance in a game-situation context were assessed before and after training. Results: 1-RM squat and bench press, time at modified agility T-test, peak power at bench throw and medicine-ball throw distance improved for the S+SP (p<0,05). S group increased only in medicine-ball throw distance (p<0.05). There were no differences between groups in the functional variables tested (p>0.05). The probabilities of a perfect set and an attack 'kill' in S+SP improved (¶>0.90). Changes from pre to post-training were higher in S+SP than in S for a perfect set, 'stuff block' and defense with displacement (¶>0.90). Conclusion: Our data suggest that functional improvements may positively affect volleyball skills performance. Although functional variables revealed only within-group changes, S+SP produced greater improvements in skill performance than S, supporting the use of conditioning training to improve volleyball performance.

From big data mining to technical sport reports: the case of inertial measurement units.

The inertial measurement units (IMU) are instruments used to quantify the external load of athletes; they are increasingly common in assessing team and individual sports. This type of instruments has several sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers; this allows access to a large amount of information and analysis possibilities. Due to the complexity of synthesising this data, it is necessary to create a flow for collecting, analysing and presenting the collected data in a simple way and present it as quickly as possible to the technical staff. This report aims to present new methods of reduction of the data and propose a new approach method for the analysis of the IMU's outcomes.

Condición corporal en caballos de rodeo chileno de élite: estudio preliminar / Body condition in elite Chilean rodeo horses: preliminary study

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la condición corporal de caballos de rodeo chileno de élite en competencia. Se eligieron al azar 48 caballos raza chilena (15 hembras, 24 machos enteros y 9 machos castrados) participantes del 64° Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo Chileno. La condición corporal de cada caballo se evaluó por inspección visual y palpación según el sistema de Henneke. El rendimiento deportivo se registró como clasificados o no clasificados en la final del campeonato. Se construyeron tablas de frecuencia para la condición corporal por género y por rendimiento deportivo, se calcularon modas como descriptores de tendencia central y se comparó la condición corporal por género y rendimiento deportivo mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,05). La condición corporal presentó una moda de 7, con un rango de 5 a 8. El 87,5% de los caballos tenía condición corporal entre 6 y 7 y se detectó un 6,3% de individuos obesos. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en relación al género ni rendimiento deportivo. Este es el primer estudio que reporta la condición corporal en caballos de rodeo chileno de élite y los resultados sugieren que los valores más frecuentes para esta variable en la raza están entre 6 a 7 puntos.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution of body condition score for elite Chilean rodeo horses in competition. Forty-eight Chilean breed horses (15 mares, 24 stallions and 9 geldings) were randomly chosen for evaluation while participating at the 64th National Championship of Chilean Rodeo 2012. Body condition score for each horse was assessed by visual inspection and palpation according to the Henneke system. The sport performance was recorded as qualified or not qualified to the final round of the competition. Frequencies of body condition score were tabulated according to gender and according to sport performance of the horses. Modes were calculated as central tendency measurements and body condition score was compared between gender and sport performance groups by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). The mode of the general body condition score had a value of 7, with range between 5 and 8. 87.5% of the horses had body condition score between 6 and 7 points and 6.3% of them exhibited obesity. No significant differences were found both for gender and sport performance. This is the first study reporting body condition score in Chilean élite horses and results suggest that in the breed the most frequent value for this variable lies between 6 and 7 points.

Analysis of Match Dynamics of Different Soccer Competition Levels Based on the Player Dyads.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the dynamics of play based on dyads during soccer matches, according to the competition level, period of the matches, and playing positions. We recorded eight Brazilian soccer matches (four of the national and four of the regional level), using up to six digital cameras (30 Hz). The position information of the 204 players in the eight matches was obtained using an automatic tracking system. The Euclidean distance between the nearest opponents was calculated over time to define the dyads. The interaction between the components of dyads was assessed by the distances between players and was compared among the different positions (defender, full-back, defensive midfielder, midfielder, and forward), match periods (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 min), and competition levels. Results showed smaller distances for the national level dyads, compared to the regional matches. Greater distances between the players were found in the last 15 minutes of the matches, compared to the other periods. The full-backs were more distant from opposing players compared to players from other playing positions. Thus, coaches should consider the characteristics of each playing position and the greater proximity between opponents' players in top-level competition for the development of tactical proficiency of the players.

Single-Nucleotide-Polymorphism-Panel Population-Genetics Approach Based on the 1000 Genomes Database and Elite Soccer Players.

Purpose: Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, a physical activity of great physiological demand and complexity. Currently, numerous trials involving physiological responses such as hypertrophy, energy expenditure, vasodilation, cardiac output, VO2max, and recovery have supported the possibility of genomic predictors' affecting performance. In a complementary way to association studies with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the objective was to evaluate if the use of population genetics data from human-genomics databases can provide information for a better understanding of the relationship between heritability and sport performance. Methods: The study included 25 healthy male professional soccer players (25.5 [4.3] y, 177.4 [6.4] cm, 76.4 [6.4] kg, body fat 10.5% [4.3%]) from the Brazilian first-division soccer club. Anthropometric measurements and field and isokinetic tests were performed to evaluate performance and physiologic parameters of subjects. Moreover, 10 genetic polymorphisms previously related to performance were genotyped. The genotypes of the same polymorphisms were obtained for 2504 individuals from the populations deposited in the 1000 Genomes database. A principal-component analysis and matrix genetic-distances approach (Fst) were evaluated. Results: As expected, the admixture Brazilian population has numerous genetic similarities with the European and American populations from genomic databases. Although the African component is absolutely recognized in genomes from the Brazilian population, using the specific performance-related SNPs, surprisingly the African population was one of the most genetically distant of the players (P < .00001). Conclusions: The early results suggest a selective pressure on genes of elite soccer players, possibly related simultaneously to physical-performance, environmental, cognitive, and sociocultural aspects.

Vantagem de jogar em casa no futebol feminino: uma análise de três importantes campeonatos no Brasil / Home advantage in female soccer: an analysis of three important championships in Brazil

A vantagem de jogar em casa (VC) no futebol masculino é bastante conhecida e bem documentada. Recentemente, a VC foi estudada em ligas europeias de futebol feminino, mas permanece desconhecida nos campeonatos nacionais. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a VC em três importantes campeonatos de futebol feminino do Brasil. Foram analisadas 280 partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro (2013 - 2016), 259 da Copa do Brasil (2012 - 2016) e 1241 do Campeonato Paulista (2008 - 2016). De cada partida foram coletados os times participantes, o placar fi nal e local do jogo. A VC foi defi nida como o número de pontos vencidos pelos times da casa expresso em percentual de todos os pontos obtidos no campeonato. As análises foram realizadas para cada edição e campeonato. A hipótese nula unilateral, Ho:VC=50% e H1:VC>50%, foi utilizada para analisar a existência da vantagem em cada campeonato. Para comparar as VC entre os três campeonatos foi utilizado o teste de análise de variância (ANOVA) com post-hoc de Tukey. As VC médias encontradas para cada campeonato foram de 60% no Campeonato Brasileiro, 55% na Copa do Brasil e 53% no Campeonato Paulista, todas signifi cativamente maiores que 50%. O Campeonato Brasileiro também apresentou a maior VC em relação aos outros dois campeonatos (p=0.0132). Conclui-se que existe VC nos campeonatos de futebol feminino no Brasil, fenômeno que pode ser explicado pela torcida, efeito da viagem, familiaridade com o campo, viés do árbitro e fatores psicológicos. A maior vantagem no Campeonato Brasileiro provavelmente refl ete as desvantagens dos longos deslocamentos realizados pelos times visitantes....(AU)

The home advantage (HA) in male soccer is well known and well documented. The HA was recently studied in European league of female soccer, however it is still unknown in the Brazilian competitions. The aim of this study was to analyze HA in the three main female soccer championships in Brazil. It was analyzed 280 matches from the Brazilian Championship (2013 - 2016), 259 from the Brazil Cup (2012 - 2016) and 1241 from the São Paulo Championship (2008 - 2016) of female soccer. From each match were collect the participant teams, the fi nal score and the game location. The HA was defi nedas the number of winner points by the home teams expressed in percentage of total points of the championship. The analyses were performed for each edition and competition. The unilateral null hypothesis, Ho:VC=50% and H1:VC>50%, was used to analyze the advantage in each championship. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Tukey post-hoc, was used to compare HA among the three championships. The mean HA of 60% was found in the Brazilian Championship, 55% in Brazil Cup and 53% in the São Paulo Championship. The Brazilian Championship also presented the highest HA compared to the others two competitions (p=0.0132). The HA in the Brazilian female soccer found in this study can be explained by the crowd eff ects, travel, familiarity, referee bias and other psychological factors. The highest advantage in the Brazilian Championship probably refl ects the disadvantage of the long distances traveled by the visiting teams....(AU)

Effects of Different Conditioning Activities on 100-m Dash Performance in High School Track and Field Athletes.

This study compared the effects of different conditioning activities on the 100-m dash performance of 11 male, high school track and field athletes (mean age = 16.3; SD = 1.2 years). Participants performed a 100-m dash seven minutes after each of four randomized conditioning protocols, with each condition and 100-m dash separated by 3-10 days. The conditioning protocols were (a) control, no conditioning activity; (b) weighted plyometric, three sets of 10 repetitions of alternate leg bounding with additional load of 10% of the body mass; (c) free sprint, two 20-m sprints; and (d) resisted sprint (RS), two 20-m resisted sprints using an elastic tubing tool. We obtained session ratings of perceived exertion (SRPE) immediately after each conditioning protocol. There were no significant differences between any of the three experimental conditioning activities on 100-m sprint time, but the RS protocol improved 100-m sprint time compared with the control (no conditioning) protocol ( p < .001). The RS also led to greater sprint velocity and higher SRPE compared with the control condition ( p < .01). There was no significant association between SRPE and 100-m performance ( p = .77, r = .05). These results suggest a benefit for young male track and field athletes to the elastic tubing warm-up activities prior to the 100-m dash.

Actions of p-synephrine on hepatic enzyme activities linked to carbohydrate metabolism and ATP levels in vivo and in the perfused rat liver.

p-Synephrine is one of the main active components of the fruit of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange). Extracts of the bitter orange and other preparations containing p-synephrine have been used worldwide to promote weight loss and for sports performance. The purpose of the study was to measure the action of p-synephrine on hepatic enzyme activities linked to carbohydrate and energy metabolism and the levels of adenine mononucleotides. Enzymes and adenine mononucleotides were measured in the isolated perfused rat liver and in vivo after oral administration of the drug (50 and 300 mg/kg) by using standard techniques. p-Synephrine increased the activity of glycogen phosphorylase in vivo and in the perfused liver. It decreased, however, the activities of pyruvate kinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase also in vivo and in the perfused liver. p-Synephrine increased the hepatic pools of adenosine diphosphate and adenosine triphosphate. Stimulation of glycogen phosphorylase is consistent with the reported increased glycogenolysis in the perfused liver and increased glycemia in rats. The decrease in the pyruvate dehydrogenase activity indicates that p-synephrine is potentially capable of inhibiting the transformation of carbohydrates into lipids. The capability of increasing the adenosine triphosphate-adenosine diphosphate pool indicates a beneficial effect of p-synephrine on the cellular energetics.

Low-level laser therapy improves the VO2 kinetics in competitive cyclists.

Some evidence supports that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) reduces neuromuscular fatigue, so incrementing sports performance. A previous randomized controlled trial of our group showed increased exercise tolerance in male competitive cyclists treated with three different LLLT doses (3, 6, and 9 J/diode; or 135, 270, and 405 J/thigh) before time-to-exhaustion cycling tests. Now, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of these LLLT doses on the VO2 kinetics of athletes during cycling tests. Twenty male competitive cyclists (29 years) participated in a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. On the first day, the participants performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) and maximal power output (POMAX), as well as a familiarization with the time-to-exhaustion test. In the following days (2 to 5), all participants performed time-to-exhaustion tests at POMAX. Before the exhaustion test, different doses of LLLT (3, 6, and 9 J/diode; or 135, 270, and 405 J/thigh, respectively) or placebo were applied bilaterally to the quadriceps muscle. All exhaustion tests were monitored online by an open-circuit spirometry system in order to analyze the VO2 amplitude, VO2 delay time, time constant (tau), and O2 deficit. Tau and O2 deficit were decreased with LLLT applications compared to the placebo condition (p < 0.05). No differences (p > 0.05) were found between the experimental conditions for VO2 amplitude and VO2 delay time. In conclusion, LLLT decreases tau and O2 deficit during time-to-exhaustion tests in competitive cyclists, and these changes in VO2 kinetics response can be one of the possible mechanisms to explain the ergogenic effect induced by LLLT.

Analysis of master swimmers' sport performance for different freestyle distances / Análise do resultado esportivo de atletas máster de natação em diferentes distâncias de nado livre

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the decline rate of master swimmers' world records compared to absolute world records, and sport performance decrease for both genders and different age groups (25 to 99 years old) in 50, 400 and 1500 meters freestyle swimming. The best performance for each distance and age group was collected from the official International Swimming Federation (FINA) website (www.fina.org). Group comparisons were made using One-Way ANOVAs followed by Dunett's post hoc test, with significance level set at p≤0.05. The decline rate of world records was greater in the 1500m distance in relation to the other distances analyzed for almost all age groups and both male and female swimmers. In addition, women showed a higher world record decline rate than men did for all race distances and almost all age groups. Both decline rate and sport performance decrease in the 1500 meters freestyle swimming seem to be more influenced by physiological changes derived from aging compared to the other race distances analyzed.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a taxa de declínio dos recordes mundiais de nadadores máster em relação aos recordes mundiais absolutos e a redução do resultado esportivo em ambos os sexos em diferentes grupos etários (25 a 99 anos), nas distâncias de 50, 400 e 400 estilo livre. A coleta dos dados sobre os resultados esportivos dos nadadores foi realizada no site da Federação Internacional de Natação - FINA (www.fina.org). Para a análise estatística foi realizada a ANOVA - ONE WAY seguido de post hoc de Dunett com nível de significância de p≤0.05. A taxa de declínio dos recordes mundiais foi maior na prova de 1500m se comparado com as demais distâncias em praticamente todas as faixas etárias e em ambos os sexos. A taxa de declínio e a redução do desempenho esportivo é mais acentuada nas mulheres do que nos homens em todas as distâncias e em quase todas as faixas etárias. A taxa de declínio dos recordes mundiais e a redução do resultado esportivo na prova de 1500 metros nado livre parecem sofrer maior influência das alterações fisiológicas decorrentes do envelhecimento se comparadas às demais distâncias analisadas.

Systematic review of means and methods of practical influence on taekwon-do training / Revisão sistemática dos meios e métodos de influência prática no treinamento do taekwon-do

ABSTRACT The investigation of means and methods of practical influence can assist in training and allow for improved sport performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review in the literature methods and means with practical influence on Taekwon-Do specifically. A systematic review was conducted with English/Portuguese descriptors, namely martial arts/artes marciais, exercise/exercícios, physical fitness/aptidão física and athletic performance/desempenho esportivo, on Portal Capes, Sport Discus, Lilacs, Medline and PubMed databases. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies were selected. In the studies analyzed, 21 types of training means and 19 types of training methodologies were identified. Among the results, there is an evident use of special means, mainly exercises with kicks and the interval method, with high intensity, to prepare athletes to the physiological demands of combat and to develop their aerobic and anaerobic systems.

RESUMO A investigação de meios e métodos de influência prática podem auxiliar o treinamento e possibilitar melhora do desempenho esportivo. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar na literatura os métodos e meios de influência prática específicos para a modalidade Taekwon-Do. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com os descritores em inglês/português: martial arts/artes marciais, exercise/exercícios, physical fitness/aptidão física e athletic performance/desempenho esportivo nas bases de dados Portal Capes, Sport Discus, Lilacs, Medline e PubMed. Foram consideradas publicações em português, espanhol e inglês. Após a aplicação de critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram selecionados 12 estudos. Nos estudos avaliados, foram identificados 21 tipos de meios de treinamento e 19 tipos de metodologias de treinamento. Entre os resultados, evidencia-se a utilização de meios especiais, principalmente o trabalho com chutes e o método intervalado, com elevada intensidade, para preparar os atletas às demandas fisiológicas do combate e desenvolver os sistemas aeróbio e anaeróbio.