The addition of synchronous whole-body vibration to battling rope exercise increases skeletal muscle activity.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of performing battling rope exercise with and without the addition of whole-body vibration (WBV) on muscle activity of the leg, trunk, and upper body. METHODS: Twenty-eight recreationally active university students completed 20-s of battling rope undulation for 6 separate conditions: 1) alternating arm motion no WBV -Alt_NoWBV; 2) alternating arm motion 30 Hz low amplitude WBV -Alt_30 Hz-L; 3) alternating arm motion 50 Hz high amplitude -Alt_50 Hz-H; 4) double arm motion no WBV -Double_NoWBV; 5) double arm motion 30Hz low amplitude WBV -Double_30Hz-L; 6) double arm motion 50 'Hz high amplitude -Double_50 Hz-H. Electromyography (EMG) was measured for the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus abdominis (RA), multifidus (MF), biceps brachii (BB), and triceps brachii (TB) muscles. RESULTS: The double arm motion during undulation resulted in greater (p<0.05) muscle activity in the VMO, VL, RA, and MF muscles while the GM was more active during the alternating arm motion. WBV at 50Hz increased EMG in all muscles measured vs NoWBV and the 30 Hz condition. CONCLUSION: These results are the first to demonstrate that the exercise stimulus of performing battling rope exercise can be augmented by completing the exercise while being exposed to WBV from a ground-based platform.

Efecto de 24 sesiones de entrenamiento de fuerza en un paciente con gonartrosis bilateral: a propósito de un caso / Efeitos de 24 sessões de treinamento de força em um paciente com gonartrose bilateral: um estudo de caso / Effect of 24 sessions of resistance training in a patient with gonarthrosis bilateral: a case study

Objetivos. Evaluar los efectos de 24 sesiones de ejercicio de fuerza (EF) progresivo, de intensidad moderada/alta sobre la capacidad funcional, la fuerza muscular y la composición corporal de un anciano con gonartrosis (GA) bilateral. Método. La capacidad funcional, la fuerza muscular y las variables antropométricas fueron medidas antes y después de 24 sesiones de entrenamiento. El paciente realizó el EF progresivo entre 8 y 12 repeticiones máximas, utilizando los principales grupos musculares de los miembros superiores e inferiores, 2 veces por semana durante 12 semanas. Resultados. Hubo una mejora en el test de sentarse y levantase (46,1%), en el sentar y alcanzar (33,3%), así como un aumento de la fuerza muscular en todos los ejercicios analizados y mejora de los índices antropométricos. Conclusión. Los resultados de este estudio indican que 24 sesiones de EF progresivo pueden ser eficaces en la mejora de índices antropométricos, la capacidad funcional y la fuerza muscular de un paciente anciano diagnosticado de GA bilateral (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the effects of 24 moderate-high intensity progressive Resistance Training (RT) on functional capacity, muscle strength and body composition in an elderly patient with gonarthrosis (GA) bilateral. Methods. Functional capacity, muscle strength and anthropometric variables were measured before and after 24 training sessions. The patient performed a 12-weeks progressive RT (2 times/week), between 8 and 12 repetitions maximum, using the major muscle groups of the upper and lower limbs. Results. There was an improvement in the sit-to-stand test (46,1%), in sit and reach test (33,3%), the muscle strength increased in all exercises analyzed and the anthropometric indices enhanced. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that 24 sessions of progressive RT, can be effective in improving anthropometric indices, functional capacity and muscle strength of elderly patients diagnosed with GA bilateral (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de 24 sessões de treinamento de força (TF) progressivo de intensidade moderada/alta sobre a capacidade funcional, força muscular e composição corporal de um idoso diagnosticado com gonartrose (GA) bilateral. Métodos: A capacidade funcional, força muscular e as variáveis antropométricas foram avaliadas antes e após 24 sessões de treinamento. O paciente realizou o TF progressivo entre 8-12 repetições máximas, utilizando os principais grupamentos musculares dos membros superiores e inferiores, duas vezes por semana, durante 12 semanas. Resultados: Ocorreu melhora no teste de sentar e levantar (46,1%), teste de sentar e alcançar (33,3%), assim como, os índices antropométricos e níveis de força aumentaram em todos os exercícios realizados. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo indicam que 24 sessões de TF progressivo podem ser eficazes na melhora dos índices antropométricos, capacidade funcional e força muscular de um paciente idoso diagnosticado com GA bilateral

Findings on sperm alterations and DNA fragmentation, nutritional, hormonal and antioxidant status in an elite triathlete. Case report / Hallazgo de alteraciones en semen, nutricionales, hormonales, del estado antioxidante y fragmentación de ADN en un triatleta de élite. Caso clínico / Descoberta das alterações no sêmen, nutricionais, hormonais, o antioxidante status e fragmentação de DNA em triatleta de elite. Relato do caso

Objective. The present case study analyzes semen quality, nutritional patterns, and hormonal and oxidative status of an international high-level triathlete with a low-volume, high-intensity training load. Method. The athlete was 26 years old, having participated in competitions since he was 13 years old, and practiced professional triathlon for the last five years. The qualitative sperm parameters analyzed were volume, sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation (additional testing performed as needed). Salivary hormones measured were T, C, and T/C. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity was measured. Maximum oxygen consumption and training characteristics were assessed. To determine habitual food intake and its possible repercussion on oxidative status, a quali-quantitative frequency questionnaire of 136 different foods was used and subsequently analyzed using specific software. Results. Hormonal and physical semen parameters were within normal ranges. Sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation showed abnormal values (3.9% and 38.33%). Round cells in semen were higher than normal (2.3 million/ml), with presence of macrophages. Apoptotic and necrotic events were observed. Total antioxidant capacity, although not compromised, was low. Dietetic intake was characterized by excess protein and appropriate overall antioxidant intake (with slight deficit and excess of some specific nutrients) according to recommended values. Conclusions. In this high-intensity endurance athlete, sperm parameters, mainly sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation, are altered. Further knowledge is needed with regards nutritional antioxidant intake and other dietetic strategies oriented toward avoiding oxidative damage in semen of high-performance triathletes. Moreover, adequate nutritional strategies must be found and nutritional advice given to athletes so as to palliate or dampen the effects of exercise on semen quality (AU)

Objetivo. El presente estudio de caso analiza la calidad de semen, patrones nutricionales y status hormonal y oxidativo de un triatleta internacional de alto nivel con carga de entrenamiento de bajo volumen y alta intensidad. Método. Atleta de 26 años de edad, con una práctica deportiva competitiva desde los 13 años, y cinco años de triatlón profesional. Los parámetros cualitativos analizados en semen fueron: volumen, contaje espermático, motilidad, morfología, y fragmentación de ADN, con pruebas adicionales según necesidad. Las hormonas salivares cuantificadas fueron: T, C, y T/C. La capacidad antioxidante total fue medida en plasma seminal. También se analizó el consumo máximo de oxígeno y características de entrenamiento. Para determinar la ingesta alimentaria habitual y su posible repercusión sobre el estado oxidativo, se utilizó un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo cuali-cuantitativa, de 136 alimentos, analizado mediante software informático. Resultados. Los valores hormonales y parámetros físicos seminales estaban dentro de la normalidad. La morfología y fragmentación de ADN espermático mostraron valores anormales (3.9% y 38.33%). Aparecía un elevado número de células redondas (2.3 millones/mL), con presencia de macrófagos. Se observaron eventos apoptóticos y necróticos. La capacidad antioxidante total, aunque no alterada, estaba baja. La ingesta dietética se caracterizó por un exceso proteico y consumo adecuado de antioxidantes (con ligero déficit y exceso de algunos nutrientes específicos), según valores recomendados. Conclusiones. El ejercicio de resistencia de alta intensidad altera los parámetros espermáticos, principalmente morfología y fragmentación de ADN. Es necesario obtener mayor información sobre el efecto de antioxidantes y otras estrategias dietéticas con relación al daño oxidativo en el semen de triatletas de alto rendimiento, al igual que hallar estrategias nutricionales adecuadas para paliar o amortiguar los efectos del ejercicio sobre la calidad del semen (AU)

Objetivo: O presente estudo de caso analisa a qualidade de sêmen, padrões nutricionais, estado hormonal e oxidativo de um triatleta internacional de alto nível com carga de treinamento de baixo volume e alta intensidade. Método: Atleta de 26 anos de idade, com uma pratica esportiva desde os 13 anos e cinco anos de triátlon profissional. Os parâmetros qualitativos analisados no sêmen foram: volume, contagem espermática, motilidade, morfologia, e fragmentação de DNA com testes adicionais dada necessidade. Os testes hormonais salivares foram: Testosterona, Cortisol e a razão testosterona/cortisol. A capacidade antioxidante total foi medida no plasma seminal. Também foi analisado o consumo máximo de oxigênio e características do treinamento. Para determinar a ingesta alimentar habitual e sua possível repercussão sobre o estado oxidativo, foi utilizado um questionário de frequência de consumo quali-quantitativo de 136 alimentos, a partir do uso de um software especifico. Resultados: os valores e parâmetros hormonais e físicos seminais estavam dentro da normalidade. A morfologia e fragmentação do DNA espermático mostraram valores anormais (3,9% e 38,33%). Apresentando um elevado número de células redondas (2,3 milhoes/mL), com presença de macrófagos. Se observaram eventos apoptóticos e necróticos. A capacidade antioxidante total, ainda que não alterada, estava baixa. A ingesta dietética foi caracterizada por um excesso proteico e consumo adequado de antioxidantes (com ligeiro déficit excesso de alguns nutrientes específicos) segundo valores recomendados. Conclusões: o exercício de resistência de alta intensidade altera os parâmetros espermáticos, principalmente morfologia e fragmentação do DNA. Faz-se necessário obter maiores informações sobre o efeito de antioxidantes e outras estratégias dietéticas com relação ao dano oxidativo no sêmen de triatletas de alto rendimento, e traçar estratégias nutricionais adequadas para atenuar os efeitos do exercício sobre a qualidade do sêmen

Mediterranean diet, moderate-to-high intensity training, and health-related quality of life in adults with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Much recent research has focused on the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In addition numerous investigations have also demonstrated that moderate and high-intensity endurance training may induce greater beneficial adaptations in body composition and cardiometabolic risk than low-intensity endurance training. How a model of Mediterranean diet with and without moderate-to-high intensity training influences health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical fitness in MetS patients is unknown. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 45 sedentary MetS males and females (50⊟66 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (a) hypocaloric, normoproteic Mediterranean diet (MeD); and (b) the same diet plus periodized moderate-to-high intensity training (MeDE) for 12 weeks. HRQoL (EuroQol and SF-36 questionnaires), fitness, response to submaximal exercise, and risk factors of MetS were determined before and after treatment. RESULTS: MeD improved some physical and mental domains of HRQoL (physical function, vitality, general physical health, emotional role, and self-perception of health) and resulted in weight loss and improvement of MetS risk factors (intra-group p < 0.05). Moreover, the MeDE intervention resulted in greater improvement in these domains and the improvement of other HRQoL components (physical role, bodily pain, social function, and health profile). MeDE increased physical fitness, resulted in a better physiological response to submaximal effort and caused a greater weight loss (intra-group and inter-group, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A model of hypocaloric Mediterranean diet combined with periodized moderate-to-high intensity training may lead to greater improvement in HRQoL through a greater effect on physical and functional fitness, bodyweight, and risk factors than diet alone.

Análisis y evaluación del lanzamiento de esquina (córner) en el fútbol de alto nivel / Analysis and evaluation of the corner kick in soccer at the highest level

Objetivo. Analizar cuál es la trascendencia del córner durante un partido de fútbol y conocer cuáles son las acciones principales que tienen lugar durante un saque de esquina en el fútbol profesional masculino de alto nivel. Métodos. Se analizaron 333 lanzamientos de esquina ejecutados en 35 partidos correspondientes a cinco competiciones internacionales de selecciones nacionales. Para su análisis se establecieron 370 posibles soluciones potenciales que fueron categorizadas a partir de cuatro niveles: lado de lanzamiento; profundidad del saque de esquina; posición del campo a la que se lanza el balón y acciones de segunda jugada. Resultados. El número de córneres por partido fue de 9,54 ± 1,02 (varianza: 11,79; rango: 5 - 18). Su número se comporta como una distribución de Poisson. Las características dominantes son los lanzamientos del lado derecho (52,4%) frente al izquierdo (47,6%); los saques largos (82,8%) sobre los cortos (17,2%); los lanzamientos al centro (53,7%) sobre los que se envían al primer poste (28,2%) o el segundo poste (28,2%). En la finalización de la jugada, los despejes (182 - 58,9%) y los contraataques (31 - 10,0%) superaron a los saques de esquina que terminan en remates a portería (53 - 17,2%) o se convierten en goles (5 - 1,6%). Conclusiones. El córner es una acción frecuentemente utilizada en un partido de fútbol, pero con un bajo nivel de efectividad (1,6/partido). Entendemos que, dado el bajo número de goles que suelen marcarse en un partido, la máxima optimización de estas acciones tácticas alcanza un valor relevante en el fútbol moderno(AU)

Objective. To analyze the corner significance during a soccer game and to know which are the main actions that occur during a corner kick in senior male professional soccer. Methods. We analyzed 333 corner kicks executed in 35 games, corresponding to five national team international competitions. For its analysis, 370 possible solutions were categorized based on four levels: Kick side, corner kick deepness; field position at which the ball is thrown and second play actions. Results. The number of corners per game was 9.54 ± 1.02 (variance: 11.79; range: 5 - 18). Its behavior follows the Poisson distribution. The key features are the right side kicks (52.4%) vs. left side (47.6%); the long kicks (82.8%) over the short ones (17.2%); the center kicks (53.7%) over the ones sent to the first post (28.2%) or the second post (28.2%). At the end of the play, the number of clearances (182 - 58.9%) and counterattacks (31 - 10.0%) outperformed the number of corner kicks ending in shots on goals (53 - 17.2%) or becoming in goals (5 - 1.6%). Conclusion. The corner is a common action used during a soccer match but with a low effectiveness level (1.6/match). We understand that, given the low number of goals scored during a game, the maximum optimization of these tactical actions reaches a relevant value in modern soccer(AU)

The limitations of scaling laws in the prediction of performance in endurance events.

In the twentieth century, scientists have examined running speed over various distances, analyzing world records and studying the ability of an athlete to sustain a given speed. Assuming that running speed expresses the response of a non-linear multisystemic behavior, the relationship between these two variables (distance vs. velocity) can therefore be evaluated by applying scaling laws that fulfill the key principles of specificity and individuality of each athlete, yet responding to bioenergetic and functional patterns that are well-known to sports physiology. Since speed loss as distance increases exhibits fractal behavior, with small changes in the speed-reduction curve due to the effect of fatigue, it must be recognized that no universal scaling law can account, with acceptable precision, for the effect exerted by fatigue on potential speed at any given moment in a race. Power laws using a range of scaling exponents provide technical staff and athletes with a reliable, non-invasive tool for planning of training schedules, predicting athletes' performances over various distances and comparing the performance of specialists in different track events. The equations for the scaling laws for the distances investigated here were: V1500=15.00 × D⁻°·¹° (R²=0.99); V3000=12.76 × D⁻°·°8 (R²=0.99); V5000=11.55 × D⁻°·°7 (R²=0.99); V10,000=11.59 × D⁻°·°7 (R²=0.99); V21,095=10.78 × D⁻°·°6 (R²=0.97); V42,175=10.27 × D⁻°·°57 (R²=0.99).

Male powerlifting performance described from the viewpoint of complex systems.

This paper reflects on the factors that condition performance in powerlifting and proposes that the result-generating process is inadequately described by the allometric equations commonly used. We analysed the scores of 1812 lifters belonging to all body mass categories, and analysed the changes in the results achieved in each weight category and by each competitor. Current performance-predicting methods take into account biological variables, paying no heed to other competition features. Performance in male powerlifting (as in other strength sports) behaves as a self-organised system with non-linear interactions between its components. Thus, multiple internal and external elements must condition changes in a competitor's score, the most important being body mass, body size, the number of practitioners, and the concurrency of favourable factors in one individual. It was observed that each behaved in a specific form in the high level, according to the individuals' circumstances, which make up the main elements of the competitive system in every category. In powerlifting, official weight categories are generally organised in three different groups: light (<52.0 to <60 kg), medium (<67.5 to <90.0 kg) and heavy (<100 to >125 kg) lifter categories, each one of them with specific allometric exponents. The exponent should be revised periodically, especially with regard to the internal dynamics of the category, and adjusted according to possible changes affecting competition.

Analysis of covariance with incomplete data via semiparametric model transformations.

We propose a method for fitting semiparametric models such as the proportional hazards (PH), additive risks (AR), and proportional odds (PO) models. Each of these semiparametric models implies that some transformation of the conditional cumulative hazard function (at each t) depends linearly on the covariates. The proposed method is based on nonparametric estimation of the conditional cumulative hazard function, forming a weighted average over a range of t-values, and subsequent use of least squares to estimate the parameters suggested by each model. An approximation to the optimal weight function is given. This allows semiparametric models to be fitted even in incomplete data cases where the partial likelihood fails (e.g., left censoring, right truncation). However, the main advantage of this method rests in the fact that neither the interpretation of the parameters nor the validity of the analysis depend on the appropriateness of the PH or any of the other semiparametric models. In fact, we propose an integrated method for data analysis where the role of the various semiparametric models is to suggest the best fitting transformation. A single continuous covariate and several categorical covariates (factors) are allowed. Simulation studies indicate that the test statistics and confidence intervals have good small-sample performance. A real data set is analyzed.