Stroke Steadiness as a Determinant Factor of Performance in 100 m Freestyle in Young Swimmers.

The classical kinematic variables in swimming are based on the calculation of mean values. Stroke steadiness determines the relationship between the duration of all consecutive strokes throughout a test. The aims of the current investigation were to examine differences in stroke-to-stroke steadiness according to swimmers' performance level on both body sides (breathing and non-breathing) and to analyse the interrelationship with kinematics during a 100 m front-crawl test. Thirty-two young, experienced swimmers voluntarily participated in the present study and were divided into two groups, national level (n = 15) and local level (n = 17), according to their competitive status within the national age-rankings. All participants performed a 100 m maximal test in a 50 m pool where they were laterally recorded. Kinematic variables such as mean velocity, stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index, as well as long-term steadiness and short-term steadiness, were calculated. The two 50 m sections were analysed independently. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in the classical kinematic variables and in stroke steadiness (p < 0.05). In addition, stroke steadiness showed moderately high correlations with velocity (r = [-0.61-(-0.749)]) and stroke index (r = [-0.356-(-0.582)]). Maintaining a more stable inter-stroke period appears to be a determinant of performance in young, high-level national swimmers.

Assessment of Intercostal Muscle Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Estimating Respiratory Compensation Point in Trained Endurance Athletes.

This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of estimating the respiratory compensation point (RCP) in trained endurance athletes by analyzing intercostal muscles' NIRS-derived tissue oxygenation dynamics. Seventeen experienced trail runners underwent an incremental treadmill protocol on two separate occasions, with a 7-day gap between assessments. Gas exchange and muscle oxygenation data were collected, and the oxygen saturation breakpoint (SmO2BP) measured in the intercostal muscles was compared to the RCP, which was identified by the increase in the VE/V.CO2 slope and the point at which the PetCO2 started to decrease. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two methods for any of the variables analyzed. Bland-Altman analysis showed significant agreement between the NIRS and gas analyzer methods for speed (r = 0.96, p < 0.05), HR (r = 0.98, p < 0.05), V.O2 relative to body mass (r = 0.99, p < 0.05), and %SmO2 (r = 0.98, p < 0.05). The interclass correlation coefficient values showed moderate to good reliability (0.60 to 0.86), and test-retest analysis revealed mean differences within the confidence intervals for all variables. These findings suggest that the SmO2BP measured using a portable NIRS device in the intercostal muscles is a reliable and valid tool for estimating the RCP for experienced trail runners and might be useful for coaches and athletes to monitor endurance training.

Efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza máxima en nadadores de competición: una revisión sistemática / Effects of a maximum strength training programme on competitive swimmers: a systematic review

Introducción: Los programas de entrenamiento de fuerza máxima han sido utilizados tradicionalmente en la planificación ennatación, principalmente como un trabajo complementario. Aunque existen pruebas de la utilidad que puede evidenciar estetipo de preparación física, aún no queda claro cómo un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza máxima afecta a las diferentesvariables del rendimiento en nadadores.Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre los efectos de un programaentrenamiento de fuerza máxima sobre las variables asociadas al rendimiento en natación (velocidad de nado, frecuencia debrazada, longitud de brazada, virajes y tiempo de reacción) en nadadores de competición.Material y método: La búsqueda fue realizada hasta febrero de 2022 en distintas bases de datos (Web of Science, Pubmedy Scopus). Criterios de inclusión: 1) Estudios que analizaran parámetros de rendimiento en natación; 2) intervenciones conprogramas de entrenamiento de fuerza máxima (≥85% RM) de al menos cuatro semanas de duración; 3) sujetos con nivelcompetitivo nacional o superior; 4) sujetos cuatro años de experiencia competitiva en natación y diez horas de entrenamientosemanales; y 5) artículos en los que se comparan los efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza máxima en el rendimiento en natación.Resultados: Un total de 8 estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Ocho de los estudios analizaron efectos en lavelocidad de nado, cinco efectos en la frecuencia de brazada, cinco en la longitud de brazada, tres en la reacción de saliday dos en los virajes.Conclusión: Un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza máxima tiene un efecto positivo sobre la velocidad de nado. De igualmanera puede afectar variables cinemáticas como la longitud de brazada, por otro lado, no se observan en la frecuencia debrazada.(AU)

Introduction: Maximal strength training programs have been traditionally used in swimming planning, mainly as a comple-mentary dry-land workout. Although there is evidence of the utility of this type of physical preparation, it is still unclear howa maximal strength training program affects different performance variables in swimmers.Objective: The objective of this systematic review was to conduct a literature review on the effects of a maximal strengthtraining program on the variables associated with swimming performance (swimming speed, stroke frequency, stroke length,turns and reaction time) in competitive swimmers.Material and method: The primary search was performed until February 2022 in different databases (Web of Science, Pub-med and Scopus). Inclusion criteria: 1) studies analyzing swimming performance parameters; 2) interventions with maximalstrength training programs (≥85% RM) of at least four weeks duration; 3) subjects with national competitive level or higher; 4)subjects with at least four years of competitive swimming experience and ten hours of training per week; and 5) investigationscomparing the effects of maximal strength training on swimming performance.Results: A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight of the studies examined effects on swim speed, five effectson stroke frequency, five on stroke length, three on start reaction, and two on turns.Conclusion: A maximal strength training program has a positive effect on swimming speed. Likewise, they significantlyincrease kinematic variables such as stroke length. However, no evidences of significant stroke frequency modification havebeen identified.(AU)

Influence of Competition on Anxiety and Heart Rate Variability in Young Tennis Players.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of competition on anxiety and heart rate variability (HRV) in tennis players. Thirty tennis players (15 boys and 15 girls) were included in the study. In boys, the mean age was 14.53 years, mean height was 169.20 cm and mean weight was 60.60 kg. In girls, the mean age was 13.60 years, mean height was 164.07 cm and mean weight was 53.33 kg. Competitive anxiety was measured using the Competitive Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). HRV was also analyzed using a validated HR chest band (Polar H7). These measurements were performed at two different times, before training and before competing, both times maintaining the same conditions for the participants. In addition, a gender differentiation was carried out. Somatic anxiety and state anxiety were significantly higher at the pre-competition time compared to the pre-training time (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the rest of the variables did not present significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). On the other hand, no correlation was observed between anxiety and heart rate variability either before competition or before training. As for gender differentiation, significant differences were obtained between males and females in state anxiety and heart rate, identifying higher values in females.

Relationship between Doping Prevalence and Socioeconomic Parameters: An Analysis by Sport Categories and World Areas.

Socioeconomic differences between countries, including corruption and doping scandals, have increased in the last few decades. The aims of the current investigation were to examine doping prevalence according to world areas and sport groups and its association with socioeconomic factors worldwide. The Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) of 160 countries competing at 2016 Olympics were analyzed between 2013 and 2018. In addition, the relationship between doping prevalence and socioeconomic characteristics, including Human Development Index (HDI), Per Capita Income (PCI) and Corruption Index (CI), was investigated. Africa, Asia, and America were revealed to have a significantly lower doping prevalence than Europe and Oceania when observing the sum and the mean ADRV/10,000 inhabitants (p < 0.01). Strong to moderate correlations were identified between Corruption Index and ADRVs and HDI and ADRVs (p < 0.01). However, the number of Olympic athletes was positively associated with the ADRVs and the HDI (r = 0.663 and 0.424, respectively). In the comparison by sport groups, the Independent Recognized Sports (AIMS) showed significantly higher Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF) and ADRVs (p < 0.01) than Olympic and Recognized International Sports (ARISF). In conclusion, the results of the current study reveal doping prevalence differences between world areas and sport categories, identifying associations with socioeconomic characteristics of each country.

Inter-stroke steadiness: a new kinematic variable related to 200m performance in young canoeists.

Traditionally, canoeing analyses have always been carried out by calculating mean values over a certain distance. However, a simple analysis of mean values in cyclic actions, such as canoe paddling, can lead to the loss of decisive data. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the relationship between the periods of consecutive strokes can be an important aspect in all-out 200-m canoeing performance. A total of 22 young male canoeists aged 13.51 ± 0.43 years old voluntarily participated in the present study. Lateral recordings were taken from all participants when performing an all-out 200 m to subsequently analyse the kinematic variables of time, speed and cycle frequency, length and index. The time of each stroke was calculated by the frame differencesbetween two successive paddles. Likewise, short-term and long-term steadiness of consecutive strokes were analysed. Positive correlations were observed between all-out 200-m time and inter-stroke steadiness, identifying significant associations with long-term (r ≈ 0.8; p < 0.05) and short-term steadiness (r ≈ 0.7; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the present investigation defines and identifies inter-stroke steadiness as a new original kinematic variable that might be considered for performance analysis since it seems to be a key factor in all-out 200-m canoeing.

Influence of maturity status on morphology, grip and throwing speed in young elite water polo players.

BACKGROUND: Water polo is a team sport that requires not only high levels of power and strength but a robust morphology with big body dimensions for an optimal performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between anthropometric variables, maturity, grip strength and throwing speed in young water polo competitors. METHODS: Body composition, biological age, grip strength and throwing speed were evaluated in 28 elite water polo players (15.74±0.83 years old) with competition experience (7.35±1.68 years). The participants were divided into two maturity groups based on the percentage of adult height attained at the moment of assessment (<98% and >98%). RESULTS: Significant differences and moderate effect sizes were observed across sitting height and upper body lengths and breadths in the more mature players of the >98% group compared with those observed in the <98% group (d>0.42; P<0.05). A large effect size in maturity status and percentage of adult height (d>0.82) was also identified in the >98% players. In addition, significant correlations (P<0.05) were determined between upper and lower body girths and not opposition throwing speed (NOT). Similarly, a linear regression analysis revealed that biacromial breadth, arm girth and medial calf skinfold significantly contributed in predicting NOT speed (r2=0.82; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that body structure is positively related to throwing speed in young water polo players. Furthermore, the results of the present investigation might be useful for talent identification purposes.

The Importance of Biological Maturation and Years of Practice in Kayaking Performance.

Previous canoe sprint studies evaluated the best paddlers of their categories. This investigation aimed to identify the importance of biological maturation and athletes' experience in kayaking performance and observe possible differences regarding anthropometry, years of practice, and performance. Eighty under 14 years of age (U14) and fifty under 16 years of age (U16) kayakers aged 13.40 ± 0.54 and 15.25 ± 0.61 years were evaluated. Kayakers were assessed for anthropometry (body mass (kg); stretch stature (cm); and sitting height (cm)), performance (time at 3000 m for U14 and 5000 m for U16 kayakers), and somatic maturation (predicted adult height (PAH) and maturity offset). In the U14 kayakers, years of practice, sitting height, and maturity offset showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the Top10 and Middle, and Middle and Bottom10 performance times. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) sitting heights were identified between the Top10 and Middle U16 kayakers. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed for maturity offset and PAH% between the Top10 and Middle groups compared to the Bottom10 group. In conclusion, this research shows differences in the maturity status of young U14 and U16 kayakers, identifying that the more biologically mature individuals, with more years of specific practice, achieved better performances.

Differential Health Effects on Inflammatory, Immunological and Stress Parameters in Professional Soccer Players and Sedentary Individuals after Consuming a Synbiotic. A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

The main objective of this research was to carry out an experimental study, triple-blind, on the possible immunophysiological effects of a nutritional supplement (synbiotic, Gasteel Plus®, Heel España S.A.U.), containing a mixture of probiotic strains, such as Bifidobacterium lactis CBP-001010, Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-4036, and Bifidobacterium longum ES1, as well as the prebiotic fructooligosaccharides, on both professional athletes and sedentary people. The effects on some inflammatory/immune (IL-1ß, IL-10, and immunoglobulin A) and stress (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol) biomarkers were evaluated, determined by flow cytometer and ELISA. The effects on metabolic profile and physical activity, as well as on various parameters that could affect physical and mental health, were also evaluated via the use of accelerometry and validated questionnaires. The participants were professional soccer players in the Second Division B of the Spanish League and sedentary students of the same sex and age range. Both study groups were randomly divided into two groups: a control group-administered with placebo, and an experimental group-administered with the synbiotic. Each participant was evaluated at baseline, as well as after the intervention, which lasted one month. Only in the athlete group did the synbiotic intervention clearly improve objective physical activity and sleep quality, as well as perceived general health, stress, and anxiety levels. Furthermore, the synbiotic induced an immunophysiological bioregulatory effect, depending on the basal situation of each experimental group, particularly in the systemic levels of IL-1ß (increased significantly only in the sedentary group), CRH (decreased significantly only in the sedentary group), and dopamine (increased significantly only in the athlete group). There were no significant differences between groups in the levels of immunoglobulin A or in the metabolic profile as a result of the intervention. It is concluded that synbiotic nutritional supplements can improve anxiety, stress, and sleep quality, particularly in sportspeople, which appears to be linked to an improved immuno-neuroendocrine response in which IL-1ß, CRH, and dopamine are clearly involved.

Accidental doping. Prevention strategies / Dopaje accidental. Estrategias de prevención

There is growing consumption of nutritional supplements aimed at improving performance because the number of athletes, mainly amateurs, is growing very significantly. This great demand supposes a market of huge proportions, supposing an economic activity that in Spain reached 920 million Euros in the year 2018.This consumption occurs at all levels of sport, from 13% in global numbers, to 100% in some groups of professional sportsmen and women. However, the use of these substances in very few circumstances is done under the advice of a professional, and the athlete takes them on their own. This fact, with the possibility that the product to be taken may contain prohibited substances that do not appear on the labeling, means that an adverse analytical finding can occur in a doping control through so-called accidental doping, which is the use of adulterated or contaminated nutritional supplements containing substances prohibited in sport that have not been declared on the labeling. Between 11.6% and 25.8% of nutritional supplements contaminated with anabolic androgenic steroids have been found to exist. This paper describes the various causes of accidental doping, the substances most frequently used, paying particular attention to the ways of preventing this type of doping based on information and education, product certification and information, the form of prescription, criteria for use and safety of the origin of the products, and precautions followed in case of consumption

Hay un consumo creciente de suplementos nutricionales destinados a mejorar el rendimiento porque el número de deportistas, fundamentalmente aficionados, está creciendo de forma muy importante. Esta gran demanda supone un mercado de proporciones gigantescas, suponiendo un actividad económica que en España alcanzó los 920 millones de euros en el año 2018.Este consume se produce en todos los niveles deportivos, desde el 13 % en cifras globales, hasta el 100 % en algunos grupos de deportistas profesionales. Sin embargo, el uso de estas sustancias en muy pocas circunstancias se realiza bajo al asesoramiento de un profesional y el deportista los toma por su cuenta. Este hecho, junto a la posibilidad de que el producto que se vaya a tomar pueda contener sustancias prohibidas que no figuran en el etiquetado supone que se pueda producir un hallazgo analítico adverso en un control de dopaje a través del denominado dopaje accidental que consiste el que se produce por consumir suplementos nutricionales adulterados o contaminados que contienen sustancias prohibidas en el deporte que no se han declarado en el etiquetado. Se ha comprobado que existe entre el 11,6 y el 25,8% de suplementos nutricionales contaminados con esteroides androgénicos anabolizantes. En este trabajo se describen las diversas causas de dopaje accidental, las sustancias más frecuentemente utilizadas prestando una especial atención a las formas de prevención de este tipo de dopaje que se basan en la información y educación, en la certificación e información de los productos, en la forma de prescripción, en los criterios de uso y seguridad del origen de los productos y en las precauciones que se deben tomar en caso de consumirlos

Recovery of Heart Rate Variability After Exercise Under Hot Conditions: The Effect of Relative Humidity.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze changes in heart rate variability (HRV) during exercise in hot environments and recovery to baseline values depending on relative humidity. METHODS: Ten recreational runners participated in this study. Each participant performed 2 trials consisting of 30 min of continuous running under hot and dry (HD) (38°C and 28% relative humidity) and hot and humid (HH) conditions (38°C and 64% relative humidity) at their common 10 km race-running rhythm. HRV and body mass were assessed pre- and post-trial; the rating of perceived exertion and HRV were assessed during the trial; and HRV measurements were repeated 2, 4, 8, and 24 h postexercise. Primary HRV outcomes were root mean square of the successive differences, high frequency power, stress score, and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio. One-way analysis of variance testing was used to analyze differences. RESULTS: No significant difference in body mass occurred across the different conditions or distances covered (P>0.05). Rating of perceived exertion presented the highest correlation values with stress score (r=0.729 for HD; r=0.568 for HH) and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio (r=0.621 for HD; r=0.519 for HH) during exercise. HRV recovered to baseline values more quickly after exercising under dry conditions (4 h) than under humid conditions (between 8 and 24 h). CONCLUSIONS: Stress score and sympathetic/parasympathetic ratio seem to be the best HRV predictors of internal load. Although there are no differences in HRV during recovery at the same time points in both conditions, the recovery is slower after exercise in HH than in HD.

Acute effects of heat on health variables during continuous exercise and their comparison with normal and cold conditions: A systematic review / Efectos agudos del calor sobre variables de salud durante el ejercicio continuo en comparación con condiciones normales y frías: una revisión sistemática

Background: There has been an increasing number of running practitioners in the last years. Although running activity involves several benefits for practitioners, it might also induce health problems when practicing under heat conditions. Purpose: The main aim of this systematic review was to evaluate how high temperatures affect runner's health during continuous exercise. Search strategy: The search for articles for this study was carried out in two different databases, Web of Science and Pubmed.Study selection: The inclusion criteria were a) Studies that investigated the effects of endurance exercise, at least at 27º, on health variables, determining exercise intensity, indicating total time for exercise and presenting pre- and post-test results or compare with normal or cold conditions. Results: 1336 articles were identified after the searching process. 333 runners were evaluated in fifteen articles that were included in the qualitative synthesis. High increases in heart rate, body and skin temperature, some urine and blood markers, blood pH, ventilation, rate of perceived exertion and sweat rate were identified during continuous activity under heat conditions, and also when comparing with normal or cold conditions. Lower values were found in body mass, eosinophil than those observed before the running activity. Lower values for oxygen consumption and plasma lactate may occur in hot conditions when comparing with normal conditions. Conclusions: Studies analyzed conclude that an uncontrolled long-term activity in hot conditions may induce health problems related to high body and skin temperatures. Cooling strategies should be assessed after continuous exercise under hot conditions. In addition exercise in hot conditions produces greater increases in immune functions, heart rate, breathing stress, metabolic responses and rate of perceived exertion, also compared with normal and cold conditions

Introducción: El número de corredores ha incrementado en los últimos años. Aunque la actividad de correr implica varios beneficios para los practicantes, también puede provocar problemas de salud cuando se practica en condiciones de calor. Propósito: El objetivo de esta revisión fue evaluar cómo las altas temperaturas afectan la salud del corredor. Estrategia de búsqueda: La búsqueda de artículos para este estudio se llevó a cabo en Web of Science y Pubmed. Selección de estudios: Los criterios de inclusión fueron estudios que investigaron los efectos del ejercicio de resistencia, al menos a 27º, sobre variables de salud, determinando la intensidad y duración del ejercicio y se presentaron resultados previos y posteriores a la prueba o compararon con condiciones normales o frías. Resultados: 1336 artículos fueron identificados después del proceso de búsqueda. 333 corredores fueron evaluados en quince artículos que fueron incluidos en la síntesis cualitativa. Durante la actividad en condiciones de calor, se identificaron incrementos elevados en la frecuencia cardíaca, la temperatura corporal y de la piel, algunos marcadores de orina y sangre, el pH sanguíneo, la ventilación, el esfuerzo percibido y la sudoración. Se encontraron valores más bajos de masa corporal y eosinófilos que los observados antes de la actividad de carrera. Valores más bajos de consumo de oxígeno y lactato aparecen en condiciones de calor cuando se comparan con las condiciones normales. Conclusiones: Los estudios analizados concluyen que una actividad no controlada a largo plazo en condiciones de calor puede inducir problemas de salud relacionados con altas temperaturas corporales y de la piel. Además, el ejercicio en condiciones de calor produce mayores incrementos en las funciones inmunitarias, la frecuencia cardíaca, el estrés respiratorio, las respuestas metabólicas y el esfuerzo percibido, también en comparación con las condiciones normales y frías

A longitudinal analysis of morphological characteristics and body proportionality in young elite sprint paddlers.

Introduction: There are certain anthropometric attributes common to most high-level paddlers and among the determinants for optimal performance consecution in senior categories.Objective: The present investigation aimed to determine the evolution of morphological characteristics of elite paddlers during adolescence and to compare them with the values exhibited by Olympic competitors.Methods: In a longitudinal study, thirteen young elite paddlers (seven boys and six girls) completed a battery of anthropometric tests (heights, weight, girths, lengths, and sum of skinfolds) and on-water performance assessments (200 and 500 m) during three consecutive years.Results: Body mass and upper body sizes significantly change over the years (p < .05), especially in boys. Both male and female paddlers presented significant differences and large effect sizes in muscle mass and skin mass values (η2p > .64) whereas bone mass and fat mass remained stable from the 1st to the 3rd year. Proportionality analysis revealed girths and breadths differences in arm and chest variables as well as large effect sizes in biacromial breadth among all years (η2p > .62; p < .05), particularly in boys. Similarly, significant improvements in 200-m performance times were observed for both sexes.Conclusions: The findings of the current investigation might suggest a tendency towards a leaner and more robust morphological profile of elite paddlers in the transition from young to senior categories. In addition, the presence of superior relative body dimensions from young categories seems to be paramount in the evolution to later successful paddling.

Morphological and Physical Fitness Profile of Young Female Sprint Kayakers.

López-Plaza, D, Alacid, F, Rubio, JÁ, López-Miñarro, PÁ, Muyor, JM, and Manonelles, P. Morphological and physical fitness profile of young female sprint kayakers. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1963-1970, 2019-Traditionally, physical and anthropometrical profiles of the most successful kayak athletes have been identified in male kayakers. This study attempted to identify the differences in morphology and fitness level of 2 performance-based groups of young elite female paddlers. Eighty-six female kayakers, aged 13.62 ± 0.57 years (mean ± SD), were allocated in 2 groups (Top-10 and Rest) depending on their ranking in the 3 Olympic distances (200, 500, and 1,000 m). All subjects underwent a battery of anthropometrical (heights, mass, girths, and sum of skinfolds), physical fitness (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test, and 20-m multistage shuttle run test), and specific performance assessments (200, 500, and 1,000 m). Best paddlers presented significantly greater anthropometrical values in muscle mass percentage, maturity status, and chronological age (p ≤ 0.05), whereas physical fitness comparison only revealed significant differences in countermovement jump (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, aerobic power and muscle mass percentage seem to be crucial in achieving optimal performances at long (1,000 m) and short duration races (200 and 500 m). These findings confirm the importance of a larger and compact morphology, as well as superior fitness level, for success in female kayakers. The current results not only identify the weak areas on body composition and physical fitness depending on the maturity status but also the development of specific training programs for females.

Differences in Anthropometry, Biological Age and Physical Fitness Between Young Elite Kayakers and Canoeists.

The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric and physical characteristics of youth elite paddlers and to identify the differences between kayakers and canoeists. A total of 171 male paddlers (eighty-nine kayakers and eighty-two canoeists), aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± SD) volunteered to participate in this study. The participants completed basic anthropometric assessments (body mass, stretch stature, sitting height, body mass index, maturity level, sum of 6 skinfolds and fat mass percentage) as well as a battery of physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, counter movement jump, sit-and-reach and 20 m multi-stage shuttle run tests). The anthropometric results revealed a significantly larger body size (stretch stature and sitting height) and body mass in the kayakers (p < 0.01) as well as a more mature biological status (p = 0.003). The physical fitness level exhibited by the kayakers was likewise significantly greater than that of the canoeists, both in the counter movement jump and estimated VO2max (p < 0.05), as well as in the overhead medicine ball throw and sit-and-reach test (p < 0.01). These findings confirm the more robust and mature profile of youth kayakers that might be associated with the superior fitness level observed and the specific requirements of this sport discipline.

Sprint kayaking and canoeing performance prediction based on the relationship between maturity status, anthropometry and physical fitness in young elite paddlers.

This study aimed to identify the maturity-related differences and its influence on the physical fitness, morphological and performance characteristics of young elite paddlers. In total, 89 kayakers and 82 canoeists, aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± s), were allocated in three groups depending on their age relative to the age at peak height velocity (pre-APHV, circum-APHV and post-APHV) and discipline (kayak and canoe). Nine anthropometric variables, a battery of four physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test and 20 m multistage shuttle run test) and three specific performance tests (1000, 500 and 200 m) were assessed. Both disciplines presented significant maturity-based differences in all anthropometric parameters (except for fat and muscle mass percentage), overhead medicine ball throw and all performance times (pre > circum > post; P < 0.05). Negative and significant correlations (P < 0.01) were detected between performance times, chronological age and anthropometry (body mass, height, sitting height and maturity status), overhead medicine ball throw and sit and reach for all distances. These findings confirm the importance of maturity status in sprint kayaking and canoeing since the more mature paddlers were also those who revealed largest body size, physical fitness level and best paddling performance. Additionally, the most important variables predicting performance times in kayaking and canoeing were maturity status and chronological age, respectively.

The effects of a reformer Pilates program on body composition and morphological characteristics in active women after a detraining period.

The aim of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to explore the effects of a reformer Pilates program on the anthropometry, body composition, and somatotype of active adult women after a short non-exercise period. Twenty-eight women (mean age: 40.21 ± standard deviation of 8.12 years old) with one to three years of reformer Pilates experience participated in the study. The women participated in a reformer Pilates program for 16 weeks (one hour, twice per week) after 4 weeks of detraining (summer holidays) in 2012. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry full profile was assessed before and after the intervention program. Significant decreases (p ≤ 0.05) from pre- to post-program were observed for triceps, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, front thigh and medial calf skinfold thicknesses, six and eight skinfold thickness sums, forearm and ankle girths, waist/hip ratio, endomorphy, and fat mass. Significant increases (p ≤ .05) were observed for corrected arm, corrected calf girths, and muscle mass. Generally, women showed a mesomorphic endomorph (endomorphy predominant) and mesomorph-endomorph (endomorphy and mesomorphy predominant) in the pre- and posttests, respectively. In conclusion, the practice of reformer Pilates was associated with healthy changes in anthropometric parameters, body composition, and somatotype in Pilates-experienced women after 4 weeks of no physical exercise.

Body composition and morphological characteristics in women reformer Pilates practitioners

No investigations analyzing the reformer Pilates practitioners’ body composition based on the years of practice have been undertaken; yet because all research conducted to date has rather focused on novice practitioners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric characteristics, somatotype, proportionality and body composition depending on the years of practice of women who practice reformer Pilates. Anthropometric characteristics, somatotype, proportionality and body composition were analyzed in a sample of 78 adult women (mean age: 44.00 ± 9.01 years) who practiced reformer Pilates 1 hour two times/week. Anthropometric variables were measured by a Level 2 anthropometrist certified by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Two groups were made based on the women’ years of practice: a group 1 (two or less years of practice) and a group 2 (more than two years of practice). The group 2 showed significant lower values in absolute size and Z-scores in body mass, six and eight skinfold sums, individual skinfolds and most of limbs and trunk girths (arm relaxed, chest, waist, gluteal, thighs and/or corrected calf girths) than the group 1. Significantly higher values in mesomorphy, ectomorphy and muscle mass and lower values in endomorphy and fat mass were also observed in the second group. In conclusion, the practice of reformer Pilates may generate positive adaptations in anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype

Hasta el momento ninguna investigación ha analizado la composición corporal de los practicantes de Pilates reformer en función de sus años de práctica, ya que todos los estudios han analizado a practicantes nóveles. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar las características antropométricas, el somatotipo, la proporcionalidad y la composición corporal de un grupo de mujeres que hacían Pilates reformer en función de los años de práctica. Se analizaron las características antropométricas, el somatotipo, la proporcionalidad y la composición corporal de una muestra de 78 mujeres adultas (media de edad: 44.00 ± 9.01 años) que practicaban Pilates reformer 1 hora, dos veces por semana. Todas las variables antropométricas fueron tomadas por un antropometrista nivel 2 certificado por la Sociedad Internacional para el Avance de la Cineantropometría. Se dividió a la muestra en dos grupos en función de los años de práctica en: grupo 1 (2 o menos años de práctica) y grupo 2 (más de dos años de práctica). El grupo 2 mostró una valores significativamente inferiores en los valores absolutos y los valores Z del peso, el sumatorio de seis y ocho pliegues, los pliegues individuales, y la mayoría de los perímetros del tronco y las extremidades (perímetros de brazo relajado, mesoesternal, cintura, cadera, muslo y/o perímetro corregido de la pierna) que el grupo 1. El grupo 2 obtuvo valores significativamente más altos en la mesomorfia, la ectomorfia y la masa muscular, e inferiores en la endomorfia y la masa grasa. En conclusión, la practica de Pilates reformer puede generar adaptaciones positivas en las características antropométricas, la composición corporal y el somatotipo

Kinematic Variables Evolution During a 200-m Maximum Test in Young Paddlers.

The objective of this research was to determine the kinematic variables evolution in a sprint canoeing maximal test over 200 m, comparing women and men kayak paddlers and men canoeists. Speed evolution, cycle frequency, cycle length and cycle index were analysed each 50 m section in fifty-two young paddlers (20 male kayakers, 17 female kayakers and 15 male canoeists; 13-14 years-old). Recordings were taken from a boat which followed each paddler trial in order to measure the variables cited above. Kinematic evolution was similar in the three categories, the speed and cycle index decreased through the test after the first 50 m. Significant differences were observed among most of the sections in speed and the cycle index (p<0.05 and <0.01, respectively). Cycle length remained stable showing the lowest values in the first section when compared with the others (p<0.01). Cycle frequency progressively decreased along the distance. Significant differences were identified in the majority of the sections (p<0.01). Men kayakers attained higher values in all the variables than women kayakers and men canoeists, but only such variables as speed, cycle length and cycle index were observed to be significantly higher (p<0.01). Moreover, lower kinematic values were obtained from men canoeists. The study of the evolution of kinematic variables can provide valuable information for athletes and coaches while planning training sessions and competitions.

The Influence of Different Hand Paddle Size on 100-m Front Crawl Kinematics.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different sizes of hand paddles on kinematic parameters during a 100 m freestyle swimming performance in elite swimmers. Nine elite swimmers (19.1 ± 1.9 years) completed three tests of 100 m without paddles, with small paddles (271.27 cm(2)) and with large paddles (332.67 cm(2)), respectively. One video camera was used to record the performance during the three trials. The mean swimming velocity, stroke rate and stroke length were measured in the central 10 meters of each 50 m length. The results showed that stroke length tended to increase significantly when wearing hand paddles (p < 0.05) during both the first and second 50 m sections whereas the increase in swimming velocity occurred only in the second 50 m (p < 0.05). Conversely, the stroke rate showed a slight decreasing trend with increasing paddle size. During the 100 m freestyle trial the stroke kinematics were changed significantly as a result of the increase in propelling surface size when hand paddles were worn.