Individual match playing time during the season affects fitness-related parameters of male professional soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of an entire season on physical fitness parameters (PFPs) in male professional soccer players (N = 18). Performance in 5- and 30-m sprint (T5 and T30), countermovement jump (CMJ), agility (T-test), knee extensor (KE) and knee flexor (KF) isokinetic strength, hamstrings/quadriceps strength ratio (H/Q) and bilateral differences (BDs), and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test 2 (YYIE2) was evaluated in 4 moments (E1-E4) throughout the season. Individual match playing time was quantified. Significant improvements in CMJ and YYIE2 from E1 to E2 were observed (p < 0.05-0.01). The T30 improved from E2 to E3 (p < 0.01). The CMJ decreased from E2 to E3 and E4, and YYIE2 from E2 to E4 (p < 0.05). There were increments in the H/Q ratio and Agility from E1 and E2 to E3 and E4 (p < 0.05-0.01). Significant correlations were found in all evaluation points between different PFPs and between changes in strength parameters and agility, T5 and T30, CMJ, and YYIE2 (p < 0.05-0.001). Influence of individual match playing time was correlated to changes in T5 (E1 to E3; r = -0.705), KE nondominant leg (KEND; E2 to E3; r = 0.786), and KF (E3 to E4; r = 0.575-0.590). The interrelationship between muscle strength (e.g., KE), sprint (e.g., T5), and jump abilities (CMJ) suggests the importance of muscle strength and power training for soccer. This study suggests that the systematic participation of the players in soccer matches favors the increase and maintenance of soccer players KE and KF muscle strength and sprint ability (T5). Thus, given the unique demands of actual match play, coaches should try to incorporate a competitive friendly match in the weekly training cycle of nonstarter players.

Elite futsal refereeing: activity profile and physiological demands.

The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological demands and to establish the relationship between activity profile and endurance capacity of futsal referees. Eighteen elite futsal referees (33.0 ± 5.1 years, 173 ± 5 cm, and 73.2 ± 8.4 kg) were studied. Video filming (n = 18) and heart rate (HR) recordings were performed throughout games. Blood lactate (n = 14) was determined at rest and after the game. Endurance capacity was determined with the Yo-Yo IE2. The number of activity changes was as high as 1,395 ± 218 (± SD). Total distance covered, high-intensity running (HIR), sprinting (SPR), and sideways running were 5.89 ± 0.56, 0.96 ± 0.29, 0.09 ± 0.07, and 0.91 ± 0.46 km, respectively. The number of HIR and SPR bouts was 129 ± 41 and 9 ± 8, respectively, with a mean duration of ∼1.4 seconds. Blood lactate content was 1.0 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.5 mM before and after the game. The amount of HIR performed during the match correlated significantly (r = 0.77; p < 0.05) with the Yo-Yo IE2 performance. Considering the data obtained in the present study, the use of match-specific intermittent fitness tests to evaluate futsal referees seems to be required.

Effect of losartan, an angiotensin II antagonist, on secondary biliary cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic bile duct obstruction leads to biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The hepatic stellate cells are involved in this process and can be activated by angiotensin II. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of losartan, an angiotensin II antagonist, on experimental biliary cirrhosis. METHODOLOGY: Wistar rats were allocated to one of three groups: bile duct ligation (BDL), bile duct ligation and losartan treatment (BDLL), and sham-operated animals (SHAM). After 28 days, liver and spleen weight, hepatic volume, portal flow, and hepatocytes, bile ducts, hepatic stellate cell population and collagen IV volume fraction were evaluated. RESULTS: The portal flow was lower in the BDL group than in the BDLL group, and lower in both groups than in the SHAM group. Hepatocyte volume fraction was higher in the BDLL group than in the BDL group, and lower in both groups than in the SHAM group. Liver and spleen weight, hepatic volume, hepatic stellate cells population and collagen IV were higher in the BDL group than in the BDLL group, and higher in both groups than in the SHAM group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that losartan can inhibit both the liver fibrosis and portal hypertension occurring in secondary biliary cirrhosis.