Repeated sprint test performance indices and aerobic fitness in normal and overweight pre-pubertal children

We determined relationships between aerobic fitness and performance indices (fastest sprint time – FS, total sprint time – TS, and performance decrement – PD) of repeated sprint tests (RST) in normal and overweight children (BMI%: 59.8±12.9 versus 96.4±1.9%, respectively). Aerobic fitness, FS, and TS were significantly higher in normal weight children. Significant negative correlations were found between aerobic fitness and TS (r=–0.802), FS (r=–0.762) and PD (r=–0.670) in normal weight children. Significant negative correlations between aerobic fitness and TS (r=–0.767) and FS (r=–0.738), but not with PD were found in overweight children. While aerobic and anaerobic capabilities were significantly higher in normal weight children, strong relationships were found between aerobic fitness and RST indices in both normal and overweight children

Motivational music and repeated sprint ability in junior basketball players

We examined the effect of motivational music on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in a full squad of junior top national level league basketball players. Participants performed two repeated sprint tests (RSTs), with and without motivational music, at random order, during the end of the basketball season. The RST included 12 X 20 m runs departing every 20 s. There were no significant differences in ideal sprint time, total sprint time and performance decrement between RST with or without music. However, when we compared each sprint during the RST, the last two sprints (sprints number 11 and 12) were significantly faster with, compared to without, music (p<0.01). We conclude that music led to improved sprint performance towards the end of RST, suggesting, probably, beneficial effect mainly on aerobic components of repeated sprintability. Therefore, music can be used during basketball training, hoping that improved training ability will convert also to better game performance

The effect of motivational music on aerobic and anaerobic performance among overweight children

The present study examined whether background music improves aerobic and anaerobic performance in overweight children. Eleven participants (14.6±1.5 yrs, BMI%: 94.3±6.5) performed aerobic (20m Shuttle Run) and anaerobic (repeated sprint test – RST) field tests. Ten participants (12.0±2.1 yrs, BMI%:97.4±1.6) performed aerobic (treadmill running) and anaerobic (Wingate Anaerobic Test – WAnT) laboratory tests. Treadmill running time was significantly longer with, compared to without, music (11.9±1.5 versus 10.6±2.2 min, respectively; p<0.007). There was no significant difference in the 20m shuttle run distance with or without music. Total sprint time was significantly faster during RST with, compared to without, music (47.7±4.7 versus 48.5±5.5 s, respectively; p<0.04), with no significant difference in ideal sprint time and performance decrement. There was no significant difference in peak and mean anaerobic power and fatigue index during the WAnT with and without music. Motivational music may be used to improve aerobic and anaerobic performance among overweight children

The effect of methylphenidate treatment on exercise performance in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

The prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the school-age population is 8–10%, with boys having higher prevalence than girls. Children with ADHD have reduced physical fitness characteristics and exercise capacity compared to healthy children. There are conflicting results regarding the effect of treatment on exercise performance in children with ADHD. We determined fitness characteristic in children with ADHD receiving methylphenidate treatment (17.5±0.6 years; n=16) compared to age-adjusted ADHD children not receiving treatment (17.2±0.7 years; n=16). There were no significant differences in anthropometric measures between the treated and non-treated participants. There were no significant differences in the 60 seconds sit ups number, number of pull-ups, 4X10m shuttle run times and 2000m running times between the treated and non-treated participants. Standing long-jump results were significantly better among the non-treated ADHD participants (p<0.02). The results suggest that methylphenidate treatment might be disadvantageous for maximal speed and explosive-type activities in ADHD patient. Further studies are needed to clarify if other sports activities which require attention, accuracy, concentration and organization may benefit from such treatment

Cytokine response to typical field sports practices in adolescent athletes

The present study compares previous reports on the effect of “real-life” typical field individual (i.e. cross country running and wrestling – representing combat versus non-combat sports) and team sports (i.e. volleyball and water-polo – representing water and land team sports) training on pro (IL-6) and anti (IL-1 receptor antagonist – IL-1ra) inflammatory mediators in male and female late pubertal athletes. An increase in IL-6 was found following each of the training sessions. In contrast, a significant increase in IL-1ra was found only following the cross-country, wrestling and water-polo practices and not following the volleyball practices in both genders. There was no difference in the inflammatory response between individual and team sports practices. The inflammatory response to the typical practices was correlated with the practice-associated lactate change. The greatest increase in IL-6 and IL-1ra occurred following contact sport practices, and was greater following land (wrestling) compared to the water (water-polo) practice suggesting that this increase may reflect muscle tissue damage and not necessarily training intensity. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of “real-life” typical training on exercise training adaptations of adolescent athletes

Health-related knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic kindergarteners

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>The aim of the present study was to determine physical activity (PA) and nutrition knowledge and preferences in low socio-economic status kindergarten children.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Following height and weight measurement, 795 low socio-economic status kindergarten children (age 3.8-6.8 y.o) completed a photo-pair knowledge and preferences food and exercise questionnaire.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No difference was found between nutrition and PA knowledge scores (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively). There was no difference between the nutrition knowledge and preference score (52.3 ± 0.9 versus 50.9 ± 0.9%, respectively). PA preference was significantly higher than knowledge (56.9 ± 1.5 versus 52.6 ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Significant correlations were found between nutrition knowledge and preferences (r = 0.55, p < 0.0001), physical activity knowledge and preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.0001), and nutrition and PA preferences (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Nutrition preference scores were significantly lower in overweight compared to normal weight kindergartners 48.1 ± 1.7 versus 52.0 ± 1.0%; p < 0.05). PA knowledge and preference scores were significantly higher among male compared to the female kindergartners (p < 0.001 for both).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our data demonstrate diversities in physical activity and nutrition knowledge and preferences among low socio-economic status kindergarten children. These findings may be important for the development of health promotion programs in low socioeconomic kindergarten children.</p

Hormonal adaptations to different training intensities during the preparation of elite judokas for competition

Many efforts are made to quantify objectively the balance between training load and the athlete’s tolerance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the balance between anabolic (i.e. testosterone and IGF-I) and catabolic (i.e. cortisol) hormones in elite judokas during their preparations (4 months) for the European championships. Five healthy elite Israeli judokas (four male, one female, age range 17–26 years) were tested at baseline, after two months of moderate training, after another one month of intense training, after one month of tapering down prior to the competition, and during the week after the championships. Hormonal level remained relatively unchanged during period of moderate training. Circulating levels of IGF-I and testosterone decreased and the cortisol/testosterone ratio increased during intense training. However, only the decrease in circulating IGF-I level reached statistical significance. Both levels of IGF-I and testosterone increased significantly, and the cortisol/testosterone ratio decreased significantly following tapering down, prior to the championships, compared to the levels during intense training. Changes in the balance of anabolic and catabolic hormones during the training season may help elite athletes and assist their coaches in their preparation for the competition

Relationships among repeated sprint tests and aerobic fitness in adolescent tennis players

The aim of this study was to determine the performance indices (ideal sprint time – IS, total sprint time – TS, and performance decrement – PD) of two repeated sprint test (RST) and to examine their relationships with the aerobic fitness of young tennis players. Fifteen young (age 14.7±1.0 yrs) tennis players performed three tests: an aerobic power test (20 m shuttle run), and two different RST protocols (12×20 m and 12×10 m runs). Peak heart rate was significantly higher in the 20 m protocol compared to the 10 m protocol while no significant difference was found in the PD of the two RST protocols. Significant positive correlations were found between the ISs and the TSs (r=0.946 and r=0.932, respectively), but not between the PDs of the two RST protocols. Significant negative correlations were found between TS and IS and aerobic fitness during the 10 m protocol (r=–0.594 and r=–0.595, respectively) and the 20 m protocol (r=–0.757 and r=–0.716, respectively), but not between PD and the aerobic fitness in both RST protocols. Both short and long RST protocols represent similar anaerobic capabilities. In addition, the aerobic energy system serves as a significant factor in both RST protocols. However, it seems that the involvement of the aerobic system is more significant in the long than in the short repetition RST protocol

The AGT M235T (RS699, 4072T>C) polymorphism is not associated with elite weightlifting performance

It is now well established that genetic background influences an athlete’s ability to excel in different sport disciplines. Previous studies have demonstrated that among power athletes, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the AGT genotype (Thr-Thr), was significantly more prevalent among weightlifters compared to sprinters and jumpers indicating that despite the common features of these sport subtypes (short and very intense), they vary in their strength and speed abilities, as well as in their genetic make-up. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the AGT SNP can be used also to distinguish elite from national levels weightlifters. The AGT M235T genotype frequencies were assessed in 47 weightlifters (30 elite, 17 national level) and 86 non-athletes control. The Thr-Thr genotype was significantly higher among weightlifters (29.8%) compared to controls (12.8%) (p=0.048). Thr allele frequency was significantly higher among weightlifters (55.3%) compared to controls (37.8%) (p=0.021). However, there was no difference in the prevalence of the polymorphism between national level and elite athletes. In conclusion, the results suggest that the AGT polymorphism cannot predict elite competitive weightlifting performance

Practical uses of genetic profile assessment in athletic training – an illustrative case study

Recent studies suggested that several potential genes may explain athletic success. However, while genetic assessment will probably become part of future talent identification, at present, genetic testing predictive value is poor, mainly because athletic success depends on a combination of genetic, physiological, behavioral and environmental factors (including coaching, medical, nutritional, psychological, equipment, facilities and administrative aspects). However, one should consider genetic testing not only for talent identification or sport event selection, but also for possible assistance in the training process itself. In the present case study we show an example of potential practical use of genetic profile assessment for improving the athletic training process. We deliberately chose a case study of a national-level athlete to show that genetic aid should not be limited to top world-class athletes