The influence of maturity on recovery and perceived exertion, and its relationship with illnesses and non-contact injuries in young soccer players

A high training load could increase the risk of injury in soccer players. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the effect on young athletes, in whom a different maturity status could lead to different physiological responses to training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of internal load markers and recovery status with risk of illnesses and non-contact injuries in young soccer players characterised by different maturity status. Twenty-three U14 soccer players were monitored during a full season and categorised according to years from peak height velocity (PHV). Based on the estimated values, athletes were divided into three different groups: Pre-PHV, Circa-PHV and Post-PHV players. The following internal load markers were monitored: rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session rating of perceived exertion (S-RPE), weekly load (WL), cumulative loads for 2, 3, and 4 weeks (WL2, WL3, WL4), acute to chronic workload ratio for 2, 3 and 4 weeks (A:C2, A:C3, A:C4) and week-to-week percentage variation (%WL). Recovery status was quantified using the total quality recovery (TQR) scale. Z-score transformation was adopted for TQR and RPE values and the difference between the parameters was calculated (Z-TQR-RPE). The Kruskal-Wallis test was adopted to evaluate differences in TQR and RPE with respect to maturity offset. A multinomial regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between internal load markers and risk of illness and non-contact injuries. The variables that showed a significant association were included in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results revealed that RPE was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and TQR significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Post-PHV compared to Pre- and Circa-PHV. Moreover, RPE, A:C4, TQR and Z-TQR-RPE showed a significant (p < 0.01) association with non-contact injuries. The internal load markers included in ROC curve analysis showed poor predictive ability (AUC ≤ 0.6). A rapid increase in training load together with a decrease in recovery status may produce higher susceptibility to illnesses and non-contact injuries. The contrasting physiological responses found in relation to maturity status could explain the different injury predisposition in young soccer players

Efecto del género y del resultado final del partido en competiciones profesionales de pádel

The present study aimed at analyzing the technical and tactical aspects of professional padel matches in relation to gender and match outcome. For this purpose, a notational analysis was performed on 22 official matches of the World Padel Tour 2016 by means of 18 technical and tactical indicators. A non-parametric approach was applied to evaluate differences (P ≤ 0.05) between gender and match outcome subgroups. For gender, differences emerged for the occurrence (P<0.001) and duration (P<0.001) of rallies, backhand strokes (P=0.02) and backhand volley (P=0.027), strokes close to net (P=0.001) and from midfield zone (P=0.012), smashes determining ball out (P<0.001), and first service faults (P<0.001). For match outcome, a difference was found only for the occurrence of winning rallies (in general: P<0.001; in female performance: P=0.009; in male performance: P=0.001). Although findings highlight that padel performance can be discriminated only for gender, whereas winning and losing performances resulted similar, probably for the influence of different playing styles, this study could represent a valuable reference for further analyses and more effective padel training plans.El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar aspectos técnicos y tácticos en pádel profesional en relación con el género y el resultado final del partido. Para ello, se realizó un análisis notacional de 22 partidos oficiales del circuito profesional World Padel Tour 2016 registrando 18 indicadores técnicos y tácticos. Se llevó a cabo un análisis no paramétrico de los datos para comparar las diferencias (P ≤ 0.05) entre los subgrupos de género y resultado final. Para el género, se encontraron diferencias en el número (P<0.001) y duración (P<0.001) de los rallies, golpes de revés (P=0.02) y voleas de revés (P=0.027), golpes cerca de la red (P<0.001) y golpes desde la zona intermedia del campo (P=0.012), remates ganadores por bola fuera del campo (P<0.001) y faltas de primer saque (P<0.001). Para el resultado del partido, se encontraron diferencias únicamente en el número de rallies ganadores (en general: P<0.001; en mujeres: P=0.009; en hombres: P=0.001). Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto importantes diferencias en el rendimiento de pádel en cuanto al género, observando resultados similares entre ganadores y perdedores probablemente como consecuencia de diferentes estilos de juego. Este estudio por tanto puede servir como referencia válida para el desarrollo tanto de futuros análisis como de planes de entrenamiento más efectivos en pádel

Perfiles de rendimiento en hit ball de elite: aspectos técnicos, tácticos y frecuencia cardíaca, y los efectos de la competición en la capacidad de salto y rendimiento de fuerza

This study aimed to define a performance profile of elite hit ball matches. Eighty-six male Italian Serie A hit ball players (29.3±5.0 yrs) participated in the study. A technical and tactical analysis (18 indicators) was performed on eleven matches; heart rate (HR) was monitored during matches on 25 players; countermovement jump (CMJ) and maximal grip strength (GS) were measured on all participants before and after match. Differences (P<0.05) between winning (W) and losing (L) teams for technical and tactical analysis (Chi-square), and between match phases for HR, CMJ, and GS (ANOVA for repeated measurements) were tested. Hit ball teams meanly performed 297±10 rallies per match (W: 41±6 goals; L: 23±3 goals, P=0.042). No differences between quarters emerged for HR (171-190 bpm for 57±21 % of match duration). Opposite trends emerged for CMJ (after: 36.2±6.3 cm; before: 33.1±4.8 cm; P=0.001) and GS (after: 433±102 N; before: 463±98 N; P=0.018) performances. Findings show that hit ball is performed at high HR intensity, and that CMJ improves and GS declines after matches. This could be determined by a neuromuscular activation of lower limbs and repeated harm concussions due to shots.El estudio tenía como objetivo definir los perfiles de rendimiento en partidos de hit ball de elite. Un total de 81 jugadores italianos de la Serie A (29.3±5.0 años) tomaron parte en el estudio. El análisis técnico y táctico (18 indicadores) se realizó durante once partidos; la variable frecuencia cardíaca (FC) fue monitorizada durante los partidos en 25 jugadores; el test de salto en contramovimiento (SCM) y el test de fuerza máxima de prensión (FMP) se midieron antes y después de cada partido. Las diferencias (P<0.05) entre equipos ganadores (G) y perdedores (P) en los aspectos técnicos y tácticos se realizó mediante el test de Chi-cuadrado, y para las diferencias entre las fases del partido en las variables FC, SCM y FMP se empleó el ANOVA de medidas repetidas. Los resultados mostraron una media de 297±10 rallies por partido (G: 41±6 goles; P: 23±3 goles, P=0.042). No se encontraron diferencias entre los cuartos de juego para la variable FC (171-190 lpm en 57±21 % de la duración del partido). Se encontraron tendencias opuestas para el test SCM (después: 36.2±6.3 cm; antes: 33.1±4.8 cm; P=0.001) y para el test FMP (después: 433±102 N; antes: 463±98 N; P=0.018). Los resultados muestran que el deporte del hit ball se desarrolla con un rendimiento de alta FC, y con mejoras del SCM y descensos del FMP después del partido. Estos resultados pueden estar determinados por la activación neuromuscular de los miembros inferiores y el daño repetido de los golpeos debido a los lanzamientos en los brazos

Monitoring of the preseason soccer period in non-professional players

This study aimed to monitor the training load and to evaluate the fluctuations of straight and change of direction sprinting during a 5-week of the preseason period in 17 non-professional soccer players. Straight 10-m sprint and 15-m zigzag sprint tests were applied six times: at the beginning and on each Friday. Monitoring of the internal training load has been achieved by the Edwards’ TL and the session-RPE, while the external training load was measured by the GPS system. A general prevalence of low-intensity activities within training units and friendly matches were observed, with an increase in high-intensity activities during the last two weeks of the preseason. The performance of both sprint tests decreased during the first three weeks, becoming better at the end of the period, relative to a higher training load scheduled at the beginning of the preseason. Fluctuations in training load emerged along the five weeks with a continuous decrement from the first to the third week, while during the fourth and fifth week a moderate increase was achieved. Moreover, a very large correlation (r=0.71; p<.001) was evident between the Edwards’ TL and the session-RPE, highlighting the usefulness of an easy and valid method to monitor the internal training load. In conclusion, combining the monitoring of training load and the administration of field tests lead to a better distribution of workload, done by the coaching staff, thus avoiding excessive athletes’ overstressing

Anthropometric evaluation in older individuals in relation to their physical activity level

Individuals older than 55 years tend to adopt sedentary lifestyles (European Commission, 2014) and unhealthy eating attitudes (Ahmed and Haboubi, 2010), which lead to an increase of body fat and risks of non-communicable diseases (Rosembloom and Bahnes, 2006; Sallinen et al., 2008). To investigate the association between the level of involvement in physical activity (PA) on anthropometric features with advancing age, height, body mass, waist (WC) and hip (HC) circumference, and triceps skinfold were measured in 20 athletes (training: &gt;5 hr.week-1), 37 physically active (structured PA: 2 hr.week-1), and 42 sedentary (&lt;1 hr.week-1), older individuals (55-84 yrs). Moreover body mass index (BMI), waist-hip (WHi) and waist-height (WHe) ratio, and fat arm index were calculated. A 2 (gender) x 3 (activity level) verified differences (p&lt;0.05) between groups. No difference for gender emerged for BMI, HC, and WHi. Athletes showed lower (p&lt;0.05) BMI, WC, HC, WHi, triceps skinfold, and arm fat index, and higher height values than physically active and sedentary counterparts. For body mass, a difference (p&lt;0.05) emerged only between athletes with respect to sedentary counterpart. No differences emerged between physically active and sedentary groups. Findings indicate that in older ages only a high physical activity level allows controlling the anthropometric features, thus posing senior athletes at a lower risk of related non-communicable diseases

Single-lap shear bond tests on Steel Reinforced Geopolymeric Matrix-concrete joints

YesNowadays Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) represent a well-established technique for rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete (RC) and masonry structures. However, the severe degradation of mechanical properties of FRP under high temperature and fire as well as poor sustainability represents major weak points of organic-based systems. The use of eco-friendly inorganic geopolymeric matrices, alternative to the polymeric resins, would be highly desirable to overcome these issues. The present work aims to investigate the bond characteristic of a novel Steel Reinforced Geopolymeric Matrix (SRGM) strengthening system externally bonded to a concrete substrate having low mechanical properties. SRGM composite material consists of stainless steel cords embedded into a fireproof geopolymeric matrix. Single-lap shear tests by varying the bonded length were carried out. The main failure mode observed of SRGM-concrete joints was debonding at the fiber-matrix interface. Test results also suggest the effective bond length. On the basis of the experimental results, a cohesive bond-slip law was proposed.Part of the analyses were developed within the activities of Rete dei Laboratori Universitari di Ingegneria Sismica (ReLUIS) for the research program funded by the Dipartimento di Protezione Civile (DPC), Progetto DPC/ReLUIS 2016–AQ DPC/ReLUIS 2014–2016

The role of the LISTANet Consortium in the European DEDIPAC-KH project

Aim:To improve understanding of the determinants of dietary, physical activity (PA), and sedentary behaviours, the European multi-disciplinary consortium on “Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity Knowledge Hub” (DEDIPAC-KH) includes 46 consortia and organisations supported by joint programming grants from 12 countries across Europe (Lakerveld et al., 2014). Six Italian Universities (e.g., Cassino, Chieti-Pescara, Palermo, Roma Foro Italico, Roma Sapienza, and UCSC) participating in the LISTANet consortium supported by MIUR (B84G14000040008) contributed to the Thematic Area2 “Determinants of dietary, PA, and sedentary behaviours across the life course and in vulnerable groups”. In particular, the coordinator of LISTANet Prof Capranica and Prof. MacDonncha from the Irish Physical Activity and Health Consortium act as Work Package (WP) Leaders of PA determinants (WP2.2). Methods: A mix of methods has been used in identifying PA determinants by developing PA taxonomy and a European framework (EU-PAD), seven umbrella systematic literature reviews (e.g., behavioural, biological, economic, physical, policy, psychological, and socio-cultural), and identifying ongoing/recently completed European-funded projects and data sets for secondary data analyses. Results: LISTANet participated in DEDIPAC-KH meetings/seminars/courses/conferences, and organized two workshops dedicated to the EU-PAD framework and umbrella SLRs. Outcomes included internal reports, presentations to international conferences, and scientific papers submitted for publications. Conclusions: The DEDIPAC-KH project represents an excellent start in setting up a complex, cross-country, organisational structure to: 1) guide a European strategic plan for novel and multi-disciplinary research addressing the complexity of determinants of PA behaviours across the life course; and 2) identify key aspects for potential strategies and intervention programmes to implement multi-sectoral European policies in PA. Finally, the cumulated experience of LISTANet could be valuable to fully exploit effective research and actions to increase PA levels of Italian citizens

ECMO for COVID-19 patients in Europe and Israel

Since March 15th, 2020, 177 centres from Europe and Israel have joined the study, routinely reporting on the ECMO support they provide to COVID-19 patients. The mean annual number of cases treated with ECMO in the participating centres before the pandemic (2019) was 55. The number of COVID-19 patients has increased rapidly each week reaching 1531 treated patients as of September 14th. The greatest number of cases has been reported from France (n = 385), UK (n = 193), Germany (n = 176), Spain (n = 166), and Italy (n = 136) .The mean age of treated patients was 52.6 years (range 16–80), 79% were male. The ECMO configuration used was VV in 91% of cases, VA in 5% and other in 4%. The mean PaO2 before ECMO implantation was 65 mmHg. The mean duration of ECMO support thus far has been 18 days and the mean ICU length of stay of these patients was 33 days. As of the 14th September, overall 841 patients have been weaned from ECMO support, 601 died during ECMO support, 71 died after withdrawal of ECMO, 79 are still receiving ECMO support and for 10 patients status n.a. . Our preliminary data suggest that patients placed on ECMO with severe refractory respiratory or cardiac failure secondary to COVID-19 have a reasonable (55%) chance of survival. Further extensive data analysis is expected to provide invaluable information on the demographics, severity of illness, indications and different ECMO management strategies in these patients

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition)

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, a key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process versus those that measure fl ux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process including the amount and rate of cargo sequestered and degraded). In particular, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation must be differentiated from stimuli that increase autophagic activity, defi ned as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (inmost higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium ) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the fi eld understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. It is worth emphasizing here that lysosomal digestion is a stage of autophagy and evaluating its competence is a crucial part of the evaluation of autophagic flux, or complete autophagy. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. Along these lines, because of the potential for pleiotropic effects due to blocking autophagy through genetic manipulation it is imperative to delete or knock down more than one autophagy-related gene. In addition, some individual Atg proteins, or groups of proteins, are involved in other cellular pathways so not all Atg proteins can be used as a specific marker for an autophagic process. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field