Practical nutritional recovery strategies for elite soccer players when limited time separates repeated matches

Specific guidelines that aim to facilitate the recovery of soccer players from the demands of training and a congested fixture schedule are lacking; especially in relation to evidence-based nutritional recommendations. The importance of repeated high level performance and injury avoidance while addressing the challenges of fixture scheduling, travel to away venues, and training commitments requires a strategic and practically feasible method of implementing specific nutritional strategies. Here we present evidence-based guidelines regarding nutritional recovery strategies within the context of soccer. An emphasis is placed on providing practically applicable guidelines for facilitation of recovery when multiple matches are played within a short period of time (i.e. 48 h). Following match-play, the restoration of liver and muscle glycogen stores (via consumption of ~1.2 gkg-1h-1 of carbohydrate) and augmentation of protein synthesis (via ~40 g of protein) should be prioritised in the first 20 minutes of recovery. Daily intakes of 6-10 gkg-1 body mass of carbohydrate are recommended when limited time separates repeated matches while daily protein intakes of >1.5 gkg-1 body mass should be targeted; possibly in the form of multiple smaller feedings (e.g., 6 x 20-40 g). At least 150% of the body mass lost during exercise should be consumed within 1 h and electrolytes added such that fluid losses are ameliorated. Strategic use of protein, leucine, creatine, polyphenols and omega-3 supplements could also offer practical means of enhancing post-match recovery. Keywords: soccer, nutrition, recovery, polyphenols, omega-3, creatine, fixture, congestio

The effect of a 12 week plyometric and soccer training on the cardiac structure and function among the 13-15 years old boys

Background: Exercise plays an important role in improving cardiovascular function. Due to the increasing tendency of children to the soccer the purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of a 12 week plyometric and soccer training on the cardiac structure and function of healthy 13-15 years old boys. Materials and Methods: This quasi- experimental study was conducted with a pre-test and post-test design. The participants (n=20) were selected among the non-athletic healthy boys (13-15 years) from Miyaneh (East Azerbaijan, Iran). After taking informed consent the participants were voluntarily participated in two equal Training and Control groups. The participants in the Exercise group performed a 12 week plyometric and soccer training. Under basic conditions and after a 12 week follow-up using the echocardiography both groups were examined for left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), left ventricular end diastolic posterior wall dimension­ (LVPWd), inter-ventricular septal end diastolic dimension (IVSd), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac output (CO). Results: After a 12 week training program the LVEDD, LVPWd and SV were significantly increased (P<0.05). The EF in the Exercise group had no increase. Moreover, LVESD and IVSd were similar in both groups. Conclusion: A twelve week plyometric and soccer training in 13-15 years old boys result in significant changes in some cardiac structural and functional indexes

Catalase Enzyme Gene Expression and Oxidant Markers’ Levels in Trained Women: Effect of Incremental Exercise

Introduction: There are few studies regarding the field of catalase gene expression, antioxidant and oxidant response in trained women, thus these markers’ levels have not been designated within Iranian trained women specially in regard to incremental exercise. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate Catalase enzyme Gene expression and oxidant levels in trained women. Methods: A repeated measure design was used for this study. Fourteen trained young women in the age range of 23-25 years from urmia city were volunteered as subjects. Venous blood samples were taken in three stages, before GXT exercise test (graduate exercise test) (speed: 7/5 mile, slope grade: 6%, exercise time: 30 minutes), immediately and 3 hours after exercise. Real time PCR method was used for analysis of the mRNA of Catalase gene expression and the eutoanalyzer method was also applied for measurement of MDA activity. Results: MDA (Malondealdeide) levels increased immediately and 3 h after exercise, though it proved to be statistically significant only in recovery stage (3 h after exercise) (P<0/002). Catalase gene expression significantly increased after exercise, but this difference wasn’t significant in recovery stage (P<0/03). Also, TAS (total antioxidant status) concentration increase was significant after training exercise (P0/065). Conclusion: Incremental exercise test has increased catalase gene expression and antioxidant and free radicals levels in trained women

Relationship between some immunological indexes and maximal oxygen pulse in active girls: effect of a bout of intense aerobic physical activity

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between T lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+), NK (CD56+), CD4+/CD8+ ratio and maximal oxygen pulse among the active girls in response to an intense aerobic physical activity. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 20-25 years old active women. To estimate maximal oxygen pulse and immune response parameters, GXT treadmill test was performed. In order to evaluate the immune system response to intense physical activity, blood samples were obtained at 3 times (before, immediately after and 2 hours after the exercise). Results: The T-CD4+cells and CD4+/CD8+ rations were significantly decreased after an intense aerobic physical activity (P&lt;0.05). However, the levels of CD8+ and CD56+ cells were significantly increased after the same physical activity. The results also showed a significant positive relationship between maximal oxygen pulse and CD8+, CD56+ cells level (r=0.699, P&lt;0.001), (r=0.49, P&amp;le;0.009). In addition, there was a significant negative relationship between maximal oxygen pulse and CD4+ (r=-0.645, P&amp;le;0.008), CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratios (r= - 0.539, P&lt;0.002). Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that in active women the maximal oxygen pulse, as an indicator of the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, has strong relationship with some immune system parameters

Correlation between superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression with lactate dehydrogenase enzyme and free radicals in female athletes: effects of incremental intensity exercises

Background: Inflammatory enzymes and free radicals are important factors affecting the immune system. However, there seems to be no detailed information about the extent to which these factors can affect superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression in female athletes, especially in incremental exercises. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and free radicals in female athletes after an incremental intensity exercise. Methods: Fifteen 22-24 year old female athletes from Urmia, Iran voluntarily participated in the study after completing an informed consent form in 2010. Venous blood samples were collected in three stages: prior to, immediately and 3 h after an incremental exercise (12 km/h at a 5% gradient for 20 min). Real-time PCR was used to assess superoxide dismutase1 (SOD-1) gene expression as was an autoanalyzer for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and LDH concentrations. Results: LDH concentration significantly increased in both stages of the exercise (immediately and 3 h after the exercise), (respectively, P=0.009 and P=0.026), but H2O2 concentration significantly increased only in the recovery phase (P=0.002). SOD-1 mRNA did not significantly increase in any stage of the exercise (P=0.05). Moreover, there was only a significant correlation between SOD-1 mRNA and H2O2 increase (P=0.014). Conclusion: Incremental exercise increased H2O2 and LDH levels in female athletes but only free radicals had a significant effect on SOD-1 gene expression

Effect of eicosapentaenoic acids-rich fish oil supplementation on motor nerve function after eccentric contractions

Abstract Background This study investigated the effect of supplementation with fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the M-wave latency of biceps brachii and muscle damage after a single session of maximal elbow flexor eccentric contractions (ECC). Methods Twenty-one men were completed the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-design study. The subjects were randomly assigned to the fish oil group (n = 10) or control group (n = 11). The fish oil group consumed eight 300-mg EPA-rich fish oil softgel capsules (containing, in total, 600 mg EPA and 260 mg DHA) per day for 8 weeks before the exercise, and continued this for a further 5 days. The control group consumed an equivalent number of placebo capsules. The subjects performed six sets of ten eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors using a dumbbell set at 40% of their one repetition maximum. M-wave latency was assessed as the time taken from electrical stimulation applied to Erb’s point to the onset of M-wave of the biceps brachii. This was measured before and immediately after exercise, and then after 1, 2, 3, and 5 days. Changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque, range of motion (ROM), upper arm circumference, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed at the same time points. Results Compared with the control group, M-wave latency was significantly shorter in the fish oil group immediately after exercise (p = 0.040), MVC torque was significantly higher at 1 day after exercise (p = 0.049), ROM was significantly greater at post and 2 days after exercise (post; p = 0.006, day 2; p = 0.014), and there was significantly less delayed onset muscle soreness at 1 and 2 days after exercise (day 1; p = 0.049, day 2; p = 0.023). Conclusion Eight weeks of EPA and DHA supplementation may play a protective role against motor nerve function and may attenuate muscle damage after eccentric contractions. Trial registration This trial was registered on July 14th 2015 ( https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/index.cgi )