Positional differences in some physiological parameters obtained by the incremental field endurance test among elite handball players

The purpose of the study was to assess assumed differences in some physiological parameters, obtained by an incremental intermittent running field test 30–15IFT, among elite handball players to get an insight into the specifics of aerobic capacity profiles of players in different playing positions. Twenty-four elite male handball players were tested using the Cosmed K4 portable telemetry system. The following parameters were analysed: running velocity, heart rate, oxygen uptake, relative oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation breath-by-breath, at the three points—lactate threshold (LT), onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), and at the peak velocity achieved on the test (v30–15IFT). Additionally, blood lactate concentration was analysed at v30–15IFT. The players were divided in three groups based on their playing positions: eight backcourt players, eight wing players and eight pivot players. In terms of both the statistically significant and non-significant differences, the wings achieved slightly different results in comparison to the backcourt players and pivots. The wings reached a statistically significant higher velocity at the LT than the players of the other two groups and a significantly higher velocity than the pivots at the OBLA. At all the three points,wings presented the highest HR values, meaning they can operate at higher intensities still within the aerobic work zone. This would probably allow wing players to longer persist in handball game

CAN BLOOD GAS AND ACID-BASE PARAMETERS AT MAXIMAL 200 METERS FRONT CRAWL SWIMMING BE DIFFERENT BETWEEN FORMER COMPETITIVE AND RECREATIONAL SWIMMERS?

The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether maximal 200 m front crawl swimming strategies and breathing patterns influenced blood gas and acid-base parameters in a manner which gives advantage to former competitive swimmers in comparison with their recreational colleagues. Twelve former competitive male swimmers (the CS group) and nine recreational male swimmers (the RS group) performed a maximal 200 m front crawl swimming with self- selected breathing pattern. Stroke rate (SR) and breathing frequency (BF) were measured during the swimming test. Measures also included blood lactate concentration ([LA]) and parameters of blood acid-base status before and during the first minute after the swimming test. The CS group swam faster then the RS group. Both groups have similar and steady SR throughout the swimming test. This was not matched by similar BF in the CS group but matched it very well in the RS group (r = 0.89). At the beginning of swimming test the CS group had low BF, but they increased it throughout the swimming test. The BF at the RS group remained constant with only mirror variations throughout the swimming test. Such difference in velocity and breathing resulted in maintaining of blood Po2 from hypoxia and Pco2 from hypercapnia. This was similar in both groups. [LA] increased faster in the CS group than in the RS group. On the contrary, the rate of pH decrease remained similar in both groups. The former competitive swimmers showed three possible advantages in comparison to recreational swimmers during maximal 200 m front crawl swimming: a more dynamic and precise regulation of breathing, more powerful bicarbonate buffering system and better synchronization between breathing needs and breathing response during swimmin

The Effect of an Altitude Training Camp on Swimming Start Time and Loaded Squat Jump Performance.

This study evaluated the influence of an altitude training (AT) camp on swimming start time and loaded squat jump performance. To accomplish this goal, 13 international swimmers (8 women, 5 men) were allocated to both the control (Sea Level Training, SLT) and experimental conditions (AT, 2320 m above sea level) that were separated by a one year period. All tests (15 m freestyle swimming start and loaded squat jumps with additional loads of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of swimmers' body weight) were performed before and after a concurrent 3-week strength and endurance training program prescribed by the national coach. Following the SLT camp, significant impairments in swimming start times to 10 (+3.1%) and 15 m (+4.0%) were observed (P 0.05). Trivial changes in peak velocity were obtained during the loaded squat jump after both training periods (effect sizes: < 0.20). Based on these results we can conclude that a traditional training high-living high strategy concurrent training of 3 weeks does not adversely affect swimming start time and loaded squat jump performance in high level swimmers, but further studies are necessary to assess the effectiveness of power-oriented resistance training in the development of explosive actions

Pre to post changes in swimming start performance after 3-weeks of sea level (SLT) and altitude training (AT).

<p>Pre to post changes in swimming start performance after 3-weeks of sea level (SLT) and altitude training (AT).</p

Percent changes in swimming start performance after the sea level training (SLT) and altitude training (AT) periods.

<p>T5, Time to 5 m; T10, Time to 10 m; T15, Time to 15 m; HTOV, Horizontal take-off velocity. *, Significant differences between percent changes (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Standard deviations have been omitted for clarity but are contained in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0160401#pone.0160401.t002" target="_blank">Table 2</a>.</p

Swimmer ready to perform the freestyle track start.

<p>Note: The individual in this picture has given written informed consent (as outlined in PLOS consent form) to publish this photograph.</p

Percent changes in loaded squat jump performance (peak velocity) after the sea level training (SLT) and altitude training (AT) periods.

<p>BW, Body weight. Standard deviations have been omitted for clarity but are contained in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0160401#pone.0160401.t003" target="_blank">Table 3</a>.</p