RSA, CMJ, Leger, 10m sprint responses to Pre-season training in semi-Professional Soccer Players

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze RSA, CMJ, Leger, 10m sprint responses to Pre-season Training in Semi-Professional Soccer Players (SPSP). Considering that numerous studies1,2 highlighted the combination of high levels of physical, technical and tactical skills during a soccer match, the cure of physical training pose a particular attention on training load that generally increases up to 2.4 times during the pre-season period compared with the in-season3. Methods: Six SPSP (age: 23±7yr; BMI: 23.3±1.8) were requested to perform aerobic training over an 8-week period on alternate days with the functional strength training sessions and sprint training drills as prescribed by the coaches and strength and conditioning staff. Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA, Total Time –TT- and percentage of fatigue index -%FI), Leger, 10m sprint and Counter Mouvement Jump (CMJ) tests, were performed before and after pre-season soccer training. ANOVA for repeated measures was conducted to assess differences (p<0.05) with respect to pre seasonal training. Correlation was calculated between the percentage of variation (Δ) of each test. Results: Compared to the values recorded before the pre-season, improvement of Leger (3%) and %FI (17.6%) and a deterioration of TT (10%), 10m sprint (0.2%) and CMJ (2.4%) were found. In addition, we have found a main effect between before and after pre-seasonal training in TT (F(1,4)=60.2; p=0.001) and Leger (F(1,5)=25; p<0.005). ΔCMJ showed very large correlation with ΔLeger (r=-0.88) and nearly perfect with Δ%FI (r=0.93); while ΔLeger was largely correlated with Δ%FI (r=-0.69). Conclusions: Given that the cure of the physical preparation is considered as an important element in order to influence the final soccer game result, this study want to be useful information for the coach in order to maximize the best physical condition of the whole team relative to the beginning of the regular season

The impact of controlled ovarian stimulation hormones on the metabolic state and endocannabinoid system of human cumulus cells

Different Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) formulation and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are used in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to induce follicles development and oocytes maturation, but it is still under debate which protocol is to be preferred. In the present study, the different effects on cumulus cells (CCs) of three controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols, based on urinary FSH, recombinant FSH, or human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG) administration, were assessed. CCs were obtained from 42 normal-responders women undergoing COS, randomly divided into three groups according to the used gonadotropin formulation. Differences were found in the expression of genes belonging to the endocannabinoid system (the receptors CNR1, CNR2 and TRPV1, and the enzymes involved in the metabolisms of anandamide, NAPE-PLD and FAAH, and 2-acylglycerol, DAGL and MAGL); consistently, changes in lipid (PPARα, and FASN) and carbohydrate (GLUT1 and GLUT9) metabolisms, in CCs’ macromolecules composition (highlighted by Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy, FTIRM), and in the number of retrieved oocytes were found. For the first time, statistically significant evidence on the differences related to each COS protocol on the endocannabinoid system, metabolism and macromolecular composition of CCs was found, representing a proof of concept to be further confirmed in a larger cohort of patients

Age-Related changes in Upper Body Strength of Italian Firefighters

Considering that the decrease in strength can be observedwith aging and that muscular endurance and strength are essential factors for firefighting effectiveness in critical situations (Michaelides et al. 2008), the aim of this studywas to evaluate theUpper Body (UBS) and Grip (GS) Strength of Italian Firefighters and to compare the results in relation to the age. Bench press (1RM, kg) and Maximal peak grip strength (MPGS, N) were used to analysed 185 firefighters (age: 38 ± 8 yr; height: 1.77 ± 0.06 cm, weight: 76.6 ± 8.6 kg, BMI: 24.2 ± 2.2 kg m.2). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to anthropometric and physical fitness values to assess significant difference (p.05) between age groups: B30 yrs, 31–35 yrs, 36–40 yrs, 41–45 yrs, and [45 yrs. When a significant effect was found, post hoc Fisher protected least significant difference were used. Anthropometric values showed differences among ages groups for height and BMI. Despite 1RM showed significant differences among age group (F(4.178) = 6.96; p.001), no statistical differences emerged between age group in MPGS values. In particular, 1RM showed no difference between yr 31–35 age groups and significant a decrease in 36–40 yr group. A decrease of 14 % in 1RM was reached betweenyrs and[45yrs. The results of this study could provide useful information to development appropriate UBS conditioning programs to increase the job performance and decrease the percentage of risks due to increased age in firefighters. With the knowledge of the limiting factors of age in strength performance of firefighters, the strength and conditioning firefighters instructor can more effectively tailor the training so that a job performance increase can be achieved in safety

Age-Related changes in Upper Body Strength and Lower Limb Power of Professional Italian Firefighters

Purpose Considering that the decrease in strength can be observed with aging and that muscular endurance and strength are essential factors for firefighting effectiveness in critical situations, the purpose of this study were to evaluate the Upper Body Strength and Lower Limb Power of Professional of Italian Firefighters of 229 Italian male firefighters (age 32 ± 8 yrs, height: 177±6 cm, weight: 79 ± 9 kg, BMI: 24.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2) and to compare the results in relation to the age (< 30-year-old group; 31- to 35-year-old group; 36- to 40-year-old group; 41- to 45-year-old group; >45-year-old group). Methods Upper body strength (1RM bench-press), lower limb power (counter movement jump -CMJ-, and sprint ability -20m-) were analysed. Descriptive statistics and an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied to anthropometric and physical fitness values to assess significant difference between age groups. When a significant effect was found, Bonferroni's post hoc analysis was used. Results Between age groups, anthropometric values showed an age-effect (p<0.05) for BMI with 34 % of all firefighters in overweight and high prevalence (52%) in >45 compared to the other age group categories. Performances values showed differences for 1RM bench-press (F(4,223) = 6.17; p<0.001), CMJ (F(4,223) = 3.04; p<0.05), 20m (F(4,224) = 8.47; p<0.001) among age groups. A decrease of 12% for Bench-press, 13% for CMJ and 5% for 20 m between 45-year-old group were found. Conclusions Considering that the ability to produce strength and power movements are very important qualities to firefighters in each age, individual and specific training programs should be planned with functional work activities to improve neuromuscular function at any age

Psychophysiological responses of firefighters to emergencies: a review

Firefighters perform strenuous muscular works in hazardous environments and chaotic conditions, under time pressure and psychological stress. Various have shown high values of oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate concentrations and salivary cortisol and A-Amylase in laboratory test, in real-life and simulated interventions. These high values have been attributed to the combined effect of the metabolically active muscle, thermoregulatory strain and fatigue resulting from the protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus in addition to further supplementary overweight (i.e., lifting weights, rescuing victims). In order to protect health and safety of firefighters and victims during emergencies, high levels of cardiovascular endurance and strength in firefighters are strongly recommended. In fact, high levels of physical fitness showed to increase firefighters’ work ability, their safety and decreased risk of injury