Rapid weight gain predicts fight success in mixed martial arts - evidence from 1,400 weigh-ins

We aimed to analyze whether rapid weight gain (RWG) between the official weigh-in and the time of the fight was associated with fight success in MMA. A total of 700 professional MMA fights involving 1,400 weigh-ins from 21 MMA promotions regulated by the California State Athletic Commission were analyzed. Multilevel logistic regression accounting for individual (i.e. athlete) and cluster levels (i.e. fights) was used to analyze the association of all measures with a theoretical relationship with the dependent variable and without interdependency with one another (i.e. %RWG, sex, body mass division, competition level) with the fight outcome (i.e. win or loss). The odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. The highest mean %RWG was found for the flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight divisions. The %RWG significantly predicted the fight outcome (ss = 0.044; OR = 1.045; 95%CI = 1.014-1.078; p = 0.005) so that for each 1% of additional RWG, the chance of winning increased by 4.5%. With the largest sample to date and in a "real-world" scenario, the present results suggest that the magnitude of RWG is linked to the chance of winning in MMA combats. It is suggested that regulatory commissions, confederations, and event organisers should consider regulating RWG, considering that, despite its detrimental impact on the athletes' health and performance, the potential advantage might stimulate athletes to invest in rapid weight loss, followed by gain after the official weigh-in to increase their chance of winning

A Fadiga mental prejudicou desempenho tático-técnico do ataque no vôlei de praia: um estudo cruzado e randomizado

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mental fatigue on the technical-tactical performance of beach volleyball players. Twelve males young beach volleyball players (16.1 ± 0.9 years old)were recruited to participate in this crossover and randomized study. The simulated match was performed under two conditions (control: 30 min without performing cognitive activities; mental fatigue: 30 min performing Stroop Task). The match is recorded and technical-tactical performance was calculated (coefficient of performance and/or efficiency of serve, serve reception, set, attack, block, and dig actions). The mental fatigue was “moderate” after Stroop Task, and statistically significant compared to the control condition [Mental fatigue: 62.5mm ± 8.8 Vs. Control: 6.4mm ± 4.1; p=.0001; ES: 0.9 (moderate effect)]. Moreover, attack coefficient of performance and efficiency was lower in mental fatigue condition that control condition (CP: Mental Fatigue= 1.5 ± 0.4 Vs. Control= 2.3 ± 0.2, p= .001; Eff: Mental Fatigue= 23.7 ± 7.0 Vs. Control= 36.0 ± 9.5; p=.004). In conclusion, mental fatigue impaired attack performance of beach volleyball players (one of the main key to win in this sport). Thus, is recommended avoid cognitive tasks or high cognitive effort before training and matches.Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto de la fatiga mental en el rendimiento técnico-táctico de los jugadores de voleibol de playa. Se reclutaron doce jugadores jóvenes de voleibol de playa masculino (16.1 ± 0.9 años)para participar en este estudio cruzado y aleatorizado. El partido simulado se llevó a cabo bajo dos condiciones (control: 30 minutos sin realizar actividades cognitivas; fatiga mental: 30 minutos realizando la Tarea de Stroop). El partido se registró y se calculó el rendimiento técnico-táctico (coeficiente de rendimiento y/o eficiencia de saque, recepción de saque, colocación, ataque, bloqueo y acciones de defensa). La fatiga mental fue moderada" después de la Tarea de Stroop y estadísticamente significativa en comparación con la condición de control [Tarea de Stroop: 62,5 mm ± 8.8 frente a Control: 6.4 mm ± 4.1; p= .0001; ES: 0.9 (efecto moderado)]. Además, el coeficiente de rendimiento y la eficiencia del ataque fueron más bajos en la fatiga mental que en la condición de control (CR: Fatiga Mental = 1.5 ± 0.4 frente a Control = 2.3 ± 0.2, p= .001; Eficiencia: Fatiga Mental = 23.7 ± 7.0 frente a Control = 36.0 ± 9.5; p= .004). En conclusión, la fatiga mental afectó el rendimiento de ataque de los jugadores de voleibol de playa (uno de los principales elementos clave para ganar en el deporto). Por lo tanto, se recomienda evitar tareas cognitivas o un alto esfuerzo cognitivo antes de los entrenamientos y los partidos.Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da fadiga mental no desempenho técnico-tático de jogadores de voleibol de praia. Doze jogadores jovens do sexo masculino (16.1 ± 0.9 anos)foram recrutados para participar deste estudo cruzado e randomizado. A partida simulada foi realizada sob duas condições (controle: 30 minutos sem realizar atividades cognitivas; fadiga mental: 30 minutos realizando a Tarefa de Stroop). A partida foi registrada e o desempenho técnico-tático foi calculado (coeficiente de desempenho e/ou eficiência de saque, recepção de saque, levantamento, ataque, bloqueio e ações de defesa). A fadiga mental foi considerada "moderada" após a Tarefa de Stroop e estatisticamente significativa em comparação com a condição de controle [Tarefa de Stroop: 62.5 mm ± 8.8 vs. Controle: 6.4 mm ± 4.1; p= .0001; ES: 0.9 (efeito moderado)]. Além disso, o coeficiente de desempenho e a eficiência do ataque foram menores na fadiga mental do que na condição de controle (CD: Fadiga Mental = 1.5 ± 0.4 vs. Controle = 2.3 ± 0.2, p= .001; Eficiência: Fadiga Mental = 23.7 ± 7.0 vs. Controle = 36.0 ± 9.5; p= .004). Em conclusão, a fadiga mental prejudicou o desempenho de ataque dos jogadores de voleibol de praia (um dos principais elementos-chave para vencer no esporte). Portanto, é recomendado evitar tarefas cognitivas ou esforço cognitivo elevado antes dos treinos e das partidas

Acute effect of intensity and volume during strength training on sensation of pleasure, rating of perceived exertion, and pain in trained men

Purpose. The purposes of this study were: (a) to compare the sensation of pleasure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and pain in different volumes (volitional failure [VF] vs. fixed repetitions [FR]), equalizing the intensity; and (b) to compare the sensation of pleasure, RPE, and pain in different intensities (40%, 60%, and 80%) of one-repetition maximum (1RM), with equalization of training volume. Methods. A total of 12 trained men (aged 24.9 ± 4.3 years) performed 3 sets of seated row, leg press 180°, and chest press at 3 different intensities (40%, 60%, and 80% 1RM) for both training strategies (VF vs. FR). Results. There was a decrease in pleasure and an increase in RPE and pain in VF training sessions at intensities of 40% and 60% 1RM compared with FR. However, no difference was observed for the intensity of 80% 1RM for pleasure. A doseresponse effect was revealed in the comparison of intensities for pain and RPE. In turn, no effect was found for pleasure. Conclusions. VF training sessions decreased responses regarding pleasure, as well as increased RPE and perceived pain for the intensities of 40% and 60% 1RM when compared with the same intensity in FR among trained men. Different intensities were not able to change the sensation of pleasure

Non-invasive brain stimulation over the orbital prefrontal cortex maintains endurance performance in mentally fatigued swimmers

Background: Using anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) on frontal brain areas might be a promising strategy to mitigates mental fatigue and maintain endurance performance swimmers. Objective: The objective was to analyze the effect of a-tDCS over the orbital prefrontal cortex (oPFC) on endurance performance of mentally fatigued female amateur swimmer. Methods: Nineteen female amateur swimmers participated in this study. In two experimental visits, the swimmers completed the 3-min all-out tethered swimming after performing a 30-min Stroop test with a-tDCS or placebo (Sham) stimulation over the left-oPFC. The brain stimulation conditions (i.e., a-tDCS and Sham) were performed in a double-blinded and counterbalanced order. Results: It was found lower critical force, mean force, force minimum, fatigue index, and aerobic impulse for Sham than a-tDCS (p < 0.05). There was no main effect of condition for peak force (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We concluded that a-tDCS applied over the left-oPFC in female amateur swimmers mentally fatigued maintained endurance performance. From a practical point of view, the use of a-tDCS should be considered to counteract harmful cognitive effects and maintain endurance performance during competitive race events

Smartphone Use Among High Level Swimmers Is Associated With Mental Fatigue and Slower 100- and 200- but Not 50-Meter Freestyle Racing

Discovering any performance degradation effect of racing swimmers' use of social media smartphone apps might lead to new training and race preparation protocols, including pre-meet smartphone avoidance. This study's objective was to analyze the performance effects of using smartphone social media apps on the 50, 100, and 200-m freestyle among 25 high-level swimmers. Each participant performed the three race distances in two conditions: with smartphone app exposure (50-MF, 100-MF, and 200-MF) and without (50-CON, 100-CON, and 200-CON). We randomized the order of these two conditions across participants. While smartphone app use was not associated with statistically significant performance differences on the shortest race (50CON versus 50MF), a repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant condition x time interaction for the swimmers'100-m freestyle performance (p = 0.01), with a significantly slower performance following smartphone app use evident in the last half of this race (p = 0.02) but not in the first half (p = 0.41). We also found a condition x time interaction in the same direction (slower for swimmers who used the smartphone app) for the 200-m freestyle performance (p = 0.01), with the slower performance occurring in the second (p = 0.01) but not the first (p = 0.91), third (p = 0.07) or fourth (p = 0.06)quarters of this race. Thus, prolonged smartphone social media app use was associated with reduced performance from elite swimmers on the 100- and 200- but not the 50-m freestyle

Reliability of the high-speed camera-based system (hsc-kinovea) for lower-limb explosive strength endurance assessment in athletes | Confiabilidade do sistema de cÂmera de alta velocidade (cav-kinovea) para avaliacao da resistencia de forca explosiva de membros inferiores em atletas

O presente estudo verificou a confiabilidade do sistema baseado em câmeras de alta velocidade (CAV-Kinovea) na avaliação da resistência de força explosiva de membros inferiores em atletas. Onze atletas masculinos de voleibol (21.8 ± 2.9 anos de idade; 186.3 ± 6.2 cm and 82.3 ± 11.0 kg) participaram do teste de saltos verticais de contexto intermitente em dois dias. O teste foi filmado e posteriormente analisado no software Kinovea 0.8.15 para obter as variáveis de potência pico e média. Para determinar a confiabilidade, utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, o erro típico de medidas e os gráficos de Bland-Altman. O método apresentou valores satisfatórios para as correlações inter e intra-classe (˃0,88). Os valores do erro típico de medida apresentados na análise interavaliadores foram 0,95 W.kg-1 e 0,59 W.kg-1 para potência pico e média, respectivamente. Nas análises intra-avaliação, os valores do erro típico de medida foram 7,02 W.kg-1 e 5,66 W.kg-1 (testereteste) e 1,59 W.kg-1 e 0,24 W.kg-1 (duplicados de vídeos ) para potência pico e média, respectivamente. O sistema CAVKinovea é confiável para avaliar as variáveis da resistência de força explosiva em atletas.The present study verified the reliability of the high-speed camera-based system (HSC-Kinovea) in the lower-limb explosive strength endurance assessment in athletes. Eleven male volleyball players (21.8 ± 2.9 years; 186.3 ± 6.2 cm and 82.3 ± 11.0 kg) participated in the intermittent vertical jumping test in two days. The test was filmed and later analyzed using Kinovea 0.8.15 software to obtain the mean and peak power variables. Regarding reliability, the intra-class correlation coefficient, the typical error of measurements, and Bland-Altman plots were used. The method presented satisfactory values for inter and intra-class correlations (˃ 0.88). The typical values error of measurement presented in the inter-rater analysis was 0.95 W.kg-1 and 0.59 W.kg-1 for the peak and the mean power, respectively. In the intra-assessment analyses, the typical measurement error values were 7.02 W.kg-1 and 5.66 W.kg-1 (test-retest) and 1.59 W.kg-1 and 0.24 W.kg-1 (duplicates videos) for peak and average power, respectively. The HSC-Kinovea system is reliable for assessing the variables of the explosive strength endurance in athletes

Factors Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Arterial Hypertension

Background: Hypertensive patients present, in addition to worse cardiovascular health, lower health-related quality of life compared to normotensive subjects. Factors such as functional capacity, functional status, pain, participation in social activities, mental and emotional health, fatigue and energy level, along with perception of general health, seem to be relevant for evaluation in this population. However, evidence is unclear in hypertensive patients. Objective: To analyze the factors associated with quality of life in hypertensive patients. Methods: Forty-five patients were recruited. The dependent variables of the present study are the quality of life domains. Demographic data and clinical conditions were considered independent variables. The Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was used to measure quality of life. Handgrip strength, blood pressure and anthropometric indicators were evaluated. Crude and adjusted linear regression analysis was used. Results: It was verified that education level, body mass index and muscle strength were associated with the functional capacity domain (p < 0,05), whereas systolic blood pressure was associated with the physical domain (p < 0,05). Women presented lower quality of life on the pain domain compared to men and educational level was associated with the social domain (p < 0,05). Conclusion: Hypertensive patients with lower levels of body mass index, higher levels of education and muscle strength presented a better quality of life on the physical domain, while the social aspects presented a positive relationship with education level. Women presented a worse quality of life on the pain domain compared to men

Acute effects of pre-activation method with single and multiple joint exercises on muscular activity and training volume during the bench press exercise | Effetti acuti del metodo della pre-attivazione con esercizi monoarticolari e multiarticolari sull’attività muscolare e sul volume di allenamento durante l’esercizio di distensione su panca (bench press)

OBIETTIVO: È stato dimostrato che il metodo della pre-attivazione (PA) migliora l’attivazione muscolare grazie alla bassa intensità impiegata. In addizione a ciò, non può essere svolto fino al cedimento muscolare. Tuttavia, non è del tutto chiaro se la selezione dell’esercizio specifico possa influenzare o meno i risultati. Questo studio mira ad analizzare due diversi protocolli di PA sull’attivazione muscolare e sul volume di ripetizioni durante la distensione su panca (BP). METODI: Undici soggetti di sesso maschile allenati nel sollevamento pesi sono stati sottoposti a una serie di misure antropometriche (24,45±3,93 anni; 80,27±7,74 kg; 1,74±0,05 m) e hanno completato 3 diverse condizioni sperimentali in un trial randomizzato con disegno crossover: metodo tradizionale (BP al 70% di 1 RM), PA monoarticolare (single joint [SJ]) (croci con manubri al 30% 1 RM+BP al 70% 1 RM) e PA multiarticolare (multijoint [MJ]) (BP al 30% 1 RM+BP al 70% 1 RM). La PA è stata eseguita con un numero costante di 10 ripetizioni e BP è stato eseguito fino al cedimento muscolare. L’attività del muscolo grande pettorale è stata misurata tramite elettromiografia di superficie (EMG) e sono state usate unità normalizzate per l’analisi interindividuale. Si è ricorso all’ausilio di una ANOVA a una via per confrontare i dati EMG e il numero di ripetizioni nella totalità delle condizioni sperimentali. RISULTATI: I dati EMG non hanno evidenziato differenze sostanziali a prescindere dalle condizioni (PA-SJ=58,87±12,74; PA-MJ=56,18±12,29; metodo tradizionale: 57,44±13,14; P=0,87). Il numero di ripetute eseguite durante la BP è risultato ridotto dopo entrambi i protocolli di PA (P=0,036). CONCLUSIONI: Indipendentemente dalla scelta dell’esercizio, la PA non ha promosso una maggiore attivazione muscolare, né ha migliorato il numero di ripetute durante la BP; pertanto, PA potrebbe non essere un metodo efficace per incrementare le prestazioni nell’esercizio di BP.BACKGROUND: The pre-activation method (PA) has been shown to enhance muscle activation due to its low intensity. Moreover, it cannot be performed until muscle failure. However, it is not clear whether exercise selection can influence the results. This study aimed to test two different protocols of PA on muscle activation and the volume of repetitions during the bench press (BP). METHODS: Eleven resistance-trained males underwent anthropometric measures (24.45 +/- 3.93 years; 80.27 +/- 7.74 kg; 1.74 +/- 0.05 m) and completed 3 different experimental conditions in a randomized-crossover design: traditional method (BP at 70% of 1 RM), PA single-joint (dumbbell fly at 30% 1 RM+BP at 70% 1 RM), and PA multijoint (BP at 30% 1 RM+BP at 70% 1 RM). PA was performed with a fixed number of 10 repetitions and BP was performed until muscle failure. The activity of the pectoralis major was measured via surface electromyography (EMG), and normalized units were used for inter-individual analysis. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare EMG data and the number of repetitions across the experimental conditions. RESULTS: EMG data showed no differences for all conditions (PA-SJ=58.87 +/- 12.74; PA-MJ=56.18 +/- 12.29; traditional method=57.44 +/- 13.14; P=0.87). The number of repetitions performed during BP was reduced after both protocols of PA (P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of exercise selection, PA did not promote greater muscle activation or improved number of repetitions during the BP; therefore, PA may not be an effective method for exercise performance in BP

Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil: setting the baseline knowledge on the animal diversity in Brazil

The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others

The relationship between relative age effects and sex, age categories and playing positions in Brazilian National Handball Teams

Aims: This study investigated the existence of Relative Age Effect (RAE) in the selection process of male and female athletes in the Brazilian national handball teams according to age categories (U-18, U-21, and senior) and playing position (wings, backs, pivots, and goalkeepers). Methods: In order to determine RAE, athletes were divided based on their months of birth; quarters Q1 (JanuaryMarch), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December). Data were collected from the official Brazilian Handball Confederation (CBHb) website and included the athletes that participated in training and/or competitions composing the Brazilian national teams from 2014 to 2018. To determine the RAE on playing positions, age categories of male and female groups were pooled. Chi-squared tests were performed to investigate the RAE. Results: An over-representation of players born in Q1 and Q2 in the U-18, U-20, and senior categories of male teams and the U-20, and senior female teams were found. In the male teams, as the age category increased, RAE decreased, but still existed. Such distribution was reversed in the female athletes, with a higher RAE magnitude in the senior category as compared to U-18 and U-21. Additionally, it seems that RAE is dependent on the playing position only for male athletes (wings and backs) whereas RAE was found for all playing positions in female athletes. Conclusion: Overall, RAE was found in Brazilian national handball teams, but its magnitude and form of manifestation seem to be influenced by sex, category, and playing position