Relationship between performance, dry-land power and kinematics in master swimmers

The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationships between sprint swimming performance, dry-land power, and kinematics in master swimmers. Twenty-two male master swimmers were separated in two groups based on their chronological age: (i) 30–39 years and; (ii) 40–49 years. Maximum dry-land power was determined through counter movement jump and 3 kg medicine ball throwing (Hmax and Tmax, respectively). Kinematic determinants of performance were measured during a maximal bout of 15, 25 and 50 m front crawl (T15, T25, T50). Stroke frequency (SF), stroke length (SL) and stroke index (SI) were calculated as kinematical aspects of the stroke. In the 30-39 group, SI25 was correlated to T25 (r = –0.76, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.96), the same was observed between SI50 and T50 (r = –0.83, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.96). Only SI50 was significantly correlated to T50 (r = –0.86, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.97) in the 40–49 years age cohort. In dryland power variables, Hmax and Tmax were only correlated in the younger master swimmers group (r = –0.87, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.97). There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) between younger (30–39 years) and older (40–49 years) swimmers groups in dry-land tests (Hmax 28.5 ± 5.9 vs. 26.5 ± 3.9 cm and Tmax 4.2 ± 1.0 vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 m). Our results suggest that swimming performance in younger master swimmers (30–39 years) seem more dependent on kinematic swimming variables than on strength parameters, which were most related to swimming performance in the older master swimmers (40–49 years)

The effects of pre-season and relationships with physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers: a case study comparing starters versus non-starters from an elite female professional soccer team

Background and Objectives: Research on female soccer players that analyzes playing status is scarce and has previously only examined load monitoring, while other markers, such as physical (i.e., strength, power, and agility), physiological (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake), and body composition (i.e., body fat mass, fat-free mass, body water, and phase angle) markers, warrant further investigation. Thus, the study aims were to (a) compare physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers between starters and non-starters; (b) compare measurements pre- and post-training intervention (five weeks); and (c) analyze any relationships between physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers in an elite female soccer team. Materials and Methods: Fourteen first-team players participated in the study (age 23.29 ± 3.19 years, weight 59.14 ± 6.87 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.08 m). Several physical (n = 15), physiological (n = 1), body composition (n = 11), and load markers (n = 14) were collected. In addition, participants were sub-divided into starters (n = 7) and non-starters (n = 7). Results: No differences were revealed between starters and non-starters in any of the examined variables. Moreover, following the training intervention, a significantly lower value was found for total body water/fat-free mass ratio (p = 0.043; ES = 0.582). In addition, there were several correlations detected between load and physical/physiological markers (n = 28); load and body composition markers (n = 6); physical/physiological and body composition markers (n = 34); and physical and physiological markers (n = 42). Conclusions: In conclusion, only a slight tendency of higher load values for starters than non-starters was observed. In addition, no differences in physical, physiological, and body composition markers were found between starters and non-starters, possibly suggesting that five weeks were not enough to improve such variables. Finally, the present results provide novel information assessing the effects of the pre-season in elite female Portuguese soccer players and contribute to a better understanding of the associations between different types of measurements.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The effects of 12 weeks in-water training in stroke kinematics, dry-land power, and swimming sprints performance in master swimmers

Background: Master swimming is becoming increasingly popular, but research related to the training process and its effect on this population is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks in-water training in stroke kinematics, dry-land power, and swimming sprints performance in master swimmers, and the relationships between these variables in this sports population. Methods: 15 healthy and physically active male master swimmers (age 32.3 ± 5.1 years, height 1.81 ± 0.04 m, body mass 77.0 ± 6.5 kg, training experience of 11 ± 4 years and average swimming training volume ~2.5 km/day, 3 times a week) participated in the study. Previously and after the intervention program, entirely water-based, swimmers were tested in a dry-land environment to assess their upper and lower body limbs (UL and LL) strength through power measurements, namely countermovement jumps (CMJ), seated 3 kg medicine ball throwing (MBT) and maximal isometric strength with handgrip (HG). In-water 50 m maximal front crawl swimming test was also completed. Swimming performance at 15, 25, and 50 m (T15, T25, and T50) was determined, and the associated stroke kinematics. During the intervention program period, swimming training comprised three sessions per week (7.5 ± 0.9 km per microcycle), with low to high-intensity aerobic and anaerobic swimming series and technical drills. Results: T25 significantly decreased after 12 weeks of training (18.82 ± 2.92 vs. 18.60 ± 2.87 sec, p = 0.02), the same was observed in the case of T50 (40.36 ± 7.54 vs. 38.32 ± 6.41 sec, p = 0.00). Changes in stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL) and stroke index (SI) in swimming performance at 15 m were not observed, contrarily to 25 and 50 m, where SL and SI significantly increased. MBT and HG improved, but not CMJ, and improvements in T15, T25 and T50 were mostly related to kinematic proficiency improvement. Conclusions: 12 weeks of in-water training in master swimmers significantly enhance performance time in 25 and 50 m front crawl swimming. SL and SI are also improved and are the variables that most influence T15, T25 and T50 when compared to SR and dry-land power variables. Centering the training process not only in in-water tasks in master swimmers seem to be of relevant interest since age influences stroke kinematic and power variables.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Opinião dos encarregados de educação relativamente à dinâmica das aulas de natação para bebés no distrito de Setúbal

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A Rapidly Incremented Tethered-Swimming Maximal Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Assessment of Swimmers

Incremental exercise testing is the standard means of assessing cardiorespiratory capacity of endurance athletes. While the maximal rate of oxygen consumption is typically used as the criterion measurement in this regard, two metabolic breakpoints that reflect changes in the dynamics of lactate production/consumption as the work rate is increased are perhaps more relevant for endurance athletes from a functional standpoint. Exercise economy, which represents the rate of oxygen consumption relative to performance of submaximal work, is also an important parameter to measure for endurance-athlete assessment. Ramp incremental tests comprising a gradual but rapid increase in work rate until the limit of exercise tolerance is reached are useful for determining these parameters. This type of test is typically performed on a cycle ergometer or treadmill because there is a need for precision with respect to work-rate incrementation. However, athletes should be tested while performing the mode of exercise required for their sport. Consequently, swimmers are typically assessed during free-swimming incremental tests where such precision is difficult to achieve. We have recently suggested that stationary swimming against a load that is progressively increased (incremental tethered swimming) can serve as a "swim ergometer" by allowing sufficient precision to accommodate a gradual but rapid loading pattern that reveals the aforementioned metabolic breakpoints and exercise economy. However, the degree to which the peak rate of oxygen consumption achieved during such a protocol approximates the maximal rate that is measured during free swimming remains to be determined. In the present article, we explain how this rapidly incremented tethered-swimming protocol can be employed to assess the cardiorespiratory capacity of a swimmer. Specifically, we explain how assessment of a short-distance competitive swimmer using this protocol revealed that his rate of oxygen uptake was 30.3 and 34.8 mL∙min 1∙kg-1BM at his gas-exchange threshold and respiratory compensation point, respectively.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparação do perfil morfológico e funcional de judocas e corredores

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Correlação entre perfil morfológico e capacidades físicas em judocas

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Boccia nos Jogos Paralímpicos: A evolução de 1984 a 2016 e perspetivas futuras

This study aimed to analyze the participation in Boccia from 1984 to 2016 in Paralympic Games (PG) and envision future perspectives in the parasport. Data was obtained from official International Paralympic Committee webpage, from the first edition (1984) until 2016 and associated to athlete’s classification, competitive format and number of played games, the number, nationality and gender of participants, and also the results. The number of athletes participating in PG has steadily increased between 1984 (19) and 2016 (106), the same was observed with relation to represented countries (1984 = 5 vs 2016 = 21) and medal countries (1984 = 5 vs 2012 and 2016 = 11). With respect to athletes’ gender, an evident increase was observed, although not continuous throughout the PG editions (male 1984 = 11 vs 2016 = 73 / female 1984 = 8 vs 2016 = 33). Despite the total number of played games increased between 1984 (19) and 2016 (180), this has not been uniform, having even decreased between 2004 (252) and 2012 (161). This evidence is related to factors such as forms of qualification and competition format, that have changed over time, as well as classification system (BC4 was implement in 2004), and pairs and teams’ format. It should also be highlighted that, in 1984 edition, PG were performed separating genders. Boccia is a developing parasport with several challenges, namely: i) the continuous increase in participants; ii) gender equally; iii) improvement of classification system; and iv) the competitions format to accommodate an increasing number of participants.El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la evolución de la Bocha de 1984 a 2016 en los Juegos Paralímpicos (JP) y vislumbrar perspectivas futuras en el paradeporte. Los datos se obtuvieron de la página oficial del Comité Paralímpico Internacional, de 1984 a 2016 y asociados a la clasificación de atletas, formato competitivo y número de partidos disputados, número, nacionalidad y sexo de los participantes, así como resultados. El número de atletas que participaron en el JP aumentó de manera constante entre 1984 (19) y 2016 (106), lo mismo se observó para los países representados (1984 = 5 vs 2016 = 21) y países que ganan medallas (1984 = 5 vs 2012 y 2016 = 11). En cuanto al género, se observó un aumento evidente, aunque no continuo a lo largo de las ediciones (masculino 1984 = 11 vs 2016 = 73 / femenino 1984 = 8 vs 2016 = 33). A pesar de la cantidad total de juegos ha aumentado entre 1984 (19) y 2016 (180), este no fue uniforme, incluso disminuyó entre 2004 (252) y 2012 (161). Esta evidencia está relacionada con factores como el modelo de clasificación y el formato de la competición, que ha cambiado con el tiempo, así como el sistema de clasificación (BC4 implementado en 2004) y el formato de parejas y equipos. Cabe señalar también que, en la edición de 1984, los JP se realizaron con separación de género. La Bocha es un paradeporte en desarrollo con varios desafíos, a saber: i) el aumento continuo de participantes; ii) igualdad de género; iii) mejoría del sistema de clasificación; y iv) formato competitivo para acomodar a un número cada vez mayor de participantes.O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a evolução do Boccia de 1984 a 2016 nos Jogos Paralímpicos (JP) e vislumbrar futuras perspetivas na modalidade paralímpica. Dados foram obtidos da página oficial do Comité Paralímpico Internacional, de 1984 até 2016 e associados à classificação dos atletas, formato competitivo e número de jogos disputados, número, nacionalidade e género dos participantes, e também resultados. O número de atletas participantes nos JP aumentou constantemente entre 1984 (19) e 2016 (106), o mesmo foi observado relativamente aos países representados (1984 = 5 vs 2016 = 21) e países medalhados (1984 = 5 vs 2012 e 2016 = 11). No que respeita ao género, um aumento evidente foi observado, embora não contínuo ao longo das edições (masculino 1984 = 11 vs 2016 = 73 / feminino 1984 = 8 vs 2016 = 33). Apesar do número total de jogos ter aumentado entre 1984 (19) e 2016 (180), este não foi uniforme, tendo mesmo diminuído entre 2004 (252) e 2012 (161). Esta evidência está relacionada com fatores como modelo de qualificação e formato da competição, que mudaram ao longo do tempo, bem como sistema de classificação (BC4 implementada em 2004) e formato de pares e equipas. De realçar ainda que, na edição de 1984, os JP foram realizados com separação de géneros. O Boccia é uma modalidade paralímpica em desenvolvimento com vários desafios, nomeadamente: i) o aumento contínuo de participantes; ii) igualdade de género; iii) melhoria do sistema de classificação; e iv) formato competitivo para acomodar um número crescente de participantes

Documents Publication Evolution (1990–2022) Related to Physical Activity and Healthy Habits, a Bibliometric Review

This research aims to provide an overview of the growing number of scientific literature publications related to Physical Activity and Healthy Habits. A bibliometric analysis between 1990 and 2022 in the Web of Science was carried out, following the bibliometric analysis law, using Microsoft Excel and VosViewer Software for analysis and data processing. A total of 276 documents (262 primary studies and 14 revisions) related to the topic under study were located. The results reveal an exponential growth of scientific production by 48% between 2006 and 2022. Public Environmental Occupational Health, Kaprio, J., and the USA were the knowledge field, author, and country most productive, respectively. A great thematic diversity was found related to the most used keywords by the authors, such as “physical activity”, “health habits”, “exercise”, and “obesity”. Thus, the research related to this theme is really in an exponential phase, with great interest in the importance of physical activity and healthy habits, implying practical decisions in policies to develop programs to promote physical activity and healthy habits