Influence of a single slow-paced breathing session on cardiac vagal activity in athletes

IntroductionSlow-paced breathing (SPB) is a well-known relaxation technique in athletes, which has also the potential to help optimize addiction treatments based on its effects on the autonomic nervous system. Specifically, these effects directly impact cardiac vagal activity (CVA), the activity of the vagus nerve regulating cardiac functioning. The effects of long-term SPB interventions on CVA have already received some attention; however, the effects of a single SPB session on CVA still require further investigation. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SPB on CVA during, immediately after, and 60 min after a single SPB session.MethodologyTwenty-four athletes were involved in a within-subject design, with two conditions: slow-paced breathing (at 6 cycles per minute) and a control condition watching an emotionally neutral TV documentary while breathing at a spontaneous breathing rate. CVA was derived from heart rate variability measurement and indexed via the root mean square of successive differences, RMSSD.ResultsResults showed that RMSSD measured during SPB was significantly higher than when measured before SPB, right after SPB, and 60 min after SPB. No changes were observed in the control condition.DiscussionFindings regarding concomitant effects of SPB on CVA are in line with previous literature. The return to baseline observed immediately after SPB and 60 min after SPB suggests that the effects on CVA are only transitory.Practical ImplicationsGiven higher CVA has been linked to decreased cravings in addictions, future research should investigate to which extent SPB may be an effective technique to help coping with craving attacks on an acute basis

Décisions arbitrales en football et performances physiques en situation écologique : indicateurs comportementaux et physiologiques

International audienc

Introduction

Cet ouvrage rassemble des contributions originales sur une thématique incontournable : le jugement et la prise de décision en football. C’est parce que la notion de prise de décision est omniprésente pour tous ces acteurs du monde du football que ce thème a été choisi pour le VIIIe colloque « Football et Recherche » qui s’est déroulé à Caen en mai 2014 avec le partenariat de l’université de Caen, l’Association des chercheurs francophones en football, la ville de Caen, la région Basse-Normandi..

Combination of gradual and rapid weight loss: Effects on physical performance and psychological state of elite judo athletes

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Rôle du rythme cardiaque dans la production des mouvements répétitifs, réguliers et spontanés (le cas du tempo spontané moteur)

CAEN-BU Sciences et STAPS (141182103) / SudocORSAY-PARIS11-Bib. STAPS (914712103) / SudocSudocFranceF

Introduction to the special issue: Officials in sports

International audienc

Conclusion

Les auteurs qui ont contribué à cet ouvrage consacré au jugement et à la prise de décision en football nous ont conduits dans des réflexions explorant de multiples facettes de l’activité décisionnelle : individuelle, collective, coordonnée, dans l’urgence et l’instant, à visée tactique ou stratégique, avec des niveaux d’enjeu extrêmement diversifiés, tant qualitativement que quantitativement. Qu’ils soient remerciés pour les éléments de compréhension et d’explicitation concernant leurs problé..