Biochemical and Physical Performance Responses to a Soccer Match after a 72-Hour Recovery Period

The physiological and neuromuscular responses at 72 h post-match are not widely researched, despite evidence showing substantial changes in recovery markers at 72 h post-match. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine the biochemical and physical performance responses to a soccer match after a 72-h recovery period. Male soccer players of a semiprofessional team participated in this study. Before playing a friendly match, blood values of testosterone, cortisol, the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio and urea were collected and the squat jump and the Bangsbo Repeated Sprint Ability test were performed. These measurements were considered as baseline (pre match) and were obtained again after a 72-h recovery period. Results indicate that physical performance at 72 h post-match was similar to baseline (squat jump: p = 0.974; total Repeated Sprint Ability time: p = 0.381; Repeated Sprint Ability fatigue index: p = 0.864). However, perturbations in the biochemical milieu derived from the soccer match metabolic and physiological stress were still evident at this time point. While no significant differences compared to pre match were obtained in testosterone and urea concentrations after the recovery period, cortisol and testosterone-to-cortisol ratio values were significantly higher (14.74 ± 3.68 µg/dL vs. 17.83 ± 2.65 µg/dL; p = 0.045; ES 0.92 [0.00; 1.84], very likely) and lower (39.08 ± 13.26 vs. 28.29 ± 7.45; p = 0.038; ES −0.96 [−1.89; −0.04], very likely), respectively. In conclusion, soccer players have similar physical performance to the pre match after a 72-h recovery period, even with signs of biochemical and physiological stress

Match Loads May Predict Neuromuscular Fatigue and Intermittent-Running Endurance Capacity Decrement after a Soccer Match

How the match-derived load metrics relate to post-match fatigue in soccer is scarcely researched. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the associations between soccer match-related internal and external loads, neuromuscular performance decrease and intermittent-running endurance capacity decrement immediately post-match. Vertical jump (countermovement jump), straight-line sprinting (10- and 20-m sprint), change of direction ability (T-test) and intermittent-running endurance capacity (YO-YO intermittent recovery level 2) were measured one day before and immediately after a friendly match in male soccer players. During the match, players’ internal and external loads were also monitored, including heart rate-derived indices, total distance at various speed thresholds, average running velocity, maximal running velocity, number of sprints and number of accelerations and decelerations at various intensity thresholds. The results show that match-induced fatigue was reflected on neuromuscular performance and intermittent-running endurance capacity immediately post-match (p < 0.05). The quantification of percentage change of match external-load metrics, particularly accelerations and decelerations, provides a useful non-invasive predictor of subsequent neuromuscular fatigue status in soccer players immediately post-match (p < 0.05). However, only internal load metrics present a practical application for predicting intermittent-running endurance capacity impairment (p < 0.05). In summary, internal and external load metrics may allow for predicting the extent of acute fatigue, and variability between halves may represent a valuable alternative to facilitate the analysis of match-related fatigue both for research and applied purposes

THE EFFECT OF A 6-WEEK INDIVIDUAL ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD BASED PROGRAMME IN A TRADITIONAL ROWING CREW

The purpose of the present study was to analyse a 6-week IAT (individual anaerobic threshold) based work load programme in a subelite rowing crew. 15 male rowers performed a 6-week IAT based work load distributed in 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2 sessions per week. To assess each rower’s IAT training zone, the Stegmann method (22) was used. This training programme was framed in the 6-week precompetitive mesocycle (specific training period). Before and after this training programme the crew was tested in order to analyse the effects of the IAT stimuli programme. These tests were conducted at a starting work load of 100 W and increased by 40 W every 2 min until volitional exhaution. An improvement was found in cardiovascular efficiency and blood lactate concentration ([LA]) buffering capacity during all the work loads in the post-IAT training programme test (100, 140, 180, 220 and 260 W) (p<0.05). After 3 min recovery, significant differences were not observed in [LA] (NS). We conclude that the proposed training programme improves cardiovascular efficiency and [LA] buffering capacities but not the short-term recovery in a subelite traditional rowing crew

A Metabolically Healthy Profile Is a Transient Stage When Exercise and Diet Are Not Supervised: Long-Term Effects in the EXERDIET-HTA Study

Metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) is a regular state in people with primary hypertension (HTN), obesity, and who are physically inactive. To achieve and maintain a metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHO) state should be a main treatment goal. The aims of the study were (1) to determine differences in metabolic profiles of overweight/obese, physically inactive individuals with HTN following a 16-week (POST) supervised aerobic exercise training (SupExT) intervention with an attentional control (AC) group, and (2) to determine whether the changes observed were maintained following six months (6 M) of unsupervised time. Participants (n = 219) were randomly assigned into AC or SupExT groups. All participants underwent a hypocaloric diet. At POST, all participants received diet and physical activity advice for the following 6 M, with no supervision. All measurements were assessed pre-intervention (PRE), POST, and after 6 M. From PRE to POST, MUO participants became MHO with improved (p < 0.05) total cholesterol (TC, ∆ = −12.1 mg/dL), alanine aminotransferase (∆ = −8.3 U/L), glucose (∆ = −5.5 mg/dL), C-reactive protein (∆ = −1.4 mg/dL), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) compared to unhealthy optimal cut-off values. However, after 6 M, TC, glucose, and SBP returned to unhealthy values (p < 0.05). In a non-physically active population with obesity and HTN, a 16-week SupExT and diet intervention significantly improves cardiometabolic profile from MUO to MHO. However, after 6 M of no supervision, participants returned to MUO. The findings of this study highlight the need for regular, systematic, and supervised diet and exercise programs to avoid subsequent declines in cardiometabolic health.P.C., A.M.A.-B., and I.G.-A. were supported by the Basque Government with predoctoral grants. This study was supported by the University of the Basque Country (EHU14/08, PPGA18/15)

Lexikoaren eta gramatikaren garapen arteko erlazioaz

The gap produced between lexical and grammatical development is one of the basic psycholinguistic principies which govem the language acquisition process. lt is based on the fact tlzat the appearance of the first lexical units precedes the use of morphology and syntax in early child language.In this investigation, the relationship between lexical and grammatical development in children acquiring Basque as L1 is observed. The hypothesis put forth is that children need to acquire a critical mas s of vocabulary betore morphology and syntax become productive. And, consequently, that vocabulary size provides a better basis than age for determining the stage of children's linguistic development.For this purpose, data from 1417 children aged 8 to 30 months are studied. These data were collected witllin the frame of the adaptation to Basque of the lnstrument called MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development lnventory (http://sci.sdsu.edu). In the present study they are analysed both according to tllese children's age and to their vocabulary size. In addition to the global lexical development, the evolution of the different lexical categories, the first morpllOlogical marking used and the initial syntactic productions are analysed. Having observed a close relationship between lexical development and different morphological and syntactic features, we may conclude that our initial hypothesis is confirmed. In the first place, children need to acquire a vocabulary size of more than 100 units in order to start combining two or more words within an utterance. Secondly, morphology appears when vocabulary size has reached at least 200 units and thirdly, 400 or more lexical units are needed for the first VP markings to appear. It has also been observed that before reaching 400 units, children's vocabulary is mainly composed of noUn5, whereas above that limit, verbs occupy a more relevant position

Lexikoaren eta gramatikaren garapen arteko erlazioaz

The gap produced between lexical and grammatical development is one of the basic psycholinguistic principies which govem the language acquisition process. lt is based on the fact tlzat the appearance of the first lexical units precedes the use of morphology and syntax in early child language.In this investigation, the relationship between lexical and grammatical development in children acquiring Basque as L1 is observed. The hypothesis put forth is that children need to acquire a critical mas s of vocabulary betore morphology and syntax become productive. And, consequently, that vocabulary size provides a better basis than age for determining the stage of children's linguistic development.For this purpose, data from 1417 children aged 8 to 30 months are studied. These data were collected witllin the frame of the adaptation to Basque of the lnstrument called MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development lnventory (http://sci.sdsu.edu). In the present study they are analysed both according to tllese children's age and to their vocabulary size. In addition to the global lexical development, the evolution of the different lexical categories, the first morpllOlogical marking used and the initial syntactic productions are analysed. Having observed a close relationship between lexical development and different morphological and syntactic features, we may conclude that our initial hypothesis is confirmed. In the first place, children need to acquire a vocabulary size of more than 100 units in order to start combining two or more words within an utterance. Secondly, morphology appears when vocabulary size has reached at least 200 units and thirdly, 400 or more lexical units are needed for the first VP markings to appear. It has also been observed that before reaching 400 units, children's vocabulary is mainly composed of noUn5, whereas above that limit, verbs occupy a more relevant position

Long-term effects in the EXERDIET-HTA study: Supervised exercise training vs. physical activity advice

Purpose: To determine whether improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), blood pressure (BP) and body composition previously seen after a 16-week exercise intervention (POST) with hypocaloric diet, are maintained following six-months (6M) of unsupervised exercise time. Methods: Overweight/obese, physically inactive participants with primary hypertension (HTN) (n=190) were randomly assigned into an attention control group (physical activity recommendations) or one of three supervised exercise groups. After POST, all participants received diet and physical activity advice for the following 6M but no supervision. All anthropometric and physiological measurements were taken pre and post the 16-week supervised intervention period, as well as after 6M of no supervision. Results: After 6M: 1) body mass (BM) (=2.5%) and waist circumference (=1.8%) were higher (P<0.005) than POST, but lower (P<0.005) than pre-intervention (BM, =-5.1%; waist circumference, =-4.7%), with high-volume and high-intensity interval training group revealing a higher BM reduction (=-6.4kg) compared to control group (=-3.5kg); 2) BP variables were higher (P<0.001) compared to POST with no change from pre-intervention; and 3) CRF was higher compared to pre-intervention (=17.1%, P<0.001) but lower than POST (=-5.7%, P<0.001). Conclusions: When an overweight/obese population with HTN attains significant improvements in cardiometabolic health POST intervention with diet restriction, there is a significant reduction following 6M when exercise and diet supervision is removed, and only recommendations were applied. These results suggest the need for a regular, systematic and supervised diet and exercise programs to avoid subsequent declines in cardiometabolic health

Effects of different aerobic exercise programs on cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamics in hypertension: data from EXERDIET-HTA randomized trial

The aims of the present study were to analyze the effects of 16 weeks of different aerobic exercise training (ExT) programs with diet on cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamics in non-physically active and overweight/obese adults (n=249, 53.7±8.0 years) with primary hypertension, and the possible differences among ExT programs and their effects on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and long-term BP variability (BPV). Participants were randomly assigned into an attention control (AC) group (physical activity recommendations) or one of three supervised ExT groups: high-volume of moderate-intensity continuous training, high-volume and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and low volume-HIIT. 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring was used to analyze systolic and diastolic BP, HR and BPV. A cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Following intervention, resting and submaximal exercise (HR, SBP and DBP), along with diurnal and nocturnal SBP and DBP values decreased (P<0.05) in all groups with no differences between groups. When the ExT groups were combined, submaximal SBP (P=0.048) and DBP (P=0.004), VO2peak (P=0.014) and HR reserve (P=0.030) were significantly improved compared to AC. Intervention did not have significant effects on BPV. In the present study better improvements in the autonomic nervous system were seen when the aerobic ExT was individually designed and supervised with pari passu effects irrespective of exercise intensity and volume. Low volume-HIIT ExT combined with a healthy diet should be considered as a time efficient and safe mechanism for reducing the cardiovascular risk in hypertensive individuals

Is cardiorespiratory fitness independently associated with the biochemical profile in overweight/obese adults with primary hypertension? The EXERDIET-HTA study

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is positively associated with enhanced cardiovascular health. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine associations between CRF and the biochemical profile of overweight/obese adults diagnosed with primary hypertension (HTN). Does cardiorespiratory fitness (exposure) positively affect the biochemical profile (outcome) in overweight/obese individuals suffering from HTN? Assessment with anthropometric, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24 hours), CRF (peak oxygen uptake, V̇O2peak), and biochemical analysis was performed on 214 participants (138 men, 76 women). A series of linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Participants were divided into CRF tertiles (classified as low, moderate, and high CRF). The CRF was independently and inversely associated with aspartate aminotransferase (AST; β=-0.328, P<0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; β=-0.376, P<0.01) concentrations. C-reactive protein, AST/ALT ratio, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), were all associated, but not independently, with CRF in linear and/or unadjusted logistic regression models. However, independently, logistic regression revealed that glucose was associated with the moderate CRF group. Findings suggest that a lower CRF is associated with an unhealthy biochemical profile in non-physically active and overweight/obese individuals with HTN. As such, this population should look to increase physical activity in order to improve their CRF and biochemical profile