Effect of Training on Physiological and Biochemical Variables of Soccer Players of Different Age Groups

Purpose: To find out the effect of training on selected physiological and biochemical variables of Indian soccer players of different age groups.\ud \ud Methods: A total of 120 soccer players volunteered for the study, were divided (n=30) into 4 groups: (i) under 16 years (U16), (ii) under 19 years (U19), (iii) under 23 years (U23), (iv) senior (SR). The training sessions were divided into 2 phases (a) Preparatory Phase (PP, 8 weeks) and (b) Competitive Phase (CP, 4 weeks). The training program consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and were completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. Selected physiological and biochemical variables were measured at zero level (baseline data, BD) and at the end of PP and CP.\ud \ud Results: A significant increase (P<0.05) in lean body mass (LBM), VO2max, anaerobic power, grip and back strength, urea, uric acid and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); and a significant decrease (P<0.05) in body fat, hemoglobin (Hb), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in some groups in PP and CP phases of the training when compare to BD. However, no significant change was found in body mass and maximal heart rate of the players after the training program.\ud \ud Conclusion: This study would provide useful information for training and selection of soccer players of different age groups.\u

Development and characterization of yttria stabilized zirconia and Al2O3 thin films by pulsed laser deposition:Special Issue

The present study concerns development of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), Al2O3 and a multilayer of Al2O3-YSZ thin film deposition by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique for its application as thermal barrier coating (TBC). The detailed study included characterization (microstructure, composition, phase and surface topography) of the thin film. The phase analysis of the YSZ films deposited at room temperature showed amorphous feature, while the film deposited at high temperature showed the formation of tetragonal phase. Residual stress analysis of the coating showed the presence of compressive stress and was maximum at 573 K (sigma(11) = -8.1 GPa and sigma(22) = -6.4 GPa). Residual stress was found to decease with increase in substrate temperature and was found to be lowest at 973 K (sigma(11) = -3.0 GPa and sigma(22) = -1.7 GPa). The cross-sectional morphology of the YSZ and Al2O3 thin films deposited at room temperature showed presence of inter-columnar porosities which changed to a dense structure with increase in substrate temperature

A study on the effects of 6 weeks of training on body composition, physical fitness and physiological variables of female football players

Background: Female football becomes popular in last decades. The body fat, strength, power, endurance etc are playing an important role in female football. The present study has been designed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of training on body composition, physical fitness and physiological variables of female football players. Materials and Methods: A total of eighty two female football players (age 16-18 yrs.) participated were included and twenty two were excluded from the study, the remaining were divided into control group (CG, n = 30) and experimental group (EG, n = 30). The volunteers of the experimental group followed a training programme (2 hrs/day, 5day/week, for 6 weeks), whereas no training was given volunteers of the control group. Selected body composition, physical fitness and physiological variables were performed at the beginning (0 week) and at the end of the study (6 weeks). Results: A significant reduction (p < .05) in body mass, body fat, resting heart rate, recovery heart rate, and systolic blood pressure; and an increase (p < .05) in strength, anaerobic power, VO2max, FEV1, FVC and PEFR was noted after 6 weeks of training. Body fat showed negative correlation with back strength (r = - 0.26, p < .05), grip strength (r = -0.46, p < .01), anaerobic capacity (r = -0.30, p < .05) and flexibility (r = -0.32, p < .05) of the volunteers. LBM showed positive correlation with grip strength right (r = 0.59, p < .05), grip strength left (r = 0.53, p < .05), back strength (r = 0.73, p < .05), flexibility (r = 0.41, p < .05). The anaerobic power showed a significant positive correlation with VO2max (r = 0.51, p < .01). Conclusions: Regular monitoring of the indicators is essential to obtain optimal performance of the players