Time to exhaustion at estimated functional threshold power in road cyclists of different performance levels

This study assessed the functional threshold power and the time to exhaustion estimated from the Allen & Coggan test and verify whether performance level has an influence on this parameter

Characteristics of pedaling muscle stiffness among cyclists of different performance levels

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the impact of an incremental exercise test on muscle stiffness in the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius (GL) among road cyclists of three performance levels. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 35 cyclists grouped according to their performance level; elite (n = 10; professional license), sub-elite (n = 12; amateur license), and recreational (n = 13; cyclosportive license). Passive muscle stiffness was assessed using myometry before and after an incremental exercise test. Results: There was a significant correlation between time and category in the vastus lateralis with stiffness increases in the sub-elite (p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.88) and elite groups (p = 0.003, Cohen’s d = 0.72), but not in the recreational group (p = 0.085). Stiffness increased over time in the knee extensors (RF, p < 0.001; VL, p < 0.001), but no changes were observed in the knee flexors (GL, p = 0.63, BF, p = 0.052). There were no baseline differences among the categories in any muscle. Conclusions: Although the performance level affected VL stiffness after an incremental exercise test, no differences in passive stiffness were observed among the main muscles implicated in pedaling in a resting state. Future research should assess whether this marker could be used to differentiate cyclists of varying fitness levels and its potential applicability for the monitoring of training load. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Extreme ultra-trail race induces muscular damage, risk for acute kidney injury and hyponatremia: A case report

A case study involving a healthy trained male athlete who completed a 786 km multistage ultra-trail race. Several markers were analyzed in blood and urine samples: creatinine (SCR) for kidney damage, sodium ([Na+]) for hyponatremia, creatine kinase (CK) for exertional rhabdo-myolysis, as well as other hematological values. Samples were taken before and after the race and during the recovery period (days 2 and 9 after the race). Results showed: SCR = 1.13 mg/dL, [Na+] =139 mmol/L and CK = 1.099 UI/L. Criteria for the determination of acute kidney damage were not met, and [Na+] concentration was above 135 mEq/L, indicating the absence of hyponatremia. Exer-tional rhabdomyolysis was suffered by the athlete (baseline CK increased fivefold), though this situation was reverted after 9 days of recovery. Ultra-trail races cause biochemical changes in athletes, which should be known about by healthcare professionals. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Effects of a 75-km mountain ultra-marathon on heart rate variability in amateur runners

BACKGROUND: This study examined the effects of a mountain ultra-marathon (MUM) on the activity of the autonomous nervous system through heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring and determined whether this variable related to final performance. METHODS: Heart rate and HRV were measured in eight male amateur runners (aged 37-60 years). Measurements were recorded before and after the event, in resting conditions, as well as continuously throughout the whole MUM. In addition, percentage (%) of heart rate reserve (HRres) and partial and total times during the race were analyzed. RESULTS: Average heart rate (HRavg) measured at rest was increased after the event (+37%). Standard deviation of successive differences (SDSD) and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD) were reduced after the MUM (-56% and -59%, respectively). There was a positive relationship between the frequency-domain index normalized low frequency power (PLFn) measured at rest before the event and race time (0.79) while there was a negative relationship between race time and the difference in HRavg before and after the event. In the last half of the event, there was a high correlation (Spearman coefficient of correlation >0.9) between race time and the standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN) registered during the race. CONCLUSIONS: Autonomous cardiac regulation can be related to the performance in a mountain ultra-marathon. HRV monitoring could represent a practical tool for the evaluation of the relationship between the autonomous nervous system activity and performance in a mountain ultra-marathon

Effects of ergo-nutritional strategies on recovery in combat sports disciplines

In order to improve the recovery process in combat sports disciplines, ergo-nutritional strategies could be an effective option in training and competition. Some of these ergo-nutritional aids could improve performance but literature references are scarce, with controversial results regarding actual recovery effects. This systematic review aimed to examine which ergo-nutritional methods are most effective for assisting in the recovery process in combat sports, and to determine the appropriate training stimuli. This systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) guidelines. A computerized search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Collaboration Database, Evidence Database, Evidence Based Medicine Search review, National Guidelines, EM-BASE, Scopus and Google Scholar system (from 1995 to April 30, 2021). The PICOS model was used to define inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of 123 studies initially found, 18 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Data from 367 athletes from different disciplines were examined. The evidence was grouped in 4 areas: oxidative stress, muscle and energy recovery, muscle repair, and metabolic acidosis. Evidence showed that vitamins, minerals, and some natural ergo-nutritional products are effective as antioxidants. Carbohydrates and protein determine the recovery effect. Sodium bicarbonate has a role as primary acidosis metabolic delayer. Accordingly, ergo-nutritional aids can help in the recovery process. Considering the effects outlined in the literature, more studies are needed to provide firm evidence. Para mejorar el proceso de recuperación en las disciplinas deportivas de combate, las estrategias ergo-nutricionales son una opción eficaz en el entrenamiento y la competición. Algunas de estas alternativas mejoran el rendimiento, pero actualmente existe una escasa bibliografía con resultados controvertidos relacionados con el efecto de recuperación. Esta revisión sistemática tuvo como objetivo determinar qué estrategias ergo-nutricionales son más efectivas en los procesos de recuperación. Se llevó a cabo siguiendo las pautas Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA). Se realizó una búsqueda computarizada en PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Collaboration Database, Evidence Database, Evidence Based Medicine Search review, National Guidelines, EM-BASE, Scopus y el sistema Google Scholar (desde 1995 hasta el 30 de abril de 2021). Se utilizó el modelo PICOS para definir los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. De los 123 estudios encontrados inicialmente, 18 cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad y fueron incluidos. Se examinaron datos de 367 atletas de diferentes disciplinas. La evidencia se agrupó en 4 áreas: estrés oxidativo, recuperación muscular y energética, reparación muscular y acidosis metabólica. La evidencia mostró que las vitaminas, los minerales y algunos productos ergo-nutricionales naturales son eficaces como antioxidantes, los hidratos de carbono y las proteínas determinan su efecto recuperador y el bicarbonato de sodio es el principal retardador metabólico de la acidosis. Se destaca la importancia de aceptar un plan ergo-nutricional para mejorar el proceso de recuperación. A pesar de ello, y teniendo en cuenta los efectos descritos en la literatura, se necesitan más estudios para reforzar la evidencia actual

Effect of training load on post-exercise cardiac troponin T elevations in young soccer players

Training load (TL) metrics are usually assessed to estimate the individual, physiological and psychological, acute, and adaptive responses to training. Cardiac troponins (cTn) reflect myocardial damage and are routinely analyzed for the clinical diagnosis of myocardial injury. The association between TL and post-exercise cTn elevations is scarcely investigated in young athletes, especially after playing common team sports such as soccer. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between TL measurements during a small-sided soccer game and the subsequent increase in cTn in young players. Twenty male soccer players (age 11.9 ± 2 years, height 151 ± 13 cm, weight 43 ± 13 kg) were monitored during a 5 × 5 small-sided game and had blood samples drawn before, immediately after, and 3 h after exercise for a posterior analysis of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT). Internal, external, and mixed metrics of TL were obtained from the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), and GPS player tracking. The results show that the concentration of hs-cTnT peaked at 3 h post-exercise in all participants. The magnitude of hs-cTnT elevation was mainly explained by the exercise duration in the maximal heart rate zone (Maximum Probability of Effect (MPE) = 92.5%), time in the high-speed zone (MPE = 90.4 %), and distance in the high-speed zone (MPE = 90.45%). Our results support the idea that common metrics of TL in soccer, easily obtained using player tracking systems, are strongly associated with the release of hs-cTnT in children and adolescents

Cardiac troponin T release after football 7 in healthy children and adults

The objective of this study was to compare the release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) after a football 7 match between two cohorts of children and adult players. Thirty-six male football players (children = 24, adult = 12) played a football 7 match, and cTnT was measured before, and 3 h after exercise. Concentrations of cTnT were compared between groups and time, and correlated with participants’ characteristics, as well as internal and external exercise load. Cardiac troponin T was elevated in all participants (p < 0.001), and exceeded the upper reference limit for myocardial infarction in 25 (~70%) of them. Baseline concentrations were higher in adults (p < 0.001), but the elevation of cTnT was comparable between the groups (p = 0.37). Age (p < 0.001), body mass (p = 0.001) and height (p < 0.001), and training experience (p = 0.001) were associated to baseline cTnT values, while distance (p < 0.001), mean speed (p < 0.001), and peak (p = 0.013) and mean (p = 0.016) heart rate were associated to the elevation of cTnT. The present study suggests that a football 7 match evoked elevations of cTnT during the subsequent hours in healthy players regardless of their age. However, adults might present higher resting values of cTnT than children. In addition, results suggest that the exercise-induced elevations of cTnT might be mediated by exercise load but not participant characteristics

Influence of maturational status in the exercise-induced release of cardiac troponin T in healthy young swimmers.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of maturational status on the release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) induced by a bout of 30min, high-intensity, continuous exercise. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Seventy male, young, well trained swimmers (age range 7-18 years, training experience 1-11 years) were classified by maturational stages: Tanner stage I (n=14), II (n=15), III (n=15), IV (n=13), and V (n=13). Participants underwent a distance-trial of 30min continuous swimming, and cTnT was measured before, immediately after and 3h after exercise. Changes in cTnT over time were compared among groups, and associated with exercise load. RESULTS: Basal cTnT was higher in Tanner-V (3.8-8.1ng/L) compared with I (1.5-5.5ng/L, p<0.001), II (1.5-4.5ng/L, p<0.001) and III (1.5-6.8ng/L, p=0.003), and in IV (1.5-6.3ng/L) compared with II (p=0.036). Maximal elevations of cTnT from baseline were notable (p<0.001) and comparable among maturational stages (p=0.078). The upper reference limit for myocardial injury was exceeded in 35.7% of the participants, without differences among groups (p=0.18). Baseline cTnT correlated with participant characteristics, and maximal cTnT elevations from baseline with exercise internal load (%HRpeak, rs=0.34, p= 0.003; %HRmean, rs=0.28, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Maturational status influences positively absolute pre- and post-exercise cTnT but not its elevation after a bout of 30min, high-intensity, continuous exercise

The recovery umbrella in the world of elite sport: Do not forget the coaching and performance staff

In the field of sports science, the recovery umbrella is a trending topic, and even more so in the world of elite sports. This is evidenced by the significant increase in scientific publications during the last 10 years as teams look to find a competitive edge. Recovery is recognized to be an integral component to assist athlete preparation in the restoration of physical and psychological function, and subsequently, performance in elite team sports athletes. However, the importance of recovery in team staff members (sports coaches and performance staff) in elite sports appears to be a forgotten element. Given the unrelenting intense nature of daily tasks and responsibilities of team staff members, the elite sports environment can predispose coaches to increased susceptibility to psycho-socio physiological fatigue burden, and negatively affect health, wellbeing, and performance. Therefore, the aim of this opinion was to (1) develop an educational recovery resource for team staff members, (2) identify organizational task-specific fatigue indicators and barriers to recovery and self-care in team staff members, and (3) present recovery implementation strategies to assist team staff members in meeting their organizational functions. It is essential that we do not forget the coaching and performance staff in the recovery process. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en adultos inactivos, practicantes de ciclo indoor y ciclistas aficionados

Introducción: existe información limitada sobre la relación entre la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (ADM) y la práctica deportiva. Objetivo: determinar la posible asociación de la práctica deportiva y el volumen de entrenamiento en bicicleta con la ADM y la influencia de la proximidad de una prueba ciclodeportiva sobre la ADM. Material y métodos: una primera evaluación de la ADM en 785 (84 mujeres) ciclistas aficionados (volumen = 7 horas/semana), 514 (224 mujeres) practicantes de ciclo indoor (volumen: 2-6 horas/semana) y 718 (411 mujeres) adultos inactivos fue desarrollada en mayo, coincidiendo con la participación de los ciclistas en una prueba ciclodeportiva. Una submuestra de 359 ciclistas y 148 inactivos fueron evaluados nuevamente en noviembre, en fecha alejada de la prueba ciclodeportiva. Se utilizó el cuestionario MEDAS-14 para valorar la ADM y un cuestionario autodiseñado para evaluar el volumen de entrenamiento. Resultados: un 40% de los sujetos evidenció alta ADM. En ambos sexos, los deportistas mostraron mayor ADM que los inactivos, con los mejores índices para los grupos de ciclistas (p < 0, 001). La relación entre la ADM y el volumen de entrenamiento fue débil (hombres: r = 0, 137, mujeres: r = 0, 173; p < 0, 001). La ADM de los ciclistas disminuyó de mayo a noviembre (p < 0, 001) sin cambios en los sujetos inactivos (p = 0, 535). Conclusiones: la práctica deportiva en bicicleta se asocia con una mayor ADM con limitada influencia del volumen de entrenamiento y con efectos positivos transitorios de la participación en una prueba ciclodeportiva. Introduction: There is limited information referred to the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (AMD) and sports practice. Objective: To determinate the association of cycling practice and cycling training volume with the AMD and the influence of the participation in a high-demand cyclist event on the AMD. Material and methods: A first evaluation of AMD in 785 (84 women) amateur cyclists (volume: = 7 hours/week), 514 (224 women) indoor cycling practitioners (volume: 2-6 hours/week) and 718 (411 women) inactive adults was conducted in May coinciding with the participation of cyclists in a cycling event. A subsample of 359 cyclists and 148 inactive subjects agreed to be retested in November, far from the cycling event date. The MEDAS-14 questionnaire was used to assess the AMD and a self-designed questionnaire was used to assess the volume of training. Results: 40% of subjects showed high AMD. In both sexes, athletes showed higher AMD than inactive subjects, with the highest indexes for groups of cyclists (p < 0.001). The relationship between AMD and training volume was weak (men: r = 0.137, women: r = 0.173; p < 0.001). The AMD of cyclists decreased from May to November (p < 0.001) with no significant changes in inactive subjects (p = 0.535). Conclusions: Cycling is associated to higher values of AMD with a limited influence of training volume and transient positive effects of participation in a cycling endurance event