Reproducibility of a VO2max protocol for runners using treadmill

Test protocols applied to runners should reproduce the real training, outdoor race and should be able to unequivocally determine the submaximal parameters such as ventilatory threshold (VT) and respiratory compensation point (RCP). However, classical VO2max protocols are still used for athletes, mainly due to familiarity, and most of them differ in methodological characteristics, such as stage duration and increment size. Other difficulty found is the lack of reliability, which can affect the precision assessment of the athlete’s performance. The aim of this study was to verify the reproducibility of an incremental protocol for the treadmill based on metabolic concepts. Eleven amateur male runners underwent four repetitions of a protocol with 25-second stages, each increasing 0.3 km•h⎯1 in running speed while the treadmill grade remained fixed at 1%. We found no significant differences in the parameters analyzed (p\u3e0.05), including VT, RCP and VO2max. All the results showed high within subject reproducibility (CV\u3c9.1%). We concluded that the VO2max protocol proposed here was able to evaluate training effects on maximal and submaximal parameters, showing clear determination of the VT, RCP and VO2max

Self-selected vs programed load adjustment methods in strength and body composition: a pilot study / Métodos de ajuste de carga auto-selecionado vs programado na força e composição corporal: um estudo piloto

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different methods of resistance training (RT) load adjustment (self-selected vs. programmed) in strength and body composition outcomes. Fourteen resistance-trained college-level students (5 females and 9 males), (age: 21.4 ± 2.23 years; height: 1.71 ± 0.08 m and body mass: 77.6 ± 11.9 kg) were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental groups: Self-selected load adjustment (SSLA), where loads were arbitrarily/subjectively increased by each participant; Programmed load adjustment (PLA), where an absolute load increment was implemented according to the number of repetitions performed in the last set of each exercise. Four weekly sessions were performed during a 7-week intervention. Maximal dynamic strength and muscular endurance were assessed through one repetition maximum (1RM) and 60%1RM tests for both upper and lower limbs in bench press and unilateral leg press exercises, respectively. A moderate ES was observed for both groups in 1RMLEG PRESS (SSLA: d = 0.96; PLA: d = 1.13) and 60% 1RMBENCH PRESS (SSLA = 0.88; PLA = 1.00). Trivial (d = 0.19) and small (d = 0.24) ES in 1RMBENCH PRESS were observed for SSLA and PLA groups, respectively. The only variable that presented large ES was 60% 1RMLEG PRESS for SSLA (d = 1.29). The sum of skinfolds presented moderate ES for PLA (d=0.68) and small for SSLA (d = 0.39). In conclusion, different methods of RT load adjustments induce similar effects in strength and body composition in recreationally trained individuals.

Analises fisiologicas e bioquimicas da temporada 2001 em jogadores de futebol da categoria juniores (sub-20)

Avaliações de laboratório e de campo visam estabelecer parâmetros de adaptação aos estímulos aplicados a jogadores de futebol. Nossa objetivo foi monitorar as alterações fisiológicas e metabólicas de uma equipe da categoria juniores (sub-20} de futebol, durante toda a temporada 2001. Participaram das avaliações um total de 27 atletas, com 18±1 anos de idade. Durante o ano competitivo avaliamos os marcadores sanguíneos de estresse metabólico (uréia) e de lesão muscular (creatina quinase-CK). Avaliamos também a capacidade aeróbia, através da determinação do limiar anaeróbio {LA). Para verificarmos a resistência de sprint (RS), velocidade máxima (VM) e tempo para a velocidade máxima (TVM) utilizamos o Labex-Test. O programa de treinamento estabelecido durante o ano competitivo teve como base o modelo de cargas concentradas. Os dados das análises sanguíneas mostraram que o treinamento provocou adaptações orgânicas satisfatórias. Com relação às capacidades físicas, nossos resultados demonstraram uma melhoria no LA e nas capacidades de RS e TVM, de acordo com período específico estimulado. Não foi possível encontrar melhorias nos valores médios de VM ao longo do ano. Através do acompanhamento estabelecido junto à equipe durante o ano, podemos concluir que os níveis de estresse orgânico imposto pelo treinamento puderam ser controlados e individualizados, proporcionando assim, uma adaptação positiva em capacidades biomotoras importantes para jogadores de futebol.To measure the abilities involved in soccer are proposed laboratory and field measures with the goal to establish adaptations parameters to the estimulis aplicated to the athletes. Our propose was to follow the physiological and metabolic alterations established in training schedule of a under 20 soccer team, during the season 2001. Participated in the evaluations more than 27 athletes, with 18±1 years old. During this period, we checked the blood markers of metabolic stress {urea) and of muscle damage (creatine kinase-CK). With the goal of evaluate the athletes physical capacities, were analysed the aerobic capacity through the determination of the anaerobic threshold (AT). To measure the sprint resistance (SR), maximum speed (MS) and time to achieve the maximum speed (TMS), we used the Labex-Test method. The training schedule used was based on the load concentrate proposed by Verkhoshansky (1995). The blood analyses dates demonstrated that the training gave satisfactories organics adaptations, with control in the metabolic stress (Urea) and muscle damage (CK) parameters during the season. In relation with the physical capacities, our results demonstrated improvement of the AT, SR and TMS capacities. Lt wasn\u27t possible to find improvement in the mean values of MS. We can conclude that the stimulus aplicated supported the athletes adaptation, once that the organic stress levels impose through training could be controled and individuallized, permiting a positive adaptation of the athletic performance in these players