JUMP LANDING CHARACTERISTICS IN ELITE SOCCER PLAYERS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

The aim of the present study was to analyse the parameters that characterize the vertical ground reaction force during the landing phase of a jump, and to determine the relationship among these parameters in elite soccer players with cerebral palsy (CP). Thirteen male members of the Spanish national soccer team for people with CP (mean age: 27.1 ± 4.7 years) volunteered for the study. Each participant performed three counter movement jumps. The characteristics of the first peak of the vertical ground reaction force during the landing phase of a jump, which corresponds to the forefoot contact with the ground, were similar to the results obtained in previous studies. However, a higher magnitude of rearfoot contact with the ground (F2) was observed in participants with CP than in participants without CP. Furthermore, a significant correlation between F2 magnitude and the elapsed time until its production (T2) was not observed (r = -0.474 for p = 0.102). This result implies that a landing technique based on a delay in the production of F2 might not be effective to reduce its magnitude, contrary to what has been observed in participants without CP. The absence of a significant correlation between these two parameters in the present study, and the high magnitude of F2, suggest that elite soccer players with CP should use footwear with proper cushioning characteristics

Physiological stress in flat and uphill walking with different backpack loads in professional mountain rescue crews.

[EN] This study aimed to determine the interactive physiological effect of backpack load carriage and slope during walking in professional mountain rescuers. Sixteen mountain rescuers walked on a treadmill at 3.6km/h for 5min in each combination of three slopes (1%, 10%, 20%) and five backpack loads (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% body weight). Relative heart rate (%HRmax), relative oxygen consumption (%VO2max), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE, Borg 1-10 scale) were compared across conditions using two-way ANOVA. Significant differences in %VO2max, %HRmax, and RPE across slopes and loads were found where burden increased directly with slope and load (main effect of slope, p<0.001 for all; main effect of load, p<0.001 for all). Additionally, significant slope by load interactions were found for all parameters, indicating an additive effect (p<0.001 for all). Mountain rescuers should consider the physiological interaction between slope and load when determining safe occupational walking capacity.This work was supported by the Basque Government with predoctoral grants (Pre_2019_2_0102)

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

Protocols used to determine the influence of backpack load on physiological variables. Systematic review

[EN]Professional mountain rescue mountain groups use backpack equipment in their professional activities. The velocity of ambulation, gradient, load and the participant's physical characteristics have been described in the scientific literature as influential factors on response to exercise. The purpose of the present systematic review is to assess the protocols used to investigate the effects of backpacks and their influence on physiological responses at laboratory. A total of 14 articles were included in the review. Most research studies indicated participants were not experienced with backpack carriage. We observed a certain threshold on physiological changes in response to exercise was between 20 and 40 kg of backpack load. In conclusion, there is a heterogeneity of protocols used at the laboratory, hampering the comparison between different results. Future research should focus on the design of protocols that reproduce real scenarios of targeted populations. Relevane to industry: Rescue groups, firefighters and military personnel carry load with backpack in emergency interventions. This review analyzes different types of methodological protocols that investigate the influence of backpack load on physiological responses during exercise. The result will help manufacturer design backpacks considering the physiological burden of backpack carriage.This work was supported by The Basque Government to the author APJ with predoctoral grant [PRE_2019_2_0102]

Changes in the Second Ventilatory Threshold Following Individualised versus Standardised Exercise Prescription among Physically Inactive Adults: A Randomised Trial

The second ventilatory threshold (VT2) is established as an important indicator of exercise intensity tolerance. A higher VT2 allows for greater duration of higher intensity exercise participation and subsequently greater reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of standardised and individualised exercise prescription on VT2 among physically inactive adults. Forty-nine physically inactive male and female participants (48.6 ± 11.5 years) were recruited and randomised into a 12-week standardised (n = 25) or individualised (n = 24) exercise prescription intervention. The exercise intensity for the standardised and individualised groups was prescribed as a percentage of heart rate reserve (HRR) or relative to the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) and VT2, respectively. Participants were required to complete a maximal graded exercise test at pre-and post-intervention to determine VT1 and VT2. Participants were categorised as responders to the intervention if an absolute VT2 change of at least 1.9% was attained. Thirty-eight participants were included in the analysis. A significant difference in VT2 change was found between individualised (pre vs. post: 70.6% vs. 78.7% maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max)) and standardised (pre vs. post: 72.5% vs. 72.3% VO2max) exercise groups. Individualised exercise prescription was significantly more efficacious (p = 0.04) in eliciting a positive response in VT2 (15/19, 79%) when compared to the standardised exercise group (9/19, 47%). Individualised exercise prescription appears to be more efficacious than standardised exercise prescription in eliciting a positive VT2 change among physically inactive adults. Increasing VT2 allows for greater tolerance to higher exercise intensities and therefore greater cardiovascular health outcomes

The effect of ice slurry ingestion on body temperature and cycling performance in competitive athletes

The effects of pre cooling on endurance performance are widely known. In contrast, the approach of cooling during endurance exercise in combination with pre-exercise cooling has been poorly understood. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the effects of precooling and cooling during exercise enhance exercise performance compared to the ingestion of a thermo-neutral beverage (20 °C) or precooling alone in cycling performance. This was an experimental study using a randomised crossover design in which 7 cyclists underwent three trials comprising of 45 min steady state cycling (SS) at 70% VO2 max and a subsequent 10 km time trial (TT) in hot conditions (32 °C, 50% relative humidity). Rectal temperature (Tre), heat storage (HS), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLA) and thermal sensation (TS) were measured. The intervention consisted of: (1) ingestion of thermo-neutral beverage before and during SS cycling (TN), (2) ingestion of ice slurry beverage and application of iced towels (precooling) prior to exercise, and then ingestion of thermo-neutral beverage during SS (PRE) and (3) precooling strategy as above plus ice slurry ingestion during SS cycling (PRE + MID). The intake of thermo-neutral or ice slurry beverage (14 g/kg) occurred over 30 min before and every 15 min during SS cycling. There was no significant difference in TT performance between all the conditions (P =0.72). However, PRE and PRE + MID caused a significant decrease in Tre (P < 0.05) from TN during exercise. Accordingly, both precooling and a combination of precooling and mid-cooling during exercise in hot conditions may be a practical and effective way of reducing core temperature. Future studies should investigate longer distance events and timing of ice slurry ingestion

Surfing Time-Motion Characteristics Possible to Gain Using Global Navigation Satellite Systems: A Systematic Review

The popularity of surfing has increased exponentially, reaching its recent debut in the Olympic Games. However, surfing suffers from a relative immature technological market, while in other sports some technologies such as global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) have become an essential work material for strength and conditioning and head coaches. This article aims to systematically review surfers&rsquo; time&ndash;motion demands based on GNSSs. A systematic review of relevant articles was carried out using five main databases (PubMed, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and FECYT (Web of Sciences, CCC, CIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, and SCIELO)) until 23 March 2024. From the 238 studies initially found, 9 were included in the qualitative synthesis. In these, GNSS devices were employed with male (n = 143) and female (n = 28) surfers from different levels during competition and training situations. The studies show that the intermittent nature of the sport is evident, with substantial periods spent paddling and waiting punctuated by relatively brief high-intensity efforts when riding waves at high speeds. Notable differences emerged between competition and training demands, suggesting potential mismatches in how athletes currently prepare compared to event requirements. These novel insights allow quantifying surfing&rsquo;s harsh physiological requirements and could guide conditioning practices to better meet the sport&rsquo;s unique characteristics across populations. Therefore, training should emulate the lengthy aerobic capabilities needed for the paddling volumes observed, while also targeting the anaerobic systems to meet the repeated high-intensity surf riding efforts. However, inconsistencies in methods and reporting practices limit direct comparisons and comprehensive profiling of the sport&rsquo;s physical characteristics

Evolução de habilidades físicas na juventude jogadores de basquetebol de nível médio

objetivo: El objetivo de estudio fue analizar la evolución de las capacidades físicas de jugadores de medio nivel a lo largo de 2 años (categoría: cadete y júnior). Metodo. 15 jugadores fueron evaluados durante 2 años: en el ultimo año de la etapa cadete (U16) y el primer año de la etapa junior (U18). Los tests fueron realizados en 4 momentos (M) de cada temporada [1. Septiembre (pre-temporada), 2. Diciembre, 3. Abril y 4. Julio, para un total de 8 pruebas]. La batería consistió en un test de 20 m sprint (MST), un test de agilidad T (AGIT), un lanzamiento de balón medicinal de 5 kg (5KGT), un salto (CMJ), un test Sit and Reach (SAR) y la Course Navette (CN). Resultados. Los principales resultados fueron:,los jugadores mejoraron en MST: [1º M: 3.16 ± 0.27 m/s Vs. 4º M: 2.87 ± 0.17 m/s; (p<0.05)]; en CMJ, observamos diferencias estadísticas entre el 1º y 8º M [1º M: 32.57 ± 2.8 cm Vs. 8º M: 42.14 ± 3.8 cm;(p<0.05)]; los resultados en SAR mostraron que los valores decrecieron (1º M: 13.14 ± 12.27 cm al 8º M: 6.42 ± 7.36 cm); finalmente, observamos diferencias significativas entre 1º M y el 8º M en CNT [1º M: 10.36 ± 1.7 paliers Vs. 8º M: 12.5 ± 1.4 paliers; (p<0.05)]. Conclusiones. Se constataron mejoras significativas en las capacidades neuromusculares, la potencia aeróbica y la flexibilidad.ABSTRACT: Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the evolution of physical abilities of mid level basketball players during a 2 year period (age groups: cadet and junior). Method. 15 male basketball players were observed during 2 years: in the last year of cadet age group (U16) and in the first year of junior age group (U18). The test trials were performed 4 times (M) along the season. [1. September (pre-season), 2. December, 3. April and 4. July, for 8 different tests in total]. The test set was as follows: 20 m sprint test (MST), agility test (AGIT), medicinal ball throwing 5 kg (5KGT), vertical jump (CMJ), flexibility Sit and Reach test (SAR) and the Course Navette (CN). Results. The players improved their MST: [1º M: 3.16 ± 0.27 m/s Vs. 4º M: 2.87 ± 0.17 m/s; (p<0.05)]; in CMJ, statistical differences were observed between 1º and 8º M [1º M: 32.57 ± 2.8 cm Vs. 8º M: 42.14 ± 3.8 cm;(p<0.05)]; the results of SAR test showed a decrease (1º M: 13.14 ± 12.27 cm to 8º M: 6.42 ± 7.36 cm); other significant differences were also oberved when 1º M and 8º M were compared for CNT [1º M: 10.36 ± 1.7 stages Vs. 8º M: 12.5 ± 1.4 stages; (p<0.05)]. Conclusions. Significant improvements were unvealed for neuromuscular ability, aerobic power and flexibility.RESUMO: Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a evolução das capacidades físicas de jogadores de nível médio mais de dois anos (categoria: cadete e júnior). Método. 15 jogadores foram testados por 2 anos no último ano do cadete fase (U16) e do primeiro ano do estágio junior (U18). Os testes foram realizados em 4 momentos (M) de cada estação [1. Setembro (pré-temporada), 02 de dezembro, 03 de abril, e 4. Julho, para um total de 8 testes]. A bateria consistiu de um teste de 20 m de sprint (MST), um teste de agilidade T (STIR) Um lance bola de medicina de 5 kg (5KGT), um salto (CMJ), um teste de sentar e alcançar (SAR) e o Curso Navette (CN). Resultados. Os principais resultados foram: os jogadores melhoraram no MST: [1 M: 3,16 ± 0,27 m / s vs. 4 M: 2,87 ± 0,17 m / s; (P <0,05)]; no CMJ, observou-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dias 1 e 8 M [M 1: 32,57 ± 2,8 cm vs. 8 M: 42.14 ± 3,8 cm (p <0,05)]; os resultados mostraram que os valores diminuíram em SAR (M 1: 13,14 ± 12,27 cm-8 m: 6,42 ± 7,36 cm); Finalmente, observamos diferenças significativas entre 1 M e 8 M em CNT [M 1: 10,36 ± 1,7 vs paliers 8 M: 12,5 ± 1,4 driveshafts; (P <0,05)]. Conclusões. Melhorias significativas foram observadas capacidades neuromusculares, potência aeróbica e flexibilidade

THE EFFECT OF PATELLAR TAPING ON SOME LANDING CHARACTERISTICS DURING COUNTER MOVEMENT JUMPS IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of patellar taping (PT) on landing characteristics of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and on flight time during a counter movement jump (CMJ). Eleven healthy male subjects (age: 31.1 ± 4.2 years) volunteered for the study. Each subject performed six CMJs under two different jumping conditions: with PT and without PT (WPT). The order of the two conditions was randomized. All of the measured variables had fair-to-good reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient > 0.75). When we compared the PT and WPT groups, we did not find a significant difference in the magnitude of the first (F1) and second (F2) peaks of the VGRF. We also did not find a significant difference in the time to production of these peaks (T1 and T2), and the time to stabilization (TTS) (p < 0. 05). Furthermore, the flight time was similar in the two groups (0.475 ± 0.046 and 0.474 ± 0.056 s, respectively, for PT and WPT). These results suggest that PT does not jeopardize performance during CMJ. Furthermore, it also does not soften the VGRF generated during the landing, indicating that PT may be of limited utility in preventing injuries associated with this type of movement