Plyometric exercise combined with high-intensity interval training improves metabolic abnormalities in young obese females more so than interval training alone

International audienceThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with the effects of 12 weeks of plyometric exercise combined with HIIT (P+HIIT) on anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness data in young obese females. Sixty-eight participants (age, 16.6 ± 1.3 y; body mass, 82.8 ± 5.0 kg; body fat, 39.4% ± 3.3%; body mass index z score, 2.9 ± 0.4) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: HIIT (2 blocks per session of 6-8 bouts of 30-s runs at 100% velocity at peak oxygen uptake, with 30-s active recovery between bouts at 50%velocity at peak oxygen uptake (n = 23)); P+HIIT (2 blocks per session of 3 different 15-s plyometric exercises with 15-s passive recoveries, totaling 2 min for each plyometric exercise + the same HIIT program (n = 26)); or control (no exercise (n = 19)). Anthropometric (body mass, body mass index z score, body fat, lean body mass, and waist circumference), biochemical (plasma glucose, insulin, leptin and adiponectin concentrations, leptin/adiponectin ratio, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), physical fitness (peak oxygen uptake, velocity at peak oxygen uptake, squat jump, and countermovement jump performances), and energy intake data were collected. Both training programs improved the anthropometric, biochemical, and physical fitness variables. However, the P+HIIT program induced greater improvements than did the HIIT program in lean body mass (+3.0% ± 1.7%), plasma glucose and leptin concentrations (-11.0% ± 4.7% and -23.8% ± 5.8%, respectively), plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio (-40.9% ± 10.9%), HOMA-IR (-37.3% ± 6.2%), and squat jump performance (22.2% ± 7.5%). Taken together, these findings suggest that adding plyometric exercises to a HIIT program may be more beneficial than HIIT alone in obese female adolescent

The peak match speed of soccer players: a 20 second analysis

To assess peak speeds, usually assess players capacity to quickly accelerate and achieve/maintain a maximal speed in 30 m distance (Altmann et al., 2019). During these tests, players often start from stationary positions, reacting to a sound signal (Haff & Triplett, 2016). However, one may question these test procedures since peak speeds achieved during tests generally exceed peak speeds registered during matches (Buchheit et al., 2021; Djaoui et al., 2017). Additionally, during matches, soccer players usually perform leading sprints (those where players achieved the sprint threshold [> 25.2 km/h)] while entering the high-speed running category [19.8-25.2 km/h] in the previous 0.5 seconds than explosive sprints (those where players reached the sprint threshold without entering the high-speed running category in the previous 0.5 seconds) (di Salvo et al., 2009). This research aimed to characterize match peak speeds, during a 20-second time window (10 seconds immediately before and after the match peak speed), in soccer matches. Twenty elite soccer players were monitored with GNSS devices during six soccer matches from the Brazilian first division. For each player during each match, speeds were collected at 0.1-second intervals (10 Hz) from 10 seconds before and 10 seconds after the match peak speed. Speeds (mean ± SD) were calculated for speeds at each 0.1-second intervals and intra-individual speed differences were compared at every second of the 20 seconds window using paired mean differences. Effect sizes (ES) were established as trivial (4.0) with 90% confidence intervals. Match peak speeds ranged from 29.11 km/h to 31.64 km/h. Speeds registered 10 seconds before and 10 seconds after the match peak speed ranged from 5.11 km/h to 9.21 km/h and 6.90 km/h to 7.65 km/h respectively. Speed increased (acceleration) moderately (ES: 0.68 [0.64, 0.72]) 4 seconds before the match peak speed and decreased (deceleration) moderately (ES: -0.73 [-0.77, -0.69]) 3 seconds after the maximal effort. Match peak speeds were achieved from leading starts, which questions the current sprint test procedures. After the match's peak speed, players decelerate quicker than they accelerate but without reaching a full stop. Nevertheless, preparing players for intense decelerations should not be disregarded. Field tests and training sessions should provide a stimulus similar to what is observed during competition

Benefits of a regular vs irregular rhythm-based training programme on physical fitness and motor skills in obese girls

International audienc

Evaluation of Age Based-Sleep Quality and Fitness in Adolescent Female Handball Players

The present study aimed to examine the differences in sleep hygiene, balance, strength, agility, and maximum aerobic speed (MAS) between two groups of female handball players aged under 14 (U14) and under 17 (U17) years. Seventy-two female handball players participated and were divided into two groups according to age: U14 (n = 36, age: 13.44 ± 0.5 years) and U17 (n = 36, age: 15.95 ± 0.76 years). Sleep hygiene was evaluated using three questionnaires: Sleep quality and sleepiness via the Pittsburgh (PSQI) and Epworth (ESS) questionnaires, and the insomnia questionnaire via the measurement of the insomnia severity index (ISI). Physical fitness was evaluated with the stork balance tests with eyes open (OEB) and closed (CEB), the vertical jump (SJ), horizontal jump (SBJ), and five jump (FJT) tests, the agility (t-test) and the maximum aerobic speed (MAS) tests. No significant differences were shown between U14 and U17 players in all PSQI, ISI, and ESS scores, and balance and strength performances. Meanwhile, the U17 players’ performances were significant better in agility quality (p = 0.003 < 0.01) and MAS (p = 0.05) compared to the U14 players. Biological gender specificity during the maturation phase may inhibit the improvement of balance, and strength performances between the age of 13 and 17 years, while agility and MAS performances are more affected by age alterations

Evaluation of Age Based-Sleep Quality and Fitness in Adolescent Female Handball Players.

International audienceThe present study aimed to examine the differences in sleep hygiene, balance, strength, agility, and maximum aerobic speed (MAS) between two groups of female handball players aged under 14 (U14) and under 17 (U17) years. Seventy-two female handball players participated and were divided into two groups according to age: U14 (n = 36, age: 13.44 ± 0.5 years) and U17 (n = 36, age: 15.95 ± 0.76 years). Sleep hygiene was evaluated using three questionnaires: Sleep quality and sleepiness via the Pittsburgh (PSQI) and Epworth (ESS) questionnaires, and the insomnia questionnaire via the measurement of the insomnia severity index (ISI). Physical fitness was evaluated with the stork balance tests with eyes open (OEB) and closed (CEB), the vertical jump (SJ), horizontal jump (SBJ), and five jump (FJT) tests, the agility (t-test) and the maximum aerobic speed (MAS) tests. No significant differences were shown between U14 and U17 players in all PSQI, ISI, and ESS scores, and balance and strength performances. Meanwhile, the U17 players’ performances were significant better in agility quality (p = 0.003 < 0.01) and MAS (p = 0.05) compared to the U14 players. Biological gender specificity during the maturation phase may inhibit the improvement of balance, and strength performances between the age of 13 and 17 years, while agility and MAS performances are more affected by age alteratio

Real-life feasibility and effectiveness of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring medical equipment

International audienc

Comparison of Specific Prediction Equations to Estimate Peak Oxygen Uptake in Obese Women

International audienc

Multidirectional Plyometric Training: Very Efficient Way to Improve Vertical Jump Performance, Change of Direction Performance and Dynamic Postural Control in Young Soccer Players

International audienc

High-Intensity Interval Training in Female Adolescents with Moderate or Severe Obesity

This study aimed to investigate the impact of moderate- or high-intensity interval training (MIIT or HIIT) on anthropometric and biological measurements in four groups of females with obesity. Fifty-seven participants were divided into a moderate obesity group (MOG, n = 29) and a severe obesity group (SOG, n = 28). Two sub-groups were established to practice HIIT and MIIT programs (SOGHI, n = 14; SOGMI, n = 14; MOGHI, n = 14; MOGMI, n = 15). During the training sessions, each group performed two sets of 4 × 1 min intervals on a cycle ergometer. The intervals were conducted at 65% and 85% of the heart rate reserve (HRR) for MIIT and HIIT, respectively. Between each repetition, there was an active recovery phase at 50% HRR, and, between sets, there was a 4 min period of free pedaling. All groups significantly improved their anthropometric data, while only MOGHI and SOGHI significantly improved their lean body mass (LBM) and blood lactate (BL), with p ˂ 0.05; the higher percentage of change in blood insulin levels (−25.49 and −25.34) and the homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance index (−31.42 and −28.88) were noted. Only MOGHI showed improvements in growth hormone (GH) and blood glucose (p < 0.05), which were negatively correlated with body fat percentage (r = −0.76 and r = −0.72) and waist circumference (r = −0.77 and r = −0.82), respectively. We may conclude that HIIT was an effective method of managing anthropometric and biological parameters, as confirmed by the pronounced body fat reduction in the moderate obesity group

Effects of flexibility combined with plyometric exercises vs isolated plyometric or flexibility mode in adolescent male hurdlers.

International audienceThis study aims to determine the effect of flexibility exercises combined with plyometrics in hurdles race, on physical fitness, motor skills (MS) and hip range of motion