Analysis of the spatial distribution of the serve and the type of serve-return in elite table tennis. Sex differences

Serve and return of the serve are among the most critical technical-tactical factors influencing performance in table tennis (TT). The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in the spatial distribution of serve and serve-return in elite TT players. A total of 48 elite TT players (men: n = 24; women: n = 24) participated in the investigation. A total of 24 matches were recorded and examined, analysing 1,177 plays and 5,319 strokes in the men’s competition and 950 games and 5,097 strokes in the women’s competition. Technical actions were analysed using an observation tool validated by two expert TT coach with a high level of agreement (K > 0.80). Men distributed their serves over zones 1 and 2 of the table, while women more frequently selected zone 5 (p < 0.05). In men, 30.1% of the serves were near the net, 63.6% in the middle zone of the table and 6.2% in the end zone of the table, while in women, these values were 10.9%, 67.2%, and 21.8%, respectively. As for the technique of the serve-return depending on the zone of the service, in men the action of the cut from zone 1 and 2 predominated, while in women this technique was more frequent from zone 5 (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the serve-return with the flip technique in zone 1, 3 and 4 was more frequent in men (p < 0.05). As for the return of the serve with the topspin technique, there were differences in zone 3, being more frequent in men (p < 0.05). Finally, the serve return with cut and defensive serve-return techniques in zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 were more frequent in women (p < 0.05). There are differences between sexes in service and return of serve actions during a match in elite players

Physiological profile, metabolic response, and temporal structure in elite individual table tennis: differences according to gender

No research that has analyzed the structural characteristics, physiological profile, and energy demands in the game of table tennis as played by women is available. The present study aimed to evaluate the physiological, metabolic, and temporal variables of table tennis players and to observe gender differences. Forty-eight elite table tennis players participated in this study: 24 men (25.3 ± 4.07 years) and 24 women (22.3 ± 3.8 years). During simulated competition, temporal structure, heart rate (HR), and lactate (LA) were evaluated. The maximum ergospirometric evaluations were performed in a laboratory. The total table tennis (TT) time and the total resting time (TRT) were longer for men (p < 0.05), but game density was higher for women (p < 0.05). During rallies, the real playing time (RPT) was longer for women, while the TRT was longer for men (p < 0.05). The maximum HR, minimum HR, and maximum LA concentrations were higher for men (p < 0.05). The obtained data reveal gender differences in the physiological, metabolic, structural, and temporal variables in table tennis players. The analysis of the studied variables could allow training sessions to be planned and organized according to table tennis players’ gender

Effects of Ultratrail Running on neuromuscular function, muscle damage and hydration status. Differences according to training level

The status of trail running races has exponentially grown in recent years. The present study aimed to: (a) evaluate the acute response of ultratrail racing in terms of neuromuscular function, muscle damage and hydration status; (b) analyze if responses could differ according to training levels. Twenty runners participated in the present study. The participants were divided into amateur training level (n = 10; 43.30 ± 4.52 years) or high level competitors (n = 10; 41.40 ± 6.18). Neuromuscular response (squat jump, countermovement jump and Abalakov jump), muscle damage (alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, creatine kinase and leukocytes) and hydration status (sodium and creatinine) were evaluated before and after the Guara Somontano Ultratrail Race (108 km distance, with an accumulated slope of 5800 m). The height and power achieved by vertical jumps were lower after the race (p < 0.001). The post-race muscle damage and creatinine parameters increased in both groups (p < 0.001). The high-level group obtained lower percentages of change in squat jump and countermovement jump than the amateur-level group (p < 0.05). However, the increase in creatinine was greater for the high-level group (p < 0.05). Ultratrail racing reduces neuromuscular function and increases muscle damage. High-level runners showed less neuromuscular fatigue compared to amateur ones

Analysis of specific physical fitness in high-level table tennis players—sex differences

: Table tennis performance depends on multiple factors such as technique, tactics and fitness. Several studies have focused on investigating different technical-tactical variables. However, research analysing the specific physical qualities of this sport is scarce, particularly in the female sex. The aim of the present study was to assess the physical fitness variables associated with individual performance in elite table tennis players according to sex. Forty-eight elite players divided into males (n = 24; 25.38 ± 4.01 years) and females (n = 24; 22.33 ± 3.83 years) participated in the study. To determine physical fitness, participants performed vertical jump, hand grip strength, ergospirometry and lateral displacement tests (reaction time, displacement time and lateral acceleration). Male players showed higher values in vertical jump, hand grip strength and maximum oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). Likewise, male players moved laterally faster (p < 0.001). On the other hand, female players had a better reaction time towards the dominant side (p < 0.01). Elite male table tennis players showed better physical fitness compared to female players. Due to the scarcity of data on elite table tennis players, these results can serve as reference values for different table tennis practitioners

Physical fitness in young top level table tennis players: differences between sex, age and playing style

Understanding the physical fitness of table tennis (TT) players could be interesting in improving the training process and evaluating talent. This study aimed to assess the physical fitness of U14 TT players and differentiate between sex, age and playing style. A total of 352 players (203 males and 149 females) aged between 9 and 13 years participated in the present study. Furthermore, the sample was divided according to playing style: offensive (OFF) and mixed + defensive (M + D). A battery of tests was carried out to assess cardiorespiratory capacity, speed, strength, flexibility and power. Both sexes reported significant differences in cardiorespiratory capacity and speed (p &lt; 0.05). Concerning age, there were substantial differences in cardiorespiratory capacity, speed, strength and power, with older players obtaining better results (p &lt; 0.05). Finally, concerning playing style, differences were reported in cardiorespiratory capacity, higher in OFF style group, and flexibility, higher in the M + D style group. Finally, there were relationships between playing style and cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility. Physical fitness evolves with increasing age as a function of sex. This is the first study to assess fitness in a large sample of TT players as a function of playing style

Acute effect of a padel match on the body composition in amateur padel players. Differences according to match result

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in body composition and water content in amateur padel players, after a padel match. A total of 24 players (age= 36.87±8.74 years) with an experience in padel ranged between 1 and 2 years, as well as with a practice frequency of 1 to 2 times a week participated in this cross-sectional study. Body composition was assessed using electrical bioimpedance, recording data on weight, fat mass (kg and %), fat-free mass (kg and %) and body water (total, intracellular and extracellular), before and after a padel match. The results did not show signifi cant changes in any of the variables after the padel match. Furthermore, no differences were observed between winners and losers. In conclusion, a practice of padel match in novice players does not cause changes in body composition parameters, probably due to a lack of intensity

Valoración de la composición corporal, práctica físico-deportiva y alimentación en estudiantes de secundaria

This study aims to analyze&nbsp;body composition, the weekly physical-sports practice and nutritional habits in secondary school students. Sixty subjects (1.57 ± 0.07 m; 49.4 ± 10.5 kg), aged between 12 and 13 participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Body composition, weekly hours of physical-sports practice and nutritional intake were evaluated. It was differences between gender in the abdominal fold, thigh fold, biepicondyloid diameter, percentage fat, percentage muscle and fat weight (p &lt;0.05). Participants agreed to the hours of physical-sports practice recommended by the experts. In both sexes, protein intake was higher than the recommended dietary intakes, coupled with an excess in the consumption of saturated fatty acids and a deficit in the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fiber. Micronutrient intakes conform to the guidance. Aversely, the consumption of fruit, vegetables and ultra-processed was out of the expert advice. High school students, regardless of gender, follow the guidelines of daily physical-sports practice, there being a mismatch in the recommendations of consumption of fruit, vegetables and ultra-processed foods. The female gender has a higher fat percentage than the male gender in these ages.El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar&nbsp;la composición corporal, la práctica físico-deportiva semanal y los hábitos alimentarios de alumnos de secundaria. Sesenta sujetos (1,57±0,07 m; 49,4±10,5 kg), con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 13 años participaron en este estudio descriptivo transversal. Se evaluó la composición corporal, las horas semanales de práctica físico-deportiva y la ingesta nutricional. Los resultados del estudio mostraron diferencias significativas entre chicos y chicas en el pliegue abdominal, pliegue del muslo, diámetro biepicondiloideo, porcentaje graso, porcentaje muscular y peso graso (p&lt;0,05). Los sujetos estudiados se ajustaban a las horas de práctica físico-deportiva aconsejada por los expertos. En ambos géneros, la ingesta de proteínas fue superior a las ingestas dietéticas recomendadas, unido a un exceso en el consumo de ácidos grasos saturados y un déficit en la ingesta de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados y fibra. Las ingestas de micronutrientes, en general, se ajustaban a los consejos de los expertos, todo lo contrario al consumo de fruta, verdura y ultraprocesados. Los estudiantes de secundaria, independiente de su sexo, seguían las pautas de práctica físico-deportiva diaria, existiendo un desajuste en las recomendaciones de consumo de fruta, verdura y alimentos ultraprocesados. En estas edades, las chicas presentaban un mayor porcentaje graso que los chicos

Treatment with tocilizumab or corticosteroids for COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammatory state: a multicentre cohort study (SAM-COVID-19)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate the association between tocilizumab or corticosteroids and the risk of intubation or death in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) with a hyperinflammatory state according to clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods: A cohort study was performed in 60 Spanish hospitals including 778 patients with COVID-19 and clinical and laboratory data indicative of a hyperinflammatory state. Treatment was mainly with tocilizumab, an intermediate-high dose of corticosteroids (IHDC), a pulse dose of corticosteroids (PDC), combination therapy, or no treatment. Primary outcome was intubation or death; follow-up was 21 days. Propensity score-adjusted estimations using Cox regression (logistic regression if needed) were calculated. Propensity scores were used as confounders, matching variables and for the inverse probability of treatment weights (IPTWs). Results: In all, 88, 117, 78 and 151 patients treated with tocilizumab, IHDC, PDC, and combination therapy, respectively, were compared with 344 untreated patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 10 (11.4%), 27 (23.1%), 12 (15.4%), 40 (25.6%) and 69 (21.1%), respectively. The IPTW-based hazard ratios (odds ratio for combination therapy) for the primary endpoint were 0.32 (95%CI 0.22-0.47; p < 0.001) for tocilizumab, 0.82 (0.71-1.30; p 0.82) for IHDC, 0.61 (0.43-0.86; p 0.006) for PDC, and 1.17 (0.86-1.58; p 0.30) for combination therapy. Other applications of the propensity score provided similar results, but were not significant for PDC. Tocilizumab was also associated with lower hazard of death alone in IPTW analysis (0.07; 0.02-0.17; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tocilizumab might be useful in COVID-19 patients with a hyperinflammatory state and should be prioritized for randomized trials in this situatio