Effects of a Four-Week Small-Sided Game and Repeated Sprint Ability Training during and after Ramadan on Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacities in Senior Basketball Players

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Variation in lower limb power and three point shot performance following repeated sprints: One vs. five changes of direction in male basketball players

Repeated sprint ability (RSA) with five changes of direction was well admitted to replicate real basketball game situations, but the additional changes of direction may affect some fundamental skills and performances in basketball. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RSA with one vs. five changes of direction (IRSA5COD) on squat jump (SJ), five jump test (FJT) and three point shot (3PS) performances in male basketball players. Sixteen participants (23.4 ± 2.3 years; 1.86 ± 0.10 m; 77.8 ± 7.7 kg) randomly performed eight testing sessions consisting of either RSA (10 repetitions of (15 m + 15 m)) or IRSA5COD (10 repetitions of (5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m)) performed alone or immediately followed by the SJ, FJT or 3PS. The heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were continuously recorded, while blood lactate concentration was measured post-tests. Differences between RSA and IRSA5COD were evaluated by a Student t-test for paired samples, while analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures assessed differences in SJ, FJT and 3PS performance between baseline, post-RSA and post-IRSA5COD. A significantly poorer FJT performance post-RSA was shown compared to baseline (7.47 ± 0.47 vs.7.54 ± 0.47 m, p = 0.01) and post-IRSA5COD (7.47 ± 0.47 vs. 7.56 ± 0.49%, p = 0.048). Significantly lower 3PS accuracy was also observed post-IRSA5COD compared to baseline (41.3 ± 3.1 vs.53.1 ± 2.8%, p = 0.003) and post-RSA (41.3 ± 3.1 vs. 48.1 ± 3.7%, p = 0.033). These results suggest that jump performance required for crucial actions such as lay-ups is negatively affected by longer sprints (15-m) with few changes of direction, while 3PS accuracy is impaired by shorter sprints with many changes of direction. These situations should be replicated when training these particular abilities to optimize training adaptations

Hypothyroidism Therapy

Hypothyroidism refers to the common pathological disorder of thyroid hormone deficiency. The successful therapy for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (LT4) administration, which is the same as thyroxine but produced synthetically. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) normalization with LT4 replacement therapy in hypothyroidism is generally needed to restore a euthyroid state. The daily dose of thyroxine therapy depends on various factors, such as body weight, age, and severity. It also differs from hypothyroidism during pregnancy to congenital hypothyroidism. The presence of various comorbidities may exist such as myxoedema coma, coronary artery disease, obesity, anemia and COVID-19 which necessitate individualized treatment. LT4 intolerance manifested with sympathetic hyperactivity may appear during the first hours after the LT4 administration. It requires starting with very low doses of LT4 that should be increased gradually, and reaching normal TSH may take several months. The sympathetic hyperactivity may be attributable to the presence of uncorrected iron-deficiency anemia that worsens by the use of thyroid hormone

Monitoring mood state to improve performance in soccer players: A brief review

Introduction: Psychological aspects of sport are key in maintaining athlete motivation and make a difference in competitive outcomes. Adjustments to training may be necessary according to athletes’ emotional state. Therefore, it is important to assess and quantify mood states throughout the season in team sports, including among soccer players. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) is a widely used questionnaire that assesses emotional states characterized by positive or negative feelings and can be administered repeatedly to assess changes in mood state. This review aims to assess and summarize the current literature on mood state variation in soccer players with a specific focus on training loads, training modalities, and competitive performance. Methods: A literature search was systematically conducted and resulted in 156 records. After removing duplicates, items with irrelevant titles and abstracts were screened out, and full texts were then screened for relevance and compared with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The remaining 37 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Results: POMS scores were related to variability in training load, intensity of the training period, modality of training exercises, competitive performance and time of day in soccer players. Common recommendations include monitoring the mood state of soccer players during training sessions, matches, and throughout training periods to detect early signs of psychological disturbance and aid in optimizing high-level training performance. Conclusion: The POMS allows for monitoring of players’ psychological state, providing coaches with data to aid in adjusting acute program variables according to players’ psychological states and improve performance. Results offer practical support for the use of a simple POMS measurement as part of an overall program to monitor the players’ psychological states. Results also highlight how training choices (i.e., load and exercise modality) and competitive performance are related to mood states (i.e., tension, anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, and vigor)

Psycho-physiological aspects of small combats in taekwondo: impact of area size and within-round sparring partners

The study investigated physiological and psychological responses to taekwondo combat sessions as a function of different area sizes and within-round sparring partners. Twenty-four adolescent (age: 17 +/- 1years) male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) taekwondo athletes participated in the study. Each athlete confronted 1 (1 vs.1; no sparring partner change) or 2 (1vs.2; within-round sparring partner change every minute) opponents in different area sizes (i.e., 4 x 4 m, 6 x 6 m, and 8 x 8 m) for 2 min. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured before and after bouts. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the contests and rating of perceived exertion was assessed after bouts. Mean HR (HRmean) and percentage of maximum HR (%HRmax) determined during a 20-m multistage shuttle run test were used for analysis. Mood states were assessed before and after bouts and physical enjoyment was analyzed after bouts. The results showed higher HRmean and %HRmax values for the 1 vs.1 compared to the 1vs.2 condition (p < 0.001) and [La] values were higher at post-combat measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, tension and fatigue were higher in 6 x 6 m compared with 8 x 8 m (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023, respectively) and anger was higher in 6 x 6 m and 8 x 8 m in comparison with 4 x 4 m (p = 0.012 and p = 0.043, respectively). Confusion increased from before to after bouts (p < 0.001), from 4 x 4 m and 6 x 6 m area sizes to 8 x 8 m (p = 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), and from 1vs.1 to 1vs.2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, vigour decreased from before to after bouts (p < 0.01). Taekwondo combat sessions are a specific conditioning exercise for athletes. Thus, coaches can use the 1vs.1 condition to elicit higher HR responses and 6 x 6 m area size to induce higher psychological stress, mimicking what occurs during a competition

Effect of Intensified Training Camp on Psychometric Status, Mood State, and Hematological Markers in Youth Soccer Players

During training camps, training load is purposefully intensified. Intensified training loads (TL) are associated with psychological variations, increased fatigue, insufficient recovery, decreased muscular performance, and biological changes in adult athletes, but whether these changes occur during training camps in youth athletes has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess changes in psychometric status, vertical jump performance (i.e., height), and hematological markers before and after an intensive training camp in youth soccer players. In this case, 15male youth soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 14.8 ± 0.4 years; height: 172.0 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 60.8 ± 7.9 kg; training experience: 5.2 ± 0.7 years) completed a 2-week training program consisting of 1 week of moderate TL (MT) and 1 week of intensive training camp (TC). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), TL, monotony, strain, and psychometric status (total quality of recovery (TQR) and well-being indices (sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness) were monitored before each first daily training session across two weeks. The profile of mood states (POMS), countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and blood markers (complete blood count, urea, and creatinine) were assessed before and after TC. TL (d = 5.39, large), monotony (d = 3.03, large), strain (d = 4.38, large), and well-being index (d = 7.5, large) scores increased and TQR (d = 4.6, large) decreased during TC. The TC increased tension, fatigue, and total mood disturbance and decreased vigor (all p <0.01). CMJ performance p < 0.01, d = 0.52, moderate), creatinine (p < 0.01, d = 1.29, large), and leukocyte concentration (p < 0.01, d = 1.4, large) and granulocyte concentration (p < 0.01, d = 1.93, large) increased after TC. Percentage of lymphocytes (p < 0.05, d = 1.17, large) and monocytes (p < 0.01, d = 1.05, large) decreased while the percentage of granulocytes (p < 0.05, d = 0.86, large) increased significantly. Well-being, quality of recovery, mood, granulocyte concentration, and creatinine were all altered during the week-long intensified training camp. These results may provide coaches with valuable information about psychometric status and physiological fatigue and recovery of youth soccer players to better prescribe and adjust training loads during intensive training periods

Technical-tactical analysis of small combat games in male kickboxers: effects of varied number of opponents and area size

Background: To handle the competition demands, sparring drills are used for specific technical-tactical training as well as physical-physiological conditioning in combat sports. While the effects of different area sizes and number of within-round sparring partners on physiological and perceptive responses in combats sports were examined in previous studies, technical and tactical aspects were not investigated. This study investigated the effect of different within-round sparring partners number (i.e., at a time; 1 vs. 1, 1 vs. 2, and 1 vs. 4) and area sizes (2&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20092&nbsp;m, 4&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20094&nbsp;m, and 6&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20096&nbsp;m) variation on the technical-tactical aspects of small combat games in kickboxing. Method: Twenty male kickboxers (mean\u2009\ub1\u2009standard deviation, age: 20.3\u2009\ub1\u20090.9 years), regularly competing in regional and national events randomly performed nine different kickboxing combats, lasting 2&nbsp;min each. All combats were video recorded and analyzed using the software Dartfish. Results: Results showed that the total number of punches was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p\u2009=\u20090.011, d\u2009=\u20090.83). Further, the total number of kicks was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p\u2009&lt;\u20090.001; d\u2009=\u20090.99 and d\u2009=\u20090.83, respectively). Moreover, the total number of kick combinations was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p\u2009&lt;\u20090.001; d\u2009=\u20091.05 and d\u2009=\u20090.95, respectively). The same outcome was significantly lower in 2&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20092&nbsp;m compared with 4&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20094&nbsp;m and 6&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20096&nbsp;m areas (p\u2009=\u20090.010 and d\u2009=\u2009-\u20090.45; p\u2009&lt;\u20090.001 and d\u2009=\u2009-\u20090.6, respectively). The number of block-and-parry was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p\u2009&lt;\u20090.001, d\u2009=\u20091.45) and 1 versus 2 (p\u2009=\u20090.046, d\u2009=\u20090.61) and in 2&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20092&nbsp;m compared with 4&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20094&nbsp;m and 6\u2009 7\u20096&nbsp;m areas (p\u2009&lt;\u20090.001; d\u2009=\u20090.47 and d\u2009=\u20090.66, respectively). Backwards lean actions occurred more often in 2&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20092&nbsp;m compared with 4&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20094&nbsp;m (p\u2009=\u20090.009, d\u2009=\u20090.53) and 6&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20096&nbsp;m (p\u2009=\u20090.003, d\u2009=\u20090.60). However, the number of foot defenses was significantly lower in 2&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20092&nbsp;m compared with 6&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20096&nbsp;m (p\u2009&lt;\u20090.001, d\u2009=\u20091.04) and 4&nbsp;m\u2009 7\u20094&nbsp;m (p\u2009=\u20090.004, d\u2009=\u20090.63). Additionally, the number of clinches was significantly higher in 1 versus 1 compared with 1 versus 2 (p\u2009=\u20090.002, d\u2009=\u20090.7) and 1 versus 4 (p\u2009=\u20090.034, d\u2009=\u20090.45). Conclusions: This study provides practical insights into how to manipulate within-round sparring partners' number and/or area size to train specific kickboxing technical-tactical fundamentals. Trial registration: This study does not report results related to health care interventions using human participants and therefore it was not prospectively registered

Effects of adding small combat games to regular Taekwondo training on physiological and performance outcomes in male young athletes

This study investigated the effect of area sizes (4 * 4, 6 * 6, and 8 * 8 m) and effort-pause ratios (free combat vs. 1:2) variation on the physiological and perceptive responses during taekwondo combats (Study 1). In a second study, the effects on physical performance of 8 weeks of small combat-based training added to regular taekwondo training were investigated (Study 2). In random order, 32 male taekwondo athletes performed six (i.e., two effort-to-pause ratios * three area sizes conditions) different 2-min taekwondo combats (Study 1). Thereafter (Study 2), they were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (4 * 4, 6 * 6, and 8 * 8 m) and an active control group (CG). Regarding Study 1, blood lactate concentration [La] before and after each combat, mean heart rate (HRmean) during each combat, and rating of perceived exertion (CR-10) immediately after each combat were assessed. Regarding Study 2, progressive specific taekwondo (PSTT) to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), taekwondo-specific agility, and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered before and after 8 weeks of training. Study 1 results showed that 4 * 4 m elicited lower HRmean values compared with 6 * 6 m (d = -0.42 [small], p = 0.030) and free combat induced higher values compared with the 1:2 ratio (d = 1.71 [large], p &lt; 0.001). For [La]post, 4 * 4 m area size induced higher values than 6 * 6 m (d = 0.99 [moderate], p &lt; 0.001) and 8 * 8 m (d = 0.89 [moderate], p &lt; 0.001) and free combat induced higher values than 1:2 ratio (d = 0.69 [moderate], p &lt; 0.001). Higher CR-10 scores were registered after free combat compared with 1:2 ratio (d = 0.44 [small], p = 0.007). For Study 2, VO2max increased after training [F (1, 56) =30.532, p &lt; 0.001; post-hoc: d = 1.27 [large], p &lt; 0.001] with higher values for 4 * 4 m compared with CG (d = 1.15 [moderate], p = 0.009). Agility performance improved after training [F (1, 56) = 4.419, p = 0.04; post-hoc: d = -0.46 [small], p = 0.04] and 4 * 4 m induced lower values in comparison with 6 * 6 m (d = -1.56 [large], p = 0.001) and CG (d = -0.77 [moderate], p = 0.049). No training type influenced CMJ performance. Smaller area size elicited contrasting results in terms of metabolic demand compared with larger sizes (i.e., lower HRmean but higher [La] and CR-10), whereas free combat induced variables' consistently higher values compared with imposed 1:2 ratio (Study 1). Taekwondo training is effective to improve VO2max and agility (Study 2), but small combat training modality should be investigated further

Effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo-specific physical test performances

This study investigated the effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo athletes' physical fitness. Fifty-nine adolescent male and female judo athletes (age 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or one control group (CG). Experimental groups (kumi-kata [KG], uchi-komi [UG] and running [RG]) trained four times per week over four weeks of intensified training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; CG underwent only the usual training) followed by 12 days of tapering. The countermovement jump test (CMJ), isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up tests (JCT), uchi-komi speed test (UST), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judo Physical Fitness Test (JPFT) were administered before and after the intensified period and after tapering. The CMJ performance was superior in KG compared with UG, RG and CG. Isometric JCT performance was superior in KG compared with RG and CG. Regarding UST, performance was superior in UG compared with RG and CG. The same performance was superior with respect to the same groups considering pre-training to tapering change. The SJFT index did not differ between groups or time-points. The JPFT index increased after intensified and tapering periods compared with before training, with KG eliciting higher values compared with CG. Coaches and conditioning coaches could administer kumi-kata high-intensity interval training to enhance athletes' judo-specific physical fitness

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Selected Adipokines and Cardiometabolic Risk Markers in Normal-Weight and Overweight/Obese Young Males-A Pre-Post Test Trial

The study aimed to assess effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma adipokines and cardiometabolic markers in normal and excess weight youth. Eighteen healthy young males (18.2 ± 1.06 yrs.) were divided in normal-weight group (NWG; body mass index (BMI), 20.5 ± 1.51 kg/m2; n = 9) and excess-weight group (EWG; BMI, 30.8 ± 4.56 kg/m2; n = 9). Participants performed an eight-week HIIT program without caloric restriction. Body composition, plasma leptin, adiponectin, chemerin, omentin-1, lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), and the homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were assessed before and after the HIIT program. The program resulted in significant increases in omentin levels (p < 0.01) in EWG (27%) and NWG (22%), but no changes in leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin in both groups. BMI (−1.62%; p = 0.015), body fat (−1.59%; p = 0.021), total cholesterol (−11.8%; p = 0.026), triglycerides (−21.3%; p = 0.023), and HOMA-IR (−31.5%; p = 0.043) decreased in EWG only. Repeated measures detected significant interaction “Time x Group” for body mass and BMI only. Eight-week HIIT program improved body composition, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in excess-weight individuals. It resulted in an increase in omentin levels in both normal- and excess-weight groups, but no changes in leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin. Body composition has not influenced the response of the four adipokines to HIIT