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The aim of this study was to determine whether selected physiological, performance and technical parameters derived from an on-court test are capable of discriminating between tennis players of national and international levels. 38 elite and subelite tennis players were divided into international level (INT, n = 8) and national level players (NAT, n = 30). They all performed a specific endurance field test, and selected physiological (maximum oxygen uptake [...O2max], and ventilatory thresholds [VT1 and VT2]), performance (test duration, final stage and hits per test) and technical (technical effectiveness [TE]) parameters were compared. INT showed greater ...O2max, VO2 at VT2 (ml⋅kg-1⋅min-1)> test duration (s), final stage (no.), hits per test (no.) and TE (% of successful hits), as compared with NAT (p<0.05). At high exercise intensity (stages 5 and 6), the INT achieved better TE than NAT (p = 0.001-0.004), and the discriminant analyses showed that these technical parameters were the most discriminating factors. These results suggest that this specific endurance field test is capable of discriminating between tennis players at national and international levels, and that the better aerobic condition of the INT is associated with better technical efficiency at higher exercise intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to establish the validity of a 90-s all-out test for the estimation of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and submaximal aerobic ability as represented by critical power. We hypothesized that the fall in power output by the end of the 90-s all-out test (end power) would represent the exhaustion of anaerobic work capability, and as such, would correspond with the critical power. Sixteen active individuals (mean±SD: 30±6 years; 69.6±9.9kg) carried out a series of tests: (i) an incremental ramp test to determine V̇O2max, (ii) three fixed-work rate trials to exhaustion to determine critical power, and (iii) two 90-s all-out tests to measure end power and peak V̇O2. End power (292 ± 65 W) was related to (r = 0.89) but was significantly higher (p < 0.01 ) than critical power (264 ± 50 W). The mean ±95% limits of agreement (29 ± 65 W) were too low to use these variables interchangeably. The peak 902 in the 90-s trial was significantly lower than the V̇O2max (3435±682 ml·min-1 vs. 3929±784 ml·min-1; p<0.01); mean ±95% limits of agreement was equal to 495±440 mL·min-1. The 90-s all-out test cannot, therefore, assess both V̇O2max and critical power in adult performers. The duration of all-out exercise required to allow V̇O2 to attain its maximum is longer than 90 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a maximal resistance training following the principles of the most effective resistance training known from sport adapted to elderly people. Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned into a training group (10 females and 4 males, age: 76.2 ± 3.2 years) that underwent a training program and a control group (6 females and 4 males, age: 76.6 ± 2.7 years) that did not participate in the training program. Before and after the training period, both groups were identically examined (blood and urine sample, spiroergometric testing, morphological measurements). The training group underwent a 12-week training program. Eight different exercises for the largest muscle groups of the largest joints were defined as one training circle. Training took place twice a week and commenced with two training circles per week (one circle per training session). After every four weeks, one training circle per week was added until four training circles per week were reached. Before, after every four weeks (changes in training amount) and after the training period, the maximum strength was measured. Data was analysed by the independent t-test and the analysis of variance, in case of significance, the dependent t-test and the Scheffé-test were used. In the resistance training group, the fat-free body mass was increased by approximately 2.9 ± 0.5 kg, with no significant difference between females and males. Ergometrical fitness was increased by approximately 15%, while the maximum oxygen uptake was increased by approximately 12%. Maximum strength was increased between 26% (bench pull) and 38% (leg press). Resistance training that consisted of two training sessions per week was found to be at least as efficient as resistance training that included three training sessions per week, provided that the number of sets performed were equal. Seventy-five-year-old females were found to have a significantly higher body fat content than males of the same age (37% versus 26%, respectively). However, the decrease in body fat mass due to resistance training was found to be equal in both females and males (-4 ± 0.8 kg). Furthermore, there was almost no difference in muscle strength between the sexes for this age group (for example: leg press: females 86 kg versus males 82 kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]