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Approach: In elite soccer, the physical, technical, and tactical variables must be analyzed in a complex and detailed way, aiming to improve the understanding of the teams' performances. However, these variables can be influenced by the playstyle of teams from the different continents. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the physical, technical, and tactical differences between the soccer teams from different continents (America, Europe, and Africa/Asia/Oceania) who participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Forty-eight matches played during the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup were analyzed. The data obtained were coded and calculated by a tracking system (GPS). The national teams were grouped according to the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and analyzed into three main groups (Europe: UEFA + Russia; America: CONMEBOL + CONCACAF; Africa/Asia/Oceania: CAF + AFC). Thirty-seven variables were analyzed and divided into tactical, physical, and technical parameters. Results: The results showed that athletes from the European teams were taller, covered a greater total distance faster (between 20 and 25 km.h-1), and spent more time in the opposing field (final third and penalty area) when compared to athletes from other continents. In contrast, athletes from the American continent were older (average age) and their attacks originated more from the left side of the field. Finally, Africa/Asia/Oceania athletes recovered a greater number of balls, had fewer corners, and their attacks originated more from the right side of the field. Conclusions: In summary, European teams had a more intense (physical parameters) and offensive playstyle (tactical) when compared to teams from other continents participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to verify and compare the reaction time, swimming speed, partial- and final time of freestyle swimmers at the Beijing 2008 (B08), London 2012 (L12), and Rio 2016 Olympics (R16). 109 athletes (male (n = 57) and female (n = 52)), Olympics finalists were analyzed in the 100m, 200m, and 400m freestyle swimming events. ANOVA one-way multi-compare was used to verify the difference between reaction time (RT), partial time (PT), mean speed (MS), and final time (FT) in the analyzed Olympics. Statistical differences were found in the RT in the 100, 200, and 400m freestyle in females and 400m freestyle in males over the three Olympics, while for the mean speed the first 50 meters presented differences in the partial times, and for final time only the 100m female was different over the three Olympics. The race and partial time strategies had similar characteristics during the analyzed Olympics, while the reaction time of the athletes presented significant evolution over the Olympics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: to compare Multiple-Set (MS) and Drop-Set (DS) systems on acute testosterone responses and at different moments for lymphocytes and monocytes in recreationally trained men. Methods: the study was composed of twelve male subjects(age: 22,5 ± 3,2 years; height: 176,3 ± 6,7 cm; body mass: 75,4 ± 6,9 kg) recreationally trained individuals. The participants performed the 1RM test in the Leg Press 45º and 48h post the first test, did the test again for the reproducibility of the loads. The participants were randomly for both protocols (MS: 3 x 10 reps - 75%1RM; DS: 3 x 10 reps at 80% - 40% - 20% of 1RM), which were separated by 72-hour interval between each one of them. The blood collect of testosterone levels were realized before the experimental protocols (baseline), immediately after (IP), 15-, 30- and 60-minutes after the protocols. Lymphocytes and monocytes were collected at baseline, IP, 24- and 48-hours after the experimental protocols. Results: MS showed an increase in the testosterone levels only at the IP and the DS showed higher values compared to MS. However, the effect size (ES) didn't showed significant differences between the different moments, both protocols presented small and trivial values. The monocytes (24 and 48 hours post-training) and lymphocytes (IP, 24 and 48 hours post-training) responses were higher in DS compared to MS, but these levels didn't exceed the reference values considered salutary. Conclusion: Both protocols are efficient in acute increases in testosterone levels. However, despite the higher values in testosterone levels on DS, when this values compared with MS, both protocols showed similar magnitude. In addition, the small fluctuations in lymphocytes and monocytes observed in both protocols didn't present clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]