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Although growing evidence supports the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for performance and recovery enhancement, there have only been laboratory-controlled studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of PBMT in performance and recovery of high-level rugby players during an anaerobic field test. Twelve male high-level rugby athletes were recruited in this randomized, crossover, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. No interventions were performed before the Bangsbo sprint test (BST) at familiarization phase (week 1); at weeks 2 and 3, pre-exercise PBMT or placebo were randomly applied to each athlete. Photobiomodulation therapy irradiation was performed at 17 sites of each lower limb, employing a cluster with 12 diodes (4 laser diodes of 905 nm, 4 light emitting diodes [LEDs] of 875 nm, and 4 LEDs of 640 nm, 30 J per site, manufactured by Multi Radiance Medical). Average time of sprints, best time of sprints, and fatigue index were obtained from BST. Blood lactate levels were assessed at baseline, and at 3, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after BST. Athletes' perceived fatigue was also assessed through a questionnaire. Photobiomodulation therapy significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the average time of sprints and fatigue index in BST. Photobiomodulation therapy significantly decreased percentage of change in blood lactate levels (p ≤ 0.05) and perceived fatigue (p ≤ 0.05). Pre-exercise PBMT with the combination of super-pulsed laser (low-level laser), red LEDs, and infrared LEDs can enhance performance and accelerate recovery of high-level rugby players in field test. This opens a new avenue for wide use of PBMT in real clinical practice in sports settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which compared the relation between body composition and autonomic modulation in swimmers and non-athletes. Topics include heart rate variability (HRV), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and muscle mass. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the methodology of the study are also discussed.

The article reports on research which was conducted to compare the cardiorespiratory responses of young women at first ventilatory threshold (VT1), second ventilatory threshold (VT2) and at maximum effort (MAX) who performed water aerobic exercises or used a treadmill. Researchers evaluated 20 women. They found that at MAX intensity, oxygen uptake was higher with the treadmill than with water aerobics.

Research is presented that examined the effects of a 21-week competitive season on 34 child soccer players' salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) response and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms. The study found that the demands of training and competition affected the children's mucosal immune responses.

The article discusses changes in repeated-sprint ability performance in elite handball players following high-intensity, heavy load postactivation potentiation half-squat conditioning exercises. Faster sprint times were found in subjects with prior conditioning exercises than those performing only warm-up exercises, suggesting a relationship between muscular strength and power and sprint performance in high-intensity intermittent sports.

The article discusses research which was conducted to investigate whether maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold (VT), and their respective speeds {Svo2max and Svt) could discriminate the competitive level of futsal players. Researchers evaluated nine outfield players of a high-level Brazilian professional futsal team. They found that both Svo2max and SVT were sensitive for detecting differences in the competitive level of futsal players, whereas VO2max and VT were not.

The article discusses research conducted to compare the effects passive warm-up (PW), whole-body vibration (WBV), and control (C) had on high-intensity performance during sprint cycle exercise. Researchers evaluated six men. They found that peak power, relative power, relative work, time of peak power, and pedaling cadence were significantly higher in the WBV compared with that for C and that WBV was an effective way to increase in performance during sprint cycle exercise.

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate and compare partial range of motion vs. full range-of motion upper-body resistance training on strength and muscle thickness (MT) in young men. Researchers evaluated 40 male subject. They found that while muscle strength and MT can be improved with both full and partial resistance training, full resistance may lead to greater strength gains.

The article reports on research which was conducted to compare the internal load responses (session rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and salivary cortisol) in players between simulated and official basketball matches (SM and OM). Researchers evaluated 10 players. They found that there was a greater magnitude of cortisol and session RPE responses after OM as compared with that after SM.

The article reports on research which was conducted to examine the effects a workplace-based resistance training intervention had on different health, fitness and work-related measures in untrained men (bus drivers). Researchers evaluated 48 drivers. They found that a periodized resistance training intervention performed within the workplace improved different aspects of health and fitness in untrained men, thereby potentially providing other work-related benefits.