Search

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of two complex training sequences on acute post-activation potentiation enhancement in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Methods: Twenty-two recreationally active males performed CMJ before and 1, 4, and 8 min after two sequences of complex training conducted in reverse order, consisting of a heavy load comprising three sets of squats with a 15% velocity-loss and three sets of maximal CMJ with a 10% height-loss for the low load. Results: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the interaction time × condition in CMJ variables. At the individual level, 23, 9, and 32% of participants improved CMJ performance in the high loads–low loads sequence at 1, 4, and 8 min compared to the baseline, respectively. In comparison, 14%, 23%, and 27% of participants improved CMJ performance in the light loads–high loads sequence. Eight participants in each sequence did not improve CMJ performance at any time, although these participants were not the same in both sequences. Conclusions: Stronger athletes (1.65 ± 0.28 relative force) seemed to benefit more from the high loads-low loads sequence. In conclusion, there were no non-responders, as all the participants improved at some time point. The strength levels may be one of the moderating variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caffeine is a widely recognized ergogenic aid for enhancing exercise performance. However, its effect on throwing performance has been less studied, yielding contradictory results. Objectives: The main aim of the study was to analyze the potential ergogenic effects of a moderate dose of caffeine (3 mg·kg−1 body mass) on vertical jump performance and throwing distance during a simulated competition in trained discus and hammer throwers. Methods: In a randomized, counterbalanced, and repeated measures design, 14 well-trained throwers (9 hammer throwers and 5 discus throwers; age 24.8 ± 6.3 years old, training 14.9 ± 5.0 h per week, competing experience 10.5 ± 6.1 years) performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, a modified throw, and a complete throw after the ingestion of 3 mg·kg⁻¹ body mass of caffeine or a placebo. Each participant performed three maximal-effort valid modified throws of his/her respective event (i.e., hammer or discus throw), plus three maximal-effort valid official throws (up to five tries, respectively, in case any attempt was called as foul). Throwing distance was measured according to World Athletics regulations using a metal tape, while release speed was assessed with a radar device. After the performance measurements, participants completed a form about side effects prevalence. Results: Caffeine, compared to placebo, increased throw distance (3.0 ± 5.1%, p = 0.048) and speed release (5.7 ± 8.7%, p = 0.03) for the complete throw, and distance (3.6 ± 4.4%, p = 0.01) and speed release (4.8 ± 7.4 %, p = 0.01) for the modified throw. Caffeine ingestion did not significantly improve jump height (1.1 ± 4.3%, p = 0.28), although it improved force and power on braking and the propulsive phases of the CMJ (p < 0.05). Caffeine only increased the prevalence of activeness (p < 0.05). Conclusions: An acute moderate dose of caffeine enhanced hammer and discus throw performance in well-trained throwers during a simulated competitive setting, with minimal adverse side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable organizational model for teaching the university subject of Outdoor Activities in relation to learning acquisition and satisfaction. For this purpose, four models were designed, some of which were dominated by traditional education and others by innovative education. The data collection instruments were the Spanish version of the Physical Education of the Sport Satisfaction Instrument, adapted to the university context, and the questionnaire on the contents of the subject designed ad hoc. Data collection was carried out before and after the intervention with a total of 125 students. For data analysis, an ANCOVA was performed. The results showed that there were significant differences in satisfaction between groups (p = 0.029), but not in the boredom scale (p = 0.109). With regard to acquisition of learning between groups, there were significant differences (p = 0.005) in the overall grade of the subject. There were also significant differences in the scores for content taught differently depending on the group (p = 0.003), with a higher score in the most innovative group, the intensive-continuous group, compared to the fractioned (p = 0.005) and classic groups (p = 0.015). It is concluded that there is a positive effect between direct and continuous contact with nature, both in the acquisition of learning and in student satisfaction, with the most innovative model obtaining the best results of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyse the effects of shoes with increased longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS) on 3,000 m performance, pacing strategy, heart rate, and biomechanics in trained runners. Twelve male trained runners performed a 3,000 m time trial test in an experimental shoe with a carbon fibre plate to increase the LBS (LBS-increased) and a Control shoe (without carbon fibre plate). Running performance (total time), pacing, heart rate, and biomechanical variables were registered and analysed for each 1000 m split. An individual analysis of the responders was performed based on the smallest worthwhile change. The 3,000 m time trial performance improved by 0.74% (585.83 ± 33.39 vs. 590.17 ± 34.35 s, p < 0.001, large d = 0.829) in the LBS-increased condition compared to the Control condition with a high inter-individual variability. There were no significant differences for the split effect (p = 0.898, small ηp2 = 0.021). The performance improvement was accompanied by an increase in step length (p < 0.001, large ηp2 = 0.717) throughout the time trial test and an increase of flight time in the split 1 and 2 (p < 0.05, moderate d = 0.793, 0.686, respectively) and vertical oscillation in the split 2 and 3 (p < 0.05, moderate d = 0.727, 0.652). However, the heart rate remained unchanged between conditions. The increase of LBS in footwear can improve 3,000 m performance without causing changes in the pacing strategy. Small modifications in running kinematics accompanied the improvements in running performance but without changes in heart rate. Moreover, LBS-increased did not affect all runners equally highlighting the need for further understanding of individual responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to analyse the trend in the use of rotational vs. glide shot-put techniques in World Championships in the last two decades and their association with shot-put performance. Methods. The technique used, and the throwing distance obtained by the finalists in the shot-put competitions (56 men and 55 women) in the World Championships between 2001 to 2019 were analysed. Results. In men, the use of the glide technique was less frequent than in women (30.6 vs. 87.7%; p < .01). In men, there has been a progressive reduction in the use of the glide technique (from 7 out of 10 shot putters in Paris in 2003 to 0 out of 12 shot putters in Doha in 2019). Although a similar tendency is observed in women athletes, the glide technique is still the principal style employed by women throwers (7 out of 12 women shot putters in Doha 2019). Throwing distance was similar between glide throwers and rotational shot putters in both men (20.66 ± 0.67 vs. 20.92 ± 0.88 m; d = 0.32; p = .128) and women athletes (18.85 ± 0.91 vs. 18.75 ± 0.71 m; d = 0.10; p = .753). In summary, the use of the rotational style in shot-put has increased in men athletes. A clear trend towards the use of the rotational technique is also present in women although the glide style is still the most prevalent. However, there are no differences in shot-put performance between techniques that justify the use of the rotational over the glide technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]