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The purpose of this study was to investigate whether perception of barbell velocity (PV) is affected by fatigue induced by 2 different training protocols. Twenty-two subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: 10% velocity loss group (VL10) and repetitions to failure group (EX). Both protocols included 5 sets at 75% 1 repetition maximum but differed in the number of repetitions performed (Reps). Perception of barbell velocity was assessed in the back squat exercise during a test with 3 blinded loads (heavy, medium, light) 1 day rested (REST) and 1 day immediately following 1 of the 2 designated training protocols (POST). The accuracy of the PV was analyzed by calculating the delta score (ds), that is, the difference between perceived velocity (Vp) and real velocity of the barbell (Vr). During training, each group performed significantly different Reps per set (VL10: 3.9 6 1.4; EX: 13.8 6 6.3, p, 0.001) and consequently reported different levels of perceived exertion and repetitions in reserve (p, 0.001). Real velocity and ds did not change between REST and POST-VL10 conditions at all loads. Although a significant decrease in Vr was found at light and medium loads (p, 0.05) between REST and POST in the EX-Group, no significant differences were detected in the ds. These results demonstrate that Vp is a stable parameter on which practitioners can base their training despite different levels of fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research conducted to investigate the variations of physiological and perceptual variables during a 10,000-meter race walking event in an effort to trace a performance profile of the distance. Researchers evaluated 14 male athletes. They found that they spent 95.4% at 90-100% of their peak heart rate and that during the race, a shift toward higher heart rate values was observed because the percentage of heart rate increased by 3.6% in the last 1,000-meter sector.

Background: In Paralympic sports, classification ensures fair competition by grouping athletes based on their impairments. The International Paralympic Committee has provided scientific principles to guide evidence-based classification procedures. In Paralympic Powerlifting, athletes compete in one class, divided by sex and bodyweight categories, overlooking impairment impact on performance. Objective: This study aimed to establish a consensus among international Paralympic powerlifting experts regarding classification and performance issues to guide future research. Methods: A two-round Delphi study was conducted involving 26 experts. The study sought to identify the adequacy of the current classification and competition systems, explore the impact of various impairments, and lay the initial groundwork for a performance determinants model. Results: Experts agreed that existing classification and competition systems in Paralympic powerlifting do not align with Paralympic standards. Impairments from neurological conditions and those causing anthropometric changeswere suggested to have opposing performance impacts. Initial directions for a performance determinants model were outlined, focusing on arm and bar kinematics, anthropometry, and body composition. Conclusions: This study underscores the need for comprehensive research in Paralympic powerlifting, revealing critical discrepancies between current classification system and Paralympic standards. Insights into the multifaceted relationship between impairments and performance are provided to shape the future of Paralympic powerlifting research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess 16-wk improvements of physical fitness, metabolic, and psychological parameters in people living with HIV (PLWH) exercising with the support of a smartphone application, as compared with a control group exercising without application. Methods: This was a randomized, open-label, pilot study enrolling PLWH in a 16-wk protocol consisting of moderate physical activity three times per week, which included an initial coach-supervised period of 4 wk, followed by 12 wk where participants trained independently. Participants were allocated to either an experimental group that trained using a smartphone application (APP) or a control group that practiced following a hard copy training program (No-APP). At baseline (BL) and after 16 wk (W16), patients were assessed for cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood lipid profile, and POMS. Results: Forty-eight PLWH were screened and 38 were eligible: 20 were allocated to the APP group and 18 to the No-APP group. Two APP and two No-APP participants were lost to follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a W16 improvement from BL of ≥15% V˙ O2peak in 13 (72%) of 18 in APP, but only in 3 (19%) of 16 in No-APP participants (P = 0.025). Significant W16 improvements were observed in APP, but not in No-APP participants, in V˙O2peak; fat mass and fat-free mass percent; total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides; vigor; and total mood by POMS. Accordingly, significant percent change differences between the APP and the No-APP groups were observed in V˙O2peak; fat and fat-free mass percent; total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides; and depression, vigor, anger, and total mood by POMS. Conclusions: Exercising using a smartphone application improved cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, cholesterol profiles, and psychological outcomes in PLWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]