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Monitoring performance-related characteristics of athletes can reveal changes that facilitate training adaptations. Here, we examine the relationships between submaximal running, maximal jump performance (CMJ), concentrations of blood lactate, sleep duration (SD) and latency (SL), and perceived stress (PSS) in junior cross-country skiers during pre-season training. These parameters were monitored in 15 male and 14 females (17 ± 1 years) for the 12-weeks prior to the competition season, and the data was analysed using linear and mixed-effect models. An increase in SD exerted a decrease in both PSS (B = -2.79, p ≤ 0.01) and blood lactate concentrations during submaximal running (B = -0.623, p ≤ 0.05). In addition, there was a negative relationship between SL and CMJ (B = -0.09, p = 0.08). Compared to males, females exhibited higher PSS scores and little or no change in performance-related tests. A significant interaction between time and sex was present in CMJ with males displaying an effect of time on CMJ performance. For all athletes, lower PSS appeared to be associated with longer overnight sleep. Since the females experienced higher levels of stress, monitoring of their PSS might be beneficial. These findings have implications for the preparation of young athletes’ competition season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated physiological, mental and physical performance changes during a 20-day winter military training course and the following 10-day recovery period. Fifty-eight (age 19 ± 1 years, height 182 ± 6 cm, body mass 78.5 ± 7.2 kg) male soldiers volunteered. Body composition, serum biomarker levels and performance tests were measured four times during the study. In addition, questionnaires were collected daily for subjective stress and rate of perceived exertion. The course induced significant declines in body (−3.9%, p < 0.05) and fat mass (−31.6%, p < 0.05) as well as in all assessed physical performance variables (−9.2 - −20.2%, p < 0.05), testosterone (−73.7%, p < 0.001) and IGF-1 concentrations (−43.6%, p < 0.001). At the same time, the sex hormone-binding globulin, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein values increased significantly (46.3–1952.7%, p < 0.05). After the 10-day recovery period, the body composition and hormonal values returned to the baseline (p < 0.05), as did some physical performance variables, such as 2 min sit-ups and the evacuation test (p < 0.05). However, explosive force production in the upper and lower bodies remained unrecovered. The 20-day winter military training caused significant physiological and mental stress, as well as a drastic decline in physical performance even for highly physically fit soldiers, and the 10-day recovery period did not establish full recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated performance changes during three runs (1 min recovery) of repeated military simulation task test (RMST) and its associations with physical performance. Voluntary male soldiers (N = 114) participated in a series of measurements of physical performance. Lower body explosive force production, anaerobic endurance and upper body strength endurance together explained 58% of the variance in the first RSMT (p < 0.001). The same variables explained the variance in the second and third runs of RSMT by 60% and 51%, but explosive force production was replaced with aerobic endurance, assessed by the 3.2 km loaded run (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the role of explosive power of the lower body decreased and military specific aerobic endurance increased when occupational performance was assessed under acute fatigue even during a short high-intensity test. These results may benefit tactical strength and conditioning coaches in training optimisation for improved occupational performance in military. Practioners summary: Soldiers are required to perform occupational tasks in a repeated manner with short recovery time. In the present study, the role of explosive power of the lower body decreased and military specific aerobic endurance increased when occupational performance was assessed with a repeated high-intensity task specific performance test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operation of naval vessels involves watchkeeping 24 h per day, which is globally carried out by a variety of different watch systems. In this study, the rotating 4:4 and fixed 4:4/6:6 two-section watch systems were compared in terms of sleepiness, fatigue, and stress responses. The data collection took place on a Finnish Defence Forces' (FDF) Navy missile patrol boat with 15 crew members serving as study participants. The data collection periods lasted two separate weeks (7 days, 6 nights) with the different watch systems. The subjective sleepiness of the participants was assessed before and after every watch using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS). Stress responses were assessed daily by the recorded levels of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol (sCor), immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and dehydroepiandrosterone (sDHEA). The participants' sustained attention, inhibitory control, and working memory were assessed daily by cognitive tests (SART, N-Back). The heart rate variability (HRV) during an orthostatic test was used as an additional daily marker to assess the amount of psychological stress of the participants. In this study, the difference regarding sleepiness and fatigue between the study weeks was most visible in the subjective KSS, which clearly favored the 4:4/6:6 system. The results of sAA and sIgA also suggested that the subjects were psychologically less stressed during the study week with the 4:4/6:6 watch system. Cognitive test results (SART, N-Back) indicated that there were overall no significant differences in the subjects' sustained attention, inhibitory control, or working memory during the study weeks or between the study weeks. The results of the HRV data during the daily orthostatic tests were inconclusive but there was some indication that the subjects were less stressed during the study week with the 4:4/6:6 watch system. In conclusion, the present study indicates that in navy surface operations: working with the fixed 4:4/6:6 watch system causes less sleepiness, fatigue, and psychological stress than working with the rotating 4:4 watch system. The study result is well in line with previous research regarding watch systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the characteristics of electromyography (EMG) and kinematics of the supporting leg affecting energy cost while running at incline, level, and decline slopes. Twelve male Japanese middle- and long-distance runners volunteered for this study. The subjects were asked to run at 13.5 km·h−1 on a treadmill under three slope conditions. Sagittal plane kinematics and the EMG of the lower limb muscles, respiratory gases were recorded. Energy cost differed significantly between slopes, being the lowest in decline slope and the greatest in incline slope. Integrated EMG (iEMG) of leg extensor muscles was greater in the incline slope than in the decline slope, and iEMG of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles correlated positively with energy cost. The knee and ankle joint kinematics were associated with energy cost during running. In incline slope, the knee and ankle joints were more extended (plantarflexed) to lift the body. These movements may disturb the coordination between the ankle and knee joints. The gastrocnemius muscle would do greater mechanical work to plantarflex the ankle joint rather than transfer mechanical energy as well as greater mechanical work of mono-articular muscles. These muscular activities would increase energy cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin and core tissue cooling modulates skeletal muscle oxygenation at rest. Whether tissue cooling also influences the skeletal muscle deoxygenation response during exercise is unclear. We evaluated the effects of skin and core tissue cooling on skeletal muscle blood volume and deoxygenation during sustained walking and running. Eleven male participants walked or ran six times on a treadmill for 60 min in ambient temperatures of 22°C (Neutral), 0°C for skin cooling (Cold 1), and at 0°C following a core and skin cooling protocol (Cold 2). Difference between oxy/deoxygenated haemoglobin ([diffHb]: deoxygenation index) and total haemoglobin content ([tHb]: total blood volume) in the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle was measured continuously. During walking, lower [tHb] was observed at 1 min in Cold 1 and Cold 2vs. Neutral (P˂0.05). Lower [diffHb] was seen at 1 and 10 min in Cold 2vs. Neutral by 13.5 ± 1.2 µM and 15.3 ± 1.4 µM and Cold 1 by 10.4 ± 3.1 µM and 11.1 ± 4.1 µM, respectively (P˂0.05). During running, [tHb] was lower in Cold 2vs. Neutral at 10 min only (P = 0.004). [diffHb] was lower at 1 min in Cold 2 by 11.3 ± 3.1 µM compared to Neutral and by 13.5 ± 2.8 µM compared to Cold 1 (P˂0.001). Core tissue cooling, prior to exercise, induced greater deoxygenation of the VL muscle during the early stages of exercise, irrespective of changes in blood volume. Skin cooling alone, however, did not influence deoxygenation of the VL during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the acute neuromuscular and metabolic responses and recovery (24 and 48 h) to combined strength and endurance sessions (SEs). Recreationally endurance trained men (n= 12) and women (n= 10) performed: endurance running followed immediately by a strength loading (combined endurance and strength session (ES)) and the reverse order (SE). Maximal strength (MVC), countermovement jump height (CMJ), and creatine kinase activity were measured pre-, mid-, post-loading and at 24 and 48 h of recovery. MVC and CMJ were decreased (P< 0.05) at post-ES and SE sessions in men. Only MVC decreased in ES and SE women (P< 0.05). During recovery, no order differences in MVC were observed between sessions in men, but MVC and CMJ remained decreased. During recovery in women, a delayed decrease in CMJ was observed in ES but not in SE (P< 0.01), while MVC returned to baseline at 24 h. Creatine kinase increased (P< 0.05) during both ES and SE and peaked in all groups at 24 h. The present combined ES and SE sessions induced greater neuromuscular fatigue at post in men than in women. The delayed fatigue response in ES women may be an order effect related to muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participating in competitive sport increases the risk for injuries and musculoskeletal pain among adolescent athletes. There is also evidence that the use of prescription drugs has increased among sport club athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of painkillers among young male ice hockey players (IHP) in comparison to schoolboys (controls) and its relation to the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and problems during activities and sleeping. Information was gathered through a questionnaire, completed by 121 IHP and compared to the responses of 618 age-matched controls. Results showed that monthly existing pain was at 82% for IHP, and 72% for controls, though IHP had statistically more musculoskeletal pain in their lower limbs (56% vs. 44%), lower back (54% vs. 35%), and buttocks (26% vs. 11%). There were no group differences in the neck, upper back, upper limb, or chest areas. The disability index was statistically similar for both groups, as musculoskeletal pain causing difficulties in daily activities and sleeping was reported by a minority of subjects. Despite this similarity, IHP used more painkillers than controls (18% vs. 10%). Further nuanced research is encouraged to compare athletes and non-athletes in relation to painkillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of morning versus afternoon exercise on acute responses in phosphorylation of proteins regulating muscle size and metabolism. Twenty-two untrained men, divided into the morning (n = 11) or afternoon (n = 11) group, performed maximal isometric leg extensions before and after resistance loading at 07:30–08:30 h and 16:00–17:00 h, respectively. Muscle pre- and postloading biopsies were analyzed for phosphorylated Akt, p70S6K, rpS6, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Erk1/2, and eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF) 2. Muscle force declined after exercise in both groups (p < 0.001). p70S6K Thr389(p < 0.05) and Thr421/Ser424and rpS6 (allp < 0.001) increased after exercise in both groups. The afternoon but not morning group showed postloading decrease (p < 0.05) and increase (p < 0.01) in eEF2 and p38MAPK, respectively. Akt and Erk1/2 were statistically unchanged. In conclusion, the time of day did not have an overall effect on protein synthesis signaling, but morning phosphorylated eEF2 and p38MAPK showed significantly larger between-subject variability in the exercise response compared to the afternoon. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to determine whether elite 1500-m runners differ in their running kinematics from national-standard 1500-m runners. Six national-standard male runners (seasonal best: 3 min 49.2 s ± 3.2 s) were assessed during the second lap of a 1500-m race. Their running kinematics was then compared with those of five elite runners (seasonal best: 3 min 35.6 s ± 2.6 s) analysed during the second lap of the men's 1500-m final at the 2005 World Championships. Data were collected using two high-speed cameras operating at 200 Hz with a three-dimensional pan and tilt system. Running speed was the same for both groups. Despite the similar contact times, the minimum knee angle during the stance phase was greater and the average extension velocity of the knee angle in the same phase slower in the elite runners than in the national-standard runners. In addition, the running technique of the elite runners appears to be characterized by a more efficient function of the hip joint. In conclusion, elite runners may utilize elastic energy more effectively, which, in combination with minimum concentric work, leads to improvements in their running performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to examine physiological responses during motocross riding. Nine Finnish A-level motocross riders performed a 15-min ride at a motocross track and a test of maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2max) in the laboratory. Cardiopulmonary strain was measured continuously during the ride as well as in the [Vdot]O2max test. During the ride, mean [Vdot]O2 was 32 ml · kg-1 · min-1 (s = 4), which was 71% (s = 12) of maximum, while ventilation (VE) was 73% (s = 15) of its maximum. The relative [Vdot]O2 and VE values during the riding correlated with successful riding performance (r = 0.80, P < 0.01 and r = 0.79, P < 0.01, respectively). Mean heart rate was maintained at 95% (s = 7) of its maximum. Mean blood lactate concentration was 5.0 mmol · l-1 (s = 2.0) after the ride. A reduction of 16% (P < 0.001) in maximal isometric handgrip force was observed. In conclusion, motocross causes riders great physical stress. Both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism is required for the isometric and dynamic muscle actions experienced during a ride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of muscle - tendon length on joint moment and power during maximal sprint starts. Nine male sprinters performed maximal sprint starts from the blocks that were adjusted either to 40° or 65° to the horizontal. Ground reaction forces were recorded at 833 Hz using a force platform and kinematic data were recorded at 200 Hz with a film camera. Joint moments and powers were analysed using kinematic and kinetic data. Muscle - tendon lengths of the medial gastrocnemius, soleus, vastus medialis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris were calculated from the set position to the end of the first single leg contact. The results indicated that block velocity (the horizontal velocity of centre of mass at the end of the block phase) was greater (P < 0.01) in the 40° than in the 65° block angle condition (3.39 ± 0.23 vs. 3.30 ± 0.21 m-s-1). Similarly, the initial lengths of the gastrocnemius and soleus of the front leg in the block at the beginning of force production until halfway through the block phase were longer (P < 0.001) in the 40° than in the 65° block angle condition. The initial length and the length in the middle of the block phase were also longer in the 40° than in the 65° block angle condition both for both the gastrocnemius (P < 0.01) and soleus (P < 0.01 -0.05) of the rear leg. In contrast, the initial lengths of the rectus femoris and vastus medialis of the front leg were longer (P < 0.05) in the 65° than in the 40° block angle condition. All differences gradually disappeared during the later block phase. The peak ankle joint moment (P < 0.01) and power (P < 0.05) during the block phase were greater in the 40° than in the 65° block angle condition for the rear leg. The peak ankle joint moment during the block phase was greater (P < 0.05) in the 40° block angle for the front leg, whereas the peak knee joint moment of the rear leg was greater (P < 0.01) in the 65° block angle condition. The results suggest that the longer initial muscle - tendon lengths of the gastrocnemius and soleus in the block phase at the beginning of force production contribute to the greater peak ankle joint moment and power and consequently the greater block velocity during the sprint start. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the leg muscles and the ground reaction forces were recorded in 17 elite male middle-distance runners, who performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) as well as running at different speeds. Electromyograms were recorded from the gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior. The results indicated that the averaged EMG (aEMG) activities of all the muscles studied increased ( P < 0.05) with increasing running speed, especially in the pre-contact and braking phases. At higher speeds, the aEMG activities of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus exceeded 100% MVC in these same phases. These results suggest that maximal voluntary contractions cannot be used as an indicator of the full activation potential of human skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the present results suggest that increased pre-contact EMG potentiates the functional role of stretch reflexes, which subsequently increases tendomuscular stiffness and enhances force production in the braking and/or propulsive phases in running. Furthermore, a more powerful force production in the optimal direction for increasing running speed effectively requires increased EMG activity of the two-joint muscles (biceps femoris, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius) during the entire running cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]