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Background: Participation in soccer training is beneficial for the development of energetic motor abilities and coordination abilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of closed-skill bodyweight resistance exercises which differ in their jumping movement structure, on jumping skills in youth soccer players. It was hypothesized that the examined exercises provide a better stimulus than soccer training for jumping development. Methods: Twenty-six young soccer players participated in the study. They were assigned to a strength training soccer group (SSG, n = 15) or a soccer group (SG, n = 11). The SSG realized a 9-week strength training in addition to soccer training. The following measurements were taken: countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJas), countermovement jump without arm swing (CMJ), an indicator of coordination of the upper limbs (CMJas -- CMJ), and anaerobic power of CMJ (Pmax CMJ). Results: The obtained results showed similar improvements in jumping skills in both SSG and SG groups. Moreover, the results revealed a difference between both groups in pre- and post-training conditions for correlation coefficients observed between jumping variables. Conclusions: The strength exercises used in this study are not more beneficial for developing jumping skills than conventional soccer training among youth soccer players. Moreover, the strength training sessions should be based on a model of motor control in soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goals. We assessed the possibilities of correcting the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) content and profiles in feces of patients with bronchial asthma. Background. It was established that the high biological diversity of intestinal microorganisms promotes the needed SCFAs production, which induces immune regulatory pathways and contributes to the anti-inflammatory response. Study. A group of 30 patients with allergic bronchial asthma (BA) were investigated in our study. All of the patients were tested for the presence of SIBO by the SCFA spectrum determination. For the SIBO treatment, 10 patients from the studied group were prescribed Rifaximinum with the 200 mg dose at 3 times a day for a week; the other 10 patients were prescribed Rifaximinum at the same dose, followed by the administration of the Lactobalance probiotic in capsules at 3 times a day for a month. A month probiotic course was assigned to the remaining 10 patients without SIBO, as part of the BA complex therapy. The SCFA studies were immediately carried out for all of the patients after the 1 month probiotic therapy course. Results. A normalization of the SCFA spectrum and anaerobic index for all of the studied patients were noted. Upon taking the probiotics, it was revealed in the patients without SIBO that the total content of fatty acids (p < 0.001), acetic and butyric acid (p < 0.001) had increased. The Rifaximinum course, followed by administration of the probiotics led to a decrease of the relative amount of isoacids and ratio of isoacids/acids in the studied patients as compared to the patients who had received Rifaximinum for the SIBO treatment only (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The obtained results demonstrate a potential opportunity of the drug influence on the active bacterial metabolites composition and amount in the intestinal biotope; as it was confirmed by the restoration of the intestinal microbiocenosis and microorganism habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While participating in an intensive training process, the athlete's body requires not only energy, but also specific macro- and microelements. The purpose of this study was to show the meaning of monitoring the level of mineral trace elements in athletes-wrestlers during physical activity. As an experimental group, 66 male wrestlers aged 18-20 years with at least 3 years of intensive wrestling experience were examined. The control group consisted of 92 young cadets of military school aged 18-20 years, who had previous sports training, but were not engaged in wrestling. To determine the quantitative content of trace elements, the hair was cut from the back of the head for the entire length in an amount of at least 0.1 g. an examined using the mass spectrometer ICPMS Agilent 7900. Strong positive correlations were found for sodium with potassium and rubidium, magnesium with calcium, potassium with rubidium, and rubidium with caesium among wrestlers. Wrestlers were found to have higher levels of a number of macro- and microelements, including toxic ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the acute effects of partial range of motion (pROM) exercises, on the accuracy of soccer penalty kicks on goal. This method limits the joint from moving through the complete length of a motion, creates an occlusion effect, and thus causes the type 1 muscle fibers to work anaerobically. Thirty-six soccer players, with 5-8 years of soccer playing experience, were pretested for accuracy then retested (rtt = 0.92) and divided into random groups from the Associação Banco do Brasil Futebol Clube—Group A, Paraná Futebol Clube—Group P, and Coritiba Futebol Clube—Group C. Groups were composed of 12 people performing full range of motion (fROM) exercises or pROM exercises. Both groups performed 5 sets of back squats at 50% of body weight in sets of 40 seconds with metronome tempo of 56 bpm for an average of 10-12 repetitions per 40-second set. Blood samples were collected post-warm-up, after the 3rd set, and following the 5th set for both groups, within 3–5 minutes of cessation of exercise. Athletes performing fROM exercises showed increased blood lactate from 2.69 ± 0.2 to 4.0 ± 1.2 mmol/L (p < 0.05), and in pROM, blood lactate increased from 2.48 ± 0.42 to 10.29 ± 1.3 mmol/L (p < 0.001). In fROM, accuracy decreased from 42.96 ± 13.39 % to 41.37 ± 17.25 % (p > 0.1), a slight decrease, while in the pROM groups, accuracy decreased from 45.42 ± 14.93 % to 24.53 ± 10.2 % (p < 0.001). The calculations demonstrating average percentages of accuracy are presented in the tables. These findings support that pROM exercises significantly increase blood lactate resulting in a reduction in soccer kick accuracy. This decrease in accuracy directly correlates to the accumulation of lactic acid and hydrogen ions (H+) and demonstrates that pROM strength training should not be utilized prior to a sport-specific session in order to avoid interference with the development of special skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Judo coaches respond to stress during one-day tournaments, as evidenced by significant changes in hormonal status. The cumulative effect of stressful stimuli was noticeable especially at the end of the day. The results of the present study indicate the usefulness of using tools and a way to study stress among coaches. A similar research protocol can be used to assess stress responses to single-day stimuli associated with other social and occupational roles in healthy middle-aged men. Background: Watching athletic tournaments induces emotional and physiological responses in sports fans and coaches. The aim of the study was to investigate hormonal and cardiovascular responses in judo coaches observing the fights of their athletes during one-day, high-level tournaments. Material and methods: We studied the biological responses of a group of seventeen judo club coaches between the ages of 39 and 57 years to a one-day judo tournament attended by the adult male and/or female athletes that they coached. At the time of the tournaments and also in neutral conditions, the coaches' capillary blood and saliva samples were collected concurrently two times a day, both at 7:30 a.m. and after completion of the tournament (at about 8:00 p.m.). Cardiovascular parameters were also determined at the same times of day. Sleep quality (SQ) was assessed on a 6-point scale both on the night preceding the tournament and in neutral conditions. Cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) levels were determined from serum and saliva samples. The results for both days at different times of day were compared. Results: Statistical calculations showed higher concentrations of cortisol and a greater reduction of testosterone levels in serum and saliva at the end of the day during the tournament compared with those on a neutral day. Morning and evening cardiovascular indices were higher during the tournament. Conclusion: The study showed that during one-day tournaments, judo coaches were exposed to stress that induced intermittent hormonal changes in blood and saliva and activated the autonomic nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize the changes in oxygenation derived from muscle near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during aerobic constant-load exercise with intensities close to Maximal Lactate Steady-State (MLSS) and (2) to establish reference values in the world-class rowers, for such workload often included in rowing training programs. Eight senior world-class rowers performed an incremental progressive submaximal exercise test and a 30-minute test on a rowing ergometer. The power corresponding to intensive aerobic training (84±1% of the anaerobic threshold) was adopted as an exercise load in the 30-minute test. The NIRS device was fixed on the vastus lateralis muscle which was active during rowing to record muscle O2 saturation (SmO2) and total hemoglobin concentration (THb) at rest and during exercise. Statistically significant increments in blood lactate (LA) and heart rate (HR) were observed, with 1.18±0.61 mmol/l and 10±5 beats/min, respectively, in 30th minute compared to 10th minute in 30-minute test. SmO2 decreased significantly by 2.9±1.4%, whereas THb did not change. The examinations may suggested the low diagnostic value of THb in constant-load exercise. In each subject, SmO2 was gradually reduced during the intense aerobic exercise. During workload close to MLSS, the SmO2 of the vastus lateralis ranged from 14.0±3.13 to 11.1 ±2.81% in 10 and 30 minutes respectively, with a reduction in muscle oxygenation (ΔSmO2) exceeding 50%. The non-invasive nature of the NIRS measurement and the continuous monitoring of SmO2 values are useful in the practice of monitoring training in terms of aerobic training loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To study the possibilities of using phytopreparations to increase the adaptive capabilities of the animals on which the experiments were conducted in swimming. Methods: 100 mongrel male rats were divided into 5 groups of 20 animals in each one. For 30 days running, the animals were immersed for 10 min in a bath with water at a temperature of +4 °C. In addition to cold exposure, the animals of the first three groups were injected per os with stress protectors 30 min before the immersion in water. The rats of the first group received an inhibitor of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase, the second group was given an extract of Eleutherococcus, and the third group took an extract of Ligusticum wallichii. As a placebo, to control the effect of the stress protectors, the rats of the fourth group were injected per os with 0.9% NaCl solution, and the animals in the fifth group were not given any drugs. On days 1, 4 and 30 of the experiment, five randomly selected animals from each group were decapitated, the heart and liver were removed, and the activity of tissue enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)—was analyzed. Results: The animals in the control group displayed a decrease in the activity of most of the studied enzymes, increasing from the 1st to the 30th day of the experiment. The NaCl solution had practically no effect on the analyzed parameters. Against the use of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor, the activity of the enzymes did not change as compared with the pre-intervention level. On the first day of ingestion, the effects of the Ligusticum wallichii extract were similar to those of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor. On the 30th day of ingestion, the effects of the Eleutherococcus extract were practically indistinguishable from those of the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor. Conclusions: The data obtained suggest the presence of cytoprotective effects in the two phytopreparations that are similar to the enzyme gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase inhibitor. In this case, the effect of the extract of Ligusticum wallichii is more pronounced under the acute stress conditions, and the extract of Eleutherococcus, under the chronic stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Speed climbing is different from the other climbing specializations because high efficiency in this competition is primarily determined by the high efficiency of lower limbs. The assessment of the magnitude of the relations between the level of force, velocity, and power of a single jump with the level of the specific-climbing power and time of a climbing run may have a high informative value. Material and Methods. Participants in the research were men (n = 8), taking part in the Czech Republic's Open formula speed climbing championships. Motor performance was measured using the countermovement jump (CMJ). The measurements were made with the use of My Jump application. The analyses assessed power, force, and velocity during a CMJ jump. The Margaria--Kalamen formula was used to estimate the special climbing power. Results. The data indicate that velocity, power, the height of the CMJ jump, and the special climbing power closely correlate with climbing time. Statistically significant correlations were noted between the special climbing power and velocity, power, and height of the CMJ. Conclusions. In speed climbing running time and climbing power is probably more strongly correlated with velocity, than the force component. My Jump app can become a worthy diagnostic tool, being able to provide information about kinetic parameters, which is highly valuable for speed climbing coaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes to key aerobic performance determinants, namely maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max), lactate threshold (LT) and gross efficiency (GE) over the cycling season. METHODS: Twelve well-trained road cyclists completed three incremental tests during a season in order to determine VO 2max , LT and GE. The laboratory tests were performed using the following sequence: after the transition period (TRAN), during the preparatory period (PREP) and during the competition period (COMP). RESULTS: VO 2max did not change significantly over the season. Workload at lactate threshold (WL LT) increased by 11% between the TRAN and COMP periods (p < 0.001), which was accompanied by an increase in oxygen uptake at lactate threshold (VO 2LT ; p < 0.01). The percentage of VO 2max at the LT changed from 80.1% to 85.6% (p < 0.05). GE increased from 21.9 ± 1.1% in TRAN to 22.8 ± 0.8% in COMP (p < 0.01). No significant correlations were found between VO 2max and GE and between changes in GE and those in VO 2max in any training period. CONCLUSIONS: In well-trained athletes, the training process contributes mostly to improvements in submaximal indicators, while it does not change VO 2max. GE is an indicator that is expected to improve over the season, but further research is needed to explain the mechanisms responsible for the individual fluctuations of the GE value in athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In men’s artistic gymnastics, results that are particularly appreciated are those obtained in all-around and individual events such as the floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bar. However, few studies have explored the dependency of anthropometric characteristics and fitness from age category or the event preferred by gymnasts. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the somatic type, body composition and values of some anthropometric and fitness characteristics and indices of gymnasts according to age and preferred event. A total of 53 male gymnasts (19 seniors and 34 juniors) were examined right before the Polish Senior and Junior Championships in Artistic Gymnastics in Warsaw (May 25 to 28, 2017). We examined the characteristics of body length, skeletal system mass, muscle mass, skinfold thickness, and body mass (Tanita S.C.-330S). Body composition (Durnin and Womersley equations), somatotypes (Heath-Carter methodology), handgrip strength (Takei dynamometer), body balance (UPST), the power of the lower limbs (CMJ) were evaluated. Senior gymnasts presented higher than juniors experience, mesomorphy and had higher values in fitness tests of handgrip strength and power of lower limbs (p<0.05). The specialists in floor exercises and vault characterized in higher mesomorphy and lower ectomorphy (p<0.05) and better results of CMJ (p<0.05). We concluded: The seniors demonstrated natural predominance over juniors in several somatic and fitness variables. Detected differences can be useful in the process of identification and development of gymnastic talent. The detected effect of preferred event on certain variables that characterize body build and physical fitness can be useful for choosing a specialization in gymnastic event. A high skill level in all-around events at a national competitive level can be achieved by an athlete characterized by adequate experience, a mesomorphy somatotype component, lower limb index, pelvi-acromial index and relative HGSmax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speed climbing is the most dynamic discipline among all climbing sports. Previous studies have emphasized the combined strength and speed character of speed climbing (determined by high level of anaerobic power of the muscles). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the level of mechanical power of the muscles generated during specific climbing movements in competition speed climbing at the level of the final rounds of the IFSC World Cup. The material for the study was provided by the somatic data and scores obtained by six speed climbers who regularly participated in speed climbing events during the IFSC World Cup. The analyses were performed based on the results derived from the IFSC World Cup played on 7 to 8 May 2016 in Nankin, China. The findings of this study lead to the following conclusions: Development of the level of relative anaerobic power in speed climbers represents the basis for the training process. The Margaria-Kalamen formula is likely to represent a valuable tool for evaluation of the level of sport-specific power in speed climbing. One of the determinants of high sportspecific power in speed climbing is high level of technical skills. The values of sport-specific power parameters can be useful in recruitment of athletes in speed climbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to determine the principal somatic and motor determinants for elite climbers. Methods: Twenty climbers were examined [age: 28.5±6.1 years].The runners were divided into two groups based on their climbing level, according to the International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA). Elite climbers represented a 8b-8c Rotpunkt (RP) climbing level (n = 6), and advanced climbers represented an 7c+-8a RP level (n = 14). The following measurements were assessed: height, weight, lean body mass, upper limb length, arm span, and forearm, arm, thigh and calf circumference. The BMI, Rohrer ratio, and Ape Index were also measured. The following motor tests were assessed: a specific test for finger strength, an arm strength test, and a test of muscle endurance (hanging from 2.5 and 4 cm ledges). In addition, pull ups were used to measure muscle resistance to fatigue. Results: Elite climbers recorded significantly higher values for finger strength than advanced climbers (129.08 vs. 111.54 kg; t(18) = 2.35, p = 0.03) and arm endurance (33.17 vs. 25.75 pull ups; t(18) = 2.54, p = 0.02). In addition, the calf circumference was significantly lower in elite climbers than that in advanced climbers (34.75 vs. 36.93 cm; t(18) = 3.50, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The results suggest that elite climbers have greater finger strength and arm endurance than advanced climbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to determine the values of selected somatic characteristics, body proportions, and the somatotype of elite bouldering climbers in Poland and to establish the relationships between the values of the somatic characteristics and climber's performance in bouldering. The study was conducted in a group of elite sport climbers (n = 10) who were ranked by the Polish Mountaineering Association in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The anthropometric measurements were made according to the relevant rules and standards. The results were used to calculate the values of somatic variables and body proportion indices for the climbers and to establish their somatotype. The results were compared with the data on untrained students (n = 165). The boulderers were found to differ significantly from the controls regarding body height (p < 0.01), body mass (p ≤ 0.05), body density (p < 0.01), fat mass percentage (FM%) (p < 0.01), fat mass (FMkg) (p < 0.01), lean body mass (p ≤ 0.05), arm span (p ≤ 0.05), and leg length (p < 0.01). Body proportions in the groups significantly differed in the arm length index (p < 0.01), arm-to-leg length ratio (p < 0.01), and in the indices of the forearm (p < 0.01), thigh (p < 0.01 ), and lower leg (p ≤ 0.05) muscles. With regard to the somatotypes of the analyzed groups, the biggest differences were observed for the levels of mesomorphy (NS) and endomorphy, the latter being statistically significant (p < 0.01). The strongest and significant correlations between the competitive level of the climbers and the values of their somatic characteristics were established for FM% (r = -0.81), fat mass (in kilograms) (r = -0.82), body density (r= 0.81), endomorphy (r = -0.74), arm length (r = 0.77), and the arm length index (r = 0.80). The results of linear regression showed that the competitive level of a bouldering climber was significantly explained (p < 0.01) by fat mass (in kilograms) and the value of the arm length index. A high level of performance in bouldering is related to small stature (an ecto-mesomorph somatotype) and a low body fat percentage (low endomorphy). Regarding body proportions, greater than average arm length to body height ratio and well-developed musculature of the limbs are required for a boulderer to perform on a competitive level. High arm length index and low body fat percentage represent the strongest determinants of performance in bouldering. It can be assumed that arm length index has a high diagnostic value for recruitment and selection of climbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An aim of this work was to determine the influence of women's experimental training using kettlebells on selected components of physical fitness. Material/Methods Two groups of women, experimental (N = 20) and control (N = 20), took part in this study. In order to determine the influence of the training program developed by the present authors, participants were subjected to examinations aimed to assess the level of selected components of physical fitness (speed of hand movements, flexibility, explosive strength of lower limbs muscles, strength endurance of abdominal muscles and hip flexors, strength endurance of upper limbs muscles and the shoulder girdle, agility, the maximum oxygen uptake, the maximum and average power). Results Women who participated in kettlebells training showed statistically significant changes in all the examined components of physical fitness. In this group the greatest increase (84.25%) occurred in the endurance strength of upper limbs and the shoulder girdle. However, standard fitness training was more beneficial for shaping flexibility. Conclusions A key element to the benefit of circuit training with kettlebells use (and additional exercises carried out in this training) is a possibility to improve comprehensive physical fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to determine which types of specific tests provide an effective evaluation of strength and endurance in highly trained competitive sport climbers. The research process consisted of three basic components: the measurement of selected somatic characteristics of the climbers, the assessment of their physical conditioning, and a search for correlations between the anthropometric and "conditioning" variables on the one hand, and climber's performance on the other. The sample of subjects consisted of 14 experienced volunteer climbers capable of handling 7a- 8a+/b on-sight rock climbing grades. The strongest correlations (Spearman's rank) were found between climber's competence and the relative results of the finger strength test (r = 0.7); much lower, but still statistically significant coefficients were found between the level of competence and the results of the muscle endurance tests (r = 0.53 = 0.57). Climbers aspiring to attain an elite level must have strong finger and forearm muscles, but most of all, they must be capable of releasing their potential during specific motor capability tests engaging these parts of the body. The forearm muscles of elite climbers must also be very resistant to fatigue. Since highly trained athletes vary only slightly in body mass, this variable does not have a major effect on their performance during strength and endurance tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Intensive physical activity largely modulates resting concentrations of blood cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) and their molar ratio, which is defined as the anabolic–catabolic index and expressed as T/C × 102. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the author's high-intensity training program on T, C, T/C × 102, and selected physical fitness indices in men between 35 and 40 years of age. Methods: The experiment was conducted on a group of 30 healthy men, divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group followed a high-intensity 8-week training program, which included three sessions per week, each of them lasting 1 h and consisting of intensive-interval exercises followed by strength circuit exercises. The controls did not change their previous recreational physical activity. T, C, and T/C × 102 were measured before and after the experiment for all participants. Physical performance was examined using a standardized laboratory exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Results: There were statistically significant increases in T (by 36.7%) and T/C × 102 (by 59%), while C somewhat dropped (by 12%) in the experimental group. No changes in the hormonal indices were found in the control group. After completing the experimental training, there were no statistically significant changes in aerobic capacity, but it improved muscle strength in the men studied. Conclusions: High-intensity interval training, continued over an 8-week period, modulates (significantly and positively) the balance between testosterone and cortisol levels and improves physical capacity in men aged 35–40 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]