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This study analyzed the physiological and physical demands of recreational team handball (RTH) and the training sessions' (matches) intensity variability in 50--77-year-old postmenopausal women (n = 20) without prior experience with the sport. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), distance covered, time spent in different locomotor categories, accelerations, decelerations, Player Load (PL), game actions and fun levels were evaluated in 245 matches, played indoor (n = 130) or outdoor (n = 115), as small-sided games (3 x 15-min periods). Mean and peak HRs were 79 and 88% of maximal HR (%HRmax), showing reliable values across the training sessions, with time spent in the HR zones showing excellent relative reliability, though poor absolute reliability. Time spent > 80 and > 90%HRmax was 48% and 14% of total match time, respectively. Mean and peak blood lactate values were 2.6 ± 0.8 and 2.9 ± 0.9 mmol · l-1, respectively. RPE was 5.5 ± 1.5, showing good relative though poor absolute reliability, and fun levels were 8.4 ± 1.1 (0--10 scale). Total distance covered was 1878 ± 333 m and the participants spent 54%, 3% and < 1% of total match time walking, fast running and sprinting, respectively. Total PL was 224 ± 41 (AU), with 67% of total match time being spent in low-intensity zones. Participants performed a total of 38 specific high-demanding actions per match, mainly throws (10.6 ± 5.8) and stops (11.0 ± 3.6). RTH training, played as small-sided games, is a high-intensity exercise training mode with high aerobic and anaerobic demands, low RPE and high fun levels for 50--77-year-old women without prior experience with the sport. Average cardiovascular demands were consistent across the training sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of biological maturity status on talent identification and development in youth soccer has been debated extensively. Alternative methods have thus recently emerged to estimate maturity status, such as the Pubertal Development Scale (PDS), but their relationship with physical capabilities of young soccer players still needs to be determined. The present study investigated the relationships of different PDS-derived pubertal status measures, chronological age, and relative age with selected performance variables in youth soccer. Sixty-one male soccer players were assessed for physical capabilities using field tests for sprinting, vertical jumps (countermovement jump, CMJ), intermittent high-intensity endurance, and repeated sprint ability. Chronological age was defined as the number of days since birth, and relative age was defined in terms of age quarters. PDS-derived measures of puberal status, otherwise, were determined as an average PDS score, a PDS category score, and a pubertal category. Chronological age, relative age, and measures of pubertal status were scarcely related (p > 0.05) to selected measures of soccer performance. Significant correlations were only found between different measures of pubertal status and the variable "work" in the CMJ test (range r = 0.33-0.36; p < 0.01) and between chronological age and CMJ height (r = -0.297; p = 0.02). The present results suggest that physical performance of young soccer players is poorly related to chronological age, relative age, and pubertal status. Potential effects of biological maturity status on physical capabilities may not be easily identifiable in a group of young soccer players narrowed in terms of chronological age and training status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to develop two regression equations to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using non-exercise data from a substantial cohort of healthy Iranian adult males. Additionally, this study sought to examine the predictive accuracy of these equations across four different levels of physical activity. Methods: A total of 126 participants (age: 34.9 ± 11.3 years, body mass index [BMI]: 24.9 ± 2.7 kg/m², and body fat percentage [BF%]: 18.3 ± 4.9) completed a maximal graded exercise test to measure VO2max, with a mean of 45.0 ± 3.4 ml.kg−1.min−1. Participants also provided information on age, current physical activity rating (PA-R), and either BMI or BF% to estimate VO2max using Jackson and colleagues' regression equations. The PA-R was assessed via a standardized questionnaire and categorized into four levels: sedentary, low, moderate, and high. Results: The key findings from this study indicate that both original models significantly underestimated actual VO2max in a large cohort of Iranian adults (both, p <.001 and mean differences exceeding 2.19 ml.kg−1.min−1). Nevertheless, these models provided accurate predictions for VO2max among individuals with moderate levels of physical activity (both, p >.08 and mean differences between 0.51 and 1.03 ml.kg−1.min−1). Furthermore, the models demonstrated moderate validity, as evidenced by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.841 and a coefficient of variation averaging 10.9%, with a range from 8.5% to 13.6%. Conclusions: While Jackson's two non-exercise models showed limited accuracy in predicting VO2max among Iranian healthy male adults, they exhibited reasonable precision, particularly among moderately active men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate i) if a recreational futsal (RF) training session elicits post-exercise hypotension (PEH), ii) the impact of a 3-month RF intervention on PEH, and iii) the association between PEH in the early phase of the intervention with resting blood pressure (BP) chronic adaptions in men with treated hypertension. BP was measured before and after a RF training session every 5-min (total of 30-min) in the early (weeks 1–2) and the final phases (weeks 11–12) of a 3-month RF intervention, comprising 3 weekly one-hour sessions. Thirty-three men (48 ± 7 years; mean arterial pressure [MAP]: 96 ± 8 mmHg; BMI: 32.2 ± 4.9 kg/m2) participated. In the intervention early phase, systolic BP ([SBP]; −15.4 mmHg; 95% CI: −10.9, −16.8), diastolic BP ([DBP]; −5.4 mmHg; 95% CI: −7.8, −3.0), and MAP (−8.8 mmHg; 95% CI: −11.2, −6.4) significantly decreased 30-min post- compared to pre-training session (n = 33). In the intervention final phase (n = 24), SBP (−8.1 mmHg; 95% CI: −12.0, −3.9) and MAP (−3.0 mmHg; 95% CI: −5.4, −0.7) significantly decreased 30-min post- compared to pre-training session, but not DBP (−0.5 mmHg; 95% CI: −3.7, 2.7). PEH in the final phase was significantly inferior compared to the early phase. PEH in the early phase of the intervention was not consistently associated with chronic BP changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the coadjuvant effect of a recreational futsal (RF) programme versus standard care alone (CON) in men with treated arterial hypertension (TAHT). Thirty-nine men with TAHT were randomised to RF (N = 20; 48 ± 8 years; systolic blood pressure [SBP]: 122 ± 14 mmHg) with 2–3 one-hour sessions/week for 3 months, or to CON (N = 19; 51 ± 6 years; SBP: 126 ± 13 mmHg). Participants were assessed at baseline, at 3 months, and after 1 month of training cessation (4 months). Mean training attendance was 60 ± 23%. At 3-months, there were no between-group differences in BP parameters (SBP: 0.44 mmHg; 95% CI: −5.79, 6.67). However, compared to CON, RF was effective for peak oxygen uptake (2.76 mL.min−1.kg−1; 95% CI: 0.26, 5.26), time to exhaustion (1.15 min; 95% CI: 0.59, 1.69), Yo-Yo IE1 performance (365 m; 95% CI: 175, 556), resting heart rate (RHR; −5 b.min−1; 95% CI: −10, −1), glycated haemoglobin (−0.52 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.84, −0.19), blood glucose (−0.25 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.44, −0.06), left femur bone mineral content (1.96 g; 95% CI: 0.29, 3.65), and postural balance (−2.3 falls; 95% CI: −3.9, −0.6). Similar findings were observed after 1-month of training cessation, except for RHR and blood glucose that returned to baseline levels in the RF group. In conclusion, RF provides broad-spectrum fitness and health benefits but no BP effects in men with TAHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To profile sprint endurance performance of elite-level female soccer players. Methods: Twenty-five female national-team soccer players (age 25.1 [2.7] y, body mass 59.6 [3.6] kg, height 168.5 [4.1] cm) were tested for sprint endurance, performing 5 maximal sprints, interspersed with 30 seconds of active recovery (5 × 30 m) and a 30-second all-out shuttle run in a soccer pitch. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1) evaluated intermittent high-intensity endurance under the same field-testing conditions. Maximal anaerobic capacity was assessed while participants performed three 10-second all-out bouts separated by 20 seconds of passive recovery (3 × 10 s) on a nonmotorized treadmill. Results: Huge interplayer variability was observed for sprint decrements in 3 × 10 seconds (coefficient of variation = 37%) and 5 × 30 m (coefficient of variation = 62%). The 3 × 10 performance was largely associated with 5 × 30-m mean and best time and very largely with 30 seconds. A very large and nearly perfect correlation was observed between 30 seconds and 5 × 30 mMean (r = −.86) and 5 × 30 mBest (r = −.92), respectively. The YYIR1 was moderately to largely associated with 5 × 30-m variables and 30 seconds, respectively. A nearly perfect association was observed between 5 × 30 mBest and 5 × 30 mMean (r =.97). Conclusions: Elite female soccer players' sprint endurance variables are characterized by remarkable variability. Associations between sprint endurance variables suggest physiological interdependence and a likelihood of a general ability in sustaining sprinting in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the differences in physical match activities and heart rate (HR) responses experienced by Brazilian field referees (FRs) and assistant referees (ARs) during official matches from Serie A, Serie B and Regional championships. The sample was composed of 51 FRs and 87 ARs. Match activities derived from Global Position System and HR response were collected during official matches. FRs and ARs covered higher distances at high-intensity running (HIR; d = 1.17 and 2.53, p < 0.001), sprinting (d = 0.82 and 0.48, p < 0.005) and high-intensity activities (HIA; d = 1.07 and 1.97, p < 0.001) in Serie A and Serie B than in Regional. Changes in the distances covered at HIR (0.80 < d < 3.25, p < 0.005), sprinting (d = 0.42, p = 0.050) and HIA (0.93 < d < 3.01, p < 0.005) between half-matches were observed during Serie A and Serie B. The average %HRmax was progressively increased in both half-matches (0.85 < d < 3.54, p < 0.001) during all championships. For FRs, Serie A and Regional elicited the highest average %HRmax (0.80 3C d < 1.37, p < 0.030). For ARs, Serie A and Serie B elicited the highest average %HRmax (2.14 < d< 3.87, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the physical match activities and average %HRmax of Brazilian FRs and ARs differ across championship levels. FRs and ARs acting in Regional championships are likely to need specific preparation to support the higher physical demand observed at higher competition levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigated whether soccer referees' maximal aerobic power could influence match performance (exercise intensity) during highly competitive games. Analysis of data from observations and monitoring of elite-level referees demonstrated the positive influence of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in determining both the total amount of distance covered and the exercise intensity during the game. (SM)

Purpose: To examine the internal and external load imposed by long sprint ability-oriented small-sided games (SSG) using different ratios of players to pitch area (densities) in soccer players. Methods: A total of 19 professional soccer players from the same soccer club (age =17.1 [0.3] y, height =1.76 [0.69] m, and body mass = 69.7 [9.4] kg) participated in this study. Players performed 4 x 30-s (150 s recovery) all-out 1-vs-l SSG considering 300, 200, and 100 m² per player (48 h apart). Players' external loads were tracked with global positioning technology (20 Hz). Heart rate, blood lactate concentration (BLc), and rating of perceived exertion characterized players' internal load. Peak BLc was assessed with a 30-s all-out test on a nonmotorized treadmill (NMT). Results: SSG300 produced higher BLc than SSG200 (moderate) and SSG100 (large). The SSG300, SSG200, and SSG100 BLc were 97.8% (34.8%), trivial; 74.7% (24.9%), moderate; and 43.4% (15.7%), large, of the NMT30s peak BLc, respectively. Players covered more distance at high intensity during the SSG300 than in other SSG conditions (huge to very large differences). High-intensity deceleration distance was largely lower in SSG200 than in SSG300-SSG100 elicited very large to huge and large to very large lower external load values than SSG300 and SSG200. respectively. Conclusions: The main finding of this study showed an inverse association between ball-drill density and intemal/extemal loads in long sprint ability-oriented SSG. The SSG300 provided BLc closer to individual maximal, thus satisfying the all-out construct assumed for the development of long sprint ability. Further studies using the SSG300 as a training intervention and/or investigating other different SSG formats using the same density are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between accumulated global positioning system-accelerometer-based and heart ratebased training metrics and changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity during an in-season phase in professional soccer players. Methods: Eleven male professional players (mean [SD] age 27.2 [4.5] y) performed the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) before and after a 5-wk in-season training phase, and the final velocity (VIFT) was considered their high-intensity intermittent-running capacity. During all sessions, Edwards training impulse (Edwards TRIMP), Banister TRIMP, Z5 TRIMP, training duration, total distance covered, new body load (NBL), high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 14.4 km ⋅h-1), and very-high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 19.8 km⋅h-1) were recorded. Results: The players' VIFT showed a most likely moderate improvement (+4.3%, 90% confidence limits 3.1-5.5%, effect size 0.70, [0.51-0.89]). Accumulated NBL, Banister TRIMP, and Edwards TRIMP showed large associations (r = .51 -.54) with changes in VIFT. A very large relationship was also observed between accumulated Z5 TRIMP (r = .72) with changes in VIFT. Large to nearly perfect within-individual relationships were observed between NBL and some of the other training metrics (ie, Edwards TRIMP, Banister TRIMP, training duration, and total distance) in 10 out of 11 players. Conclusions: Heart rate-based training metrics can be used to monitor high-intensity intermittent-running-capacity changes in professional soccer players. The dose-response relationship is also largely detected using accelerometer-based metrics (ie, NBL) to track changes in high-intensity intermittentrunning capacity of professional soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of ball drills and repeated-sprint-ability training during the regular season in basketball players. Methods: A total of 30 players were randomized into 3 groups: ball-drills training (BDT, n = 12, 4x4 min, 3 vs 3 with 3-min passive recovery), repeated-sprint-ability training (RSAT, n = 9, 3x6x20-m shuttle running with 20-s and 4-min recovery), and general basketball training (n = 9, basketball technical/tactical exercises), as control group. Players were tested before and after 8 wk of training using the following tests: VO2max, squat jump, countermovement jump, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YIRT1), agility T test, line-drill test, 5-/10-/20-m sprints, and blood lactate concentration. A customdeveloped survey was used to analyze players' technical skills. Results: After training, significant improvements were seen in YIRT1 (BDT F = .014, effect size [ES]±90% CI = 0.8 ±0.3; RSAT R = .022, ES±90% CI = 0.7 ±0.3), the agility T test (BDT P = .018, ES ± 90% CI = 0.7 ± 0.5; RSAT P = .037, ES ± 90% CI = 0.7 ± 0.5), and the 1ine-drill test (BDT P = .010, ES ± 90% CI = 0.3 ±0.1; RSAT P < .0001, ES±90% CI = 0.4 ±0.1). In the RSAT group, only 10-m sprint speeds (R=.039, ES±90% CI = 0.3±0.2) and blood lactate concenllation (P=.004, ES±90% CI = 0.8± 1.1) were improved. Finally, technical skills were increased in BDT regarding dribbling (P = .038, ES ± 90% CI = 0.8 ± 0.6), shooting (P = .036, ES ± 90% CI = 0.8 ± 0.8), passing (P = .034, ES ± 90% CI = 0.9 ± 0.3), rebounding (P = .023, ES ± 90% CI = 1.1 ± 0.3), defense (P = .042, ES ± 90% CI = 0.5 ± 0.5), and offense (P = .044, ES ± 90% CI = 0.4 ± 0.4) skills. Conclusions: BDT and RSAT are both effective in improving the physical performance of basketball players. BDT had also a positive impact on technical skills. Basketball strength and conditioning professionals should include BDT as a routine tool to improve technical skills and physical performance simultaneously throughout the regular training season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]