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The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of elastic band resistance training (EBRT) program associated with practical blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle strength and hypertrophy. Fourteen physically active male participated in an eight-week upper limbs EBRT program, with one limb under BFR and the other with free blood flow (EBRT+BFR). Bilateral and unilateral elbow flexion exercises were performed three times a week, with three sets of 15 repetitions in each upper limb. Blood flow restriction was produced by an extensive band, implementing the pressure stipulated at 25% of the resting upper arm circumference. Significant main effect for time was found in elbow flexors muscle thickness measured with ultrasound to both training conditions, but no significant interactions in the time x group were identified. Relative strength gains measure with a dynamometer were -0.5 ± 10.2 % and 0.5 ± 12.1 % in the arms trained with EBRT and EBRT+BFR, respectively. The relative gains in elbow flexor muscle thickness were 1.8 ± 6.2 % with EBRT training and 5.5 ± 6.7 % in EBRT+BFR (both p > .05). In conclusion, applying BFR to an EBRT was not superior at increasing upper limb muscular strength or hypertrophy in young adults compared to EBRT alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Identify the descriptive characteristics of physical performance in different positions, compare physical performance between the first and second half of the match, and determine the association between physical performance variables in professional female soccer athletes during a national competition. Method: Fourteen professional women's soccer players participated in the study. Data from fifteen matches of the A1 division of the 2023 Brazilian Championship were collected using GPS devices. Athletes who participated in at least one complete match during the championship's classificatory phase were included. Results: The forwards and midfielders have covered greater distances at high and low intensity and maintained a higher average speed than the other positions. However, all positions have reached similar maximum speed values (25.9 ± 1.9 km/h). Significant differences were found between the first and second halves favourable to the first half for total distance (Δ = -9.7%; p = .002), distance per minute (Δ = -7.8%; p = .010), and sprint distance (Δ = -11.4%; p = .000), but not for maximum speed (Δ = -0.4%; p = .728). Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated associations between physical performance variables ranging from 0.567 to 0.850. Conclusions: Based on a descriptive analysis, it is suggested that different positions of professional female soccer athletes presented different physical demands during the competition. Lower performance was observed in the second half compared to the first for total distance, distance per minute, and sprint distance, but not for maximum speed. Moderate to high associations were also observed between physical performance variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance is the property of Brazilian Journal of Kineanthropometry & Human Performance and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)