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This study aimed to compare the microcycle load distribution between teams from different competitive levels. A total of 22 microcycles from one team of each competitive level (first division, 1st DIV, n = 32 players; second division, 2nd DIV, n = 23 players; third division, 3rd DIV, n = 23 players) were monitored using GPS (10 Hz, Catapult). During the match, a higher number of high accelerations (i.e., > 3 m/s, per min) were found in the 3rd DIV team compared to the 1st and 2nd DIV teams. On match day (MD) +1&+2, the 1st DIV team covered more total (per min, p < 0.001) and high-speed running distance (HSR per min, p < 0.001 and p = 0.042, respectively) than both the 2nd and 3rd DIV teams. The 2nd DIV team showed lower values in most distance-related variables (total distance covered per min, p < 0.001; running distance per min, p < 0.001; HSR per min, p < 0.001; and sprinting distance per min, p < 0.001) for both MD-4 and MD-3 compared to the 1st and 3rd DIV teams. In contrast, it showed higher sprinting distance per min (p < 0.001) on MD-2. In general, the 3rd DIV team showed higher values in the number of high accelerations (per min, p < 0.001) across all sessions. These results suggest that distance-related variables may be a priority when planning microcycles for the 1st DIV team, while accelerations are relevant for the 3rd DIV team. A higher emphasis on external load during MD-2 by the 2nd DIV team may explain the lower external loads across the microcycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) applied to lower limbs is becoming a popular postexercise recovery technique; however, it still lacks strong scientific support. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyse the effects of lower-limb IPC on sports recovery, as well as to identify the most used protocols to optimize it. A systematic search was conducted across athletic and healthy populations, following the PRISMA guidelines, covering the databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, Academic Search Complete, and Science Direct; using the search terms: ("Pneumatic compression" OR "Intermittent pneumatic compression" OR "Recov* boot*") AND (Recover*). Data was extracted, and standardized mean differences were calculated with 95% confidence and prediction interval. The pooled data analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed using I2. A total of 17 studies (319 participants) were included. The studies' methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, ranging from fair to good. Results indicate a trivial to small benefit towards lower-limb IPC in enhancing muscular function, as well as a trivial to moderate effect for pain and soreness measurements, and a highly variable effect on muscle damage markers. Moreover, protocols of about 20 to 30 minutes and pressures of about 80 mmHg appear to be the most used option to optimize recovery. In summary, lower-limb IPC might be a method with potential effects for recovery in sports, mainly reducing perceived soreness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the acute metabolic response, neuromuscular activity, and mechanical performance of different set configurations in bench-press (BP). Twenty-two resistance-trained men performed three resistance exercise protocols consisting of 3 x 12 BP repetitions at 60% 1RM, with 4 minutes of rest between sets, but with different set configurations: (a) traditional set (TS), without rest within the set; (b) cluster-6 (CS6), with 30-second intraset rest after the sixth repetition in each set; and (c) cluster-2 (CS2), with 30-second intraset rest every two repetitions. Mean propulsive force (MPF), velocity (MPV), power (MPP), and electromyography (EMG) values were recorded for each repetition. Blood lactate, maximal voluntary isometric BP contraction, and dynamic strength in BP were assessed pre- and post-exercise. The CS2 protocol resulted in greater mechanical performance (i. e. MPF, MPV, and MPP) and lower alterations of EMG parameters (i. e. root mean square and median frequency) during the exercise compared to CS6 and TS (TS

The demands placed on goalkeepers are often neglected in scientific research. This study seeks to evaluate the acceleration and deceleration requirements across various exercise categories: 'Complementary' (tailored training for goalkeepers separated from team drills), 'Integrated' (team-based drills not position-specific), and 'Specific' (exercises targeting position-specific tactical, technical, and physical skills). Data were collected from 52 observations during nineteen training sessions across three highly trained goalkeepers from a Portuguese U23 team. Acceleration and deceleration demands were retrieved through GPS 10 Hz technology, including the effort starting speed (< 5 km.h-1, 5-10 km.h-1, 10-15 km.h-1, 15-20 km.h-1, 20-25 km.h-1 and > 25 km.h-1). Efforts intensities were classified relatively and individually (low: 25-50%; moderate: 50-75%; high: > 75%). Mean ± SD were calculated to the number of efforts per minute, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed potential differences between the players and t-test assessed differences between exercise' categories. No differences between players were found regarding acceleration (p=0.918) or deceleration (p=0.685) efforts. 'Integrated' category elicited less low-intensity accelerations and decelerations than 'Complementary' and 'Specific' categories (p<.05); and 'Specific' category elicited more moderate-intensity decelerations than 'Integrated' (p<.01) and 'Complementary' (p<.05). Goalkeeping is a singular position in soccer requiring different exercise categories to provide different resources to players: from simulating match demands, such as the 'integrated' exercises with outfield players, to improving goalkeepers' capabilities with 'specific' and 'complementary' exercises. Due to the uniqueness of the position, practitioners should consider varying training exercises of goalkeepers to provide different acceleration and deceleration stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considerable debate about the existence of a real eccentric overload in flywheel exercises. This study aimed to analyse the differences in concentric: eccentric mechanical output ratios between different loads and variables in the flywheel squat exercise. Twenty physically active men (22.9 ± 2.2 years, height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m, weight: 79.6 ± 8.2 kg) performed a loading test using five moments of inertia. Angular speed was measured using a rotary encoder, while the vertical force was measured using force plates. For each variable (angular speed, angular acceleration, power, vertical force, and torque), mean and peak values were calculated for concentric and eccentric phases to allow comparisons across the loads. We tested the possible differences in Load x Phase (concentric and eccentric) and Load x Variable. The level of significance was established as p < 0.05. A significant Load x Phase interaction was found in mean angular speed, peak vertical force, peak angular acceleration, peak power and peak torque. Higher eccentric overload values were observed with speed-derived variables (angular speed, angular acceleration and power). In conclusion, speed-derived peak variables and lower loads are more likely to show an eccentric overload and can be used to monitor responses to flywheel training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica 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.)

The aim of this study was to analyse the load-velocity and load-power relationships in the free-weight back-squat (BSQ) and hexagonal bar deadlift (HBD) exercises. Twenty-five (n = 25) resistance-trained men (age = 23.7 ± 2.8 years) performed a progressive load test at maximal intended velocity to determine their BSQ and HBD one-repetition maximum (1RM). Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during the concentric phase of the lift was recorded through a linear encoder. Load-velocity and load-power relationships were analysed by fitting linear regression and the second-order polynomial, respectively, to the data. Maximum strength (1RM), MPV (30-80% 1RM), and power output (30-90% 1RM) were higher for HBD compared to BSQ exercise (p < 0.05). A very strong relationship between MPV and relative intensity was found for both BSQ (R2 = 0.963) and HBD (R² = 0.967) exercises. The load that maximizes power output (Pmax was 64.6 ± 2.9% (BSQ) and 59.6 ± 1.1% (HBD) 1RM. There was a range of loads at which power output was not different than Pmax (BSQ: 40-80% 1RM; HBD: 50-70% 1RM). In conclusion, the load-velocity and load-power relationships might assist strength and conditioning coaches to monitor and prescribe exercise intensity in the BSQ and HBD exercises using the velocity-based training approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the outfield goalkeeper game situation on the running performance of teammates and opponent players during professional futsal matches. Methods. The movement trajectories of 126 professional players during 6 official matches were analysed with a videobased tracking system (30 Hz). Distance covered and percentage of distance covered in different speed ranges were calculated to identify differences per team and per sub-phase of the game (traditional vs. outfield goalkeeper situation). Results. The teammates of the outfield goalkeeper spent a higher percentage of the distance covered in the standing and walking speed range (36.27 ± 15.38%) compared with the teammates of the traditional goalkeeper (31.44 ± 7.74%). The outfield goalkeeper spent a smaller percentage of the distance covered in the standing and walking range (41.13 ± 10.86% vs. 80.77 ± 4.30%) and a higher percentage in the low- and medium-intensity running range (31.59 ± 5.59% vs. 15.07 ± 2.74% and 14.33 ± 3.90% vs. 2.50 ± 1.19%, respectively), as well as covered a greater distance (77.41 ± 16.00 m/min) than the traditional goalkeeper (33.81 ± 3.66 m/min). Conclusions. These findings provide coaches with a background concerning the requirements during the outfield goalkeeper situation as guidelines for final exercises in training sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to investigate sprints and to characterize repeated-sprint sequences (RS) performed by athletes during professional futsal matches. We analyzed 97 players during 5 official matches using the DVideo automatic tracking system. The sprints were analyzed during the first and second halves according to playing position, and RS were categorized according to the number of sprints and the time between them. The results showed an increase (F[1, 2520] = 3.96; P = .046) in the sprint duration from the first (mean = 3.1 ± 1.3) to the second half (mean = 3.2 ± 1.2). However, no differences were found for other variables (distance covered, peak velocity, initial velocity, recovery time between sprints, and sprints performed per minute) or among playing positions. In addition, when considering RS, the results showed that RS comprising two sprints interspersed with a maximum of 15 seconds of recovery were significantly more frequent than other RS. The findings of this study characterizing the sprinting features of futsal players can help coaches to plan physical training and assessments according to the requirements of the sport. [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.)

The purpose was to investigate the relationship between internal training load (ITL), external training load (ETL) and heart rate variability (HRV) in women. 16 women (48.2 ± 6.4 yrs) performed HRV recordings (i.e. lnRMSSD - cardiovagal modulation) and Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) before and after 12 aerobic training sessions. HRV threshold (HRVT) were used to prescribe aerobic ETL. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) was analyzed and served as the measure of ITL. The score found for ITL in the 12 sessions was 2878 ± 380 arbitrary units and ETL were 36822 ± 5852 m. A significant difference was observed in the lnRMSSD (3.14 ± 0.30 vs. 3.43 ± 0.38 ms-1; P = 0.001). There were observed large correlation between lnRMSSD at baseline vs ISWT (r = 0.73, P = 0.001), HRVT (r = 0.67, P = 0.004) and ITL (r = 0.62, P = 0.011). Very large correlation between individual smallest worthwhile change lnRMSSD after training and ITL (r = 0.81, P = 0.0001) was observed. There is a strong association between the HRV and aerobic performance (HRVT and ISWTdistance) and strong relationship between HRV and the potential to accumulate ITL, but not aerobic ETL in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to examine the reliability, usefulness, responsiveness, age-related differences and construct validity of a novel decision-making RSA test (RSA-RANDOM test) in young soccer players. Twenty-five young male soccer players performed the RSA-RANDOM test on 2 occasions separated by 5-7 days to assess test-retest reliability and determine a priori usefulness. Furthermore, the same players executed the RSA-RANDOM test 4 times throughout the season to analyse responsiveness. Forty-five players (U-13 to U-17) were evaluated in such test to examine age-related differences. Finally, 9 players were used to determine the construct validity of the test. Reliability scores showed a high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.88 to 0.90) and low coefficient of variation (CV = 1.0-1.2 %). The responsiveness of the RSA-RANDOM test was good, as the typical short- (1.2-1.9 %), mid- (1.4-2.4 %) and long-term (2.3-3.2 %) changes in RSA-RANDOM performance were higher than the CV. Age-related differences analysis showed better RSA-RANDOM performance as age increased in young soccer players. Low (r = -0.50) to moderate (r = -0.75) relationships were found between the RSA-RANDOM test variables (RSA best and mean times) with high-intensity and total distance covered, respectively. A novel decisionmaking RSA test (RSA-RANDOM) has shown to be reliable and valid in young soccer players. [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.)

Background: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a widely used seven-test battery used by practitioners working in sport medicine. The FMS™ composite score (sum of seven tests) in soccer athletes from different competitive levels has been well explored in literature, but the specific movement deficits presented by young high competitive level play- ers remains unclear. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to provide a detailed description of the performance of elite young soccer players (age 14-20 years) on the FMS™ testing battery. Study design: Cross-sectional observational study. Methods: One-hundred and three young soccer players (14-20 years) from a premier league club were assessed by two experienced raters using the FMS™ testing battery. FMS™ composite score, individual-test scores and asymmetries were considered for analysis, and comparisons between age categories were performed. Results: FMS™ composite scores ranged from 9 to 16 points (median=13 points). 82% of the athletes had a composite score ≤14 points, and 91% were classified into the "Fail" group (score 0 or 1 in at least one test). Almost half of athletes (48%) had poor performance (i.e., individual score <2) in "deep squat" test. Most of athletes in the younger categories (under-15 and under-16) had poor performance in the "trunk stability push-up" test (70%) and in the 'rotary stability" test (74%). Asymmetry in at least one of five unilateral FMS™ tests was found in 65% of athletes. Conclusion: High-performance young soccer players have important functional deficits, especially in tasks involving deep squat and trunk stability, as well as high prevalence of asymmetry between right and left body side. Level of evidence: 3a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare the external load (EL) of the football pre-match warm-up (WU) in absolute terms and as a percentage (%) of the individual match demands. A total of 96 football players from different age categories participated in the study: professional (PRO, n=26), reserve (RES, n=22), under-21 (U21, n=28) and U18 (n=20) teams. Eleven EL variables were obtained through global positioning system devices. The results show that there are differences among teams in total duration, total distance, number of accelerations and decelerations, acceleration load, distance covered at different speed ranges and the maximum velocity, both expressed absolutely and relative to the match demands. The EL of the WU represents a variable percentage depending on a particular variable with respect to the match, ranging from 5% for high-speed running or very high-speed running to 20% for acceleration-load. The conclusions were: 1) the WU load represents an important part of the EL on players in soccer matches, and 2) the PRO team presented a lower EL in most of the variables, being consistent in both absolute and relative terms to the match demand. The strength and conditioning coaches must be cautious not to cause fatigue in the players while guaranteeing an adequate set-up to dispute the match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the match locomotor characteristics of a sample of U-20 Brazilian female soccer players. Seven international matches were analyzed during the 2015 U-20 South American Championship, using global positioning technology. During a typical match, fullbacks and forwards covered greater distances in high-intensity running and sprinting than central defenders and midfielders (effect size [ES] = 1.42-3.69). In the final 15 min of a game, total and highintensity running distance and player load were ≈ 20 to 35 % (ES = 0.41-3.86) lower than in the first 15 min period for mid-fielders, fullbacks, forwards, and central defenders. Sprinting, and high-intensity running distances, and the frequency of accelerations > 2 m⋅s-2 immediately after the most intense 5-min period declined in forwards (ES = 1.78-2.67), fullbacks (ES = 1.96-5.25), midfielders (ES = 1.66-3.77), and central defenders (ES = 1.50-4.22). Maintaining 'high' levels of activity in the first half resulted in ≈ 19 % reductions in the second half for sprinting distance and frequency of accelerations > 2 m⋅s-2 (ES = 0.43 and 0.88), while increases in these locomotor activities were observed in situations with 'low' levels of activity (ES = 0.64 and 1.12, for sprinting and accelerations > 2 m⋅s-2, respectively) (within-subject analysis). The data demonstrate that high-intensity efforts are reduced during various phases of international matches and overall activity patterns vary among playing positions. This information could be useful in the development and prescription of sex- and age-specific training regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in loaded and unloaded jump performances between different age categories of top-level volleyball players from the same club. Forty-three volleyball players were divided into four age groups: under-17, under-19, under-21 and professional. Vertical jumping height for squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and CMJ with arm swing (CMJa) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in the loaded jump squat exercise with 40% of the athlete's body mass were compared among the different age categories, considering body mass as a covariate. SJ and CMJ jump height values were higher for professional and under-21 players than under-17 players (p<0.05). CMJa height was higher for under-21 players than under-19 and under-17 players (p<0.05). MPV in the loaded jump squat was higher for under-21 players than under-17 players (p<0.05). From a general perspective, these results suggest that aging per se is not capable of substantially improving loaded and unloaded vertical jump performances across different age categories of top-level volleyball players. Therefore, to increase the vertical jumping ability of these team sport athletes throughout their long-term development, coaches and strength and conditioning professionals are encouraged to implement consistent neuromuscular training strategies, in accordance with the specific needs and physiological characteristics of each age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study conducted to determine the effectiveness of the cold-water immersion (CWI) over passive rest as an intervention and recovery strategy for muscle soreness and anaerobic performance following a Futsal match. Topics covered are the research methods and the conclusions drawn from two simulation matches and the conduct of muscle soreness assessment, counter movement jump (CMJ), repeated jump ability (RJA) and sprint running tests.

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of aerobic fitness on cardiac autonomic modulation in sedentary subjects in the supine and upright posture. Twenty-four young men (22 ± 2.5 yrs) were assessed for aerobic fitness, including supine and upright posture heart rate and heart rate variability analysis. From the maximal exercise test VO2 max values, the subjects were divided into two groups: Low VO2 max (n=13) and High VO2 max (n=11). Student's t-test was performed to compare the autonomic variables between the groups (P<0.05). We observed higher values of HFnu and LFnu during the supine posture and greater responses of the same ratios during the upright posture in the High VO2 max group compared to the Low VO2 max group. The results of this study indicate that higher aerobic fitness promotes positive cardiac autonomic responses, both during supine and upright posture. [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.)

A response from the author of the article "Training monitoring in judo: comparison between the load intensity planned by the coach and the intensity perceived by the athlete" that appeared in the journal "Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte" is presented.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a short-term (six weeks) preseason strength and jumping exercises distribution program on amateur adult soccer player's indicators of physical fitness. Twenty male athletes (age 20.1±1.6 years) were randomly divided into two groups that completed a volumeequated training program differing only in exercises distribution: a group that completed three weeks of strength followed by three weeks of plyometric training (TT; n=10) and a group that completed six weeks of combined strength and plyometric drills (S+P; n=10). Athletes completed a triple hop test with the dominant (HOPd) and non-dominant leg (HOPnd), a 15 meters sprint, a change of direction speed (CODS) test (i.e. T test), and a 6×30 meters repeated sprint with change of direction for the best (RSCODb) and mean velocity (RSCODm), and the percentage of decrement (%Dec) in sprint time. Moreover, athletes performed a squat test for maximal power. Both strength and jumping training programs were performed two times per week, equated for exercises, frequency, volume, and intensity per session. The TT group completed the strength training volume during the first three weeks, and the plyometric training volume in the last three weeks, while the S+P combined strength and plyometric training during the six weeks. A 2 (group) × 2 (time: pre, post) ANOVA with repeated measures was used for statistical analysis. Analyses revealed significant improvements for the TT and S+P (HOPd: ES=0.91, 10.28 and 16.69%, respectively; HOPnd: ES=0.86, 11.49 and 14.71%, respectively; RSCODb: ES=0.84, 9.23 and 8.34%, respectively; RSCODm: ES=0.89, 8.56 and 7.51%, respectively). In the post-test there were no significant differences between the groups in any variable analyzed. In conclusion, both training approaches were equally effective at improving jumping and repeated sprinting ability. However, only after the S+P training approach a significant improvement in CODS was observed, with more substantial changes in maximal sprinting speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]