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Purpose: To compare the effects between resisted sled sprint training (RSS) and unresisted sprint training (URS) on sprint and acceleration performance, vertical jump, and maximal strength during an 8-week period of preseason training. Methods: Twenty-six recreational active rugby players were randomly divided into either RSS or URS training groups and then performed 8 weeks of training, 2 sessions/wk of sprint-specific training program. The RSS group performed sprints by towing a sled overloaded with 12.6% of body mass for 2 of the 3 sets of 3 × 20-m sprints, plus one set was carried out with unresisted modality. The URS groups performed 3 sets of 3 × 20-m unresisted sprints. The measures of 10- and 30-m sprint times, vertical jump, and 3-repetition-maximum (3-RM) squat tests were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: Ten- and 30-m sprint times (P <.05 and η p 2 >.44) improved significantly more in RSS than in URS. Both groups improved significantly in vertical jump and 3-RM squat tests; however, no significant differences (P >.1 and η p 2 <.11) between groups were found. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that an 8-week program of RSS is more effective than URS for enhancing sprint time performance in male recreational active rugby players. In addition, these data suggest that a sled overload corresponding to 12.6% of body mass can induce positive effects on both acceleration and speed performance in recreational active rugby players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique physical profile of each player's role in sub-elite women's cricket is vital for optimizing performance as these players progress to the elite levels. This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigates the physical profiles of sub-elite women's cricket players as a group and compares these profiles across different player roles. Sub-elite female cricket players in the South African domestic women's cricket league were included in this study. A battery of physical assessments were conducted at the start of the 2022/23 season. The physical assessments included body composition, individual muscle strength testing using dynamometry, 2-km time trial (TT), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jump (SLJ), isometric mid-thigh pull, push-up, and hop test on force plates. A total of 44 female players (20.86 ± 1.6 years) were included in the study. Differences were found in muscle mass (p = 0.004) and peak power (p = 0.040) for all-rounders and bowlers. Player roles presented with different dominant (p = 0.006) and non-dominant (p = 0.066) knee flexion strength. The bowlers' body composition and physical strength profile are compromised compared with batters and all-rounders. There were several physical strength and power differences between pace and spin bowlers in CMJ and SLJ tests for jump height (p = 0.009) and peak power (p = 0.006). Batters performed the best in the 2-km TT. Body composition and musculoskeletal profiles for each player role can be baseline markers in sub-elite women's cricket. Stakeholders can use this information to guide physical preparation for players advancing to elite levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Previous studies have primarily focused on the influence of temperature and precipitation on phenology. It is unclear if the easily ignored climate factors with drivers of vegetation growth can effect on vegetation phenology. In this research, we conducted an analysis of the start (SOS) and end (EOS) of the growing seasons in the northern region of China above 30°N from 1982 to 2014, focusing on two-season vegetation phenology. We examined the response of vegetation phenology of different vegetation types to preseason climatic factors, including relative humidity (RH), shortwave radiation (SR), maximum temperature (Tmax), and minimum temperature (Tmin). Our findings reveal that the optimal preseason influencing vegetation phenology length fell within the range of 0–60 days in most areas. Specifically, SOS exhibited a significant negative correlation with Tmax and Tmin in 44.15% and 42.25% of the areas, respectively, while EOS displayed a significant negative correlation with SR in 49.03% of the areas. Additionally, we identified that RH emerged as the dominant climatic factor influencing the phenology of savanna (SA), whereas temperature strongly controlled the SOS of deciduous needleleaf forest (DNF) and deciduous broadleaf forest (DBF). Meanwhile, the EOS of DNF was primarily influenced by Tmax. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into how various vegetation types adapt to climate change, offering a scientific basis for implementing effective vegetation adaptation measures.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between gastrointestinal hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1), ghrelin, cholecystokinin, peptide YY, morphological characteristics, and physical performances in elite soccer players. Methods: Q2 Twenty-two elite male soccer players (age = 23.1 [2.7] y, height = 177.0 [0.1] cm, weight = 70.2 [2.9] kg, body mass index = 22.1 [1.8] kg/m2) completed 3-day food records each week during the 5-week training period. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast before and after preseason training to assess gastrointestinal hormones (leptin, glucagon-like peptide-1, ghrelin, cholecystokinin, and peptide YY). Continuous analysis of the training load was used during the training period. Preintervention and postintervention tests assessed jumping (countermovement jump), sprinting (10, 20, and 30 m), and endurance fitness (the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [YYIRT1]) levels. Results: Preseason training decreased body mass index (P =.001; effect size [ES] = 0.183) and body fat percentage (P =.001; ES = 0.516). There were increases in countermovement jump (P =.032; ES = 0.215), 20- (P =.016; ES = 0.195) and 30-m sprints (P =.001; ES = 0.188), and YYIRT1 performance (P =.001; ES = 0.9). Levels of cholecystokinin, peptide YY, and ghrelin did not change during preseason training, although changes in leptin (P =.001; ES = 0.41) and glucagon-like peptide-1 levels (P =.039; ES = 0.606) were recorded. Leptinemia correlated with anthropometric parameters (body mass index, r =.77, P =.001; percentage of body fat,r =.67, P =.006) and the total distance covered during the YYIRT1 (r = −.54; P =.03). Conclusion: Changes in morphological parameters and physical performance in elite-level male soccer players are related to variations in selected gastrointestinal hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine preseason Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) performance of adolescent sport participants by environment (in-person/virtual), sex, age, concussion history, collision/noncollision sport participation, and self-reported medical diagnoses. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Canadian community and high-school sport settings. Participants: Three thousand eight hundred five adolescent (2493 male, 1275 female, and 37 did not disclose; 11- to 19-year-old) sport participants. Assessment of Risk Factors: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 administration method (in-person/virtual), sex (male/female/unreported), age (years), concussion history (0/1/2/3+), collision/noncollision sport participant, and self-reported medical diagnoses [attention deficit disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, headache/migraine, learning disability, and psychiatric disorder (ie, anxiety/depression/other)]. Outcome Measures: Preseason SCAT5 outcomes including total number of symptoms (TNS; /22), symptom severity score (SSS; /132), Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC; /50), and modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS; /30). Results: Multiple multilevel linear or Poisson regression complete case analyses adjusting for clustering and robust standard errors, with β-coefficients (95% CI) back-transformed to indicate an increase/decrease in SCAT5 subdomains when relevant for clinical interpretation. Virtual (V) performance was associated with fewer symptoms reported [TNSDifference V-IP = −1.53 (95% CI, −2.22 to −0.85)], lower SSS [−2.49 (95% CI, −4.41 to −0.58)], and fewer mBESS errors (IP) [−0.52 (95% CI, −0.77 to −0.27)] compared with in-person. For every one-year increase in age, more symptoms [TNS = 0.22 (95% CI, 0.01-0.44)], higher SSS [0.52 (95% CI, 0.01-1.06)], higher SAC [0.27 (95% CI, 0.15-0.38), and poorer balance [mBESS = −0.19 (−0.28 to −0.09)] were observed. Differences between males and females were also seen across all SCAT5 outcomes. Individuals reporting any medical diagnosis or 3+ concussion history also reported more symptoms (TNS) and higher SSS than those who did not. Conclusions: Administration environment, sex, age, concussion history, and medical diagnoses were associated with SCAT5 subdomains and are important considerations when interpreting the SCAT5 results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the organized training of softball players, similar to the abrupt cessation of sports participation that can happen after an injury. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique model to study how sudden detraining influences softball players. Methods We recruited a sample of convenience of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 softball players. They participated in three data collections: pre-lockdown (Jan 2020, T1), post-lockdown (Sept 2020, T2), and before the 2021 season (Jan 2021, T3). Between T1 and T2, players received an at-home conditioning and throwing program, but compliance was not strictly monitored. Between T2-T3, players resumed formal fall training (team-organized workouts, on-field practice, and within-team scrimmage games). At each time point, we collected bilaterally: 1) shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM); 2) shoulder IR and ER strength; 3) hip IR and ER ROM; and 4) hip abduction and extension strength. We used four independent (2 Sides × 3 Timepoints) MANOVA with repeated measures; we followed up significant MANOVA main effect of time with Sidak posthoc tests for pairwise comparisons between time points. Results Fifteen players participated in this study. We found a significant MANOVA main effect of time for shoulder and hip ROM (p

Purpose: To compare resistance training using a velocity loss threshold with training to repetition failure on upper-body strength parameters in professional Australian footballers. Methods: A total of 26 professional Australian footballers (23.9 [4.2] y, 189.9 [7.8] cm, 88.2 [8.8] kg) tested 1-repetition-maximum strength (FPmax) and mean barbell velocity at 85% of 1-repetition maximum on floor press (FPvel). They were then assigned to 2 training groups: 20% velocity loss threshold training (VL; n = 12, maximum-effort lift velocity) or training to repetition failure (TF; n = 14, self-selected lift velocity). Subjects trained twice per week for 3 weeks before being reassessed on FPmax and FPvel. Training volume (total repetitions) was recorded for all training sessions. No differences were present between groups on any pretraining measure. Results: The TF group significantly improved FPmax (105.2–110.9 kg, +5.4%), while the VL group did not (107.5–109.2 kg, +1.6%) (P >.05). Both groups significantly increased FPvel (0.38–0.46 m·s−1, +19.1% and 0.37–0.42 m·s−1, +16.7%, respectively) with no between-groups differences evident (P >.05). The TF group performed significantly more training volume (12.2 vs 6.8 repetitions per session, P >.05). Conclusions: Training to repetition failure improved FPmax, while training using a velocity loss threshold of 20% did not. Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in FPvel despite the VL group completing 45% less total training volume than the TF group. The reduction in training volume associated with implementing a 20% velocity loss threshold may negatively impact the development of upper-body maximum strength while still enhancing submaximal movement velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the organized training of softball players, similar to the abrupt cessation of sports participation that can happen after an injury. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique model to study how sudden detraining influences softball players. Methods: We recruited a sample of convenience of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 softball players. They participated in three data collections: pre-lockdown (Jan 2020, T1), post-lockdown (Sept 2020, T2), and before the 2021 season (Jan 2021, T3). Between T1 and T2, players received an at-home conditioning and throwing program, but compliance was not strictly monitored. Between T2-T3, players resumed formal fall training (team-organized workouts, on-field practice, and within-team scrimmage games). At each time point, we collected bilaterally: 1) shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM); 2) shoulder IR and ER strength; 3) hip IR and ER ROM; and 4) hip abduction and extension strength. We used four independent (2 Sides × 3 Timepoints) MANOVA with repeated measures; we followed up significant MANOVA main effect of time with Sidak posthoc tests for pairwise comparisons between time points. Results: Fifteen players participated in this study. We found a significant MANOVA main effect of time for shoulder and hip ROM (p < 0.01). Between T1-T2, dominant shoulder ER ROM decreased 6.5°, dominant shoulder IR ROM increased 4.3°, and lead hip IR ROM increased 4.4°. Between T2-T3, dominant shoulder ER ROM increased 6.3° and trail hip ER ROM increased 5.9°. We found a significant MANOVA main effect of time for shoulder strength (p = 0.03) but not for hip strength (p = 0.18). Between T2-T3, non-dominant shoulder IR and ER increased 1.8 kg and 1.5 kg, respectively. Conclusion: A sudden and prolonged cessation of organized training generated changes in shoulder and hip ROM but affected strength to a lesser extent. The loss of shoulder ER and increased lead hip IR ROM are maladaptive as they are associated with injury in overhead athletes. Resuming team-organized training and scrimmage reversed some (shoulder ER), but not all of these changes. Practitioners should monitor clinical variables regularly and be aware of potential changes due to unexpected and prolonged interruptions in training, such as when players suffer sports-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThis study aimed to verify the typology and incidence of injury by comparing the different competitive levels of futsal during the preseason.MethodsThe sample consisted of 68 senior male futsal players (24.26 ± 4.63 years). Data were collected using an injury recording grid that examined the affected body part, anatomical region, type of injury, mechanism, and severity.ResultsIt was found that the elite group has the lowest incidence rate of injury (4.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) compared to the sub-elite (11.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) and amateur groups (13.9 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure). However, at this level, there is the highest percentage of injury occurrence (38.5%), the lower limb was the most affected part of the body (30.8%), and ligament (23.1%) and muscle (15.4%) injuries are the most prevalent. The most frequent mechanism of injury was non-traumatic (30.8%), and the majority were moderate injuries in the elite (23.1%) and sub-elite (17.9%) groups and severe injuries in the amateur group (12.5%).DiscussionThe amateur futsal players had the highest incidence of injury during the preseason period compared to the other competitive levels. Still, it was at the elite level where the highest percentage of injuries occurred, most of them non-traumatic and of ligament origin, primarily affecting the ankle region. The results highlight the importance of adopting specific injury prevention programs for ligament and muscle injuries during the preseason phase, regardless of the competitive level.

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.)

Purpose: To determine whether daily perceived recovery is explained from a multifactorial single-session classification of recovery (ie, faster vs slower) or other circumstantial factors (ie, previous training load, self-reported sleep, or phase of the microcycle). Methods: Nineteen elite male futsal players were initially allocated to a recovery-classification group (faster recovery, slower physiological, or slower perceptual) based on previous research using a multifactorial cluster-analysis technique. During 4 ensuing weeks of preseason, training loads were monitored via player load, training impulse, and session rating of perceived exertion. Before each day's training, players reported their perception of recovery (Total Quality of Recovery scale [TQR]) and the number of hours and perceived quality of sleep the night prior. A hierarchical linear mixed model was used to analyze the effect of the different recovery profiles, training load, sleep, and phase of the microcycle (ie, start, middle, end) on daily TQR. Results: The recovery classification of players (P =.20), training load (training impulse, P =.32; player load, P =.23; session rating of perceived exertion, P =.46), and self-reported hours slept the night before (P =.45) did not significantly influence TQR. However, perceived sleep quality (P <.01) and phase of the microcycle (P <.01) were significantly associated with TQR (r2 =.41). Conclusions: Neither recovery classification nor prior training load influenced perceived recovery during the preseason. However, higher TQR was evident with better self-reported sleep quality, whereas lower values were associated with phases of the training week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate two different intervention programs applied during a 4-week pre-season period. Twenty-nine players participated in this study and were divided into two groups. One group (BallTrain, n = 12, age: 17.8 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 73.9 ± 7.6 kg, height: 178 ± 0.1 cm, body fat: 9.6 ± 5.3%) performed a higher percentage of aerobic training with ball and strength training using plyometrics and exercises with body weight. The other group (HIITTrain, n = 17, age: 17.8 ± 0.7 years, body mass: 73.3 ± 5.0 kg, height: 179 ± 0.1 cm, body fat: 8.0 ± 2.3%) trained with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) without the ball and performed resistance training with weights in the same session. Both groups trained for strength (two times/week) and performed aerobic–anaerobic fitness without the ball, passing games, and tactical and small-sided games. Lower limb power (CMJ) and aerobic fitness (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1-IR1) were evaluated before and after the four-week training program. Yo-Yo IR1 performance was improved in both groups, but the improvement was greater for the HIITTrain than BallTrain group (468 ± 180 vs. 183 ± 177 m, p = 0.07). CMJ showed a non-significant improvement in the BallTrain group (5.8 ± 8.8%, p = 0.16), but it decreased by 8.1 ± 9% (p = 0.001), in the HIITTrain group. In conclusion, we have shown that a short pre-season period of training results in improvements in aerobic fitness in both groups, with high-intensity interval training showing superior adaptations than training with the ball. However, CMJ performance was reduced in this group, possibly suggesting higher fatigue levels and overload, and/or showing the effects of concurrent HIITTrain and strength training in soccer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the training periodization in rugby sevens players competing in the World Rugby Sevens Series during a non-Olympic season. Methods: Workload data were collected over a 33-wk period in 12 male players participating in a full competitive season. Workload was quantified using session rating of perceived exertion and global positioning system–derived data during training and competition. Self-reported well-being was assessed using a questionnaire. Each variable was analyzed weekly and through 5 mesocycles (preseason, in-season 1–4), each of which ended with competition blocks. Results: The perceived load decreased throughout the season for the full squad (−68% [26%] between preseason and final competitive block, large effect) and when unavailable players were removed from the analysis (−38% [42%], moderate). Weekly perceived load was highly variable, with a typical periodization in 4 phases during each mesocycle (regeneration, training overload, taper, and competition). During the preseason, the workload was higher during the overload training phase than during the competitive period (range: +23% to +59%, large to very large, for the distance covered above individual maximal aerobic speed and the number of accelerations). This observation no longer persisted during the season. The well-being score decreased almost certainly from in-season 3 (moderate). Conclusions: These results highlighted the apparent difficulty in maintaining high-load training periods throughout the season in players engaged on the World Rugby Sevens Series despite ∼4–7 training weeks separating each competitive block. This observation was likely explained by the difficulties inherent to the World Rugby Sevens Series (risk of contact injury, calendar, and multiple long-haul travel episodes) and potentially by limited squad-rotation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify which preseason factors had strong evidence of risks for physical injury during the season of collision sports including rugby, American football, and Australian rules football using qualitative synthesis. Pubmed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were reviewed. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies were: studies involving the collision sports; prospective cohort studies; and studies with outcomes of relative risks, odds ratios, and correlations between players' preseason conditions and injury during the season. The risk of bias based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network quality checklists for cohort studies was assessed in 57 studies. The current study identified strong evidence that 1) anthropometric characteristics (body mass index and estimated mass moment of inertia of the body around a horizontal axis through the ankle), which are calculated with weight and height; 2) physical function, in particular for the trunk and lower limb (trunk-flexion hold and wall-sit hold); and 3) Oswestry Disability Index disability, which is a patient-reported outcome measure for disability due to low back pain, were positive prognostic factors for injury during the collision sports season, regardless of playing experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peaking for major competition is considered critical for maximizing team-sport performance. However, there is little scientific information available to guide coaches in prescribing efficient tapering strategies for team-sport players. Purpose: To monitor the changes in physical performance in elite team-sport players during a 3-wk taper after a preseason training camp. Methods: Ten male international rugby sevens players were tested before (Pre) and after (Post) a 4-wk preseason training camp focusing on high-intensity training and strength training with moderate loads and once each week during a subsequent 3-wk taper. During each testing session, midthigh-pull maximal strength, sprint-acceleration mechanical outputs, and performance, as well as repeated-sprint ability (RSA), were assessed. Results: At Post, no single peak performance was observed for maximal lowerlimb force output and sprint performance, while RSA peaked for only 1 athlete. During the taper, 30-m-sprint time decreased almost certainly (-3.1% ± 0.9%, large), while maximal lower-limb strength and RSA, respectively, improved very likely (+7.7% ± 5.3%, small) and almost certainly (+9.0% ± 2.6%, moderate). Of the peak performances, 70%, 80%, and 80% occurred within the first 2 wk of taper for RSA, maximal force output, and sprint performance, respectively. Conclusions: These results show the sensitivity of physical qualities to tapering in rugby sevens players and suggest that an ~1- to 2-wk tapering time frame appears optimal to maximize the overall physical-performance response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of a training camp on the sleep characteristics of professional rugby league players compared with a home period. Methods: During a 7-d home and 13-d camp period, time in bed (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and wake after sleep onset were measured using wristwatch actigraphy. Subjective wellness and training loads (TL) were also collected. Differences in sleep and TL between the 2 periods and the effect of daytime naps on nighttime sleep were examined using linear mixed models. Pearson correlations assessed the relationship of changes in TL on individuals' TST. Results: During the training camp, TST (-85 min), TIB (-53 min), and SE (-8%) were reduced compared with home. Those who undertook daytime naps showed increased TIB (+33 min), TST (+30 min), and SE (+0.9%). Increases in daily total distance and training duration above individual baseline means during the training camp shared moderate (r = -.31) and trivial (r = -.04) negative relationships with TST. Conclusions: Sleep quality and quantity may be compromised during training camps; however, daytime naps may be beneficial for athletes due to their known benefits, without being detrimental to nighttime sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate two different intervention programs applied during a 4-week pre-season period. Twenty-nine players participated in this study and were divided into two groups. One group (BallTrain, n = 12, age: 17.8 ± 0.4 years, body mass: 73.9 ± 7.6 kg, height: 178 ± 0.1 cm, body fat: 9.6 ± 5.3%) performed a higher percentage of aerobic training with ball and strength training using plyometrics and exercises with body weight. The other group (HIITTrain, n = 17, age: 17.8 ± 0.7 years, body mass: 73.3 ± 5.0 kg, height: 179 ± 0.1 cm, body fat: 8.0 ± 2.3%) trained with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) without the ball and performed resistance training with weights in the same session. Both groups trained for strength (two times/week) and performed aerobic–anaerobic fitness without the ball, passing games, and tactical and small-sided games. Lower limb power (CMJ) and aerobic fitness (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1-IR1) were evaluated before and after the four-week training program. Yo-Yo IR1 performance was improved in both groups, but the improvement was greater for the HIITTrain than BallTrain group (468 ± 180 vs. 183 ± 177 m, p = 0.07). CMJ showed a non-significant improvement in the BallTrain group (5.8 ± 8.8%, p = 0.16), but it decreased by 8.1 ± 9% (p = 0.001), in the HIITTrain group. In conclusion, we have shown that a short pre-season period of training results in improvements in aerobic fitness in both groups, with high-intensity interval training showing superior adaptations than training with the ball. However, CMJ performance was reduced in this group, possibly suggesting higher fatigue levels and overload, and/or showing the effects of concurrent HIITTrain and strength training in soccer.

To verify the association of the isometric strength of the shoulder external rotators (ER) and serratus anterior (SA) with the performance of functional tests CKCUEST, SMB-T, and USSP-T in overhead athletes. Cross-sectional study. Eighty overhead athletes with no history of surgery in the upper and lower limbs and trunk in the past year, and no painful symptoms in the upper body during the physical assessment were included. Preseason assessment included isometric strength of shoulder ER and SA, and performance of the CKCUEST, SMB-T, and USSP-T. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify if the isometric strength of the shoulder ER and SA could explain the performance during the tests after controlling for sex. Results: The isometric strength of SA was associated (p < 0.05) with the SMB-T and USSP-T with 4% of explain. The isometric strength of the SA was not associated (p > 0.05) with the CKCUEST. The isometric strength of the ER was not associated (p > 0.05) with any of the tests. The isometric strength of the SA predicted the SMB-T and USSP-T performance. Isometric strength of SA and shoulder ER was not associated with CKCUEST results in athletes overhead. • Serratus anterior isometric strength was not associated with CKCUEST performance. • Serratus anterior isometric strength was associated with SMB-T and USSP-T scores. • Shoulder external rotators isometric strength was not associated with upper limb functional tests. • Clinicians should be aware of these findings when using upper limb functional tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the complex coupling between phenology and climatic factors, the influence mechanism of climate, especially preseason temperature and preseason precipitation, on vegetation phenology is still unclear. In the present study, we explored the long-term trends of phenological parameters of different vegetation types in China north of 30°N from 1982 to 2014 and their comprehensive responses to preseason temperature and precipitation. Simultaneously, annual double-season phenological stages were considered. Results show that the satellite-based phenological data were corresponding with the ground-based phenological data. Our analyses confirmed that the preseason temperature has a strong controlling effect on vegetation phenology. The start date of the growing season (SOS) had a significant advanced trend for 13.5% of the study area, and the end date of the growing season (EOS) showed a significant delayed trend for 23.1% of the study area. The impact of preseason precipitation on EOS was overall stronger than that on SOS, and different vegetation types had different responses. Compared with other vegetation types, SOS and EOS of crops were greatly affected by human activities while the preseason precipitation had less impact. This study will help us to make a scientific decision to tackle global climate change and regulate ecological engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of metabolic stress created by 6-week football training applied in the pre-season period on circulation and hematological parameters of well-trained male football players. Material and Methods. Fourteen male football players who competed in the U19 category of a football team in Turkish Football Super League participated in the study voluntarily. In the study, players’ systolic - diastolic blood pressures and resting heart rates were measured and their blood samples were taken before and after the 6-week training period. Laboratory analysis was made to determine counts and concentration percentage of erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet sub-parameters. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was performed to determine the difference between pre and post measurements. Results. Our findings indicated that baseline mean values of lymphocyte, mean cell hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly higher than posttest mean values. The mean of diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate measured before the preseason training camp were lower than their posttest mean values (p > .05). Conclusion. It is thought that the decrease in the mean values of diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate caused by the effect of regular training during the preseason training period, while the increase in the mean values of mean cell haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration caused by the increased oxygen demand of the metabolism during the training period.

This cross-sectional study explored the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and associations between dietary factors and incidence of ID in female rhythmic gymnasts during preseason periods. Participants were 60 elite collegiate rhythmic gymnasts (18.1 ± 0.3 years [M ± SD]) who were recruited every August over the course of 8 years. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of ID. Presence of ID was denned either by ferritin less than 12 µ/L or percentage of transferrin saturation less than 16%. Anthropometric and hematologic data, as well as dietary intake, which was estimated via a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, were compared. ID was noted in 48.3% of participants. No significant group-dependent differences were observed in physical characteristics, red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, haptoglobin, or erythropoietin concentrations. The ID group had a significantly lower total iron-binding capacity; serum-free iron; percentage of transferrin saturation; ferritin; and intake of protein, fat, zinc, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, beans, and eggs but not iron or vitamin C. The recommended dietary allowance for intake of protein, iron, zinc, and various vitamins was not met by 30%, 90%, 70%, and 22%-87% of all participants, respectively. Multiple logistic analysis showed that protein intake was significantly associated with the incidence of ID (odds ratio = 0.814, 95% confidence interval [0.669, 0.990], p = .039). Participants in the preseason's weight-loss periods showed a tendency toward insufficient nutrient intake and were at a high risk for ID, particularly because of lower protein intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to compare the physical and physiological demands of friendly matches (FM) with different types of standard training sessions (TRs) undertaken by professional soccer players. Maximal velocity (MV), relative distance (m/min), distance covered in different high velocity and acceleration-deceleration zones, player load, repeated high intensity efforts and Edwards’ TRIMP were assessed in 15 professional Spanish soccer players across the preseason period. Training sessions were classified under: tactical, pre-match activation, fitness-reserves and fitness sessions. Differences between FM and TRs, were analyzed for practical significance using magnitude-based inferences. MV and relative distance were substantially higher in FM than in tactical sessions (effect size, ES=1.69, large and 3.73, very large), activation sessions (ES=2.07, very large and 2.30, very large), fitness-reserves sessions (ES=2.85, very large and 4.47, very large) and fitness sessions (ES=2.30, very large and 6.30, very large) respectively. No substantial differences were observed in distance covered in high acceleration zone (>3 m·s-2) between FM and activation, fitness-reserves and fitness sessions. TRIMPs obtained during FM were substantially higher than in tactical (ES= 5.37, very large), activation (ES=5.03, very large), fitness-reserves (ES=3.82, very large) and fitness sessions (ES=5.61, very large). It can be concluded from this study that FMs produce the highest loaded training stimulus when compared across most metrics used for training analysis comparisons across the preseason period. As a result the use of FMs within the pre-season phase of the season should warrant additional care when planned between high intensity and high volume training loads.

Due to the complex coupling between phenology and climatic factors, the influence mechanism of climate, especially preseason temperature and preseason precipitation, on vegetation phenology is still unclear. In the present study, we explored the long-term trends of phenological parameters of different vegetation types in China north of 30°N from 1982 to 2014 and their comprehensive responses to preseason temperature and precipitation. Simultaneously, annual double-season phenological stages were considered. Results show that the satellite-based phenological data were corresponding with the ground-based phenological data. Our analyses confirmed that the preseason temperature has a strong controlling effect on vegetation phenology. The start date of the growing season (SOS) had a significant advanced trend for 13.5% of the study area, and the end date of the growing season (EOS) showed a significant delayed trend for 23.1% of the study area. The impact of preseason precipitation on EOS was overall stronger than that on SOS, and different vegetation types had different responses. Compared with other vegetation types, SOS and EOS of crops were greatly affected by human activities while the preseason precipitation had less impact. This study will help us to make a scientific decision to tackle global climate change and regulate ecological engineering.

Introduction: This study aimed to verify the typology and incidence of injury by comparing the different competitive levels of futsal during the preseason., Methods: The sample consisted of 68 senior male futsal players (24.26 ± 4.63 years). Data were collected using an injury recording grid that examined the affected body part, anatomical region, type of injury, mechanism, and severity., Results: It was found that the elite group has the lowest incidence rate of injury (4.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) compared to the sub-elite (11.8 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure) and amateur groups (13.9 injuries per 1,000 h of exposure). However, at this level, there is the highest percentage of injury occurrence (38.5%), the lower limb was the most affected part of the body (30.8%), and ligament (23.1%) and muscle (15.4%) injuries are the most prevalent. The most frequent mechanism of injury was non-traumatic (30.8%), and the majority were moderate injuries in the elite (23.1%) and sub-elite (17.9%) groups and severe injuries in the amateur group (12.5%)., Discussion: The amateur futsal players had the highest incidence of injury during the preseason period compared to the other competitive levels. Still, it was at the elite level where the highest percentage of injuries occurred, most of them non-traumatic and of ligament origin, primarily affecting the ankle region. The results highlight the importance of adopting specific injury prevention programs for ligament and muscle injuries during the preseason phase, regardless of the competitive level., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Marques, Rebelo, Crisóstomo, Honório, Duarte-Mendes, Petrica and Serrano.)