Road to Paris 2024: force-velocity profile in different speed climbers' abilities.

Speed climbing will be a new discipline in Paris 2024. The physical requirements of speed climbing are different from the other climbing modalities due to the short event time requiring higher level of strength and power. These parameters have been measured through the Force-Velocity (F-V) profile in different climbing disciplines. However, there are no known results evaluating different speed climbing abilities to establish whether F-V relationship is a determining factor between performance levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the upper and lower limbs F-V profile in different speed climbing abilities considering sex. Twenty-six speed climbers were divided into two groups based on their level of performance: international level (men n = 7 and women n = 2) and national level (men n = 8 and women n = 7). Participants performed pull-ups and squat incremental tests and F-V profile variables [Maximum theorical values of force (F0), velocity (V0) and power (Pmax)], one-repetition maximum value (1RM) and %1RM where peak power was expressed were collected using a linear encoder. There were significant differences in F0, relative force, %1RM where peak power was expressed, and 1RM in pull-ups (p < 0.05) between groups. However, there were not significant differences between groups in squat variables. No significant sex differences were found in any variable. There were moderate-strong correlations between running time and 1RM (pull-ups and squat), F0 and FV-slope (pull-ups) (p < 0.05) analyzed in the whole group. In conclusion, F0 and 1RM in pull-ups were significantly higher in international climbers. Therefore, national climbers should focus their training on improving force by training with heavy loads. Additionally, squat F-V profile variables do not seem to be as important as in the pull-up for performance.

Influence of different midsole foam in advanced footwear technology use on running economy and biomechanics in trained runners.

BACKGROUND: Ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyether block amide (PEBA) are recently the most widely used materials for advanced footwear technology (AFT) that has been shown to improve running economy (RE). This study investigated the effects of these midsole materials on RE and biomechanics, in both fresh and worn state (after 450 km). METHODS: Twenty-two male trained runners participated in this study. Subjects ran four 4-min trials at 13 km‧h-1 with both fresh EVA and PEBA AFT and with the same models with 450 km of wear using a randomized crossover experimental design. We measured energy cost of running (W/kg), spatiotemporal, and neuromuscular parameters. RESULTS: There were significant differences in RE between conditions (p = 0.01; n2 = 0.17). There was a significant increase in energy cost in the worn PEBA condition compared with new (15.21 ± 1.01 and 14.87 ± 0.99 W/kg; p < 0.05; ES = 0.54), without differences between worn EVA (15.13 ± 1.14 W/kg; p > 0.05), and new EVA (15.15 ± 1.13 w/kg; ES = 0.02). The increase in energy cost between new and worn was significantly higher for the PEBA shoes (0.32 ± 0.38 W/kg) but without significant increase for the EVA shoes (0.06 ± 0.58 W/kg) (p < 0.01; ES = 0.51) with changes in step frequency and step length. The new PEBA shoes had lower energy cost than the new EVA shoes (p < 0.05; ES = 0.27) with significant differences between conditions in contact time. CONCLUSION: There is a clear RE advantage of incorporating PEBA versus EVA in an AFT when the models are new. However, after 450 km of use, the PEBA and EVA shoes had similar RE.

Diving into Recovery. The Effects of Different Post-Competition Protocols for Enhancing Physio-Psychological Parameters in National Level Youth Swimmers.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate whether a specific approach regarding active swimming recovery could better promote psycho-physiological recovery right after competing in a high-level swimming race. To achieve this, we recruited 50 national level youth swimmers, randomly and equally assigning them to two groups, named "experimental" and "coach prescribed". Each group performed a specific post-competition recovery protocol, consisting of different swimming paces, rest times, self-management of the exercises. We gathered data about blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at two different moments, the first moment right after the swimming competition (named post-competition phase), the second moment right after swimming the respective recovery protocol assigned (named post-recovery phase). A mixed MANOVA with Tukey HSD post-hoc analysis revealed no significant differences between the experimental and coach-prescribed groups in BL, HR, and RPE at the post-competition phase. At the post-recovery phase, however, the experimental group presented lower BL levels than the coach-prescribed group (2.40 ± 1.18 vs. 4.29 ± 2.07 mmol/L, p < 0.05). Finally, we found no interaction of swimming race ranking on recovery capacities. We conclude that for immediate improvement of BL in a wide range of high-level swimmers, an efficient recovery protocol should consist of several paces, high volumes, fixed and short rest times, whereas the widely popular self-managed, lower intensity approach does not seem as equally effective. Our study advances the development of novel recommendations for optimizing immediate fatigue management in competitive swimming.

Early Success is not a Prerequisite for Success at the Adult Age in Spanish Sprinters.

The aim of the study was to describe the relationship between success in junior and senior categories in sprint events. An observational and longitudinal analysis was carried out using rankings of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation database. We analysed 547 sprinters (238 women and 309 men) from their U14 to senior stage who ranked in top-20 on at least one occasion during the period 2004 to 2021. The first entry in top-20 occurred mostly in U14 (44.4%, 243), and the frequency was progressively lower: 26.7% (146) in U16; 20.8% (114) in U18; 5.1% (28) in U20; 2% (11) in U23; and 0.9% (5) in the senior category. A similar tendency was observed in male and female athletes. Only 3.8% (9) of top-20 U14 athletes reached the senior elite stage, increasing this percentage in subsequent categories: 7.4% (15) in U16; 10.6% (24) in U18; 20.9% (32) in U20, and 31.4% (32) from U23 to the senior category. Data from female athletes showed higher maintenance of top-20 status from early categories to senior age. We conclude that even though the first entry into the national top-20 in sprint events occurs early in most cases, success in these initial stages is not a prerequisite for reaching top-20 positions in the senior category.

What is the Most Important Leg and Discipline in Triathlon Mixed Team Relays?

This study aimed to determine the importance of the different relay legs and sport disciplines in the overall result of the triathlon Mixed Team Relay (MTR) events. The study analysed the results of 80 Mixed Team Relay triathlon teams (n = 320 professional triathletes) corresponding to the top ten finishers at the World Championships in Hamburg from 2013 to 2020. Split times, average speeds, time behind the race leader (gap), partial and finishing positions, as well as the rank positions of every segment, relay leg, and overall race were computed. Decision tree analyses were conducted as a predictive method for the overall results, and correspondence analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the different relay legs and segments and the finishing positions. Running was the variable with the greatest importance (32%) in the overall result, followed by female team members (17%) and the third relay leg (17%). The swimming segments (1%) and the fourth relay leg (1%) had the lowest relevance. Medallist relay teams were characterised by cycling and running faster than 10.99 m/s and 5.59 m/s, respectively, with time gaps of less than 43 seconds by the end of the third relay leg. A reliable and accurate prediction model for the medallists' and finalists' team positions in the Mixed Team Relay triathlon was obtained. The running disciplines and performance of female team members, especially in the third leg, were ascertained to be the most significant determinants for the overall Mixed Team Relay result.

Competition and Training Strategies for Developing World Class 200- and 400-m Individual Medley Swimmers.

Swimming performance achieved in 50-m, 100-m and 200-m events in each swimming stroke can have an influence on the final performance in individual medley (IM) events. We attempted to quantify the relative contributions of performance in individual stroke events to top-10 world ranked IM competition performance. We examined competition results of top-10 world ranked IM swimmers (90 males and 90 females) between 2012 and 2018. A general linear model was developed to examine association between the 200-m and 400-mIM and predictor variables of competition performance in other 50-m, 100-m, and 200-m events. The main predictor variable for 200-mIM medalist status was having scored more than 900 FINA points in at least one 100-m event. Scoring more than 800 FINA points in at least two 200-mIM events, and more than 900 FINA points in at least one 100-m event, was important for success in the 400-mIM. Top-10 world ranked 200-mIM and 400-mIM swimmers require a world class standard in one or more individual stroke event(s).

Contributions of each of the four swimming strokes to elite 200-400 individual medley swimming performance in short and long course competitions.

Objectives: The relative contribution of each of the four strokes to performance, and whether these contributions differ substantially between short course and long course competitions is unclear. To clarify these issues the aim of this study was to assess the strokes that have more influence on the performance in the 200 and 400 m IM swimming performances of elite male and female swimmers, participating in major events: Olympic Games (OG) and World Championship (WC) in short-course and long-course from 2012 to 2021. Methods: Data from 1,095 swimmers (501 women and 594 men) who competed in 200 and 400-m IM were obtained with a minimum level of 800 FINA points. Linear regression modelling and classification trees were employed to quantify differences between strokes and short/long course swimming. Results: Regression analysis indicated that breaststroke (ß =  - 0.191; p < 0.000) and backstroke (ß =  - 0.185; p < 0.000) had a bigger effect on IM performance, with butterfly (ß =  - 0.101; p < 0.000) having a lesser impact. The classification trees showed threshold performance standards in terms of 50-m times in form-stroke events must be fulfilled to attain medal-winning performances. Conclusions: These form-stroke standards represent important milestones for designing medal-oriented training strategies for both 200 IM and 400 m IM. Achieving a medallist position in 200 and 400 m IM requires obtaining specified lap times in butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke for males and females in long-course competitions, and breaststroke and backstroke for short-course competitions. The OG presents more exigent demands of lap times in butterfly, crawl and backstroke for IM swimmers.

Effects of a Regular Endurance Training Program on Running Economy and Biomechanics in Runners.

A regular endurance training program may elicit different adaptations compared to an isolated training method. In this study, we analyzed the effects of 8 weeks of a regular endurance training program on running economy (RE), particularly neuromuscular and biomechanical parameters, in runners of different athletic abilities. Twenty-four male runners were divided into two groups: well-trained (n=12) and recreational (n=12). Both groups completed a 4-min running bout at 13 and 17 km·h-1, respectively, for the recreational and well-trained group, and a 5-jump plyometric test pre-post intervention. During the training program, participants completed low-intensity continuous sessions, high-intensity interval training sessions, and auxiliary strength training sessions. RE, measured as oxygen cost and energy cost, decreased by 6.15% (p=0.006) and 5.11% (p=0.043), respectively, in the well-trained group. In the recreational group, energy cost of running, respiratory exchange ratio, and leg stiffness decreased by 5.08% (p=0.035), 7.61% (p=0.003), and 10.59% (p=0.017), respectively, while ground contact time increased by 3.34% (p=0.012). The maximum height of the 5-jump plyometric test decreased by 4.55% (p=0.018) in the recreational group. We suggest that 8 weeks of regular endurance training leads to an improvement of ~5% in RE in recreational and well-trained runners with different physiological adaptations between groups and few changes in biomechanical and neuromuscular parameters only in recreational runners.

The effectiveness of adjusting resistance training loads through velocity-based techniques in experienced sprinters: a case series study.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine if adjusting the loads via velocity-based training (VBT) in each session is more efficient in monitoring the relative intensity than programming loads assessing 1RM pre-training. Methods: To achieve this, six national level sprinters were randomly divided into two groups, i.e., adjusting loads (AL, n = 3) and not adjusting loads (NAL, n = 3), during twelve sessions of a squat training (ST) program. During this training intervention, the AL group adjusted the intensity for each session in the squat exercise depending on the speed the load was lifted after warmup. The NAL group, instead, progressed in the squat exercise referring to the 1RM estimated at pre-test. In addition, Parallel Squat (PSQ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Squat Jump (SJ), 30 m sprint standing start (30S) and 30 m sprint flying start (30F) tests were carried out before and after conducting the ST program. Results: Interestingly, AL performed the ST near their estimated velocities at 70%-75% 1RM, however with a wider gap at 80%-85% 1RM. The NAL group, instead, did not presented such a detectable behaviour across the whole ST. Moreover, both groups demonstrated improved performances in PSQ, CMJ, and SJ, whereas there were little changes in 30S and 30F after ST. Additionally, AL obtained a greater effect size than NAL in PSQ (0.60 vs. 0.35) but lower effect size in CMJ, SJ, 30S, and 30F (0.41 vs. 0.63, 0.30 vs. 0.40, 0.04 vs. 0.28 and 0.22 vs. 0.24). However, percentage change was greater in AL in all tests. Discussion: Based on these findings, we can conclude that further investigation into the AL strategy in VBT is warranted for sprinter athletes' daily strength practices. The AL technique shows promise as a valuable tool for accurately adjusting and monitoring medium-high training loads to ensure they align with the intended intensity.

Acute effects of combined cycling and plyometrics on vertical jump performance in active males.

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of high vs low-intensity cycling efforts, combined with plyometrics, on vertical jump performance. Twenty-four physically active men (mean ± SD: 23 ± 2 years, 72.1 ± 10.1 kg, 1.73 ± 0.07 m) were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group (EXP, n = 16) and control group (CON, n = 8). EXP competed 2 experimental trials in a random order: (a) short high-intensity interval exercise (HI + Plyo) [5 × 10 s of cycling ("all-out")/50 s active rest] or (b) low-intensity continuous exercise (LO + Plyo) [5 min of cycling at 75% of the HRmax)], along with 3 × 10 plyometric bounds (drop jumps)/1 min rest between sets. CON used a preconditioning activity of 13 min of low intensity cycling at ~60% of HRmax. Both EXP interventions significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) the countermovement jump (CMJ) height at 1 min, 3 min, 6 min and 9 min compared to baseline, while the CON remained unchanged. There were no significant differences in CMJ performance enhancement between HI + Plyo (largest 11.2% at 9 min) and LO + Plyo (largest 15.0% at 3 min) at any time-point, suggesting that the plyometric component may be most important, with HR recovery taking slightly longer following HI + Plyo. The findings suggest that CMJ performance can be enhanced following high or low-intensity cycling combined with plyometric preconditioning activities in active males, the optimum recovery period likely to be individual-specific.

Influence of Running Shoe Longitudinal Bending Stiffness on Running Economy and Performance in Trained and National Level Runners.

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Previous results about shoe longitudinal bending stiffness (LBS) and running economy (RE) show high variability. This study aimed to assess the effects of shoes with increased LBS on RE and performance in trained and national runners. METHODS: Twenty-eight male runners were divided into two groups according to their 10-km performance times (trained, 38-45 min and national runners, <34 min). Subjects ran 2 × 3 min (at 9 and 13 km·h -1 for trained, and 13 and 17 km·h -1 for national runners) with an experimental shoe with carbon fiber plate to increase the LBS (Increased LBS) and a control shoe (without carbon fiber plate). We measured energy cost of running (W·kg -1 ) and spatiotemporal parameters in visit one and participants performed a 3000 m time trial (TT) in two successive visits. RESULTS: Increased LBS improved RE in the trained group at slow (11.41 ± 0.93 W·kg -1 vs 11.86 ± 0.93 W·kg -1 ) and fast velocity (15.89 ± 1.24 W·kg -1 vs 16.39 ± 1.24 W·kg -1 ) and only at the fast velocity in the national group (20.35 ± 1.45 W·kg -1 vs 20.78 ± 1.18 W·kg -1 ). The improvements in RE were accompanied by different changes in biomechanical variables between groups. There were a similar improvement in the 3000 m TT test in Increased LBS for trained (639 ± 59 vs 644 ± 61 s in control shoes) and national runners (569 ± 21 vs 574 ± 21 s in control shoes) with more constant pace in increased LBS compared with control shoes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing shoe LBS improved RE at slow and fast velocities in trained runners and only at fast velocity in national runners. However, the 3000 m TT test improved similarly in both levels of runners with increased LBS. The improvements in RE are accompanied by small modifications in running kinematics that could explain the difference between the different levels of runners.

Acute effects of interval training on running kinematics in runners: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Interval training (IT) is influenced by several variables and its design. However, there is no consensus about the acute effects of this type of training on running kinematics and gait patterns due to the variety of session designs. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of this systematic review was to determine the acute effects of IT on gait patterns and running kinematics in endurance runners depending on the characteristics of the training sessions. METHODS: A systematic search on four databases (Pubmed, WOS, Medline, and Scopus) was conducted on February 22, 2022. After analyzing 655 articles, studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria developed according to the PICO model. Nine studies were finally included. RESULTS: Only two of these studies measured kinematics changes during IT bouts while seven measured pre-post changes of these parameters. The quality scores of the included studies in the review averaged 5.44 (good quality) points using the modified PEDro scale. The observed changes in running kinematics during IT sessions were an increase in stride frequency, contact time and vertical displacement of center of mass. SIGNIFICANCE: Regarding the type of IT, anaerobic and short aerobic interval sessions (200-1000 m) should include long recovery periods (2-3 min) to avoid the increase of stride frequency, contact time and vertical oscillation of the center of mass as a results of muscle fatigue. For long aerobic interval sessions (>1000 m), a short recovery (1-2 min) between bouts do not induce a high level of muscle fatigue nor modifications in gait patterns. Coaches and athletes must consider the relative intensity and recovery periods of IT, and the type of IT, to prevent excessive fatigue which can negatively affect running kinematics.

Relationship between Maximum Force-Velocity Exertion and Swimming Performances among Four Strokes over Medium and Short Distances: The Stronger on Dry Land, the Faster in Water?

Evaluating force-velocity characteristics on dry-land is of the utmost importance in swimming, because higher levels of these bio-motor abilities positively affect in-water performance. However, the wide range of possible technical specializations presents an opportunity for a more categorized approach that has yet to be seized. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify feasible differences in maximum force-velocity exertion based on swimmers' stroke and distance specialization. To this scope, 96 young male swimmers competing at the regional level were divided into 12 groups, one for each stroke (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and front crawl) and distance (50 m, 100 m, and 200 m). They performed two single pull-up tests, 5-min before and after competing in a federal swimming race. We assessed force (N) and velocity (m/s) exertion via linear encoder. There were no significant differences between pre-post maximum force-velocity exertions, despite the decreasing trend. Force-parameters highly correlated with each other and with the swimming performance time. Moreover, both force (t = -3.60, p < 0.001) and velocity (t = -3.90, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of swimming race time. Sprinters (both 50 m and 100 m) of all strokes could exert significantly higher force-velocity compared to 200 m swimmers (e.g., 0.96 ± 0.06 m/s performed by sprinters vs. 0.66 ± 0.03 m/s performed by 200 m swimmers). Moreover, breaststroke sprinters presented significantly lower force-velocity compared to sprinters specialized in the other strokes (e.g., 1047.83 ± 61.33 N performed by breaststroke sprinters vs. 1263.62 ± 161.23 N performed by butterfly sprinters). This study could provide the foundation for future research regarding the role of stroke and distance specializations in modeling swimmers' force-velocity abilities, thus influencing paramount elements for specific training and improvement towards competitions.

Effects of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 shoe on long-interval training performance, kinematics, neuromuscular parameters, running power and fatigue.

We analysed the effects of the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly (VPF) on long-interval training performance, kinematic parameters, running power and fatigue compared to a traditional running shoe. Twelve well-trained men (mean ± SD: 32.91 ± 7.50 years; 69.29 ± 7.55 kg and 172.73 ± 5.97 cm) performed two long-interval training sessions (5 × 1000 m with 90s recovery period) 7 days apart, with the VPF shoe or a traditional running shoe (CON) in random order. The countermovement jump (CMJ) height was measured before and after the training sessions and heart rate, spatiotemporal parameters, running power and leg stiffness was measured during training sessions. Running-related pain was assessed prior and post-24 h of each training session. Long-interval training performance improved 2.4% using the VPF shoe compared to CON (p = 0.009; ES = 0.482). Step length, contact time and leg stiffness were higher (p < 0.05; ES = 0.51, ES = 0.677, ES = 0.356) while flight time was lower (p < 0.001; ES = 0.756) when using VPF. Running power decreased in a similar way in both conditions throughout the training session. Vertical power was significantly higher in the VPF condition (p = 0.023, ES = 0.388). CMJ height decreased in both conditions after training (4.7 vs. 7.2%, for the VPF and control, respectively, p < 0.001; ES = 0.573). Finally, the perceived muscle pain was influenced by the shoe model condition (chi-square 5.042, P = 0.025). VPF shoes improved the long-interval training performance with similar running power, heart rate and neuromuscular fatigue, and reduced subjective perceived muscle pain compared to regular training shoes.HighlightsVPF shoe may improve long-interval training performance in trained runners with the same running power and heart rate.Lower subjective perceived muscle pain is found with VPF compared to the regular training shoes.This type of footwear may be used in high-intensity training sessions aiming to increase the training volume at higher intensities with lower associated fatigue.

Training Periodization, Intensity Distribution, and Volume in Trained Cyclists: A Systematic Review.

A well-planned periodized approach endeavors to allow road cyclists to achieve peak performance when their most important competitions are held. PURPOSE: To identify the main characteristics of periodization models and physiological parameters of trained road cyclists as described by discernable training intensity distribution (TID), volume, and periodization models. METHODS: The electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched using a comprehensive list of relevant terms. Studies that investigated the effect of the periodization of training in cyclists and described training load (volume, TID) and periodization details were included in the systematic review. RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Block periodization (characterized by employment of highly concentrated training workload phases) ranged between 1- and 8-week blocks of high-, medium-, or low-intensity training. Training volume ranged from 8.75 to 11.68 h·wk-1 and both pyramidal and polarized TID were used. Traditional periodization (characterized by a first period of high-volume/low-intensity training, before reducing volume and increasing the proportion of high-intensity training) was characterized by a cyclic progressive increase in training load, the training volume ranged from 7.5 to 10.76 h·wk-1, and pyramidal TID was used. Block periodization improved maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), peak aerobic power, lactate, and ventilatory thresholds, while traditional periodization improved VO2max, peak aerobic power, and lactate thresholds. In addition, a day-by-day programming approach improved VO2max and ventilatory thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence is currently available favoring a specific periodization model during 8 to 12 weeks in trained road cyclists. However, few studies have examined seasonal impact of different periodization models in a systematic way.

Utility of the W´BAL model in training programme design for masters cyclists.

The present study aims to determine the utility of integrating balance model (W´BAL-INT) in designing interval training programmes as assessed by improvements in power output, critical power (CP), and W prime (W´) defined as the finite work capacity above CP. Fourteen male cyclists (age = 42 ± 7 yr, body mass = 69.6 ± 6.5 kg, height = 175 ± 5 cm, CP = 302 ± 32 W, relative CP = 4.35 ± 0.66 W·kg-1) were randomized into two training groups: Short-Medium-Long intervals (SML-INT; n = 7) or Long intervals (L-INT, n = 7) [training sessions separated by 72 h], along with 3-4 sessions of moderate intensity training per week, for 4 weeks. All sessions were designed to result in the complete depletion of the W´ as gauged by the W´BAL-INT. CP and W´ were assessed using the specified efforts (i.e. 12, 7 and 3 min) and calculated with the 2-parameter CP linear model. Training loads between the groups were compared using different metrics. CP improved in both the SML-INT and L-INT groups by 5 ± 4% and 6 ± 5% (p < 0.001) respectively, without significant changes in W´. Mean maximal power over 3, 7 and 12 min increased significantly in the SML-INT group by 5%, 4% and 9%, (p < 0.05) without significant changes in the L-INT group. There were no differences between groups in training zone distribution or training load using BikeScore and relative intensity, but there was significantly (p < 0.05) higher TRIMPS for the Long-INT group. Therefore, W´BAL model may prove to be a useful tool for coaches to construct SML-INT training programmes.HighlightsCP significantly improved with both training models during the present intervention and in power output in some of the time to exhaustion (TTE) trials, despite a difference in training load between the groups as assessed by TRIMPS.We recommend designing endurance training sessions based on the use of the W´BAL-INT model.The structured interval model can be an easy and standardized way for cyclists and coaches to monitor their potential for flat and mid-mountain stages.

Effects of apnoea training on aerobic and anaerobic performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Trained breath-hold divers have shown physiological adaptations that might improve athletes' aerobic and anaerobic performance. Objective This study aimed to systematically review the scientific literature and perform a meta-analysis to assess the effects of voluntary apnoea training on markers of anaerobic and aerobic performance, such as blood lactate and VO2max. Methods A literature search on three databases (Web of Science, PubMed and SCOPUS) was conducted in March 2022. The inclusion criteria were 1) peer-reviewed journal publication; 2) clinical trials; 3) healthy humans; 4) effects of apnoea training; 5) variables included markers of aerobic or anaerobic performance, such as lactate and VO2max. Results 545 manuscripts were identified following database examination. Only seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were, therefore, included in the meta-analysis. 126 participants were allocated to either voluntary apnoea training (ApT; n = 64) or normal breathing (NB; n = 63). Meta-analysis on the included studies demonstrated that ApT increased the peak blood lactate concentration more than NB (MD = 1.89 mmol*L-1 [95% CI 1.05, 2.73], z = 4.40, p < 0.0001). In contrast, there were no statistically significant effects of ApT on VO2max (MD = 0.89 ml*kg-1*min-1 [95% CI -1.23, 3.01], z = 0.82, p = 0.41). Conclusion ApT might be an alternative strategy to enhace anaerobic performance associated with increased maximum blood lactate; however, we did not find evidence of ApT effects on physiological aerobic markers, such as VO2max. Systematic Review Registration: [PRISMA], identifier [registration number].

Training periodization for a world-class 400 meters individual medley swimmer.

We present a case study of the periodized training by a world-class 400-m Individual Medley (IM) swimmer (4th in 2019 World Championships) in the season leading to a bronze medal in the 2018 European Championship. The complexity of this IM preparation was based on the experiences, observations and innovations of an Olympic swimming coach. Over 52 weeks, a traditional periodization model was employed using three macrocycles. A total of 15 competitions were completed in the season increasing in frequency in the third macrocycle. The training intensity distribution (TID) followed the pattern of a traditional pyramidal model in general training and polarized and threshold models during specific training before competitions. Weekly training volume ranged from 25 to 79 km, 24 to 87 km, and 25 to 90 km in each of the three macrocyles. Altitude training comprised 23% of total training weeks. Haemoglobin [Hb] increased from 14.9 to 16.0 g/100 ml and haematocrit from 45.1 to 48.1% after altitude training. Heart rate (HR) and [La-] decreased at submaximal swimming intensities, while swimming velocity increased in the 8 × 100 m incremental swimming test in A2 (1.4%) and in AT (0.6%). Pull up power was increased 10% through the season.

Training Periodization, Methods, Intensity Distribution, and Volume in Highly Trained and Elite Distance Runners: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to determine (1) performance and training characteristics such as training intensity distribution (TID), volume, periodization, and methods in highly trained/elite distance runners and (2) differences in training volume and TID between event distances in highly trained/elite distance runners. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. Highly trained/elite distance runners typically follow a pyramidal TID approach, characterized by a decreasing training volume from zone 1 (at or below speed at first ventilatory/lactate threshold [LT]) to zone 2 (between speeds associated with either both ventilatory thresholds or 2 and 4 mmol·L-1 LTs [vLT1 and vLT2, respectively]) and zone 3 (speed above vVT2/vLT2). Continuous-tempo runs or interval training sessions at vLT2 in zone 2 (ie, medium and long aerobic intervals) and those in zone 3 (ie, anaerobic or short-interval training) were both used at least once per week each in elite runners, and they were used to increase the number of either vLT2 or z3 sessions to adopt either a pyramidal or a polarized approach, respectively. More pyramidal- and polarized-oriented approaches were used by marathoners and 1500-m runners, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Highly trained and elite middle- and long-distance runners are encouraged to adopt a traditional periodization pattern with a hard day-easy day basis, consisting in a shift from a pyramidal TID used during the preparatory and precompetitive periods toward a polarized TID during the competitive period.