Sleep and nutritional profile of endurance and ultra-endurance running athletes.

Sleeping and eating before and during an ultramarathon can directly affect an athlete's performance, who may also have their physiological adaptations and recovery process hindered by sleeping problems. Endurance and ultra-endurance athletes may have different sleep and nutrition profiles. Thus, this study aimed to describe the sleep profile (during preparation) and nutritional profile (during competition) of endurance (10-20km) and ultra-endurance (50-100km) running athletes. For this, 16 healthy volunteers answered questionnaires related to sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index), chronotype (morningness-eveningness questionnaire), and sleepiness (excessive daytime sleepiness questionnaire). Immediately after a competition, a form prepared by the research team about nutritional variables and volunteers' food records during the competition was applied. According to test scoring criteria (Pittsburgh sleep quality index >5; sleepiness >10), endurance running athletes showed low sleep quality. In addition, all athletes showed consumption of carbohydrates and lipids below the recommended, but excessive consumption of proteins. A positive association between sleepiness and sodium intake in endurance runners was observed (r=0.862; p=0.027). Sleep efficiency and race time showed a negative correlation only for ultra-endurance athletes (r=-0.834; p=0.039). The data obtained show that endurance athletes presented more sleep pattern alterations, however, endurance and ultra-endurance athletes showed inadequate nutritional consumption during the competition.

Nutritional Strategies of an Athlete with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus During a 217-km Ultramarathon.

Considering the challenges in meeting the high nutritional demand during ultramarathons, the aim of this study was to analyze the nutritional strategies and glycemic response of an athlete with type 1 diabetes (DM1) during participation in a 217-km ultramarathon. A 36-y-old male athlete who was diagnosed with DM1 15 y earlier was studied during participation in the Brazil 135 ultramarathon. Food consumption and blood glucose were recorded during the race, and nutritional intake was calculated after the race. The athlete completed the race in 51 h 18 min. He consumed a total of 15.0 MJ (3593 kcal), 532 g carbohydrate, 166 g protein, 92 g lipid, and 14 L of water during the race. Glycemic values ranged from 3.6 to 18.2 mmol·L-1. Most glycemic values (47%) ranged from 3.9 to 10 mmol·L-1, whereas 5% were <3.9 mmol·L-1, 16% were >10 to 13.9 mmol·L-1, and 32% were >13.9 mmol·L-1. This case report describes the dietary profile of an athlete with DM1 during a 217-km ultramarathon. Although the athlete implemented strategies that differed from those recommended in the literature, food and nutrient intake and the glycemic management strategy adopted allowed him to successfully finish the race. These results suggest that past personal experiences can be considered and that nutritional recommendations for athletes with DM1 should be individualized.

Gender inequality in table tennis: an analysis of women coaches in certification courses

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to investigate the presence of women coaches in table tennis certification courses carried out by national and international federations. Methods: We carried out an analysis on documents extracted from the official websites of the Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation (CBTM) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Those documents presented the certificated coaches by each organization. We also collected information about the location of the coach according to the five macro-regions of Brazil. Results: We found a greater frequency of men (89.3%) compared to women (10.7%) in ITTF courses and, in Brazil, we also found a higher rate of men (83.7%) compared to women (16.3%) certified by CBTM. We found no increase in women's participation in ITFF courses over the years. In both national and international courses, most of the women coaches (international = 36%; national = 46.4%) were from the Southeast, while few women coaches were found in the Northeast and North. Conclusion: The findings of our study reveal that the training process of table tennis coaches is still mostly occupied by men. We also found a discrepancy between the macro-regions of the country where most women coaches are from the Southeast. CBTM managed to almost double the women's representation among coaches (from 10.7% to 16%) due to the policy that has been adopted in an attempt to increase the number of women in the sport. We highlight the importance of gender equality policies to improve women coaches' participation in table tennis.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Stroke Effectiveness Test in Table Tennis Based on the Temporal Game Structure.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a stroke effectiveness test in table tennis based on the temporal game structure to assess the ball speed and ball placement of the players, with a purpose to analyze its reproducibility and validity. Methods: Nineteen male table tennis players participated in this study. The test was performed twice during the first session and once during the second session to assess the intrasession and intersession reproducibility, respectively. Moreover, the test was examined on its ability to discriminate between regional (n = 10) and local performance-level (n = 9) players and on the relationship between the test results and the table tennis performance to assess the discriminant and concurrent validity, respectively. In general, the test consisted of 11 simulated rallies of 2-5 balls with the effort and rest ratio of 0.5, and focused on attack with offensive strokes at defensive balls delivered by a robot randomly between the left and right positions on the table. Results: Ball speed, ball placement, and ball speed-ball placement index showed satisfactory reliability (ICC range 0.78-0.96, P < 0.05) and agreement (CV range 2.7-16.2%) outcomes. Additionally, the Bland-Altman plots show the systematic error of the analyses closer to 0, and that most values were within the limits of agreements. Concerning validity analyses, regional players had higher scores of ball placement (+51.3%; P = 0.01, ES = 1.33) and ball speed-ball placement index (+56.1%; P = 0.0009, ES = 1.87) as well as made fewer errors (-25.4%; P = 0.017, ES = 1.20) than local players. Moreover, ball placement (r = -0.79, P = 0.04), ball speed-ball placement index (r = -0.78, P = 0.04), and percentage error (r = 0.88, P = 0.01) presented a strong and significant correlation with table tennis performance. However, ball speed was slightly different between the regional than local players (+1.7%; P = 0.78, ES = 0.13) and this variable was not related to table tennis performance (r = 0.32, P = 0.49). Conclusion: Our findings show evidences that the test is reproducible. Moreover, discriminant and concurrent validity are confirmed for ball placement and ball speed-ball placement index.

Nonlinear pedagogy and the implications for teaching and training in table tennis

Aim: It is to propose a game-based and player-centred approach to teaching table tennis using nonlinear pedagogy insights. Methods: This is an essay which offers a well-reasoned articulated nonlinear pedagogy perspective on coaching and teaching table tennis issues Results: It offers the description of a propose based on a player-centred and game-based approach for table tennis supported by nonlinear pedagogy, illustrating examples of how to apply nonlinear pedagogical principles to design representative learning tasks in order to adapt them to learners' skills level. Conclusion: A novel perspective for teaching and training table tennis is presented here and we intend that this proposal may help coaches to design an effective learning environment.(AU)

Mountain Ultramarathon Induces Early Increases of Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Risk for Acute Renal Injury.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate changes in muscle damage during the course of a 217-km mountain ultramarathon (MUM). In an integrative perspective, inflammatory response and renal function were also studied. Methods: Six male ultra-runners were tested four times: pre-race, at 84 km, at 177 km, and immediately after the race. Blood samples were analyzed for serum muscle enzymes, acute-phase protein, cortisol, and renal function biomarkers. Results: Serum creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased significantly throughout the race (P < 0.001, P < 0.001; P = 0.002, respectively), and effect size (ES) denoted a large magnitude of muscle damage. These enzymes increased from pre-race (132 ± 18, 371 ± 66, and 28 ± 3 U/L, respectively) to 84 km (30, 1.8, and 3.9-fold, respectively); further increased from 84 to 177 km (4.6, 2.9, and 6.1-fold, respectively), followed by a stable phase until the finish line. Regarding the inflammatory response, significant differences were found for C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.001). CRP increased from pre-race (0.9 ± 0.3 mg/L) to 177 km (243-fold), cortisol increased from pre-race (257 ± 30 mmol/L) to the 84 km (2.9-fold), and both remained augmented until the finish line. Significant changes were observed for creatinine (P = 0.03), urea (P = 0.001), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (P < 0.001), and ES confirmed a moderate magnitude of changes in renal function biomarkers. Creatinine and urea increased, and GFR decreased from pre-race (1.00 ± 0.03 mg/dL, 33 ± 6 mg/dL, and 89 ± 5 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively) to 84 km (1.3, 3.5, and 0.7-fold, respectively), followed by a plateau phase until the finish line. Conclusion: This study shows evidence that muscle damage biomarkers presented early peak levels and they were followed by a plateau phase during the last segment of a 217-km MUM. The acute-phase response had a similar change of muscle damage. In addition, our data showed that our volunteers meet the risk criteria for acute kidney injury from 84 km until they finished the race, without demonstrating any clinical symptomatology.

Glycemic Control and Muscle Damage in 3 Athletes With Type 1 Diabetes During a Successful Performance in a Relay Ultramarathon: A Case Report.

Ultramarathon races are fairly demanding and impose substantial physiological stress on healthy athletes. These competitions may thus be considerably more challenging for individuals with diabetes. This case study aims to describe glycemic control, muscle damage, inflammation, and renal function in 3 athletes with type 1 diabetes during a successful performance in a relay ultramarathon. The team completed the race in 29 hours and 28 minutes, earning third place. The total distance covered by each athlete was 68.7, 84.5, and 65.1 km. Most blood glucose levels showed that athletes were in a zone where it was safe to exercise (90-250 mg/dL or 5.0-13.9 mmol/L). Creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase serum levels increased 1.2- to 50.7-fold prerace to postrace, and were higher than the reference ranges for all the athletes postrace. Blood leukocytes, neutrophils, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) increased 1.6- to 52-fold prerace to postrace and were higher than the reference ranges for 2 athletes after the race. Serum creatinine increased 1.2-fold prerace to postrace for all the athletes but did not meet the risk criteria for acute kidney injury. In conclusion, our main findings show evidence of satisfactory glycemic control in athletes with type 1 diabetes during a relay ultramarathon. Moreover, elevation of muscle damage and inflammatory biomarkers occurred without affecting renal function and challenging the maintenance of blood glucose among athletes. These findings are novel and provide an initial understanding of the physiological responses in athletes with type 1 diabetes during ultramarathon races.

Pedagogia do esporte e tênis de mesa: novas perspectivas para o ensino-treino do efeito na iniciação esportiva tardia / Pedagogy of sport and table tennis: new perspectives for teaching-training of the effect on late sports initiation / Pedagogía del deporte y tenis de mesa: nuevas perspectivas para la enseñanza-entrenamiento del efecto en la iniciación deportiva tardía

O ensino do tênis de mesa permanece sustentado pelo método tradicional de ensino, que se baseia nas teorias empiristas e inatistas, também denominadas metodologia analíti-ca/tecnicista. Nos últimos anos, algumas propostas têm buscado superar esse tipo de aborda-gem, no entanto, nenhuma delas trata do ensino dos efeitos na perspectiva das tendências atu-ais da Pedagogia do Esporte. O efeito é um dos principais fatores com um papel significativo para vencer uma partida de tênis de mesa. Este ensaio bibliográfico de caráter descritivo-propositivo tem por objetivo, portanto, discutir o ensino do tênis de mesa pautado nessas ten-dências atuais, contextualizando-o com os demais esportes de rede divisória, em especial os de raquete, focando no ensino-treino do efeito e exemplificando alguns tipos de jogos.

The teaching of table tennis remains supported by traditional method of teaching, which is based on empiricists and innatists theories, also called analytic/technicist methodology. In recent years, some proposals have been seeking to overcome this approach, however, none addresses the learning of spin based on the current trends of Sport Pedagogy. Spin is one of the main factors that play a significant role in winning table tennis matches. Therefore, this bibliographic, descriptive and propositional study aims to discuss the table tennis teaching based on these current trends, put it into context with other net sports, mainly racket sports, focusing on the teaching-training of spin and giving examples of some types of games.

La enseñanza del tenis de mesa continúa apoyado por el método tradicional de enseñanza, que se basa en las teorías empiristas e innatistas, también llamados metodología analítica / tecni-cista. En los últimos años, algunas propuestas han buscado superar ese tipo de enfoque, sin embargo, ninguno de ellos se refiere a la enseñanza de los efectos de la perspectiva de las tendencias actuales de la Pedagogía del Deporte. El efecto es uno de los principales factores que tienen un papel importante para vencer un partido de tenis de mesa. Este ensayo biblio-gráfico de carácter descriptivo-proposicional tiene como objetivo discutir la enseñanza de tenis de mesa con base en esas tendencias actuales, contextualizándolo con los otros deportes de red divisoria, en particular los de raqueta, se centra en la enseñanza-entrenamiento del efecto y ejemplificando algunos tipos de juegos.

Somatotype, body composition and performance in ultramarathon / Somatotipo, composição corporal e desempenho em ultramaratona

Abstract This study aimed to characterize somatotype, analyze anthropometric indicators associated with body composition during the race and verify possible relationships with the performance of athletes in a 217-km ultramarathon. For this, ten male volunteers (42.8 ± 3.5 years; 171.4 ± 1.9 cm height, 70.7 ± 3.1 kg body mass; 15 ± 3 years of running exercise) performed a critical velocity (CV) test one week before the competition and were submitted to anthropometric measurements before, at 84 km of the race and at the end of the race. Volunteers finished the race in 46.8 ± 3.4 h (4.9 ± 0.4 km / h; 33.4 ± 1.8% CV). Mean values equivalent to somatotype components accounted for 3.4 ± 0.4 for endomorphy, 5.2 ± 0.4 for mesomorphy and 1.7 ± 0.3 for ectomorphy. Body mass, body mass index, fat-free mass and chest circumference decreased (P <0.05) after 84 and 217 km compared to baseline. Pre-race values of thigh skinfold thickness (R = 0.79) and waist circumference (R = 0.64) were significantly correlated (P <0.05) with final race time. Thus, we concluded that ultramarathoners had mean endo-mesomorph somatotype and reductions in both body mass and fat-free mass during and after the race. Furthermore, the results suggest that increased body fat deposits concentrated in the lower limbs and abdominal region may have a negative impact on the performance of the athletes in 217-km ultramarathon.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o somatotipo, analisar indicadores antropométricos associados à composição corporal durante a prova e verificar possíveis relações com o desempenho de atletas em uma ultramaratona de 217 km. Para tanto, dez homens (42,8±3,5 anos; 171,4±1,9 cm de estatura; 70,7±3,1 kg de massa corporal; 15±3 anos de treino de corrida) tiveram determinada a velocidade crítica (VC) uma semana antes da competição e foram submetidos às avaliações antropométricas antes, aos 84 km e ao final da prova. Os voluntários completaram a prova em 46,8 ± 3,4h (4,9 ± 0,4 km/h; 33,4 ± 1,8 % VC). Os valores médios equivalentes aos componentes do somatotipo corresponderam a 3,4 ± 0,4 para endomorfia, 5,2 ± 0,4 para mesomorfia e 1,7 ± 0,3 para ectomorfia. Massa corporal, índice de massa corporal, massa magra e circunferência peitoral reduziram (P < 0,05) aos 84 e 217-km comparados aos valores iniciais. Espessura da dobra cutânea de coxa (R= 0,79) e a circunferência de cintura (R=0,64) identificadas antes da prova foram correlacionadas significativamente (P < 0,05) com o tempo final de prova. Dessa maneira, nós concluímos que ultracorredores apresentaram somatotipo médio endo-mesomorfo e reduções tanto de massa corporal como de massa magra durante e após a prova. Além disso, os resultados sugerem que maiores depósitos de gordura corporal concentrados nos membros inferiores e na região abdominal podem ter um impacto negativo no desempenho dos atletas em ultramaratona de 217 km.

Effects of 12-week overground walking training at ventilatory threshold velocity in type 2 diabetic women.

This study analyzed the effects of overground walking training at ventilatory threshold (VT) velocity on glycaemic control, body composition, physical fitness and lipid profile in DM2 women. Nineteen sedentary patients were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n=10, 55.9±2.2 years) or a trained group (TG; n=9, 53.4±2.3 years). Both groups were subjected to anthropometric measures, a 12-h fasting blood sampling and a graded treadmill exercise test at baseline and after a 12-week period, during which TG followed a training program involving overground walking at VT velocity for 20-60min/session three times/week. Significant group×time interactions (P<0.05) in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass, body mass index (BMI), peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) and exercise duration were observed as effects of training exercise, whereas intervention did not induced significant changes (P>0.05) in fasting blood glucose, submaximal fitness parameters and lipid profile. Our results suggest that overground walking training at VT velocity improves long term glycaemic control, body composition and exercise capacity, attesting for the relevance of this parameter as an effective strategy for the exercise intensity prescription in DM2 population.

Impacto do exercício físico agudo no perfil metabólico pós prandial em adultos fisicamente aptos / Impact of acute exercise on postprandial metabolic profile in physically fit adults

A capacidade de remover rapidamente os triglicérides do plasma pode contribuir para diminuir o índice de doença coronariana. A atividade física está associada positivamente com a diminuição dos triglicérides, no período pós prandial, contribuindo efetivamente na prevenção e redução das desordens vasculares. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o comportamento dos triglicérides e, ainda, verificar a glicemia, colesterol e proteínas totais e hematócrito, na situação pós prandial, em função de exercício físico agudo em adultos ativos. Para tanto, 10 estudantes universitários de ambos os gêneros, com média de idade de 23,2 ± 1,9 anos, fisicamente aptos, realizaram coletas de sangue pós prandial em duas situações: controle e exercício físico. Na situação controle, os sujeitos ficaram em repouso na manhã que precedeu a coleta sangüínea pós prandial. Por outro lado, na situação exercício físico, foi realizado teste de vai-e-vem de 20 m, com aumentos graduais de intensidade até aexaustão, na manhã que precedeu a coleta pós prandial. Foi observado redução significante dos triglicérides pós prandial em função do exercício físico agudo(p < 0,05), entretanto, os valores de glicemia, colesterol e proteína totais e hematócrito permaneceram inalterados nesta condição. Podemos concluir que, em adultos fisicamente aptos, sessão aguda deexercício físico com aumento gradativo de intensidade até a exaustão física foi capaz de reduzir a concentração de triglicérides pós prandial, podendo contribuir na prevenção da aterosclerose e consequente desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares correlatas.

The ability to rapidly remove triglycerides from plasma may contribute to reduce the rate of coronary disease. Physical activity is positively associated with a decrease in postprandial triglyceride levels, thus contributing effectively to the prevention and reduction of vascular disorders. The objective of this study was to analyze the course of postprandial triglycerides, as well as postprandial blood glucose, total cholesterol, total protein and hematocrit, after acute exercise in physically fit adults. Ten physically fit university students of both genders, with a mean age of 23.2 ± 1.9 years, were submitted to the collection of postprandial blood samples in two situations: control and exercise. In the control group, subjects remained at rest in the morning before thecollection of postprandial blood. In the exercise group, the subjects performed a 20-meter shuttle run test, with gradual increases in intensity until exhaustion, in the morning before the collection of postprandial blood. A significant decrease of postprandial triglycerides was observed in theexercise group (p<0.05), whereas blood glucose, total cholesterol, total protein and hematocrit remained unchanged in this condition. We conclude that in physically fit adults acute physical exercise with a gradual increase in intensity until exhaustion was able to reduce postprandial triglyceride levels and may contribute to the prevention of atherosclerosis and the consequent development of associated cardiovascular diseases.

Lactate and ventilatory thresholds in type 2 diabetic women.

Anaerobic threshold (AT) has been considered the optimal exercise intensity for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) patients, but there is little information about the comparison between lactate (LT) and ventilatory (VT) thresholds in this population, particularly during treadmill exercise. Therefore, we evaluated DM 2 women in order to compare and analyze the relationships between VT and LT intensities. Fifteen women with DM 2 without complications and comorbidities (50.7 +/- 8.0 years; 71.3 +/- 8.6 kg; 154 +/- 5 cm; 37.8 +/- 3.9% fat; 4.7 +/- 3.2 years of disease diagnose and 138 +/- 45 mg/dl fasting glucose) were subjected to a graded treadmill test-initial velocity and increments of 1 km/h every 2 min until voluntary exhaustion. VT was determined from V(E)/V(O(2)) and V(E)-V(CO(2)) ratios and LT was defined as the point at which a first increase in blood lactate occurs during incremental test. Our results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) and significant correlations between VT and LT expressed in velocity (4.7 +/- 0.7 versus 4.6 +/- 0.7 km/h, r = 0.62), absolute V(O(2)) (1.27 +/- 0.33 versus 1.24 +/- 0.28 l min(-1), r = 0.93); relative V(O(2)) (18.3 +/- 5.7 versus 17.6 +/- 4.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1), r = 0.84) and %V(O(2)(max)) (80 +/- 12 versus 78 +/- 10%, r = 0.82). These results suggest that both VT and LT can be used to access AT in DM 2 women during graded treadmill exercise.

Concentrações sangüíneas de lactato em eqüinos durante a prova de fundo do concurso completo de equitação / Blood lactate concentrations of horses competing in the resistance phase of 3-day combined training event

Colheu-se sangue de 13 eqüinos competindo na prova de Fundo do Concurso Completo de Equitação, categoria internacional três estrelas, e dosou-se lactato sangüíneo na manhã antes da prova, antes e imediatamente depois das fases B e D e 10 minutos após a fase D. Foi observado aumento significativo nas concentrações de lactato apenas após o término da fase D, demonstrando que os animais foram submetidos a um grande esforço físico, com desenvolvimento de acidose metabólica decorrente do acúmulo de lactato. Houve diminuição significativa dos valores dez minutos após o término do cross-country, exceto para o eqüino de número 12, único animal a completar o percurso dentro do tempo estipulado, o qual apresentou sinais clínicos de exaustão.