Effects of exhaustive whole-body exercise and caffeine ingestion on muscle contractile properties in healthy men.

BACKGROUND: The influence of exhaustive whole-body exercise and caffeine ingestion on electromechanical delay (EMD) has been underexplored. This study investigated the effect of exhaustive cycling exercise on EMD and other parameters of muscle contractile properties and the potential ability of caffeine to attenuate the exercise-induced impairments in EMD and muscle contractile properties. METHODS: Ten healthy men cycled until exhaustion (88±2% of V̇O2max) on two separate days after ingesting caffeine (5 mg.kg-1 of body mass) or cellulose (placebo). Parameters of muscle contractile properties of the quadriceps muscles were assessed via volitional and electrically evoked isometric contractions, performed before and 50 minutes after ingestion of the capsules, and after exercise. Muscle recruitment during volitional contractions was determined via surface electromyography. RESULTS: Exhaustive cycling exercise did not affect volitional and relaxation EMD (P>0.05) but increased evoked EMD. In addition, the exhaustive cycling exercise also increased muscle recruitment at the beginning of volitional isometric muscle contraction (P<0.05). The peak twitch force, maximal rate of twitch force development, and twitch contraction time were all compromised after exhaustive cycling exercise (P<0.05). Acute caffeine ingestion had no effect on muscle contractile properties (P>0.05), except that caffeine increased twitch contraction time at postexercise (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise-induced decline in peripheral components of the EMD might be compensated by an increase in the muscle recruitment. In addition, acute caffeine ingestion had minimal influence on exercise-induced changes in muscle contractile proprieties.

Progressive strength training can reverse sarcopenia stage in middle-aged and older adults regardless of their genetic profile.

The aim of this study was to verify the association of the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism with sarcopenia stage, according to the Revised European Consensus on the Definition and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia, in middle-aged and older adults, pre- and post- ST. In the 12-week longitudinal study, 71 middle-aged and older adults were evaluated; the participants were assigned to either control or intervention group. The intervention group underwent progressive ST three times a week. All participants underwent blood collection, DNA extraction, genotyping of the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism, anthropometric evaluations, and diagnostic tests for sarcopenia. The last two tests were repeated after 12 weeks. No association of the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism with sarcopenia stage was observed before and after 12 weeks. However, the intervention group remained non-sarcopenic (n = 25, p <0.05) or achieved changes in sarcopenia stage (from sarcopenic to non-sarcopenic) (n = 13, p <0.05). Our study demonstrates that progressive ST performed regularly can reverse or prevent sarcopenia regardless of genotype for the ACTN3-R577X polymorphism.

Caffeine ingestion increases endurance performance of trained male cyclists when riding against a virtual opponent without altering muscle fatigue.

PURPOSE: Caffeine improves cycling time trial (TT) performance; however, it is unknown whether caffeine is ergogenic when competing against other riders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether caffeine improves performance during a 4-km cycling TT when riding against a virtual opponent, and whether it is associated with increased muscle activation and at the expense of greater end-exercise central and peripheral fatigue. METHODS: Using a randomized, crossover, and double-blind design, eleven well-trained cyclists completed a 4-km cycling TT alone without supplementation (CON), or against a virtual opponent after ingestion of placebo (OP-PLA) or caffeine (5 mg.kg-1, OP-CAF). Central and peripheral fatigue were quantified via the pre- to post-exercise decrease in voluntary activation and potentiated twitch force, respectively. Muscle activation was continually measured during the trial via electromyography activity. RESULTS: Compared to CON, OP-PLA improved 4-km cycling TT performance (P = 0.018), and OP-CAF further improved performance when compared to OP-PLA (P = 0.050). Muscle activation was higher in OP-PLA and OP-CAF than in CON throughout the trial (P = 0.003). The pre- to post-exercise reductions in voluntary activation and potentiated twitch force were, however, similar between experimental conditions (P > 0.05). Compared to CON, OP-PLA increased the rating of perceived exertion during the first 2 km, but caffeine blunted this increase with no difference between the OP-CAF and CON conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine is ergogenic when riding against a virtual opponent, but this is not due to greater muscle activation or at the expense of greater end-exercise central or peripheral fatigue.

Judokas Show Increased Resilience to Unpredictable Stance Perturbations.

Combat sports are characterized by frequent large-scale stance perturbations that may lead to falls. In the present investigation, we compared compensatory arm and leg movements in response to unpredictable stance perturbations between judokas and other athletes whose sports present reduced balance demand, relative to combat sports. Specifically, we tested judokas (n = 9), and a group of swimmers and runners (n = 11, controls) in sudden support base displacements in the mediolateral direction, generated by a movable electronic platform, in the following modes: (a) rotation, (b) translation, and (c) combined rotation-translation. The platform was displaced to either side, in three peak velocities (cm/second or o/second) of 20 (low), 30 (moderate), or 40 (high), resulting in 18 distinct perturbations. We evaluated postural responses with a scale for analyzing the stability of compensatory arm and leg movements (CALM). Results showed that, in the most challenging perturbations, judokas had higher stability scores (arm, leg, and global) than did the comparison group. Higher scores for judokas reflected their increased rate of motionless arm and leg responses and absence of near-falls, compared to 30% falls in the most challenging perturbations for the swimmers and runners. As a practical application, judo training may help achieve stable compensatory limb movements in a way that parallels the benefits obtained from perturbation-based balance training in laboratory settings.

Polymorphism of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE-I/D) differentiates the aerobic and speed performance of football players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of ACE-I/D polymorphisms on Brazilian football players performance in aerobic capacity, strength and speed tests. METHODS: The participants in this study were 212 Brazilian first division male football players genotyped in DD, ID or II. Genotyping of DNA from leucocytes was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. We evaluated speed using a 30-meter sprint test with speed measured at 10 meters (V10), 20 meters (V20), and 30 meters (V30); muscular strength using counter-movement-jump and squat jump tests; and aerobic endurance using the Yo-Yo endurance test. The athletes were ranked in ascending order according to their performance in each test and divided into quartiles: first quartile (0-25%, weak), second (25-50%, normal), third (50-75%, good), and fourth (75-100%, excellent); these were clustered according to genotype frequency. RESULTS: We identified significant differences in the V20 test values and in the aerobic capacity test. Higher frequencies of the ACE-DD genotype were observed in the excellent performance group in the V20. In the aerobic capacity test, higher frequencies of the ACE-II genotype were observed in excellent and good performance groups. CONCLUSIONS: Players with higher performance in anaerobic and aerobic tests are ACE-DD and ACE-II genotypes, respectively.

Aerobic exercise training prevents impairment in renal parameters and in body composition of rats fed a high sucrose diet.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of swimming training (T) on the renal system and body composition parameters in young animals treated with a high sucrose diet (SUD) during 12 weeks. RESULTS: The SUD impaired the physical performance, increased the body adiposity index (BAI), Lee index (LI) and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RAT) weight, plasma creatinine and number renal cells nuclei, decreased urinary volume and urinary creatinine excretion besides creatinine clearance. The T reversed the increased the BAI, LI, RAT weight, plasma and urinary creatinine, creatinine clearance and number renal cells nuclei in addition to promoting decrease in urinary protein excretion. This study found that eight weeks of swimming physical training protected renal function and restored normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values. Swimming training also contributed to prevention of the onset of a renal inflammatory process and caused a decrease in the risk of development of obesity promoted by SUD decreasing the body composition parameters (BAI, LI, and RAT weight).

MBboard: Validity and Reliability of a New Tool Developed to Evaluate Specific Strength in Rock Climbers.

In the present study, we analysed the validity and reliability of a new tool designed to assist the measurement of maximal upper-limb strength in rock climbers in a specific way, named MBboard. The MBboard consists of an artificial small climbing hold affixed to a wooden board, which is connected to any cable-motion strength equipment to determine the maximum dynamic strength (MBboard-1RM). Ten male rock climbers (Rock Climbing Group, RCG = 10) and ten physically active men (Control Group, CG = 10) performed, on three separate occasions, a familiarization session with procedures adopted during MBboard-1RM testing and two experimental trials (i.e., test and retest) to determine the construct validity and reliability of the MBboard during unilateral seated cable row exercise. In the first trial, the electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded from the flexor digitorum superficialis. The self-reported climbing ability was also recorded. The RCG had superior performance (i.e. 37.5%) and EMG activity (i.e. 51%) in MBboard-1RM testing when compared with the CG (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the MBboard-1RM results and climbing ability (r > 0.72, p < 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis revealed good reliability within trials (ICC > 0.79, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the MBboard is a valid and reliable tool to assess rock climbing-specific maximal strength. The validity of MBboard-1RM appears to be related to the finger flexor muscles activation, probably reflecting the specific adaptations resulting from long-term practice of this sport discipline.

Head pre-cooling improves 5-km time-trial performance in male amateur runners in the heat.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of head pre-cooling on the 5-km time-trial performance of amateur runners in the heat. In a counterbalanced design, 15 male amateur runners (22.6 ± 3.5 y; VO2 max in heat 42.3 ± 4.4 mLO2 /kg/min) completed two 5-km time trials performed in the heat (35°C, 50% relative humidity). In one trial (HCOOL), participants underwent 20 min of head cooling in a temperate environment (23°C, 70% relative humidity) prior to exercise. In another trial (CON), exercise was preceded by 20 min of rest under the same temperature conditions. Exercise time was shorter in HCOOL (25 min and 36 s ± 3 min) compared to CON (27 ± 3 min; p = 0.02). Rectal temperature was reduced during the pre-exercise intervention in HCOOL (p < 0.001), but not in CON (p = 0.55). Relative changes in rectal temperature and mean head temperature were lower throughout HCOOL when compared with CON condition (p = 0.005 and p = 0.022, respectively). Mean skin temperature, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion did not differ between HCOOL and CON conditions throughout exercise (p = 0.20, p = 0.52 and 0.31, respectively). Thermal comfort was lower in HCOOL condition in pre-exercise (p = 0.014) with no differences observed throughout exercise (p = 0.61). 5-km running performance in a hot environment was improved after a 20-min head cooling intervention, suggesting that this method may be practical as pre-cooling strategy and easily administered to both professional and amateur runners alike.

Maytenus ilicifolia Extract Increases Oxygen Uptake without Changes in Neuromuscular Fatigue Development during a High-Intensity Interval Exercise.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of acute ingestion of Maytenus ilicifolia extract on metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses during a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and its consequence on neuromuscular fatigue. METHODS: Ten healthy men underwent a HIIE (4 x 4 min, 3 min recovery) one hour after ingesting 400 mg of Maytenus ilicifolia extract (MIE) or placebo. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2), dioxide carbon production (V̇CO2), ventilation (V̇E) and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout the HIIE. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA), and evoked 1, 10 and 100 Hz force twitch were measured before supplementation (baseline), and before (pre-HIIE) and after the HIIE (post-HIIE). RESULTS: The V̇O2, V̇E, V̇E/V̇O2 ratio and HR increased progressively throughout the HIIE under both conditions (p < 0.05). MIE increased HR, however, at bouts 1 and 2 and mean V̇O2 during HIIE. The mean respiratory exchange ratio during recovery was also reduced with MIE (p < 0.05). MVC and evoked force at 1, 10 and 100 Hz declined similarly after HIIE, regardless of the condition (MIE: -18 ± 17%, -50 ± 15%, -61 ± 13% and -34 ± 10% vs. placebo: -19 ± 15%, -48 ± 16%, -58 ± 12 and -29 ± 11%, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no effect of exercise or MIE on VA (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MIE increases heart rate in the first bouts and mean oxygen uptake during HIIE without changes in neuromuscular fatigue development.

Effects of Horizontal and Incline Bench Press on Neuromuscular Adaptations in Untrained Young Men.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of horizontal and incline bench press as well as the combination of both exercises on neuromuscular adaptation in untrained young men. Forty-seven untrained men were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: 1) a horizontal bench press group (n= 15), 2) an incline bench press group (n= 15), and 3) a combination (horizontal + incline) group (n= 17). Training was conducted once a week for eight weeks, with equalized number of sets among groups. Muscle thickness, isometric strength and electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the pectoralis major were measured one week before and after the training period. There was no difference between groups for the change in horizontal bench press isometric strength (~ 10 kg increase, p=0.776) or incline bench press isometric strength (~ 11 kg increase, p=0.333). Changes in muscle thickness differed only in one of the three sites. The changes in the second intercostal space of the pectoralis major was greatest in the incline pressure group compared with the horizontal [mean difference (95% CI) of 0.62 (0.23, 1.0) cm, p=0.003] and combination groups [mean difference (95% CI) of 0.50 (0.14, 0.86) cm, p=0.008]. The change in EMG amplitude following training differed between groups in only one out of the four sites. The present results indicate that strength and conditioning professionals might consider that horizontal and incline bench press exercises, or a combination of both exercises can render similar change in general strength.

Brain networks associated with anticipatory postural adjustments in Parkinson's disease patients with freezing of gait.

Specific impairments of anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) during step initiation have been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and freezing of gait (FoG). Although APA disruption has been associated with FoG, there is scarce knowledge about its neural correlates. We sought to better understand the neural networks involved with APA in patients with FoG by assessing the level of hemodynamic response of specific brain regions and the functional connectivity during the leg lifting task. In the current investigation, APAs of patients with PD, with and without (nFoG) freezing were assessed during a leg lifting task in an event-related, functional magnetic resonance imaging (er-fMRI) protocol. Results identified a high hemodynamic response in the right anterior insula (AI) and supplementary motor area (SMA) in the FoG group when an APA was required. The nFoG had stronger connectivity between the right and left insulae than the FoG group. The strength of this connectivity was negatively correlated with the severity of FoG. Both groups showed different brain network organizations comprising the SMA and the bilateral AI. The SMA was found to be a hub in patients with FoG when an APA was required for the task. Our findings suggest that both groups used compensatory mechanism comprising the insulae during APA. Neither group used the entire network comprised of the insulae and SMA to accomplish the task. The FoG group relied more on SMA as a hub than as part of a broader network to exchange information during the APA.

The effects of aquatic and land exercise on resting blood pressure and post-exercise hypotension response in elderly hypertensives.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared resting blood pressure (BP) using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) responses in two groups of subjects trained in land exercise (LE) and aquatic exercise (AE), and assessed post-exercise hypotension (PEH) using ABPM, after land- and aquatic-based exercises. METHODS: ABPM (24 hours) was used to measure the baseline BP in elderly hypertensive women trained in LE and AE and the PEH induced by exercise. For this, 40 subjects were evaluated at rest and after a land- or aquatic-based exercise session (aerobic: 75% of reserve heart rate combined with resistance exercise). RESULTS: The daytime BP was lower for AE [systolic BP (SBP) 124 ± 1.0 mmHg, diastolic BP (DBP) 70 ± 1.5 mmHg] than for LE (SBP 134 ± 0.9 mmHg, DBP 76 ± 0.9 mmHg), but there were no differences at night-time. The aquatic exercise-induced PEH in the second hour was maintained at the 24th hour post-exercise. For land exercise-induced PEH, it was maintained at the 12th hour post-exercise. The SBP and DBP were lower at the 24th hour for AE than for LE. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly hypertensive people trained in AE had lower baseline BP during the daytime. SBP and DBP values were lower for individuals trained in AE, and their PEH was more rapid and longer lasting after AE.

Author Correction: Non-invasive, Brain-controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation for Locomotion Rehabilitation in Individuals with Paraplegia.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Non-invasive, Brain-controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation for Locomotion Rehabilitation in Individuals with Paraplegia.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs the flow of sensory and motor signals between the brain and the areas of the body located below the lesion level. Here, we describe a neurorehabilitation setup combining several approaches that were shown to have a positive effect in patients with SCI: gait training by means of non-invasive, surface functional electrical stimulation (sFES) of the lower-limbs, proprioceptive and tactile feedback, balance control through overground walking and cue-based decoding of cortical motor commands using a brain-machine interface (BMI). The central component of this new approach was the development of a novel muscle stimulation paradigm for step generation using 16 sFES channels taking all sub-phases of physiological gait into account. We also developed a new BMI protocol to identify left and right leg motor imagery that was used to trigger an sFES-generated step movement. Our system was tested and validated with two patients with chronic paraplegia. These patients were able to walk safely with 65-70% body weight support, accumulating a total of 4,580 steps with this setup. We observed cardiovascular improvements and less dependency on walking assistance, but also partial neurological recovery in both patients, with substantial rates of motor improvement for one of them.

Alpha-Actinin-3 R577X Polymorphism Influences Muscle Damage and Hormonal Responses After a Soccer Game.

Coelho, DB, Pimenta, EM, Rosse, IC, Veneroso, C, Pussieldi, GDA, Becker, LK, De Oliveira, EC, Carvalho, MRS, and Silami-Garcia, E. Alpha-actinin-3 R577X polymorphism influences muscle damage and hormonal responses after a soccer game. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2655-2664, 2019-The purpose of this study was to evaluate indicators of muscle damage and hormonal responses after soccer matches and its relation to alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene expression (XX vs. RR/RX), considering that the R allele produces alpha-actinin-3 and provides greater muscle strength and power. Thirty players (10 XX and 20 RR/RX) younger than 16 years were evaluated in this study. Blood samples were collected immediately before, after, 2, and 4 hours after the games to assess muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK] and alpha-actin) and hormonal responses (interleukin-6 [IL-6], cortisol, and testosterone). Postgame CK was higher as compared to the pregame values in both groups and it was also higher in the RR/RX (p < 0.05) than in the XX. The concentrations of alpha-actin and IL-6 were similar for both groups and did not change over time. Testosterone was increased after the game only in the RR/RX group (p < 0.05). Cortisol concentrations in group RR/RX were higher immediately after the game than before the game, and 2 and 4 hours after the game the concentration decreased (p < 0.05). The RR and RX individuals presented higher markers of muscle microtrauma and hormonal stress, probably because they performed more speed and power actions during the game, which is a self-regulated activity. From the different responses presented by RR/RX and XX genotypes, we conclude that the genotypic profile should be taken into account when planning training workloads and recovery of athletes.

The alpha-actinin-3 r577x polymorphism and physical performance in soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ACTN3 genotype (RR, RX, and XX) and physical performance of 138 adult, professional, U-20 and U-17 years Brazilian first-division soccer players. METHODS: The following three parameters were investigated: first, speed, using a 30-meter sprint test with speed measured at 10 meters, 20 meters, and 30 meters; second, muscular strength, using counter-movement-jump and squat jump tests; and third, aerobic endurance using the Yo-Yo endurance test. The athletes were ranked in ascending order according to their performance in each test. After which they were divided into quartiles and clustered according to genotype and allele frequency. The χ2 was used to compare the genotype frequencies (RR, RX and RR) and allele frequencies (R and X) within and between the different quartiles of performance rating. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in genotypic or allelic frequencies between different performance ratings. The ACTN3 genotype was not associated to any of the physical performance parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides no ervidence for an assocviation between alpha-actinin-3 R577x genotypes and differences in physical performance in adult, professional, U-20 and U-17 years Brazilian first-division soccer players.

T-Shirt fabric and color affect the physiological strain but not 10 km outdoor running performance.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of T-Shirt fabric and color on the 10 km outdoor running performance. METHODS: Six men and six women (mean±SD: age: 27±5 years; height: 1.70±0.13 m; weight: 64.0±12.7 kg; body surface area: 1.73±0.29 m2; Σskinfolds: 107±24 mm; VO2max: 40.2±8.4 mL.kg-1.min-1) took part in five experimental trials, during each of which they wore: 1) no T-shirt (CON); 2) white polyester T-shirt (WP); 3) black polyester T-shirt (BP); 4) white cotton T-shirt (WC); and 5) black cotton T-shirt (BC). Average running velocity (pace) was calculated from each 2 km running time. Rectal, skin and T-shirt temperatures, heart rates and Physiological Strain Index (PSI) were measured before and after the 10 km runs and at the end of each 2 km. RESULTS: There were no differences in pace, heart rate, rectal and skin temperatures among conditions (P>0.05). PSI was higher in BC and WC conditions when compared to BP and WP conditions. T-shirt temperature was higher for the BC when compared to WP, BP and WC conditions. Rectal temperature and heart rate increased simultaneously with reduced pace throughout self-paced running (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite fabric type T-shirt altered PSI, running performance in the 10 km run was not affected by T-shirt type or color.

Modulation of manual preference induced by lateralized practice diffuses over distinct motor tasks: age-related effects.

In this study we investigated the effect of use of the non-preferred left hand to practice different motor tasks on manual preference in children and adults. Manual preference was evaluated before, immediately after and 20 days following practice. Evaluation was made with tasks of distinct levels of complexity requiring reaching and manipulation of cards at different eccentricities in the workspace. Results showed that left hand use in adults induced increased preference of that hand at the central position when performing the simple task, while left hand use by the children induced increased preference of the left hand at the rightmost positions in the performance of the complex task. These effects were retained over the rest period following practice. Kinematic analysis showed that left hand use during practice did not lead to modification of intermanual performance asymmetry. These results indicate that modulation of manual preference was a consequence of higher frequency of use of the left hand during practice rather than of change in motor performance. Findings presented here support the conceptualization that confidence on successful performance when using a particular limb generates a bias in hand selection, which diffuses over distinct motor tasks.

Effect of ACTN3 gene on strength and endurance in soccer players.

Sports efficiency in activities in which strength and speed are the determining factors has been associated to the ACTN3 gene, which is responsible for the expression of α-actinin-3. Soccer is a mainly aerobic sport because of its long duration, but the acute actions that define the game demand a lot of strength and speed. The purpose of the present study was to compare the performance capacity of soccer players with different genotype groups of ACTN3 (XX, RX, and RR) in strength, speed, and endurance tests. Two hundred professional players of Brazilian soccer first division teams participated in this study. Speed, jump, and endurance test results were compared with the polymorphisms of the ACTN3 gene. It was noticed that RR individuals spent less time to run a 10-m path, compared with XX individuals (p < 0.05). The RR individuals also presented lower time rates at the 20- and 30-m path, compared with RX and XX individuals (p < 0.05). In jump tests, RR individuals presented higher rates, compared with RX and XX individuals (p < 0.05). As for aerobic tests, the XX individuals presented higher rates of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max, compared with the RR group (p < 0.05), and did not differ from the RX group. The main conclusion of this study is that soccer players of genotype ACTN3/RR are the fastest in short distances and present higher jump potential. ACTN3/XX individuals presented the highest aerobic capacity. These findings can be used in training load adjustment and can influence the development of tactical schemes in soccer matches.

Intensity of official Futsal matches.

The purpose of this study was to assess the intensity of official Futsal matches, expressed in different ways. Fourteen male professional Futsal players from a First Division Brazilian team volunteered to participate in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) and the heart hate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO(2)) correlation were determined for each player. The match intensity was estimated from the players' average HR measured during 13 National Futsal League matches. The HR measurements were obtained while the players were in the court but the values recorded while the players were sitting on the bench were not considered. In addition, these HR values were used to estimate the intensity of the effort expressed as a percentage of the maximal HR (% HRmax), percentage of VO(2)max (% VO(2)max), kilocalories per minute (kcal·min(-1)), and total caloric expenditure. The mean intensity of the matches was 86.4 ± 3.8% HRmax, 79.2 ± 9.0% VO(2)max, 18.0 ± 2.2 kcal·min(-1), and 313 ± 9.3 kcal. It was concluded that official Futsal matches have high intensity when expressed in the different ways used in this study. The information provided by this research can be used for planning the athletes' workouts, diets, and resting periods.