The Relationship Between Motor Competence Physical Activity Cardiorespiratory Fitness and BMI in UK Adolescents.

Purpose: This study set out to identify the extent of the relationships between subsections of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2nd Edition - MABC2 (manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance) to PA, CRF and BMI in adolescents. Methods: Height, BMI, the MABC2, a 20m shuttle run test and wrist-worn accelerometery PA levels (mins) were measured. Multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for sex, height and BMI were used to assess the relationship of the three subsections of the MABC2 with PA, CRF and BMI. Results: A total of 155 adolescents, aged 13-14 years, took part in this study (77 girls, 78 boys). Balance reported significant relationships with moderate to vigorous PA (unstandardised Beta B=0.15, 95%CI 0.02-0.28), vigorous PA (B=0.06, 95%CI 0.02-0.09) and BMI (B=-0.01, 95%CI -0.02-0.005). Balance in addition to aiming and catching skills were both significantly related to adolescent CRF (B=0.30, 95%CI 0.17-0.42 and B=0.29, 95%CI 0.14-0.45, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that balance is the strongest correlate skill to achieving the highest intensities of PA and healthier BMI status in adolescents. .

The Role of Strength-Related Factors on Psychological Readiness for Return to Sport Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction.

Psychological readiness following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) correlates with different return to sport outcomes. However, the relationship between strength and power and psychological readiness remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anterior cruciate ligament return to sport after injury (ACL-RSI) scores and various hamstrings and quadriceps strength and power variables. Twelve participants (20.7 ± 2.5 years old; 174.2 ± 7.5 cm; 70.2 ± 8.5 kg; 18.2 ± 8.3% of body fat) who had an ACLR nine months or more before the study completed the ACL-RSI questionnaire and isokinetic strength testing of the hamstrings and quadriceps (60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1). Based on ACL-RSI scores, they were divided into "cases" and "controls", deemed not psychologically ready and psychologically ready to return to previous sport performance (PILOS), respectively. The main findings are that quadriceps' and hamstrings' rate of torque development (RTD) and time since surgery were determinants of psychological readiness following ACLR. Furthermore, compared to controls, cases showed significantly lower quadriceps torque at angles close to full knee extension (40 deg and 30 deg from extension). They also showed lower RTD than controls, but no difference in peak torque. These results suggest that physiotherapists should facilitate athletes' return to sport (RTS) by focusing on the restoration of RTD and strength at angles close to full knee extension.

Motor learning in developmental coordination disorder: behavioral and neuroimaging study.

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by motor learning deficits that are poorly understood within whole-body activities context. Here we present results of one of the largest non-randomized interventional trials combining brain imaging and motion capture techniques to examine motor skill acquisition and its underpinning mechanisms in adolescents with and without DCD. A total of 86 adolescents with low fitness levels (including 48 with DCD) were trained on a novel stepping task for a duration of 7 weeks. Motor performance during the stepping task was assessed under single and dual-task conditions. Concurrent cortical activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Additionally, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted during a similar stepping task at the beginning of the trial. The results indicate that adolescents with DCD performed similarly to their peers with lower levels of fitness in the novel stepping task and demonstrated the ability to learn and improve motor performance. Both groups showed significant improvements in both tasks and under single- and dual-task conditions at post-intervention and follow-up compared to baseline. While both groups initially made more errors in the Stroop task under dual-task conditions, at follow-up, a significant difference between single- and dual-task conditions was observed only in the DCD group. Notably, differences in prefrontal activation patterns between the groups emerged at different time points and task conditions. Adolescents with DCD exhibited distinct prefrontal activation responses during the learning and performance of a motor task, particularly when complexity was increased by concurrent cognitive tasks. Furthermore, a relationship was observed between MRI brain structure and function measures and initial performance in the novel stepping task. Overall, these findings suggest that strategies that address task and environmental complexities, while simultaneously enhancing brain activity through a range of tasks, offer opportunities to increase the participation of adolescents with low fitness in physical activity and sports.

The comparative effect of exercise interventions on balance in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials.

In addition to a range of physiological and psychological symptoms, menopause causes a decrement to balance performance and risk of falls. This review aimed to determine the effects of exercise interventions on balance in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women. Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. Randomised, controlled trials of exercise interventions in perimenopausal or early postmenopausal populations with an average age of 65 years or younger reporting balance measures were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2. A random effects model network meta-analysis was performed to assess the effect of exercise on balance. Standardised mean differences with 95 % confidence intervals were used as the measure of effect. Twenty-six studies were included after screening. Network meta-analyses were conducted for 5 balance variables. Whole-body vibration (standardised mean difference: 2.25, confidence interval: 0.08; 4.43), balance (standardised mean difference: 1.84, confidence interval: 0.15; 3.53), balance + nutrition (standardised mean difference: 3.81, confidence interval: 1.57; 6.05) and resistance (standardised mean difference: 1.43, confidence interval: 0.41; 2.46) exercise improved Berg balance scale performance. Resistance + aerobic + balance exercise improved one-leg stance (standardised mean difference: 0.80, confidence interval: 0.39; 1.22) and whole-body vibration improved anterior-posterior (standardised mean difference: -0.89, confidence interval: -1.48; -0.31), medio-lateral (standardised mean difference: -0.58, confidence interval: -1.15; -0.01) postural sway and falls indices (standardised mean difference: -0.75, confidence interval: -1.45; -0.04). Exercise improved all balance measures and should be considered as an adjunct therapy in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Whole-body vibration was most frequently the highest ranked intervention; resistance and balance training also improved balance.

Learning a novel rhythmic stepping task in children with probable developmental coordination disorder.

BACKGROUND: Developmental coordination disorder affects approximately 6% of children, interfering with participation in physical activity and can persist through adulthood. However, no studies have investigated the neuromotor mechanisms of learning of a novel task with rhythmic cueing. METHODS: Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition was used to identify 48 children with probable developmental coordination disorder (13.9 ± 0.05 yrs., 27% male) and 37 typically developed (13.9 ± 0.10 yrs., 54% male). While instrumented with an inertial measurement unit, both groups performed a novel rhythmic stepping task and with a concurrent auditory stroop test (dual-task), underwent seven weeks of intervention with step training with rhythmic cuing and were tested for retention five weeks post-intervention. FINDINGS: Initially, the group with probable developmental coordination disorder had a higher variability of step timing (coefficient of variation: 0.08 ± 0.003-typically developed - 0.09 ± 0.004-probable developmental coordination disorder, p < 0.05) and a frequency of peak power spectral density further from the target 0.5 Hz (0.50 ± 0.002 Hz-typically developed - 0.51 ± 0.003 Hz-probable developmental coordination disorder, p < 0.05), and were more affected by the dual-task: power spectral density at 0.5 Hz (-7.2 ± 3.3%-typically developed - -13.4 ± 4.6%- prob_DCD, p < 0.05) and stroop test errors (6.4 ± 1.1%-typically developed - -11.1 ± 2.4%- probable developmental coordination disorder, p < 0.05). The intervention led to similar improvements in both groups in coefficient of variation of step timing (0.12 ± 0.01-Pre - 0.07 ± 0.002-Post, p < 0.05), frequency of the peak power spectral density (0.51 ± 0.005 Hz-Pre - 0.50 ± 0.001 Hz-Post, p < 0.05) and relative power spectral density bandpower (3.2 ± 0.2%-Pre - 5.9 ± 0.3%-Post, p < 0.05). All improvements were retained after five weeks post-training. INTERPRETATION: Rhythmic cueing shows strong promise for enhancing motor learning in children with probable developmental coordination disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with reference: NCT03150784.

Effects of a Football Simulated Exercise on Injury Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury in Amateur Female Players.

Females are more at risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries than males; however, there is limited literature on neuromuscular risk factors such as angle-specific hamstring/quadriceps functional strength ratios (Hecc/Qcon) and rate of torque development (RTD) in female footballers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fatigue on these neuromuscular risk factors. Thirty-three amateur players (20.3 ± 2.0 years old, 1.67 ± 9.31 m, 63.4 ±8.1 kg, 23.6 ± 5.7% body fat) performed strength assessments of the quadriceps (concentrically, Qcon) and hamstrings (eccentrically, Hecc) on both legs on an isokinetic dynamometer, before and immediately after a football-specific exercise. Results showed significantly lower peak Hecc (-15.1 to -15.5%), peak Hecc/Qcon (-8.8 to -12.9%) and RTD (-14.0 to -17.0%) for hamstring eccentric contractions after fatigue in the dominant and non-dominant legs. Furthermore, significant decreases in Hecc/Qcon were observed at 10° only in the dominant leg (-15.5%), and at 10°, 20° and 30° in the non-dominant leg (-15.1 to -21.8%). These results suggest a reduced capacity of the hamstrings to stabilise the knee joint with fatigue. Unlike results previously shown on men, the non-dominant leg seemed more affected, highlighting the need to consider specific prevention measures in females.

Effects of sprint versus strength training on risk factors for hamstring injury in football players.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effects of in-season sprint training vs. Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training on risk factors for hamstring strain injuries (HSI). METHODS: Eighteen male university football players (20.9±2.5 years; 181±7 cm; 75.8±9.1 kg; 15.2±3.5% of body fat) were randomly allocated to a sprint group or NHE group. They completed baseline isokinetic strength and sprint mechanics assessments prior to their assigned intervention performed twice weekly for 4-weeks, before post-testing. A mixed design ANOVA with repeated measures assessed time, group and interaction effects for all risk factors. RESULTS: There were significant increases in hamstring eccentric peak torque at 60°·s-1 (+8% - 9.9%), the torque produced at 20° (+15%) and 10° (+21% - 31%), as well as a rightward shift in angle of peak torque towards knee extension (-27% - -36%) in both groups (P<0.05). We also observed a significant increase (+24.5%) in hamstring eccentric peak torque at 180°·s-1 in the strength group only and significant improvements (+29.4%) in the rate of torque development of the dominant leg at 60°·s-1 in the sprint group only (P<0.05). No significant effect was noted on sprint performance or sprint mechanics (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that both training programs can be effective to mitigate the risk of HSI, but through different mechanisms.

Neuroergonomic assessment of developmental coordination disorder.

Until recently, neural assessments of gross motor coordination could not reliably handle active tasks, particularly in realistic environments, and offered a narrow understanding of motor-cognition. By applying a comprehensive neuroergonomic approach using optical mobile neuroimaging, we probed the neural correlates of motor functioning in young people with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a motor-learning deficit affecting 5-6% of children with lifelong complications. Neural recordings using fNIRS were collected during active ambulatory behavioral task execution from 37 Typically Developed and 48 DCD Children who performed cognitive and physical tasks in both single and dual conditions. This is the first of its kind study targeting regions of prefrontal cortical dysfunction for identification of neuropathophysiology for DCD during realistic motor tasks and is one of the largest neuroimaging study (across all modalities) involving DCD. We demonstrated that DCD is a motor-cognitive disability, as gross motor /complex tasks revealed neuro-hemodynamic deficits and dysfunction within the right middle and superior frontal gyri of the prefrontal cortex through functional near infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, by incorporating behavioral performance, decreased neural efficiency in these regions were revealed in children with DCD, specifically during motor tasks. Lastly, we provide a framework, evaluating disorder impact in ecologically valid contexts to identify when and for whom interventional approaches are most needed and open the door for precision therapies.

Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Exercise with Predominance of Aerobic Metabolism in Trained Population: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

The scientific literature about probiotic intake and its effect on sports performance is growing. Therefore, the main aim of this systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression was to review all information about the effects of probiotic supplementation on performance tests with predominance of aerobic metabolism in trained populations (athletes and/or Division I players and/or trained population: ≥8 h/week and/or ≥5 workouts/week). A structured search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA®) statement and PICOS guidelines in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus international databases from inception to 1 November 2021. Studies involving probiotic supplementation in trained population and execution of performance test with aerobic metabolism predominance (test lasted more than 5 min) were considered for inclusion. Fifteen articles were included in the final systematic review (in total, 388 participants were included). After 3 studies were removed due to a lack of data for the meta-analysis and meta-regression, 12 studies with 232 participants were involved. With the objective of assessing the risk of bias of included studies, Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale were performed. For all included studies the following data was extracted: authors, year of publication, study design, the size of the sample, probiotic administration (dose and time), and characteristics of participants. The random effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used according to Hedges' g for the meta-analysis. In order to determine if dose and duration covariates could predict probiotic effects, a meta-regression was also conducted. Results showed a small positive and significant effect on the performance test with aerobic metabolic predominance (SMD = 0.29; CI = 0.08−0.50; p < 0.05). Moreover, the subgroup analysis displayed significant greater benefits when the dose was ≥30 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) (SMD, 0.47; CI, 0.05 to 0.89; p < 0.05), when supplementation duration was ≤4 weeks (SMD, 0.44; CI, 0.05 to 0.84; p < 0.05), when single strain probiotics were used (SMD, 0.33; CI, 0.06 to 0.60; p < 0.05), when participants were males (SMD, 0.30; CI, 0.04 to 0.56; p < 0.05), and when the test was performed to exhaustion (SMD, 0.45; CI, 0.05 to 0.48; p < 0.05). However, with references to the findings of the meta-regression, selected covariates did not predict probiotic effects in highly trained population. In summary, the current systematic review and meta-analysis supported the potential effects of probiotics supplementation to improve performance in a test in which aerobic metabolism is predominant in trained population. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of this supplement.

Declining fitness and physical education lessons in UK adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to determine recent cross-sectional trends in health-related fitness (HRF) in secondary school students by studying the 13-14 years old age group repeatedly over 6 years, considering parallel national trends in physical education (PE). METHODS: Height, weight, broad jump, grip strength, 20 m shuttle run and throwing and catching skills were measured by the same research team using standardised techniques from 2014 to 2019. Trends in these HRF measures were assessed by linear regression, adjusting for school, sex and height. Interactions with fitness and body mass index (BMI) were tested. The number of PE lessons reported in the UK Annual School Workforce Census between 2010 and 2019 for all state-funded secondary schools was analysed. RESULTS: Grip strength (B=-0.60, 95% CI -0.78 to -0.41), broad jump (B=-1.16, 95% CI -1.99 to -0.34), 20 m shuttle run (B=-1.85, 95% CI -2.58 to -1.12) and throwing and catching skills (B=-0.12, 95% CI -0.15 to -0.08) declined significantly over the study period. There was a greater reduction in broad jump and grip strength in adolescents with low fitness and a greater reduction in fitness and motor competence in adolescents with normal BMI. These declines coincided with a 16% reduction nationally in secondary school PE between 2010 (333 800 hours) and 2019 (280 725 hours). CONCLUSION: Adolescent HRF has declined in recent years, in parallel with PE lessons. Declines were observed across all young people and particularly those of low fitness and normal BMI. To reach the majority of young people, policy makers could increase PE in schools to increase activity and prevent worsening fitness and health in future generations.

The Recovery Umbrella in the World of Elite Sport: Do Not Forget the Coaching and Performance Staff.

In the field of sports science, the recovery umbrella is a trending topic, and even more so in the world of elite sports. This is evidenced by the significant increase in scientific publications during the last 10 years as teams look to find a competitive edge. Recovery is recognized to be an integral component to assist athlete preparation in the restoration of physical and psychological function, and subsequently, performance in elite team sports athletes. However, the importance of recovery in team staff members (sports coaches and performance staff) in elite sports appears to be a forgotten element. Given the unrelenting intense nature of daily tasks and responsibilities of team staff members, the elite sports environment can predispose coaches to increased susceptibility to psycho-socio physiological fatigue burden, and negatively affect health, wellbeing, and performance. Therefore, the aim of this opinion was to (1) develop an educational recovery resource for team staff members, (2) identify organizational task-specific fatigue indicators and barriers to recovery and self-care in team staff members, and (3) present recovery implementation strategies to assist team staff members in meeting their organizational functions. It is essential that we do not forget the coaching and performance staff in the recovery process.

Construct Validity and Reliability of a New Basketball Multidirectional Reactive Repeated Sprint Test.

The objective of this study was to investigate the construct validity and reliability of a new reactive multidirectional repeated sprinting test (RRSA5COD) in basketball players. Forty male basketball players were divided into two groups: Professional (PRO; n = 20) and Semi-professional (SEMI; n = 20). Participants completed the yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-YoIR1), the squat jump (SJ), the counter movement jump (CMJ), the single leg drop jump (DJ), the 20-m sprint test, the planed multidirectional repeated sprinting test (PRSA5COD), and the RRSA5COD test. Reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT), total time (TT), best time (BT), and fatigue index (FI) were assessed. Heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded, while rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration (LA) were measured post-tests. The reliability of the RRSA5COD test was also assessed between two attempts with one week between them. The RRSA5COD results demonstrated to be reliable with most of the variables showing ICC > 0.80. BA Bonferroni post hoc revealed a significant better TT in favor of RRSA5COD (p < 0.001; ES = 0.15; small), and in favor of PRO (p < 0.001; ES = 0.006; small). The result showed a significant better performance in favor of PRO in all physical fitness tests. In conclusion, it was found that the RRSA5COD discriminates between professional and semi-professional male basketball players, and the results were demonstrated to be reliable.

Variation in Lower Limb Power and Three Point Shot Performance Following Repeated Sprints: One Vs. Five Changes of Direction in Male Basketball Players.

Repeated sprint ability (RSA) with five changes of direction was well admitted to replicate real basketball game situations, but the additional changes of direction may affect some fundamental skills and performances in basketball. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of RSA with one vs. five changes of direction (IRSA5COD) on squat jump (SJ), five jump test (FJT) and three point shot (3PS) performances in male basketball players. Sixteen participants (23.4 ± 2.3 years; 1.86 ± 0.10 m; 77.8 ± 7.7 kg) randomly performed eight testing sessions consisting of either RSA (10 repetitions of (15 m + 15 m)) or IRSA5COD (10 repetitions of (5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m + 5 m)) performed alone or immediately followed by the SJ, FJT or 3PS. The heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were continuously recorded, while blood lactate concentration was measured post-tests. Differences between RSA and IRSA5COD were evaluated by a Student t-test for paired samples, while analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures assessed differences in SJ, FJT and 3PS performance between baseline, post-RSA and post-IRSA5COD. A significantly poorer FJT performance post-RSA was shown compared to baseline (7.47 ± 0.47 vs.7.54 ± 0.47 m, p = 0.01) and post-IRSA 5COD (7.47 ± 0.47 vs. 7.56 ± 0.49%, p = 0.048). Significantly lower 3PS accuracy was also observed post-IRSA 5COD compared to baseline (41.3 ± 3.1 vs.53.1 ± 2.8%, p = 0.003) and post-RSA (41.3 ± 3.1 vs. 48.1 ± 3.7%, p = 0.033). These results suggest that jump performance required for crucial actions such as lay-ups is negatively affected by longer sprints (15-m) with few changes of direction, while 3PS accuracy is impaired by shorter sprints with many changes of direction. These situations should be replicated when training these particular abilities to optimize training adaptations.

Small-sided games as additional training in elite basketball nonstarters players / Juegos reducidos como entrenamiento adicional para jugadores suplentes de baloncesto de élite / Jogo reduzido como treino adicional para jogadores reservas de basquetebol de elite

ABSTRACT Introduction: Among the main challenges faced by coaches of team sports are to create an environment and conditions that will enable players to reach their optimal level of physical performance at the start of the competitive season, and to maintain this level throughout the season. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of six weeks of additional training with 3-against-3 (3v3) small-sided games (SSG) on the physical performance of elite nonstarter basketball players. Methods: Eleven professional basketball players (five starters and six nonstarters) performed the same training program throughout the regular season, with the only difference that after each game, the starters (S) performed low intensity shooting drills while the nonstarters (NS) performed half-court 3v3 SSG. At the start and end of the six-week period, the athletes were assessed for muscle power, speed, agility and aerobic power. Two-way analysis of variance and effect sizes were used. Magnitude-based inferential analyses were used to complement the parametric tests. Results: After the six weeks, the S and NS showed improvement (p<0.05) in the squat jump (S=5.8% and NS=7.1%), counter movement jump (S=3.7% and NS=3.6%), 20m-sprint (S=3.4% and NS=2.0%), agility T test (S=3.6% and NS=3.1%) and Yo-yo intermittent recovery (S=5.2% and NS=2.5%). No differences were found between groups and moments. The effect sizes showed moderate effect on agility and little effect on jumping ability, for both groups; moderate, for S, and little, for NS, on speed and aerobic conditioning. Magnitude-based inferences indicated that S were likely to outperform NS in terms of improvement in 20-m sprint ability and possibly also in agility. In regard to the other physical performance variables, the analyses of magnitude-based inferences were inconclusive. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that 3v3 SSG in the short-term on half-court, as an additional training routine for NS, can bring positive results for the physical performance for these players. Level of evidence II; Investigating the Results of Treatment.

RESUMEN Introducción: Uno de los principales desafíos de los entrenadores de deportes colectivos es crear ambiente y las condiciones que permitan a los jugadores alcanzar su nivel ideal de desempeño físico al inicio de la temporada competitiva y mantener ese nivel a lo largo de la temporada. Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de seis semanas de entrenamiento adicional con juegos reducidos (JR) 3 contra 3 (3x3) sobre el desempeño físico de jugadores suplentes del baloncesto de élite. Métodos: Once jugadores profesionales (cinco titulares y seis suplentes) realizaron el mismo programa de entrenamiento durante la temporada regular, con la única diferencia de que, después de cada partido, los titulares (T) realizaban ejercicios de lanzamiento de baja intensidad, mientras que los suplentes (S) realizaban JR 3x3 en media cancha. Al inicio y al final de cada período de seis semanas los atletas fueron evaluados en cuanto a la potencia muscular, velocidad, agilidad y potencia aeróbica. Fueron usados análisis de variancia y tamaños de efecto de dos vías. Fueron usados análisis inferenciales basados en magnitud para complementar los tests paramétricos. Resultados: Después de seis semanas, el grupo T y el S mostraron mejora (p <0,05) en el salto con agachamiento (T = 5,8% y S = 7,1%), salto contramovimiento (T = 3,7% y S = 3,6%), sprint de 20 metros (T = 3,4% y S = 2,0%), test T de agilidad (T = 3,6% y S = 3,1%) y el test de recuperación intermitente Yo-yo (T = 5,2% y S = 2,5%). No fueron encontradas diferencias entre grupos y momentos. Los tamaños de efecto mostraron efecto moderado en la agilidad y pequeño efecto en la capacidad de salto para ambos grupos; efecto moderado para el grupo T y pequeño para el S, en la velocidad y acondicionamiento aeróbico. Las inferencias basadas en la magnitud indicaron que el grupo T probablemente superaría al grupo S en términos de mejora de la habilidad de sprint de 20 metros y posiblemente también en agilidad. El análisis de las inferencias basadas en magnitud no fue concluyente con relación a las otras variables. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que JR 3x3 en media cancha como entrenamiento adicional para el grupo S puede ser positivo para el desempeño físico de esos jugadores. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento .

RESUMO Introdução: Um dos principais desafios dos treinadores de esportes coletivos é criar ambiente e as condições que permitam aos jogadores atingir seu nível ideal de desempenho físico no início da temporada competitiva e manter esse nível ao longo da temporada. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de seis semanas de treinamento adicional com jogo reduzido (JR) 3 contra 3 (3x3) sobre o desempenho físico de jogadores reservas do basquetebol de elite. Métodos: Onze jogadores profissionais de basquetebol (cinco titulares e seis reservas) realizaram o mesmo programa de treinamento durante a temporada regular, com a única diferença de que, depois de cada jogo, os titulares (T) realizavam exercícios de arremesso de baixa intensidade, enquanto os reservas (R) realizavam JR 3x3 em meia quadra. No início e no final do período de seis semanas, os atletas foram avaliados quanto à potência muscular, velocidade, agilidade e potência aeróbica. Foram usadas análises de variância e tamanhos de efeito de duas vias. As análises inferenciais baseadas em magnitude foram usadas para complementar os testes paramétricos. Resultados: Depois das seis semanas, o grupo T e o R mostraram melhora (p < 0,05) no salto com agachamento (T = 5,8% e R = 7,1%), salto contramovimento (T = 3,7% e R = 3,6%), sprint de 20 metros (T = 3,4% e R = 2,0%), teste T de agilidade (T = 3,6% e R = 3,1%) e o teste de recuperação intermitente Yo-yo (T = 5,2% e R = 2,5%). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre grupos e momentos. Os tamanhos de efeito mostraram efeito moderado na agilidade e pequeno efeito na capacidade de salto para ambos os grupos; efeito moderado para o grupo T e pequeno para o R na velocidade e condicionamento aeróbico. Inferências baseadas na magnitude indicaram que o grupo T provavelmente superaria o grupo R em termos de melhora da habilidade de sprint de 20 m e possivelmente também em agilidade. A análise das inferências baseadas em magnitude foi inconclusiva em relação às outras variáveis. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que o JR 3x3 em meia quadra como treinamento adicional para o grupo R pode ser positivo para o desempenho físico desses jogadores. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento .

Exploring activity levels in physical education lessons in the UK: a cross-sectional examination of activity types and fitness levels.

OBJECTIVES: To establish pupil fitness levels, and the relationship to global norms and physical education (PE) enjoyment. To measure and describe physical activity (PA) levels during secondary school PE lessons, in the context of recommended levels, and how levels vary with activity and lesson type. METHODS: A cross-sectional design; 10 697 pupils aged 12.5 (SD 0.30) years; pupils who completed a multistage fitness test and wore accelerometers to measure PA during PE lessons. Multilevel models estimated fitness and PE activity levels, accounting for school and class-level clustering. RESULTS: Cardiorespiratory fitness was higher in boys than girls (ß=-0.48; 95% CI -0.56 to -0.39, p<0.001), within absolute terms 51% of boys and 54% of girls above the 50th percentile of global norms. On average, pupils spent 23.8% of PE lessons in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and 7.1% in vigorous PA (VPA). Fitness-focused lessons recorded most VPA in co-educational (ß=1.09; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.74) and boys-only lessons (ß=0.32; 95% CI -0.21 to 0.85). In girls-only lessons, track athletics recorded most VPA (ß=0.13; 95% CI -0.50 to 0.75) and net/wall/racket games (ß=0.97; 95% CI 0.12 to 1.82) the most MVPA. For all lesson types, field athletics was least active (ß=-0.85; 95% CI -1.33 to -0.36). There was a relationship of enjoyment of PE to fitness (ß=1.03; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.23), and this relationship did not vary with sex (ß=-0.14 to 0.23; 95% CI -0.16 to 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: PE lessons were inactive compared with current guidelines. We propose that if we are to continue to develop a range of sporting skills in schools at the same time as increasing levels of fitness and PA, there is a need to introduce additional sessions of PE activity focused on increasing physical activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03286725.

Dual-Task Effect on Gait in Healthy Adolescents: Association between Health-Related Indicators and DT Performance.

The purpose of this study was to determine how dual-task (DT) effect on gait differs among adolescents with different fitness and health profiles. The gait performances of 365 adolescents aged 13-14 years were assessed at single and DT walking. The proportional changes in gait parameters from single to dual were regressed against gender, body mass index (BMIz), three components of MABC-2 (balance, aiming &catching and manual dexterity), group (high vs low motor competence), body strength, physical fitness level using multiple regression analyses; and gender and four items of balance subtest of MABC-2 in the secondary analysis. The analyses showed that being female was associated with greater reduction in gait speed and stride length and an increase in double support time and step time; and having lower score in balance was related to greater reduction in gait speed, and cadence, and an increase in step time. Only zig-zag hopping item of the balance subtest was associated with DT effect on gait speed and stride length. No significant relationships were found between DT effect on gait and the rest of the predictors. Females and adolescents with lower level of balance function may be at higher risk of having DT deficit during walking.

Effects of gender, activity type, class location and class composition on physical activity levels experienced during physical education classes in British secondary schools: a pilot cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pupils in secondary schools do not meet the targets for physical activity levels during physical education (PE) sessions, and there is a lack of data on the vigorous physical activity domain (VPA) in PE known to be positively associated with cardio metabolic health While PE session intensity depends on a variety of factors, the large majority of studies investigating these factors have not taken into account the nested structure of this type of data set. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between various factors (gender, activity type, class location and class composition) and various activity levels during PE classes in secondary schools, using a multi-level statistical approach. METHODS: Year eight (12-13 years old) adolescents (201 boys and 106 girls) from six schools were fitted with accelerometers during one PE session each, to determine the percentage (%) of the PE session time spent in sedentary (SPA), light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA) and moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) intensity levels. Two- and three-level (pupils, n = 307; classes, n = 13, schools, n = 6) mixed-effect models were used to assess the relationship between accelerometer-measured physical activity levels (% of class time spent in various activity levels) and gender, activity type, class location and composition. RESULTS: Participants engaged in MVPA and VPA for 30.7 ± 1.2% and 11.5 ± 0.8% of PE classes, respectively. Overall, no significant association between gender or class composition and PA was shown. A significant relationship between activity type and PA was observed, with Artistic classes significantly less active than Fitness classes for VPA (5.4 ± 4.5 vs. 12.5 ± 7.1%, p = 0.043, d:1.19). We also found a significant association between class location and PA, with significantly less time spent in SPA (24.8 ± 4.8% vs. 30.0 ± 3.4%, p = 0.042, d:0.77) and significantly more time spent in VPA (12.4 ± 3.7% vs. 7.6 ± 2.0%, p = 0.022, d:1.93) and MVPA (32.3 ± 6.7% vs.24.8 ± 3.8%, p = 0.024, d:1.33) in outdoors vs. indoors classes. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that class location and activity type could be associated with the intensity of PA in PE. It is essential to take into account the clustered nature of this type of data in similar studies if the sample size allows it.

Salivary endocrine response following a maximal incremental cycling protocol with local vibration.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of vibration (Vib versus noVib) during a maximal graded cycling exercise on hormonal response, precisely on cortisol (C) and testosterone (T). Twelve active males (25 ± 5yrs; 181 ± 5cm; 80.7 ± 11.1kg) randomly performed two maximal incremental cycling tests on two separate days and at the same time of the day (09:00). The protocol consisted of incremental steps of 3 min duration performed on a PowerBIKETM that induces vibration cycling. The study was a repeated measures design and participants performed the test with and without vibration. Gas exchange and heart rate (HR) were continuously assessed and blood lactate (Bla) was recorded at the end of each incremental stage. Saliva samples were collected before and immediately after the test, and analysed for (C) and (T). The results show that C and T increased in both cycling conditions; however, the C's magnitude of change was significantly higher by 83% after Vib cycling in comparison to the no Vib (p = 0.014), whereas the T's magnitude of change were not statistically different between trials (p = 0.715). Vibration induced a decrease of the T/C ratio (p = 0.046) but no significant changes were observed following noVib (p = 0.476). As a conclusion, the investigation suggests that adding mechanical vibration to cycling may potentiate a catabolic exercise-induced state, which could have potential clinical implications in rehabilitation and injury treatment. Sport experts should take this message home to carefully plan the recovery process and time during training and competitions.

Cognitive Performance, Quality and Quantity of Movement Reflect Psychological Symptoms in Adolescents.

The presentation of unhealthy psychological symptoms are rising sharply in adolescents. Detrimental lifestyle behaviours are proposed as both possible causes and consequences. This study set out to compare selected measures of quality and quantity of movement between adolescents with and without unhealthy psychological symptoms. Using a cross sectional design, 96 participants completed the study from a whole year group of 166, age (13.36 ± 0.48) male 50.6% from a secondary school in Oxfordshire, England as a part of a larger study (EPIC) between January and April 2018. Measures were taken of quality and quantity of movement: reaction/movement time, gait pattern & physical activity, alongside psychological symptoms. Differences in movement behaviour in relation to psychological symptom and emotional problem presentation were determined using ANOVA. In the event of a significant result for the main factor of each parameter, a Bonferroni -corrected post hoc test was conducted to show the difference between categories in each group. Results for both unhealthy psychological symptoms and emotional problems were grouped into four categories ('Close to average', 'slightly raised', 'high' and 'very high'). Early adolescents with very high unhealthy psychological symptoms had 16.79% slower reaction times (p = 0.003, ηp2 = 0.170), 13.43% smaller walk ratio (p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.152), 7.13% faster cadence (p = 0.005, ηp2 = 0.149), 6.95% less step time (p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.153) and 1.4% less vigorous physical activity (p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.102) than children with close to average psychological symptoms. Early adolescents with very high emotional problems had 12.25% slower reaction times (p = 0.05, ηp2 = 0.081), 10.61% smaller walk ratio (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.108), 6.03% faster cadence (p = 0.01, ηp2 = 0.134), 6.07% shorter step time (p = 0.007, ηp2 = 0.141) and 1.78% less vigorous physical activity (p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.136) than children with close to average emotional problems. Different movement quality and quantity of was present in adolescents with unhealthy psychological symptoms and emotional problems. We propose movement may be used to both monitor symptoms, and as a novel therapeutic behavioural approach. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.