Detraining and Retraining Effects from a Multicomponent Training Program on the Functional Capacity and Health Profile of Physically Active Prehypertensive Older Women.

BACKGROUND: Resuming a physical exercise program after a period of cessation is common in older women. Monitoring the responses during this detraining (DT) and retraining (RT) may allow us to analyze how the body reacts to an increase and a reduction in physical inactivity. Therefore, we conducted a follow-up training, DT, and RT in prehypertensive older women to analyze the response to these periods. METHODS: Twenty-three prehypertensive older women (EG; 68.3 ± 2.8 years; 1.61 ± 0.44 m) performed 36 weeks of the multicomponent training program (MTP) followed by twelve weeks of DT plus eight weeks of RT. Fifteen prehypertensive older women (CG; 66.3 ± 3.2 years; 1.59 ± 0.37 m) maintained their normal routine. Functional capacity (FC), lipid, and hemodynamic profile were assessed before, during 24 and 36 weeks of the MTP, after 4 and 12 weeks of DT, and after 8 weeks of RT. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of the MTP, only SBP did not improve. Four weeks of DT did not affect lower body strength (30-CS), TC, or GL. Eight weeks of RT improved BP (SBP: -2.52%; ES: 0.36; p < 0.00; DBP: -1.45%; ES: 0.44; p < 0.02), handgrip strength (3.77%; ES: 0.51; p < 0.00), and 30-CS (3.17%; ES: 0.38; p < 0.04) compared with 36 weeks of the MTP. CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of RT allowed patients to recover the benefits lost with detraining, which after only four weeks affected them negatively, and the systematic practice of exercise contributed to greater regulation of BP since 24 weeks of the MTP proved not to be enough to promote positive effects of SBP.

Bronchobiliary fistula after stenting of biliary duct as the management of iatrogenic bile duct injury during elective cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bronchobiliary fistula is a rare and complex entity defined by an abnormal communication between the biliary and bronchial systems. The etiopathogenesis is not completely understood, but the most common factors implicated are hepatobiliary tumors, biliary obstruction, iatrogenic damage or trauma. METHODS: Here we present a case of a 69-year-old man that developed a bronchobiliary fistula and a pulmonary abscess after migration of a bile duct stent placed as part of the treatment of an iatrogenic bile duct injury that occurred during elective cholecystectomy. RESULTS: A conservative approach, that included broad-spectrum antibiotic, removal of the stent, and sphincterotomy, was enough for the closure of the fistula and resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the importance of prompt recognition of this entity and a concerted therapeutic strategy to optimize the probability of success, avoiding the destructive consequences of the bile in the pulmonary parenchyma and septic complications.

Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on Whole Body Electromyostimulation.

Whole Body Electromyostimulation [WB-EMS] is a training methodology that applies electrostimulation in the main muscle groups of the human body superimposed with active training exercises. This study aims to carry out a bibliometric analysis on WB-EMS to provide an overview of the state of research and provide new insights for research in the field. METHOD: One hundred and two citations extracted were examined using a bibliometric approach based on data stored in the Web of Science Core Collection, applying traditional bibliometric laws, and using VOSviewer and excel for data and metadata processing. RESULTS: Among the results, this study points out that Germany is the country that produces more scientific knowledge on WB-EMS. Wolfgang Kemmler is the most relevant author in this field. Moreover, Frontier of Physiology is the journal where the authors publish the most. CONCLUSION: Research on WB-EMS has been growing in recent years. German and Spanish researchers lead two clusters where most studies and collaborations in this field are carried out. These findings will provide a better understanding of the state of WB-EMS research and may guide the emergence of new lines of investigation and research ideas.

The Effect of Handlebar Height and Bicycle Frame Length on Muscular Activity during Cycling: A Pilot Study.

The cycling literature is filled with reports of electromyography (EMG) analyses for a better understanding of muscle function during cycling. This research is not just limited to performance, as the cyclist's goal may be rehabilitation, recreation, or competition, so a bicycle that meets the rider's needs is essential for a more efficient muscular activity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the contribution of the activity of each of the following muscles: TD (trapezius descending), LD (latissimus dorsi), GM (gluteus maximus), and AD (anterior deltoid) in response to different bicycle-rider systems (handlebar height; bicycle frame length) and intensities in a bicycle equipped with a potentiometer. Surface EMG signals from muscles on the right side of the body were measured. A general linear model test was used to analyze the differences between muscle activation in the test conditions. Effect sizes were calculated using a partial Eta2 (η2). The level of significance was set at 0.05. Muscle activation of different muscles differs, depending on the cycling condition (Pillai's trace = 2.487; F (36.69) = 9.300; p < 0.001. η2 = 0.958), mostly during low intensities. In high intensities, one specific pattern emerges, with a greater contribution of GM and TD and weaker participation of LD and AD, enhancing the cycling power output.

Profile of Whole Body Electromyostimulation Training Users-A Pilot Study.

(1) Introduction: Whole Body Electromyostimulation is a technological and time efficient personal training practiced all over the world. With the increase of practitioners in the last 10 years, the need to study more about practitioners has arisen, so this pilot study aims to trace a user profile of this method through the analysis of socio-demographic data for a better understand of the profile of people looking for this type of training to improve the effectiveness of the intervention and develop programs that are in accordance with the motivation of practitioners. (2) Methods: 270 users from 5 countries answered an online questionnaire with socio-demographic questions. Data were treated using descriptive statistics. Possible differences between sexes and between groups were analyzed by means of non-parametric statistical tests: Mann−Whitney U-test (continuous variables); in addition to studying possible dependence relationships and differences between proportions, using the Chi-square statistic with pairwise z-test using the Bonferroni correction (categorical variables). (3) Results: Middle-aged women are the main user of this type of training. The majority of WB-EMS users do another type of physical activity with significant difference between men and woman (p < 0.05) men are more active than women. Weight loss, health and wellness and muscle mass increase are the main goals of the WB-EMS users. There are significant differences in weight loss and rehabilitation between genders (p < 0.05). Women look much more than men to lose weight and men look more than women to rehabilitation. (4) Conclusions: The user profile is a physically active woman, aged 35−49 years, with normal weight and high educational level, who carries out twice weekly full body electrostimulation training with the goals of weight loss, health and/or wellness and muscle mass gain.

Three-Month vs. One-Year Detraining Effects after Multicomponent Exercise Program in Hypertensive Older Women.

Background: Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in older women. Physical exercise training programs promote beneficial effects for health and quality of life. However, exercise interruption periods may be detrimental for the hemodynamic and lipidic profiles of hypertensive older women with dyslipidemia. Methods: Nineteen hypertensive older women with dyslipidemia (exercise group: 67.5 ± 5.4 years, 1.53 ± 3.42 m, 71.84 ± 7.45 kg) performed a supervised multicomponent exercise training program (METP) during nine months, followed by a one-year detraining period (DT), while fourteen hypertensive older women (control group: 66.4 ± 5.2 years, 1.56 ± 3.10 m, 69.38 ± 5.24 kg) with dyslipidemia kept their continued daily routine without exercise. For both groups, hemodynamic and lipidic profiles and functional capacities (FCs) were assessed four times: before and after the METP and after 3 and 12 months of DT (no exercise was carried out). Results: The METP improved hemodynamic and lipidic profiles (p < 0.05), while three months of DT decreased all (p < 0.05) parameters, with the exception of diastolic blood pressure (DBP). One year of DT significantly (p < 0.01) decreased systolic blood pressure (7.85%), DBP (2.29%), resting heart rate (7.95%), blood glucose (19.14%), total cholesterol (10.27%), triglycerides (6.92%) and FC­agility (4.24%), lower- (−12.75%) and upper-body strength (−12.17%), cardiorespiratory capacity (−4.81%) and lower- (−16.16%) and upper-body flexibility (−11.11%). Conclusion: Nine months of the exercise program significantly improved the hemodynamic and lipid profiles as well as the functional capacities of hypertensive older women with dyslipidemia. Although a detraining period is detrimental to these benefits, it seems that the first three months are more prominent in these alterations.

Multicomponent Exercise Program for Improvement of Functional Capacity and Lipidic Profile of Older Women with High Cholesterol and High Triglycerides.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a primary cause of most chronic diseases. In addition, the negative effects of aging, physical inactivity and dyslipidemia are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases of older women. Exercise is considered fundamental for the treatment and prevention due to the benefits in the health of this population, but detraining periods after exercise can reverse them. Multicomponent exercise (ME) is a combined method of aerobic and resistance training that can improve the lipidic profile of older women with high cholesterol and triglycerides. METHODS: Seventeen older women (EG: 65.3 ± 4.7 years, 1.52 ± 4.12 m) followed a supervised ME program of nine months and three months of detraining (DT), and fifteen older women (CG: 66.4 ± 5.2 years, 1.54 ± 5.58 cm) continued their daily routine, without exercise. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), blood glucose (GL) and functional capacity (FC) were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the program and after three months of DT. RESULTS: ME program improved (p < 0.05) lipidic profile: GL (-15.6%), TC (-15.3%), TG (-19.3%) and FC: agility (-13.3%), lower body strength (27.78%), upper body strength (26.3%), cardiorespiratory capacity (11.2%), lower body flexibility (66.67%) and upper body flexibility (85.72%). DT declined the lipidic profile and FC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lipidic profile and functional capacity can be improved with nine months of ME. Besides the negative effects of DT, three months were not enough to reverse the benefits of exercise in older women with high values of TG and TC.

Can Exercise Help Regulate Blood Pressure and Improve Functional Capacity of Older Women with Hypertension against the Deleterious Effects of Physical Inactivity?

BACKGROUND: Sedentarism and inactivity are risk factors for the development of hypertension. Thus, the prevention of the natural process of biological and physiological aging of older women through physical exercise results in higher benefits in preventing cardiovascular diseases and can be a key factor for its treatment. Multicomponent exercise (METP) is a training method that may help older women with hypertension by improving their quality of life and their response to treatment. METHODS: Twenty-eight older Caucasian women with hypertension (66.7 ± 5.3 years, 1.59 ± 0.11 m) performed a supervised METP program of nine months followed by three months of detraining (DT), and seventeen older women (68.2 ± 4.7 years, 1.57 ± 0.16 cm) with hypertension maintained their daily routine, without exercise. Blood pressure (BP), resting heart rate, and functional capacity (FC) were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the program, and after three months of DT. RESULTS: The ME program improved (p < 0.05) systolic BP (-5.37%), diastolic BP (-5.67%), resting heart rate (-7.8%), agility (9.8%), lower body strength (27.8%), upper body strength (10.0%), and cardiorespiratory capacity (8.6%). BP and FC deteriorated after the DT period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nine months of multicomponent exercise were sufficient to improve functional capacity and promote benefits in blood pressure, although was not sufficient to allow BP to reach the normal values of older women. The three month DT period without exercise caused the reversal of BP improvements but maintained the functional capacity of older women.

The Acute Effects of a Swimming Session on the Shoulder Rotators Strength and Balance of Age Group Swimmers.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of a standardized water training session on the shoulder rotators strength and balance in age group swimmers, in order to understand whether a muscle-strengthening workout immediately after the water training is appropriate. A repeated measures design was implemented with two measurements performed before and after a standardized swim session. 127 participants were assembled in male (n = 72; age: 16.28 ± 1.55 years, height: 174.15 ± 7.89 cm, weight: 63.97 ± 6.51 kg) and female (n = 55; age: 15.29 ± 1.28 years, height: 163.03 ± 7.19 cm, weight: 52.72 ± 5.48 kg) cohorts. The isometric torque of the shoulder internal (IR) and external (ER) rotators, as well as the ER/IR ratios, were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Paired sample t-tests and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were used (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found on the shoulder rotators strength or balance in males after training. Females exhibited unchanged strength values after practice, but there was a considerable decrease in the shoulder rotators balance of the non-dominant limb (p < 0.01 d = 0.366). This indicates that a single practice seems not to affect the shoulders strength and balance of adolescent swimmers, but this can be a gender specific phenomenon. While muscle-strengthening workout after the water session may be appropriate for males, it can be questionable regarding females. Swimming coaches should regularly assess shoulder strength levels in order to individually identify swimmers who may or may not be able to practice muscle strengthening after the water training.

The effects of whole-body muscle stimulation on body composition and strength parameters: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will analyze the effect of Whole Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) in strength and body composition outcomes in adult population. METHODS: This study will search the following electronic databases up to July 21, 2020: PubMed, WOS, Scopus, SPORTDiscus y EMBASE. There will be no language limitation. Two authors will independently identify titles/abstracts and full text all potential studies, and will collect data from eligible studies. Additionally, study quality will be assessed by PEDro Scale risk of bias. We will conduct meta-analysis if enough trials are included. RESULTS: This study will explore the effects of WB-EMS in strength and body composition outcomes. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study may summarize the effectiveness of WB-EMS in increasing strength and improving body composition in adult population. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202120050.

Occlusion technique in swimming: a training method to improve exchange block time in swimming relays.

BACKGROUND: Swimming relay events have the concern regarding a good start is shared between the incoming and outgoing swimmers. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in exchange block time (EBT) for swimming relay events as a result of a four-week training program using the occlusion technique. METHODS: Twenty-eight national swimmers, 12 males (age: 17±1.83 years) and 16 females (age: 19.94±5.65 years) participated in this study. Subjects were required to undergo a training program on visual perception in relay swimming over the course of four weeks; they watched videos corresponding to the last movements of a swimmer during a 4×100m freestyle relay event. The videos were presented with temporal occlusion corresponding to predetermined approaching distances (7.5 m, 5.0 m, and 2.5 m). Swimmers were required to simulate a typical position for exiting the block and to estimate the time-to-contact of the incoming swimmer. The EBT was collected during a real 4×100-m freestyle competition before and after the application of the training program. RESULTS: Female swimmers showed a decreased in EBT, with an improvement of 1.42%, despite there not being a significant difference (P=0.68). The male swimmers had a higher improvement in EBT after the training, with a decrease of 13.34% (P=0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Visual perception practice using video occlusion techniques seems to have a positive effect. On EBT in swimming relay events, particularly in female swimmers.

Estimating time-to-contact with temporal occlusion in relay swimming: a pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to analyse swimmers' perceptual judgements of a simulated time-to-contact task in freestyle swimming relays. The study sample consisted of 31 national-level swimmers of both genders (n = 18 males, 17.22 ± 1.95 yrs.; n = 13 females, 14.61 ± .76 yrs.). Participants were asked to watch two videos corresponding to the last course of a given swimmer during a competition of 4 × 100 m and 4 × 200 m freestyle events. These videos were presented with temporal occlusion correspondent to predetermined approaching distances (7.5, 5.0, and 2.5 m). Participants were required to simulate a typical position in standby for exiting the block and estimate the time-to-contact of the incoming swimmer by pressing a switch. A Wilcoxon test was performed to determine differences between time-to-contact and real contact time. The results showed that estimation of time-to-contact was generally lower than real contact time at all approaching distances (with occlusion) and for both genders (p < .05), except at a 7.5-m distance in the men's 4 × 200 m (p = .744; r = .09) and at 5.0 m in both the 4 × 100 m and 4 × 200 m for the female group (p = .279, r = .22 for 4 × 100 m; p = .2453, r = .17 for 4 × 200 m). The larger variation (Δ) between estimation and real contact time was found at a 7.5 m occlusion distance in the female 4 × 100 m (p < .001; r = .82). Swimmers tend to underestimate the time-to-contact of the incoming swimmer, in the context of a simulated relay race. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of perceptual abilities development in swimmers to optimize their technique and effectiveness during relay starts.

Effects of Three Months of Detraining on the Health Profile of Older Women after a Multicomponent Exercise Program.

Physical exercise results in very important benefits including preventing disease and promoting the quality of life of older individuals. Common interruptions and training cessation are associated with the loss of total health profile, and specifically cardiorespiratory fitness. Would detraining (DT) promote different effects in the cardiorespiratory and health profiles of trained and sedentary older women? Forty-seven older women were divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG) (EG: n = 28, 70.3 ± 2.3 years; CG: n = 19, 70.1 ± 5.6 years). Oxygen uptake (VO2) and health profile assessments were conducted after the exercise program and after three months of detraining. The EG followed a nine-month multicomponent exercise program before a three-month detraining period. The CG maintained their normal activities. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant increases in total heath and VO2 (p < 0.01) profile over a nine-month exercise period in the EG and no significant increases in the CG. DT led to greater negative effects on total cholesterol (4.35%, p < 0.01), triglycerides (3.89%, p < 0.01), glucose (4.96%, p < 0.01), resting heart rate (5.15%, p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (4.13%, p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure (3.38%, p < 0.01), the six-minute walk test (7.57%, p < 0.01), Pulmonary Ventilation (VE) (10.16%, p < 0.01), the Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) (9.78, p < 0.05), and VO2/heart rate (HR) (16.08%, p < 0.01) in the EG. DT may induce greater declines in total health profile and in VO2, mediated, in part, by the effectiveness of multicomponent training particularly developed for older women.

Neuromuscular and motor patterns in breaststroke technique / Padrões motores e musculares na técnica de bruços

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the inter-temporal neuromuscular and motor patterns in breaststroke technique. Five national level male swimmers performed 200 m breaststroke at maximal effort. Electromyography data onbiceps brachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major and triceps brachiiwere analysed. The relative duration of active and non-active phase and the average rectified value for the neuromuscular patterns were recorded. The swim bouts were videotaped in sagittal plane with a pair of cameras and the Theme software 5.0 was used toanalyse the detected patterns in each swimmer. The neuromuscular pattern revealed that by the average rectified value the biceps brachiiand triceps brachiiwere increased at the end of the test for swimmers 1 and 5, while biceps brachii. deltoid anteriorand pectoralis majorwere increased for swimmers 2 and 4. Different motor patterns between cycles, and between swimmers were observed.We found similarities between the swimmers, adjusting their style to the technical model. The absence of a neuromuscular pattern for all swimmers could be related to different technical models used by each swimmer, as presented in the motor patterns. These findings suggested that each swimmers adapted their own motor and neuromuscular pattern in a unique and distinct way.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em analisar a relação entre os padrões neuromusculares e motores na técnica do nado de peito. Cinco nadadores masculinos de nível nacional realizaram 200 mnado peito na máxima intensidade.Foram registrados dados de Electromiografia do bicepsbrachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major etricepsbrachii. A duração relativa da fase ativa e não ativa e o valor médio retificado dos padrões neuromusculares foram analisados. Os percursos de nado foram gravados no plano sagital e analisados para detectar os padrões motores de cadanadador através do software THÉME software 5.0. Os padrões neuromusculares indicaram, por meio do valor médio retificado que a atividade dos músculos bíceps brachii e tríceps brachii aumentam no final do teste para o nadador 1 e 5, enquanto que o bíceps brachii. deltoid anterior. pectoralis major aumentam para o nadador 2 e 4. Diferentes padrões motores entre ciclos e entre nadadores foram observados, indicando que existem semelhanças entre eles, levando a um ajuste do estilo e modelo técnico de nado. A ausência de um padrão neuromuscular para todos os nadadores poderá estar relacionada com os diferentes modelos técnicos utilizados por cada nadador, como demonstrado nos padrões motores. Esses resultados sugerem que cada nadador adapta o seu padrão motor e muscular de uma forma única e distinta.

Impact on sexual function of surgical treatment in rectal cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer (RCa). Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients' sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. Aim Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for RCa. Materials and Methods An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for RCa between January 2011 December 2014 (n=43) was performed, complemented with an inquiry questionnaire to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. Discussion All patients were male, with an average of 64yo. (range 42-83yo.). The surgical procedure was a rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 22 patients (56%) and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 19(44%). Sixty three percent described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 76% (65% with complains on erectile function, and 27% on ejaculation). Fourteen patients (38%) didn't resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.007), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.03) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.03) were predictors of ED after surgery. A secondary analysis found that the type of surgery (APR) (p=0.04), lower third tumor's location (p=0.03) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.013) (namely, smokers and diabetic patients) were predictors of de novo ED after surgery. Conclusions This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for RCa. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option.

Impact on sexual function of surgical treatment in rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer (RCa). Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients' sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. AIM: Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for RCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for RCa between January 2011 December 2014 (n=43) was performed, complemented with an inquiry questionnaire to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. DISCUSSION: All patients were male, with an average of 64yo. (range 42-83yo.). The surgical procedure was a rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 22 patients (56%) and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 19(44%). Sixty three percent described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 76% (65% with complains on erectile function, and 27% on ejaculation). Fourteen patients (38%) didn't resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.007), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.03) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.03) were predictors of ED after surgery. A secondary analysis found that the type of surgery (APR) (p=0.04), lower third tumor's location (p=0.03) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.013) (namely, smokers and diabetic patients) were predictors of de novo ED after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for RCa. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option.

Assessment of isometric strength of the shoulder rotators in swimmers using a handheld dynamometer: a reliability study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of shoulder isometric strength assessment using the microfet 2™ dynamometer in adolescent swimmers. METHODS: Twenty-nine participants (16.2 ± 1.2 years old; 59.05 ± 6.98 kg of body mass) were tested using the microfet 2™ dynamometer. Swimmers performed an isometric strength test (IST) in two distinct occasions with 7 days apart in order to calculate the reliability. All participants were asked to perform a maximal isometric contraction from the external and internal shoulder rotators in a prone body position. RESULTS: The external and internal shoulder rotators showed an excellent intraclass correlation coefficients for both shoulders, with more than 0.90 and a low percentage of method error variation. The external/internal ratios reliability was good in dominant (ICC 0.80) and non-dominant (ICC 0.81) shoulders. The reliability using Bland-Altman method showed that systematic errors (mean difference between test-retest) were nearly zero and the 95% limits of agreement narrow, indicating a good reliability. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that microfet 2™ is a reliable apparatus for measuring the strength of the external and internal rotation of the shoulder in swimmers. Its light weight and easy portable characteristics can help swimming coaches monitoring specific dry-land strength training programs for their swimmers.

Stability of behaviour patterns in the 200m breaststroke / Estabilidade dos padrões comportamentais nos 200m do nado peito

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the stability of the breaststroke technique in five elite swimmers in a 200m event using a qualitative analysis. The codification of the behaviour of each swimmer during the execution of 20 cycles was achieved using an ad hoc observational instrument comprised of a system of categories and field formats to detect the behavioural patterns (T-patterns); software was used for identifying the technical behaviour of stable structures. The results showed that the stability behaviour varied depending on the swimmer, as the variations of codes in each round produced distinct configurations to determine the differences between cycles for the same swimmer. It was concluded that the instrument used in this study plays an important role through the existence of stable behaviour in the breaststroke technique. It was also concluded that there are distinct patterns and behaviours between swimmers during each lap of the race.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a estabilidade da técnica de bruços em cinco nadadores de elite numa prova de 200m usando uma análise qualitativa. A codificação do comportamento de cada nadador durante a execução de vinte ciclos de nado foi alcançado usando um instrumento de observação ad-hoc composto por um sistema de categorias e formatos de campo para detectar os padrões comportamentais (T-patterns); o software foi utilizado para identificar o comportamento técnico de estruturas estáveis. Os resultados indicaram que o comportamento da estabilidade dos nadadores variou de acordo com o nadador, como as variações de códigos em cada ronda produzido configurações distintas para determinar as diferenças entre os ciclos para o mesmo nadador. Concluiu-se que o instrumento utilizado neste estudo desempenha um papel importante, através da existência de um comportamento estável na técnica de nado de peito. Concluiu-se também que existem padrões distintos e comportamentos entre nadadores durante cada percurso de nado.

Determination of Aerobic Power Through a Specific Test for Taekwondo - A Predictive Equation Model.

Our aim was to verify the concurrent validity of a maximal taekwondo specific test (TST) to predict VO2max through an explanatory model. Seventeen elite male taekwondo athletes (age: 17.59 ± 4.34 years; body height: 1.72 ± 6.5 m; body mass: 61.3 ± 8.7 kg) performed two graded maximal exercise tests on different days: a 20 m multistage shuttle run test (SRT) and an incremental TST. We recorded test time, VO2max, ventilation, a heart rate and time to exhaustion. Significant differences were found between observed and estimated VO2max values [F (2, 16) = 5.77, p < 0.01]; post-hoc subgroup analysis revealed the existence of significant differences (p = 0.04) between the estimated VO2max value in the SRT and the observed value recorded in the TST (58.4 ± 6.4 ml/kg/min and 52.6 ± 5.2 ml/kg/min, respectively). Our analysis also revealed a moderate correlation between both testing protocols regarding VO2max (r = 0.70; p = 0.005), test time (r = 0.77; p = 0.02) and ventilation (r = 0.69; p = 0.03). There was no proportional bias in the mean difference (t = -1.04; p = 0.313), and there was a level of agreement between both tests. An equation/model was used to estimate VO2max during the TST based on the mean heart rate, test time, body height and mass, which explained 74.3% of the observed VO2max variability. A moderate correlation was found between the observed and predicted VO2max values in the taekwondo TST (r = 0.74, p = 0.001). Our results suggest that an incremental specific test estimates VO2max of elite taekwondo athletes with acceptable concurrent validity.

Neuromuscular fatigue during 200 m breaststroke.

THE AIMS OF THIS STUDY WERE: i) to analyze activation patterns of four upper limb muscles (duration of the active and non-active phase) in each lap of 200m breaststroke, ii) quantify neuromuscular fatigue, with kinematics and physiologic assessment. Surface electromyogram was collected for the biceps brachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major and triceps brachii of nine male swimmers performing a maximal 200m breaststroke trial. Swimming speed, SL, SR, SI decreased from the 1(st) to the 3(rd) lap. SR increased on the 4(th) lap (35.91 ± 2.99 stroke·min(-1)). Peak blood lactate was 13.02 ± 1.72 mmol·l(-1) three minutes after the maximal trial. The EMG average rectified value (ARV) increased at the end of the race for all selected muscles, but the deltoid anterior and pectoralis major in the 1(st) lap and for biceps brachii, deltoid anterior and triceps brachii in the 4(th) lap. The mean frequency of the power spectral density (MNF) decreased at the 4(th) lap for all muscles. These findings suggest the occurrence of fatigue at the beginning of the 2(nd) lap in the 200m breaststroke trial, characterized by changes in kinematic parameters and selective changes in upper limb muscle action. There was a trend towards a non-linear fatigue state. Key PointsFatigue in the upper limbs occurs in different way as it described by 100m swimming events.Neuromuscular fatigue was estimated by analyzing the physiological changes (high blood lactate concentrations), biomechanical changes in the swimming stroke characteristics (decreased in swimming velocity), and by the changes in the EMG amplitude and frequency parameters at the end of the swimming bout.The amplitude signal of EMG provided by the ARV demonstrated an increase at the end with the respect to the beginning for all muscles under study, excepted for the muscle deltoid anterior.The mean frequency (MNF) in our study decrease at the end of the swimming in the 4(th) lap relative to the 1(st) lap for all muscles under observation, along the 200m breaststroke.