Discipline-specific Torque-Velocity Profiles and Musculotendinous Morphology in Athletes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare torque-velocity profiles, muscle architecture, tendon dimensions, and bilateral-symmetry between competitive cyclists (CY), competitive runners (RN), ice-hockey players (IH), basketball players (BP), and physically-active individuals (CN) (n=10 for each group). METHODS: Vastus lateralis (VL) muscle and patellar tendon (PT) structures were determined with B-mode ultrasonography, and maximal knee extensor isokinetic torque was assessed at three different velocities. RESULTS: Optimal torque and velocity were lower in runners than CY, BP and IH (p<0.05). Maximal power was similar between the athlete groups but greater than CN (p<0.05). Furthermore, RN and BP reached their peak-torque at longer muscle lengths compared to IH and CY (p<0.05). RN had the lowest VL muscle thickness and the greatest fascicle length, while CY had the greatest pennation angle (p<0.05). CY had the greatest PT thickness, particularly at the proximal and medial sites, while BP at the distal point (p<0.05), with similar trends observed for PT cross-sectional-area. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that even if power generating capacity is similar between athletic disciplines, there are discipline-specific muscle adaptations, where particularly runners appear to have muscles adapted for speed rather than torque development, while in cyclists, velocity is sacrificed for torque development.

Three-week sprint interval training (SIT) reduces cell-free DNA and low-frequency fatigue but does not induce VO2max improvement in older men.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of sprint interval training (SIT) on both the acute and 3-week modulations of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as well as its association with neuromuscular fatigue and physical performance in healthy young and old men. METHODS: Ten young (20-25 year old) and nine elderly (63-72 year old) healthy men performed nine SIT sessions consisting of 4-to-6-all-out cycling repetitions of 30 s interspaced with 4-min rest intervals. We compared the maximal voluntary contractions torque, central activation ratio, low-frequency fatigue (LFF), and cfDNA concentrations between the groups before, immediately after, 1 h after, and 24 h after the first and ninth SIT sessions. RESULTS: The plasma cfDNA levels were increased post-exercise (from 1.4 ± 0.258 to 1.91 ± 0.278 ng/ml (P < 0.01) on a log10 scale), without significant differences between the groups. However, older individuals showed a slight decrease in the baseline cfDNA values, from 1.39 ± 0.176 to 1.29 ± 0.085 ng/ml on a log10 scale, after 3 weeks (P = 0.043). Importantly, the elevation of the post-exercise cfDNA values was correlated with an increase in LFF in both groups. Three weeks of SIT induced an improvement in the recovery of LFF (main session effect, P = 0.0029); however, only the young group showed an increase in aerobic capacity (VO2max) (from 40.8 ± 6.74 to 43.0 ± 5.80 ml/kg/min, P = 0.0039). CONCLUSION: Three weeks of SIT diminished the baseline cfDNA values in the old group, together with an improvement in the recovery of LFF. However, VO2max was increased only in the young group.

Near-InfraRed Spectroscopy Provides a Reproducible Estimate of Muscle Aerobic Capacity, but Not Whole-Body Aerobic Power.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during repeated limb occlusions is a noninvasive tool for assessing muscle oxidative capacity. However, the method's reliability and validity remain under investigation. This study aimed to determine the reliability of the NIRS-derived mitochondrial power of the musculus vastus lateralis and its correlation with whole-body (cycling) aerobic power (V̇O2 peak). Eleven healthy active men (28 ± 10 y) twice (2 days apart) underwent repeated arterial occlusions to induce changes in muscle oxygen delivery after 15 s of electrical muscle stimulation. The muscle oxygen consumption (mV̇O2) recovery time and rate (k) constants were calculated from the NIRS O2Hb signal. We assessed the reliability (coefficient of variation and intraclass coefficient of correlation [ICC]) and equivalency (t-test) between visits. The results showed high reproducibility for the mV̇O2 recovery time constant (ICC = 0.859) and moderate reproducibility for the k value (ICC = 0.674), with no significant differences between visits (p > 0.05). NIRS-derived k did not correlate with the V̇O2 peak relative to body mass (r = 0.441, p = 0.17) or the absolute V̇O2 peak (r = 0.366, p = 0.26). In conclusion, NIRS provides a reproducible estimate of muscle mitochondrial power, which, however, was not correlated with whole-body aerobic capacity in the current study, suggesting that even if somewhat overlapping, not the same set of factors underpin these distinct indices of aerobic capacity at the different (peripheral and whole-body systemic) levels.

Impact of Anaerobic Exercise Integrated Into Regular Training on Experienced Judo Athletes: Running Vs. Repetitive Throws.

ABSTRACT: Kamandulis, S, Dudeniene, L, Snieckus, A, Kniubaite, A, Mickevicius, M, Lukonaitiene, I, Venckunas, T, Stasiule, L, and Stasiulis, A. Impact of anaerobic exercise integrated into regular training on experienced judo athletes: running vs. repetitive throws. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Anaerobic training in high-level athletes is of considerable interest to practitioners aiming to optimize performance. This study compared the impact of interval anaerobic training (IAT) sessions consisting of either high-intensity running or throwing that were performed twice a week together with regular judo training on the anaerobic and aerobic performance of experienced judo athletes. Employing a repeated-measures, counterbalancing, research design, 12 national team judo athletes (7 women and 5 men; mean age, 20.4 ± 0.95 years; mean judo training experience, 13.4 ± 1.4 years; competitive level, black belt first and second Dan) performed each IAT modality for 6 weeks, for a full training cycle of 12 weeks. Assessments of their anaerobic fitness (Cunningham and Faulkner Anaerobic Treadmill Test), sport-specific anaerobic fitness (Special Judo Fitness Test [SJFT]), and aerobic capacity (maximal incremental treadmill running test) were performed before, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of training. The uphill running performance improved by 13.1% over the 12-week period (p = 0.047). Simultaneously, there was a 9.0% improvement in the SJFT index and a 6.9% increase in the number of throws (p = 0.011 and p = 0.017, respectively). Although a trend for throwing drills being more effective than interval sprint running was observed, the interaction effect lacked statistical significance (p = 0.074). Moreover, no substantial changes were noted in aerobic endurance markers. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating specific and nonspecific high-intensity drills into a routine training regimen may enhance anaerobic capacity among well-trained judo athletes, potentially leading to favorable competitive outcomes.

The effects of 6-week home-based static stretching, dynamic stretching, or eccentric exercise interventions on muscle-tendon properties and functional performance in older women.

Background: Joint inflexibility is acknowledged as a significant contributor to functional limitations in the older adult, with lengthening-type exercises identified as a potential remedial approach. Nevertheless, the responses to eccentric exercise in female older adults have not been extensively studied especially in home-based environment. Here, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of home-based static stretching (ST), dynamic closed-chain stretching (DCS), or eccentric exercise (ECC) interventions on flexibility, musculotendinous architecture, and functional ability in healthy older women. Methods: We randomly assigned 51 healthy older women (age 65.9 ± 3.4 years) to one of three interventional exercise groups: DCS (N = 17), ECC (N = 17), or ST (N = 17). The training was performed 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The participants' musculotendinous stiffness, fascicle length, eccentric strength, and functional capacities were measured before the intervention, after 6 weeks of exercise, and at a 1-month follow-up. Results: The results showed that all three interventions improved hamstring flexibility and passive ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.001), with increased biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius fascicle length (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant change in musculotendinous stiffness. The ECC intervention produced a greater improvement in knee flexor and calf eccentric peak torque (p < 0.05), and gait speed (p = 0.024) than the other two interventions. The changes in flexibility and knee flexor strength remained for up to 4 weeks after detraining. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study suggests that home-based ECC may be more beneficial in enhancing physical capacities in older women compared with either DCS or SS interventions.

Is foam rolling as effective as its popularity suggests? A randomised crossover study exploring post-match recovery in female basketball.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of foam rolling as a post-match recovery tool in basketball. Using a crossover design, 13 female players completed two simulated matches, followed by foam rolling (FR) or placebo (CON). Countermovement jump height (CMJ), heart rate variability (Ln-rMSSD), muscle soreness (VAS), perceived recovery (TQR) and fatigue (Rating-of-Fatigue) were recorded at pre-match, post-match, post-recovery and 24 h post-match. No significant effect of time*intervention and intervention were found for any variable (p > 0.05), while a significant effect of time (p < 0.01) was reported for all variables. Post-hoc analyses revealed lower CMJ and Ln-rMSSD at post-match compared with all other time points (p < 0.001), increases in pre-match VAS scores at all subsequent time points (p < 0.01), and worse TQR and Rating-of-Fatigue scores from pre-to-post-match and pre-match-to-post-recovery (p < 0.01), except for unchanged TQR values from pre-match-to-post-recovery in FR (p > 0.05). Overall, the present data suggest that foam rolling was generally ineffective for improving post-exercise recovery in female basketball players after a single match. Future research investigating the effectiveness of foam rolling in players of different sex, age and/or competitive level is warranted to provide further insight on the topic.

Effect of Whole-body Vibration frequency on muscle tensile state during graded plantar flexor isometric contractions.

Background: Acute physiological and biomechanical alterations have been reported following whole-body vibration (WBV). Stiffening of muscles has only been anecdotally reported in response to WBV. Accordingly, this study investigated active plantar flexor muscle stiffness in response to a single WBV bout at four mechanical vibration frequencies. Methods: Thirteen healthy adults (37.1 ± 14.4 years old) randomly received WBV in 4 different frequencies (6, 12, 24, and 0 Hz control) for 5 min. Shear wave speed (SWS) in longitudinal and transverse projections, architecture, and electric muscle activity were recorded in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and soleus (SOL) muscle during graded plantar flexor contraction. Subjective rating of perceived muscle stiffness was assessed via Likert-scale. Results: SWS of the MG at rest was enhanced in response to 5 min of 24 Hz WBV (p = 0.025), while a small reduction in SOL SWS was found during contraction (p = 0.005) in the longitudinal view. Subjective stiffness rating was increased following 12 Hz intervention. After 24 Hz WBV, pennation angle for MG was decreased (p = 0.011) during contraction. As a secondary finding, plantar flexor strength was significantly increased with each visit, which, however, did not affect the study's main outcome because of balanced sequence allocation. Conclusion: SWS effects were solely limited to 24 Hz mechanical vibration and in the longitudinal projection. The observed effects are compatible with an interpretation by post-activation potentiation, warm-up, and force-distribution within the triceps surae muscles following 5 min WBV. The outcome may suggest SWS as a useful tool for assessing acute changes in muscle stiffness.

Recreational 3 × 3 basketball elicits higher heart rate, enjoyment, and physical activity intensities but lower blood lactate and perceived exertion compared to HIIT in active young adults.

This study aimed to assess and compare the physiological [percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), blood lactate (BLa), creatine kinase (CK)], hormonal (testosterone, cortisol), psychological [rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment] and physical [percentage of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) and vigorous activity (%VA)] responses of recreational 3 × 3 basketball (3 × 3BB) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in active young adults. Twelve apparently healthy male recreational basketball players (age: 23 ± 3 years; body mass: 82 ± 15 kg; stature: 188 ± 15 cm) completed a 3 × 3BB match and HIIT with similar duration. %HRmax, %MVPA and %VA were monitored during the protocols, while BLa, cortisol, and testosterone were measured before and after each protocol. CK was measured before the protocols and at 24 h, while RPE and enjoyment were assessed at the end of each protocol. 3 × 3BB elicited higher %HRmax (p < 0.001; d = -1.6, large), %MVPA (p < 0.001; d = 2.7, very large), %VA (p = 0.030; d = 0.8, moderate), enjoyment (p = 0.014; r-value = -0.500, large), and lower RPE (p = 0.024; r-value = -0.462, moderate) compared to the HIIT condition. Moreover, higher values of BLa were found in HIIT compared to 3 × 3BB at post-condition (p = 0.020; r-value = -0.601, large), while CK analysis showed only an increase within the HIIT condition (p = 0.020; r-value = -0.599, large). A time effect was found for both testosterone (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.526, moderate) and cortisol (p = 0.005, η2p = 0.743, strong), while no between-condition effect or interaction was found (p > 0.05). 3 × 3BB elicits higher %HRmax, enjoyment, and physical activity intensities but lower BLa and RPE compared to HIIT in active young adults and might be considered as a potentially suitable activity to increase participants' health status.

Increasing the resting time between drop jumps lessens delayed-onset muscle soreness and limits the extent of prolonged low-frequency force depression in human knee extensor muscles.

PURPOSE: Unaccustomed eccentric contractions generally result in a long-lasting contractile impairment, referred to as prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD), and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). We here used repeated drop jumps (DJs) as an eccentric contraction model and studied the effects of increasing the time between DJs from 20 s to 5 min. We hypothesized that both PLFFD and DOMS would be less marked at the longer DJ interval due to the longer time to restore structural elements between DJs. METHODS: Young men (n = 12) randomly performed 50 DJs with either 20-s (DJ-20 s) or 5-min (DJ-5 min) rest between DJs. Voluntary, 20 Hz and 100 Hz electrically stimulated isometric knee extension torques and muscle soreness were monitored before and for 7 days after DJs; serum CK activity was measured to assess muscle fibre protein leakage. In additional experiments, changes in mRNA levels were assessed in muscle biopsies collected before and 1 h after exercise. RESULTS: A marked PLFFD was observed with both protocols and the extent of 20 Hz torque depression was smaller immediately and 1 day after DJ-5 min than after DJ-20 s (p < 0.05), whereas the MVC and 100 Hz torques were similarly decreased with the two protocols. Markedly larger differences between the two protocols were observed for the muscle soreness score, which 1-4 days after exercise was about two times larger with DJ-20 s than with DJ-5 min (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The larger protective effect of the longer DJ interval against DOMS than against PLFFD indicates that their underlying mechanisms involve different structural elements.

Cardiorespiratory Responses to Specific and Nonspecific Exercise in High-Profile Amateur Boxers.

ABSTRACT: Venckunas, T, Bruzas, V, Stasiulis, A, Snieckus, A, Mockus, P, and Kamandulis, S. Cardiorespiratory responses to specific and non-specific exercise in high-profile amateur boxers. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 717-722, 2022-Our aim was to compare cardiorespiratory responses in 3 types of all-out exercises (upper body, lower body, and punching) in well-trained boxers and peak heart rate (HR) in these tests with HR response to competitive Olympic boxing. On 4 separate occasions, 11 male amateur boxers performed: (a) progressive treadmill running to exhaustion; (b) progressive arm cranking to failure; (c) progressive bag punching to maximal exertion; and (d) competitive boxing fight (3 × 3 minutes format). Expired gas and HR were measured in all tasks except in the full-contact competitive fight where only HR was recorded. Peak oxygen uptake (55.3 ± 5.9 ml·kg-1·min-1) was highest during treadmill running. Peak respiratory exchange ratio was highest during bag punching (1.26 ± 0.09), but did not differ between arm cranking and running. Peak HR of the boxing fight (197.7 ± 5.9 b·min-1) did not differ from that of running (196.5 ± 8.7 b·min-1), but was smaller in arm cranking (179.8 ± 9.2) and bag punching (184.1 ± 12.2 b·min-1). The correlation coefficients between peak HR achieved during competitive fighting and that achieved during running, arm cranking and bag punching were 0.720 (p = 0.013), 0.597 (p = 0.052), and 0.702 (p = 0.035), respectively. In conclusion, in high-profile amateur boxers, running evoked a higher cardiorespiratory activation than arm cranking or bag punching, whereas punching elicited the highest input of anaerobic glycolysis. Peak HR of competitive fighting was the same as during running and much higher than during arm cranking or bag punching.

Differences in Knee Extensors' Muscle-Tendon Unit Passive Stiffness, Architecture, and Force Production in Competitive Cyclists Versus Runners.

To describe the possible effects of chronic specific exercise training, the present study compared the anthropometric variables, muscle-tendon unit (MTU) architecture, passive stiffness, and force production capacity between a group of competitive cyclists and runners. Twenty-seven competitive male cyclists (n = 16) and runners (n = 11) participated. B-mode ultrasound evaluation of the vastus lateralis muscle and patellar tendon as well as passive stiffness of the knee extensors MTU were assessed. The athletes then performed a test of knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Cyclists displayed greater thigh girths, vastus lateralis pennation angle and muscle thickness, patellar tendon cross-sectional area, and MTU passive stiffness than runners (P < .05). Knee extensor force production capacity also differed significantly, with cyclists showing greater values compared with runners (P < .05). Overall, the direct comparison of these 2 populations revealed specific differences in the MTU, conceivably related to the chronic requirements imposed through the training for the different disciplines.

Sclerostin, preadipocyte factor-1 and bone mineral values in eumenorrheic adolescent athletes with different training patterns.

INTRODUCTION: The specific aims of the study were to compare possible differences in sclerostin and preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) between rhythmic gymnasts (RG), swimmers (SW) and untrained controls (UC), and to investigate the relationships of sclerostin and Pref-1 with bone mineral characteristics in studied groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 62 eumenorrheic adolescents (RG = 22; SW = 20; UC = 20). Bone mineral and body composition characteristics were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and sclerostin, Pref-1, osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx) were measured. RESULTS: Sclerostin was higher (P = 0.001) in RG (129.35 ± 51.01 pg/ml; by 74%) and SW (118.05 ± 40.05 pg/ml; by 59%) in comparison with UC (74.32 ± 45.41 pg/ml), while no differences (P = 0.896) were seen in Pref-1 (RG: 1.42 ± 0.16 ng/ml; SW: 1.41 ± 0.20 ng/ml; UC: 1.39 ± 0.26 ng/ml) between groups. Osteocalcin (RG: 7.74 ± 4.09 ng/ml; SW: 8.05 ± 4.18 ng/ml; UC: 7.04 ± 3.92 ng/ml; P = 0.843) and CTx (RG: 0.73 ± 0.22 ng/ml; SW: 0.64 ± 0.16 ng/ml; UC: 0.62 ± 0.20 ng/ml; P = 0.173) were not different between groups. Sclerostin correlated (P < 0.05) with whole-body bone mineral content (r = 0.61) and lumbar spine (LS) areal bone mineral density (aBMD) (r = 0.43) in RG, and femoral neck aBMD (r = 0.45) in UC. No correlation was found between sclerostin and bone mineral values in SW, and Pref-1 was not correlated with any bone mineral characteristics in studied groups. Sclerostin was the independent variable that explained 14% of the total variance (R2 × 100) in LS aBMD value only in RG. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent athletes have higher sclerostin compared to UC. Sclerostin was correlated with bone mineral values and predicted areal bone mineral density in RG.

Carbohydrate restriction following strenuous glycogen-depleting exercise does not potentiate the acute molecular response associated with mitochondrial biogenesis in human skeletal muscle.

PURPOSE: Carbohydrate (CHO) restriction could be a potent metabolic regulator of endurance exercise-induced muscle adaptations. Here, we determined whether post-exercise CHO restriction following strenuous exercise combining continuous cycling exercise (CCE) and sprint interval exercise could affect the gene expression related to mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in human skeletal muscle. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over design, 8 recreationally active males performed two cycling exercise sessions separated by 4 weeks. Each session consisted of 60-min CCE and six 30-s all-out sprints, which was followed by ingestion of either a CHO or placebo beverage in the post-exercise recovery period. Muscle glycogen concentration and the mRNA levels of several genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism were determined before, immediately after, and at 3 h after exercise. RESULTS: Compared to pre-exercise, strenuous cycling led to a severe muscle glycogen depletion (> 90%) and induced a large increase in PGC1A and PDK4 mRNA levels (~ 20-fold and ~ 10-fold, respectively) during the acute recovery period in both trials. The abundance of the other transcripts was not changed or was only moderately increased during this period. CHO restriction during the 3-h post-exercise period blunted muscle glycogen resynthesis but did not increase the mRNA levels of genes associated with muscle adaptation to endurance exercise, as compared with abundant post-exercise CHO consumption. CONCLUSION: CHO restriction after a glycogen-depleting and metabolically-demanding cycling session is not effective for increasing the acute mRNA levels of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism in human skeletal muscle.

Endurance training-induced increase in muscle oxidative capacity without loss of muscle mass in younger and older resistance-trained men.

While concurrent training is regularly used in older populations, the inverse relationship between fibre size and oxidative capacity suggests that endurance training in resistance-trained individuals may result in some loss of resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass, which may be more pronounced in older people. We investigated the impact of superimposed endurance training in younger (28.5 ± 4.8 years; n = 8) and older (67.5 ± 5.5 years; n = 7) highly resistance-trained men. Participants underwent a 10-week endurance cycling training programme consisting of five 6-min intervals at 75% max heart rate (HRmax) separated by 4-min intervals at 90% HRmax. The anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA) of the thigh muscles, as determined with MRI, was 24% smaller in older compared to younger participants (p < 0.001). Although maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was also lower in the older group (p < 0.001), VO2max per kg body mass did not differ significantly between younger and older participants. Histological analyses of biopsies of the m. vastus lateralis showed that endurance training induced an increase in succinate dehydrogenase activity in both younger and older participants (p ≤ 0.043), and an increase in the number of capillaries around type I fibres (p = 0.017). The superimposed endurance training did not induce a significant decrease in thigh ACSA, fibre cross-sectional area, or knee extensor maximum voluntary isometric force. These observations indicate that adding endurance training to resistance training can lead to positive endurance-related adaptations without negative consequences for muscle size and strength in older and younger resistance-trained people.

Investigation of readiness and perceived workload in junior female basketball players during a congested match schedule.

This study aimed to: a) investigate the differences in workload and readiness between two junior female national basketball teams competing at different European Championships (EC); b) compare workload, readiness and match performance for players with longer and shorter playing times, and; c) examine the relationship between workload, readiness and match performance variables. Under-18 (U18) (n = 10, height = 179.9 ± 6.6 cm, body mass = 70.2 ± 5.1 kg) and under-20 (U20) female national basketball teams (n = 11, height = 178.4 ± 8.8 cm, body mass = 73.0 ± 9.7 kg) were monitored during congested match schedules encompassing 7 matches within 9 days. Daily workload was determined via the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE workload); readiness was measured by heart-rate variability (HRV) and well-being (WB); and match performance was assessed using the efficiency statistic and playing time. Analysis of workload and readiness during the EC showed no statistically significant between-team differences in any variables except WB for the U18 team, which was lower on Day 8 compared to the U20 team (p = 0.03; effect size [ES] = large). Players accumulating longer playing time showed a higher sRPE workload (p = 0.01, ES = moderate) and efficiency statistic (p = 0.04, ES = moderate) while no readiness variable differed significantly (p > 0.05) compared to players with shorter playing time. Trivial-to-small correlations were observed between workload, readiness and match performance variables. The study shows that junior female basketball players were able to cope with a congested schedule of 7 matches in 9 days irrespective of the competition context or individual differences in workload. Finally, combining objective and subjective methods to assess workload and readiness is recommended due to the weak relationships observed between these methods.

Low frequency fatigue and changes in muscle fascicle length following eccentric exercise of the knee extensors.

NEW FINDING: What is the central question of this study? Does low frequency muscle fatigue indicate a failure of excitation-contraction coupling after eccentric exercise, or is it simply due to a change in muscle length? What is the main finding and its importance? The low to high frequency muscle fatigue ratio was relatively insensitive to changes in muscle length, and any changes in length following eccentric exercise were far too small to account for the high degree of low frequency fatigue. The results strengthen the suggestion that the early loss of force following eccentric exercise is due to a deficit of excitation-contraction coupling. ABSTRACT: Development of long lasting fatigue (low frequency fatigue; LFF), assessed as the ratio of forces at 20 and 100 Hz stimulation, suggests the early phase of muscle damage caused by eccentric exercise is due to a deficit of excitation-contraction coupling. However, this could be caused by a change of muscle length. Eleven men (21.3 ± 2.0 years) performed 200 maximum eccentric knee extensions (30-110 deg flexion). Force generated by 20 and 100 Hz stimulation and maximum isometric force (MIF) were determined at knee angles 50, 70 and 90 deg before and immediately after the exercise. Vastus lateralis fascicle length (FL) was measured by ultrasound of resting and contracting muscle. Peak MIF (829 ± 119 N) was at 70 deg knee flexion, falling to 486 ± 180 N (P < 0.001) after exercise, but with no change in optimum angle. FLs at rest were unaffected by eccentric exercise, but during contraction they were on average 8.8% (95% CI: 4.1, 13.5%, P = 0.002) longer after exercise. Before exercise, the 20/100 ratio increased with muscle length, from 0.69 ± 0.09 at 50 deg, 0.72 ± 0.05 at 70 deg and 0.80 ± 0.08 at knee angle 90 deg (P < 0.001). After eccentric exercise the 20/100 ratio was reduced to 0.29 ± 0.08 at 50 deg, 0.27 ± 0.04 at 70 deg and 0.34 ± 0.04 at 90 deg (P < 0.001). The 20/100 ratio was relatively insensitive to changes in muscle length and the decrease following eccentric exercise was far greater than might be caused by any changes in muscle length after eccentric exercise. The results show that LFF following eccentric exercise is not due to change in muscle length and strengthen the suggestion that it represents a deficit in excitation-contraction coupling.

Effect of Training and Match Loads on Hamstring Passive Stiffness in Professional Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVE: the purpose of this study was to identify differences in hamstring passive stiffness between the pre-season and in-season periods. METHODS: Hamstring strength and passive stiffness were measured in professional male soccer players before and after the pre-season (4 weeks), and after the in-season (6 weeks) periods using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle passive stiffness was determined from the slope of the passive torque-angle relationship. External loads (acceleration and jumps) were monitored by GPS and internal loads by questionnaire. RESULTS: Hamstring passive stiffness increased after 10 weeks of training and matches, without changes in passive peak torque and range of motion. The hamstring passive stiffness modifications were associated with the volume and intensity of accelerations and jumps. The individual data analysis also provided some support for the suppression of the biomechanical adaptation in the subjects with relatively large external load. CONCLUSIONS: Regular training and match workouts increase hamstring passive stiffness in professional soccer players but the adaptation of muscle-tendon unit passive elements might not occur if players experience excessive mechanical stress.

Carbohydrates do not accelerate force recovery after glycogen-depleting followed by high-intensity exercise in humans.

Prolonged low-frequency force depression (PLFFD) induced by fatiguing exercise is characterized by a persistent depression in submaximal contractile force during the recovery period. Muscle glycogen depletion is known to limit physical performance during prolonged low- and moderate-intensity exercise, and accelerating glycogen resynthesis with post-exercise carbohydrate intake can facilitate recovery and improve repeated bout exercise performance. Short-term, high-intensity exercise, however, can cause PLFFD without any marked decrease in glycogen. Here, we studied whether recovery from PLFFD was accelerated by carbohydrate ingestion after 60 minutes of moderate-intensity glycogen-depleting cycling exercise followed by six 30-seconds all-out cycling sprints. We used a randomized crossover study design where nine recreationally active males drank a beverage containing either carbohydrate or placebo after exercise. Blood glucose and muscle glycogen concentrations were determined at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and during the 3-hours recovery period. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle was performed to determine the extent of PLFFD by eliciting low-frequency (20 Hz) and high-frequency (100 Hz) stimulations. Muscle glycogen was severely depleted after exercise, with a significantly higher rate of muscle glycogen resynthesis during the 3-hours recovery period in the carbohydrate than in the placebo trials (13.7 and 5.4 mmol glucosyl units/kg wet weight/h, respectively). Torque at 20 Hz was significantly more depressed than 100 Hz torque during the recovery period in both conditions, and the extent of PLFFD (20/100 Hz ratio) was not different between the two trials. In conclusion, carbohydrate supplementation enhances glycogen resynthesis after glycogen-depleting exercise but does not improve force recovery when the exercise also involves all-out cycling sprints.

Immediate effects of neurodynamic nerve gliding versus static stretching on hamstring neuromechanical properties.

PURPOSE: We investigated the immediate effects of neurodynamic nerve gliding (ND) on hamstring flexibility, viscoelasticity, and mechanosensitivity, compared with traditional static stretching (ST). METHODS: Twenty-two physically active men aged 21.9 ± 1.9 years were divided randomly into two equal intervention groups using ST or ND. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the active knee joint position sense, perform passive knee extension, record the passive extension range of motion (ROM) and the passive-resistive torque of hamstrings. Stiffness was determined from the slope of the passive torque-angle relationship. A stress relaxation test (SRT) was performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of the hamstrings. The passive straight leg raise (SLR) test was used to evaluate hamstring flexibility. RESULTS: A significant interaction was observed for ROM and passive ultimate stiffness, reflected by an increase in these indicators after ND but not after SD. SLR increased significantly in both groups. After ST, a significantly faster initial stress relaxation was observed over the first 4 s. than after ND. There was no significant change in the active knee joint position sense. CONCLUSIONS: ND provided a slightly greater increase in hamstring extensibility and passive stiffness, possibly by decreasing nerve tension and increasing strain in connective tissues than ST. The ST mostly affected the viscoelastic behavior of the hamstrings, but neither intervention had a significant impact on proprioception.

Investigating the workload, readiness and physical performance changes during intensified 3-week preparation periods in female national Under18 and Under20 basketball teams.

This study aimed to investigate between- and within-team changes in workload [PlayerLoad (PL), training impulse (TRIMP) and session rate of perceived exertion training load (sRPE-TL)], readiness [heart rate variability (HRV)], and physical performance [20-m sprint test (including 10-m split time), countermovement jump (CMJ) and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1)] during 3-week intensified preparation periods in female, national Under18 (n = 12, age = 18.0 ± 0.5y, stature = 180.4 ± 7.5 cm, body mass = 72.7 ± 9.3 kg) and Under20 (n = 12, age = 19.6 ± 0.8y, stature = 178.6 ± 6.4 cm, body mass = 68.0 ± 5.9 kg) basketball teams. Under18 team revealed small-to-moderate statistically significantly higher values in workload [PL: p = 0.010; ES = Small; TRIMP: p = 0.004; ES = Moderate; sRPE-TL: p < 0.001; ES = Moderate] and moderately lower readiness values (p = 0.023; ES = Moderate) compared to Under20. Within-team analysis showed no differences in workload in Under20 and statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in Week3 (taper period) in Under18. Pre- and post-preparation changes showed Under18 increasing only YYIR1 performance (p < 0.001; ES = Very large). Differently, Under20 statistically improved in 10-m split time (p = 0.003; ES = Moderate), CMJ (p = 0.025; ES = Moderate) and YYIR1 (p < 0.001; ES = Large). A constant adequate workload positively benefits players' readiness and physical performances during short intensified preparation periods. Conversely, using high workload with periodization strategies encompassing short overload and taper phases induced positive changes on players' aerobic performance, lower readiness values and no changes in anaerobic performances.