The effects of training type and area size variations on the physiological and session rating of perceived exertion responses during male judo matches.

Modified exercise prescription in judo is commonly used to activate the energy systems in different magnitudes. In order to study the physiological and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses according to area sizes (i.e., 4 m × 4 m, 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m) and training mode variations (i.e., groundwork, ne-waza; standing combat only, tachi-waza; and free combat, free randori), eighteen male judo athletes (age: 22.6 ± 1.8 years) were randomly assigned, on separate days, to 9 experimental conditions (3 area sizes × 3 training modes) with each condition lasting 4 min. Delta lactate [La] was calculated based on the blood lactate values measured before and after every condition. Heart rate (HR) was measured during and after each bout and RPE recorded at the end of each combat. The results showed that mean and peak HR, percentage of maximum HR (% HRmax), delta [La] values and RPE scores were lower in 4 m × 4 m compared to 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m, and in groundwork training mode compared to standing combat and free randori (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 6 m × 6 m condition induced lower delta [La] values than 8 m × 8 m (p < 0.001) and free randori resulted in higher RPE scores than standing combat (p = 0.001). In conclusion, different training variables can be easily manipulated in a variety of different ways to specifically activate the energetic systems. Focusing on groundwork, the 6 m × 6 m area size was found to be the most suitable condition to induce a higher cardiovascular response, while the standing combat and free randori in 6 m × 6 m resulted in increased glycolytic activation compared to the groundwork condition.

Training, psychometric status, biological markers and neuromuscular fatigue in soccer.

The study examined the relationship between psychometric status, neuromuscular, and biochemical markers of fatigue in response to an intensified training (IT) period in soccer. Fifteen professional soccer players volunteered to participate in the study (mean ± SD: age: 25 ± 1 years; body height: 179 ± 7 cm, body mass: 73.7 ± 16.2 kg, experience: 13.2 ± 3 years). Training load, monotony, strain, Hooper index and total quality recovery (TQR) were determined for each training session during a 2-week of IT. Counter-movement jump (CMJ) and biochemical responses [testosterone, cortisol, testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (T/C ratio), creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein] were collected before and after IT. Results showed that IT induced significant increases in cortisol, creatine kinase and C-reactive protein and significant decreases in T/C ratio and CMJ performance from before to after IT (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). However, testosterone did not differ from before to after IT (p > 0.05). Training loads were positively correlated with Hooper index (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with total quality recovery (p < 0.05). Hooper index was positively correlated with cortisol (p < 0.05), T/C ratio (p < 0.01), and creatine kinase (p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with CMJ (p < 0.05). Furthermore, TQR was negatively correlated with T/C ratio (p < 0.01), creatine kinase (p < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (p < 0.05), and positively correlated with CMJ (p < 0.01). Neuromuscular fatigue, muscle damage, and change in the anabolic/catabolic state induced by the IT were related to well-being and perceived recovery state among professional soccer players.

Effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo-specific physical test performances.

This study investigated the effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo athletes' physical fitness. Fifty-nine adolescent male and female judo athletes (age 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or one control group (CG). Experimental groups (kumi-kata [KG], uchi-komi [UG] and running [RG]) trained four times per week over four weeks of intensified training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; CG underwent only the usual training) followed by 12 days of tapering. The countermovement jump test (CMJ), isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up tests (JCT), uchi-komi speed test (UST), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judo Physical Fitness Test (JPFT) were administered before and after the intensified period and after tapering. The CMJ performance was superior in KG compared with UG, RG and CG. Isometric JCT performance was superior in KG compared with RG and CG. Regarding UST, performance was superior in UG compared with RG and CG. The same performance was superior with respect to the same groups considering pre-training to tapering change. The SJFT index did not differ between groups or time-points. The JPFT index increased after intensified and tapering periods compared with before training, with KG eliciting higher values compared with CG. Coaches and conditioning coaches could administer kumi-kata high-intensity interval training to enhance athletes' judo-specific physical fitness.

Physiological Responses During Female Judo Combats: Impact of Combat Area Size and Effort to Pause Ratio Variations.

ABSTRACT: Ouergui, I, Kamzi, S, Houcine, N, Abedelmalek, S, Bouassida, A, Bouhlel, E, and Franchini, E. Physiological responses during female judo combats: impact of combat area size and effort to pause ratio variations. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1987-1991, 2021-This study investigated the effect of area size (4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 m) and effort-pause ratio (free combat, 2:1 and 3:1) on the physiological and perceptive responses during female judo combats. Twelve female judo athletes (mean ± SD: age: 17.1 ± 0.4 years; height: 160 ± 7 cm; body mass: 59.8 ± 11.5 kg; body fat: 25.7 ± 5.5%; and judo experience: 8.4 ± 0.5 years) volunteered to perform nine 4-minute randoris randomly determined. Blood lactate [La] before and after combats, heart rate before combat (HRpre), mean HR (HRmean), peak HR (HRpeak), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) immediately after the combats were assessed for each condition. Results showed that [La] pre and HR values did not differ according to time structure and area sizes (p > 0.05). However, [La] post was higher on free randori compared with 3:1 ratio (p = 0.006) and in the 4 × 4-m area compared with 6 × 6-m (p < 0.001) and 8 × 8-m (p = 0.036) areas. Moreover, RPE was higher in the 4 × 4 m compared with 8 × 8 m (p = 0.038). In conclusion, combining time structure and area sizes may alter physiological and perceptual responses during female judo randori. Moreover, combat-based exercises may be effective in preparing athletes to cope with physiological and technical demands of the combat by stressing properly the energy systems solicited during official competitions.

Influence of Well-Being Indices and Recovery State on the Technical and Physiological Aspects of Play During Small-Sided Games.

ABSTRACT: Selmi, O, Gonçalves, B, Levitt, DE, Ouergui, I, Sampaio, J, and Bouassida, A. Influence of well-being indices and recovery state on the technical and physiological aspects of play during small-sided games. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2802-2809, 2021-Soccer players performing at high level are frequently exposed to periods of intense training, which can induce substantial stress and fatigue. These high-intensity stimuli likely lead to a lower state of well-being and poor recovery and, consequently, may affect players' performance. This study aimed to assess the influence of well-being indices (i.e., self-ratings of sleep, stress, fatigue, and delayed onset muscle soreness [DOMS]) and the total quality of recovery (TQR) on technical and physiological measures during soccer small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty male professional soccer players (age: 25.1 ± 1.0 years) performed four 25-minute SSG sessions. Well-being indices were collected before each SSG-session. Heart rate was continuously measured throughout each session, and the ratings of perceived exertion and blood lactate concentration were collected after each SSG. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed across variables and cases to identify associations between variables and variability in players' responses between sessions. No significant correlations were found between well-being indices, TQR and physiological parameters. Total quality recovery was positively correlated with successful pass % (r = 0.27) and interceptions (r = 0.25) and negatively correlated with lost balls (r = -0.25). Fatigue and DOMS were negatively correlated with tackles (r = -0.29, r = -0.28, respectively), successful pass % (r = -0.58, r = -0.55, respectively) and interceptions (r = -0.25, r = -0.27, respectively), and positively correlated with lost balls (r = 0.32, r = 0.28, respectively). Results provide an alternative and complementary method to understand training responses and can be an objective tool to help create subgroups in training for optimizing performance. This study demonstrates the efficacy and utility of using simple well-being and recovery measures to help coaches monitor athlete readiness.

Physiological Responses and Time-Motion Analysis of Kickboxing: Differences Between Full Contact, Light Contact, and Point Fighting Contests.

ABSTRACT: Ouergui, I, Benyoussef, A, Houcine, N, Abedelmalek, S, Franchini, E, Gmada, N, Bouhlel, E, and Bouassida, A. Physiological responses and time-motion analysis of kickboxing: differences between full contact, light contact, and point fighting contests. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2558-2563, 2021-This study investigated the physiological responses and time structure of kickboxing styles (full contact, light contact, and point fighting). Blood lactate [La] before and after combats, mean heart rate (HRmean), percentage of time spent in HR zones, and rating of perceived exertion were assessed. Time spent in high-intensity activities (HIAs), low-intensity activities (LIAs), and referee pauses (P) were recorded according to rounds (R) and kickboxing styles. [La] increased statistically significant after kickboxing combats (p < 0.001) and was higher after light contact compared with point fighting (p = 0.029). HRmean did not differ between kickboxing specialties (p = 0.200). However, more time was spent on HR zones 4 and 5 (Z4: 80-90% and Z5: 90-100% HRmax) than in other zones (all p < 0.001). Rating of perceived exertion scores were higher after light and full contact combats compared with point fighting (p = 0.007 and 0.093, respectively). High-intensity activities, LIAs, and pauses did not statistically differ across rounds (p > 0.05). Moreover, HIA values were lower than LIA (all p < 0.001), and HIA and LIA were higher than pause for all rounds and styles (all p < 0.001). Full contact elicited higher HIA compared with point fighting (p = 0.003, 0.001, and 0.002 for round 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals should emphasize anaerobic and muscle power development for all disciplines, especially for full and light contact and maximal aerobic power enhancement by targeting specific HR zones. Moreover, training regimen may include high-intensity interval training to mimic these sports' specificity using the effort-pause ratios according to different kickboxing sports.

Effects of 1 vs. 2 sessions per week of equal-volume sprint training on explosive, high-intensity and endurance-intensive performances in young soccer players.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of 1 vs. 2 sessions per week of equal-volume sprint training on explosive, high-intensity and endurance-intensive performances among young soccer players. Thirty-six young male soccer players were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups that performed either a single weekly sprint training session (ST1, n = 18, age: 17.2 ± 0.8 years) or two weekly sprint training sessions (ST2, n = 18; age: 17.1 ± 0.9 years) of equal weekly and total volume, in addition to their regular soccer training regimen. Linear sprinting (10 m, 20 m, 30 m, and flying 10 m), T-test agility, countermovement jump (CMJ) and maximal oxygen consumption were assessed one week before (T1), in the middle (T2) and immediately after the 10 weeks of training (T3). A large magnitude and statistically significant main effect for time was found in all the assessed variables after both training interventions (all p < 0.001; ES ≥ 0.80). No main effect was observed between the 2 groups at any time in linear sprinting, T-test or CMJ test (p > 0.05; ES < 0.20). A significant interaction effect (F = 4.05; p = 0.04, ES = 0.21) was found for maximal oxygen consumption with ST2 inducing better performance than ST1 (p = 0.001; ES = 1.11). Our findings suggested that the two sprint training frequencies were effective in enhancing explosive, high-intensity and endurance-intensive performances. However, it is recommended for coaches and fitness coaches to use a biweekly sprint training modality as it was found to be more effective in improving endurance-intensive performance.

Psycho-physiological aspects of small combats in taekwondo: impact of area size and within-round sparring partners.

The study investigated physiological and psychological responses to taekwondo combat sessions as a function of different area sizes and within-round sparring partners. Twenty-four adolescent (age: 17 ± 1years) male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) taekwondo athletes participated in the study. Each athlete confronted 1 (1vs.1; no sparring partner change) or 2 (1vs.2; within-round sparring partner change every minute) opponents in different area sizes (i.e., 4 × 4 m, 6 × 6 m, and 8 × 8 m) for 2 min. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured before and after bouts. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the contests and rating of perceived exertion was assessed after bouts. Mean HR (HRmean) and percentage of maximum HR (%HRmax) determined during a 20-m multistage shuttle run test were used for analysis. Mood states were assessed before and after bouts and physical enjoyment was analyzed after bouts. The results showed higher HRmean and %HRmax values for the 1vs.1 compared to the 1vs.2 condition (p < 0.001) and [La] values were higher at post-combat measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, tension and fatigue were higher in 6 × 6 m compared with 8 × 8 m (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023, respectively) and anger was higher in 6 × 6 m and 8 × 8 m in comparison with 4 × 4 m (p = 0.012 and p = 0.043, respectively). Confusion increased from before to after bouts (p < 0.001), from 4 × 4 m and 6 × 6 m area sizes to 8 × 8 m (p = 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), and from 1vs.1 to 1vs.2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, vigour decreased from before to after bouts (p < 0.01). Taekwondo combat sessions are a specific conditioning exercise for athletes. Thus, coaches can use the 1vs.1 condition to elicit higher HR responses and 6 × 6 m area size to induce higher psychological stress, mimicking what occurs during a competition.

Influence of well-being variables and recovery state in physical enjoyment of professional soccer players during small-sided games.

This study aimed to assess the effects of the total quality of recovery and well-being indices (self-ratings of sleep during the preceding night, stress, fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness) on rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and physical enjoyment (PE) during small-sided games. A total of 20 professional soccer players (25 ± 0.8 years) completed four 5-a-side game sessions of 25-min duration each (4 × 4 min work with 3-min passive recovery in-between). All variables were collected before each game session with the exception of RPE and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale that were collected after. The results demonstrate that recovery state and pre-fatigue states were not contributing signals of affected internal intensity and enjoyment of players. The study established the objectivity and utility of RPE as a useful tool for determining internal intensity during soccer-specific training as well as PE for assessing emotional response during exercise or training session.

Influence of intense training cycle and psychometric status on technical and physiological aspects performed during the small-sided games in soccer players.

The study investigated the effect of intense training cycle (IT) of early season preparation period (SPP) and psychological status on technical and physiological parameters during small-sided games (SSG) and the relationships between these variables. Sixteen professional soccer players participated in the study (mean±SD: age: 24.5±4.1). Training load (TL), Total quality recovery (TQR) and well-being indices were performed daily. TL increased progressively (%TL=31.56 [AU]). Physiological variables did not change after IT and were not influenced by well-being indices and TQR. Technical aspects were negatively altered after IT (p<0.05). TL was significantly correlated with successful passes (r=-0.57, p=0.02), interceptions (r=-0.83, p<0.001) and lost balls (r=0.73, p=0.002). Well-being and TQR were related to successful passes, interceptions and lost passes [(r=-0.55, p=0.03; r=-0.75, p=0.001; r=-0.69, p=0.004); (r=0.54, p=0.03; r=-0.76, p=0.001; r=-0.69, p=0.004), respectively]. TL, Well-being indices and TQR represent a useful strategy for coaches to control technical aspects in soccer players during SPP.

Physiological Responses and Time-Motion Analysis of Small Combat Games in Kickboxing: Impact of Ring Size and Number of Within-Round Sparring Partners.

Ouergui, I, Houcine, N, Marzouki, H, Davis, P, Franchini, E, Gmada, N, and Bouhlel, E. Physiological responses and time-motion analysis of small combat games in kickboxing: impact of ring size and number of within-round sparring partners. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1840-1846, 2017-The study aimed to investigate the physiological responses and time-structure of small combat games (SCGs) in kickboxing according to ring sizes and number of sparring partners. Twenty athletes from regional (n = 13) and national levels (n = 7) participated in the study (mean ± SD, age: 20.3 ± 0.9 years; height: 177 ± 4.8 cm; body mass: 71.8 ± 10.5 kg). Blood lactate concentration [La] was measured before and after bouts, and the delta (Δ) was determined. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout and HR and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were also measured postbout. The HRpre, HRmean, and percentage of peak HR (%HRpeak) were used for analysis. The HRpeak was determined during a cycle ergometer graded exercise test. Each athlete was confronted by 1 (1 vs. 1; no sparring partner change), 2 (1 vs. 2) and 4 opponents (1 vs. 4) within-round (sparring partner change every 1 minute or 30 seconds, respectively) in different ring sizes (i.e., 2×2 m, 4×4 m, and 6×6 m). All combats were recorded and analyzed to determine the duration of different activity phases (high-intensity activities [HIA], low-intensity actions [LIA], and referee pause [P]). Results showed that values for HRpre and HRmean when opposed by a single individual (1 vs. 1) were lower than other conditions (all p < 0.001). Moreover, %HRpeak values in 1 vs. 1 were lower than in other conditions and higher in 4 × 4 m compared with other sizes. [La]pre, post, and the Δ did not differ among all conditions (p > 0.05). The RPE scores were lower in 1 vs. 1 compared with other conditions (p < 0.001), with no ring sizes effect (p > 0.05). For time-motion variables, HIA values were lower in 1 vs. 1 than in the 2 other conditions and was longer in 2 × 2 m compared with 4 × 4 m and 6 × 6 m, whereas LIA values were higher in 1 vs. 1 and lower in the 2 × 2 m. In conclusion, SCGs seem to be a good form of exercise for sufficient cardiovascular conditioning specific to kickboxing activity in comparison with data from previous studies.

Development of a Noncontact Kickboxing Circuit Training Protocol That Simulates Elite Male Kickboxing Competition.

The aim of this study was to verify whether the specific kickboxing circuit training protocol (SKCTP) could reproduce kickboxing combat's hormonal, physiological, and physical responses. Twenty athletes of regional and national level volunteered to participate in the study (mean ± SD, age: 21.3 ± 2.7 years; height: 170 ± 0.5 cm; body mass: 73.9 ± 13.9 kg). After familiarization, SKCTP was conducted 1 week before a kickboxing competition. Cortisol, testosterone, growth hormone (GH), blood lactate [La], and glucose concentrations, as well as the Wingate upper-body test and countermovement jump (CMJ) performances were measured before and after SKCTP and combat. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout rounds (R) R1, R2, and R3. Testosterone, GH, glucose, [La], HR, RPE, and CMJ did not differ among the 2 conditions (p > 0.05). However, Cortisol was higher for competition (p = 0.038), whereas both peak (p = 0.003) and mean power (p < 0.001) were higher in SKCTP. The study suggests that SKCTP replicates the hormonal, physiological, and physical aspects of competition. It is therefore suggested as a good form of specific kickboxing training, as well as a specific assessment tool to be used by kickboxing coaches to quantify kickboxers' fitness levels, when physiological parameters responses to the test are measured.

Time-motion analysis of elite male kickboxing competition.

The objective of the study was to analyze the time structure of high-level kickboxing matches. A total of 45 combats from 2 male World Championships were monitored using a time-motion analysis system. The combat time structure (i.e., high-intensity activity [HIA], low-intensity activity [LIA], and referee breaks or pauses) during competition and weight divisions was determined and compared. Results indicated that the time structures were HIA: 2.2 ± 1.2 seconds; LIA: 2.3 ± 0.8 seconds; pauses: 5.4 ± 4.3 seconds; and 3.4 ± 1.2 seconds between 2 subsequent HIA. The fighting to nonfighting ratio was found to be 1:1. Moreover, the number of HIA and LIA and the time of LIA decreased in latter rounds (e.g., the average number of HIA was 27.1 ± 7.1, 25.1 ± 6.6, and 24.9 ± 6.1, respectively, for rounds 1, 2, and 3), meanwhile the time and number of pauses increased (e.g., the average pause times were 12.8 ± 11.4, 22.3 ± 22.6, and 24.6 ± 23.3 seconds, respectively, for rounds 1, 2, and 3). The activity times did not differ among weight categories. The present results confirm the intermittent nature of kickboxing competition and provide coaches with more information on how to structure training sessions to mimic the physical demands in competition.

The contribution of energy systems during 30-second lower body Wingate anaerobic test in combat sports athletes: Intermittent versus single forms and gender comparison.

Combat sports, encompassing a range of activities from striking and grappling to mixed and weapon-based disciplines, have witnessed a surge in popularity worldwide. These sports are demanding, requiring athletes to harness energy from different metabolic pathways to perform short, high-intensity activities interspersed with periods of lower intensity. While it is established that the anaerobic alactic (ATP-PC) and anaerobic lactic systems are pivotal for high-intensity training sessions typical in combat sports, the precise contribution of these systems, particularly in varied training modalities such as single (SMT) and intermittent (IST) forms of the 30-second Wingate test, remains inadequately explored. This study aims at comparing performance outputs, physiological responses and gender differences during the SMT and IST forms of the 30-second Wingate test. Thirty-three highly trained combat sports athletes (17 women, 16 men; 10 boxing, 8 wrestling, 8 taekwondo and 7 karate) randomly performed SMT and IST. The IST consisted of three 10-second all-out attempts separated by 30 seconds of passive recovery, whereas the SMT was a single 30-second maximal effort. Resting, exercise and post-exercise oxygen uptake and peak blood lactate value were used to determine the metabolic energy demands via the PCr-LA-O2 method. The findings showed that total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE), ATP-PCr system contribution and the output of mechanical variables were higher in the IST than in the SMT form (all p<0.001). In contrast, the contribution of glycolytic and oxidative systems was higher in the SMT form (all p<0.001). However, exercise form and gender interaction were not significant (p>0.05). In combat sports, performance is not only determined by physiological and technical skills but also by metabolic energy input and efficiency. Therefore, our results can provide a comparison regarding the effects of exercise type and gender on metabolic energy metabolism to design the training of combat sports athletes.

Warm-up music and low-dose caffeine enhance the activity profile and psychophysiological responses during simulated combat in female taekwondo athletes.

To assess the effects of warm-up music and low dose (3 mg·kg-1) of caffeine (CAF) on female taekwondo athlete's activity profile and psychophysiological responses during simulated combat. In a double-blinded, randomized, crossover study, 16 female athletes participated in simulated combats under one control and 5 experimental conditions [i.e., CAF alone (CAF), placebo alone (PL), CAF with music (CAF + M), PL with music (PL + M), and no supplement with music (M)]. After warming-up, athletes rated their felt arousal (FAS). Mean (HRmean) and peak (HRpeak) heart rate values were determined for each combat. After fighting, athletes rated their perceived exertion (RPE), feeling scale (FS), FAS, and physical enjoyment (PACES). Time-motion and technical-tactical variables were analyzed. CAF + M induced shorter skip and pause time, while attack time increased compared to other conditions (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAF + M increased single attacks, combined attacks, counter-attacks (p < 0.001), and defensive actions (p < 0.05) than other conditions. HRmean and HRpeak were lower under CAF + M than other conditions (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher FAS post-combat, FS, and PACES were observed under CAF + M, while RPE was lower (except CAF condition) compared to the other conditions (p < 0.05.Using CAF with warm-up music may increase combat cadence and improve the psychological state in female athletes more effectively than either strategy alone.

Telic-Paratelic Dominance and Heart Rate Variability in Athletes Engaged in Power and Endurance Training.

Purpose: The current study aimed to evaluate the telic-paratelic tendency and heart rate variability in athlete participants from different sports activities.Methods: We assigned 117 healthy participants (M age = 20, SD = 3 years) into three groups according to their training activity: power-trained (PT; n=43), endurance-trained (ET; n=36), and healthy untrained individuals (n=38). We assessed their telic-paratelic tendencies with the validated Telic Dominance Scale and their autonomic nervous system activity with heart rate variability (HRV) analyses.Results: Our findings revealed no significant differences in the telic-paratelic tendencies between ET and PT groups. However, significant differences were observed between athletes and untrained individuals (p = 0.001). Indeed, compared to untrained participants, ET and PT athletes had a greater telic tendency (both p = 0.001), were more focused on planning orientation (ET: p = 0.003; PT: p=0.001), and less often avoided arousal or activation (For ET 31% and for PT 26% of participants). The paratelic tendency was more important in untrained individuals, with most of these participants lacking in seriousmindedness and planning. In addition, we found higher HRV in paratelic ET athletes (SDNN p = 0.050, LF p = 0.022, and LF/HF p = 0.031) compared to their telic peers.Conclusion: our results suggest that sport activity did not influence the telic-paratelic tendency. Nevertheless, this tendency differentiates trained from untrained participants. HRV was higher among paratelic ET athletes, potentially reflecting less stress and more training adaptability in these athletes.

Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on performance, physiological responses, and bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprint exercise.

Introduction: This investigation aims to elucidate the impact of Ramadan intermittent fasting on performance, physiological responses, and bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprints. Methods: Fourteen active male Muslim athletes (age = 22.4 ± 1.8 years, body weight = 69.5 ± 3.8 kg, height = 176 ± 5.1 cm) executed a repeated sprint protocol, consisting of ten 20-meter sprints with 15-s passive recovery intervals, during both fasting and non-fasting conditions. The fasting session was conducted after a 12-14 h fast following Sahur (the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan). In contrast, the non-fasting session occurred before the Ramadan fasting period began, during the same hours of the day, at a time when fasting was not yet required for the athletes. Bioenergetic pathway contributions during repeated sprints were quantified using the PCr-LA-O2 method. Results: The mean sprint time during fasting sessions was 3.4 ± 0.3 s compared to 3.3 ± 0.2 s in non-fasting sessions, indicating a trend approaching the threshold of significance for slower times in the fasted state (p = 0.052, effect size (ES) = 0.34). In terms of bioenergetic contributions, the total metabolic energy expenditure (TEE) was slightly lower during fasting sessions (236.5 ± 22 kJ) compared to non-fasting sessions (245.2 ± 21.7 kJ), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.102, ES = 0.40). Similarly, metabolic energy expenditure per sprint was 23.7 ± 2.2 kJ in fasting conditions compared to 24.5 ± 2.2 kJ in non-fasting conditions (p = 0.106, ES = 0.35). The oxidative energy contribution did not differ significantly between fasting (34.2 ± 4.1 kJ) and non-fasting conditions (34.2 ± 4.1 vs. 35.5 ± 5.2 kJ; p = 0.238, ES = 0.28). Similarly, lactic (60.4 ± 7.6 vs. 59.2 ± 8.3 kJ; p = 0.484, ES = 0.15); and alactic (149.3 ± 19.9 vs. 143 ± 21.5 kJ; p = 0.137, ES = 0.30) energy contributions showed no significant differences between the fasting and non-fasting sessions. The percentage of performance decrement (Pdec) and the percentage contributions of oxidative, lactic, and alactic pathways to the total energy expenditure did not differ significantly between the fasting and non-fasting conditions, indicating a similar bioenergetic profile across both conditions. Conclusion: The present findings indicate no significant differences in performance metrics and metabolic outcomes between fasted and non-fasted states. Future assessments with longer duration and higher intensity protocols may provide further insights.

The Impact of Intermittent Hypoxic Training on Aerobic Capacity and Biometric-Structural Indicators among Obese Women-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, a common lifestyle-related condition, is correlated with factors like inadequate physical activity. Its connection to diverse health issues presents a significant challenge to healthcare. This pilot study investigated the effects of hypoxic training on aerobic capacity and biometric-structural indicators in obese women. The secondary objective was to determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of the planned research procedures and their potential for larger-scale implementation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one non-trained women with first-degree obesity were randomly assigned to even normobaric hypoxic training (H + E), normoxic training (E), passive exposure to hypoxia (H), and a control group (C). Training sessions were conducted three times a week for four weeks (12 training sessions). Body composition parameters were assessed, metabolic thresholds were determined, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured before and after interventions. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that training in hypoxic conditions significantly affected somatic parameters, with the H + E group achieving the best outcomes in terms of weight reduction and improvements in body composition indicators (p < 0.001). Normoxic training also induced a positive impact on body weight and body composition, although the results were less significant compared to the H + E group (p < 0.001). Additionally, training in hypoxic conditions significantly improved the aerobic capacity among the participants (p < 0.001). The H + E group achieved the best results in enhancing respiratory endurance and oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study suggest, that hypoxic training can be effective for weight reduction and improving the aerobic capacity in obese women. Despite study limitations, these findings indicate that hypoxic training could be an innovative approach to address obesity and related conditions. Caution is advised in interpreting the results, considering both the strengths and limitations of the pilot study. Before proceeding to a larger-scale study, the main study should be expanded, including aspects such as dietary control, monitoring physical activity, and biochemical blood analysis.

Reliability and Validity of the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test.

Purpose: This study investigated the test-retest reliability and discriminant validity of the Kickboxing Anaerobic Speed Test (KAST) and established a comparison with the maximal cycling sprint test (MCST). Methods: Forty-two male kickboxing athletes (18 elite and 24 sub-elite) participated in this study. Kickboxers performed the tests in both single and multiple forms. The KASTsingle was composed of kicks and punches, performed as quickly as possible until 5 reps of a 4 techniques' combination (i.e., straight left punch, right-roundhouse kick, straight right punch, and left-roundhouse kick) were completed. The MCSTsingle was composed by a single 6-s maximal effort. The KASTmultiple was performed using 5 sequential sets of the single form following a 10s rest interval between sets. The MCSTmultiple was performed using 5 × 6 s repeated cycling efforts with 10s rest intervals. The tests and retests were carried out on separate occasions. To establish the test's discriminatory capability, elite and sub-elite athletes were compared. Results: All tests' performance scores showed excellent relative and absolute reliability (ICC > 0.900, SEM ≤ 0.98 s for KASTs and ≤ 0.74 W•kg-1 for MCST tests). Significant correlations between the identical versions were "large" (r > 0.70). Receiving operating characteristic analyses indicated that the KASTs and cycling tests were able to effectively discriminate between elite and sub-elite kickboxers. Additionally, the findings showed that KASTsingle, MCSTsingle, KASTmultiple, and MCSTmultiple correctly classified the groups by 78.6%, 73.6%, 88.1%, and 78.6%, respectively. Conclusions: This study supported the test-retest reliability and the discriminant validity of the KASTsingle and KASTmultiple to evaluate kickboxing athletes.

Diurnal Variation of Specific Tests' Performance and Related Psychological Aspects in Young Judo Athletes.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of time-of-day on judo athletes' performances and the associated psychological variables and perceived exertion following judo-specific tests. Methods: Twelve male judo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) performed in a randomized and counterbalanced order the special judo fitness test (SJFT), the judo physical fitness test (JPFT), the dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests in the morning (8:00 a.m), midday (12:00 p.m), and afternoon (5:00 p.m). Oral temperature and psychological variables [profile of mood state (POMS), Hooper questionnaire, total quality of recovery (TQR)] were assessed before and after the tests, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed only after the tests. Results: RPE score was higher in the morning compared to the afternoon after the JPFT (d = 0.38, p = .045). PACES after JPFT was higher in the morning compared to midday (d = 0.85, p < .001). The isometric and dynamic performances during chin-up tests were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (d = 0.38, p = .048 and 0.047, respectively). Also, oral temperature was higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (d = 0.41, p = .050) and the midday (p = .047) for dynamic test, while TQR, well-being indices, and POMS did not differ according to time-of-day (p > .05). Conclusions: These results suggest that dynamic and isometric judo chin-up tests are time-of-day dependent with higher performance recorded in the afternoon than in the morning. However, performances in the JPFT and SJFT were not time-of-day dependent.