Somatic Maturity and Physical Performance in Male Youth Players from a Professional Soccer Academy

SUMMARY: The aim was to analyze the relationship between somatic maturation and physical performance in male youth soccer players belonging to a professional Mexican academy. In 121 male soccer aged 11 to 16 years from a professional academy the peak height velocity (PHV), percentage of adult height (PAS), jump capacity, sprint, intermittent speed and muscle mass were estimated. ANOVA was conducted to compare performance variables among maturity somatic categories and percentiles were calculated based on maturity offset using LMS method. Furthermore, a general linear model was employed to determine the explanatory variables for performance. Post-PHV soccer players demonstrated superior physical performance across several tests compared to Pre-PHV (p<0.001) and Circa-PHV (p<0.001) players. The smoothed percentile values of performance tests, based on somatic maturation, indicated progressive performance enhancement as individuals approached PHV (-2 to 2 years from PHV) (p<0.005). PHV was associated with jump capacity (p<0.001) and intermittent speed (p=0.007) while PAS was associated with time in sprint (p=.0004). In conclusion PHV and PAS explained better performance than chronological age, body composition characteristics, injuries, or training factors.

El objetivo fue analizar la relación entre la maduración somática y el rendimiento físico en futbolistas juveniles masculinos pertenecientes a una academia profesional mexicana. Métodos. En 121 futbolistas masculinos de 11 a 16 años de una academia profesional se estimó la velocidad máxima en altura (VPH), porcentaje de altura adulta (PAS), capacidad de salto, sprint, velocidad intermitente y masa muscular. Se realizó ANOVA para comparar variables de desempeño entre categorías somáticas de madurez y se calcularon percentiles en función de la compensación de madurez utilizando el método LMS. Además, se empleó un modelo lineal general para determinar las variables explicativas del desempeño. Los jugadores de fútbol post-PHV demostraron un rendimiento físico superior en varias pruebas en comparación con los jugadores Pre-PHV (p<0,001) y Circa-PHV (p<0,001). Los valores percentiles suavizados de las pruebas de rendimiento, basados en la maduración somática, indicaron una mejora progresiva del rendimiento a medida que los individuos se acercaban al PHV (-2 a 2 años desde el PHV) (p<0,005). PHV se asoció con la capacidad de salto (p<0,001) y velocidad intermitente (p=0,007) mientras que PAS se asoció con el tiempo en sprint (p=0,0004). En conclusión PHV y PEA explicaron un mejor rendimiento que la edad cronológica, las características de composición corporal, las lesiones o los factores de entrenamiento.

Prevalence of Polymorphism and Post-Training Expression of ACTN3 (R/X) and ACE (I/D) Genes in CrossFit Athletes.

BACKGROUND: CrossFit is known as a functional fitness training high-intensity exercise to improve physical performance. The most studied polymorphisms are the ACTN3 R577X gene, known for speed, power, and strength, and ACE I/D, related to endurance and strength. The present investigation analyzed the effects of training on ACTN3 and ACE gene expression in CrossFit athletes for 12 weeks. METHODS: the studies included 18 athletes from the Rx category, where ACTN3 (RR, RX, XX) and ACE (II, ID, DD) characterization of genotypes and tests of maximum strength (NSCA), power (T-Force), and aerobic endurance (Course Navette) were performed. The technique used was the reverse transcription-quantitative PCR real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for the relative expression analysis. RESULTS: the relative quantification (RQ) values for the ACTN3 gene increased their levels 2.3 times (p = 0.035), and for ACE, they increased 3.0 times (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: there is an overexpression of the ACTN3 and ACE genes due to the effect of training for 12 weeks. Additionally, the correlation of the expression of the ACTN3 (p = 0.040) and ACE (p = 0.030) genes with power was verified.

Strength and VO2max Changes by Exercise Training According to Maturation State in Children.

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are widely recognized; however, biological maturation contributions are a subject that has been little studied, which is why the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a six-week training program at moderate-intensity on the muscular strength and aerobic capacity in children between nine and 13 years (13 ± 1.0 years) according to their maturation state. Twenty-six schoolchildren (15 girls) participated in a six-week physical exercise program based on aerobic/anaerobic capacity and coordination skills. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), trunk-lift, push-ups, curl-ups, and handgrip strength (both hands) were measured as response variables. Body mass index (BMI), skeletal maturity indicator (SMI), peak height velocity (PHV), age on peak height velocity (APHV) and sex were considered as covariates. The results of VO2max, push-ups, curl-ups, and handgrip strength were higher after the exercise program in the whole group (p < 0.05). The VO2max showed a greater increase in the normal-weight than in the overweight-obesity children (p = 0.001). Higher results in dominant handgrip strength were observed in girls (p = 0.003). The PHV before intervention presented a positive correlation with the dominant handgrip strength in all kids (r = 0.70, p = 0.001). As a conclusion, the six-week training program improved the physical fitness of children independent of the maturation state. Somatic maturation increases the physical abilities in schoolchildren.

Estilo de vida activo según nuevas directrices de la OMS: ¿una influencia sobre la aptitud física, composición corporal y calidad de vida en mujeres mayores? / Active lifestyle according to new WHO guidelines: an influence on fitness, body composition and quality of life in elderly women? / Estilo de vida ativo segundo as novas diretrizes da OMS: uma influência na aptidão física, composição corporal e qualidade de vida em mulheres idosas?

RESUMEN La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación de la actividad física realizada sobre la aptitud física, composición corporal y calidad de vida en una población de mujeres adultas mayores de México. Estudio retrospectivo correlacional en el cual se clasificó a las mujeres según su estilo de vida activo de acuerdo a si cumple o no con las directrices publicadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud [OMS] en 2020 sobre actividad física y comportamiento sedentario. La evaluación de la actividad física se registró a través del Cuestionario IPAQ, la aptitud física a través de la batería Senior Fitness Test, la composición corporal se estimó mediante impedancia bioeléctrica y la calidad de vida con el Cuestionario SF36. Los resultados de aquellas mujeres mayores que tienen un mayor gasto energético y que cumplen con las recomendaciones del tiempo destinado a la actividad física, muestran una mejor aptitud física, composición corporal y mayor percepción de la calidad de vida, sin embargo, la mayoría no cumple con estas recomendaciones.

ABSTRACT The present research aimed to determine the relation of the physical activity carried out (active or inactive lifestyle) on physical fitness, body composition, and quality of life in a population of older adult women in Mexico. Retrospective correlational study in which women were classified according to their active lifestyle according to whether or not they comply with the guidelines published by the World Health Organization [WHO] in 2020 on physical activity and sedentary behavior. The evaluation of physical activity was recorded through the IPAQ Questionnaire, physical fitness through the Senior Fitness Test battery, body composition was estimated using bioelectrical impedance, and quality of life with the SF36 Questionnaire. As a result, we find that those elderly women who have a higher energy expenditure and who comply with the recommendations of the time allocated to physical activity, show better physical fitness, body composition, and greater perception of quality of life, however, most do not comply with these recommendations.

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a relação da atividade física realizada na aptidão física, composição corporal e qualidade de vida em uma população de mulheres idosas no México. Estudo retrospectivo correlacional em que as mulheres foram classificadas de acordo com seu estilo de vida ativo de acordo com as diretrizes publicadas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde [OMS] em 2020 sobre atividade física e comportamento sedentário. A avaliação da atividade física foi registrada através do Questionário IPAQ, a aptidão física através da bateria Senior Fitness Test, a composição corporal foi estimada através da bioimpedância elétrica e a qualidade de vida com o Questionário SF36. Os resultados daquelas idosas que possuem maior gasto energético e que cumprem as recomendações do tempo destinado à atividade física, evidenciam melhor aptidão física, composição corporal e maior percepção da qualidade de vida, porém, a maioria não cumpre, com estas recomendações.

Actividad física y estilo de vida sedentario en adultos, cambios durante el confinamiento por la pandemia de Covid-19.

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