The Effects of a Supramaximal Intermittent Training Program on Aerobic and Anaerobic Running Measures in Junior Male Soccer Players.

This study investigated the effectiveness of supplementing regular preseason soccer training with a supramaximal intermittent shuttle-run training (ISRT) model prescribed from Carminatti's Test peak speed (PST-CAR) in aerobic performance-related indices and sprinting speed in male junior soccer players. Twenty-three national-level soccer players (mean ± SD; age 18.07 ± 0.9 y, body height 1.76 ± 0.65 m, body mass 71.9 ± 8.7 kg) were assigned to either an experimental group (EG; n = 13) performing ISRT + soccer training or a control group (CG; n = 10) that followed regular preseason soccer training alone. The following tests were applied before and after the eight-week training intervention: (i) incremental treadmill tests (VO2max and lactate minimum speed - LMS); (ii) linear 30-m sprint test and Carminatti's Test (PST-CAR). Results indicated larger gains for the EG in LMS (Δ = 9.53% vs. 2.82%) and PST-CAR (Δ = 5.50% vs. 2.10%) than in the CG. Furthermore, changes in VO2max produced higher effect size (d) values for the EG (Δ = 6.67%; d = 0.59) than the CG (Δ = 1.88%; d = 0.18). Both groups improved (p = 0.002) their flying 20-m sprint speed (EG: Δ = 1.01%; CG: Δ = 1.56%). However, small decreases were observed for 10-m sprint speed in the CG (Δ = -2.19%; d = -0.44), while only trivial changes were noticed for the EG (Δ = -0.50%; d = -0.16). Our data support that additional supramaximal ISRT is an effective training stimulus to enhance aerobic performance-related indices and promote small improvements in maximal running speed without impairing the soccer players' acceleration capacity. This study also shows that PST-CAR can be useful for individualizing running intensity in supramaximal ISRT modes.

Match-Play Running Performance in Professional Male Soccer Players: The Role of Anaerobic Speed Reserve.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare match-play running performance between players with a high (HASR) and low (LASR) anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) profile in professional soccer players. Method: Thirty-six male players from the same club (age: 23.3 ± 5.4 years) took part in this study. Match data were collected from 43 home matches of the first and second division of the Brazilian National Championship over two consecutive seasons. Players had their maximal sprinting (MSS) and aerobic speeds (MAS) determined during field test-based assessments. ASR was defined as MSS minus MAS. Total distance (TD), sprinting distance, number of accelerations and decelerations, absolute peak (PMS(abs)) and mean match sprint speed (MMSS(abs)) and its relative values expressed as a percentage of MSS (PMS(rel) and MMSS(rel)), distance covered > 100% MAS(abs) and > 50% MSS(abs) were compared between the groups and halves. Results: HASR presented greater sprint demand (d > 0.80), PMS(abs) (d = 1.57), and MMSS(abs) (d = 0.99) than the LASR group. The opposite was observed for PMS(rel) and MMSS(rel). The TD and amount of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations were moderately (0.77MAS(abs) and > 50% MSS(abs) decreased between halves (d = 0.72 and 0.77), while the HASR did not (d < 0.10). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that players with larger ASR had greater sprint demand, with a lower relative running intensity, and covered longer distances above MAS. The amplitude of ASR also affected the player's running ability between halves.

Modelling anaerobic peak power assessed by the force-velocity test among late adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the concurrent contributions of body size, estimates of whole-body composition, and appendicular volume in addition to participation in competitive basketball to explain inter-individual variance in anaerobic peak power output during late adolescence. The study also tested non-participation versus participation in basketball as an independent predictor of peak power output. METHODS: The sample of this cross-sectional study was composed of 63 male participants (basketball: n=32, 17.0±0.9 years; school: n=31, 17.4±1.0 years). Anthropometry included stature, body mass, circumferences, lengths, and skinfolds. Fat-free mass was estimated from skinfolds and lower limbs volume predicted from circumferences and lengths. Participants completed the force-velocity test using a cycle ergometer to determine peak power output. RESULTS: For the total sample, optimal peak power was correlated to body size (body mass: r=0.634; fat-free mass: r=0.719, lower limbs volume: r=0.577). The best model was given by fat-free mass and explained 51% of the inter-individual variance in force-velocity test. The preceding was independent of participating in sports (i.e., the dummy variable basketball vs. school did not add significant explained variance). CONCLUSION: Adolescent basketball players were taller and heavier than school boys. The groups also differed in fat-free mass (school: 53.8±4.8 kg; basketball: 60.4±6.7 kg), which was the most prominent predictor of inter-individual variance in peak power output. Briefly, compared to school boys, participation in basketball was not associated with optimal differential braking force. Higher values in peak power output for basketball players were explained by a larger amount of fat-free mass.

The Cosine Law to Choose the Correct Forceps Shaft Length for Macular Surgery in Highly Myopic Eyes.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a mathematical analogy between the Pythagorean theorem using the axial a-scan measurement, i.e., the distance between the central cornea and the sclerotomy, and the lengths of the forceps in eyes of patients with all axial lengths. METHODS: We used the Pythagorean equation (c 2 = a 2 + b 2 ) to calculate the adequate shaft length of the forceps to use in macular surgery, especially in highly myopic eyes, where c 2 represents the axial length (hypotenuse); b 2 the sum of the corneal ray and distance between the corneal limbus and the sclerotomy (base side); and a 2 the distance between the sclerotomy and the fovea (perpendicular side). RESULTS: We reproduced the cosine law to estimate the distance between the sclerotomy and the fovea. The distance between the sclerotomy and the foveal area is shorter than the axial length and can become smaller based on the distance from the sclerotomy to the corneal limbus. CONCLUSION: This simple mathematical formula is useful when performing surgery in highly myopic eyes, in which there can be difficulties reaching the macular area.

Modelling anaerobic peak power assessed by the force-velocity test among late adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the concurrent contributions of body size, estimates of whole-body composition, and appendicular volume in addition to participation in competitive basketball to explain inter-individual variance in anaerobic peak power output during late adolescence. The study also tested non-participation versus participation in basketball as an independent predictor of peak power output. METHODS: The sample of this cross-sectional study was composed of 63 male participants (basketball: n=32, 17.0±0.9 years; school: n=31, 17.4±1.0 years). Anthropometry included stature, body mass, circumferences, lengths, and skinfolds. Fat-free mass was estimated from skinfolds and lower limbs volume predicted from circumferences and lengths. Participants completed the force-velocity test using a cycle ergometer to determine peak power output. RESULTS: For the total sample, optimal peak power was correlated to body size (body mass: r=0.634; fat-free mass: r=0.719, lower limbs volume: r=0.577). The best model was given by fat-free mass and explained 51% of the inter-individual variance in force-velocity test. The preceding was independent of participating in sports (i.e., the dummy variable basketball vs. school did not add significant explained variance). CONCLUSION: Adolescent basketball players were taller and heavier than school boys. The groups also differed in fat-free mass (school: 53.8±4.8 kg; basketball: 60.4±6.7 kg), which was the most prominent predictor of inter-individual variance in peak power output. Briefly, compared to school boys, participation in basketball was not associated with optimal differential braking force. Higher values in peak power output for basketball players were explained by a larger amount of fat-free mass.

Match activity profile and heart rate responses of top-level soccer referees during Brazilian national first and second division and regional championships.

This study aimed to examine the differences in physical match activities and heart rate (HR) responses experienced by Brazilian field referees (FRs) and assistant referees (ARs) during official matches from Serie A, Serie B and Regional championships. The sample was composed of 51 FRs and 87 ARs. Match activities derived from Global Position System and HR response were collected during official matches. FRs and ARs covered higher distances at high-intensity running (HIR; d = 1.17 and 2.53, p < 0.001), sprinting (d = 0.82 and 0.48, p < 0.005) and high-intensity activities (HIA; d = 1.07 and 1.97, p < 0.001) in Serie A and Serie B than in Regional. Changes in the distances covered at HIR (0.80 < d < 3.25, p < 0.005), sprinting (d = 0.42, p = 0.050) and HIA (0.93 < d < 3.01, p < 0.005) between half-matches were observed during Serie A and Serie B. The average %HRmax was progressively increased in both half-matches (0.85 < d < 3.54, p < 0.001) during all championships. For FRs, Serie A and Regional elicited the highest average %HRmax (0.80 3C d < 1.37, p < 0.030). For ARs, Serie A and Serie B elicited the highest average %HRmax (2.14 < d< 3.87, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the physical match activities and average %HRmax of Brazilian FRs and ARs differ across championship levels. FRs and ARs acting in Regional championships are likely to need specific preparation to support the higher physical demand observed at higher competition levels.

What Factors Discriminate Young Soccer Players Perceived as Promising and Less Promising by Their Coaches?

Purpose: This study aimed to verify whether there are differences in physical, technical, and tactical assessment outcomes derived from field-based tests and small-sided games (SSG) in addition to anthropometric and maturational characteristics between players classified as promising and less promising as per the coaches' perception. Method: A total of 53 male U-15 youth soccer players (age: 14.8 ± 0.2 years, weight: 61.7 ± 6.9 kg, height: 171.8 ± 6.7 cm) and three experienced coaches from three distinct sports clubs were enrolled in this study. Based on the coaches' perception, players were split into three group levels for both short- and long-term success ranking: (i) promising (PL; top 5 players; n = 15), (ii) intermediate (IL; n = 23) and (iii) less promising (LPL; 5 bottom players; n = 15). The following measures were determined: anthropometry, maturity offset, vertical jump, and aerobic-anaerobic running performance, soccer- specific skills tests, GPS-based running metrics, technical and tactical actions during SSG, and minutes played throughout the season. Results: There were no differences between groups for anthropometrical, maturational, and physical outcomes. PL players in both rankings covered more distances at sprinting and presented more offensive technical and tactical actions during SSG than their LPL peers. PL and IL presented more minutes played in competitive seasons than LPL of short-term ranking. Conclusion: The biggest differences between the players ranked by their coaches were apparent only during a representative game task, emphasizing the importance of SSG as a tool to assess the players' technical-tactical awareness. In addition to the SSG, the coach's eye plays a key role during the talent identification and selection process.

The Effects of a Compensatory Training Program Adding an Isoinertial Device in the Shoulder Function on Young Tennis Players.

ABSTRACT: Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Moreno-Perez, V, Cools, A, Nakamura, FY, Teixeira, AS, Ellenbecker, T, Johansson, F, and Sanz-Rivas, D. The effects of a compensatory training program adding an isoinertial device in the shoulder function on young tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1096-1103, 2023-The aim of this study was to analyze whether a compensatory training program, including isoinertial flywheel training, could reduce shoulder imbalances in a group of asymptomatic young tennis players. After an initial evaluation, 26 young tennis players were assigned to either a supervised flywheel training group (FTG, n = 13) or a control group (CG, n = 13). Shoulder passive internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM) as well as shoulder IR and ER maximal isometric strength were measured before and after a 12-week training intervention, performed 3 times per week. After the intervention, results showed significant changes for IR ( p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = 1.83) and ER ( p < 0.001, ES = 1.77) on the dominant (D) side, and IR on the nondominant (ND) side ( p < 0.001, ES = 2.24) in the FTG compared with the CG. Regarding the ROM values, results showed that the FTG achieved significantly greater increases for the IR ROM ( p < 0.001, ES = 3.32) and total ROM (TROM) ( p = 0.004, ES = 1.39) on the D and ND sides (IR ROM: p = 0.002, ES = 1.53; TROM: p < 0.001, ES = 2.35) than the CG. Moreover, the CG displayed larger decrements in ER ROM ( p = 0.016, ES = 1.12) on the ND side after the training period than the FTG. The conducted compensatory training program was effective to increase the ER strength and IR mobility of the FTG players, which led to a reduction in the glenohumeral imbalances.

High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise Performed on the Sand Induces Higher Internal Load Demands in Soccer Players.

This study aimed to examine the acute physiological effect of shuttle-run-based high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) performed at the same relative speed (i. e., 100% PST-CAR) on sand (SAND) and grass (GRASS) in male junior soccer players. Seven Under-23 Brazilian national league ("Série A") soccer players completed four testing sessions in either SAND or GRASS surface condition. The first two testing sessions consisted of performing a maximal progressive shuttle-run field protocol until volitional exhaustion (Carminatti's test, T-CAR), whereas the third and fourth sessions comprised a HIIE session on each ground surface. The HIIE session consisted of three 5-min bouts [12 s shuttle-run (with a direction change every 6 s)/12 s of passive rest] performed at 100% of T-CAR peak speed (PST-CAR) with 3 min of passive recovery between sets. Measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([La]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were performed during all conditions. The SAND condition elicited significantly higher %VO2peak (94.58 ± 2.73 vs. 87.45 ± 3.31%, p < 0.001, d = 2.35), %HRpeak (93.89 ± 2.63 vs. 90.31 ± 2.87%, p < 0.001, d = 1.30), RPE (8.00 ± 0.91 vs. 4.95 ± 1.23 a.u., p < 0.001, d = 2.82), and [La] (10.76 ± 2.37 vs. 5.48 ± 1.13 mmol/L, p < 0.010, d = 2.84). This study showed that higher internal workloads are experienced by the players during a single HIIE session performed on a softer surface as SAND, even when the exercise intensity was individualized based on 100%PST-CAR.

Phase Angle Is Related to 10 m and 30 m Sprint Time and Repeated-Sprint Ability in Young Male Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between phase angle (PhA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and components of physical performance in male youth soccer players. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Sixty-two players from two professional soccer academies were recruited. Electrical bioimpedance was used to obtain the PhA and BIVA. Body fat (BF) and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. All players completed physical tests including the standing long jump (SLJ), Carminatti's test (peak speed at the end of the test, PST-CAR), 10 m and 30 m straight-line sprints, and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test (RSAbest and RSAmean times). RESULTS: Adjusting for chronological age, BF, and LSTM, multiple regression analysis outputs showed that PhA remained inversely related to RSAmean (ß = -0.362; p < 0.001), RSAbest (ß = -0.239; p = 0.020), 10 m (ß = -0.379; p = 0.012), and 30 m (ß = -0.438; p < 0.001) sprint times, while the association with PST-CAR and SLJ performance were statistically non-significant. In addition, BIVA showed that differences in confidence ellipses were found between athletes in the reference population and the study sample (p < 0.05). The tolerance ellipses indicated that the athletes in the present study had more total body water (TCW) and lower proportions of intracellular water (ICW) to extracellular water (ECW). The reference population had more TCW and ICW/ECW. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that young soccer players with higher PhA values, indicating better cell integrity and functionality, have better performance in typical anaerobic running activities, such as sprinting speed and RSA performance, adjusted to age and body composition characteristics.

HIIT Models in Addition to Training Load and Heart Rate Variability Are Related With Physiological and Performance Adaptations After 10-Weeks of Training in Young Futsal Players.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) shuttle-run-based models, over 10 weeks on aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular parameters, and the association of the training load and heart rate variability (HRV) with the change in the measures in young futsal players. METHODS: Eleven young male futsal players (age: 18.5 ± 1.1 years; body mass: 70.5 ± 5.7 kg) participated in this study. This pre-post study design was performed during a typical 10 weeks training period. HIIT sessions were conducted at 86% (HIIT86; n = 6) and 100% (HIIT100; n = 5) of peak speed of the FIET. Additionally, friendly and official matches, technical-tactical and strength-power training sessions were performed. Before and after the training period, all players performed the FIET, treadmill incremental, repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint 15-m, and vertical jump tests (CMJ and SJ), and the HRV was measured. Training load (TL) was monitored using the session rating of perceived effort. Data analysis was carried out using Bayesian inference methods. RESULTS: The HIIT86 model showed clear improvements for the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), peak speed in the treadmill incremental test, first and second ventilatory thresholds, RSA best and mean times, CMJ, and SJ. The HIIT100 model presented distinct advances in VO2peak, peak speed in the treadmill incremental test, RSA mean time, and CMJ. Between HIIT models comparisons showed more favorable probabilities of improvement for HIIT86 than HIIT100 model in all parameters. TL data and HIIT models strongly explained the changes in the RSA mean and best times (R 2 = 0.71 and 0.87, respectively), as well as HRV changes, and HIIT models explained positively VO2peak changes (R 2 = 0.72). All other changes in the parameters were low to moderately explained. CONCLUSION: The HIIT86 proved to be more effective for improving aerobic, RSA, and neuromuscular parameters than HIIT100 during a typical 10-week futsal training period. So, strength and conditioning specialists prescribing shuttle-run intermittent exercises at submaximal intensities can manage the individual acceleration load imposed on athlete increasing or decreasing either the set duration or the frequency of change of direction during HIIT programming.

Allometric Scaling of Force-velocity Test Output Among Pre-pubertal Basketball Players.

Basketball is characterized by high-intensity episodes predominantly reliant on anaerobic metabolism. The force-velocity test enables individual determination of an optimal braking force and emerged as appropriate to estimate optimal peak power. It has rarely been used in youth basketball. This study aimed to examine the contribution of body size, composition, and biological maturation to interindividual variation in force-velocity test output among pre-pubertal basketball players. The sample consisted of 64 male participants (8.4-12.3 years). Stature, sitting height, body mass and two skinfolds were measured, and leg length estimated. Fat-free mass and lower limb volume were estimated from anthropometry. Age at peak height velocity was predicted from maturity offset. Optimal peak power was correlated with all body size descriptors (correlation: 0.541-0.700). Simple allometric models explained 30-47% of inter-individual variance, with fat-free mass being the best predictor of performance. Whole-body fat-free mass (as a surrogate for active muscle mass) plus the indicator of maturation emerged as the best proportional allometric model (53% explained variance). Even at pre-pubertal ages, the interpretation of the force-velocity test requires assessing the metabolically active component of body mass.

Ecological and Construct Validity of a Repeated Sprint Test in Male Youth Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Fernandes-Da-Silva, J, Castagna, C, Teixeira, AS, Carminatti, LJ, Francini, L, Póvoas, SCA, and Antonacci Guglielmo, LG. Ecological and construct validity of a repeated sprint test in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 2000-2009, 2021-This study aimed to examine the relationship between a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test (5 bouts of 30-m sprints interspersed by 30 seconds of recovery) and match-related physical performance in male youth soccer players. Although 60 outfield players were evaluated, only data from players who participated in the full matches (n = 39) were retained (8 central defenders, 7 external defenders, 8 central midfielders, 8 external midfielders, and 8 forwards). To verify the ecological validity of this RSA protocol, the association between the best (RSAbest) and mean (RSAmean) sprint time in the 5 × 30-m and physical match performance during friendly youth soccer games was examined. Physical match demands were assessed using global positioning system technology (10 Hz) considering distance covered in selected arbitrary speed categories. The absolute speed thresholds were the same for all the players. Players were categorized into 2 groups based on the 5 × 30-m performance: RSAmean times below (i.e., faster) and above (i.e., slower) the median value. Players with faster RSAmean times covered significantly more distance sprinting during friendly matches (606 ± 204 m, +47.0%; t = 4.953; effect size = 1.88, 1.24; 2.52, p ≤ 0.001) compared to their slower counterparts (322 ± 145 m). A large negative correlation (r = -0.63, -0.77; -0.44, p ≤ 0.001) was found between RSAbest time (4.59 ± 0.27 seconds) and match sprint distance (457 ± 229 m). Likewise, RSAmean time (4.76 ± 0.25 seconds) was also largely associated (r = -0.60, -0.75; -0.39; p ≤ 0.001) with in-game sprinting performance. The results of this study provided evidence to support the construct and ecological validity of the 5 × 30-m protocol in male youth soccer players. Furthermore, differences in 5 × 30-m performance explained the amount of sprinting activity performed during the match.

Tactical rule and pitch size change the physical and technical performance of young soccer players during small-sided games / A regra tática e o formato do campo mudam o desempenho físico e técnico de jovens jogadores de futebol durante jogos reduzidos

Abstract The present study examined the effects of small-sided and conditioned games (SSCGs) manipulating tactical rules (ball-possession [BP] vs goal-scoring with goalkeepers [GS]) and pitch size (square [SP] vs rectangular [RP]) on the running performance and technical skills of young soccer players. Ten male soccer players (chronological age: 12.45 ± 0.51 years; body mass: 41.99 ± 7.97 kg; height: 152.85 ± 10.03 cm) were monitored using GPS units during SSCG formats. The distance covered at different running intensities and number of technical actions were used in analyses. SSCG-induced changes in 30 m sprint and CMJ performances were also evaluated. Compared to BP, GS elicited significantly lower distances covered at low intensity running (p=0.003; d=-0.95), more sprints (p=0.050; d=0.67), and longer distances covered in terms of walking (p=0.035; d=2.60) and sprinting (p=0.029; d=0.75); (ii) number of passes (short [p=0.002; d=1.10] and long [p=0.013; d=0.82]) were more frequent during BP than GS games, while RP game format allowed for greater occurrence of long passes (p=0.036; d=0.64) than under the SP condition; (iii) jumping and sprinting performance did not change (p>0.05) using different SSCG formats. In conclusion, GS games demand more sprint running episodes in terms of number and distance covered than BP games. In addition, RP game formats can be used to increase the occurrence of longer passes in young soccer players aged 11-13 years.

Resumo O estudo examinou os efeitos de diferentes jogos reduzidos e condicionados (JRC): manipulando as regras táticas (posse de bola (BP) vs. marcar gols com goleiro (GS)) e o formato do campo (quadrado vs. retangular) sobre o desempenho físico e técnico em jovens jogadores de futebol. Dez jogadores do sexo masculino (idade: 12,45 ± 0,51 anos; massa corporal: 41,99 ± 7,97 kg; altura: 152,85 ± 10,3 cm) foram monitorados através do sistema de posicionamento global e os JRC gravados em vídeo. A distância percorrida em diferentes intensidades e o número de ações técnicas para os 4 diferentes JRC foram usadas para análise. O efeito dos JRC sobre o desempenho no teste de sprints de 30 m e altura do salto vertical também foram analisadas. Os JRC para GS provocaram distâncias significativamente menores em corrida de baixa intensidade (p=0.003; d=-0.95) e mais sprints (p=0.050; d=0.67) e maiores distâncias caminhando (p=0.035; d=2.60) e em sprint (p=0.029; d=0.75) comparado ao BP; (ii) o número de passes (curtos [p=0.002; d=1.10] e longos [p=0.013; d=0.82]) é maior nos JRC de BP que GS. O formato retangular permite maior ocorrência de passes longos que o modelo quadrado (p=0.036; d=0.64); (iii) o desempenho de salto vertical e velocidade não mudou (p>0.05) após os JRC. Concluindo, ações envolvendo sprints em número e distância são maiores no JRC com GS comparado ao BP, enquanto que JRC de BP favorecem o desenvolvimento do passe. Por fim, o campo retangular com BP estimula a realização de passes mais longos em jovens jogadores.

The Effect of a Neuromuscular vs. Dynamic Warm-up on Physical Performance in Young Tennis Players.

Fernandez-Fernandez, J, García-Tormo, V, Santos-Rosa, FJ, Teixeira, AS, Nakamura, FY, Granacher, U, and Sanz-Rivas, D. The effect of a neuromuscular vs. dynamic warm-up on physical performance in young tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2776-2784, 2020-The aim of this study was to examine performance-enhancing (i.e., training) effects of a neuromuscular warm-up (NWU) compared with a dynamic WU (DWU) in young tennis players. Twenty-eight well-trained male tennis players with a mean age of 15.09 ± 1.16 years participated in this study and were assigned to either a training group performing NWU (n = 14), or a group that followed DWU (n = 15) before tennis-specific training, for 8 weeks. Pretest and posttest included: speed (5, 10, and 20 m); modified 5-0-5 change of direction (COD) test; bilateral/unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ); 2 kg overhead, forehand, and backhand-side medicine ball throw performance (MBT); serve velocity, and shoulder strength and range-of-motion (ROM) performance (i.e., internal [IR]/external [ER] rotation). Results showed that both groups, NWU and DWU, significantly improved their sprint performances (5-20 m; [p < 0.05; d = 0.83-1.32]), CMJ (bilateral and unilateral [dominant side] [p < 0.005; d = 1.27-1.59]), overhead MBT (p = 0.014; d = 1.02), and some shoulder strength (i.e., IR dominant side [D], ER D, ER/IR ratio [p < 0.05; d = 0.86-1.59]) and ROM (i.e., ER D, total ROM D [p < 0.05; d = 0.80-1.02]) values. However, the interaction effects revealed that NWU compared with DWU produced greater performance gains in most of the analyzed parameters (i.e., 5-10 m sprint, CMJ, overhead MBT, serve speed). The inclusion of an NWU characterized by a relatively low volume (∼20-35 minutes), including general mobility, core, and shoulder strength exercises, combined with neuromuscular-related exercises (e.g., plyometric and acceleration/deceleration/COD drills), can be recommended to obtain positive effects in tennis performance-related variables.

Effects of Resisted Vs. Conventional Sprint Training on Physical Fitness in Young Elite Tennis Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 6-week resisted sprint (RST) versus conventional (unresisted) sprint training (CG) on sprint time, change of direction (COD) speed, repeated sprint ability (RSA) and jump performance (countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ)) in male young tennis players. Twenty players (age: 16.5 ± 0.3 years; body mass: 72.2 ± 5.5 kg; body height: 180.6 ± 4.6 cm) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: RST (n = 10) and CG (n = 10). The training program was similar for both groups consisting of acceleration and deceleration exercises at short distances (3-4 m), and speed and agility drills. The RST group used weighted vests or elastic cords during the exercises. After 6 weeks of intervention, both training regimes resulted in small-to-moderate improvements in acceleration and sprint ability (5, 10, 20 m), SLJ and CMJ performances, COD pivoting on both, the non-dominant (moderate effect) and the dominant (small effect) foot, and the percentage of decrement (small effects) during a RSA test. Between-group comparisons showed that the SLJ (Δ = 2.0%) and 5 m sprint time (Δ = 1.1%) improved more in the RST group compared with the CG group. This study showed that 6 weeks of RST or unresisted training are time-efficient training regimes for physical improvements in young male tennis players.

Anatomical implications of posterior cephaloceles in the dural venous sinuses.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the venous anatomy of the dural sinuses of patients with posterior encephaloceles, in order to formulate anatomical patterns which can ensure safer surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study, analyzing eight patients diagnosed with posterior encephalocele throughout 1 year. RESULTS: Eight patients with cephaloceles were evaluated in our study from January 2017 to January 2018. The most common alteration was dysgenesis of the straight sinus (n = 7), followed by venous anomalies in the encephalocele and alterations in the SSS (superior sagittal sinus) (n = 4), and the occurrence of a falcine sinus (FC) in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Anatomical variations are frequent in patients with cephaloceles. Therefore, an understanding of them is necessary for safe and effective treatment.

Physical Performance in Young Judo Athletes: Influence of Somatic Maturation, Growth, and Training Experience.

Purpose: To determine the individual contributions of chronological age, somatic maturation, body size and composition, and training experience as indicators of performance in neuromuscular and judo-specific assessments in young athletes. Methods: Sixty-six youth judo athletes performed anthropometric measurements, neuromuscular tests-standing long jump test (SLJ), medicine ball throw test (MBT), handgrip strength test (HGS), and judo-specific tests-Special Judo Fitness test (SJFT) and Judogi Grip Isometric Strength Test (JGSTISO). A multiple linear regression was used with the level of significance set at 5%. Results: The main results showed age-peak height velocity (PHV), body fat and training experience explained close to 20% of SJFT performance. Chronological age, age-PHV, height, body mass and body fat accounted for 42% of variance in JGSTISO. Chronological age, body fat and training experience explained 35% of the variance in SLJ, while chronological age, body mass and body fat explained 53% of the variance in MBT. Finally, age-PHV, body mass and height explained 54% of the variance in HGS. Conclusion: Estimated age-PHV and growth variables explained moderate to large proportions of the variance in neuromuscular tests (with exception of SLJ), while both estimated age-PHV, training and growth variables were predictors of judo-specific performance.

Effects of Plyometric Versus Optimum Power Load Training on Components of Physical Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players.

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to compare the effects of plyometric (PT) versus optimum power load (OPL) training on physical performance of young high-level soccer players. METHODS: Athletes were randomly divided into PT (horizontal and vertical drills) and OPL (squat + hip thrust exercises at the load of maximum power output) interventions, applied over 7 weeks during the in-season period. Squat and countermovement jumps, maximal sprint (10 and 30 m), and change of direction (COD; agility t test) were the pretraining and posttraining measured performance variables. Magnitude-based inference was used for within- and between-group comparisons. RESULTS: OPL training induced moderate improvements in vertical squat jump (effect size [ES]: 0.97; 90% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-1.61) and countermovement jump (ES: 1.02; 90% CI, 0.46-1.57), 30-m sprint speed (ES: 1.02; 90% CI, 0.09-1.95), and COD performance (ES: 0.93; 90% CI, 0.50-1.36). After PT training method, vertical squat jump (ES: 1.08; 90% CI, 0.66-1.51) and countermovement jump (ES: 0.62; 90% CI, 0.18-1.06) were moderately increased, while small enhancements were noticed for 30-m sprint speed (ES: 0.21; 90% CI, -0.02 to 0.45) and COD performance (ES: 0.53; 90% CI, 0.24-0.81). The 10-m sprint speed possibly increased after PT intervention (small ES: 0.25; 90% CI, -0.05 to 0.54), but no substantial change (small ES: 0.36; 90% CI, -0.40 to 1.13) was noticed in OPL. For between-group analyses, the COD ability and 30-m sprint performances were possibly (small ES: 0.30; 90% CI, -0.20 to 0.81; Δ = +1.88%) and likely (moderate ES: 0.81; 90% CI, -0.16 to 1.78; Δ = +2.38%) more improved in the OPL than in the PT intervention, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 different training programs improved physical performance outcomes during the in-season period. However, the combination of vertically and horizontally based training exercises (squat + hip thrust) at optimum power zone led to superior gains in COD and 30-m linear sprint performances.

Performance comparison in the Wingate test between standing and seated positions in competitive cyclists

Abstract Aims: The current study aimed to compare the anaerobic power output through the Wingate test in different positions, i.e., standing and seated, and identify the relationship between power-output and body mass. Methods: Eleven male competitive cyclists (age: 30.3 ± 4.7 years; body mass: 73.7 ± 7.7 kg; body fat: 11.3 ± 4.2%) were submitted to two sessions of the Wingate test (WT) in different positions, on different days. Results: The peak power (W), average power (W), relative peak power (W·kg-1), relative average power (W·kg-1), average cadence (rpm), and average velocity (km·h-1) presented significant differences in the standing position compared with the seated position (p < 0.05), 1155 ± 130 vs. 1082 ± 182 (W), 875 ± 96 vs. 818 ± 116 (W), 15.9 ± 1 vs. 15.0 ± 2 (W kg-1), 12.1 ± 1 vs. 11.3 ± 1 (W kg-1), 117.5 ± 7 vs. 109.8 ± 10 (rpm), 37.0 ± 2 vs. 34.6 ± 3 (km·h-1), respectively. However, when controlled the body mass, the differences in variables power output ceased to exist (p > 0.05). The fatigue and peak heart rate (bpm) indices did not present significant differences between the tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Sprint performance was improved when the WT was performed in a standing position in competitive cyclists. The study also reports the important relationship between body mass and anaerobic production capacity in the WT, emphasizing that it is desirable an increase in lean body mass and a reduction in fat mass, similar in competitions. We suggest that, for anaerobic assessment in cyclists, the standing position should be used during the WT, to determine the maximum power-output capacity.