Sensor-Based Assessment of Time-of-Day-Dependent Physiological Responses and Physical Performances during a Walking Football Match in Higher-Weight Men.

Monitoring key physiological metrics, including heart rate and heart rate variability, has been shown to be of value in exercise science, disease management, and overall health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diurnal variation of physiological responses and physical performances using digital biomarkers as a precise measurement tool during a walking football match (WFM) in higher-weight men. Nineteen males (mean age: 42.53 ± 12.18 years; BMI: 33.31 ± 4.31 kg·m-2) were engaged in a WFM at two different times of the day. Comprehensive evaluations of physiological parameters (e.g., cardiac autonomic function, lactate, glycemia, and oxygen saturation), along with physical performance, were assessed before, during, and after the match. Overall, there was a significant interaction (time of day x WFM) for mean blood pressure (MBP) (p = 0.007) and glycemia (p = 0.039). Glycemia decreased exclusively in the evening after WFM (p = 0.001), while mean blood pressure did not significantly change. Rating of perceived exertion was significantly higher in the evening than in the morning (p = 0.04), while the heart rate recovery after 1 min (HRR60s) of the match was lower in the evening than in the morning (p = 0.048). Overall, walking football practice seems to be safe, whatever the time of day. Furthermore, HRR60, glycemia, and (MBP) values were lower in the evening compared to the morning, suggesting that evening exercise practice could be safer for individuals with higher weight. The utilization of digital biomarkers for monitoring health status during WFM has been shown to be efficient.

Napping and heart rate variability in elite athletes.

Sleep and autonomic nervous system (ANS) influence each other in a bidirectional fashion. Importantly, it has been proposed that sleep has a beneficial regulatory influence over cardiovascular activity, which is mostly controlled by autonomic regulation through the activity of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways of the ANS. A well-established method to non-invasively assess cardiac autonomic activity is heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. We aimed to investigate the effect of a 40-min nap opportunity on HRV. Twelve professional basketball players randomly accomplished two conditions: 40-min nap (NAP) and control (CON). Nocturnal sleep and naps were monitored by actigraphic recording and sleep diaries. Total sleep time (TST), time in bed (TIB), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL), and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were analyzed. HRV was analyzed in 5-min segments during quiet wake before and after each condition with controlled breathing. Were analysed high (HF) and low frequency (LF) bands, the standard deviation of NN interval (SDNN), HRV index and stress index (SI). Wellness Hooper index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were assessed before and after both conditions. There was no significant difference in TIB, TST, SE, WASO, and VAS between NAP and CON. A significant increase in SDNN, HRV index, and LF and a significant decrease in HF, SI, ESS, and Hooper's stress and fatigue scores were observed from pre- to post-nap. In conclusion, napping reduces sleepiness, stress and fatigue, and might provide an advantage by preparing the body for a much-required sympathetic comeback following peaceful rest.

Effectiveness of Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting and concurrent training in the management of obesity: is the combination worth the weight?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated, in men with obesity, the efficacy of the combination of two strategies (Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting 'RDIF' strategy vs RDIF plus concurrent training program 'RDIF-CT' strategy) known for their positive impact on body composition and then we explored the possible impact on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty obese men, age: 31.8 ± 7.05 years, BMI: 33.1 ± 4.2 kg m-2, performing regularly RDIF, were randomized into two groups: RDIF-CT (n = 10) and RDIF without training (RDIF-NCT) (n = 10). The RDIF-CT group participated in High intensity interval training (HIIT) program combined with resistance exercises for 4 weeks. Body composition, blood glucose, lipid profile, liver biomarkers and inflammation were assessed before and after 4-week RDIF. Both groups showed a significant decrease in weight, fat mass (FM), fat percentage (Fat%) and waist circumference (WC) and an improvement in blood glucose, lipid profile and inflammation. Fat free mass decreased significantly in RDIF-NCT (p < 0.05) while remaining unchanged in RDIF-CT. However, RDIF-CT induced greater improvements in body composition (i.e., weight, FM, Fat% and WC (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05; respectively)) as well as greater decrease in lipid biomarkers (i.e., TC, TG and LDL (p < 0.01 for all)), inflammation (i.e., CRP (p < 0.05)), and liver damage (i.e., ASAT, ALAT and Gamma-GT (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001; respectively)) compared to RDIF-NCT group pre-post intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a combination of RDIF and CT induces greater changes in body composition, lipid profile, inflammation and liver biomarkers compared to RDIF strategy alone. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTER: PACTR202203475387226.

Nap improved game-related technical performance and physiological response during small-sided basketball game in professional players.

The effect of 40-min nap (NAP) opportunity on psycho-physiological outcomes and technical performance during small-sided basketball game (SSG) was examined in ten professional basketball players. Nocturnal sleep and naps were monitored by actigraphic recording and sleep diaries. Nocturnal total sleep time (TST), time in bed (TIB), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL) and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were analyzed. Subjective sleep quality was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). Profile of mood state (POMS) and simple reaction time (SRT) were measured before and after Nap and no-nap (CON) conditions. During both test sessions, participants played 10-min SSG. Technical and tactical performances were assessed using Team Sport Assessment Procedure. Volume of play (VP), attack with ball (AB), efficiency index (EI) and performance score (PS) were determined. Heart rate (HR) was measured during SSG, and rating of perceive excretion (RPE) after. Lower HR (p ≤ 0.03, d ≥ 0.78) and RPE (p = 0.007, d = 1.11) were obtained in NAP compared to CON. There was no significant difference in TIB, TST, SE, WASO and VAS between CON and NAP conditions. AB, EI and PS were higher in NAP compared to CON (0.0002 ≤ p ≤ 0.001, 1.3 ≤ d ≤ 1.8). A significant reduction was observed in POMS' fatigue (p = 0.005, d = -1.16, Δ = -53.6%), anxiety (p = 0.02, d = -0.9, Δ = -32.1%), anger (p = 0.01, d = -0.94, Δ = -30.3%), and an improvement in vigor (p = 0.01, d = 0.99, Δ = + 23.8%); which may reflect better readiness after nap and more concentration to start a game-situation. In summary, NAP reduced fatigue, anger, anxiety and enhanced vigor, allowing better technical and tactical performances during basketball SSG.

Monitoring training load in youth soccer players: effects of a six-week preparatory training program and the association between external and internal loads.

This study examined the effects of a six-week preparatory training program on physical performance and physiological adaptations in junior soccer players. Additionally, we investigated whether a relationship existed between external and internal loads. Youth soccer players (aged 16 years old) from a youth football academy participated in six weeks of pre-conditioning training. Wireless Polar Team Pro and Polar heart rate sensors (H10) were used to monitor physical performance indicators (sprint and acceleration scores, covered distance, maximum and average speed and duration), physiological responses (maximum and average heart rate [HR] and R-R interval, time in HR zones 4+5, and heart rate variability [HRV]), and training load score. Additionally, muscle status and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were measured using digital questionnaires. Significant increases were observed in the majority of physical performance indicators [i.e., sprints (p = 0.015, ES = 1.02), acceleration (p = 0.014, ES = 1), total distance (p = 0.02, ES = 0.87), as well as maximum speed (p = 0.02, ES = 0.87)]. A trend towards improvement was observed in the remaining performance indicators (i.e., distance/min and avg speed; ES = 0.6), training load (ES = 0.2), muscle status (ES = 0.3)), and all physiological responses parameters (ES = 0.1 to 0.6). Significant correlations were found between the majority of external load parameters (i.e., performance indicators) and objective (i.e., physiological responses) and subjective (i.e., RPE, muscle status) internal load parameters (p < 0.001). The highest number of moderate-large correlations were registered between performance indicators and time in HR zone 4+5 (0.58 < r < 0.82), training load (0.53 < r < 0.83), average HR (0.50 < r < 0.87), maximal HR (0.51 < r < 0.54) and average R-R interval (0.58 < r < 0.76). HR zone 4+5, average and maximal HR, average R-R interval, and training load score may help control training parameters and reduce the risk of under- or over-training in youth soccer players. However, these conclusions should be confirmed and replicated in future studies with more diverse subject populations.

Is moderate-intensity interval training more tolerable than high-intensity interval training in adults with obesity?

Interval training (IT) has been shown to be a time-effective alternative to traditional training programmes in the management of obesity. Nevertheless, studies comparing the effects of different IT intensities on inflammation, muscle and liver damage, and perceptual responses in people with obesity are relatively scarce. This study aimed to compare the acute effects of two different IT protocols matched by the mean load and duration on biochemical and perceptual responses in sedentary adults with obesity. Twenty-two volunteers (age = 33.40 ± 10.01 years, BMI = 38.29 ± 7.09 kg/m²) were randomized to perform two conditions: moderate-intensity IT (MIIT) 5 × 3 min (70% of peak power output (PPO))/2 min (45%PPO) and high-intensity IT (HIIT) 8 × 1 min (90%PPO)/2 min (45%PPO). Blood samples were drawn before and after exercise for biochemical and haematological measurements. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed during and after exercise. Perceptual pain was evaluated before, throughout and after exercise. C-reactive protein, white blood cells and neutrophils increased only after HIIT (p < 0.001, for all). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase increased in both HIIT and MIIT (p < 0.001, for all), without any difference between sessions. HIIT induced a greater increase of blood lactate compared to MIIT (p < 0.05). Pain and RPE scores were higher during HIIT vs. MIIT (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). MIIT induced fewer immune system perturbations and less muscle pain and was perceived as more tolerable compared to HIIT session. Therefore, MIIT could be used as a first step to promote body adaptations before starting a HIIT programme in sedentary people with obesity.

40-min nap opportunity attenuates heart rate and perceived exertion and improves physical specific abilities in elite basketball players.

The effect of a 40-min nap opportunity on physiological responses and specific abilities was investigated. Twelve high-level professional basketball players (26.33±5.2 years; 193.17±7.1 m; 87.48±11.2 kg) undertook randomly 40-min nap opportunity (NAP) and control condition (CON). Wellness (Hooper Index) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were measured before and after both conditions. Defensive (DA) and offensive (OA) agility and upper body power (UBP) were assessed after both conditions. Shooting skill (SST) performance was evaluated prior and after a fatiguing task (FT). Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during SST-test, FT and SST-retest. ESS, Hooper's stress and fatigue score were significantly lower after nap compared to those before nap (0.009 ≤ p ≤ 0.03). Better performance was obtained in NAP compared to CON condition for DA, OA and UBP (0.0005 ≤ p ≤ 0.02). SST performance was significantly higher in NAP compared to CON in the retest session (p = 0.003, Δ = 20.2%).         The improved performance was associated with significant lower HRpeak (p = 0.01, Δ = 5.25%) and RPE (p = 0.003, Δ = 15.12%). In conclusion, NAP reduced sleepiness and stress and fatigue and enhances physical outcomes of specific skills in elite basketball players.

Physiological response and physical performance after 40 min and 90 min daytime nap opportunities.

This study aimed to examine the impact of 40-min and 90-min naps on performance in the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT) and on various physiological and perceptual measures. Sixteen male athletes (20 ± 3 years, 173 ± 7 cm, 67 ± 7 kg) performed the 5mSRT after a 40-min nap (N40), after a 90-min nap (N90), and in a no-nap, control condition (N0). The 5mSRT involves six repetitions of 30 s of all-out exercise. Total distance (in the six repetitions) and highest distance (in a single repetition) in the 5mSRT were greater after naps than in N0 (p < 0.001), and the total distance, which reflects the anaerobic capacity, was greater in N90 than in N40 (p < 0.05). Physiological and perceptual responses were favourable in both nap conditions (p < 0.01), more so in N90 than in N40 (p < 0.05). Together, the results support the contention that physiological/perceptual responses after napping contribute to improved exercise performance and that longer naps are more effective.

Higher evening metabolic responses contribute to diurnal variation of self-paced cycling performance.

This study examined the effect of time of day (TOD) on physical performance, and physiological and perceptual responses to a 10-km cycling time trial (TT10km). Twelve physically trained subjects (20.3 ± 1.2 years, 74.3 ± 7.4 kg, 179.7 ± 5.5 cm) completed, in a randomized order, a TT10km in the morning and in the evening. Intra-aural temperature (IAT) was measured at rest and following the TT10km. Completion time, power output (PO), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (V̇E), oxygen uptake (V̇O2), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were assessed every km during the TT10km. Blood lactate concentration [La] and blood glucose concentration [Glu] were assessed before, during and immediately after the TT10km. Faster completion time (Δ = 15.0s, p = 0.03) and higher IAT (Δ = 0.33°C, p = 0.02 for pre-TT10km) were obtained in the evening compared to the morning with a significant correlation between Δ completion time and Δ IAT at post-TT10 km (r = -0.83, p = 0.04). V̇O2, [La] and [Glu] increased significantly during both test sessions (p < 0.001) with higher values in the evening compared to the morning (p = 0.015, p = 0.04, p = 0.01, respectively). However, the remaining parameters were found to be only affected by the TT10km (p < 0.001). The TT10km generates a higher V̇O2 and higher [La] and [Glu] responses, contributing to a better cycling performance in the evening compared to the morning. The similar magnitude of the TOD effect on completion time and IAT at post-TT10km confirms that core temperature is one of the underlying factors contributing to the diurnal variation in physical performance.

Effects of melatonin ingestion on physical performance and biochemical responses following exhaustive running exercise in soccer players.

Antioxidant supplementation has become a common practice among athletes to boost sport achievement. Likewise, melatonin (MEL) has been ingested as an ergogenic aid to improve physical performance. To date, no study has checked whether the multiple beneficial effects of MEL have an outcome during a maximum running exercise until exhaustion. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of MEL ingestion on physical performance and biochemical responses (i.e., oxidative stress) during exhaustive exercise. In a double blind randomized study, thirteen professional soccer players [age: 17.5 ± 0.8 years, body mass: 70.3 ± 3.9 kg, body height: 1.80 ± 0.08 m; maximal aerobic speed (MAS): 16.85 ± 0.63 km/h; mean ± standard deviation], members of a first league squad, performed a running exercise until exhaustion at 100% of MAS, after either MEL or placebo ingestion. Physical performance was assessed, and blood samples were obtained at rest and following the exercise. Compared to placebo, MEL intake prevented the increase in oxidative stress markers (i.e., malondialdehyde), alleviated the alteration of antioxidant status (i.e., glutathione peroxidase, uric acid and total bilirubin) and decreased post-exercise biomarkers of muscle damage (i.e., creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) (p < 0.05). However, physical performance was not affected by MEL ingestion (p > 0.05). In conclusion, acute MEL intake before a maximal running exercise protected athletes from oxidative stress and cellular damage but without an effect on physical performance.

The effect of caffeine, nap opportunity and their combination on biomarkers of muscle damage and antioxidant defence during repeated sprint exercise.

To investigate the effect of 20 min nap opportunity (N20), 5 mg · kg-1 of caffeine (CAF) and their combination (CAF+N20) on the biochemical response (energetic biomarkers, biomarkers of muscle damage and enzymatic antioxidants) to the running-based anaerobic sprint test. Fourteen highly trained male athletes completed in a double-blind, counterbalanced and randomized order four test sessions: no nap with placebo (PLA), N20, CAF and CAF+N20. Compared to PLA, all treatments enhanced maximum and mean powers. Minimum power was higher [(mean difference) 58.6 (95% confidence interval = 1.31-116) Watts] after CAF and [102 (29.9-175) Watts] after CAF+N20 compared to N20. Also, plasma glucose was higher after CAF [0.81 (0.18-1.45) mmol · l-1] and CAF+N20 [1.03 (0.39-1.64) mmol · l-1] compared to N20. However, plasma lactate was higher [1.64 (0.23-3.03) mmol · l-1] only after N20 compared to pre-exercise, suggesting a higher anaerobic glycolysis during N20 compared to PLA, CAF and CAF+N20. Caffeine ingestion increased post-exercise creatine kinase with [54.3 (16.7-91.1) IU · l-1] or without napping [58.9 (21.3-96.5) IU · l-1] compared to PLA. However, superoxide dismutase was higher after napping with [339 (123-554) U · gHB-1] or without caffeine [410 (195-625) U · gHB-1] compared to PLA. Probably because of the higher aerobic glycolysis contribution in energy synthesis, caffeine ingestion resulted in better repeated sprint performance during CAF and CAF+N20 sessions compared to N20 and PLA. Caffeine ingestion resulted in higher muscle damage, and the short nap enhanced antioxidant defence with or without caffeine ingestion.

A daytime 40-min nap opportunity after a simulated late evening soccer match reduces the perception of fatigue and improves 5-m shuttle run performance.

The effect of a 40-min nap opportunity was investigated during the day following a late evening simulated soccer match. Twelve male amateur soccer players (23 ± 3 years; 77.3 ± 5.3 kg; 1.76 ± 0.04 m) performed the Loughborough-intermittent-shuttle test at 21h00 and the following day they completed the sleepiness scale after either a nonap (N0) or 40-min nap (N40) opportunity that began at 14h00. At 17h00, participants performed the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT) (6 × 30-s with 35-s in-between; best distance (BD) and total distance (TD) were calculated). After performing the 5mSRT, they provided their rating of the perceived exertion (RPE) and rated their muscle soreness. Sleepiness scores were significantly lower in N40 in comparison with N0 (P < 0.05). A significant increase of TD (+64.5 m) and BD (+9.6 m) after N40 compared to N0 was observed (P < 0.05). The improved performance was associated with reduced levels of muscle soreness and lower RPE. In conclusion, a daytime 40-min nap opportunity after a late evening simulated soccer match improves short-term repetitive maximal performance in soccer players, and has positive effects on perception of sleepiness, muscle soreness, and RPE.

Total Sleep Deprivation and Recovery Sleep Affect the Diurnal Variation of Agility Performance: The Gender Differences.

ABSTRACT: Romdhani, M, Hammouda, O, Smari, K, Chaabouni, Y, Mahdouani, K, Driss, T, and Souissi, N. Total sleep deprivation and recovery sleep affect the diurnal variation of agility performance: The gender differences. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 132-140, 2021-This study aimed to investigate the effects of time-of-day, 24 and 36 hours of total sleep deprivation (TSD), and recovery sleep (RS) on repeated-agility performances. Twenty-two physical education students (11 male and 11 female students) completed 5 repeated modified agility T-test (RMAT) sessions (i.e., 2 after normal sleep night [NSN] [at 07:00 and 17:00 hours], 2 after TSD [at 07:00 hours, i.e., 24-hour TSD and at 17:00 hours, i.e., 36-hour TSD], and 1 after RS at 17:00 hours). The RMAT index decreased from the morning to the afternoon after NSN (p < 0.05, d = 1.05; p < 0.01, d = 0.73) and after TSD (p < 0.001, d = 0.92; d = 1.08), respectively, for total time (TT) and peak time (PT). This finding indicates a diurnal variation in repeated agility, which persisted after TSD. However, the diurnal increase in PT was less marked in the female group after NSN (2.98 vs. 6.24%). Moreover, TT and PT increased, respectively, after 24-hour TSD (p < 0.001; d = 0.84, d = 0.87) and 36-hour TSD (p < 0.001, d = 1.12; p < 0.01, d = 0.65). Female subjects' PT was less affected by 24-hour TSD (1.76 vs. 6.81%) compared with male subjects' PT. After 36-hour TSD, the amount of decrease was not different between groups, which increased the diurnal amplitude of PT only for male subjects. Total sleep deprivation suppressed the diurnal increase of PT and increased the diurnal amplitude of oral temperature only in women. Nevertheless, RS normalized the sleep-loss-induced performance disruption. Conclusively, sleep loss and RS differently affect repeated-agility performance of men and women during the day. Sleep extension postdeprivation could have potent restorative effect on repeated-agility performances, and female subjects could extract greater benefits.

Moderate walnut consumption improved lipid profile, steroid hormones and inflammation in trained elderly men: a pilot study with a randomized controlled trial.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of walnut consumption on lipid profile, steroid hormones and inflammation in trained elderly men performing concurrent (resistance and endurance) training. Twenty healthy elderly males were divided into two matched groups, in a randomized controlled trial, that trained three sessions per week: concurrent training + dietary walnut consumption (15 g/day for six weeks, CTW: n = 10); concurrent training + control diet (CT: n = 10). Fasting blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after intervention for biochemical assessments. levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased only in CTW compared to baseline (19.8%, p < 0.01). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels significantly decreased only for CTW (i.e., 13%, 18%, and 18.5% at p < 0.01 for all). Testosterone (T) increased after the training compared to pre-training for CTW and CT (10.3%, p < 0.01, 4.27% p < 0.05, respectively), but the increase was significantly higher in CTW (p < 0.05). Serum cortisol (C) was lower for CTW compared to CT (p < 0.01). C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased in CTW in comparison with CT. The present study revealed that 6-week moderate walnut supplementation (15 g/day) improved lipid profile, steroid hormones and systematic inflammation in aged men performing concurrent training. These findings could be attributable to the potential effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) contained in walnut (linoleic acid, n-6; linolenic acid, n-3).

The effect of post-lunch napping on mood, reaction time, and antioxidant defense during repeated sprint exercice.

To compare the effects of two nap opportunities (20 and 90 min) to countermeasure the transient naturally occurring increased sleepiness and decreased performances during the post-lunch dip (PLD). Fourteen highly trained judokas completed in a counterbalanced and randomized order three test sessions (control (No-nap), 20- (N20) and 90-min (N90) nap opportunities). Test sessions consisted of the running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST), simple and multiple-choice reaction times (MCRT) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). From the RAST, the maximum (Pmax), mean (Pmean) and minimum (Pmin) powers were calculated. Blood samples were taken before and after the RAST to measure the effect of pre-exercise napping on energetic and muscle damage biomarkers and antioxidant defense. N20 increased Pmax and Pmean compared to No-nap (p < 0.001, d = 0.59; d = 0.66) and N90 (p < 0.001, d = 0.98; d = 0.72), respectively. Besides, plasma lactate and creatinine increased only when the exercise was performed after N20. Both N20 (p < 0.001, d = 1.18) and N90 (p < 0.01, d = 0.78) enhanced post-exercise superoxide dismutase activity compared to No-nap. However, only N20 enhanced post-exercise glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.001, d = 1.01) compared to pre-nap. Further, MCRT performance was higher after N20 compared to No-nap and N90 (p < 0.001, d = 1.15; d = 0.81, respectively). Subjective sleepiness was lower after N20 compared to No-nap (p < 0.05, d = 0.92) and N90 (p < 0.01, d = 0.89). The opportunity to nap for 20 min in the PLD enhanced RAST, MCRT performances, and antioxidant defense, and decreased sleepiness. However, the opportunity of 90 min nap was associated with decreased repeated sprint performances and increased sleepiness, probably because of the sleep inertia.

The effect of a daytime 60-min nap opportunity on postural control in highly active individuals.

Although napping is commonly used as a strategy to improve numerous physical and cognitive performances, the efficacy of this strategy for improving postural balance has not yet been elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination of the effect of a 60 min nap opportunity (N60) on different components of postural control. Ten highly active individuals (age = 27 ± 3.5 y, height = 1.75 ± 0.52 m, weight = 66.02 ± 8.63 kg) performed, in a randomized order, two afternoon test sessions following no nap (NN) and N60. Postural balance was assessed using the sensory organisation test (SOT), the unilateral stance test (UST), and the limits of Stability Test performed on NeuroCom® Smart Balance Master. The subjective rating of sleepiness before and after the nap conditions was also assessed. Compared to NN, N60 improved the composite balance score (p < 0.05, ES = 0.75, Δ = 5.3%) and the average and maximum percentage balance in the most challenging postural conditions of the SOT (p < 0.05 for SOT-4 and 5 and p < 0.0005 for SOT-6; ES range between 0.58 and 1.1). This enhanced postural balance in N60 was accompanied with improved visual (p < 0.05; ES = 0.93; Δ = 8.9%) and vestibular (p < 0.05; ES = 0.81; Δ = 10.5%) ratios and a reduced level of sleepiness perception (p < 0.001, ES = 0.87). However, no significant differences were found in any of the UST and LOS components' scores (p > 0.05). Overall, a 60 min post lunch nap opportunity may be viable for improving static balance, although further work, involving larger samples and more complex motor activities, is warranted.

Applying digital technology to promote active and healthy confinement lifestyle during pandemics in the elderly.

Although recognized as effective measures to curb the spread of the COVID19 outbreak, social distancing and home confinement have generated a mental health burden with older adults who are considered to be more vulnerable to psychosocial strains. To date, the application of digital technologies in response to COVID-19 pandemic has been narrowed to public-health needs related to containment and mitigation. However, information and communications technology (ICT)-based initiatives directed toward prediction and prevention of psychosocial support are still limited. Given the power of digital health solutions to allow easy and accurate characterization and intervention for health and disease, as well as to flatten the COVID19 incidence curves in many countries, our ECLB-COVID19 consortium is highlighting the importance of providing innovative ICT-based solutions (ICT-COVID-Companion) to improve elderly physical and mental health, thereby preventing/dampening psychosocial strain during pandemics. Based on innovative approaches (e.g., emotional/social computing, open social platform, interactive coaching, gamification, fitness-tracker, internet of things) and smart digital solutions (smartwatch/smartphone), smart companions must provide safe personalised physical, mental and psychosocial health surveillance. Additionally, by delivering personalised multi-dimension crisis-oriented health recommendations, such innovative crisis-oriented solutions would help (i) facilitate a user's adherence to active and healthy confinement lifestyle (AHCL), (ii) achieve a rapid psychosocial recovery in case of depression issues and (iii) enhance preparedness for eventual future pandemics.

Effect of 2- vs. 3-Minute Interrepetition Rest Period on Maximal Clean Technique and Performance.

Ammar, A, Riemann, BL, Abdelkarim, O, Driss, T, and Hökelmann, A. Effect of 2- vs. 3-minute interrepetition rest period on maximal clean technique and performance. J Strength Cond Res 34(9): 2548-2556, 2020-Currently, it is widely accepted that adopting a long rest period (3-5 minutes) during maximal strength and power exercise is of importance in reducing acute fatigue and maintaining power and technique proficiency. However, despite the fact that weightlifting is an example of maximal strength exercise, only 2 minutes are officially allowed when athletes attempt 2 successive lifts. The purpose of this study was to compare 3- vs. 2-minute intermaximal repetition rest periods (IMRRPs) on performance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), technical efficiency, and power production during 2 successive maximal repetitions of clean & jerk (C&J). Nine elite weightlifters (age: 24.4 ± 3.6 years, body mass: 77.2 ± 7.1 kg, height 176.0 ± 6.4 cm, and 1 repetition maximum C&J: 170.0 ± 5.0 kg) performed 2 separate testing sessions using 2-minute IMRRP (IMRRP-2) and 3-minute IMRRP (IMRRP-3), in a randomized order, while barbell kinematics and kinetics were recorded. Results showed that the longer IMRRP-3 minutes led to the maintenance of clean technique (from the first to the second repetition) evidenced by a 1.86% lower decline in peak vertical displacement (p = 0.03) and attenuation of increased peak horizontal displacements with a 1.74% (p = 0.03) less backward movement during the first pull, a 3.89% (p = 0.008) less forward movement during the second pull, and a 4.7% (p = 0.005) less backward movement during the catch phase. In addition, attenuation of peak velocity (2.22%; p = 0.02), peak vertical ground reaction force (1.70%; p = 0.03), and peak power (2.14%; p = 0.02) declines were shown using IMRRP-3 compared with IMRRP-2. Increasing IMRRP from 2 to 3 minutes was also shown to decrease RPE values (8.02%; p = 0.008) and to enhance supramaximal C&J performance (1.55%; p = 0.003). The results of this study suggest 3 minutes to be the most advantageous IMRRP in terms of maintaining technical efficiency, power output, reducing fatigue perception, and enhancing performance in elite weightlifters.

Collaboration of Cerebello-Rubral and Cerebello-Striatal Loops in a Motor Preparation Task.

In this study, we used fMRI to identify brain regions associated with concentration (sustained attention) during a motor preparation task. In comparison with a non-concentration task, increased activities were observed (P < 0.05, FWE-corrected P values) in cerebellar lobules VI and VII, motor cortex, pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA), thalamus, red nucleus (RN), and caudate nucleus (CN). Moreover, analysis of effective connectivity inter-areal (psychophysiological interactions) showed that during preparation, concentration-related brain activity increase was dependent on Cerebello-thalamo-pre-SMA-RN and Pre-SMA-CN-thalamo-M1 loops. We postulate that, while pre-SMA common to both loops is specifically involved in the movement preparation and readiness for voluntary movement through the striatum, the cerebellar lobule VI in conjunction with RN, likely through a cerebellar-rubro-olivary-cerebellar loop, might be implicated in concentration-related optimization of upcoming motor performances.

Effects of Melatonin Ingestion Before Nocturnal Sleep on Postural Balance and Subjective Sleep Quality in Older Adults.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of acute nocturnal melatonin (MEL) ingestion on sleep quality, cognitive performance, and postural balance in older adults. A total of 12 older men (58 ± 5.74 years) volunteered to participate in this study. The experimental protocol consisted in two testing sessions after nocturnal MEL (10 mg) or placebo ingestion the night before the tests. During each session, sleep quality tests, cognitive tests, and postural balance protocol were conducted. Static and dynamic postural control was assessed using a force platform. Most of the sleep parameters have been improved following nocturnal MEL ingestion without any effect on cognitive performance. Likewise, measurements related to the center of pressure (CoP) have been significantly decreased with MEL compared with placebo. In conclusion, postural control has been improved the morning following nocturnal MEL ingestion in older adults. This trend could be explained by the potential effect of MEL on sleep quality and cerebellum.