Effect of vision impairment on match-related performance and technical variation in attacking moves in Paralympic judo.

In Paralympic judo for athletes with vision impairment (VI judo) all eligible athletes (i.e. B1, B2 and B3 classes) compete against each other in the same competition. Evidence suggests that athletes with more impairment may be disadvantaged, but that more sensitive measures of performance are necessary to understand the impact of impairment on performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Para sport class and technical variation, time-motion variables, and performance in Paralympic judo. All 175 judo matches from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games were analysed across 129 competitors (82 male and 47 female). The main results indicated that athletes who demonstrated less technical variation also experienced less competitive success, with the functionally blind athletes (class B1) demonstrating less technical variation than partially sighted (class B2 and B3) athletes (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the time-motion variables between sport classes (p > 0.05). We conclude that measures of technical variation are sensitive to differences in impairment and are suitable for studies that investigate the impairment-performance relationship in VI judo. Results further confirm that some athletes with impairment are disadvantaged under the current rules of VI judo.

Effects of acute ingestion of caffeinated chewing gum on performance in elite judo athletes.

PURPOSE: Previous investigations have found positive effects of acute ingestion of capsules containing 4-to-9 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass on several aspects of judo performance. However, no previous investigation has tested the effectiveness of caffeinated chewing gum as the form of caffeine administration for judoists. The main goal of this study was to assess the effect of acute ingestion of a caffeinated chewing gum on the results of the special judo fitness test (SJFT). METHODS: Nine male elite judo athletes of the Polish national team (23.7 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 73.5 ± 7.4 kg) participated in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled and double-blind experiment. Participants were moderate caffeine consumers (3.1 mg/kg/day). Each athlete performed three identical experimental sessions after: (a) ingestion of two non-caffeinated chewing gums (P + P); (b) a caffeinated chewing gum and a placebo chewing gum (C + P; ~2.7 mg/kg); (c) two caffeinated chewing gums (C + C; ~5.4 mg/kg). Each gum was ingested 15 min before performing two Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) which were separated by 4 min of combat activity. RESULTS: The total number of throws was not different between P + P, C + P, and C + C (59.66 ± 4.15, 62.22 ± 4.32, 60.22 ± 4.08 throws, respectively; p = 0.41). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant substance × time interaction effect as well as no main effect of caffeine for SJFT performance, SJFT index, blood lactate concentration, heart rate or rating of perceived exertion. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that the use of caffeinated chewing gum in a dose up to 5.4 mg/kg of caffeine did not increase performance during repeated SJFTs.

Effects of Co-Ingestion of ß-Hydroxy-ß-Methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-Ketoglutarate on Jump Performance in Young Track and Field Athletes.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of simultaneous supplementation of ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-ketoglutarate on lower limb power and muscle damage in medium distance runners aged 15.3 (±0.9) years old. METHODS: The study group consisted of 40 volunteers aged 14-17 years practicing medium distance running for at least two years. The study lasted 12 days and followed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design. All subjects attended a familiarization session on day 0 before the test. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: supplements and placebo group. The same training cycle protocol was used in both groups during the 12-day training period. Morning warm-up involved 10 min jogging at 60-75% of maximal heart rate and countermovement jump height measurement. Main training units were carried out for both groups with the same volume. Training load assessment (the daily session Rating of Perceived Exertion (s-RPE) method) method takes into consideration the intensity and the duration of the training session to calculate the "training load" (TL). RESULTS: At the end of the training cycle, a significant (p = 0.002) decrease in the countermovement jump (CMJ) height was found in the placebo group when compared to the baseline. In the supplement group, there was no decrease in the countermovement jump height. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase concentration increased during the training days similarly in both groups and decreased on rest days. There were no differences between groups in enzymes concentration. The research results indicate that the supplement combination used in the supplements group prevented a reduction in the CMJ values. In contrast to the supplements group, in the placebo group, the CMJ changes were statistically significant: a noticeable (p = 0.002) decrease in CMJ was noted between the baseline measurement and the 6th measurement. The well-being of the subjects from both groups changed significantly during the training period, and the intergroup differences in the mood level were similar and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the daily co-supplementation with calcium salt of ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (7.5 g) and L-Arginine α-ketoglutarate (10 g) during training might help to prevent decline in jump performance. No influence on muscle damage markers or mood was shown.

The Sleep and Recovery Practices of Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Athletes maintain a balance between stress and recovery and adopt recovery modalities that manage fatigue and enhance recovery and performance. Optimal TST is subject to individual variance. However, 7-9 h sleep is recommended for adults, while elite athletes may require more quality sleep than non-athletes. METHODS: A total of 338 (elite n = 115, 74 males and 41 females, aged 23.44 ± 4.91 years; and sub-elite n = 223, 129 males and 94 females aged 25.71 ± 6.27) athletes were recruited from a variety of team and individual sports to complete a battery of previously validated and reliable widely used questionnaires assessing sleep, recovery and nutritional practices. RESULTS: Poor sleep was reported by both the elite and sub-elite athlete groups (i.e., global PSQI score ≥5-elite 64% [n = 74]; sub-elite 65% [n = 146]) and there was a significant difference in sport-specific recovery practices (3.22 ± 0.90 vs. 2.91 ± 0.90; p < 0.001). Relatively high levels of fatigue (2.52 ± 1.32), stress (1.7 ± 1.31) and pain (50%, n = 169) were reported in both groups. A range of supplements were used regularly by athletes in both groups; indeed, whey (elite n = 22 and sub-elite n = 48) was the most commonly used recovery supplement in both groups. Higher alcohol consumption was observed in the sub-elite athletes (12%, n = 26) and they tended to consume more units of alcohol per drinking bout. CONCLUSION: There is a need for athletes to receive individualised support and education regarding their sleep and recovery practices.

Relative age effect on competitive performance in judo athletes / Efeito da idade relativa no desempenho competitivo em atletas de judô

ABSTRACT Differences in chronological age within an age group are known as Relative Age (RA), and their consequences to athletic performance are referred to as Relative Age Effect (RAE). The RAE among athletes is believed to affect their competitive success in several ways, even in adulthood. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the RAE on all judo fighters competing nationally in 2013, by age category and competitive performance. A total of 862 male and 637 female athletes participated in this research. The chi-squared test was used for comparing observed and expected values among quartiles, adopting p < 0.05 as significance. A Bonferroni post hoc analysis was employed to identify where significant differences were (adjusted p < 0.00417). Results showed significant differences in the male under-15 category (Q2 in G1: OV = 17; EV = 9.7; p = 0.001) and male under-23 category (Q1 in G3: OV = 37; VE = 10.1; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, RAE was identified only in male athletes. However, there were major discrepancies between athletes born in the first semester and those born in the second semester.

RESUMO A diferença da idade cronológica em uma faixa etária é chamada de Idade Relativa (IR) e suas consequências no desempenho de atletas é chamada de Efeito da Idade Relativa (EIR). Acredita-se que o EIR entre atletas pode afetar o sucesso competitivo de diversas maneiras, até mesmo na idade adulta. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o EIR em todos os competidores de judô das competições nacionais do ano de 2013, fazendo-se a diferenciação por categorias etárias e o desempenho competitivo. Fizeram parte da presente investigação 862 atletas do sexo masculino e 637 do sexo feminino. O qui-quadrado foi empregado para comparar os valores observados e esperados entre quartis, adotando-se significância como p < 0,05. Uma análise post hoc de Bonferroni foi utilizada para identificar onde estavam as diferenças significativas (p ajustado < 0,00417). Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa nas categorias sub-15 masculino (Q2 em G1: VO = 17; VE = 9,7; p = 0,001) e sub-23 masculino (Q1 em G3: VO = 37; VE = 10,1; p < 0,0001). Em conclusão, o EIR foi identificado apenas em atletas do sexo masculino. Contudo, houve grande discrepância entre atletas nascidos no primeiro semestre e atletas nascidos no segundo semestre.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy in aerobic endurance training and detraining in humans: Protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last 10 years, it has been demonstrated that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), also known as phototherapy, using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and/or light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) has ergogenic effects, improving athletic performance and also accelerating post-exercise recovery. However, many aspects related to these effects and its clinical applicability remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this project is to evaluate the ergogenic effects of PBMT in detraining after an aerobic endurance training protocol. METHODS AND ANALYZES: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be carried out. Healthy male volunteers will be randomly distributed into 4 experimental groups: PBMT before and after training sessions + PBMT during detraining, PBMT before and after training sessions + placebo during detraining, placebo before and after training sessions + PBMT during detraining, and placebo before and after training sessions + placebo during detraining. The aerobic endurance training sessions will be carried out using motorized treadmills during 12 weeks, and the detraining period will consist in the next 4 weeks after that. It will be analyzed the time until exhaustion, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and fat percentage of volunteers. DISCUSSION: Despite the increasing body of evidence for the use of PBMT as an ergogenic agent, several aspects remain unknown. The findings of this study will contribute to the advance of knowledge in this field regarding clinical applications. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Nove de Julho University. The results from this study will be further disseminated through scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03879226.

Protein supplementation enhances cerebral oxygenation during exercise in elite basketball players.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine cerebral oxygenation during high-intensity exercise in elite basketball players who consumed supplements with different whey protein contents after a short postexercise recovery to determine whether changing whey protein content in carbohydrate-based supplementation influences cerebral hemodynamic response when the supplement was consumed during a 2-h recovery after a 1-h exercise challenge. METHODS: This was a randomized, counterbalanced crossover study. Fifteen Division 1 collegiate basketball players (18-20 y) consumed 6.25 kcal/kg of either high-protein (36% protein in total calorie) or an isocaloric low-protein (12% protein in total calorie) control supplement in a carbohydrate-based drink immediately after a 1-h cycling (70% of maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]). After a 2-h rest, the athletes were challenged on a cycloergometer at 80% VO2max. Blood perfusion (total hemoglobin) and oxygen saturation of frontal brain were continuously measured by near-infrared spectroscopy during the cycling. RESULTS: Before the cycloergometer test, high-protein supplementation increased peak insulin response and lowered glucose increases during the recovery compared with the low-protein trial. High-protein supplementation enhanced increases in cerebral oxygen saturation (P < 0.01) and attenuated increases in cerebral blood perfusion (total hemoglobin; P < 0.01) during the cycloergometer exercise; and resulted in a 16% longer cycling time (from 474 ± 49 s to 553 ± 78 s, P < 0.05), compared with the low-protein trial. CONCLUSION: Enhanced fatigue recovery after consumption of a high-protein supplement is associated with enhanced cerebral oxygenation against exercise challenge, which spares brain blood demand for periphery.

Prevalence of the use of effective ergogenic aids among professional athletes.

BACKGROUND: Athletic performance can be substantially enhanced with supplements and functional food which are considered by scientists as efficient, safe and legal, such as protein, carbohydrate and protein-carbohydrate supplements, isotonic sports drinks, carbohydrate-protein bars, carbohydrate bars, creatine and caffeine. OBJECTIVE: The study is aimed at an analysis and evaluation of the prevalence of using effective ergogenic aids (creatine, caffeine, isotonic drinks, carbohydrates, and proteins) in a group of Polish professional athletes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted on 600 athletes (216 women, 384 men) practicing various sports disciplines; the younger group (18-23 years old) consisted of 307 people, while the older one (24-35 years old) was comprised of 293 subjects. A questionnaire was used with questions concerning the frequency and types of consumed supplements. RESULTS: Nearly half of the athletes (48,2%) admitted to taking supplementation, of which 36.7% consumed the supplements occasionally and 11.5% continually. The majority of the group (75.4%) claimed to be consuming isotonic drinks, which were the most commonly chosen nutritional aid enhancing physical performance, most frequently supplementing the diet in a continuous manner (41.2%). The least frequently used supplement was creatine, chosen by only one in three interviewees (34,5%). The ergogenic aids were used more often by men than women (50.5% vs. 44.1%), and so were nutrients based on proteins (51.8% vs. 32.0%), carbohydrates (60.7% vs. 46.8%), protein-carbohydrates (45.6% vs. 32.9%), as well as creatine (39.8% vs. 25.0%). The studies showed the inessential difference in the frequency of taking supplementation based on the interviewees' age (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Competitors who use supplements over those who choose not to, seems to reflect the continuous lack of the athletes' sufficient awareness of the effectiveness, safety, and health benefits of dietary supplementation that enhances physical performance. KEY WORDS: supplements, dietary supplementation, sport, performance-enhancing substances, athletes.

Use of mental techniques for competition and recovery in professional athletes.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to describe knowledge about and usage of mental techniques to prepare before competitions and after sport-associated injuries (SAIs) by professional athletes (team sports) in Austria. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 191 professional athletes (basketball, football, hockey, ice hockey, and volleyball teams, m:f = 142:49, 24 ± 5, 18-39 years) filled in a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic data, duration/frequency of sport practice, rate and severity of SAIs. Furthermore, the use of mental techniques and of spiritual practices before competitions and for recovery after SAI was assessed. The use of mental techniques before competitions and after SAI was correlated with socio-demographic data, duration and frequency of sport practice, and injury patterns of SAIs of the last 24 months. RESULTS: Approximately, 96 % reported knowledge about at least one mental technique. Only 13 participants used them for regeneration after SAI. Approximately, 31 % of males and 13 % of females reported the use before competitions (p = 0.017). 54 % of participants using spiritual practices used mental techniques before competitions, whereas only 13 % of participants not using spiritual practices used them (p < 0.001). 67 % of participants not using mental techniques before competitions and 88 % using them believed in the effectiveness of mental techniques in the regeneration after a SAI (p = 0.03). A significant increase of the probability of using mental techniques before competition with increasing age was found [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.101, confidence interval (CI) = (1.03, 1.18), p = 0.006]. CONCLUSION: Mental techniques seem to be well-accepted but rarely used among professional athletes. Further studies are needed to give new information about this relevant topic in professional sports.

The acute effects of green tea and carbohydrate coingestion on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress during sprint cycling.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial to athletes performing high-intensity exercise. This study investigated the effects of carbohydrate and green tea coingestion on sprint cycling performance and associated oxidative stress and immunoendocrine responses to exercise. In a crossover design, 9 well-trained male cyclists completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions of 100-m uphill sprint cycling while ingesting green tea and carbohydrate (TEA) (22 mg/kg body mass catechins, 6 mg/kg body mass caffeine, 230 mg/kg glucose, and 110 mg/kg fructose) or carbohydrate only (CHO) (230 mg/kg body mass glucose and 110 mg/kg body mass fructose) during each 10-min recovery period between sets. Blood samples were collected before exercise, 10 min after exercise, and 14 h after exercise. There was no effect of acute TEA ingestion on cycling sprint performance (p = 0.29), although TEA maintained postexercise testosterone and lymphocyte concentrations, which decreased significantly in the CHO group (p < 0.001). While there was a trend for lower postexercise neutrophil count with TEA (p = 0.05), there were no significant differences between TEA and CHO for circulating cytokines (p > 0.20), markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity (p > 0.17), adiponectin concentration (p = 0.60), or muscle damage markers (p > 0.64). While acute green tea ingestion prevents the postexercise decrease in testosterone and lymphocytes, it does not appear to benefit cycling sprint performance or reduce markers of oxidation and inflammation when compared with carbohydrate alone.

Effects of isolated or combined carbohydrate and caffeine supplementation between 2 daily training sessions on soccer performance.

This study aimed to investigate whether isolated or combined carbohydrate (CHO) and caffeine (CAF) supplementation have beneficial effects on performance during soccer-related tests performed after a previous training session. Eleven male, amateur soccer players completed 4 trials in a randomized, double-blind, and crossover design. In the morning, participants performed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). Then, participants ingested (i) 1.2 g·kg(-1) body mass·h(-1) CHO in a 20% CHO solution immediately after and 1, 2, and 3 h after the LIST; (ii) CAF (6 mg·kg(-1) body mass) 3 h after the LIST; (iii) CHO combined with CAF (CHO+CAF); and (iv) placebo. All drinks were taste-matched and flavourless. After this 4-h recovery, participants performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, a Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), and a repeated-sprint test. There were no main effects of supplementation for CMJ, LSPT total time, or best sprint and total sprint time from the repeated-sprint test (p>0.05). There were also no main effects of supplementation for heart rate, plasma lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), pleasure-displeasure, and perceived activation (p>0.05). However, there were significant time effects (p<0.05), with heart rate, plasma lactate concentration, RPE, and perceived activation increasing with time, and pleasure-displeasure decreasing with time. In conclusion, isolated and/or combined CHO and CAF supplementation is not able to improve soccer-related performance tests when performed after a previous training session.

Detección de regularidades en taekwondo de alto nível / Regularities detection in high level of taekwondo

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las acciones del combate de taekwondo de alto nivel masculino en las 8 categorías de peso oficiales (Minimosca: 84kg) en competición. Se diseñó un instrumento de observación ad hoc vinculado a un nuevo instrumento de registro (Drewtina 23), que analizaba las acciones realizadas en los combates. Los criterios de estudio fueron: el tipo de acción ofensiva y acciones defensivas, las acciones técnicas y los asaltos del combate. La observación se realizó en las finales de 6 campeonatos y copas del mundo del 2000 al 2008, con un total de 48 combates de 71 taekwondistas. Para el análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial se utilizó el programa PASW Statistics para Windows, y para el análisis de retardos el SDIS-GSEQ. Los resultados revelan que las acciones ofensivas tienen una mayor frecuencia que las defensivas, siendo el contraataque la ofensiva más utilizada. El peso Medio es el que más ofensivas realiza y el Superligero el que más defensivas. La media de acciones por asalto y combate es más alta en el tercer asalto. Más del 95fi de las veces los combates se resuelven al finalizar el tercer asalto. El análisis secuencial de retardos muestra que las acciones ofensivas actúan como favorecedoras de las acciones eficaces y las defensivas como inhibidoras. La ventaja en el marcador actúa como inhibidora de las acciones ofensivas y excitadora de las defensivas en todas las categorías de peso (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the actions of male taekwondo combat at high levels in the 8 oficial weight classes (Mini Jyweight: 84kg) in competition. An observation instrument was designed ad hoc, binded to a new recording instrument (Drewtina 23), which analyzed the actions taken out in combat. the study criteria were: the kind of offensive and defensive actions, technical actions and combat assaults. the observation was carried out at the finals of 6 championships and world cups from 2000 to 2008, for a total of 48 combats, involving 71 fighters. For the descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, PASW Statistics for Windows was used, and for the lag sequential analysis, SDIS-GSEQ was used. the results show that the offensive actions are more frequent than defensive ones, since counter-attack is the most utilized technique. the Middleweight class is characterized by the highest number of offensive actions, while the Superlightweight class is characterized by the highest number of defensive ones. the mean of actions for assault and combat is higher during the third time. More than 95fi of the times, the fights are resolved at the end of the third time. the lag sequential analysis show that offensive actions act in favor of effective actions, while defensive actions act as inhibitors. the advantage in the scoreboard acts as inhibitor of the offensive actions and excitator of defensive actions in all weight classes (AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as ações de combate de taekwondo masculino de elite relativamente às 8 categorías oficiais de peso (Minimosca: 84kg) em contexto de competição. Um instrumento de observação ad hoc, vinculado a um instrumento de registo inovador (Drewtina 23), foi utilizado para observar as ações realizadas nas finais dos campeonatos do mundo de taekwondo entre 2000 e 2008, perfazendo um total de 48 combates de 71 taekwondistas. Realizaram-se as análises estatística descritiva e inferencial através do programa PASW Statistics para Windows, enquanto que o programa SDIS-GSEQ foi utilizado para a análise sequencial de retardos. Os resultados revelam que as ações ofensivas, em particular a de contra-ataque, apresentam maior frequência do que as defensivas. Os taekwondistas de peso Médio são os que mais ações ofensivas realizam, sendo a categoria Superligeiro a que mais ações defensivas envolve. A média de ações por assalto e por combate é maior no 3º assalto, sendo que mais de 95fi dos combates terminam neste assalto. A análise sequencial de retardos mostra que as ações ofensivas favorecem as ações eficazes, enquanto que as ações defensivas as inibem. A vantagem no resultado, em todas as categorias de peso, inibe as ações ofensivas e estimula as defensivas (AU)

Análisis técnico-táctico en Taekwondo con coordenadas polares a través del software HOISAN / Technical-tactical analysis in Taekwondo with polar coordinates through software HOISAN

Se lleva a cabo un análisis de coordenadas polares en Taekwondo de las acciones realizadas por los hombres finalistas y semifinalistas en los Juegos Olímpicos de Londres 2012. Para este análisis, se consideraron como categorías focales las acciones relativas a la efectividad de uno, dos y tres puntos, y como categorías condicionadas variables técnico-tácticas para establecer las diferentes relaciones entre las diversas categorías relacionadas con el comportamiento técnico-táctico de los deportistas y la consecución de punto/s. Los resultados mostraron una relación, de excitación en las perspectivas retrospectiva y prospectiva, entre las conductas CAN (Acción de contraataque), CIR (Pierna de golpeo dirigida hacia el oponente) e IZQ (Golpeo realizado con la pierna izquierda) con respecto a la conducta focal EF1, mientras que las conductas GIR (Acción realizada con un giro previo) y ABI (la pierna delantera de ambos oponentes es diferente) lo están con la EF2; sugiriéndose así el entrenamiento de las citadas acciones con vistas a la consecución de dicha puntuación. Este estudio ha permitido comparar las relaciones que se establecen en la utilización de estrategias de interacción en el deporte de taekwondo. El análisis se ha realizado utilizando el software de observación HOISAN que ha permitido solventar las dificultades planteadas anteriormente en la realización y uso de esta técnica (AU)

The aim of the current research was to provide a novel perspective on the understanding of the actions performed in Taekwondo, to do this, the actions performed by the men finalists and semifinalists in the Olympic Games in London 2012 were analyzed. Based on a taxonomic and methodologically validated system, analysis of polar coordinates was performed using the genuine analytical technique. fiis technique allows us to know the relationship between the focal category and various conditional categories, in addition to build different behavioral maps. To perform the mentioned analysis, were chosen as focal categories those actions relating to the effectiveness of one, two and three points while as conditional categories were chosen technical and tactical variables. fiis innovative technique of analysis was implemented by using the observation software HOISAN. fie software allows to remove the difficulties previously raised when using this technique (AU)

Com o objetivo de compreender as ações realizadas no Taekwondo analisaram-se as ações dos atletas masculinos finalistas e semifinalistas nos Jogos Olímpicos de Londres 2012, com recurso à análise de coordenadas polares. Para esta análise, consideraram-se como categorías focais as ações relativas à obtenção de um, dois e três pontos, e como categorías condicionadas as variáveis técnico-táticas, de modo a estabelecer as diferentes relações entre as diversas categorías relacionadas com o comportamento técnico-tático dos desportistas e o alcançar de ponto(s). Os resultados mostraram uma relação excitatória nas perspetivas retrospetiva e prospetiva, entre as condutas CAN (Ação de contra-ataque), CIR (pontapé circular) e IZQ (pontapé realizado com a perna esquerda) no que respeita à conduta focal EF1, enquanto que as condutas GIR (Ação realizada com uma rotação prévia) e ABI (a perna adiantada dos dois adversarios é diferente) mostraram a mesma relação excitatória no que respeita à conduta EF2; sugere-se assim o treino das citadas ações com vista à obtenção da pontuação mencionada. Este estudo permitiu comparar as relações que se estabelecem na utilização de estratégias de interação no Taekwondo. A análise realizou-se com recurso ao software de observação HOISAN que permitiu superar as dificuldades colocadas anteriormente na realização e uso desta técnica (AU)

Predicting performance and performance satisfaction: mindfulness and beliefs about the ability to deal with social barriers in sport.

This research investigates the role of beliefs about the ability to deal with specific social barriers and its relationships to mindfulness, football performance, and satisfaction with one's own and team performance. Study 1 aimed at eliciting these social barriers. Study 2 tested (i) whether self-efficacy referring to social barriers would predict performance over and above task-related self-efficacy and collective efficacy and (ii) the mediating role of self-efficacy to overcome social barriers in the relationship between mindfulness and performance. Participants were football (soccer) players aged 16-21 years (Study 1: N=30; Study 2: N=101, longitudinal sample: n=88). Study 1 resulted in eliciting 82 social barriers referring to team, peer leadership, and coaches. Study 2 showed that task-related self-efficacy and collective efficacy explained performance satisfaction at seven-month follow-up, whereas self-efficacy referring to social barriers explained shooting performance at seven-month follow-up. Indirect associations between mindfulness and performance were found with three types of self-efficacy referring to social barriers, operating as parallel mediators. Results provide evidence for the role of beliefs about the ability to cope with social barriers and show a complex interplay between different types of self-efficacy and collective efficacy in predicting team sport performance.

Anthropological analysis of taekwondo--new methodological approach.

The aim of this research is to determine the order and importance of impacts of particular anthropological characteristics and technical and tactical competence on success in taekwondo according to opinions of top taekwondo instructors (experts). Partial objectives include analysis of metric characteristics of the measuring instrument, and determining differences between two disciplines (sparring and technical discipline of patterns) and two competition systems (WTF and ITF). In accordance with the aims, the research was conducted on a sample of respondents which consisted of 730 taekwondo instructors from 6 continents and from 69 countries (from which we selected 242 instructors), who are at different success levels in both taekwondo competition systems (styles) and two taekwondo disciplines. The respondents were divided into 3 qualitative subsamples (OST-USP-VRH) using the dependant variable of accomplished results of the instructor. In 6 languages, they electronically evaluated the impact in percentage value (%) of motor and functional skills (MOTFS), morphological characteristics (MORF), psychological profile of an athlete (PSIH), athletic intelligence (INTE) and technical and tactical competence - (TE-TA) on success in taekwondo. The analysis of metric characteristics of the constructed instrument showed a satisfactory degree of agreement (IHr) which is proportional to the level of respondent quality, i.e. it grows along with the increase in instructor quality in all analysed disciplines of both systems. Top instructors assigned the highest portion of impact on success to the motor and functional skills (MOTFS) variable: WTF-SPB=29.1, ITF-SPB=29.2, WTF-THN=35.0, ITF-THN=32.0). Statistically significant differences in opinions of instructors of different styles and disciplines were not recorded in any of the analysed variables. The only exception is the psychological profile of an athlete variable, which WTF instructors of sparring (AM=23.7%), on a significance level of p<0.01, evaluate as having a statistically significantly higher impact on success in tackwondo than WTF instructors of the technical discipline of patterns (15.4%).

Does priming really put the gloss on performance?

Priming has recently emerged in the literature as offering advantages in the preparation for skilled performance. Accordingly, the current study tested the efficacy of imagery against a priming paradigm as a means of enhancing motor performance: in essence, contrasting a preparation technique primarily under the conscious control of the performer to an unconscious technique promoting automaticity. The imagery intervention was guided by the PETTLEP model, while the priming intervention took the form of a scrambled sentence task. Eighteen skilled field-hockey players performed a dribbling task under imagery, priming, skill-focus, and control conditions. Results revealed a significant improvement in speed and technical accuracy for the imagery condition as opposed to the skill-focus, control, and priming conditions. In addition, there were no significant differences in performance times or technical accuracy between the priming and control conditions. The study provides further support for the efficacy of imagery to elicit enhanced motor skill performance but questions the emerging emphasis on priming as an effective tool in preparation for physical tasks.

Technical and tactical analysis of youth taekwondo performance.

This study aimed to analyze the technical and tactical aspects of young athletes during official taekwondo competitions. Fifty-nine youth taekwondo athletes (43 boys and 16 girls; age range: 10-12 years; weight category range: <24 to >59 kg) with at least 2 years of taekwondo training consisting of three 90-minute training sessions for 3 d·wk⁻¹ participated in this study. Thirty-seven matches (three 1-minute rounds, with 1-minute rest in between) were analyzed to verify the differences (p ≤ 0.05) in offensive and defensive actions in relation to gender (male, female), match outcome (winners, nonwinners), kicking leg (front, rear), and round (first, second, third). No difference emerged for gender and match outcome. With respect to defensive actions (8.4 ± 12.0%), youth athletes engaged more frequently (p < 0.0001) in offensive actions (91.6 ± 12.0%), which showed a significant decrease (p < 0.016) from the first round (42.3 ± 21.8%) to the second (33.1 ± 14.8%) and third (24.5 ± 16.0%) ones. Kicks performed with the rear leg (94.4 ± 7.8%) occurred more frequently (p < 0.0001) than those performed with the front leg (5.6 ± 7.8%). In considering that a high level of coordination is required to perform front-leg kicks and defensive actions necessitate a high level of tactical skills, these findings might indicate a not-yet complete attainment of fundamental coordinative capabilities in 10- to 12-year-old athletes, independently of match outcome. To enhance coordination capabilities in youth athletes, coaches are recommended to structure their training including skill-ability and sport-ability drills.

Programa de intervención psicológica en futbolistas: evaluación de habilidades psicológicas mediante el CPRD / A psychological intervention programme for footballers: an evaluation of psychological skills through the CPRD

El entrenamiento psicológico es una forma más del entrenamiento deportivo que, poco a poco, se ha insertado en el método de trabajo de muchos deportistas y equipos deportivos. Se presenta la realización de un programa de entrenamiento psicológico con el objetivo de que los jugadores aprendieran técnicas y estrategias psicológicas y que las aplicaran para mejorar sus habilidades psicológicas, tanto en entrenamientos como en competición; además se pretendió conocer si se producían diferencias entre las puntuaciones en el CPRD tomadas al inicio de la intervención, y las tomadas al finalizar la misma. La muestra estuvo formada por 22 futbolistas pertenecientes a un club de fútbol profesional, con edades comprendidas entre los 14 y los 18 años que compiten en categoría juvenil y cadete. La intervención psicológica se realizó durante cinco meses, mediante un trabajo individualizado (voluntario) y un trabajo grupal (obligatorio). Los resultados indican que no hay diferencias significativas entre las puntuaciones iniciales y finales en los diferentes factores del CPRD (AU)

Psychological training is a form of sports training that is gradually inserting itself into the work methods of many athletes and sports teams. We present the implementation of a psychological training programme whose goal is for athletes to learn psychological techniques and strategies and apply them to improving their psychological skills, both during training and competition; we also sought to ascertain whether there were any differences between the CPRD scores taken at the start of the intervention and those taken at the end of it. The sample consisted of 22 footballers ages 14 to 18 from a professional football club who compete in the children’s and junior categories. The psychological intervention was conducted for five months through individualised (voluntary) work and group (obligatory) work. The results indicate that there were no significant differences between the initial and final scores on the different factors of the CPRD (AU)

Control de la atención en situaciones de competición con deportistas jóvenes / Control of the attention in situations of competition with young sportsmen

En este trabajo expondremos una muestra de trabajos utilizados con deportistas jóvenes, partiendo de casos reales, destinados a la mejora de rendimiento, dentro del ámbito de la psicología del deporte aplicado. El objetivo del trabajo realizado será mejorar la atención y concentración de los deportistas en competición, partiendo de intervenciones puntuales muy dirigidas, y con el objetivo fundamental de mejorar determinadas situaciones concretas en competición en un tiempo muy breve. Partiendo de las teorías y técnicas de intervención en atención reflejaremos en varios ejemplos, como adaptarlas a situaciones reales de competición y como solucionar diferentes problemáticas, atendiendo a necesidades específicas de cada situación competitiva. Precisamente, la corta edad delos deportistas, en muchos casos, es lo que hace necesario intervenciones muy dirigidas del tipo de las que mostraremos a continuación(AU)

In this work we will expose a sample of works used with young sportsmen, departing from royal cases, destined for the improvement of performance, inside the area of the psychology of the applied sport. The aim of the realized work will be to improve the attention and concentration of the sportsmen in competition, departing from punctual very directed interventions, and with the fundamental aim to improve certain concrete situations in competition in a very brief time. Departing from the theories and technologies of intervention in attention we will reflect in several examples, since adapting them to royal situations of competition and as solving different problematic, attending to specific needs of every competitive situation. Precisely, the short age delos sportsmen, in many cases, is what makes necessary interventions very directed of the type of which we will prove to be later (AU)

Caffeine and carbohydrate supplementation during exercise when in negative energy balance: effects on performance, metabolism, and salivary cortisol.

The ingestion of carbohydrate (+CHO) and caffeine (+CAF) during exercise is a commonly used ergogenic practice. Investigations are typically conducted with subjects who are in a rested state after an overnight fast. However, this state of positive energy balance is not achieved during many work and exercise circumstances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the substrate use and performance effects of caffeine and carbohydrate consumed alone and in combination while participants were in negative energy balance. Male participants (n = 9; 23 +/- 3 years; 74.1 +/- 10.6 kg) completed 4 trials in random order: -CAF/-CHO, -CAF/+CHO, +CAF/-CHO, and +CAF/+CHO. Diet and exercise were prescribed for 2 days before each trial to ensure negative energy balance. For each trial, before and after 2 h of cycling at 50% of maximal watts, a saliva sample and a muscle biopsy (vastus lateralis) were obtained. A simulated 20 km time trial was then performed. The respiratory exchange ratio was higher (p < 0.05) in +CHO trials and lower (p < 0.05) in the +CAF/+CHO trial than in the -CAF/+CHO trial. Salivary cortisol response was higher (p < 0.05) in the +CAF/-CHO trial than in any of the other trials. Muscle glycogen and heart rates were similar in all trials. Performance in the 20 km time trial was better in the -CAF/+CHO trial than in the -CAF/-CHO trial (p < 0.05), but the +CAF/+CHO trial was no better than the +CAF/-CHO trial (p > 0.05), or any of the other trials. When co-ingested with carbohydrate, caffeine increased fat use and decreased nonmuscle glycogen carbohydrate use over carbohydrate alone when participants are in negative energy balance; however, caffeine had no effect on the 20 km cycling time trial performance.