Acute Effects of Short-Term Massage Procedures on Neuromechanical Contractile Properties of Rectus Femoris Muscle.

Background and Objectives: In many sports, maintaining muscle work at an optimal level despite fatigue is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to discover the most efficient way of recovery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the acute effects of four different recovery methods on muscle neuromechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted using a randomized, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design. Fourteen healthy and active male students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (age 25.1 ± 3.9 years) were included in this study. The tensiomyography was used to evaluate muscle responses after four different types of short-term recovery methods (passive rest, percussive mechanical, vibro-mechanical, and manual massage) on the rectus femoris muscle on four occasions: baseline, post fatigue, post recovery and prolonged recovery. Results: The ANOVA revealed that muscle fatigue decreased maximal vertical muscle displacement (Dm) and muscle contraction time (Tc) in post fatigue compared to the baseline. The most important finding shows that only the vibro-mechanical massage resulted in an increase in Tc in the prolonged recovery compared to the post fatigue (p = 0.028), whereas only manual massage showed no differences in Dm from the baseline in post-recovery (p = 0.148). Moreover, both manual and vibro-mechanical massages increased Dm and Tc in prolonged recovery, indicating no differences from the baseline (all p > 0.05), thus showing signs of muscle recovery. Percussion mechanical massage and passive rest did not show indices of muscle recovery. Conclusions: Manual massage could induce immediate positive changes in Dm by reducing muscle stiffness. In addition, vibro-mechanical and manual massage improved muscle tissue by rapidly returning Dm and Tc values to baseline at prolonged recovery measurement (5 min after the fatigue protocol). These findings can benefit sports practitioners, and physical therapists in developing the best recovery method after muscle fatigue.

The Effects of Massage Therapy on Sport and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: A massage is a tool that is frequently used in sports and exercise in general for recovery and increased performance. In this review paper, we aimed to search and systemize current literature findings relating to massages' effects on sports and exercise performance concerning its effects on motor abilities and neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. METHODS: The review has been written following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. One hundred and fourteen articles were included in this review. RESULTS: The data revealed that massages, in general, do not affect motor abilities, except flexibility. However, several studies demonstrated that positive muscle force and strength changed 48 h after the massage was given. Concerning neurophysiological parameters, the massage did not change blood lactate clearance, muscle blood flow, muscle temperature, or activation. However, many studies indicate pain reduction and delayed onset muscle soreness, which are probably correlated with the reduction of the level of creatine kinase enzyme and psychological mechanisms. In addition, the massage treatment led to a decrease in depression, stress, anxiety, and the perception of fatigue and an increase in mood, relaxation, and the perception of recovery. CONCLUSION: The direct usage of massages just for gaining results in sport and exercise performance seems questionable. However, it is indirectly connected to performance as an important tool when an athlete should stay focused and relaxed during competition or training and recover after them.

Muscle Contraction Adaptations in Top-Level Karate Athletes Assessed by Tensiomyography.

BACKGROUND: This paper aimed to compare the involuntary stimulated neuromuscular response of thigh muscles in top-level karate athletes and recreational groups. METHODS: The study included 13 male karate athletes (KAs) and 14 non-athlete male individuals (NAs). Tensiomyographic (TMG) measurements were obtained from the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between KAs and NAs in knee extensor/flexor delay time (Td), contraction time (Tc), total contraction time (Tct), maximal radial displacement of the muscle belly (Dm) and rate of muscle tension development (RMTD). On a group level, KA dominant-leg extensors and flexors and also non-dominant-leg knee flexors had significant differences when compared to NA. Tct is a TMG parameter in which the KAs and NAs differ the most in the case of the knee extensors, while flexor muscles differ the most in the RMTD parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The lower Tct values indicate an improved ability of top-level karateka to make fast contractions of the agonist muscles. KAs' higher RMTD values suggest on strength characteristics needed in breaking actions of the antagonist muscles. Existence of contraction-relaxation-contraction neuromuscular pattern in the RF muscle suggests on implementation of training strategies that involves both rapid muscle contractions and relaxations.

Validity of a Novel Specific Wrestling Fitness Test.

ABSTRACT: Markovic, M, Kukic, F, Dopsaj, M, Kasum, G, Toskic, L, and Zaric, I. Validity of a novel specific wrestling fitness test. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S51-S57, 2021-The specific wrestling fitness test (SWFT) is a novel test aiming to estimate the level of physical preparedness of wrestlers; therefore, it should posses an acceptable level of validity. The aim of this study was to investigate an internal, external, and construct validity of SWFT. The sample consisted of 15 national level male wrestlers (age = 22.6 ± 2.3 years, body mass [BM] = 83.3 ± 6.5 kg, and BM index [BMI] = 25.36 ± 1.2 kg·m-2). They performed the SWFT, specific judo fitness test (SJFT), and specific wrestling performance test (SWPT), each test on a separate day. For each test, performance was evaluated in absolute measure as total number of throws at the end of the test (TnThrows) and relative measure as TnThrows/BM and TnThrows/BMI. Heart rate at the end of the test (HR0min) and 1 minute into recovery (HR1min) was used as a measure of cardiovascular functionality, whereas specific judo fitness index (SJFIndex) was used as an indicator of cardiovascular functionality relative to given performance. A correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate the internal, external, and construct validity of SWFT. The SWFT_TnThrows/BM had the highest internal validity relative to SJFT_TnThrows/BM (R2 = 0.722, p < 0.001) and the highest external validity relative to SWPT_TnThrows/BM (r = 0.846, p < 0.001). SWFT_TnThrows/BM predicted SWPT_TnThrows/BM with a large coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.818, p < 0.001). SWFT_TnThrows/BM is valid and easily attainable predictor of wrestlers' specific physical preparedness and as such is of high practical value.

Effects of a psychological skill training program on anxiety levels in top karate athletes / Efeitos de um programa de treino de habilidade psicológica sobre os níveis de ansiedade em atletas de caratê de elite / Efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de habilidad psicológica sobre los niveles de ansiedad en atletas de karate de élite

ABSTRACT Introduction To achieve an improvement in self-regulation, and consequently competitive performance, it is necessary to evaluate psychological skills training programs. It was hypothesized that the introduction of autogenic training and guided imagery could bring about positive changes in anxiety and self-confidence, as compared to regular training and competitive activities. Objective To investigate the effects of a psychological skills training program on the optimization of anxiety and self-confidence. Methods Twenty-four athletes from the Serbian national karate team were divided into experimental (EXP) and control (CON) groups. During eight weeks, both groups underwent an identical karate training and competing program. The program was adapted for top karate athletes according to their daily routines and the specific demands of the activity. In addition, the EXP group underwent the psychological skills training program, based on autogenic training and guided imagery. The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 was used to measure the multidimensional construct of the state of anxiety, and the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3 to assess individual ability to imagine movements. Results Repeated measures ANOVA results indicated a difference in anxiety levels between the EXP and CON groups after the intervention. Further analysis indicated a decrease in cognitive anxiety and an increase in self-confidence among participants from the EXP group. Conclusion The applied psychological skills program had a positive effect on anxiety optimization and self-confidence levels in top karate athletes. As emotional self-regulation is also crucial for athletes of other sports, the implementation of this intervention can be recommended, provided that it is adapted to the specific characteristics of each sport. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating treatments results.

RESUMO Introdução Para a melhoria da autorregulação e, consequentemente, do desempenho competitivo, faz-se necessário avaliar os programas de treino das habilidades psicológicas. Foi formulada a hipótese de que os treinos autogênico e de visualização guiada poderiam induzir alterações positivas na ansiedade e na autoconfiança, quando comparados à prática das atividades regulares de treino-competição. Objetivo Investigar os efeitos de um programa de treino de habilidades psicológicas na otimização da ansiedade e da autoconfiança. Métodos Foram divididos em Grupos Experimental (EXP) e Controle (CON) 24 atletas da equipe nacional de caratê da Sérvia. Ao longo de 8 semanas, ambos os grupos foram submetidos a um programa de treino e competição idêntico. O programa foi adaptado para atletas de elite de caratê de acordo com suas rotinas diárias e as demandas específicas da modalidade. Adicionalmente, o grupo EXP participou do programa de treino de habilidades psicológicas, baseado no treino autogênico e na visualização guiada. Foram utilizados o Inventário de Estado de Ansiedade Competitiva-2, para medir o constructo multidimensional do estado de ansiedade, e o Questionário de Imagens de Movimento-3, para avaliar a habilidade individual para imaginar os movimentos. Resultados Os resultados da ANOVA por medidas repetidas indicaram diferença nos níveis de ansiedade dos Grupos EXP e CON após a intervenção. Análise mais profunda indicou redução da ansiedade cognitiva e aumento da autoconfiança nos participantes do Grupo EXP. Conclusão O programa habilidades mentais aplicado apresentou efeito positivo na otimização da ansiedade e dos níveis de autoconfiança dos caratecas de elite. Uma vez que a autorregulação do estado psicológico também é crucial para atletas de outras modalidades, a implementação desta intervenção pode ser recomendada, desde que adaptada às suas especificidades. Nivel de evidência II; Estudos terapêticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción Para la mejora de la autorregulación y, consiguientemente, del desempeño competitivo, se hace necesario evaluar los programas de entrenamiento de las habilidades psicológicas. Fue formulada la hipótesis de que los entrenamientos autógeno y de visualización guiada podrían inducir alteraciones positivas en la ansiedad y en la autoconfianza, cuando comparados a la práctica de las actividades regulares de entrenamiento-competición. Objetivo Investigar los efectos de un programa de entrenamiento de habilidades psicológicas en la optimización de la ansiedad y de la autoconfianza. Métodos Fueron divididos en Grupos Experimental (EXP) y Control (CON) 24 atletas del equipo nacional de karate de Serbia. A lo largo de 8 semanas, ambos grupos fueron sometidos a un programa de entrenamiento y competición idéntico. El programa fue adaptado para atletas de élite de karate de acuerdo con sus rutinas diarias y las demandas específicas de la modalidad. Adicionalmente, el grupo EXP participó en el programa de entrenamiento de habilidades psicológicas, basado en el entrenamiento autógeno y en la visualización guiada. Fueron utilizados el Inventario de Estado de Ansiedad Competitiva-2, para medir el constructo multidimensional del estado de ansiedad, y el Cuestionario de Imágenes de Movimiento-3, para evaluar la habilidad individual para imaginar los movimientos. Resultados Los resultados de ANOVA por medidas repetidas indicaron diferencia en los niveles de ansiedad de los Grupos EXP y CON después de la intervención. Un análisis más profundo indicó reducción de la ansiedad cognitiva y aumento de la autoconfianza en los participantes del Grupo EXP. Conclusión El programa de habilidades mentales aplicado presentó efecto positivo en la optimización de la ansiedad y de los niveles de autoconfianza de los karatecas de élite. Dado que la autorregulación del estado psicológico también es crucial para atletas de otras modalidades, puede ser recomendada la implementación de esta intervención, desde que sea adaptada a sus especificidades. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Discrimination of different body structure indexes of elite athletes in combat sports measured by multi frequency bioimpedance method / Discriminación de diferentes índices de estructura corporal de atletas de elite en deportes de combate medidos por el método de bioimpedancia de múltiples frecuencias

In order to achieve high results in sports, it is necessary to provide an adequate status of an athlete in according to various factors, among which the body structure is one of greater importance. The aim of this research is to define the most discriminated indicators of body structure indexes, thanks to which a specific change of physical structure can be observed according to a branch of sport and type of combat sport. Variables in the research were: body height, body mass, body mass index, free fat mass index, fat mass index, protein mass index, skeletal muscle mass index, percent of body fat, percent of skeletal muscle mass and protein fat index. The measuring of the body composition is realized by using multichannel segmental bioimpedance with InBody 720 apparatus, applied on the total of 112 male high level senior-age athlete members of different national team's member of Republic of Serbia (62 judokas, 29 Greco-Roman style wrestlers and 21 karatekas). The discriminative analysis has shown that subsamples of the athletes statistically differ in morphology on Wilks' lambda level (0.435, p = 0.000), and that following variables have the highest discrimination compared to athlete respondents in sport function: percent of skeletal mass (0.34), percent of body fat (0.28) and protein fat index (0.26), as the first isolated factor (p = 0.000) by which is explained 86.3 %, that is body weight (0.74), skeletal muscle index (0.73), protein mass index (0.72), body mass index (0.72) and free fat mass index (0.70), as the second factor (p = 0.030) by which 13.7 % variability of measured body structure space is explained. By establishing body structure models of judokas, wrestlers and karatekas for variables examined and by using modern technological method of measuring (InBody 720, 2008) we got new information that characterize specificity of the sport, which all contribute to spreading and improving already existing knowledge in the sports sciences and sport body morphology area.

Para obtener logros deportivos de alto nivel, es necesario conseguir el estatus adecuado dependiendo de varios factores, entre los cuales destaca el factor morfológico. El objetivo de este estudio fue definir los indicadores más discriminantes de la composición corporal o índices morfológicos, por lo cual se puedan monitorear los cambios específicos en la estructura del cuerpo en relación con la rama del deporte y el tipo de deportes de combate. Las variables del estudio fueron: altura del cuerpo, masa corporal, índice de masa corporal, índice de masa grasa, índice de proteína masa, índice de masa del músculo esquelético, porcentaje de grasa corporal, porcentaje de masa del músculo esquelético y el índice grasa proteína. La medición de la composición corporal fue realizada utilizando la bioimpedancia segmentaria multicanal con Inbod café 720 sobre una muestra de 112 deportistas de sexo masculino de categoría sénior, miembros nacionales seleccionados de la República de Serbia (62 practicantes de judo, 29 practicantes de lucha grecorromana y 21 practicantes de karate). El análisis discriminativo demostó que las submuestras de los atletas en general difieren significativamente en la morfología a nivel de lambda de Wilks ­ 0.435, (p = 0.000), y que las siguientes variables tienen la mayor discriminación en relación con la prueba de los atletas en la función del deporte: porcentaje de la masa esquelética (0.34), porcentaje de grasa corporal (0,28) y el índice de grasa proteína (0.26), como el primer factor aislado (p = 0.000), lo que explica 86,3 %, respectivamente la masa corporal (0.74), el índice de músculo esquelético (0,73), el índice de proteína de masa (0,72), índice de masa corporal (0,72), e índice de masa libre de grasa (0,70), como el segundo factor (p = 0,030), lo que explica 13,7 % de las mediciones espaciales de variabilidad. Al definir los módulos morfológicos de los practicantes de judo, karate y lucha grecorromana para las variables investigadas y usando el método tecnológico de medida más nuevo (InBody 720), hemos obtenido nuevas informaciones que caracterizan las especificidades de los deportes, lo que contribuye a la ampliación y el desarrollo de los conocimientos anteriores sobre dicho asunto.

Hematological, oxidative stress, and immune status profiling in elite combat sport athletes.

The aim of this study was to profile hematological, oxidative stress, and immunological parameters in male athletes who practiced combat sports and to determine whether the type of combat sport influenced the measured parameters. Eighteen karate professionals, 15 wrestlers, and 14 kickboxers participated in the study. Hematological, iron-related, oxidative stress, and immunological parameters were measured at the beginning of a precompetitive period. The general linear model showed significant differences between the karate professionals, wrestlers, and kickboxers with respect to their hematological and iron status parameters (Wilks' Lambda = 0.270, F = 2.186, p < 0.05) and oxidative stress status (Wilks' Lambda = 0.529, F = 1.940, p < 0.05). The immature reticulocyte fraction was significantly higher in wrestlers (0.30 ± 0.03) compared with kickboxers (0.24 ± 0.04; p < 0.05) and karate professionals (0.26 ± 0.04; p < 0.05). Low hemoglobin density was significantly lower in wrestlers and kickboxers (p < 0.05) compared with karate professionals (karate: 3.51 ± 1.19, wrestlers: 1.95 ± 1.10, and kickboxers: 1.77 ± 0.76). Significant differences were observed between the karate professionals and wrestlers with respect to their pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (437 ± 103 vs. 323 ± 148, p < 0.05) and superoxide-dismutase activity (SOD) (73 ± 37 vs. 103 ± 30, p < 0.05). All the measured parameters (with the exception of SOD activity) fell within their physiological ranges, indicating that the study participants represented a young and healthy male population. Hematological parameters differed between kickboxers and karate professionals. The low pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance and high SOD activity in wrestlers could be associated with the long-term impact of wrestling as a type of strenuous exercise.

Oxidative stress biomarker monitoring in elite women volleyball athletes during a 6-week training period.

The objectives of this study were to determine (a) if reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) are a reliable parameter for monitoring oxidative stress in athletes alone or in association with other parameters of oxidative stress and depending on whether antioxidant supplements are taken or not; (b) the level of oxidative stress in athletes before the competition season; and (c) if oxidative status could be improved in volleyball athletes. Sixteen women athletes (supplemented group) received an antioxidant cocktail containing vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc gluconate, and selenium as a dietary supplement during a 6-week training period, whereas 12 of them (control group) received no dietary supplement. Blood samples were taken before and after the training period. The following parameters were measured: ROMs, superoxide anion (O2⁻2), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), biological antioxidative potential (BAP), paraoxonase activity toward paraoxon (POase) and diazoxon (DZOase), superoxide dismutase(SOD), total sulfydryl group concentration (SH groups), and lipid status. Reactive oxygen metabolites were taken as the dependent variable and MDA, O2⁻2, AOPP, and LOOH as independent variables. In the group of athletes who have received supplementation, linear regression analysis revealed that the implemented model had a lower influence on dROMs (70.4 vs. 27.9%) after the training period. The general linear model showed significant differences between parameters before and after training/supplementation (Wilks' lambda = 0.074, F = 11.76, p < 0.01). At the partial level, significant increases in ROM levels (p <0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 286-337), SOD activity (CI: 113-144), and BAP (CI: 2,388-2,580) (p < 0.01) were observed. The association between ROMs and other parameters of oxidative stress was reduced in athletes who received supplements. During the precompetition training period, treatment with dietary supplements prevented the depletion of antioxidative defense in volleyball athletes.