Bridging the Gap Between Training and Competition in Elite Rink Hockey: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring training load and competition load is crucial for evaluating and improving athlete performance. This study proposes an applied approach to characterize and classify the training task specificity in relation to competition in a top-level rink hockey team, considering external and internal load from training tasks and competition. HYPOTHESIS: Training tasks and game demands have significant dose-response differences, and exercises can be classified successfully based on their physiological and biomechanical demands. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. METHODS: Ten elite-level male rink hockey players participated in this study. Players were monitored on 6 different task categories during 8 training sessions and 2 official games. A linear mixed model with random intercepts was used to compare training tasks and competition load, accounting for individual repeated measures. A 2-step cluster analysis was performed to classify the training tasks and games based on physiological and biomechanical load, employing log-likelihood as the distance measure and Schwartz's Bayesian criterion. RESULTS: Average heartrate , maximum heartrate, and high-speed skating (18.1-30 km/h) were the best physiological load predictors, while the most effective biomechanical load predictors were impacts [8-10] g(n), decelerations [-10 to -3]m/s²(n), and accelerations [3-10]m/s²(n). Different physiological and biomechanical responses were verified between training tasks and match demands. A 4-quadrant efforts assessment for each task category revealed that training tasks used by the team in the analysis presented lower biomechanical and physiological load demands than competition. CONCLUSION: Training tasks failed to adequately replicate the specific demands of competition, especially regarding high mechanical stress, such as the absence of high-intensity impacts and decelerations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This method of classification of training tasks may allow coaches to understand further the specificity and contribution of each task to competition demands, consequently improving the capacity of load management and the preparedness and readiness of players for competition.

The reliability and discriminant validity of physical, technical, and perceptual-physiological measures during a game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol.

Activity simulation protocols offer useful applications in research and practice; however, the specificity of such protocols to basketball game-play is currently lacking. Consequently, this study aimed to develop a game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol representative of typical playing durations and assess its reliability and discriminant validity. The simulation protocol was modified from an original version (i.e., Basketball Exercise Simulation Test) to incorporate regular breaks indicative of time-outs, free-throws, and substitutions. Twelve competitive male and female adult basketball players competing in the fourth or fifth Spanish basketball division underwent repeated trials of the simulation protocol (min. 4 to max. 14 days apart) for reliability analyses. In turn, 13 competitive male (fifth division), 9 competitive female (fourth division), and 13 recreational male adult basketball players completed the simulation protocol to assess discriminant validity via comparisons between sexes (competitive players) and playing levels (males). A range of physical, technical, and perceptual-physiological variables were collected during and following the simulation protocol. Several physical and heart rate variables displayed the strongest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.72-0.96; coefficient of variation [CV] = 1.78-6.75%), with physical decrement, technical, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) variables having the weakest (ICC = 0.52-0.75; CV = 10.34-30.85%). Regarding discriminant analyses between sexes, males demonstrated significantly greater physical outputs in several variables and lower RPE compared to females (p < 0.05, moderate-to-large effects). Comparisons between playing levels revealed competitive males had significantly greater physical outputs across many variables, alongside higher mean heart rate and lower RPE than recreational males (p < 0.05, moderate-to-large effects). This study presents a novel game-specific basketball activity simulation protocol replicating actual playing durations and game configurations that might be successfully applied for both training and research purposes. Reliability statistics are provided for several variables to inform end-users on potential measurement error when implementing the simulation protocol. Discriminant validity of the simulation protocol was supported for several variables, suggesting it may hold practical utility in benchmarking or selecting players. Future research on this topic is encouraged examining wider samples of male and female basketball players at different levels as well as additional forms of validity for the protocol.

Physiological Responses in Trail Runners during a Maximal Test with Different Weighted-Vest Loads.

During some trail running races, athletes have to carry hydration support, food, and technical and safety equipment, which generates an additional load that must be mobilized during the race. The aim of the present study was to determine the physiological responses to overload running and the effect they may have on metabolic zones. Seventeen well-trained male trail runners (n = 17) completed three maximal treadmill tests with weighted vests at 0%, 5%, and 10% of their body mass (L0, L5, and L10). Their gas exchange was monitored to assess their ventilatory thresholds 1 (VT1) and 2 (VT2), maximal fat oxidation zone (FatMax), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). Their heart rate (HR), power, and velocity (V) were tracked to compare their behavior. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the V (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.4620) as a limitation for reaching the peak velocity (Vpeak), with a significant decrease in the Vpeak with the L10 compared to the L0 (p = 0.002) and L5 (p = 0.004). In addition, one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the peak absolute power (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.468) among the groups, detecting higher power production between the L10 and L0 (p < 0.001) and between the L10 and L5 (p = 0.015). Loads higher than L5 could generated important physiological and mechanical modifications, while a load of L5 managed to maintain the working conditions without overloading. These insights shed light on nuanced strategies for optimizing performance and endurance, offering valuable considerations for athletes seeking to enhance their training regimens during overload conditions.

Relative Acceleration and Maximum Velocity in Rugby Players According to Age Category and Playing Position.

ABSTRACT: Zabaloy, S, Freitas, TT, Alcaraz, PE, Gálvez-González, J, Pereira, LA, Comyns, T, Loturco, I, and Healy, R. Relative acceleration and maximum velocity in rugby players according to age category and playing position. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to: (a) assess the intrasession reliability of the acceleration time constant (i.e., τ) and τ-derived measures; (b) analyze the influence of τ and maximum velocity (Vmax) on 40-m sprint performance and to compare various sprint-related outcomes among rugby players from different playing positions and age categories; and (c) explore the associations between τ and several sprint performance metrics. A total of 300 male rugby players volunteered to participate in this study and were divided into age categories (i.e., under-14 [U14]: n = 91, age: 12.6 ± 0.5 years; under-16 [U16]: n = 85, age: 14.8 ± 0.5 years; under-18 [U18]: n = 75, age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; and Seniors: n = 49, age: 24.2 ± 4.1 years). The results demonstrated good to excellent reliability for all measured parameters (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.75 and coefficient of variation <9.0%). Younger players (i.e., U14 and U16) displayed lower τ values (effect size: moderate to large; p < 0.02) compared with their older peers (i.e., U18 and Seniors), regardless of their playing position. Moreover, τ was associated with sprint performance metrics at varying levels of correlations (Rho: small to almost perfect; p < 0.001). In conclusion, younger players exhibited lower τ values than their older counterparts, irrespective of their playing positions. The model employed in this study demonstrated its accuracy in assessing several key sprint performance metrics, offering insights that can enhance sprint training programs for rugby players, which can be based on the associations observed among these different variables.

Economic impact of muscle injury rate and hamstring strain injuries in professional football clubs. Evidence from LaLiga.

The aims of this study were: 1) to describe the total muscular injuries, and specifically HSIs, and their corresponding missed matches; 2) to analyse their economic impact; and 3) to estimate the loss of incomes due to TV rights, in first division clubs from LaLigaTM depending on the expected and actual ranking position during the 2018/2019 season. To do that, a cross-sectional study for season 18/19 and for all players of the 20 Spanish professional football clubs was performed. The economic impact of injuries was estimated considering the missed matches and salary cost of all players and the audio-visual income loss was estimated considering the Spanish Royal Decree of Law (RDL 5/2015). The high number of muscular (270) and hamstring injuries (57) implies a high cost for professional first division football clubs, specifically € 365,811 per month for the former and € 47,388 per month for the latter. In addition, reaching a worse than expected position in LaLigaTM ranking involved a loss of 45,2 million € in TV rights incomes. The high cost of muscle injuries in first division teams justifies the need for multidisciplinary teams that are capable of reducing the number of injuries as well as recovery times.

SCS 6th Annual Meeting-EEVFA-11th International Congress of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise, Athens, Greece, 2023.

On behalf of the Strength and Conditioning Society (SCS) and the Hellenic Society of Biochemistry and Exercise Physiology (EEVFA), we are pleased to present the abstracts of the SCS 6th Annual Meeting and EEVFA-11th International Congress of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise. The event was held at the Hellenic Olympic Committee headquarters in Athens, Greece, on 19-22 October 2023, and comprised several invited sessions from international and national speakers on a variety of topics related to biochemistry and exercise physiology, strength and conditioning practices and their application to health, injury prevention and sports performance. These included strength training in high-performance sports, sport science and training-competition load management in elite environments, biochemistry and exercise physiology and prescription, nutrition and biomechanics, among others. The conference also included different practical workshops conducted by renowned academics and practitioners on eccentric training, change of direction ability and strength and power training in professional team-sports, and ergospirometry and exercise prescription in specific populations. Finally, the event disseminated up-to-date strength and conditioning research by providing practitioners and researchers with the opportunity to present their most recent findings. In this regard, all abstracts of the communications presented at the SCS 6th Annual Meeting-EEVFA-11th International Congress of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise can be found in this Conference Report.

Unique Specific Jumping Test for Measuring Explosive Power in Young Basketball Players: Differences by Gender, Age, and Playing Positions.

When playing basketball, players are required to have high explosive power, which requires the ability to move in efficient, specific, and game-specific movement patterns that combine both horizontal and vertical abilities. Differences have been seen between young male and female basketball players in this measure. The aim of this study was to examine differences in players' unique movements by gender, age, and playing positions using a novel test for basketball players. This study included 232 young basketball players, male and female, from a range of Israeli leagues, who were divided into three categories: under-14, under-16, and under-18. Our findings showed that males presented better results than females in all age categories. Moreover, females in the under-18 category presented better results than those in the under-14 category, but not more than those in the under-16 category. Differences in playing positions were only examined between males and females in the under-18 category, where players begin to specialize in playing positions, and here, guards showed better results than forwards and centers. Our conclusions highlight the importance of including unique, sport-specific tests in talent identification and selection processes, as these tests can provide valuable information about a player's skill set and potential for success. The findings are presented in an achievement table of the expected physical fitness results by age and gender for the benefit of basketball coaches and strength and conditioning coaches when assessing their players.

If You Want to Prevent Hamstring Injuries in Soccer, Run Fast: A Narrative Review about Practical Considerations of Sprint Training.

Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are one of the most common injuries in sprint-based sports. In soccer, the ability to sprint is key, not only because of its relation to performance but also due to its possible protective effect against HSIs. Although many authors have focused on the "how", "when", and "what" training load should be implemented, there is a lack of practical proposals for sprint training in a high-level professional environment. The objective of this narrative review is, after a deep review of the scientific literature, to present a practical approach for sprint training, trying to answer some of the questions that most strength and conditioning coaches ask themselves when including it in soccer. Once the literature published on this topic was reviewed and combined with the practical experience of the authors, it was concluded that sprint training in soccer, although it presents an obvious need, is not something about which there is methodological unanimity. However, following the practical recommendations from this narrative review, strength and conditioning coaches can have a reference model that serves as a starting point for optimal management of the internal and external training load when they wish to introduce sprint training in the competitive microcycle in professional soccer players, with the aim of reducing HSIs.

Does Total Playing Time Affect the Neuromuscular, Physiological, and Subjective Recovery of Futsal Players during a Congested Period?

The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of a congested period (three games in four days) on countermovement (CMJ) jump-landing metrics, heart rate variability (HRV), and total recovery quality (TQR) score in under-19 male futsal players, and to detect the differences between those who played for more minutes (HIGHMIN) and less minutes (LOWMIN). Fourteen youth futsal players (age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 70.2 ± 8.5 kg; height: 1.80 ± 0.1 m) participated. HRV, TQR questionnaire, and CMJ metrics (i.e., CMJ height, relative peak power (PPREL), eccentric and concentric impulse, braking time, and time to peak force) were registered. A linear mixed model and effect sizes (ESs) were used to assess the differences between groups and days. Considering the total sample, a significant decrease was found in the PPREL and TQR score (p = 0.001-0.013 and ES = 0.28-0.99) on Days 2, 3, and 4 when compared to Day 1. HIGHMIN group presented a significant decrease in PPREL on Day 3 (p = 0.004; ES: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-2.65) when compared to Day 1, and in the TRQ score on Day 3 (p = 0.002; ES: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.18-2.46) and 4 (p = 0.003; ES: 2.25; 95% CI: 0.52-3.38) when compared to Day 1. Non-significant differences were found for the rest of the metrics and in the group LOWMIN. In summary, neuromuscular performance (i.e., CMJ PPREL) and subjective recovery were impaired in players with higher playing minutes during a match-congested period when compared to those with less on-court time.

Do Activities Performed within the Intra-Contrast Rest Interval Affect Neuromuscular Performance during Complex-Contrast Training Protocols?

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of including different exercises within the intra-contrast rest interval (ICRI) of a complex-contrast training (CCT) session. Seventeen recreationally active males completed three different CCT protocols. Programs consisted of a contrast pair combining a moderate-intensity conditioning activity (i.e., a back squat) with a lower-body high-velocity exercise (i.e., a vertical jump) and only differed in the activities performed during the ICRI: 1) passive recovery (CCTPASS); 2) a mobility exercise (CCTMOB); and 3) an upper-body high-intensity strength exercise (i.e., a bench press) (CCTSTR). Countermovement jump and bench press throw metrics were evaluated at baseline and after each set during the workout. The rate of perceived exertion was recorded post-session. Non-significant differences in performance were found between CCTPASS, CCTMOB and CCTSTR throughout the session. Significant declines (p < 0.05) were observed for CMJ peak power in the last 2-3 repetitions of each set, irrespective of the protocol. CCTSTR was perceived as more intense than CCTPASS and CCTMOB (p < 0.05). From a neuromuscular performance perspective, including activities during the ICRI (mobility drills or high-intensity strength exercises) may be a suitable strategy to optimize CCT prescription since the acute responses were similar to those found with passive rest periods. Finally, prescribing a lower number of repetitions per set is recommended to attenuate mechanical performance impairment during CCT protocols, irrespective of the activities completed within the ICRI.

Effects of pre-exercise glycerol supplementation on dehydration, metabolic, kinematic, and thermographic variables in international race walkers.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in global temperature, it is necessary to investigate solutions so that athletes competing in hot conditions can perform in optimal conditions avoiding loss of performance and health problems. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of pre-exercise glycerol supplementation during a rectangular test at ambient temperature mid (28.2ºC) on dehydration variables in international race walkers. METHODS: Eight international male race walkers (age: 28.0 years (4.4); weight: 65.6 kg (6.6); height: 180.0 cm (5.0); fat mass: 6.72% (0.66); muscle mass: 33.3 kg (3.3); VO2MAX: 66.5 ml · kg-1·min-1 (1.9)) completed this randomized crossover design clinical trial. Subjects underwent two interventions: they consumed placebo (n = 8) and glycerol (n = 8) acutely, before a rectangular test where dehydration, RPE, metabolic, kinematic, and thermographic variables were analyzed before, during and after the test. RESULTS: After the intervention, significant differences were found between groups in body mass in favor of the placebo (Placebo: -2.23 kg vs Glycerol: -2.48 kg; p = 0.033). For other variables, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Therefore, pre-exercise glycerol supplementation was not able to improve any dehydration, metabolic, kinematic, or thermographic variables during a rectangular test at temperature mid in international race walkers. Possibly, a higher environmental temperature could have generated a higher metabolic and thermoregulatory stress, generating differences between groups like other previous scientific evidence.

Correction: Nutrikinetics and urinary excretion of phenolic compounds after a 16-week supplementation with a flavanone-rich ingredient.

Correction for 'Nutrikinetics and urinary excretion of phenolic compounds after a 16-week supplementation with a flavanone-rich ingredient' by Jananee Muralidharan et al., Food Funct., 2023, 14, 10506-10519, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3FO02820H.

Comparison of Metabolic Power and Energy Cost of Submaximal and Sprint Running Efforts Using Different Methods in Elite Youth Soccer Players: A Novel Energetic Approach.

Sprinting is a decisive action in soccer that is considerably taxing from a neuromuscular and energetic perspective. This study compared different calculation methods for the metabolic power (MP) and energy cost (EC) of sprinting using global positioning system (GPS) metrics and electromyography (EMG), with the aim of identifying potential differences in performance markers. Sixteen elite U17 male soccer players (age: 16.4 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 64.6 ± 4.4 kg; and height: 177.4 ± 4.3 cm) participated in the study and completed four different submaximal constant running efforts followed by sprinting actions while using portable GPS-IMU units and surface EMG. GPS-derived MP was determined based on GPS velocity, and the EMG-MP and EC were calculated based on individual profiles plotting the MP of the GPS and all EMG signals acquired. The goodness of fit of the linear regressions was assessed by the coefficient of determination (R2), and a repeated measures ANOVA was used to detect changes. A linear trend was found in EMG activity during submaximal speed runs (R2 = 1), but when the sprint effort was considered, the trend became exponential (R2 = 0.89). The EMG/force ratio displayed two different trends: linear up to a 30 m sprint (R2 = 0.99) and polynomial up to a 50 m sprint (R2 = 0.96). Statistically significant differences between the GPS and EMG were observed for MP splits at 0-5 m, 5-10 m, 25-30 m, 30-35 m, and 35-40 m and for EC splits at 5-10 m, 25-30 m, 30-35 m, and 35-40 m (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, the determination of the MP and EC based on GPS technology underestimated the neuromuscular and metabolic engagement during the sprinting efforts. Thus, the EMG-derived method seems to be more accurate for calculating the MP and EC in this type of action.

Weekly Programming of Hamstring-Related Training Contents in European Professional Soccer.

Hamstring injuries in soccer continue to be a challenge for professionals who work with soccer players daily. Although its origin is multifactorial, the proper management of neuromuscular fatigue during the training microcycle is a very important factor to consider. There are no clear guidelines regarding the weekly distribution of certain exercises that demand the hamstrings. The main objective of this study was to describe the usual training practices of professional European soccer teams. An international observational survey design was applied to some of the strength and conditioning coaches of professional soccer teams. The survey included different neuromuscular demanding exercises for the hamstrings. For each exercise, the strength and conditioning coaches had to respond in relation to their frequency of use and timepoint depending on the day of the weekly microcycle. Although there is no strong consensus in this regard, there does seem to be a trend when applying certain exercises, especially on the days matchday-4 and matchday-3.

Exploring countermovement jump variables across competitive levels and playing positions in futsal.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to compare several countermovement jump (CMJ) kinetic variables between professional (PRO) and semi-professional (SEMI-PRO) futsal players and examine the differences amongst playing positions. Methods: CMJ performance from 56 male futsal players (25.2 ± 4.8 years; weight: 74.4 ± 6.4 kg) was analysed. Players were separated into PRO (n = 29; 27.0 ± 4.4 years; 75.4 ± 6.0 kg) and SEMI-PRO (n = 27; 22.7 ± 4.3 years; 73.1 ± 6.8 kg), and according to playing position: defenders (n = 16; 25.4 ± 3.7 years; 75.2 ± 6.0 kg), wingers (n = 26; 23.5 ± 4.5 years; 72.0 ± 6.9 kg), and pivots (n = 14; 28.0 ± 5.6 years; 77.8 ± 4.3 kg). Linear mixed models and effect sizes were used for the analyses based on the mean of two jumps for each variable. Results: PRO players presented a deeper center of mass (COM) displacement (p = 0.002, ES = 0.83), greater eccentric (Ecc) absolute (p = 0.019, ES = 0.61) and relative peak power (p = 0.046, ES = 0.52), and achieved greater Ecc peak velocities (p = 0.004, ES = 0.76) when compared to SEMI-PRO. Non-significant and trivial-to-small differences were observed in all the other CMJ variables according to the competitive level and playing position. Discussion: Ecc capabilities (i.e., deeper COM displacement, greater Ecc absolute and relative peak power, and peak velocity) during vertical jump seem to differentiate PRO and SEMI-PRO players. However, CMJ variables do not discriminate amongst playing positions in futsal players.

Effects of Sand Surface Plyometric and Sprint Training on Physical and Technical Skill Performance in Beach Handball Players.

This study compared the effects of a 6-week combined plyometric and sprint-training program on the sand to regular preseason training, on the athletic performance and technical actions of beach handball (BH) players. Athletes were randomly assigned either to the control (CG, n = 12; BH training only) or the experimental group (EG, n = 12; plyometric + sprint + BH training). Assessments conducted before and after the training period included a squat jump, a countermovement jump, the Abalakov jump, a 15-m sprint, a modified Course-Navette endurance test, and four sport-specific BH throwing speed tests: a standing penalty throw, a 3-step running throw, a jump throw, and a 360º jump throw. The training intervention enhanced all athletic performance measures (all, p < 0.05). In contrast, the only improvement in the CG included endurance performance (p< 0.05). Significant time-group differences were noted in favor of the EG compared to the CG (p< 0.05) in the squat jump, the countermovement jump, the Abalakov jump, the jump throw velocity and 360º jump throw velocity. In conclusion, compared to BH regular training, 6 weeks of sand surface preseason plyometric and sprint training combined with regular BH training induced greater improvements in athletic performance and specific skills in BH players.