Timing matters: diurnal variation of maximal fat oxidation and substrate oxidation rates in metabolic syndrome-a randomized crossover study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate if diurnal oscillation in maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and substrate oxidation rates during exercise exists in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: In a randomized crossover design, 14 MetS patients were assigned to two graded exercise tests conditions performed in the morning (between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m) and in the afternoon (between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m). MFO was defined as the highest absolute value of fat oxidation obtained from the average of last 2-min stages during an indirect calorimetry test. RESULTS: MFO increased by 20.6% from morning to afternoon (p = 0.0002, Cohen's d = 0.52). There was a significant time of day, (p < 0.0001, η2p = 0.76) and intensity effect (p = 0.002, η2p = 0.32) in fat oxidation (Fatox) rates indicating that Fatox was higher in the afternoon than in the morning. CONCLUSION: Our study extends previous findings on the existence of diurnal variation in maximal fat oxidation to MetS patients, highlighting the afternoon as a more favorable time for fat utilization during exercise. These findings have practical implications for optimizing training timing in MetS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PACTR202306776991260.

Telic-Paratelic Dominance and Heart Rate Variability in Athletes Engaged in Power and Endurance Training.

Purpose: The current study aimed to evaluate the telic-paratelic tendency and heart rate variability in athlete participants from different sports activities.Methods: We assigned 117 healthy participants (M age = 20, SD = 3 years) into three groups according to their training activity: power-trained (PT; n=43), endurance-trained (ET; n=36), and healthy untrained individuals (n=38). We assessed their telic-paratelic tendencies with the validated Telic Dominance Scale and their autonomic nervous system activity with heart rate variability (HRV) analyses.Results: Our findings revealed no significant differences in the telic-paratelic tendencies between ET and PT groups. However, significant differences were observed between athletes and untrained individuals (p = 0.001). Indeed, compared to untrained participants, ET and PT athletes had a greater telic tendency (both p = 0.001), were more focused on planning orientation (ET: p = 0.003; PT: p=0.001), and less often avoided arousal or activation (For ET 31% and for PT 26% of participants). The paratelic tendency was more important in untrained individuals, with most of these participants lacking in seriousmindedness and planning. In addition, we found higher HRV in paratelic ET athletes (SDNN p = 0.050, LF p = 0.022, and LF/HF p = 0.031) compared to their telic peers.Conclusion: our results suggest that sport activity did not influence the telic-paratelic tendency. Nevertheless, this tendency differentiates trained from untrained participants. HRV was higher among paratelic ET athletes, potentially reflecting less stress and more training adaptability in these athletes.

The effects of training type and area size variations on the physiological and session rating of perceived exertion responses during male judo matches.

Modified exercise prescription in judo is commonly used to activate the energy systems in different magnitudes. In order to study the physiological and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) responses according to area sizes (i.e., 4 m × 4 m, 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m) and training mode variations (i.e., groundwork, ne-waza; standing combat only, tachi-waza; and free combat, free randori), eighteen male judo athletes (age: 22.6 ± 1.8 years) were randomly assigned, on separate days, to 9 experimental conditions (3 area sizes × 3 training modes) with each condition lasting 4 min. Delta lactate [La] was calculated based on the blood lactate values measured before and after every condition. Heart rate (HR) was measured during and after each bout and RPE recorded at the end of each combat. The results showed that mean and peak HR, percentage of maximum HR (% HRmax), delta [La] values and RPE scores were lower in 4 m × 4 m compared to 6 m × 6 m and 8 m × 8 m, and in groundwork training mode compared to standing combat and free randori (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 6 m × 6 m condition induced lower delta [La] values than 8 m × 8 m (p < 0.001) and free randori resulted in higher RPE scores than standing combat (p = 0.001). In conclusion, different training variables can be easily manipulated in a variety of different ways to specifically activate the energetic systems. Focusing on groundwork, the 6 m × 6 m area size was found to be the most suitable condition to induce a higher cardiovascular response, while the standing combat and free randori in 6 m × 6 m resulted in increased glycolytic activation compared to the groundwork condition.

It Is Time to Play: Acute Effects of Soccer and Sprint Exercise on Attentional Performance, Mood, and Enjoyment in Untrained Male Adolescents.

This study aimed to compare the effects of an acute bout of small-sided soccer game (SSG) and sprint exercise on attention, mood, and enjoyment in untrained adolescent boys. Eighteen adolescent boys aged 13-15 years participated in a counterbalanced order intervention: 1-No-training control condition (CONTROL), 2-SSG (SOCCER), and 3-Repeated sprint (SPRINT) sessions. Before and after the sessions, all participants completed the revised d2-test of attention and a mood assessment (i.e., Brunel mood scale [BRUMS]). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived enjoyment (i.e., physical activity enjoyment scale) were evaluated after each session. A 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance with contrast-coded test was used to analyze the data. Attentional test performance increased from pre- to post-exercise intervention for both SOCCER and SPRINT (main effect of Phase, F = 40.81, p < .001, ηp2 = 0.48), compared with the CONTROL. BRUMS scores did not change for any of the interventions. RPE was significantly lower after SOCCER compared with SPRINT (t = 3.05 [3.20-7.18], p < .001, ηp2 = 0.46). SOCCER was perceived to be significantly more enjoyable compared with SPRINT (p = .03) and CONTROL (p < .001). To conclude, an acute bout of exercise based on SOCCER or SPRINT exercise was beneficial for adolescent boys' attention, with significantly better enjoyment reported after the SOCCER session, whereas we did not observe any mood effects.

The effects of tempo and loudness variations during warm-up with music on perceived exertion, physical enjoyment and specific performances in male and female taekwondo athletes.

The ergogenic effect of pre-selected warm-up music with the tempo and loudness variations on the performance of combat sports' athletes as well as the difference between sexes is not well established. The present study aimed to assess the effects of listening to music with different tempos and loudness during warm-up on perceived exertion, physical enjoyment and physical performances in young taekwondo athletes. In a randomized study design, 20 taekwondo athletes (10 males, mean ± SD: age: 17.5 ± 0.7 years, taekwondo experience: ≥ 6 year) performed the taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT) and the 10s and multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult) after warming-up with or without music. The music was played at high (140 beats·min-1) or very high (200 beats·min-1) tempo combined with low (60 dB) or high (80 dB) loudness, resulting in four experimental and control conditions. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed after each condition. After normality, homogeneity and sphericity checks, two-way (or multivariate) analysis of variance and Bonferrroni (or Friedman's and Wilcoxon's test) post-hoc test were operated when necessary. For TSAT, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced better performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 140 beats·min-1+60 dB conditions. For FSKT-10s, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB condition induced higher performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB and the control conditions. For FSKT-mult, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced higher number of techniques compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 200 beats·min-1+80 dB conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced lower decrement index (DI) compared with the other conditions and lower DI in 140 beats·min-1+60 dB compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB resulted in greater PACES scores compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Better performance was found for males compared with females in TSAT, FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult (i.e., techniques' number), as well as lower DI and higher RPE post-FSKT-10s. Pre-selected warm-up music played at 140 beats·min-1 and 80 dB is an efficient strategy to enhance physical activity enjoyment and specific performances in taekwondo.

Effect of Pre-Meal Metformin With or Without an Acute Exercise Bout on Postprandial Lipemic and Glycemic Responses in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Randomized, Open Label, Crossover Study.

INTRODUCTION: Both exercise and pre-meal metformin could lower postprandial glucose and lipid profiles. AIMS: To explore whether pre-meal metformin administration is superior to metformin administration with the meal in reducing postprandial lipid and glucose metabolism, and whether its combination with exercise confer superior benefits in metabolic syndrome patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized crossover design, 15 metabolic syndrome patients were assigned to 6 sequences including 3 experimental conditions: metformin administration with a test meal (met-meal), metformin administration 30 min prior to a test meal (pre-meal-met) with or without an exercise bout designed to expend 700 Kcal at 60% VO2 peak performed the evening just before pre-meal-met condition. Only 13 participants (3 males, 10 females; age: 46 ± 9.86, HbA1c: 6.23 ± 0.36) were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: Postprandial triglyceridemia was unaffected by any condition (all P > .05). However, both pre-meal-met (-7.1%, P = .009) and pre-meal-metx (-8.2%, P = .013) significantly reduced total cholesterol AUC with no significant differences between the two latter condition (P = .616). Similarly, LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower during both pre-meal-met (-10.1%, P = .013) and pre-meal-metx (-10.7%, P = .021) compared to met-meal with no difference between latter conditions (P = .822). Plasma glucose AUC was significantly reduced by pre-meal-metx compared to both pre-meal-met (-7.5%, P = .045) and met-meal (-8%, P = .03). Insulin AUC was significantly lower during pre-meal-metx compared to met-meal (-36.4%, P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Metformin administration 30 minutes prior to meal seems to exert favorable effects on postprandial TC and LDL-Cholesterol levels compared to its administration with meal. Addition of one exercise bout only improved postprandial glycemia and insulinemia. TRIAL REGISTRY: Pan African clinical trial registry, Identifier PACTR202203690920424.

Effects of Biological Age on Athletic Adaptations to Combined Plyometric and Sprint with Change of Direction with Ball Training in Youth Soccer Players.

There is evidence for the effectiveness of youth combined plyometric and sprint with change of direction (COD) training. However, the evidence is not well-known regarding the in-season effects of biological age (peak height velocity­PHV) on the motor adaptive processes following combined plyometric and COD with ball training (P-CODBT) in youth soccer players. This study aimed to examine the in-season effects of P-CODBT (8 weeks and twice a week) on the athletic performances of male youth soccer players, circa- and post-PHV. In a randomized controlled training study with pre-to-post measurements, forty-eight male players were assigned into two experimental (performing P-CODBT; n = 12 × circa-PHV and n = 12 × post-PHV) and two control groups (CONG; n = 12 × circa-PHV and n = 12 × post-PHV). The pre- and post-training participants were assessed for their anthropometric, linear sprinting with and without a ball, COD speed with and without a ball, vertical jump, dynamic balance, and endurance-intensive performances. After the intervention, the experimental condition induced significant (all p < 0.0001) and small to large effect size (ES = 0.263−3.471) additional gains only on explosive measures compared to CONG. Both the experimental (all p < 0.0001; ES = 0.338−1.908) and control (p = 0.011−0.0001; ES = 0.2−1.8) groups improved their athletic performances over the training period. The improvements generated by p-CODBT were not affected by biological age. In-season short-term P-CODBT (twice a week) could be safe way to generate benefits in explosive performances in youth soccer players, which are relevant components of match-winning actions in soccer.

Diurnal Variation of Specific Tests' Performance and Related Psychological Aspects in Young Judo Athletes.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of time-of-day on judo athletes' performances and the associated psychological variables and perceived exertion following judo-specific tests. Methods: Twelve male judo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) performed in a randomized and counterbalanced order the special judo fitness test (SJFT), the judo physical fitness test (JPFT), the dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests in the morning (8:00 a.m), midday (12:00 p.m), and afternoon (5:00 p.m). Oral temperature and psychological variables [profile of mood state (POMS), Hooper questionnaire, total quality of recovery (TQR)] were assessed before and after the tests, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed only after the tests. Results: RPE score was higher in the morning compared to the afternoon after the JPFT (d = 0.38, p = .045). PACES after JPFT was higher in the morning compared to midday (d = 0.85, p < .001). The isometric and dynamic performances during chin-up tests were higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (d = 0.38, p = .048 and 0.047, respectively). Also, oral temperature was higher in the afternoon compared to the morning (d = 0.41, p = .050) and the midday (p = .047) for dynamic test, while TQR, well-being indices, and POMS did not differ according to time-of-day (p > .05). Conclusions: These results suggest that dynamic and isometric judo chin-up tests are time-of-day dependent with higher performance recorded in the afternoon than in the morning. However, performances in the JPFT and SJFT were not time-of-day dependent.

Effects of Four Weeks of Plyometric Training Performed in Different Training Surfaces on Physical Performances in School Children: Age and Sex Comparisons.

Short- to middle-term plyometric training has been shown to be an effective method to promote youth fitness and health. However, there is no knowledge of previous studies that investigated the sex and age effects on physical fitness following different PT surfaces (i.e., firm vs. sand) in schoolchildren. This study examined the effects of age and sex on explosive and high-intensity responses following plyometric training (4 weeks, twice/week) performed on firm vs. sand surfaces in untrained schoolchildren. Ninety girls and ninety boys (under 8: age = 7.1 ± 0.5 and 7.1 ± 0.4 years; under 10: age = 9.0 ± 0.4 and 9.0 ± 0.5 years; under 12: age = 11.0 ± 0.5 and 11.0 ± 0.5 years, respectively) participated in a randomized and parallel training design with pre-to-post testing. Participants were allocated (i.e., 30 boys and 30 girls for each group) into either two experimental groups (firm group: performing plyometrics on a clay surface and sand group: performing plyometrics on a dry surface of 20 cm deep sand) or a control group (CG, habitual physical education classes) within their corresponding age groups. Children were tested for sprint, jumping and change of direction speed performances before and after 4 weeks of plyometric training. Both experimental groups induced more significant improvements in all assessed variables than CG (p < 0.0001; effect size > 0.80), whereas both surfaces induced similar improvements (p > 0.05). Older boys achieved better performances than their younger counterparts (p < 0.05) and older girls (p < 0.0001), respectively. This finding showed that age and sex could affect explosive and high-intensity performances during childhood after a short-term plyometric training. In contrast, the training-induced fitness changes were not influenced by the type of surface.

Effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo-specific physical test performances.

This study investigated the effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo athletes' physical fitness. Fifty-nine adolescent male and female judo athletes (age 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or one control group (CG). Experimental groups (kumi-kata [KG], uchi-komi [UG] and running [RG]) trained four times per week over four weeks of intensified training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; CG underwent only the usual training) followed by 12 days of tapering. The countermovement jump test (CMJ), isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up tests (JCT), uchi-komi speed test (UST), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judo Physical Fitness Test (JPFT) were administered before and after the intensified period and after tapering. The CMJ performance was superior in KG compared with UG, RG and CG. Isometric JCT performance was superior in KG compared with RG and CG. Regarding UST, performance was superior in UG compared with RG and CG. The same performance was superior with respect to the same groups considering pre-training to tapering change. The SJFT index did not differ between groups or time-points. The JPFT index increased after intensified and tapering periods compared with before training, with KG eliciting higher values compared with CG. Coaches and conditioning coaches could administer kumi-kata high-intensity interval training to enhance athletes' judo-specific physical fitness.

Effects of Surface-Type Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness in Schoolchildren of Both Sexes: A Randomized Controlled Intervention.

Plyometric training (PT) has been found to be effective for children's fitness. However, no study has examined the effects of sex on physical fitness adaptations from surface-type PT in children. This study compared the effects of short-term surface-type PT (firm vs. sand) on the physical fitness of schoolchildren of both sexes. Sixty girls (age = 10.00 ± 1.15 years) and sixty boys (age = 10.02 ± 1.12 years) participated in a short-term (4 weeks), randomized and parallel PT design with pre-to-post measurements. Children were divided into two experimental groups (firm group: PT performed on a clay surface, 20 boys and 20 girls; sand group: PT performed on a dry surface of 20 cm deep sand, 20 boys and 20 girls) and a control group (CG, 20 boys and 20 girls). Squat jump, standing long jump, 20 m sprint, 5-10-5 shuttle, dynamic balance, and maximal aerobic velocity were measured at baseline and after intervention. Both experimental groups showed greater pre-post changes in all assessed variables than the CG (p < 0.0001). No significant differences in pre-post changes were observed relative to surface type or sex (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that a twice-weekly PT program induced physical fitness improvements, which may have transfer to health status during childhood. Additionally, surface type and sex did not affect the training-induced changes in physical fitness.

Effects of multimodal training program on muscle deoxygenation in women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Chemotherapy and/or radiation are the most often delivered treatments to cancer patients. Usually during the adjuvant treatment, patients complain about fatigue. In addition, physical exercise during adjuvant treatment of cancer seems to have beneficial effects. The aim of this investigation was to assess the effects of multimodal aerobic and strength exercises programs on muscle deoxygenation of patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Methods: Thirty-two women with breast cancer (20 patients as the training group and 12 patients as the control group) undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy participated in the study. The training group took part in 6 weeks of supervised intermittent aerobic cycling, home-based walking, isometric and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) exercise training programs. The Outcome measures were muscle deoxygenation (ΔHHb), Maximal Voluntary isometric Contraction (MViC) and Endurance Time (ET) before and after the training period. Results: Compared to the control group, a significant increase in ΔHHb (P < 0.01) accompanied with an increase in ET (P < 0.01) and MViC (P < 0.01) of the quadriceps was obtained in the training group. However, no significant differences of MViC, ET and ΔHHb were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Multimodal aerobic and strength exercise programs enhance muscle oxygen utilization, which may partly explain the improvement in muscular strength and endurance, and the reduction of muscle fatigue in patients with breast cancer during an adjuvant chemotherapy period.

Effects of Aquatic Training in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A variety of aquatic training regimens have been found to be beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in multiple domains. This study investigated and compared the efficacy of two aquatic training regimens (technical vs. game-based) on gross motor skills, stereotypy behavior and emotion regulation in children with ASD. Twenty-two autistic children were randomly assigned into three groups: two experimental groups performed either a technical aquatic program or a game-based aquatic program and a control group. Participants were assessed before and after an 8-week training period, with the Test of Gross Motor Development, the stereotypy subscale of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, and the Emotion Regulation Checklist. A significant effect for time was found in gross motor skills and stereotypy behavior in both experimental groups. An improvement in gross motor skills was observed in both experimental groups compared to the control group. A small pre-post change effect in emotion functioning was found in all groups. No significant differences were observed between the experimental groups in all assessed variables. Our findings provide additional evidence suggesting the effectiveness of beneficial effects of aquatic activities on the motor and social skills that underpin the hypothesis that motor and intellectual domains are highly interrelated in autistic children.

Acute Effects of Low Dose of Caffeine Ingestion Combined with Conditioning Activity on Psychological and Physical Performances of Male and Female Taekwondo Athletes.

This study investigated low-dose caffeine ingestion, conditioning activity (CA) effects on psycho-physical performances in young taekwondo athletes. In a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design, 20 athletes (10 males; 17.5 ± 0.7 yrs) performed taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s/multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s/FSKT-mult) after ingesting 3 mg·kg−1 caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PL) 60 min before performing standard warm-up without (NoCA) or with CA (3 × 10 vertical jumps above 40 cm), resulting in four experimental (PL + NoCA, CAF + NoCA, PL + CA, and CAF + CA) and one control (warm-up session without CAF or CA) conditions. Mood/physical symptoms (MPSS), subjective vitality (SVS), and feeling (FS) scales were analyzed post-to-pre for all conditions. Ratings of perceived-exertion and perceived-recovery status were determined after tests. For TSAT, CAF + CA induced better performance compared with all conditions (p < 0.001). For FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult, CAF + CA induced better performance compared with all conditions (p < 0.001). For MPSS, FS, CAF + NoCA induced higher scores than PL + NoCA and PL + CA (p = 0.002, 0.009 for MPSS; p = 0.014, 0.03 for FS). For SVS, PL + CA elicited lower scores than PL + NoCA and CAF + NoCA (p = 0.01, 0.004). Sex comparisons resulted in better performances for males for TSAT (p = 0.008), FSKT-10s (p < 0.001), FSKT-mult (p < 0.01), MPSS (p = 0.02), SVS (p = 0.028), and FS (p = 0.020) scores. Caffeine and conditioning activity are two efficient performance-enhancing strategies, which could synergistically result in greater psycho-physical performances.

The Role of Competition Area and Training Type on Physiological Responses and Perceived Exertion in Female Judo Athletes.

This study investigated the combined effects of competition area (4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 m) and judo-specific training type (tachi-waza, ne-waza, and free randori) on physiological responses and perceived exertion in female judo athletes. In a within-subject design, 12 female subelite and elite athletes who competed at regional or national levels with a mean training background of 8.4 ± 0.5 years performed the experimental conditions (i.e., combats (viz., matches) featuring different area/training type combinations) in random order. The following measurements at different time points were chosen: blood lactate before and after each match; heart rate before, mean, and peak for each match; and rating of perceived exertion immediately after each match. Two-factor analysis of variance was used to compare between conditions, while Bonferroni post hoc test and magnitude of difference were used to measure significance. There was no main effect of training type or area size on lactate before each match, heart rate (HR) before each match, HR mean during each match, and rating of perceived exertion. Main effects of training type and area size were found for lactate after each event, with the values being greater in free randori compared to tachi-waza and ne-waza and in 4 × 4 m compared to 6 × 6 and 8 × 8 m area. Main effects of training type and area size were also found in peak heart rate, with lower values in ne-waza compared to free randori and tachi-waza and in 8 × 8 m compared to 4 × 4 m area. The results demonstrate that varying training modality and area size may alter physiological responses during female judo combats by putting stress on the cardiovascular system and increasing anaerobic glycolysis solicitation.

Anthropometric, Psychosocial, Physiological, and Postural Observances During Ramadan in Men With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

This study aimed to carry out a Ramadan observance (RO) on anthropometric, psychosocial, physiological, and postural characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty COPD patients were evaluated. Tests performed 1 week before Ramadan (C), and during the second (R-2) and the fourth weeks of Ramadan (R-4) included standard anthropometry, spirometry, a quality of life questionnaire (VQ11), a 6-minute walking test (6MWT), measurement of maximal voluntary contraction force of the quadriceps (MVC), Timed Get Up and Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Unipedal Stance (UST). During R-2, there were significant decreases in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volumes, 6MWT distance, MVC, BBS, and UST, with significant increases in TUG and significant changes in VQ11. During R-4, there was some recovery, but all variables remained significantly different from initial control data. To conclude, RO adversely affects pulmonary function, exercise performance, postural balance, and quality of life in COPD, with some recovery by the R-4. Although a number of functional consequences remain to be elucidated, functional losses were insufficient to limit daily living in our sample, but further studies are recommended in those with more severe COPD, paying particular attention to postural disturbances and a possible increase in the risk of falls.

Acute Effects of Different Activity Types and Work-To-Rest Ratio on Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Young Male and Female Taekwondo Athletes.

The study assessed conditioning activities' (CAs') effects involving different work-to-rest ratios (WRR) on taekwondo athletes' physical performance. Adolescent taekwondo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) randomly participated in the control six experimental conditions. Each condition was composed of standard warm-up and CA composed of plyometrics (P) or repeated high-intensity techniques (RHIT) performed using three different WRR: 1:6, 1:7, self-selected rest time (SSRT). After rest, athletes performed countermovement jump (CMJ), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s frequency speed kick test (FSKT-10s), multiple frequency speed kick test (FSKT-mult). P1:7, SSRT induced techniques higher number in FSKT-10s (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) and lower TSAT time (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared with control. Kicks-number recorded during FSKT-mult was lower in the control compared with RHIT1:6 (p = 0.001), RHIT1:7 (p < 0.001), RHITSSRT (p < 0.05), P1:7 (p < 0.001), and SSRT (p < 0.001). Kicking decrement index (DI) during FSKT-mult was lower after RHIT1:6 compared with control (p = 0.008), RHIT1:7 (p = 0.031), P 1:6 (p = 0.014), PSSRT (p = 0.041). (1) P1:7 and PSSRT can be used to improve taekwondo-specific agility and kicks-number, (2) RHIT1:6 is beneficial to maintain low DI, and (3) plyometric and different WRR-repeated-techniques can enhance kicks-number.

Technical-tactical analysis of small combat games in male kickboxers: effects of varied number of opponents and area size.

BACKGROUND: To handle the competition demands, sparring drills are used for specific technical-tactical training as well as physical-physiological conditioning in combat sports. While the effects of different area sizes and number of within-round sparring partners on physiological and perceptive responses in combats sports were examined in previous studies, technical and tactical aspects were not investigated. This study investigated the effect of different within-round sparring partners number (i.e., at a time; 1 vs. 1, 1 vs. 2, and 1 vs. 4) and area sizes (2 m × 2 m, 4 m × 4 m, and 6 m × 6 m) variation on the technical-tactical aspects of small combat games in kickboxing. METHOD: Twenty male kickboxers (mean ± standard deviation, age: 20.3 ± 0.9 years), regularly competing in regional and national events randomly performed nine different kickboxing combats, lasting 2 min each. All combats were video recorded and analyzed using the software Dartfish. RESULTS: Results showed that the total number of punches was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p = 0.011, d = 0.83). Further, the total number of kicks was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001; d = 0.99 and d = 0.83, respectively). Moreover, the total number of kick combinations was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001; d = 1.05 and d = 0.95, respectively). The same outcome was significantly lower in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m and 6 m × 6 m areas (p = 0.010 and d = - 0.45; p < 0.001 and d = - 0.6, respectively). The number of block-and-parry was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p < 0.001, d = 1.45) and 1 versus 2 (p = 0.046, d = 0.61) and in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m and 6 × 6 m areas (p < 0.001; d = 0.47 and d = 0.66, respectively). Backwards lean actions occurred more often in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m (p = 0.009, d = 0.53) and 6 m × 6 m (p = 0.003, d = 0.60). However, the number of foot defenses was significantly lower in 2 m × 2 m compared with 6 m × 6 m (p < 0.001, d = 1.04) and 4 m × 4 m (p = 0.004, d = 0.63). Additionally, the number of clinches was significantly higher in 1 versus 1 compared with 1 versus 2 (p = 0.002, d = 0.7) and 1 versus 4 (p = 0.034, d = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides practical insights into how to manipulate within-round sparring partners' number and/or area size to train specific kickboxing technical-tactical fundamentals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study does not report results related to health care interventions using human participants and therefore it was not prospectively registered.

Psycho-physiological aspects of small combats in taekwondo: impact of area size and within-round sparring partners.

The study investigated physiological and psychological responses to taekwondo combat sessions as a function of different area sizes and within-round sparring partners. Twenty-four adolescent (age: 17 ± 1years) male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) taekwondo athletes participated in the study. Each athlete confronted 1 (1vs.1; no sparring partner change) or 2 (1vs.2; within-round sparring partner change every minute) opponents in different area sizes (i.e., 4 × 4 m, 6 × 6 m, and 8 × 8 m) for 2 min. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured before and after bouts. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the contests and rating of perceived exertion was assessed after bouts. Mean HR (HRmean) and percentage of maximum HR (%HRmax) determined during a 20-m multistage shuttle run test were used for analysis. Mood states were assessed before and after bouts and physical enjoyment was analyzed after bouts. The results showed higher HRmean and %HRmax values for the 1vs.1 compared to the 1vs.2 condition (p < 0.001) and [La] values were higher at post-combat measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, tension and fatigue were higher in 6 × 6 m compared with 8 × 8 m (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023, respectively) and anger was higher in 6 × 6 m and 8 × 8 m in comparison with 4 × 4 m (p = 0.012 and p = 0.043, respectively). Confusion increased from before to after bouts (p < 0.001), from 4 × 4 m and 6 × 6 m area sizes to 8 × 8 m (p = 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), and from 1vs.1 to 1vs.2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, vigour decreased from before to after bouts (p < 0.01). Taekwondo combat sessions are a specific conditioning exercise for athletes. Thus, coaches can use the 1vs.1 condition to elicit higher HR responses and 6 × 6 m area size to induce higher psychological stress, mimicking what occurs during a competition.

Effects of 1 vs. 2 sessions per week of equal-volume sprint training on explosive, high-intensity and endurance-intensive performances in young soccer players.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of 1 vs. 2 sessions per week of equal-volume sprint training on explosive, high-intensity and endurance-intensive performances among young soccer players. Thirty-six young male soccer players were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups that performed either a single weekly sprint training session (ST1, n = 18, age: 17.2 ± 0.8 years) or two weekly sprint training sessions (ST2, n = 18; age: 17.1 ± 0.9 years) of equal weekly and total volume, in addition to their regular soccer training regimen. Linear sprinting (10 m, 20 m, 30 m, and flying 10 m), T-test agility, countermovement jump (CMJ) and maximal oxygen consumption were assessed one week before (T1), in the middle (T2) and immediately after the 10 weeks of training (T3). A large magnitude and statistically significant main effect for time was found in all the assessed variables after both training interventions (all p < 0.001; ES ≥ 0.80). No main effect was observed between the 2 groups at any time in linear sprinting, T-test or CMJ test (p > 0.05; ES < 0.20). A significant interaction effect (F = 4.05; p = 0.04, ES = 0.21) was found for maximal oxygen consumption with ST2 inducing better performance than ST1 (p = 0.001; ES = 1.11). Our findings suggested that the two sprint training frequencies were effective in enhancing explosive, high-intensity and endurance-intensive performances. However, it is recommended for coaches and fitness coaches to use a biweekly sprint training modality as it was found to be more effective in improving endurance-intensive performance.