Intervenções de esportes modificados para crianças e adolescentes com deficiência: Uma revisão de escopo.

As intervenções de esportes modificados visam o desempenho de habilidades relacionadas ao esporte e visam alcançar a participação em atividades físicas e funções corporais Essas intervenções incluíram treinamento de habilidades motoras relacionadas ao esporte em grupo e introdução ao esporte em ambientes do mundo real Eles são oferecidos principalmente para crianças ambulantes com transtorno do espectro do autismo e paralisia cerebral A maioria dos estudos de intervenção de esportes modificados apresentou nível de evidência moderado Resumo gráfico: Intervenções de esportes modificados para crianças e adolescentes com deficiência: Uma revisão de escopo. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dmcn.15952.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer o escopo da literatura sobre intervenção de esportes modificados para crianças e adolescentes com deficiência. MÉTODOS: Para esta revisão de escopo, os artigos foram selecionados e as características dos estudos foram extraídas. As intervenções de esportes modificados foram descritas quanto à sua estrutura, utilizando os itens do Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR). Os componentes do tratamento foram descritos usando a linguagem do Sistema de Especificação de Tratamento de Reabilitação. Os resultados foram analisados e validados por um grupo de profissionais, utilizando a estratégia de Envolvimento do Público e do Paciente. RESULTADOS: Doze estudos foram elegíveis para inclusão, investigando intervenções para crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo, paralisia cerebral e outras condições. A maioria dos estudos apresentou nível de evidência moderado. Os ingredientes ativos foram o treino motor repetido relacionado com o esporte e a introdução à prática esportiva através do mecanismo de "aprendizagem pela ação". O alvo da intervenção foi a capacidade de execução das habilidades motoras grossas, e os objetivos da intervenção (resultados indiretos) foram a participação em atividades físicas e diferentes funções corporais. INTERPRETAÇÃO: As principais características e estrutura da intervenção, lacunas de pesquisa e um passo­a­passo para implementação clínica foram apresentados para melhorar sua compreensão. São necessárias investigações futuras sobre a eficácia das intervenções de esportes modificados com estudos de melhor qualidade, incluindo resultados de participação, e estudos com crianças não deambulantes. O QUE ESTE ARTIGO ACRESCENTA: As intervenções de esportes modificados visam o desempenho de habilidades relacionadas ao esporte e visam alcançar a participação em atividades físicas e funções corporais Essas intervenções incluíram treinamento de habilidades motoras relacionadas ao esporte em grupo e introdução ao esporte em ambientes do mundo real Eles são oferecidos principalmente para crianças ambulantes com transtorno do espectro do autismo e paralisia cerebral A maioria dos estudos de intervenção de esportes modificados apresentou nível de evidência moderado.

Modified sports interventions for children and adolescents with disabilities: A scoping review.

AIM: To establish the scope of the literature on modified sports interventions for children and adolescents with disabilities. METHOD: For this scoping review, articles were screened and the characteristics of studies were extracted. The modified sports interventions were described in terms of their structure, using the items of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication. Components of intervention treatment were described by using the language of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System. Results were analysed and validated by a group of professionals, using the Public and Patient Involvement strategy. RESULTS: Twelve studies were eligible for inclusion, investigating interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. Most studies presented a moderate level of evidence. Active ingredients were repeated sports-related motor training and introduction to the sport through a 'learning by action' mechanism. The intervention target was gross motor skills performance, and intervention aims (indirect outcomes) were physical activity participation and different body functions. INTERPRETATION: The inclusion of stakeholders in this review helped to validate our findings about the characteristics and structure of modified sports interventions, to identify research gaps, and to provide a step process for clinical implementation. Future investigations are warranted of the effectiveness of modified sports investigations with better quality studies, including participation outcomes and studies with non-ambulant children. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Modified sports interventions target sport-related skills performance and aim to achieve physical activity participation and body functions. These interventions included group-based, sports-related motor skills training and introduction to sports in real-world environments. They are offered mostly for ambulant children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy. Most studies of modified sports interventions presented moderate level of evidence.

Muscle Architecture and Maximal Strength between Male Practitioners of Functional Fitness Training and Strength Training.

Functional Fitness Training (FFT) is a very popular training method in recent years. However, the combination of aerobic and strength components of this training method raised the hypothesis of impaired strength and muscle structure when compared to Strength Training (ST). Thus, the study aimed to compare muscle architecture and strength between FFT and ST, and the relationship between muscle architecture and maximum strength performance. Males (28.46 ± 6.03 years), nonathletes, and practitioners for two years in FFT (n = 8) and ST (n = 8), in addition to males classified as physically active (n = 8) were recruited. Muscle architecture of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) of the thigh were evaluated with the aid of B-mode ultrasound and maximum strength in the back squat through the one-repetition maximum test. For muscle architecture, the fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PAn), and muscle thickness (MT) were evaluated, in addition to the cross-sectional area (CSA). The FL, PAn, MT, and CSA of the RF and VL did not differ between the FFT and ST groups. Similarly, maximum strength did not differ between the FFT (152 ± 23.68 kg) and ST (151.88 ± 14.77 kg) groups. A significant relationship was observed between the PAn of the RF and the maximum strength (r =0.862; p =0.006) of FFT practitioners. The muscle architecture, CSA, and muscle strength do not differ between FFT and ST male practitioners, and PAn of the RF correlates with the maximum force for FFT practitioners.

What Do We Know about Frame Running? A Narrative Review.

ABSTRACT: This narrative review aims to provide a general overview of the literature about frame running, which is a recent modality of Para-Athletics. Frame running is practiced by using a tricycle without pedals called PETRA RaceRunner, by people with moderate to severe cerebral palsy and other lower limb functional limitations. Briefly, the movement pattern is very similar to walking and running. This review includes studies from scientific databases and content of official sports web sites by using the keywords "framerunning," "racerunning," and "petra racerunning." According to our search, this narrative review highlighted three themes involving the practice of frame running, namely health and quality of life, sports classification, and training and testing in the frame running context.

Metabolic Cost and Performance of Athletes With Lower Limb Amputation and Nonamputee Matched Controls During Running: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: The elastic function of running-specific prostheses likely contributes to a lower metabolic cost of running. However, it remains unclear whether running-specific prostheses provide advantages concerning the metabolic cost of running in relationship with nonamputee runners. This study aimed to systematically review the scientific literature to examine the peak performance (peak oxygen consumption-VO2peak and peak speed) and the metabolic cost between paired amputees and nonamputees during running and between amputee runners with traditional prostheses and running-specific prostheses. A literature search on three databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted using the following key words: (amputation OR amputee) AND (run OR running OR runner) AND (prosthesis OR prosthetics), resulting in 2060 records and 4 studies within the inclusion criteria. A methodological quality assessment was carried out using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist. VO2peak of the amputees athletes (54 ± 2 mL kg-1 min-1) is similar (mean difference = -0.80 mL kg-1 min-1, confidence interval = -4.63 to 3.03) to nonamputees athletes (55 ± 2 mL kg-1 min-1). The average metabolic cost of the paired amputee athletes (4.94 ± 1.19 J kg-1 m-1) also does not differ (mean difference = 0.73 J kg-1 m-1, confidence interval = -0.74 to 2.20) from nonamputee runners (4.21 ± 0.16 J kg-1 m-1). The research on running in amputee and nonamputee athletes is limited. The few existing studies have limited methodological quality. The metabolic cost data from amputee athletes running with running-specific prostheses are within the range of nonamputee data.

Determination of the speed-time relationship during handcycling in spinal cord injured athletes.

This study aimed to determine the critical speed (CS) and the work above CS (D') from three mathematical models of para-athletes during a treadmill handcycling exercise. Nine hand-cyclists with spinal cord injuries performed a maximal incremental handcycling test and three tests to exhaustion at a constant speed to determine the speed-time relationship. The three tests to exhaustion were performed at intensities between 90% and 105% of peak speed derived from the incremental test. Then, the determination of CS and D' was modelled by linear and hyperbolic models. CS and D' did not present any significant differences among the three mathematical models. Low values in the standard error of estimate for CS were found for the three models (Linear: Distance-time: 1.7 ± 0.5%; Linear: Speed-1/time: 3.0 ± 1.9% and Hyperbolic: 1.2 ± 0.6%). Based on the simplicity to calculate, the CS modelled by linear-distance-time can be a practical method for handcyclist coaches.

The improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy women after a 12-week Classical Pilates training / A melhoria da aptidão cardiorrespiratória em mulheres saudáveis depois de 12 semanas de treinamento no Pilates Clássico

Aims: to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of Pilates training (Classical Method) on cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate responses of healthy sedentary women. Method: fifteen women (average age 29±4) performed 12 weeks of Pilates training for 60 minutes, three times per week (Pilates Group). Thirteen women (average age 29±5) as controls maintained their routine activities (Control Group). The exercises' introduction was by the degree of difficulty with changes in the plane of movements; smaller base of support; spinal rotations and extensions; use of abdominal muscles in prone position. Heart rate was monitored and recorded during all sessions using a heart frequency meter. Results: ANOVA analysis results revealed significant difference in Pilates Group (p < 0.05) between pre and post measures of VO2peak (+13%), fat percentage (- 3.3%), free fat mass (+ 2.8 kg), and muscular endurance in the abdominal area (+61%), lower limbs (+75%) and upper limbs (+68%). The percent of Maximum Heart Rate achieved in the 6th (79.25%) and 12th (79.86%) weeks of training increased from the first week (73.4%). Physical fitness in Control Group remained unchanged. Conclusion: twelve weeks of Pilates training positively affected overall physical fitness in previously sedentary healthy women. Furthermore, the increase in VO2peak and achieved Maximum Heart Rate was significant even with no specific aerobic training.

Objetivos: avaliar os efeitos de 12 semanas de treinamento de Pilates (Método Clássico) sobre o condicionamento cardiorrespiratório e respostas da frequência cardíaca de mulheres sedentárias saudáveis. Métodos: quinze mulheres realizaram 12 semanas de treinamento de Pilates durante 60 minutos, três vezes por semana (Grupo Pilates), com média de idade 29±4 anos. Treze mulheres com idade compatível com os controles mantiveram suas atividades rotineiras (Grupo Controle), com média de idade de 29±5 anos. A introdução dos exercícios foi pelo grau de dificuldade com mudança nos planos de movimento; menor base de suporte; rotação e extensão da coluna; e ativação da musculatura abdominal em posição de decúbito ventral. A frequência cardíaca foi monitorada e gravada durante todas as sessões usando um frequencímetro. Resultados: Os resultados da ANOVA revelaram diferença significativa no Grupo Pilates (p < 0,05) entre medidas pré e pós de VO2pico (+13%), percentual de gordura (- 3,3%), massa gorda livre (+ 2,8 kg), e resistência muscular da área abdominal (+61%), membros inferiores (+75%) e dos membros superiores (+68%). O percentual de Frequência Cardíaca Máxima alcançado na sexta (79,25%) e na décima primeira (79,86%) semanas de treinamento aumentou a partir da primeira semana (73,4%). A aptidão física do Grupo Controle permaneceu inalterada. Conclusão: doze semanas de treinamento de Pilates afetaram positivamente o condicionamento físico geral em mulheres saudáveis anteriormente sedentárias. Além disso, o aumento do VO2pico e da Frequência Cardíaca Máxima foi significativo mesmo sem treinamento aeróbico específico.

Factors influencing self-selected walking speed in fibrotic interstitial lung disease.

This study aimed to investigate the walking economy and possible factors influencing self-selected walking speed (SSWS) in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) compared to controls. In this study, 10 patients with ILD (mean age: 63.8 ± 9.2 years, forced expiratory volume in the first second: 56 ± 7% of predicted) and 10 healthy controls underwent resting pulmonary function tests, cardiopulmonary exercise, and submaximal treadmill walking tests at different speeds. The walking economy was assessed by calculating the cost-of-transport (CoT). Dynamic stability was assessed by stride-to-stride fluctuations using video recordings. Patients with ILD showed reduced peak oxygen uptake with a tachypneic breathing pattern and significant oxygen desaturation during exercise. The CoT did not differ between the groups (p = 0.680), but dyspnea and SpO2 were higher and lower, respectively, in patients with ILD at the same relative speeds. SSWS was reduced in ILD patients (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 4.2 ± 0.4 km h-1 p = 0.001) and did not correspond to the energetically optimal walking speed. Dynamic stability was significantly lower in patients with ILD than in healthy controls, mainly at lower speeds. Patients with ILD presented a similar cost of transport compared to healthy controls; however, they chose lower SSWS despite higher walking energy expenditure. Although walking stability and dyspnea were negatively affected, these factors were not associated with the slower walking speed chosen by individuals with ILD.

Time-Trial Performance of Para-Cycling Athletes With Visual Impairment in Tandem Competitions: A Retrospective Analysis of 20 Yrs.

ABSTRACT: Identifying performance variables associated with visual impairment classification in para-cycling is one of the steps to improve the evidence-based classification system, and consequently, bring equality in Paralympic sports. Thus, this retrospective study aimed to analyze a 1-km tandem-track race performance among para-cyclists (male and female) with different visual impairment degrees (B1, B2, and B3) and to verify the retrospective performance over 20 yrs in all sport classes. The data were extracted from 427 para-cyclists (251 male and 176 female) who competed in the Para-Cycling World Championships and Paralympic Games. The following performance variables were analyzed: time trial, velocity, pace strategies, and number of medals. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare performance variables among athletes of different sport classes (B1, B2, and B3) and χ2 tests were implemented to test the association between sport classes and medal distribution with a level of significance set at a P value of less than 0.05. The main results revealed that partially sighted athletes exhibited better tandem-track race performance compared with blind athletes (P < 0.05). Significant associations between sport classes and medal distribution in male (P = 0.026) and female (P = 0.017) athletes were found (higher in B3 athletes). Only 23.2% of male and 41.5% of female B3 athletes were medalists, and B3 athletes performed better specifically compared with B1 in most race distances. Finally, B2 and B3 athletes showed higher performance improvements than B1 throughout 20 yrs in the male group. It was concluded that male and female visual impairment athletes who classified as B1 displayed lower tandem-track race performance and medal frequency compared with partially sighted athletes, mainly considering those in the B3 class. The competitive system for athletes with visual impairment should be improved to provide more equity in the track para-cycling events.

The relationship between height of vertical jumps, functionality and fall episodes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A case-control study.

This study aimed to compare the height of jumps and functional parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to those in healthy people, in addition to assessing the relationship among variables in patients with COPD. Twenty patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume [FEV1] % of predicted: 39.98 ± 11.69%; age: 62.95 ± 8.06 years) and 16 healthy people (FEV1% of predicted: 97.44 ± 14.45%; age: 59.94 ± 6.43 years) were evaluated, and all participants performed the Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) tests to assess rapid force considering the jumping height. Functional capacity was assessed using the self-selected walking speed tests, walking speed in 10 m, walking test in 6 min, balance on one leg, sitting and standing, timed up and go, and a stair-climbing test. In addition, the questionnaires on recall of falls, Falls Efficacy Scale-International (concern with falling), International Physical Activity Questionnaires, and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire were administered. The height of the jumps showed no difference between the groups, but the COPD group performed worse in most functional tests and was more afraid of falling. The number of falls was correlated with height in the SJ (r = -0.51) and CMJ (r = -0.62) jumps (p < 0.05), and with the performance in different functional tests. We suggest that interventions targeting rapid force may bring improvements in functional mobility and physical fitness as well as reducing fall episodes in patients with COPD.

Correlations Between Jump Performance in Block and Attack and the Performance in Official Games, Squat Jumps, and Countermovement Jumps of Professional Volleyball Players.

ABSTRACT: Berriel, GP, Schons, P, Costa, RR, Oses, VHS, Fischer, G, Pantoja, PD, Kruel, LFM, and Peyré-Tartaruga, LA. Correlations between jump performance in block and attack and the performance in official games, squat jumps, and countermovement jumps of professional volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S64-S69, 2021-The jump used in performance tests must be chosen according to the specificity. The aims of the present study were to analyze the correlations between height and reach of block and attack jumps and the effectiveness of such actions in official games and also the relationship between height and reach of attack and block jumps and the height achieved in squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and CMJ with an arms swing (CMJA). Thirteen, male, professional volleyball players who competed in the Brazilian Volleyball Super League participated in this study. Evaluations of height and reach of attack and block jumps and height of SJ, CMJ, and CMJA were performed. Attack and block effectiveness were evaluated in 8 official games. Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was used, and the significance level was set at α ≤ 0.05. Attack jump height correlated with attack effectiveness in the games (r = 0.57; p = 0.05). Block jump height presented a very large correlation with SJ height (r = 0.82; p < 0.01), and attack jump height presented a very large correlation with CMJ height (r = 0.86; p < 0.01). Success in attack actions is directly associated with the athlete's ability to perform a vertical jump. Moreover, SJ, CMJ, and CMJA tests provided information of great applicability for the volleyball players' needs. Because of the relevance of the results, these tests should be included in the assessment routine of professional volleyball players.

Physiological Predictors of Maximal Incremental Running Performance.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify whether physiological components [vertical jumps (Squat Jump - SJ and Countermovement Jump - CMJ), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) of vertical jumps, running economy (RE), metabolic cost (C MET ), first and second ventilatory threshold (VT1 and VT2) maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX)] can predict maximal endurance running performance. METHODS: Twenty male runners performed maximal vertical jumps, submaximal running at constant speeds, and maximal incremental running test. Before, we measured anthropometric parameters (body mass and height) and registered the training history and volume. SJ and CMJ tests were evaluated prior to running tests. Initially, the oxygen uptake (VO2) was collected at rest in the orthostatic position for 6 min. Soon after, a 10-min warm-up was performed on the treadmill at 10 km⋅h-1, followed by two 5-min treadmill rectangular tests at 12 and 16 km⋅h-1 monitored by a gas analyzer. After that, the runners performed a maximal incremental test, where the VT1, VT2, and VO2MAX were evaluated, as well as the maximum running speed (vVO2MAX). Thus, RE and C MET were calculated with data obtained during rectangular running tests. Multivariate stepwise regression analyses were conducted to measure the relationship between independent variables (height and power of SJ and CMJ, EUR; RE and C MET 12 and 16 km⋅h-1 ; VT1, VT2, and VO2MAX), as predictors of maximal running performance (vVO2MAX), with significance level at α = 0.05. RESULTS: We found that VO2MAX and RE at 16 km⋅h-1 predict 81% of performance (vVO2MAX) of endurance runners (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The main predictors of the maximal incremental running test performance were VO2MAX and RE.

Running Stride Length And Rate Are Changed And Mechanical Efficiency Is Preserved After Cycling In Middle-Level Triathletes.

Although cycling impairs the subsequent metabolic cost and performance of running in some triathletes, the consequences on mechanical efficiency (Eff) and kinetic and potential energy fluctuations of the body center of mass are still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of previous cycling on the cost-of-transport, Eff, mechanical energy fluctuations (Wtot), spring stiffness (Kleg and Kvert) and spatiotemporal parameters. Fourteen middle-level triathletes (mean ± SD: maximal oxygen uptake, [Formula: see text]O2max = 65.3 ± 2.7 ml.kg-1.min-1, age = 30 ± 5 years, practice time = 6.8 ± 3.0 years) performed four tests. Two maximal oxygen uptake tests on a cycle ergometer and treadmill, and two submaximal 20-minute running tests (14 km.h-1) with (prior-cycling) and without (control) a previous submaximal 30-minute cycling test. No differences were observed between the control and post-cycling groups in Eff or Wtot. The Eff remains unchanged between conditions. On the other hand, the Kvert (20.2 vs 24.4 kN.m-1) and Kleg (7.1 vs 8.2 kN.m-1, p < 0.05) were lower and the cost-of-transport was higher (p = 0.018, 3.71 vs 3.31 J.kg-1.m-1) when running was preceded by cycling. Significantly higher stride frequency (p < 0.05, 1.46 vs 1.43 Hz) and lower stride length (p < 0.05, 2.60 vs 2.65 m) were observed in the running after cycling condition in comparison with control condition. Mechanical adjustments were needed to maintain the Eff, even resulting in an impaired metabolic cost after cycling performed at moderate intensity. These findings are compatible with the concept that specific adjustments in spatiotemporal parameters preserve the Eff when running is preceded by cycling in middle-level triathletes, though the cost-of-transport increased.

The relationship between strength asymmetries and jumping performance in professional volleyball players.

Knee peak torque (PT) is associated to jump performance in volleyball players. It is not clear whether muscle strength imbalances of the knee joint can influence jump performance. The purpose of study was to analyse the association between PT and knee muscular imbalances with jump performance in professional volleyball players. Eleven elite male volleyball players (90.3 ± 9.7 kg body mass and 1.94 ± 0.06 m height) were evaluated in an isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 60, 180 and 300 deg/s. Muscle strength imbalances were obtained through calculation of contralateral deficit between limbs and the conventional ratio (hamstrings/quadriceps). Countermovement jump (CMJ) was performed on a force plate to calculate mechanical power and height. Association was found between knee extensor PT at 180 deg/s with CMJ power (r = 0.610, p = 0.046). Conventional ratio at 300 deg/s showed negative association with CMJ (r = -0.656, p = 0.029). The optimal ratio between knee extensors PT in relation to the flexors PT is associated with the greater mechanical power in CMJ. Contralateral deficit does not seem to be associated with the CMJ performance. Considering the knee extensor PT is associated with CMJ power, our findings suggest that strength-based training in volleyball athletes should not omit the conventional muscle ratio.

Gait and functionality of individuals with visual impairment who participate in sports.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with visual impairment (VI) have often been observed to walk slower than individuals with unimpaired vision. These observations might be confounded by typical low levels of physical activity and greater sedentary behavior in individuals with VI than the overall population. RESEARCH QUESTION: Here, we compared gait and balance measures between individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, and activity level matched sighted individuals. METHODS: We assessed static balance, anthropometry, self-selected walking speed, locomotion rehabilitation index, and lower limb muscular endurance; and applied physical activity level and fear of falling questionnaires. RESULTS: Individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, self-selected a similar walking speed (1.29 ±â€¯0.26 m/s) as active sighted individuals (1.39 ±â€¯0.21 m/s). Locomotor rehabilitation index and muscular endurance of lower limbs were also similar between groups. Individuals with VI presented lower static balance (42.0 ±â€¯17.0s) than the sighted control group (45.0 ±â€¯0s) when the controls were tested with their eyes open. However, no difference was found when the controls were tested with their eyes closed (30.3 ±â€¯17.0s). Furthermore, individuals with VI showed a greater fear of falling. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, individuals with VI who participate in disability sports, as goalball and football, walk with similar self-selected walking speeds as active sighted individuals, but have slightly worse static balance and fear of falling.

Correlations between the strength of knee extensor and flexor muscles and jump performance in volleyball players: a review / Relação entre a força dos músculos extensores e flexores de joelho e o desempenho de saltos em jogadores de voleibol: uma revisão

ABSTRACT Jump tests and isokinetic dynamometer assessments are widely used in sports to identify parameters of strength and power development. Understanding the relationship between these variables can help in the selection of more specific parameters to assess the strength of knee joint muscles on isokinetic dynamometer in volleyball players. The objective of this literature review was to summarize studies that have analyzed the relationship between performance in jump tests with strength generation capacity in knee isokinetic dynamometry assessments among volleyball players, besides investigating whether muscle imbalances of the knee joint can interfere with jump performance. The reviewed studies resulted from a search on PubMed and Scielo databases. A total of 106 articles were found, 6 of which were used for final analysis. The capacity to generate strength in knee isokinetic dynamometry assessments correlates with jump performance. Strength imbalances from one limb to another do not seem to interfere with jump performance. Strength imbalances between knee flexors and extensors may be related to the functionality of volleyball players.

RESUMO Os testes de saltos e as avaliações no dinamômetro isocinético são amplamente utilizados no esporte para a identificação dos parâmetros de desenvolvimento de força e potência. A compreensão da relação entre essas variáveis pode auxiliar nas escolhas de parâmetros mais específicos na avaliação da força dos músculos da articulação do joelho no dinamômetro isocinético para os jogadores de voleibol. O objetivo da presente revisão de literatura foi reunir estudos que analisaram as relações entre o desempenho dos testes de saltos com a capacidade de geração de força em avaliações de dinamometria isocinética de joelho em jogadores de voleibol, além de investigar se os desequilíbrios musculares da articulação do joelho podem interferir no desempenho dos saltos. Os estudos revisados são provenientes da busca realizada nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo. Foram encontrados 106 artigos dos quais 6 artigos foram utilizados para a análise final. A capacidade de gerar força nas avaliações de dinamometria isocinética de joelho é relacionada com o desempenho de salto. Os desequilíbrios de força de um membro para outro parecem não interferir no desempenho dos saltos. Os desquilíbrios de força entre os flexores e extensores de joelho podem ter relação com a funcionalidade dos jogadores de voleibol.

Effects of load carriage on physiological determinants in adventure racers.

Adventure racing athletes need run carrying loads during the race. A better understanding of how different loads influence physiological determinants in adventure racers could provide useful insights to gauge training interventions to improve running performance. We compare the maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), the cost of transport (C) and ventilatory thresholds of twelve adventure running athletes at three load conditions: unloaded, 7 and 15% of body mass. Twelve healthy men experienced athletes of Adventure Racing (age 31.3 ± 7.7 years, height 1.81 ± 0.05 m, body mass 75.5 ± 9.1 kg) carried out three maximal progressive (VO2max protocol) and three submaximal constant-load (running cost protocol) tests, defined in the following quasi-randomized conditions: unloaded, 7% and, 15% of body mass. The VO2max (unload: 59.7 ± 5.9; 7%: 61.7 ± 6.6 and 15%: 64.6 ± 5.4 ml kg-1 min-1) did not change among the conditions. While the 7% condition does neither modify the C nor the ventilatory thresholds, the 15% condition resulted in a higher C (5.2 ± 0.9 J kg-1 m-1; P = 0.001; d = 1.48) than the unloaded condition (4.0 ± 0.7 J kg-1 m-1). First ventilatory threshold was greater at 15% than control condition (+15.5%; P = 0.003; d = 1.44). Interestingly, the velocities on the severe-intensity domain (between second ventilatory threshold and VO2max) were reduced 1% equivalently to 1% increasing load (relative to body mass). The loading until 15% of body mass seems to affect partially the crucial metabolic and ventilatory parameters, specifically the C but not the VO2max. These findings are compatible with the concept that interventions that enhance running economy with loads may improve the running performance of adventure racing's athletes.

Neuromuscular features in sprinters with cerebral palsy: case studies based on paralympic classification.

Despite the evolution of runner performance in athletes with cerebral palsy (CP), little is known about neuromuscular parameters of sprinters from different classes, especially related to power output, muscular imbalances and asymmetry indexes in lower limbs. The aim of this study was to assess muscle power, muscular imbalance and asymmetry in sprinters with CP. Four male sprinters with CP (age, 18 to 27 years; body mass, 58.5 to 72.8 kg; height, 161.5 to 174 cm) classified as T38, T37, T36, T35 according to International Paralympic Committee functional classification, performed vertical counter movement jump and squat jump on force plate and isokinetic torque evaluations in both limbs. The concentric peak torque (PT) was measured at 60°/sec, 120°/sec and 180°/sec and PT eccentric at 60°/sec and 120°/sec. The asymmetry indexes, conventional and functional ratios were assessed. the results showed that athletes with more severe impairments (T35 and T36) showed worse performance to muscle power, more muscular imbalance and higher asymmetry in PT between limbs (> 10%). The exception was T37 athlete, who presented the better performance for all variables. it is concluded that CP athletes with more severe impairments showed lower jumping performance and torque production of knee extensors and flexors, they showed greater asymmetries between limbs. Finally, considering the results of T37 athlete, it seems that the athletic training for a longer period can reverse part of the neuromuscular impairments caused by CP.

Effects of Fatigue on Running Mechanics: Spring-Mass Behavior in Recreational Runners After 60 Seconds of Countermovement Jumps.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute fatigue on spring-mass model (SMM) parameters among recreational runners at different speeds. Eleven participants (5 males and 6 females) performed running trials at slower, self-selected, and faster speeds on an indoor track before and after performing a fatigue protocol (60 s of countermovement jumps). Maximal vertical force (Fmax), impact peak force (Fpeak), loading rate (LR), contact time (Tc), aerial time (Ta), step frequency (SF), step length (SL), maximal vertical displacement of the center of mass (Z), vertical stiffness (Kvert), and leg work (Wleg) were measured using a force plate integrated into the track. A significant reduction (-43.1 ± 8.6%; P < .05) in mechanical power during jumps indicated that the subjects became fatigued. The results showed that under fatigue conditions, the runners adjusted their running mechanics at slower (2.7 ms-1; Z -12% and SF +3.9%; P < .05), self-selected (3.3 ms-1; SF +3%, SL -6.8%, Ta -16%, and Fmax -3.3%; P < .05), and faster (3.6 ms-1 SL -6.9%, Ta -14% and Fpeak -9.8%; P < .05) speeds without significantly altering Kvert (P > .05). During constant running, the previous 60 s of maximal vertical jumps induced mechanical adjustments in the spatiotemporal parameters without altering Kvert.

Effects of Fatigue on Running Mechanics: Spring-Mass Behavior in Recreational Runners After 60 Seconds of Countermovement Jumps.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute fatigue on spring-mass model (SMM) parameters among recreational runners at different speeds. Eleven participants (5 males and 6 females) performed running trials at slower, self-selected, and faster speeds on an indoor track before and after performing a fatigue protocol (60 s of countermovement jumps). Maximal vertical force (Fmax), impact peak force (Fpeak), loading rate (LR), contact time (Tc), aerial time (Ta), step frequency (SF), step length (SL), maximal vertical displacement of the center of mass (ΔZ), vertical stiffness (Kvert), and leg work (Wleg) were measured using a force plate integrated into the track. A significant reduction (-43.1 ± 8.6%; P < .05) in mechanical power during jumps indicated that the subjects became fatigued. The results showed that under fatigue conditions, the runners adjusted their running mechanics at slower (≈2.7 ms-1; ΔZ -12% and SF +3.9%; P < .05), self-selected (≈3.3 ms-1; SF +3%, SL -6.8%, Ta -16%, and Fmax -3.3%; P < .05), and faster (≈3.6 ms-1 SL -6.9%, Ta -14% and Fpeak -9.8%; P < .05) speeds without significantly altering Kvert (P > .05). During constant running, the previous 60 s of maximal vertical jumps induced mechanical adjustments in the spatiotemporal parameters without altering Kvert.