Recovery in elite youth basketball players: The responsiveness of the psychophysiological measurements and the role of testosterone concentration.

This study investigated the recovery responses to the Total Quality Recovery (TQR), Well-Being questionnaire (WBQ), and Heart Rate (HR) responses to Submaximal Running Test (SRT), and the influence of salivary testosterone concentration (TEST) on these responses in 25 elite youth (U15) male basketball players. TQR, WBQ, and HR measurements were assessed after 48 hours of rest (T1), 24 hours after the 1st day of training (T2) and 24 hours after the 2nd day of training (T3). Salivary sampling was conducted at T1 and T3. A significant decrease was observed for TQR (F = 4.06; p = 0.01) and for WBQ (F = 5.37; p = 0.008) from T1 to T3. No difference among the three-time points was observed for HR and HR Recovery, and the TEST concentration did not influence the results. These results show that TQR and WBQ are sensitive to acute transient alterations in training loads (TL) and may be utilized to monitor recovery in elite youth basketball players. The HR related measurements presented limited responsiveness, and the TEST seems not to influence the recovery of these players who are competing at highest performance level.

Change-of-Direction and Deceleration Deficits in National-Team Female Rugby Sevens Players: Interrelationships and Associations With Speed-Related Performance.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between a series of direct and indirect measures of linear and multidirectional speed performance in elite female rugby sevens players. METHODS: Nineteen players from the Brazilian national team performed 40-m linear sprint and 505 change-of-direction (COD) tests on the same day. Based on the linear sprint and COD test performances, the COD deficit (CODD) and deceleration deficit (DD) were also obtained. A Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was used to determine the relationships between linear sprint and COD-derived variables. RESULTS: Linear sprint and 505 COD velocities were not significantly associated (P > .05). Large to very large significant associations (r values ranging from .54 to .78; P < .05) were detected between linear sprint velocity for the different distances tested (10, 15, 30, and 40 m) and CODD. The COD velocity presented a very large inverse significant correlation with CODD and DD (r = -.77 and -.79 respectively; P < .05). A large and significant correlation was identified between CODD and DD (r = .79; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Significant associations were observed between linear sprint and CODD, suggesting that faster players are less efficient at changing direction. No relationship was found between sprint velocity and DD, highlighting the independent nature of linear sprints and deceleration capabilities. A comprehensive and detailed analysis of multidirectional speed performance should consider not only linear sprint and COD performances but also complementary COD-derived variables such as the CODD and DD.

Half-Squat and Jump Squat Exercises Performed Across a Range of Loads: Differences in Mechanical Outputs and Strength Deficits.

ABSTRACT: Loturco, I, McGuigan, MR, Freitas, TT, Bishop, C, Zabaloy, S, Mercer, VP, Moura, TBMA, Arruda, AFS, Ramos, MS, Pereira, LA, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Half-squat and jump squat exercises performed across a range of loads: differences in mechanical outputs and strength deficits. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1052-1056, 2023-The aim of this study was to compare the peak force (PF), peak power (PP), and peak velocity (PV) outputs produced during half-squat (HS) and jump squat (JS) exercises executed at 20, 40, 60, and 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the HS (HS 1RM) and to compute and compare the strength deficit (SDef) achieved in these exercises across these loads. Twenty-four national rugby union players (age: 25.7 ± 3.6 years) performed HS 1RM and a progressive loading test in the HS and JS exercises. The PF, PP, and PV values were obtained in all loads for both exercises, and the SDef was calculated as the percentage difference between the PF at distinct relative intensities and the PF at HS 1RM. The differences in HS and JS variables were determined using an analysis of variance with repeated measures. Higher PF, PP, and PV outputs were generated in the JS in comparison with the HS exercise ( p < 0.05); moreover, the SDef magnitudes were significantly lower in the JS ( p < 0.01), for all loading conditions. Importantly, the differences in SDef, and as a consequence, PF, PP, and PV decreased progressively with increasing load. Overall, the loaded JS exhibited increased levels of PF, PP, and PV and reduced levels of SDef when compared to the traditional HS performed across a range of loads. The JS is indicated to reduce the SDef and improve the athletes' ability to apply force at higher velocities. Nevertheless, with heavier loads (i.e., ≥80% HS 1RM), its potential advantages and effectiveness may be seriously compromised.

Assessing the Relationship Between External and Internal Match Loads in Elite Women's Rugby Sevens.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between external and internal load during official women's rugby seven matches. METHODS: Six backs (age = 24.2 [3.2] y; height = 161.5 [7.3] cm; body mass = 59.5 [5.0] kg; playing experience = 5.3 [1.5] y) and 8 forwards (age = 22.4 [2.7] y; height = 167.0 [4.8] cm; body mass = 70.6 [5.6] kg; playing experience = 5.0 [1.5] y) belonging to the women's rugby seven Brazilian national team were monitored across 3 international tournaments during the 2019-20 season, with 2 players excluded from the analysis since they did not participate in any investigated match. Total distance (TD), distance during high-intensity running 18.1 to 20.0 km·h-1 and >20 km·h-1 (sprinting), number of accelerations >1.8 m·s-2 (ACC), and of decelerations <1.8 m·s-2 were used as match load volume measures, while their relative values (TD per minute, high-intensity running per minute, sprinting per minute, ACC per minute, and decelerations per minute) were used as external load match intensity measures. Internal load intensity and volume were assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and its value multiplied by match duration (sRPE-ML), respectively. Spearman correlations and linear mixed models were used to assess the relationships between internal and external load measures. RESULTS: A very large relationship (ρ = .830, P < .001) was found between sRPE-ML and TD, with linear mixed models showing that TD statistically affected sRPE-ML (P < .001). Linear mixed models analysis showed that ACC per minute was also affecting the sRPE-ML (P = .017), while sprinting (P = .007) and ACC per minute (P = .005) were the only 2 measures statistically affecting sRPE. However, weak relationships (trivial to large) were found for these and all other measures. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight that TD is the main external load measure able to anticipate the internal load responses measured via sRPE-ML in elite women's rugby sevens.

Acute Effects of Progressive Sled Loading on Resisted Sprint Performance and Kinematics.

ABSTRACT: Pareja-Blanco, F, Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, Alcaraz, PE, Reis, VP, Guerriero, A, Arruda, AFS, Zabaloy, S, De Villarreal, ES, and Loturco, I. Acute effects of progressive sled loading on resisted sprint performance and kinematics. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1524-1531, 2022-We examined the effects of 5 loading conditions (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% of body-mass [BM]) on resisted sprint performance and kinematics in male rugby players over different distances. Ten players from the Brazilian National Team (20.1 ± 3.3 years; 88.7 ± 18.8 kg; 178.3 ± 6.2 cm) performed 20-m sprints under the 5 loading conditions. Sprint times in 5, 10, and 20 m were recorded. Stride length (SL), and hip, knee, and ankle angles were measured using an eight-sensor motion analysis system. The kinematic parameters were calculated over the different distances. Heavier loads led to significantly greater velocity loss (p < 0.001-0.05). Significant reductions in SL were also observed when comparing 0% BM and all resisted sprints in all assessed distances (p < 0.001-0.05, effect size [ES]: 1.35-4.99). Very heavy (80% BM) sled load provoked significantly greater decreases in SL than the rest of loading conditions (p < 0.01-0.05). Important kinematic alterations were observed for all loading conditions and sprint distances when compared with 0% BM (ES: 0.76-1.79, for hip-angle; 0.20-1.40, for knee-angle; and 0.73-1.88, for ankle-angle). Moreover, 80% BM induced significantly higher hip flexion, lower knee flexion, and higher ankle dorsiflexion than 20% BM condition at 5-10 and 10-20 m distances (p < 0.05). Lighter sled loads (<40% BM) seem to be more adequate to improve speed ability without provoking drastic changes in the unloaded sprinting technique, whereas heavier loads may be more suitable for optimizing horizontal force production and thus, acceleration performance.

Impact of Sled Loads on Performance and Kinematics of Elite Sprinters and Rugby Players.

PURPOSE: To examine the changes in resisted sprint performance and kinematics provoked by different sled loads in elite sprinters and rugby players. METHODS: Eight elite male sprinters and 10 rugby union players performed 20-m sprints under 3 loading conditions (0%, 20%, and 60% body mass [BM]). Sprint time was measured in 0 to 5, 5 to 10, and 10 to 20 m, while stride length and hip, knee, and ankle angles were measured using an 8-sensor motion analysis system at the same distances. RESULTS: Sprinters were significantly faster than rugby players in unresisted and resisted sprints using 20% BM (effect size, "ES" [90% confidence limit, CL] range: 0.65 [0.03 to 1.27]; 3.95 [3.10 to 4.81]), but these differences were not significant at 60% BM. Compared to rugby players, sprinters showed lower velocity decrement in resisted sprints using 20% BM (ES [90% CL] range: 0.75 [0.06 to 1.44]; 2.43 [0.83 to 4.02], but higher velocity decrement using 60% BM (ES [90% CL] range: 1.13 [0.43 to 1.82]; 1.46 [0.81 to 2.11]). No significant differences were detected in stride length between sprinters and rugby players for any sprint condition (ES [90% CL] range: 0.02 [-0.72 to 0.76]; 0.84 [0.13 to 1.54]). Rugby players showed higher hip flexion in resisted sprints (ES [90% CL] range: 0.30 [-0.54 to 1.14]; 1.17 [0.20 to 2.15]) and lower plantar flexion in both unresisted and resisted sprints (ES [90% CL] range: 0.78 [0.18 to 1.38]; 1.69 [1.00 to 2.38] than sprinters. CONCLUSIONS: The alterations induced by resisted sprints in sprint velocity and running technique differed between sprinters and rugby players. Some caution should be taken with general sled loads prescriptions, especially when relative loads are based on distinct percentages of BM, as training responses vary among sports and individuals.

Influence of Physical and Technical Aspects on Change of Direction Performance of Rugby Players: An Exploratory Study.

We examined the relationships between change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, and a series of speed- and power-related measurements in national team rugby union players and analyzed the influence of movement patterns on COD ability. Eleven male athletes completed the following physical assessments on different days: day 1-anthropometric measurements, and lower-body kinematic parameters (assessed with eight inertial sensors) and completion time in COD tests (pro-agility, 45° cutting maneuver (CUT), and "L" (L-Drill)); day 2-bilateral and unilateral squat and countermovement jumps, 40 m linear sprint, and bar-power output in the jump squat and half-squat exercises. Pearson's product-moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships between COD velocities, COD deficits, and the speed-power variables. Differences between players with higher and lower COD deficits were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Results showed that (1) greater sprint momentum was associated with higher COD deficits, particularly in drills with sharper angles and multiple directional changes (L-drill and pro-agility); (2) higher unilateral jump heights were associated with greater COD deficits in the pro-agility and L-drill but not in the CUT; (3) faster athletes were less efficient at changing direction and presented greater trunk and knee flexion angles during COD maneuvers, probably as a consequence of higher inertia.

Influence of Congested Match Schedules, Pre-Match Well-Being and Level of Opponents on Match Loads during World Rugby Women's Sevens Series.

This study aimed at assessing (1) the effect of congested match schedules on match loads and well-being as well as (2) pre-match well-being and level of opponents on match loads in elite women's rugby sevens. Eleven players of the Brazilian women's rugby sevens national team were investigated across three 2019-20 HSVC World Rugby Women's Seven Series tournaments to assess: (1) within-tournament match-to-match changes in various external and internal match load measures; (2) daily changes in players' well-being collected before the commencement of a tournament (day one) and during or post-tournament (day two to day four); and (3) the effect of pre-match well-being and level of opponents (high vs. low level) on match loads. Results revealed no between-match significant differences (p > 0.05) in most of the investigated match load measures. A congested match schedule negatively affected perceived fatigue (p < 0.001), muscle soreness (p = 0.004) and overall wellness (p < 0.001), with post hoc analyses showing decreased values on day four compared to previous days (small-to-moderate effect sizes). Finally, pre-match well-being and level of opponents did not affect match loads (p > 0.05). These results highlighted the necessity to embrace a multidimensional approach when adopting monitoring systems in elite women's rugby sevens during tournaments and to consider various contextual factors possibly affecting match loads, besides those investigated.

Differences in physical performance between Olympic and non-Olympic female rugby sevens players.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the physical performance of National female rugby sevens players selected or not selected to form the Brazilian National Olympic team. METHODS: Thirty women rugby sevens players from the Brazilian National team (15 Olympic and 15 non-Olympic athletes) participated in this study. Tests were performed on consecutive days, in the following order: day 1) standing long jump (SLJ); squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ); and one-repetition maximum test in the bench-press, prone-row, and parallel squat exercises; day 2) 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility and L-drill change of direction tests; and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (IR1). The differences between groups in all variables examined were analyzed using the independent t test and effect sizes (ES). RESULTS: Greater jump performances were noticed for the Olympic players in all jump tests compared to the non-Olympics (ES=0.95, ES=1.05, and ES=0.93, for SLJ, SJ, and CMJ, respectively; P<0.05). Olympics revealed shorter sprint times than non-Olympics in 40-m distance (ES=0.88; P<0.05). Higher one-repetition maximum in the bench-press and Yo-Yo IR1 distance were also observed for the Olympics in comparison to non-Olympic players (ES=0.65 and 0.93, respectively; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower-body power, upper-body strength, maximal sprint velocity and aerobic fitness were found to be important for distinguishing between Olympic and non-Olympic female rugby sevens players. Coaches and practitioners should prioritize the development of these physical qualities in these team-sport athletes.

Differences in Change of Direction Speed and Deficit Between Male and Female National Rugby Sevens Players.

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Alcaraz, PE, Calleja-González, J, Arruda, AFS, Guerriero, A, Kobal, R, Reis, VP, Pereira, LA, and Loturco, I. Differences in change of direction speed and deficit between male and female national rugby sevens players. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3170-3176, 2021-The aims of this study were to assess the change of direction (COD) deficit in different tasks and to investigate the differences in COD ability and COD deficit between male and female rugby sevens players. Thirty-six elite rugby players from the Brazilian National senior sevens teams (18 males and 18 females) completed the following physical assessments: squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump from a 45-cm height; horizontal single and triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and 1 repetition maximum test in the squat exercise. The differences between male and female performances were determined using magnitude-based inferences, an independent t test, and effect sizes (ES). Pearson's product-moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships among the different COD velocities and COD deficits. Men demonstrated likely to almost certainly significantly higher performances than women in all speed-power assessments and COD tasks (ES ranging from 0.61 to 2.09; p < 0.05), with the exception of the Zig-zag drill (ES = 0.24; p > 0.05). Furthermore, males displayed significantly greater COD deficits in all tests and higher sprint momentum (ES ranging from 0.78 to 2.95; p < 0.05). Large significant relationships among COD velocities (r ranging from 0.71 to 0.88; p < 0.05) and almost perfect significant correlations among all COD deficits (r ranging from 0.90 to 0.95; p < 0.05) were obtained in both sexes. The present results indicate that male rugby players are less efficient at changing direction, relative to their maximum sprint velocity. In addition, the correlations between the different COD deficits and COD speeds suggest that elite rugby players demonstrate similar ability to change direction, independently of the angle of directional change. From a practical perspective, this implies that a more comprehensive training strategy including eccentric exercises, acceleration-deceleration drills, and directional change technique is warranted to improve the COD ability (and reduce the COD deficit) of faster and more powerful rugby sevens players.

Force-Velocity Relationship in Three Different Variations of Prone Row Exercises.

ABSTRACT: Loturco, I, Suchomel, T, Kobal, R, Arruda, AFS, Guerriero, A, Pereira, LA, and Pai, CN. Force-velocity relationship in three different variations of prone row exercises. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 300-309, 2021-This study examined the force-velocity relationship and tested the possibility of determining the relative loading intensity percentage of 1 repetition maximum (%1RM) in 3 different variations of prone row exercises. Thirty male top-level athletes from 2 different sports (National Team rugby union players and professional mixed martial arts fighters) were submitted to maximum dynamic strength assessments in the free prone bench pull, bent-over barbell row, and bent-over Smith machine row, after standard procedures encompassing lifts performed from 40 to 100% of 1RM. The mean velocity, mean propulsive velocity, and peak velocity were measured in all attempts. Linear regression analyses were performed to establish the relationships between the different measures of bar velocities and %1RM. The actual (obtained during the assessments) and predicted 1RM values (based on the predictive equations) for each exercise were compared using a paired t-test. In all exercises, the predicted 1RM scores-based on all velocity variables-were not different from their respective actual values. The close linear relationships between bar velocities and distinct %1RM (coefficient of determination ≥80%, in all experimental conditions) allow precise determination of relative load and maximum dynamic strength, and enable coaches and sports scientists to use the different velocity outputs to rapidly and accurately monitor their athletes on a daily basis.

Change-of-Direction Deficit vs. Deceleration Deficit: A Comparison of Limb Dominance and Inter-limb Asymmetry between Forwards and Backs in Elite Male Rugby Union Players.

The aims of the present study were to: 1) determine whether limb dominance and inter-limb asymmetry were the same across both change of direction (COD) and deceleration (DEC) deficits and, 2) determine the association between the COD and DEC-deficits and other physical performance tests in elite male rugby union players. Twenty five players performed a series of bilateral jumps, linear and COD speed tests at the end of the pre-season period. COD and DEC-deficits were calculated for both left and right sides, and inter-limb asymmetry thereafter. Kappa coefficients revealed moderate levels of agreement in limb dominance between COD and DEC-deficits (Kappa = 0.41 on left; 0.48 on right). For the direction of asymmetry, perfect levels of agreement (Kappa = 1) were evident between 505 time and COD-deficit, but only moderate levels of agreement (Kappa = 0.41) between other asymmetry measures. Pearson's r correlations showed moderate to large relationships between jumps and linear (r = -0.42 to -0.68) and COD speed (r = -0.41 to -0.58), but not with the COD-deficit (r = 0.15 to -0.31), DEC-deficit (r = 0.01 to -0.32) or asymmetry (r = 0.16 to -0.29). When analysing by playing position, backs were significantly faster than forwards over 15-m (ES = -0.86) and across all jump tests (ES = 0.86-0.94), with the exception of the squat jump. This study is the first to provide a direct comparison of the COD and DEC-deficits and highlights that limb dominance and asymmetry cannot be guaranteed between tasks.

Analysis of serve and serve return on different surfaces in elite tennis players / Análise de saque e devolução de saque em diferentes tipos de quadra em jogadores de tênis de elite

Abstract The aim of the current study was to analyze players' interactions in serve and serve return situations and examine the way points were decided due to players' positions and surfaces. Fourteen ATP 1000 tournament matches were analyzed (7 on hard surface; 7 on clay surface). The type of surface did not affect the way points ended (χ²=9.26; p > 0.05) but did influence serve return vertical positioning (χ²=270.86; p < 0.001). The return positioning, both lateral (χ²=92.68; p < 0.001 on deuce side - χ² = 78.98; p < 0.001 on advantage side) and vertical (χ²=33.59; p < 0.001), and the type of serve (χ²=45.13; p < 0.001) affected the way points were decided. The results from the present study suggest that tennis players should use, or at least seek, strategies based on aggressiveness and consistency of the 1st serve and also indicate that in the 2nd serve return, players are more offensive, and that on hard surfaces, players stand a few steps inside the court to return the serve, differently from clay surfaces. It recommended that serve returns should combine aggression, by inside the court positioning, and accuracy.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar as interações dos jogadores em situações de saque e retorno de saque e examinar como os pontos foram decididos em função do posicionamento em quadra e dos tipos de superfície. Quatorze partidas do torneio ATP 1000 foram analisadas (7 em superfície dura; 7 em superfície de saibro). O tipo de piso não influenciou a forma como os pontos são definidos (χ²=9,26; p > 0,05), mas apresentou efeito sobre o posicionamento vertical na devolução de saque (χ²=270,86; p < 0.001). O posicionamento na devolução de saque, tanto vertical como lateral (no lado de iguais χ² = 92,68; p < 0,001 e no lado da vantagem χ²=78,98; p < 0,001), e o tipo de saque (χ²=45,13; p < 0.001) afetaram a forma como os pontos foram definidos. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que os tenistas devem usar, ou pelo menos buscar, estratégias de jogo baseadas na agressividade e consistência do 1º saque. Os resultados também indicam que na devolução do 2º saque os jogadores são mais ofensivos, e que nas superfícies duras os jogadores ficam alguns passos dentro da quadra para devolver o saque, diferentemente das superfícies de saibro. Recomenda-se que devoluções de saque combinem agressividade, por posicionamento dentro da quadra, e acurácia.

Is Tensiomyography-Derived Velocity of Contraction a Sensitive Marker to Detect Acute Performance Changes in Elite Team-Sport Athletes?

PURPOSE: To examine the variations in the velocity of contraction (Vc) assessed using tensiomyography, vertical jumping ability, and sprinting speed induced by 4 different exercise protocols (ie, strength, sprint, plyometric, and technical training sessions) in 14 male national-team rugby players (age 21.8 [2.6] y, weight 83.6 [8.5] kg, and height 177.4 [6.7] cm). METHODS: Physical tests were conducted immediately before and after 4 distinct workouts in the following order: tensiomyography in the rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles, squat and countermovement jumps, and 30-m sprint velocity. To analyze the differences in the assessed variables before and after each training session, the differences based on magnitudes were calculated. RESULTS: After strength and plyometric workouts, the players presented possible to almost certain impairments in sprint and jump performance and in the Vc of the rectus femoris (effect sizes 0.26-0.64). After the sprint-training session, possible to very likely decreases were observed in the squat jump, 30-m sprint, and Vc of the biceps femoris (effect sizes 0.21-0.44). By contrast, after the technical training, athletes demonstrated a possible increase in the squat jump and Vc in both muscles examined (effect sizes 0.13-0.20). CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this research is that, for the vast majority of results, the direction of changes observed in Vc were the same as those observed in performance assessments. This suggests that Vc might be used as a sensitive marker of acute variations in speed and power performance of elite team-sport athletes.

Influence of Strength and Power Capacity on Change of Direction Speed and Deficit in Elite Team-Sport Athletes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of maximum strength and power levels on change of direction (COD) ability and deficit in elite soccer and rugby players. Seventy-eight elite athletes (soccer, n = 46; rugby, n = 32) performed the following assessments: squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ), 1 repetition-maximum in the half-squat exercise (HS 1RM), peak power (PP) in the jump-squat exercise, and 20-m linear sprint and Zigzag COD tests. Utilizing the median split analysis, athletes were divided into two groups according to their HS 1RM and PP JS (e.g., higher and lower HS 1RM and higher and lower PP JS). The magnitude-based inference method was used to analyze the differences between groups in the physical performance tests. Athletes in the high strength and power groups outperformed their weaker and less powerful counterparts in all speed and power measurements (i.e., 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint velocity, Zigzag COD speed, and CMJ and SJ height). In contrast, stronger and more powerful athletes displayed greater COD deficits. The present data indicate that players with superior strength-power capacity tend to be less efficient at changing direction, relative to maximum sprinting speed, despite being faster in linear trajectories. From these results, it appears that current strength and power training practices in team-sports are potentially not the "most appropriate" to increase the aptitude of a given athlete to efficiently utilize his/her neuromuscular abilities during COD maneuvers. Nevertheless, it remains unknown whether more multifaceted training programs are effective in decreasing COD deficits.

Salivary testosterone concentration, anxiety, perceived performance and ratings of perceived exertion in basketball players during semi-final and final matches.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of playing semi-final (SFM) and final (FM) matches on salivary testosterone (T) concentration, anxiety, session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and perceived performance (PP) in elite male youth basketball players. Data from 25 players who participated ≥15 min in 6 assessed matches consisting of SFM (n = 3; 1 match for each age-category [U15, U16, and U17]), and FM (n = 3; 1 match for each age-category) were retained for analysis. Saliva sampling was conducted before and after the matches. Video recordings of the matches were conducted to assess the players match involvement (technical and tactical actions). Anxiety (CSAI-2) was assessed before pre-match saliva sampling, and session-RPE and PP were assessed post-matches. A significant increase in T from pre-to-post matches (SFM and FM; F = 24.40, p < .001) was observed, with no effect for condition (F = 1.70, p = .20) or interaction (F = 0.006, p = .93). No significant correlation between changes in salivary T (pre-to-post matches) and match involvement was observed (p > .05). However, a higher anxiety, session-RPE and PP were observed for FM (p < .05). The results of the present study suggest that while rising T in winners might be considered to be a hormonal response to support the expression of high-status signs, regardless of the playoff round (SFM or FM), the T and perceptual responses may be explained based on psychological aspects associated with the environment rather than by the technical demands or player's involvement in the match.

Change of Direction Deficit in National Team Rugby Union Players: Is There an Influence of Playing Position?

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of direction (COD) ability and deficits of elite rugby union players, discriminating between position (backs and forwards), and between "faster and slower players", in multiple COD tasks. Twenty-four male rugby union players from the Brazilian senior National team completed the following assessments: Squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump; standing long jump, horizontal triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-Drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and squat 1-repetition maximum. The differences between backs and forwards and between faster and slower performers were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Backs were faster (in both linear and COD speed tests) and jumped higher than forwards. Moreover, they generated an inferior sprint momentum. No differences were found in COD deficit between playing positions. However, when dividing the sample by median split, faster players outperformed their slower counterparts in all power⁻speed variables and presented higher COD deficits. These results suggest that separating rugby players by playing position might not discriminate players with different COD skills and that the median split analysis is more sensitive to identifying these differences. Furthermore, the present data indicate that faster rugby players are less efficient at changing direction and tolerating higher approach velocities in COD maneuvers.

Papel da testosterona no desempenho de potência de jogadores profi ssionais de futebol em diferentes momentos da temporada competitiva / Role of testosterone on power performance in professional soccer players at diff erent periods of the competitive season

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: 1) verifi car a associação entre a testosterona (TEST) e o desempenho de potência de membros inferiores de jogadores profi ssionais de futebol durante uma temporada competitiva; e 2) verifi car o efeito da alteração da concentração de TEST entre o início e o final da temporada competitiva na variação da potência. No início (M1) e no fi nal (M2) de uma temporada competitiva de 8 semanas, 12 jogadores profi ssionais de futebol forneceram amostras de saliva e realizaram salto vertical com contramovimento com carga adicional de 30% da massa corporal. Foi observada manutenção da concentração de TEST e diminuição de potência para o grupo como um todo (p<0,05). Quando separados dois subgrupos de acordo com a resposta de TEST, o subgrupo com diminuição da concentração de TEST (DCT) teve redução no desempenho de potência. Já o subgrupo com aumento da concentração de TEST (ACT) manteve o desempenho de potência alcançado em M1. Também foi verifi cada correlação significativa e positiva entre a concentração de TEST e o desempenho de potência em M1 e M2 (r = 0,68 e 0,87, espectivamente), assim como, entre a variação de TEST e a variação de potência de M1 para M2, tanto para a potência média (r = 0,75), quanto para a potência relativa (0,77), para o subgrupo ACT. A partir da separação do grupo de acordo com a alteração de TEST do M1 para M2, foi possível observar diferentes respostas de desempenho de potência. O subgrupo ACT manteve o nível de potência durante a temporada competitiva. Esses resultados sugerem que o aumento de TEST durante a temporada competitiva pode estar associado à manutenção de potência em jogadores profi ssionais de futebol....(AU)

The main aims of the present study were: 1) to examine the infl uence of testosterone (TEST) on lower limbs power performance during a competitive season in professional soccer players; and 2) to observe the eff ect of TEST change on power response. At the beginning (M1) and the end (M2) of an 8-week competitive season, 12 professional soccer players provided saliva samples and performed countermovement jumps with a 30% of their body mass load. It was observed no signifi cant change in TEST, and a decrement in power performance, for the whole group (p<0.05). However, when the group was divided into subgroups, the subgroup that showed decrement in TEST concentration (DTC) from M1 to M2 presented a decrease in power performance; conversely, the subgroup that presented an increment in TEST concentration (ITC) was able to maintain the previous level of power. A signifi cant and positive correlation between TEST concentration and power for both M1 and M2 (r = 0.68 and 0.87), as well as between TEST variation and power change from M1 to M2 (r = 0.75 for mean power, and 0.77 for relative mean power was only observed for the ITC subgroup. Diff erent responses were observed in lower limbs power performance according to TEST concentration change from M1 to M2. The ITC subgroup maintained power performance during the competitive season. These results suggest that an increase in TEST during the competitive season may improve the likelihood of maintaining power performance in professional soccer players....(AU)

Competition stage influences perceived performance but does not affect rating of perceived exertion and salivary neuro-endocrine-immune markers in elite young basketball players.

This study examined the effects of competition stage on the salivary concentration of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), alpha-amylase (sAA), and IL-1ß cytokine, perceived performance (PP) and session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) in elite youth basketball players (age, 15.8 ±â€¯0.8 yrs.; stature, 190.9 ±â€¯7.9 cm; body mass, 90.0 ±â€¯16.9 kg) from two age-categories (U16; n = 7; U17; n = 7). Two winning playoff matches (FM; playing for the championship; 1 for each age-category) and two winning regular stage matches (RM; 1 for each age category, played against opponents ranked 2nd place), were assessed in the current study. Saliva samples were collected before and after each match and analyzed by ELISA; PP and session-RPE were assessed after each match. The results from the two-way ANOVA (condition; FM and RM) with repeated measures (pre-and post-matches) showed a significant effect for time (increase from pre-to-post matches) in T (F = 7.0, p < .001), C (F = 34.0, p < .001), and sAA (F = 25.0, p < .001), but not for IL-1ß (p > .05). No effect of condition or interaction (FM and RM) was observed on salivary markers. PP was higher for FM, compared to RM (effect size; ES = 0.85), despite no clear difference in session-RPE (ES = 0.22). A higher PP for FM might be associated with the fact that players were no longer concerned about issues linked to social dominance and status threats after FM, but they might be uncertain about their status after RM. Additionally, when playing against a high-level opponent, the players might perceive their opponent as a threat against status stability, regardless of the stage of the competition, which might explain the similar change in salivary neuro-endocrine-immune-related markers.

Salivary BDNF and Cortisol Responses During High-Intensity Exercise and Official Basketball Matches in Sedentary Individuals and Elite Players.

Salivary cortisol increases in response to stressors, including physical exertion and psychological stress associated with sports competition. In addition, stress may induce change in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, there are still no data available to compare the salivary BDNF level in sedentary male individuals and elite team-sport male athletes, regularly involved in activities that require elevated attention and concentration. This information could contribute to the advance of understanding of the effect of regular exercise on the salivary level of BDNF, the pre-to-post change in salivary BDNF during exercise, and the association between salivary cortisol and salivary BDNF responses to physical exercise. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the concentration of salivary cortisol and BDNF, before and after exercise, in sedentary individuals and elite male basketball players. The sedentary group (23.0 ± 4.2 yrs) performed a high-intensity exercise protocol and the basketball players (18.6 ± 0.5 yrs) participated in three official basketball matches. Saliva samples were tested for cortisol and BDNF using ELISA. A significant increase in salivary cortisol from pre- to post-match was observed only for the basketball players (p < 0.05). Basketball players also presented a higher salivary BDNF concentration for both resting (pre) and post-physical exercise (p < 0.05); however, no change in pre- to post-exercise salivary BDNF was observed for either group (p > 0.05). Elevated BDNF in athletes may be associated to their repeated exposure to stressful competition situations. The current findings also suggest that different mechanisms might be involved in salivary cortisol and BDNF responses during physical exercise.