The Impact of Pre-Exercise Carbohydrate Meal on the Effects of Yerba Mate Drink on Metabolism, Performance, and Antioxidant Status in Trained Male Cyclists.

INTRODUCTION: The consumption of yerba mate (YM), a source of antioxidants, in a fasted state increases fatty acid oxidation (FATox) during low-moderate-intensity exercise and improves performance in high-intensity exercise. However, the impact of a pre-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) meal on YM effects during exercise is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of yerba mate drink (YMD) consumed in the fasted state (YMD-F) or after a CHO meal (YMD-CHO) on measurements of metabolism, performance, and blood oxidative stress markers in cycling exercise. METHODS: In a randomized, repeated-measures, crossover design, eight trained male cyclists ingested (i) YMD-CHO, (ii) YMD-F, or (iii) control-water and CHO meal (Control-CHO). The YMD (an infusion of 5 g of ultrarefined leaves in 250 mL of water) was taken for 7 days and 40 min before exercise. CHO meal (1 g/kg body mass) was consumed 60 min before exercise. The cycling protocol included a 40-min low-intensity (~ 53% V̇O2peak) constant load test (CLT); a 20-min time trial (TT); and 4 × 10-s all-out sprints. Blood samples and respiratory gases were collected before, during, and/or after tests. RESULTS: During CLT, YMD-CHO increased FATox ~ 13% vs. YMD-F (P = 0.041) and ~ 27% vs. Control-CHO (P < 0.001). During TT, YMD-CHO increased FATox ~ 160% vs. YMD-F (P < 0.001) and ~ 150% vs. Control-CHO (P < 0.001). Power output during TT improved ~ 3% (P = 0.022) in YMD-CHO vs. Control-CHO and was strongly correlated with changes in serum total antioxidant capacity (r = -0.87) and oxidative stress index (r = 0.76) at post-exercise in YMD-CHO. Performance in sprints was not affected by YMD. CONCLUSION: CHO intake did not negate the effect of YMD on FATox or TT performance. Instead, a synergism between the two dietary strategies may be present. Clinical Trial Registration NCT04642144. November 18, 2020. Retrospectively registered.

Post-Match Recovery in Soccer with Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Material or Cold-Water Immersion.

We investigated the effects of two common recovery methods; far-infrared emitting ceramic materials (Bioceramic) or cold-water immersion on muscular function and damage after a soccer match. Twenty-five university-level soccer players were randomized into Bioceramic (BIO; n = 8), Cold-water immersion (CWI; n = 9), or Control (CON; n = 8) groups. Heart rate [HR], rating of perceived exertion [RPE], and activity profile through Global Positioning Satellite Systems were measured during the match. Biochemical (thiobarbituric acid reactive species [TBARS], superoxide dismutase [SOD], creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), neuromuscular (countermovement [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ], sprints [20-m]), and perceptual markers (delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS], and the perceived recovery scale [PRS]) were assessed at pre, post, 24 h, and 48 h post-match. One-way ANOVA was used to compare anthropometric and match performance data. A two-way ANOVA with post-hoc tests compared the timeline of recovery measures. No significant differences existed between groups for anthropometric or match load measures (P > 0.05). Significant post-match increases were observed in SOD, and decreases in TBARS in all groups (p < 0.05), without differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Significant increases in CK, LDH, quadriceps and hamstring DOMS (p < 0.05), as well as decreases in 20-m, SJ, CMJ, and PRS were observed post-match in all groups (p < 0.05), without significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Despite the expected post-match muscle damage and impaired performance, neither Bioceramic nor CWI interventions improved post-match recovery.

Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials on Recovery During 2-Week Preseason of Elite Futsal Players.

Nunes, RFH, Cidral-Filho, FJ, Flores, LJF, Nakamura, FY, Rodriguez, HFM, Bobinski, F, De Sousa, A, Petronilho, F, Danielski, LG, Martins, MM, Martins, DF, and Guglielmo, LGA. Effects of far-infrared emitting ceramic materials on recovery during 2-week preseason of elite futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 235-248, 2020-We investigated the effects of far-infrared emitting ceramic materials (cFIR) during overnight sleep on neuromuscular, biochemical and perceptual markers in futsal players. Twenty athletes performed a 2-week preseason training program and during sleep wore bioceramic (BIO; n = 10) or placebo pants (PL; n = 10). Performance (countermovement jump [CMJ]; squat jump [SJ]; sprints 5, 10, and 15-m) and biochemical markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha-TNF-α, interleukin 10-IL-10, thiobarbituric acid-reactive species [TBARS], carbonyl, superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]) were obtained at baseline and after the 1st and 2nd week of training. Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and training strain were monitored throughout. Changes in ΔCMJ and ΔSJ were possibly (60/36/4 [week-1]) and likely (76/22/2 [week-2]) higher in BIO. Both groups were faster in 5-m sprint in week 2 compared with baseline (p = 0.015), furthermore, BIO was likely faster in 10-m sprint (3/25/72 [week 1]). Significant group × time interaction in %ΔTNF-α were observed (p = 0.024 [week-1]; p = 0.021 [week-2]) with values possibly (53/44/3 [week 1]) and likely (80/19/1 [week 2]) higher in BIO. The %ΔIL-10 decreased across weeks compared with baseline (p = 0.019 [week-1]; p = 0.026 [week-2]), showing values likely higher in BIO (81/16/3 [week-1]; 80/17/3 [week-2]). Significant weekly increases in %ΔTBARS (p = 0.001 [week-1]; p = 0.011 [week-2]) and %ΔCarbonyl (p = 0.002 [week-1]; p < 0.001 [week-2]) were observed compared with baseline, showing likely (91/5/4 [week-1]) and possibly (68/30/2 [week-2]) higher changes in BIO. Significant weekly decreases in %ΔSOD were observed compared with baseline (p = 0.046 [week 1]; p = 0.011 [week-2]), and between week 2 and week 1 (p = 0.021), in addition to significant decreases in %ΔCAT compared with baseline (p = 0.070 [week 1]; p = 0.012 [week 2]). Training strain (p = 0.021; very -likely [0/2/98]; week 1) and DOMS was lower in BIO (likely; 7 sessions) with differences over time (p = 0.001). The results suggest that the daily use of cFIR clothing could facilitate recovery, especially on perceptual markers during the early phases of an intensive training period.

Skeletal maturity and oxygen uptake in youth soccer controlling for concurrent size descriptors.

Interrelationships among skeletal maturity status, body size, ventilator thresholds (VT) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were considered in 47 adolescent male soccer players aged 12.5-15.4 years. Body mass, stature, and the triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured. The latter were used to estimate fat mass and fat-free mass. Skeletal age was assessed with the Fels method. VO2peak and VO2 at the first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory thresholds were determined during an incremental maximal exercise test on a motorized treadmill. Ratio standards and allometric models were used in the analysis. Scaling exponents suggested linearity for all combinations between size descriptors and physiological variables, except between log-transformed values of VT1 and body mass (mL·kg-0.801·min, 95%CI: 0.649 to 0.952). Early maturing players attained greater values than players classified as "on-time" in skeletal maturity for the three ventilatory parameters expressed in absolute terms (d ranged from 0.65 to 0.71). The differences were attenuated after normalizing for mass descriptors using ratio standards and scaled variables (d ranged from 0.00 to 0.31). The results suggested significant variability between maturity groups when moving from VT1 to maximal metabolic conditions expressed by unit of stature (VT1: t = -2.413, p = 0.02, d = 0.60; VT2: t = -2.488, p = 0.02, d = 0.65; VO2peak: t = -2.475, p = 0.02, d = 0.65). Skeletal maturity status and associated variation in overall body size affects VT1, VT2 and VO2peak. The observed scaling of ventilatory outputs for body size may be related to the better running economy and smaller body size of average maturing athletes.

Effect of 8 Weeks Soccer Training on Health and Physical Performance in Untrained Women.

This study aims to analyze the physiological, neuromuscular, and biochemical responses in untrained women after eight weeks of regular participation in small-sided soccer games compared to aerobic training. Twenty-seven healthy untrained women were divided into two groups [soccer group (SG = 17) and running group (RG = 10)]. Both groups trained three times per week for eight weeks. The variables measured in this study were maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), relative velocity at VO2max (vVO2max), peak velocity, relative intensity at lactate threshold (vLT), relative intensity at onset of blood lactate accumulation (vOBLA), peak force, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratio (LDL/HDL). VO2max, vLT, and vOBLA increased significantly in both groups (12.8 and 16.7%, 11.1 and 15.3%, 11.6 and 19.8%, in SG and RG respectively). However, knee extensors peak isometric strength and triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL did not differ after eight weeks of training in both groups. On the other hand, the LDL/HDL ratio significantly reduced in both groups. In conclusion, eight weeks of regular participation in small-sided soccer games was sufficient to increase aerobic performance and promote health benefits related to similar aerobic training in untrained adult women.

ISOKINETIC ASSESSMENT OF MUSCULAR STRENGTH AND BALANCE IN BRAZILIAN ELITE FUTSAL PLAYERS.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Strength asymmetries are related to knee injuries in intermittent sports players. The purpose of this study was to examine whether elite futsal players demonstrate strength asymmetries during knee isokinetic testing applying the Croisier et al.21 criteria. METHODS: Forty male elite (27.9 ± 6.5 years) Brazilian futsal players participated in the study. The testing protocol required players to perform concentric contractions of both quadriceps and hamstring muscles at angular velocities of 60 °·s-1 and 240 °·s-1 and eccentric contractions of hamstring at 30 °·s-1 and 120 °·s-1. Conventional (concentric:concentric) and mixed (eccentric:concentric) hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratios were calculated. Subjects were determined to have an imbalanced strength profile if an athlete had at least two parameters that were asymmetrical across speeds and conditions. Asymmetry was operationally defined as peak torque asymmetry greater than 15% in bilateral comparison, and H/Q ratio less than 0.47 for conventional and 0.80 for mixed conditions. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between preferred and nonpreferred limbs in the concentric contractions of flexors at 240 °·s-1 and eccentric contractions of extensors and flexors at 30 °·s-1 and 120 °·s-1. However, these asymmetries did not exceed 15%. The conventional and mixed H/Q ratios were greater in the preferred than in nonpreferred limbs, but only the mixed hamstringsecc/quadricepsconc in the nonpreferred limbs showed values lower than recommended (<0.80). In addition, 50% of elite futsal players had preseason strength imbalances per the developed criteria. CONCLUSION: The studied elite futsal players had preseason strength imbalances, which may increase the risk of hamstring injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Correction to: Tanner-Whitehouse Skeletal Ages in Male Youth Soccer Players: TW2 or TW3?

An Online First version of this article was made available online at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs40279-017-0799-7 on 29 October 2017. Errors were subsequently identified in the article, and the following corrections should be noted.

Tanner-Whitehouse Skeletal Ages in Male Youth Soccer Players: TW2 or TW3?

BACKGROUND: The Tanner-Whitehouse radius-ulna-short bone protocol (TW2 RUS) for the assessment of skeletal age (SA) is widely used to estimate the biological (skeletal) maturity status of children and adolescents. The scale for converting TW RUS ratings to an SA has been revised (TW3 RUS) and has implications for studies of youth athletes in age-group sports. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare TW2 and TW3 RUS SAs in an international sample of male youth soccer players and to compare distributions of players by maturity status defined by each SA protocol. METHODS: SA assessments with the TW RUS method were collated for 1831 male soccer players aged 11-17 years from eight countries. RUS scores were converted to TW2 and TW3 SAs using the appropriate tables. SAs were related to chronological age (CA) in individual athletes and compared by CA groups. The difference of SA minus CA with TW2 SA and with TW3 SA was used to classify players as late, average, or early maturing with each method. Concordance of maturity classifications was evaluated with Cohen's Kappa coefficients. RESULTS: For the same RUS score, TW3 SAs were systematically and substantially reduced compared with TW2 SAs; mean differences by CA group ranged from - 0.97 to - 1.16 years. Kappa coefficients indicated at best fair concordance of TW2 and TW3 maturity classifications. Across the age range, 42% of players classified as average with TW2 SA were classified as late with TW3 SA, and 64% of players classified as early with TW2 SA were classified as average with TW3 SA. CONCLUSION: TW3 SAs were systematically lower than corresponding TW2 SAs in male youth soccer players. The differences between scales have major implications for the classification of players by maturity status, which is central to some talent development programs.

Potência aeróbia em atletas de futebol e futsal de diferentes níveis competitivos / Aerobic power in soccer and futsal players of different competitive levels

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os valores de potência e capacidade aeróbia entre atletas de futebol e futsal nos diferentes níveis competitivos e modalidades. A amostra foi constituída de 116 atletas do sexo masculino de seis equipes (3 de futebol e 3 de futsal) da 1ª divisão, 2ª divisão e universitário. Os participantes foram submetidos a duas sessões de coleta de dados. Na primeira sessão, uma avaliação antropométrica foi conduzida e familiarização com o teste de Carminatti (T-CAR). Na segunda sessão, foi realizado o teste de T-CAR de corrida intermitente, para determinar o pico de velocidade (PV). Para analisar as diferenças entre os valores médios dos dados antropométricos e fisiológicos das equipes e nos diferentes níveis competitivos foi utilizado ANOVA One-Way seguido do teste de Post-Hoc de Bonferroni. O Teste T para amostras independentes foi utilizado para comparar as médias entre as modalidades. O valor de P < 0,05 foi considerado como nível de significância estatística. Maiores níveis de PVT-CAR e 80,4%PVT-CAR foram reportados nos atletas de futebol da 1ª divisão comparado com o da 2ª divisão do futsal e universitários, e entre as equipes da 1ª divisão de futsal e 2ª do futebol comparado com o futsal universitário. Além disso, maiores valores do PVT-CAR nas equipes da 1ª divisão de futsal e 2ª do futebol comparado com universitários e nos atletas de futebol versus futsal (p<0,05), afirmando que existe diferença entre os níveis competitivos e modalidades. Estes resultados sugerem que atletas de futebol e aqueles que atuam em elevados níveis competitivos possuem melhor condição física no desempenho do T-CAR....(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare the power levels and aerobic capacity between soccer and futsal players on different competitive levels and modalities. One hundred and sixteen male players from three soccer and futsal teams of the 1st division, 2nd division and university participated in the study. The participants underwent two data collection sessions. In the first session, an anthropometric assessment and familiarization with Carminatti's test (T-CAR) was conducted. In the second session, the T-CAR intermittent running test was conducted to determine the peak velocity (PV). One-way ANOVA was used in combination with post hoc testing (Bonferroni) to compare the average values of anthropometric and physiological data of the teams and in different competitive levels. The T test for independent samples was used to compare the means of the modality. Significance was assumed at 5% (P < 0.05). Aerobic indices were obtained by T-CAR. Higher levels of PVT-CAR and 80,4%PVT-CAR were reported on soccer players of st division compared to the futsal of 2nd division and university, and between the teams of the 1st futsal division and 2nd soccer division compared to the university futsal. In addition, higher PVT-CAR values on teams of 1st futsal division and 2nd soccer division compared to university and soccer players versus futsal (P < 0.05), declaring that there is a difference between the competitive levels and modalities. These results suggest that soccer players and those that play at high competitive levels have better performance in TCAR....(AU)

Efeito agudo da intensidade do exercício sobre as variáveis cardiorrespiratórias e metabólicas em jovens com excesso de peso / Acute effect of exercise intensity on the cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables in young with excess weight

O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar a resposta aguda das variáveis aeróbias durante o exercício intervalado de alta intensidade (EIAI) e o exercício contínuo moderado (ECONT) realizado por jovens com excesso de peso. Participaram do estudo 12 jovens (11,01 ± 1,82 anos; 69,09 ± 22,50kg; 154,43 ± 15,17; 28,27 ± 4,82kg/m2 ). Na primeira visita foi realizado um teste incremental máximo em cicloergômetro para determinação do consumo de oxigênio pico (VO2pico), potência pico e da frequência cardíaca pico (FCpico).Na segunda e terceira visitas foram realizados os protocolos de EIAI (10 repetições de 60s a 90% da potência pico para 60s de intervalo passivo) e ECONT (18 minutos contínuos a 50% da potência pico), ambos equalizados pelo trabalho total (kJ). Durante o EIAI e o ECONT, a FC e o consumo de oxigênio (VO2) foram continuamente mensurados. A concentração de lactato sanguíneo ([La]) foi determinada imediatamente após o término dos protocolos de exercício. Apesar da equalização do trabalho, os valores de FCpico (182 ± 3,34 vs 164 ± 3,34bpm), percentual do VO2pico (91 ± 2,00 vs. 76 ± 2,00 %), potência pico (105,0 ± 2,86 vs. 58,33 ± 2,86 W) e [La] (3,2 ± 0,12 vs. 1,8 ± 0,12 mmol.L-1 ) foram significantemente maiores no EIAI quando comparados ao ECONT. Concluímos que o EIAI resultou em maior estresse cardiovascular e metabólico comparado ao ECONT, refletido pelos valores de %VO2pico, FC e [La]. Por fim, destacamos a possibilidade do EIAI ser incorporado aos exercícios aeróbios de natureza contínua durante diferentes programas de atividade física praticada pelos jovens....(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare the acute response of aerobic variables during high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate continuous exercise (MCE) performed by obese adolescents. The study included 12 young (11.01 ± 1.82 years; 69.09 ± 22,50 kg; 154.43 ± 15.17cm; 28.27 ± 4.82 kg/m2 ). At the first visit was done a maximum incremental test on a cycle ergometer to determine the peak power and peak heart rate (HRpeak). At the second and third visits were conducted the EIAI (10 repetitions of 60s to 90% of peak power to 60s passive interval) and ECONT protocols (18 minutes continuously at 50% of peak power), both equalized by work (kJ). During HIIE and MCE, HR and oxygen consumption (VO2) were continuously measured. The blood lactate concentration ([La]) was determined immediately after the end of exercise protocols. Despite the equalization of work, HRpeak values (182 ± 3.34 vs 164 ± 3.34 bpm), percentage of VO2 peak (91 ± 2.00 vs. 2.00 ± 76%), power peak (105.0 ± 2.86 vs. 58.33 ± 2.86 W) and [La] (3.2 ± 1.8 vs. 0.12 ± 0.12 mmol.L-1 ) were significantly higher in HIIE compared to MCE. Concluded that HIIE results in an increase in cardiovascular and metabolic stress when VO2 peak, HR and [La]. Finally, we highlight the possibility to incorporate the HIIE in aerobic exercise continuous during different physical activity programs practiced by obese adolescents....(AU)

Validity and Reliability of the PowerCal Device for Estimating Power Output During Cycling Time Trials.

Costa, VP, Guglielmo, LGA, and Paton, CD. Validity and reliability of the PowerCal device for estimating power output during cycling time trials. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 227-232, 2017-This study assessed the validity and reproducibility of the PowerCal device for estimating power output (PO) during cycling hilly time trials (TTs). Twenty-one well-trained men cyclists performed an incremental exercise test and three 20-km TTs (34.1 ± 10.6 years; 73.2 ± 3.2 kg, 176.8 ± 6.2 cm; maximal PO, 334 ± 31 W; maximal oxygen uptake, 61.0 ± 4.2 ml·kg·min). The first TT was used for familiarization, and the tests were separated by at least 72 hours. Mean PO over the 20-km TT was significantly greater for the Velotron (282 ± 27 W) than for the PowerCal (242 ± 28 W). The mean power over each kilometer of the trial ranged from 5.8 to 23.4% greater on the Velotron than on the PowerCal. High within-subject variation between the trials was substantially greater for the PowerCal (4.9%) than for the Velotron (1.8%). High coefficients of variation scores for the Velotron test-retest were found to be concentrated in the beginning and final meters of the TT (∼6.0%), whereas the scores were lower in the middle of the trials (∼3.0%). In contrast, the PowerCal test-retest achieved a high coefficient of variation (∼6.0%) in each km over the TT. Thus, the PowerCal device should be used with caution during cycling activities because it is not reliable and underestimates PO.

The V[Combining Dot Above]O2 Kinetics of Maximal and Supramaximal Running Exercises in Sprinters and Middle-Distance Runners.

do Nascimento Salvador, PC, Dal Pupo, J, De Lucas, RD, de Aguiar, RA, Arins, FB, and Guglielmo, LGA. The V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics of maximal and supramaximal running exercises in sprinters and middle-distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2857-2863, 2016-The aim of this study was to compare the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics parameters during maximal and supramaximal running exercises in sprinters (SPR) and middle-distance runners (MDR). Twelve SPR (age 20.6 ± 3.4 years; and body mass 74.9 ± 6.2 kg) and 10 MDR (age 17.6 ± 1.4 years; and body mass 70.1 ± 11.8 kg) performed, on different days, a maximal incremental running test for determination of the velocity at maximum oxygen uptake (vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) and 2 constant-speed tests for analysis of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics at 100 and 120% of vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max. The MDR presented significantly higher values for the critical speed (18.0 ± 1.0 vs. 14.2 ± 1.0 km·h), vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max (19.4 ± 0.7 vs. 17.2 ± 0.8 km·h), and time to exhaustion at 100% (437 ± 53 vs. 366 ± 49 seconds) than the SPR (p ≤ 0.05). However, the SPR demonstrated greater values for the anaerobic distance capacity (281.3 ± 66.1 vs. 208.0 ± 43.4 m). Although the mean response time and the time to attain the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max of the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics was higher in the maximal than supramaximal running speed (p ≤ 0.05), no difference was found in these parameters as well for V[Combining Dot Above]O2 slow component (p > 0.05) between the groups. This study showed that different aerobic and anaerobic characteristics in MDR and SPR did not affect the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics in maximal and supramaximal intensities within the severe-intensity domain. From a practical perspective, parameters of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 response may provide helpful information for training control as the duration of stimulus close to V[Combining Dot Above]O2max.

Physiological, anthropometric, strength, and muscle power characteristics correlates with running performance in young runners.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physiological, anthropometric, strength, and muscle power variables and a 5-km time trial (5kmT) in young runners. Twenty-three runners volunteered to participate in this study. Height, body mass, body fat, and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured. The subjects underwent laboratory testing to determine maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)), velocity at ventilatory threshold (VVT), running economy (RE), velocity associated with maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)), and peak velocity (PV). Peak torque, total work, and power were measured by an isokinetic dynamometer at 60°·s(-1) and 240°·s(-1) angular velocities. Right and left knee flexor and extensor torques were evaluated. Finally, the participants performed a 5kmT. Multiple regression and correlation analysis were used to determine the variables that significantly related to 5kmT. Strength and muscle power variables did not correlate with 5kmT. However, most physiological variables were associated with 5kmT. Velocity at ventilatory threshold alone explains 40% of the variance in 5kmT. The addition of the RE at speed 11.2 km·h(-1) (RE11.2) and FFM to the prediction equation allowed for 71% of the adjusted variance in 5kmT to be predicted. These results show that strength and muscle power variables are not good predictors of 5kmT; however, the physiological variables presented high prediction capacity in the 5kmT. Moreover, the anthropometric measures showed significant influence in performance prediction.

Reliability and validity of the Carminatti's test for aerobic fitness in youth soccer players.

In this study, we examined the reliability and validity of peak velocity determined using the Carminatti's test (PVT-CAR) to evaluate the aerobic fitness of young soccer players (age = 13.4 ± 1.2 years; range, 10.3-15.4 years). To determine test-retest reliability of PVT-CAR, 34 adolescents (U-12, n = 13; U-14, n = 21) performed the Carminatti's test twice within 3-5 days. Validity was assessed in 43 adolescents (U-14, n = 20; U-16, n = 23) submitted to both the Carminatti's test and an incremental treadmill test to determine their aerobic fitness indicators. The intraclass correlation of PVT-CAR was 0.89, 0.93, and 0.81 with a coefficient of variation of 2.30% (0.33 km·h), 1.89% (0.26 km·h), and 2.66% (0.39 km·h) for the total sample (pooled data) or separately for the U-12 and U-14 groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between PVT-CAR and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) for the total sample (pooled data) or separately for the U-14 and U-16 groups. In addition, Bland and Altman plots evidenced acceptable agreement between them. The PVT-CAR was significantly related with peak velocity and MAS obtained in the incremental test for the total sample (r = 0.86 and 0.81, p < 0.01, respectively) and separately for the U-14 (r = 0.84 and 0.75, p < 0.01, respectively) and U-16 groups (r = 0.60 and 0.58, p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the PVT-CAR was correlated with the V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) and the velocity associated to the second ventilatory threshold (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) when the data were pooled (total sample). As a result, the Carminatti's test may be considered as a reliable and valid measure for assessing and monitoring the development of MAS of young soccer players during adolescence.

Intermittent versus Continuous Incremental Field Tests: Are Maximal Variables Interchangeable?

The aim of the present study was to compare physiological responses derived from an incremental progressive field test with a constant speed test i.e. intermittent versus continuous protocol. Two progressive maximum tests (Carminatti`s test (T-CAR) and the Vameval test (T-VAM)), characterized by increasing speed were used. T-CAR is an intermittent incremental test, performed as shuttle runs; while T-VAM is a continuous incremental test performed on an athletic track. Eighteen physically active, healthy young subjects (21.9 ± 2.0 years; 76.5 ± 8.6 kg, 1.78 ± 0.08 m, 11.2 ± 5.4% body fat), volunteered for this study. Subjects performed four different maximum test sessions conducted in the field: two incremental tests and two time to exhaustion tests (TTE) at peak test velocities (PV). No significant differences were found for PV (T-CAR = 15.6 ± 1.2; T-VAM = 15.5 ± 1.3 km·h(-1)) and maximal HR (T-CAR = 195 ± 11; T- VAM = 194 ± 14 bpm). During TTE, there were no significant differences for HR (TTET-CAR and TTET-VAM = 192 ± 12 bpm). However, there was a significant difference in TTE (p = 0.04) (TTET-CAR = 379 ± 84, TTET-VAM = 338 ± 58 s) with a low correlation (r = 0.41). The blood lactate concentration measured at the end of the TTE tests, showed no significant difference (TTET-CAR = 13.2 ± 2.4 vs. TTET-VAM = 12.9 ± 2.4 mmol·l(-1)). Based on the present findings, it is suggested that the maximal variables derived from T-CAR and T-VAM can be interchangeable in the design of training programs. Key pointsT-CAR is an intermittent shuttle run test that predicts the maximal aerobic speed with accuracy, hence, test results could be interchangeable with continuous straight-line tests.T-CAR provides valid field data for evaluating aerobic fitness.In comparison with T-VAM, T-CAR may be a more favourable way to prescribe intermittent training using a shuttle-running protocol.

Validity and reliability of a new field test (Carminatti's test) for soccer players compared with laboratory-based measures.

The aim of this study was to assess the validity (Study 1) and reliability (Study 2) of a novel intermittent running test (Carminatti's test) for physiological assessment of soccer players. In Study 1, 28 players performed Carminatti's test, a repeated sprint ability test, and an intermittent treadmill test. In Study 2, 24 players performed Carminatti's test twice within 72 h to determine test-retest reliability. Carminatti's test required the participants to complete repeated bouts of 5 × 12 s shuttle running at progressively faster speeds until volitional exhaustion. The 12 s bouts were separated by 6 s recovery periods, making each stage 90 s in duration. The initial running distance was set at 15 m and was increased by 1 m at each stage (90 s). The repeated sprint ability test required the participants to perform 7 × 34.2 m maximal effort sprints separated by 25 s recovery. During the intermittent treadmill test, the initial velocity of 9.0 km · h(-1) was increased by 1.2 km · h(-1) every 3 min until volitional exhaustion. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between Carminatti's test peak running velocity and speed at VO(2max) (v-VO(2max)). Peak running velocity in Carminatti's test was strongly correlated with v-VO(2max) (r = 0.74, P < 0.01), and highly associated with velocity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (r = 0.63, P < 0.01). Mean sprint time was strongly associated with peak running velocity in Carminatti's test (r = -0.71, P < 0.01). The intraclass correlation was 0.94 with a coefficient of variation of 1.4%. In conclusion, Carminatti's test appears to be avalid and reliable measure of physical fitness and of the ability to perform intermittent high-intensity exercise in soccer players.

Relationship between different measures of aerobic fitness and repeated-sprint ability in elite soccer players.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physiological variables related to aerobic fitness (maximal oxygen uptake: VO2max; the minimum velocity needed to reach VO2max: vVO2max; velocity at the onset of blood-lactate accumulation: vOBLA) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in elite soccer players. Twenty-nine Brazilian soccer players (17.9 +/- 1.0 years; 178.7 +/- 5.2 cm; 73.6 +/- 6.7 kg; 11.1 +/- 1.3% body fat) from 2 national level teams (A, B) took part in the study. Subjects first performed an incremental test on a treadmill to determine their VO2max, vVO2max and vOBLA. After at least 48 hours, subjects performed an RSA test consisting of 7 34.2-m sprints interspersed with 25 seconds of active recovery, to determine the mean time (MT), the fastest time (FT) and the Sprint decrement (Sdec). Pearson product moment correlations and multiple regressions were used to assess the relationship between aerobic fitness and RSA variables (FT, MT, Sdec, [La] Peak). An analysis of variance, followed by a post hoc test (Tukey), was used to compare the 7 sprints of the RSA test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. A significant negative correlation was found between both vOBLA and vVO2max and MT during the RSA test (r = -0.49, p < 0.01; r = -0.38, p < 0.05, respectively). There were also negative correlations between Sdec and vOBLA (r = -0.54), vVO2max (r = -0.49) and VO2max (r = -0.39). The multiple regression revealed that the aerobic (vOBLA) and anaerobic (FT) components explained approximately 89% of the variance of MT. The results of this study demonstrated that RSA is more strongly correlated with vOBLA and vVO2max than the more commonly measured VO2max.

Effects of exercise mode on the oxygen uptake kinetic response to severe-intensity exercise in prepubertal children.

The objective of this study was to verify the effect of the exercise mode on slow component of VO2 (VO2SC) in children aged 11-12 years during severe-intensity exercise. After determination of the lactate threshold (LT) and peak VO2 (VO2peak) in both cycling (CE) and running exercise (TR), fourteen active boys completed a series of "square-wave" transitions of 6-min duration at 75 delta [75% delta = LT + 0.75 3 (VO2peak--LT)] to determine the VO2 kinetics. The VO2SC was significantly higher in CE (180.5 +/- 155.8 ml x min-1) than in TR (113.0 +/- 84.2 ml x min-1). We can conclude that, although a VO2SC does indeed develop during TR in children, its magnitude is considerably lower than in CE during severe-intensity exercise.