Effect of peak intensity periods on temporary fatigue and recovery kinetics in professional male football.

We analysed peak 1-, 2- and 5-min periods and the associated 5-min recovery period in matches from three consecutive seasons in the Danish Superliga. A semi-automatic multicamera system was used to collect high-speed running distance (≥5.5 m/s; HSRD), sprint distance (≥7.0 m/s; SpD) and distance covered during intense acceleration (≥3 m/s2; AccD). Analysis included 479 players and 6042 to 9671 match observations using rolling average. Distances covered per minute during the peak periods were significantly higher than match averages: HSRD (207-772%), SpD (447-1793%), and AccD (383-1096%). Distances covered per min were lower during 1-min recovery periods than match average for HSRD following peak 1-, 2- and 5-min period (29%, 6%, 3%, 2%, 2%; 35%, 11%, 0%, 2%, 3%; and 45%, 29%, 13%, 8%, 4%; p < 0.05, respectively), and for SpD (20%, 3%, 7%, 3% (4% higher in the 5th min); 24%, 12%, 3%, 0%, 7%; and 39%, 29%, 18%, 17%, 12%; p < 0.05, respectively). Opposite, AccD increased in the following 1-min recovery periods following peak 1-, 2- and 5-min periods (68%, 89%, 94%, 88%, 90%; 47%, 86%, 93%, 90%, 88%; 23%, 56%, 76%, 85%, 87%; p < 0.05) compared to match averages. Intensity was higher during shorter periods, whereas performance decrements were largest after longer peak periods for HSRD and SpD, whereas no decrement was observed in AccD.

Position specific physical performance and running intensity fluctuations in elite women's football.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the physical performance of elite female football players during match play along with transient alterations in running performance following 1- and 5-min univariate peak periods. 54 elite female players from four top-level Norwegian teams were monitored for one season (n = 393 match observations), and physical performance data collected using STATSport GPS APEX. Results revealed significant differences in physical performance between the positions during full match play, particularly between wide and central players. Both full backs (FBs) and wide midfielders (WMs) covered more total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), and sprint distance (SpD) than center backs (CBs) (p < 0.05-0.001), while WMs also covered more HSRD than both central midfielders (CMs) (p < 0.01) and forwards (FWs) (p < 0.05), and more acceleration -and deceleration distance (Accdist and Decdist ) than both CBs and CMs (p < 0.01-0.001). A similar pattern was observed for the peak period analysis, with FBs and WMs covering more SpD in peak 1 min than CBs and CM (p < 0.001) and more SpD in peak 5-min than CBs, CMs, and FWs (p < 0.001). Irrespective of the variable analyzed, greater distances were covered during the peak 5-min period than in the next-5 and mean 5-min periods (p < 0.001). Significant (p < 0.001), but small to trivial (Cohen's Dz : 0.07-0.20), decreases in distance covered were also observed for each variable following each univariate peak 5-min period. In conclusion, practitioners should account for differences in physical performance when developing training programs for female football players and be aware of transient reductions in physical performance following univariate peak 1- and 5-min periods. Specifically, the very high intensity in 1-min peak periods adds support to the principal of executing speed endurance activities during training to mirror and be prepared for the physical demands of match play.

Regular football training down-regulates miR-1303 muscle expression in veterans.

PURPOSE: Regular exercise affects the expression of several genes, proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) in time- and intensity-dependent manner promoting longevity. We previously identified from GeneChip Array analysis several differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in muscle from veteran football players (VPG) compared to active untrained elderly subjects (CG); here we focussed on miRNA-1303 (miR-1303). The aims of the present research were: to analyse the effects of football training on the expression of miR-1303 and to identify its putative target involved in the longevity pathways in skeletal muscle from VPG compared to CG. METHODS: RNA samples from 12 VPG and 12 CG muscle biopsies were used to validate miR-1303 expression. Crossing four different bioinformatic algorithms, we identified 16 putative targets of miR-1303; from these, BAG-2, KLHL7 and KBTBD6 were chosen for further validation by Western blot analysis in LHCN-M2 human myoblasts transiently transfected with miR-1303. RESULTS: Football training down-regulates miR-1303 expression in muscle from VPG compared to CG and the expression of BAG-2, a chaperon protein involved in the autophagy pathway, inversely correlated to overexpression of miR-1303 in a time-dependent manner, indicating that it is a miR-1303 potential target. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report, to our knowledge, describing miR-1303 regulation in skeletal muscle by football training and the identification of a target protein, BAG-2, involved in the autophagy pathway. This result contributes to the enlargement of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms linking football training, autophagy and longevity.

Cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal adaptations to recreational team handball training: a randomized controlled trial with young adult untrained men.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of lifestyle diseases has escalated, and effective exercise training programmes are warranted. This study tested the hypothesis that regular participation in small-sided team handball training could provide beneficial health effects on cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular parameters in young adult untrained men. METHOD: Twenty-six untrained 20-30-year-old men were randomly allocated to either a team handball training group (HG; n = 14), which completed 1.9 ± 0.3 training sessions per week over 12 weeks, or an inactive control group (CG; n = 12). Physiological training adaptations were assessed pre- and post interventions by DXA scans, blood samples, muscle biopsies, and physical tests. RESULTS: The average heart rate during training was equivalent to 84 ± 4% of maximal heart rate. Compared to CG, HG displayed significant increases in VO2max (11 ± 6%), proximal femur bone mineral density (2 ± 1%), whole-body bone mineral content (2 ± 1%), intermittent endurance performance (32 ± 16%), incremental treadmill test performance (16 ± 7%) and muscle citrate synthase activity (22 ± 28%) as well as decreases in total fat mass (7 ± 7%) and total fat percentage (6 ± 7%) (all p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in muscle mass, blood pressure, resting heart rate, muscle hydroxyl-acyl-dehydrogenase activity, or blood lipids (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Participation in regular recreational team handball training was associated with positive cardiovascular, skeletal, and muscular adaptations, including increased maximal oxygen uptake, increased muscle enzymatic activity, and improved bone mineralization as well as lower fat percentage. These findings suggest that recreational team handball training may be an effective health-promoting activity for young adult men.

Correction to: Cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal adaptations to recreational team handball training: a randomized controlled trial with young adult untrained men.

The author would like to correct the errors in the publication of the original article. The corrected details are given below for your reading.

Heart Rate and Perceived Experience Differ Markedly for Children in Same- versus Mixed-Gender Soccer Played as Small- and Large-Sided Games.

This study examines heart rate (HR) and perceived experience during same- versus mixed-gender soccer played as small- (SSG) and large-sided (LSG) games. HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and fun scores were determined in 134 pupils (50 girls, 84 boys) randomly assigned to same- and mixed-genders formats playing 2x15-min of SSG (2v2, 4v4) and LSG (12v12) in a random order (~50 m2/player). HR was lower (p≤0.03) for girls when playing together with boys than when playing alone (71±10 versus 77±7%HRmax), while being similar for boys playing mixed- or same-gender games (74±7 versus 77±4%HRmax). Boys perceived less fun when playing together with girls than when playing alone (4.4±2.3 versus 6.3±2.3, p<0.001). Irrespective of gender, higher (p<0.001) HRmean, %time>80%HRmax, and RPE were observed during 2v2 (78±9%HRmax, 43±33%, 5.5±2.5) and 4v4 (76±9%HRmax, 39±32%, 5.5±2.7) than during 12v12 (70±10%HRmax, 23±27%, 3.8±2.9). Cardiovascular strain was lower for girls when playing together with boys than when playing alone in LSG. SSG were more intense than LSG when girls played mixed-gender games and when boys played mixed- and same-gender games. When boys played mixed-gender games, SSG were considered more fun than LSG. Physical education teachers and coaches should consider gender and game format differences when using soccer.

Football training over 5 years is associated with preserved femoral bone mineral density in men with prostate cancer.

This study investigated the association between long-term adherence to football training and retaining bone mineralization and physical capacity in men with prostate cancer (PCa) managed with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Patients completing follow-up at 32 weeks in the FC Prostate Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in 2012 or 2013 were invited to 5-year follow-up assessments in May 2017 (n = 30). Changes in physiological outcomes over time between the football participants (FTG) and nonparticipants (CON) were examined. Twenty-two men accepted the invitation of which 11, aged 71.3 ± 3.8 years, had continued to play self-organized football 1.7 (SD 0.5) times per week for 4½ years (±8 months). At 5 years, right femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) had improved significantly in the FTG compared to CON (P = .028). No other significant between-group differences were observed. In FTG, RHR decreased by 4.3 bpm (P = .009) with no changes in CON. Muscle mass, knee-extensor muscle strength, VO2 max, and postural balance decreased in both groups. In FTG, the fraction of training time with HR between 80%-90% or >90% of HRmax was 29.9% (SD 20.6) and 22.8% (SD 28.7), respectively. Average distance covered during 3 × 20 minutes of football training was 2524 m (SD 525). Football training over a 5-year period was associated with preserved femoral neck BMD in elderly men with PCa managed on ADT. Intensity during football training was >80% of HRmax for 51% of training time after 5 years. Body composition and physical capacity deteriorated over 5 years regardless of football participation.

Health Effects of 12 Weeks of Team-Sport Training and Fitness Training in a Community Health Centre for Sedentary Men with Lifestyle Diseases.

This study compares the effects of team-sport training, for sedentary men with lifestyle diseases, with fitness training in a pragmatic set-up in a community health centre (CHC). Thirty-two men in the fitness group (FiG) and 36 men in the team-sport group (TsG) completed the training and trained for 60-90 min, two times/week for 12-16 weeks. In FiG and TsG, mean heart rate (HR) during training was 73.2% and 74.5% of HRmax, respectively. Percentage of training time above 90%HRmax was 6 ± 9% and 10 ± 15% and the percentage of participants who spent > 10% of total training time with HR > 90%HRmax was 20% and 41%, in FiG and TsG, respectively. In FiG, total fat mass was reduced by 3.5% (P < 0.01), while performance in the 6 min walking test (6MWT) increased by 11% (P < 0.001). In TsG, total fat mass was reduced by 2.2% (P < 0.01), while 6MWT performance improved by 5% (P < 0.05). Between-group differences were observed for systolic BP (P = 0.041) and mean arterial pressure (P = 0.050) in favour of TsG and for sit-to-stand test (P = 0.031) in favour of FiG. In conclusion, small-sided team sport is a worthy alternative to fitness training since the overall health effects are comparable, for example, improved balance and reduced fat mass. Team sport elicits high heart rates and improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, while fitness training improves sit-to-stand test performance related to activity of daily living.

"FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe in the Faroe Islands: Effects on health markers and physical fitness in 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren.

We evaluated effects of the school-based intervention "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe on health and fitness profile in 10- to 12-year-old Faroese schoolchildren. 392 fifth-grade children were randomized into a control group (CG: n = 100, 11.1 ± 0.3 years, 149.0 ± 6.7 cm, 42.4 ± 10.2 kg) and an intervention group (IG: n = 292, 11.1 ± 0.3 years, 150.6 ± 6.9 cm, 44.2 ± 9.4 kg). IG underwent an 11-week intervention in which 2 weekly sessions of 45 minutes were included in the school curriculum focusing on health aspects, football skills, and 3v3 small-sided games. CG continued with their regular activities. Body composition, blood pressure, and resting heart rate, as well as Yo-Yo intermittent recovery children's test (YYIR1C) performance, horizontal jumping ability and postural balance were assessed pre and post intervention. Systolic blood pressure decreased more (-2.8 ± 9.9 vs 2.9 ± 8.4 mm Hg, P < .05) in IG than in CG. Lean body mass (1.0 ± 1.7 vs 0.7 ± 1.6 kg), postural balance (0.3 ± 3.9 vs -1.2 ± 5.9 seconds) and horizontal jump performance (5 ± 9 vs -5 ± 10 cm) increased more (P < .05) in IG than in CG. YYIR1C performance improved in CG (17%, 625 ± 423 to 730 ± 565 m) and IG (18%, 689 ± 412 vs 813 ± 391 m), but without between-group differences. A within-group decrease from 23.1 ± 8.4 to 22.5 ± 8.3% (P < .05) was observed in body fat percentage in IG only. In conclusion, the "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe program had beneficial effects on SBP, body composition, jump performance and postural balance in 10- to 12-year-old Faroese schoolchildren, supporting the notion that school-based football interventions can facilitate health of children in a small-scale society and serve as an early step in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Football training improves metabolic and cardiovascular health status in 55- to 70-year-old women and men with prediabetes.

We examined the effects of 16 weeks of football training and dietary advice on blood glucose control and health status in 55- to 70-year-old women and men with prediabetes. Fifty participants with prediabetes (age; 61 ± 6 years, BMI; 29.6 ± 4.7; VO2max 22.3 ± 5.7 mL·min-1 ·kg-1 ) were randomized into a football and dietary advice group (F+D; n = 27) and a dietary advice group (D; n = 23). F+D performed football training (twice weekly 30- to 60-minutes sessions) and received dietary advice, while D only received dietary advice. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was completed pre and post the 16-week period. Body composition, blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ) were additionally measured. Both groups demonstrated a decrement (P < .05) in fasting blood glucose (-0.4 ± 0.5 mmol·L-1 ) and lowered blood glucose throughout OGTT. F+D displayed lower values than D (P < .05) after 60 minutes (9.0 ± 2.7 vs 10.6 ± 2.9 mmol·L-1 ) and 120 minutes (5.7 ± 1.6 vs 7.5 ± 2.4 mmol·L-1 ). VO2max increased by 14% in F+D, with a higher (P < .05) change score than in D (2%). Mean arterial pressure declined more (P < .05) in F+D than in D (-8 ± 9 vs -4 ± 11 mm Hg). Fat loss was greater (P < .05) in F+D than in D (-3.4 ± 2.8 vs -1.2 ± 2.0 kg), and the increase in lean body mass was also greater (P < .05) in F+D than in D (0.7 ± 1.5 vs -0.3 ± 1.6 kg). In conclusion, football training combined with dietary advice has broad-spectrum effects on metabolic and cardiovascular health profile with greater overall effects than professional dietary advice per se for 55- to 70-year-old women and men with prediabetes.

Effect of lifelong football training on the expression of muscle molecular markers involved in healthy longevity.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether lifelong football training affects the expression of healthy longevity-related muscle molecular markers. METHODS: Biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis muscle of 10 lifelong football-trained men (68.2 ± 3.0 years) and of 10 active untrained healthy men (66.7 ± 1.3 years). Gene and protein expression was measured by RTqPCR on RNA and by western blotting on protein extracts from muscle biopsies, respectively. RESULTS: The expression of AMPKα1/α2, NAMPT, TFAM and PGC1α, which are markers of oxidative metabolism, and MyHC ß isoform expression was higher in the muscle of football-trained men vs untrained men. Also citrate synthase activity was higher in trained than in untrained men (109.3 ± 9.2 vs 75.1 ± 9.2 mU/mg). These findings were associated with a healthier body composition in trained than in untrained men [body weight: 78.2 ± 6.5 vs 91.2 ± 11.2 kg; body mass index BMI: 24.4 ± 1.6 vs 28.8 ± 4.0 kg m-2; fat%: 22.6 ± 8.0 vs 31.4 ± 5.0%)] and with a higher maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max: 34.7 ± 3.8 vs 27.3 ± 4.0 ml/min/kg). Also the expression of proteins involved in DNA repair and in senescence suppression (Erk1/2, Akt and FoxM1) was higher in trained than in untrained men. At BMI- and age-adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, fat percentage was independently associated with Akt protein expression, and VO2max was independently associated with TFAM mRNA and with Erk1/2 protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: Lifelong football training increases the expression of key markers involved in muscle oxidative metabolism, and in the DNA repair and senescence suppression pathways, thus providing the molecular basis for healthy longevity.

Broad-spectrum health improvements with one year of soccer training in inactive mildly hypertensive middle-aged women.

The study tested the hypothesis that long-term soccer training has positive impact on cardiovascular profile, body composition, bone health, and physical capacity in inactive, pre-menopausal women with mild hypertension. The study applied a randomized controlled design in which physically inactive middle-aged women were separated into a soccer training group (n=19; SOC) and a control group (n=12; CON). SOC performed 128±29 (±SD) one-h small-sided soccer training sessions over one year. Blood pressure, body composition, blood lipid profile, and fitness level were determined pre- and post-intervention. Over one year, mean arterial pressure decreased more in SOC than in CON (-5±7 vs +4±5 mmHg; P<.05). Total-body fat mass decreased more (P<.05) in SOC than in CON (-2.5±2.5 vs +0.6±3.2 kg; P<.05), while the change scores for lean body mass were not significantly different in SOC (2.6±2.7 kg) compared to CON (1.1±1.9 kg, P=.09). Over one year, change scores in whole-body bone mineral density (0.004±0.032 vs -0.019±0.026 g·cm2 ) as well as bone mineral content (30±70 vs -39±113 g) were positive in SOC compared to CON (P<.05). Post-intervention plasma triglycerides decreased more (-0.1±0.7 vs +0.2±0.2 mmol·L-1 ) and HDL cholesterol increased more (0.2±0.7 vs -0.2±0.2 mmol·L-1 ) in SOC than in CON (P<.05). Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 1 (122±105 vs 2±21%) and 20-m sprint performance (6±6 vs -1±2%) increased more (P<.05) in SOC than in CON. In conclusion, long-term soccer training resulted in broad-spectrum improvements in the health profile of untrained, pre-menopausal women with mild hypertension, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculo-skeletal benefits.

Combination of Recreational Soccer and Caloric Restricted Diet Reduces Markers of Protein Catabolism and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Moderate calorie-restricted diets and exercise training prevent loss of lean mass and cardiovascular risk. Because adherence to routine exercise recommendation is generally poor, we utilized recreational soccer training as a novel therapeutic exercise intervention in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of acute and chronic soccer training plus calorie-restricted diet on protein catabolism and cardiovascular risk markers in T2D. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Fifty-one T2D patients (61.1±6.4 years, 29 females: 22 males) were randomly allocated to the soccer+diet-group (SDG) or to the diet-group (DG). The 40-min soccer sessions were held 3 times per week for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Nineteen participants attended 100% of scheduled soccer sessions, and none suffered any injuries. The SDG group showed higher levels of growth hormone (GH), free fatty acids and ammonia compared with DG. After 12 weeks, insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFPB)-3 and glucose levels were lower in SDG, whereas insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1/ IGFBP-3 ratio increased in both groups. After the last training session, an increase in IGF-1/IGFBP-3 and attenuation in ammonia levels were suggestive of lower muscle protein catabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Recreational soccer training was popular and safe, and was associated with decreased plasma glucose and IGFBP-3 levels, decreased ammoniagenesis, and increased lipolytic activity and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio, all indicative of attenuated catabolism.

Short Duration Small Sided Football and to a Lesser Extent Whole Body Vibration Exercise Induce Acute Changes in Markers of Bone Turnover.

We aimed to study whether short-duration vibration exercise or football sessions of two different durations acutely changed plasma markers of bone turnover and muscle strain. Inactive premenopausal women (n = 56) were randomized to complete a single bout of short (FG15) or long duration (FG60) small sided football or low magnitude whole body vibration training (VIB). Procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) was increased during exercise for FG15 (51.6 ± 23.0 to 56.5 ± 22.5 µg·L-1, mean ± SD, P < 0.05) and FG60 (42.6 ± 11.8 to 50.2 ± 12.8 µg·L-1, P < 0.05) but not for VIB (38.8 ± 15.1 to 36.6 ± 14.7 µg·L-1, P > 0.05). An increase in osteocalcin was observed 48 h after exercise (P < 0.05), which did not differ between exercise groups. C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen was not affected by exercise. Blood lactate concentration increased during exercise for FG15 (0.6 ± 0.2 to 3.4 ± 1.2 mM) and FG60 (0.6 ± 0.2 to 3.3 ± 2.0 mM), but not for VIB (0.6 ± 0.2 to 0.8 ± 0.4 mM) (P < 0.05). Plasma creatine kinase increased by 55 ± 63% and 137 ± 119% 48 h after FG15 and FG60 (P < 0.05), but not after VIB (26 ± 54%, NS). In contrast to the minor elevation in osteocalcin in response to a single session of vibration exercise, both short and longer durations of small sided football acutely increased plasma P1NP, osteocalcin, and creatine kinase. This may contribute to favorable effects of chronic training on musculoskeletal health.

Kicking Velocity and Effect on Match Performance When using a Smaller, Lighter Ball in Women's Football.

The present study evaluated the effect of a smaller, lighter ball on kicking speed and technical-tactical and physical match performance in high-level adult female footballers. In the laboratory test setting, the peak ball velocity was 6% higher with the new ball (NB) than the standard ball (SB) (26.5±0.5 vs. 25.1±0.5 m·s-1, p<0.05). However, during match-play, no differences were observed in mean heart rate (87±5 vs. 87±5%HRmax; p>0.05), blood lactate (90 min: 4.7±1.7 and 4.0±1.7 mmol·l-1; p>0.05), total distance covered (10.6±0.9 and 10.4±0.8 km; p>0.05), intense running (>16 km/h) (2.08±0.42 and 1.94±0.38 km; p>0.05) and match-induced decrement in Yo-Yo IR1 performance (28 vs. 31%, respectively, p<0.05) using NB compared to SB. Likewise, no difference was observed in the number of short, medium-range or long passes during matches played with the 2 ball types, and there was no difference in passing success rate (NB: 68±1% and SB: 68±1%, p>0.05). In conclusion, high-level adult female footballers had a higher kicking speed when using a smaller, lighter ball, but no differences were observed during match-play with the 2 ball types in respect of technical-tactical and physical match performance. The physical loading was high for the players when playing with both ball types.

Efficacy of recreational football on bone health, body composition, and physical functioning in men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: 32-week follow-up of the FC prostate randomised controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) impairs musculoskeletal health. We evaluated the efficacy of 32-week football training on bone mineral density (BMD) and physical functioning in men undergoing ADT for PCa. Football training improved the femoral shaft and total hip BMD and physical functioning parameters compared to control. INTRODUCTION: ADT is a mainstay in PCa management. Side effects include decreased bone and muscle strength and increased fracture rates. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 32 weeks of football training on BMD, bone turnover markers (BTMs), body composition, and physical functioning in men with PCa undergoing ADT. METHODS: Men receiving ADT >6 months (n = 57) were randomly allocated to a football training group (FTG) (n = 29) practising 2-3 times per week for 45-60 min or to a standard care control group (CON) (n = 28) for 32 weeks. Outcomes were total hip, femoral shaft, femoral neck and lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD and systemic BTMs (procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen). Additionally, physical functioning (postural balance, jump height, repeated chair rise, stair climbing) was evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-two-week follow-up measures were obtained for FTG (n = 21) and for CON (n = 20), respectively. Analysis of mean changes from baseline to 32 weeks showed significant differences between FTG and CON in right (0.015 g/cm(2)) and left (0.017 g/cm(2)) total hip and in right (0.018 g/cm(2)) and left (0.024 g/cm(2)) femoral shaft BMD, jump height (1.7 cm) and stair climbing (-0.21 s) all in favour of FTG (p < 0.05). No other significant between-group differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to standard care, 32 weeks of football training improved BMD at clinically important femoral sites and parameters of physical functioning in men undergoing ADT for PCa.

Self-reported previous knee injury and low knee function increase knee injury risk in adolescent female football.

Knee injuries are common in adolescent female football. Self-reported previous knee injury and low Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) are proposed to predict future knee injuries, but evidence regarding this in adolescent female football is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported previous knee injury and low KOOS subscale score as risk factors for future knee injuries in adolescent female football. A sample of 326 adolescent female football players, aged 15-18, without knee injury at baseline, were included. Data on self-reported previous knee injury and KOOS questionnaires were collected at baseline. Time-loss knee injuries and football exposures were reported weekly by answers to standardized text-message questions, followed by injury telephone interviews. A priori, self-reported previous knee injury and low KOOS subscale scores (< 80 points) were chosen as independent variables in the risk factor analyses. The study showed that self-reported previous knee injury significantly increased the risk of time-loss knee injury [relative risk (RR): 3.65, 95% confidence (CI) 1.73-7.68; P < 0.001]. Risk of time-loss knee injury was also significantly increased in players with low KOOS subscale scores (< 80 points) in Activities of Daily Living (RR: 5.0), Sport/Recreational (RR: 2.2) and Quality of Life (RR: 3.0) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, self-reported previous knee injury and low scores in three KOOS subscales significantly increase the risk of future time-loss knee injury in adolescent female football.

Effects of long-term football training on the expression profile of genes involved in muscle oxidative metabolism.

We investigated whether long-term recreational football training affects the expression of health-related biochemical and molecular markers in healthy untrained subjects. Five untrained healthy men trained for 1 h 2.4 times/week for 12 weeks and 1.3 times/week for another 52 weeks. Blood samples and a muscle biopsy from the vastus lateralis were collected at T0 (pre intervention) and at T1 (post intervention). Gene expression was measured by RTqPCR on RNA extracted from muscle biopsies. The expression levels of the genes principally involved in energy metabolism (PPARγ, adiponectin, AMPKα1/α2, TFAM, NAMPT, PGC1α and SIRT1) were measured at T0 and T1. Up-regulation of PPARγ (p < 0.0005), AMPKα1 (p < 0.01), AMPKα2 (p < 0.0005) and adiponectin was observed at T1 vs T0. Increases were also found in the expression of TFAM (p < 0.001), NAMPT (p < 0.01), PGC1α (p < 0.01) and SIRT1 (p < 0.01), which are directly or indirectly involved in the glucose and lipid oxidative metabolism. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that fat percentage was independently associated with NAMPT, PPARγ and adiponectin expression. In conclusion, long-term recreational football training could be a useful tool to improve the expression of muscle molecular biomarkers that are correlated to oxidative metabolism in healthy males.

Cardiovascular function is better in veteran football players than age-matched untrained elderly healthy men.

The aim of the study was to determine whether lifelong football training may improve cardiovascular function, physical fitness, and body composition. Our subjects were 17 male veteran football players (VPG; 68.1 ± 2.1 years) and 26 healthy age-matched untrained men who served as a control group (CG; 68.2 ± 3.2 years). Examinations included measurements of cardiac function, microvascular endothelial function [reactive hyperemic index (RHI)], maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), and body composition. In VPG, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume was 20% larger (P < 0.01) and LV ejection fraction was higher (P < 0.001). Tissue Doppler imaging revealed an augmented LV longitudinal displacement, i.e., LV shortening of 21% (P < 0.001) and longitudinal 2D strain was 12% higher (P < 0.05), in VPG. In VPG, resting heart rate was lower (6 bpm, P < 0.05), and VO2max was higher (18%, P < 0.05). In addition, RHI was 21% higher (P < 0.05) in VPG. VPG also had lower body mass index (P < 0.05), body fat percentage, total body fat mass, android fat percentage, and gynoid fat percentage (all P < 0.01). Lifelong participation in football training is associated with better LV systolic function, physical fitness, microvascular function, and a healthier body composition. Overall, VPG have better cardiovascular function compared with CG, which may reduce their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.