Relationship Between Resting Heart Rate Variability and Intermittent Endurance Performance in Novice Soccer Players.

Purpose: This study examined the relationships between the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and resting heart rate variability (HRV) and submaximal 5'-5' test derived measures in novice male soccer players. Methods: Forty players (11.54 ± 0.58 years) from a soccer academy participated in this study, performing physical tests on two different days, separated by 48 h, as follows: (day 1) resting HRV and Yo-Yo IR1 test, and (day 2) anthropometric assessments (for peak height velocity assessment [PHV]) and the 5'-5' test. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlations between Yo-Yo IR1 performance and the remaining variables. A partial correlation analysis was further performed using age, stature, body mass, distance to PHV, and age at PHV as "confounders." Results: The highest correlation score was observed between Yo-Yo IR1 performance and resting HRV, when the absolute age was used as confounder (r = 0.72; p < .05). Conclusions: We observed that a practical measure of parasympathetic activity at rest is largely associated with performance obtained during a traditional intermittent endurance performance test.

Preventing texting while driving: a statement of the American College of Preventive Medicine.

The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) is providing a set of recommendations designed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with distractions due to texting while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12% of all fatal crashes involving at least one distracted driver are estimated to be related to cell phone use while driving. Given the combination of visual, manual, and cognitive distractions posed by texting, this is an issue of major public health concern for communities. Therefore, the ACPM feels it is timely to discuss this issue and provide the following recommendations: 1. Encourage state legislatures to develop and pass legislation banning texting while driving, while simultaneously implementing comprehensive and dedicated law enforcement strategies including penalties for these violations. Legislatures should establish a public awareness campaign regarding the dangers of texting while driving as an integral part of this legislation. 2. Promote further research into the design and evaluation of educational tools regarding texting while driving that can be incorporated into the issuance of driver's licenses. 3. Provide primary care providers with the appropriate tools to educate patients of all ages. 4. Conduct additional studies investigating the risks associated with cell phone usage while driving, particularly texting, with motor vehicle crashes.