Metabolic Demand and Internal Training Load in Technical-Tactical Training Sessions of Professional Futsal Players.

Wilke, CF, Ramos, GP, Pacheco, DAS, Santos, WHM, Diniz, MSL, Gonçalves, GGP, Marins, JCB, Wanner, SP, and Silami-Garcia, E. Metabolic demand and internal training load in technical-tactical training sessions of professional futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2330-2340, 2016-The aim of the study was to characterize aspects of technical-tactical training sessions of a professional futsal team. We addressed 4 specific aims: characterize the metabolic demands and intensity of these training sessions, compare the training intensity among players of different positions, compare the intensity of different futsal-specific activities (4 × 4, 6 × 4, and match simulation), and investigate the association between an objective (training impulse; TRIMP) and a subjective method (session rating of perceived exertion; sRPE) of measuring a player's internal training load. Twelve top-level futsal players performed an incremental exercise to determine their maximal oxygen consumption, maximal heart rate (HRmax), ventilatory threshold (VT), and respiratory compensation point (RCP). Each player's HR and RPE were measured and used to calculate energy expenditure, TRIMP, and sRPE during 37 training sessions over 8 weeks. The average intensity was 74 ± 4% of HRmax, which corresponded to 9.3 kcal·min. The players trained at intensities above the RCP, between the RCP and VT and below the VT for 20 ± 8%, 28 ± 6%, and 51 ± 10% of the session duration, respectively. Wingers, defenders, and pivots exercised at a similar average intensity but with different intensity distributions. No difference in intensity was found between the 3 typical activities. A strong correlation between the average daily TRIMP and sRPE was observed; however, this relationship was significant for only 4 of 12 players, indicating that sRPE is a useful tool for monitoring training loads but that it should be interpreted for each player individually rather than collectively.

Factors associated with the presence of patellar tendon abnormalities in male athletes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between lower limb alignment, range of motion/flexibility and muscle strength with the presence of patellar tendon abnormalities in male athletes. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Thirty-one male basketball and volleyball athletes were assessed for ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, shank-forefoot alignment, iliotibial band flexibility, hip external rotators and abductors isometric torque, passive hip internal rotation range of motion and frontal plane knee and patellar alignment (McConnell and Arno angles). Ultrasonographic evaluations of hypoechoic areas of the patellar tendons were performed in longitudinal and transverse planes. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine clinically relevant cut-off point for each variable. When the area under the curve was statistically significant, Prevalence Ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to indicate the strength of the association between the independent variable and the presence of patellar tendon abnormalities. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that iliotibial band flexibility (p=0.006), shank-forefoot alignment (p=0.013) and Arno angle (p=0.046) were associated with patellar tendon abnormalities. Cut-off points were established and only the Prevalence Ratio of iliotibial band flexibility (cut-off point=-0.02°/kg; PR=5.26) and shank-forefoot alignment (cut-off point=24°; PR=4.42) were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes with iliotibial band or shank-forefoot alignment above the clinically relevant cut-off point had more chance to have patellar tendon abnormalities compared to athletes under the cut-off point values. These results suggest that such factors could contribute to patellar tendon overload, since patellar tendon abnormalities indicate some level of tissue damage. Both factors might be considered in future prospective studies.

Dynamic touch is affected in children with cerebral palsy.

Children with developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy have limited opportunities for effortful interactions with objects and tools. The goal of the study was to investigate whether children with cerebral palsy have deficits in their ability to perceive object length by dynamic touch when compared to typically developing children. Fourteen children with typical development and 12 children with cerebral palsy were asked to report the length of hand-held rods after wielding them out of sight. Multilevel regression models indicated that I1 (maximum principal moment of inertia) was a significant predictor of perceived length - LP (p<.0001). The effect of I1 on LP was significantly different among children (p=.001) and the presence of cerebral palsy (group factor) partially explained such variance (p=.002). In addition, accuracy and reliability of the length judgments made by children with cerebral palsy were significantly lower than the typically developing children (p<.05). Theoretical and clinical implications of these results were identified and discussed.

Validity and reliability of clinical tests for assessing passive ankle stiffness.

BACKGROUND: The presence of inadequate levels of passive ankle stiffness have been associated with the occurrence of movement disorders, the development of pathological conditions and the reduction in the performance of functional activities such as walking, running and jumping. Therefore, clinical tests to evaluate ankle stiffness may be useful for the physical therapy assessment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the concurrent validity and the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of clinical measures developed to assess passive stiffness of the ankle joint during dorsiflexion movement. METHODS: Fifteen healthy participants underwent to test-retest evaluations of their ankles by two examiners. Two clinical measures were performed: 'position of first detectable resistance' and 'change in passive resistance torque'. The results of these tests were compared to the passive stiffness measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, in which the electromyography activity of specific muscles was monitored to ensure that the test was performed passively (gold standard measure). RESULTS: Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from r=-0.81 to -0.88 (p<0.001) for the correlation between the passive ankle stiffness measured with the isokinetic dynamometer and the results of the clinical measure 'position of the first detectable resistance'. For the measure of 'change in passive resistance torque', these coefficients ranged from r=0.72 to 0.83 (p<0.004). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) for the intra- and inter-examiner reliability ranged from 0.75 to 0.98. CONCLUSION: The clinical measures presented satisfactory validity and reliability to be used in clinical practice.

Validity and reliability of clinical tests for assessing passive ankle stiffness / Validade e confiabilidade de medidas clínicas para avaliação da rigidez passiva da articulação do tornozelo

BACKGROUND: The presence of inadequate levels of passive ankle stiffness have been associated with the occurrence of movement disorders, the development of pathological conditions and the reduction in the performance of functional activities such as walking, running and jumping. Therefore, clinical tests to evaluate ankle stiffness may be useful for the physical therapy assessment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the concurrent validity and the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of clinical measures developed to assess passive stiffness of the ankle joint during dorsiflexion movement. METHODS: Fifteen healthy participants underwent to test-retest evaluations of their ankles by two examiners. Two clinical measures were performed: 'position of first detectable resistance' and 'change in passive resistance torque'. The results of these tests were compared to the passive stiffness measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, in which the electromyography activity of specific muscles was monitored to ensure that the test was performed passively (gold standard measure). RESULTS: Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from r=-0.81 to -0.88 (p<0.001) for the correlation between the passive ankle stiffness measured with the isokinetic dynamometer and the results of the clinical measure 'position of the first detectable resistance'. For the measure of 'change in passive resistance torque', these coefficients ranged from r=0.72 to 0.83 (p<0.004). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) for the intra- and inter-examiner reliability ranged from 0.75 to 0.98. CONCLUSION: The clinical measures presented satisfactory validity and reliability to be used in clinical practice.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Níveis inadequados de rigidez passiva do tornozelo têm sido associados à ocorrência de disfunções de movimento, ao desenvolvimento de patologias e à redução no desempenho em atividades como marcha, corrida e salto. Testes clínicos para investigar a rigidez dessa articulação podem ser úteis no processo de avaliação fisioterápica. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a validade concorrente e as confiabilidades intra e interexaminadores de medidas clínicas para avaliação da rigidez passiva do tornozelo durante o movimento de dorsiflexão. MÉTODOS: Quinze voluntários saudáveis foram submetidos a avaliações teste-reteste do tornozelo por dois examinadores. Duas medidas clínicas foram realizadas: "posição de primeira resistência detectável" e "mudança do torque passivo de resistência". Os resultados desses testes foram comparados à medida da rigidez passiva realizada com um dinamômetro isocinético, no qual a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos foi monitorada para garantir que o teste fosse realizado passivamente (medida padrão-ouro). RESULTADOS:Os Coeficientes de Pearson variaram de r=-0,81 a -0,88 (p<0,001) para a correlação entre a medida da rigidez com o dinamômetro isocinético e os resultados da medida "posição de primeira resistência detectável". Para a medida "mudança do torque passivo de resistência", esses coeficientes variaram de r=0,72 a 0,83 (p<0,004). Os Coeficientes de Correlação Intraclasse (CCIs) obtidos para as confiabilidades intra e interexaminadores variaram de 0,75 a 0,98. CONCLUSÃO: Os testes propostos apresentaram validade e confiabilidades satisfatórias para serem utilizados na prática clínica.

Stretching versus strength training in lengthened position in subjects with tight hamstring muscles: a randomized controlled trial.

Stretching is used to modify muscle length. However, its effects seem to be temporary. There is evidence in animal models that strengthening in a lengthened position may induce long lasting changes in muscle length. The objective of this study was to compare changes in hamstrings flexibility, peak torque angle and stretch tolerance after two training programs: stretching and strengthening in a lengthened position. Forty-five subjects with tight hamstrings were randomly assigned into three groups: control, stretching and strength training in lengthened position. The interventions were performed three times a week for eight weeks. The subjects were assessed before and after the end of the programs. Data provided by an isokinetic dynamometer were used to assess hamstrings flexibility, peak torque angle, and stretch tolerance. The data analysis demonstrated that strengthening in lengthened position changed peak torque angle in the direction of knee extension (p=0.001). No change in flexibility was observed (p=0.449). Both experimental groups showed an increase in stretch tolerance (p=0.001). The results demonstrated that strengthening in a lengthened position produced a shift of the torque-angle curve, which suggests an increase in muscle length. Conversely, stretching did not produce modification of torque-angle curve and flexibility; its effects appear restricted to increases in stretch tolerance.

Alterations of stiffness and resting position of the elbow joint following flexors resistance training.

Skeletal muscles adapt their length and stiffness according to the functional demands to which they are regularly submitted. The modification of muscle stiffness and length induced by resistance training can alter joint stiffness and, theoretically, change joint resting position. Thirty subjects, randomly assigned to two groups, were submitted to a resistance training of the elbow flexor muscles of the non-dominant arm. This training was performed in the inner range in group 1 and throughout the complete range of motion in group 2. The dominant arm of each subject was considered the control. A biomechanical model of a hybrid mass-spring pendulum was used to estimate the elbow joint stiffness and the elbow resting position was assessed using a standard goniometer. There was a significant increase in joint stiffness of the experimental arm after complete range of motion training, which was not observed after the training performed in inner range. The resting position of the experimental arm was modified to a significantly greater flexion angle in both groups. No change was observed after resistance training in the control arm. The results showed that modifications in joint stiffness seem to depend on the volume of work imposed to skeletal muscles. In addition, both models of resistance training changed, through different mechanisms, the elbow joint resting position. These findings suggest that posture and joint stability may be modified by specific strengthening protocols.