Reference values for triceps surae tissue oxygen saturation by near-infrared spectroscopy.

Objective.To establish the reference values for peripheral tissue perfusion of the triceps surae muscle assessed by Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at rest and in progressive effort.Approach.A total of 288 apparently healthy individuals of both sexes were included; between 30 and 79 years of age; nonsmokers; without diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, kidney disease, symptoms of angina and intermittent claudication, or any musculoskeletal alteration that would prevent physical exertion; and without diagnosis of Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or other associated symptoms. All individuals performed anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) assessments by NIRS during and after arterial occlusion maneuver and incremental shuttle walking test. The variables obtained by NIRS were presented in percentiles (P) for general comparison between sexes and for comparison between sexes according to age group. The relationship between the NIRS data and other variables was tested.Main results.Considering P50 and p<0.05, men had lower StO2 values, higher deoxygenation and reoxygenation (Tx-reox) rates at rest, and higher Tx-reox during progressive effort. There were correlations (p<0.0001) of body composition with the lowest StO2 and Tx-reox values and of functional capacity with Tx-reox in occlusion and Tx-reox.Significance.The percentiles presented can clinically assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of different health conditions; however, it is important to consider the individual's sex, body composition, and functional capacity.

Anxiety, sleep quality and mood in elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: The social isolation (quarantine) caused by COVID-19 has generated several consequences for the physical and mental health of the general population; however, little is known about the effects of this disease on elite athletes. We seek to assess the effect of social isolation on anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life for elite athletes. METHODS: 206 athletes from collective and individual sports (116 men and 90 women) participated in the present study, with an average age of 24.61±8.73 years. Time devoted to physical training before and during the pandemic was assessed. Assessment of anxiety symptoms, sleep quality and mood were assessed using semistructured questionnaires. RESULTS: There was a reduction in hours dedicated to training, as well as in training sessions for both groups evaluated. There is a high prevalence (>90%) of anxiety symptoms (medium and high) in both groups. There were no major losses in the sleep quality of the athletes (>75% presented regular to very good sleep). CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences regarding the traits and state of anxiety between athletes of collective and individual modalities. However, both groups showed traces of anxiety, which, from the point of view of health, becomes worrying.

Validade e confiabilidade de testes para a obtenção da frequência cardíaca máxima em natação

RESUMO O desenvolvimento de um protocolo específico na natação para detectar a Frequência cardíaca máxima (FCmáx) pode qualificar a prescrição e controle de treinamento na natação. Dessa forma, o estudo objetivou validar um teste específico para obtenção da FCmáx em natação, para o nado crawl. Onze nadadores masculinos, de nível universitário, nadaram as distâncias de 100 e 200 metros crawl, em velocidade máxima, com monitoramento da FC, através de um monitor cardíaco. A validade foi avaliada pela relação entre FCmáx e lactato e a confiabilidade por teste e reteste de cada distância. A FCmáx dos 100 e 200 metros no teste foi de 187,6 ± 7,23 e 187,6 ± 7,54 bpm (p > 0,05) e no reteste de 188,3 ± 8,3 e 189,5 ± 8 bpm (p > 0,05). Encontraram-se altos valores de correlação para FCmáx obtida e concentração de lactato nos dois testes (100 e 200 metros). Correlações positivas significativas entre teste e reteste mostraram a confiabilidade dos testes (100 metros - 0,910, p < 0,001 e 200 metros - 0,950, p < 0,001). Conclui-se que os testes propostos são capazes de gerar, com precisão, a FCmáx de nadadores de nível universitário, são uma importante variável usada para cálculo das zonas de intensidade do treinamento e ferramenta para monitoramento da evolução do atleta durante a temporada.

ABSTRACT The development of a specific protocol to detect swimming Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax) can qualify the prescription and control training in swimming. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate a specific test to obtain HRmax in swimming, to freestyle. Eleven male swimmers, college-level, swam the distances of 100 and 200 meters at maximum speed, with heart rate monitoring, through a cardiac monitor. The validity was evaluated by the relation between HRmax and lactate, and the reliability by test and retest of each distance. The HRmax of the 100 and 200 meters in the test was 187.6±7.23 and 187.6±7.54 bpm (p>0.05) and in the retest of 188.3±8.3 and 189.5±8 bpm (p>0.05). High correlation values were found for HRmax obtained and lactate concentration in both tests (100 and 200 meters). Significant positive correlations between test and retest showed the reliability of the tests (100 meters - 0.910, p<0.001 e 200 meters - 0.950, p<0.001). It is concluded that the proposed tests are capable of generating, with accuracy, the HRmax of college-level swimmers, being an important variable used to calculate training intensity zones and a tool to monitor the evolution of the athlete during the season.

RESUMEN El desarrollo de un protocolo específico en natación para detectar la frecuencia cardíaca máxima (FCmáx) puede condicionar la prescripción y el control del entrenamiento en natación. De esta forma, el objetivo del estudio fue validar una prueba específica para la obtención de la FCmáx en natación, en el estilo crol. Once nadadores masculinos, de nivel universitario, nadaron las distancias de 100 y 200 metros a toda velocidad, con control de la frecuencia cardíaca mediante un monitor cardíaco. La validez se evaluó por la relación entre la FCmáx y el lactato, y la fiabilidad por la relación entre el test y el retest de cada distancia. La FCmáx de 100 y 200 metros en el test fue 187,6 ± 7,23 y 187,6 ± 7,54 lpm (p > 0,05) y en el retest, 188,3 ± 8,3 y 189,5 ± 8 lpm (p > 0,05). Se encontraron elevados valores de correlación obtenidos para la FCmáx y la concentración de lactato en las dos pruebas (100 y 200 metros). Correlaciones positivas importantes entre el test y el retest mostraron la fiabilidad de las pruebas (100 metros: 0,910; p < 0,001 y 200 metros: 0,950; p < 0,001). Se concluye que las pruebas propuestas son capaces de generar, con precisión, la FCmáx de nadadores de nivel universitario y son una importante variable usada para calcular las zonas de intensidad del entrenamiento y una herramienta para el control de la evolución del nadador durante la temporada.

Alpha-Actinin-3 R577X Polymorphism Influences Muscle Damage and Hormonal Responses After a Soccer Game.

Coelho, DB, Pimenta, EM, Rosse, IC, Veneroso, C, Pussieldi, GDA, Becker, LK, De Oliveira, EC, Carvalho, MRS, and Silami-Garcia, E. Alpha-actinin-3 R577X polymorphism influences muscle damage and hormonal responses after a soccer game. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2655-2664, 2019-The purpose of this study was to evaluate indicators of muscle damage and hormonal responses after soccer matches and its relation to alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene expression (XX vs. RR/RX), considering that the R allele produces alpha-actinin-3 and provides greater muscle strength and power. Thirty players (10 XX and 20 RR/RX) younger than 16 years were evaluated in this study. Blood samples were collected immediately before, after, 2, and 4 hours after the games to assess muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK] and alpha-actin) and hormonal responses (interleukin-6 [IL-6], cortisol, and testosterone). Postgame CK was higher as compared to the pregame values in both groups and it was also higher in the RR/RX (p < 0.05) than in the XX. The concentrations of alpha-actin and IL-6 were similar for both groups and did not change over time. Testosterone was increased after the game only in the RR/RX group (p < 0.05). Cortisol concentrations in group RR/RX were higher immediately after the game than before the game, and 2 and 4 hours after the game the concentration decreased (p < 0.05). The RR and RX individuals presented higher markers of muscle microtrauma and hormonal stress, probably because they performed more speed and power actions during the game, which is a self-regulated activity. From the different responses presented by RR/RX and XX genotypes, we conclude that the genotypic profile should be taken into account when planning training workloads and recovery of athletes.

Commute to school, level of physical activity, and physical fitness of young adolescents in the Municipality of Florestal, Minas Gerais / Diferentes formas de deslocamento para a escola, nível de atividade física e desempenho físico de jovens adolescentes do Município de Florestal - MG

This study aimed to evaluate performance in physical fitness tests and physical activity level when comparing the level of physical activity and performance in physical fitness tests among adolescents who moved in three different ways to school. The sample was 60 students (50% female), divided equally into three groups: walk, bike and motorized transport, aged between 15 and 18 years (16,38 ±0,86 years). The physical fitness was evaluated by means of the six-minute run/walk tests, horizontal jump test and 20m maximal speed run. The physical activity score was estimated by the brief IPAQ version. The time and distance displaced by each school was estimated through the Global Position-ing System by the Google Maps application. The main findings were that in the physical fitness eval-uation, in neither test and for both sexes were found significant differences in physical performance of the three groups. But we found differences in physical activity levels between the walking and motorized transport groups. And the distance traveled by the motorized group was higher than that of the other groups, in both sexes, and the mean total time spent to perform the displacement in the bicycle group in both sexes was smaller. The differences in time or distance between the groups were not able to produce an effect on the physical fitness. We concluded that the walking group presents a higher level of physical activity to the other groups, pedaling and motorized, suggesting that walking improves physical fitness due to time spent on the course.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o desempenho em testes de aptidão física e o nível de atividade física ao compa-rou o nível de atividade física e o desempenho em testes de aptidão física entre adolescentes que de deslocavam de três formas distintas até a escola. A amostra compreendeu 60 escolares (50% do sexo feminino), divididos igualmente em três grupos: caminhada, bicicleta e transporte motorizado, com idades entre 15 e 18 anos (16,38 ±0,86 anos). A aptidão física foi avaliada mediante os testes de corrida/caminhada de seis minutos, salto horizontal e corrida de 20 metros. O escore de atividade física foi estimado pela versão curta do IPAQ. O tempo e distância de deslocamento foi estimado por meio do Global Positioning System pelo aplicativo Google Maps. Os principais achados foram que, na avaliação da aptidão física, em nenhum dos testes e para ambos os sexos foram encontradas diferenças significativas em relação ao desempenho físico dos três grupos. Foram indentificadas diferenças nos níveis de atividade física entre os grupos caminhada e transporte motorizado: a distância percorrida pelo grupo motorizado foi maior do que a dos demais grupos, em ambos os sexos, e que o tempo total médio gasto para realizar o deslocamento no grupo bicicleta com relação aos outros grupos em ambos os sexos foi menor. As diferenças no tempo ou na distância entre os grupos não foram capazes de produzirem efeito nas aptidões físicas, mas pode-se concluir que o grupo que se desloca caminhando apresenta um maior nível de atividade física em relação aos outros grupos, pedalando e de carro, sugerindo que o deslocamento está associado as maiores níveis de condicionamento física.

Daily rhythm of skin temperature of women evaluated by infrared thermal imaging.

It is well known that skin temperature varies due to circadian rhythm. Although there is information available for men, little is known about women's circadian rhythm in the analysis of skin temperature (Tsk) using infrared thermography. The objective of this study is to identify Tsk variations on different body regions in women through infrared thermography during the day. The sample consisted of 20 female (mean age of 20.5 ± 1.3 years, body weight of 62.2 ± 9.2kg and height of 165.0 ± 4.7cm). Oneway ANOVA for repeated measures, and Cosinor analysis was used to determine the MESOR, amplitude and acrophase of Tsk. The regions of the forearm, upper arm and anterior and posterior legs in the lower limbs, as well as the chest and scapulae in the upper limbs showed higher variability throughout the day. In general, distal regions had lower values compared with the central regions, and the pectoral region had the lowest standard deviation values. Tsk of the analyzed regions at different times show significant differences between periods of the day in young active women, showing the minimum absolute values for both Tsk in the early morning. These results highlight the need to consider the time of day when analyzing women's skin temperature. Future studies should report the time of day when the images were collected, as well as consider the circadian rhythm when making comparisons.

Espaço Movimento: Physical exercise program as prevention strategy in supplementary care / Espaço Movimento: Programa de exercício físico como estratégia de prevenção na saúde suplementar

The aim of this study was to describe a program of health promotion and prevention of risks and diseases, developed by a health plan provider by means of results achieved and activities since its inception. To demonstrate the results, active and retired employees of UFV Campus Florestal and their dependents were selected, enrolled with this provider, to attend Espaço Movimento in two groups: gym (GG) and walking/running (WRG). All were submitted to anthropometric and mood profile evaluation, and a flexibility test at baseline and every six months; VO2max was assessed only for WRG. Submitted to 12 months of intervention, GG was composed of 45 participants (25 male), with mean age 46.1 ± 15.7 years. The WRG was subjected to six months of intervention, and composed of 12 participants (10 females), with mean age 42.8 ± 13.8 years. The logical model from 2013 to 2015 was used to present the activities. Results of both groups showed significant improvements in levels of physical fitness, anthropometric variables and mental health. Between the years 2013 and 2015, three annual events were offered to the community of Florestal, in cluding a wider range of age, from children to seniors. Therefore, the proposal of the Espaço Movimento initiative seems to be innovative in the supplementary care and demonstrates effectiveness on the observed results.

O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever um programa de promoção da saúde e prevenção de riscos e doenças desenvolvido por uma operadora de saúde suplementar por meio de resultados atingidos e atividades realizadas desde sua implementação. Para demonstrar os resultados atingidos foram selecionados servidores ativos e inativos da UFV Campus Florestal, e seus dependentes, participantes dessa operadora, atendidos no Espaço Movimento nas duas modalidades, grupo da academia (GA) e grupo de caminhada/corrida (GCC). Todos foram submetidos à avaliação antropométrica e de perfil de estado de humor, e a um teste de flexibilidade no momento inicial e a cada seis meses; e apenas no GCC foi avaliado o VO2Máx. O GA, submetido a 12 meses de intervenção, foi composto por 45 participantes, 25 homens e 20 mulheres, com idade média de 46,07 ± 15,74 anos. O GCC, submetido a seis meses de intervenção, foi composto por 12 participantes, 10 mulheres e dois homens, com idade média de 42,75 ± 13,84 anos. Para apresentar as atividades realizadas foi utilizado o modelo lógico adotado no período de 2013 a 2015. Os resultados de ambos os grupos atendidos apresentaram melhoras significativas nos índices de aptidão física, variáveis antropométricas e de saúde mental. Entre o período de 2013 a 2015 foram desenvolvidos três eventos que são oferecidos anualmente à comunidade de Florestal, os quais abrangem uma ampla faixa etária, de crianças à idosos. Diante do exposto, a pro-posta do Espaço Movimento parece ser inovadora na saúde suplementar e se demonstra efetiva diante dos resultados observados.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-I/D) polymorphism frequency in Brazilian soccer players.

This study aimed to analyze the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE-I/D) allelic and genotypic frequencies in Brazilian soccer players of different ages. The study group comprised 353 players from first-division clubs in the under (U)-14, U-15, U-17, U-20, and professional categories. The allelic and genotypic frequencies did not differ significantly in any of the categories between the group of players and the control group. This was the first study of ACE-I/D polymorphism in Brazilian soccer players.

The alpha-actinin-3 r577x polymorphism and physical performance in soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ACTN3 genotype (RR, RX, and XX) and physical performance of 138 adult, professional, U-20 and U-17 years Brazilian first-division soccer players. METHODS: The following three parameters were investigated: first, speed, using a 30-meter sprint test with speed measured at 10 meters, 20 meters, and 30 meters; second, muscular strength, using counter-movement-jump and squat jump tests; and third, aerobic endurance using the Yo-Yo endurance test. The athletes were ranked in ascending order according to their performance in each test. After which they were divided into quartiles and clustered according to genotype and allele frequency. The χ2 was used to compare the genotype frequencies (RR, RX and RR) and allele frequencies (R and X) within and between the different quartiles of performance rating. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in genotypic or allelic frequencies between different performance ratings. The ACTN3 genotype was not associated to any of the physical performance parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides no ervidence for an assocviation between alpha-actinin-3 R577x genotypes and differences in physical performance in adult, professional, U-20 and U-17 years Brazilian first-division soccer players.

Análise das concentrações de creatina quinase e alfa -actina no futebol pré-temporada / Analysis of creatine kinase and alpha-actin concentrations in soccer pre-season

The purpose of the present study was to assess muscle overload through changes in creatine kinase (CK) activity and serum concentration of α-actin in soccer players in response of two months of pre-season physical training. Basic procedures: Ten professional athletes (26 ± 6 years of age) undergoing arduous training were evaluated. Serum CK activity and α-actin serum concentration were determined at the beginning and end of two months of pre-season training. Effort intensity was determined throughout the training sessions by monitoring heart rate (HR). Serum CK activity was determined using the colorimetric method. Plasma α-actin concentration was evaluated using ELISA and confirmed using the Western Blot method. Main Findings: Serum CK activity and α-actin concentration were higher in the post-training period in comparison to the pre-training period (CK: PRE 65.5 ± 4.2 U/L, POST 435.7 ± 70.0 U/L, p=0.0004; α-actin by Western Blot: PRE 42.9 ± 21.6 µg/mL, POST 68.1 ± 19.1 µg/mL, p=0.0004; by ELISA: PRE 70.63 ± 10.4 µg/mL, POST 101.80 ± 17.3 µg/mL, p=0.0125). Conclusions: The significant increases in α-actin concentration and in CK activity of soccer players over the two-month pre-season indicated that an elevated training overload was imposed upon the athletes.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a sobrecarga muscular através de mudanças na creatina quinase (CK) e concentração sérica de α-actina em jogadores de futebol de resposta de dois meses de treinamento físico de pré-temporada. Procedimentos básicos: Dez atletas profissionais (26 ± 6 anos de idade) que se submeteram aos treinamentos foram avaliados. Atividade de CK e concentração sérica de actina-α foram determinados no início e no fim de dois meses de treinamento de pré-temporada. Intensidade de esforço foi determinada ao longo das sessões de treinamento por meio do monitoramento da freqüência cardíaca (FC). Actividade de CK no soro foi determinada pelo método colorimétrico. Concentração de plasma α-actina foi avaliada utilizando ELISA e confirmado usando o método de Western Blot. Conclusões: a atividade da CK sérica e concentração α-actina foram maiores no período pós-treinamento em comparação com o período pré-treinamento (CK: PRE 65,5 ± 4,2 U/L, 435,7 ± 70,0 POST U/L, p = 0,0004; α-actina por Western Blot: PRE 42,9 ± 21,6 ng/mL, 68,1 ± 19,1 POST mcg/mL, p = 0,0004; por ELISA: PRE 70,63 ± 10,4 ng/mL, POST 101,80 ± 17,3 ng/mL, p = 0,0125). Conclusões: O aumento da atividade da CK e da concentração de actina-α após dois meses de treinamento na pré-temporada de um time de futebol indica uma sobrecarga muscular significativa imposta por este período de treinamento.(AU)

Effect of ACTN3 gene on strength and endurance in soccer players.

Sports efficiency in activities in which strength and speed are the determining factors has been associated to the ACTN3 gene, which is responsible for the expression of α-actinin-3. Soccer is a mainly aerobic sport because of its long duration, but the acute actions that define the game demand a lot of strength and speed. The purpose of the present study was to compare the performance capacity of soccer players with different genotype groups of ACTN3 (XX, RX, and RR) in strength, speed, and endurance tests. Two hundred professional players of Brazilian soccer first division teams participated in this study. Speed, jump, and endurance test results were compared with the polymorphisms of the ACTN3 gene. It was noticed that RR individuals spent less time to run a 10-m path, compared with XX individuals (p < 0.05). The RR individuals also presented lower time rates at the 20- and 30-m path, compared with RX and XX individuals (p < 0.05). In jump tests, RR individuals presented higher rates, compared with RX and XX individuals (p < 0.05). As for aerobic tests, the XX individuals presented higher rates of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max, compared with the RR group (p < 0.05), and did not differ from the RX group. The main conclusion of this study is that soccer players of genotype ACTN3/RR are the fastest in short distances and present higher jump potential. ACTN3/XX individuals presented the highest aerobic capacity. These findings can be used in training load adjustment and can influence the development of tactical schemes in soccer matches.

The ACTN3 genotype in soccer players in response to acute eccentric training.

Genetic factors can interfere with sporting performance. The identification of genetic predisposition of soccer players brings important information to trainers and coaches for individual training loads adjustment. Different responses to eccentric training could be observed by the genotype referred to as α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) in biomarkers of muscle damage, hormones and inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to compare acute inflammatory responses, muscle damage and hormonal variations according to the eccentric training in soccer professional athletes with different genetic profiles of ACTN3 (XX, RX and RR). 37 soccer professional athletes (9 XX, 13 RX, 15 RR) were randomly divided into five stations associated to eccentric muscle contraction and plyometrics. Blood samples were taken from athletes pre-eccentric training, immediately after (post), 2- and 4-h post-eccentric training to determine hormone responses (cortisol and testosterone), muscle damage (CK and α-actin), and inflammatory responses (IL-6). After eccentric training, athletes XX presented higher levels for CK (4-h post), α-actin (post and 2-h post) and cortisol (post) compared to RR and RX athletes. However, RR and RX athletes presented higher levels of testosterone (post) and IL-6 (2 h post and 4 h post) compared to athletes XX. The main conclusion of this study is that professional soccer athletes homozygous to ACTN3XX gene are more susceptible to eccentric damage and present a higher catabolic state, demonstrated by metabolic, hormonal and immune responses post an eccentric training, in comparison to ACTN3RR and ACTN3RX groups.

Swim training suppresses tumor growth in mice.

The present study was designed to determine the effects of physical training on the development of cancer induced by the injection of Ehrlich tumor cells in mice. Male Swiss mice were subjected to a swim training protocol (5 days/wk for 6 wk, 1 h at 50% of maximal capacity-trained groups) or remained sedentary in their cages (sedentary groups). The inoculation of Ehrlich tumor cells was performed at the end of the fourth week, and animals were killed after 6 wk of training. Heart and solid tumor weights were recorded, and tumor volumes were calculated. Portions of the tumors were used for the evaluation of macrophages and neutrophil accumulation or fixed in neutral 10% buffered formalin for histological analysis. The tumor volume and weight were, respectively, approximately 270% and 280% greater in sedentary mice than in trained mice. Macrophage infiltration in the tumor tissue was significantly lower in trained mice (0.65 +/- 0.16 vs. 1.78 +/- 0.43 macrophages x 10(3) in the sedentary group). Moreover, neutrophil accumulation in tumors was slightly reduced after exercise training, and the amount of tumor cells was reduced in trained mice. Exercise capacity was substantially increased in trained mice, as determined by a 440% increase in the exercise time at 50% of maximal capacity. In summary, swim training retarded the development of Ehrlich tumors in mice, accompanied by a reduction in macrophage infiltration and neutrophil accumulation. These findings provide conceptual support for clinical observations that controlled physical activities may be a therapeutically important approach to preventing cancer progression and may improve the outcome of cancer treatment.