Corrigendum: Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1174103.].

Position statement and updated international guideline for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation training-the need for common sense in WB-EMS application.

Whole-Body Electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a training technology that enables simultaneous stimulation of all the main muscle groups with a specific impulse intensity for each electrode. The corresponding time-efficiency and joint-friendliness of WB-EMS may be particularly attractive for people unable or unmotivated to conduct (intense) conventional training protocols. However, due to the enormous metabolic and musculoskeletal impact of WB-EMS, particular attention must be paid to the application of this technology. In the past, several scientific and newspaper articles reported severe adverse effects of WB-EMS. To increase the safety of commercial non-medical WB-EMS application, recommendations "for safe and effective whole-body electromyostimulation" were launched in 2016. However, new developments and trends require an update of these recommendations to incorporate more international expertise with demonstrated experience in the application of WB-EMS. The new version of these consensus-based recommendations has been structured into 1) "general aspects of WB-EMS", 2) "preparation for training", recommendations for the 3) "WB-EMS application" itself and 4) "safety aspects during and after training". Key topics particularly addressed are 1) consistent and close supervision of WB-EMS application, 2) mandatory qualification of WB-EMS trainers, 3) anamnesis and corresponding consideration of contraindications prior to WB-EMS, 4) the participant's proper preparation for the session, 5) careful preparation of the WB-EMS novice, 6) appropriate regeneration periods between WB-EMS sessions and 7) continuous interaction between trainer and participant at a close physical distance. In summary, we are convinced that the present guideline will contribute to greater safety and effectiveness in the area of non-medical commercial WB-EMS application.

Acute Effects of Whole-Body Electrostimulation Combined with Stretching on Lower Back Pain.

Data from recent studies suggest that whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-effective and tailored intervention for chronic lower back pain (CLBP). The aim of this non-randomized controlled study was to compare the efficacy of a WB-EMS training and the association between WB-EMS specific training with passive stretching (Well Back System, [WBS]) on CLBP. Forty patients with CLBP, 43-81 years old, were assigned to one of the two groups: WB-EMS (n=20) and WB-EMS+WBS (n=20). Both groups completed 12 sessions (8 weeks) of the WB-EMS protocol (2×20 minutes/week). The second group performed core-specific exercises with WB-EMS plus 6 extra stretching sessions (30 minutes each). Primary study endpoints were based on changes on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and changes on the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire (ODI). Secondary study endpoints were percentage changes of maximum trunk flexion (Sit & Reach, [SR]) and changes in consumption of painkillers. Both interventions significantly improved VAS, ODI, and SR values (p range: 0.04;<0.001). However, the change of VAS (-46% vs. -17%, p<0.001), ODI (-53% vs. -17%, p<0.001), and SR (+ 7 vs.+3 cm, p=0.001) were significantly higher in the WB-EMS+WBS group compared to the WB-EMS group. The working method with WB-EMS+WBS can be a joint-friendly, individualized form to decrease CLBP.

Temporal patterns of fatigue in repeated sprint ability testing in soccer players and acute effects of different IHRs: a comparison between genders.

BACKGROUND: Repeated sprint ability (RSA) in soccer is deemed fundamental to ensure high level of performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of two different Initial Heart Rates (IHR) on fatigue when testing RSA in males and females' soccer players and to compare the respective patterns of fatigue. METHODS: Nineteen female soccer players (age: 22.5±3.3 years, height 163.9±7.3 cm, body weight 54.3±6.4 kg, BMI 20.6±1.5 kg·m-2) and 15 male soccer players (age: 17.9±1.5 years, height 175.9±5.8 cm, body weight 68.5±9.6 kg, BMI 22.3±1.5 kg·m-2) participated in this study. HRs reached at the end of two different warm-up protocols (~90 vs. ~ 60% HRmax), have been selected and the respective RSA performances were compared, within and between the groups of participants. Two sets of ten shuttle-sprints (15+15 m) with a 1:3 exercise to rest ratio with different IHR% were administered, in different days, in randomized order. To compare the different sprint performances, we employed the calculated Fatigue Index (FI%). Blood lactate concentration (BLa-) was also measured before and after testing, to compare metabolic energy. RESULTS: Significant differences among trials within each set (P<0.01) were found in both genders. Differences between sets were found in male players, (Factorial ANOVA 2x5; P<0.001), not in female. BLa- after warm-up was higher in 90% vs. 60% HRmax (P<0.05), in both genders but at the completion of RSA tests (after 3 minutes) the differences were not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: difference between genders were found, suggesting specific approach in testing and training RSA in soccer players.

Professional football training strategies during home confinement in the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 emergency forced athletes to train at home on their own and mostly unsupervised, making it difficult to provide training solutions. The aims of the study were 1) to collect data and experiences from a Serie A male football team, a top-level female football team and a male young elite football team; 2) to compare data from lockdown and pre-lockdown period; 3) to report changes in training strategies adopted to overcome logistical constraints and 4) to evaluate their congruence to cardio, strength and stretching recommendation mentioned above; 5) to report compliance through player daily feedback. METHODS: Three different professional football teams were enrolled. From March 16, 2020 to April 13, 2020, data for each team were recorded weekly and compared to a standard training period (October 15th to November 15th, 2019) from the same groups. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Total Quality of Recovery Scale (TQR) values were used to compare the two periods using The Student t-Test and Pearson Test. RESULTS: Each group chose a different training approach. Between the pre-lockdown and the lockdown period, there was no significant difference in the VAS, TQR and RPE indexes. Other else players' compliance differed between the groups during the lockdown period. CONCLUSIONS: Most athletes maintained a high level of training during the COVID-19 forced isolation, thanks to the help of team athletic trainers who provide functional tools and indications customized for each differ. Athletes' feedback and compliance differed according to their gender and age. Monitoring with live video sessions and social group sharing among younger players improved compliance and aggregation.

The miR-133a, TPM4 and TAp63γ Role in Myocyte Differentiation Microfilament Remodelling and Colon Cancer Progression.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in the regulation of a number of physiological functions. miR-133a and other muscular miRs (myomiRs) play a key role in muscle cell growth and in some type of cancers. Here, we show that miR133a is upregulated in individuals that undertake physical exercise. We used a skeletal muscle differentiation model to dissect miR-133a's role and to identify new targets, identifying Tropomyosin-4 (TPM4). This protein is expressed during muscle differentiation, but importantly it is an essential component of microfilament cytoskeleton and stress fibres formation. The microfilament scaffold remodelling is an essential step in cell transformation and tumour progression. Using the muscle system, we obtained valuable information about the microfilament proteins, and the knowledge on these molecular players can be transferred to the cytoskeleton rearrangement observed in cancer cells. Further investigations showed a role of TPM4 in cancer physiology, specifically, we found that miR-133a downregulation leads to TPM4 upregulation in colon carcinoma (CRC), and this correlates with a lower patient survival. At molecular level, we demonstrated in myocyte differentiation that TPM4 is positively regulated by the TA isoform of the p63 transcription factor. In muscles, miR-133a generates a myogenic stimulus, reducing the differentiation by downregulating TPM4. In this system, miR-133a counteracts the differentiative TAp63 activity. Interestingly, in CRC cell lines and in patient biopsies, miR-133a is able to regulate TPM4 activity, while TAp63 is not active. The downregulation of the miR leads to TPM4 overexpression, this modifies the architecture of the cell cytoskeleton contributing to increase the invasiveness of the tumour and associating with a poor prognosis. These results add data to the interesting question about the link between physical activity, muscle physiology and protection against colorectal cancer. The two phenomena have in common the cytoskeleton remodelling, due to the TPM4 activity, that is involved in stress fibres formation.

Fitness profiles of elite male Italian teams handball players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the fitness profile of the Italian national male Team-Handball players of different competitive level. METHODS: Forty-one male handball players from the senior (N.=21, height 1.90±0.06m, body mass 94.04±11.59kg, BMI 26.13±2.45) to the junior category (N.=20, height 1.86±0.06m, body weight 84.99±12.52kg, BMI: 24.56±3.35) Italian National Teams participated in this study. Players were tested for lower and upper limbs muscle strength, change of direction ability and specific endurance. Lower limbs explosive strength was assessed with squat (SJ) countermovement (CMJ), stiff leg (stiffness) jumps. Explosive strength was assessed by measuring kinematic aspects of squat and bench exercises. Change of direction ability was assessed with the 505 test. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1) was considered for specific endurance. RESULTS: Large and significant differences (d>1; partial η2>0.14; P<0.01) between senior and junior national team players were found in anthropometrics, jumping, power, sprint, agility, and aerobic fitness (junior body weight accounting for 10% less than the senior one, P=0.021; SJ and CMJ in juniors smaller than the seniors by 15% and 12%, P=0.000 and P=0.001, respectively). Similar differences were found among positional roles (goalkeepers, backs, centers, pivots, wings), suggesting practical implications for training. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between the competitive level and the playing role in relevant handball performance were reported in Italian national team players. The magnitude of the differences suggests the need of individual training approach when dealing with the young handball players.

Gender differences in instep soccer kicking biomechanics, investigated through a 3D human motion tracker system.

BACKGROUND: This study aims at describing and comparing each other male and female soccer players kicking instep a stationary ball. The different measures we collected by the 3D motion capture system Movit G1 and the High-Speed Camera (240 fps) were considered as dependent variables, whereas the gender was considered as the independent one. METHODS: Twenty soccer well trained non-professional players: 10 men (age: 25.3±6.5 yrs; height 1.80±0.07 m; body mass 76.9±13.2 kg) and 10 women (age: 19±3.34 yrs; height 1.64±0.07 m; body mass 58.2±7.2 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. RESULTS: Gender differences were found, with a statistical significance (P<0.05) or interesting magnitude (Cohen d>0.5). The most relevant ones were the differences in hip extension of the kicking leg when the foot of the supporting one touches the ground, just before the impact on the ball (independent sample t-Test; P=0.03; Cohen d=1.64) and the speed of the ball, reached immediately after kicking (P<0.001;d=1.23). CONCLUSIONS: These results, together with the greater pelvic acceleration shown by men compared to women, highlight the need to develop a gender-differentiated training model, in order to customize the kicking technique in women and to reduce the likelihood, currently higher than for men, of kicking related injuries.

Whole-body Electromyostimulation plus Caloric Restriction in Metabolic Syndrome.

We investigated early effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation added to hypocaloric diet on metabolic syndrome features in sedentary middle-aged individuals. We randomly assigned 25 patients to Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction or caloric restriction alone for 26 weeks. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, glycated hemoglobin, lipids, uric acid, creatinphosphokynase, C-reactive protein were assessed. Body composition was evaluated with direct-segmental, multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Both groups lost approximately 10% of weight, with similar effects on waist circumference and fat mass. Change in free-fat mass was significantly different between groups (caloric restriction -1.5±0.2 vs. Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction +1.1±0.4 kg, p=0.03). Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction group experienced greater percent reductions in insulin (-45.5±4.4 vs. -28.2±3.6%, p=0.002), HOMA-IR (-51.3±3.2 vs. -25.1±1.8%, p=0.001), triglycerides (-22.5±2.9 vs. -4.1±1.6%, p=0.004) and triglycerides/HDL (p=0.028). Subjects trained with Whole-Body Electromyostimulation had also significant improvement in systolic pressure (138±4 vs. 126±7 mmHg, p=0.038). No discontinuations for adverse events occurred. In middle-aged sedentary subjects with the metabolic syndrome, Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with caloric restriction for 26 weeks can improve insulin-resistance and lipid profile compared to diet alone. Further studies are needed to ascertain long-term efficacy and feasibility of this approach in individuals with the metabolic syndrome.

Sprint Endurance Abilities in Elite Female Soccer Players.

PURPOSE: To profile sprint endurance performance of elite-level female soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-five female national-team soccer players (age 25.1 [2.7] y, body mass 59.6 [3.6] kg, height 168.5 [4.1] cm) were tested for sprint endurance, performing 5 maximal sprints, interspersed with 30 seconds of active recovery (5 × 30 m) and a 30-second all-out shuttle run in a soccer pitch. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1) evaluated intermittent high-intensity endurance under the same field-testing conditions. Maximal anaerobic capacity was assessed while participants performed three 10-second all-out bouts separated by 20 seconds of passive recovery (3 × 10 s) on a nonmotorized treadmill. RESULTS: Huge interplayer variability was observed for sprint decrements in 3 × 10 seconds (coefficient of variation = 37%) and 5 × 30 m (coefficient of variation = 62%). The 3 × 10 performance was largely associated with 5 × 30-m mean and best time and very largely with 30 seconds. A very large and nearly perfect correlation was observed between 30 seconds and 5 × 30 mMean (r = -.86) and 5 × 30 mBest (r = -.92), respectively. The YYIR1 was moderately to largely associated with 5 × 30-m variables and 30 seconds, respectively. A nearly perfect association was observed between 5 × 30 mBest and 5 × 30 mMean (r = .97). CONCLUSIONS: Elite female soccer players' sprint endurance variables are characterized by remarkable variability. Associations between sprint endurance variables suggest physiological interdependence and a likelihood of a general ability in sustaining sprinting in this population.

Acute effects of two different initial heart rates on testing the repeated sprint ability in elite women soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Repeated sprint ability (RSA) in women's soccer is crucial to ensure high level of performance during the game. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of two different initial heart rates intensities on fatigue when testing the RSA. METHODS: Since there are many kinds of pre-match warming-ups, the heart rate reached at the end of two different warm-up protocols (~90 vs. ≈60% HRmax) as an indicator of internal load has been selected and the respective RSA performances were compared. RSA tests were performed by 19 elite women soccer players (age: 22.5±3.3 years, height 163.9±7.3 cm, body mass 54.3±6.4 kg, BMI 20.6±1.5 kg/m2) with two sets of ten shuttle-sprints (15+15 m) with a 1:3 exercise to rest ratio, in different days (randomized order) with different initial HR% (60% and 90% HRmax). In order to compare the different sprint performances a Fatigue Index (FI%) was computed; the blood lactate concentrations (BLa-) were measured before and after testing, to compare metabolic energy. RESULTS: Significant differences among trials within each set (P<0.01) were found, as evidence of fatigue. Differences between sets were not found, (Factorial ANOVA 2x10; P>0.05). Although the BLa- after warm-up was higher between 90% vs. 60% HRmax (P<0.05), at the completion of RSA tests (after 3 minutes) the differences were considerably low and not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that, contrary to male soccer, the initial heart rates, induced by different modes of warming-up, do not affect the overall performance while testing RSA in women's soccer players.

Salivary Metabolome and Soccer Match: Challenges for Understanding Exercise induced Changes.

Saliva samples of seventeen soccer players were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance before and after an official match. Two different ways of normalizing data are discussed, using total proteins and total metabolite concentrations. Changes in markers related to energy, hydration status, amino acids and other compounds were found. The limits and advantages of using saliva to define the systemic responses to exercise are examined, both in terms of data normalization and interpretation, and the time that the effect lasts in this biofluid, which is shorter to that commonly observed in blood. The heterogeneous nature and different timing of the exercise developed by players also plays an important role in the metabolic changes that can be measured. Our work focuses mainly on three different aspects: The effect that time sampling has on the observed effect, the type of normalization that is necessary to perform in order to cope with changes in water content, and the metabolic response that can be observed using saliva.

Physical performance metrics in elite soccer: do power and acceleration metrics provide insight into positional demands and match-related fatigue in the 4-3-3 system?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to quantify power and acceleration metrics in elite soccer matches to gain an insight into positional demands and match-related fatigue patterns. METHODS: Elite players (N.=212, observations =522) were analysed during 50 matches of the Italian Serie A using a semi-automatic tracking system (K-Sport, Montelabbate, Pesaro-Urbino, Italy - Stats, Leeds, UK) during the 2015/16 season. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to find the latent variables that better explain the huge amount of data collected; an ANOVA was performed to find differences among positional roles and a mixed factorial analysis of mixed data (FAMD) was carried out to investigate the patterns of fatigue over time. RESULTS: Power and acceleration were defined as the latent variables out of the 19 investigated that provided most of the variance (90.39%); significant differences among roles were found (P<0.05; Effect Size (ES) as ω2>0.14) and significant patterns of fatigue (P<0.05) with a moderate to large ES were observed over time in some of the key performance indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that there are implications for developing power and acceleration in training sessions and assessing these components during a game. With the introduction of "live streaming" of GPS data, the movement patterns could be observed in real time, and interchanges could be made before the onset of fatigue and before evident reductions in performance might be observed.

Body Composition in Children and Adolescents Residing in Southern Europe: Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity According to Different International References.

The objective was to analyze body composition in children and adolescents of Southern Europe to identify prevalence of overweight and obesity. This investigation involved 512 girls and 488 boys between 7-to 19-years. Variables evaluated were Body Mass Index (BMI) and Fat Mass (FM; electrical bioimpedance). The references used to establish prevalence according to BMI were those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF); in the case of FM, the Child Growth Foundation (CGF) reference was used. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of overweight and obesity between the three classifications (32.3% according to IOTF, 37.3% according to WHO, and 39.8% according to CGF), being higher in males. WHO-IOTF concordance was substantial (kappa = 0.793), whereas concordances WHO-CGF (kappa = 0.504) and IOTF-CGF (kappa = 0.447) were moderate. The authors recommend evaluating overweight and obesity not only with BMI, but also with FM, and always specify the references used.

The Effects of Long Sprint Ability-Oriented Small-Sided Games Using Different Ratios of Players to Pitch Area on Internal and External Load in Soccer Players.

PURPOSE: To examine the internal and external load imposed by long sprint ability-oriented small-sided games (SSG) using different ratios of players to pitch area (densities) in soccer players. METHODS: A total of 19 professional soccer players from the same soccer club (age = 17.1 [0.3] y, height = 1.76 [0.69] m, and body mass = 69.7 [9.4] kg) participated in this study. Players performed 4 × 30-s (150 s recovery) all-out 1-vs-1 SSG considering 300, 200, and 100 m2 per player (48 h apart). Players' external loads were tracked with global positioning technology (20 Hz). Heart rate, blood lactate concentration (BLc), and rating of perceived exertion characterized players' internal load. Peak BLc was assessed with a 30-s all-out test on a nonmotorized treadmill (NMT). RESULTS: SSG300 produced higher BLc than SSG200 (moderate) and SSG100 (large). The SSG300, SSG200, and SSG100 BLc were 97.8% (34.8%), trivial; 74.7% (24.9%), moderate; and 43.4% (15.7%), large, of the NMT30s peak BLc, respectively. Players covered more distance at high intensity during the SSG300 than in other SSG conditions (huge to very large differences). High-intensity deceleration distance was largely lower in SSG200 than in SSG300. SSG100 elicited very large to huge and large to very large lower external load values than SSG300 and SSG200, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this study showed an inverse association between ball-drill density and internal/external loads in long sprint ability-oriented SSG. The SSG300 provided BLc closer to individual maximal, thus satisfying the all-out construct assumed for the development of long sprint ability. Further studies using the SSG300 as a training intervention and/or investigating other different SSG formats using the same density are warranted.

Visual dependency and postural control on swing performance in golf players.

Individuals have to reweight the respective contribution of the different sources of sensorial information for regulating posture and balance, especially during fine task execution. Given the evidences indicating strategy during swing performance as associated with prioritization of task-relevant visuospatial information for skill execution, the aim of the present work is to assess differences in visual dependency (VD) and postural control in a population of expert (EXP) and non-expert (NEXP) golfers when compared with healthy subjects (HC) and to discover possible relationships between these outcomes and swing performance. Thus, 15 golfers (EXP = 7; NEXP = 8) and 32 matched HC underwent otoneurological testing including video Head Impulse Test, posturography and Rod and Disk Test (RDT). Golf players also underwent a swing session procedure, which performance was measured by means of the Flightscope X2 Doppler-radar launch monitor system. EXP subjects demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) lower values in i) counter-clockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) dynamic conditions when compared with both NEXP and HC subjects RDT outcome measures and ii) surface and length posturography values as compared with HC subjects. When treating golf players outcomes as 'a continuum', CCW and CW scores were found to positively correlate with both lateral distance and horizontal launch angle and to negatively correlate with spin rpm. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the high-level of visual-independency demonstrated by EXP subjects may be functionally related in expert golfers to an effective motor strategy preferentially not referring to an inappropriate reliance on visual input.

Exercise-to-rest ratios in repeated sprint ability training in women's soccer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of three different exercise-to-rest ratios in repeated sprint ability (RSA) training in women's soccer players, applying those which are usually adopted in male adult and young players, when performing three different sprinting modes (straight, shuttle, and sprinting with changing of direction). METHODS: Fifteen trained female soccer players (height: 1.65±0.06 m; weight: 59.3±9.0 kg; BMI 21.6±2.7 kg/m2; age: 23.3±5.9 years) participated to the study. In order to compare the different values of the time recorded, an index of fatigue (IF%) was used. Recovery times among trials in the sets were administered according to the 1:5, 1:3, 1:2 exercise-to-rest ratio, respectively. Blood lactate concentrations at the end of each set were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences among trials within each set (repeated measures ANOVA; P<0.05) were found, as evidence of fatigue over time, with an average decay of performance of about 5% but no significant differences were found in IF%, among the three different sprinting modalities when applying the investigated exercise-to-rest ratios (factorial ANOVA; P>0.05). Significant differences were found in blood lactate concentrations (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm that the exercise-to-rest ratios considered in this study might be suitable to design effective testing protocols and training sessions aimed at the development of the RSA in women's soccer players, keeping the performances in the speed domain (IF% <7-8%) but inducing the fatigue processes sought with this kind of training method.

Exercise individualized by TRIMPi method reduces arterial stiffness in early onset type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial with aerobic interval training.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness (AS) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) are subclinical markers of vascular diseases in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated the effects of aerobic interval training (AIT), with loads prescribed according to individual heart rate and lactate profiling obtained during a baseline treadmill test (TRIMPi method), on AS and BRS in patients with early-onset T2D without cardiovascular complications. POPULATION STUDY AND METHODS: Twenty-two sedentary overweight T2D patients (aged 57±7years) were randomized to 12-weeks open-label of supervised AIT by TRIMPi (n=8) or unsupervised physical activity as per usual care (SOC) (n=11). Following parameters were evaluated (pre- and post-): anthropometrics; six-minute walking test (6MWT); fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c; Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and Augmentation Index (AIxHR75) using radial approach (SphigmoCor System); BRS using Finapress method. RESULTS: Both interventions significantly improved distance walked during 6MWT (AIT 52±21m; SOC 39±24m, p<0.001 for both). PWV significantly improved with AIT (p<0.001) whereas did not vary with SOC (p=0.47). Similar trend was observed for AIxHR75. Resulting percent changes from baseline were significantly better for AIT vs SOC, in both PWV (-15.8±2.1 vs +1.50±3.4%, p<0.001) and AIxHR75 (-28.9±3.2% vs +12.7±2.4%, p<0.001). BRS similarly improved in both groups (p<0.001 for both), as well as body weight, HbA1c and blood pressure. CONCLUSION: In sedentary T2D patients, 12-weeks AIT individualized by TRIMPi method improved AS to a greater extent than usual recommendation on physical activity, whilst exerting comparable effects on exercise capacity, glycemic control and body weight. Further researches are needed to ascertain durability of these effects.

A Study of Relationships among Technical, Tactical, Physical Parameters and Final Outcomes in Elite Soccer Matches as Analyzed by a Semiautomatic Video Tracking System.

The performance of a soccer team depends on many factors such as decision-making, cognitive and physical skills, and dynamic ever-changing space-time interactions between teammate and opponents in relation to the ball. Seventy ( n = 70) matches of the Italian SERIE A season 2013-2014 were investigated to analyze the mean performance of 360 players in terms of physical (physical efficiency index; PEI) and technical-tactical (technical efficiency index; TEI) standpoints. Using a semiautomatic video analysis system that has incorporated new parameters able to measure technical-tactical and physical efficiency (Patent IB2010/002593, 2011-ISA), the correlation between these new variables and how much it relates to the likelihood of winning were verified. Correlations between TEI and PEI were significant ( n = 140, r = .60, p < .001), and TEI showed a higher likelihood of winning than PEI factors ( p < .0001 vs. .0001, CI 95% [1.64, 3.00] vs. [1.28, 2.07]). Higher TEI and TEI + PEI differences between the teams were associated with a greater likelihood of winning, but PEI differences were not. Key performance indicators and this performance assessment method might be useful to better understand what determines winning and to assist the overall training process and match management.

Long-Sprint Abilities in Soccer: Ball Versus Running Drills.

PURPOSE: To examine the acute effects of generic drills (running drills [RDs]) and specific (small-sided-games [SSGs]) long-sprint-ability (LSA) drills on internal and external load of male soccer players. METHODS: Fourteen academy-level soccer players (mean ± SD age 17.6 ± 0.61 y, height 1.81 ± 0.63 m, body mass 69.53 ± 4.65 kg) performed four 30-s LSA bouts for maintenance (work:rest 1:2) and production (1:5) with RDs and SSGs. Players' external load was tracked with GPS technology (20-Hz), and heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLc), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were used to characterize players' internal load. Individual peak BLc was assessed with a 30-s all-out test on a nonmotorized treadmill (NMT). RESULTS: Compared with SSGs, the RDs had a greater effect on external load and BLc (large and small, respectively). During SSGs players covered more distance with high-intensity decelerations (moderate to small). Muscular RPE was higher (small to large) in RDs than in SSGs. The production mode exerted a moderate effect on BLc while the maintenance condition elicited higher cardiovascular effects (small to large). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed the superiority of generic over specific drills in inducing LSA-related physiological responses. In this regard production RDs showed the higher postexercise BLc. Individual peak blood lactate responses were found after the NMT 30-s all-out test, suggesting this drill as a valid option to RDs. The practical physiological diversity among the generic and specific LSA drills here considered enable fitness trainers to modulate prescription of RD and SSG drills for LSA according to training schedule.