A new database of the analysis of the physiological needs in amateur female basketball during official matches.

The PHYAFB database is a valuable resource for studying the physiological demands of female amateur basketball players during high-stress official games. It contains heart rate data from ten players aged 18 to 26, collected during ten crucial relegation phase matches, with 348,232 HR samples in CSV and Excel formats for easy access and analysis. The database includes Python source code for initial examination. The primary aim of the PHYAFB database is to provide a useful reference for other teams facing similar situations. Furthermore, the database represents a unique and valuable resource for sports scientists, coaches, and trainers seeking to comprehend the physiological demands of female basketball players during official competitions. Through the analysis of heart rate data, coaches and trainers can identify the intensity and duration of physical activity during games, enabling the development of more effective training programs. Additionally, the database can be used to compare the physiological demands placed on male and female basketball players or to investigate the impact of different game strategies on player performance.

Long-Term Analyses of the Rate of Perceived Exertion as an Indicator of Intensity in Women's Basketball during a Relegation Play-off.

Knowledge of internal load is essential to understand the effect of training and competition on athletes. The aim of this study was to analyse the validity of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale as an indicator of intensity in amateur female basketball players during a relegation play-off. The heart rate and RPE of 10 players (age: 21.30 ± 2.71 years, weight: 68.84 ± 11.21 kg, body fat: 20.74 ± 3.51%) from a Copa Catalunya team while competing over a 10-day period were analysed. The mean heart rate of each match was registered with the Suunto Team Pack™ heart rate monitors. The RPE values were obtained once the match ended, completing the original Borg scale. The mean RPE ranged from 15.20 ± 2.39 to 18.00 ± 1.07 AU, whereas the mean heart rate (MHR) ranged from 132.35 ± 12.37 to 147.33 ± 10.61 bpm. There was also an improvement in the statistical correlation between the two variables as the days progressed. Regression equations were calculated for the total number of registered matches and the last five matches, obtaining the following regression equations: MHR = 6.23 × RPE20 + 36.8 (R2 = 0.56) for all games and MHR = 30.95 + 6.73 × RPE (R2 = 0.73) for the last five games. The results suggest that RPE could be seen as an indicator of intensity in amateur basketball players during a relegation play-off, improving their relationship with MHR as the weeks went by, which could suggest a learning process.

Acute Effects of Different Overspeed Loads with Motorized Towing System in Young Athletes: A Pilot Study.

Overspeed is a training method used to improve running speed, although its effects are not supported by consensual scientific evidence. The overspeed stimulus can be boosted by several methods, including motorized towing devices. Our objectives were to analyze the acute effects of three overspeed loads in young athletes and to select optimal loads for training periods. Eight young athletes (16.73 ± 1.69 years) performed one unassisted sprint and three assisted sprints, and kinematic and biomechanical data were compared. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in step velocity and step length were found with 2, 4, and 5.25 kg in maximum running speed, flight time and horizontal distance from the first contact to the vertical projection of the center of mass with 4 and 5.25 kg. Significant time decreases were found in 5 m flying sprint and contact time with 4 and 5.25 kg, and no significant changes were observed in step rate. The individually recommended loads would be between 3.47 ± 0.68% and 6.94 ± 1.35% body weight. Even having limitations, we can understand this work and its results as a pilot study to replicate the methodology and the use of new devices to more broadly investigate the effects of overspeed.

Acute effects of overspeed stimuli with towing system on athletic sprint performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Overspeed-based training is widely used to improve athletes' maximum running speed and towing systems are one of the most frequently employed methods for this purpose. However, the effectiveness of this modality has not been thoroughly determined. This review analyzes the acute effects of overspeed conditions with towing systems in sprinters. The articles were searched, analysed and selected following the PRISMA methodology in the PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar databases. Sixteen studies were included, with a total sample of 240 men and 56 women (14 to 31y; 1.73 to 1.82 m; 66.2 to 77.0 kg). The main acute responses found were: 1) an increase in maximum running speed (ES = 1.54, large), stride length (ES = 0.92, moderate), flight time (ES = 0.28, small) and stride rate (ES = 0.12, trivial); and, 2) a decrease in contact time (ES = 0.57, small). However, analysis of the reported ground reaction forces and electromyography data did not provide enough consistent evidence to conclusively determine whether the changes are due to a greater muscular response of the athlete or the effect of the towing system. Future research should focus on studying the mechanisms responsible for the observed acute effects.

Effects of a Specific Core Stability Program on the Sprint and Change-of-Direction Maneuverability Performance in Youth, Male Soccer Players.

Although it is recommended to use sport-specific training programs to optimize performance, studies analyzing the effects of the core stability training with high levels of sport-specificity on athletic performance are insufficient and unclear. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of the level of specificity of a CORE stability program on specific soccer actions. Fourteen youth players were randomly assigned to the specific core stability group (SCS; n = 7) or the general core stability group (GCS; n = 7). The eight-week intervention consisted of two weekly training sessions added to the usual soccer training. Both groups performed four CORE stability tasks. The SCS group followed the principle of sports specificity, while the GCS group performed CORE stability commons. Ten-meter linear sprinting (Sprint) and change-of-direction maneuverability (V-cut) were evaluated before and after the intervention programs. A statistically significant improvement was obtained in Sprint (d = 0.84 95% CI (0.22, 1.45), p = 0.008) and V-cut (d = 1.24 95% CI (0.52, 1.93), p < 0.001). At posttest, statistically nonsignificant differences were obtained between groups in Sprint (d = 1.03 95% CI (-0.25, 2.30), p = 0.082) and V-cut (d = -0.56 95% CI (-1.89, 0.78), p = 0.370). In conclusion, sprint and change-of-direction maneuverability were improved, but there was no superiority of any type of training.

Variations in the Mood States during the Different Phases of COVID-19's Lockdown in Young Athletes.

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 led to a situation of home lockdown. Competitions, training, and sports activities were canceled for much of this period. This situation could have affected the physical and mental health and the mood states of young athletes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the variations in the mood states of young athletes of a highly competitive level during the different phases of lockdown in. The mood states of 45 Spanish youth athletes confined during the 10-week lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic -19 were assessed, using the Spanish-translated version of the POMS questionnaire, at the start of the home lockdown and at the start and at the end of the partial lockdown. The Total Mood Disturbance scores at week 10 were lower than those obtained in week 1 (pBonferroni = 0.031). The depression scores at week 6 (pBonferroni = 0.048) and at week 10 (pBonferroni < 0.001) were lower than those obtained in week 1. The confusion scores at week 10 were lower than those obtained in week 1 (pBonferroni = 0.002). These variations differed between team and individual sports. In conclusion, the lockdown produced changes in the young athletes' mood states that should be considered when trying to optimize their physical and mental performance.

Effects of Whole Body Electromyostimulation on Physical Fitness and Health in Postmenopausal Women: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Age-related problems such as chronic diseases, functional limitation and dependence, reduce the quality of life in the elderly, and increase public spending in health. It has been established that physical activity plays a fundamental role in the health of the elderly. The whole body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) could be a successful methodology as high-intensity training to improve the physical fitness of older people. Methods: A minimum of 13 women between 55 and 70 years old will be randomized in two groups. The exercise with WB-EMS group (EX + WB-EMS) will conduct a resistance strength training program with superimposed WB-EMS while the exercise group (EX) will perform only resistance strength and aerobic training. Balance, strength, flexibility, agility, speed, and aerobic performance (EXERNET battery and progressive resistance test), as well as body composition, blood parameters and physical activity reporting (IPAQ-E) will be assessed to analyze the effects of whole body electromyostimulation in the physical fitness and the health in postmenopausal women. Discussion: Innovative and scientifically well-designed protocols are needed to enhance the knowledge of the body's responses within this training methodology which is being used by a big quantity of population. This trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation in physical fitness and health in elderly women. Trial Registration: ISRCTN15558857 registration data: 27/11/2019 (retrospectively registered).

Impact of Whole Body Electromyostimulation on Velocity, Power and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Menopause is associated with losses in strength and power along with weight and fat mass gains, which may result from menopause-related hormonal changes, aging-associated diseases, and decreased physical activity time. The objective of this study is to analyze if whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is suitable for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal physical deterioration. Thirty-four healthy sedentary women between 55 and 69 years followed an experimental design pre-post test. Both groups conducted 10 weeks of aerobic and strength training program. The experimental group conducted the training with superimposed WB-EMS during exercise. At the end of the intervention, the experimental group obtained better power (Squat: mean difference (MD) = 38.69 W [1.75,75.62], d = 0.81; Bench press: MD = 25.64 W [17.48, 33.82], d = 2.39) and velocity (Squat: MD = 0.04 m·s-1 [0.01, 0.08], d = 0.98; Bench press: MD = 0.10 m·s-1 [0.06, 0.14], d = 1.90) score improvements than the other group (pBonferroni < 0.05). Furthermore, trivial to small effects were found in the body composition of the participants of both groups (p > 0.050). WB-EMS showed a favorable isolated effect on the development of power and velocity, but it induced negligible effects on the body composition of postmenopausal women.

Effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on Physical Fitness in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Whole-body electromyostiulation (WB-EMS) has experienced a boom in recent years, even though its effectiveness is controversial. A sedentary lifestyle is deeply rooted in the European population, mainly in the elderly. This experimental study analyzed the impact of WB-EMS on the physical fitness of postmenopausal women. Thirty-four healthy sedentary women between 55 and 69 years followed an experimental design pre-post-test. Both groups conducted a ten-week aerobic and strength training program. The experimental group overlaid the WB-EMS during exercise. At the end of the intervention, both groups improved upper and lower body strength, lower extremity flexibility, agility, and speed levels (pBonferroni < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed at upper and lower body strength, agility, speed, and cardiovascular endurance (p < 0.05). The WB-EMS group scored better agility than the control group at the end of the intervention (pBonferroni < 0.05) and was the only group that improved cardiovascular endurance. WB-EMS shows a favorable isolate effect on the development of dynamic leg strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance but did not in dynamic arm strength, gait speed, balance, or flexibility of postmenopausal women.

The validity and reliability of a novel app for the measurement of change of direction performance.

The aim of the present investigation was to analyze the validity and reliability of a novel iPhone app (CODTimer) for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry in the 5 + 5 change of direction test (COD). To do so, twenty physically active adolescent athletes (age = 13.85 ± 1.34 years) performed six repetitions in the COD test while being measured with a pair of timing gates and CODTimer. A total of 120 COD times measured both with the timing gates and the app were then compared for validity and reliability purposes. There was an almost perfect correlation between the timing gates and the CODTimer app for the measurement of total time (r = 0.964; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.95-1.00; Standard error of the estimate = 0.03 s.; p < 0.001). Moreover, non-significant, trivial differences were observed between devices for the measurement of total time and interlimb asymmetry (Effect size < 0.2, p > 0.05). Similar levels of reliability were observed between the timing gates and the app for the measurement of the 6 different trials of each participant (Timing gates: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.651-0.747, Coefficient of variation (CV) = 2.6-3.5%; CODTimer: ICC = 0.671-0.840, CV = 2.2-3.2%). The results of the present study show that change of direction performance can be measured in a valid, reliable way using a novel iPhone app.

Determination of functional fitness age in women aged 50 and older.

BACKGROUND: The construction of useful and attainable indicators of fitness assessment deserves special attention in clinical practice. We aimed to construct an indicator of the functional fitness age (FFA) of women aged 50 and older by an equation using fitness outcomes and its correlation with chronological age (CA) and to analyze the external validity of our results by comparing our sample to others. METHODS: Participants (n = 459, age: 70.3 ± 7.9 years, mean ± SD) were evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test battery. We applied a multiple regression and a subsequent Holt's exponential smoothing to analyze the outcomes. RESULTS: We obtained a statistically significant expression of F(6, 452) = 328.384; p < 0.0005 in which the coefficients of the equation explain 81% of variability (R 2 corrected = 0.813). The equation correlates fitness assessment in women aged 50 and over with regards to CA: FFA = 40.146 + 0.350 × CS (stand) - 0.714 × AC (rep) - 0.110 × ST (step) - 0.177 × CSR (cm) - 0.101 × BS (cm) + 8.835 × FUG (s) where CS means chair stand test, AC means arm curl test, ST means 2-min step test, CSR means chair sit-and-reach test, BS means back scratch test, FUG means 8-foot up-and-go test. We compared this index with percentiles distribution from our sample and from other studies. CONCLUSION: We suggest the use of FFA as a valid indicator of fitness in adult and senior women as well as a useful motivational tool to undertake exercise programs.

Effects of whole-body ELECTROMYOSTIMULATION on health and performance: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body electrical myostimulation (WB-EMS) is a relatively recent training methodology that has been extraordinarily used in recent years. However, there is a lack of consensus on the effectiveness of WB-EMS in the situations in which its use has been largely popularized. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effects produced by WB-EMS. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane was performed to identify all the studies that have applied electrical stimulation in lower and upper limbs simultaneously and that have clearly presented their protocols for the training and application of the stimulation. The last search was performed on September 9, 2018. Studies written in English or German were included. RESULTS: A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed following the guidelines of the Cochrane Guide for Systematic Reviews. Nineteen studies analyzed the chronic effects of WB-EMS, and 2 analyzed acute effects with a total of 505 subjects (310 men and 195 women). In total, 35% were moderately trained, and 65% were sedentary subjects. Different dependent variables were studied, such as anthropometric parameters, strength parameters, energy expenditure, psychophysiological parameters and blood parameters. There is a lack of randomized controlled studies, and the studies included exhibit a moderate to high level of risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Given the limited number of available studies on WB-EMS, the scarce amount of scientific evidence found does not allow definitive conclusions about its effects; therefore, future studies about WB-EMS are necessary.