Sand and grass surfaces are equally effective in promoting positive adaptations in the sprint performance of elite young soccer players.

This study compared the effects of two sprint-jump training programmes, performed on either sand or grass surfaces, on the sprint and jump performance of elite young soccer players over an 8-week training period. Fifteen under-20 soccer players were randomly allocated to the sand (n = 7) or grass (n = 8) group. Athletes performed 12 training sessions, comprising vertical and horizontal jump exercises, and linear and change-of-direction (COD) sprint drills. Pre- and post-measurements were completed in the following order: vertical jump, sprint speed at 10 m and 17 m, curve sprint (CS), and modified Zigzag COD tests. Between-group differences were determined using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and effect sizes (ES). No improvements in jump performance were found in either group. Significant increases were observed in the sand group for acceleration in 0-10 m and for 10- and 17-m linear sprint velocity (ES = 1.15, 1.16, and 1.81, respectively; P < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were detected for acceleration and linear sprint velocity in the grass group, comparing pre- and post-tests (ES ranging from 0.01 to 0.47; P > 0.05). Both sand and grass groups revealed similar increases in the CS and COD velocities after the training period (ES ranging from 0.98 to 1.93; P < 0.05). In conclusion, sprint-jump training programmes performed on both grass and sand surfaces elicited significant improvements in CS and COD performances, whereas acceleration and linear sprint velocity increased only in the sand group, after a short-term training period. The sand training surface was proven to be a practical strategy to improve sprint performance in all its forms in soccer players, which is of great interest and importance for coaches and sport scientists working in elite soccer.

Mixed Training Programs Applied to Young Soccer Players: Effects on Speed-Power Abilities.

We compared the effects of two 4-week strength-power-speed training protocols on physical performance of young soccer players. Twenty-three highly trained under-20 soccer players were randomly allocated to two mixed-training groups: 1) "traditional" (TRAD: n=11), comprising vertically oriented strength-power exercises and linear sprints; or 2) "multidirectional" (MULTI: n=12), combining vertically and horizontally oriented strength-power exercises, linear sprints, and change-of-direction (COD) drills. Squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump, 2) linear sprint, COD speed, and 3) jump-squat (JS) and hip-thrust (HT) power tests were performed pre- and post-training. Differences were determined using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and "target scores" were used to detect real changes in performance. No group-time interactions were found for any of the variables (p>0.05). Significant increases (p<0.05) in 20-m sprint velocity, JS- and HT-power were found in both groups, and in SJ in TRAD. Individual analyses revealed a greater number of meaningful changes in zig-zag velocity in MULTI while most players in TRAD displayed meaningful increases in SJ height. In conclusion, both training protocols resulted in similar adaptations but, at the individual level, it appears that MULTI protocol is superior to improve COD ability while TRAD should be preferred to maximize vertical jumping capabilities during short soccer pre-seasons.

Interrelationships Between Multiple Speed Tests in Youth Soccer: Are Players Equally Efficient at Performing Different Sprint and Change of Direction Tasks?

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Pereira, LA, Alcaraz, PE, Cadore, EL, Grazioli, R, Azevedo, PHSM, Jeffreys, I, and Loturco, I. Interrelationships between multiple speed tests in youth soccer: Are players equally efficient at performing different sprint and COD tasks? J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 848-853, 2023-We investigated the relationships between linear and multidirectional sprint tests in elite young soccer players, using different speed measurements and their associated deficits. Twenty-three under-17 and 17 under-16 soccer players performed, on the same day, 17-m linear sprint (with 10-m split times), curve sprints for "good" and "weak" sides (CSGS and CSWS, respectively), and zigzag and 505 change of direction (COD) tests. The Pearson's product moment test was used to determine the relationships among the tested variables. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. Large and very large significant correlations were observed between CSGS and CSWS and 10-m ( r = 0.73 and r = 0.53, respectively; p < 0.0001) and 17-m sprint velocity ( r = 0.84 and r = 0.74, respectively; p < 0.0001). Moderate and significant associations were identified between zigzag and 17-m sprint performances ( r = 0.40; p = 0.02). No significant relationships were found between 505 performance and 17-m sprint velocity and between the different COD tasks ( p > 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between sprint performance at 10- and 17-m and both CS and COD deficits ( r values ranging from 0.37 to 0.54; p < 0.05). In general, higher linear sprinting velocities were associated with superior performances in smoother multidirectional tasks (i.e., CS and zigzag tests) but not in more aggressive COD maneuvers (i.e., 505). Faster athletes in linear actions presented greater CS and COD deficits. No associations were detected between the different COD measurements, supporting the notion that the technical and mechanical demands of COD actions are angle and velocity dependent. From a practical perspective, comprehensive speed testing batteries (i.e., incorporating linear sprints, CS, and different COD assessments) should be administered to young soccer players, to better understand their ability to change direction and sprint over multiple trajectories.

Sprint and Jump Training on Sand vs. Grass Surfaces: Effects on the Physical Performance of Young Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, Zabaloy, S, Ferreira, RCA, Silva, ML, Azevedo, PHSM, and Loturco, I. Sprint and jump training on sand versus grass surfaces: effects on the physical performance of young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1828-1833, 2023-The aims of this study were to (a) examine the effects of a 6-week sand training program including both sprint and jump exercises on the speed-related and vertical jump performance of elite young soccer players and (b) compare the changes induced by a sand training scheme with those induced by a similar training program (in volume, intensity, and exercise types) performed on grass. Twenty-four under-20 soccer players were randomly allocated to 2 training groups, as follows: "sand" ( n = 12) or "grass" ( n = 12) groups. Athletes performed squat and countermovement jumps, linear sprints, and Zigzag change-of-direction speed tests at pre-, mid- (after 6 training sessions), and postintervention (after 12 training sessions). Both groups exhibited similar increases in the vertical jump and Zigzag performance after the 6-week training period ( p values ranging from 0.0001 to 0.025; effect size ranging from 1.05 to 3.78, for main effect of time). No significant changes were detected for the linear sprint velocity for both the groups ( p values ranging from 0.079 to 1.00; effect size ranging from 0.07 to 0.65, for main effect of time). In summary, training on sand or grass surfaces resulted in similar improvements in the physical performance of elite young soccer players. This study confirms the current evidence on the effectiveness of both soft and harder training surfaces in improving the sprint and jump performance of team-sport athletes.

Effect of different eccentric tempos on hypertrophy and strength of the lower limbs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of altering the duration of the eccentric phase in isotonic contractions on muscle hypertrophy and strength of the quadriceps femoris. Ten healthy young adults (8 men and 2 women: Height: 173.3 ± 9.6 cm: Body mass: 69.84 ± 10.88 kg; Body fat: 19.47 ± 8.42%; Age: 25.3 ± 4.8 years) performed unilateral isotonic knee extension exercise, whereby each leg was randomly allocated to perform the eccentric phase of movement with a duration of either 2 seconds (G2S) or 4 seconds (G4S). Both conditions carried out the concentric phase of each repetition at a 1 second duration with no rest in the transition phases. Each condition performed 5 sets using 70% of 1 repetition maximum until muscle failure with 3 minutes of rest between sets for 8 weeks. The change in muscle strength was assessed by 1RM knee extension and muscle thickness was assessed by A-mode ultrasound. For each outcome variable, linear mixed-effects models were fit using restricted maximum likelihood. Hedges' g effect sizes were calculated to provide insights into the magnitude of effects. Results showed all muscles increased in size over time; mean effects were similar in all muscles except for the vastus medialis, which favored the G4S condition. Conversely, only a trivial and highly variable effect was observed between interventions for strength gain. Our results suggest different eccentric durations produce similar increases in hypertrophy of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris; however, the vastus medialis showed greater growth from the slower eccentric duration. Eccentric duration did not differentially affect strength-related adaptations.

Change-of-Direction Ability, Linear Sprint Speed, and Sprint Momentum in Elite Female Athletes: Differences Between Three Different Team Sports.

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Pereira, LA, Alcaraz, PE, Comyns, TM, Azevedo, PHSM, and Loturco, I. Change-of-direction ability, linear sprint speed, and sprint momentum in elite female athletes: differences between three different team sports. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 262-267, 2022-The aim of this study was to compare the performance of elite female players from 3 different sports in linear sprint and change-of-direction (COD) tests and examine their efficiency for changing direction through the calculation of the COD deficit (i.e., the difference in velocity between a linear sprint and a COD task of equal distance). One hundred fifty-four elite players (rugby, n = 40, national team members; soccer, n = 57 and handball n = 57, first division players from the respective Brazilian National Championships) were assessed in the 20-m linear sprint and Zigzag COD tests. A one-way analysis of variance with a Tukey post hoc was used to detect between-sport differences. Female rugby sevens players achieved faster sprint velocities than handball (20-m: 6.21 ± 0.24 m·s-1; 6.07 ± 0.27 m·s-1, respectively; p < 0.05) and soccer players (5-m: 4.71 ± 0.26 m·s-1 vs. 4.51 ± 0.20 m·s-1; and 20-m: 6.08 ± 0.19 m·s-1; p < 0.05) and exhibited the greatest COD deficits (2.95 ± 0.25 m·s-1; 2.69 ± 0.19 m·s-1; 2.82 ± 0.17 m·s-1, for rugby, handball, and soccer, respectively; p < 0.05). Handball players outperformed all other athletes in the Zigzag test (3.38 ± 0.15 m·s-1; 3.26 ± 0.10 m·s-1; 3.26 ± 0.10 m·s-1, for handball, rugby, and soccer, respectively; p < 0.05) but presented the lowest COD deficits (p < 0.05). Furthermore, soccer players displayed inferior sprint momentum when compared with the other sports (p < 0.05). Linear sprint and COD ability differ significantly among elite female athletes from different team sports, with handball players exhibiting a greater COD speed and efficiency to change direction, with respect to their maximum sprint velocity. The between-sport differences observed suggests that specific training and game demands may affect both sprint and COD performance.

Change of Direction Performance in Elite Players From Different Team Sports.

ABSTRACT: Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Reis, VP, Abad, CCC, Freitas, TT, Azevedo, PHSM and Nimphius, S. Change of direction performance in elite players from different team sports. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 862-866, 2022-The primary aim of this study was to examine the differences in change of direction (COD) deficit between elite futsal, soccer, handball, and rugby players. A secondary aim was to compare the performance in both COD and linear speed tests among these athletes. One-hundred sixty-one elite male players from 4 team sports performed a 20-m linear sprint speed and a Zigzag COD speed test. The COD deficit was calculated as the difference between linear and Zigzag test velocities. Differences in COD speed, COD deficit, and sprint velocity were assessed via 1-way analysis of variance. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Soccer players displayed significantly lower performance than the remaining team sports, and rugby players performed better than all the other groups in the Zigzag COD test. Moreover, the COD deficit was significantly higher in soccer players in comparison with the other disciplines (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the COD deficit among rugby, futsal, and handball players (p > 0.05). In summary, soccer players were slower than futsal, handball, and rugby players to change direction and presented the greatest COD deficit magnitude. By contrast, the fastest athletes in the COD speed test (rugby players) were not more effective than futsal and handball players at changing direction (as they exhibited similar levels of COD deficit). Coaches should be aware of this evidence, which reinforces previous findings, indicating that very specialized training strategies might be required to improve COD performance in professional athletes.

Percentage-Based Change of Direction Deficit: A New Approach to Standardize Time- and Velocity-Derived Calculations.

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Pereira, LA, Alcaraz, PE, Azevedo, PHSM, Bishop, C, and Loturco, I. Percentage-based change of direction deficit: a new approach to standardize time- and velocity-derived calculations. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3521-3526, 2022-Change of direction (COD) efforts are crucial in team sports, and an extensive body of research has been devoted to investigating this complex and multifaceted skill. Most studies have assessed players' ability to change direction by reporting completion time or average velocity in different COD tasks. However, it has been argued that these variables may not accurately portray an athlete's true capability to quickly change direction. In this context, new metrics such as the COD Deficit (CODD) have been proposed to provide complementary information on the efficiency to change direction. The current literature presents 2 different CODD computations: time-derived and velocity-derived calculations. Despite both being consistent and representing the same phenomenon, the decision of using one or the other may produce different outcomes, thus influencing coaches' decisions and training strategies. To overcome this issue, we propose a new approach to the computation of the CODD, based on the difference in percentage between linear sprint and COD abilities, in an attempt to standardize the estimation of this variable and simplify the evaluation of COD performance.

Different Cooling Strategies Applied During Inter-Set Rest Intervals in High-Intensity Resistance Training.

The purpose of this study was to verify whether cooling between sets during high-intensity resistance exercise improves physical performance and to compare performance among different sites of cooling. It is important because delaying the muscular fatigue could improve total volume at a training session which could lead to greater hypertrophy. Nine healthy and recreational resistance training experienced men, performed six tests of a biceps curl exercise on different days. The first test was the one-repetition maximum test (1RM). Following, we applied five sessions, in crossover and randomized (counter-balanced) design. The subjects received different cooling strategies in each session for 1-min (inter-set rest interval): Control (C) (no Cooling); Palm Cooling (PC); Neck Cooling (NC); Local Cooling (LC) or Tunnel Temperature Cooling (TTC). We analyzed the maximum number of repetitions and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The Bayesian analysis showed that no cooling strategy was able to improve performance compared to control, and just NC, when compared to control, showed a 71% probability of increasing the total volume of repetitions. Also, RPE was not modulated by any cooling strategy compared to control, but NC has a chance to reduce individuals' RPE by 52%. In conclusion, no cooling strategy was efficient to improve physical performance during a high-intensity resistance exercise.

Complex network model indicates a positive effect of inspiratory muscles pre-activation on performance parameters in a judo match.

This study investigated the effects of inspiratory muscle pre-activation (IMPA) on the interactions among the technical-tactical, physical, physiological, and psychophysiological parameters in a simulated judo match, based on the centrality metrics by complex network model. Ten male athletes performed 4 experimental sessions. Firstly, anthropometric measurements, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and global strenght of the inspiratory muscles were determined. In the following days, all athletes performed four-minute video-recorded judo matches, under three conditions: without IMPA (CON), after IMPA at 15% (IMPA15), and at 40% (IMPA40) of MIP using an exerciser device. Blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were monitored, and the technical-tactical parameters during the match were related to offensive actions and the time-motion. Based on the complex network, graphs were constructed for each scenario (CON, IMPA15, and IMPA40) to investigate the Degree and Pagerank centrality metrics. IMPA40 increased the connectivity of the physical and technical-tactical parameters in complex network and highlighted the combat frequency and average combat time in top-five ranked nodes. IMPA15 also favoured the interactions among the psychophysiological, physical, and physiological parameters. Our results suggest the positive effects of the IMPA, indicating this strategy to prepare the organism (IMPA15) and to improve performance (IMPA40) in judo match.

Effects of a Congested Fixture Period on Speed and Power Performance of Elite Young Soccer Players.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of a match-congested period on straight and curve sprint performance, change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, vertical jumping ability, and half-squat (HS) mean propulsive power (MPP) output in young soccer players. METHODS: A total of 15 under-20 elite male soccer players participated in 14 matches over 8 weeks. The following assessments were performed before and after the congested fixture period: squat and countermovement jumps, 17-m linear sprint, curve sprint test for the "good" (CSGS) and "weak" (CSWS) sides, modified 17-m Zigzag test, and HS MPP. Magnitude-based inferences and a paired t test were used to analyze pre-post changes in the assessed variables. RESULTS: Very likely (P < .05) decreases were noticed in 17-m sprint velocity (effect size [ES] [90% confidence limit; CL], -0.56 [-0.32 to -0.81]) and CSGS (ES [90% CL], -0.72 [-0.40 to 1.03]) after the 8-week period. A possible but nonsignificant impairment was revealed in CSWS (ES [90% CL], -0.18 [0.03 to -0.39]), and countermovement jump (ES [90% CL], -0.21 [-0.54 to 0.12]). Zigzag velocity (ES [90% CL], -2.90 [-2.45 to -3.36]) and COD deficit (ES [90% CL], 0.86 [0.52 to 1.20]) were almost certainly and significantly (P < .05) reduced and increased, respectively, after the match-congested period. An almost certain and significant (P < .05) reduction was found in HS MPP (ES [90% CL], -1.18 [-0.76 to -1.61]). CONCLUSIONS: Straight and curve sprint velocity, COD speed and deficit, and HS MPP were impaired after the match-congested period. Vertical jump height was possibly decreased. Seasonal phases comprising high volumes of soccer-specific training and competition seem to be detrimental to speed-power qualities in under-20 elite soccer players.

Oxygen Uptake Plateau Diagnosis Using a New Developed Segmented Regression Estimation Method for Autocorrelated Data.

OBJECTIVE: Some proposals for oxygen uptake plateau identification are based on linear regression adaptations. However, linear regression does not adequately explain the oxygen uptake nonlinear dynamics. Recently, segmented regression was considered as an alternative to fit this dynamics, by performing an approximation by straight line segments, which provided a satisfactory fit. In this context, the non-plateau and plateau hypotheses were verified by means of a Wald-type test. This work aims to extend these proposals to scenarios with autocorrelated data. METHODS: We propose an algorithm to estimate the segmented regression model under autocorrelation using generalized least squares and suggest a bootstrap method to resample from the null distribution of Wald's statistic. The performance of the estimate and methods of the plateau diagnosis were evaluated via Monte Carlo experiments. RESULTS: The empirical results show that, under autocorrelation, the proposed estimator performs better when compared to the classic method, mainly in scenarios with small sample sizes and moderate/strong autocorrelation structure. The simulations also showed that the plateau diagnosis test has a coherent empirical Type 1 Error probability and good power. CONCLUSION: We proposed an alternative to estimate the parameters of a segmented regression model for autocorrelated data and an oxygen consumption plateau bootstrap test, and concluded the methods present good performance under simulated and applied case studies. SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed method was used to model real oxygen consumption data. Empirical evidence shows that the methods can be used to objectively identify the plateau in oxygen consumption only by specifying a tolerable significance level.

Inferência baseada em magnitude: um olhar para análise individual / Magnitude-based inference: looking at the individual analysis

Os testes de hipótese são amplamente empregados para análise de dados na área de ciência do esporte. Porém, existe um questionamento em relação a utilização desse método e a comunidade científica ainda procura soluções mais adequadas para a análise dos dados. De fato, esse tipo de análise não permite uma interpretação prática das mudanças observadas ao longo do tempo. Por conta disso, o cálculo da "in ferência baseada em magnitude" (IBM) vem sendo cada vez mais utilizado por pesquisadores e analistas de desempenho. Em uma perspectiva aplicada, a IBM permite avaliar a probabilidade de se encontrar diferenças relevantes (i.e., meaningful differences) nas variáveis investigadas. Da mesma forma, a IBM permite examinar com precisão as variações individuais e importantes no desempenho esportivo. O objetivo desse ponto de vista é apresentar e discutir a aplicação da IBM a partir das análises individuais. Para tanto o trabalho aborda os seguintes temas: 1) utilização da análise de dados no "mundo real"; 2) inferência baseada em magnitude: conceitos básicos; 3) aplicando a IBM no contexto do esporte; 4) classificações qualitativas com base nas mudanças observadas; 5) formas de se obter a mínima mudança válida importante e o erro típico; 6) análise e interpretação dos dados. Esperamos que o conteúdo apresentado encoraje pesquisadores e profissionais do esporte a implementar esse novo método de análise em suas rotinas diárias e, ao mesmo tempo, lhes auxilie na interpretação dos dados provenientes das avaliações e testes de desempenho.(AU)

Null hypothesis tests are widely used for data analysis in sport science. However, the scientific community has been questioning this method and is still looking for alternative approaches for data analyses. In fact, this type of analysis does not allow practical interpretation of the changes observed in athletic performance over time. Therefore, the magnitude-based inference (MBI) method has been increasingly used by researchers and performance analysts. From an applied perspective, this method allows examining the probability of finding meaningful differences in assessed variables. In addition, the MBI enables precise assessment of individual changes, which may be releva nt to sport performance. The aim of this article is to present and discuss the application of the individual MBI analysis. Based on this purpose, the manuscript covers the following topics: 1) utilization of data analysis in real world settings; 2) basic concepts of the MBI; 3) applying the MBI approach in sport science; 4) qualitative classifications based on observed changes; 5) different methods to determine the smallest worthwhile change and the typical error; 6) data analysis and interpretation. We hope that this study will encourage practitioners and r esearchers to implement this novel statistical approach in their daily routines, for analysis and interpretation of data collected during physical performance measurements.(AU)

Influence of Strength and Power Capacity on Change of Direction Speed and Deficit in Elite Team-Sport Athletes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of maximum strength and power levels on change of direction (COD) ability and deficit in elite soccer and rugby players. Seventy-eight elite athletes (soccer, n = 46; rugby, n = 32) performed the following assessments: squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ), 1 repetition-maximum in the half-squat exercise (HS 1RM), peak power (PP) in the jump-squat exercise, and 20-m linear sprint and Zigzag COD tests. Utilizing the median split analysis, athletes were divided into two groups according to their HS 1RM and PP JS (e.g., higher and lower HS 1RM and higher and lower PP JS). The magnitude-based inference method was used to analyze the differences between groups in the physical performance tests. Athletes in the high strength and power groups outperformed their weaker and less powerful counterparts in all speed and power measurements (i.e., 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint velocity, Zigzag COD speed, and CMJ and SJ height). In contrast, stronger and more powerful athletes displayed greater COD deficits. The present data indicate that players with superior strength-power capacity tend to be less efficient at changing direction, relative to maximum sprinting speed, despite being faster in linear trajectories. From these results, it appears that current strength and power training practices in team-sports are potentially not the "most appropriate" to increase the aptitude of a given athlete to efficiently utilize his/her neuromuscular abilities during COD maneuvers. Nevertheless, it remains unknown whether more multifaceted training programs are effective in decreasing COD deficits.

Airflow-Restricting Mask Reduces Acute Performance in Resistance Exercise.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the number of repetitions to volitional failure, the blood lactate concentration, and the perceived exertion to resistance training with and without an airflow-restricting mask. METHODS: Eight participants participated in a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover study. Participants were assigned to an airflow-restricting mask group (MASK) or a control group (CONT) and completed five sets of chest presses and parallel squats until failure at 75% one-repetition-maximum test (1RM) with 60 s of rest between sets. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs), blood lactate concentrations (Lac-), and total repetitions were taken after the training session. RESULTS: MASK total repetitions were lower than those of the CONT, and (Lac-) and MASK RPEs were higher than those of the CONT in both exercises. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that an airflow-restricting mask in combination with resistance training increase perceptions of exertion and decrease muscular performance and lactate concentrations when compared to resistance training without this accessory. This evidence shows that the airflow-restricting mask may change the central nervous system and stop the exercise beforehand to prevent some biological damage.

Does aerobic exercise intensity affect health-related parameters in overweight women?

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a cycling training programme performed at intensity corresponding to the lowest value of the respiratory quotient (RQ) versus at intensity corresponding to the ventilatory threshold (VT), on body composition and health-related parameters in overweight women. Thirty-two sedentary obese women (27-42 years old) were studied in a randomized trial of either RQ (n = 17) or VT (n = 15). RQ and VT training sessions were equalized by time (60 min) and performed in a cycloergometer. Anthropometry, body composition, lipid profile, glucose, basal metabolic rate (BMR) and fitness (maximal oxygen uptake) were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of intervention. Body weight, body mass index, fatness and fitness were improved in both groups (P<0·001). Triglycerides (TG) levels decreased only in response to RQ (P<0·001) and fat-free mass (FFM) to VT (P = 0·002). No differences were observed between groups. Both exercise intensities seem to be effective for improving health in overweight women. However, low-intensity compared with the high-intensity exercise training appears to have additional benefits on TG levels and to maintenance of FFM.

Determination of judo endurance performance using the uchi - komi technique and an adapted lactate minimum test.

This study aimed to evaluate the viability to use Uchi-komi (UK) in the evaluation of the judo endurance performance and using lactate threshold the analysis of the blood lactate ([Lac]) and heart rate (HR) determined through a lactate minimum test. The subjects were a group of 6 male, volunteer judokas, from 25.17 ± 5.76 years old, weight 84.50 ± 23.78 kg and height 1.78 ± 0.10 m, competitors of different levels of performance (from regional to international competitions) and match experience of (11 ± 6) years old. Three tests were performed: a) 3000 m dash in track, b) the adapted test of lactate minimum for running and c) for UK, with execution of the blow ippon-seoi-nague. No significant difference was evident for the track tests and UK in relation to blood lactate and heart rate (p > 0.05) (3.87 ± 0.38 vs 4.17 ± 0.54 mmol·L(-1) and 167 ± 2 vs 152 ± 7 b·min(-1), respectively). In conclusion it is stressed that: 1) The specific test for lactate minimum in judo sport is a promising possibility of aerobic capacity evaluation and a instrument of intensity training control; 2) The metabolic profile in Vlm and UKlm is similar, because there are not differences in the [Lac] and in the HR at this intensity; 3) It is possible to estimate the training intensity through the determination of the lactate minimum intensity in running (Vlm) and the Heart Rate associated (HR) from the execution of ippon-seoi- nague (uchi-komi) in judo training; 4) The Vlm for judo athletes is approximately 88% of the V3000. Key pointsThe specific test for lactate minimum in judo sport is a promising possibility of aerobic capacity evaluation;This is a instrument for intensity training control for judo players;The metabolic profile is similar between running and uki-komi (ippon-seoi-nague techniques) at lactate minimum intensity.