Peak Running Velocity vs. Critical Speed: Which One Is Better to Prescribe Endurance Training to Recreational Runners?

ABSTRACT: Figueiredo, DH, Figueiredo, DH, Manoel, FA, and Machado, FA. Peak running velocity vs. critical speed: which one is better to prescribe endurance training to recreational runners? J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1783-1788, 2023-This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5 weeks of training prescribed by peak running velocity obtained on the track (Vpeak_TR) and their respective time limit (Tlim), as well as by critical speed (CS), on physiological and endurance performance parameters in recreational runners. Twenty-two male runners were distributed into a Vpeak_TR group (GVP) and CS group (GCS) with a predefined program, alternating moderate-intensity continuous training and high-intensity interval training. Maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), and its respective velocity (vV̇O2max), Vpeak_TR, Tlim at 100% Vpeak_TR, 5-km running performance, CS, and D' (maximum distance covered above CS) were assessed at pretraining and posttraining period. There was a significant increase from pretraining to posttraining in Vpeak_TR (GVP = 4.5 ± 3.1% vs. GCS = 7.5 ± 4.2%), vV̇O2max (GVP = 3.9 ± 3.8% vs. GCS = 8.6 ± 6.7%), and mean velocity 5-km (GVP = 5.6 ± 3.3% vs. GCS = 7.3 ± 3.5%) and decrease in 5-km time (GVP = -5.1 ± 3.0% vs. GCS = -6.8 ± 3.0%). CS and V̇O2max significantly improved in GCS (9.3 ± 8.4% and 6.0 ± 6.8%, respectively), with no difference for GVP (2.8 ± 5.6% and 1.3 ± 8.4%, respectively). No differences were observed between groups for all variables. These findings give further supports to the notion that both variables obtained on the track are valid tools to prescribed training in recreational runners.

Effect of 3-week progressive overloading and 1-week tapering on performance, internal training load, stress tolerance and heart rate variability in under-19 Brazilian badminton players / Efecto de la sobrecarga progresiva de 3 semanas y la reducción gradual de 1 semana sobre el rendimiento, la carga de entrenamiento interno, la tolerancia al estrés y la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca en jugadores brasileños de Bádminton menores de 19 años

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of 3-week progressive overloading and 1-week tapering during a preseason on performance, internal training load, stress tolerance, and heart rate variability in under-19 Brazilian badminton players. Material and method: Eight male under-19 badminton players (age 16.1 ± 0.6 years; height 1.68 ± 7.7 m; body mass 57.2 ± 5.8 kg; body mass index 20.3 ± 2.5 kg∙m-2; body fat 8.0 ± 2.7 %), competing at the state level had physical and physiological monitored over four weeks during pre-season. Players underwent a badminton-specific movement agility test, 5-m multiple shuttle test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1, and performed vertical jumps before and after the pre-season. During the training, the heart rate variability and internal training load were monitored daily, and weekly were stress tolerance was recorded by psychometric responses. Results: The players showed significant improvements in all performance variables assessed after the training period. The internal training load during overloading was higher (1635 ± 109.9; 2490 ± 124; 2850 ± 210 AU) compared to tapering (1335 ± 100 AU). The stress tolerance decreased during overloading (4.0 ± 0.7; 8.2 ± 1.3; 10.1 ± 1.4) and increased during tapering (5.5 ± 1.5). In addition, higher internal training load during overloading resulted in a greater reduction in root-mean-square difference of successive R-R intervals (lnRMSSDmean) (4.2 ± 0.2; 4.1 ± 0.1; 4.0 ± 0.1 ms) and a smaller coefficient of variation (lnRMSSDcv) (4.5 ± 2.6; 2.1 ± 1.2; 1.4 ± 0.9 %), and the significant reduction in the internal training load during tapering led to a decrease in lnRMSSDmean (1.3 ± 0.5 ms).(AU)

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de la sobrecarga progresiva de 3 semanas y la reducción gradual de 1 semana durante una pretemporada sobre el rendimiento, la carga de entrenamiento interno, la tolerancia al estrés y la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca en jugadores de bádminton brasileños menores de 19 años. Material y método: Ocho jugadores masculinos de bádminton sub-19 (edad 16,1 ± 0,6 años; altura 1,68 ± 7,7 m; masa corporal 57,2 ± 5,8 kg; índice de masa corporal 20,3 ± 2,5 kg∙m-2; grasa corporal 8,0 ± 2,7 %), que competían a nivel estatal fueron monitoreados en sus aspectos físicos y fisiológicos durante cuatro semanas en la pretemporada. Los jugadores realizaron un test de agilidad específico de bádminton, el test 5-m multiple shuttle test, el test Yo-Yo y realizaron saltos verticales antes y después de la pretemporada. Durante el entrenamiento, se monitoreó diariamente la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca y la carga interna de entrenamiento. Además, semanalmente se registró la tolerancia al estrés mediante respuestas psicométricas. Resultados: Los jugadores mostraron mejoras significativas en todas las variables de rendimiento evaluadas después del período de entrenamiento. La carga de entrenamiento interna durante la sobrecarga fue más grande (1.635 ± 109,9; 2.490 ± 124; 2.850 ± 210 AU) en comparación con la última semana de cargas reducidas (1.335 ± 100 AU). La tolerancia al estrés disminuyó durante la sobrecarga (4,0 ± 0,7; 8,2 ± 1,3; 10,1 ± 1,4) y aumentó durante la última semana (5,5 ± 1,5). Además, las altas cargas del entrenamiento interno durante la sobrecarga resultaron en una gran reducción en la diferencia de la raíz cuadrada media de intervalos R-R sucesivos (lnRMSSDmean) (4,2 ± 0,2; 4,1 ± 0,1; 4,0 ± 0,1 ms) y un coeficiente de variación más pequeño (lnRMSSDcv) (4,5 ± 2,6; 2,1 ± 1,2; 1,4 ± 0,9 %), y la reducción significativa en la carga de entrenamiento interno durante la última semana(AU)

Dose-Response Relationship Between Internal Training Load and Changes in Performance During the Preseason in Youth Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Figueiredo, DH, Figueiredo, DH, Moreira, A, Gonçalves, HR, and Dourado, AC. Dose-response relationship between internal training load and changes in performance during the preseason in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2294-2301, 2021-The aim of this study was to describe training intensity distribution based on the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and heart rate (HR) methods and examine the dose-response relation between internal training load (ITL) and change in performance of 16 youth soccer players (mean ± SD age: 18.75 ± 0.68 years, height: 175.3 ± 5.5 cm, body mass: 68.7 ± 6.5 kg, and body fat: 10.7 ± 1.2%) belonging to a Brazilian first division team during a 3-week preseason. The sRPE and HR data were registered daily to calculate the ITL and the training intensity distribution, in 3 intensity zones (low, moderate, and high). The Yo-yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-yo IR1) was evaluated before and after experimental period. The total time spent in the low-intensity zone (HR method) was greater (p < 0.01) compared with the moderate- and high-intensity zones. No difference was observed between training intensity zones determined by the sRPE method (p > 0.05). Negative correlations were observed between weekly mean sRPE-TL (r = -0.69), Edward's-TL (r = -0.50), and change in Yo-yo IR1. Linear regression indicated that weekly mean sRPE-TL (F1;14 = 13.3; p < 0.01) and Edward's-TL (F1;14 = 4.8; p < 0.05) predicted 48.7 and 25.5% of the variance in performance change, respectively. Stepwise linear regression revealed that these 2-predictor variables (F2;13 = 18.9; p < 0.001) explained 74.5% of the variance in performance change. The results suggest that the sRPE and HR methods cannot be used interchangeably to determine training intensity distribution. Moreover, sRPE-TL seems to be more effective than the HR-based TL method to predict changes in performance in youth soccer players.

Características antropométricas e motoras em jogadores de futebol: diferenças entre categorias sub17. sub19 e profissional / Antrophometric and motor caratheristics in soccer players: differences between under 17. under 19 and professional categories

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar e comparar as características antropométricas e motoras de atletas pertencentes as categorias Sub17, Sub19 e Profissional. Todos os dados foram coletados anteriormente ao início da temporada competitiva. A amostra deste estudo foi composta por 48 futebolistas masculinos divididos em três grupos: Sub17 (n=16), Sub19 (n=16) e Profissional (n=16). Para avaliar as características antropométricas foram realizadas avaliações de estatura e de composição corporal por meio de Pletismografia por deslocamento de ar. Já para determinação das características motoras foram realizados os testes de resistência aeróbia (Yo-Yo IR1); Counter movement jump (CMJ); Squat jump (SJ); performance de sprint 5m e 30m e potência anaeróbia (RAST teste) para determinação das potências máxima, média e mínima. Para determinar as diferenças entre as categorias no que se refere as características antropométricas e motoras uma ANOVA one way complementando-se com o teste posthoc de Bonferroni foi utilizado, levando-se em consideração um nível de significância de p>0,016. Atletas profissionais apresentaram maiores valores de peso corporal e massa magra absoluta se comparadas as categorias Sub17 e Sub19, não sendo identificadas diferenças para massa gorda absoluta e relativa e massa magra relativa. Não foram identificadas diferenças antropométricas entre os atletas das categorias Sub17 e Sub19. Atletas profissionais apresentaram valores de CMJ, SJ, sprint de 30m e potência máxima, média e mínima maiores do que atletas Sub17 e Sub19, não apresentando diferença em relação ao Yo-Yo IR1 e sprint de 5m. Atletas Sub19 apresentaram maiores valores de Yo-Yo IR1 se comparados ao Sub17 e Profissionais e maiores valores de CMJ, sprint de 30m e potência média e mínima se comparado aos atletas Sub17. Atletas de diferentes categorias apresentam características antropométricas e motoras distintas, enfatizando a importância em acompanhar o desenvolvimento destas características de acordo com a idade....(AU)

The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the anthropometric and motor characteristics of under 17, under 19 and Professional athletes. All data were collected prior to the beginning of the competitive season. The sample of this study was composed of 48 male soccer players divided into three groups: Under 17 (n=16), Under 19 (n=16) and Professional (n=16). To evaluate anthropometric characteristics, height and body composition were performed by means of air displacement pletismography. For determination of the motor characteristics the aerobic resistance test (Yo-Yo IR1), Counter movement jump (CMJ), Squat jump (SJ), performance of 5m and 30 m sprint and anaerobic power (RAST test) to determine the maximum, mean and minimum power were performed. To determine the differences between the categories regarding anthropometric and motor characteristics, a one-way ANOVA complemented with Bonferroni post-hoc test was used, with a level of significance of p>0,016. Professional athletes shown higher values of body weight and absolute lean mass compared to Under 17 and Under 19 categories, with no difference for absolute and relative fat mass and relative lean mass. No anthropometric differences were identified among athletes in the Under 17 and Under 19 categories. Professional athletes presented values of CMJ, SJ, sprint of 30m and maximal, mean, and minimum power higher than Under 17 and Under 19 athletes, with no difference in relation to Yo-Yo IR1 and sprint of 5m. Under 19 athletes presented higher values of Yo-Yo IR1 compared to Under 17 and Professionals, and higher values of CMJ, sprint of 30 m, mean and, minimum power compared to Under 17 athletes. Athletes of different categories present distinct anthropometric and motor characteristics, emphasizing the importance of accompanying the development of these characteristics according to playing age....(AU)

Análise de componentes principais na identificação de características físicas primordiais em esportes coletivos / Analysis of principal components in the identification of primordial physical characteristics in collective sports

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: demonstrar por meio da análise de componentes principais (ACP), quais as variáveis físicas que poderiam estar mais relacionadas com o desempenho de atletas de modalidades coletivas, podendo assim colaborar com uma maior caracterização das mesmas e testar se a utilização da técnica multivariada de análise por meio da ACP seria capaz de sintetizar essas variáveis. Fizeram parte do estudo 108 atletas (38 do sexo masculino e 70 do feminino) representantes da cidade de Londrina nos Jogos da Juventude do Paraná de 2008 e 2011 nas modalidades de futsal, handebol, basquetebol e voleibol. Foram realizadas medidas de composição corporal por meio de plestimografia por deslocamento de ar, estatura e massa corporal, saltos verticais em placa de contato, testes de agilidade e velocidade, flexões abdominais e o teste de corrida de Leger. A ACP foi utilizada na tentativa de sumarizar em fatores as variáveis investigadas para todas as modalidades investigadas. Foram identificados 4 componentes principais para as modalidades de Futsal e Voleibol, representando 79,7% e 77% da variância total e de 3 componentes para as modalidades Basquetebol e Handebol, respondendo por 77% e 81,6% da variância total. A ACP foi capaz de identificar e discriminar as variáveis que mais respondem pela variância total em modalidades coletivas. As variáveis que mais contribuíram para a formação dos componentes vão ao encontro com os principais atributos específicos das modalidades estudadas, identificando assim as principais variáveis que em tese poderiam contribuir para o sucesso esportivo nas modalidades em questão....(AU)

The objectives of the present study were: to demonstrate through the principal components analysis (PCA), which physical variables could be more related to the performance of athletes of collective modalities and, thus collaborate with a greater characterization of then and to test if the use of the multivariate analysis technique by the PCA would be able to synthesize these variables. Participated in the study 108 athletes that represents the city of Londrina at the Youth Games of Paraná in 2008 and 2011 in the modalities of futsal, handball, basketball and volleyball. Body composition, height, body mass, vertical jumps, agility, speed tests, abdominal flexions and the Leger running test were conducted. PCA was used to summarize the variables investigated. Four principal components were identified for futsal and volleyball, representing 79,7% and 77% of the total variance and 3 principal components for basketball and handball, accounting for 77% and 81,6% of the total variance. The PCA was able to identify and discriminate the variables that most respond by the total variance in collective modalities. The variables that contributed the most to the formation of the components are in agreement with the main specific attributes of the modalities studied, thus identifying the main variables that in theory contribute to the sporting success in the modalities in question....(AU)

Effect of Overload and Tapering on Individual Heart Rate Variability, Stress Tolerance, and Intermittent Running Performance in Soccer Players During a Preseason.

Figueiredo, DH, Figueiredo, DH, Moreira, A, Gonçalves, HR, and Stanganelli, LCR. Effect of overload and tapering on individual heart rate variability, stress tolerance, and intermittent running performance in soccer players during a preseason. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1222-1231, 2019-This study evaluates the weekly natural log of the root-mean-square difference of successive R-R intervals (lnRMSSDmean), its coefficient of variation (lnRMSSDcv), training load (TL), stress tolerance (ST), and changes in intermittent running performance in response to a 2-week overload (OL) followed by a 1-week taper (TP) during a preseason. Additionally, we determined the relationships between these variables. Ultra-short lnRMSSD, psychometric responses, and ratings of perceived exertion were evaluated daily among 16 under-19 soccer players. At the end of each training phase, the athletes performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo). Group analysis showed a decrease in lnRMSSDmean and ST, increases in lnRMSSDcv, and decreases in the Yo-Yo during OL, with a return to baseline levels and a trivial increase in the Yo-Yo during TP. Small to very large correlations were found between lnRMSSDmean and lnRMSSDcv values, with changes in Yo-Yo, TL, monotony, and strain during the preseason (r values ranging from -0.27 to 0.82). No correlation was found between lnRMSSD responses and ST. During OL, athletes with decreases in lnRMSSDmean and increases in lnRMSSDcv accumulated higher perceived TL, with higher monotony and overall stress, and presented a decrease in ST and intermittent running performance, interpreted as a negative adaptation in response to the maintenance of higher TL. During TP, these responses were reversed, leading to an increase in intermittent running performance. In addition, subjective measures of ST may be used to provide early indicators of training adaptation in soccer players.

Effects of chronic beetroot juice supplementation on maximum oxygen uptake, velocity associated with maximum oxygen uptake, and peak velocity in recreational runners: a double-blinded, randomized and crossover study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of chronic 3-day beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), velocity associated with VO2max(vVO2max), and peak velocity (Vpeak) in recreational runners. METHODS: Thirteen male recreational runners (age 28.2 ± 3.0 years, height 176.8 ± 0.1 cm, body mass 74.4 ± 9.5 kg) performed four tests on a treadmill in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design: two maximum incremental tests to determine VO2max and vVO2max, and two tests to determine Vpeak. Trials were performed following 3 days of supplementation of NO3--rich BRJ in natura (8.4 mmol NO3- day- 1) or BRJ NO3--depleted placebo (0.01 mmol NO3- day- 1), with the last dose being ingested 2 h before each test. During the tests, maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximal rating of perceived exertion (RPEmax), pre- and post-test glucose concentrations (Glucpre, Glucpost), and peak blood lactate concentration were determined. RESULTS: VO2max was higher following BRJ vs PLA (46.6 ± 6.4 vs 45.1 ± 5.8 mL kg- 1 min- 1; P = 0.022), as well as vVO2max (14.5 ± 0.8 vs 13.9 ± 1.0 km h- 1P = 0.024) and Vpeak (15.5 ± 1.1 vs 15.2 ± 1.2 km h- 1P = 0.038), with no differences in the other variables. CONCLUSION: Consumption of NO3--rich BRJ in natura (8.4 mmol NO3- day- 1) once per day for 3 days improved VO2max, vVO2max and Vpeak in recreational runners without changing the other analyzed variables.