Associations between Physical Status and Training Load in Women Soccer Players.

This study aimed to analyze the variations of fitness status, as well as test the relationships between accumulated training load and fitness changes in women soccer players. This study followed an observational analytic cohort design. Observations were conducted over 23 consecutive weeks (from the preseason to the midseason). Twenty-two women soccer players from the same first Portuguese league team (22.7 ± 5.21 years old) took part in the study. The fitness assessment included anthropometry, hip adductor and abductor strength, vertical jump, change of direction, linear speed, repeated sprint ability, and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. The training load was monitored daily using session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE). A one-way repeated ANOVA revealed no significant differences for any of the variables analyzed across the three moments of fitness assessments (p > 0.05). The t-test also revealed no differences in the training load across the moments of the season (t = 1.216; p = 0.235). No significant correlations were found between fitness levels and accumulated training load (range: r = 0.023 to -0.447; p > 0.05). This study revealed no differences in the fitness status during the analyzed season, and the fitness status had no significant relationship with accumulated training load.

Relationships between Fitness Status and Match Running Performance in Adult Women Soccer Players: A Cohort Study.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the relationships between fitness status (repeated-sprint ability (RSA), aerobic performance, vertical height jump, and hip adductor and abductor strength) and match running performance in adult women soccer players and (ii) to explain variations in standardized total distance, HSR, and sprinting distances based on players' fitness status. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cohort design. Twenty-two Portuguese women soccer players competing at the first-league level were monitored for 22 weeks. These players were tested three times during the cohort period. The measured parameters included isometric strength (hip adductor and abductor), vertical jump (squat and countermovement jump), linear sprint (10 and 30 m), change-of-direction (COD), repeated sprints (6 × 35 m), and intermittent endurance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1). Data were also collected for several match running performance indicators (total distance covered and distance at different speed zones, accelerations/decelerations, maximum sprinting speed, and number of sprints) in 10 matches during the cohort. Results: Maximal linear sprint bouts presented large to very large correlations with explosive match-play actions (accelerations, decelerations, and sprint occurrences; r = -0.80 to -0.61). In addition, jump modalities and COD ability significantly predicted, respectively, in-game high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.69 to 0.75; R2 = 25%) and decelerations (r = -0.78 to -0.50; R2 = 23-24%). Furthermore, COD had significant explanatory power related to match running performance variance regardless of whether the testing and match performance outcomes were computed a few or several days apart. Conclusion: The present investigation can help conditioning professionals working with senior women soccer players to prescribe effective fitness tests to improve their forecasts of locomotor performance.

Exploring the Determinants of Repeated-Sprint Ability in Adult Women Soccer Players.

This study aimed to explore the main determinants of repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in women soccer players considering aerobic capacity, sprinting performance, change-of-direction, vertical height jump, and hip adductor/abductor isometric strength. Twenty-two women soccer players from the same team participating in the first Portuguese league were observed. Fitness assessments were performed three times during a 22-week cohort period. The following assessments were made: (i) hip abductor and adductor strength, (ii) squat and countermovement jump (height), (iii) change-of-direction test, (iv) linear sprinting at 10- and 30-m, (v) RSA test, and (vi) Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1. Positive moderate correlations were found between peak minimum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.51, p < 0.02 and r = 0.54, p < 0.01, respectively). Positive moderate correlations were also found between peak maximum RSA and adductor and abductor strength (r = 0.55, p < 0.02 and r = 0.46, p < 0.01, respectively). Lastly, a moderate negative correlation was found between fatigue index in RSA and YYIR1 test performance (r = -0.62, p < 0.004). In conclusion, abductor and adductor isometric strength-based coadjutant training programs, together with a high degree of aerobic endurance, may be suitable for inducing RSA in female soccer players.

Variations of season workload and well-being status among professional roller-hockey players: Full season analysis.

The aims of this research were (i) to describe variations in the internal load and well-being between regular (one official match) and congested (two official matches) weeks in senior professional roller-hockey players and (ii) to analyse the variations of these determinants, within weeks, for an entire season. Ten professional roller-hockey players (29.3 ± 4.8 years; 178.3 ± 6.4 cm; 78.0 ± 3.9 kg) from the Portuguese 1st league division participated in this study. Perceptions of fatigue, stress, delayed onset muscle soreness, and quality of sleep were recorded, and the Hooper index (1-7) was constructed with the sum of the four subjective ratings. In addition, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected approximately 30 min after each training session using Borg's CR-10. The volume of training (in minutes) was also collected, and the session-RPE (RPE multiplied by training volume) was calculated. Among congested weeks, in MD-2 (two days before a match), players spend less time training (-20.7%; 90%CI: -22,5; -18,9) and have lower levels of RPE (-20.0%; 90%CI: -25,0; -14,7) and internal training load (-38.2%; 90%CI: -41,9; -34,4) when compared with normal weeks. Similar results were found in both congested and normal weeks regarding the training process of the days classified as MD-3 (three days before a match). After pooling data from the overall season, significant within-weeks differences among different dimensions of the training sessions were observed. Higher values of internal training load (ITL), RPE and volume, were consistently observed on MD-3 than on MD-2 and MD-1. Findings of well-being revealed no meaningful differences (trivial-to-small) between type of weeks. Professional roller-hockey athletes presented overall adjustments of the load based on the number of games and the number of training days across weeks.

Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on platelet activation and oxidative profile in a set of Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a metabolic disorder associated with hyperactivation of platelets, increased formation of platelet microparticles (PMPs) and oxidative stress that are related to cardiovascular complications. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is an antiplatelet agent used in the prevention of atherothrombosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ASA by means of platelet activation and oxidative profile. We collected blood samples of 81 patients with DM2 before and during ASA treatment. These samples were analyzed to determine the levels of 2,3-dinor thromboxane-B2 (2,3-dinor-TXB2), PMPs, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Moreover, the relationship between the levels of 2,3-dinor-TXB2 with some clinical and laboratory variables such as glycated hemoglobin, platelet count, D dimer, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and cyclooxygenase-1 polymorphisms was evaluated. ASA intake did not change the levels of PMP, TBARS and MTT. Although a significant decrease in the levels of 2,3 dinorTXB2 (P < 0.001) in patients under ASA has been observed, an equal and satisfactory response to this drug was not found. However, the presence of PIA2 allele in GPIIIa gene may be associated with a better response to ASA intake in these patients, whereas other clinical and laboratory variables showed no association with this drug use. These findings are consistent with previous reports in the literature that patients with DM2 do not benefit in an equal way from the use of ASA for primary prevention of atherothrombotic events.

Acetylsalicylic acid therapy: influence of metformin use and other variables on urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 levels.

BACKGROUND: The effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) may be measured through the analysis of urinary concentrations of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-dhTXB2), a metabolite of thromboxane A2, which is a potent platelet aggregant agent. It has been suggested that metformin (an oral antidiabetic drug) could improve oxidative stress and control platelet activation in type 2 diabetic patients, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk. We determined the concentrations of urinary 11-dhTXB2 in type 2 diabetic patients taking ASA and its concentrations with metformin use and several other clinical variables (hypertension, age, gender, smoking, body mass index, insulin and statin use), considering a reduction of at least 75% in the concentrations of this marker as a target, compared to results before ASA intake. METHODS: Urinary concentrations of 11-dhTXB2 of 81 type 2 diabetic patients were measured before and at 15 days taking 100 mg of aspirin daily. RESULTS: Most patients who presented a reduction of 11-dhTXB2 above 75% were under metformin use. This reduction was achieved in 51.5% of patients taking this drug, against 20.0% in the patients who were not (p=0.027). The analysis of the other variables did not show a significant difference. The use of metformin appears to play a role in the reduction of 11-dhTXB2 concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: According to previous reports, hyperglycemia control seems to be a determinant factor for the success of ASA therapy, given the influence of metformin in the reduction of 11-dhTXB2 concentrations.

Urinary 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 levels in type 2 diabetic patients before and during aspirin intake.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic patients commonly present an increased risk for cardiovascular events, for which aspirin is the most frequently used medication for primary prevention. Urinary 11-dehydro thromboxane (11-dhTXB2) concentrations assess the effect of aspirin on platelets and identify patients who are at risk of cardiovascular events. The present study investigated whether or not type 2 diabetic patients who took a daily dose of 100mg of aspirin had a significant reduction in urinary 11-dhTXB2 concentrations and whether these results were associated with clinical and laboratory variables. METHODS: Eighty-one type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. Laboratory tests included the determination of lipidic profile, glycated hemoglobin, platelets count, molecular analysis for both GPIIbIIIa and COX-1 polymorphisms, and urinary 11-dhTXB2. RESULTS: Patients' median value for urinary 11-dhTXB2 before aspirin intake was 179 pg/mg of creatinine. After 15days taking aspirin, the patients presented median of 51 pg/mg of creatinine, thus revealing a significant difference between medians (p=0.00). A reduction of 95% in urinary 11-dhTXB2 concentrations could only be identified in 4 patients (5%). A BMI of ≥ 26 presented a significant association with a reduction of urinary 11-dhTXB2 concentrations (p=0.010), as shown by the multiple logistic regression model. Other clinical and laboratory variables showed no association. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the mechanisms related to aspirin non-responsiveness, most patients enrolled in the present study also presented a reduced or minimal response to low-dose aspirin therapy, thereby indicating a clear variability related to aspirin effectiveness. Moreover, BMI appears to be independently associated to the reduction of urinary 11-dhTXB2 concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients taking aspirin.

Avaliação dos níveis de hiper-homocisteinemia, vitamina E, selênio, cobre, ceruloplasmina e ferritina em pacientes com diagnóstico de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico / Assesment of homocysteine, vitamin E, selenium, copper, ceruloplasmin and ferritin levels in patients with ischemic stroke diagnosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar níveis sangüíneos de hiper-homocisteinemia, vitamina E, selênio, cobre, ceruloplasmina e ferritina em pacientes com diagnóstico de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI). CASUíSTICA, MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal analítico de 104 pacientes diagnosticados com AVCI e 98 controles. Dosagem de homocisteína e vitamina E feita por cromatografia líquida de alta performance. O selênio foi dosado por tecnologia de espectrometria de massa por plasma indutivamente acoplado; o cobre o foi por colorimetria; a ceruloplasmina, por nefelometria; e a ferritina, por imunoensaio enzimático conjugado à fluorescência (Elfa). Análise estatística feita com testes t de Student e análise de variância. RESULTADOS: Encontrada hiper-homocisteinemia em 43 por cento dos pacientes e 13 por cento dos controles. Os valores obtidos nas dosagens de vitamina E, cobre, ceruloplasmina e ferritina foram significativamente maiores no grupo paciente do que no grupo controle. Quanto ao selênio, a diferença entre os dois grupos não foi significativa. DISCUSSÃO: Níveis de hiper-homocisteinemia foram maiores que os encontrados na literatura, podendo ser conseqüência da genética ou dos hábitos alimentares da população. Os resultados encontrados para vitamina E, selênio, cobre, ceruloplasmina e ferritina coincidem com os de alguns trabalhos publicados, mas o modelo deste estudo não avalia se os níveis de vitamina E e selênio foram alterados pelo AVCI ou por mudanças nos hábitos dos pacientes. A ferritina e a ceruloplasmina podem ser marcadores de AVCI, e não fator causal da sua patogênese. CONCLUSÃO: A hiper-homocisteinemia é mais prevalente nos pacientes diagnosticados com AVCI. Os níveis de vitamina E, cobre, ceruloplasmina e ferritina mais elevados encontrados nos pacientes não podem ser atribuídos à ocorrência de AVCI.

OBJECTIVE: To assess blood levels of hyperhomocysteinaemia, vitamin E, selenium, copper, ceruloplasmin and ferritin in patients with diagnosis of ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS: 104 patients with the diagnosis of IS and 98 healthy controls had blood homocysteine, vitamin E, selenium, copper, ceruloplasmin and ferritin analyzed. Homocysteine and vitamin E were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography, selenium by inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry, copper by colorimetry, ceruloplasmin by nefelometry and ferritin by enzyme linked fluorescent assay. Statistics was performed with Student's t test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Frequency of hyperhomocysteinaemia was 43 percent for patients and 13 percent for controls. Concentrations of vitamin E, copper, ceruloplasmin and ferritin were significantly higher in patients. Differences in selenium levels were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Hyperhomocysteinaemia levels were higher than those found in literature, possibly due to population's genetics or its nutritional habits. As to vitamin E, selenium, copper, ceruloplasmin and ferritin, our results match some published papers but this study's model cannot stablish whether vitamin E and selenium levels were changed by IS or by new habits acquired by the patients. Ferritin and ceruloplasmin can be a marker for IS instead of causative agent of its pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: Hyperhomocysteinaemia is more prevalent in patients with IS diagnosis. Higher levels of vitamin E, copper, ceruloplasmin and ferritin found in patients cannot be imputed to IS.

[Association between plasmatic levels of homocysteine and stroke: a transversal analytic study]. / Associação entre níveis plasmáticos de homocisteína e acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico: estudo transversal analítico.

PURPOSE: To determine the association of homocysteine with ischemic stroke, considering age, gender, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes and etiology of cerebrovascular disease. METHOD: Transversal analytic observational study of 104 patients with the diagnosis of ischemic stroke and 98 healthy controls had blood homocysteine analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Statistics was performed with Student's t and Kruskal-Wallis' tests, analysis of variance, linear regression analysis, logistic regression and Pearson's linear correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Patients had higher values for homocysteine (15.4 +/- 11.7 micromol L(-1)) than controls (10.5 +/- 4.2 micromol L(-1)). Dividing both groups into four groups according to age, significant differences in homocysteine values were found between patients and controls with age 40-49 and 50-59 years. Homocysteine values were significantly higher in patients with hypertension and in those with diagnosis of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease. Logistic regression studies showed relationship between atherosclerosis and homocysteine. CONCLUSIONS: Homocysteine is associated with ischemic stroke.

Associação entre níveis plasmáticos de homocisteína e acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico: estudo transversal analítico / Association between plasmatic levels of homocysteine and stroke: a transversal analytic study

OBJETIVO: Verificar associação entre valores de homocisteína plasmática e ocorrência de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI), considerando idade, sexo, tabagismo, hipertensão, diabetes, etiologia do AVCI e tempo decorrido do episódio. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal analítico de 104 pacientes diagnosticados com AVCI e 98 controles. Dosagem de homocisteína por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Análise estatística feita com testes t de Student e Kruskal-Wallis, análise de variância, análise de regressão linear, regressão logística e coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson. RESULTADOS: O grupo-pacientes apresentou valores maiores de homocisteína (15,4 ± 11,7 æ mol L-1) comparados aos controles (10,5 ± 4,2æ mol L-1). Dividindo os dois grupos em faixas etárias foram encontradas diferenças nas faixas de 40-49 anos e 50-59 anos. Nos pacientes encontraram-se valores maiores de homocisteína nos casos de hipertensão e etiologia aterotrombótica. Estudo de regressão logística dos dados dos pacientes mostrou relação de aterosclerose com homocisteína. CONCLUSÃO: Homocisteína está associada a AVCI.