Variability Analysis in Judo Para Athletes With Visual Impairments: Match-Outcome Performance in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games With Evidence From the New Classification System.

Match-related performance analysis in judo Para athletes with visual impairments is important to coaches and staff to identify technical-tactical profiles of their athletes and opponents but also to identify whether there are similar characteristics in each visual class. Thus, this study explores the match-related performance in judo Para athletes and verifies the relationship between performance using the old and new classification systems. The match-derived variables were analyzed using different statistical methods considering a total of 182 matches from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The results indicated that performance was affected by sex and degree of impairment. The new classification system seems suitable for grouping Para judo athletes, as it differentiates performance between the two proposed classes (J1 and J2), since athletes from each group compete separately. Furthermore, different variability index measures were correlated with competitive performance, demonstrating a specific performance profile for each sport class in judo.

Cadet and Junior Performance Is Associated With Senior's World Championship and Olympics Achievement in Judo.

Purpose: We determined whether cadet and junior Judo World Championship participation and medal achievement would predict senior performance at World Championship (WC) and Olympic Games (OG). Methods: We analyzed retrospectively a total of 7780 athletes who competed at the OG and WC in the cadet, junior, and senior between 2009 and 2021. Results: There was an increase in the probability of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG, and only WC) ranged from 4.3 to 4.5 for medal-winning cadets compared to non-medalists and this probability remained around 3.3-3.8 for medalists in the male and 5.3-5.4 for the female medalists in cadet WC. Moreover, the chance of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG) was 8.1-8.5 times greater for medalists when compared to non-medalists in the junior WC. In turn, the probability of winning a medal in the senior (WC) was 1.5-1.7 times greater for athletes who did not compete in the junior WC. In the OG, the probability of winning a medal was 3.5 greater times for medalists when compared to non-medalists at cadet and junior WC. Conclusion: Thus, being a cadet or junior WC medalist increases the probability of winning a senior WC or an Olympic medal.

Application of Bacillus spp. Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Improves Common Bean Production Compared to Conventional Fertilization.

The use of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can be a sustainable strategy to increase phosphorus availability and promote satisfactory crop yields. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether inoculation with PSB in common bean increases (i) growth, (ii) nutrition, (iii) yield, and (iv) grain quality, and (v) reduces the chemical phosphorus application dose to obtain maximum yields. The experiment was conducted in an Oxisol using a randomized block design in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates, using the cultivar IAC 2051. The first factor was four doses of P2O5 (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1), and the second factor was four doses of PSB (0, 100, 200 and 300 mL ha-1). For leaf area and leaf chlorophyll content, the association of PSB inoculation with a P2O5 dose of 40 kg ha-1 promoted the best conditions for the common bean. P2O5 application increased yield by 79 kg ha-1 for each 10 kg ha-1 added. PSB inoculation at a dose of 192 mL ha-1 promoted P export of 15.3 kg ha-1, and the PSB dose of 159 mL ha-1 increased yield by 389 kg ha-1 (12%) compared to the control. Grain quality remained within the standards required by the consumer market, being little affected by the treatments. Improvements in common bean growth and nutritional and physiological status promoted by P2O5 application and PSB were essential in increasing yield, so these are sustainable production strategies.

Amesuviridae: a new family of plant-infecting viruses in the phylum Cressdnaviricota, realm Monodnaviria.

The phylum Cressdnaviricota comprises viruses with single-stranded, circular DNA genomes that encode an HUH-type endonuclease (known as Rep). The phylum includes two classes, eight orders, and 11 families. Here, we report the creation of a twelfth family in the order Mulpavirales, class Arfiviricetes of the phylum Cressdnaviricota. The family Amesuviridae comprises viruses that infect plants and is divided into two genera: Temfrudevirus, including the species Temfrudevirus temperatum (with temperate fruit decay-associated virus as a member), and Yermavirus, including the species Yermavirus ilicis (with yerba mate-associated circular DNA virus as a member). Both viruses encode Rep proteins with HUH endonuclease and SH3 superfamily helicase domains. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the replicative module of amesuviruses constitutes a well-supported monophyletic clade related to Rep proteins from viruses in the order Mulpavirales. Furthermore, both viruses encode a single capsid protein (CP) related to geminivirus CPs. Phylogenetic incongruence between the replicative and structural modules of amesuviruses suggests a chimeric origin resulting from remote recombination events between ancestral mulpavirales and geminivirids. The creation of the family Amesuviridae has been ratified by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

Type specimens of Elasmobranchii in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP).

The type specimens of the subclass Elasmobranchii deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo are compiled in an annotated list, including updated measurements, verified collection data and recent photographs of holotypes and selected paratypes. Relevant information on the preservation condition of the specimens and their current taxonomic status are also provided. The collection holds a total of 135 lots of type specimens of elasmobranchs, three holotypes and seven paratypes in the division Selachii plus 16 holotypes, one neotype, and 108 paratypes in the division Batoidea (total specimen count: 137). Four paratypes were not located and one was donated to another institution, and publication mistakes in catalog numbers and locality assignments are corrected. The vast majority of specimens belong to the neotropical freshwater stingrays (subfamily Potamotrygoninae). The present catalogue intends to facilitate taxonomic research by providing access to updated information on type specimens of mostly large-sized taxa, which are notoriously difficult or impossible to examine outside of their home institution.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Trigonisca nataliae (Hymenoptera, Apidae) assemblage reveals heteroplasmy in the control region.

The evolution of mitochondrial genomes in the stingless bees is surprisingly dynamic, making them a model system to understand mitogenome structure, function, and evolution. Out of the seven mitogenomes available in this group, five exhibit atypical characteristics, including extreme rearrangements, rapid evolution and complete mitogenome duplication. To further explore the mitogenome diversity in these bees, we utilized isolated mtDNA and Illumina sequencing to assemble the complete mitogenome of Trigonisca nataliae, a species found in Northern Brazil. The mitogenome of T. nataliae was highly conserved in gene content and structure when compared to Melipona species but diverged in the control region (CR). Using PCR amplification, cloning and Sanger sequencing, six different CR haplotypes, varying in size and content, were recovery. These findings indicate that heteroplasmy, where different mitochondrial haplotypes coexist within individuals, occurs in T. nataliae. Consequently, we argue that heteroplasmy might indeed be a common phenomenon in bees that could be associated with variations in mitogenome size and challenges encountered during the assembly process.

Para Powerlifting performance: A retrospective analysis considering origin of impairment, sport-classification and sex.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the retrospective performance of Para Powerlifters over eight years considering sex, the origin of impairment and sport classification of Para Powerlifting. DESIGN: This retrospective study analyzed data from 6791 (4613 and 2178 for male and female, respectively) individual results from 1634 athletes' performances. We collected absolute load (kg), relative load (kg/BM), chronological age and origin of impairment (acquired or congenital), and sport classification (leg length difference (LLD), limb deficiency (LD), range of movement (ROM), impaired muscle power (IMP), hypertonia (HT), Ataxia (AT), Athetosis (ATH) and short stature (SS) of Para Powerlifters. RESULTS: Males being stronger than females thorough the years with acquired impairment being stronger than congenital impairment. Para Powerlifters with acquired impairment were older compared to congenital impairment over the years. Acquired impairment males won 60% more medals than the congenital group. There was a significant association between competition achievement and sports class classification, with a higher number of medals for limb deficiency than other sports classes. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the sex, origin of impairment and sports classification influences performance of athletes in Para Powerlifting. Thus, this information can help athletes, coaches, sport managers and sport institutions involved in the sport of Para Powerlifting.

A terapia floral no cuidado integral à população durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Flower therapy in holistic care for the population during theCOVID-19 pandemic

O presente estudo objetivou: descrever o perfil dos usuários que buscaram a terapia floral como estratégia de cuidado integral durante a pandemia de COVID-19; e identificar as principais causas de saúde que os levaram a optar por essa prática integrativa. Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com usuários do projeto de extensão "Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde", durante o teleatendimento em terapia floral, realizado entre julho e novembro de 2020. Os dados foram tratados pela análise lexical, utilizando o recurso da Nuvem de Palavras e analisados pela Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Entre as necessidades de saúde que motivaram a busca pela terapia floral, houve predominância nas enunciações de ansiedade, medo, insegurança e insônia. Constatou-se que o isolamento social afetou a saúde dos usuários, gerando desequilíbrio nos sentimentos e emoções e que o uso das essências florais emergiu como uma possibilidade terapêutica para controle das emoções.

The present study aimed to: describe the profile of users who sought flower therapy as a comprehensive care strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the main health causes that led them to opt for this integrative practice. It was a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted with users of the extension project "Integrative and complementary practices in health" during the remote service in flower therapy, carried out between July and November 2020. The data were processed by lexical analysis, using the word cloud resource, and analyzed by Bardin's content analysis technique. Among the health needs that motivated the search for flower therapy, there was a predominance in the enunciations of anxiety, fear, insecurity, and insomnia. The study found that social isolation affected the health of users, generating an imbalance in feelings and emotions, and the use of flower essences emerged as a therapeutic possibility to control emotions.

A nationwide collapse of a priority grassland bird related to livestock conversion and intensification.

Grassland birds are among the most threatened and fastest declining terrestrial vertebrate species in Europe, principally due to agricultural intensification and transformation. The little bustard is a priority grassland bird under the European Directive (2009/147/CE) that led to the classification of a network of Special Protected Areas (SPAs) in Portugal. A third national survey carried out in 2022 reveals a worsening of an ongoing population collapse at a national scale. The population declined by 77% and 56% compared to the previous surveys in 2006 and 2016, respectively. We found that the little bustard has greatly disappeared outside SPAs, while the remaining breeding population concentrated within the protected area network is showing a steep decline at a rate of 9% a year. This decline is now twice as fast when compared to the period 2006-2016. Analysis of the variation of the breeding densities between 2006 and 2022 at 49 survey sites revealed that those that initially had higher bustard densities and shifted toward a higher proportion of cattle among the total stocking rate experienced steeper declines. Areas where the density of roads increased also experienced declines over the course of the study period. Agricultural areas converted to or dominated by beef production likely relate to low breeding success and mortality of nesting females in fodder crops. Still, major habitat conversion outside SPAs to permanent crops led to overall habitat destruction, which contributed to the species decline and range contraction. Other threats are likely acting synergistically such as fragmentation, climate change and anthropogenic mortality. The extinction of the little bustard in Portugal is expected in the short term if no conservation actions are put in place.

A residência em saúde da família e comunidade no fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde / La residencia de salud familiar y comunitaria en el fortalecimiento del Sistema Único de Salud / The family and community health residency in the strengthening of the Unified Health System

Objetivo: compreender a maneira como a residência em saúde da família e comunidade atua como instrumento para o fortalecimento e a defesa do Sistema Único de Saúde sob a ótica da enfermagem. Método: estudo do tipo exploratório-descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido com 13 enfermeiros residentes. Neste estudo, os dados foram coletados de modo remoto por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, processados pelo software IRaMuTeQ e interpretados conforme análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: os resultados apontam que as residências na área da saúde se expressam com força política, conhecimento teórico e formação na prática, essenciais para fortalecer o controle social. Conclusão: faz-se necessário que a formação dos profissionais seja orientada a partir dos princípios/objetivos do SUS e que ocorra o combate aos ataques iminentes, exemplificados pelo baixo financiamento e má gestão.

Objective: to understand the way in which residency in family and community health acts as an instrument for strengthening and defending the Unified Health System from the perspective of nursing. Method: exploratory-descriptive study with a qualitative approach, developed with 13 resident nurses.In this study, data were collected remotely with semi-structured interviews, processed by the IRAMUTEQ software, and interpreted according to Bardin's content analysis. Results: the results indicate that residencies in the health area express themselves with political force, theoretical knowledge, and training in practice, essential to strengthen social control. Conclusion: the training of professionals must be guided from the principles/objectives of the SUS and the fight against imminent attacks, exemplified by low funding and poor management, must occur.

Objetivo: comprender el modo en que la residencia en salud familiar y comunitaria actúa como instrumento de fortalecimiento y defensa del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) desde la perspectiva de la enfermería. Método: estudio exploratório descriptivo, con enfoque cualitativo, desarrollado con 13 enfermeras residentes. En este estudio, los datos se recolectaron de forma remota mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, que, posteriormente, fueron procesadas por el software IRaMuTeQ e interpretadas de acuerdo con el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: las residencias en el área de la salud se desarrollan con fuerza política, conocimiento teórico y formación práctica, lo que es esencial para fortalecer el control social. Conclusión: es necesario que la formación de los profesionales se base en los principios/objetivos del SUS y que ocurra la lucha contra los inminentes ataques, ejemplificados por una baja financiación y mala gestión.

Rapid evolution, rearrangements and whole mitogenome duplication in the Australian stingless bees Tetragonula (Hymenoptera: Apidae): A steppingstone towards understanding mitochondrial function and evolution.

The extreme conservation of mitochondrial genomes in metazoans poses a significant challenge to understanding mitogenome evolution. However, the presence of variation in gene order or genome structure, found in a small number of taxa, can provide unique insights into this evolution. Previous work on two stingless bees in the genus Tetragonula (T. carbonaria and T. hockingsi) revealed highly divergent CO1 regions between them and when compared to the bees from the same tribe (Meliponini), indicating rapid evolution. Using mtDNA isolation and Illumina sequencing, we elucidated the mitogenomes of both species. In both species, there has been a duplication of the whole mitogenome to give a total genome size of 30,666 bp in T. carbonaria; and 30,662 bp in T. hockingsi. These duplicated genomes present a circular structure with two identical and mirrored copies of all 13 protein coding genes and 22 tRNAs, with the exception of a few tRNAs that are present as single copies. In addition, the mitogenomes are characterized by rearrangements of two block of genes. We believe that rapid evolution is present in the whole Indo-Malay/Australasian group of Meliponini but is extraordinarily elevated in T. carbonaria and T. hockingsi, probably due to founder effect, low effective population size and the mitogenome duplication. All these features - rapid evolution, rearrangements, and duplication - deviate significantly from the vast majority of the mitogenomes described so far, making the mitogenomes of Tetragonula unique opportunities to address fundamental questions of mitogenome function and evolution.

The importance of the appendicular skeleton for the phylogenetic reconstruction of lamniform sharks (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii).

Lamniform sharks are one of the more conspicuous groups of elasmobranchs, including several emblematic taxa as the white shark. Although their monophyly is well supported, the interrelationships of taxa within Lamniformes remains controversial because of the conflict among various previous molecular-based and morphology-based phylogenetic hypotheses. In this study, we use 31 characters related to the appendicular skeleton of lamniforms and demonstrate their ability to resolve the systematic interrelationships within this shark order. In particular, the new additional skeletal characters resolve all polytomies that were present in previous morphology-based phylogenetic analyses of lamniforms. Our study demonstrates the strength of incorporating new morphological data for phylogenetic reconstructions.

Morphology and phylogenetic significance of the pelvic articular region in elasmobranchs (Chondrichthyes).

The morphology of paired fins is commonly overlooked in morphological studies, particularly the pelvic girdle and fins. Consequently, previous phylogenetic studies incorporating morphological data used few skeletal characters from this complex. In this paper, the phylogenetic significance of pelvic articular characters for elasmobranchs is discussed in light of the morphological variation observed in 130 species, the most comprehensive study exploring the morphology of the pelvic girdle done so far. The 10 morphological characters proposed herein for the pelvic articulation were incorporated into a molecular matrix of NADH2 sequences and submitted to an analysis of maximum parsimony employing extended implied weighting. The most stable tree was selected based on the distortion coefficients, SPR distances (subtree pruning and regrafting) and fit values. Some of the striking synapomorphies recovered within elasmobranchs include the presence of an articular surface for the first enlarged pelvic radial supporting Elasmobranchii and the pelvic articular region for the basipterygium extending from the posterolatral margin of the pelvic girdle over its lateral surface in Echinorhinus + Hexanchiformes. Additionally, the proposed characters and their distributions are discussed considering the relationships recovered and also compared with previous morphological and molecular phylogenetic hypotheses.

Relative Age Effect in Judo Competitions: Influence of Age, Weight Category, Sex, and Time Frames.

This study was conducted to determine whether the relative age effect (RAE) is present in different age groups, weight categories, sexes, and across different time frames in international-level judo competition. A total of 9451 judo athletes competing at the Olympic Games and/or World Championships in the Cadet, Junior and/or Senior age groups between 1993 and 2020 were considered. Athletes' birthdate distributions were grouped in four quartiles (Q1: January-March; Q2: April-June; Q3: July-September; Q4: October-December) and compared to a day-corrected theoretical distribution using Chi-squared analysis. Poisson regression was also used to evaluate the ability to explain weekly birth count. RAE was more prevalent in males than females (p < .05), and for Cadets and Juniors compared to Seniors (p < .05). Heavyweight and middleweight categories presented RAEs in Senior and Junior males, while for females it was present in Cadet heavyweights (p < .05). RAE was more prevalent in recent years (2009-2021) for Senior male judo athletes (p < .05). Poisson analysis illustrated some nuanced information, including RAE detection during an earlier time frame, not readily apparent with the traditional analysis.

Religiosidade e espiritualidade: discursos dos enfermeiros da atenção básica / Religiosity and spirituality: discourses of primary care nurses / Religiosidad y espiritualidad: discursos de enfermeras de atención primaria

Objetivo: Compreender as concepções dos enfermeiros atuantes na Atenção Básica à Saúde, de um município cearense, acerca da religiosidade e espiritualidade. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, de abordagem descritiva, realizada com de 13 enfermeiros. Para coleta de dados foi utilizada a técnica de entrevista semiestruturada e os dados foram discutidos com base na Análise Categorial Temática. Resultados: Emergiram duas categorias temáticas empíricas. A primeira acerca do entendimento da religiosidade e espiritualidade pelos enfermeiros, onde percebeu-se a dificuldade que os participantes têm em discorrer sobre o tema. A segunda sobre a religiosidade e espiritualidade como constituidoras do ser humano, em que todos os participantes afirmaram que estes são aspectos da construção humana. Conclusão: Apesar da dificuldade de definição dos termos, os enfermeiros compreendem que esses são aspectos inerentes ao ser humano e necessitam ser abordados no contexto da saúde. (AU)

Objetivo: Comprender las concepciones de los enfermeros que trabajan en la atención primaria de salud de un municipio de Ceará sobre la religiosidad y la espiritualidad. Métodos: Se trata de una investigación cualitativa con enfoque descriptivo, realizada con una muestra de 13 enfermeros. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó y discutió la técnica de entrevista semiestructurada con base en el Análisis Categórico Temático. Resultados: Surgieron dos categorías temáticas empíricas. El primero fue sobre la comprensión de los enfermeros sobre la religiosidad y la espiritualidad, donde se notó la dificultad que tienen los participantes para discutir el tema. El segundo sobre la religiosidad y la espiritualidad como constituyentes del ser humano, en el que todos los participantes afirmaron que son aspectos de la construcción humana. Conclusión: A pesar de la dificultad para definir términos, el enfermero comprende que estos son aspectos inherentes al ser humano y deben ser abordados. (AU)

Objective: Understand the conceptions of nurses who work in primary health care in a municipality in Ceará about religiosity and spirituality. Methods: This is a qualitative research with a descriptive approach, carried out with a sample of 13 nurses. For data collection, the semi-structured interview technique was used and discussed based on the Thematic Categorical Analysis. Results: Two empirical thematic categories have emerged. The first is about the nurses' understanding of religiosity and spirituality, where it was noticed the difficulty that the participants have in discussing the theme. The second on religiosity and spirituality as constituting the human being, in which all participants stated that these are aspects of human construction. Conclusion: Despite the difficulty in defining the terms, nurses understand that these are aspects inherent to the human being and need to be addressed. (AU)

Molecular Markers Reveal a New and Possibly Threatened Species of Cnesterodon (Poeciliidae, Cnesterodontini) from the Upper Paraná River Basin, Brazil.

Cnesterodon comprises 10 valid species occurring in the major river basins of South America. Recent ichthyofaunistic studies in the Ivaí River basin, upper Paraná River system, suggested the existence of a possible new species, which was identified as Cnesterodon sp. based on morphological characters. Currently, the use of molecular tools has proved to be fundamental in aiding phylogenetics and cataloging biodiversity; therefore, in this study, we molecularly characterize a possible new species of Cnesterodon from the Ivaí River basin encoding the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome c Oxidase, subunit I (COI), and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2). The genetic differences found showed that this species really differs from the other Cnesterodon species, indicating that it is a distinct species, which is possibly already in serious danger of extinction since its habitat often suffers from human exploitation and its distribution is restricted to only two sites in the upper Ivaí River basin, but it has disappeared in one of them.

Caffeine Combined With Sodium Bicarbonate Improves Pacing and Overall Performance During a High-Intensity Time Trial.

Background: No study has demonstrated the effects of sodium bicarbonate plus caffeine (NaHCO3 + CAF) on power output (PO) distribution (e.g., pacing), physiological parameters and energy system contribution during a 4-km cycling time trial (TT). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of NaHCO3 + CAF on pacing, physiological parameters, and energy system contribution during a 4-km cycling TT. Methods: Using a double-blind and counterbalanced design, 10 cyclists performed three ingestion protocols (NaHCO3 + CAF, NaHCO3 and placebo) followed by a 4-km cycling TT. Results: 100 min after substance ingestion, the magnitude of change in blood pH and bicarbonate concentration [HCO3-] for NaHCO3 + CAF (+0.04 ± 0.03 and +5.9 ± 1.6 mmol·L-1, respectively, P < .05) and NaHCO3 (+0.02 ± 0.03 and +4.1 ± 2.0 mmol·L-1, respectively, P < .05) was more pronounced than in placebo (-0.01 ± 0.02 and 0.4 ± 0.9 mmol·L-1, respectively). The increase in plasma lactate concentration was more pronounced in NaHCO3 + CAF than in NaHCO3 and placebo (P < .05). Mean ventilation and carbon dioxide production were higher in NaHCO3 + CAF compared to NaHCO3 and placebo (P < .05). The PO and anaerobic power output were increased at the beginning of the 4-km TT (P < .05) in NaHCO3 + CAF compared to the other two conditions, resulting in an improved overall performance (P < .05). Conclusion: NaHCO3 + CAF results in a higher PO and increased anaerobic contribution and respiratory parameters during a 4-km cycling TT.

Is caffeine mouth rinsing an effective strategy to improve physical and cognitive performance? A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on physical and cognitive performance. Following a search through 4 databases, 18 studies were found meeting the inclusion criteria (15 for physical performance and 3 for cognitive performance). All selected studies found an improvement in cognitive performance with caffeine mouth rinse. Four studies found positive effects of caffeine mouthwash on physical performance when repeated during exercise, while one study detected a positive effect with a single mouthwash before exercise, but only in a fasted state. Among these studies that showed positive effects, however, three (2 for physical performance and 1 for cognitive performance) presented fair methodological quality. There was also a variety of methodological approaches in the studies that showed no improvement in physical performance with caffeine mouth rinse, which may have influenced the potential to detect the ergogenic effect of caffeine mouth rinse. Thus, the effects of caffeine mouth rinse on physical performance are mixed, but a potential ergogenic effect might be present in a fasted state and when mouthwash is repeated during exercise. Concerning cognitive performance, caffeine mouth rinse seems to be a beneficial strategy.

Is There an Optimal Interval for Medal Winning Performance in World Para Powerlifting Competition?

ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to determine the optimal interval between competitions for success in World Para Powerlifting events. A total of 1034 female (age = 34.4 ± 9.1 yrs) and 1,697 male (age = 33.7 ± 8.3 yrs) competition results from international Paralympic powerlifting events conducted between 2014 and 2020 were analyzed. Odds ratios for preparations intervals between competitive events were evaluated considering the dependent variable, earning a medal, and the independent variable, level of competition. There was an increased probability of winning a medal when the preparation interval was in the range of 22-30 wks ( P = 0.004), as compared with less than 11 wks, while competing at World Cup events, whereas for World Championships and Paralympic Games, there was an increased probability of winning a medal when the interval range was 23-31 wks ( P = 0.002) and 40 wks or more ( P = 0.011) compared with less than 23 wks. However, there were no significant differences between preparation intervals for Regional Games/Championships. The Para Powerlifting athletes participating in the World Cup events, World Championships, and Paralympic Games share an optimal interval for success of approximately 21-31 wks and results from the World Championships and Paralympic Games, which can also be optimized with an interval of 40 wks or more.

Acute effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on cycling time-trial performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This study aimed to investigate the isolated effects of NaHCO3 on cycling time-trial performance. Furthermore, we investigated whether the ingestion time of NaHCO3, standardized or individualized based on time to peak, could be effective in improving cycling time-trial performance. A systematic review was carried out on randomized placebo-controlled studies. A random-effects meta-analysis assessed the standardized mean difference (SMD) between NaHCO3 and placebo conditions. Eighteen studies were qualitatively (systematic review) and quantitatively (meta-analysis) analysed concerning mean power output (Wmean) (n = 182) and time performance (n = 201). The reviewed studies showed a low risk of bias and homogenous results for Wmean (I2 = 0%) and performance time (I2 = 0%). Overall, when compared to placebo, the NaHCO3 ingestion improved the Wmean (SMD: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21-0.63; P = 0.001) and performance time (SMD: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.02-0.43; P = 0.03). Similarly, the NaHCO3 ingestion using a time-to-peak strategy improved the Wmean (SMD: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.03-0.75; P = 0.04; I2 = 15%) and performance time (SMD: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.07-0.61, P = 0.01, I2 = 0%). The present findings reveal that NaHCO3 ingestion has the potential to increase the overall performance time and Wmean in cycling time trials.HighlightsNaHCO3 is an effective strategy to increase cycling time-trial performance.The standardized protocol did not improve the cycling time-trial performance parameters.The individualized time-to-peak NaHCO3 ingestion has a positive effect on time and Wmean during cycling time-trial performance.