Functionality, muscular strength and cardiorespiratory capacity in the elderly: relationships between functional and physical tests according to sex and age.

Introduction: There are several tests that provide information about physical fitness and functionality in older adults. The aims of this study were: (i) to analyze the differences between sex and age in functional, strength and cardiorespiratory tests; and (ii) to study the correlations between functional, strength and cardiorespiratory tests according to sex and age. Methods: A total of 171 older adults (72.09 ± 13.27 kg; 1.59 ± 0.09 m; 72.72 ± 6.05 years) were divided according to sex (men: n = 63; women: n = 108) and age (≥60 <70: n = 65; ≥70 <80: n = 89; ≥80: n = 18). Anthropometry, body composition, upper limb strength (hand grip; HG), lower limb strength (countermovement jump; CMJ), cardiorespiratory capacity (6 min walking test; 6MWT), timed up and go test (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were assessed. Results: Men showed higher values in CMJ height, HG and expired volume (VE) (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between sexes in TUG and SPPB. Regarding age, there were significant differences in CMJ, VE and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), TUG, gait speed, chair and stand test and SPPB total (p < 0.05). The test times were higher in older people. Regarding correlations, the TUG showed significant correlations in all strength and cardiorespiratory tests, regardless of sex and age. The CMJ correlated more significantly with functional tests compared to HG. Discussion: There were sex and age differences in functional, strength, and cardiorespiratory tests. The execution of quick and low-cost tests such as the CMJ and TUG could provide information on overall physical fitness in older adults.

Acute Effects of 30 g Cyclodextrin Intake during CrossFit® Training on Performance and Fatigue.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of carbohydrate intake (cyclodextrin) on performance during the performance of two consecutive workouts of the day (WODs) lasting 20 min each. Twenty-one male CrossFit (CF) athletes (29.5 ± 4.3 years; 72.81 ± 12.85 kg; 1.74 ± 0.06 m; 3.41 ± 1.21 years of experiences) participated in a crossover, randomized, and double-blind study. The effect of supplementation with 30 g of cyclodextrin (SG) (Cluster Dextrin®) or placebo (PG) (Bolero Advanced Hydration®) was evaluated on the performance of two specific WOD. Additionally, the effect on handgrip maximum strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), Wingate test, and 1 RM bench press test was evaluated. The effect on blood glucose and lactate was also evaluated. No differences were found in time, height, and power (W/Kg) in CMJ. However, there was a percentage improvement in CMJ jump power (W) (p < 0.05) between the groups, assuming an improvement in performance due to the intervention. Moreover, both conditions experimented differences in execution speed between sets (p < 0.05) in pre-WOD, and differences in post-WOD only in the placebo group, as well as decreases in this variable per repetition across the set (p < 0.01) in both conditions. However, no differences were found in the rest of the variables. Supplementation with 30 g of cyclodextrin did not have any metabolic or performance effects in CF tests. Although some differences between groups were observed in CMJ and power tests for bench press, the data are not conclusive and further research is needed in this regard.

Physical fitness in young top level table tennis players: differences between sex, age and playing style.

Understanding the physical fitness of table tennis (TT) players could be interesting in improving the training process and evaluating talent. This study aimed to assess the physical fitness of U14 TT players and differentiate between sex, age and playing style. A total of 352 players (203 males and 149 females) aged between 9 and 13 years participated in the present study. Furthermore, the sample was divided according to playing style: offensive (OFF) and mixed + defensive (M + D). A battery of tests was carried out to assess cardiorespiratory capacity, speed, strength, flexibility and power. Both sexes reported significant differences in cardiorespiratory capacity and speed (p < 0.05). Concerning age, there were substantial differences in cardiorespiratory capacity, speed, strength and power, with older players obtaining better results (p < 0.05). Finally, concerning playing style, differences were reported in cardiorespiratory capacity, higher in OFF style group, and flexibility, higher in the M + D style group. Finally, there were relationships between playing style and cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility. Physical fitness evolves with increasing age as a function of sex. This is the first study to assess fitness in a large sample of TT players as a function of playing style.

Analysis of Technical-Tactical Actions in High-Level Table Tennis Players: Differences between Sexes.

Table tennis is a sport played at a high speed; therefore, the technical-tactical variables are very important. The objective of the research is to analyze the technical and tactical characteristics of high-level TT players according to sex. A total of 48 high-level players (24 women and 24 men) participated in the present study. The investigation was carried out during two championships. The matches were recorded and subsequently analyzed by notational analysis. The results indicate that women stroke the ball more times during the rallies. In the men's competition, the forehand technique predominates over the backhand technique. The flip was the most used in the male sex (p < 0.05). At the tactical level, more winning actions were performed in the men's competition than in the women's, both with the forehand and backhand game. Men performed more losing technical actions when using the forehand and backhand flips. The pivot footwork tactical action was higher in the men's competition. The analysis of the technical-tactical actions highlighted important differences between the sexes. The predominant losing techniques among players are forehand and backhand flip. Female players use more defensive strokes, while male players use more offensive strokes, in particular the flip technique. The potential biomechanical progress of the male player characterized by a larger wingspan biotype could facilitate a better technical-tactical performance. The results obtained are of interest to improve the performance of the players as they must train at a technical-tactical level differently depending on the sex and style of play.

Aluminum Concentrations in Male and Female Football Players during the Season.

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most abundant trace mineral elements in the earth's crust. Al is considered a potent neurotoxicant. Physical exercise could cause modifications in some trace mineral elements. On the other hand, there could be sex differences in the exposure and deposits of toxic mineral elements. The aim of the present study was to compare sex and seasonal differences in extracellular and intracellular Al concentrations in football players. The study involved 22 male and 24 female football players from the fifth and second national category, respectively. Three assessments were carried out during the season (beginning, middle and end). Al concentrations in plasma, urine, erythrocytes and platelets were determined. Male football players ingested more Al (p < 0.05). Higher plasma Al concentrations were reported in male football players (p < 0.01). On the other hand, in both groups, increases and decreases in Al in the plasma and urine were observed in the second and third assessment, respectively (p < 0.01). There were sex differences in platelet Al concentrations (p < 0.05). Plasma and platelet Al concentrations may be different between the sexes. Al concentrations may change over the course of a season in football players.

Type of Diet and Sports Supplements in Padel Players According to Level of Competition and Sex.

Padel is the world's fastest growing racket sport. However, the analysis of the intake of sports supplements in padel players is scarce. The aim of this research was to analyse and compare the type of diet and the use of sports supplements in padel players according to their competition level and sex. A total of 123 players (94 men and 29 women) participated in the study. Subjects were divided according to their sex and competition level. All participants completed an anonymous questionnaire on diet type and nutritional supplement intake. There were differences found in diet type between competition levels. Regarding players' sex, differences in the number of supplements consumed were reported (p < 0.01). Relationships were found between the number of supplements ingested and the perceived effectiveness of supplements with frequency and time of training (p < 0.05). Creatine in men (≈15%) and vitamin complexes (≈10%) in women were the most used supplements. Lower level padel players do not adapt their diet to the physical demands of padel. Male padel players use a greater number of supplements than female padel players. It is important that nutrition specialists advise players to control diets and supplement.

Analysis of the spatial distribution of the serve and the type of serve-return in elite table tennis. Sex differences.

Serve and return of the serve are among the most critical technical-tactical factors influencing performance in table tennis (TT). The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in the spatial distribution of serve and serve-return in elite TT players. A total of 48 elite TT players (men: n = 24; women: n = 24) participated in the investigation. A total of 24 matches were recorded and examined, analysing 1,177 plays and 5,319 strokes in the men's competition and 950 games and 5,097 strokes in the women's competition. Technical actions were analysed using an observation tool validated by two expert TT coach with a high level of agreement (K > 0.80). Men distributed their serves over zones 1 and 2 of the table, while women more frequently selected zone 5 (p < 0.05). In men, 30.1% of the serves were near the net, 63.6% in the middle zone of the table and 6.2% in the end zone of the table, while in women, these values were 10.9%, 67.2%, and 21.8%, respectively. As for the technique of the serve-return depending on the zone of the service, in men the action of the cut from zone 1 and 2 predominated, while in women this technique was more frequent from zone 5 (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the serve-return with the flip technique in zone 1, 3 and 4 was more frequent in men (p < 0.05). As for the return of the serve with the topspin technique, there were differences in zone 3, being more frequent in men (p < 0.05). Finally, the serve return with cut and defensive serve-return techniques in zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 were more frequent in women (p < 0.05). There are differences between sexes in service and return of serve actions during a match in elite players.

Changes in Hematological Parameters of Iron Status and Total Iron Concentrations in Different Biological Matrices during a Sports Season in Women's Soccer Players.

Iron (Fe) metabolism and concentrations change during a sports season. Fe deficiency affects a significant number of women athletes. The aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze changes in hematological parameters of Fe status and (ii) to analyze changes in Fe concentrations in different biological matrices (serum, plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets) during a sports season. Twenty-four Spanish semi-professional women's soccer players (23.37 ± 3.95 years) participated in the present study. Three assessments were performed throughout the sports season (beginning, middle and end of the season). Nutritional intake was evaluated and female hormones, hematological parameters of Fe status and Fe concentrations in plasma, serum, urine, erythrocytes and platelets were determined. There were no differences in Fe intake. Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations increased at the end of the season compared to initial values (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in extracellular Fe concentrations (plasma, serum, and urine). However, erythrocyte Fe concentrations were lower at the end of the season (p < 0.05). Hematological parameters of Fe status and intracellular Fe concentrations change throughout the sports season in women's soccer players.

Sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in different biological matrices in athletes. Relationship with iron status.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in plasma, urine, platelets and erythrocytes and to relate these concentrations to biomarkers of iron status. METHODS: A total of 138 soccer players divided according to sex: men (n = 68) and women (n = 70) participated in the present study. All participants resided in the city of Cáceres (Spain). Erythrocyte, haemoglobin, platelet, plateletcrit, ferritin and serum iron values were determined. Cadmium and lead concentrations were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The women had lower haemoglobin, erythrocyte, ferritin and serum iron values (p < 0.01). Regarding cadmium, the women showed higher concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes and platelets (p < 0.05). As for lead, they also showed higher concentrations in plasma, relative values of erythrocytes and relative values of platelets (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between cadmium and lead concentrations with biomarkers of iron status. CONCLUSIONS: Cadmium and lead concentrations are different between sexes. Biological differences between sexes and iron status could influence cadmium and lead concentrations. Lower serum iron concentrations and markers of Fe status increase Cd and Pb concentrations. Ferritin and serum iron have been directly related to increased Cd and Pb excretion.

Effects of High Temperature Exposure on the Wingate Test Performance in Male University Students.

It has been suggested that heat exposure prior to exercise could induce changes in anaerobic exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to observe the effects of high temperature heat exposure prior to an anaerobic test. Twenty-one men (age: 19.76 ± 1.22 years; height: 1.69 ± 0.12 m; weight: 67.89 ± 11.78 kg) voluntarily participated in this investigation. All of them performed two Wingate tests, vertical jump and macronutrient intake control. On the first day, the test was performed under normal environmental conditions. On the second day, it was performed in a similar way, but with previous exposure to heat at high sauna temperatures (15 min; 100 ± 2 °C). There were no differences in the vertical jump and macronutrient intake. However, the results showed an improvement in power (W) (p < 0.05), relative power (W/kg) (p < 0.01) and revolutions per minute (p < 0.05) 10 s after the start of the test. There was also an increase in thigh (p < 0.01) and skin temperature (p < 0.01) with pre-heat exposure. The results obtained suggest that this pre-exercise protocol could improve power in short and intensive actions.

Sex Differences in Copper Concentrations during a Sports Season in Soccer Players.

Physical training produces changes in the concentrations of trace mineral elements. Sex differences in copper (Cu) concentrations in athletes are scarce. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze changes in intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) and extracellular (plasma and urine) Cu concentrations during a sports season in soccer players and (ii) to analyze sex differences. A total of 46 soccer players (22 men and 24 women) participated in the study. Three assessments were performed throughout the sports season. Anthropometry, body composition, nutritional intake, physical condition, female hormones (menstrual cycle) and hematology were evaluated, as well as Cu determination (plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets). Regarding longitudinal differences, there were discrepancies in plasma, urine, absolute erythrocyte, and absolute platelet Cu concentrations (p < 0.05). There were differences between sexes in Cu concentrations in urine, erythrocytes relative to cell number and in platelets relative to cell number (p < 0.05). During a sports season, there are changes in Cu concentrations in soccer players. Likewise, there could be sex differences in urinary, erythrocyte and platelet Cu concentrations.

Heart Rate and Body Temperature Evolution in an Interval Program of Passive Heat Acclimation at High Temperatures (100 ± 2 °C) in a Sauna.

Heat exposure provokes stress on the human body. If it remains constant, it leads to adaptations such as heat acclimation. This study aims to observe the evolution of heart rate (HR), core temperature (Tcore), and skin temperature (Tskin) in an intervallic program of exposure to extreme heat. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were divided into a control group (CG; n = 14) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). EG experienced nine sessions (S) of intervallic exposure to high temperatures (100 ± 2 °C), whereas CG was exposed to ambient temperatures (22 ± 2 °C). HR, Tskin, and Tcore were monitored in S1, 4, 5, 8, and 9. An important increase in HR occurred in the S4 compared to the rest (p < 0.05) in EG. A lower HR was discovered in S8 and S9 compared to S4 and in S9 in relation to S1 (p < 0.05) in EG. EG experiences a gradual decrease in Tcore and Tskin, which was detected throughout the assessments, although it was only significant in the S8 and S9 (p < 0.05). Interval exposure to heat at 100 ± 2 °C elicits stress on the human organism, fundamentally increasing Tcore, Tskin, and FC. This recurring stress in the full program caused a drop in the thermoregulatory response as an adaptation or acclimation to heat.

Extracellular and Intracellular Concentrations of Molybdenum and Zinc in Soccer Players: Sex Differences.

Molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) play important roles in the process of adaptation to physical training. The aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze the differences in extracellular (plasma and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) Mo and Zn concentrations between sexes and (ii) to relate extracellular Zn concentrations with biomarkers of muscle damage and muscle mass. The present study involved 138 semi-professional soccer players divided according to sex: male (n = 68) and female (n = 70). Mo and Zn concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Erythrocytes, platelets, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values were also determined by automatic cell counter and spectrophotometric techniques. There were no sex differences in Mo and Zn intake. Male soccer players obtained higher values of erythrocytes, CK, and LDH (p < 0.05), and showed higher plasma and urinary concentrations of Mo and Zn (p < 0.05). Female soccer players showed relatively higher Zn concentrations in erythrocytes (p < 0.05). Finally, positive correlations were observed between extracellular Zn concentrations with CK, LDH and muscle mass. Extracellular concentrations of Mo and Zn were higher in male soccer players. However, the relative concentrations of Zn in relation to the number of erythrocytes were higher in female soccer players.

Acute Effect of Exposure to Extreme Heat (100 ± 3 °C) on Lower Limb Maximal Resistance Strength.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of a single dry sauna bath lasting twelve minutes on the indirect determination of the one maximum repetition (1RM) leg press among trained and untrained participants. Thirty young men participated in the study, a trained group (TG; n = 15; age: 20.97 ± 0.44 years) and an untrained group (UG; n = 15; age: 21.03 ± 0.11 years). Subjects in the TG had performed resistance training for at least two years before the beginning of the experiment. All participants performed two indirect tests of their one maximum repetition leg press on two different days, with a rest period of three weeks between tests. Additionally, anthropometric, body composition, blood pressure, body temperature, and rated perceived exertion were evaluated. On the second testing day, all of the participants took a dry sauna bath lasting 12 min immediately before performing the leg press test. In the second evaluation (pre-heating in the sauna), the UG experienced increases in absolute RM (178.48 ± 56.66 to 217.60 ± 59.18 kg; p < 0.05; R = 0.798), relative RM (2.65 ± 0.61 to 3.24 ± 0.58 kg·g body mass-1; p < 0.05; R = 0.798), and muscular RM (5.64 ± 1.20 to 6.77 ± 1.14 kg·kg muscle mass-1; p < 0.05; R = 0.797). The TG also increased their values on the second day in absolute RM (284.96 ± 62.41 to 314.92 ± 1.04 kg; p < 0.01; R = 0.886), in relative RM (3.61 ± 0.88 to 3.99 ± 1.85 kg*kg body mass-1; p < 0.01; R = 0.886), and muscular RM (7.83 ± 1.69 to 8.69 ± 1.85 kg·kg muscle mass-1; p < 0.01; R = 0.854). A passive, extreme-heat sauna bath lasting 12 min taken immediately before a relative maximum repetition test seems to provoke clear positive responses for the development of strength.

Total Iron Concentrations in Different Biological Matrices-Influence of Physical Training.

Iron (Fe) is one of the most widely studied trace mineral elements. Fe metabolism and homeostasis could be altered by physical training. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of long-term physical training on serum, plasma, urine (extracellular), erythrocyte and platelet (intracellular) Fe concentrations. Forty men from the same geographical area divided into a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years) and a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years) participated in this study. The TG was composed of soccer players of the highest youth category. The CG consisted of young people who did not follow any training routine and had not practiced any sport for at least the previous six months. The TG showed higher plasma and serum Fe concentrations (p < 0.05), but lower concentrations in erythrocytes and platelets compared to the CG (p < 0.01). Due to the differences observed in the extracellular and intracellular compartments, it seems necessary to perform a global Fe analysis to assess Fe status.

[Effects of honey-rich energy drink intake on glucose, insulin, triglycerides and total protein in healthy young people.] / Efectos de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel sobre glucosa, insulina, triglicéridos y proteínas totales en jóvenes sanos.

Introduction: Introduction: energy drinks have become more popular in different population groups. Aims: the research aimed to study the effect of the intake of a honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) and a popular energy drink with free sugars on insulin, glycemia, total protein and triglycerides. Material and methods: fifteen male students participated in the study (20.85 ± 2.67 years). Two separate evaluations were performed on three days. Blood samples were obtained before ingesting the energy drink in a fasting state, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes after ingesting the drinks. On the first day participants ingested the honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) while on the second day participants ingested the energy drink with free sugars. Results: there were significant differences in glucose and insulin over time (p < 0.01). Regarding the differences between energy drinks, there were differences in insulin values, being lower after taking the honey-rich energy drink (p < 0.05). In addition, the increase in glucose and insulin at 30 minutes was lower after ingesting the honey-rich energy drink. Conclusions: ingestion of honey-rich energy drink produces lower elevations of insulin and glucose compared to a popular energy drink with free sugar in healthy subjects. Based on the results, honey-rich energy drinks could be an alternative to conventional energy drinks.

Introducción: Introducción: las bebidas energéticas han ganado protagonismo en diferentes grupos poblacionales. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el efecto de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) y una bebida energética popular con azúcares libres sobre la insulina, la glucemia, las proteínas totales y los triglicéridos. Material y métodos: quince estudiantes varones participaron en el estudio (20,85 ± 2,67 años). Se realizaron dos evaluaciones separadas en tres días. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas antes de ingerir la bebida energética en estado de ayuno, 30 minutos, 60 minutos y 120 minutos después de ingerir las bebidas energéticas. El primer día, los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) mientras que el segundo día los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética con azucares libres. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas en glucosa e insulina a lo largo del tiempo (p < 0,01). Respecto a las diferencias entre bebidas energéticas, hubo diferencias en los valores de insulina, que fueron menores después de tomar la bebida energética rica en miel (p < 0,05). Además, el incremento de la glucosa e insulina a los 30 minutos fue menor tras ingerir la bebida energética rica en miel. Conclusiones: la ingesta de bebidas energéticas rica en miel produce menores elevaciones de insulina y glucosa en comparación con una bebida energética popular con azúcar libre en sujetos sanos. Atendiendo a los resultados, las bebidas energéticas ricas en miel podrían ser una alternativa a las bebidas energéticas convencionales.

Efectos de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel sobre glucosa, insulina, triglicéridos y proteínas totales en jóvenes sanos / Effects of honey-rich energy drink intake on glucose, insulin, triglycerides and total protein in healthy young people

Introducción: las bebidas energéticas han ganado protagonismo en diferentes grupos poblacionales. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el efecto de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) y una bebida energética popular con azúcares libres sobre la insulina, la glucemia, las proteínas totales y los triglicéridos. Material y métodos: quince estudiantes varones participaron en el estudio (20,85 ± 2,67 años). Se realizaron dos evaluaciones separadas en tres días. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas antes de ingerir la bebida energética en estado de ayuno, 30 minutos, 60 minutos y 120 minutos después de ingerir las bebidas energéticas. El primer día, los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) mientras que el segundo día los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética con azucares libres. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas en glucosa e insulina a lo largo del tiempo (p < 0,01). Respecto a las diferencias entre bebidas energéticas, hubo diferencias en los valores de insulina, que fueron menores después de tomar la bebida energética rica en miel (p < 0,05). Además, el incremento de la glucosa e insulina a los 30 minutos fue menor tras ingerir la bebida energética rica en miel. Conclusiones: la ingesta de bebidas energéticas rica en miel produce menores elevaciones de insulina y glucosa en comparación con una bebida energética popular con azúcar libre en sujetos sanos. Atendiendo a los resultados, las bebidas energéticas ricas en miel podrían ser una alternativa a las bebidas energéticas convencionales. (AU)

Introduction: energy drinks have become more popular in different population groups. Aims: the research aimed to study the effect of the intake of a honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) and a popular energy drink with free sugars on insulin, glycemia, total protein and triglycerides. Material and methods: fifteen male students participated in the study (20.85 ± 2.67 years). Two separate evaluations were performed on three days. Blood samples were obtained before ingesting the energy drink in a fasting state, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes after ingesting the drinks. On the first day participants ingested the honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) while on the second day participants ingested the energy drink with free sugars. Results: there were significant differences in glucose and insulin over time (p < 0.01). Regarding the differences between energy drinks, there were differences in insulin values, being lower after taking the honey-rich energy drink (p < 0.05). In addition, the increase in glucose and insulin at 30 minutes was lower after ingesting the honey-rich energy drink. Conclusions: ingestion of honey-rich energy drink produces lower elevations of insulin and glucose compared to a popular energy drink with free sugar in healthy subjects. Based on the results, honey-rich energy drinks could be an alternative to conventional energy drinks. (AU)

Physical Fitness and Upper Limb Asymmetry in Young Padel Players: Differences between Genders and Categories.

This study aimed to assess the physical fitness and upper body asymmetries of young padel players aged between 13 and 16 years and to determine the possible differences between genders and categories. A total of 60 padel players were divided into four groups: under-14 male (n = 15; age: 13.75 ± 0.45 years; height: 1.64 ± 0.07 m; weight: 54.7 ± 8.3 kg), under-14 female (n = 15; age: 13.75 ± 0.44 years; height: 1.60 ± 0.05 m; weight: 51.5 ± 6.0 kg), under-16 male (n = 15; age: 15.44 ± 0.51 years; height:1.71 ± 0.04 m; weight: 63.88 ± 6.2 kg) and under-16 female (n = 15; age:15.46 ± 0.52 years; height:1.63 ± 0.05 m; weight: 55.08 ± 3.6 kg). Handgrip strength, ischiosural flexibility, gestural speed of the dominant arm, vertical jump, cardiorespiratory capacity, lateral movement, lateral acceleration and reaction time were measured. Male players showed better results in manual grip strength, vertical jump power, cardiorespiratory capacity and lateral movement (p < 0.05). Moreover, males presented a higher percentage of asymmetry in upper limb strength. Female players showed better reaction time and greater flexibility (p < 0.05). Regarding the differences between categories, the under-16 players showed greater flexibility, gestural speed, vertical jump power, cardiorespiratory capacity and lateral movement compared to the under-14 players. These results can be used as reference values for coaches/physical trainers of younger categories to improve health control and physical performance planning.

Analysis of Intracellular and Extracellular Selenium Concentrations: Differences According to Training Level.

Trace mineral element concentrations are under homeostatic control. Selenium (Se) is a very important micronutrient for the antioxidant and immune system. Se metabolism could be modified due to physical training. This research aimed to analyze the extracellular (plasma, urine and serum) and intracellular (platelets and erythrocytes) concentrations of Se in athletes and to compare it with subjects with low levels of physical training. Forty young men divided into a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years) and a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years) participated in this study. The TG was formed by semi-professional soccer players. The analysis of Se was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The TG obtained higher values of maximum oxygen consumption and muscle percentage (p < 0.05). The TG showed reduced absolute (p < 0.01) and relative (p < 0.05) Se concentrations in erythrocytes and platelets in comparison to CG. Trace element assessments should not be limited only to extracellular compartments as there could be deficiencies at the intracellular level.

Analysis of Specific Physical Fitness in High-Level Table Tennis Players-Sex Differences.

Table tennis performance depends on multiple factors such as technique, tactics and fitness. Several studies have focused on investigating different technical-tactical variables. However, research analysing the specific physical qualities of this sport is scarce, particularly in the female sex. The aim of the present study was to assess the physical fitness variables associated with individual performance in elite table tennis players according to sex. Forty-eight elite players divided into males (n = 24; 25.38 ± 4.01 years) and females (n = 24; 22.33 ± 3.83 years) participated in the study. To determine physical fitness, participants performed vertical jump, hand grip strength, ergospirometry and lateral displacement tests (reaction time, displacement time and lateral acceleration). Male players showed higher values in vertical jump, hand grip strength and maximum oxygen consumption (p < 0.001). Likewise, male players moved laterally faster (p < 0.001). On the other hand, female players had a better reaction time towards the dominant side (p < 0.01). Elite male table tennis players showed better physical fitness compared to female players. Due to the scarcity of data on elite table tennis players, these results can serve as reference values for different table tennis practitioners.