Physiological and metabolic responses of Parabadminton athletes to field simulated effort.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in the number of Parabadminton (PBd) athletes and the lack of scientific knowledge of the sport, it is important to evaluate performance variables in different game stimuli. Thus, this study sought to examine the physiological and metabolic responses in a simulated effort protocol in PBd athletes. METHODS: Forty-seven volunteers (WH1=7; WH2=9; SL3=8; SL4=9; SU5=6; SH6=8) performed a simulated effort protocol, consisting of 2 blocks of activities (1st change of direction + 1st simulated effort; 2nd change of direction + 2nd simulated effort). Peak and average oxygen consumption (VO2peak and VO2avg), peak, percentage, and average heart rate (HRmax, %HRmax, and HRavg), percentage of carbohydrates and lipids contributions (%CARB and %FAT), and average and total energy expenditure (EEavg and EEtotal) were evaluated. The data was compared between protocol stages, functional classes (FCs), and court size. It was adopted P<0.05. RESULTS: Differences were found between the stages of the protocol in VO2peak (P=0.0008), VO2avg (P=0.0004); HRmax (P<0.0001); %HRmax (P=0.0001), HRavg (P=0.0001), %CARB (P=0.0001), %FAT (P=0.0001), EEavg (P=0.0002), and EEtotal (P=0.008). Among FCs, SL4 athletes were superior to WH1 athletes for VO2peak (P=0.075), VO2avg (P=0.022), EEavg (P=0.011), and EEtotal (P=0.022). Athletes who completed protocol in the full court were greater than half court for VO2peak (P<0.001), VO2avg (P<0.001), %HRmax (P=0.032), HRavg (P=0.018), %CARB (P=0.022), %FAT (P=0.022), and EEavg (P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: PBd athletes belonging to higher FCs (4, 5, and 6) and who cover greater distances on the court exhibit physiological and metabolic responses under greater influence of the type of disability.

AGE-RELATED TRAJECTORY AND AGE AT PEAK COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE IN WHEELCHAIR RUGBY PLAYERS AT THE PARALYMPIC GAMES.

OBJECTIVE: The first objective to examine the age-related trajectory of competitive performance and the age at peak competitive performance in wheelchair rugby (WR) players at the Paralympic Games. Another objective is to verify age correlations with performance over the years for each class. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: Data were collected from the official results books of the Paralympic games. The mean age (standard deviation) of the 267 players and 448 analyzed data from all Paralympic games (from Sidney 2004 to Tokyo 2020) across all classes was 32.8 (6.4) years, and the age at peak competitive performance was 30.6 (7.4) years. Each class had no statistical difference in age at peak competitive performance. Additionally, there was no significant correlation between age and performance within classes or across all Paralympic games. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that WR players' age at peak competitive performance is 30.6 years, which remains consistent across all classes. There is no statistical correlation between age and performance in WR. These findings significantly affect effective talent identification and athlete development programs. This impact ensures that athletes receive the necessary support to reach their maximum potential while avoiding the pitfalls of underestimating or overestimating their stages of development.

Profile of Athletes With a Vision Impairment: Exploring Demographics and Ocular Pathologies of Athletes in Three Paralympic Sports.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the profile of athletes with a vision impairment who compete in three Paralympic sports (goalball, vision impairment judo, and blind football). DESIGN: Descriptive and association analyses of the vision impairment athletes' profile were conducted. RESULTS: The typical athlete profile was a male (65.1%), aged 26-34 yrs (39.7%), from Europe (38.8%), representing a country with a high income (46.1%), and was diagnosed with a retinal-related ocular pathology (38.9%). In all three sports, the ages of the athletes were similar. In goalball, most athletes were from Europe, represented countries with a high income, and were diagnosed with retinal-, globe-, or neurological-related pathologies. In vision impairment judo, the majority of athletes were from Asia, represented countries with an upper middle income, and were diagnosed with retinal-, global-, or neurological-related pathologies. In blind football, most athletes were from Europe, represented countries with an upper middle income, and were diagnosed with retinal-, neurological-related ocular pathologies, or glaucoma. CONCLUSIONS: The homogeneity of the athletes' profile suggests that an effort is needed to target other parts of the vision impairment population to take part in vision impairment sports. Differences in the athletes' profiles across the sports provide information that may be useful for sport-specific talent identification.

Psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Life Scale in Brazilian Para athletes / Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida en Para atletas Brasileños / Propriedades psicométricas da Escala de Satisfação com a Vida em Para atletas Brasileiros

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (ESV) para atletas brasileños, así como su estructura factorial, confiabilidad e invariancia. 309 paratletas, reclutados por conveniencia, de ambos sexos, fueron evaluados online mediante un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la versión ESV de Gouveia et al. (2009). Se utilizó el análisis factorial confirmatorio para evaluar la estructura unidimensional de la escala utilizando el método de extracción Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares(RDWLS). El modelo unidimensional ESV mostró un buen ajuste a los datos (χ2 = 1.906 / df = 5; p = 0.86; CFI = 1.000; SRMR = 0.019; RMSEA = 0.000 [IC 90%: 0.000 –0.042] y adecuada consistencia interna McDonald's Omega (0,88) y buena confiabilidad compuesta (0,88). Además, se confirmó la invariancia factorial entre género, discapacidad, deporte y nivel de competencia. La versión brasileña del ESV en atletas paralímpicos mostró propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias y puede usarse para medir satisfacción con la vida en el contexto paralímpico. (AU)

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is an instrument that assesses subjective well-being in relation to life that was originally proposed in the English language. To analyze the psychometric properties do the SWLS for use with Para athletes. A convenience sample of 309 Brazilian Paralympic athletes (age: 33.08 ± 9.85 years) of both sexes was chosen. We conducted an online survey, and participants completed an anamnesis and SWLS questionnaires using the Qualtrics® software. To analyze confirmatory, the comparison fit index (CFI), the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) and the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) were used. Reliability was estimated by the ordinal alpha and omega coefficients. A multigroup analysis estimates a factor invariance. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a single factor structure for the SWLS, with an acceptable fit. Cronbach’s α (0.88) and McDonald’s Omega (0.88) were indicative of internal consistency. Factorial invariance across gender, impairment, sports, and competition level was confirmed. The Brazilian version of the SWLS for Para athletes showed satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used to measure life satisfaction in the Paralympic context. (AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliaras propriedades psicométricas da Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) em paratletas brasileiros, bem como sua estrutura fatorial, confiabilidade e invariância. 309 paratletas recrutados por conveniência, de ambos os sexos, foram avaliados, de forma online, por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico e da versão SWLS de Gouveia et al. (2009). Foi utilizada a análise fatorial confirmatória para avaliar a estrutura unidimensional da escala usando o método de extração Robust Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (RDWLS). O modelo unidimensional SWLS apresentou um bom ajuste dos dados (χ2 = 1.906 / df = 5; p = 0.86; CFI = 1.000; SRMR = 0.019; RMSEA = 0.000 [90% IC : 0.000 –0.042] e consistência interna adequada Ômega do McDonald's (0,88) e boa confiabilidade composta (0,88). Além disso, a invariância fatorial entre gênero, deficiência, esportes e nível de competição foi confirmada. A versão brasileira da SWLS em atletas paralímpicos apresentou propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias e pode ser utilizada para mensurar a satisfação com a vida no contexto paralímpico. (AU)

Cross-Cultural Translation and Adaptation of the Perceived Recovery Status Scale to Brazilian Portuguese.

CONTEXT: One of the primary training variables, although often overlooked, is recovery level achieved before starting subsequent training sessions. To find a more practical measurement that is consonant with the daily training routine, the Perceived Recovery Status (PRS) scale is proposed. In this perspective, the present study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the PRS scale into Brazilian Portuguese. DESIGN: This was a clinical measurement. METHODS: The cross-cultural translation was performed according to guidelines. Linguistic validation consisted of 5 stages: forward translation, translation synthesis, back translation, analysis of inconsistencies, and cognitive debriefing. RESULTS: During forward translation, different interpretations were obtained from the 2 translators (versions V1 and V2). Supported by an expert committee, a combined version (V3) was obtained from V1 and V2. During back translation, different interpretations were obtained from the 2 translators (versions V4 and V5). Discrepancies, applicability, and cultural equivalence were documented and analyzed by the expert committee participating in the cross-cultural translation procedure. During the cognitive debriefing, a group of 5 Brazilian people from the general population were asked to participate in a cognitive debriefing to assess the comprehensibility of the translated items. CONCLUSIONS: The PRS was translated and culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese (PRS-Brasil).

How do Para swimmers respond physiologically and cognitively when watching their performance at the Paralympic Games? A Case Study / ¿Cómo los nadadores paralímpicos responden fisiológicamente y cognitivamente cuando ven seu desempenho nos Jogos Paralímpicos? Um estudio de caso / Como nadadores paralímpicos respondem fisiologicamente e cognitivamente ao assistirem seu desempenho nos Jogos Paralímpicos? Um estudo de caso

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la respuesta de activación cognitiva y fisiológica de nadadores paralímpicos (n= 12) al ver la grabación de su prueba en los Juegos Paralímpicos. El diseño metodológico del estudio fue transversal y se llevó a cabo en dos etapas. El video contenía tres momentos: línea de base (LB), video neutral (VN) y video de los Juegos Paralímpicos (VJUEGOS). Durante las pruebas, se analizaron la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC) y la actividad electrodérmica (EDA) para evaluar la activación fisiológica. También se recolectaron datos de activación cognitiva (Inventario de Ansiedad Estado). Se observó una reducción significativa en el tiempo medio de ritmo cardiaco y un aumento en los datos de conductancia con relación a VNxVJOGOS. No hubo diferencias significativas en las activaciones cognitivas. Si bien se puede explorar el uso de videos, debe tenerse en cuenta que el contenido puede causar respuestas positivas o negativas al rendimiento. (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyse the cognitive and physiological activation response of Paralympic swimmers (n= 12) when watching the recording of their events at the 2016 Paralympic games. The methodological design of the study was cross-sectional and carried out in two stages. The video contained three moments: baseline (BL), neutral video (NV) and Paralympic Games video (GAMESV). During the tests, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) were analysed as a way to evaluate physiological activation. Before and after the video, cognitive activation data (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) was collected. It was observed a significant reduction in the meantime of heartbeats and an increased conductance data in relation to NV×GAMESV, demonstrating physiological activation. However, no significant differences in cognitive activations were observed. While the use of videos in the psychological and sporting scope may be explored, certain weightings should be considered, knowing that their content may elicit positive or negative responses to performance. (AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a resposta de ativação cognitiva e fisiológica de nadadores paralímpicos (n= 12) ao assistirem à gravação da sua prova nos Jogos Paralímpicos. O desenho metodológico do estudo foi caracterizado como transversal e realizado em duas etapas. O vídeo conteve três momentos: linha de base (LB), vídeo neutro (VN) e vídeo dos Jogos Paralímpicos (VJOGOS). Durante os testes foram analisados a Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca (VFC) e Atividade Eletrodérmica (EDA) como forma de avaliar a ativação fisiológica. Também foram coletados os dados de ativação cognitiva (Inventário de Ansiedade-Estado). Foi observada redução significativa da média detempo dos batimentos cardíacos e aumento dos dados de condutância em relação a VNxVJOGOS. No entanto, não foram observadas diferenças significativas nas ativações cognitivas. Ao mesmo tempo que o uso de vídeos pode ser explorado, devidas ponderações devemser consideradas sabendo que seu conteúdo pode eliciar repostas positivas ou negativas ao desempenho. (AU)

Psychophysiological Stress Markers During Preseason Among Elite Female Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Botelho, R, Abad, CCC, Spadari, RC, Winckler, C, Garcia, MC, and Guerra, RLF. Psychophysiological stress markers during preseason among elite female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1648-1654, 2022-This study aimed to investigate changes and correlations between mood states and various physiological stress markers after a 7-week preseason period among elite female soccer players. Twenty-four elite female soccer players participated in this study (26.4 ± 3.7 years). Their internal training load, mood states, day and evening salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations, blood creatine kinase concentration (CK), and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed during the first week of preseason (PRE), and again 7 weeks after a systematic training period (END). After the preseason, there were significant increases in subject negative mood scales (p ≤ 0.03; Effect Size [ES] > 0.60), total mood scores (p = 0.01; QI = 100/0/0; ES = 1.32), day and evening testosterone and cortisol concentrations (p ≤ 0.03; ES > 0.54), and CK concentrations (p = 0.01; QI = 100/0/0; ES = 1.54). Correlations were found between cortisol and tension (r = 0.53 and 0.60; p ≤ 0.02), cortisol and confusion (r = 0.75; p = 0.01), and cortisol and the LF/HF index of HRV (r = -0.52; p = 0.04). Mood states (except vigor), salivary testosterone, and cortisol concentrations, as well as CK, showed significant changes after a 7-week systematic training system. The cortisol was the factor most highly related to various mood states (including tension and confusion), and with the HRV indices. Coaches and researchers can use these data to design, monitor, and control soccer training programs, in particular throughout the preseason period.

Differences in Strength, Speed, and Power Performance Between Visually Impaired Paralympic and Olympic Sprinters.

PURPOSE: To compare the strength, speed, and power performance of elite sprinters with and without visual impairment. METHODS: Twelve elite able-bodied sprinters and 15 Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment took part in this study. Sprinters from both groups performed the following tests: squat and countermovement jumps, maximum bar-power output in the half-squat and jump-squat exercises, and 60-m sprint. The differences between groups in all variables examined were analyzed using the independent t test. RESULTS: Olympic sprinters revealed better performances in all tests when compared with Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment (effect sizes ranging from 1.29 to 9.04; P < .001). Differences of ∼32% and ∼20% were found for the half-squat and loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, respectively. Smaller differences (from ∼8% to ∼11%) were obtained in linear sprint performance. CONCLUSIONS: Between-groups differences peaked at low-velocity exercises (eg, âˆ¼32% in the half-squat) and decreased as movement velocity and specificity increased (eg, âˆ¼8% at 60-m sprint). Thus, the greatest differences between Olympic and Paralympic sprinters seem to be related to their ability to apply force at low movement velocities. Coaches are encouraged to work on all sprinting phases and across the entire force-velocity spectrum, bearing in mind that improvements in strength capacity will possibly lead to increased sprint performance in Paralympic sprinters with visual impairment, especially in the acceleration phase of sprinting.

Interleukin 1 alpha genetic polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for oral health-related quality of life in Para athletes.

AIMS: To assess the impact of dental caries on OHRQoL in Para athletes and to evaluate whether interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) (rs17561, rs1304037), interleukin 10 (IL10) (rs1800871), and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) (rs9005) genes are potential biomarkers for OHRQoL in Para athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study consisting of 264 Para athletes (athletics, 143; powerlifting, 61; and swimming, 60) aged between 14 and 79 years was conducted. The decayed-missing-filled teeth index was used for the clinical evaluation. The Brazilian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to measure the OHRQoL. Genomic DNA was extracted from the saliva. Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: The overall mean OHIP-14 score observed was 6.24 (standard deviation, 7.05) and 10.03 (standard deviation, 8.11) in Para athletes with no caries experience and with caries experience, respectively (p = .002). Para athletes with the A allele in the IL1A gene (rs17561), in a dominant model, had a significantly higher risk of poor psychological discomfort than those with the other allele (p = .03). CONCLUSION: Dental caries affected the OHRQoL in Para athletes. IL1A genetic polymorphisms were the potential biomarkers for OHRQoL in Para athletes.

Bruxism and type of breathing as factors associated with oral herpes lesion in Brazilian para-athletes.

AIMS: The present study investigated if recurrent manifestation of oral herpes lesions is associated with other factors and impacts the oral health-related quality of life in para-athletes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The studied population was composed of a convenience sample of 370 Brazilian para-athletes. All included individuals answered questionnaires and were submitted to an oral examination. A self-reported questionnaire addressed demographic and oral health data, including the recurrent manifestation of oral herpes lesions. The Oral Health Impact Profile was also applied in its reduced version with 14 questions (OHIP-14). The population was categorized according to results from previous competitions into a high-performance level, medium-performance level, and regional-performance level. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, odds ratio calculation, logistic regression analysis, and t-tests were performed (α = 5%). Sixty (16.2%) para-athletes reported recurrent manifestations of oral herpes lesions. Para-athletes with sleep bruxism (p = .007) and awake bruxism (p = .048) had a higher chance of reporting oral herpes lesions. Type of breathing was also associated with oral herpes lesions (p = .031). The OHIP-14 mean distribution among the groups was not statistically significant (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Bruxism and type of breathing were associated with self-reported oral herpes lesions in Brazilian para-athletes.

Salivary pH and oral health of Brazilian para-athletes: Saliva and oral health of para-athletes.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association of the salivary pH and parameters of oral health in Brazilian para-athletes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The sample was composed of 271 Brazilian para-athletes (147 athletics, 61 powerlifting, and 63 swimming); mean age was 31.2 ± 11.7 years. Data collected during anamnesis, clinical examination, and saliva collection revealed that salivary pH was different among sports (p = .01) and tends to decrease as age and body mass index (BMI) increase (p = .026, .027, respectively). The mean decay missing filled teeth was 8.8 (±0.57), but there is no correlation with salivary pH (R2  = -0.0852; CI 95%, -0.215-0.047; p = .194) as habits of grinding, clenching teeth, or bruxism was not associated with salivary pH (p = .317, .932, and .444, respectively). Regarding breathing, para-athletes that have buccal breathing had significantly higher salivary pH (p = .04). This data were confirmed by multiple logistic regression (p = .05). Open bite, lip seal, geographic or fissured tongue also were not associated with variation of salivary pH (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided evidence of an association between salivary pH with age, BMI, type of breathing, and type of sport practiced by the para-athletes.

Relationship Between Power Output and Speed-Related Performance in Brazilian Wheelchair Basketball Players.

This study aimed to investigate the association between the optimum power load in the bench press (BP), shoulder press (SP), and prone bench pull (PBP) exercises and acceleration (ACC) and speed performances in 11 National Team wheelchair basketball (WB) players with similar levels of disability. All athletes were previously familiarized with the testing procedures that were performed on the same day during the competitive period of the season. First, athletes performed a wheelchair 20-m sprint assessment and, subsequently, a maximum power load test to determine the mean propulsive power (MPP) in the BP, SP, and PBP. A Pearson product-moment correlation was used to examine the relationships between sprint velocity (VEL), ACC, and the MPP in the three exercises. The significance level was set as p < .05. Large to very large significant associations were observed between VEL and ACC and the MPP in the BP, SP, and PBP exercises (r varying from .60 to .77; p < .05). The results reveal that WB players who produce more power in these three exercises are also able to accelerate faster and achieve higher speeds over short distances. Given the key importance of high and successive ACCs during wheelchair game-related maneuvers, it is recommended that coaches frequently assess the optimum power load in BP, SP, and PBP in WB players, even during their regular training sessions.

Introdução e condução dos métodos mistos de pesquisa em educação física / Introduction and conduct of mixed research methods in physical education / Introducción y conducta de métodos de investigación mixta en educación física

Os métodos mistos de pesquisa são definidos como um processo de recolhimento, análise e "mistura" de dados quantitativos e qualitativos durante determinado estágio da pesquisa em um único estudo. Na área da Educação Física, esse método de pesquisa é uma combinação de abordagens relativamente nova. Assim, o presente ensaio teve como objetivo construir orientações fundamentais para o desenvolvimento de estudos de métodos mistos na área da Educação Física. Conclui-se, pois, que a busca pelo entendimento de como se dá o desenvolvimento de um estudo de métodos mistos pode auxiliar o pesquisador diante das construções de pesquisas, além de trazer contribuições para os avanços científicos.

Mixed research methods are defined as a process of collecting, analyzing and "mixing" quantitative and qualitative data during a given stage of research and in a single study. In the area of Physical Education, this research method is a relatively new combination of approaches. Thus, this essay aimed to build fundamental orientations for the development of mixed methods studies in the Physical Education area. It is concluded, therefore, that the search for the understanding of how the development of a mixed methods study takes place can help the researcher in the face of the research constructions, besides bringing contributions to the scientific advances.

Los métodos de investigación mixtos se definen como un proceso de recopilación, análisis y "mezcla" de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos durante una etapa dada de investigación y en un solo estudio. En el área de Educación Física, este método de investigación es una combinación relativamente nueva de enfoques. Por lo tanto, este ensayo tuvo como objetivo construir orientaciones fundamentales para el desarrollo de estudios de métodos mixtos en el área de Educación Física. Se concluye, por lo tanto, que la búsqueda de la comprensión de cómo tiene lugar el desarrollo de un estudio de métodos mixtos puede ayudar al investigador frente a las construcciones de investigación, además de aportar contribuciones a los avances científicos.

Diet Quality Profile of Track-and-Field Paralympic Athletes.

This study aimed to assess the diet quality of Brazilian Paralympic track-and-field team sprinters and its variation between days. All sprinters (n = 28) were invited, and 20 (13 men and seven women) accepted the invitation consisting of 13 athletes with visual impairment, four with cerebral palsy, and three with limb deficiency. The dietary intake was recorded by photographic register on four consecutive days, and diet quality was determined using a revised version of the Healthy Eating Index for the Brazilian population. Physical activity was assessed using an accelerometer, and metabolic unit information was used to classify exercise intensity. Variance Analysis Model and Bonferroni multiple comparisons were used to assess relationships between variables. The correlations between variables used Pearson linear correlation coefficient. The results show that revised version of the Healthy Eating Index score was classified as "needs to be modified" for all athletes. The maximum score for the components "Whole fruits," "Total vegetables," and "Dark green and orange vegetables and legumes" was achieved by 23.1% and 14.3%, 7.7% and 14.3%, and 46.2% and 57.8% of male and female athletes, respectively. Only 38.5% of the male athletes achieved the maximum score for the "Total cereal" component. Female athletes achieved higher scores than male athletes for the "Milk and dairy products" component (p = .03). Intake of whole grain cereals, dairy products, vegetables, and whole fruits needs modifications to improve adequate intake of vitamins and antioxidants, highlighting the need of continuous actions of nutrition education for this population.

Load-Velocity Relationship in National Paralympic Powerlifters: A Case Study.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationships between different loading intensities and movement velocities in the bench-press exercise (BP) in Paralympic powerlifters. METHODS: A total of 17 national Paralympic powerlifters performed maximum dynamic strength tests to determine their BP 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in a Smith-machine device. A linear position transducer was used to measure movement velocity over a comprehensive range of loads. Linear-regression analysis was performed to establish the relationships between the different bar velocities and the distinct percentages of 1RM. RESULTS: Overall, the correlations between bar velocities and %1RM were strong over the entire range of loads (R2 .80-.91), but the precision of the predictive equations (expressed as mean differences [%] between actual and predicted 1RM values) were higher at heavier loading intensities (∼20% for loads ≤70% 1RM and ∼5% for loads ≥70% 1RM). In addition, it seems that these very strong athletes (eg, 1RM relative in the BP = 2.22 [0.36] kg·kg-1, for male participants) perform BP 1RM assessments at lower velocities than those previously reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: The load-velocity relationship was strong and consistent in Paralympic powerlifters, especially at higher loads (≥70% 1RM). Therefore, Paralympic coaches can use the predictive equations and the reference values provided here to determine and monitor the BP loading intensity in national Paralympic powerlifters.

Vertically and horizontally directed muscle power exercises: Relationships with top-level sprint performance.

The capacity to rapidly generate and apply a great amount of force seems to play a key role in sprint running. However, it has recently been shown that, for sprinters, the technical ability to effectively orient the force onto the ground is more important than its total amount. The force-vector theory has been proposed to guide coaches in selecting the most adequate exercises to comprehensively develop the neuromechanical qualities related to the distinct phases of sprinting. This study aimed to compare the relationships between vertically-directed (loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, and half-squat) and horizontally-directed (hip-thrust) exercises and the sprint performance of top-level track and field athletes. Sixteen sprinters and jumpers (including three Olympic athletes) executed vertical jumps, loaded jump squats and hip-thrusts, and sprinting speed tests at 10-, 20-, 40-, 60-, 100-, and 150-m. Results indicated that the hip-thrust is more associated with the maximum acceleration phase (i.e., from zero to 10-m; r = 0.93), whereas the loaded and unloaded vertical jumps seem to be more related to top-speed phases (i.e., distances superior to 40-m; r varying from 0.88 to 0.96). These findings reinforce the mechanical concepts supporting the force-vector theory, and provide coaches and sport scientists with valuable information about the potential use and benefits of using vertically- or horizontally-based training exercises.

Do paralympic track and field athletes have low energy availability? / Os atletas do atletismo paralímpico tem baixa energia disponível?

Abstract One of the greatest challenges when working with athletes is to achieve the energy demands for physiological processes and exercise expenditure. The aim of this study was to assess the energy availability (EA) of Paralympic track and field athletes (sprinters). Seventeen athletes (9 male and 8 female) with visual impairment (VI, n=10), cerebral palsy (CP, n=4) and limb deficiency (LD, n=3) were assessed for energy intake (EI) (4-day food photographic record), energy expenditure with exercise (EEex) (motion sensor), and body composition (skinfolds method). Energy availability was estimated using the equation: EA = (EIkcal - EEexkcal) / fat-free mass (FFM) / day, and values ≤ 30kcal/kgFFM/day were considered as low energy availability (LEA). EEex varied from 130 to 477kcal/h and athletes trained in average for 3.2 hours per day. Mean EA for VI, LD and CP were 36 (2.19), 37 (1.90) and 38 (3.38) kcal/kgFFM/day, respectively. Most (82.3%) participants presented EA below ≥ 45kcal/kgFFM/day, throughout the days, which are the recommended values for athletes without disability. Athletes should be encouraged to consume adequate EA to avoid consequences related to low energy availability. There is need of further research to identify cut-off values adequate for this population.

Resumo Um dos maiores desafios ao trabalhar com atletas é alcançar as demandas de energia para os processos fisiológicos e despesas com exercícios. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a disponibilidade de energia (EA) dos atletas paralimpico de atletismo (velocistas). Dezessete atletas (9 homens e 8 mulheres) com deficiência visual (VI, n=10), paralisia cerebral (CP, n=4) e deficiência motora (LD, n=3) foram avaliados quanto à ingestão de energia (EI) (4 dias de registro fotográfico dos alimentos), gasto de energia com exercício (EEex) (sensor de movimento) e composição corporal (método de dobras cutâneas). A disponibilidade de energia foi estimada usando a equação: EA = (EIkcal - EEexkcal) / massa livre de gordura (FFM) / dia e, os valores ? 30kcal/kgFFM/dia foram considerados como baixa disponibilidade de energia (LEA). O EEex variou de 130 a 477kcal/h e os atletas treinaram em média por 3,2 horas por dia. A EA média para VI, LD e CP foi 36 (2,19), 37 (1,90) e 38 (3,38) kcal/kgFFM/dia, respectivamente. A maioria (82,3%) participantes apresentaram EA abaixo de ? 45kcal/kgFFM/ dia, ao longo dos dias, que são os valores recomendados para atletas sem deficiência. Os atletas devem ser encorajados a consumir EA adequada para evitar conseqüências relacionadas a baixa disponibilidade de energia. Há necessidade de pesquisas adicionais para identificar valores de corte adequados para essa população.