Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia boosts up team-sport-specific repeated-sprint ability: 2-week vs 5-week training regimen.

PURPOSE: To investigate (1) the boosting effects immediately and 4 weeks following 2-week, 6-session repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH2-wk, n = 10) on the ability of team-sport players in performing repeated sprints (RSA) during a team-sport-specific intermittent exercise protocol (RSAIEP) by comparing with normoxic counterpart (CON2-wk, n = 12), and (2) the dose effects of the RSH by comparing the RSA alterations in RSH2-wk with those resulting from a 5-week, 15-session regimen (RSH5-wk, n = 10). METHODS: Repeated-sprint training protocol consisted of 3 sets, 5 × 5-s all-out sprints on non-motorized treadmill interspersed with 25-s passive recovery under the hypoxia of 13.5% and normoxia, respectively. The within- (pre-, post-, 4-week post-intervention) and between- (RSH2-wk, RSH5-wk, CON2-wk) group differences in the performance of four sets of RSA tests held during the RSAIEP on the same treadmill were assessed. RESULTS: In comparison with pre-intervention, RSA variables, particularly the mean velocity, horizontal force, and power output during the RSAIEP enhanced significantly immediate post RSH in RSH2-wk (5.1-13.7%), while trivially in CON2-wk (2.1-6.2%). Nevertheless, the enhanced RSA in RSH2-wk diminished 4 weeks after the RSH (- 3.17-0.37%). For the RSH5-wk, the enhancement of RSA immediately following the 5-week RSH (4.2-16.3%) did not differ from that of RSH2-wk, yet the enhanced RSA was well-maintained 4-week post-RSH (0.12-1.14%). CONCLUSIONS: Two-week and five-week RSH regimens could comparably boost up the effects of repeated-sprint training in normoxia, while dose effect detected on the RSA enhancement was minimal. Nevertheless, superior residual effects of the RSH on RSA appear to be associated with prolonged regimen.

Repeated-Sprint Training at 5000-m Simulated Altitude in Preparation for the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series: Too High?

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of novel repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) protocol, likely maximizing hypoxic stimulus (higher than commonly used) while preserving training quality (interset rest in normoxia). METHODS: Twenty-three world-class female rugby sevens players performed four repeated-sprint training sessions (4 sets of 5 × 5-s cycle sprints-25-s intersprint recovery and 3-min interset rest) under normobaric hypoxia (RSH, exercise and interset rest at FiO 2 of 10.6% and 20.9%, respectively; n = 12) or normoxia (repeated-sprint training in normoxia; exercise and interset rest at FiO 2 of 20.9%; n = 11) during a 9-d training camp before international competition. Repeated-sprint ability (8 × 5-s treadmill sprints-25-s recovery), on-field aerobic capacity, and brachial endothelial function were assessed pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: Arterial oxygen saturation (pooled data: 87.0% ± 3.1% vs 96.7% ± 2.9%, P < 0.001) and peak and mean power outputs (sets 1 to 4 average decrease: -21.7% ± 7.2% vs -12.0% ± 3.8% and -24.9% ± 8.1% vs -14.9% ± 3.5%; both P < 0.001) were lower in RSH versus repeated-sprint training in normoxia. The cumulated repeated-sprint distance covered significantly increased from pre- to postintervention (+1.9% ± 3.0%, P = 0.019), irrespective of the condition ( P = 0.149). On-field aerobic capacity did not change (all P > 0.45). There was no significant interaction (all P > 0.240) or condition main effect (all P > 0.074) for any brachial artery endothelial function variable. Only peak diameter increased ( P = 0.026), whereas baseline and peak shear stress decreased ( P = 0.014 and 0.019, respectively), from pre- to postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: In world-class female rugby sevens players, only four additional repeated-sprint sessions before competition improve repeated-sprint ability and brachial endothelial function. However, adding severe hypoxic stress during sets of repeated sprints only did not provide supplementary benefits.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of novel repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) protocol, likely maximizing hypoxic stimulus (higher than commonly used) while preserving training quality (interset rest in normoxia). METHODS: Twenty-three world-class female rugby sevens players performed four repeated-sprint training sessions (4 sets of 5 × 5-s cycle sprints­25-s intersprint recovery and 3-min interset rest) under normobaric hypoxia (RSH, exercise and interset rest at FiO 2 of 10.6% and 20.9%, respectively; n = 12) or normoxia (repeated-sprint training in normoxia; exercise and interset rest at FiO 2 of 20.9%; n = 11) during a 9-d training camp before international competition. Repeated-sprint ability (8 × 5-s treadmill sprints­25-s recovery), on-field aerobic capacity, and brachial endothelial function were assessed pre- and postintervention. RESULTS: Arterial oxygen saturation (pooled data: 87.0% ± 3.1% vs 96.7% ± 2.9%, P < 0.001) and peak and mean power outputs (sets 1 to 4 average decrease: −21.7% ± 7.2% vs −12.0% ± 3.8% and −24.9% ± 8.1% vs −14.9% ± 3.5%; both P < 0.001) were lower in RSH versus repeated-sprint training in normoxia. The cumulated repeated-sprint distance covered significantly increased from pre- to postintervention (+1.9% ± 3.0%, P = 0.019), irrespective of the condition ( P = 0.149). On-field aerobic capacity did not change (all P > 0.45). There was no significant interaction (all P > 0.240) or condition main effect (all P > 0.074) for any brachial artery endothelial function variable. Only peak diameter increased ( P = 0.026), whereas baseline and peak shear stress decreased ( P = 0.014 and 0.019, respectively), from pre- to postintervention. CONCLUSIONS: In world-class female rugby sevens players, only four additional repeated-sprint sessions before competition improve repeated-sprint ability and brachial endothelial function. However, adding severe hypoxic stress during sets of repeated sprints only did not provide supplementary benefits.

Quadrato motor training (QMT) influences IL-1ß expression and creativity: Implications for inflammatory state reduction and cognitive enhancement.

Mind-body practices and meditation have been increasingly studied in recent years due to their beneficial effects on cognition, and physical and psychological health. Growing evidence suggests that these practices could be utilized as interventions to impact age-related biological processes, such as cognitive decline, inflammation, and homeostatic dysregulation. Indeed, it has been reported that mindful meditation may induce neuroplasticity in brain regions involved in control of attention, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. In the current research we studied the effects of a recently developed movement meditation, named the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT), on the proinflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), utilizing a pre-post design. In addition to its role in the immune system, IL-1ß is also an important mediator of neuroimmune responses related to sickness behavior, and plays a role in complex cognitive processes, such as synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neuromodulation. Thirty healthy participants were divided in two groups, one performing QMT for 2 months, and one passive control group. Salivary IL-1ß expression was examined by ELISA to measure protein levels and by qRT-PCR to quantify mRNA. In addition, the methylation profile of the IL-1ß promoter was examined. All participants further conducted the Alternate Uses Task (AUT) and Hidden Figure Test (HFT), to measure their creativity and spatial cognition. The results showed that, following QMT practice, IL-1ß protein level decreased and creativity increased, compared to the control group. These data demonstrate that QMT may help reduce inflammatory states and promote cognitive improvement, highlighting the importance of non-pharmacological approaches to health and well-being.

Metabolic demands of slacklining in less and more advanced slackliners.

Walking or balancing on a slackline has gained increasing popularity as a recreational and school sport, and has been found to be suitable for developing neuromuscular control. The metabolic requirements for neuromuscular control on slackline, however, have not been well described. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the metabolic demands of slacklining in less and more advanced slackliners. Nineteen slackliners performed several 4 min balance tasks: parallel and one-leg stance on stable platform (2LS and 1LS), 1 leg stance on a slackline (1LSS), walking at a self-selected speed and at a given speed of 15 m min-1 on a slackline (WSS and WGS). Expired gas samples were collected for all participants and activities using a portable metabolic system. During1 LS and 1LSS, there were 140% and 341% increases in oxygen uptake (V̇O2) with respect to V̇O2 rest, respectively. During slackline walking, V̇O2 increased by 460% and 444% at self-selected and given speed, respectively. More advanced slackliners required mean metabolic demands 0.377 ± 0.065 and 0.289 ± 0.050 kJ·kg-1·min-1 (5.7 ± 0.95 and 3.9 ± 0.6 MET) for WGS and 1LSS, respectively, whilst less advanced slackliners, 0.471 ± 0.081 and 0.367 ± 0.086 kJ·kg-1·min-1 (6.4 ± 1.2 and 5.0 ± 1.1 MET) for WGS and 1LSS, respectively. Our data suggest that balancing tasks on slackline require V̇O2 corresponding to exercise intensities from light to moderate intensity. More advanced slackliners had a ∼25% reduced energy expenditure when compared with lower ability counterparts during simple balance tasks on the slackline.HighlightsBalancing on a slackline is metabolically demanding and slackline training is suitable not only to develop neuromuscular control but also to meet cardiovascular fitness demands.Improved postural control demonstrated by skilled slackliners reduces by ∼25% metabolic cost of balancing tasks on a slackline when compared to less skilled counterparts.Falls during slacklining increase the metabolic demands of the activity. Three falls per minute during walking on a slackline increase the oxygen uptake by ∼50%.

Training Load, Neuromuscular Fatigue, and Well-Being of Elite Male Volleyball Athletes During an In-Season Mesocycle.

PURPOSE: Most high-intensity bouts of exercise in volleyball consist of jumping activities, which are responsible for inducing muscle damage, high levels of fatigue, and muscle soreness. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to quantify and analyze the training loads, neuromuscular fatigue, and perceptual well-being of a 5-week in-season mesocycle carried out by a professional male volleyball team. METHODS: Fifteen volleyball players (age 28.51 [5.39] y; height 193.19 [9.87] cm; body mass 88.46 [13.18] kg) participated in this study. Internal training load assessed through the rating of perceived exertion, external training load (ETL; evaluated using an inertial motion unit), countermovement jump (CMJ) height and peak power, and wellness questionnaire responses were obtained from all athletes. RESULTS: Results indicated a progressive decrease of the internal training load during the week and by the undulatory pattern of the ETL during the microcycles. Moreover, training monotony increased across the microcycles and was negatively associated with CMJ peak power (r = -.681, P < .05). Finally, sleep quality (ρ = -.747, P < .01) and fatigue (ρ = -.789, P < .01) were negatively associated with weekly ETL. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that sleep quality and fatigue were negatively associated with weekly ETL. Therefore, decreases in weekly ETL might be needed to improve sleep quality and decrease fatigue in professional volleyball players. Plus, higher values of training monotony were associated with lower values of CMJ peak power. Consequently, avoiding training monotony might be important to improve jumping performance in professional volleyball athletes.

Movement retraining programme in young soccer and rugby football players: A feasibility and proof of concept study.

INTRODUCTION: Movement screening to identify abnormal movement patterns can inform development of effective interventions. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a movement screening tool in combination with a tailored movement control retraining programme in young soccer and rugby football players. A secondary objective was to investigate changes in movement control patterns post-intervention, to provide proof of concept (PoC) for movement retraining. METHODS: 52 male amateur players, including 34 soccer players (mean age 15 ± 2 years) and 18 rugby players (mean age 15 ± 1 years) participated. They were screened for movement control ability using a shortened version of the Hip and Lower Limb Movement Screening (Short-HLLMS) and completed an eight-week movement control retraining programme. Evaluation of feasibility included consent from players invited, adherence, attendance at the exercise sessions, drop-out and adverse events. Short-HLLMS total score and The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) were analysed to provide PoC for retraining movement control. RESULTS: feasibility outcomes were favourable. Significant statistical changes occurred post-intervention in the Short-HLLMS total score (paired-samples t-test) and in three HAGOS subscales (symptoms, physical function in daily living and in sport and recreation) (Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Feasibility of using the Short-HLLMS in combination with a movement control retraining programme in soccer and rugby players was promising. The data provided PoC for the potential application of a shortened version of the HLLMS to evaluate changes in movement control and to inform targeted motor control programmes.

Epidemiological Profile among Greek CrossFit Practitioners.

CrossFit (CF) is a popular and rapidly expanding training program in Greece and worldwide. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on the risk of musculoskeletal injuries related to CF in the Greek population. A self-administered survey of 1224 Greek CF practitioners aged 18 to 59 was conducted and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The highest percentage of the participants (34%) practiced 5 days per week for 60 min (42.2%) and had 2 days per week of rest (41.7%). A total of 273 individuals (23%) participated in CF competitions and 948 (77%) did not. The results showed that the most common injuries were muscle injuries (51.3%), followed by tendinopathies (49.6%) and joint injuries (26.6%). The shoulders (56.6%; n = 303), knees (31.8%; n = 170), and lumbar spine (33.1%; n = 177) were the most commonly injured locations. The logistic regression model showed that participation in competitions (p = 0.001), rest per week (p = 0.01), duration of training per session (p = 0.001), and frequency of training per week (p = 0.03) were statistically significant factors for injury. Training level was not a statistically significant factor for injury (p = 0.43). As CF continues to gain popularity on a global scale and the number of athletes gradually increases, it is important to monitor the safety of practitioners. Clinicians should consider participation in competitions, rest, training duration, and frequency in order to make CF safer.

Training Load and Acute Performance Decrements Following Different Training Sessions.

PURPOSE: To examine the differences in training load (TL) metrics when quantifying training sessions differing in intensity and duration. The relationship between the TL metrics and the acute performance decrement measured immediately after the sessions was also assessed. METHODS: Eleven male recreational cyclists performed 4 training sessions in a random order, immediately followed by a 3-km time trial (TT). Before this period, participants performed the time TT in order to obtain a baseline performance. The difference in the average power output for the TTs following the training sessions was then expressed relative to the best baseline performance. The training sessions were quantified using 7 different TL metrics, 4 using heart rate as input, 2 using power output, and 1 using the rating of perceived exertion. RESULTS: The load of the sessions was estimated differently depending on the TL metrics used. Also, within the metrics using the same input (heart rate and power), differences were found. TL using the rating of perceived exertion was the only metric showing a response that was consistent with the acute performance decrements found for the different training sessions. The Training Stress Score and the individualized training impulse demonstrated similar patterns but overexpressed the intensity of the training sessions. The total work done resulted in an overrepresentation of the duration of training. CONCLUSION: TL metrics provide dissimilar results as to which training sessions have higher loads. The load based on TL using the rating of perceived exertion was the only one in line with the acute performance decrements found in this study.

The Influence of Different Training Load Magnitudes on Sleep Pattern, Perceived Recovery, and Stress Tolerance in Young Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Ferreira, ABdM, Ribeiro, BLL, Batista, EdS, Dantas, MP, and Mortatti, AL. The influence of different training load magnitudes on sleep pattern, perceived recovery, and stress tolerance in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 351-357, 2023-The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of 3 weeks on sleep parameters, perceived recovery, and stress tolerance in young soccer players using different training load magnitudes. A total of 13 young male soccer athletes (15.9 ± 0.5 years; 68.7 ± 6.1 kg; 170 ± 7 cm) who performed 3 typical training weeks with different workloads were analyzed. The external training load (ETL) was verified by the PlayerLoad method, and the internal training load (ITL) was determined using the session rating of perceived exertion method. Sleep was monitored using a wrist-actigraphy monitor. Sleep variables, including total time in bed (TTB), total sleep time (TST), sleep latency (SL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency (SE), were evaluated across all nights of sleep. The recovery status was assessed with the perceived recovery status (PRS) scale, and the stress tolerance was monitored using the "daily analysis of life demands of athletes" questionnaire. There was an increase in sleep time during the week with the highest training load (week 2) (TTB: +35 minutes, TST: +46 minutes, SL: -5 minutes, SE: +3%). There was no difference in the PRS or in the stress tolerance during the evaluation weeks. A very large within-individual correlation was observed between ITL and ETL ( r = 0.78) and moderate within-individual correlation between ETL and TST ( r = 0.34), between ITL and TST ( r = 0.45), and between ITL and SE ( r = 0.359). These results showed that there was an increase in TST during a microcycle with intensified loads, without impairing bedtime and resulting in maintenance of the perceived recovery or stress tolerance values.

The high-intensity interval training introduced in physical education lessons decrease systole in high blood pressure adolescents.

Increased resting blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for many health complications. The prevalence of elevated BP is growing among adolescents. There is a need to investigate effective ways of decreasing excessive blood pressure in this age group. The study aim was to determine the effect of 10-weeks High-Intensive Interval Training (HIIT)-Tabata protocol-introduced in physical education (PE) lessons on resting blood pressure in adolescents. The sample included 52 boys aged 16.23 ± 0.33 years body height176.74 ± 6.07 (m), body weight 65.42 ± 12.51 (kg), BMI 20.89 ± 3.53 (kg/m2) and 89 girls aged 16.12 ± 0.42 years, body height 164.38 ± 6.54 (m), body weight 56.71 ± 10.23 (kg), BMI 20.93 ± 3.08 (kg/m2) from secondary school. Based on resting BP, the fractions of boys and girls with normal BP and high BP were identified and divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups. EG completed a 10-weeks HIIT program (three cycles of Tabata protocol) implemented in one PE lesson during a week. The duration of the effort was 14 min. The intensity was at 75-80% of maximal heart rate. Changes in systolic and diastolic BP after the experiment were examined. The results indicated the improvement in SBP in EG with high BP compared to the rest of the groups (average reduction of 12.77 mmHg; p < 0.0001). The EG normotensive had a statistically significant higher reduction of SBP comparing CG normotensive (average decrease of 1.81 mmHG; p = 0.0089). HIIT effectively decreases BP in adolescents. Implementing HIIT in PE lessons in secondary school is recommended to improve BP parameters.

Exercise duration: Independent effects on acute physiologic responses and the need for an individualized prescription.

An individualization of exercise prescription is implemented mainly in terms of intensity but not for duration. To survey the need for an individualized exercise duration prescription, we investigated acute physiologic responses during constant-load exercise of maximal duration (tmax ) and determined so-called duration thresholds. Differences between absolute (min) and relative terms (% tmax ) of exercise duration were analyzed. Healthy young and trained male and female participants (n = 11) performed an incremental exercise test and one tmax constant-load exercise test at a target intensity of 10% of maximal power output below the second lactate turn point (LTP2 ). Blood lactate, heart rate, and spirometric data were measured during all tests. tmax was markedly different across subjects (69.6 ± 14.8 min; range: 40-90 min). However, distinct duration phases separated by duration thresholds (DTh) were found in most measured variables. These duration thresholds (except DTh1) were significantly related to tmax (DTh2: r2  = 0.90, p < 0.0001; DTh3: r2  = 0.98, p < 0.0001) and showed substantial interindividual differences if expressed in absolute terms (DTh2: 24.8 ± 6.0 min; DTh3: 47.4 ± 10.6 min) but not in relative terms (DTh2: 35.4 ± 2.7% tmax ; DTh3: 67.9 ± 2.4% tmax ). Our data showed that (1) maximal duration was individually different despite the same relative intensity, (2) duration thresholds that were related to tmax could be determined in most measured variables, and (3) duration thresholds were comparable between subjects if expressed in relative terms. We therefore conclude that duration needs to be concerned as an independent variable of exercise prescription.

Nonergodicity in Load and Recovery: Group Results Do Not Generalize to Individuals.

PURPOSE: The study of load and recovery gained significant interest in the last decades, given its important value in decreasing the likelihood of injuries and improving performance. So far, findings are typically reported on the group level, whereas practitioners are most often interested in applications at the individual level. Hence, the aim of the present research is to examine to what extent group-level statistics can be generalized to individual athletes, which is referred to as the "ergodicity issue." Nonergodicity may have serious consequences for the way we should analyze, and work with, load and recovery measures in the sports field. METHODS: The authors collected load, that is, rating of perceived exertion × training duration, and total quality of recovery data among youth male players of a professional football club. This data were collected daily across 2 seasons and analyzed on both the group and the individual level. RESULTS: Group- and individual-level analysis resulted in different statistical outcomes, particularly with regard to load. Specifically, SDs within individuals were up to 7.63 times larger than SDs between individuals. In addition, at either level, the authors observed different correlations between load and recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the process of load and recovery in athletes is nonergodic, which has important implications for the sports field. Recommendations for training programs of individual athletes may be suboptimal, or even erroneous, when guided by group-level outcomes. The utilization of individual-level analysis is key to ensure the optimal balance of individual load and recovery.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation in addition to visuomotor training on choice reaction time and cognition function in amateur soccer players (FAST trial): A randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in addition to visuomotor training (VMT) on choice reaction time (CRT) and cognitive function in amateur soccer players. DESIGN: Single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study. SETTING: Neuroscience and Motor Control Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty Brazilian male amateur soccer players, aged 18-30 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were allocated to the intervention or control groups. Both groups performed VMT, but the intervention group additionally underwent anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; F3). The cathodal electrode was positioned in the right supraorbital region (Fp2). The tDCS was applied at 2 mA for 20 min for five consecutive sessions (24 h intervals). The VMT protocol was delivered during the application of tDCS and was composed of kicking a ball for 10 min (between the fifth and fifteenth minutes of the 20 min of tDCS application). The primary outcome was assessed based on changes in CRT during reaching (non-trained limb) and kicking (trained limb) tasks. Secondary outcomes were overall cognitive function measured by the Trail Making Test part A (TMT-A) and part B (TMT-B), and Digit Span Test forward (DSF) and backward (DSB) scores. All outcomes were evaluated before and after the intervention. RESULTS: In the primary outcomes, compared with the control group, the anodal tDCS combined with VMT group had greater reduction in CRT for the rectus femoris (p = 0.007) adjusted for age and baseline performance (F (1,26) = 22,23; p < 0,001) and for the triceps (p = 0.039) adjusted for training frequency (days/week) and baseline performance (F (1,26) = 5,70; p = 0,016). No differences were observed in the CRT of other muscles (anterior deltoid [p = 0.181], brachial biceps [p = 0.130], and vastus medialis [p = 0.074]). And, there were no differences between the groups in terms of cognitive function (TMT-A [p = 0.062]; TMT-B [p = 0.320]; DSF [p = 0.102]; DSB [p = 0.345]). CONCLUSION: Anodal tDCS over the left DLPFC in addition to visuomotor training of a functional task can be an efficient tool for athletes to decrease the CRT of the rectus femoris (trained limb) and triceps (non-trained limb); however, there were no differences between the groups in the others muscles (anterior deltoid, brachial biceps, and vastus medialis), and in terms of cognitive function.

Effects of a Partially Supervised Conditioning Program in Cystic Fibrosis: An International Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial (ACTIVATE-CF).

Rationale: The long-term effects of vigorous physical activity (PA) on lung function in cystic fibrosis are unclear. Objectives: To evaluate effects of a 12-month partially supervised PA intervention using motivational feedback. Methods: In a parallel-arm multicenter randomized controlled trial (ACTIVATE-CF), relatively inactive patients aged at least 12 years were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to an intervention group or control group. The intervention group consented to add 3 hours of vigorous PA per week, whereas the control group was asked not to change their PA behavior. Primary endpoint was change in percent predicted FEV1 (ΔFEV1) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included PA, exercise capacity, exercise motives, time to first exacerbation and exacerbation rates, quality of life, anxiety, depression, stress, and blood glucose control. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 117 patients (40% of target sample size) were randomized to an intervention (n = 60) or control group (n = 57). After 6 months, ΔFEV1 was significantly higher in the control group compared with the intervention group (2.70% predicted [95% confidence interval, 0.13-5.26]; P = 0.04). The intervention group reported increased vigorous PA compared with the control group at each study visit, had higher exercise capacity at 6 and 12 months, and higher PA at 12 months. No effects were seen in other secondary outcomes. Conclusions: ACTIVATE-CF increased vigorous PA and exercise capacity, with effects carried over for the subsequent 6 months, but resulted in better FEV1 in the control group.

Home-based training program during the SARS-CoV-2 quarantine: training load, motivation, and wellbeing in professional elite female basketball players.

BACKGROUND: Due to the quarantine caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), professional team-sports adapted their training routine to maintain the athletes' performance and minimize the negative emotional effects. The aim of the present study was to describe a home-based training program and extra-activities applied during the quarantine in elite professional female basketball players, and to compare the internal training load (ITL), session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), motivation, and wellbeing responses before and during the quarantine. METHODS: Nine female elite players (25.7±7.0 years; 180.0±8.0 cm; 79.0±11.0 kg) belonging to a professional basketball team performed a home-based training program during the quarantine. ITL, s-RPE, training motivation, and wellbeing were examined before (phase 1), at the beginning (phase 2), and during (phase 3) the quarantine. RESULTS: ITL was higher (main effect) in phase 1 (449.5±62.8 a.u.) compared to phase 2 (265.5±39.0 a.u.) and phase 3 (423.1±18.7 a.u.); s-RPE was higher in phase 1 (4.50±0.63 a.u.) compared to phase 2 (3.8±0.6 a.u.), but not to phase 3 (4.37±0.79 a.u.). Motivation was higher in phase 1 (3.6±0.3 a.u.) compared to phase 2 (2.3±0.6 a.u.) and phase 3 (2.4±0.5 a.u.). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study demonstrated that extra-activities involving online athletes' socialization were implemented to rouse the motivation, but the quarantine period induced a reduction in ITL and influenced the player's training motivation.

Exercise heat acclimation causes human responses and safety performance improvements.

Heat acclimation (HA) is a widely recognized physiological phenomenon of human body in hot environments. HA has many benefits, such aspreventing hyperthermia responses, and is an efficient way to improve human responses to hyperthermal environments. However, it is not known whether HA is dependent on the environmental conditions. Moreover, its mechanism and effect on the safety performance remain unexplored. In this study, we created a climate chamber to simulate a hyperthermal environment. Thirty healthy males were recruited for this study, who were then trained under the same ambient conditions (temperature of 38 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 40%). The training involved running on treadmills (at 5 km/h) to simulate heavy manual labor, and performing heat stress tests (HST) under six different conditions (32 °C/40% RH, 35 °C/40%, 38 °C/40%, 32 °C/70%, 35 °C/70%, and 38 °C/70%). Their physiological indices (rectal temperature, heart rate, sweat loss and skin temperature) and one psychological index (thermal sensation) were measured. Furthermore, a hazard avoidance test device (HATD) was designed to evaluate the individual safety performance by detecting human errors. The results show that training and environmental conditions have different effects on HA. After HA, the physiological and psychological strain were significantly improved. More importantly, HA also helped improve the participants' awareness of the dangers and required emergency responses to face potential hazards. Overall, a reasonable HA training under proper conditions is helpful to ensure the safety of human beings. More research is needed to study the role of HA on safety performance.

3-Week passive acclimation to extreme environmental heat (100± 3 °C) in dry sauna increases physical and physiological performance among young semi-professional football players.

This manuscript aims to evaluate the influence of a novel passive heat acclimation program among human participants in the physical performance, as well as in several physiological parameters. 36 male football players were acclimated using a dry sauna bath to extreme hot (100 ± 3 °C), performing a total of nine sauna sessions with a weekly frequency of three sessions. The players were randomly into the sauna group (SG; n = 18; age: 20.69 ± 2.09 years) and the control group (CG; n = 18; age: 20.23 ± 1.98 years). All participants performed maximal effort test until exhaustion as well as hamstring flexibility test before and after the acclimation program. Anthropometric, respiratory, circulatory, hematological and physiological variables were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the survey. Statistical analysis consisted of a Mann-Whitney U test to determine differences between groups at the beginning and at the end of the survey and a Wilcoxon test for paired samples to compare the differences for each group separately. Additionally, size effects of the pre-post acclimation changes were calculated. After the acclimation program SG participants experienced a diminution in body weight (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), body fat (p < 0.05) and fat percentage (p < 0.05) decreased. Hamstring flexibility (p < 0.05) and work capacity (p < 0.05) increased. External basal temperature decreased (p < 0.05) as well as post-exercise systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p < 0.05). Finally, maximal oxygen uptake (ml Kg-1 min-1) (p < 0.05), maximal minute ventilation (p < 0.05) and maximal breath frequency (p < 0.05) increased at the end of the intervention. There were no significant changes in the CG in any variable. Favorable adaptations have been observed in this survey, suggesting a beneficial effect of extreme heat acclimation on physical performance. Several of the observed responses seem interesting for sport performance and health promotion as well. However, this is a novel, extreme protocol which requires further research.

Should we individualize training based on force-velocity profiling to improve physical performance in athletes?

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an individualized training program based on force-velocity (FV) profiling on jumping, sprinting, strength, and power in athletes. Forty national level team sport athletes (20 ± 4years, 83 ± 13 kg) from ice-hockey, handball, and soccer completed a 10-week training intervention. A theoretical optimal squat jump (SJ)-FV-profile was calculated from SJ with five different loads (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg). Based on their initial FV-profile, athletes were randomized to train toward, away, or irrespective (balanced training) of their initial theoretical optimal FV-profile. The training content was matched between groups in terms of set x repetitions but varied in relative loading to target the different aspects of the FV-profile. The athletes performed 10 and 30 m sprints, SJ and countermovement jump (CMJ), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat, and a leg-press power test before and after the intervention. There were no significant group differences for any of the performance measures. Trivial to small changes in 1RM squat (2.9%, 4.6%, and 6.5%), 10 m sprint time (1.0%, -0.9%, and -1.7%), 30 m sprint time (0.9%, -0.6%, and -0.4%), CMJ height (4.3%, 3.1%, and 5.7%), SJ height (4.8%, 3.7%, and 5.7%), and leg-press power (6.7%, 4.2%, and 2.9%) were observed in the groups training toward, away, or irrespective of their initial theoretical optimal FV-profile, respectively. Changes toward the optimal SJ-FV-profile were negatively correlated with changes in SJ height (r = -0.49, p < 0.001). Changes in SJ-power were positively related to changes in SJ-height (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) and CMJ-height (r = 0.32, p = 0.044), but unrelated to changes in 10 m (r = -0.02, p = 0.921) and 30 m sprint time (r = -0.01, p = 0.974). The results from this study do not support the efficacy of individualized training based on SJ-FV profiling.

The integration of training and off-training activities substantially alters training volume and load analysis in elite rowers.

Training studies in elite athletes traditionally focus on the relationship between scheduled training (TRAIN) and performance. Here, we added activities outside of scheduled training i.e., off-training (OFF) contributing to total training (TOTAL) to evaluate the contribution of OFF on performance. Eight elite rowers recorded OFF and TRAIN during waking hours for one season (30-45 weeks) with multisensory smartwatches. Changes in performance were assessed via rowing ergometer testing and maximum oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O2max). Based on 1-Hz-sampling of heart rate data during TRAIN and OFF (> 60% maximum heart rate (HRmax), the volume, session count, intensity, training impulse (TRIMP), and training intensity distribution were calculated. OFF altered volume, TRIMP, and session count by 19 ± 13%, 13 ± 9%, and 41 ± 67% (p < 0.001). On an individual level, training intensity distribution changed in 3% of the valid weeks. Athletes exercised 31% of their weekly volume below 60% HRmax. Low to moderate intensities dominated during OFF with 87% (95% CI [79, 95]); however, in some weeks high-intensity activities > 89% HRmax during OFF amounted to 21 min·week-1 (95% CI [4, 45]). No effect of OFF on changes of performance surrogates was found (0.072 > p > 0.604). The integration of OFF substantially altered volume, TRIMP, and session count. However, no effect on performance was found.

Reliability evaluation of functional movement screen for prevention of military training injury: A prospective study in China.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of functional movement screen (FMS) evaluation system and individualized intervention measures in preventing military training injuries. METHODS: A total of 420 recruits from a unit of the People's Liberation Army of China were included as the research object. According to random grouping method, they were divided into observation group (Group A) and control group (Group B), with 210 patients in each group. Before recruit training, individual FMS was performed, and functional correction training was performed in the observation group according to the test scores, while no intervention measures were applied in the control group. After 3 months of training, the tests were repeated. Age, body mass index (BMI), and incidence of military training injuries were recorded during the training period. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in age, BMI, FMS score before the training (P > .05). After receiving functional correction training, the FMS score of the Group A was higher than that of the Group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The incidence of military training injury in Group A and Group B was 20.95% and 44.02%, respectively (P < .05), and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The evaluation system of FMS and individualized intervention measures are feasible and effective in predicting and reducing the occurrence of military training injuries.