Investigating the role of genetic testing in tailoring training programs for french swimmers

In sports science, genetic testing has become a valuable tool for understanding the genetic foundations of athletic ability. This study investigates whether genetic testing may be used to customize training plans for French swimmers to optimize performance, reduce injury risk, and improve recovery. Coaches can determine genetic predispositions pertaining to muscle composition, metabolism, injury risk, and recovery capacity by analyzing the genetic profile of an athlete. With the use of this data, individualized training plans that target deficiencies, build on strengths and increase success rates in the pool may be created. The research was based on primary data analysis to determine whether the research used Smart PLS software and generated results, including descriptive statistics, and correlation coefficient analysis, which also explains the smart PLS Algorithm Model between them. Event specialization, dietary optimization, injury avoidance, recovery optimization, talent discovery, and long-term athlete development are some of the main uses of genetic testing. French swimming programscan acquire a competitive advantage and set up their athletes for success on the international scene by incorporating genetic information into coaching procedures. A discussion of the ethical issues surrounding the use of genetic data in sports is included, focusing on the value of informed consent and private rights. The overall research found the positive and significant role of genetic testing in tailoring training programs for French swimmers. Genetic testing has great potential to enhance training regimens and bring forth the hidden talent of French swimmers, solidifying France's standing as a dominant force in the world of competitive swimming. (AU)

Surface Electromyography Data Analysis for Evaluation of Physical Exercise Habits between Athletes and Non-Athletes during Indoor Rowing.

In this paper, surface electromyography (sEMG) is used to gather the activation neural signal from muscles during an indoor rowing exercise. The exercise was performed by professional athletes and amateur non-athletes. The data acquisition and processing are described to obtain a set of parameters: number of cycles, average cycle time, cycle time standard deviation, fatigue time, muscle activation time, and muscle energy. These parameters are used to draw conclusions on common non-athletes' mistakes during exercise for better training advice and a way of statistically distinguishing an athlete from a non-athlete.

Effectiveness of Sports Nutrition Education Based on Self-Determination Theory for Male University Rowing Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To resolve problems in the dietary life of university athletes, education is essential to enable athletes to change their own dietary behavior. The purpose of this research was to verify the effectiveness of sports nutrition education based on self-determination theory (SDT). The participants were 36 male university rowers. A stratified randomized comparison test was conducted by student year (SDT group and control group). Sports nutrition education was held three times, via an Internet conferencing system. Furthermore, group work over social media was used for the SDT group. Four evaluations were carried out based on anthropometric measurements, a brief self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ), sports nutrition knowledge test (SNK), and treatment self-regulation questionnaire (TSRQ). The results showed no differences between the two groups. However, for the intragroup factor, "Protein", a significant difference was evident in the self-determination theory group (50.0 ± 28.5, 78.6 ± 28.1, 81.0 ± 21.5, p < 0.000, units: %) and improved knowledge (p = 0.002, p = 0.002). And for the BDHQ, the self-determination theory group also showed significant differences and increased their intake of green and yellow vegetables, fruits, and dairy products (159.1 ± 74.2-126.7 ± 70.6, p = 0.009, 306.0 ± 196.2-195.2 ± 146.1, p = 0.020, 257.0 ± 147.0-183.3 ± 167.9, p = 0.040, units: g). In conclusion, sports nutrition education based on SDT improved dietary knowledge and increased food requirements for athletes.

Keep calm and keep rowing: the psychophysical effects of dragon boat program in breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Dragon Boat discipline has become a popular type of physical exercise among women with breast cancer. The present study aims to investigate the effects of Dragon Boat activity on body composition, physical function, and psychosocial aspects (i.e., body appreciation and quality of life [QoL]) in women operated for breast cancer. METHODS: Thirty-one women (age, 57.88 ± 7.88 years; BMI, 27.86 ± 6.38 kg·m-2) with a previous breast removal surgery were recruited and randomized into two groups: Dragon Boat group (DB, N = 18) or a home-based non-supervised training program (home exercise group; HG, N = 13). All participants underwent body composition, handgrip test, 30-s chair stand test (30CST), 6-min walking test (6MWT), and shoulder mobility measurements at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Participants also filled out the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) and the Short Form Health Survey-12 (SF-12) self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Dragon Boat activity significantly improved the 30CST (+ 6%, p = .011) and 6MWT performance (+ 30%, p = .011) compared to a home-based non-supervised training program. Moreover, 20% (3/15 women) of women in the DB group obtained a reliable change from pre- to post-intervention in the BAS-2 and in the mental QoL component of the SF-12 (vs 15% and 0% of the HC group). No reliable change emerged for the physical component of the SF-12. CONCLUSION: Dragon Boat activity is efficient to improve lower limb strength in women operated for breast cancer. Furthermore, Dragon Boat activity emerged to improve body appreciation and mental QoL in some of the women assigned to this activity. Importantly, no adverse events were documented during the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05206526 (10/02/2022).

Analysis of Pushing Forces During the Water Polo Eggbeater: Reliability and Validity of a Novel Approach.

Water polo players benefit from greater odds of success when maintaining their tactical position against their opponents. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of a water-based resistance test to replicate this skill.Thirty-three water polo players participated in this study (19 males and 14 females, 14 from senior and 19 from junior national teams). Data were collected during two regular training sessions, separated by one week, using a load cell to instrument a weight stack resistance setup on the pool deck. Performance parameters such as mean force, maximum force, mean peak force and total impulse were defined with custom Python scripts. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intra-class correlations (ICC3,1). Group comparisons were explored between male and female players. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The reliability findings were high to very high for the mean force, maximum force, mean peak force, inter-stroke range, and total impulse (ICC 0.85-0.93, p < 0.01). Group comparisons showed significantly greater values in male players for these variables (p < 0.01, ES = 1.05-9.36) with large to very large effect sizes. However, there was no significant difference in endurance measured between sexes (p = 0.88, ES = 0.04). This study presents a methodology with satisfactory metrological qualities for field applications using simple and affordable equipment. The testing apparatus presented in this study can readily be replicated in a variety of training environments by practitioners working with water polo teams. Coaches can use this approach to evaluate individual player progress or to compare performance across a group of water polo players.

Sequential Mapping of Game Patterns in Men and Women Professional Padel Players.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the sequences of actions in professional men and women padel players to identify common game patterns. METHODS: The sample comprised 17,557 stroke-by-stroke actions (N = 1640 rallies) of the championship World Padel Tour. Multistep Markov chains were used to calculate the conditional probabilities of occurrence of actions during the rally. RESULTS: Results revealed that men's and women's padel is mainly defined by 36 patterns constituting 55% and 63% of all actions in the game, respectively, with the 10 most common sequences accounting for 42% to 45% of the game. There were recurrent technical-tactical actions with specific offensive and defensive functions that were constantly reiterated during the rallies. In men, the use of smash, volley, bandeja, direct, back wall, back-wall lobs, and direct lobs followed a foreseeable pattern up to 8 lags, whereas women described predictable interactions for volley, bandeja, direct, lobs, and direct lobs up to 5 lags and for smash and back wall up to 4 lags. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of padel players to recall these patterns and enhance their anticipation skills may potentially improve their performance. These findings contribute to a better knowledge of professional padel game dynamics while providing coaches and players with useful information to optimize training and decision-making strategies.

Assessment of the effectiveness of antifouling solutions for recreational boats in the context of marine bioinvasions.

The recreational boating sector is a major vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) via biofouling. Despite applying control measures to prevent the growth of fouling communities, most vessels are NIS carriers. This study assessed the effectiveness of different antifouling strategies in a manipulative experiment by testing two common coating typologies (biocide-based and foul-release coatings), accompanied with simulated maintenance practices. The experiment was carried out in the Gulf of La Spezia (Italy) and samples were collected at two different periods. Results showed significant differences among antifouling treatments regarding community structure, diversity, coverage and biovolume of the sessile component, alongside a significant decrease in the performance of biocide-based coating with time. Interestingly, peracarid NIS/native species ratio was higher for biocide-based treatments, suggesting potential biocide resistance. This study highlights the urgent need to develop common and feasible biofouling management plans and provides insights towards identification of best practices for recreational vessels.

Nociceptive Processing of Elite Athletes Varies between Sport-Specific Loads: An EEG-Based Study Approach.

INTRODUCTION: For the downstream nociceptive processing of elite athletes, recent studies indicate that athletes probably tolerate more pain as compared with a normally active population. Phenotyping the nociceptive processing of athletes in different types of endurance sports can provide insight into training-specific effects, which may help in understanding the long-term effects of specific exercise. METHODS: Twenty-six elite endurance athletes from the disciplines of rowing, triathlon, and running and 26 age- and sex-matched, recreationally active control subjects who participated in the subjective pain perception and processing of standardized noxious stimuli were investigated by EEG. This included standardized heat pain thresholds (HPT) and contact heat-evoked potentials from heat stimulation, measured with EEG as well as pinprick-evoked potentials from mechanical stimulation. RESULTS: After noxious stimulation, athletes showed a higher activation of the event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) patterns in the N2P2 EEG response at the Cz Electrode compared with the controls. After noxious contact heat stimulation, triathletes had a higher ERSP activation compared with the controls, whereas the rowers had a higher ERSP activation after noxious mechanical stimulation. Also, HPT in triathletes were increased despite their increased central activation after thermal stimulation. We found a correlation between increased HPT and training hours and years, although athletes did not differ within these variables. CONCLUSIONS: Although we were able to identify differences between athletes of different endurance sports, the reasons and implications of these differences remain unclear. The study of sport-specific somatosensory profiles may help to understand the mechanisms of exercise-related long-term effects on pain processing and perception. Furthermore, sport-specific somatosensory effects may support the personalization of exercise interventions and identify risk factors for chronic pain in elite athletes.

Short-Term High-Intensity Rowing Ergometry Training Improves Rowing Performance Equally in Healthy Weight and Obese Adolescents.

PURPOSE: Childhood obesity is a major health concern and physical activity is commonly proposed as an intervention strategy to combat the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in young people. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of high-intensity, supervised, rowing ergometer training on maximal and submaximal rowing performance in healthy weight and centrally obese adolescents (12-13 yr). METHODS: Participants were randomized to either 6 wk of supervised rowing ergometry, comprising of 2 sessions per week with each session comprising of 2 × 3-min bouts of high-intensity rowing ergometry ( n = 57), or a control group who continued with their habitual activities ( n = 45). At baseline and follow-up, rowing performance was assessed via a submaximal test and a 3-min maximal test. RESULTS: Six weeks of rowing ergometer training significantly improved maximal exercise performance; total distance rowed in a 3-min maximal effort improved by 19.7 m (2.7%) (time × group, P = 0.018) and produced a significant reduction in perceived effort in response to a set submaximal load (60 W) (time × group, P = 0.040). At baseline total distance rowed during the 3-min maximal test was significantly affected by body mass (main effect of body mass, P = 0.002), whereby a higher body mass was associated with enhanced rowing performance. However, the pattern of change over time was not different between healthy weight and centrally obese adolescents (time × group × waist centile, P = 0.577). CONCLUSIONS: A 6-wk high-intensity rowing ergometry training intervention improved maximal rowing performance. This improvement was similar in healthy weight versus overweight and obese adolescents; yet overall overweight and obese adolescents had superior rowing performance compared to their healthy weight counterparts, suggesting that rowing may be an attractive exercise modality for interventions in overweight and obese young people.

The acute effects of kinesio-taping on movement kinematics and muscle co-activation in rowing athletes.

BACKGROUND: Rowing-related low back disorders may occur from inconsistent technique, high trunk flexion and training volumes, overactivation of paraspinal muscles, and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: To examine if kinesiology tape (KT) affixed to the trunk dorsum affects muscular co-activation and neuromuscular control to limit dangerous rowing movements and associated injuries. METHODS: Participants (n= 18) completed two 2000 m rowing trials under BASELINE and KT conditions. KT was applied to the skin superficial to the paraspinals bilaterally with 60% pre-strain. Participants were instructed to minimize any sensation of tension. Whole body kinematics were obtained using inertial measurement units (IMUs), and surface electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from trunk and lower extremity. Changes in joint range-of-motion (ROM) and co-activation indices (CAIs) were analyzed for shoulder, lumbar, hip, and knee. RESULTS: Responding participants (n= 5) were identified by reduced maximum lumbar flexion during the KT condition. As expected, significant differences occurred in maximum and minimum lumbar flexion/extension between responders and non-responders to KT. Additionally, there was significant reduction in mean trunk muscle co-activation in both those who did and did not respond to KT through reductions in maximum lumbar flexion. CONCLUSION: KT can be an effective at reducing mean trunk co-activation during a rowing trial in the flexed catch position. Variable responses suggest that further work is necessary to optimize the efficacy of sensory cues derived from KT during rowing movements.

Rowing and pain: does rowing lead to exercise-induced hypoalgesia?

Physical activity acutely alters pain processing known as exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). This randomized controlled crossover study investigated the effects of two different rowing exercises on EIH and to explore whether possible EIH effects are related to individual rowing specific performance. Fifty male experienced rowers conducted two rowing sessions (submaximal: 30 min of moderate rowing (70% of maximum heart rate); maximal: 350 m in an all-out fashion) and a control session. Pre and post exercise pain sensitivity was measured bilaterally using pressure pain thresholds (PPT; Newton (N)) at the elbow, knee, ankle, sternum, and forehead. Individual performance was determined as maximum watt/kg and was tested for correlations with changes in PPT. Higher PPT values were observed after maximal exercise at all landmarks with a mean change ranging from 2.5 ± 7.8 N (right elbow; p = 0.027; dz = 0.323) to 10.0 ± 12.2 N (left knee; p ≤ 0.001; dz = 0.818). The submaximal (range from -1.6 ± 8.8 N (Sternum; p = 0.205; dz = 0.182) to 2.0 ± 10.3 N (right ankle; p = 0.176; dz = 0.194)) and control session (range from -0.5 ± 7.6 N (left elbow; p = 0.627; dz = 0.069) to 2.6 ± 9.1 N (right ankle; p = 0.054; dz = 0.279)) did not induce changes. Relative performance levels were not correlated to EIH (range from: r = -0.129 (p = 0.373) at sternum to r = 0.176 (p = 0.221) at left knee). EIH occurred globally after a short maximal rowing exercise while no effects occurred after rowing for 30 min at submaximal intensity. EIH cannot be explained by rowing specific performance levels in experienced rowers. However, the sample may lack sufficient heterogeneity in performance levels to draw final conclusions.

Acute effects of muscle mechanical properties after 2000-m rowing in young male rowers.

Background: The mechanical properties of muscles, such as changes in muscle tone and stiffness, are related to sports performance and injuries. Rowers are at increased risk of muscle fatigue and injury during high-repetition and heavy-load cyclic muscle actions. In view of this, the aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effect on muscle tone and stiffness, as well as bilateral muscle asymmetry, in high school rowers after a 2000-meter rowing ergometer test. Methods: Twelve young male rowers (age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years, body weight = 73.5 ± 9.7 kg) were included in the study. The data of muscle tone (frequency) and stiffness of the posterior deltoids (PD), latissimus dorsi (LD), and rectus femoris (RF) (dominant and non-dominant side) before and after a 2000-m rowing ergometer test were collected using a handheld MyotonPRO device. Results: After the rowing ergometer test, the muscle tone of dominant side PD, LD, and RF were significantly increased (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the muscle stiffness of the non-dominant side LD and RF, as well as the dominant side PD, LD, and RF were significantly increased after the rowing ergometer test (p < 0.05). The muscle tone and stiffness results showed that the dominant side PD, LD, and RF were all significantly higher than the non-dominant side after the rowing ergometer test (p < 0.05), where bilateral PD and RF exhibits moderate asymmetry (5% < symmetry index < 10%). Conclusions: After a high-intensity and high-load 2000-m rowing ergometer test, PD, LD, and RF showed increases in muscle tone and stiffness, as well as changes in the symmetry of bilateral muscle mechanical properties.

Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption after reduced exertion high-intensity interval training on the cycle ergometer and rowing ergometer.

PURPOSE: To examine differences in oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]O2), ventilation ([Formula: see text]E), excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), energy expenditure (EE), and blood lactate concentration (BLa) between reduced exertion high-intensity interval training (REHIT) performed on the cycle- and rowing ergometer. METHODS: Fourteen active participants (age = 27 ± 7 yr) initially completed two assessments of maximal oxygen uptake. On two subsequent days, participants completed REHIT requiring three 20 s "all-out" sprints on the cycle-(REHIT-CE) and rowing ergometer (REHIT-RE), followed by 60 min rest during which gas exchange data and BLa were measured. RESULTS: During exercise, [Formula: see text]O2 increased significantly in response to REHIT-CE (0.21 ± 0.04 L/min vs. 1.34 ± 0.37 L/min, p < 0.001) and REHIT-RE (0.23 ± 0.05 L/min vs. 1.57 ± 0.47 L/min, p < 0.001) compared to rest, and [Formula: see text]O2 remained elevated at 15, 30, and 45 min post-exercise in REHIT-CE (p < 0.001). However, [Formula: see text]O2 was only elevated 15 min after REHIT-RE (0.23 ± 0.05 L/min vs. 0.40 ± 0.11 L/min, p < 0.001). [Formula: see text]O2 (1.57 ± 0.47 L/min vs. 1.34 ± 0.37 L/min, p = 0.003) and EE (94.98 ± 29.60 kcal vs. 82.05 ± 22.85 kcal, p < 0.001) were significantly greater during REHIT-RE versus REHIT-CE. EPOC was significantly greater after REHIT-CE versus REHIT-RE (6.69 ± 2.18 L vs. 5.52 ± 1.67 L, p = 0.009). BLa was ~ twofold higher in response to REHIT-CE vs. REHIT-RE (11.11 ± 2.43 vs. 7.0 ± 2.4, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Rowing-based REHIT elicits greater oxygen consumption and EE during exercise, yet lower EPOC and BLa. Whether rowing-based REHIT augments reductions in fat loss remains to be determined.

Shifting the Energy Toward Los Angeles: Comparing the Energetic Contribution and Pacing Approach Between 2000- and 1500-m Maximal Ergometer Rowing.

PURPOSE: To compare the energetic contribution and pacing in 2000- and 1500-m maximal rowing-ergometer performances. METHODS: On separate visits (>48 h apart, random order), 18 trained junior (16.7 [0.4] y) male rowers completed 3 trials: a 7 × 4-minute graded exercise test, a 2000-m time trial (TT2000), and a 1500-m TT (TT1500). Respiratory gases were continuously measured throughout each trial. The submaximal power-to-oxygen-consumption relationship from the graded exercise test was used to determine the accumulated oxygen deficit for each TT. Differences in mean power output (MPO), relative anaerobic contribution, percentage of peak oxygen uptake, pacing index, maximum heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were assessed using linear mixed modeling. RESULTS: Compared to TT2000 (324 [24] W), MPO was 5.2% (3.3%) higher in TT1500 (341 [29 W]; P < .001, ηp2=.70). There was a 4.9% (3.3%) increase (P < .001, ηp2=.71) in anaerobic contribution from 17.3% (3.3%) (TT2000) to 22.2% (4.3%) (TT1500). Compared to TT1500, maximum heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and blood lactate concentration were all greater (P < .05) in TT2000. The pacing index was not different between trials. Percentage increase in MPO from TT2000 to TT1500 was negatively associated with pacing variance in TT1500 (R2 = .269, P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Maximal ergometer performance over 1500 m requires a significantly greater anaerobic contribution compared with 2000 m. Junior male athletes adopt a consistent pacing strategy across both distances. However, those who experienced greater percentage increases in MPO over the shorter test adopted a more even pacing strategy. To prepare for 1500-m performance, greater emphasis should be placed on developing capacity for work in the severe domain and completing race simulations with a more even pacing strategy.

Reliability of the Maximal Lactate Accumulation Rate in Rowers.

The maximal lactate accumulation rate (VLamax) has been linked to lactic anaerobic performance. Hence, accurate and reliable assessment is crucial in sport-specific performance testing. Thus, between-day reliability data of rowing-specific VLamax assessment was examined. Seventeen trained rowers (eight females and nine males; 19.5±5.2 yrs; 1.76±0.08 m; 70.2±8.9 kg; V̇O2max: 54±13 ml/min/kg) performed 20-s sprint tests on two separate days (one week apart) on a rowing ergometer. VLamax, peak lactate concentration, time to peak lactate, and mean rowing power were measured. Good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), low standard error of measurement (SEM), and acceptable levels of agreement (LoAs; 90% confidence interval) for VLamax (ICC=0.85; SEM=0.02 mmol/L/s; LoA±0.09 mmol/L/s), peak lactate (ICC=0.88; SEM=0.3 mmol/L; LoA±1.4 mmol/l), time to peak lactate (ICC=0.92; SEM=0.1 min; LoA±0.5 min), and mean rowing power (ICC=0.98; SEM=3 W; LoA±39 W) were observed. In addition, VLamax was highly correlated (r=0.96; p≤0.001) to rowing power. Thus, VLamax and sprint performance parameters can be measured highly reliably using this sport-specific sprint test in rowing.

Acute Effect of Different Velocity-Based Training Protocols on 2000-meter Rowing Ergometer Performance.

ABSTRACT: Leandro Quidel-Catrilelbún, ME, Ruiz-Alias, SA, García-Pinillos, F, Ramirez-Campillo, R, and Pérez-Castilla, A. Acute effect of different velocity-based training protocols on 2000-m rowing ergometer performance. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): e8-e15, 2024-This study aimed to explore the acute effect of 4 velocity-based resistance training (VBT) protocols on 2000-m rowing ergometer (RE2000) time trial, as well as the behavior of the maximal neuromuscular capacities when RE2000 is performed alone or preceded by VBT protocols in the same session. Fifteen male competitive rowers (15-22 years) undertook 5 randomized protocols in separate occasions: (a) RE2000 alone (control condition); (b) VBT against 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) with a velocity loss in the set of 10% followed by RE2000 (VBT60-10 + RE2000); (c) VBT against 60% 1RM with a velocity loss in the set of 30% followed by RE2000 (VBT60-30 + RE2000); (d) VBT against 80% 1RM with a velocity loss in the set of 10% followed by RE2000 (VBT80-10 + RE2000); (e) VBT against 80% 1RM with a velocity loss in the set of 30% followed by RE2000 (VBT80-30 + RE2000). The load-velocity relationship (load-axis intercept [L0], velocity-axis intercept [v0], and area under the load-velocity relationship line [Aline]) was used to evaluate the maximal neuromuscular capacities during the prone bench pull exercise before and after each protocol. The time trial was significantly longer for VBT60-30 + RE2000 and VBT80-30 + RE2000 than for RE2000, VBT60-10 + RE2000 and VBT80-10 + RE2000 (all p < 0.001; ES = 0.10-0.15). L0 and Aline were significantly reduced after all protocols (p < 0.001; ES = 0.10-0.13), with Aline reduction more accentuated for VBT60-10 + RE2000, VBT60-30 + RE2000, VBT80-30 + RE2000, and RE2000 (all p = 0.001; ES = 0.11-0.18) than for VBT80-10 + RE2000 (p = 0.065; ES = 0.05). Therefore, VBT protocols with greater velocity loss in the set (30% vs. 10%) negatively affected subsequent rowing ergometer performance, in line with impairment in Aline pulling performance.

Energetic and Cognitive Demands of Treading Water: Effects of Technique and Expertise.

Being able to tread water effectively can improve the likelihood of survival following accidental immersion. People tread water in various ways, ranging from rudimentary 'doggy-paddle' to more elaborate techniques like the eggbeater, but little is known about the energetic and cognitive requirements of treading water. We therefore aimed to measure the demands of treading water techniques for people of different experience levels. Three cohorts, comprising 21 adult water treading experts (water polo players), 15 intermediate swimmers and 16 inexperienced swimmers, treaded water for 3 min each using four different techniques while cognitive and energetic economy measures were taken. For inexperienced swimmers, the flutter kick and breaststroke patterns produced the lowest self-reported physical and task load (rating of perceived exertion, NASA task load index), while cognitive (probe reaction time), cardiac (heart rate) and metabolic (oxygen consumption) load did not differ between techniques. In contrast, for expert water treaders, both breaststroke and eggbeater patterns produced lower cognitive, cardiac and metabolic loads. For intermediate swimmers, breaststroke resulted in the lowest cardiac and metabolic loads, as well as self-reported task load. Probe reaction time was highest while performing the eggbeater technique, indicating that this technique was challenging to coordinate and cognitively demanding. While the energetic demands of antiphase kicking patterns (such as eggbeater in experts or flutter kick in beginners) may be similarly low, the symmetric coordination of upright breaststroke may explain why this pattern's cognitive economy was favourable for all groups. As the eggbeater can be challenging to perform for many people, an upright breaststroke technique is an adequate alternative to adopt in survival situations.

Tokyo 2021 Olympic Water Polo Champions and Their Anthropometric Characteristics and Body Composition Compared to Other Players / Campeones Olímpicos de Waterpolo de Tokio 2021 y sus Características Antropométricas y Composición Corporal en Comparación con Otros Jugadores

SUMMARY: The Olympic Games always offer great interest when it comes to water polo. Currently, many selections have an approximate quality and details determine who will win. Prior to the tournament the authors wanted to verify body composition and anthropometric characteristics of players of the three national teams, Serbia, the United States of America (USA) and Montenegro. The purpose of this research was to determine the differences in body composition and anthropometric characteristics between the water polo players of the national team of Serbia and Olympic champion in Tokyo 2021, the national team of USA which took sixth place and the national team of Montenegro, which took the eighth place. Body mass index, fat percentage and muscle mass (body composition variables) were evaluated by Bioelectric Impedance type MC-980 and body height, body weight, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, skinfold of the back, abdominal skinfold, upper leg skinfold, lower leg skinfold (other anthropometric characteristics) were evaluated by an anthropometer and a calliper. ANOVA showed that there was a statistically significant difference in fat percentage. The LSD post hoc test showed statistically significant differences between the water polo players of the Montenegrin national team (13.33 %) compared to the water polo players of the USA national team (16.67 %). It can be stated that water polo players from Montenegro had a statistically significantly lower fat percentage than water polo players from the USA and a lower level of fat than water polo players from Serbia, though this was not statistically significant. Although the fat percentage is a disruptive factor with athletes, it had no effect on the result at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, because Serbia eventually won the gold medal, the USA obtained sixth place, and Montenegro eighth place. It means that some other abilities influenced the results at the Tokyo Olympics in water polo, for example tactical, physical, psychological, technical... which is to be shown by some other research.

Los Juegos Olímpicos siempre ofrecen un gran interés en lo que respecta al waterpolo. Actualmente, muchas selecciones tienen una calidad aproximada y los detalles determinan quién ganará. Antes del torneo, los autores deseaban comprobar la composición corporal y las características antropométricas de los jugadores de las tres selecciones nacionales: Serbia, Estados Unidos (EE.UU.) y Montenegro, que siempre tienen las mayores ambiciones en las grandes competiciones. El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar las diferencias en composición corporal y características antropométricas entre los jugadores de waterpolo de la selección nacional de Serbia, que fue campeona olímpica en Tokio 2021, la selección nacional de Estados Unidos que ocupó el sexto lugar y la selección nacional de Montenegro, que acabó octavo. El índice de masa corporal, el porcentaje de grasa y la masa muscular (variables de composición corporal) se evaluaron mediante Impedancia Bioeléctrica tipo MC-980 y la altura corporal, el peso corporal, el pliegue del tríceps, el pliegue del bíceps, el pliegue de la espalda, el pliegue abdominal, el pliegue de la parte superior de la pierna y la parte inferior de la pierna. Los pliegues cutáneos (otras características antropométricas) fueron evaluados mediante un antropómetro y un calibrador. ANOVA mostró que había una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje de grasa. La prueba post hoc de LSD mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los jugadores de waterpolo de la selección nacional de Montenegro (13,33 %) en comparación con los jugadores de waterpolo de la selección de Estados Unidos (16,67 %). Se puede afirmar que los jugadores de waterpolo de Montenegro tenían un porcentaje de grasa estadísticamente significativamente menor que los jugadores de waterpolo de EE. UU. y un nivel de grasa más bajo que los jugadores de waterpolo de Serbia, lo que no es estadísticamente significativo. Aunque el porcentaje de grasa es un factor perturbador para los atletas, no tuvo ningún efecto en el resultado de los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio, ya que al final Serbia ganó la medalla de oro, Estados Unidos quedó en sexto lugar y Montenegro en el octavo lugar. Esto significa que en los resultados de los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio en el waterpolo influyeron otras habilidades, por ejemplo tácticas, físicas, psicológicas y técnicas, tal como lo demostrarán investigaciones a futuro.

Effects of rowing stroke rates on lower extremity intra-joint coordination variability in experienced young rowers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rowing stroke rates on lower extremity intra-joint coordination variability in professional rowers. Fifteen experienced young rowers volunteered to participate in this study. Kinematic data were recorded at different rowing speeds with seven Vicon cameras. The continuous relative phase (CRP) and CRP variability (CRPV) were used to calculate joint coordination and coordination variability, respectively, for the hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal and horizontal planes, and a comparison was made among different rowing stroke rates. A vector analysis repeated measure ANOVA using statistical parametric mapping revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the hip-ankle, hip-knee, and knee-ankle CRPs for rowing at different stroke rates. Moreover, there was higher CRPV in the mid-drive and mid-recovery phases and less variability in the transition from the drive phase to the recovery phase. The results demonstrate the importance of knee joint in rowing tasks in experienced rowers during submaximal rowing stroke rate and the shift of movement to the hip at higher rowing stroke rate. Moreover, there was a smaller variability during drive-to-recovery transition, which may suggests an increased risk for overuse injuries.