Effects of plyometric training on explosive strength, acceleration capacity and kicking speed in young elite soccer players.

AIM: The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on explosive strength, acceleration capacity and kicking speed in young elite soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-two players participated in the study: control group (CG), (N.=11; 18.2 ± 0.9 years) and treatment group (TG) (N.=11; 18.4 ± 1.1 years). Both groups performed technical and tactical training exercises and matches together. However, the CG players followed the regular physical conditioning program, which was replaced by a plyometric program for TG. Plyometric training took place three days a week and included jumps over hurdles, horizontal jumps and lateral jumps over hurdles. Jumping ability, 10 m sprint and kicking speed were measured on five separate occasions. RESULTS: Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures reflected that the TG demonstrated significant increases (P<0.05) in jumping ability and acceleration capacity after six weeks of training and in kicking speed with dominant and non-dominant leg after eight and ten weeks respectively. On the other hand there were no significant changes in CG players throughout the study. CONCLUSION: The main findings revealed that a 10-week plyometric program may be an effective training stimulus to improve explosive strength compared to a more conventional physical training program. The improvements in explosive strength can be transferred to acceleration capacity and kicking speed but players need time to transfer these increases.

Anthropometric and anaerobic fitness profile of elite and non-elite female soccer players.

AIM: The main aim of the current study was to compare the anthropometrical and fitness profile of female soccer players by level and by playing positions. The second purpose was to explore correlations between kicking speed on the one hand and anthropometric features and explosive strength on the other. METHODS: Female soccer players (N.=190) were tested divided in two groups: elite group (N.=100) and non-elite group (N.=90). Body mass, height, leg length, body composition, counter movement jump, drop jump and kicking speed with both legs were measured. RESULTS: After controlling for experience with multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), body mass, body fat and muscle mass differed significantly by level. MANCOVA also revealed that all the anthropometrical variables differed by playing position. However, MANCOVA did not show significant differences by level of play, neither for explosive strength nor for kicking speed but revealed significant differences among playing positions. There were significant positive correlations between body mass, height, leg length, muscle mass, counter movement jump height, drop jump height and experience on the one hand and kicking speed with dominant and non-dominant leg on the other for the elite and non-elite players. CONCLUSIONS: Elite players differ from their non-elite counterparts in terms of anthropometrical features, while explosive strength and kicking speed are not sensitive enough to distinguish between levels. On the other hand, the findings indicate few positional variations, and only goalkeepers, tend to have a specific anthropometric and fitness profile. Anthropometric variables, explosive strength and experience have an influence on kicking speed.

Activated protein C resistance (APCR) and placental fibrin deposition.

Activated protein C resistance (APCR) results in an ineffective anticoagulant response leading to an increased risk of thrombosis, particularly during pregnancy. Adverse pregnancy outcomes including pre-eclampsia (PET), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), recurrent miscarriage and placental abruption have been linked with thrombotic lesions compromising the utero-placental circulation. Using histological staining including Martius Scarlet Blue (MSB) and Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and microscopy, we studied placental fibrin deposition and histological abnormalities in subjects (n=23) with APCR (APCR group), based on a ratio of less than or equal to 2.1s with the Coatest classic test and subjects (n=11) with an APC ratio in the normal range, greater than 2.1s (APCN group). Fibrin deposition was significantly higher (3.3-fold) in the APCR group compared to the APCN group. An inverse correlation between APC ratio and placental fibrin deposition was determined for the study group. Histological abnormalities were more than 2-fold higher in the APCR group compared to the APCN group. Molecular screening identified common thrombophilic mutations, FVL and FII-G20210A in the APCR group but not in the APCN group.

Sonoanatomía del hombro / Sonoanatomy of the shoulder

El ultrasonido (US) musculoesquelético es una técnica de exploración cada vez más utilizada en la patología reumatológica, ya que permite de manera inocua, cómoda, dinámica, a bajo costo y con una gran sensibilidad explorar en tiempo real un área anatómica como el hombro. La técnica ha sido progresivamente adoptada por los clínicos desde hace unos 10 años. Las razones son esencialmente prácticas: siendo el US una prolongación del examen físico, permite al clínico realizar una correlación entre imágenes y sintomatología inmediata, optimizando en tiempos y eficacia el manejo del paciente. Su calidad es operador-dependiente; por esta razón necesita de un aprendizaje, un buen conocimiento de la anatomía, un entrenamiento prolongado y reconocimiento de sus limitaciones (en relación al equipo, al paciente o al operador mismo). En muchos países es parte ya de la formación del reumatólogo como especialista.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound scanning is a technique increasingly used in rheumatic diseases since it allows to safely, comfortably, dynamic, low-cost and highly sensitive real time scan an anatomical area like the shoulder. The technique has been incorporated into rheumatology practice for just over 10 years. The reasons are essentially practical: as the ultrasound an extension of the physical examination allows the clinician to correlate images and immediate symptoms, optimizing time and effectiveness in patient management. Their quality is operator dependent, therefore learning needs, a good knowledge of anatomy, extended training and recognition of its limitations (in relation to the team, the patient or the operator itself). In many countries is now of training as a specialist rheumatologist.