Seasonal Repeated Sprint Ability With Change of Direction Variations in U17 and U20 Elite Brazilian Soccer Players: A Comparative Study.

Jorge, G, Garrafoli, MT, and Cal Abad, CC. Seasonal repeated sprint ability with change of direction variations in U17 and U20 elite Brazilian soccer players: a comparative study. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1431-1439, 2020-This study aimed to describe seasonal variations of repeated sprint with change-of-direction ability in young elite Brazilian soccer players. The Bangsbo sprint test (BST) was performed by 21 under-17 (U17) (176.9 cm; 68.2 kg) and 22 under-20 (U20) athletes (178.7 cm, 74.4 kg) at the start, middle, and end of the season. The fatigue index (FI) was calculated in seconds and in percentage of decrease (%D) for comparisons. Both age categories showed higher BST performance in the middle and end compared with the start of the season (p ≤ 0.05). The U20 players performed better at the start than the U17 players. The U17 soccer players showed higher FI at the start and in the middle in comparison with the U20 players (p ≤ 0.05). They also showed lower FI at the end of the season in comparison with the start and middle of the season (p ≤ 0.05). The U20 players showed significant reductions in the FI in the middle and at the end in comparison with the start of the season (p ≤ 0.05). Only the U17 soccer players showed lower %D at the end in comparison with the start of the season (p ≤ 0.05). To summarize, both U17 and U20 players performed BST poorly at the start, increased the BST performance until the middle, and maintained the BST performance until the end of the season. A difference in the magnitude of enhancement was observed between U17 and U20 soccer players, which was found to be dependent on the initial values. Finally, the mathematical model to calculate the FI requires caution.

Predictive Factors of Elite Sprint Performance: Influences of Muscle Mechanical Properties and Functional Parameters.

Loturco, I, Kobal, R, Kitamura, K, Fernandes, V, Moura, N, Siqueira, F, Cal Abad, CC, and Pereira, LA. Predictive factors of elite sprint performance: influences of muscle mechanical properties and functional parameters. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 974-986, 2019-Sprint performance relies on many different mechanical and physiological factors. The purpose of this study was to identify, among a variety of strength-power exercises and tensiomyography (TMG) parameters, the best predictors of maximum running speed in elite sprinters and jumpers. To test these relationships, 19 power track and field athletes, 4 long jumpers, and 15 sprinters (men: 12; 22.3 ± 2.4 years; 75.5 ± 8.3 kg; 176.5 ± 5.6 cm; women: 7; 23.8 ± 4.2 years; 56.9 ± 5.4 kg; 167.4 ± 5.8 cm) were assessed using different intensities of TMG-derived velocity of contraction (Vc), squat and countermovement jumps, drop jump at 45 and 75 cm; and a 60-meter sprint time. In addition, the mean propulsive power (MPP) and peak power (PP) outputs were collected in the jump squat (JS) and half-squat (HS) exercises. Based on the calculations of the Vc at 40 mA, the athletes were divided (by median split analysis) into 2 groups: higher and lower Vc 40 mA groups. The magnitude-based inference method was used to compare the differences between groups. The correlations between mechanical and functional measures were determined using the Pearson's test. A multiple regression analysis was performed to predict sprint performance, using the Vc at 40 mA, jump heights, and JS and HS power outputs as independent variables. The higher Vc 40 mA group demonstrated likely better performances than the lower Vc 40 mA group in all tested variables. Large to nearly perfect significant correlations were found between sprint time, jump heights, and power outputs in both JS and HS exercises. Notably, the Vc 40 mA associated with the vertical jump height and MPP in JS explained >70% of the shared variance in sprint times. In conclusion, it was found that faster athletes performed better in strength-power tests, in both loaded and unloaded conditions, as confirmed by the strong correlations observed between speed and power measures. Lastly, the Vc also showed a marked selective influence on sprint and power capacities. These findings reinforce the notion that maximum running speed is a very complex physical capacity, which should be assessed and trained using several methods and training strategies.

Relationship Between Change of Direction, Speed, and Power in Male and Female National Olympic Team Handball Athletes.

Pereira, LA, Nimphius, S, Kobal, R, Kitamura, K, Turisco, LAL, Orsi, RC, Cal Abad, CC, and Loturco, I. Relationship between change of direction, speed, and power in male and female National Olympic Team handball athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2987-2994, 2018-The aims of this study were to (a) assess the relationship between selected speed- and power-related abilities (determined by 20-m sprint, unloaded countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ], and loaded jump squat [JS]) and performance in 2 distinct change of direction (COD) protocols (Zigzag test and T-test) and (b) determine the magnitude of difference between female and male Brazilian National Olympic Team handball athletes. Fifteen male and 23 female elite handball athletes volunteered to perform the following assessments: SJ and CMJ; Zigzag test and T-test; 20-m sprint with 5-, 10-, and 20-m splits; and mean propulsive power in JS. Pearson's product-moment correlation (p ≤ 0.05) was performed to determine the relationship between the COD tests (Zigzag test and T-test) and speed-power measures (sprint, SJ, CMJ, and JS). The differences between male and female performances were determined using the magnitude-based inference. Moderate to very large significant correlations were observed between both COD tests and the speed-power abilities. Furthermore, male athletes demonstrated likely to almost certainly higher performances than female athletes in all assessed variables. The results of the current study suggest that different speed-power qualities are strongly correlated to the performance obtained in various COD assessments (r values varying from 0.38 to 0.84 and from 0.34 to 0.84 for correlations between speed and power tests with Zigzag test and T-test, respectively). However, the level of these associations can vary greatly, according to the mechanical demands of each respective COD task. Although COD tests may be difficult to implement during competitive seasons, because of the strong correlations presented herein, the regular use of vertical jump tests with these athletes seems to be an effective and applied alternative. Furthermore, it might be inferred that the proper development of loaded and unloaded jump abilities has potential for improving the physical qualities related to COD performance in handball athletes.

Predicting the Maximum Dynamic Strength in Bench Press: The High Precision of the Bar Velocity Approach.

Loturco, I, Kobal, R, Moraes, JE, Kitamura, K, Cal Abad, CC, Pereira, LA, and Nakamura, FY. Predicting the maximum dynamic strength in bench press: the high precision of the bar velocity approach. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1127-1131, 2017-The aim of this study was to determine the force-velocity relationship and test the possibility of determining the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in "free weight" and Smith machine bench presses. Thirty-six male top-level athletes from 3 different sports were submitted to a standardized 1RM bench press assessment (free weight or Smith machine, in randomized order), following standard procedures encompassing lifts performed at 40-100% of 1RM. The mean propulsive velocity (MPV) was measured in all attempts. A linear regression was performed to establish the relationships between bar velocities and 1RM percentages. The actual and predicted 1RM for each exercise were compared using a paired t-test. Although the Smith machine 1RM was higher (10% difference) than the free weight 1RM, in both cases the actual and predicted values did not differ. In addition, the linear relationship between MPV and percentage of 1RM (coefficient of determination ≥95%) allow determination of training intensity based on the bar velocity. The linear relationships between the MPVs and the relative percentages of 1RM throughout the entire range of loads enable coaches to use the MPV to accurately monitor their athletes on a daily basis and accurately determine their actual 1RM without the need to perform standard maximum dynamic strength assessments.

Intraday and Interday Reliability of Ultra-Short-Term Heart Rate Variability in Rugby Union Players.

Nakamura, FY, Pereira, LA, Esco, MR, Flatt, AA, Moraes, JE, Cal Abad, CC, and Loturco, I. Intraday and interday reliability of ultra-short-term heart rate variability in rugby union players. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 548-551, 2017-The aim of this study was to examine the intraday and interday reliability of ultra-short-term vagal-related heart rate variability (HRV) in elite rugby union players. Forty players from the Brazilian National Rugby Team volunteered to participate in this study. The natural log of the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (lnRMSSD) assessments were performed on 4 different days. The HRV was assessed twice (intraday reliability) on the first day and once per day on the following 3 days (interday reliability). The RR interval recordings were obtained from 2-minute recordings using a portable heart rate monitor. The relative reliability of intraday and interday lnRMSSD measures was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The typical error of measurement (absolute reliability) of intraday and interday lnRMSSD assessments was analyzed using the coefficient of variation (CV). Both intraday (ICC = 0.96; CV = 3.99%) and interday (ICC = 0.90; CV = 7.65%) measures were highly reliable. The ultra-short-term lnRMSSD is a consistent measure for evaluating elite rugby union players, in both intraday and interday settings. This study provides further validity to using this shortened method in practical field conditions with highly trained team sports athletes.

Validity and Usability of a New System for Measuring and Monitoring Variations in Vertical Jump Performance.

Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Kobal, R, Kitamura, K, Cal Abad, CC, Marques, G, Guerriero, A, Moraes, JE, and Nakamura, FY. Validity and usability of a new system for measuring and monitoring variations in vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2579-2585, 2017-Vertical jump (VJ) height is one of the most sensitive measures to quantify training-related fatigue and athletic performance in elite athletes. Currently, however, there is no equipment designed to graphically deliver the daily performance changes in VJ compared with the smallest worthwhile change (SWC), which is considered essential in "progressive statistics" to judge meaningful performance fluctuations. The aims of the study were to analyze the criterion validity of a new contact mat (i.e., Elite Jump), alongside testing its usability to detect meaningful changes in VJ of elite team sport athletes. A total of 31 athletes participated in the criterion validity part of the study, whereas 17 rugby players participated in the VJ sensitivity part. When compared with the force plate, the contact mat produced squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) values with very high intraclass correlation coefficients (0.998 and 0.997, respectively) and very low biases (-0.11 and -0.08 cm, respectively), as assessed by the Bland-Altman plot. In addition, during a training microcycle, rugby players presented identical meaningful changes in performance in both SJ and CMJ when comparing the Elite Jump and Hopkins' spreadsheet outputs. Therefore, the contact mat is valid and the proprietary software can properly execute the SWC calculations, providing coaches and researchers with accurate information concerning variations in the physical performance of elite athletes.

Strength-Power Performance of Visually Impaired Paralympic and Olympic Judo Athletes From the Brazilian National Team: A Comparative Study.

Loturco, I, Nakamura, FY, Winckler, C, Bragança, JR, da Fonseca, RA, Filho, JM, Zaccani, WA, Kobal, R, Cal Abad, CC, Kitamura, K, Pereira, LA, and Franchini, E. Strength-power performance of visually impaired paralympic and olympic judo athletes from the brazilian national team: a comparative study. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 743-749, 2017-The aim of this study was to compare the muscle power and maximal isometric strength capacities of Olympic and visually impaired Paralympic judo athletes. Twenty-eight elite judo athletes (7 men and 7 women per group) from the permanent Brazilian National Paralympic and Olympic teams took part in this study. After a specific warm-up, the athletes performed loaded jump squat (JS), bench press (BP), and standing barbell row (SBR) exercises to determine their values of maximum mean propulsive power (MPP) in these respective exercises. The maximal isometric strength (MIS) was also determined for both upper and lower limbs, through the use of BP and half-squat (HS) exercises. Finally, the jumping ability was assessed using unloaded squat jump (SJ). The magnitude-based inference was used to compare the groups. The Olympic judo athletes presented a likely higher SJ height than the Paralympic athletes. The Olympic group presented almost certainly higher MPP in the loaded JS and in the SBR exercises and likely higher MPP in the BP exercise. Importantly, in the MIS assessments the differences between groups in the HS and BP exercises were rated as unclear. In conclusion, our results showed that both Olympic and Paralympic judo athletes present similar levels of maximal isometric strength, but muscle power performance is superior in Olympic athletes.

Strength and Power Qualities Are Highly Associated With Punching Impact in Elite Amateur Boxers.

This study investigated the relationship between punching impact and selected strength and power variables in 15 amateur boxers from the Brazilian National Team (9 men and 6 women). Punching impact was assessed in the following conditions: 3 jabs starting from the standardized position, 3 crosses starting from the standardized position, 3 jabs starting from a self-selected position, and 3 crosses starting from a self-selected position. For punching tests, a force platform (1.02 × 0.76 m) covered by a body shield was mounted on the wall at a height of 1 m, perpendicular to the floor. The selected strength and power variables were vertical jump height (in squat jump and countermovement jump), mean propulsive power in the jump squat, bench press (BP), and bench throw, maximum isometric force in squat and BP, and rate of force development in the squat and BP. Sex and position main effects were observed, with higher impact for males compared with females (p ≤ 0.05) and the self-selected distance resulting in higher impact in the jab technique compared with the fixed distance (p ≤ 0.05). Finally, the correlations between strength/power variables and punching impact indices ranged between 0.67 and 0.85. Because of the strong associations between punching impact and strength/power variables (e.g., lower limb muscle power), this study provides important information for coaches to specifically design better training strategies to improve punching impact.

Physical Performance of Brazilian Rugby Players From Different Age Categories and Competitive Levels.

Kobal, R, Nakamura, FY, Moraes, JE, Coelho, M, Kitamura, K, Cal Abad, CC, Pereira, LA, and Loturco, I. Physical performance of Brazilian rugby players from different age categories and competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2433-2439, 2016-The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities (vertical jumping, speed, agility, and endurance abilities) among different age categories of Brazilian rugby players from the same high-level club and to compare their respective data with those obtained from the national team players. Eighty-eight men Brazilian rugby players from 4 different age categories were divided into 4 different groups (i.e., under-15 [U-15], under-17 [U-17], under-19 [U-19], and professional senior team [PRO]) and a group composed of players from the Brazilian national team (NAT). Anthropometric measures (i.e., height and body mass), squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests , 2 agility tests (change of direction [COD] and proagility), 40-m sprinting, and the Yo-Yo endurance test (level 1) were compared among the groups using an analysis of covariance (multivariable multivariate analysis of covariance) with the body mass as a covariate. The NAT group demonstrated significantly greater performances in all variables compared with the U-15, U-17, U-19, and PRO groups (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the PRO group demonstrated better performances in vertical jumping assessments (i.e., SJs and CMJs) and agility tests (i.e., COD and proagility) than the younger categories (p ≤ 0.05). Finally, except for the U-15 group, no significant differences were found between the young age-categories in sprint and endurance capacities. These findings show that, throughout the maturation process, rugby players improve their muscle power and agility abilities without presenting significant increases in endurance and sprinting capacities. Importantly, this does not hold true for players from the NAT group, who presented superior performance in all assessed physical variables (in comparison with the younger age and PRO categories).

Differences in muscle mechanical properties between elite power and endurance athletes: a comparative study.

The aim of this study was to compare muscle mechanical properties (using tensiomyography-TMG) and jumping performance of endurance and power athletes and to quantify the associations between TMG parameters and jumping performance indices. Forty-one high-level track and field athletes from power (n = 22; mean ± SD age, height, and weight were 27.2 ± 3.6 years; 180.2 ± 5.4 cm; and 79.4 ± 8.6 kg, respectively) and endurance (endurance runners and triathletes; n = 19; mean ± SD age, height, and weight were 27.1 ± 6.9 years; 169.6 ± 9.8 cm; 62.2 ± 13.1 kg, respectively) specialties had the mechanical properties of their rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) assessed by TMG. Muscle displacement (Dm), contraction time (Tc), and delay time (Td) were retained for analyses. Furthermore, they performed squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and drop jumps to assess reactive strength index (RSI), using a contact platform. Comparisons between groups were performed using differences based on magnitudes, and associations were quantified by the Spearman's ρ correlation. Power athletes showed almost certain higher performance in all jumping performance indices when compared with endurance athletes (SJ = 44.9 ± 4.1 vs. 30.7 ± 6.8 cm; CMJ = 48.9 ± 4.5 vs. 33.6 ± 7.2 cm; RSI = 2.19 ± 0.58 vs. 0.84 ± 0.39, for power and endurance athletes, mean ± SD, respectively; 00/00/100, almost certain, p ≤ 0.05), along with better contractile indices reflected by lower Dm, Tc, and Td (Tc BF = 14.3 ± 2.3 vs. 19.4 ± 3.3 milliseconds; Dm BF = 1.67 ± 1.05 vs. 4.23 ± 1.75 mm; Td BF = 16.8 ± 1.6 vs. 19.6 ± 1.3 milliseconds; Tc RF = 18.3 ± 2.8 vs. 22.9 ± 4.0 milliseconds; Dm RF = 4.98 ± 3.71 vs. 8.88 ± 3.45 mm; Td RF = 17.5 ± 1.0 vs. 20.9 ± 1.6 milliseconds, for power and endurance athletes, mean ± SD, respectively; 00/00/100, almost certain, p ≤ 0.05). Moderate correlations (Spearman's ρ between -0.61 and -0.72) were found between TMG and jumping performance. The power group presented better performance in vertical jumps, supporting the validity of these tests to distinguish between endurance and power athletes. Furthermore, TMG can discriminate the "athlete-type" using noninvasive indices moderately correlated with explosive lower-body performance. In summary, both vertical jump and TMG assessments could be useful in identifying and selecting young athletes.

Relationship between sprint ability and loaded/unloaded jump tests in elite sprinters.

The neuromechanical determinants of sprint running performance have been investigated in team sports athletes and non-elite sprinters. The aim of this study was to quantify the relationships between kinetic and performance parameters, obtained in loaded and unloaded vertical and horizontal jumps, and sprinting in elite athletes. Twenty-two sprinters performed squat jumps, countermovement jumps, horizontal jumps, and jump squats with different loads on a force platform, in addition to a 50-m sprint. Results indicated that jumping height and distance in vertical and horizontal jumps are more strongly correlated (R ≈ 0.81) to sprinting speed than the respective peak forces (R ≈ 0.36). Furthermore, the optimum load generating the maximum power in the jump squat is also highly correlated to sprint performance (R ≈ 0.72). These results reveal that vertical and horizontal jump tests may be used by coaches for assessing and monitoring qualities related to sprinting performance in elite sprinters.

Vertical and Horizontal Jump Tests Are Strongly Associated With Competitive Performance in 100-m Dash Events.

Fourteen male elite sprinters performed short-distance sprints and jump tests until 18 days before 100-m dash competitions in track and field to determine if these tests are associated with 100-m sprint times. Testing comprised of squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), horizontal jumps (HJ), maximum mean propulsive power relative to body mass in loaded jump squats, and a flying start 50-m sprint. Moderate associations were found between speed tests and competitive 100-m times (r = 0.54, r = 0.61, and r = 0.66 for 10-, 30-, and 50-m, respectively, p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the maximum mean propulsive power relative to body mass was very largely correlated with 100-m sprinting performance (r = 0.75, p < 0.01). The correlations of SJ, CMJ, and HJ with actual 100-m sprinting times amounted to -0.82, -0.85, and -0.81, respectively. Because of their practicality, safeness, and relationship with the actual times obtained by top-level athletes in 100-m dash events, it is highly recommended that SJ, CMJ, and HJ be regularly incorporated into elite sprint-testing routines.

Portable Force Plates: A Viable and Practical Alternative to Rapidly and Accurately Monitor Elite Sprint Performance.

This study aimed to examine the associations between a series of mechanical variables automatically generated by a portable force plate (PFP) and the actual performance of professional sprinters over a 150 m course. To test these correlations, 12 top-level sprinters performed vertical jumps (squat and countermovement jumps; SJ and CMJ, respectively), a 60 m sprint test, and a 150 m sprint test. Pearson product-moment coefficient of correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to determine the relationships between the sprinting velocities and vertical jump outputs. The SJ parameters were moderately to near perfectly associated with the different sprint distances, and the SJ height presented the highest correlation scores (r = 0.90 with velocities over 10- and 20-m). The correlation coefficients between the CMJ outcomes and sprint results varied between moderate and very large (from 0.38 to 0.88). Finally, the coefficients of determination (R²) ranged from 0.71 to 0.85 for the different multiple regressions involving PFP automatic measures. The PFP can provide practitioners with quick and accurate information regarding competitive athletes. Due to the strong correlations observed, coaches are encouraged to frequently adjust and tailor the training strategies of their sprinters, using practical and timesaving PFP measurements.

Differences in Speed and Power Capacities Between Female National College Team and National Olympic Team Handball Athletes.

The aim of this study was to compare and examine differences in several neuromuscular assessments between female national Olympic team (Rio-2016) and national college team handball players (2015-Gwangju Summer Universiade). Twenty-eight elite female handball players of the national Brazilian Olympic (n = 12) and college (n = 16) teams participated in this study. The Olympic and college athletes performed the following speed-power tests assessing mean propulsive power (MPP) in loaded jump squat (JS) and bench press (BP) exercises, unloaded squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ), sprint performance over 5-, 10-, and 20-m, and change of direction ability in a standard Zig-zag test and a T-Test. The differences between Olympic and college team performances in all variables were analyzed using the magnitude-based inference. The Olympic group presented likely higher performances in the SJ, CMJ, and MPP JS and very likely higher performances in the MPP BP and T-Test than the college group. The differences in the linear sprint velocity in 5-, 10-, and 20-m tests as well as in the Zig-zag test were all rated as unclear. These findings may have substantial implications for the development of effective strength-power training and testing strategies in elite handball. In addition, coaches and researchers can use these data to create efficient talent identification programs for youth handball players.

Acceleration and Speed Performance of Brazilian Elite Soccer Players of Different Age-Categories.

This study aimed to compare vertical jump ability (squat-jump [SJ] and countermovement-jump [CMJ]), relative to body mass mean propulsive power in the jump-squat (MPP-REL JS), and the 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 m acceleration and speed among soccer players from the same professional club, divided into age-categories (U15 [n = 20], U17 [n = 53], U20 [n = 22] and senior [n = 25] players). The tests were performed at the start of the preseason in indoor facilities. The magnitude-based inference approach and the standardized differences (based on effect sizes) were used to compare the age-groups. The SJ, CMJ, and MPP-REL JS increased across the age-groups up to U20, the latter being similar to senior players. Interestingly, the 0-5 m acceleration was likely and possibly higher in U15 players compared to U17 and senior players. Although soccer athletes improve their unloaded and loaded jump abilities across the age-categories (plateauing during adulthood), the same does not hold true for acceleration capacity, from the early phases of players' development (i.e., U15). Strength and conditioning professionals should seek effective strategies to minimize impairment in maximal acceleration performance of elite soccer players throughout their prospective training programs.

Mixed Training Methods: Effects of Combining Resisted Sprints or Plyometrics with Optimum Power Loads on Sprint and Agility Performance in Professional Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different mixed training programs (optimum power load [OPL] + resisted sprints [RS] and OPL + vertical/horizontal plyometrics [PL]) on neuromuscular performance of elite soccer players during a short-term training preseason. Eighteen male professional soccer players took part in this study. The athletes were pair-matched in two training groups: OPL + RS and OPL + PL. Unloaded and resisted sprinting speeds at 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m, change of direction (COD) speed, and performance in the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and horizontal jump (HJ) were assessed pre- and post- a 5-week training period. Magnitude based inference with the effect sizes were used for data analysis. A possible increase in the SJ and CMJ heights and a likely increase in the HJ distance were observed in the OPL + PL group. Meaningful improvements were observed in the COD speed test for both training groups comparing pre- and post-measures. In both unloaded and resisted sprints, meaningful decreases were observed in the sprinting times for all distances tested. This study shows that a mixed training approach which comprises exercises and workloads able to produce positive adaptations in different phases of sprinting can be a very effective strategy in professional soccer players. Moreover, the possibility of combining optimum power loads with resisted sprints and plyometrics emerges as a novel and suitable option for coaches and sport scientists, due to the applicability and efficiency of this strength-power training approach.

Adequacy of the Ultra-Short-Term HRV to Assess Adaptive Processes in Youth Female Basketball Players.

Heart rate variability has been widely used to monitor athletes' cardiac autonomic control changes induced by training and competition, and recently shorter recording times have been sought to improve its practicality. The aim of this study was to test the agreement between the (ultra-short-term) natural log of the root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR intervals (lnRMSSD - measured in only 1 min post-1 min stabilization) and the criterion lnRMSSD (measured in the last 5 min out of 10 min of recording) in young female basketball players. Furthermore, the correlation between training induced delta change in the ultra-short-term lnRMSSD and the criterion lnRMSSD was calculated. Seventeen players were assessed at rest pre- and post-eight weeks of training. Trivial effect sizes (-0.03 in the pre- and 0.10 in the post- treatment) were found in the comparison between the ultra-short-term lnRMSSD (3.29 ± 0.45 and 3.49 ± 0.35 ms, in the pre- and post-, respectively) and the criterion lnRMSSD (3.30 ± 0.40 and 3.45 ± 0.41 ms, in the pre- and post-, respectively) (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95 and 0.93). In both cases, the response to training was significant, with Pearson's correlation of 0.82 between the delta changes of the ultra-short-term lnRMSSD and the criterion lnRMSSD. In conclusion, the lnRMSSD can be calculated within only 2 min of data acquisition (the 1st min discarded) in young female basketball players, with the ultra-short-term measure presenting similar sensitivity to training effects as the standard criterion measure.

Peak versus mean propulsive power outputs: which is more closely related to jump squat performance?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the predictive value of muscle power (peak power, mean power until the peak-velocity or mean propulsive power) in relation to the jump height achieved during the jump squat performed at different loads. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-four elite athletes performed jump squats against loads corresponding to 40%, 60%, and 80% of their respective body mass. A linear regression analysis was performed to establish the relationship between muscle power expressions and jump squat height. RESULTS: The coefficient of determination (R2) in the different linear regression models between muscle power-related variables and jump squat height, for the different load ranges, varied from 0.50 to 0.57 (for absolute power values) and from 0.72 to 0.78 (for relative power values [W/kg]). The mean propulsive power presented similar capacity to predict the jump squat height as the peak power-related values. For all analyzed variables, this prediction power was increased when the absolute power values were normalized by the individuals' body mass. CONCLUSIONS: Selection of the values related to the mean propulsive phase to assess top-level athletes might be considered as an advantageous alternative, due to its adequacy to properly reflect the neuromuscular potential of the subjects in both ballistic and traditional exercises.

Jump-Squat and Half-Squat Exercises: Selective Influences on Speed-Power Performance of Elite Rugby Sevens Players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between the maximum mean propulsive power (MPP) obtained in the loaded jump squat (JS) and half squat (HS) exercises and functional performances in vertical jumps, 40 m linear speed (VEL) and change-of-direction (COD) tests, using the median split technique. Twenty-two male rugby sevens players from the Brazilian National Olympic Team (Rio-2016) performed vertical jumping tests (squat and countermovement jumps [SJ and CMJ]), JS and HS exercises, COD speed test and sprinting velocity in 40 m, in this order. Based on the results of the MPP in the JS and HS exercises the participants were divided, using the median split, into four groups as follows: higher JS, lower JS, higher HS, and lower HS. Between-group differences in the functional tasks were detected via magnitude-based inferences. The athletes with higher MPP in the JS were capable of jumping higher and sprinting faster (including the COD speed test) than their weaker counterparts. This pattern was not observed in the HS exercise. To conclude, JS was shown to be more connected to sprinting, COD speed and jumping abilities than HS in elite rugby sevens players and should be preferred for assessing and possibly training elite athletes needing to improve speed-power related abilities.

Physical and physiological differences of backs and forwards from the Brazilian National rugby union team.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare backs and forwards rugby union players recruited to a National team in the following physical and physiological indicators: anthropometrics, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 10- and 30-meter sprint, resting heart rate variability (HRV), Yo-Yo Test and heart rate (HR) at 2 minutes of test. METHODS: The measurements were performed on the first day of a training camp planned to finely select the players who would participate in the 2016 America's Rugby Championship. The magnitude-based inference was used in the comparisons. RESULTS: Backs demonstrated almost certainly greater distance in the Yo-Yo Test (backs: 2305.9±231.3 meters; forwards: 1802.4±361.2 meters), higher vertical jump height in both SJ and CMJ (SJ: 44.0±5.3 cm vs. 37.6±5.4 cm; CMJ: 46.1±5.0 cm vs. 40.0±5.5 cm, for backs and forwards respectively), and superior sprint velocity in 10- and 30-m (10-m: 6.02±0.23 m.s-1 vs. 5.51±0.34 m.s-1; 30-m: 7.46±0.25 m.s-1 vs. 6.89±0.37 m.s-1, for backs and forwards respectively) than the forwards. In contrast, forwards were almost certainly taller and heavier than backs, and displayed higher sprint momentum in 10- and 30-meters (10 meters: 513.0±51.6 kg.m.s-1 vs. 598.4±53.1 kg.m.s-1; 30 meters: 635.3±56.1 kg.m.s-1 vs. 749.0±70.5 kg.m.s-1, for backs and forwards respectively). The submaximal HR in the first 2-minutes of the Yo-Yo test was likely lower in the backs than in the forwards (77.6±5.1% of the maximal HR vs. 81.3±5.4% of the maximal HR for backs and forwards respectively), while HRV indices were not different between backs and forwards. CONCLUSIONS: Playing position appears to be determined by the players' physical and physiological characteristics in top-level rugby union, and the submaximal HR measured during Yo-Yo test can be a simple alternative to discriminate backs and forwards.