Effect of High-Intensity Interval Exercise versus Continuous Low-Intensity Aerobic Exercise with Blood Flow Restriction on Psychophysiological Responses: A Randomized Crossover Study.

This study compared the effect of continuous low-intensity aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (LI-AE-BFR) versus high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), matching total external mechanical work between conditions, on perceptual (exertion, pain, affective and pleasure) and physiological responses (heart rate [HR], blood lactate [BL] and muscle fatigue). Ten healthy untrained men (25.6 ± 3.78 years old; 75.02 ± 12.02 kg; 172.2 ± 6.76 cm; 24.95 ± 3.16 kg/m²) completed three visits to the laboratory. In visit 1, anthropometry, blood pressure and peak running velocity on the treadmill were measured. In visits 2 and 3, participants were randomly assigned to HIIE or LI-AE-BFR, both in treadmill. HIIE consisted of 10 one-minute stimuli at 80% of peak running velocity interspersed with one-minute of passive recovery. LI-AE-BFR consisted of 20-minutes of continuous walking at 40% of peak running velocity with bilateral cuffs inflated to 50% of arterial occlusion pressure. BL and maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC - fatigue measure) were measured pre- and immediately post-exercise. HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and rating of perceived pain (RPP) were recorded after each stimulus in HIIE and every two minutes in LI-AE-BFR. Affective response to the session, pleasure, and future intention to exercise (FIE) were assessed 10 minutes after the intervention ended. Increases in BL concentrations were greater in HIIE (p = 0.028; r = 0.51). No effects time or condition were reported for MIVC. HR was higher in HIIE at all analyzed time points (p < 0.001; d = 3.1 to 5.2). RPE did not differ between conditions (p > 0.05), while average session RPP was higher in LI-AE-BFR (p = 0.036; r = 0.46). Affective positive response (p = 0.019; d = 0.9) and FIE (p = 0.013; d = 0.97) were significantly higher in HIIE. Therefore, HIIE elicited higher physiological stress, positive affective response, and intention to engage in future exercise bouts compared to LI-AE-BFR.

Validity of the relative fat mass pediatric index (RFMp) for the analysis of body composition in physically active youths at different stages of biological maturation.

BACKGROUND: The paediatric relative fat mass (RFMp) index was valid for analysis of percent body fat (BF%). However, the validation did not consider biological maturation (BM) stages. The present study aimed to verify the validity of the RFMp index in the estimation of BF% in children and adolescents of both sexes at different stages of BM. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 146 young (males: 64.5%. females: 35.5%. age: 13.0 ± 2.2 years) practising sports modalities. We tested the validity of four RFMp equations (1: for boys aged 8-14 years; 2: for girls aged 8-14 years; 3: for both sexes aged 8-14 years; and 4: for both sexes aged 15-19 years) to analyse BF% using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry as a reference method. BM was analysed by peak height velocity (PHV). Thus, we created subgroups by BM stage (pre-PHV, circum-PHV and post-PHV). RESULTS: Analyses of agreement between methods showed that only the RFMp-3 equation was reliable to analyse BF% in subjects of both sexes aged 8-14 years at the circum-PHV BM stage (proportion bias 95% confidence interval = -0.3 to 0.5, p = 0.7. concordance correlation coefficient = 0.3; validity = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: The RFMp equation developed for the paediatric population of both sexes aged 8-14 years was valid for predicting BF% in children and adolescents of both sexes at the Circum-PHV stage of the BM.

Acute Responses in Blood Flow Restriction Low-intensity Aerobic Training: A Meta-analysis.

The purpose was to determine the effect low-intensity training with blood flow restriction (LI-BFR) versus high-intensity aerobic training (HIT) on acute physiological and perceptual responses. The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, National Library of Medicine, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases and the reference list of eligible studies were consulted to identify randomized experimental studies, published until July 4, 2022, that analyzed physiological or perceptual responses between LI-BFR versus HIT in healthy young individuals. Mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used as effect estimates and random effects models were applied in all analyses. Twelve studies were included in this review. During exercise sessions, HIT promoted higher values of heart rate (MD=28.9 bpm; p<0.00001; I 2 =79%), oxygen consumption (SMD=4.01; p<0.00001; I 2 =83%), ventilation (MD=48.03 l/min; p=0.0001; I 2 =97%), effort (SMD=1.54; p=0.003; I 2 =90%) and blood lactate (MD=3.85 mmol/L; p=0.002; I 2 =97%). Perception of pain/discomfort was lower in HIT (SMD=-1.71; p=0.04; I 2 =77.5%). In conclusion, LI-BFR promotes less pronounced physiological responses than HIT but with greater perception of pain.

Reliability of biological maturation analyses performed by equations predicting skeletal age and peak height velocity with hand and wrist X-ray results.

BACKGROUND: Hand-wrist radiography is the gold standard for the assessment of skeletal age (SA) and the assignment of biological maturation (BM) status. However, its practical use in the field is questioned, prompting the development of anthropometric equations to estimate BM. However, there is no consensus on the reliability of these equations in relation to hand-wrist X-rays. OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability of the BM estimated from predictive equations with the results of hand-wrist X-rays. METHODS: One-hundred forty-four young athletes (38%-males, 62%-females; 12.3 ± 1.4 years) were recruited. SA was assessed by analyzing X-rays of the hand-wrist using the Greulich-Pyle protocol. SA was predicted using the anthropometric equations of Cabral and Macêdo. By subtracting chronological age from SA, a measure of BM or biological age (BA) was computed. In addition, a BA of years from peak height velocity (PHV) was predicted using the anthropometric equations of Mirwald and Moore. RESULTS: Relative to X-ray, Cabral's equations showed high reliability in estimating BM in both sexes (p < .0001) while Macêdo's equations showed substantial reliability or males (p < .0001) only. Mirwald and Moore's equations showed weak reliability (p < .05 and p = .043, respectively). CONCLUSION: The prediction of SA using anthropometric equations was found to be reliable in categorizing individuals as late, synchronized, and/or early maturers in both sexes. However, the predictive equations of years from PHV only reliably categorized late and synchronized maturation stages in males and the synchronized maturers in females.

Association of Vitamin D Supplementation in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Muscle Strength in Adult Twins: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Although vitamin D is related to cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, there is no evidence in the literature about the genetic influence of the response to vitamin D supplementation and improvements in these parameters. Therefore, we evaluate the effect of longitudinal supplementation of vitamin D on parameters of physical fitness in monozygotic twins. In total, 74 participants were included, with a mean age of 25 years, divided into two groups, one group received supplementation with cholecalciferol for 60 days and the other group did not. Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength were measured before and after supplementation through maximal treadmill tests and dynamometry, respectively. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare intragroup results and the Mann-Whitney test to examine intergroup differences. There was an increase in the serum concentration of vitamin D in participants who ingested the supplementation. Cardiorespiratory fitness improved after supplementation through increases in the values of maximum oxygen consumption of 28% (p < .001). Muscle strength in left hand grip increased 18% in participants who received the supplement (p = .007). Sixty days of cholecalciferol supplementation improved cardiorespiratory fitness and upper limb muscle strength.

Retrospective Study of Risk Factors and the Prevalence of Injuries in HIFT.

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors and the incidence of injuries in high-intensity functional training (HIFT) practitioners. A survey was administered to 213 HIFT practitioners. Participants reported the number of injuries, the location of the injuries, and training exposure during the preceding six months and answered questions regarding potential risk factors for injury. We found there were 7.1 injuries for every 1000 hours of training. In addition, we found that individuals with experience in the modality (>2 years) were 3.77 times more likely to be affected by injury when compared with beginner individuals (<6 months) (CI95%=1.59-8.92; p=0.003). When the analysis was performed only for the competitive level, we found that practitioners competing at the national level were 5.69 times more likely to experience an injury than competitors who do not compete (CI95%=1.10-29.54; p=0.038). We also found that the injuries mainly affect the shoulder and lumbar regions. It was possible to conclude that subjects with a higher level of experience in the modality are more likely to be affected by injuries and that the shoulder and lumbar areas are most likely to be injured during HIFT.

Influence of curcumin supplementation on metabolic and lipid parameters of people living with HIV/AIDS: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Scientific studies have shown that the potential therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in several diseases is due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, curcumin supplementation seems to be a valuable alternative for HIV-infected individuals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of curcumin supplementation on substrate oxidation at rest, body composition, and the lipid profile of physically active people living with HIV/AIDS under antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: This double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial was comprised of 20 subjects divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups, receiving 1000 mg curcumin/day and placebo, respectively, during a 30-day period. Substrate oxidation at rest was assessed by indirect calorimetry, body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and the lipid profile was evaluated by blood tests. Data analysis was performed by independent samples and paired t-tests to compare the differences between groups and times. A p-value < 0.05 was accepted as significant. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups regarding substrate oxidation at rest or body composition. However, serum triglyceride levels were increased after curcumin supplementation (182 vs. 219 mg/dL; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Curcumin supplementation promoted the elevation of serum triglyceride levels in HIV-infected subjects. Further studies with a larger sample cohort, different curcumin doses, and longer intervention times are needed to validate current observations. In addition, the influence of physical activity, dietary intake, and genetic polymorphisms must be considered in future studies to better understand the impact of curcumin supplementation on the lipid profile of people living with HIV/AIDS under antiretroviral therapy.

Home-Based Indoor Physical Activity Programs for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Home-based exercise programs are a good strategy to promote benefits to health for people who cannot visit gyms, clinics, or have limited time for physical activity outside. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the effect of home-based indoor physical activity on psychosocial outcomes and mobility in community-dwelling older adults. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 11 studies (13 publications) were included involving a total of 1004 older adults. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted using the aforementioned 7 databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and determined the risk of bias and evidence level using the Grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations (GRADE) guidelines. We conducted a synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) to assess the outcome. RESULTS: There is moderately certain evidence that home-based exercise programs reduced the fear of falling. Psychosocial (mental health and quality of life) and mobility outcomes may improve after participating in the intervention inside the home. CONCLUSION: The review found very low to certain evidence that home-based exercises programs improved psychosocial outcomes (mental health and quality of life) and walking speed (mobility). Moderately certain evidence suggests that home-based exercises improved fear of falling. PROTOCOL REGISTER NUMBER: CRD42020182008.

Are there differences in anaerobic relative muscle power between upper and lower limbs in adolescent swimmers: A blinded study.

Success in speed swimming depends on the efficiency of the anaerobic system for the production of cellular energy, especially during muscle power production. In the adolescent athletes much is unknown with regards to the relationships between relative power of upper and lower limbs with speed swimming performance. The aim the present study was to identify differences in relative muscle power of upper and lower limbs in adolescent swimmers and relate these to speed swimming performances. Sixty adolescents, of both sexes (50% female, 50% male, 30 swimmers and 30 controls), were recruited. The relative upper limb power (ULP[W/kg]) was assessed by a medicine ball test and the relative lower limbs power (LLP[W/kg]) by a jump test on a jumping platform. Lean mass of the upper and lower limbs was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (g). Sport performance was assessed during national level competition (50-m swimming time [in seconds]). Biological maturation (BM) was indexed by years from attainment of peak height velocity. ULP(W/kg) was higher than LLP(W/kg) in both groups (p â€‹< â€‹0.05). Upper and lower limb lean mass (g) correlated significantly with ULP(W/kg) and LLP(W/kg) in both groups (p â€‹< â€‹0.05). ULP(W/kg) and LLP(W/kg) correlated with 50-m swimming performance (s), in both sexes (p â€‹< â€‹0.05). Advanced BM was associated with ULP(W/kg) and LLP(W/kg) in both groups (p â€‹< â€‹0.05), and with 50-m swimming performance (s) in both sexes (p â€‹< â€‹0.05). We concluded that ULP(W/kg) is higher than LLP (W/kg) in adolescent swimmers. Upper and lower limb lean mass and BM were both positively associated with increased ULP (W/kg) and LLP (W/kg).

Relative age effect in elite Brazilian athletes in different combat sports: an observational study.

Background: The relative age effect (RAE) suggests that, due to maturity, young athletes born in the first quartiles of the year may have advantages over those born in the last quartiles of the year. Thus, it is important to evaluate the RAE in different sports and to consider the particularities of the subdivisions of the sports categories. Objective: To analyze the RAE in the top 20 of the Brazilian rankings in different combat sports. Methods: Observational study that analyzed the national databases for the year 2019 (from categories U-11 to U-18) made publicly available by the Brazilian confederations of karate, taekwondo and fencing. We obtained data on date of birth, age category and body weight of all modalities, type of fencing competition weapon (Epee, Foie and Saber) and type of karate modality (kumite and kata) from the top 20 places in each ranking. The final sample consisted of 1,486 athletes (Age: 14.2 ± 2.3. Male-53.2%. Female-46.8%). To identify the RAE, we performed a contingency analysis and compared the results between the sexes within the same sport. Results: There was RAE in the U-11, U-12, U-15 and U-17 fencing categories (p < 0.05), being higher in the female categories (p < 0.05). The RAE was higher for males in the Epee test, and similar between the sexes for the Saber and Foie tests. In karate, RAE occurred in categories U-14 and U-16 (p < 0.05), being higher in males (p < 0.05). The RAE was similar between the sexes in the kumite modality (p < 0.05). There was no RAE for the kata modality in karate (p > 0.05) and for the Taekwondo categories (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed the existence of a relative age effect in elite athletes ranked (top 20 places in each ranking) only for the sport of fencing and karate kumite.

Influence of age and fitness level on immune responses of T and NK cells in healthy physically active subjects after strenuous aerobic exercise: a cross-sectional study.

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze whether immune responses after strenuous exercise are influenced by chronological age and fitness level in physically active healthy men. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a sample of 32 physically active men. Participants were divided into two groups based on chronological age (younger: age 21.8 ± 1.8 vs. older: age 34.6 ± 8.3) and subsequently regrouped and divided based on fitness level (More conditioned: excellent and superior VO2max vs. Less conditioned: VO2max: weak, regular and good). Fitness was classified according to VO2max levels obtained by a treadmill test using a gas analyzer. Before and immediately after the ergospirometry test, blood samples were collected for evaluation of immunological markers: leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and subpopulations. Results: Chronological age had a moderate effect on CD3+CD4+ lymphocyte count (effect size: 0.204) and CD4/CD8 ratio (effect size: 0.278), favoring older subjects. The level of physical fitness had no significant effect on the analyzed immunological markers. Conclusions: Immune responses observed immediately after strenuous exercise may be more dependent on chronological age than on fitness level in healthy, physically active men.

Exercise Immunology Applied to Pediatric Sport and the Importance of Monitoring Stages of Puberty and Biological Maturation.

CONTEXT: Exercise immunology is aimed at understanding how exercise sessions can affect the immune system in athletic subjects of different age groups. The objective of the current study was to discuss in which stage of biological maturation (BM) young athletes may be more vulnerable in relation to the immune system, and whether there is a BM range in which it is safer to perform sports training with strenuous exercise loads. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Evidence from scientific research from several scientific disciplines (eg, immunology, sport immunology, pediatrics, sports medicine, human development) was gathered to holistically examine the main particularities of exercise immunology as applied to pediatric sport. STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. RESULTS: In pediatric patients, lymphoid tissue expands during puberty and involutes after puberty until it returns to pre-expansion values. This suggests that there is a specific period in which the immune system may be stronger, which may provide opportunities for strenuous exercise in pediatric athletes. However, the chronological period when puberty occurs will be determined by BM, which is the rate at which the biological systems of the human body improves. This may affect the period of lymphoid tissue expansion and, consequently, the behavior of the immune system in pediatric subjects of the same age category. CONCLUSION: During puberty, there is a significant increase in the proinflammatory profile; to compensate for this, there is an expansion of lymphoid tissue that may favor the efficiency of the immune system. The period in which puberty is reached may vary according to the stages of BM. Therefore, in exercise immunology applied to pediatric sports, in addition to external and internal training loads, it is necessary to consider BM and puberty, which have been shown to be safer biomarkers than chronological age for determining immune system behavior in pediatric athletes. STRENGTH-OF-RECOMMENDATION TAXONOMY (SORT): Evidence B level 3.

Relative age effects on speed trials in Brazilian athletics.

BACKGROUND: Relative age effect (RAE) is a concept related to the possible advantage that older athletes would have over younger ones within the same category. Although many studies have approached this subject in individual sports, there are few clippings by events within the sport. More detailed analyses are necessary for a better understanding of how RAE behaves in sports, especially in athletics, the subject of this study. The objective of this study was to analyze the RAE on speed in track and field events as a whole, separating the flat races from the hurdles races. METHODS: The Brazilian Ranking of Brazilian Athletics Confederation was used for data analysis, and the sample was composed of the 50 best-placed marks in the ranking of speed events in athletics in the categories Under(U)-16 and U-18 (female and male). Statistical analysis was calculated by chi-square, and the effect size was checked by Cramer's V. Likelihood-ratio test (L-Ratio) assessed the probability of the RAE occurring in the total sample and by age groups. RESULTS: In the total sample the results pointed to the emergence of RAE in males in both categories (U-16: p < 0.001; V: 0.13; L-Ratio: 3.64, U-18: p < 0.001; V: 0.13; L-Ratio: 3.80), whereas in females no such effect was found in any category (U-16: p = 0.6; V: 0.09; L-Ratio: 0.09, U-18: p = 0.6; V: 0.07; L-Ratio: 0.12). When the results were separated by type of event, there was only a RAE in the shallow event in the U-18 female category (p = 0.3; V: 0.11; L-Ratio: 8.72). CONCLUSION: The results allow us to conclude that there is a RAE in the speed trials of Brazilian athletics in the U16 and U18 categories for men, while this effect appears only in the shallow trials of the U18 category for women, indicating that the RAE has incidence when there is more participation and competition in the sport.

Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy as a Screening Tool for Osteosarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Women.

Osteosarcopenia is a complex geriatric syndrome characterized by the presence of both sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis. This condition increases rates of disability, falls, fractures, mortality, and mobility impairments in older adults. The purpose of this study was to analyze the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy diagnostic power for osteosarcopenia in community-dwelling older women (n = 64; 32 osteosarcopenic and 32 non-osteosarcopenia). FTIR is a fast and reproducible technique highly sensitive to biological tissues, and a mathematical model was created using multivariate classification techniques that denoted the graphic spectra of the molecular groups. Genetic algorithm and support vector machine regression (GA-SVM) was the most feasible model, achieving 80.0% of accuracy. GA-SVM identified 15 wave numbers responsible for class differentiation, in which several amino acids (responsible for the proper activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin) and hydroxyapatite (an inorganic bone component) were observed. Imaging tests and low availability of instruments that allow the observation of osteosarcopenia involve high health costs for patients and restrictive indications. Therefore, FTIR can be used to diagnose osteosarcopenia due to its efficiency and low cost and to enable early detection in geriatric services, contributing to advances in science and technology that are potential "conventional" methods in the future.

Development and cross-validation of predictive equations for fat-free mass and lean soft tissue mass by bioelectrical impedance in Brazilian women.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bioelectrical impedance is one of the most used clinical techniques to assess body composition; however, it is necessary that the available predictive equations are valid for the evaluated subjects. This study aimed to develop and cross-validate equations for fat-free mass (FFM) and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) by bioelectrical impedance for Brazilian women, in addition to test the validity of other available equations. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 222 women aged 20-59 years, randomly divided into two groups: development and cross-validation. The standard technique for assessing fat mass, FFM and LSTM was dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Paired t test, multiple regression, and Bland-Altman plots were used to test the validity of the proposed models, as well as to perform cross-validation of the models. RESULTS: The equations derived in this study were: FFM = 16.284 + 0.442 × (Height2/Resistance) - 0.13 × age + 0.302 × Weight - 0.121 × Waist Circumference; r2 = 0.86; SEE = 2.32 kg; and LSTM = 14.732 + 0.427 × (Height2/Resistance) - 0.125 × age + 0.291 × Weight - 0.115 × Waist Circumference; r2 = 0.92; SEE = 2.29 kg. In addition, the new equation for FFM showed better agreement when compared to another equation developed for a Brazilian population. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed equations provide a valid FFM and LSTM estimation and are recommended for Brazilian women with similar characteristics.

Pre-exhaustion Training, a Narrative Review of the Acute Responses and Chronic Adaptations.

Pre-exhaustion (PE) is a popular resistance training strategy that involves performing a single-joint exercise followed by a multi-joint exercise with minimal recovery between the transition. This approach is widely used by bodybuilding athletes and resistance training (RT) enthusiasts with the aim of enhancing muscle strength and hypertrophy. The present paper aimed to provide a narrative review as to the effects of the PE method on different acute and chronic outcomes, and discuss relevant practical applications. When considering the body of literature as a whole, we conclude that current evidence does not support a benefit to the PE method compared to traditional RT models regarding chronic improvements in strength, hypertrophy and body composition. However, the heterogeneous study designs confound the ability to draw strong conclusions on the topic. Further investigations are warranted with strict control of study variables to better elucidate what, if any, benefits may be obtained by the PE method.

Development and Cross-Validation of a Predictive Equation for Fat-Free Mass in Brazilian Adolescents by Bioelectrical Impedance.

The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is one of the most commonly used techniques for assessing body composition in a clinical setting and in field approaches, as it has the advantages of easy application, fast, and non-invasive, in addition to its relatively low cost. However, the available predictive equations need to be valid for the evaluated subjects. The aim of this study was to verify the validity of several published BIA equations in estimating fat-free mass (FFM) among Brazilian adolescents, in addition to developing and cross-validating a BIA equation to estimate FFM appropriate for Brazilian adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study with 257 adolescents (128 girls) aged 10-19 years, randomly divided into two groups, namely, development (n = 172) and cross-validation (n = 85). The standard technique for assessing FFM was dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The paired t-test, multiple regression, and the Bland-Altman plots were used to test the validity of the proposed models and to perform cross-validation of the model. The equation derived in this study was as follows: FFM = -17.189 + 0.498 (Height2/Resistance) + 0.226 Weight + 0.071 Reactance - 2.378 Sex + 0.097 Height + 0.222 Age; r 2 = 0.92; standard error of the estimate = 2.49 kg; the new equation for FFM showed better agreement when compared with that of the equations developed in other countries. In conclusion, the newly developed equations provide a valid FFM estimation and are recommended for Brazilian adolescents with similar characteristics.

Corrigendum: Development and cross-validation of a predictive equation for fat-free mass in Brazilian adolescents by bioelectrical impedance.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.820736.].

Influence of Advancing Biological Maturation on Aerobic and Anaerobic Power and on Sport Performance of Junior Rowers: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Researches are linking Biological Maturation (BM) with the performance of adolescent rowers from both genders. Despite this, there is still not enough information about the influence of BM advancement correlating to sports, aerobic and anaerobic performance in adolescent athletes at the sport modality rowing. Objective: Investigate the influence of Biological Maturation on sports performance and aerobic and anaerobic power in adolescent rowing athletes. Methods: A longitudinal observational study, developed over 3 years, with a sample of 52 adolescents, rowing athletes, of both genders (61% male and 39% female) mean age of 16.0 ± 0.5 years old at the start and 18.4 ± 0.5 years old at the end of the study. Analysis was performed once a year. BM was evaluated through maturational groups generated from Age Peak Height Velocity; maximum aerobic power [VO2Max (ml/kg/min)] and mean anaerobic power (Watts) through the ergometer test (indoor rowing); peak anaerobic power (Watts) through a mathematical model derived from competition time, to determine sports performance analyzed the race time during world championship tryouts. Results: The advancement of BM influenced the reduction of the test time and increase of the mean anaerobic power (Watts) in indoor rowing (η2p > 0.36, p < 0.05), as well as an improvement in performance in sports competition (η2p > 0.35, p < 0.05). However, the advancement of BM did not affect VO2Max (ml/kg/min) in young elite rowing athletes of both sexes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Advances in biological maturation have been shown to influence the anaerobic and sports performance (reduction of the execution time in 2,000-m) of adolescent rowing athletes of both genders.