Age and Sex Differences in Fitness Among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers.

ABSTRACT: Marins, EF, Dawes, JJ, and Del Vecchio, FB. Age and sex differences in fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Patrol Officers. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1292-1297, 2023-Age- and sex-related differences in fitness have been observed in U.S.-based law enforcement agencies. However, these differences have not been fully explored among agencies outside the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the age- and sex-related differences on selected measures of physical fitness among Brazilian Federal Highway Police Officers. Retrospective physical fitness data for 7,044 (men = 6,283 and women = 761) officers were provided for analysis. These tests included sit-ups and push-ups (muscular endurance), flexed-arm hang/pull-ups (upper-body strength), standing broad jump (lower-body power), and a 12-minute run (aerobic capacity). Data were stratified by age into 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 year groups and analyzed by sex. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess sex-related differences, and a one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc for multiple pairwise comparisons was used to calculate differences between age groups. A linear regression was then used to verify the effect of age on the physical fitness for both sexes. Male officers were older, heavier, and taller and displayed greater upper-limb muscular endurance and aerobic capacity than female officers ( p < 0.05). General declines in muscular endurance, strength, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed among male officers ( p < 0.05) by age groups. Significant ( p < 0.05) declines in fitness were also observed among older female officers in muscular endurance, lower-body power, and cardiorespiratory fitness. These general declines in fitness with age progression may negatively impact an officers overall health and occupational fitness. Officers should strive to attain and maintain adequate levels of fitness to sustain health, fitness, and occupational performance throughout their career. It is recommended that both male and female officers engage in strength training and conditioning programs focused to combat the potential deleterious effects of aging.

Effects of high vs moderate-intensity intermittent training on functionality, resting heart rate and blood pressure of elderly women.

BACKGROUND: The present study compared the effects of training and detraining periods of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on functional performance, body composition, resting blood pressure and heart rate in elderly women nursing home residents. METHODS: Forty-six volunteers (age, 80.8 ± 5.2 y; body mass, 69.8 ± 5.2 kg, height, 164.2 ± 4.12 cm) were divided into groups that performed treadmill exercise twice-weekly HIIT (4 bouts of 4-min intervals at 85-95% of the maximal heart rate [HRmax], interspersed by 4 min at 65% HRmax), MIIT (4 bouts of 4 min intervals at 55-75% HRmax, interspersed by 4 min at 45-50% HRmax) and MICT (30-min at 55-75% HRmax). Tests were performed before and after 8 weeks of training and 2 and 4 weeks of detraining. ANCOVA was used to analyze dependent variable changes. RESULTS: After 8 weeks HIIT promoted greater reductions in body mass (HIIT = - 1.6 ± 0.1 kg; MICT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; MIIT = - 0.9 ± 0.1 kg; p = 0.001), fat mass (HIIT = - 2.2 ± 0.1%; MICT = - 0.7 ± 0.1%; MIIT = - 1.2 ± 0.1%; p < 0.001) and resting heart rate (HIIT = - 7.3 ± 0.3%; MICT = - 3.6 ± 0.3%; MIIT = - 5.1 ± 0.3%; p < 0.001) and greater improvement in the chair stand test (HIIT = 3.4 ± 0.1 reps; MICT = 2.5 ± 0.1 reps; MIIT = 3.1 ± 0.1 reps; p < 0.001) when compared to MIIT and MICT. These improvements were sustained after 2 and 4 weeks of detraining only in the HIIT group. CONCLUSION: HIIT promoted greater benefits for body composition and functional performance than MICT and MIIT and also showed less pronounced effects of detraining. This suggests that the intensity of physical exercise is an important factor to consider when prescribing exercise to the elderly.

Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training in Hypertensive Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood pressure of hypertensive individuals. RECENT FINDINGS: Continuous aerobic training programs are successful in health promotion and are effective in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) modulation. However, HIIT seems to be superior to MICT to improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness. PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials that compared chronic effects of HIIT and MICT on BP in hypertensive subjects. Pre- and post-intervention changes in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) between MICT and HIIT were analyzed. Both interventions presented significant differences in SBP (MICT: mean difference (MD), 3.7 mmHg [95% CI = 2.57, 4.82], p < 0.00001; and HIIT: MD, 5.64 mmHg [95% CI = 1.69, 9.52], p = 0.005) and in DBP (MICT: MD, 2.41 mmHg [95% CI = 1.09, 3.72], p = 0.0003; and HIIT: MD, 4.8 mmHg [95% CI = 2.9, 6.7], p < 0.00001) compared with the control group. No differences were found in the SBP values (MD, 1.13 mmHg [95% CI = - 0.01, 2.27], p = 0.05); however, differences were found between groups in DBP (MD, 1.63 mmHg [95% CI = 0.83, 2.44], p = 0.0001). In the secondary outcome, both interventions increased VO2max in comparison with control groups (MICT: MD, 1.30 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 0.92, 1.68], p < 0.00001; and HIIT: MD, 4.90 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 3.77, 6.04], p < 0.00001), and HIIT promoted greater improvement than MICT (MD, 2.52 ml/kg/min [95% CI = 1.90, 3.13], p < 0.0001). In conclusion, HIIT and MICT promote reduction in SBP in adults with hypertension, and HIIT showed a greater magnitude in DBP reduction. For hypertensive patients, HIIT may be associated with a greater improvement in VO2max than MICT might.

Effects of Personal Protective Equipment on Metabolism and Performance During an Occupational Physical Ability Test for Federal Highway Police Officers.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Farias, CB, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on metabolism and performance during an Occupational Physical Ability Test for Federal Highway Police officers. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 1093-1102, 2020-Federal Highway Police (FHP) officers perform their duties while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Given the need for officers to wear PPE, it is important to understand the effects this additional load can have on occupational performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of load carriage on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses during an Occupational Physical Ability Test (OPAT). Thirteen male FHP officers completed an OPAT with PPE (WPPE, load = 12.0 kg) and without PPE (NPPE, load = 5.2 kg) in 2 separate sessions in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Metabolic responses (heart rate [HR] and its variability, and blood lactate concentration [Lac]), perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and OPAT performance were measured. Paired t and Wilcoxon tests were used to identify differences between conditions, and 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc was performed to analyze the results of Lac between the conditions. Occupational Physical Ability Test completion time was significantly greater in the WPPE condition compared with the NPPE condition (125.9 ± 13.8 vs. 118.3 ± 11 seconds, p < 0.01). Lac after the OPAT was higher in the NPPE condition compared with the WPPE (respectively 11.7 ± 2.7 vs. 9.6 ± 1.5 mmol·L, p < 0.05). The HRmax (NPPE = 180.5 ± 8.9 vs. WPPE = 178.3 ± 6.6 b·min, p = 0.44) and RPE (NPPE = 8.6 ± 0.8 vs. WPPE = 8.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.77) were not different between conditions. Personal protective equipment reduces performance in specific occupational circuit, changing Lac but without affecting HR and RPE. Strength and conditioning programs for FHP should aim to reduce the negative impact of additional load associate with wearing PPE.

Effects of Personal Protective Equipment on the Performance of Federal Highway Policemen in Physical Fitness Tests.

Marins, EF, Cabistany, L, Bartel, C, Dawes, J, and Del Vecchio, FB. Effects of personal protective equipment on the performance of Federal Highway Policemen in physical fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 11-19, 2020-Personal protective equipment (PPE), worn by police officers, provides protection and can modify physiological and performance responses during physical efforts. Physiological, perceptual, and physical responses were compared with PPE (WPPE) and without PPE (NPPE) among the Brazilian Federal Highway Policemen (FHP). Nineteen (n = 19) FHP completed 2 experimental trials: NPPE and WPPE (load = 8.3 kg). Tests of aerobic and anaerobic power, muscular strength and endurance, as well as change of direction speed (CODS) were performed under both conditions. Heart rate reductions were shown at the second ventilatory threshold (1.4%) and maximal exercise (1.5%) WPPE. In comparison with NPPE, physical performance in the WPPE condition showed decreases in the following: treadmill time at maximal exercise (21%, p < 0.001); time in the isometric trunk test (28.9%, p < 0.001); vertical jump height (11.6 and 10.5%, p < 0.001); standing long jump distance (7.3%, p < 0.001); bar hang time (14.8%, p < 0.05); and CODS (2.6%, p < 0.05). Results indicate that PPE use reduces physical performance of FHP in cardiorespiratory, strength, power, and CODS tests.

Addition of blood flow restriction to passive mobilization reduces the rate of muscle wasting in elderly patients in the intensive care unit: a within-patient randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the addition of blood flow restriction to passive mobilization in patients in the intensive care unit. DESIGN:: The study was a within-patient randomized trial. SETTING:: Two intensive care units in Belém, from September to October 2017. SUBJECTS:: In total, 34 coma patients admitted to the intensive care unit sector, and 20 patients fulfilled the study requirements. INTERVENTIONS:: All participants received the passive mobilization protocol for lower limbs, and blood flow restriction was added only for one side in a concurrent fashion. Intervention lasted the entire patient's hospitalization time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT:: Thigh muscle thickness and circumference. RESULTS:: In total, 34 subjects were enrolled in the study: 11 were excluded for exclusion criteria, 3 for death, and 20 completed the intervention (17 men and 3 women; mean age: 66 ± 4.3 years). Despite both groups presented atrophy, the atrophy rate was lower in blood flow restriction limb in relation to the control limb (-2.1 vs. -2.8 mm, respectively, in muscle thickness; P = 0.001). In addition, the blood flow restriction limb also had a smaller reduction in the thigh circumference than the control limb (-2.5 vs. -3.6 cm, respectively; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION:: The use of blood flow restriction did not present adverse effects and seems to be a valid strategy to reduce the magnitude of the rate of muscle wasting that occurs in intensive care unit patients.

Weight Regain, but not Weight Loss, Is Related to Competitive Success in Real-Life Mixed Martial Arts Competition.

We aimed to describe the nutritional and behavioral strategies for rapid weight loss (RWL), investigate the effects of RWL and weight regain in winners and losers, and verify mood state and technical-tactical/time-motion parameters in mixed martial arts. The sample consisted of mixed martial arts athletes after a single real match and was separated into two groups: winners (n = 8; age: 25.4 ± 6.1 years, height: 173.9 ± 0.2 cm, habitual body mass: 89.9 ± 17.3 kg) and losers (n = 7; age: 24.4 ± 6.8 years, height: 178.4 ± 0.9 cm, habitual body mass: 90.8 ± 19.5 kg). Both groups exhibited RWL and weight regain, verified their macronutrient intake, underwent weight and height assessments, and completed two questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and RWL) at (a) 24 hr before weigh-in, (b) weigh-in, (c) postbout, and (d) during a validated time-motion and technical-tactical analysis during the bout. Variance analysis, repeated measures, and a logistic regression analysis were used. The main results showed significant differences between the time points in terms of total caloric intake as well as carbohydrate, protein, and lipid ingestion. Statistical differences in combat analysis were observed between the winners and losers in terms of high-intensity relative time (58 [10-98] s and 32 [1-60] s, respectively), lower limb sequences (3.5 [1.0-7.5] sequences and 1.0 [0.0-1.0] sequences, respectively), and ground and pound actions (2.5 [0.0-4.5] actions and 0.0 [0.0-0.5] actions, respectively), and logistic regression confirmed the importance of high-intensity relative time and lower limb sequences on mixed martial arts performance. RWL and weight regain strategies were related to technical-tactical and time-motion patterns as well as match outcomes. Weight management should be carefully supervised by specialized professionals to reduce health risks and raise competitive performance.

Functional Movement Screening Performance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes From Brazil: Differences Considering Practice Time and Combat Style.

Boscolo Del Vecchio, F, Foster, D, and Arruda, A. Functional movement screening performance of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes from Brazil: differences considering practice time and combat style. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2341-2347, 2016-Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling combat sport that athletes, lying (guard fighter) or kneeling (pass fighter) on the mat, attempt to force their opponents to submit. Brazilian jiu-jitsu practices may result in muscular imbalances, which increase the risk of injury. Instead, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is an evaluation routine that could be related to injury incidence and seeks to detect muscular imbalance and movement dysfunction. Thus, the aim of the study was to investigate the injury profile and the FMS score and their relationship, with consideration for the BJJ fight style. Sports injuries were recorded in the last 12 months of 33 BJJ athletes, and the statistical analyses were applied to a routine evaluation FMS and a score of 14 points or less was considered low performance in FMS. We used a logistic regression; the effect size (ES) was calculated, and 5% was assumed as the statistical significance level. Pass fighters showed a higher percentage of injuries on the thorax (24.24%) than did guard fighters (6.67%, p = 0.01). Upper limbs were the most injured part of the body (χ = 36.7; p < 0.001), and they were 79% of the injuries that occurred in training sessions (χ = 14.53; p < 0.001). Despite the lack of statistical differences in the FMS performance between guard and pass fighters (t = 1.97; p = 0.05), its magnitude was considered medium (ES = 0.77). There was an association between FMS and presence of injury (χ = 4.95; p = 0.03). Considering the FMS score as a predictor and the presence or absence of injury as the dependent variable, the data met a Wald coefficient of 4.55, p = 0.03 and Exp (B) = 5.71. The study found that almost half of the sample had injuries in the upper limbs and a quarter had injuries in the lower limbs in the last year. A poor FMS score was observed, and lower scores in the FMS were associated with a higher risk of injury in BJJ athletes.

Rapid Weight Loss Elicits Harmful Biochemical and Hormonal Responses in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to compare biochemical and hormonal responses between mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors with minimal prefight weight loss and those undergoing rapid weight loss (RWL). Blood samples were taken from 17 MMA athletes (Mean± SD; age: 27.4 ±5.3yr; body mass: 76.2 ± 12.4kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.05m and training experience: 39.4 ± 25 months) before and after each match, according to the official events rules. The no rapid weight loss (NWL, n = 12) group weighed in on the day of the event (~30 min prior fight) and athletes declared not having used RWL strategies, while the RWL group (n = 5) weighed in 24 hr before the event and the athletes claimed to have lost 7.4 ± 1.1kg, approximately 10% of their body mass in the week preceding the event. Results showed significant (p < .05) increases following fights, regardless of group, in lactate, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, and cortisol for all athletes. With regard to group differences, NWL had significantly (p < .05) greater creatinine levels (Mean± SD; pre to post) (NWL= 101.6 ± 15-142.3 ± 22.9µmol/L and RWL= 68.9 ± 10.6-79.5 ± 15.9µmol/L), while RWL had higher LDH (median [interquartile range]; pre to post) (NWL= 211.5[183-236] to 231[203-258]U/L and RWL= 390[370.5-443.5] to 488[463.5-540.5]U/L) and AST (NWL= 30[22-37] to 32[22-41]U/L and 39[32.5-76.5] to 72[38.5-112.5] U/L) values (NWL versus RWL, p < .05). Post hoc analysis showed that AST significantly increased in only the RWL group, while creatinine increased in only the NWL group. The practice of rapid weight loss showed a negative impact on energy availability and increased both muscle damage markers and catabolic expression in MMA fighters.

Kinematics and Kinetics of Multiple Sets Using Lifting Straps During Deadlift Training.

The deadlift is a fundamental exercise used in the development of whole body strength and a common element in resistance training programs for all levels. However, many practitioners report the fatigue of forearm muscles and possibly a lack of grip strength as obstacles to exercise performance, which may lead to the use of ergogenic aids, such as lifting straps. The objective of this study was to evaluate kinematic variables during the execution of multiple sets of deadlift with (WS) and without (NS) lifting straps. Eleven subjects (25 ± 3.3 years) with an average of 4 ± 2.6 years of resistance training experience were enrolled in the study. After the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test WS and NS, subjects performed separate trials of 3 sets to failure at 90% of 1RM in a counterbalanced fashion. With straps resulted in lower speed (0 to -25%) (-3 to -10%) and greater force (20-28%) and duration (concentric phase: 0-13%) when compared with NS. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of straps directly influences exercise performance that requires manual grip strength, increasing the amount of work performed by the target muscles.

Effects of chemotherapy treatment on muscle strength indicators, functional capacity and biopsychosocial aspects of women with breast cancer.

Evidences on the effects of chemotherapy treatment cycles on measures of muscle, mental state, social and cognitive performance are scarce. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of chemotherapy cycles on muscle strength and activation, functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue and anxiety of women with breast cancer. Therefore, twenty-two women divided into a treatment group (n = 10; 46.6 ± 9.6 years) and control group (n = 12; 51.6 ± 7.0 years) participated in the study. Analysis of muscle performance, quality of life, fatigue and anxiety after the 2nd and 4th cycle of chemotherapy with anthracyclines were performed in women with breast cancer (TRA) and compared to healthy women (CTR). Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the variance of the means and the significance level was set as P≤0.05. The results showed Differences in the muscular activation of the vastus mediallis between the groups at post time (P = 0.038), as well as in the sit and stand test in the baseline (P<0.001) and post moment (P<0.001). Functional capacity performance was different between baseline (P<0.001) and post-time (P<0.001) groups. Additionally, the TRA group worsened the quality of life in the domains of functional capacity (P<0.001) and limitation of physical aspects (P = 0.002), besides presenting negative changes in fatigue. Thus, anthracycline chemotherapy cycles reduce muscular performance and affect biopsychosocial variables in women with breast cancer.

Functional and Combined Training Promote Body Recomposition and Lower Limb Strength in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial and a Time Course Analysis.

Encouraging healthy aging in postmenopausal women involves advocating for lifestyle modifications, including regular physical exercise like combined training (CT) and functional training (FT). Regarding this population, age-related alterations in body composition, such as decreased muscle mass and heightened adipose tissue, impact health. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of FT and CT on body recomposition in postmenopausal women. About the methods, we randomly allocated 96 post-menopausal women to the FT, CT, or control group (CG). We measured body composition by bioimpedance and lower limb muscle strength by sit-to-stand test in five repetitions, respectively. The training protocol lasted 16 weeks, and we measured body composition and lower limb muscle strength every 4 weeks, totaling five assessments. Regarding results, we notice that both training groups increased lean mass from the 8th week of training. In addition, a reduction was observed in total fat percentage and an increase in appendicular lean mass from the 12th week of intervention. No differences were found for body mass. Furthermore, only the experimental groups increase muscle strength, starting from the 4th week of training. The conclusion was that FT and CT promote similar adaptations in body recomposition without affecting body mass in postmenopausal women.

Injuries in judo: a systematic literature review including suggestions for prevention.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge on epidemiological injury data in judo. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review scientific literature on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo. METHODS: The available literature up to June 2013 was searched for prospective as well as retrospective studies on injuries in judo. Data extraction and presentation focused on the incidence rate, injury risk, types, location and causes of injuries. RESULTS: During the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012, an average injury risk of about 11-12% has been observed. Sprains, strains and contusions, usually of the knee, shoulder and fingers, were the most frequently reported injuries, whereas being thrown was the most common injury mechanism. Severe injuries were quite rare and usually affected the brain and spine, whereas chronic injuries typically affected the finger joints, lower back and ears. The most common types of injuries in young judo athletes were contusions/abrasions, fractures and sprains/strains. Sex-differences data on judo injuries were mostly inconsistent. Some studies suggested a relationship between nutrition, hydration and/or weight cycling and judo injuries. Also, psychological factors may increase the risk of judo injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The present review provides the latest knowledge on the frequency and characteristics of injuries in judo. Comprehensive knowledge about the risk of injury during sport activity and related risk factors represents an essential basis to develop effective strategies for injury prevention. Thus, the introduction of an ongoing injury surveillance system in judo is of utmost importance.

Specificity of high-intensity intermittent action remains important to MMA athletes' physical conditioning: response to Paillard (2011).

This response to Paillard (2011) focuses on the intermittent nature of mixed martial arts (MMA). It also emphasizes that the main goal of MMA athletes is to win by knockout or submission and that these actions normally are high-intensity actions or preceded by high-intensity actions. Additionally, there is evidence that high-intensity intermittent exercise protocols are able to improve aerobic fitness. It is important only to adjust physical training to the athletes' techniques and tactics.

Considering the worst-case metabolic scenario, but training to the typical-case competitive scenario: response to Amtmann (2012).

This response to Amtmann's letter emphasizes that the knowledge of the typical time structure, as well as its variation, together with the main goal of the mixed martial arts athletes--to win by knock out or submission--need to be properly considered during the training sessions. Example with other combat sports are given and discussed, especially concerning the importance of adapting the physical conditioning workouts to the technical-tactical profile of the athlete and not the opposite.

A comparison of time-motion performance between age groups in judo matches.

The aim of this study was to compare time-motion indicators during judo matches performed by athletes from different age groups. The following age groups were analysed: Pre-Juvenile (13-14 years, n = 522), Juvenile (15-16 years, n = 353); Junior (19 years, n = 349) and Senior (>20 years, n = 587). The time-motion indicators included: Total Combat Time, Standing Combat Time, Displacement Without Contact, Gripping Time, Groundwork Combat Time and Pause Time. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) one-way and the Tukey test, as well as the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney (for non-parametric data), were conducted, using P < 0.05 as significance level. The results showed that all analysed groups obtained a median of 7 (first quantile - 3, third quantile - 12) sequences of combat/pause cycles. In total time of combat, the result was: for Total Combat Time, Standing Combat Time and Gripping Time: Pre-Juvenile and Senior were significantly longer than Juvenile and Junior. Considering Displacement Without Contact, Junior was significantly longer than all other age groups. For Groundwork Combat Time, Senior was significantly longer than all other age groups and Pre-Juvenile was longer than Junior. These results can be used to improve the physiological performance in intermittent practices, as well as technical-tactical training during judo sessions.

Inclusion of sprints during moderate-intensity continuous exercise enhances post-exercise fat oxidation in young males.

To assess the physiological demands of including high-intensity efforts during continuous exercise, we designed a randomized crossover study, in which 12 physically active young males executed 3 different exercises in random order: FATmax - continuous exercise at the highest fat oxidation zone; 2min-130% - FATmax interspersed by a 2-minute bout at 130% of the maximal oxygen uptake associated intensity (iV̇O2max); and 20s:10s-170% - FATmax interspersed by four 20-s bouts at 170%iV̇O2max interpolated by 10s of passive recovery. We measured oxygen uptake (V̇O2), blood lactate concentration ([LAC]), respiratory exchange rate (RER), and fat and carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation. For statistical analyses, repeated-measures ANOVA was applied. Although no differences were found for average V̇O2 or carbohydrate oxidation rate, the post-exercise fat oxidation rate was 37.5% and 50% higher during the 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170% protocols, respectively, compared with the FATmax protocol, which also presented lower values of RER during exercise compared with 2min-130% and 20s:10s-170% (p < 0.001 in both), and higher values post-exercise (p = 0.04 and p = 0.002, respectively). [LAC] was higher during exercise when high-intensity bouts were applied (p < 0.001 for both) and was higher at post-exercise during the intermittent bouts compared with FATmax (p = 0.016). The inclusion of high-intensity efforts during moderate-intensity continuous exercise promoted higher physiological demands and post-exercise fat oxidation. Novelty: The inclusion of 2-minute efforts modifies continuous exercise demands. Maximal efforts can increase post-exercise fat oxidation. 2-minute maximal efforts, continuous or intermittent, presents similar demands.

A review of time-motion analysis and combat development in mixed martial arts matches at regional level tournaments.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) have become a fast-growing worldwide expansion of martial arts competition, requiring high level of skill, physical conditioning, and strategy, and involving a synthesis of combat while standing or on the ground. This study quantified the effort-pause ratio (EP), and classified effort segments of stand-up or groundwork development to identify the number of actions performed per round in MMA matches. 52 MMA athletes participated in the study (M age = 24 yr., SD = 5; average experience in MMA = 5 yr., SD = 3). A one-way analysis of variance with repeated measurements was conducted to compare the type of action across the rounds. A chi-squared test was applied across the percentages to compare proportions of different events. Only one significant difference (p < .05) was observed among rounds: time in groundwork of low intensity was longer in the second compared to the third round. When the interval between rounds was not considered, the EP ratio (between high-intensity effort to low-intensity effort plus pauses) was 1:2 to 1:4. This ratio is between ratios typical for judo, wrestling, karate, and taekwondo and reflects the combination of ground and standup techniques. Most of the matches ended in the third round, involving high-intensity actions, predominantly executed during groundwork combat.