The effect of a 2-week ischaemic preconditioning intervention on anaerobic performance in male academy football players: a randomized, single-blinded, SHAM-Controlled study.

Ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), brief periods of ischaemia immediately followed by reperfusion applied to a vascular bed, has emerged as a method to improve exercise performance. There is, however, a lack of research exploring repeated episodes of IPC on anaerobic performance. The aim of this study was to determine if a 2-week repeated IPC intervention could enhance anaerobic performance in male academy football players. Eight male academy football players completed two, 2-week intervention trials: six IPC episodes (4 × 5 min at 220 mmHg per episode), and six SHAM episodes (4 × 5 min at 20 mmHg per episode). Prior to and following each intervention trial, the participants completed assessments of anaerobic performance (Running Anaerobic Sprint Test [RAST]), and superficial femoral artery endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]). IPC significantly enhanced peak and mean power output by 12% (p = 0.026) and 11% (p = 0.019) and significantly improved superficial femoral artery FMD (p = 0.049). The increase in endothelial function suggests that this may be a mechanism contributing to this enhancement of anaerobic performance. The present study supports the use of repeated IPC prior to matches and training sessions to enhance anaerobic performance.

A Role for Trunk Function in Elite Recumbent Handcycling Performance?

Handcycling classification considers trunk function, but there is limited scientific evidence of trunk involvement in recumbent performance. This study investigated the association between trunk function and recumbent handcycling performance of athletes without upper-limb impairments (H3-H4 sport classes). The study was divided into two parts. First, 528 time-trial results from 81 handcyclists with spinal cord injury (SCI) were obtained between 2014 and 2020. Average time-trial velocity was used as performance measure and SCI level as trunk function determinant. Multilevel regression analysis was performed to analyse differences in performance among SCI groups while correcting for lesion completeness, sex, and age. Second, in 26 handcyclists, standardised trunk flexion strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Peak and mean power-output from a sprint test and time-trial average velocity were used as performance measures. Spearman correlations were conducted to investigate the association between trunk strength and performance. Results showed that the different SCI groups did not exhibit significant differences in performance. Furthermore, trunk flexion strength and performance exhibited non-significant weak to moderate correlations (for time-trial speed: rs = 0.36; p = 0.07). Results of both analyses suggest that trunk flexion strength does not seem to significantly impact recumbent handcycling performance in athletes without upper-limb impairments.

Performance on sprint, agility and jump tests have moderate to strong correlations in youth football players but performance tests are weakly correlated to neuromuscular control tests.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at evaluating the correlation between seven different performance tests and two neuromuscular control tests in youth football players and to evaluate the influence of sex and age groups on test results. METHODS: One-hundred and fifteen football players (66 boys, 49 girls) mean age 14 ± 0.7 (range 13-16) years from youth teams were tested at the start of the second half of the competitive season. A test battery including agility t-test, 505 agility test, single-leg hop for distance test, side-hop test, countermovement jump test, 10-m sprint test, 20-m sprint test, tuck jump assessment (TJA) and drop vertical jump (DVJ) was completed. RESULTS: Correlations between the seven different performance tests of agility, jump and sprint ability were generally moderate to strong (r = 0.534-0.971). DVJ did not correlate with the performance tests (rho = 0.004 to - 0.101) or with TJA total score (rho = 0.127). There were weak to moderate correlations between TJA total score and the performance tests (r = - 0.323-0.523). Boys performed better than girls in all performance tests (p < 0.001) and in TJA total score (p = 0.002). In boys, older players performed better than younger players in the majority of the tests, while there was no clear age influence among girls. CONCLUSION: Sprint performance was moderately to strongly correlated with agility and jump performance, and performance tests were weakly to moderately correlated to TJA, while DVJ did not correlate with the other tests. Boys performed better than girls on performance tests and TJA. An age effect on performance was evident in boys but not in girls. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials gov identifier: NCT03251404.

Influence of Strength Level on the Acute Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Following Flywheel and Free Weight Resistance Training.

This study aimed to compare the post-activation potentiation performance enhancement (PAPE) response to the acute inertial flywheel (FW) and free weight resistance training (TRA) on subsequent countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprint performance (10 m sprint). This study used a randomized crossover design including twenty-eight healthy males that were divided into strong (relative one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat > 2.0 × body mass) and weak (relative 1RM back squat < 2.0 × body mass) groups. All participants performed the following: (a) three reps at 90% of their 1RM back squat (TRA) and (b) three reps on an inertial FW (plus one repetition to initiate flywheel movement) with an intensity that generated a mean propulsive velocity equal to that achieved with 90% of the 1RM back squat. Before and after the conditioning activity, participants performed two CMJs and two 10 m sprints. Within-group analyses showed significantly greater CMJ (d > 0.9, p < 0.001) and sprint performance (d > 0.5, p < 0.05) in the FW and the TRA group. Between-group analysis showed that sprint changes were significantly greater in the FW-strong group when compared with the TRA (F1,18 = 5.11, p = 0.036, η2p = 0.221-large) group. These results suggest that using a squat activation protocol on a FW may lead to an acute positive effect on jump and sprint performance, especially in stronger individuals.

Effects of Cycling Versus Running Training on Sprint and Endurance Capacity in Inline Speed Skating.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of running versus cycling training on sprint and endurance capacity in inline speed skating. Sixteen elite athletes (8 male, 8 female, 24 ± 8 yrs) were randomly assigned into 2 training groups performing either 2 session per week of treadmill running or ergometer cycling in addition to 3 skating specific sessions (technique, plyometrics, parkour) for 8 weeks. Training intensity was determined within non-specific (cycling or running) and effects on specific endurance capacity within a specific incremental exercise test. Before and after the intervention all athletes performed a specific (300m) and one non-specific (30s cycling or 200m running) all-out sprint test according to the group affiliation. To determine the accumulation of blood lactate (BLa) and glucose (BGL) 20 µl arterialized blood was drawn at rest, as well as in 1 min intervals for 10 min after the sprint test. The sport-specific peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) was significantly increased (+17%; p = 0.01) in both groups and highly correlated with the sprint performance (r = -0.71). BLa values decreased significantly (-18%, p = 0.02) after the specific sprint test from pre to post-testing without any group effect. However, BGL values only showed a significant decrease (-2%, p = 0.04) in the running group. The close relationship between aerobic capacity and sprint performance in inline speed skating highlights the positive effects of endurance training. Although both training programs were equally effective in improving endurance and sprint capacities, the metabolic results indicate a faster recovery after high intensity efforts for all athletes, as well as a higher reliance on the fat metabolism for athletes who trained in the running group. Key pointsIn addition to a highly developed aerobic performance inline speed skaters also require a highly trained anaerobic capacity to be effective in the sprint sections such as the mass start, tactical attacks and finish line sprint.An 8-week low-intensity endurance training program of either cycling or running training combined with additional routine training improves classical aerobic characteristics (17% increase of VO2 peak), as well as values for acceleration and speed.Athletes who trained in the running group demonstrated a higher reliance on the fat metabolism in the sport-specific post-testing.The significant reduction in anaerobic ATP turnover during repeated sprints appears to be partially compensated by an increase in VO2 in subsequent sprint. The results revealed a close relationship between the aerobic capacity and sprint performance in inline speed skating.

The effect of heavy resistance exercise on repeated sprint performance in youth athletes.

This investigation assessed whether prior heavy resistance exercise would improve the repeated sprint performance of 16 trained youth soccer players (Age 17.05 ± 0.65 years; height 182.6 ± 8.9 cm; body mass 77.8 ± 8.2 kg). In session 1, individual 1 repetition max was measured utilising a squat movement. In sessions 2 and 3, participants performed a running-based repeated anaerobic sprint test with and without prior heavy resistance exercise of 91% of their 1 repetition max. Times were recorded for each of the 6 sprints performed in the repeated sprint test and summed to provide total time. T-tests compared the two exercise conditions via differences in corresponding sprint times and total time. Analysis revealed significantly reduced total time with use of heavy resistance exercise (33.48 (±1.27) vs. 33.59 (±1.27); P = 0.01). Sprints 1 (P = 0.05) and 2 (P = 0.02) were also faster in the heavy resistance exercise condition (5.09 (±0.16) vs. 5.11 (±0.16) and 5.36 (±0.24) vs. 5.45 (±0.26) seconds respectively) although no other differences were shown. Findings demonstrate improved sprint times of trained adolescent soccer players after heavy resistance exercise although benefits appear not as sustained as in adult participants.

Relationship between Countermovement Jump and Sprint Performance in Professional Football Players.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the countermovement jump (CMJ) and sprint performance of professional football players, and to determine which strength and speed elements assessed by the CMJ translate into effective running. Methods: The research sample comprised 87 male professional football players (age 23.7 ± 4.20 years; body mass 82.33 ± 6.56 kg; body height 1.86 ± 0.05 m) who performed the CMJ on a dual-force platform, as well as the 30 m sprint test. The time and velocity of the run were recorded by photocells at 0, 5, 10, and 30 m of the distance. Results: No significant differences were noted in the time or velocity of the sprint over the initial 5 m between the groups of football players with a higher and lower braking rate of force development (RFD) in the CMJ (p > 0.05). However, at subsequent intervals (5-10 m and 10-30 m), players with a higher braking RFD achieved significantly better time and velocity than those with a lower RFD. Significant correlations in the group with a lower braking RFD between the CMJ and sprint variables occurred in the propulsion phase of the CMJ and most of them were in the first interval (0-5 m). In the group with a higher braking RFD, significant relationships were visible in both the propulsion (concentric) and braking (eccentric) phases of the CMJ, mainly during the second and third intervals of the sprint test. Conclusions: The noted observations may suggest that the relationship between strength and running performance is more complex than previously indicated, and that higher strength in the CMJ does not fully correlate with better sprinting. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that training aimed at generally increasing strength may not always be fully beneficial for running performance in football players and hence specific training guidelines are suggested for targeted strengthening of the required muscle performance characteristics. This may possibly contribute to reducing the unnecessary muscle overload during both training and matches, thereby preventing sports-related injuries.

Examination of the Effect of Somatotype Profiles on Athletic Performance Indicators in Children Aged 48-72 Months.

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness and anthropometric variables are crucial in achieving success in the field of sports. These variables serve as the foundation and platform for children to showcase their athletic abilities. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of somatotype profiles of children aged 48-72 months on athletic performance in order to contribute to talent selection. METHODS: A total of 124 students (62 females, 62 males), aged between 48 and 72 months (mean age of females: 5.75±1.00, mean age of males: 5.68±1.15), participated in the study. Somatotype analysis was performed using the Heath-Carter method. Performance measurements of students included a 20-meter sprint test, flexibility, leg strength, push-up tests, crunches, vertical jump, standing long jump, hand strength, back strength, and hamstring length determination tests. RESULTS: In this study, there was a significant difference in favor of mesomorphic endomorph in crunches (F=3.914, p=0.013) and push-up (F=4.864, p=0.004) exercises for female children compared to all somatotypes. In male children, although the central group was dominant in athletic performance measurements, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Somatotype is a suitable method for enhancing athletic performance and directing individuals to the appropriate sports discipline. Somatotype profiles are not fully developed in children aged 48-72 months. In the later years, children with suitable somatotypes are expected to demonstrate improved athletic performance.

A Thirty-Minute Nap Enhances Performance in Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Tests during and after Ramadan Observance.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 30 min nap (N30) on the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) both during and after Ramadan. Ten physically active kickboxers (age: 21.20 ± 1.61 years, height: 174.80 ± 4.34 cm, body mass: 73.30 ± 7.10 kg and body mass index (BMI): 24.00 ± 2.21 kg/m2) voluntarily performed the RAST test after an N30 and in a no-nap condition (NN) during two experimental periods: the last ten days of Ramadan (DR) and ∼3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). During each DR-NN, DR-N30, AR-NN and AR-N30 protocol, kickboxers performed RAST performance. A statistically significant difference was found between Ramadan periods (DR vs. AR) in terms of max power (W) (F = 80.93; p1 < 0.001; η2p = 0.89), minimum power (W) (F = 49.05; p1 < 0.001; η2p = 0.84), average power (W) (F = 83.79; p1 < 0.001; η2p = 0.90) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 11.25; p1 = 0.008; η2p = 0.55). In addition, the nap factor was statistically significant in terms of the max power (W) (F = 81.89; p2 < 0.001; η2p = 0.90), minimum power (W) (F = 80.37; p2 < 0.001; η2p = 0.89), average power (W) (F = 108.41; p2 < 0.001; η2p = 0.92) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 16.14; p2 = 0.003; η2p = 0.64). Taking a daytime nap benefits subsequent performance in RAST. The benefits of napping were greater after an N30 opportunity for DR and AR.

Cycle Sprint Test for the Evaluation of Lower Limb Muscle Power After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb muscle power is emerging as an important determinant of patient function after knee injury or surgery. This study tested proof of concept of a cycle sprint test for the evaluation of lower limb muscle power, as an outcome measure for patients having total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled, of which 16 completed all follow-ups (3, 6, and 12 months). All patients completed the Oxford Knee Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaires, a 10-m walk test, and 30-second sit-stand test. A trainer-mounted road cycle fitted with an instrumented crank was used for the cycle sprint test. Maximum muscle power was measured from 3, 10-second maximal efforts. RESULTS: Significant improvements in Oxford Knee Score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome scores relative to baseline were achieved at each follow-up (P < .001), and functional test performance improved significantly at 6 and 12 months (P < .001). Compared with the baseline of 268W, muscle power was significantly lower at 3 months (239W, -13%, P < .05) and significantly higher at 12 months (308W, +12%, P < .05). CONCLUSION: The concept of muscle power measurement using a cycle sprint test before and after TKA has been demonstrated in this study. Identification of individuals with lower limb muscle power deficits after TKA may inform rehabilitation programs and enhance long-term outcomes.

The Reliability of Common Functional Performance Tests within an Experimental Test Battery for the Lower Extremities.

The main aim of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of an experimental functional test battery: Y-balance test (YBT), single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ), single-leg hop for distance (SLH), side-hop (SH), speedy-jump (SJ), agility-T (AT), and lower extremity functional test (LEFT). Secondary aims were (1) to determine the mean range for the limb symmetry index (LSI) and (2) to detect significant differences in performance between test-retest sessions. Twenty-two healthy adults (14 males, 8 females; age 23.3 ± 3.9) were tested by the same rater during two different sessions (T1-T2), with a seven-day interval, under the same conditions. Reliability analysis showed good-to-excellent reliability (0.89 < ICC < 0.97; 0.80 < α < 0.98) for the test battery. LSI ranged from 95.9 ± 6.7% (SH-T1) to 104.4 ± 12.5% (SLCMJ-T2). Repeated measures ANOVA detected significant performance differences between sessions in the LEFT (p = 0.009) and for non-dominant sides in the SLH (p = 0.015), SH (p = 0.007), and SJ (p = 0.011). The high reliability of the test battery suggests a potential use in clinical sports practice. The LSI range of ≥95% was proposed as a benchmark for healthy adults. Learning effect seems to have played a crucial role in the T2 improvements of the non-dominant side for hop performances (SLH, SH, SJ) and speed performance (LEFT).

Personalized Tests in Paralympic Athletes: Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance Profile of Elite Wheelchair Rugby Players.

In Paralympic sports, the goal of functional classifications is to minimize the impact of impairment on the outcome of the competition. The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate aerobic and anaerobic personalized tests in Paralympic athletes and to correlate them with the classification of the international wheelchair rugby federation (IWRF). Sixteen elite players of the Italian wheelchair rugby team volunteered for the study. Aerobic (incremental test to exhaustion) and anaerobic (Wingate 30s all-out test, 5 and 10-meter sprint test, shuttle test, isometric test) sport-performance measurements were correlated singularly or grouped (Z scores) with the classification point. Moreover, a multivariate permutation-based ranking analysis investigated possible differences in the overall level of performance among the adjacent classified groups of players, considering the scores of each test. A statistically significant correlation between the performance parameters and the IWRF functional classification considering both aerobic and anaerobic personalized tests was detected (0.58 ≤ r ≤ 0.88; 0.0260 ≤ p ≤ 0.0001). The multivariate permutation-based ranking analysis showed differences only for the low-pointers versus mid-pointers (p = 0.0195) and high-pointers (p = 0.0075). Although single performance parameters correlated with athletes' classification point, results of the multivariate permutation-based ranking analysis seem to suggest considering only the most significant anaerobic and sport-specific performance parameters among athletes. These should be combined with the physical assessment and the qualitative observation, which are already part of the classification process to improve its effectiveness.

Physiological Responses to Repeated Running Sprint Ability Tests: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this study was to review acute physiological responses induced by repeated running sprint ability (RRSA) tests that could serve as references for practitioners utilising repeated sprints as a performance measure with athletes. This research was conducted following the PRISMA methodology. The systematic search was conducted in November 2019 and yielded 26 different scientific articles. Only peer-reviewed full-text article were included as abstracts are too short to allow proper explanation of the RRSAT methodology that was employed. According to the present literature, practitioners should use the following assessments: the 6×40m RRSA protocol with one Change of Direction (COD) (20+20 m with a 180° COD) and 25s of passive recovery between sprints with soccer players; the Intensive Repeated Sprint Ability (IRSA) test with men basketball players; the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) with futsal players; the Repeated Shuttle Sprint Test (RSST) with men handball players; and the Multiple Repeated Sprint Ability test for Badminton players (MRSAB). The present review should serve as a reference standard for RRSA tests. Further research should be directed towards creating and validating more specific RRSA tests protocols to each sports physiological and physical demands.

Longitudinal Study Evaluating Postural Balance of Young Athletes.

Repeated anaerobic conditions during athletic performance may cause general and local fatigue that result in postural balance deficit. Evidence suggests that improved postural balance during athletic training may decrease the risk for fallings and traumatic injuries among athletes. Twenty athletes (12 girls, 8 boys) and 20 controls (12 girls, 8 boys) ages 10-15 years participated in the current study. All athletes were active in an 8-month physical activity program, 3 times per week for 90 min., specific to basketball, soccer, or athletic training. The control children participated in physical education at school only, with no involvement in organized extracurricular sports. All participants were evaluated for postural balance in three assessments over one year (at 4-mo intervals); the Interactive Balance System machine (Tetrax device) was used to assess balance at three test times (pre-, post-, and 10 min) after a session of a repeated sprint anaerobic test, consisting of 12 × 20 m run starting every 20 sec. The athletes had better postural balance than controls. There were different group patterns of change over the sessions; a significant interaction of session and group indicated that postural balance of the groups differed. The contribution of low sway frequencies (F1) and high sway frequencies (F6) differed between the controls and the athletes group. Results suggested that although athletes had better postural balance, improvement should be encouraged during training over the sessions and seasons, with special awareness of the balance deficit that occurs immediately after anaerobic stress and at the end of the season, to decrease the risk of injuries.

Influencia de dos tipos de calentamiento sobre la fuerza explosiva del tren inferior en estudiantes de Educación Física / Influence of two types of warm-ups on the explosive force of the lower body in physical education students

Resumen Influencia de dos tipos de calentamiento sobre la fuerza explosiva del tren inferior en estudiantes de educación física. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 18(1), 1-13. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar las posibles influencias de dos tipos de calentamiento (tradicional y específico) sobre la fuerza explosiva del tren inferior. Se realizaron dos pruebas (salto con contramovimiento -CMJ- y sprint 5 metros) sobre tres grupos: grupo sin calentamiento (GSC); grupo de calentamiento tradicional (GCT), que incluía movilidad articular, carrera continua y estiramientos estáticos; y grupo de calentamiento específico (GCE), que incluía movilidad articular, carrera continua, estiramientos dinámicos y pliometría. Se realizó un pre y post test y se utilizó la prueba de ANOVA de medidas repetidas para0020comparar la influencia del tipo de calentamiento sobre las pruebas entre los diferentes grupos. Posteriormente, se calculó el tamaño del efecto a través de g de Hedges. Los resultados mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el pre y post test en el GCT y en el GCE; además, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < .05) entre GSC y el GCE en el post test solo en la prueba de salto. Realizar estiramientos dinámicos y pliometría como parte del calentamiento parece influir positivamente en la capacidad de salto vertical. Los datos sugieren que los profesores de educación física deberían utilizar calentamientos con estiramientos dinámicos y pliometría para mejorar el rendimiento en actividades que incluyan el salto.

Abstract Influence of two types of warm-ups on the explosive force of the lower body in physical education students. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 18(1), 1-13. The present study aimed to determine the possible influences of two types of warm-ups (traditional and specific) on the explosive strength of the lower body. Two tests were conducted (Counter Movement Jump-CMJ and 5-meter sprint) in three groups: a group without warm-up (GSC), a group with traditional warm-ups (GCT) including articulated mobility, continuous running, and static stretching; and another group with specific warm-ups (GCE), including articulated mobility, continuous running, dynamic stretching, and plyometric exercises. A pre and post-test was conducted, and ANOVA was used to compare the influence of the type of warm-ups on tests between groups. Subsequently, the effect size was calculated using Hedges' g. Results showed statistically significant differences between the pre and post-test in GCT and in GCE; furthermore, statistically significant differences (p < .05) were found in CMJ test between GSC and GCE, in the post-test. Performing dynamic stretching and plyometric exercises as part of the warm-ups seems to positively influence the ability to jump vertically. Data suggests that physical education coaches should use warm-ups with dynamic stretching and plyometric exercises to enhance performance in activities that include jumping.

Resumo Influência de dois tipos de aquecimento sobre a força explosiva dos membros inferiores em estudantes de educação física. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO: Revista de Ciencias del Ejercicio y la Salud, 18(1), 1-13. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar as possíveis influências de dois tipos de aquecimento (tradicional e específico) na força explosiva dos membros inferiores. Foram realizadas duas provas (salto com contramovimento - CMJ - e sprint de 5 metros) em três grupos: grupo sem aquecimento (GSA); grupo com aquecimento tradicional (GAT), que incluía mobilidade articular, corrida contínua e alongamentos estáticos; e grupo de aquecimento específico (GAE), que incluía mobilidade articular, corrida contínua, alongamentos dinâmicos e pliometria. Foram realizados um pré-teste e pós-teste e foi utilizada a prova da ANOVA de medidas repetidas para comparar a influência do tipo de aquecimento nas provas entre os diferentes grupos. Posteriormente, foi calculado o tamanho do efeito mediante o g de Hedges. Os resultados mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre o pré-teste e o pós-teste no GAT e no GAE; além disso, foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) entre GSA e o GAE no pós-teste, somente na prova de salto. Realizar alongamentos dinâmicos e pliometria como parte do aquecimento parece influenciar positivamente na capacidade de salto vertical. Os dados sugerem que os professores de educação física deveriam utilizar aquecimentos com alongamentos dinâmicos e pliometria para melhorar o desempenho em atividades que incluam salto.

Influence of noncircular chainring on male physiological parameters in hand cycling.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a noncircular chainring (NCC) compared with a conventional circular chainring (CC) on hand cycling performance. Eleven nondisabled male participants with no hand cycling experience initially completed an incremental exercise test. Afterward, the participants completed two 20 s sprint tests, followed by a 20 min endurance test and then another two 20 s sprint tests. An NCC and a CC were used in random order on two separate occasions. To compare the effects of the NCC and CC on power data of the sprint tests and metabolic response during the endurance test, a two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used. Average power values of the sprint tests showed no significant difference between NCC and CC, but over time, values of the first and third sprint tests were higher than those of the second and fourth sprint tests for both chainrings. Values of energy expenditure (kilojoules), gross efficiency (percentage), and net efficiency (percentage) after 10 and 20 min during the endurance test using NCC and CC showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) either between tests or over time. Under the current test conditions and focusing on physiological parameters, a performance optimization using an NCC in hand cycling could not be proven.

Variation in football players' sprint test performance across different ages and levels of competition.

The purpose of this study was to compare sprint test performance performed by football players of different ages and levels of competition. One hundred and forty six Portuguese players from different teams completed the test (seven maximal sprints interspersed with 25 s active recovery). A 6 (level of competition: 1(st) national division, 2(nd) national division, 1(st) regional division, sub 16, sub 14, sub 12) 7 (sprint trial: sprint 1, sprint 2, sprint 3, sprint 4, sprint 5, sprint 6, sprint 7) repeated measures ANOVA was carried out on subjects sprint times. The main effect of level of competition was statistically significant, F(5, 140) = 106.28, p < 0.001. Subjects from 1(st) national division were significantly faster than subjects from 2(nd) national division; subjects from 1(st) regional division obtained similar performances when compared to sub 16 and sub 14 level; subjects from sub 12 level were the slowest. The main effect of sprint trial was also statistically significant, F (6, 840) = 7.37, p < 0.001. Mean sprint times from the first trial were significantly slower than mean sprint times from the second, third and fourth trial. Results from the fifth, sixth and seventh trials were slower, denoting a decrement in performance. The two main effects were qualified by a significant level of competition x sprint trial interaction, F (30, 840) = 9.47 p < 0.001, identifying markedly different performance profiles. Coaches should be aware that normative data regarding this test can play a very important role if used frequently and consistently during the whole season. Key PointsGroups of different ages (Sub 16, Sub 14 and Sub 12) and groups of different training quality (1(st) and 2(nd) national divisions and 1(st) regional division) were clearly discriminated by sprint test performances.Professional players exhibited higher performances in sprint test.Fatigue effects were the strongest between 5th to the 7th sprint.

Validade do RAST para avaliar o desempenho da potência anaeróbia em relação ao teste Wingate em ciclistas / Validad del RAST para evaluar el rendimiento de potencia anaeróbica en comparación con el test de Wingate en los atletas de ciclismo / Validity of the RAST for evaluating anaerobic power performance as compared to Wingate test in cycling athletes

The validity of the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) was investigated to evaluate the anaerobic power performance in comparison to Wingate test in cycling athletes. Ten mountain-bike male cyclists (28.0±7.3 years) randomly performed Wingate Test and RAST with two trials each. After several anthropometric measurements, peak power (PP), mean power (MP) and fatigue index (FI) for RAST and Wingate Test were analyzed using Student's paired t-test, Pearson's linear correlation test (r) and Bland and Altman's plots. Results showed that, with the exception of FI (33.8±4.6% vs. 37.8±7.9%; r=0.172), significant differences were detected between the Wingate and RAST tests with regard to PP and MP. Although there was a strong correlation for PP and MP, or rather, 0.831 and 0.714 respectively, agreement of analysis between Wingate and RAST protocols was low. The above suggested that RAST was not appropriate to evaluate the performance of anaerobic power by Wingate test in cycling athletes.

O objetivo foi investigar a validade do teste de RAST (Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test) em avaliar o desempenho da potência anaeróbia a partir do teste de Wingate em ciclistas treinados. Participaram do estudo 10 ciclistas do sexo masculino (28,0±7,3 anos) da modalidade de Mountain bike. Após a mensuração das variáveis antropométricas, a potência pico (PP), média (PM) e o índice de fadiga (IF) foram determinados randomicamente a partir de dois testes de Wingate e dois testes de RAST. Foram utilizados o teste t independente de Student, a análise de correlação linear de Pearson (r) e o teste de Bland-Altman. Os resultados demonstraram, exceto para o IF (33.8±4.6% vs. 37.8±7.9%; r=0.172), diferenças significativas entre o teste de Wingate e o RAST para PP e PM (W.kg-1 e W). Embora os valores de correlação para a PP e PM (W) tenham sido fortes (0.831 e 0.714, respectivamente) a concordância entre os protocolos de Wingate e RAST foi baixa, sugerindo que o teste de RAST não é válido para avaliar o desempenho da potência anaeróbica a partir do teste de Wingate em ciclistas.

El objetivo fue investigar la validad del teste de RAST (Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test) en evaluar el desempeño de la potencia anaeróbica través del uso del teste de Wingate en ciclistas trenados. Participaron del estudio 10 ciclistas masculinos (28,0±7,3 años) de la modalidad de Mountain bike. Después de la mensuración de las variables antropométricas, la potencia pico (PP), media (PM) y el índice de fatiga (IF) fueron determinados al acaso a partir de dos testes de Wingate y de dos testes de RAST. Fueron utilizados el test t independiente de Student, el análisis de correlación linear de Pearson (r) y el test de Bland-Altman. Los resultados demostraron, contrariamente al IF (33.8±4.6% vs. 37.8±7.9%; r=0.172), diferencias significativas entre el teste de Wingate y el RAST para PP y PM (W.kg-1 e W). Mismo que los valores de correlación de PP e PM (W) tengan sido fortes (0,831 e 0,714, respectivamente), la concordancia entre los protocolos de Wingate y RAST fue baja, sugiriendo que el teste de RAST no es válido para evaluar el desempeño de la potencia anaeróbica a partir del teste de Wingate en este grupo.