Activity

We tested the hypothesis that Whole Body Vibration (WBV) positively affects the fatigue process ensuing from repeated bouts of maximal efforts, as induced by repeated sprints ability (RSA). Eleven male soccer players performed three sets of six repeated shuttle sprints (40 metres).

Eleven male soccer players (age 23,6±4,5 years) were cross-randomized to perform WBW before RSA and during the recovery between sets (WBV-with) or to warm-up and passive recovery between sets (WBV-without). The effects of WBV were quantified by sprint time (ST) and blood lactate concentration (LA), collected up to 15th min after completion of tests.

ST during RSA showed a better maintenance of performance in the WBV-with compared to WBV-without condition in all three sets, reaching a statistical significance between-groups during the 2nd and 3rd set (P< 0.05). No significant differences in ST over the sets were detected in WBVwith, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the WBV-without condition (P<0.001). LA recovered significantly faster from the 9th to 15th minute of recovery in WBV-with as compared to WBV-without (P<0.05).

These findings would indicate that WBV performed during recovery between RSA sets is capable of delaying the onset of muscle fatigue resulting in a better maintenance of sprint performance.

These findings would indicate that WBV performed during recovery between RSA sets is capable of delaying the onset of muscle fatigue resulting in a better maintenance of sprint performance.

High-intensity interval training protocols using the body weight (WBHIIT) as resistance could be an interesting and inexpensive alternative due to the absence of equipment required (low cost) and the possibility to be performed in a wide range of locations. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of a short-term WBHIIT protocol on muscle thickness (MT), muscular endurance (ME), one maximum repetition test (1RM), and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) of untrained individuals.

Fifty healthy men (28.2 ± 6.7 years, 77.5 ± 26.2 kg, 171 ± 10 cm, 23.2 ± 8.2 % Fat) were randomized into WB-HIIT (n = 25) or control (CON, n = 25) group. XST-14 The WB-HIIT performed 9 exercises (40-second stimulus in all out intensity/ 20-second of passive recovery) divided into 3 blocks with 2 sets each for 6 weeks (three times a week).

Only WB-HIIT resulted in a significant increase in MT, ME, 1RM, and VO2max (all p < 0.05) outcomes and were significantly greater compared to CON (all p < 0.05).

Our results demonstrate that a WB-HIIT program can be a time-efficient strategy to promote changes on fitness, morphological and functional parameters in previously untrained sedentary individuals.

Our results demonstrate that a WB-HIIT program can be a time-efficient strategy to promote changes on fitness, morphological and functional parameters in previously untrained sedentary individuals.

This study aim was to profile physical fitness in talented football referees (FR) with performance relevant field-tests across time.

Thirty-eight male FR (age 28±1.5 years, height 178±5.1 cm, body mass 69.0±7.34 kg, body fat 17.2±2.87%) were observed for 15 months. Endurance was assessed with the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) with 5x30m line-sprints with 30s recovery (5x30m). Long sprint endurance (LSA) and change of direction ability (COD) evaluated with novel field-tests. FR was tested six times (every three months) during the study.

YYIR1 performance showed large increments across testing occasions. Sprint time in the COD largely and significantly decreased across the testing occasions. Very large associations were reported between 5x30m and LSA tests grand mean (r=0.89, 0.78-0.94, P<0.0001). A nearly perfect (r=0.97, 0.94-0.99, P<0.0001) association was observed between 5x30m best sprint and 5x30m grand means.

The results of this study revealed ability-related variations in performance across time. The effect of training and competitions on the determinism of physical fitness in refereeing seem plausible. Interestingly, sprint endurance tests shared a very large variance proposing tests interchangeability and mutual physiological demands. This study information provides useful information for the development of sound field-tests batteries in talented FR.

The results of this study revealed ability-related variations in performance across time. The effect of training and competitions on the determinism of physical fitness in refereeing seem plausible. Interestingly, sprint endurance tests shared a very large variance proposing tests interchangeability and mutual physiological demands. This study information provides useful information for the development of sound field-tests batteries in talented FR.

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare jump load and dynamic performance in elite volleyball athletes under varied conditions over an entire season of practices and games. Jump load and dynamic performance were compared among (i) best jump height, (ii) mean jump height, as well as according to (iii) the number of jumps per game or practice session and (iv) the proportion of jumps higher than 50 cm relative to the total number of jumps in a practice or game.

Every jump performed by each of 12 players, in all practices and regular games (813 player-sessions in total), was measured by a particle accelerometer in accordance with a validated protocol (Vert®). Data were collected and analysed using STATA; the significance level for definition of confidence intervals was set to 95%, unless otherwise specified. Statistical analysis and comparison of means and proportions between groups was based on standard t-tests.

Among player positions, the Middle Blocker consistently presented the greatest jump loads during the season; by comparison, the smallest jump loads were observed in the Setter.

Monitoring players’ jump loads and performance using a simple accelerometer provides evidence which can be used to plan individual player activity, roster composition, the season calendar and furthermore increase knowledge to reduce over-training and recurrence of injuries.

Monitoring players’ jump loads and performance using a simple accelerometer provides evidence which can be used to plan individual player activity, roster composition, the season calendar and furthermore increase knowledge to reduce over-training and recurrence of injuries.