Energy and macronutrient requirements of female athletes engaged in synchronous skating

Background and Study Aim. Boxing is a dynamic sport where head punches play a key role in performance, with kinetic energy (KE) and angular dynamics significantly affecting punch effectiveness. This study explores these biomechanical parameters during head punches delivered by boxers from different experience levels: A – 1st category, B – Candidate for Master of Sports, and C – Master of Sports. Understanding how these factors vary with experience and skill can provide insight into how kinetic and angular properties contribute to punch efficacy and energy transfer in high-impact sports. Material and methods. A total of 50 elite boxers (aged 18–20 years) were selected for this study, categorized based on their experience levels into three groups: A – 1st Category, B – Candidate for Master of Sports, and C – Master of Sports. Results. Boxers in category C (Master of Sports) demonstrated significantly higher KE during the acceleration phase (p<0.001), while those in category A (1st category) exhibited greater angular velocity during the wind-up phase (p<0.001). Boxers in category B (Candidate for Master of Sports) showed a more balanced distribution of KE and angular displacement across all phases. A strong positive correlation (r=0.87) was found between peak KE and punch force for all categories. Conclusions. The study reveals that experience level significantly influences head punches' kinetic and angular properties. Master of Sports boxers produce more KE, albeit at slower angular velocities, while those in the 1st category focus on optimizing angular dynamics for faster punches.

Purpose: to study the effect of an identical training process on the functional state of high-level sprint swimmers of both genders.
 Material and methods. The heart rate variability indices, central hemodynamic parameters and PWC170/kg measurements were compared between 86 male and 42 female swimmers with sports qualifications from first-class athlete to Master of Sports International Class, and separately, – between 38 males and 9 females (Masters of Sports and Masters of Sports International Class), 28 males and 16 females (Candidates for Masters of Sports), and 22 males and 17 females (first-class athletes).
 The results. In the general group (86 males vs. 42 females) only the greater value of PWC170/kg in males by 12.64 % (p<0.001) was revealed, without any differences in heart rate variability and central hemodynamics. Masters of Soprts and Masters of Sports International Class, as well as Candidates for Masters of Sports, didn't have gender differences in all indicators studied. In first-class athletes, there were no gender differences in heart rate variability and central hemodynamic parameters, except for PWC170/kg, which in males was greater by 11.27 % (p=0.036).
 Conclusions. A comparison of 86 male and 42 female swimmers with sports qualifications from first-class athlete to Master of Sports International Class, who differed by age and training experience, showed no significant differences in HRV and central hemodynamic parameters except for PWC170/kg, which was 12.64 % higher in males (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between all studied indices in 38 male and 9 female swimmers with sports qualifications Master of Sports and Master of Sports International Class, with no differences in age or training experience. Comparison of 28 male and 16 female swimmers with sports qualification Candidate for Master of Sports, not differing by age and training experience showed no significant differences in HRV and central hemodynamic parameters, except for PWC170/kg, which was greater in males by 11.27 % (p=0.034). In 22 male and 17 female swimmers with sports qualification first-class athlete, not differing by age (males have greater training experience) there were no differences between all studied indices.

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of training status on ski racers (Komi Republic) at rest and under bicycle ergometry evaluating their cardiorespiratory system parameters. Materials and Methods. The authors examined male ski racers with different training status: 22 first-rank sportsmen, 22 candidates for Master of Sports and 22 Masters of Sports. Athletes underwent bicycle ergometry loads up to refusal. Oxycon Pro system (Germany) was used. Then authors studied the complex of cardiorespiratory parameters, calculating maximum oxygen consumption and unit physiological cost. Results. At rest and under standard physical load (200 W) Masters of Sports demonstrate significantly increased training status among ski racers in such cardiorespiratory system parameters as heart rate, rate pressure product and oxygen pulse. Under standard physical load (200 W) statistically significant differences between first-rank sportsmen and candidates for Master of Sports are detected by heart rate, rate pressure product, respiration rate, respiratory minute volume and oxygen utilization coefficient. Such deviations indicate differences in training status. Under maximum load, the highest training status is found in Masters of Sports: bicycle ergometry load power and duration; unit pulse, pressor and cardiac cost, bulk and unit values of maximum oxygen consumption. Heart rate values, unit pulse and heart-vent cost indicate a high training status in candidates for Master of Sports under load up to refusal, if compared with first-rank sportsmen. Athletes’ organism under load up to refusal works more efficiently than under moderate load (200 W). The training status in ski racers (Komi Republic) is manifested in the saving cardiorespiratory system functions, both at rest and under standard bicycle ergometry, as well as in parameters of unit physiological cost under loads up to refusal and increased values of maximum oxygen consumption. Keywords: ski racers, Komi Republic, training status, bicycle ergometry loads, cardiorespiratory system, maximum oxygen consumption.

Background. The training methods for female athletes’ special physical training are considered to be a crucial aspect of the overall preparation system for competitive activity, which requires correct planning and implementation. Objectives. The study aimed to determine the impact of special preparatory exercises on female athletes engaged in Cossack Fight, depending on the characteristics of the body’s functioning in different phases of a specific biological cycle. Materials and methods. The study involved 20 female athletes aged 17-24 years who participated in Cossack Fight, and were divided into experimental and control groups. The qualification levels of female athletes in the experimental group were as follows: 1 – Master of Sports of Ukraine; 2 – Candidates for Master of Sports of Ukraine; 7 – 1 sports category. The control group comprised: 1 – Master of Sports of Ukraine; 2 – Candidates for Master of Sports of Ukraine; 7 – 1 sports category. The training program lasted for ten weeks and took place at a special preparatory and control-preparatory stage of the preparatory period. Results. The findings showed that the variability of training loads, depending on the phase of the ovarian-menstrual cycle, had a statistically significantly greater impact on the indicators of special physical fitness in the female athletes’ experimental group compared to the control group. Thus, after ten weeks of special physical training, the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in the number of direct punches on the punching bag in 4 seconds (t=4.07; p<0.001) and 15 seconds (t=3.62; p<0.001), throwing a medicine ball weighing 3 kg (t=2.92; p<0.05), repeated circular kicks on the punching bag to the torso level for 15 seconds (t=4.22; p<0.001), direct punches on the punching bag for 1 minute (t=4.23; p<0.001), repeated circular kicks on the punching bag for 1 minute (t=4.49; p<0.001), and jumping rope after exercise (a 3-minute punching bag workout) for 1 minute (t=3.55; p<0.001). Conclusions. The implementation of an experimental program for special physical training of female athletes, in accordance with the phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle, into the general system of preparation for competitive activity, leads to a statistically reliable improvement in key indicators of physical fitness.

The purpose of the study is to examine the main morphometric characteristics and explore their relationship with sports results in the heptathlon and pentathlon based on the total points scored. Research methods and organization. The athletes (Master of Sports of International Class, Master of Sports, Candidate for Master of Sports, and 1st category), with a sports experience ranging from 7 to 15 years, were examined, with an average age of 21 years. A unified anthropometric methodology adopted by the D.N. Anuchin Institute of Anthropology was employed. The primary components of body weight and size were recorded. Body weight components were calculated using the formulas of Czech researcher Matejka. Measurements were conducted during the competitive period, on the eve of the start in heptathlon or summer polyathlon. The result of each athlete (the total score attained) was also recorded. Conventional methods of variational statistics were used in processing the obtained data. The relationship between the characteristics was determined using pair correlation methods. Research results and conclusions. It has been established that women specializing in the heptathlon and pentathlon have a similar body length to high jumpers, long shins like hurdlers, long upper limbs comparable to javelin throwers, and body circumference measurements akin to the strongest athletic group among female athletes. An analysis of the relationship between athletic performance in combined events and body composition indicators revealed that these morphological traits are significantly correlated with the level of athletic performance and can serve as a valuable criterion for assessing the readiness of female athletes for competitions. It is recommended that multi-event athletes regularly undergo morphological assessments, monitor the effectiveness of their training sessions, and observe the dynamics of changes in body fat and muscle components throughout the macrocycle.

The goal was to study the psycho-emotional sphere and substantiate the methodology of mental training for shooters. Material and methods: the study involved 12 rifle and pistol shooters of the Kherson Higher School of Physical Education. Among them are athletes with qualifications of the second, first categories, candidates for Master of Sports and Master of Sports of Ukraine. The study continued during 2018-2019. In the course of the research, the method of mental training of shooters was introduced. The results proved that the means of mental training had a positive effect on the state of the nervous system of shooters. Sensory motor responses were superior in less experienced athletes. So, for shooters of the CCM level and below, the results are better than those of the masters of sports: 1) according to the tapping test for 0.75 ms, 2) according to the reaction to a light stimulus for 12.5 ms, c) according to the reaction to a sound stimulus to 55 5 ms. The degree of training according to the Schulte table was high among all shooters, but slightly higher among the masters of sports (by 0.05). A rather high indicator of emotional excitability was found in shooters of masters of sports. Among the representatives of this group were persons with different types of temperament. Basically, the sanguine type prevailed, based on a strong, balanced, mobile type of the nervous system. For the representatives of the second group, which included candidates for masters of sports and first-class athletes, this indicator was at an average level. In our opinion, this is due to the fact that the representatives of this group had persons with a predominantly phlegmatic type of temperament. Conclusions: mental training had a positive effect on the level of mental processes and emotional sphere of shooters. On the basis of the data obtained on the mental sphere of shooters, it was established that these indicators were at high and sufficient levels.

Objective. To assess the gender characteristics of the concentration of cortisol, testosterone and vitamin D in blood serum in athletes, and to analyze the correlations between vitamin D levels and the hormonal status of athletes. Materials and methods. 52 athletes (32 men and 20 women) were examined, their age was 17-23, their sports specialization was cyclic sports (kayaking) and acyclic sports (gymnastics, martial arts), and qualification – candidates for master of sports, masters of sports. Venous blood was taken in the morning on an empty stomach before training loads. Determination of total testosterone and cortisol concentration and assessment of vitamin D level by determination of its metabolite 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) in blood serum was performed by immunochemiluminescent method. Results. In male athletes with vitamin D deficiency, serum testosterone concentration and anabolic index were significantly lower (p = 0.0093 and p = 0.0015, respectively) compared to the same indices in the group of athletes with normal vitamin D content. Correlation analysis in male athletes revealed a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) content and testosterone concentration (r = 0.36; p < 0.05), as well as between 25(OH)D content and anabolic index (r = 0.42; p < 0.05). The group of female athletes with vitamin D deficiency showed significantly lower serum testosterone concentration compared to athletes with normal vitamin D levels (p = 0.0112). No significant relationships were found between vitamin D levels and cortisol concentrations in both male and female athlete groups. Conclusion. The study results can be the evidence of modulation effect of vitamin D on testosterone levels in male athletes, indicating the importance of controlling and correcting vitamin D content in the dynamics of the training process.

Aim. The aim of the article is to determine the level of aerobic performance calculated through the rate of fat oxidation (FOR) in ski-racers during the cycle ergometer VO2max test. Materials and methods. Highly skilled ski-racers (n = 24, men) were examined in the general training period. The rate of fat oxidation was determined by indirect calorimetry during the cycle ergometer VO2max test using the Oxycon Pro system. Results. The maximum rate of fat oxidation (MFO) for highly skilled skiers (Master of sport title) was 0.77 g/min, which corresponded to a range of 40–60 % of the VO2max and a high level of aerobic performance. In athletes with a title of the candidate for Master of sport, MFO averaged 0.53 g/min, which corresponded to average aerobic performance. A direct correlation is shown between MFO and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (AT) (Rs = 0.568; p = 0.003); watt pulse at AT (Rs = 0.594; p = 0.002); VO2max (Rs = 0.390; p = 0.054) that indicates the diagnostic significance of determining aerobic performance through FOR. Conclusions. FOR characterizes the level of aerobic performance and can be used in assessing the functional status of athletes when planning training programs and preventing fatigue.

One of the results of the work of subjects of physical culture and sport in the athletes’ preparation is the criterion of evaluation for implementation of certain ranks requirements. According to the section of sports ranks at three levels: mass ranks, reserve, sports ranks, it is necessary to plan the analysis of the state of work on them. This can be done within individual regions. Purpose: to establish indicators of implementation standards of the candidate for Master of Sport and the first rank by athletes in game sports in the Ivano- Frankivsk region during 2018-2021. Methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of data of scientific and methodical literature, analysis of documentary materials, methods of mathematical statistics. The content of the orders "On the assignment of sports ranks" of the Sport Department of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration for the period 2018-2021 (in total 31 documents) was studied. Results. Reserve sports are mostly characterized by sport ranks of the candidate for Master of Sport and the first rank. During 2018−2021, there is a significant variability in the number of athletes in game sports who met the requirements of sports ranks of the candidate for Master of Sport and the first rank. Higher values are inherent for 2018 and 2020 (126 and 169 people) and much less for 2019 and 2021 (43 and 59 people). The shares of representatives of game sports had significant differences over the years and ranged from 27.92 to 52.65% of the total number of those who met the requirements of sport ranks of the candidate for Master of Sport and the first rank. In the structure of game sports athletes who met the requirements of the sport ranks of the candidate for Master of Sport and the first rank during 2018-2021, the largest share is occupied by football (44%). The second position is occupied by rugby representatives (17%). Then a group of sports with approximately the same contribution of 9-10% (basketball, table tennis, volleyball, futsal). Conclusions. According to the indicators of the requirements for the awarding of sport ranks of the candidate for Master of Sport and the first rank in Ivano-Frankivsk region revealed the existence of a prominent leader among the sports – football and a certain core, which includes five other sports (basketball, table tennis, volleyball, futsal, rugby).

The study of the problem of self-realization in sports involves the analysis of the subjective experience of athletes of a high level of sportsmanship. The purpose of this work was to survey cycling athletes regarding their views on personal self-realization. The sample consisted of 20 athletes with the titles of candidates for Master of Sports (CMS), masters of sports (MS), masters of sports of international class (MSIC) and Honored Masters of Sports. A questionnaire, which includes 22 questions, was developed for the survey. The questionnaire made it possible to identify: 1) the goals and motivation of the racing athletes; 2) satisfaction with the results of their activities; 3) self-assessment of their own capabilities in achieving goals; 4) difficulties arising in the process of sports activities and willingness to overcome them. The results of the study revealed differences in views on cycling athletes, depending on the level of their sports qualifications and individual characteristics of athletes. The obtained data can contribute to the development of strategies for psychological support of elite-level athletes.

Evaluation of a portable device to measure daily energy expenditure in free-living adults

The purpose of the study is to determine the conditions for effective training in skysurfing. Materials and methods. The pedagogical study involved 19 athletes with experience of skysurfing at the age of 35 to 45 years with a preliminary level of qualification in other sports from adult categories to the honorary title of master of sports, 4 - masters of sports, 3 - candidates for master of sports, 6 - adult categories and others without discharges. The following indicators were recorded in the study: the distance of walking along the lane (up to 20 m), the distance of walking with padding with a tennis ball (up to 25 m), the distance of movement along the lane after ten turns around oneself (up to 10 m), the number and quality of attempts to complete the test task “to enter into the wind ”(lifting the parachute by the lines from the surface of the water into the air). Research results. The main criteria for the comparative characteristics of the groups were the results of the task on the coordination of movements. To compare the effectiveness of the main movements in skysurfing, the control test "Go into the wind" was used to perform a simple exercise aimed at developing basic skills and after its application. Conclusions. It was determined that: 1. the correctness and quality of motor actions fulfillment in sky-surfing conditions, without the use of preliminary training, largely depends on the level of athletes' coordination abilities development. 2. When preparing to move to Skysurfing, it is advisable, and not immediately, to start with the main motor actions. Preliminarily, it is advisable to use simple exercises and form skills and abilities that could be classified as basic. The number of attempts to make the main movements immediately, only after a physical warm-up increases, and after completing the previous simple exercise, it decreases. 3. For the most rational choice of previous exercises, you should use materials (exercise arsenal) for other sports.

Introduction: Diets of athletes often provide sub-optimal levels of energy, nutrients, and fluids. Most data originate from summer sports, whereas only limited data are available from winter sports. Altitude and cold are environmental extremes that can prevail under winter sport-specific conditions, possibly altering daily nutrient requirement (1). In the first part of this project, we compared energy, macronutrient, and fluid intake of male and female winter sport athletes, training in two different environments: non-specific (dry-land) and specific (on-snow/on-ice). In addition, we assessed changes in iron status and supplement use. Female athletes who restrict energy intake may jeopardize performance and health (2). Severe forms of energy restriction, such as disordered eating, can lead to amenorrhea and increase the risk for stress fractures and osteoporosis. This combination of disorders is known as the Female Athlete Triad (3) and was the focus of the second part of the project. Negative effects on the skeleton are a primary concern of the Triad. However, it is possible that unique loading patterns and the high proportion of lean tissue in winter sport athletes may preserve bone mass. We investigated this hypothesis in the female athletes. In the third part of the project, we compared body composition and bone mineral density (BMD, g/m2) of female and male athletes to non-athletes. We hypothesized that athletes have greater BMD values compared to non-athletes. Methods: Eighty-one athletes involved in long track speed skating, snowboarding, biathlon, freestyle skiing, bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge were initially recruited for the study. All athletes were in preparation for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Thirty-four athletes qualified for the Olympics and 9 won medals. Of the initial subject pool, 34 females (age: 26.2 ± 6.0yrs; ht: 1.66 ± 0.07m; wt: 63.2 ± 7.3kg) and 23 males (age: 25.8 ± 4.2yrs; ht: 1.78 ± 0.07m; wt: 76.6 ± 7.5kg) volunteered to participate in the first part of the study. Athletes filled out 3-day, weighed dietary and 24-hour activity records during training in two environments (non-specific and specific). Mean altitude and temperature were 1614 ± 375m and 25 ± 2°C for non-specific and 1921 ± 442m and -1 ± 9°C for specific environment. To assess changes in iron status (serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity, serum iron, transferrin saturation, complete blood count), venous blood was drawn at the beginning and end of the study. Supplement use was assessed by dietary records and questionnaire. The Female Athlete Triad was examined on the sub-clinical level. Energy balance was calculated using 6-day averages of energy intake and energy expenditure. Restrained eating was evaluated using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (4), menstrual dysfunction by questionnaires evaluating history and status, and osteoporosis (lumbar spine, proximal femur) by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, DXA (Hologic, QDR-1000/W). Differences in body composition (fat mass, lean tissue mass, % body fat) and BMD (whole body, lumbar spine, proximal femur) between athletes (N = 79) and non-athletes (N = 40) were assessed by DXA (Hologic, QDR-1000/W). Comparisons were made for energy, macronutrient, fluid intake, and iron profiles using a dependent t-test and for body composition and BMD using an independent t-test. Significance levels were corrected for multiple comparisons. The prevalence of the Female Athlete Triad was evaluated based on defined criteria for each component. Athletes who presented with one or more components were counted and prevalence was calculated. Preliminary results will be presented at the 2002 IOC World Congress.

Introduction. Nowadays, the theory of sports does not contain clear criteria for assessing sports fitness, which would reflect the model characteristics of competition performance. The article presents the research results on the functional state of athletes with different training process specifics as model characteristics of competition performance. The aim of the research is to identify and describe the model characteristics of competition performance as the main criterion for evaluating sports training in the theory of sports. Materials and Methods. Energy component of athletes’ functional fitness was studied in 80 qualified athletes (Candidates for Master of Sports, Masters of Sports, International Masters of Sports), specializing in running short, medium and long distances during the period of training for competitions. The study of the energy component was conducted using the inventory developed by B. F. Vashlyaev et al. (‘A method for evaluating physical performance based on minute volume of breathing dynamics ratio to increasing load power’). This method allows to identify which source of energy is used by the athlete while taking a cycle ergometer testing. Results. The authors identified the model characteristics of functional fitness in athletes with different training specifics, based on the energy component. The study provides physiological grounding from the point of view of appropriate interaction of energy supply systems. The key regulatory mechanisms associated with the metabolic reactions activation of adenosine triphosphate molecules production are described. Conclusions. Model characteristics of athletes' competition performance, obtained in this research, can be used by coaches in order to manage sports training effectively. Moreover, the identified model characteristics can be used as the main criteria for evaluating sports training in sports theory.

The purpose of this study was to establish electrophysiological markers of archers’ shot accuracy by correlations between performance and electroencephalogram (EEG) power parameters in athletes of different ranks compared. Materials and methods. The research involved 20 archers shooting the classic bow, who were divided into two groups of 10 subjects each by sports rank: Candidate for Master of Sport and First-Class Sportsman. EEG was recorded using the Encephalan-EEGR-19/26 device (Medikom MTD, Taganrog) in 19 leads according to the 10–20 system. Reference electrodes were placed on the earlobes. Results. It was found that shot accuracy of high-level archers (Candidate for Master of Sport) is marked by an increase in alpha and theta EEG power in the occipito-temporal-frontal regions of the left hemisphere during the preparatory phases of the exercise, and then, by the dissociation of the powers of these frequency ranges while aiming. In contrast, shot accuracy of lower level archers is characterized by a decrease in the power of the main rhythm in the left temporal lead during the first phase of the shot. In the total sample of athletes (regardless of rank) no significant correlations were found in any of the 3365 cases of evaluation of this analytical parameter. Thus, the electrophysiological markers of bow shot accuracy differ between Candidates for Master of Sport and First-Class Sportsmen. The sevenfold greater number of significant correlations (p < 0.05) between EEG parameters and shot accuracy of Candidates for Master of Sport compared to First-Class Sportsmen indicates a high level of development of the Bow Shot functional system of purposeful movements as the skill improves, as well as testifies to the synergism of physiological processes when performing the exercise by Candidates for Master of Sport. The established facts will expand coaches’ physiological understanding of the mechanism of purposeful movements in order to objectively predict sports results.