Aerobic Sports Research Articles

Level of competitive success achieved by elite athletes and multi-joint proprioceptive ability

Proprioceptive ability has been suggested to underpin elite sports performance. Accordingly, this study examined the relationship between an athlete's proprioceptive ability, competition level achieved, and years of sport-specific training. Cross-sectional study. One hundred elite athletes, at competition levels ranging from regional to international, in aerobic gymnastics, swimming, sports dancing, badminton and soccer, were assessed for proprioceptive acuity at the ankle, knee, spine, shoulder, and finger joints. An active movement extent discrimination test was conducted at each joint, to measure ability to discriminate small differences in movements made to physical stops. Multiple regression analysis showed that 30% of the variance in the sport competition level an athlete achieved could be accounted for by an equation that included: ankle movement discrimination score, years of sport-specific training, and shoulder and spinal movement discrimination scores (p<0.001). Mean proprioceptive acuity score over these three predictor joints was significantly correlated with sport competition level achieved (r=0.48, p<0.001), highlighting the importance of proprioceptive ability in underpinning elite sports performance. Years of sport-specific training correlated with an athlete's sport competition level achieved (r=0.29, p=0.004), however, proprioceptive acuity was not correlated with years of sport-specific training, whether averaged over joints or considered singly for each joint tested (all r≤0.13, p≥0.217). Proprioceptive acuity is significantly associated with the performance level achieved by sports elites. The amount of improvement in proprioceptive acuity associated with sport-specific training may be constrained by biologically determined factors.

Effect of ACTN3 Gene on Strength and Endurance in Soccer Players

Sports efficiency in activities in which strength and speed are the determining factors has been associated to the ACTN3 gene, which is responsible for the expression of α-actinin-3. Soccer is a mainly aerobic sport because of its long duration, but the acute actions that define the game demand a lot of strength and speed. The purpose of the present study was to compare the performance capacity of soccer players with different genotype groups of ACTN3 (XX, RX, and RR) in strength, speed, and endurance tests. Two hundred professional players of Brazilian soccer first division teams participated in this study. Speed, jump, and endurance test results were compared with the polymorphisms of the ACTN3 gene. It was noticed that RR individuals spent less time to run a 10-m path, compared with XX individuals (p < 0.05). The RR individuals also presented lower time rates at the 20- and 30-m path, compared with RX and XX individuals (p < 0.05). In jump tests, RR individuals presented higher rates, compared with RX and XX individuals (p < 0.05). As for aerobic tests, the XX individuals presented higher rates of V[Combining Dot Above]O2 max, compared with the RR group (p < 0.05), and did not differ from the RX group. The main conclusion of this study is that soccer players of genotype ACTN3/RR are the fastest in short distances and present higher jump potential. ACTN3/XX individuals presented the highest aerobic capacity. These findings can be used in training load adjustment and can influence the development of tactical schemes in soccer matches.

Intolerability of cobalt salt as erythropoietic agent

Unfair athletes seek ways to stimulate erythropoiesis, because the mass of haemoglobin is a critical factor in aerobic sports. Here, the potential misuse of cobalt deserves special attention. Cobalt ions (Co(2+) ) stabilize the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) that increase the expression of the erythropoietin (Epo) gene. Co(2+) is orally active, easy to obtain, and inexpensive. However, its intake can bear risks to health. To elaborate this issue, a review of the pertinent literature was retrieved by a search with the keywords 'anaemia', 'cobalt', 'cobalt chloride', 'erythropoiesis', 'erythropoietin', 'Epo', 'side-effects' and 'treatment', amongst others. In earlier years, cobalt chloride was administered at daily doses of 25 to 300 mg for use as an anti-anaemic agent. Co(2+) therapy proved effective in stimulating erythropoiesis in both non-renal and renal anaemia, yet there were also serious medical adverse effects. The intake of inorganic cobalt can cause severe organ damage, concerning primarily the gastrointestinal tract, the thyroid, the heart and the sensory systems. These insights should keep athletes off taking Co(2+) to stimulate erythropoiesis.

What's next for developmental psychiatry?

What's next for developmental psychiatry?

Mirror, mirror on the wall: the woman, the gaze and the fitness room

This study seeks to examine the gender forces at work in the sphere of athletics and aerobic sports in the Israeli context. This issue is of significance in the Israeli context in that women are exposed to conflicting discourses which, on one hand, draw their values from modern Western society, and on the other, still upholds patriarchal perceptions relative to women's status. By observing women athletes' mirrored reflections in the gym, we explore how these two forces shape the authentic body experience of female Israeli aerobics athletes and trace the dialogue they conduct within themselves. The premise was that the reflection of body in the mirror would also constitute the platform reflecting the forces at work as represented by the women's outlooks.

Ex vivo erythrocyte generation and blood doping.

Ex vivo erythrocyte generation and blood doping.

Influence of aerobic stamina exercises on immune function of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective To analyze the influence of aerobic stamina exercises on immune function of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods 68 cases of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were divided into two groups,the experimental group (38 cases) and the control group (30 cases).The control group received COPD standard medication while the experimental group received aerobic stamina sports for 4 weeks in addition.Two groups' immune function were compared before and after the treatment.Results No significant differences were observed between the two groups before any intervention was taken (P ＞ 0.05).The lever of CD3 + ％,(CD3 + + CD4+) ％,Th/Ts,(CD3 +-CD19 +) ％,(CD3 +-CD16 + +CD56+)％ [(61.5±5.4),(36.2±9.8),(1.9±0.7),(12.8±4.6),(25.6±5.3)％]were significantly higher in experimental group than in control group [(54.5 ± 5.9),(29.9 ± 8.9),(1.3 ± 0.6),(10.6 ± 3.2),(22.3 ± 2.9)％]after 6 weeks treatment.And the lever of (CD3+ + CD8+)％ in experimental group (21.6 ± 9.7) ％ was significantly lower than that in control group (27.6 ±± 11.7) ％ after 6 weeks treatment (t =5.008,2.773,3.946,2.342,3.269,-2.283,respectively ; P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Aerobic stamina exercise has a positive effect on immune function of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Key words: Elder; Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Immune function; Aerobic stamina exercises

Sex differences in response to maximal exercise stress test in trained adolescents

BackgroundSex comparisons between girls and boys in response to exercise in trained adolescents are missing and we investigated similarities and differences as a basis for clinical interpretation and guidance.MethodsA total of 24 adolescent females and 27 adolescent males aged 13–19 years underwent a maximal bicycle exercise stress test with measurement of cardiovascular variables, cardiac output, lung volumes, metabolic factors/lactate concentrations and breath-by-breath monitoring of ventilation, and determination of peak VO2.ResultsMaximum heart rate was similar in females (191 ± 9 bpm) and males (194 ± 7 bpm), cardiac index at maximum exercise was lower in females (7.0 ± 1.0 l/min/m2) than in males (8.3 ± 1.4 l/min/m2, P < 0.05). Metabolic responses and RQ at maximum exercise were similar (females: 1.04 ± 0.06 vs. males: 1.05 ± 0.05). Peak VO2 was lower in females (2.37 ± 0.34 l/min) than in males (3.38 ± 0.49 l/min, P < 0.05). When peak VO2 was normalized to leg muscle mass sex differences disappeared (females: 161 ± 21 ml/min/kg vs. males: 170 ± 23 ml/min/kg). The increase in cardiac index during exercise is the key factor responsible for the greater peak VO2 in adolescent boys compared to girls.ConclusionsDifferences in peak VO2 in adolescent boys and girls disappear when peak VO2 is normalized to estimated leg muscle mass and therefore provide a tool to conduct individual and intersex comparisons of fitness when evaluating adolescent athletes in aerobic sports.

Effects of Amino Acids and their Metabolites on Aerobic and Anaerobic Sports

SUMMARY GROUPS OF AMINO ACIDS, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL AMINO ACIDS, HAVE BEEN STUDIED FOR THEIR ROLES IN PROTEIN BALANCE, HORMONE SECRETION, IMMUNE FUNCTION, OR CAPACITY TO BE CONVERTED TO VARIOUS ANABOLIC OR ANTICATABOLIC METABOLITES. SPECIFIC AMINO ACIDS WITH EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS INCLUDE THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS, BRANCHED CHAIN AMINO ACIDS, ARGININE, TAURINE, GLUTAMINE, β-ALANINE, AND THE LEUCINE METABOLITE, β-HYDROXY-β-METHYLBUTYRATE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO ANALYZE THE POSSIBLE ROLES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THESE AMINO ACIDS IN THE REGULATION OF BODY COMPOSITION AND PERFORMANCE IN ANAEROBIC AND AEROBIC SPORTS.

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Sole Materials of Aerobics Sports Shoes

The purpose of this study was to understand damping and anti-slip properties of the Reebok and the Huakang shoes, evaluate the mechanical effect of those aerobics sports shoes as well. From the biomechanical test, almost all mean pressure, average impulse and average pressure of the Reebok and the Huakang was less than the bare foot condition on "shoes - ground", but the average pressure, average impulse and average pressure of the Reebok shoes was slightly higher than the Huakang shoes. Meanwhile, the damping mechanics indexes do not exist significant differences (P＞0.05). It’s friction coefficient tests show that dynamic or static friction coefficient of the Reebok is superior than the Huakang, and dynamic or static friction coefficient does exist significant differences (P＜0.05).

Current strategic approaches for the detection of blood doping practices

Aerobic sport performance may be strongly influenced by the number of red blood cells available for transport and delivery of oxygen from lungs to muscles. Often, athletes search for an acute increase in red blood cells by means of blood transfusions. This paper reviews the possibilities for detecting such prohibited practice. Flow cytometry methods are able to detect a double population of red blood cell membrane surface antigens, thus revealing an allogeneic transfusion. Other ingenious approaches for total hemoglobin mass measurements or to test for the metabolites of blood bag plasticizers in urine are new trends for facing the detection of autologous transfusions. Steady increase of red blood cell number may be obtained also by erythropoietic stimulant agents such as erythropoietin, analogs and mimetics. The challenge of detecting those substances has stimulated the development of indirect markers of altered erythropoiesis, leading to the consequent development of the hematological blood passport approach, which is gaining legal acceptance.

Fencing expertise and physical fitness enhance action inhibition

Objective This study investigated the effects of fencing expertise and physical fitness on the inhibitory control of fencers and non-fencers. Design This study used a 2 × 2 factorial design. Fencers and non-fencers both in low-fit and averagely-fit subgroups were compared in reaction times (RT) and accuracy in simple reaction time (SRT) and go/no-go reaction time (go/no-go RT) tasks. Method The participants were 30 fencers (aged 18–26) and 30 non-fencers (aged 19–25), each having a different fitness level. With a standard computer keyboard, each participant performed an SRT task by responding to all stimuli. In the go/no-go RT task, each participant responded only to the go signals while withholding their response to the no-go signals. Results There were no significant differences between the participants with different levels of fitness or fencing expertise in SRT, go/no-go RT, omission error and commission error. However, an interaction of fitness and fencing expertise on commission error was found ( p < .05). Averagely-fit fencers committed a similar number of errors to the averagely-fit non-fencers, but the high-fit fencers committed significantly fewer errors compared to the high-fit non-fencers ( p < .05). Conclusions Fencing experience and physical fitness facilitate a person’s ability to withhold action when necessary. The interactive nature of aerobic fitness and sport expertise on action inhibition suggests that cognitive control benefits most from the combination of physical and mental training compared to when each is administered singly.

Clinical outcome of a headache-specific multidisciplinary treatment program and adherence to treatment recommendations in a tertiary headache center: an observational study

This study investigated the outcome of a 5-day headache-specific multidisciplinary treatment program (MTP) and the adherence to treatment recommendations in 295 prospectively recruited consecutive headache patients [210 migraine, 17 tension-type headache (TTH), 68 combination headache, including 56 medication-overuse headache (MOH)]. Headache frequency decreased from 13.4 (±8.8) to 8.8 (±8.0) days per month after 12–18 months. Forty-three percent of the participants fulfilled the primary outcome (reduction of headache frequency of ≥50%), which was less likely in patients with combination of migraine and TTH compared to migraine (OR = 3.136, p = 0.002) or TTH (OR = 1.029, n.s.). Increasing number of headache days per month (OR = 1.092, p ≤ 0.0001) and adherence to lifestyle modifications (OR = 1.269, p = 0.004) predicted primary outcome. 51 of 56 MOH patients were treated successfully. Thirty-five percent of the patients were adherent to pharmacological prophylaxis, 61% to relaxation therapy, and 72% to aerobic endurance sports. MTP is effective in headache treatment. Adherence to therapy was associated with better outcome.

12-14 yaş grubu erkek çocuklarda güreşin kardiyak etkileri: Bir ekokardiyografi çalışması

Ozet Amac. Egzersiz, kalp bosluklarinin buyumesine ve ozellikle sol ventrikul kasinda hipertrofiye neden olmaktadir. Bu etki aerobik ve anaerobik spor dallarinda hemen hemen ayni olmakla birlikte, gures gibi bazi anaerobik spor dallarinda daha fazla etkin gorunmektedir Guresin cocuklarda erken donemde yol actigi kardiyak yapisal etkiler hakkinda literaturde yeterli arastirma bulunmamaktadir. Bu nedenle arastirmamizda, 12-14 yas araligindaki gures yapmis (en fazla iki yil) ve yapmamis olan cocuklarin ekokardiyografi ile olculen parametrelerinin karsilastirilmasi amaclandi. Yontem. Gures yapmaya devam eden (en fazla iki yildir) ve yapmamis olan (sedanter) 12-14 yaslarindaki erkek cocuklar calismaya alindi. Gures yapmis olan cocuklar Sivas Genclik Spor Il Mudurlugu Gures Egitim Merkezinde egitim goren guresciler (n=10) arasindan rastgele yontemle secildi. Kontrol grubu, ayni yas araligindaki sedanter ortaogretim ogrencileri arasindan secildi. Sedanterlik bilgisi ilgili rehber ogretmenden alindi. Tum cocuklarin Cumhuriyet Universitesi Hastanesi Kardiyoloji Polikliniginde ekokardiyografi incelemeleri yapildi. Bulgular. Gures yapan cocuklarda interventrikuler septum (8±0,1), sol ventrikul diyastolik cap (46±5,6), aort koku (26,5±2,1), sol atriyum capi (34±5,3) mm olarak olculdu. Sedanter cocuklarda ise interventrikuler septum (7±0,1)(p=0,062), sol ventrikul diyastolik cap (39±0,4)(p=0,001), aort koku (17±0,2) (p=0,001), sol atriyum capi (25±0,2) (p=0,001) mm olarak saptandi. Sonuc. 12-14 yas grubunda gures sporuna devam eden cocuklarda, bu spor ekokardiyografik acidan tanimlanabilen degisikliklere neden olabilir. Anahtar sozcukler: Gures, ventrikuler hipertrofi, spor, cocuk, ekokardiyografi Abstract Aim. Exercise causes cardiac dilatation and hypertrophy of especially left ventricular muscle. Although this effect is almost the same in aerobic and anaerobic sport branches, it seems more evident in some anaerobic sport branches such as wrestling. There is not enough study in the literature investigating the effect of wrestling on cardiac structural effects of children in the early period. Therefore, we aimed to compare the echocardiographical parameters of wrestler (no more than two years) and non wrestler children in the 12-14 age group in our study. Methods. Current wrestler male children (no more than two years) and non-wrestler (sedentary) male children belonging to the age group of 12-14 were included in the study. Wrestler children were randomly selected among the wrestlers of Sivas Provincial Directorate of Youth Sports Wrestling Training Centre (n=10). Control group was selected among the sedentary students in secondary school having the same age. The data about the sedanterity of students was gathered from the related advisor teacher. Echocardiography of all children was performed in the Department of Cardiology, Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine. Results. Interventricular septum was measured as (8±0.1) mm, left ventricular diastolic diameter was measured as (46±5.6) mm, root of aorta was measured as (26.5±2.1) mm and left atrium diameter was measured as (34±5.3) mm. Then interventricular septum was determined as (7±0.1) mm (p=0.062), left ventricular diastolic diameter was determined as (39±0.4) mm (p=0.001), root of aorta was determined as (17±0.2) mm (p=0.001) and left atrium diameter was determined as (25±0.2) mm (p=0.001) in sedentary children. Conclusion. This sport may cause echocardiographically identifiable changes in children between ages of 12-14 with an ongoing wrestling. Keywords: Wrestling, ventricular hypertrophy, sport, child, echocardiography

Experimental study on plantar pressure of basic step in aerobics sports

The purpose of this study was to understand cushioning mechanical properties of the Reebok and the Huakang shoes in the basic action of aerobics sport, for evaluating the mechanical effect of those aerobics sports shoes. Though biomechanical experimental test, the plantar pressure parameters at “shoes - ground” was calculated during Opening-closing action, Suck leg beat action and playing kick beat action. From the results, all peak force, average impulse and peak pressure of the Huakang shoes was less than the Reebok shoes, but the indexes of cushion property do not exist significant differences (P>0.05).

Seasonal variations of haematological parameters in athletes

The influence of training and competition workloads is crucial for evaluation of longitudinal haematological data in athletes. There are only a few papers on the variation of haematological parameters during long-lasting periods and, especially, during an entire competitive season. We summarized that some haematological parameters can be influenced by long-term training and competition periods. Haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (Ht) are decreased during the more intense periods of training, throughout the season. In different sport disciplines, the decline of Hb ranges from 3 to 8% during the competition season, while the range of reticulocytes (Ret%) varies from 5 to 21%. Reticulocytes are also decreased after long periods of training and competitions, but their variation is not necessarily associated with that of Hb. The qualitative variations (trend of modifications) of haematological parameters are roughly independent of the sport discipline, but quantitatively (amount of modifications) dependent on sport discipline. The modifications are more evident in cycling, running, swimming than they are in football and rugby. The variations of haematological parameters within the same sport discipline are qualitatively concordant and quantitatively different among separate but consecutive competitive seasons. These findings are described in aerobic and team sports sportsmen. The definition of reliable reference ranges in sportsmen would only be possible by following the best laboratory practices. For antidoping purposes more studies investigating haematological modifications during the season are advisable.

Lower white blood cell counts in elite athletes training for highly aerobic sports

White cell counts at rest might be lower in athletes participating in selected endurance-type sports. Here, we analysed blood tests of elite athletes collected over a 10-year period. Reference ranges were established for 14 female and 14 male sports involving 3,679 samples from 937 females and 4,654 samples from 1,310 males. Total white blood cell counts and counts of neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes were quantified. Each sport was scaled (1-5) for its perceived metabolic stress (aerobic-anaerobic) and mechanical stress (concentric-eccentric) by 13 sports physiologists. Substantially lower total white cell and neutrophil counts were observed in aerobic sports of cycling and triathlon (~16% of test results below the normal reference range) compared with team or skill-based sports such as water polo, cricket and volleyball. Mechanical stress of sports had less effect on the distribution of cell counts. The lower white cell counts in athletes in aerobic sports probably represent an adaptive response, not underlying pathology.

Effect of a 13-Month Deployment to Iraq on Physical Fitness and Body Composition

This investigation evaluated the effects of a 13-month deployment to Iraq on body composition and selected fitness measures. Seventy-three combat arms soldiers were measured pre- and postdeployment. Body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Strength was measured by single repetition maximum (1-RM) lifts on bench press and squat. Power was assessed by a bench throw and squat jump. Aerobic endurance was evaluated with a timed 2-mile run. Exercise and injury history were assessed by questionnaire. Upper and lower body strength improved by 7% and 8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Upper body power increased 9% (p < 0.001) and lean mass increased 3% (p < 0.05). In contrast, aerobic performance declined 13% (p < 0.001) and fat mass increased 9% (p < 0.05). Fewer soldiers participated in aerobic exercise or sports during deployment (p < 0.001). Unit commanders should be aware of potential fitness and body composition changes during deployment and develop physical training programs to enhance fitness following deployment.

Effects of aging in Masters swimmers: 40-year review and suggestions for optimal health benefits

The Masters Swimming Program is over 40 years old and has achieved international status, with thousands of participants competing in five-year age categories between 18 and 99. Early studies of Masters swimmers by age groups found an increase in times for most events of about 1% per year, and later studies showed a significant correlation with the age-associated decline in maximal oxygen uptake. As larger sample sizes have become available, the age-related decline in performance among national champion Masters swimmers, both men and women, and for both short and longer swims, has been shown to be linear at about 0.6% per year up to age 70. Beyond age 70, the age-related decline accelerates exponentially for both men and women, with considerably more variability than in younger age groups. Several factors may be related to the accelerated performance decline beyond the of age 70, including accelerated physiological aging, chronic physical disabilities, acute illnesses requiring relatively lengthy recovery, effects of multiple medications, and social issues such as transportation problems, all of which can lead to increasing difficulty in maintaining a regular workout schedule. Masters Swimming is a "user-friendly" aerobic sport, imposing little excess strain, and thus is particularly suitable for the elderly. Masters coaches are gaining increasing experience with the over-70 age groups, tailoring workouts to accommodate their need for longer warm-up periods, longer rest periods between swimming sets, less overall distance, less emphasis on "breath control", and more time between workouts. With these accommodations, the motivation of elderly Masters swimmers to compete remains strong, and their ranks should continue to increase.

Monitoring Training Progress During Exercise Training in Cancer Survivors: A Submaximal Exercise Test as an Alternative for a Maximal Exercise Test?

May AM, van Weert E, Korstjens I, Hoekstra-Weebers JE, van der Schans CP, Zonderland ML, Mesters I, van den Borne B, Ros WJ. Monitoring training progress during exercise training in cancer survivors: a submaximal exercise test as an alternative for a maximal exercise test? Objective To examine the use of a submaximal exercise test in detecting change in fitness level after a physical training program, and to investigate the correlation of outcomes as measured submaximally or maximally. Design A prospective study in which exercise testing was performed before and after training intervention. Setting Academic and general hospital and rehabilitation center. Participants Cancer survivors (N=147) (all cancer types, medical treatment completed ≥3mo ago) attended a 12-week supervised exercise program. Interventions A 12-week training program including aerobic training, strength training, and group sport. Main Outcome Measures Outcome measures were changes in peak oxygen uptake (V o 2peak) and peak power output (both determined during exhaustive exercise testing) and submaximal heart rate (determined during submaximal testing at a fixed workload). Results The V o 2peak and peak power output increased and the submaximal heart rate decreased significantly from baseline to postintervention ( P<.001). Changes in submaximal heart rate were only weakly correlated with changes in V o 2peak and peak power output. Comparing the participants performing submaximal testing with a heart rate less than 140 beats per minute (bpm) versus the participants achieving a heart rate of 140bpm or higher showed that changes in submaximal heart rate in the group cycling with moderate to high intensity (ie, heart rate ≥140bpm) were clearly related to changes in VO 2peak and peak power output. Conclusions For the monitoring of training progress in daily clinical practice, changes in heart rate at a fixed submaximal workload that requires a heart rate greater than 140bpm may serve as an alternative to an exhaustive exercise test.