Sprint Athletes Research Articles

Optimizing Resistance Training for Sprint and Endurance Athletes: Balancing Positive and Negative Adaptations.

Resistance training (RT) triggers diverse morphological and physiological adaptations that are broadly considered beneficial for performance enhancement as well as injury risk reduction. Some athletes and coaches therefore engage in, or prescribe, substantial amounts of RT under the assumption that continued increments in maximal strength capacity and/or muscle mass will lead to improved sports performance. In contrast, others employ minimal or no RT under the assumption that RT may impair endurance or sprint performances. However, the morphological and physiological adaptations by which RT might impair physical performance, the likelihood of these being evoked, and the training program specifications that might promote such impairments, remain largely undefined. Here, we discuss how selected adaptations to RT may enhance or impair speed and endurance performances while also addressing the RT program variables under which these adaptations are likely to occur. Specifically, we argue that while some myofibrillar (muscle) hypertrophy can be beneficial for increasing maximum strength, substantial hypertrophy can lead to macro- and microscopic adaptations such as increases in body (or limb) mass and internal moment arms that might, under some conditions, impair both sprint and endurance performances. Further, we discuss how changes in muscle architecture, fiber typology, microscopic muscle structure, and intra- and intermuscular coordination with RT may maximize speed at the expense of endurance, or maximize strength at the expense of speed. The beneficial effect of RT for sprint and endurance sports can be further improved by considering the adaptive trade-offs and practical implications discussed in this review.

The effects of stretching on running economy – A systematic review with meta-analysis

Introduction While all running athletes aim to cover the prescribed distance as fast as possible, the physiological and anatomical profiles of athletes are completely different between the disciplines. While sprint athletes have to exert maximal force in the smallest possible time window, the long-distance runner strives for the most economical movement pattern possible (Barnes & Kilding, 2015). Therefore, defined as oxygen uptake at a velocity at a prescribed percentage of the vVO2max, running economy (RE) has been identified as a decisive performance parameter (Saunders et al., 2004). One identified parameter which moderates RE was Achilles tendon stiffness. While stretching frequently used in warm-ups, it also decreases tissue stiffness. Objective: While some authors recommended the avoidance of stretching prior to running (Wilson et al., 2010), others found no affected economy in response to stretching. To address this research gap, this study was conducted to pool available stretching effects on RE. Methods A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus (inception to April, 2024), which was supplemented by a manual search in Google Scholar and reference lists of identified studies. To account for multiple dependent study outcomes, robust variance estimation meta-analysis model was chosen to quantify pooled effect sizes. Controlled acute and chronic studies were included if they were performed in young, healthy participants on RE-parameter (energy/O2-consumption at a prescribed velocities determined at a percentage of VO2max (vVO2). Studies without a control group, patients or without the metabolic parameters were excluded. The PEDro scale and GRADE criteria were applied to evaluate the risk of bias and certainty of evidence, respectively. Results A total of 16 studies were investigated, with 14 studies (6 static stretching, 6 dynamic stretching and 2 static/dynamic stretching) addressing acute effects with 169 participants and 33 effect sizes (ES) matched the inclusion criteria. With a PEDro score of 4.88, study quality was rated fair. Overall, there was a low certainty of evidence without confirming any effect of stretching on RE, with overall group effect of ES = 0.007, −0.15 to 0.17 [95% CI], p = 0.93, τ2 = 0, W2 = 0, static group effect of ES = –0,22, –0,40 to 0,70 [95% CI], p = 0.3, τ2 = 0.18, W2 = 0 and dynamic group effect of ES = –0,07, −0.22 to 0.09 [95% CI], p = 0.35, τ2 = 0, W2 = 0, determined at vVO2 65% - 90%. Discussion Currently, there is no evidence supporting previous recommendations to avoid stretching before running due to reduced RE. However, several methodological limitations, such as high heterogeneity in the velocity used in RE determination, small study sample sizes and comparatively short stretching durations without intensity quantification and a lack of pre-post comparisons bias the certainty of evidence. Accordingly, there is a demand for high quality research that controls underlying mechanisms. References Barnes, K. R., & Kilding, A. E. (2015). Running economy: Measurement, norms, and determining factors. Sports Medicine – Open, 1, Article 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-015-0007-y Saunders, P., Pyne, D., Telford, R., & Hawley, J. (2004). Factors affecting running economy in trained distance runners. Sports Medicine, 34, 465–485. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200434070-00005 Wilson, J. M., Hornbuckle, L. M., Kim, J.-S., Ugrinowitsch, C., Lee, S.-R., Zourdos, M. C., Sommer, B., & Panton, L. B. (2010). Effects of atatic atretching on wnergy cost and running endurance performance. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(9), 2274-2279. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b22ad6

Effect of Advanced Footwear Technology Spikes on Sprint Acceleration: A Multiple N-of-1 Trial

BackgroundIn contrast with Advanced Footwear Technology-AFT running shoes for long-distance, little is known about AFT sprint spikes on performance and acceleration parameters. However, their use has become widespread since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and knowledge of their effects would seem to be an essential starting point before any clinical or socio-economic considerations.ObjectivesOur objectives were to determine intra- and inter-subject sprinting performance modifications with Nike® AFT spikes (NAS) compared to standard spiked-shoes (SS).MethodsHealthy regional to national sprint athletes (n = 21, ≥ 750 pts World Athletics) performed 16 repetitions of 30-m sprints with either the NAS or SS condition during a single session, based on the multiple N-of-1 method, with pairwise randomisation and double-blind procedure. Time on 30-m sprints (Stalker radar), force-velocity profile (F0, V0, Vmax, Pmax, RF, DRF and FVP slope), and confounding factors (wind and shoe mass) were measured. Statistical analyses included a mixed linear regression model for group analyses, and randomisation test inversion and non-overlap-of-all-pair (NAP) methods for intra-individual analysis.ResultsNAS improved 30-m time by a mean of − 0.02 s (SMD = 0.4, p = 0.014), with no interaction with any confounding factors. Significant changes were seen in velocity (Vmax : SMD = 0.9, p < 0.001; V0: SMD = 0.7, p < 0.001) and the horizontal ratio of force (RFmax: SMD = 0.5, p = 0.043), with no changes observed in force production. Whatever the footwear, one unit of positive wind (+ 1 m.s− 1 ) improved performance by − 0.03 s (p < 0.001). At an individual level, four athletes improved (NAP ≥ 0.69), and one had a statistical decrease in performance. Changes in F-V profiles were largely individual.ConclusionsA positive effect on sprint acceleration characteristics was observed when using Nike® AFT spikes, due to an increase in velocity and the horizontal ratio of force. A major variability in inter-individual response justifies single-case experimental designs for research on the topic.Trial Registration NumberNCT05881148.

Effect of Combined Training With Balance, Strength, and Plyometrics on Physical Performance in Male Sprint Athletes With Intellectual Disabilities.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges in physical capabilities, making traditional training methods less effective for their specific needs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining balance, plyometric, and strength (CBPS) training with sprint training on physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to either a CBPS group or a control group that only maintained their regular sprint training. Participants underwent pre- and posttraining tests, including measures of balance, jumping, agility, and sprinting ability. The results showed that the CBPS group demonstrated significant improvements (p < .05) in one-leg stance, crossover-hop jump, squat jump, countermovement jump, and 10- and 30-m sprint at posttraining compared with pretraining. CBPS training combined with sprinting significantly improves physical performance in male athletes with intellectual disabilities, suggesting implications for tailored training programs to enhance their physical fitness and overall health.

ASSESSING COORDINATION IN OPEN- AND CLOSED-SKILL SPORTS – MARTIAL ARTISTS AND SPRINT ATHLETES

For any sporting activity to be effective, movement coordination is essential. The purpose of this research was to explore the strengths and weaknesses of male athletes practicing open- and closed-skill sports, in terms of intersegmental coordination. It also examined differences related to the type of sport and athletes' performance, based on the results for intersegmental coordination results. The study involved 49 male athletes, some practicing martial arts (boxing and jiu-jitsu) and some practicing sprinting (100 meters). The RCMV computerized test, developed by the Romanian company RQ Plus, was used to assess intersegmental coordination. First, the study highlighted strengths and weaknesses in terms of intersegmental coordination in the case of the investigated open- and closed-skills sports (using one-sample t-test). Next, sport-related differences in coordination were explored, with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner post-hoc test for multiple comparisons. Not least, the study assessed whether athletes’ results for intersegmental coordination were significantly related to their sports performance. The findings revealed that boxing athletes had better scores in choice reaction time than sprint athletes, and also outperformed male jiu-jitsu athletes in terms of resistance to disruptive factors in tasks requiring coordination. However, sprint athletes made significantly fewer errors when coordinating their movements quickly and steadily, compared to both boxing and jiu-jitsu athletes. Learning capacity or the coordination of upper and lower limbs in new, unfamiliar conditions was found to be essential for martial arts athletes, aiming for high sports performances.

Research on Core Strength Training Methods for Sprint Athletes

In sprint training, core strength exercises play a critical role. These training methods, encompassing both static and dynamic core exercises, enhance an athlete's control, coordination, and explosive power, thereby contributing to their success in sprint events. This paper delves into the essence and techniques of core strength training, discusses its practical value for sprinters, and proposes a practical model and approach for implementing core strength exercises in sprint training. The aim is to broaden the application of these methods in sprint training to optimize training outcomes.

The Effectiveness of Sports Massage and Cold Water Immersion towards Fatigue Recovery and Post-Exercise Stress Levels of Sprinters at the Student Sports Education and Training Center (PPLP)

The first objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of sport massage and cold water immersion in the post-exercise fatigue recovery of the PPLP sprinter athletes. Second, to determine the effectiveness of sports massage and cold water immersion in reducing post-exercise stress levels of the PPLP sprinter athletes. This research used an experimental method with a pretest-posttest-control group design. The research population was PPLP Bogor 100m sprint athletes, totaling 30 athletes and they were divided into 3 treatment groups: Sport Massage, Cold Water Immersion, and Control. The sampling technique was random sampling with certain criteria. The three groups received an exercise simulation with a duration of 60 minutes divided into 10 minutes of warm up, 45 minutes of exercise, and 5 minutes of cooling down. Before and after the treatment, pretest and posttest were conducted including the level of fatigue recovery (pulse rate, RPE, FAS) and post exercise stress level (Daily Wellness Questionnaire). The normality test used Shapiro Wilks and the data homogeneity test referred to the Levene test. Testing the effectiveness used one way ANOVA for normally distributed data and for the data that was not normally distributed using the Kruskal Wallis test. The data was then processed by using the statistical program SPSS 22. The results show that (1) there are differences in the effectiveness of sport massage and cold water immersion towards the level of post-exercise fatigue of PPLP sprinters. There are differences in treatment effectiveness between the three groups (p &lt; 0.05) for pulse and RPE variables. In the Tukey post hoc test it is found that there is a difference in effectiveness between sport massage and the control group (p &lt; 0.05) and between cold water immersion and the control group (p &lt; 0.05). However, between sports massage and cold water immersion there is no significant difference in recovering fatigue levels. (2) There is no difference in the effectiveness of sport massage and cold water immersion towards the level of post- exercise stress reduction of PPLP sprinters with a significance value (p &gt; 0.05). Hence, in recovering post-exercise fatigue, sports massage or cold water immersion recovery techniques can be used according to the needs of athletes compared to passive rest.

Effects of high-intensity sprint exercise on neuromuscular function in sprinters: the countermovement jump as a fatigue assessment tool.

High-intensity sprint exercises (HIS) are central to sprinter training and require careful monitoring of athlete muscle fatigue to improve performance and prevent injury. While the countermovement jump (CMJ) may be used to monitor neuromuscular fatigue (NMF), little is known about the specific effects from HIS. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of HIS on the CMJ to assess its utility for assessing NMF following HIS. Ten male collegiate 400 m sprinters completed a 400 m sprint fatigue protocol and underwent five CMJ-testing sessions (baseline, 3 minutes, 10 minutes, 1 hour and 24 hours) over two days. Three CMJ trials, performed on a force plate, were completed each trial, with rating of perceived exertion (RPE) recorded as a subjective fatigue measure. Changes in RPE, CMJ variables, force-time and power-time curves at baseline and post fatigue were assessed. Significant changes were observed in most variables following the fatigue protocol. In particular, concentric mean power remained significantly lower after 24 hours compared to baseline. In addition, the force-time curves exhibited a significant reduction in all conditions following the fatigue protocol. This decline was most pronounced within 50-75%of the concentric phase relative to baseline measurements. Conclusion. Results indicate that the CMJ may be a useful tool for monitoring fatigue in at least 400 m sprinters. These data also indicate that HIS may disproportionately reduce force output in during concentric movement. These insights may improve training prescriptions and injury prevention strategies for sprint athletes.

THE EFFECT OF ABC RUNNING AND CIRCUIT TRAINNING ON INCREASING 100M SPRINT RUN ACHIEVEMENT ON AMTC PANGALENGAN ATHLETICS

Every sprint athlete is required to have excellent anaerobic ability, because anaerobic is one of the most important components in athletics, especially short running numbers such as the 100m-200m-400m number, according to the facts in the field, it was found that their 100m running performance was still low. looks quite low which can be seen from the lack of technique, strength and speed when doing the 100m run, such as when the athlete does the 100m run the leg position is still not lifted and the frequency of the foot is still not fast, the athlete's hand position is also still less attractive or less long. when swinging and the body position is too straight so that during the exercise the athlete cannot get a good time. In the process of solving this research problem, the researcher used a quasi-experimental method with a two-group pretest-posttest design. According to Endang Mulyatiningsih (2013: 96) this two-group pretest-posttest experimental design has 2 data from the measurement results, namely pretest (O1) and posttest (O2). The data analysis technique chosen is of course the two sample t-test. Only one hypothesis was tested, namely there was a difference between the mean pretest and posttest mean values. This two-group pretest-posttest research design compares the two methods of ABC Running and Circuit Training. The sample used in this study was AMTC Pangalengan which was taken randomly as many as 40 samples from 80 samples, after getting the sample the researchers divided into 2 groups, each group consisting of 20 samples, from each group given ABC Running and Circuit Training Tritmen. A did the ABC Running Exercise treatment and for group B did the Circuit Training Exercise, after each group was given the treatment it was found that the ABC Running Exercise method had a very significant effect than the Circuit Trainning Exercise method on Sprint running performance.

Athletes who have already experienced an injury are more prone to adhere to an injury risk reduction approach than those who do not: an online survey of 7870 French athletics (track and field) athletes

ObjectiveTo compare the perception towards injury risk reduction approach between athletes who have already experienced an injury and those who have not.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a one-time online...

Response of skin temperature, blood ammonia and lactate during incremental exercise until exhaustion in elite athletes

The study aimed to evaluate the lower limb skin temperature (Tsk) and blood concentrations of lactate (LA) and ammonia (NH3) during exercise and recovery. Eleven elite sprint athletes (25 ± 3.4 yrs) and 11 elite endurance athletes (24.45 ± 5.4 yrs) performed an incremental running test until exhaustion. Body composition was estimated using the DXA method. Thermograms of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lower limbs were recorded at rest, before each test stage (every 3 min, starting from 10 km h−1 and increasing by 2 km h−1), and in the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 30th minute of recovery. Endurance athletes had a higher maximum oxygen uptake than sprint athletes (5.0 ± 0.7 vs 4.3 ± 0.4 l·kg−1, p = 0.018), lower percentage of lean content (79 ± 2 vs 83 ± 2%, p < 0.001), and a higher percentage of fat content in the lower limbs (17 ± 2 vs 12 ± 2%, p < 0.001). In both groups, a significant decrease in Tsk was observed compared to resting value (endurance athletes—31.5 ± 0.6 °C; sprint athletes—32.3 ± 0.6 °C), during exercise (p < 0.001) and rewarming during recovery (p < 0.001). However, endurance athletes had a lower Tsk than sprint athletes at the exhaustion point (30.0 ± 1.1 vs 31.6 ± 0.8 °C, p < 0.05) and the pattern of change in Tsk differed between groups (p < 0.001). Tsk in the endurance athletes group decreased throughout the exercise protocol and returned more rapidly to initial values during recovery, while Tsk in the sprint group stabilised between moderate intensity and exhaustion, recovering more slowly after exercise. Both LA (endurance athletes—max 10.2 ± 1.5; sprint athletes—max 10.1 ± 1.4 mmol⋅L−1, p < 0.001) and NH3 (endurance athletes—max 75.6 ± 11.5; sprint athletes—max 76.7 ± 9.0 mmol⋅L−1, p < 0.001) increased during exercise and decreased during recovery (p < 0.001). During exercise, lower levels and slower increases in LA were observed during exercise in the endurance athletes’ group (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was revealed between Tsk and fat percentage (r = −0.43 to −0.71, p < 0.05). Tsk was positively correlated with LA during recovery (r = 0.43 to 0.48, p < 0.05), and negatively during recovery (r = −0.45 to −0.54, p < 0.05). Differences between groups in maximum aerobic capacity, the pattern of change in Tsk, and the correlation between Tsk and LA suggest that individuals who decrease less Tsk during exercise and higher Tsk during recovery are those with better aerobic capacity. In addition, athletes with less body fat dissipate heat from their tissues more efficiently.

Exercise-induced response of proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic plasma free amino acids is sport-specific: A comparison of sprint and endurance athletes.

Circulating blood is an important plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) reservoir and a pivotal link between metabolic pathways. No comparisons are available between athletes with opposite training adaptations that include a broader spectrum of both proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids, and that take into account skeletal muscle mass. We hypothesized that the levels of the exercise-induced PFAAs concentration are related to the type of training-related metabolic adaptation. We compared highly trained endurance athletes (n = 11) and sprinters (n = 10) aged 20‒35 years who performed incremental exercise until exhaustion. Venous blood was collected before and during the test and 30-min recovery (12 samples). Forty-two PFAAs were assayed using LC-ESI-MS/MS technique. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using dual X-ray absorptiometry method. Glutamine and alanine were dominant PFAAs throughout the whole exercise and recovery period (~350‒650 μmol∙L-1). Total, combined proteinogenic, non-essential, and non-proteinogenic PFAAs levels were significantly higher in endurance athletes than sprinters (ANOVA group effects: p = 0.007, η2 = 0.321; p = 0.011, η2 = 0.294; p = 0.003, η2 = 0.376; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.471, respectively). The exercise response was more pronounced in endurance athletes, especially for non-proteinogenic PFAAs (ANOVA interaction effect: p = 0.038, η2 = 0.123). Significant between-group differences were observed for 19 of 33 PFAAs detected, including 4 essential, 7 non-essential, and 8 non-proteinogenic ones. We demonstrated that the PFAAs response to incremental aerobic exercise is associated with the type of training-related metabolic adaptation. A greater turnover and availability of circulating PFAAs for skeletal muscles and other body tissues is observed in endurance- than in sprint-trained individuals. Non-proteinogenic PFAAs, despite low concentrations, also respond to exercise loads, indicating their important, though less understood role in exercise metabolism. Our study provides additional insight into the exercise-induced physiological response of PFAAs, and may also provide a rationale in discussions regarding dietary amino acid requirements in high-performance athletes with respect to sports specialization.

Training practices used by elite sprint coaches

ABSTRACT Scientific knowledge of the training of elite athletic sprinters is limited, and much of their training relies on the intuition and expertise of experienced coaches. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide an overview of the training practices employed by elite Spanish sprint coaches. A descriptive analysis was conducted using customised questionnaires from 14 sprint-specialised coaches who volunteered to participate. These coaches used both traditional (50%) and block periodisation (50%). Many coaches (78.6%) divided training into three phases within each of the two macrocycles. Additionally, all coaches incorporated a tapering phase of varying durations. During the general preparation phase, the focus was on strength training (78.6%) and tempo training (85.7%). In the specific preparation phase, priority was strength-speed (92.9%) and speed-endurance (100%). The competitive phase emphasised speed-strength (100%), acceleration and maximal velocity (92.9%). Coaches incorporated technique work prior to sprint sessions (100%) and conducted specific monitoring/testing sessions (78.6%). Most coaches also monitored indicators of fatigue (78.6%) and recovery parameters (100%). In conclusion, elite Spanish sprint coaches employ relatively similar strength and sprint training methods throughout the season, gradually shifting the focus towards competition specificity. However, these coaches implement different macro-periodisation models.

Body composition in male lifelong trained strength, sprint and endurance athletes and healthy age-matched controls.

Aging involves many physiological processes that lead to decreases in muscle mass and increases in fat mass. While regular exercise can counteract such negative body composition outcomes, masters athletes maintain high levels of exercise throughout their lives. This provides a unique model to assess the impact of inherent aging. The present study compared lean mass and fat mass in young and masters athletes from different sports to age-matched non-athletic individuals. Participants included young (20-39 years, n = 109) and older (70-89 years, n = 147) competitive male athletes, and 147 healthy age-matched controls (young = 53, older = 94 males). Athletes were separated into strength (e.g., weightlifters, powerlifters), sprint (e.g., sprint runners, jumpers) and endurance (e.g., long-distance runners, cross-country skiers) athletic disciplines. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Upper and lower limb lean mass was combined for appendicular lean mass as well as appendicular lean mass index (ALMI; kg/m2). Individuals' scores were assessed against established cut-offs for low muscle mass, obesity, and sarcopenic obesity to determine prevalence in each group. ALMI was greater in young strength (0.81-2.36 kg/m2, ∼15% and 1.24-2.74 kg/m2, ∼19%) and sprint (95% CI = 0.51-1.61 kg/m2, ∼11% and 0.96-1.97 kg/m2, ∼15%) athletes than in endurance and controls, respectively (all P < 0.001). In masters athletes, only strength athletes had greater ALMI than endurance athletes, but both older strength and sprint athletes had greater ALMI than older controls (0.42-1.27 kg/m2, ∼9% and 0.73-1.67 kg/m2, ∼13%, respectively, both P < 0.001). Fat mass was significantly lower in sprint and endurance athletes compared to strength athletes and controls in both age-groups. Sarcopenic obesity was identified in one young (2%) and eighteen (19%) older controls, while only two older endurance athletes (3%) and one older strength athlete (2%) were identified. Lifelong competitive sport participation leads to lower prevalence of sarcopenic obesity than a recreationally active lifestyle. This is achieved in strength athletes by emphasizing muscle mass, while sprint and endurance athletes demonstrate low fat mass levels. However, all older athlete groups showed higher fat mass than the young groups, suggesting that exercise alone may not be sufficient to manage fat mass.

Changes in Physical Activity Level and Energy Intake of Japanese Sprint and Endurance Athletes by Training Segmentation Period: A Longitudinal Study

Changes in Physical Activity Level and Energy Intake of Japanese Sprint and Endurance Athletes by Training Segmentation Period: A Longitudinal Study

Evaluation of a circadian rhythm gene (PER3) VNTR variant in Turkish athletes

Objective Circadian rhythmicity has been shown to contribute to the regulation of key physiological and cognitive processes related to performance. The period homolog 3 (PER3) is expressed in a circadian pattern in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of the variable tandem repeat (VNTR) variant of the PER3 gene in athletic performance in the Turkish population. Methods This study included 223 subjects, which consisted of 123 athletes and 100 sedentary controls. Blood samples were drawn from all subjects. DNA was extracted from whole-blood samples. The PER3 VNTR variant was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction method (PCR). The results of the analyses were evaluated for statistical significance. Results The mean ages of athletes and controls were 22 ± 2.814 and 23 ± 3.561, respectively. Endurance athletes in the group were 21.1%, and sprint athletes were 78.9%. There was no statistical significance in terms of PER3 VNTR genotype distribution or allele frequency. In the recessive model, a statistically significant association was observed when the athletes were compared with the controls according to 4/4 + 4/5 versus 5/5 genotype (p = 0.020). Conclusion In this case-control study, for the first time in our country, we obtained findings suggesting that the PER3 VNTR variant may affect sports performance in the Turkish population. Results need to be replicated in different ethnic and larger samples.

Relationship of Testosterone, LH, Estradiol, IGF-1, and SHBG with Physical Performance of Master Athletes

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (ES), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in master sprint (MS) and master endurance (ME) athletes. Additionally, the possible associations between these hormones, body composition, and lipid profile with athletic performance (% of performance in relation to the current world record) were analyzed. Materials and Methods: The participants were all men: (i) 34 MS (51.0 ± 6.8 years); and (ii) 32 ME (51.7 ± 9.4 years). Student’s t-tests for independent samples were performed to compare all variables between groups. Results: MS had a significantly higher (p = .008) average IGF-1 (154.78 ± 29.85 ng/mL) when compared to ME (129.92 ± 25.48 ng/mL). Performance was significantly correlated with IGF-1 (r = 0.424). The MS group had a moderately lower body fat than ME athletes (MS 12.54 ± 4.07 vs. ME 14.60 ± 4.12; p = .078; d = 0.503). Conclusions: Thus, strength/power training exercise/sport seems to be more beneficial for obtaining a higher IGF-1 compared to aerobic/distance exercise/sport. In addition, LH, T, ES, and SHBG were similar between the two groups of athletes and were comparable to the reference values of younger adults.

Determination, measurement, and validation of maximal aerobic speed

This study determined Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) at a speed that utilizes maximal aerobic and minimal anaerobic contributions. This method of determining MAS was compared between endurance (ET) and sprint (ST) trained athletes. Nineteen and 21 healthy participants were selected for the determination and validation of MAS respectively. All athletes completed five exercise sessions in the laboratory. Participants validating MAS also ran an all-out 5000 m at the track. Oxygen uptake at MAS was at 96.09 ± 2.51% maximal oxygen consumption ({{dot{rm{V}}}}text{O}_{text{2max}}). MAS had a significantly higher correlation with velocity at lactate threshold (vLT), critical speed, 5000 m, time-to-exhaustion velocity at delta 50 in addition to 5% velocity at {{dot{rm{V}}}}text{O}_{text{2max}} (TlimυΔ50 + 5%v{{dot{rm{V}}}}text{O}_{text{2max}}), and Vsub%95 (υΔ50 or υΔ50 + 5%v{{dot{rm{V}}}}text{O}_{text{2max}}) compared with v{{dot{rm{V}}}}text{O}_{text{2max}}, and predicted 5000 m speed (R2 = 0.90, p < 0.001) and vLT (R2 = 0.96, p < 0.001). ET athletes achieved significantly higher MAS (16.07 ± 1.58 km·h−1 vs. 12.77 ± 0.81 km·h−1, p ≤ 0.001) and maximal aerobic energy (EMAS) (52.87 ± 5.35 ml·kg−1·min−1 vs. 46.42 ± 3.38 ml·kg−1·min−1, p = 0.005) and significantly shorter duration at MAS (ET: 678.59 ± 165.44 s; ST: 840.28 ± 164.97 s, p = 0.039). ST athletes had significantly higher maximal speed (35.21 ± 1.90 km·h−1, p < 0.001) at a significantly longer distance (41.05 ± 3.14 m, p = 0.003) in the 50 m sprint run test. Significant differences were also observed in 50 m sprint performance (p < 0.001), and peak post-exercise blood lactate (p = 0.005). This study demonstrates that MAS is more accurate at a percentage of v{{dot{rm{V}}}}text{O}_{text{2max}} than at v{{dot{rm{V}}}}text{O}_{text{2max}}. The accurate calculation of MAS can be used to predict running performances with lower errors (Running Energy Reserve Index Paper).

Does lateral banking and radius affect well-trained sprinters and team-sports players during bend sprinting?

ABSTRACT This study investigated the short-term responses of step characteristics in sprinters and team-sports players under different bend conditions. Eight participants from each group completed 80 m sprints in four conditions: banked and flat, in lanes two and four (L2B, L4B, L2F, L4F). Groups showed similar changes in step velocity (SV) across conditions and limbs. However, sprinters produced significantly shorter ground contact times (GCT) than team sports players in L2B and L4B for both left (0.123 s vs 0.145 s and 0.123 s vs 0.140 s) and right steps (0.115 s vs 0.136 s and 0.120 s vs 0.141 s) (p > 0.001–0.029; ES = 1.15–1.37). Across both groups, SV was generally lower in flat conditions compared to banked (Left: 7.21 m/s vs 6.82 m/s and Right: 7.31 m/s vs 7.09 m/s in lane two), occurring due to reduced step length (SL) rather than step frequency (SF), suggesting that banking improves SV via increased SL. Sprinters produced significantly shorter GCT in banked conditions that led to non-significant increases in SF and SV, highlighting the importance of bend sprinting specific conditioning and training environments representative of indoor competition for sprint athletes.

Evaluation of the Association of VDR rs2228570 Polymorphism with Elite Track and Field Athletes' Competitive Performance.

The present study aimed to examine the vitamin D receptor (VDR), rs2228570 polymorphism, and its effect on elite athletes' performance. A total of 60 elite athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 control/ physically inactive, aged 18-35, voluntarily participated in the study. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) score scale was used to determine the performance levels of the athletes' personal best (PB). Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed by the genomic DNA isolated from the peripheral blood of the participants. Sports type, sex, and competitive performance were chosen as the parameters to compare within and between the groups by linear regression models. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the CC, TC, and TT genotypes within and between the groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, our results underlined that there were no statistically significant differences for the association of rs2228570 polymorphism with PBs within the groups of the (p > 0.05) athletes. The genetic profile in the selected gene was similar in elite endurance, sprint athletes, and in controls, suggesting that rs2228570 polymorphism does not determine competitive performance in the analyzed athlete cohort.