Match Day Research Articles

Social Media Bridges the Training Gap Between Match Day and Internship With ACGME Milestone-based Clinical Case Curriculum.

The objective was to bridge the relative educational gap for newly matched emergency medicine preinterns between Match Day and the start of internship by implementing an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Milestone (ACGME)-based virtual case curriculum over the social media platform Slack. We designed a Milestone-based curriculum of 10 emergency department clinical cases and used Slack to implement it. An instructor was appointed for each participating institution to lead the discussion and encourage collaboration among preinterns. Pre- and postcurriculum surveys utilized 20 statements adapted from the eight applicable Milestones to measure the evolution of preintern self-reported perceived preparedness (PP) as well as actual clinical knowledge (CK) performance on a case-based examination. A total of 11 institutions collaborated and 151 preinterns were contacted, 127 of whom participated. After participating in the Slack intern curriculum (SIC), preinterns reported significant improvements in PP regarding multiple Milestone topics. They also showed improved CK regarding the airway management Milestone based on examination performance. Implementation of our SIC may ease the difficult transition between medical school and internship for emergency medicine preinterns. Residency leadership and medical school faculty will benefit from knowledge of preintern PP, specifically of their perceived strengths and weaknesses, because this information can guide curricular focus at the end of medical school and beginning of internship. Limitations of this study include variable participation and a high attrition rate. Further studies will address the utility of such a virtual curriculum for preinterns and for rotating medical students who have been displaced from clinical rotations during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Assessment of energy availability and associated risk factors in professional female soccer players

This study aimed to assess energy availability (EA), alongside possible risk factors of reduced or low EA of professional female soccer players during a competitive season. Thirteen players (age: 23.7 ± 3.4 y, stature: 1.69 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 63.7 ± 7.0 kg) engaged in a 5-day (two rest days, one light training, heavy training and match day) monitoring period. Energy intake (EI) and expenditure during exercise (EEE) were measured. EA was calculated and categorised as optimal, reduced or low (>45, 30-45, <30 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1, respectively). Relationships between EA and bone mineral density, resting metabolic rate (RMR), plasma micronutrient status, biochemical markers and survey data were assessed. EA was optimal for 15%, reduced for 62% and low for 23% of players. Higher EA was observed on rest days compared to others (P<0.05). EA was higher for the light compared to the heavy training day (P<0.001). EEE differed significantly between days (P<0.05). EI (2124 ± 444 kcal), carbohydrate (3.31 ± 0.64 g·kg·day−1) and protein (1.83 ± 0.41 g·kg·day−1) intake remained similar (P>0.05). Survey data revealed 23% scored 8 on the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire and met criteria for low RMR (ratio <0.90). Relationships between EA and risk factors were inconclusive. Most players displayed reduced EA and did not alter EI or carbohydrate intake according to training or match demands. Although cases of low EA were identified, further work is needed to investigate possible long-term effects and risk factors of low and reduced EA separately to inform player recommendations.

Relación entre la carga externa y las concentraciones de cortisol durante el microciclo competitivo en jugadores internacionales de fútbol

Objetivo: La hormona cortisol participa en situaciones de respuestas fisiológicas y se ve afectada por la demanda de carga de entrenamiento sometida al organismo, de esta manera se pretende conocer la correlación entre las concentraciones de cortisol medidas al final de microciclo competitivo con las demandas de carga externa en 20 jugadores internacionales.&#x0D; Método: Durante la Copa Mundial de la Fédération Internationale de Football Association 2018 en Rusia, un equipo nacional participante optó por analizar las concentraciones de cortisol de los jugadores para poder establecer relaciones entre la carga externa acumulada en cada microciclo (distancia total, distancia entre 14-19 km/h, distancia entre 19-24 km/h, Distancia &gt; 24 km/h, promedio metros/min y promedio máxima velocidad ) medida con dispositivos Global Positioning System durante cuatro microciclos completos y los niveles de cortisol el día antes de partido y en el día de partido.&#x0D; Resultados: Entre los resultados obtenidos, se observa una correlación negativa moderada entre las concentraciones de cortisol medidos el el día antes de partido y el día de partido con distancia total acumulada en el microciclo (r= -0.44 y -0.36 respectivamente), así como correlaciones negativas moderadas entre el cortisol en el día antes de partido con la distancia acumulada cubierta entre 14-19 km/h. (r= -0.32)&#x0D; Conclusiones: A la luz de los resultados, se observa como la carga externa de entrenamiento cubierta durante el microciclo, puede influir en las concentraciones de cortisol acumuladas al final del mismo, con especial énfasis en la distancia total acumulada.

The Influence Of Match Congestion, Load And Wellness On Injury Risk In Collegiate Women's Soccer

The impact of match congestion, training load (TL), perceived stress, fatigue and soreness on the odds of injury remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of: 1) days rest between matches on injury rate (IR) and odds of injury and; 2) TL on injury, perceived stress, fatigue and soreness. METHODS: A prospective multi-site study tracked daily exposures, TL (distance and duration), injury and perceptual data from six Division I NCAA women’s soccer teams in one season. Overall and non-contact (NC) IRs expressed per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs), and odds ratios (OR) were determined by days before and after matches. Associations between injury and changes in both TL and perception were analyzed using a multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS: 139 players experienced 94 injuries in 137 matches and 107 injuries in 363 practices. Overall match and practice IRs (per 1000AEs [95%CI]) were 39.0 [31.1, 46.9] and 17.1 [13.9, 20.3], respectively. While insignificant (p > 0.21), match IRs were highest 2 days between matches (IR= 50.9 [26.7, 75.1]). Players were at increased odds of being injured in a match with 1 to 5 days since the last match vs. 6+ days (OR [95%CI] = 1.79 [1.02, 3.17]). Practice IRs were highest in the preseason (IR = 28.8 [17.0, 40.5]). Players were at increased odds of sustaining a NC overuse injury with 1-5 days between matches vs. 6+ days (OR=7.85 (1.06, 57.94); p=0.04). Similarly, 1-3 days’ rest had 2.24 (1.03, 4.88) times higher rates on NC overuse IR than 4+ days’ rest (p=0.05). Acute NC IR was increased with 1 to 3 days rest vs. 4+ days rest (OR= 3.01 [1.11, 8.14]; p=0.03). Players were at increased odds (p < 0.001) of feeling fatigue (> 5) (OR= 4.71 [1.82, 12.17]) and soreness (> 5) (OR= 7.68 (2.67, 22.10]) on match day with 2 days vs. 7+ days since the last match. For each additional 3000m covered on a day, odds of overall injury, soreness and fatigue increased (41%, 32% and 31% respectively. CONCLUSION: Days between matches and acute TL increases on a given day had a negative impact on odds of injury and perception. The odds of getting injured in a match were greater with 1 to 5 days vs. 6+ days between matches. These data may be used to inform and guide the NCAA in determining optimal scheduling and recovery.

The Relationship Between Time-lagged Acute:Chronic Work Ratios And Physical Performance In Collegiate Soccer Players

Acute:chronic work ratios (ACWR) reflect the balance between fitness and fatigue. To allow for athlete recovery and preparation for match play, training load tends to decrease prior to a match. Training load and ACWR has been related to injury risk in elite athletes, but the relation with physical performance is not well defined. PURPOSE: To assess the relation between training load trends and ACWR in the three days prior to competitive matches and match-related physical performance. METHODS: Male (n=26) collegiate soccer players (Mean±SD; 20±1y; 75.83±5.90kg; 178.5±6.8cm) wore GPS enabled heart rate monitors during training and match days over two collegiate seasons. Exponentially weighted moving averages were calculated from training load (TL) where acute (7 d), chronic (28 d), and ACWR (7/28 d) parameters were computed. ACWR was time-lagged by -1 (ACWR1), -2 (ACWR2), and -3 (ACWR3) days relative to each match. The linear trend of training load (TLtrend) in the three days prior to a match was calculated for each player. Physical performance was assessed by total distance (TD), and number of sprints (SP), maximal accelerations (AC), and maximal decelerations (DC). Conditional growth models assessed the relations between match performance and ACWR at each lag and TLtrend. RESULTS: ACWR3 produced the most robust relations with physical performance. One SD above a given player’s mean ACWR3 resulted in increased performance in the match relative to their mean within-match performance, with an additional 948m (p<0.001) of TD, 2.27 (p<0.01) additional SP, and 1.77 (p<0.01) more AC. TLtrend was independently and negatively associated with TD (p<0.001), SP (p<0.001), and AC (p<0.001). On average, players decreased training load by 17.80±64.90 units per day leading into a match. When applying this average, model results suggest players would complete 265.75m additional TD (p<0.001), 0.71 additional SP (p<0.01), and 0.53 additional AC (p<0.001) above their mean within match performance. CONCLUSIONS: The ACWR appears to be associated with additional within-match external load. Greater decreases in TL prior to a match may allow improved recovery, leading to increased physical capacity within the match. This study was funded in part by the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

No Influence of Prematch Subjective Wellness Ratings on External Load During Elite Australian Football Match Play.

To determine whether there is an association between external match load and contextual factors on subjective wellness in the days before and after Australian Rules football match play. A total of 34 elite male Australian football players completed a subjective wellness questionnaire in the days leading into the match (-3, -2, and -1d), the day of (match day), and the days after each match (+3, +2, and +1d). Players subjectively rated each item (mood, energy, stress, leg heaviness, muscle soreness, sleep quality, hours slept, and total wellness [a sum of the total response score]) on a visual analog scale ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the negative end of the continuum. External load during competitive matches was quantified using accelerometer-derived PlayerLoad, and running activity was quantified using global positioning system technology across 2 competitive seasons. The relationships between perceptions of wellness (within-individual z score), external match load, and contextual factors (match result, match location, and between-matches recovery duration) were analyzed using linear mixed models. Mixed-effect linear models revealed trivial effects of match-day wellness z score on subsequent external match load metrics. Match result (win) and PlayerLoad in the anteroposterior vector (au·min-1) were associated with an increased (estimate ± SE: 0.30 ± 0.13 z score) and reduced subjective wellness (-0.15 ± 0.06 z score), respectively. The results of this study suggest that prematch perceived wellness does not relate to external match load in elite Australian football players. The between-matches microcycle length appears to be sufficient to restore perceived wellness to values that do not affect the subsequent external match loads.

Effects of Match-Related Contextual Factors on Weekly Load Responses in Professional Brazilian Soccer Players.

This study aimed to quantify the weekly training load distributions according to match location, opponent standard, and match outcome in professional soccer players. Rate-of-perceived-exertion-based training load (sRPE) and distance- and accelerometry-based measures were monitored daily during 52 training sessions and 11 matches performed by 23 players. Athletes who played ≥ 60 min during non-congested weeks were considered for data analysis. The training days close to away matches (e.g., one day before the match = MD-1) presented greater sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work (player load) compared to the training days close to home matches (p = 0.001–0.002; effect size (ES) = medium−large). The most distant days of the home matches (e.g., five days before the match = MD-5) presented higher internal and external loads than before away matches (p = 0.002–0.003, ES = medium). Higher sRPE, distance-based volume measures, and mechanical work were found during the middle of the week (e.g., three days before the match, MD-3) before playing against bottom vs. medium-ranking teams (p = 0.001–0.01, ES = small−medium). These metrics were lower in MD-5 before matches against bottom vs. medium-ranking opponents (p = 0.001, ES = medium). Higher values of all external load measures were observed during the training session before winning matches (MD-1) compared to a draw or loss (p < 0.001–0.001, ES = medium−large). In conclusion, the training load distribution throughout the week varied considerably according to match-contextual factors.

Changes in perceptions of mental fatigue during a season in professional under-23 English Premier League soccer players

ABSTRACT The present study assessed changes in academy soccer players’ perception of mental fatigue (MF) across a competitive season, investigating the relationship between MF and other subjective measures of wellness. Ten players completed a modified Brief Assessment of Mood (BAM+) questionnaire that included the question: “How mentally fatigued do you feel”? on match-day (MD) and one (MD+1), two (MD+2) and three (MD+3) days post-match (35 matches). Players reported their MF, along with other subjective measures (sleep, muscle soreness, fatigue and motivation). Results found MF was elevated on MD+1 (43±1 mm) compared to all other days (all P≤0.001). Players reported lower MF on MD+1 in the late-season phase (34±2 mm) compared to both early- (50±2 mm, P≤0.001) and mid-season (46±2 mm, P≤0.001). This coincided with an 80%-win rate in the late-season phase versus the early- (33%) and mid-season (50%). There were very strong repeated-measures correlations between changes in MF and sleep (r=−0.77), muscle soreness (r=0.94), fatigue (r=0.92) and motivation (r=−0.89; all P ≤ 0.0005). In conclusion, MF was closely aligned to match success and other wellness variables. This data suggests a potential lack of sensitivity for identifying MF using a subjective questionnaire. Therefore, researchers and practitioners could work together to identify other ways of practically assessing MF.

Association Between the Acute to Chronic Workload Ratio and Injury Occurrence in Young Male Team Soccer Players: A Preliminary Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the acute to chronic workload ratio (ACWR), based upon participant session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), using two models [(1) rolling averages (ACWRRA); and (2) exponentially weighted moving averages (ACWREWMA)] and the injury rate in young male team soccer players aged 17.1 ± 0.7 years during a competitive mesocycle. Twenty-two players were enrolled in this study and performed four training sessions per week with 2 days of recovery and 1 match day per week. During each training session and each weekly match, training time and sRPE were recorded. In addition, training impulse (TRIMP), monotony, and strain were subsequently calculated. The rate of injury was recorded for each soccer player over a period of 4 weeks (i.e., 28 days) using a daily questionnaire. The results showed that over the course of the study, the number of non-contact injuries was significantly higher than that for contact injuries (2.5 vs. 0.5, p = 0.01). There were also significant positive correlations between sRPE and training time (r = 0.411, p = 0.039), ACWRRA (r = 0.47, p = 0.049), and ACWREWMA (r = 0.51, p = 0.038). In addition, small-to-medium correlations were detected between ACWR and non-contact injury occurrence (ACWRRA, r = 0.31, p = 0.05; ACWREWMA, r = 0.53, p = 0.03). Explained variance (r 2) for non-contact injury was significantly greater using the ACWREWMA model (ranging between 21 and 52%) compared with ACWRRA (ranging between 17 and 39%). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the ACWREWMA model is more sensitive than ACWRRA to identify non-contact injury occurrence in male team soccer players during a short period in the competitive season.

Does delaying discharge from intensive care until after tracheostomy removal affect 30-day mortality? Propensity score matched cohort study.

ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term mortality effect of discharge from an intensive care unit (ICU) with a tracheostomy in place in comparison to delaying discharge until after tracheostomy removal.DesignA propensity score matched cohort study using data from the TracMan study.SettingSeventy-two UK ICUs taking part in the TracMan study, a randomised controlled trial comparing early tracheostomy (within 4 days of critical care admission) with deferred tracheostomy (after 10 days if still indicated).Participants622 patients who underwent a tracheostomy while in the TracMan study between November 2004 and November 2008. 144 patients left ICU with a tracheostomy. 999 days of observation from 294 patients were included in the control pool.InterventionsWe matched patients discharged with a tracheostomy in place 1:1 with patients who remained in an ICU until either their tracheostomy was removed or they died with the tracheostomy in place. Propensity models were developed according to discharge destination, accounting for likely confounding factors.Primary outcome measureThe primary outcome was 30-day mortality from the matching day. For the ‘discharged with a tracheostomy’ group, this was death within 30 days after the discharge day. For the ‘remained in ICU’ group, this was death within 30 days after the matched day.Results22 (15.3%) patients who left ICU with a tracheostomy died within 30 days compared with 26 (18.1%) who remained in ICU (relative risk 0.98, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.23).ConclusionKeeping patients on an ICU to provide tracheostomy care was not found to affect mortality. Tracheostomy presence may indicate a higher risk of mortality due to underlying diseases and conditions rather than posing a risk in itself.The TracMan trial was registered on the ISRCTN database (ISRCTN28588190).

Monitoring Workloads of a Professional Female Futsal Team over a Season: A Case Study.

The aims of this study were to describe the external and internal workloads in a professional female futsal team during a whole season and to compare workloads during different periods of the season. Ten professional female futsal players (age 22.8 ± 4.3 years; 5.1 ± 2.4 years of experience; weight 61.9 ± 7.1 kg; height 1.66 ± 0.06 m) participated voluntarily in this study during the whole season. The internal workload was measured by the session-Rate of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method, while the external workload was indirectly measured by considering the training and match volume and the type of contents of each session over 43 weeks. Mean sRPE throughout the season was 319.9 ± 127.1 arbitrary units (AU). Higher internal loads (total weekly training load and strain) were reported during the pre-season compared with the in-season mesocycles (p < 0.05); meanwhile, the fifth to eighth mesocycles of the in-season showed an oscillatory pattern. Finally, Monday was the most-demanding session during the in-season period over the Thursday (p < 0.05; effect size: 1.33) followed by match day, meanwhile no statistical differences were reported during different sessions of the pre-season microcycle (p > 0.05). This study suggests that microcycles of pre-season present a stable load pattern, meanwhile workloads during the in-season period report a tapering strategy in a professional female futsal team.

The Virtual Match: A New Approach to Celebrating Students During Social Distancing Due to COVID-19

To the Editor: Like many medical schools in the United States, the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine canceled its traditional Match Day ceremony due to COVID-19. Acknowledging the disappointment associated with the cancellation of this seminal event for medical students, we sought to capture as many meaningful aspects of the in-person ceremony as possible through a virtual video conference event. We anticipated several challenges in planning this virtual event. Namely, we were concerned about technically managing a large number of participants and creating excitement during a virtual event. Coincidentally, the concept of “zoombombing” was first introduced during Match Week this year.1 To build excitement for the event, during Match Week, we distributed gift bags to students containing various celebratory items. On Match Day, the associate dean for students (M.B.O.) hosted the event on campus, with a small media team and videoconference monitor. Other school leadership joined the event remotely to adhere to social distancing protocols. A few technical decisions contributed positively to the event’s success. For example, we invited only graduating seniors and select faculty leadership to join the video teleconference, which allowed for better technical control and avoiding unwanted guests (“zoombombers”). We livestreamed our virtual Match Day event for family, friends, fellow students, and faculty on Panopto. For bandwidth considerations, we divided students into announcement groups of 10 or less. When each group was called, we invited them to turn on their audio and video. We called on each student individually, then students in the same group celebrated together after each announcement. Of our eligible graduating students, most (81%) chose to announce their results during the virtual Match Day event, which was slightly more than during past in-person events, although very few chose to “open” their results on camera. Most students had family, friends, or fellow students co-located with them as they presented. We encouraged students and viewers to use school-specific hashtags on social media, which we displayed on a sidebar during the livestream. One student wrote, “Virtual match day was so much fun!!! I’m so glad we were able to have a wonderful ceremony.” As medical schools plan future virtual events, we feel that several elements may improve their quality: limiting the number of participants to the videoconference, livestreaming, creating announcement groups, encouraging a social media presence, and distributing celebratory items before the event.

Acoustic stress in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) living around football stadiums

Football matches, as a common urban activity, produce high levels of noise because of vehicular traffic, screams, whistles, and firework displays. Fear of noise is one of the most commonly reported behavior problems in dogs (Canis familiaris); however, few studies have focused on the effects of repeated exposition to noise in these animals. Here, we investigated whether the noise produced during football matches may act as a stress source for dogs living near football stadiums. We measured noise levels on days with and without matches, in the surrounding neighborhoods of two football stadiums of Minas Gerais, Brazil: (a) Arena Independência (AI) and (b) Governador Magalhães Pinto (GMP). Noise measurements were carried out by using a sound level meter, in distances varying between 0 and 400 m from the stadiums. A structured interview was conducted to dog owners living nearby AI, about the dogs' characteristics, demographics, and behavior. Noise records of days with and without matches were compared, and questionnaires were analyzed (general linear models) to identify possible correlations between the reported changes in the animals’ behaviors on days with football matches and the distance these animals lived from the stadium. Higher noise levels were recorded on football match days than on days without matches, with a greater effect of these between 0 and 249 m (D1) than between 250 and 400 from AI. Around Governador Magalhães Pinto, we recorded greater noise levels on days without football matches compared with match days, with no difference between distances. Fear/anxiety behaviors were reported as more intense on days with football matches, in comparison with days without matches for 90.6% of the study dogs. The occurrence of matches made specific fear-related behaviors of the dogs—severe trembling, excessive salivation, agitation/restlessness, whining, and appetite loss—more frequent. The proximity of AI intensified the exhibition of general fear/anxiety behaviors and made intense trembling and excessive salivation more frequent at D1, in relation to D2. On the other hand, dogs living at D2 barked, howled, and lost appetite more often than those living at D1. Our results suggested a detrimental influence of noise from football matches on the behavior of dogs living around football stadiums. These data are relevant for public policy-making to promote preventive and mitigating measures, to improve the quality of life of both the dog and the human populations in the surroundings of football stadiums.

A study on relation between Pitta Pradhan Prakriti females and ovulation with the help of basal body temperature method

Prakriti indicates the predominance of natural Doshas which may interfere with the normal human physiology. The day of Ovulation may have some relation with Prakriti of females. In this competitive era females are facing many problems related to their menstruation such as painful menses, irregular menses, etc. in their adolescent age without any specific pathology in their reproductive system, which may cause problems related to infertility. Thus the present study enlightens the relation between Pitta Pradhan Prakriti females and Ovulation with the help of Basal Body Temperature method (BBT method). Methodology: To record the day of Ovulation in 30 Pitta Pradhan Prakriti females, basal body temperature method was selected. For confirmation, USG of ten females was done. Applications of proposed thought: In Pitta Pradhan Prakriti females by BBT method, we can observe that, whether the Ovulation is early or late as compared to normal 14th day of Ovulation and what are the effects of Pittadhikya on menstrual symptoms. Knowing the day of Ovulation will be helpful for identifying safe period and danger period. Conclusion: Pitta Pradhan Prakriti was found in 30 females. Vinishaya of Prakriti was done by percentage method and also by gradation method; grades were given on the basis of six Gunas. Day of Ovulation by B.B.T. method in Pitta Pradhan females was found to be the 14th and 15th day of menstrual cycle. Temperature rise on the day of Ovulation was found in the range 0.5°F - 0.7°F. By USG method, 90% results were matching related to day of Ovulation by BBT method.

Match Day 2020: Not Even COVID-19 Could Stop These Future Neurologists

Match Day 2020: Not Even COVID-19 Could Stop These Future Neurologists

Timing and Predictors of Subspecialty Career Choice Among Internal Medicine Residents: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Internal medicine residents face numerous career options after residency training. Little is known about when residents make their final career choice. We assessed the timing and predictive factors of final career choices among internal medicine residents at graduation, including demographics, pre-residency career preferences, and rotation scheduling. We conducted a retrospective study of graduates of an academic internal medicine residency program from 2014 to 2017. Main measures included demographics, rotation schedules, and self-reported career choices for residents at 5 time points: recruitment day, immediately after Match Day, end of postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1), end of PGY-2, and at graduation. Of the 138 residents eligible for the study, 5 were excluded based on participation in a fast-track program for an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education subspecialty fellowship. Among the remaining 133 residents, 48 (36%) pursued general internal medicine fields and 78 (59%) pursued fellowship training. Career choices from recruitment day, Match Day, and PGY-1 were only weakly predictive of the career choice. Many choices demonstrated low concordance throughout training, and general medicine fields (primary care, hospital medicine) were frequently not decided until after PGY-2. Early clinical exposure to subspecialty rotations did not predict final career choice. Early career choices before and during residency training may have low predictability toward final career choices upon graduation in internal medicine. These choices may continue to have low predictability beyond PGY-2 for many specialties. Early clinical exposure may not predict final career choice for subspecialties.

Document analysis of exertional heat illness policies and guidelines published by sports organisations in Victoria, Australia

ObjectivesTo conduct a document and content analysis of exertional heat illness (EHI)-related documents published by sports organisations in Victoria, Australia, in order to determine their scope and evidence base against...

Heart Rate Variability is Correlated with Perceived Physical Fitness in Elite Soccer Players.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been typically used to monitor athletes’ physical fitness readiness. The supine position maximizes parasympathetic tone, which is important for monitoring in continuous aerobic sports, however, this is not the case of team sports that rely on anaerobic intermittent bouts, thus increasing sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal. We hypothesized that HRV during sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal would be a useful marker to evaluate perceived physical fitness in team sports. HRV was measured in both supine and standing positions during the mornings of 4 match days in 14 professional players. The supine Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (RMSSD), as well as spectral analysis indices were recorded. Perceived physical fitness was assessed after each match by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Supine RMSSD was moderately correlated with perceived physical fitness (rho = 0.416), however, larger correlations were observed for supine and standing spectral indices (rho > 0.5). Correlation between RMSSD and Total Power was very large, thus questioning the usual interpretation of RMSSD (rho > 0.7). Standing Spectral HRV analyses may be a useful method for evaluating perceived physical fitness in the context of team sports. RMSSD may reflect the overall variability of HR and not only the parasympathetic influence, as observed in the current study.

Activity Demands and Speed Profile of Young Female Basketball Players Using Ultra-Wide Band Technology.

Performance profiles have begun to be identified as extremely useful in order to help coaches individualize training according to the age and gender of athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the activity demands and speed profile of U18 female basketball players during competitive matches. Time variables (real and playing time), distance variables (distance performed, distance in speed zones, high intensity distance and distance covered sprinting) and speed variables (number of sprints, sprint duration, maximum speed and average speed) were recorded from forty-eight players belonging to four teams (13 guards, 22 forwards and 13 centers). WIMUPROTM inertial measurement units with ultra-wide band (UWB) indoor-tracking technology recorded six matches during final four in the season 2018/2019. A one factor ANOVA with Cohen’s effect sizes (d) were used to identify the differences between groups (playing position and match day). Distance per minute (123.96 vs 112.67 m), high intensity distance per minute (15.48 vs 14 m), running distance (403.2 vs 541.28 m) and average speed (5.05 vs 5.41 km/h) were significantly higher on day 3 than 1, respectively. About playing position, forwards played more minutes during games, so covered a greater distance, more sprints and high intensity actions than the rest. In spite of fatigue, day 3 showed a greater intensity than day 1, therefore, the last day was the crucial one for the teams in the tournament. Forwards when playing more minutes obtain higher absolute values ​​but not per minute which could mean a lower performance of the team.

Diferencias en las concentraciones de cortisol en día de partido en jugadores internacionales de fútbol: titulares vs no titulares

Objetivo: La hormona cortisol participa en situaciones de respuestas fisiológicas y conductuales, preparando al organismo para actuar en un momento de estrés de naturaleza física, insegura, o como lo es la competición deportiva, de ésta manera, se pretende como objetivo principal analizar las respuestas del cortisol de 20 futbolistas (titulares y no titulares) de nivel internacional durante un día de partido de competición.&#x0D; Método: Durante la Copa Mundial de la Fédération Internationale de Football Association 2018 en Rusia, fueron seleccionados 20 jugadores de un equipo nacional para obtener un perfil individualizado de los jugadores, analizándose durante el día de partido, mediante análisis salival en los primeros 30 minutos tras despertar (8.00 am). Para el análisis estadístico de diferencias entre grupos, se utilizó t-student (Grupo: titulares / no titulares) × 1 (Tiempo: basal).&#x0D; Resultados: Con los resultados obtenidos, observamos un aumento en la Respuesta al Despertar del Cortisol en función de si los jugadores jugaban de inicio como titulares o iniciaban como no titulares, existiendo diferencia significativa (p=0.005; P= 0.105) entre ambos grupos.&#x0D; Conclusiones: Se observó un perfil diferenciado, con una diferencia en aumento de cortisol de los jugadores titulares, pudiendo deberse a un incremento de la tensión precompetitiva propia, en muchos casos necesaria para encarar la competición.