Endurance Parameters Research Articles

Efficacy of a rehabilitation protocol on pulmonary and respiratory muscle function and ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm and quadriceps femoris in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a series of cases.

This study assessed the efficacy of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on pulmonary and respiratory muscle function and thickness of quadriceps femoris and diaphragm of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This series of cases followed nine patients who performed PR twice a week for six weeks. Patients received the following PR program: lung expansion therapy; respiratory muscle training; upper limb strength exercises; aerobic exercises on a treadmill. After the program, we observed increased peak expiratory flow (26.03%), forced vital capacity (FVC) (7.14%), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (9.55%), and ratio between FEV1/FVC (6.19%). All parameters of respiratory muscle strength and endurance were improved. Diaphragmatic thickening fraction and thickness of quadriceps femoris also improved, whereas echo intensity of quadriceps reduced. Thus, RP protocol improved pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and thickness of diaphragm and quadriceps femoris, and reduced echo intensity of quadriceps in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Effects of Forearm Compression Sleeves on Muscle Hemodynamics and Muscular Strength and Endurance Parameters in Sports Climbing: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial.

Purpose: Wearing compression garments is a commonly used intervention in sports to improve performance and facilitate recovery. Some evidence supports the use of forearm compression to improve muscle tissue oxygenation and enhance sports climbing performance. However, evidence is lacking for an effect of compression garments on hand grip strength and specific sports climbing performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of forearm compression sleeves on muscular strength and endurance of finger flexor muscles in sports climbers. Materials and Methods: This randomized crossover study included 24 sports climbers who performed one familiarization trial and three subsequent test trials while wearing compression forearm sleeves (COMP), non-compressive placebo forearm sleeves (PLAC), or no forearm sleeves (CON). Test trials consisted of three performance measurements (intermittent hand grip strength and endurance measurements, finger hang, and lap climbing) at intervals of at least 48 h in a randomized order. Muscle oxygenation during hand grip and finger hang measurements was assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. The maximum blood lactate level, rate of perceived exertion, and forearm muscle pain were also determined directly after the lap climbing trials. Results: COMP resulted in higher changes in oxy[heme] and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) during the deoxygenation (oxy[heme]: COMP –10.7 ± 5.4, PLAC –6.7 ± 4.3, CON –6.9 ± 5.0 [μmol]; p = 0.014, ηp 2 = 0.263; StO2: COMP –4.0 ± 2.2, PLAC –3.0 ± 1.4, CON –2.8 ± 1.8 [%]; p = 0.049, ηp 2 = 0.194) and reoxygenation (oxy [heme]: COMP 10.2 ± 5.3, PLAC 6.0 ± 4.1, CON 6.3 ± 4.9 [μmol]; p = 0.011, ηp 2 = 0.274; StO2: COMP 3.5 ± 1.9, PLAC 2.4 ± 1.2, CON 2.3 ± 1.9 [%]; p = 0.028, ηp 2 = 0.225) phases of hand grip measurements, whereas total [heme] concentrations were not affected. No differences were detected between the conditions for the parameters of peak force and fatigue index in the hand grip, time to failure and hemodynamics in the finger hang, or performance-related parameters in the lap climbing measurements (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Forearm compression sleeves did not enhance hand grip strength and endurance, sports climbing performance parameters, physiological responses, or perceptual measures. However, they did result in slightly more pronounced changes of oxy [heme] and StO2 in the deoxygenation and reoxygenation phases during the hand grip strength and endurance measurements.

Multi-objective Optimization of Subsonic Glider Wing Using Genetic Algorithm

The widespread adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be traced to its flexibility and wide adaptability to various operating conditions and applications, comparably low cost of construction and maintenance and environmental friendliness as they can be easily configured for electric power. The use of electric power also favours its low noise applications such as surveillance. A major issue associated with surveillance, as addressed in this study is the compromise between Range and Endurance operation modes. The Range mode relates to being able to cover longer distances while the Endurance mode relates to spending longer times in the atmosphere for a fixed charge. Trying to balance the interplay of these parameters gave rise to a multi-objective optimization where the objectives are somewhat conflicting. This resulted in a set of Pareto solutions which are a set of design parameters (primarily angle of attack) that satisfy the joint requirements of the performance parameters of Range and Endurance. This study first considered a baseline aerodynamic design using traditional design methods. Design of Experiment techniques were then used to select the most favourable design points. This model was then used to build an input framework for Genetic Optimization algorithm deployed in the Global Optimization Toolbox of MATLAB. The result of this research shows that most of the region associated with medium angle of attack (AOA) setting (7 degrees) jointly satisfies good Range and Endurance performances with an average lift-to-drag ratio of 20 in the flight configuration considered. The implication of this result is that low velocity drag encountered in surveillance that requires a high AOA is largely reduced with the medium setting, albeit stabilized with other structural and aerodynamic settings, namely an aspect ratio of 13 and a taper ratio of 0.6.

A critical review of critical power.

The elegant concept of a hyperbolic relationship between power, velocity, or torque and time to exhaustion has rightfully captivated the imagination and inspired extensive research for over half a century. Theoretically, the relationship's asymptote along the time axis (critical power, velocity, or torque) indicates the exercise intensity that could be maintained for extended durations, or the "heavy-severe exercise boundary". Much more than a critical mass of the extensive accumulated evidence, however, has persistently shown the determined intensity of critical power and its variants as being too high to maintain for extended periods. The extensive scientific research devoted to the topic has almost exclusively centered around its relationships with various endurance parameters and performances, as well as the identification of procedural problems and how to mitigate them. The prevalent underlying premise has been that the observed discrepancies are mainly due to experimental 'noise' and procedural inconsistencies. Consequently, little or no effort has been directed at other perspectives such as trying to elucidate physiological reasons that possibly underly and account for those discrepancies. This review, therefore, will attempt to offer a new such perspective and point out the discrepancies' likely root causes.

Relationship Between Cardiovascular Endurance and Mental Toughness among Academy Mokhtar Dahari (AMD) Football Players

Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cardiovascular endurance and mental toughness among football players of Academy Mokhtar Dahari (AMD). Twenty players were selected as respondents. Data were collected using Yo-Yo test level 1 and Mental Emotional Bodily Toughness (MeBTough) Questionnaires (Mark, 2008). This study showed that cardiovascular endurance parameters were good (M=2064.00, SD=251.45), while mental toughness measures appeared moderate (M=126.55, SD=15.10). Moreover, this study has indicated no significant relationship between cardiovascular endurance and mental toughness (r=0.38, p>0.05). Analyze showed that a 10-week athlete’s training does not significantly influence the relationship between cardiovascular endurance and mental toughness even if the athletes have attained high cardiovascular endurance. The result showed that the duration of the training, experience, and effort to enhance both physiological and psychological skills needed to improve mental toughness among sports players.
 
 Keywords: Academy Mokhtar Dahari (AMD), Cardiovascular endurance, footballer under-16, mental toughness

A mobile app for home-based exercise in spinal cord injured persons: Proposal and pilot study.

Background and ObjectiveTo preserve cardiovascular health in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), it is important to promote physical activity programs adapted to them. Home-based exercise programs allow patients to perform clinician-prescribed physical activity without going to a hospital. However, they make it difficult for the clinician to guide and monitor the patient. To face this issue, this paper proposes a novel smartphone-based mobile application (Fisiofriend), and evaluates its feasibility with a pilot study in a real clinical intervention.MethodsFourteen SCI male subjects were involved in a 6-weeks home-based intervention, based on upper limbs exercises: 7 subjects (APP group) used Fisiofriend, and 7 subjects used traditional pictorial instructions on paper (PAPER group). At the beginning (t1) and end (t2) of the study period, we measured: (i) biceps and triceps brachii strength and endurance parameters with an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 4), (ii) O2 maximal consumption with a crank ergometer stress test (VO2000, Medgraphics). Moreover, we collected subjective data about subjects’ perception of the support (app or paper) in the home-based program.ResultsPhysiological results were encouraging for both groups. Questionnaire data suggests a possible advantage of the app in terms of pleasantness, engagement and perception of positive effects. Practical clinical experience with the subjects and their informal reports highlighted which features of the app could be of particular benefit in real interventions, as we discuss in the paper.ConclusionsThe study showed the feasibility of using a mobile app in home-based exercise programs involving SCI patients. We discuss implications of introducing such kind of apps into clinical practice.

Effect of Circuit Resistant Training on Cardiorespiratory indices; Implication for Developing a Test Model for Soccer Players of Higher Education Institutions

The current research aimed to incorporate appropriate circuit resistant training protocol in the current literature and device that could help improve cardio-respiratory endurance of soccer players. A pre-test and post-test longitudinal research format was applied because the suggested parameters of cardiorespiratory endurance were appropriately calculated by such research designs. A sample of (n=40) healthy volunteers equally distributed into two different groups namely, an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The circuit resistant training (CRT) 3 times per week with specified intensity, repetition, set and rest period continued for 06 weeks among experimental group. Results of the analyzed data revealed a significant increase in the cardiorespiratory indices (CO, SV, IRV, ERV) among the participants of experimental group (p < .05). These results tend to interpret that cardiorespiratory fitness of soccer’s players can be improved with the help of 06 week (CRT) program. Apart from this, health and physical education teachers, physiotherapists and other relevant persons can recommend CRT for lifestyles improvement.

The influence of weight on fuel consumption and range for a turboprop medium courier aircraft

Performance in the en route phase can be measured using the range and endurance parameters of the airplane. The range is a more useful performance parameter than endurance and one that aircraft designers are constantly trying to improve. While endurance refers to airborne time, the range is more concerned with distance covered and is therefore sometimes referred to as fuel mileage. In most cases, the trade-off between range and payload is achieved at the initial purchase of the aircraft and, subsequently during in-flight planning.

Changes of resting cardiac marker levels due to sport adaptation

Abstract Background In acute and chronic heart diseases some cardiac necroenzymes and peptide fragments are essential during the diagnosis and following the progression of the diseases. Previous literature data are available about elevation of these cardiac markers after exhausting physical activity, but we do not have information about the resting levels in athletes. Methods In part of the extended cardiology screening of athletes in our institute, we analyzed the levels of hsTroponinT, CKMB, LDH and NT-proBNP from blood samples. All the samples were collected at least 12 hours after the last trainings or competitions. The results of the athletes were compared with a healthy sedentary non-athlete control group. After the blood collection all subject underwent echocardiography examinations and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Depending on normality, groups were compared with two-tailed Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Statistical analysis was processed in RStudio development environment. Results Results of 335 athletes from different sports (male: 162, age: 18.9±5.9 years, training: 15.8±5.9 hours/week) and 53 sedentary non-athletes (male: 23, age: 19.8±3.2 years, training: 2.7±2.3 hours/week) were compared. In athletes, increased level of hsTroponinT was found in 3.3% (n=11), of CKMB in 5.7% (n=18), of LDH in 2.7% (n=9) and of NT-proBNP in 1.2% (n=4). In the control group no elevation was found regarding the CKMB and hsTroponinT, while slightly elevated values of LDH and NT-proBNP were revealed in 1–1 cases. In athletes we measured higher CKMB (17.5±6.8 vs 12.3±3.4 U/l, p<0.001) and LDH values (323.7±63.3 vs 286.0±51.1 U/l, p<0.001), and lower values of NT-proBNP (27.2±29.2 vs 49 8±38.7 pg/ml, p<0.001) compared to the control group, while in the hsTroponinT levels (4.3±1.4 vs 5.6±6.3 ng/l, p=0.33) no significant changes were measured. In term of the examined laboratory parameters significant correlation was found with maximal relative aerob capacity (CKMB: r=0.23, p<0.001; LDH: r=0.18, p<0.001; hsTroponinT: r=0.23, p<0.001; NT-proBNP: r=−0.22, p<0.001), but no correlation was found with age. Significant correlation was found between NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic measurements of ventricular diameters and left ventricular wall thickness (LVEDD r=−0.15, p<0.03; LVESD r=−0.18, p<0.03; RVD: r=−0.15, p<0.02; IVS: r=−0.22, p<0.001; PWD r=−0.27, p<0.001), CKMB levels correlated with left ventricular wall thickness (IVS: r=0.11, p<0.05; PWD r=0.14, p<0.02). Conclusions Based on our results, in connection with the sports adaptation of the heart, the resting levels of the cardiac markers also show significant changes, these changes are correlated with aerobic endurance and structural sport adaptation parameters as well. Our study draws attention to the importance of different assessment of cardiac markers in athletes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This project was supported by a grant from the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH) of Hungary (K 135076).Supported by the ÚNKP-20-3-I-SE-41 New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology from the Source of the National Research, Development and Innovation fund.

The Effect of 8 Weeks of Zumba Exercıse on Flexbılıty and Some Strength Parameters in Women Aged 25-45

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of 6-week Zumba exercises on flexibility, leg strength, back strength and muscular endurance parameters in women aged 25-45. The research group consists of a total of (n=20) women, (n=10) in the experimental group and (n=10) in the control group, between the ages of 25-45 living in Istanbul. The participants in the experimental group were given 60 minutes of Zumba exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks, and sit-reach, 1-minute sit-up and strength test measurements were made to the participants before and after the exercise program. Participants in the control group were not included in any exercise program. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the participants' flexibility, leg strength, back strength and muscular endurance values between the pre-test and post-test within the group (p< 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test values between the groups (p< 0.05). In conclusion; It was determined that zumba exercises applied to the experimental group did not have a significant effect on flexibility, muscular endurance and back strength. In the leg strength parameter, the effect of zumba exercises applied to the experimental group on leg strength was found to be significant at a rate of 34%. In the light of these data, it was concluded that zumba exercises performed in sedentary women have a positive effect on lower extremity strength. Keywords: Zumba Fitness, Exercise, Women and Exercise

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome in women: Analysis of magnetic resonance, sagittal alignment, muscular strength and endurance of the hip and trunk.

There are many studies on the Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), however its relationship with radiographic and biomechanics parameters is not established. To compare the magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the hip, radiographic parameters of sagittal alignment (pelvic incidence, sacral slope and lumbar lordosis), muscular strength and endurance in women with and without GTPS. Forty women, age over 45, IMC <30 Kg/m2 and sedentary, were recruited and distributed in two groups: GTPS group (GTPSG, n=20) and Control group (CG, n=20). All participants underwent MRI scans and X-ray for sagittal alignment analysis in the hip and performed tests for muscular strength and endurance of the hip and trunk. No differences were found between the GTPSG and CG for the frequency of tendinopathy (P=.30), peritendinitis (P=.10), bursitis (P=.68) and enthesitis (P=.15), however the gluteus medius tendon tear was more prevalent in GTPSG (P=.05). There were no differences in radiographic parameters for pelvic incidence (P>.05), sacral slope (P>.05) and lumbar lordosis (P>.05). The GTPSG showed lower strength of all hip muscle groups (abductors, adductors, flexors, extensors and rotators; P<.01 for all), as well as lower endurance in the Supine Bridge test and Prone bridge test (P<.01). The results of the MRI and radiographic parameters did not differentiate women with and without GTPS. However, the evaluation of muscle strength and endurance can establish the difference between groups.

The effects of respiratory muscle training on aerobic, anaerobic and respiration parameters

This study was conducted to search the effect of respiratory muscle training on aerobic, anaerobic endurance, and respiratory parameters in primary school students. 32 volunteer students, between the ages of 13-14, participated in this study. The volunteers were divided into experimental (n = 15) and control groups (n = 17). The experimental group participated in the football training of the school team three days a week, with two hours of physical education lessons in a week. Also, respiratory muscle training was applied with the Powerbreathe device for 5 weeks, five days a week in the morning and evening. The control group only participated in the football training of the school team three days a week, with two hours of physical education lessons in a week. Physical measurements, pulse, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, lung volume and capacity, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, and inspiratory pressure were measured before and after the study. Physical measurements has been determined that there are differences in the values of FAT, BMR, anaerobic power and MaxVO2, respiratory parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p &lt; 0.05). It was observed that Inspiratory pressure measurement values were found to be statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). As a result, it can be said that five-week respiratory muscle training positively affects aerobic and anaerobic endurance, respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength of primary school students compared to students who do regular training.

Effects of clinical Pilates exercises on cardiovascular endurance and psychosomatic parameters on primary caregivers of special needs children: A randomized controlled trial.

Our objective was to investigate the effects of clinical Pilates exercises (CPE), applied to the primary caregivers of special needs children, on cardiovascular endurance (CVE) and psychosomatic parameters in comparison to a control group. Fifty-five primary caregivers of special needs children, divided into two groups as the CPE and control groups, were included in the study. The six-minute walk test, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to measure CVE, fatigue severity, attitudes toward coping with problems, depression levels and anxiety levels, respectively. Statistically significant differences between the groups in favor of the CPE group were found concerning the denial parameter of COPE, fatigue (which was the primary outcome), depression and anxiety (all p values < 0.05). Statistically significant intragroup comparison differences were only detected in the CPE group in the fatigue, depression, anxiety and COPE (use of instrumental and emotional social support and focus on and venting of emotions) questionnaire results (all p values < 0.05). CPE are an applicable and effective method for the primary caregivers of special needs children in improving psychosomatic parameters, albeit not effective for CVE. It is recommended to investigate the long-term effects of clinical Pilates exercises on a similar group.

Share of Strength Parameters of Bench Press and Barbell Bench Pull on a Horizontal Bench in Sports Performance in Kayak Disciplines

The objective of the study was to deal with the ratio of the parameters of maximum muscle power and power endurance and explain their contribution to the sports performance in kayak disciplines of Slovakia National Team members.&#x0D; Material and methods. Strength parameters were monitored by Tendo Power Analyser in the barbell bench press and pull on a horizontal bench. A diagnostic series of maximum power and effective repetition test for power endurance was performed at both, barbell bench press and bench pull exercises. Determining the factors limiting sports performance in kayak disciplines 200 meters, 500 meters, 1,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and marathon 21,500 meters, the evaluation of dependence between all power variables were used. The stepwise regression was used to reduce the indicators. &#x0D; Results. It was found out that in kayak sprint disciplines (200 meters, 500 meters) the sports performance in the kayak is influenced by the barbell bench pull more than bench press on the horizontal bench when speaking about the strength parameters. In the middle-distance disciplines (1,000 meters), the ratio of strength parameters is balanced. As the length of kayak disciplines increases (5,000 meters and 21,500 meters), the ratio of strength parameters has changed in favor of the barbell bench press.&#x0D; From the parameters of maximum muscle performance and muscle endurance measured in the barbell bench press and pull on a horizontal bench, the average power of power endurance was demonstrated to explain the sports performance in kayak disciplines. &#x0D; Conclusion. From the parameters of maximum power and power endurance in the bench press and bench pull in all kayak disciplines, the parameter of average power in power endurance was proved to explain sports performance. Knowledge of these factors will allow optimizing the content of sports training of kayakers, the process of developing their strength skills, and their transformation process into a structure of sports performance and kayaking paddling technique.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF BIOMATERIAL AND THE TECHNOLOGY OF PROSTHETIC CROWNS MANUFACTURING ON THE CONNECTION WITH VENEERING CERAMICS

The aim of the study is to identify the endurance parameters of prosthetic crowns veneered with dedicated ceramics on metal, glass-ceramic, and ceramic frameworks. Metal frameworks were made using CAD/CAM milling technology and SLM technology, while the glass-ceramic and ceramic frameworks were produced using only the CAD/CAM milling technology. The research materials are samples replicating the layered structures of prosthetic crowns. The veneering procedure must ensure the adhesion of the ceramics to the loadbearing framework. The tests modelling the conditions of concentrated loads during chewing were carried out using the Instron 3345 testing machine. Determination of microhardness in cross-sections through layered structures of crowns was performed using the HMV Micro Hardness Tester. The comparison of force loading the indenter as a function of penetration depth indicates that the value of the maximum depth depends on the configuration of microhardness of the framework and dentine. The zirconium ceramics ZrO2 (3Y-TZP) – veneered with Elephant Sakura silica ceramics – should be indicated as the most advantageous material composition.

ОЦЕНКА ПОКАЗАТЕЛЯ ДОЛГОВЕЧНОСТИ АВТОМАТИЗИРОВАННЫХ РАБОЧИХ МЕСТ

Complicated tasks performed by the sets of automated aids of C4I Systems for the armed forces require a higher reliability of their automated work stations (WSs). The article deals with reliability of the WSs and estimation of their endurance parameters. The author proposes the methods to estimate endurance parameters by the computation of pointwise values of maximum allowable deviation of component parts and electronic components of the WSs from the requirements specified in the technical assignment. The article provides recommendations on using the method proposed.

Effect of saq training and circuit training on cardio vascular endurance among men kho- kho players

The present study explores the impact of 12 weeks SAQ training and Circuit training on Cardio vascular endurance among kho kho players. district, state, inter collegiate, inter university and national level and international participated male kho kho players chosen from kho kho academy at J Panguluru, Inkollu Mandal, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The chosen N=33 kho kho player&rsquo;s age ranged from 17-24 years as per their academy record. The chosen male kho kho players randomly and equally distributed n=11 into 3-groups namely speed agility and quickness training group [SAQTG=11], circuit training group [CTG=11] and control group [CONG=11]. All the three groups&rsquo; kho kho players&rsquo; measurement on Cardio vascular endurance parameter score were collected in the beginning and after the 12-weeks of Speed agility and quickness [SAQ] training and circuit training. The collected measurement of Cardio vascular endurance parameter was analyzed by analysis of covariance to find the significant in pre test and post test mean and adjusted post test means found significant post hoc pair wise comparison was applied by scheffe&rsquo;s post hoc test at 0.05 fixed level of confidence by used statistical package of the social science. The study discovered that the treatment groups namely SAQ training and Circuit training group kho kho players run greater distance in 12- minutes run/walk cooper test when comparison between pre sore and post score. Further it was declared that Circuit training group kho kho players shown better Cardio vascular endurance performance and run more distance when comparison with SAQ training group kho kho players and CONG [Control group] kho kho players.

Bipolar resistive switching studies in amorphous barium titanate thin films in Ag/am-BTO/ITO capacitor structures

The electroforming free bipolar resistive switching characteristics of amorphous barium titanate (am-BTO) thin films in Ag/am-BTO/ITO capacitor structures were systematically evaluated. The dot point capacitor structures were fabricated by using RF-DC sputtering deposition on ITO coated commercial glass substrates. Varied thicknesses of 142, 100, and 70 nm am-BTO thin films were utilized as a switching medium for exploring the resistive switching phenomena. The amorphous nature and topographical surface were probed with X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy techniques. The on/off resistance ratios, SET, RESET voltages, retention, and endurance parameters extracted from current-voltage (I-V) measurements demonstrate stable resistive switching. Space charge limited current conduction and ohmic conduction phenomena were found to be dominant in high resistance and low states of the junctions. The rupture formation upon the Ag active electrode and reduction in capacitance after the application of voltage specify the silver Ag+ ion mediated filament conduction mechanism for the observed bipolar switching phenomena.

Cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly linked to metabolic syndrome among physical fitness components: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundMaintaining a good level of physical fitness from engaging in regular exercise is important for the treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, which components constitutive of physical fitness confer the greatest influence remains controversial. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between MetS and physical fitness components including cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and agility and to identify which physical fitness components have the largest influence on MetS.MethodsA total of 168 Japanese adult males aged 25–64 years were allocated into non-MetS, pre-MetS, and MetS groups according to the criteria recommended by the Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. Anthropometric measurement of body composition by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and measures related to MetS, including waist circumference, triglyceride level, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, blood pressure, glucose level, and physical fitness components, were assessed. For evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, agility, and balance, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (VO2AnT), handgrip strength and vertical jumping, trunk extension and flexion, stepping side to side, and single-leg balance task with the eyes closed were assessed, respectively.ResultsA progressive tendency of increasing body weight, body mass index, whole-body lean and fat mass, percentage of whole-body fat mass, trunk lean and fat mass, percentage of trunk fat mass, arm fat mass, waist circumference, triglyceride level, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and blood glucose level from the non-MetS group to the MetS group was significant (P < 0.05). Conversely, the cardiorespiratory endurance parameters VO2peak and VO2AnT and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level showed a progressively decreasing tendency across the groups (P < 0.01). In addition, a VO2peak below 29.84 ml·kg·min−1 (P = 0.028) and VO2AnT below 15.89 ml·kg·min−1 (P = 0.011) were significant risk components for pre-MetS and MetS. However, there was no significant tendency with respect to muscle strength, agility, and flexibility.ConclusionCardiorespiratory fitness is strongly linked to metabolic syndrome among physical fitness components

Endurance Capacities in Professional Soccer Players: Are Performance Profiles Position Specific?

The aim of this study was to investigate position-specific endurance performance of soccer players. 136 professional players competing in the 1st and 2nd division in Germany were divided into the positional groups goalkeepers (GK), central defenders (CD), wingers (WI), central midfielders (CM), and forwards (FW). All players performed an incremental treadmill test with blood lactate sampling until exhaustion with the following endurance parameters being obtained: Fixed aerobic threshold (v2mmol/l), fixed anaerobic threshold (v4mmol/l), individual aerobic threshold (vLT), individual anaerobic threshold (vIAT), and maximum velocity (vmax). Results revealed significant differences between GK and all outfield playing positions for all endurance parameters (p ≤ 0.03; ES 0.87–2.19). No significant differences among outfield playing positions were evident for any of the parameters. However, trends were found in favor of the CM compared to the WI (p = 0.11; ES = 0.68) and the FW (p = 0.06; ES = 0.47) relating to vLT as well as in favor of the CM compared to the WI (p = 0.10; ES = 0.56) relating to vIAT. Findings suggest that goalkeepers possess the lowest endurance capacity compared to other playing positions. While outfield players in general showed similar endurance performance, CM seem to possess the highest aerobic capacity of all positions as indicated by all lactate-based thresholds, however, with only small to moderate ES. These findings could lead one to question the appropriateness of current endurance training regimes to prepare all players adequately for their positional match-running demands. Indeed, endurance training of players should be specific to their match-running demands. However, it remains unknown to what extent these demands are position or player specific.