Intensive Training Period Research Articles

Physiological, anthropometric and athletic performance adaptations from completing a 1-month pre-season period. A two-year longitudinal study in female collegiate soccer players.

Collegiate coaches and integrative support staff often utilize pre-season as a brief and intense training period to prepare athletes technically, tactically, and physiologically, to meet the demands of competition during a soccer season. This study sought to examine the dose-response from performing on-field soccer activities during a four-week pre-season period in female collegiate soccer players, and if the magnitude in response was associated with accumulated exercise stress. A total of twenty-seven healthy female soccer players training as part of a collegiate soccer program volunteered to participate in this two-year longitudinal study. Data collection commenced prior to the start of each pre-season period, at the beginning of August, and was completed at the beginning of September, when pre-season ended. Data collection periods were separated by a 31-day period. Indices of cardiovascular function, anthropometry, and athletic performance were examined during each data collection period. Internal and external measures of accumulated exercise stress were recorded using the Polar Team Pro® system. When comparing the beginning to the end of pre-season, significant improvements were observed in body fat (%) [24.2 ± 6.0 "vs." 23.3 ± 5.6, p = 0.001], heart rate variability (rMSSD) [51.8 ± 25.1 "vs." 67.9 ± 34.6 ms, p = 0.002], resting heart (bpm) [73.8 ± 12.1 "vs." 64.3 ± 8.8, p = 0.001] and cardiorespiratory performance (YoYo IRTL-1) [925.8 ± 272.8 "vs." 1,062.6 ± 223.3 m, p = 0.001]. Significant reductions in musculoskeletal performance were observed through vertical jump height (cm) [24.9 ± 23.7, p = 0.04]. Change in the end of pre-season body weight (kg) was significantly associated with accumulated accelerations and decelerations [r ≥ 0.49, p = 0.01]. End of pre-season change in cardiorespiratory performance was significantly associated with both accumulated training load (au) and TRIMP (au) [r ≥ 0.63, p = 0.01]. In conclusion, performing a four-week pre-season period, involving only on-field training, can promote positive and significant adaptations in anthropometry, cardiovascular function, and athletic performance measures in female collegiate soccer players. The magnitudes of these adaptations were associated with both internal and external measures of accumulated exercise stress.

Influence of Practice Periodization and Sleep Duration on Oxidative Stress in High School Judo Athletes.

Numerous research studies have investigated the relationship between exercise, oxidative stress level, and condition in athletes who engage in intense training on a daily basis. However, it is known that oxidative stress is affected by exercise, sleep, and the psychological state, but there are only a few studies that have comprehensively examined oxidative stress based on the actual practice periods and living conditions of athletes. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the influence of three distinct training periods (short training period, intensive training period, and pre-competition periods) as well as life situations (sleep and number of steps) on oxidative stress levels (diacron reactive oxygen metabolites: d-ROMs) in high school judo athletes. The results showed that, among the three periods, the level of oxidative stress increased the most during the pre-competition period, and the value was higher than during the training period, when the intensity of training was highest. The levels of the d-ROMs values during the pre-competition period were negatively correlated with the amount of sleep on the previous day. The findings suggest that, besides the exercise intensity, factors such as sleep duration and other life situations should be regarded as critical considerations for high school judo athletes.

Immunological Response to Exercise in Athletes with Disabilities: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

For a person with a disability, participating in sports activities and/or competitions can be a challenge for the immune system. The relationship between exercise and immunity response in disabled athletes is, indeed, extremely complex for several reasons, including (1) the chronic low-grade inflammatory and immunodepression-"secondary immune deficiency"-state imposed by the disability/impairment; (2) the impact of the disability on an array of variables, spanning from physical fitness to well-being, quality of life, sleep, and nutritional aspects, among others, which are known to mediate/modulate the effects of exercise on human health; (3) the variability of the parameters related to the exercise/physical activity (modality, frequency, intensity, duration, training versus competition, etc.); and (4) the intra- and inter-individual variability of the immunological response to exercise. In able-bodied athletes, previously published data described several exercise-induced changes affecting various immunological subsets and subpopulations, ranging from neutrophils to lymphocytes, and monocytes. Broadly, moderate intensity workout is accompanied by optimal immunity and resistance to infections such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in athletes. Periods of intense training with insufficient recovery can cause a temporary state of immunosuppression, which should end with a few days of rest/recovery from exercise. Disabled athletes are relatively overlooked and understudied with respect to their able-bodied counterparts. Findings from the few studies available on paralympic and disabled athletes are here summarized and analyzed utilizing a narrative approach to review and determine the major features of the immunological and inflammatory responses to exercise in this specific population. Moreover, a few studies have reported behavioral, dietary, and training strategies that can be adopted to limit exercise-induced immunosuppression and reduce the risk of infection in people with disabilities. However, given the paucity of data and contrasting findings, future high-quality investigations on paralympic and disabled athletes are urgently needed.

Aptitude for interpreting: the predictive value of cognitive fluency

ABSTRACT Cognitive factors have been recognised as important in the interpreting process, but whether they could serve as valid components of interpreting aptitude still awaits further investigation. This study explores the predictive value of cognitive fluency in the simultaneous interpreting (SI) performance of trainee interpreters. Cognitive fluency measures of lexical access, lexical retrieval, linguistic attention control and working memory capacity were tested at the beginning of SI training. Simulated SI tasks were conducted at the start and the end of an intensive training period of one academic term. Results of the analyses suggest that (1) cognitive fluency measures could predict a large degree of variance in trainee interpreters’ SI performance at the initial stage of SI training, but could only predict the SI performance when the cognitive load was comparatively high after training; and, (2) cognitive fluency constructs that were significantly related to SI performance differed before and after training. It is concluded that constructs of cognitive fluency might serve as predictors for interpreting performance, but the predictive value of cognitive fluency was influenced by cognitive load and interpreter training. Findings of the study provide empirical evidence for the inclusion of cognitive fluency tasks into interpreting aptitude tests.

Effect of Intensified Training Camp on Psychometric Status, Mood State, and Hematological Markers in Youth Soccer Players.

During training camps, training load is purposefully intensified. Intensified training loads (TL) are associated with psychological variations, increased fatigue, insufficient recovery, decreased muscular performance, and biological changes in adult athletes, but whether these changes occur during training camps in youth athletes has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess changes in psychometric status, vertical jump performance (i.e., height), and hematological markers before and after an intensive training camp in youth soccer players. In this case, 15male youth soccer players (mean ± SD: age: 14.8 ± 0.4 years; height: 172.0 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 60.8 ± 7.9 kg; training experience: 5.2 ± 0.7 years) completed a 2-week training program consisting of 1 week of moderate TL (MT) and 1 week of intensive training camp (TC). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), TL, monotony, strain, and psychometric status (total quality of recovery (TQR) and well-being indices (sleep, stress, fatigue, and muscle soreness) were monitored before each first daily training session across two weeks. The profile of mood states (POMS), countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and blood markers (complete blood count, urea, and creatinine) were assessed before and after TC. TL (d = 5.39, large), monotony (d = 3.03, large), strain (d = 4.38, large), and well-being index (d = 7.5, large) scores increased and TQR (d = 4.6, large) decreased during TC. The TC increased tension, fatigue, and total mood disturbance and decreased vigor (all p <0.01). CMJ performance p < 0.01, d = 0.52, moderate), creatinine (p < 0.01, d = 1.29, large), and leukocyte concentration (p < 0.01, d = 1.4, large) and granulocyte concentration (p < 0.01, d = 1.93, large) increased after TC. Percentage of lymphocytes (p < 0.05, d = 1.17, large) and monocytes (p < 0.01, d = 1.05, large) decreased while the percentage of granulocytes (p < 0.05, d = 0.86, large) increased significantly. Well-being, quality of recovery, mood, granulocyte concentration, and creatinine were all altered during the week-long intensified training camp. These results may provide coaches with valuable information about psychometric status and physiological fatigue and recovery of youth soccer players to better prescribe and adjust training loads during intensive training periods.

Performance Adaptations to Intensified Training in Top-Level Football.

Because physical demands are surging in football (soccer, USA), clubs are more and more seeking players who have a high capacity to perform repeated intense exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), comprising exercise performed at intensities near or exceeding the capacity of aerobic energy systems, effectively enhances the physical conditioning of players. But given that HIIT imposes high loads, it increases the risk of overload-associated match performance decline and injury. This makes some coaches inclined to conduct HIIT in the weeks leading up to the season and during the season. Therefore, the challenge is how to optimize and dose HIIT during these phases, as they can be decisive. Studies have highlighted the utility of conducting periods of intensified training to overcome the risk of overload while at the same time enhancing performance. During intensified training periods of typically a few weeks, intensity is increased by enlarging the amount of HIIT, for example, aerobic high-intensity training or speed endurance training, while volume at low-to-moderate intensity is significantly reduced. The outcome depends on training composition and prescription-most notably, intensity and duration of bouts and recovery. When work intervals are prescribed for a few minutes at intensities > 90% heart rate max (i.e., aerobic high-intensity training), then beneficial adaptations pertaining to aerobic power and capacity are apparent. But when work intervals are conducted at much higher intensities, as all-out efforts or sprinting of typically 10- to 40-s duration with longer recovery periods (i.e., speed endurance training), beneficial adaptations pertaining to anaerobic energy systems, ion handling, and fatigue resilience are commonly observed. In this review, we discuss the utility of conducting intensified training periods to enhance performance in elite football players during the late preparation phase and competitive season.

Melatonin supplementation alleviates cellular damage and physical performance decline induced by an intensive training period in professional soccer players.

Melatonin has been proved to have positive effects on cellular damage and metabolic regulation. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of melatonin supplementation during an intensive training period on physical performance decline, oxidative stress and cellular damage state. The investigation was conducted on 20 soccer players who participated in an exhaustive six-day training schedule associated with daily 5 mg oral melatonin or placebo ingestion. Resting blood samples and physical performance were measured before and after the training period. The mixed 2-way ANOVA (group x training camp) showed that compared to placebo, melatonin intake prevented an increase in advanced oxidation protein products (p>0.05) and increased the antioxidant enzyme activity (i.e., superoxide dismutase; p<0.001). In addition, melatonin prevented an increase of biomarkers of renal function (e.g., creatinine; p>0.05) and biomarkers of muscle (e.g., creatine kinase; p>0.05) and liver (e.g., gamma-glutamyltransferase; p>0.05) damage. Furthermore, melatonin alleviated the deterioration in physical performance (countermovement jump, five-jump test and 20-m sprint; p>0.05). In conclusion, the obtained data showed increased oxidative stress and renal, muscle and liver damage in professional soccer players during an exhaustive training schedule. Melatonin intake during the training period exerts beneficial effects on physical performance and protects tissues against the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species and cellular damage.

The Impact of Dietary Factors on the Sleep of Athletically Trained Populations: A Systematic Review.

Many athletic populations report poor sleep, especially during intensive training and competition periods. Recently, diet has been shown to significantly affect sleep in general populations; however, little is known about the effect diet has on the sleep of athletically trained populations. With sleep critical for optimal recovery and sports performance, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence demonstrating that dietary factors influence the sleep of athletically trained populations. Four electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2022, with primary research articles included if they contained a dietary factor(s), an outcome measure of sleep or sleepiness, and participants could be identified as ‘athletically trained’. Thirty-five studies were included, with 21 studies assessed as positive quality, 13 as neutral, and one as negative. Sleep or sleepiness was measured objectively in 46% of studies (n = 16). The review showed that evening (≥5 p.m.) caffeine intakes >2 mg·kg−1 body mass decreased sleep duration and sleep efficiency, and increased sleep latency and wake after sleep onset. Evening consumption of high glycaemic index carbohydrates and protein high in tryptophan may reduce sleep latency. Although promising, more research is required before the impact of probiotics, cherry juice, and beetroot juice on the sleep of athletes can be resolved. Athletic populations experiencing sleep difficulties should be screened for caffeine use and trial dietary strategies (e.g., evening consumption of high GI carbohydrates) to improve sleep.

Simulation training-a boost for pre-service teachers’ efficacy beliefs

The purpose of this study was to examine how two kinds of teaching training can affect preservice teachers’ efficacy beliefs in teaching mathematics and conducting classroom management. The preservice teachers practised teaching either for three hours with avatar in a simulation followed by three weeks of fieldwork or for three hours with peers in seminars followed by three weeks of fieldwork. The avatar training and the peer training were combined with feedback from fellow preservice teachers and two experts. The results show that the efficacy beliefs of the preservice teachers who practised with avatars in the simulation were significantly higher than for those who practised with peers. The avatar training gave a boost effect before the fieldwork for one group of preservice teachers. Possible reasons for this might be that training with avatars enables students to experience the four factors highlighted by Bandura: enactive mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion, and physiological and affective states. Thus, the results indicate that short periods of intense training with avatars combined with feedback from experts can enhance students’ efficacy beliefs significantly. In this sense, simulation training seems to help preservice teachers to become better prepared and confident during their fieldwork.

Impact of tapering and proactive recovery on young elite rugby union players’ repeated high intensity effort ability

To assess the effects of a taper combined with proactive recovery on the repeated high intensity effort (RHIE) of elite rugby union players, and the possible interaction of pre-taper fatigue and sleep. Eighteen players performed a 3-week intensive training block followed by a 7-day exponential taper combined with a multicomponent recovery strategy. Following the intervention, players were divided into 3 groups (Normal Training: NT, Acute Fatigue: AF or Functional Overreaching: F-OR) based on their readiness to perform prior to the taper. Total sprint time [TST], percentage decrement [%D] and the number of sprints ≥90% of the best [N90] were analyzed to assess performance during a RHIE test. Subjective sleep quality was assessed through the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). No improvement in TST was reported in either NT or F-OR after the taper, whereas AF tended to improve (-1.58 ± 1.95%; p > 0.05; g = -0.20). F-OR players reported baseline PSQI and ESS indicative of sleep disturbance (6.2 ± 2.2 and 10.6 ± 5.4, respectively). AF displayed a small impairment in PSQI during intensive training (11.5 ± 80.6%; p > 0.05; g = 0.20), which was reversed following the taper (-34.6 ± 62.1%; p > 0.05; g = -0.73). Pre-taper fatigue precluded the expected performance benefits of the combined taper and recovery intervention, likely associated with a lack of strictly controlled intensive training block. Poor sleep quality before the intensive training period appeared to predispose the players to developing functional overreaching.

Workforce capacity planning with hierarchical skills, long-term training, and random resignations

This paper addresses a multistage capacity planning problem for a hierarchically skilled workforce in a production environment. Recruits are hired with little or no experience and are trained over multiple periods to perform jobs that require increasing levels of skill. Training can take place either off-the-job, on-the-job or a combination thereof. The problem is complicated by random resignations that can lead to labor shortfalls that jeopardise continuous operations. The objective is to balance workforce costs with penalty costs associated with skill shortages. The problem is modelled as a Markov decision process for which several parameterised decision rules are proposed to find solutions. A large-scale neighbourhood search is developed to deal with ‘noisy’ cost function measurements. Experiments show that good parameter values can be found in less than four hours using real-world data. When training requires extensive supervision, the results indicate that the number of workers concurrently in training should be limited. They also show that a shorter, intense training period during which employees do not perform regular tasks is generally preferable to a longer training period where employees spend time both on and off the job. Finally, we demonstrate the value of worker flexibility when downgrading is applied.

The effect of a multimodal dementia prevention program involving community-dwelling elderly.

BackgroundWith the rapid increase in the average age of society, the number of people with dementia has increased in Japan. Thus, the need to prevent dementia is greater, and prevention programs have been implemented throughout Japan. This study aims to evaluate both the short‐term and the long‐term effects of a dementia prevention program on physical and cognitive function in community‐dwelling elderly.MethodsCognitive and physical assessments were carried out at baseline for a sample including 57 elderly participants. The participants underwent an intensive training program lasting for 2 h per week for 10 days. After the last period of training, the assessment performed was reapplied. The outcome measures used to establish effectiveness were a Mini‐Mental State Examination, Five Cognitive Tests, a Cognitive Function Instrument, a Timed Up & Go Test, a grip strength evaluation, a Geriatric Depression Scale, an EQ‐5D and a Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Participants were then divided randomly into two groups: a booster group and a non‐booster group. The booster group received booster training every 3 months after the intensive training period, whereas the non‐booster group did not. Both groups were monitored every 6 months for approximately two and a half years after baseline assessment.ResultsThe Mini‐Mental State Examination, the subtests of the Five Cognitive Tests (attention, memory, language and reasoning) and the Timed Up & Go Test revealed a significant improvement after intensive training. For most of the outcome measures, the booster training showed no additional significant improvements.ConclusionsIn this study, intensive training had a short‐term positive effect. Although the effect of the booster training was not clear, the functions of the elderly participants were found to be maintained during a follow‐up assessment. The study findings recommend conducting intensive training for the community‐dwelling elderly without follow‐up training.

Creating Connected Identities Among Japanese Company Employees: Learning to be Members of Department Store Work Communities

This paper looks at the meanings, values, and idioms associated with work for members of Japanese permanent employment jobs in a sector of society where this has not previously been well explored - large-retailing organizations. It discusses the boundary markers that distinguish members from outsiders and marginals, and explains the ambiguous identities of part-timers and "helper clerks." The initial year in a Japanese permanent employment job is presented as an intense training period and also a liminal period involving the creation of new social persona and their aggregation into corporate work communities. The paper shows how new department store employees are socialized through training programs, company retreats, and other practices, then discusses the ongoing channeling of employee identities into structured networks of senpai-khai (senior-junior) and entry-year cohort relationships. It also discusses cases of "individualists" who do not fit easily into the company as community ideology. Based on research conducted from the mid-1980s to early 1990s, the paper provides a comparative update to earlier ethnographies of Japanese work in the permanent employment System.

PSXV-16 Blood glucose dynamics after feeding in the Orlov trotter horses in the conditions of the training center in preparation for trotter-racing

Abstract It is necessary to consider the factors affecting the dynamics and blood glucose (BG) level to maintain a horse’s high performance and health during intensive training. The study aimed to research the influence of the feeding regime on the change in BG level in the Orlov trotter horses during the period of intensive training (summer) in the conditions of the stud farm’s training center in the Kaluga region (Russia). Horses aged 2 to 4 years, stallions (n = 7), and mares (n = 5) received commercial mixed feed three times a day and grass hay in free access. Four times a week after lunch, horses are released into the paddock with cut grass. Blood was collected from the jugular vein. Blood was collected before morning feeding and then every hour until four h after morning and afternoon feeding. The dynamics of BG changes depending on the presence or absence of the grass paddock after feeding were evaluated. If horses remained in the stall after feeding, the BG level gradually increased, reaching a maximum (4.95 ± 0.21 mmol/L) 3 hours after feeding and was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than when they were immediately moved to the paddock with grass. The maximum BG concentration in horses in the paddock was observed 1 hour after feeding (4.55 ± 0.21 mmol/L); it didn’t have significant differences with the BG level after 1 hour in “stall horses” (4.5 ± 0.14 mmol/L). Then the BG level of the “paddock horses” gradually decreased, and in the “stall horses” increased. No significant difference in BG levels was observed 4 hours after feeding. When horses can walk in a paddock after feeding concentrates and eat grass, blood glucose levels do not rise and tend to decrease.

A longitudinal study on the psychological and physiological predictors of burnout in NCAA collegiate swimmers

The purpose of the current study was to examine the ability of psychosocial constructs and biomarker measures of overtraining and stress to predict athlete burnout, as mediated by training distress, during a 6-week intense training period. Twenty-three females and 17 male NCAA swimmers completed measures, before training (baseline), of athlete identity, academic identity, mental toughness, pain attitude, and controlling coaching behaviors. Training distress was assessed at 3 weeks. Serum measurement of creatine kinase, myoglobin, testosterone, and cortisol were obtained at baseline and after 6 weeks of intense training. Athlete burnout was also measured at 6 weeks. The full mediation model was non-significant, F(9,30) = 1.23, p = .32. However, the direct effects only model was significant, F(10, 29) = 5.22, p = .001, and accounted for 64% of the variance in burnout symptoms. Controlling coaching behaviors, athletic identity, academic identity, and testosterone/cortisol ratio change were all significant predictors. Our findings provide support for the value of an athletic identity, the deleterious effects of controlling coaches, and the detrimental effects of an academic identity (when narrowly considered in terms of burnout symptoms). The ability of biomarkers of muscle damage as indicators of perceptions of burnout symptoms is questionable. Lay summary: Burnout in swimming is characterized by mental and physical exhaustion, a devaluation of swimming, and successes often becomes less meaningful. Swimmers who train hard, resulting in soreness and fatigue, may not experience such a state as stressful or indicative of burnout. However, controlling coaches and athletes who strongly value academic success may be prone to experiencing burnout symptoms. Strong athletic identities may protect swimmers from burnout symptoms. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Coaches should allow their swimmers input into their training. Coaches should be aware that academic demands may contribute to burnout. Coaches should be aware that swimmers with weak athletic identities may be susceptible to burnout.

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study of Mobile Monitoring Application.

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) studies have reported significant improvements in maximum expiratory strength, cough efficacy, and swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).1 Currently, EMST is usually performed in short and intensive training periods.1 However, information about detraining outcomes highlights the need for the development of long-term maintenance home-based programs to sustain training gains following intensive periods of EMST, especially considering the progressive nature of PD.2 Nevertheless, low long-term adherence to home exercise is an important issue in many patient groups and may compromise treatment outcomes.3 Therefore, we developed a mobile phone-based visual feedback (MPVF) application to keep patients motivated to continue EMST following intensive periods of training. With the help of a specially developed algorithm, the application can evaluate real-time data using a microphone attached to an expiratory handheld device (Fig. 1). Supplement S1 provides detailed information about the algorithm. The first step in the research process of examining whether the feedback application is effective in long-term EMST adherence is to find out whether a MPVF application is suitable for patients with PD who may experience difficulties in using a smartphone due to motor and cognitive problems related to age and PD itself. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the usability of MPVF in EMST in patients with PD. A total of 12 patients (Table S1) with PD performed an intensive home-based EMST with MPVF for 2 weeks. Peak cough flow, maximum expiratory pressure, and maximum inspiratory pressure were measured. The usability of the MPVF was also assessed using a semistructured interview. Supplement S2 provides detailed information about the methods. The median of adherence for completing the prescribed exercises in the training period was 90.5% (between 174 and 431 completed EMST maneuvers). A total of 2 weeks of intensive EMST were sufficient to significantly improve the participants' maximum expiratory pressure and voluntary peak cough flow (Table S2). The improvement is quantitatively comparable with the results of other intensive EMST studies with longer durations, for example.4, 5 When interpreting such rapid improvement, the impact of visual feedback should be considered. It can be assumed that visual feedback increased training effort compared with regular training without immediate control. All participants appreciated EMST with MPVF (12/12). They found it motivating (11/12), comprehensible (11/12), and user friendly (10/12). Even participants (n = 3) with mild cognitive impairment (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores 24–25) who coincidentally had no previous experience with smartphones were able to use the application without difficulties or help from another person. With respect to the suggestions for improvement from a semistructured interview, the patients might be divided into 2 groups. The first group proposed simplifying the application as much as possible. The second group preferred more advanced options of presenting training data, such as in overview graphs and charts. To meet the needs of both groups, the application should be able to work in basic and advanced modes in the future. These findings indicate that EMST coupled with MPVF is feasible and potentially useful in patients with PD. We thank Tomas Sieger, PhD, from the Czech Technical University in Prague for his advice on the method of instantaneous sound level calculation. We also thank Ota Gal, PhD, from the Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience, General University Hospital in Prague for manuscript review and critique. (1) Research Project: A. Conception, B. Organization, C. Execution; (2) Statistical Analysis: A. Design, B. Execution, C. Review and Critique; (3) Manuscript Preparation: A. Writing of the First Draft, B. Review and Critique. M.S.: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A R. Korteová: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2C R. Kliment: 1A, 3A R.J.: 3B E.R.: 1A, 2C, 3B M.H.: 1A, 3B This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the General University Hospital in Prague (No. 1613/19 S-IV). All participants signed an informed consent. We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this work is consistent with those guidelines. This work was supported by The EU Joint Programme–Neurodegenerative Disease Research 8F19003iCARE-PD and Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic Grants No NV19-04-00233 and NU20-04-0337. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest relevant to this work. The authors declare that there are no additional disclosures to report. Supplement S1 The MPVF algorithm. Supplement S2 The methods. Table S1 Demographic and clinical characteristics. Table S2 Median and interquartile range (IQR) of maximum respiratory pressure and voluntary cough values across pre- and posttesting time points. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Training Load Measures and Biomarker Responses during a 7-Day Training Camp in Young Cyclists-A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: During intense training periods, there is a high need to monitor the external and especially the internal training load in order to fine-tune the training process and to avoid overreaching or overtraining. However, data on stress reactions, especially of biomarkers, to high training loads in children and youth are rare. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the training load of youth athletes during a training camp using a multilevel approach. Materials and Methods: Six trained youth male cyclists performed a 7-day preseason training camp. To investigate the internal training load, every morning, minimally invasive “point-of-care testing” (POCT) devices were used to analyze the following biomarkers: creatine kinase (CK), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (Alb), bilirubin (Bil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total protein (TP). Additionally, data of training load measures (HR: heart rate, RPE: rating of perceived exertion, sRPE: session-RPE, TRIMP: training impulse, intensity (RPE:HR), and load (sRPE:TRIMP) ratios), self-perception (person’s perceived physical state, questionnaires on muscle soreness, and sleep quality), and measures of the autonomic nervous system (resting heart rate, heart rate variability) were collected. Two days before and after the training camp, subjects performed performance tests (Graded Exercise Test, Wingate Anaerobic Test, Counter Movement Jump). Results: Primarily, the biomarkers CK, BUN, and Alb, as well as the self-perception showed moderate to large load-dependent reactions during the 7-day training camp. The biomarkers returned to baseline values two days after the last training session. Power output at lactate threshold showed a small increase, and no changes were found for other performance parameters. Conclusions: The study suggests that a multilevel approach is suitable to quantify the internal training load and that different parameters can be used to control the training process. The biomarkers CK, BUN, and Alb are suitable for objectively quantifying the internal training load. The self-perception provides additional subjective information about the internal training load.

Short-term intensified training temporarily impairs mitochondrial respiratory capacity in elite endurance athletes.

The maintenance of healthy and functional mitochondria is the result of a complex mitochondrial turnover and herein quality-control program that includes both mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy of mitochondria. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an intensified training load on skeletal muscle mitochondrial quality control in relation to changes in mitochondrial oxidative capacity, maximal oxygen consumption, and performance in highly trained endurance athletes. Elite endurance athletes (n = 27) performed high-intensity interval exercise followed by moderate-intensity continuous exercise 3 days per week for 4 wk in addition to their usual volume of training. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity, abundance of mitochondrial proteins, markers of autophagy, and antioxidant capacity of skeletal muscle were assessed in skeletal muscle biopsies before and after the intensified training period. The intensified training period increased several autophagy markers suggesting an increased turnover of mitochondrial and cytosolic proteins. In permeabilized muscle fibers, mitochondrial respiration was ∼20% lower after training although some markers of mitochondrial density increased by 5%-50%, indicative of a reduced mitochondrial quality by the intensified training intervention. The antioxidative proteins UCP3, ANT1, and SOD2 were increased after training, whereas we found an inactivation of aconitase. In agreement with the lower aconitase activity, the amount of mitochondrial LON protease that selectively degrades oxidized aconitase was doubled. Together, this suggests that mitochondrial respiratory function is impaired during the initial recovery from a period of intensified endurance training whereas mitochondrial quality control is slightly activated in highly trained skeletal muscle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that mitochondrial respiration is temporarily impaired after a period of intensified exercise training in elite athletes. In parallel, proteins involved in the antioxidative response including SOD2, UCP3, and ANT2 were upregulated, whereas mitochondrial biogenesis was slightly activated. Despite the mitochondrial respiratory impairments, physical performance was improved a few days after the intense training period.

Effects of Energy Deficit on Secretory IgA During a Simulated Multi-Stressor Military Operation

ObjectivesSecretory IgA (SIgA) is a critical component of mucosal immunity and a first line of defense against pathogens. Intense physical exercise, lack of sleep, and inadequate energy intake are frequently observed during military training and operations. These factors are associated with a decline in SIgA and may increase the risk of infection; however, to what degree each of these factors contributes to immune dysfunction is unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of severe energy deficit on mucosal immunity (SIgA) during a multi-day period of intense training. MethodsThe parent study was a randomized, crossover trial in healthy males (n = 10, 22.4 ± 5.4 y, 87.3 ± 10.9 kg) to assess the effect of severe negative energy balance on inflammation, iron absorption, and other physiological and cognitive outcomes during a simulated sustained military operation (SUSOPS; high energy expenditure with repeated bouts of intense exercise). Participants completed two SUSOPS trials and were randomized to consume ± 10% of estimated total daily energy expenditure (TDEE, energy balance) or 45% of TDEE (energy deficit). At 0500 on each SUSOPS day (D1: baseline, D2:24 h, D3:48 h), participants placed polyester oral swabs under their tongue for 3-mins. A second swab was collected (i.e., placed under the tongue until saturation) to ensure adequate sample volume. SIgA secretion rate (μg/min) was calculated from SIgA concentration (μg/mL; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and salivary flow rate (mL/min). Dependent variables were log10 transformed due to non-normal distribution and data were analyzed using linear mixed models. ResultsIndependent of treatment, a main effect of time (P = 0.01) was observed where SIgA secretion rate declined by 20% from D2 [1.77 ± 0.34 μg/min] to D3 [1.41 ± 0.51 μg/min], P = 0.001, with no significant treatment by time interactions. A main effect of time (P = 0.01) was also found wherein SIgA concentration declined by 13% from D2 [2.67 ± 0.32 μg/mL] to D3 [2.33 ± 0.37 μg/mL], P = 0.001. There were no main or treatment effects with regard to SIgA flow rate. ConclusionsMucosal immune response, as measured by SIgA, declined in response to SUSOPS. Severe energy deficit did not exacerbate the decline in SIgA secretion rate observed in response to the high intensity, multi-stressor training scenario. Funding SourcesUS Army Medical Research and Development Command.

Criteria for assessing the level of physical fitness and physical state of football players with cerebral paralysis, taking into account their sports classes

Background and Study Aim. The article is devoted to finding ways to optimize the training of players with cerebral palsy (CP). It is determined that testing and elaboration of criteria for assessing the level of physical fitness of football players with cerebral palsy can be used as a mean of evaluation the sportsmanship of football players of this nosology in training and competitive activities. The purpose of the study is to determine the level of physical and functional preparedness of football players with cerebral paralysis and to develop criteria for their evaluation during the intensive training period, taking into account the functional classes of athletes.&#x0D; Material and Methods. 25 football players with cerebral palsy, candidates and members of the national team of Ukraine, three-time Paralympic champions, multiple world and European champions took part in the study voluntarily. Athletes of the selected group have 5-8 classes of the adapted classification of the International Association of Cerebral Palsy (CP-ISRA) for CP-Football. Biochemical parameters were studied before and after training work of different focus. The value of maximum oxygen consumption (MOC) was determined by means of bicycle ergometric testing. The physical state and level of physical fitness of football players were monitored during the study. The research was conducted on the basis of the research laboratory of Prydniprovsk State Academy of Physical Culture and Sport and on the basis of the Municipal Institution "Dnipropetrovsk Medical and Physical Dispensary" of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council.&#x0D; Results. It was found that athletes with cerebral paralysis are able to adequately tolerate heavy physical loads. Football players with disabilities had biochemical parameters of blood sampling and registration of recovery processes of the cardiovascular system after training activities of different focus within the permissible norm for both healthy athletes. Obtaining such data became the basis for the intensification of training process, which promoted the development of motor skills of football players.&#x0D; Conclusions. Obtained data were the basis for creation the criteria for assessing the level of physical fitness of football players depending on their sports classes. In future, this will allow coaches to determine the effectiveness of the training period, obtain information about the condition of players in training, in the recovery process. On this basis it will help to individualize the workload of players and adjust the training process. The analysis of a direction of preparation and decision-making about educational process correction for football players with disabilities can be realized according to the received data in various structural formations of an annual macrocycle.