Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test Research Articles

Effect of acute supplementation with New Zealand berry anthocyanin-enriched drink on repeated sprint performance in recreationally active males

Consumption of 300 mg of a New Zealand berry extract containing 105 mg anthocyanins for 7 days has been shown to increase running distance during repeated sprints to exhaustion(1). The supplemented group also displayed higher blood lactate concentration over the first thirty minutes of recovery time(1). However, there is limited research available on the acute effects of berry-derived anthocyanins on sports performance. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a single dose of 12 g of a New Zealand berry anthocyanin-enriched powder (NZBP) supplement containing 120 mg of anthocyanins on sprint performance in a randomised controlled crossover trial using the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (m-LIST). The m-LIST protocol consisted of 6 x 15-min blocks divided into four blocks of “prescribed-pace” activity (blocks 1 - 4) (participants exercise based on audible signals) followed by two blocks of “self-paced” (blocks 5, 6) running (no audible signals) with a 3-min rest period between each block. Each block consisted of repeated sequences of 3x20 m walks at 5.4 km/h, 1x15 m sprint, 3x20 m run and 3x20 m jog. Fourteen recreationally active males (mean ± SD age: 29.53 ± 9.35 years, height: 170.84 ± 24.13 cm, weight: 76.24 ± 8.26 kg, V˙O2max: 46.64 ± 4.40 mL∙kg-1∙min-1) participated in three indoor sessions. The first session focused on a multistage fitness test (beep test) to determine V˙O2max and the run and jog prescribed speeds for blocks 1 to 4. For the main trial visits (minimum 7-day wash-out period in between), participants consumed a body weight adjusted standardised dinner (lasagna, garlic bread, banana, and salad greens) and arrived at the laboratory fasted the next morning (between 6-7:30 am). They then consumed the study supplement (NZBP supplement or placebo mixed with 100 ml water) along with the standardised breakfast (100 g yogurt, 50 g granola, and 30 ml milk). One hour after breakfast the participants undertook a 10-min standardised warm-up, followed by the m-LIST protocol. No significant differences (two-way repeated measures ANOVA; p = 0.286) were found in average sprint speed from blocks 1 to 6 within or between NZBP and placebo groups. No effect of supplementation and no interaction effect was observed for sprint distance, sprint time, heart rate, reaction time, movement, or blood lactate concentration. The observed changes induced by repeated sprints on ratings of feeling scale, felt arousal scale, and perceived exertion (p = <0.001, all) were also not affected by supplementation (p = 0.679, p = 0.288, p = 0.327 respectively). Thus, an acute dose of NZBP containing 120 mg anthocyanins under the conditions reported here did not improve repeated sprint performance in recreationally active males.

Effects of far-infrared radiation lamp therapy on recovery from a simulated soccer-match in elite female soccer players.

We investigated the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy on changes in muscle damage and performance parameters following six sets of 15-min Loughborough intermittent shuttle test (LIST), a simulated soccer match. Twenty-four elite female soccer players (20-24 y) were assigned into FIR or sham treatment group (n = 12/group). The participants received a 60-min FIR or sham treatment (30 min per muscle) over knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) at 2, 25, 49, 73, and 97 h post-LIST. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque and muscle soreness of the KE and KF, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity as muscle damage markers, and several performance parameters including countermovement jump (CMJ) and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1) were measured before and 1, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h post-LIST. Changes in the measures were compared between groups by a mixed-design two-way ANOVA. The running distance covered during LIST and changes in the measures at 1-h post-LIST (before the treatment) were similar (p = 0.118-0.371) between groups. Changes in muscle damage markers at 24-120 h post-LIST were smaller (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.208-0.467) for the FIR (e.g., MVC-KE torque decrease at 48-h post-LIST: -1 ± 2%, peak KE soreness: 16 ± 10 mm, peak CK: 172 ± 42 IU/L) than sham group (-11 ± 9%, 33 ± 7 mm, 466 ± 220 IU/L, respectively). Performance parameters recovered faster (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.142-0.308) to baseline for the FIR (e.g., decreases at 48-h post-LIST; CMJ: 0 ± 1%, YYIR1: 0 ± 1%) than sham group (-6 ± 2%, -9 ± 6%, respectively). These results suggest that the FIR lamp therapy was effective for enhancing recovery from a soccer match.

Adequate Interval between Matches in Elite Female Soccer Players.

The present study compared four different intervals between three simulated soccer matches for changes in muscle damage and performance parameters. Thirteen well-trained female university soccer players performed three bouts of 90-min Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) with four different intervals between bouts; one (1d), two (2d), three (3d) and four days (4d), with >12-weeks between conditions in a counterbalanced order. Heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion and distance covered in each LIST were measured. Changes in several muscle damage markers (e.g., maximal voluntary isometric torque of the knee extensors: MVC-KE, muscle soreness), performance parameters (e.g., Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1: Yo-Yo IR1), and blood measures (e.g., osmolality, high sensitivity cardiac troponin T) before the first LIST, 1 h after each LIST, and one to five days after the third LIST were compared among the conditions. The total distance covered during the first two LISTs was not different among the conditions, but that during the third LIST was shorter (P < 0.05) for the 1d (9,416 ± 885 m) and 2d conditions (9,737 ± 246 m) than the 3d (10,052 ± 490 m) and 4d conditions (10,432 ± 538 m). Changes in all measures were smaller (P < 0.05) in the 3d and 4d conditions (e.g., the decrease in MVC-KE at one day after the third LIST was -13 ± 4% and -10 ± 3%, respectively) when compared with the 1d and 2d conditions (-20 ± 7%, -18 ± 5%). Performance parameters showed smaller (P < 0.05) changes in the 4d (e.g., the decrease in Yo-Yo IR1 at one day after the third LIST was -9 ± 3%) and 3d (-13 ± 6%) conditions when compared with the 1d (-19 ± 4%) and 2d (-20 ± 8%) conditions. These results suggest that muscle damage and fatigue accumulate when soccer matches are performed three consecutive days or every other day, but if more than three days are inserted between matches, this could be minimized.

Cold water immersion after a soccer match: Does the placebo effect occur?

Although cold water immersion (CWI) is one of the most widely used post-exercise strategies to accelerate recovery processes, the benefits of CWI may be associated with placebo effects. This study aimed to compare the effects of CWI and placebo interventions on time course of recovery after the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). In a randomized, counterbalanced, crossover study, twelve semi-professional soccer players (age 21.1 ± 2.2years, body mass 72.4 ± 5.9kg, height 174.9 ± 4.6cm, O2max 56.1 ± 2.3mL/min/kg) completed the LIST followed by CWI (15min at 11°C), placebo (recovery Pla beverage), and passive recovery (Rest) over three different weeks. Creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 10-m sprint (10mS), 20-m sprint (20mS) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were assessed at baseline and 24 and 48h after the LIST. Compared to baseline, CK concentration was higher at 24h in all conditions (p < 0.01), while CRP was higher at 24h only in CWI and Rest conditions (p < 0.01). UA was higher for Rest condition at 24 and 48h compared to Pla and CWI conditions (p < 0.001). DOMS score was higher for Rest condition at 24h compared to CWI and Pla conditions (p = 0.001), and only to Pla condition at 48h (p = 0.017). SJ and CMJ performances decreased significantly after the LIST in Rest condition (24h: -7.24%, p = 0.001 and -5.45%, p = 0.003 respectively; 48h: -9.19%, p < 0.001 and -5.70% p = 0.002 respectively) but not in CWI and Pla conditions. 10mS and RSA performance were lower for Pla at 24h compared to CWI and Rest conditions (p < 0.05), while no significant change was observed for 20mS time. These data suggests that CWI and Pla intervention were more effective than the Rest conditions in recovery kinetics of muscle damage markers and physical performance. Furthermore, the effectiveness of CWI would be explained, at least in part, by the placebo effect.

Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic, and Performance Changes from the Effects of Creatine and Caffeine Supplementations in Glucose-Electrolyte-Based Sports Drinks: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the additive effects of creatine and caffeine on changes in the cardiorespiratory system, metabolism, and performance of soccer players. Seventeen male soccer players randomly ingested three sports drinks comprising the following: glucose−electrolyte-based (Drink 1, control; D1), glucose−electrolyte-based drink + 5 g creatine (Drink 2; D2), and glucose−electrolyte-based drink + 5 g creatine + 35 mg caffeine (Drink 3; D3) during a 15 min recovery period after the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) on a standard outdoor soccer field. Then, a 20-m repeated intermittent sprinting activity was performed. The results showed no significant differences in cardiorespiratory and gas exchange variables. The non-significant levels of blood glucose concentrations among drinks with higher blood lactate concentrations were detected in parallel with increased heart rate during intermittent sprinting as a result of exercise intensities. Significantly longer sprinting time was found in D3 than D1 (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between D2 and D3. From this study, we conclude that the additive effect of caffeine−creatine supplements in a glucose−electrolyte drink during the 15 min recovery period enhances repeated 20-m high-intensity running in soccer players with no negative effect on cardiorespiratory functions.

Effects of Far-Infrared Radiation-Lamp Therapy on Recovery From Simulated Soccer Match Running Activities in Elite Soccer Players.

The authors investigated whether far-infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy would reduce muscle damage and enhance recovery from multiple soccer-match-related running activities. Twenty-four elite female soccer players (20-24y) were assigned into a FIR or a sham treatment group (n = 12/group). They performed a daily 90-minute Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) for 6 consecutive days. Maximal voluntary contraction torque of the knee extensors (KEs) and flexors, muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase activity, countermovement jump, and several other performance measures (eg,30-m dash, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1) were taken before the first LIST, 1 hour after each LIST, and 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120hours after the last LIST. All participants received a 30-minute FIR or sham treatment on KEs and knee flexors, respectively, at 2 hour after each LIST and 25, 49, 73, and 97hours after the last LIST. All measures changed significantly (P < .05) at 1 hour after the first LIST without difference (P > .05) between groups. Maximal voluntary contraction torque (eg,the largest decrease of KE for FIR: 13% [4%], sham: 25% [5%]), countermovement jump height (4% [3%] vs 14% [4%]), and other performance measures (eg,Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test: 11% [5%] vs 26% [5%]) decreased less, and peak muscle soreness (eg,KE: 26 [9] vs 51 [18]mm) and plasma creatine kinase activity (172 [32] vs 1289 [610] IU/L) were smaller for the FIR than for the sham group (P < .05), and they returned to the baseline earlier (P < .05) for the FIR group. These results suggest that the FIR therapy provided potent effects on reducing accumulated muscle damage and enhancing recovery.

Effect of Differing Durations of High-Intensity Intermittent Activity on Cognitive Function in Adolescents.

Exercise duration may influence the acute effects on cognition. However, only one study to date has explored the dose-response relationship between exercise duration and cognition in adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of differing durations of high-intensity intermittent running on cognition in adolescents. Thirty-eight adolescents (23 girls) completed three trials separated by 7 d: 30 min exercise, 60 min exercise, and rest; in a randomised crossover design. The exercise was a modified version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST), which elicited high-intensity intermittent exercise. Cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Flanker task) were completed 30 min pre, immediately post, and 45 min post exercise. Response times on the incongruent level of the Flanker task improved to a greater extent 45 min following the 30 min LIST, compared to rest (p = 0.009). Moreover, response times improved to a greater extent on the three-item level of Sternberg paradigm 45 min following the 30 min LIST, compared to the 60 min LIST (p = 0.002) and rest (p = 0.013), as well as on the five-item level 45 min following the 30 min LIST, compared to the 60 min LIST (p = 0.002). In conclusion, acute exercise enhanced subsequent cognition in adolescents, but overall, 30 min of high-intensity intermittent running is more favourable to adolescents’ cognition, compared to 60 min.

Hypohydration produced by high-intensity intermittent running increases biomarkers of renal injury in males

PurposeWhilst there is evidence to suggest that hypohydration caused by physical work in the heat increases renal injury, whether this is the case during exercise in temperate conditions remains unknown. This study investigated the effect of manipulating hydration status during high-intensity intermittent running on biomarkers of renal injury.MethodsAfter familiarisation, 14 males (age: 33 ± 7 years; V̇O2peak: 57.1 ± 8.6 ml/kg/min; mean ± SD) completed 2 trials in a randomised cross-over design, each involving 6, 15 min blocks of shuttle running (modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test protocol) in temperate conditions (22.3 ± 1.0 °C; 47.9 ± 12.9% relative humidity). During exercise, subjects consumed either a volume of water equal to 90% of sweat losses (EU) or 75 mL water (HYP). Body mass, blood and urine samples were taken pre-exercise (baseline/pre), 30 min post-exercise (post) and 24 h post-baseline (24 h).ResultsPost-exercise, body mass loss, serum osmolality and urine osmolality were greater in HYP than EU (P ≤ 0.024). Osmolality-corrected urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) concentrations were increased post-exercise (P ≤ 0.048), with greater concentrations in HYP than EU (HYP: 2.76 [1.72–4.65] ng/mOsm; EU: 1.94 [1.1–2.54] ng/mOsm; P = 0.003; median [interquartile range]). Osmolality-corrected urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) concentrations were increased post-exercise (P < 0.001), but there was no trial by time interaction effect (P = 0.073).ConclusionThese results suggest that hypohydration produced by high-intensity intermittent running increases renal injury, compared to when euhydration is maintained, and that the site of this increased renal injury is at the proximal tubules.

Muscle Damage and Performance after Single and Multiple Simulated Matches in University Elite Female Soccer Players.

The present study aimed to compare changes in muscle damage and performance parameters after playing single versus multiple soccer matches to examine fixture congestion effects on performance. Twelve elite female university soccer players performed single, three and six consecutive 90-min bouts of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) with ≥12-weeks between conditions in a pseudo-randomized order. Heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion and covering distance in each LIST were examined. Changes in several types of muscle damage (e.g., maximal voluntary isometric torque of the knee extensors: MVC-KE) and performance measures (e.g., Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1: YYIR1) were taken before each LIST, 1 h, and 1–5 d after the last LIST. The total distance covered during the LIST was shorter (p < 0.05) in the 2nd–3rd, or 2nd–6th LISTs when compared with the 1st LIST. Changes (p < 0.05) in all measures were observed after the LIST, and the greatest changes were observed after the six than after the three LISTs followed by one LIST (e.g., largest changes in MVC-KE: −26 > −20 > −14%; YYIR1: −31 > −26 > −11%). Many of the variables did not recover to the baseline for 5 d after six LISTs. These suggest that fixture congestion induces greater muscle damage and performance decline than a single match.

A 1-Minute Re-warm Up at High-Intensity Improves Sprint Performance During the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test.

Although a 3- to 7-min re-warm up (RW) elicits performance and physiological benefits after half-time (HT), a time-efficient and feasible RW protocol is required for the use of an RW in the athletic setting. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a 1-min RW at high-intensity on the performance and physiological responses during the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). In a randomized and counterbalanced cross-over design, 12 male amateur intermittent team sports players (soccer, basketball, handball, and lacrosse; age, 22 ± 2 years; height, 1.70 ± 0.08 m; body mass, 65.1 ± 8.3 kg; body mass index, 22.4 ± 1.9 kg m−2; VO2max, 53.5 ± 4.5 ml kg−1 min−1) performed the LIST. The LIST comprised two 45-min halves separated by a 15-min HT. Each half comprised repetitions of exercise cycles consisting of 3 × 20-m walking, 1 × 20-m maximal sprint, 3 × 20-m jogging, and 3 × 20-m running. During the HT, the participants were assigned to a control trial (CON; 15-min seated rest) or an RW trial (1-min running at 90% of the maximal oxygen uptake after a 14-min seated rest). Compared to the CON, the RW prevents reductions in sprint performance at the fourth and sixth periods of the LIST (fourth: 2.4%, p = 0.002, d = 1.68, sixth: 3.6%, p = 0.012, d = 1.74) and a decrement of gastrointestinal temperature during HT (0.5°C, p = 0.010, d = 1.41). Moreover, the RW decreased the electromyogram amplitude of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) after HT (12%, p = 0.017, d = 1.12) without a decrease of maximal voluntary contraction force, suggesting an increased neuromuscular efficiency (9%, p = 0.048, d = 0.58). The RW also increased the mean heart rate in the initial part of the second half (4 bpm, p = 0.016, d = 0.38). In conclusion, the RW improved sprint performance, core temperature, muscle activation, and heart rate in the second half of the LIST. The findings suggest that the RW should be recommended for intermittent team sports players when longer RWs are not possible.

Sustained Passing Performance of Elite and Subelite Female Soccer Players Following a Female Match-Specific Exercise Protocol.

This study examined the maintenance of passing performance following soccer-specific high-intensity intermittent exercise in elite (n = 9) and subelite (n = 11) Western Australian female soccer players (19.5 [2.5]y). A total of 20 participants completed the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) prior to, during, and following 90 minutes of a modified, female-specific, individualized exercise protocol (Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test [LIST]) to simulate 2 halves of a soccer match. Performance in the LSPT was calculated by adding "raw time" to the accumulated "penalty time" for each test. Elite players recorded greater distances (t58 = 4.671, P < .001, effect size [ES] = 1.21) and higher derived VO2max values (t58 = 4.715, P < .001, ES = 1.20) for the LIST exercise protocol over the subelite players. The total performance times for each LSPT were longer in the subelites in comparison with the elites, with a very large ES difference seen in post-LIST1 (t18 = -6.64, P < .001, ES = 2.99) and post-LIST2 (t18 = -9.143, P < .001, ES = 4.12). No between-groups differences were identified for "raw time" at any time point. Hence, all reported LSPT performance differences are attributed to "penalty time." These data suggest that elite players can sustain their passing performance more efficiently throughout match play that can subelite female soccer players. These findings may contribute to future talent-identification testing by helping to distinguish between elite- and subelite-level players through sustained passing performance. Coaches may also use this information to better inform best-practice training methods through modification of male soccer-specific high-intensity intermittent exercise to a female cohort.

The effect of foam rollers of varying densities on range of motion recovery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effect of different density foam rollers on range of motion recovery. MethodTen active men completed two, 3-day trials in random order. During the experimental trials, all participants performed 2 min of foam rolling (FR) using a medium-density (medium trial) or hard-density (hard trial) foam roller on the right posterior thigh after completing the 90-min Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). The hip joint range of motion (ROM), muscle hardness, and muscle soreness were assessed before and after the LIST and at 0 min, 20 min, 60 min, 24 h, and 48 h after FR intervention. Serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were assessed before the LIST and at 60 min, 24 h, and 48 h after FR intervention. The contralateral leg in each trial was used as a control. ResultsThe ROM at 0 min, 20 min, 60 min, 24 h, and 48 h after FR intervention were higher in the right leg (the massage leg) than in the left leg (the contralateral leg) (p < 0.05). In the right leg, the ROM at 0 min after FR intervention was higher than after the LIST (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the medium and hard trials for ROM. Muscle hardness, muscle soreness, and serum CK concentration were not affected by FR. ConclusionFR has a positive effect on ROM recovery. Moreover, the two roller densities provided similar ROM recovery.

Brief cycles of lower-limb occlusion accelerate recovery kinetics in soccer players

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of intermittent vascular occlusion (IVO) on recovery following simulated soccer physical demand test in soccer players. Methods: Twelve soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) in two conditions placebo (PLA) and IVO followed by intermittent lower-limb occlusion. Physical performance (Squat jump: SJ, countermovement jump: CMJ, maximal voluntary contraction: MVC, and 20 m sprint: SP), muscle damage parameters (creatine kinase: CK, Lactate dehydrogenase: LDH), inflammatory parameter (C-reactive protein: CRP), and perceived muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed before, immediately after (0 h), and 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h following the exercise. Results: Following the LIST, a decrease was observed in all Physical performance within 48 h in PLA condition (p < 0.05), compared to PLA treatment, IVO treatment attenuated the decrease of SJ and CMJ at 24 h and at 48 h and for MVC and SP within 48 h after the LIST (p < 0.05). CK and LDH levels increased within 24 h post-exercise in both conditions (p < 0.05), but with a lower level in IVO compared to PLA condition (p < 0.05). Likewise, DOMS values were significantly lower with IVO condition compared to PLA condition immediately and at 24 h after exercise. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the application of IVO after simulated soccer physical demand test accelerated recovery kinetics in soccer players.

Effects of different solutions consumed during exercise on cognitive function of male college soccer players

Background/Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of three solutions, i.e. carbohydrate-electrolyte-solution (CES), carbohydrate-electrolyte-protein-solution (CEPS), and placebo (PLA), on cognitive function of college soccer players. MethodsSixteen male college soccer players completed three main trials in a randomized cross-over study design. In each main trial, participants completed 90 min Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) protocol and consumed one of three solutions. The cognitive function tests were performed; blood glucose and lactate concentrations, and several subjective measurements were also recorded in each trial. ResultsCompared with pre-exercise level, the accuracy of Rapid Visual Information Processing test (RVIPT) and the response time in Visual Search Test (VST, complex level) after LIST improved in CES and CEPS trials, but not in PLA trial. However, the accuracy of VST (complex level) decreased in both CES and CEPS trials, compared with PLA trial. CEPS consumption improved accuracy in VST (simple level), compared with CES consumption. Blood glucose concentrations were well maintained in CEPS trial, but not in CES and PLA trials. ConclusionIt seems that both CES and CEPS consumption show certain benefits on some aspects of cognitive function in male college soccer players in Hong Kong. However, these effects may be specific to the cognitive domain tested.

Changes of rate of torque development in soccer players after a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test: Effect of bovine colostrum supplementation

BACKGROUND: Rate of torque development (RTD) could serve as a useful index for the readiness and fatigue of soccer players. OBJECTIVE: The identification of RTDs time-course changes after a Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST), the effect of

Chronic Beetroot Juice Supplementation Accelerates Recovery Kinetics following Simulated Match Play in Soccer Players

Objective To assess the effect of beetroot juice (BET) on recovery kinetics of physical performance, muscle damage and perceived muscle soreness after simulated soccer match play in soccer players. Method In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, thirteen soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test LIST. Players received either BET or placebo (PLA) (2*150) for 7 days (3 days pre-exercise, on the day trial, and 3 days post-exercise). Physical performance (Squat jump: SJ, countermovement jump: CMJ, maximal voluntary contraction: MVC, and 20 meters sprint: SP), blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase: CK, Lactate dehydrogenase: LDH), inflammatory parameter (C-reactive protein: CRP) and perceived muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed at baseline, 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h following the exercise. Results Following the LIST, a decrease was observed in CMJ, MVC and SP at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h in both conditions (p < 0.05). However, compared to PLA session, this decrease was significantly attenuated with BET for CMJ at 24 h and at 48 h and for MVC at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and for SP at 48 h after the LIST (p < 0.05). Likewise, DOMS values were significantly lower with BET compared to PLA condition immediately and at 24 h after exercise.CK, LDH and CRP levels increased at 0 h and at 24 h post exercise in both conditions (p < 0.05), but without any significant difference between the two condition (p > 0.05). Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that chronic beetroot juice supplementation reduces post exercise perceived muscle soreness and maintain better performance during the recovery period in soccer players.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Recovery Following a Simulated Soccer Match in Professional Soccer Players: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: Assessing the effects of Ramadan fasting on recovery following a soccer match simulation.Methods: Eight elite soccer players (age: 21.0 ± 0.4 years) performed a modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test protocol (LISTmod) on two occasions: 1 week before (BR) and during the fourth week of Ramadan (End-R). At BR and End-R, soccer players performed squat jump, countermovement jump, maximal voluntary contraction, and 20 m sprint, and creatine kinase, uric acid, and subjective ratings (feelings scale, quality of sleep, fatigue, muscle soreness and stress) were assessed at baseline and 0, 24, 48, and 72 h following LISTmod.Results: Following LISTmod, performance in squat jump (48 and 72 h) (p < 0.05), countermovement jump (48 and 72 h), maximal voluntary contraction (0, 24, 48, and 72 h), and 20 m sprint (0 and 48 h) decreased significantly on both occasions. Decreases were higher at End-R than BR. Creatine kinase levels increased significantly at 24 and 48 h at BR and End-R (p < 0.05). Uric acid increased at 0 and 24 h only on BR. Muscle soreness increased throughout the recovery period at both occasions, with a higher level at End-R. Stress rating increased only at 0 h on End-R, while fatigue rating increased at 24 h at BR and at 0, 24, and 48 h at End-R.Conclusion: Perturbations in physical performance and subjective ratings parameters were higher at the end of Ramadan. However, the results of this study showed that Ramadan fasting did not adversely affect the recovery following soccer match simulation in professional soccer players.

The Efficacy of Tart Cherry Juice in Aiding Recovery After Intermittent Exercise.

To investigate the effects of supplementation with tart cherry juice (TCJ) on markers of recovery after intermittent exercise under habitual dietary conditions. Using a randomized, single-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled, independent-groups design, 20 team-sport players (8 male and 12 female; age 26 [4]y, height 175.4 [9.6]cm, body mass 70.2 [12.6]kg) were divided equally into 2 groups and consumed either TCJ or PLA twice per day for 8 consecutive days while following their normal dietary habits. Participants completed an adapted version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) on day 6 of supplementation. Countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and delayed onset muscle soreness were assessed at baseline and 1, 24, and 48hours post-LIST. Blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) were taken presupplementation, immediately pre-LIST, and 1, 24, and 48hours post-LIST. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction showed significantly faster recovery with TCJ (P < .05) at 24 and 48hours post-LIST. A significant interaction effect (P < .05) was observed for muscle soreness; however, Bonferroni post hoc analysis could not identify when the significant differences between TCJ and PLA occurred. There were no significant differences throughout recovery between TCJ and PLA for C-reactive protein and creatine kinase (P < .05). The results suggest that TCJ, in addition to habitual diet, can accelerate recovery after intermittent exercise and therefore extend the efficacy of TCJ in accelerating recovery in team sports.

Effects of Pre-Exercise High and Low Glycaemic Meal on Intermittent Sprint and Endurance Exercise Performance.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ingesting either a high glycaemic index (HGI) or low glycaemic index (LGI) carbohydrate meal (preceding a 12 h overnight fast and where the meal was ingested 45-min prior to activity) on intermittent sprint and endurance exercise performance. Ten male varsity athletes from intermittent sports (age 23.6 ± 1.7 years, VO2max 51.9 ± 4.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) underwent a peak velocity (Vpeak) test and familiarisation session, followed by two experimental sessions in random order. Experimental sessions involved the ingestion of either an HGI or LGI meal, followed by the completion of the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (mLIST). There was no significant difference between HGI or LGI meals on sprint times (p = 0.62) and distance to exhaustion (p = 0.54) in the mLIST. Exercise heart rate, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were also similar between the two meal trials throughout the mLIST (all p > 0.05). Subjective ratings of hunger, fullness, satiety and satisfaction were also not significantly different between the two meals. In conclusion, consuming either an HGI or LGI meal after a prolonged 12 h fast and ingesting the meal 45 min prior to exercise did not differ in either physiological, subjective and intermittent sprint and endurance performance outcomes.

Cold water immersion improves recovery of sprint speed following a simulated tournament

It is a common requirement in tournament scenarios for athletes to compete multiple times in a relatively short time period, with insufficient recovery time not allowing full restoration of physical performance. This study aimed to develop a greater understanding of the physiological stress experienced by athletes in a tournament scenario, and how a commonly used recovery strategy, cold water immersion (CWI), might influence these markers. Twenty-one trained male games players (age 19 ± 2; body mass 78.0 ± 8.8 kg) were randomised into a CWI group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 10). To simulate a tournament, participants completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) on three occasions in five days. Recovery was assessed at specific time points using markers of sprint performance, muscle function, muscle soreness and biochemical markers of damage (creatine kinase, CK), inflammation (IL-6 and C-Reactive Protein) and oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxides and activity of 6 lipid-soluble antioxidants). The simulated tournament was associated with perturbations in some, but not all, markers of physiological stress and recovery. Cold water immersion was associated with improved recovery of sprint speed 24 h after the final LIST (ES = 0.83 ± 0.59; p = .034) and attenuated the efflux of CK pre- and post-LIST 3 (p < .01). The tournament scenario resulted in an escalation of physiological stress that, in the main, cold water immersion was ineffective at managing. These data suggest that CWI is not harmful, and provides limited benefits in attenuating the deleterious effects experienced during tournament scenarios.