Perceived Exertion Research Articles

Can heat conditions affect the heart rate responses, perception of effort, and technical performance of young male football players during small-sided games? a comparative study

BackgroundSoccer coaches often employ small-sided games (SSGs) to elicit both physiological and technical responses from players. However, numerous contextual factors can influence the outcomes of these games. This comparative study aimed to investigate how environmental temperature (< 21ºC and > 29ºC) impacts heart rate responses, perception of effort, and technical performance in young male football players during SSGs.MethodsThis study compares temperatures below 21ºC (∼ 20.4 ± 0.4ºC) with temperatures above 29ºC (∼ 29.7 ± 0.6ºC). This repeated measures study design involved 60 male football players at a trained/developmental level, selected from under-16 and under-19 teams. It aimed to assess the effects of the 3v3 format, conducted repeatedly under conditions of 21ºC and above 29ºC. Throughout the games, mean heart rate responses (HRmean), measured via heart rate sensors; rate of perceived exertion (RPE), assessed using the CR-10 Borg scale; and successful passes and lost balls, tracked through an ad hoc observational analysis tool, were monitored.ResultsNo significant interactions were observed (time*age group) in meanHR (F = 0.159; p = 0.691; \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{\\eta\\:}_{p}^{2}$$\\end{document}=0.003), RPE (F=0.646; p=0.425; \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{\\eta\\:}_{p}^{2}$$\\end{document}=0.011), number of passes completed (F=0.204; p=0.654; \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{\\eta\\:}_{p}^{2}$$\\end{document}=0.003), and number of lost balls (F = 0.157; p = 0.694; \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:{\\eta\\:}_{p}^{2}$$\\end{document}=0.003). Overall, significantly higher heart rate responses in mean HR (p<0.001) and RPE (p<0.001) were observed at temperatures above 29ºC, while significantly more passes were completed at temperatures below 21ºC (p<0.001).ConclusionsHeat conditions significantly intensified the psychophysiological responses in players, concurrently leading to a significant impairment in the number of passes. Coaches should contemplate implementing mitigation strategies to avert performance declines during heat conditions when utilizing SSGs.

A Moderate Blood Flow Restriction Pressure Does Not Affect Maximal Strength or Neuromuscular Responses.

Lubiak, SM, Lawson, JE, Gonzalez Rojas, DH, Proppe, CE, Rivera, PM, Hammer, SM, Trevino, MA, Dinyer-McNeely, TK, Montgomery, TR, Olmos, AA, Sears, KN, Bergstrom, HC, Succi, PJ, Keller, JL, and Hill, EC. A moderate blood flow restriction pressure does not affect maximal strength or neuromuscular responses. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) applied at 60% of total arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) on maximal strength. Eleven college-aged female subjects completed two testing sessions of maximal unilateral concentric, isometric, and eccentric leg extension muscle actions performed with and without BFR. Separate 3 (mode [isometric, concentric, eccentric]) × 2 (condition [BFR, no BFR]) × 2 (visit [2, 3]) repeated-measures analysis of variances were used to examine mean differences in maximal strength, neuromuscular function, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and pain. For maximal strength (collapsed across condition and visit), isometric (128.5 ± 22.7 Nm) and eccentric (114.5 ± 35.4 Nm) strength were greater than concentric maximal strength (89.3 ± 22.3 Nm) (p < 0.001-0.041). Muscle excitation relative (%) to isometric non-BFR was greater during the concentric (108.6 ± 31.5%) than during the eccentric (86.7 ± 29.2%) (p = 0.045) assessments but not different than isometric (93.4 ± 17.9%) (p = 0.109) assessments, collapsed across condition and visit. For RPE, there was an interaction such that RPE was greater during non-BFR (4.3 ± 1.7) than during BFR (3.7 ± 1.7) (p = 0.031) during the maximal concentric strength assessments. Furthermore, during maximal strength assessments performed with BFR, isometric RPE (5.8 ± 1.9) was greater than concentric (3.7 ± 1.7) (p = 0.005) and eccentric (4.6 ± 1.9) (p = 0.009) RPE. Finally, pain was greater during the isometric (2.8 ± 2.1 au) than during the concentric (1.8 ± 1.5 au) (p = 0.016), but not eccentric, maximal strength assessments (2.1 ± 1.6 au) (p = 0.126), collapsed across condition and visit. The application of BFR at 60% AOP did not affect concentric, isometric, or eccentric maximal strength or neuromuscular function. Trainers, clinicians, and researchers can prescribe exercise interventions relative to a restricted (when using a moderate AOP) or nonrestricted assessment of maximal strength.

Physiological Demands of Competitive Collegiate Dance.

Seifert Gonzales, AM and Stenson, MC. Physiological demands of competitive collegiate dance. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e503-e509, 2024-Competitive collegiate dance combines elements of gymnastics and acrobatics with more traditional styles, such as ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Assessing the physiological demands and identifying clear measures of intensity and duration of such dance provide a framework for planning the competitive season and developing strength and conditioning programs. This study examined the blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) of 14 well-trained female dancers on a competitive collegiate dance team. Subjects completed a treadmill test to determine their lactate threshold (LT) and then performed a 120-second choreographed jazz dance routine in cumulative 30-second segments, during which physiological markers were measured. All subjects exceeded their individually determined LT values by 90 seconds into the dance routine. A moderate (rs = 0.53; p < 0.001) positive correlation was observed between HR and RPE, as was a strong (rs = 0.70; p < 0.001) positive correlation between BL and RPE. Subjects worked at or above LT for much of the 120-second jazz dance routine, indicating that competitive collegiate dance is physiologically demanding and highly anaerobic. Understanding the physiological demands of competitive collegiate dance allows strength and conditioning professionals to develop, monitor, and adjust training parameters, which will aid in minimizing injury and maximizing competitive performance in collegiate dancers.

The effect of tart cherry juice compared to a sports drink on cycling exercise performance, substrate metabolism, and recovery.

Tart cherries have low glycemic index, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore may benefit performance and recovery from exercise. We determined the effects of consuming tart cherry juice versus a high-glycemic index sports drink on cycling performance, substrate oxidation, and recovery of low-frequency fatigue. Using a randomized, counter-balanced cross-over design, with one-month washout, 12 recreational cyclists (8 males and 4 females; 35±16y; VO2peak 38.2±7.4 ml/kg/min) consumed cherry juice or sports drink twice a day (300mL/d) for 4d before and 2d after exercise. On the exercise day, beverages (providing 1g/kg carbohydrate) were consumed 45min before 90min of cycling at 65%VO2peak, followed by a 10km time trial. Blood glucose, lactate, carbohydrate and fat oxidation, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), O2 cost of cycling, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the initial 90min of cycling. Muscle soreness, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and low-frequency fatigue were determined at baseline and after the time trial on the exercise day, and 30min after beverage consumption 24 and 48h later. There were no differences for time trial performance (17±3min cherry juice vs. 17±2min sports drink, p = 0.27) or any other measures between drink conditions. There were time main effects (p<0.05) for isometric MVC (decreasing) and low-frequency fatigue (increasing; i.e. decreased force at low relative to high stimulation frequencies), changing significantly from baseline to post-exercise and then returning to baseline at 24h post-exercise. Tart cherry juice was not effective for improving performance, substrate oxidation during exercise, and recovery from exercise, compared to a high-glycemic index sports drink.

Comparative Effects of Complex Contrast Training and Traditional Training Methods on Physical Performance Within Female, Semiprofessional Australian Rules Football Players.

Luders, J, Garrett, J, Gleadhill, S, Mathews, L, and Bennett, H. Comparative effects of complex contrast training and traditional training methods on physical performance within female, semiprofessional Australian Rules Football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to explore whether complex contrast training (CCT) would elicit greater strength and power adaptations than traditional (TRAD) training methods using a volume- and intensity-matched design. Fourteen semiprofessional female Australian Football players completed the study. Both CCT and TRAD saw improvements in all performance outcomes: 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat (21.3 ± 8.2 and 16.7 ± 6.8 kg), 1RM bench press (5.3 ± 3.6 and 2.1 ± 4.0 kg), 1RM trap bar deadlift (5.0 ± 6.6 and 11.3 ± 2.5 kg), 5 m sprint (0.002 ± 0.09 and 0.02 ± 0.2 s), 10 m sprint (0.04 ± 0.17 and 0.02 ± 0.1 s), 15 m sprint (0.009 ± 0.15 and 0.08 ± 0.2 s), countermovement jump (CMJ) height (230 ± 150 and 340 ± 390 cm), CMJ absolute peak power (158.5 ± 69.6 and 235.6 ± 229.6 N), CMJ relative peak power (3.46 ± 4.1 and 2.68 ± 1.4 N·kg-1)), and plyometric push-up peak relative power (20.5 ± 13.4 and 15.2 ± 13.5 N). There were no between-group differences except for TRAD recording slightly greater improvements in 1RM Trap bar deadlift (Bayes factor [BF10] = 1.210). Complex contrast training completed sessions on average ∼7 minutes quicker than TRAD (BF10 = 5.722), while both groups reporting similar ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) with CCT (±SD) 58.4 ± 6.7 minutes and TRAD 65.5 ± 4.8. Based on the results, CCT training provides the same performance outcomes as traditional training methods across a period of 8 weeks, while taking less time to achieve these outcomes and with similar RPE.

Effects of home-based telerehabilitation-assisted inspiratory muscle training in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial.

There are few studies that have used inspiratory muscle training (IMT) as an intervention for patients with isolated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to investigate and interpret the effects of home-based telerehabilitation-assisted IMT in patients with IPF. Twenty-eight participants with IPF took part in the study. Lung function tests, functional exercise capacity by 6-min walk distance (6MWD), dyspnoea perception by modified medical research council dyspnoea scale (mMRC), and inspiratory muscle strength by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were assessed. IMT was performed twice a day, 7 days/week, for 8 weeks. The intervention group (n = 14) performed IMT at 50% of their baseline MIP while the control group (n = 14) performed IMT without applied resistance. Loading intensity was progressed by keeping the load at 4-6 on a modified Borg scale for the highest tolerable perceived respiratory effort for each patient. Dyspnoea based on mMRC score (p < 0.001, η2 effect size = 0.48) significantly decreased within the intervention group compared with the control group. There were significant increases in the intervention group compared to the control group based on 6MWD (p < 0.001, η2 effect size = 0.43), MIP (p = 0.006, η2 effect size = 0.25) and MIP % predicted (p = 0.008, η2 effect size = 0.25). The findings of this study suggest that an 8-week home-based telerehabilitation-assisted IMT intervention produced improvements in inspiratory muscle strength, leading to improvements in functional exercise capacity and dyspnoea.

Thirty seconds chair stand performance is associated with six-minute walk test among postmenopausal women: inference from a cross-sectional study among women from India

Menopause is an inevitable yet normal biological process in a woman’s life. The menopausal process has been associated with a decline in muscle strength and functional capacity. Thus, the present study aimed to study the association of the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30s CST) with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) among postmenopausal women. Thirty-five postmenopausal women aged 40–55 years were included in this cross-sectional study by purposive sampling method. After initial screening and assessment 30s CST and 6MWT were recorded as per standardised guidelines. The mean and Standard Deviation (SD) for all continuous variables was calculated. Correlations were estimated using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. A two-tailed p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. There exists a significant positive association of 30s CST values with 6MWD among postmenopausal women. Also, the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scores after the 6MWT were found to be significantly correlated with RPE scores after 30s CST. In conclusion, there exists a significant positive correlation of 30s CST with 6MWT among postmenopausal women. The 30s CST could be used as an economical and quick physical function assessment measure among postmenopausal women in low-resource settings.

Efeito agudo de uma sessão de body balance na amplitude de movimento articular de membros inferiores e na percepção subjetiva de esforço

The aim of the study was to evaluate the body balance (BB) session in the passive range of motion of the ankle, knee, and hip joints and subjective perception of exertion (RPE). Thirteen men (age: 21±4 years and height: 176.5±4 cm) physically active and inexperienced with BB attended one session. The passive range of motion (ROMP) in the hip, knee and ankle joints was assessed before the BB session (PRE) followed by questioning about their subjective perception of exertion (PSE - PRE). The BB session lasting 45 minutes and self-selected intensity. After the BB session, the ADMP in the hip, knee and ankle joints in different conditions: immediately after (POST0), five minutes after (POST5), ten minutes after (POST10) and fifteen minutes after (POST15) was evaluated. After the 15 minutes of the BB session, the subjects were asked about their RPE during the session.The results showed that one BB session was enough to increase the ADMP of the ankle joints between conditions (PRE: 12.46°±1.43 vs AFT0: 17.23°±1.40; P=0.015 and PRE: 12.46°±1.43 vs AFTT5: 15.61°±1.29; P=0.034), and of the knee between the conditions: (PRE: 152°±2.30 vs AFT5: 159.07°±1 .73; P=0.045) for 10 minutes, but not for the hip. There was a significant increase between conditions: (PRE: 0.3±0.4 A.U. vs. AFT: 5.6±0.6 A.U., respectively, P=0.001) for RPE. It is concluded that a BB session increases RPE 15 minutes after and ADMP of the ankle and knee joints for up to 5 minutes after the session.

The Effect of Neuromuscular Fatigue on the Spatiotemporal Coordination of Rowing

Within rowing, lower back disorders (LBDs) are common, but the mechanisms underpinning LBDs are poorly understood. Considering this, it is essential to understand how coordination and motor control change under different constraints such as ergometer rowing and fatigue. This can help better inform movement features linked to LBDs. Measurement of the continuous relative phase (CRP) is a method used to quantify body segment and joint coordination, as CRP measures the spatiotemporal control of multi-joint movement. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine the general spatiotemporal coordination aspects of ergometer rowing in an unfatigued state, and to quantify how the spatiotemporal coordination of a rowing movement changes in response to a fatigue-inducing rowing trial. Wearable IMUs monitored 20 participants’ movement during a 2000 m ergometer row. The Borg-10 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale was used to quantify perceived fatigue. Despite significant RPE increases across all athletes, the spatiotemporal coordination of rowing revealed prevailing strategies for the lumbar spine and lower extremity but no significant effects (α = 0.05) of fatigue on CRP outcomes (MARP, DP), cross-correlation lag (RXY), or range of motion. These findings provide further insight into rowing movements and support the idea that heterogeneous responses to fatigue may exist, requiring further study.

The Effects of Compression Pants on Oxygen Consumption and Heart Rate during Long-Distance Running

The purpose of this study was to compare average rate of oxygen consumption (VO2), slow component of oxygen consumption (VO2 drift), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) while wearing compression pants vs. a control garment during long-distance running. Methods: Nine injury-free and recreationally active participants (32 ± 11 years) were recruited for this study. Participants ran in full-leg compression pants (COMP) and a loose-fitting control garment (CON). Participants ran in each condition for 40 min at a preferred submaximal speed. The rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured continuously via a metabolic cart throughout each condition. Both HR and RPE were recorded every 5 min during each condition. Oxygen consumption was averaged across the entirety of the steady state during the 40 min conditions for analysis. Additionally, the average from the first five minutes of the steady state was subtracted from the average of the last five minutes to assess VO2. A paired t-test was used to assess for differences for both variables. Both HR and RPE were each compared between conditions using 2 (garment) × 8 (time) repeated measure ANOVAs (α = 0.05). Results: There were no differences between VO2 or VO2 drift while running with full-leg compression pants vs. the control garment (p &gt; 0.05). Neither RPE nor HR were influenced by the garments (p &gt; 0.05) or time (p &gt; 0.05) during each condition. Conclusion: Wearing compression pants did not result in reduced VO2, VO2 drift, HR or RPE during a long-distance run. Although measured performance variables were not aided using compression pants, there were no negative effects to the use of compression pants.

Training loads and microcycle periodisation in Italian Serie A youth soccer players

ABSTRACT Microcycles are fundamental structures for training prescription and load management, helping to optimise training effects and performance. This study quantified external and internal loads of Italian Serie A youth soccer players across competitive weeks and their periodisation within microcycles. Data were collected from 90 players belonging to four age groups (under-19, -17, -16, -15) across a season. Methods of monitoring external [duration and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)] and internal load [heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)] were employed. Linear mixed models determined differences in training loads across age groups, training days and player positions. Under-19 and under-17 players trained five times per week, while younger players trained four times. Late-stage academy players (under-19 and -17) demonstrated higher weekly accumulated external and sRPE training load compared to their younger counterparts (p < 0.05 between groups). Weekly accumulated HR internal loads were higher in under-15 players (p < 0.05 between groups). Marked fluctuations of daily load were observed across microcycles in under-19 and under-17 groups (p < 0.05 between days). These findings highlight progressive increases in training load throughout the development pathway, with late-stage academy players training with higher frequency, volume and marked periodisation compared to younger players.

Comparison of Force, Neuromuscular, and Metabolic Responses During Sustained, Isometric Handgrip Holds to Failure Anchored to Low and High Perceptual Intensities in Men: An Exploratory Study.

Kwak, M, Succi, PJ, Benitez, B, Mitchinson, C, Samaan, MA, Abel, MG, and Bergstrom, HC. Comparison of force, neuromuscular, and metabolic responses during sustained, isometric handgrip holds to failure anchored to low and high perceptual intensities in men: An exploratory study. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e405-e416, 2024-This study examined the responses of force alterations, relative to critical force (CF), neuromuscular parameters, and muscle oxygenation (SmO2) for isometric handgrip holds to failure (HTF) anchored to ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) of 3 and 7. Twelve men completed pre-maximal voluntary isometric contractions (pre-MVIC), submaximal HTF at 4 percentages of pre-MVIC, HTF at RPE = 3 and 7, and post-MVIC. Mechanomyograpic (MMG) signals and SmO2 were recorded during the RPE HTF. Analyses included paired-samples t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVAs at an alpha level of p ≤ 0.05. Time to task failure was not different between RPE 3 (478.7 ± 196.6 s) and RPE 7 (495.8 ± 173.8 s). Performance fatigability (PF) and MMG amplitude (AMP) were greater for RPE 7 (PF: 37.9 ± 12.9%; MMG AMP: 15.7 ± 7.4% MVIC) than RPE 3 (PF: 30.0 ± 14.5%; MMG AMP: 10.2 ± 6.5% MVIC), but MMG mean power frequency (MPF) was greater for RPE 3 (146.2 ± 31.1% MVIC) than RPE 7 (128.8 ± 23.0% MVIC). There were RPE-dependent decreases in force (p ≤ 0.01) across 3 discernable phases during the HTF. There were decreases in MMG AMP across time for both RPEs, but there were no significant changes in MMG MPF or SmO2. There were overall similar motor unit control strategies and local metabolic demand between RPEs. The majority of the HTF performed below CF at RPE 3 and 7 indicated CF did not reflect the highest sustainable force. When prescribing isometric exercise anchored to RPE, practitioners should be aware of the magnitude of force loss and relative intensity of the task to be sure desired training loads are met.

Brain endurance training improves soccer-specific technical skills and cognitive performance in fatigued professional soccer players

ObjectivesBrain Endurance Training (BET) — the addition of mentally fatiguing cognitive tasks to standard physical training — could improve performance in soccer. We tested whether BET, with cognitive tasks intermixed with physical training activities, improved players' cognitive and soccer-specific technical performance compared to physical training alone when fresh and fatigued. DesignThe study employed a pre/training/midtest/training/posttest design. Methods31 professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to BET or control groups and completed 18 physical training sessions over 6 weeks. In between the physical training activities, the BET group completed demanding cognitive tasks, whereas the control group rested. Players completed the Loughborough soccer passing (LSPT) and shooting test (LSST) before and after completing a 30-min Stroop task. A brief psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B), a visual analog rating of mental fatigue (MF-VAS), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during testing and training. ResultsDuring testing, the 30-min Stroop task elicited a state of MF, confirmed by higher subjective ratings (P < .01). Compared to pre-testing, at mid- and post-testing, the BET group improved passing (all P < .01), shooting (all P < .01), and PVT-B performance (all P < .01) when tested after (fatigued) but not before (fresh) the Stroop task, whereas the control group did not change performance either way. During training the BET group reported higher MF (P < .01) and exhibited slower PVT-B responses (P < .01) compared to control. ConclusionsIntermixed BET was more effective than physical training alone at improving cognitive and soccer-specific technical performance of professional soccer players when fatigued.

Effects of an e-Media-Supported, Exercise-Based Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objective Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery patients undergo cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs postoperatively to improve their course of recovery. The effectiveness of traditional CR programs is hampered by time constraints, financial burdens, transportation issues, and geographic restrictions. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and technological advances have led to the emergence of home-based CR programs using e-media, thereby improving accessibility. This study aimed to analyzethe effects of e-media-supported, exercise-based phase II CR in post-CABG patients. Methods A single assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted at a tertiary care hospital to analyze the effectiveness of a validated e-media-supported, exercise-based phase II cardiac rehabilitation in CABG Patients. A total of 40 subjects were included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects were then randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group received e-media-supported exercise and the control group received routine care. The duration of the intervention was three months. The outcome measures used were functional capacity, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), quality of life, and physical activity (PA).Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics v. 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results After three months of intervention, the mean distance covered during the six-minute walk test (6MWT) showed a significant increase in both the control and experimental groups. The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement compared to the control group (p<0.001). Furthermore, the experimental group showed significant improvements in the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), LVEF, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF)andGlobal Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) scores compared to the control group (all p<0.001). Conclusions Based on our findings, the e-media-supported, exercise-based phase II cardiac rehabilitation is feasible and safe, and significantly improved functional capacity and enhanced quality of life. The PA level of the experimental group was higher than controls at the 12-weekfollow-up after CABG.

Relationship between Workload, Psychological State and Recovery in Female Soccer Athletes.

This study assessed the multifaceted relations between measures of workload, psychological state, and recovery throughout an entire soccer season in female collegiate soccer athletes (19.8±1.2 yrs, 132±12.3 lbs, 63±3.2 in). A prospective longitudinal study was utilized to measure workload (GPS training load, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), psychological state (mental stress, mental fatigue, and mood), and recovery (sleep duration, sleep quality, and soreness), during 90 observations (59 training sessions and 21 games). Separate linear-mixed effect models were used to assess outcomes of RPE, soreness, and sleep duration. A linear mixed-effects model explained 59% of the variance in RPE following each session. Specifically, each standard deviation increase in GPS load and mental stress in the morning prior to training increased RPE by 1.46 (SE=0.08) and 0.29 (SE=0.07), respectively, following that day's training. Furthermore, a significant interaction was found between several predictor variables and chronological day in the season while predicting RPE. Specifically, for each standard deviation increase in GPS load, RPE went up by 0.0055 per day during the season suggesting that load had a higher impact on RPE as the season progressed. In contrast, the interaction of day by mental stress, sleep duration, and soreness continued to be stronger as the season progressed. Each linear mixed-effect model predicted a larger amount of variance when accounting for individual variations in the random effects.

Preliminary investigation of a wearable device for evaluating muscular effort and fatigue at workplace

AbstractControls and prevention activities for musculoskeletal disorders are increasingly encouraged in the industrial context. Several ergonomic assessment techniques exist. However, they primarily focus on the biomechanical and postural load requirements of job tasks and rely on self-report and observational methods rather than direct measurements, which are often too intrusive. This study investigates whether a commercially available low-intrusive and low-cost wearable sensor can be utilised to assess muscular effort and fatigue, thereby improving decision-making in work and workstation design. For this purpose, the potential of the Myo™ armband has been explored. The electrical activity of the upper limbs (arm and forearm) was evaluated through 15 physically tasks (manual handling and assembly) conducted in laboratory conditions. Satisfactory results were obtained from the correlation and significance analysis, considering the EMG signal, the Borg scale, and the activity level (e.g., load, distance, n° of repetitions). Further experimentation was conducted to validate the proposed approach in a real production facility.

Comparison of acute physiological responses between one long and two short sessions of moderate-intensity training in endurance athletes.

To compare acute physiological responses and perceived training stress between one long and two short time- and intensity-matched sessions of moderate-intensity training in endurance athletes. Fourteen male endurance athletes (VO2max: 69.2 ± 4.2mL·min-1·kg-1) performed one 6 × 10-min interval session (SINGLE) and two 3 × 10-min interval sessions interspersed with 6.5h recovery (DOUBLE) of moderate-intensity training on two separate days, while running in the laboratory, using a counterbalanced cross-over trial. The two training days were separated into a first part/session (interval stage 1-3) and second part/session (interval stage 4-6). Respiratory variables, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentrations (BLa), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during sessions, whereas supine heart rate (HR) was assessed in a 60-min recovery period following sessions. Measures of perceived training stress (1-10) were assessed in the morning of the subsequent day. HR, Bla, and RPE increased in the second compared to first part of SINGLE (168 ± 7 vs. 173 ± 7bpm, 2.60 ± 0.75 vs. 3.01 ± 0.81mmol·L-1, and 13.4 ± 1.0 vs. 14.8 ± 1.1-point, respectively, all p < 0.05). HR and Bla decreased in the second compared to first session of DOUBLE (171 ± 9 vs. 166 ± 9bpm and 2.72 ± 0.96 vs. 2.14 ± 0.65mmol·L-1, respectively, both p < 0.05). SINGLE revealed higher supine HR in the recovery period following sessions (65.4 ± 2.5 vs. 60.7 ± 2.5bpm p < 0.05), session RPE (sRPE, 7.0 ± 1.0 vs. 6.0 ± 1.3-point, p = .001) and sRPE training load (929 ± 112 vs. 743 ± 98, p < 0.001) compared to DOUBLE. In the subsequent morning, increased levels of perceived fatigue and muscle soreness were observed following SINGLE compared to DOUBLE (7.0 ± 2.5 vs. 8.0 ± 1.0-point, p = .049 and 6.0 ± 2.5 vs. 7.0 ± 2.5-point, p = .002, respectively). One long moderate-intensity training session was associated with a duration-dependent "drift" in physiological responses compared to two short time- and intensity-matched sessions, thereby suggesting a higher overall training stimulus. Simultaneously, the lower cost of the two shorter sessions indicates that such organization could allow more accumulated time at this intensity. Overall, these findings serve as a starting point to better understand the pros and cons of organizing moderate-intensity training as one long versus shorter sessions performed more frequently (e.g., as "double threshold training") in endurance athletes.

A quasi-experimental study on the energy expenditure, exercise intensity, and rating of perceived exertion of a male bodybuilding posing training.

This study is novel in classifying bodybuilding posing training as vigorous intensity exercise using metabolic equivalents (METs) and heart rate (HR) responses. It provides empirical evidence showing that posing training meets the vigorous intensity benchmarks, with METs and %HRmax values comparable to established vigorous exercise standards. The research highlights the novel finding that stimulant usage and the peak week phase of preparation significantly influence physiological responses and perceived exertion in bodybuilders. Specifically, athletes using stimulants and those in peak week displayed higher ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and maximum heart rates, indicating that these factors notably affect the intensity and perceived difficulty of posing training.

Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation During Exercise in Older Adults with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by subjective memory complaints and gait impairments that may be related to lower prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. Acute bouts of aerobic exercise are shown to improve PFC function, however, the acute effects of exercise on PFC oxygenation have not yet been examined in MCR. This study aims to characterize the PFC oxygenation responses during acute exercise in older adults with MCR. Nineteen older adults with MCR performed a submaximal cycling exercise protocol. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is used to measure concentrations of oxygenated (OxyHb) and deoxygenated (DeoxyHb) hemoglobin from the PFC. There is a trend for increased OxyHb concentrations and decreased DeooxyHb concentrations during exercise. Exercise also induced significant increases in ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) and heart rate. A significant, positive correlation between PFC OxyHb and RPEs during the cycling exercise are also observed. The findings reveal that PFC oxygenation increases during exercise in an intensity-dependent manner and the subjective perception of exertion is associated with the magnitude of PFC oxygenation. These results suggest that moderate-intensity cycling exercise may have beneficial effects on increasing cerebral blood flow in the PFC of older adults with MCR.

Effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on lung and respiratory muscle function of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a controlled and randomized study

Purpose: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on lung and respiratory muscle function of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Patients and methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 34 patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (&gt; 18 years) who were symptomatic for more than four weeks. The evaluators were blinded. Participants were randomized into two groups: cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group or biweekly lectures (control group) regarding health education. We assessed lung function (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), respiratory muscle strength and endurance, diaphragmatic thickening fraction and mobility, and dyspnea (modified Borg scale). Results: The intervention improved FVC, FEV1, and PEF of patients after six weeks of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation group also showed lower dyspnea and respiratory muscle strength and endurance than the control group. Conclusion: The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol improved lung and respiratory muscle function and reduced dyspnea in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.