Power Athletes Research Articles

Association study of SLC6A2 gene Thr99Ile variant (rs1805065) with athletic status in the Brazilian population

Genetic variants in monoamine neurotransmitter genes have been recurrently associated with panic disorder, addiction and mood disorders. Recent evidence also indicates that norepinephrine neurotransmission can influence a series of psychophysical and psychobiological parameters related to athletic performance, and the presence of variants in the SLC6A2 (solute carrier family 6 member 2) gene, which encodes the norepinephrine transporter, can be detrimental to an adequate noradrenergic signaling. Accordingly, the objective of the present study was to explore the SLC6A2 Thr99Ile variant (rs1805065) in a cohort composed of highly-trained individuals and non-trained individuals. A total of 1556 Brazilians: 926 non-athletes and 630 athletes (322 endurance athletes and 308 power athletes) were compared in this case-control association study. The Thr99Ile variant showed only two genotypes (C/C or C/T), and a low minor allele frequency of ≈1%. However, none of the power athletes had the mutant T-allele (i.e., the C/T genotype), which may be related to decreased norepinephrine transporter activity. The genotype distribution and allele frequency observed in power athletes were significantly different when compared to non-athletes or endurance athletes. Therefore, the presence of the T-allele may decrease the chance of belonging to the group of athletes involved in explosive physical tasks. These results still need to be replicated in independent cohorts. However, it appears reasonable to assume that there is an association between the SLC6A2 gene variant and power athletic status.

Long-Term Endurance and Power Training May Facilitate Motor Unit Size Expansion to Compensate for Declining Motor Unit Numbers in Older Age.

The evidence concerning the effects of exercise in older age on motor unit (MU) numbers, muscle fiber denervation and reinnervation cycles is inconclusive and it remains unknown whether any effects are dependent on the type of exercise undertaken or are localized to highly used muscles. MU characteristics of the vastus lateralis (VL) were assessed using surface and intramuscular electromyography in eighty-five participants, divided into sub groups based on age (young, old) and athletic discipline (control, endurance, power). In a separate study of the biceps brachii (BB), the same characteristics were compared in the favored and non-favored arms in eleven masters tennis players. Muscle size was assessed using MRI and ultrasound. In the VL, the CSA was greater in young compared to old, and power athletes had the largest CSA within their age groups. Motor unit potential (MUP) size was larger in all old compared to young (p < 0.001), with interaction contrasts showing this age-related difference was greater for endurance and power athletes than controls, and MUP size was greater in old athletes compared to old controls. In the BB, thickness did not differ between favored and non-favored arms (p = 0.575), but MUP size was larger in the favored arm (p < 0.001). Long-term athletic training does not prevent age-related loss of muscle size in the VL or BB, regardless of athletic discipline, but may facilitate more successful axonal sprouting and reinnervation of denervated fibers. These effects may be localized to muscles most involved in the exercise.

Physiological comparison between non-athletes, endurance, power and team athletes.

We hypothesized that endurance athletes have lower muscle power than power athletes due to a combination of weaker and slower muscles, while their higher endurance is attributable to better oxygen extraction, reflecting a higher muscle oxidative capacity and larger stroke volume. Endurance (n = 87; distance runners, road cyclists, paddlers, skiers), power (n = 77; sprinters, throwers, combat sport athletes, body builders), team (n = 64; basketball, soccer, volleyball) and non-athletes (n = 223) performed a countermovement jump and an incremental running test to estimate their maximal anaerobic and aerobic power (VO2max), respectively. Dynamometry and M-mode echocardiography were used to measure muscle strength and stroke volume. The VO2max (L min-1) was larger in endurance and team athletes than in power athletes and non-athletes (p < 0.05). Athletes had a larger stroke volume, left ventricular mass and left ventricular wall thickness than non-athletes (p < 0.02), but there were no significant differences between athlete groups. The higher anaerobic power in power and team athletes than in endurance athletes and non-athletes (p < 0.001) was associated with a larger force (p < 0.001), but not faster contractile properties. Endurance athletes (20.6%) had a higher (p < 0.05) aerobic:anaerobic power ratio than controls and power and team athletes (14.0-15.3%). The larger oxygen pulse, without significant differences in stroke volume, in endurance than power athletes indicates a larger oxygen extraction during exercise. Power athletes had stronger, but not faster, muscles than endurance athletes. The similar VO2max in endurance and team athletes and similar jump power in team and power athletes suggest that concurrent training does not necessarily impair power or endurance performance.

Similar relative decline in aerobic and anaerobic power with age in endurance and power master athletes of both sexes

Lower physical activity levels in old age are thought to contribute to the age-related decline in peak aerobic and anaerobic power. Master athletes maintain high levels of physical activity with advancing age and endurance or power training may influence the extent to which these physical functions decline with advancing age. To investigate, 37-90-year-old power (n=20, 45% female) and endurance (n=19, 58% female) master athletes were recruited. Maximal aerobic power was assessed when cycling two-legged (VO2 Peak2-leg ) and cycling one-legged (VO2 Peak1-leg ), while peak jumping (anaerobic) power was assessed by a countermovement jump. Men and women had a similar VO2 Peak2-leg (mL/kg/min, P=0.138) and similar ratio of VO2 Peak1-leg to VO2 Peak2-leg (P=0.959) and similar ratio of peak aerobic to anaerobic power (P=0.261). The VO2 Peak2-leg (mL/kg/min) was 17% (P=0.022) and the peak rate of fat oxidation (FATmax) during steady-state cycling was 45% higher in endurance than power athletes (P=0.001). The anaerobic power was 33% higher in power than endurance athletes (P=0.022). The VO2 Peak1-leg :VO2 Peak2-leg ratio did not differ significantly between disciplines, but the aerobic to anaerobic power ratio was 40% higher in endurance than power athletes (P=0.002). Anaerobic power, VO2 Peak2-leg , VO2 Peak1-leg , and power at FATmax decreased by around 7%-14% per decade in male and female power and endurance athletes. The cross-sectional data from 37-90-year-old master athletes in the present study indicate that peak anaerobic and aerobic power decline by around 7%-14% per decade and this does not differ between athletic disciplines or sexes.

The A-allele of the FTO Gene rs9939609 Polymorphism Is Associated With Decreased Proportion of Slow Oxidative Muscle Fibers and Over-represented in Heavier Athletes.

Guilherme, JPLF, Egorova, ES, Semenova, EA, Kostryukova, ES, Kulemin, NA, Borisov, OV, Khabibova, SA, Larin, AK, Ospanova, EA, Pavlenko, AV, Lyubaeva, EV, Popov, DV, Lysenko, EA, Vepkhvadze, TF, Lednev, EM, Govorun, VM, Generozov, EV, Ahmetov, II, and Lancha Junior, AH. The A-allele of the FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism is associated with decreased proportion of slow oxidative muscle fibers and over-represented in heavier athletes. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 691-700, 2019-The purpose of this study was to explore the frequency of the FTO T > A (rs9939609) polymorphism in elite athletes from 2 cohorts (Brazil and Russia), as well as to find a relationship between FTO genotypes and muscle fiber composition. A total of 677 athletes and 652 nonathletes were evaluated in the Brazilian cohort, whereas a total of 920 athletes and 754 nonathletes were evaluated in the Russian cohort. It was found a trend for a lower frequency of A/A genotype in long-distance athletes compared with nonathletes (odds ratio [OR]: 0.65; p = 0.054). By contrast, it was found an increased frequency of the A-allele in Russian power athletes. The presence of the T/A + A/A genotypes rather than T/T increased the OR of being a Russian power athlete compared with matched nonathletes (OR: 1.45; p = 0.002). Different from that observed in combat sports athletes of lighter weight categories, the A-allele was also over-represented in combat sports athletes of heavier weight categories. The presence of the T/A + A/A genotypes rather than T/T increased the OR of being a combat sports athlete of heavier weight categories compared with nonathletes (OR: 1.79; p = 0.018). Regarding the muscle fibers, we found that carriers of the A/A genotype had less slow-twitch muscle fibers than T-allele carriers (p = 0.029). In conclusion, the A/A genotype of the FTO T > A polymorphism is under-represented in athletes more reliant on a lean phenotype and associated with decreased proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers, while is over-represented in strength and heavier athletes.

Energy expenditure of athletes' endurance and strength in the light of the Polish energy intake standards.

The purpose of the study was to estimate training energy expenditure (TEE) and daily energy expenditure (DEE) in the Polish elite athletes engaged in endurance sports and power sports, and to compare their levels with the Polish energy intake standards. The study sample consisted of 30 athletes (15 women and 15 men) whose energy expenditure was estimated based on heart rate monitoring. The mean values of DEE obtained for women engaged in endurance sports (WE - women endurance) and power sports (WP - women power) were 3201±533 kcal and 3217±554 kcal, respectively. In the group of male athletes, the respective values were 4518±717 kcal for endurance athletes (ME - men endurance) and 4459±837 kcal for power athletes (MP - men power). The mean values of TEE for female athletes were 819±240 kcal (WE) and 1047±248 kcal (WP). Those obtained for male athletes were significantly higher: 1440±675 kcal (ME) and 1337±331 kcal (MP). Unlike the demands of particular sport disciplines, an athlete's sex proved to be a factor causing significant differences between the TEE and DEE of athletes representing different sport disciplines. Individual athletes were found to differ significantly in their demand for energy, which in some cases was considerably different from what energy intake standards propose. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(1):1-13.

HETEROZYGOUS GENOTYPE OF MONOCARBOXYL TRANSFERASE 1 (rs1049434) POLYMORPHISM COMMONS IN A TURKISH ATHLETE COHORT

There are many parameters that have effects the success of athletes, like exercise, motivation, determination, nutrition, all of which have genetic backgrounds. To have the optimal approach, all of these conditions should complement each other. In this study, we aimed to analyze and compare the monocarboxyl transferase 1 (MCT1) rs1049434 polymorphism, which is important to determine the lactate levels, in long and short distance running athletes. A total of 30 athletes, 15 of which were power athletes and 15 were endurance, were enrolled for the study. DNA isolations were carried out by using commercially available DNA isolation Kit, and genotyping process was by real-time PCR. Of the 15 power athletes, 14 (93%) and 1 (7%) athletes had AT and TT genotypes, respectively. We detected no AA genotype in power athletes. In endurance cohort, 4 (27%), 8 (53%) and 3 (20%) athletes had AA, AT and TT genotypes, respectively. When we count the alleles, A allele was counted as 14 (47%) and 16 (53%) in power and endurance athletes. For T allele, 16 (53%) and 14 (47%) were counted in power and endurance cohorts. No statistically significant difference was found between groups in the terms of genotype and allele. In our cohort, AT genotype was higher in both groups, whereas both alleles were equal in our cohort. Our basic goal is to be able to channel the athlete correctly and carry it to maximum success in a shorter period of time considering the genetic predisposition.

Meta-analyses of the association between the PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphism and athletic performance.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) encoded by the PPARGC1A gene is a vital regulator of glucose and fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and skeletal muscle fibre conversion. Several studies have investigated the association between PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphism and athletic performance in humans. However, the results were contradictory. In the present study, two meta-analyses were performed to assess the association between the Gly482Ser polymorphism and endurance or power athletic performance to resolve this inconsistency. Ten articles were identified, including a total of 3,708 athletes and 6,228 controls. Higher frequencies of the Gly/Gly genotype (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.11–1.42) and the Gly allele (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.09–1.52) were observed in Caucasian endurance athletes. Furthermore, higher incidences of the Gly/Gly genotype (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.16–1.46) and the Gly allele (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12–1.33) were observed in power athletes compared to controls. This finding demonstrates that the Gly/Gly genotype and the Gly allele of the PPARGC1A Gly482Ser polymorphism may facilitate athletic performance regardless of the type of sport, as well as providing solid evidence to support the possible influence of genetic factors on human athletic performance.

Влияние высокоинтенсивной интервальной тренировки на гипертрофию, силу и окислительные способности рабочих мышц спортсменов силовых видов спорта: поперечное исследование

Objective: the purpose of the study was to evaluate how high-intensity interval training affects strength, oxidative capacity and hypertrophy of working muscles in power sports athletes. Materials and methods: the study included 35 male power sports athletes (powerlifting), the average age was 30 ± 5,4 years. Metabolic exhaled gas analysis (determination of the anaerobic threshold and heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption and pedaling power at the maximum oxygen consumption, oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold and maximum oxygen consumption), ultrasonographic measurements of the anatomical cross-sectional area of the quadriceps femoris, the assessment of the maximum strength of the quadriceps femoris and methods of mathematical statistics were utilized. Athletes were subject to bicycle ergometry testing 3 times a week during 120 days according to the following protocol: 7 intervals with pedaling power of 100% of the maximum oxygen consumption for 2 min, and intervals with a heart rate of 85% of the anaerobic threshold for 2 min. Results: after 120 days of training, power athletes significantly increased the anaerobic threshold, power and oxygen consumption by 22,7 and 14,5%, respectively, as well as power and oxygen consumption at the level of maximum oxygen consumption by 18,5 and 13,6%, respectively. Regular high-intensity training on a bicycle ergometer causes muscle-specific hypertrophy, which leads to regional changes in the quadriceps femoris muscle and an increase in its strength by 6,5%. Conclusions: the aerobic workout training protocol that we developed allows athletes to effectively and safely increase the oxidizing capacities of active muscles, while not losing their main strength indicators.

The power exercises as a risk factor of Parkinson's disease

To study the relationship between the physical condition, degree of motor disturbances and power loading in former athletes with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study included 20 men with PD, including 10 power athletes with training loads in the youth for more than 5 years and 10 non-athletic patients. A medical history of PD and accompanied hypertension were analyzed, body mass index and power hand index were measured and the orthostatic test from supine to sitting position was made. Motor function was assessed with the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale of the Movement Disorder Society (MDS UPDRS) - part III. Former athletes with PD were younger compared to non-athletic patients (57.44±8,14 vs. 66.78±4.29 years; p<005) and had longer duration of the disease (6.56±5,36 vs. 3.60±3.50 years; p<0.05). The orthostatic reaction of the former athletes was accompanied by increasing of diastolic blood pressure (DBP), while there was a decrease in DBD in the non-athletic men. Hypokinetic syndrome was more pronounced in the former athletes. The slowing of movements (bradykinesia) were accessed as 3 points on MDS UPDRS in 6 people and 4 points in 4. The results show the impact of power training on the course and presentations of PD in former athletes.

The Effect of Altering Body Posture and Barbell Position on the Between-Session Reliability of Force-Time Curve Characteristics in the Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull.

Seventeen strength and power athletes (n = 11 males, 6 females; height: 177.5 ± 7.0 cm, 165.8 ± 11.4 cm; body mass: 90.0 ± 14.1 kg, 66.4 ± 13.9 kg; age: 30.6 ± 10.4 years, 30.8 ± 8.7 years), who regularly performed weightlifting movements during their resistance training programs, were recruited to examine the effect of altering body posture and barbell position on the between-session reliability of force-time characteristics generated in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). After participants were familiarised with the testing protocol, they undertook two testing sessions which were separated by seven days. In each session, the participants performed three maximal IMTP trials in each of the four testing positions examined, with the order of testing randomized. In each position, no significant differences were found between sessions for all force-time characteristics (p = >0.05). Peak force (PF), time-specific force (F50, F90, F150, F200, F250) and IMP time-bands (0–50, 0–90, 0–150, 0–200, 0–250 ms) were reliable across each of the four testing positions (ICC ≥ 0.7, CV ≤ 15%). Time to peak force, peak RFD, RFD time-bands (0–50, 0–90, 0–150, 0–200, 0–250 ms) and peak IMP were unreliable regardless of the testing position used (ICC = <0.7, CV = >15%). Overall, the use of body postures and barbell positions during the IMTP that do not correspond to the second pull of the clean have no adverse effect on the reliability of the force-time characteristics generated.

ACTN3 is associated with children's physical fitness in Han Chinese.

The ACTN3 gene locates on 11q13-q14 and encodes the α-actinin-3 protein, which is only expressed in human skeletal muscle and influenced muscle function and metabolism. The previous studies reported that SNP rs1815739 is associated with elite power athletes' performance. In this study, we investigated the association between five SNPs within the ACTN3 gene and Chinese children physical fitness. We recruited 2244 Han Chinese children participants, and measured their 25-m run, stand broad jump, 10-m shuttle run, handgrip, BMI (calculated by weight and height) data. SNPs rs1671064, rs2275998, rs2290463, rs10791881, and rs1815739 of ACTN3 gene were genotyped and analyzed in five physical fitness data. QTL analysis on genotype and physical fitness data was carried out in all samples. Furthermore, a dichotomous division of samples into an overweight group (543) and a normal group (1701) was used for an association study of overweight. In the QTL analysis, we found rs2290463 was significantly associated with stand broad jump (corrected P value = 0.009, beta = 2.692). After added age and gender as covariates in the regression test, the association became more significant (P value = 5.80 × 10- 5, corrected P value = 4.06 × 10- 4); when we used BMI as a covariate, the association still existed (P value = 4.65 × 10- 4, corrected P value = 0.001). In the association study of overweight, rs2275998 was found to be significant (OR, 95% CI = 0.733 [0.6-0.895]; Pallele = 0.011, Pgenotype = 0.024) after the Bonferroni correction, and the association did not change much after a further correction for gender, age, and stand broad jump performance. Our results showed that common variants in ACTN3 are significantly associated with both stand broad jump performance and overweight in Han Chinese children.

The Importance of Lean Body Mass for the Rate of Force Development in Taekwondo Athletes and Track and Field Throwers.

The rate of force development (RFD) is vital for power athletes. Lean body mass (LBM) is considered to be an essential contributor to RFD, nevertheless high RFD may be achieved by athletes with either high or low LBM. The aim of the study was to describe the relationship between lower-body LBM and RFD, and to compare RFD in taekwondo athletes and track and field (T&F) throwers, the latter having higher LBM when compared to taekwondo athletes. Nine taekwondo athletes and nine T&F throwers were evaluated for countermovement jumping, isometric leg press and leg extension RFD, vastus lateralis (VL), and medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture and body composition. Lower body LBM was correlated with RFD 0–250 ms (r = 0.81, p = 0.016). Taekwondo athletes had lower LBM and jumping power per LBM. RFD was similar between groups at 30–50 ms, but higher for throwers at 80–250 ms. RFD adjusted for VL thickness was higher in taekwondo athletes at 30 ms, but higher in throwers at 200–250 ms. These results suggest that lower body LBM is correlated with RFD in power trained athletes. RFD adjusted for VL thickness might be more relevant to evaluate in power athletes with low LBM, while late RFD might be more relevant to evaluate in athletes with higher LBM.

Left atrial myocardial dysfunction after chronic abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids: a speckle tracking echocardiography analysis.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are used by power athletes to improve performance. However, the real effects of the chronic consumption of AAS on cardiovascular structures are subjects of intense debate. To detect by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) underlying left atrial (LA) dysfunction in athletes abusing AAS and assess possible correlation between LA myocardial function and exercise capacity during cardiopulmonary stress test. 65 top-level competitive bodybuilders were selected (45 males), including 35 athletes misusing AAS for at least 5 years (users), 30 anabolic-free bodybuilders (non-users), compared to 40 age- and sex-matched healthy sedentary controls. Standard Doppler echocardiography, STE analysis and bicycle ergometric test were performed to assess LA myocardial function and exercise capacity. Athletes showed increased left ventricular (LV) mass index, wall thickness and stroke volume compared with controls, whereas LV ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic diameter and transmitral Doppler indexes were comparable between the three groups. Conversely, LA volume index, LV and LA strain and LV E/Em were significantly increased in AAS users. By multivariate analyses, LV E/Em (beta = - 0.30, p < 0.01), LA volume index (- 0.42, p < 0.001) and number of weeks of AAS use per year (- 0.54, p < 0.001) emerged as the only independent determinants of LA lateral wall peak STE. In addition, a close association between LA myocardial function and VO2 peak during cardiopulmonary exercise testing was evidenced (p < 0.001), showing a powerful incremental value with respect to clinical and standard echocardiographic data. STE represents a promising technique to assess LA myocardial function in athletes abusing steroids. AAS users showed a more impaired LA deformation, associated with reduced functional capacity during physical effort.

Sociology of sport, media and disability in Spain

Today, Spain is an advanced country in the field of sport for people with disabilities. Thanks to social movement led by National Blind Organization (ONCE) since the mid-80s, the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, the birth of the Spanish Paralympic Committee in 1995 and the Paralympic Sport Support Plan (ADOP) by the Government, Spain is a Paralympic power and many athletes with disabilities are socially known and admired people. However, there are yet situations of social and economic discrimination. Surely the media have powerfully influenced for improve the image of these athletes with disabilities, but still they use to give the sport for people with disabilities much less coverage than they give to other sports. From a sociological point of view, the study of sport is consolidating as a scientific area and in recent decades it has highlighted the connections between sport and society in various fields. In particular, sport for people with disabilities has become one of the areas that has evolved, especially in relation to their physical, psychological and social benefits. However, the study area relating adapted sports and mass communication is poorly developed in Spain and the references are still sporadic. The aim of this article is to show the current state of studies on sport for people with disabilities from the point of view of sociology and communication sciences in Spain, as well as the relevance of deepening these studies to achieve understanding and, as far as possible, improve the situation of these people.

Analysis of sports-relevant polymorphisms in a large Brazilian cohort of top-level athletes.

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of genetic variants associated with athletic phenotypes. Here, we selected a set of sports-relevant polymorphisms that have been previously suggested as genetic markers for human physical performance, and we examined their association with athletic status in a large cohort of Brazilians. We evaluated a sample of 1,622 individuals, in which 966 were nonathletes, and 656 were athletes: 328 endurance athletes and 328 power athletes. Only the AGT M268T minor allele was nominally associated with the endurance status. Conversely, we found that seven polymorphisms are more frequent in power athletes (MCT1 D490E, AGT M268T, PPARG P12A, PGC1A G482S, VEGFR2 Q472H, NOS3 C/T, and ACTN3 R577X). For all of these polymorphisms, power athletes were more likely than nonathletes or endurance athletes to carry the major allele or the homozygous genotype for the major allele. In particular, MCT1 D490E, AGT M268T, NOS3 C/T, and ACTN3 R577X showed stronger associations. Our findings support a role for these variants in the achievement of power athletic status in Brazilians: MCT1 D490E (T allele), AGT M268T (G allele), PPARG (C allele), PGC1A G482S (C allele), VEGFR2 Q472H (T allele), NOS3 C/T (T allele), and ACTN3 R577X (R allele).

ON THE PLYOMETRIC NATURE OF OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING BIOMECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS IN STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR SPORT

Olympic-style weightlifting exercises have found their place in the training of speed and power athletes. A systematic review of the most accredited academic literature provides kinetic and kinematic data to define the relationship between change in vertical ground reaction force (GRF), peak vertical bar velocity, average joint angular displacement and average joint angular velocity during the snatch, clean and jerk. Important similarities between jumping mechanics - the paradigm of power development in sport - and the pull in Olympic weightlifting have provided insight on the plyometric nature of these explosive movements, supporting the use of full lifts - snatch, clean and jerk - in the training of elite level athletes. Article visualizations:

The AGTR2 rs11091046 (A>C) polymorphism and power athletic status in top-level Brazilian athletes

ABSTRACTThe main purpose of this study was to investigate if the rs11091046 (A>C) polymorphism in AGTR2 gene is associated with athletic status in top-level athletes from Brazil. Since the AGTR2 gene is located on the X chromosome, the case-control association study was done separately for women and men. The female cohort was composed of 205 athletes and 241 non-athletes, and the male cohort was composed of 419 athletes and 490 non-athletes. We did not identify an association between the C-allele and the endurance phenotype. However, power athletes had a higher frequency of the A-allele. In women, A/A genotype was overrepresented in international-level power group compared with non-athletes or international-level endurance athletes (23.2% vs. 16.6% or 8.8%, respectively; p < 0.05). In men, the A-allele frequency observed in power athletes or international-level power athletes was statistically different from that observed in non-athletes (51.6% or 57.8% vs. 40.4%; p < 0.009). Furthermore, men sprinters with the A-allele showed significantly faster personal best times for the 100 m than those with the C-allele (10.56 ± 0.32 s vs. 10.93 ± 0.49 s; p < 0.02). In conclusion, it was found that the AGTR2 A-allele is a candidate genetic marker for top-level power athletes.

30-Year-Old Man With Outside-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

30-Year-Old Man With Outside-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Neuromuscular Effects to 6 Weeks of Loaded Countermovement Jumping With Traditional and Daily Undulating Periodization.

Ullrich, B, Pelzer, T, and Pfeiffer, M. Neuromuscular effects to 6 weeks of loaded countermovement jumping with traditional and daily undulating periodization. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 660-674, 2018-Loaded vertical jumps are routinely used to enhance athlete's power production in the lower extremity and to optimize jumping and sprinting performance. This study compared traditional (TP) and daily undulating (DUP) periodization on muscle strength, jumping performance, electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity, and muscle architecture during preseason loaded jump training. Twenty-two athletes from different team sports (age: 24.3 ± 2.6 years, height: 175.9 ± 7.5 cm, body mass: 72.2 ± 8.4 kg, 12 males/10 females, strength training experience: 5.1 ± 2.2 years) performed 6 weeks of loaded countermovement jumping (CMJ) (18 sessions) during which subjects arranged the experimental training loads with either TP or DUP. Therefore, loading conditions corresponding to 0, 15, and 30% of individual body mass were used by manipulating weighted training vests and the intensity zones and training volume were equated between the groups. Pre- to post-training, center of mass (COM) maximal CMJ performance, isometric maximal voluntary contractive capacity of the leg extensors (MVC), EMG maximal voluntary muscle activity of knee extensor muscles, and vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle architecture were examined. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variances (MANOVA with factors: time × training group) revealed moderate (5-16%) but significant (p ≤ 0.006) temporal increases in COM jumping height, leg extensor MVC and muscle architecture in both groups. Importantly, these temporal alterations were similar using either TP or DUP. Therefore, our data indicate that both periodization models can be effectively applied to increase leg extensor strength, vertical jumping performance, and muscle architecture during short-term preseason loaded jump training.