Pre-competition Period Research Articles

Энергетическая и пищевая ценность рационов питания спортсменов-биатлонистов

Objective: evaluation of nutritional and energy value dietary intakes of elite athletes who engaged into biathlon. Materials and methods: 30 athletes (20 men and 10 women) were surveyed whose middle age was 20,9±0,75 и 19,4±0,5 years old, respectively. The studies were conducted in the immunology laboratory of Federal Researcher Centre of Nutrition and Biotechnology, and in the Federal Research and Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia. Study was conducted during pre-competition period, simultaneously with profound medical examination. Data collection of surveyed athletes' dietary intakes was carried out using questionnaire-polling method of 24-hour nutrition replication. The measure of consume food amounts was performed by using the «Servings album of products and dishes». The estimation of nutrients and energy consumption was carried out using an electronic database of the chemical composition of products and dishes. Results: estimation of the energy and nutritional value of the athletes diet has shown a discrepancy between the obtained values and the recommendations for this group of physical activity. Levels of diet's energy value amounted to 4043±230 (3732 – 4498 kcal/day) by men and 3479±156,4 (3228 – 3795 kcal/day) by women. The ratio of caloric intake of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the diets of athletes was 14.5%, 37.3%, 48.1% for men, and 15.8%, 33.3% and 50.8% for women, respectively. In this, for athletes who generally train endurance the recommended ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates in the diet is 13-15%, 24-25% and 58-61%, respectively according to various literary data. Conclusions: among surveyed athletes, there was a tendency towards exceed energy intake due to fat (37.3±2.7% in men; 33.3±2.5% in women) and insufficient carbohydrate intake (48.1±3.1% and 50, 8±2.3%, respectively) with normal levels of protein intake (14.5±1.3% for men; 15.8±2.3% for women). Despite the fact that women had a higher intake of carbohydrates than men, the proportion of complex carbohydrates in the structure of the diet was 7.5% lower (p <0.05). These findings indicate the diet imbalance of this athlete’s category.

The effect of rapid weight loss on body composition and circulating markers of creatine metabolism in judokas

We evaluated the effects of a 7-day rapid weight loss (RWL) intervention on body composition and biomarkers of creatine metabolism in eight elite judokas during a pre-competition period. RWL induced a significant drop in weight (81.7±10.7 kg at baseline vs. 76.8 ± 10.3 kg at follow-up; p&amp;lt;.001), fat mass (12.6±5.6 kg vs. 9.2±4.0 kg; p=.003) and fat-free mass (69.1±7.3 kg vs. 67.6±7.7 kg; p=.05), accompanied by an increase in serum creatinine levels at follow-up (104.0±10.5 µmol/L vs. 114.9±10.2 µmol/L; p=.009). An acute restriction of food and fluid intake appears to negatively affect fat-free mass and indices of kidney function in judokas.

Responsiveness of Time and Cost-Efficient Monitoring Measures on Triathlon Training a Call for Individualized Training Monitoring

Objective: We aimed to assess the responsiveness of monitoring measures on cumulative training from the previous 1 up to 7 days in elite triathletes. Methods: Six male well-trained triathletes (31.8 ± 6.8 yrs, VO2max 70.5 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min) participated in a 9 weeks observational study during the pre-competition training period. Training load and time spent in different training intensity zones, morning measures of objective monitoring variables including resting heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and sleep duration and subjective monitoring variables including subjectively felt daily condition, energy level, willingness to train, muscle soreness, general stress, general fatigue and quality of sleep were assessed daily. Training data were retrospectively correlated with objective and subjective measures Results: On a group level, higher cumulative training time spent in high-intensity running but not swimming or cycling lead to moderate increase in muscle soreness (R=0.344 for 5-days cumulative high-intensity running, p=0.043), small increase in subjectively felt general stress (R=0.168 for 4-days. Cumulative high-intensity training time (cHITT), p=0.043 and R=0.221 for 6-days cHITT, p=0.043), a small decrease in daily condition (R=-0.113 for 7-days cHIIT, p=0.043) and willingness to train (R=-0.169 for 7-days cHIIT, p=0.043) but did not affect any objective monitoring variables.There were remarkable individual differences in correlations between cumulative training load, time spent in different training intensity zones and objective and subjective variables Conclusion: Since the responsiveness of objective and subjective monitoring parameters to training was very individual, not only training loads but also the selection of objective and subjective measures should be individualized for monitoring triathletes.

INTER SEASON PHYSIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE BRAZILIAN BEACH HANDBALL TEAM

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Brazilian national women's beach handball team traditionally holds intense pre-competition training with several daily sessions in the weeks before major matches. This can cause excessive physical strain, but physiological monitoring can guide the coaching staff to modulate the training load, preventing this excessive strain. Objective: To monitor the physiological responses of members of the Brazilian national women's beach handball team in a pre-competition training program with loads modulated according to individual physiological response. Methods: Seventeen athletes (27.1 ± 3.8 years) were assessed before the start of the pre-competition training period (E1), on Day 8 (E2) and Day 18 (E3). Blood samples were taken for subsequent analysis of muscular damage markers (creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)). An ECG test was performed to assess cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire was applied to assess mood. The results were reported to the coaching staff, who made training adjustments according to the individual status of each athlete. Results: CK increased significantly from E1 to E2 (131.1 ± 80.9 vs 212.9 ± 131.7) and remained unchanged (212.9 ± 185.6) up to E3, while LDH was significantly reduced from E2 to E3 (590.7 ± 120.2 vs 457.8 ± 86.6), finishing the pre-competition training program with values similar to E1 (512.7 ± 190.6). The only change noted was the subjective sensation of fatigue from the POMS questionnaire that was significantly higher in E2 (4.82 ± 4.05) and E3 (5.5 ± 4.8) compared to E1 (2.06 ± 2.61), but no changes in total mood disturbance were detected in this instrument. Conclusion: With the modulation of training loads based on results of physiological tests, the members of the Brazilian national women's beach handball team responded in a physiologically adequate manner, even when faced with a sudden increase in training load for 18 consecutive days. Level of evidence III; Diagnostic study-investigation of a diagnostic test.

PO-151 The change characteristics of precompetition biochemical indexes of excellent male gymnasts

PO-151 The change characteristics of precompetition biochemical indexes of excellent male gymnasts

Reviewing the Effect of 10 Days of Intense Exercise Period on Certain Blood Parameters of Tennis Players

This study aims to observe the possible negative effects that might occur on bio-chemistry and hemogram values of tennis players during the intense competition period by comparing the blood values of pre-competition period with 10 days of intense exercise. Blood samples were obtained from tennis team players who do not have any specific health problems and who study in university and regularly exercise. Mean age of the athletes are 22,40 ± 3,20 years and mean height is 179,83 ± 7,57 cm. This study is performed with 14 volunteer tennis players. Blood samples are obtained during the first day of the intense exercise program after the exercise, last day of the exercises and also right after the exercises. As per the obtained data, descriptive statistics are run (mean and standard deviation) and in order to compare the values of before and after the 10 days of intense exercise, Wilcoxon two related sample test was used. As per the results of the blood tests from before and after the exercise period, it is seen that values such as AST, ALT, MCH, MCHC and CK showed statistical significance (P&lt;0.05). The athletes who prepared for the competitions with these values showed positive increases in bio-chemistry and hemogram values.

What Should We Do About Habitual Caffeine Use in Athletes?

Caffeine is a well-established ergogenic aid, demonstrated to enhance performance across a wide range of capacities through a variety of mechanisms. As such, it is frequently used by both athletes and non-athletes alike. As a result, caffeine ingestion is ubiquitous in modern society, with athletes typically being exposed to regular non-supplemental caffeine through a variety of sources. Previously, it has been suggested that regular caffeine use may lead to habituation and subsequently a reduction in the expected ergogenic effects, thereby blunting caffeine’s performance-enhancing impact during critical training and performance events. In order to mitigate this expected performance loss, some practitioners recommended a pre-competition withdrawal period to restore the optimal performance benefits of caffeine supplementation. However, at present the evidence base exploring both caffeine habituation and withdrawal strategies in athletes is surprisingly small. Accordingly, despite the prevalence of caffeine use within athletic populations, formulating evidence-led guidelines is difficult. Here, we review the available research regarding habitual caffeine use in athletes and seek to derive rational interpretations of what is currently known—and what else we need to know—regarding habitual caffeine use in athletes, and how athletes and performance staff may pragmatically approach these important, complex, and yet under-explored phenomena.

Effects of Precompetitive Preparation Period on the Isokinetic Muscular Characteristics in World Class Handball Players.

Maurelli, O, Bernard, PL, Dubois, R, Ahmaidi, S, and Prioux, J. Effects of precompetitive preparation period on the isokinetic muscular characteristics in world class handball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1065-1074, 2019-The aim of this study was to describe the effects of 8 weeks of precompetitive preparation period (Pc2P) on the isokinetic muscular characteristics in world-class handball players. Nineteen male professional players (age, 26.6 ± 5.4 years) participated in the study. Two bilateral isokinetic tests of knee joint flexors (H; hamstring) and extensors (Q; quadriceps) were performed before and after Pc2P to determine the peak torque (PT), the mean power (MP), and the ratios (agonist-antagonist, dominant-nondominant, and combined). For the PT, Q at low angular velocity (60°·s) in concentric mode revealed no significant increase for the dominant or nondominant legs. For H, results showed a significant increase for both legs (p < 0.001). At the higher angular velocity (240°·s), Q was significantly increased for the dominant (p < 0.005) and nondominant (p < 0.002) legs and also H for both sides (p < 0.001). Eccentric mode (30°·s) showed a significant increase for dominant (p < 0.005) and nondominant (p < 0.01) legs. For MP, results showed significant increase at low angular velocity (p < 0.003) and high angular velocity (p < 0.01) for both legs. In eccentric mode, values showed a significant increase after Pc2P for dominant (p < 0.001) and nondominant (p < 0.02) legs. The ratios showed significant increase for the agonist-antagonist ratio at 60°·s for dominant leg (p < 0.003) and the nondominant leg (p < 0.01). At 240°·s, the values showed a significant difference for both side (p < 0.02). From an injury risk perspective, in addition to optimizing performance, these results demonstrated that 8 weeks of Pc2P increased the maximum strength and muscle power of international handball players, even if the ratios of the knee joint muscles did not change during this period.

Influence of initial performance level and tactical position on the aerobic fitness in soccer players after preseason period

ABSTRACTObjectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in aerobic fitness in young elite Spanish soccer players after the pre-competitive period over 12 seasons depending on the initial performance level and the tactical position.Methods: One hundred and thirty players belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga Club participated in this study. Aerobic fitness capacity (the velocity associated with a blood lactate concentration [La]b of 3 mmol l–1 [V3]) was assessed in each season at the start of the preseason (i.e. July), Test 1 (T1), and the start of the competitive period (i.e. September), Test 2 (T2), from 1998 to 2013 season.Results: Taking all seasons together a most likely small improvement (effect size (ES) = 0.52; ±0.09) was found in V3 after preseason, but this varied from trivial to moderate among the seasons. A most likely large improvement was found for the players with lower V3 values in T1 (ES = 1.68; ±0.38) while a likely small enhancement was assigned to the group with higher V3 values (ES = 0.53; ±0.42).Conclusions: Technical staff should be cautious about affirming an improvement in aerobic fitness after preseason.

Safety in Mixed Martial Arts: a 7-Year Review of Cancelled MMA Bouts in Calgary, Alberta, During the Pre-bout Medical Examination Period

BackgroundPresently, there is no literature that examines the reasons for the cancellation of amateur or professional mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts. The purpose of this study was to review the circumstances that lead to the cancellation of MMA bouts by Calgary ringside physicians during the pre-bout examination period and to identify any emerging patterns that may guide the regulatoin of this sport.MethodsThe case-series was constructed from the Calgary Combative Sports Commission pre-bout examination records and the medical records submitted by each athlete from January 2010 to December 2016.ResultsCancelled bouts in the pre-bout examination periods represented 5.4% of all MMA bouts in Calgary. A total of 25 reasons lead to bout cancellation and included the following: failure to obtain required neuroimaging (28.0%), neuroimaging abnormalities (24.0%), incomplete routine screening investigations (16.0%), exceeding maximum weight differential between the two athletes (16.0%), injury in the pre-competition period (8.0%), dehydration (4.0%), and ECG abnormalities (4.0%). The abnormalities on neuroimaging (n of 6) included the following: post traumatic gliosis on MRI (n = 1, 16.7%), flares diffusely and findings consistent with microhemorrhage on MRI (n = 1, 16.7%), chronic orbital fracture with fat pad extrusion on CT (n = 2, 33.3%), lacunar infarct on MRI (1), and unspecified MRI abnormality (n = 1, 16.7%). Twenty-two athletes had bouts cancelled and of these three athletes had their bouts stopped for two reasons.ConclusionsThe following recommendations are presented and include: the creation of guidelines regarding pre- and post-bout neuroimaging, the implementation of industry-wide minimum medical screening standards, the adoption of a longitudinal approach to weight monitoring, the development of competent ringside physician groups, and active oversight by the Combative Sports Commission during the matchmaking process.

Evaluation of chemical composition and energy value of of the diets of highly skilled athletes

159 highly skilled athletes were surveyed in the pre-competition period of sports training. A comparative assessment of the energy value and chemical composition of athletes diets on the basis of the questionnaire method of 24-hour (daily) reproduction of nutrition showed significant variability and dependence on the type of sports specialization of activities and gender of athletes. In particular, statistically significant (p <0.05) increase in the energy consumption value of rations in biathlonists was shown in comparison with athletes specializing in bullet shooting of various specializations of bobsleigh (overclockers and pilots) both in the male group (33.4%, 14, 8%, 31.5%), respectively, and female (33.9%, 13.8%, 41.7%), respectively. In the bobsledder of both sex groups specializing in overclocking, the energy values of rations were also statistically higher than those of athletes from the group of bullet shooting and bobsleigh pilots: by 21.7% and 19.6%, respectively, in the male group and 23.2% and 32.3%, respectively, in the female. Depending on the type of athletic activity and gender of athletes, the consumption of the main macro-intravenous animals varied significantly. In particular, the amount of protein ranged from 119.2 to 200.2 g/day in men and from 79.5 to 170.1 g/day in women; fat - 119.1-164.2 g / day for men and 84.6-148.8 g/day for women; carbohydrates - 385.1-594.6 g/day, in men and 285.5-475.6 in women.

Показатели работоспособности паралимпийцев-лыжников с поражением опорно-двигательного аппарата, выступающих в категории «стоя»

Objective: to analyze changes of health indicators of athletes with physical impairments in Para cross-country skiing and Para biathlon, depending on the period of training, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the recovery period on the basis of the results obtained. Materials and methods: 11 Para cross-country skiers and Para biathletes, members of the Russian national team (mean age of 29,5±2,6 years) of «standing» category were examined. The step-up test was used to perform the ultimate muscular work to «failure» on the running treadmill HP Cosmos. Duration of each stage was 3 min, the load capacity of men and women - 100W - 150W - 200W - 250W or more (web speed of 9.0 - 10.2 - 12.8 - 14.4 km/h and etc) at each stage, lifting blade angle - 1C. VO2max was carried out by a gas analyzer - Oxycon Pro (ERICH JAEGER GmbH, Germany). Results: in the early precompetitive period of 2013 the expected growth of performance was observed. A decrease in the indexes of aerobic capacity of athletes indicated a correctly designed training schedule in accordance with basic principles of training loads increasing. The analysis of the recovery in the post-Paralympic period of 2014 showed a significant decrease in the overall duration of the test, a deeper decline in the functional reserves of athletes in comparison with the pre-competition period, and lack of dynamics in indicators characterizing aerobic capacity. These changes revealed an inefficiency of the recovery post-Paraympic period despite the increase in the VO2max values. Conclusions: the identified indicators pointed at incomplete recovery of cross-country skiers and biathlets in the «standing» category. Registered pronounced cumulative training effect indicates the existing potential of cross-country skiers and biathletes with physical impairments to develop the fundamental characteristics of endurance sports.

Application of bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry as interchangeable methods to assess body composition of sportspersons.

Objective: The study was conducted to find application of bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry as interchangeable methods to assess body composition of sportspersons. Design: A 4 months long cross-sectional study was conducted at Sports Authority of India during pre-competition period. Method: 83 national and international level players from Sports Authority of India with age 18-25 years were selected as participants and body fat percentage was estimated using both the techniques following strict adherence to pre-measurement criteria. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all the parameters. Bland-Altman analysis was carried out to compare the methods. Result: Internal consistency of the data was confirmed by Pearsons correlation value of 0.739 at p?0.05. Mean body fat percentage from anthropometry came out to be 13.085.00 and from BIA 14.789.29. Mean difference between the body fat percent values between anthropometry and BIA was found to be 1.706.53. Limits of agreement from Bland-Altman plot were found to be clinically significant with values from -14.51 to 11.11 at 95% confidence interval suggesting large discrepancies.Discussion: Based upon the findings of the study, it is not advisable to use anthropometry and BIA as interchangeable methods of body fat estimation however results need to be validated with further studies in future. Out of the two methods, BIA involves certain pre-measurement criteria like players falling in normal BMI ranges with emptied bladder, no vigorous training and food beverage intake before assessment. As, a result the study suggests anthropometry as a preferred method for body fat estimation of sportspersons.

Is the internal training load different between starters and nonstarters volleyball playerssubmitted to the same external load training? A case study

O mesmo estimulo de treinamento pode proporcionar diferentes adaptacoes fisiologicas para os atletas de uma mesma equipe. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar e comparar as cargas de treinamento de atletas titulares e reservas de uma equipe de voleibol masculino em diferentes periodos da temporada. A amostra foi composta por quinze atletas da superliga masculina de volei que foram divididos em dois grupos de titulares e reservas. A carga de treinamento de dez semanas pertencentes ao periodo de preparacao da equipe para o campeonato principal da temporada em que nao houve a realizacao de jogos foi selecionada para o estudo. Foi utilizado para a quantificacao da carga de treinamento o metodo da percepcao subjetiva do esforco da sessao (PSE) proposto por Foster et al. (2001). O Grupo titular apresentou maiores valores de carga de treinamento semanal total (CTST) e de PSE na media das 10 semanas de treinamento (p<0,05). Foi demonstrado tambem maior valor de CTST para os titulares no periodo preparatorio e competitivo em relacao aos reservas (p<0,05). Quando as diferentes semanas foram analisadas separadamente, a semana 3 e 7 apresentaram a CTST e a PSE maiores para os titulares comparado com os reservas (p<0,05). Os resultados apresentados pelo presente estudo mostraram que atletas considerados titulares apresentaram maior carga interna de treinamento em comparacao aos atletas considerados reservas.

A carga interna de treinamento é diferente entre atletas de voleibol titulares e reservas? Um estudo de caso

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n4p395 The same training stimulus can provide different physiological adaptations for athletes of the same team. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze and compare the load training of starters and nonstarters players, athletes of a men’s volleyball team at different times of the season. The sample consisted of fifteen men’s volleyball superleague athletes who were divided into two groups of starters and nonstarters players. The training load of the ten weeks of the team’s preparation period for the main championship season in which no games were performed was selected for the study. The method of subjective perceived of effort (session-RPE) proposed by Foster et al. (2001) was used to quantify the training load. The group of starters players had higher total weekly training load (TWTL) and RPE values in the average of the ten weeks of training (p&lt;0.05). Higher TWTL values for starters players in the preparatory and pre-competitive period compared to nonstarters players was also demonstrated (p&lt;0.05). When different weeks were analyzed separately, weeks three and seven presented higher TWTL and RPE values for starters players compared with nonstarters players (p&lt;0.05). The results presented in this study showed that starters players showed greater internal training load compared to nonstarters players.

A carga interna de treinamento é diferente entre atletas de voleibol titulares e reservas? Um estudo de caso

The same training stimulus can provide different physiological adaptations for athletes of the same team. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze and compare the load training of starters and nonstarters players, athletes of a men’s volleyball team at different times of the season. The sample consisted of fifteen men’s volleyball superleague athletes who were divided into two groups of starters and nonstarters players. The training load of the ten weeks of the team’s preparation period for the main championship season in which no games were performed was selected for the study. The method of subjective perceived of effort (session-RPE) proposed by Foster et al. (2001) was used to quantify the training load. The group of starters players had higher total weekly training load (TWTL) and RPE values in the average of the ten weeks of training (p<0.05). Higher TWTL values for starters players in the preparatory and pre-competitive period compared to nonstarters players was also demonstrated (p<0.05). When different weeks were analyzed separately, weeks three and seven presented higher TWTL and RPE values for starters players compared with nonstarters players (p<0.05). The results presented in this study showed that starters players showed greater internal training load compared to nonstarters players.

Вплив інтервального гіпоксичного тренування на показники фізичної підготовленості кваліфікованих альпіністів

Purpose : determine the influence of interval hypoxic training (IHT) on the indices of physical preparedness at the stage of precompetitive preparation for overcoming Mount Elbrus . Material & Methods : to determine the level of manifestation of physical qualities, the exercises recommended for the training of climbers and methods of mathematical statistics with the calculation of well-known indicators were used to establish the correlation dependence and the reliable difference between the group indices. Results: the conducted studies made it possible to establish that the use of the regime of discontinuous hypoxia 15–15 with breathing through the system into a closed space in the training process of the precompetitive period contribute to an increase in the indices of physical fitness of climbers. Conclusion: the results of the conducted studies indicate that the use of IHT in the 15–15 mode in the period before the ascent to the city of Elbrus allows to significantly increasing the indices of physical preparedness (mainly exercises with a delay in breathing) and the anaerobic and aerobic endurance of skilled climbers in the pre-competition stage.

High Resistance Training Volume and Low Caloric and Protein Intake Are Associated with Detrimental Alterations in Body Composition of an Amateur Bodybuilder Using Anabolic Steroids: A Case Report

Many bodybuilders use anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) to potentiate muscle mass gain as a result of specific resistance training and nutrition. The case we describe hereafter outlines alterations in body composition of an amateur bodybuilder during his pre-competitive period (11 weeks). The Participant was a 28-year old Caucasian male who was aiming to participate in his first bodybuilding competition under the “Men’s Physique” category. The Participant self-administered AAS for the whole pre-competitive period, followed a 13 set-meal plan consisting of 10 daily meals interspersed by approximately 2 h, and performed six high-volume resistance-training sessions a week. Body mass and anthropometric variables were measured at the beginning, during and at the end of his pre-competitive period. Dietetic analysis revealed a reduction in protein intake at the 10th (% decrease: −51.3%) and 11th weeks (% decrease: −64.5%) and in calorie intake at the 10th (% decrease: −57.9%) and 11th weeks (% decrease: −59.5%) in comparison to the 1st week. As a result, the Participant reduced both total body mass and fat percentage. However, there was a reduction in absolute fat free mass, despite the use of AAS. Apparently, the combination of excessive volumes of training with inadequate protein consumption was responsible for this outcome.

Rating of Perceived Exertion for Quantification of Training and Combat Loads During Combat Sport-Specific Activities: A Short Review.

The aim of this short review was to summarize data pertaining to the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) methods (RPE value and session-RPE) during combat sport-specific activities (i.e., competition and training) based on many factors, including contest type (i.e., official vs. simulated vs. training), combat rounds, age of participants and muscle groups, and their correlation with physiological variables (i.e., blood lactate concentration [La] and heart rate [HR]). The current review shows higher RPE in a match of mixed martial arts (MMAs) than Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing matches and during the competitive period compared with the precompetitive period. This could be explained by the longer duration of bouts, the higher percentage contribution of aerobic metabolism in MMA than other combat sports and contest type differences (simulated vs. official matches). Thus, this review found significant correlations between RPE or session-RPE, [La] and HR. Particularly, there was a stronger correlation between RPE and [La] during official striking (r = 0.81) than grappling combat sports matches (r = 0.53). In addition, a variation of correlation (moderate to large) between session-RPE and HR-based methods has been reported (i.e., Edwards' training load [r ranged between 0.58 and 0.95] and Banister training impulse [r ranged between 0.52 and 0.86]). Specifically, stronger correlation was apparent in combat sport competition that required a much higher percentage contribution of aerobic metabolism (e.g., karate) and in adult athletes than anaerobic-based combat sports (e.g., taekwondo) and young athletes, respectively. Indeed, the current review highlights that the correlations between session-RPE and HR-based methods were higher during official competition than training sessions. Session-RPE was affected by participants' competitive level, the intensity of session (high vs. low), the training modalities (tactical-technical vs. technical-development vs. simulated competition), and the training volume in combat sports athletes. Rating of perceived exertion is a valid tool for quantifying internal training and combat loads during short- and long-term training and simulated and official competitions in novice and elite combat sport athletes. Furthermore, both RPE methods may be a more reliable measure of intensity or effort when both anaerobic and aerobic systems are appreciably activated. Coaches, sports scientists, and athletes can use session-RPE method to quantify short-term training and combat loads in adult athletes during precompetitive period much more than long-term training and in young athletes during the competitive period. They can also use RPE to monitor combat and short- and long-term training loads to better plan and assist training programs and competitions.

Self-reported feeling of mood, fatigue and recovery and physical performance of tae kwon athletes during a pre-competitive period

This study monitored self-reported feeling of mood, fatigue and recovery, anthropometry and physical performance in Tae Kwon Do athletes during a pre-competitive period. We assessed mood states (Questionnaire POMS), stress and subjective recovery (RESTQ - Sport 76), estimated fat mass (skinfolds), and physical performance (speed test - 30meters, horizontal jump and aerobic performance - Queens College step test) in nine male athletes of Paraiba tae kwon do state team, Brazil. These evaluations were performed every three days along two weeks before the competition and along the week after the competition day. During the week prior to competition self-reported feelings of mood, stress and recovery increased, followed by a decrease in the recovery scales. Athletes decreased their velocity, but it was observed a significant increase in muscle power (P = 0.023, Δ = 7.2 %). No changes were observed for aerobic performance during the same week. During the pre-competitive period, the athletes presented an increase in psychological stress and a decrease in physical performance.