Pre-competition Period Research Articles

Weight loss practices and eating behaviours among female physique athletes: Acquiring the optimal body composition for competition.

Little is known about weight loss practices and eating behaviours in female physique athletes. This study investigated the weight loss history, practices, and key influences during the pre-competition period in a large cohort of female physique athletes stratified by division and experience level. Eating attitudes and behaviours were assessed to identify whether athletes were at risk of developing an eating disorder. Using a cross-sectional research design, female physique athletes (n = 158) were recruited and completed an anonymous online self-reported survey consisting of two validated questionnaires: Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Irrespective of division or experience, female physique athletes used a combination of weight loss practices during the pre-competition phase. Gradual dieting (94%), food restriction (64%) and excessive exercise (84%), followed by body water manipulation via water loading (73%) were the most commonly used methods. Overall, 37% of female physique athletes were considered at risk of developing an eating disorder. Additionally, 42% of female physique athletes used two pathogenic weight control methods with 34% of Figure novice athletes indicating binge eating once a week or more. The coach (89%) and another athlete (73%) were identified as key influences on athletes' dieting practices and weight loss. The prevalence of athletes identified with disordered eating symptoms and engaging in pathogenic weight control methods is concerning. In future, female physique athletes should seek advice from registered nutritionists to optimise weight management practices and minimise the risk of developing an eating disorder.

Analysis of the competitive activity of qualified judoists in standing wrestling

This article considers the features of the use of techniques in wrestling in a standing position by judoists in the pre-competitive period. The effectiveness of the use of various combat tactics is being discussed. The results of competitions of international level, world level and European championships are analyzed. Identified are the main areas of training which are used to plan preparation for competitions.

ОЦЕНКА СОСТОЯНИЯ БАЗОВОГО МЕТАБОЛИЗМА У СПОРТСМЕНОВ ЦИКЛИЧЕСКИХ ВИДОВ СПОРТА В ЗИМНИЙ ПРЕДСОРЕВНОВАТЕЛЬНЫЙ ПЕРИОД НА СЕВЕРЕ

The article presents an analysis of the obtained results of the research of basic metabolism in athletes – representatives of cyclic sports in the winter pre-competition period, in comparison with the control group. The analysis of the obtained data revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in the indicators of the basic metabolism of athletes and the control group. Making a conclusion, it can be assumed that there is a correlation between systematic exercise and an increase in the value of basic metabolism.

Anaerobic capacity assessment of junior basketball players after the pandemic lockdown in Romania

In the context of the pandemic period, basketball competitions have undergone changes in their organisational structure, so playing games in the form of a “bubble” tournament required adequate training. Due to the rapid pace of play during the “bubble” competitions, junior basketball players need to have very good anaerobic and aerobic capacity. Intensification of the competitive effort by increasing the speed of movement and execution, making fast breaks, performing bouncing passes and throws to the basket, fighting to recover the ball and using the active defence (pressing) all over the court imposes high demands on the body at the somatic and vegetative levels. The purpose of the present study is to assess the anaerobic capacity of junior players (U16) in the pre-competitive period, given that their training was interrupted between March and September 2020 by the legislative norms on sports activity due to the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Romania. The ascertaining study was conducted in January 2021 on the CSU Știința Bucharest team players aged 15-16 years. The tests applied to assess their anaerobic capacity consisted of Countermovement Jump (CMJ) and acceleration speed (5 m, 10 m and 15 m). The data were collected using the computerised Optojump and Tag Heurer - Chronoprinter 520 techniques.

Evaluation of Visual Skills in Soccer Referees and Assistant Referees.

Background: As a soccer referee or an assistant referee, having perfect visual skills is mandatory, which will help make quick and accurate decisions in the field of the play and during matches; however, this skill is not well studied among referrers. This study aimed to assess the visual skills of referees and assistant referees. Methods: Men’s professional referees and assistant referees working for the Iran football federation were investigated in 2019. The visual skill investigation consists of the evaluation of static visual acuity, color vision, stereoacuity, intraocular pressure, confrontation test, and eye anatomical assessment with slit lamp. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software Version 18. Results : In this study, 159 men’s professional referees and assistant referees with a mean age of 35.52±5.39 were selected. The results of this study showed that 1.88% of the referees and assistant referees had color blindness dyschromatopsia) and 3.14% of them needed more follow-up examinations. The mean spherical equivalent of examined eyes was -0.42D in the right eye and -0.16 D in the left eye. Conclusion: Our results showed that referees and assistant referees both had some kind of visual skill deficiencies. As visual skills are among the fundamental skills for success in referees in dynamic sports such as soccer, all of them must undergo visual skill assessments during the precompetition period to avoid any errors in judgment due to visual disturbances.

Порівняльна характеристика сенсомоторних реакцій висококваліфікованих спортсменів з різними типами регуляції серцевого ритму

The purpose of the study was a comparative analysis of sensorimotor reactions in highly trained athletes with different types of heart rate regulation. Materials and methods. 202 highly trained male athletes aged 22.6±2.8 years, who are engaged in acyclic sports – martial arts (karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, boxing, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, sambo) and games (water polo, soccer) were examined. The experience in sports was 10.3±3.1 years. All studies were conducted in the pre-competition period in the morning. Based on the study of heart rate variability in athletes, the type of heart rate regulation was determined. The basis for determining the types of regulation is the classification of heart rate variability indicators, taking into account their inclusion in certain limits. Heart rate variability indicators that reflect the dual-circuit model of heart rate regulation and are used for diagnosis include: total heart rate variability – total power (ms2), very low frequency (ms2), and stress-index (e.u.), which reflect the various chains of regulatory effects on heart rate. According to certain data types, 4 groups were formed. 1 group (type I) consisted of 42 athletes, 2 (type II) – 28 athletes, 3 (type III) – 88 athletes, 4 (type IV) – 44 athletes. The study of sensorimotor function was performed using the device KMM-3. Results and discussion. It is shown that the most balanced sensorimotor reactions are in athletes with type III regulation of heart rate. The most strain sensorimotor reactions are observed in type II regulation of heart rate, which is reflected in the pronounced central asymmetry of movement control with acceleration to the left against the background of deteriorating accuracy of right (due to flexors) and left (due to extensors) limbs, and the right-hand predominance. Sensorimotor reactions are quite strain in type IV of heart rate regulation, which is characterized by slow reactions at the synaptic and peripheral levels. In type I of heart rate regulation, the disorders observed at the central level of regulation relate to the asymmetry of short-term motor memory processes, which are significantly reduced in the left hemisphere. Conclusion. The study shows that the differences in the regulatory support of heart rate in highly qualified athletes are accompanied by characteristic differences in sensorimotor function. The latter can be useful for the diagnosis and further correction of conditions associated with the development of overexertion and overtraining

Optimization of the pre-starting state of athletes in rhythmic gymnastics at the initial stage of basic training

Against the background of intensifying competition in the international arena, the demands placed on female athletes in rhythmic gymnastics are growing, which requires the formation of female athletes' ability to self-control and self-regulation. The purpose of the article is to substantiate and develop an algorithm for optimizing the pre-start condition of young gymnasts at the stage of preliminary basic training. Research methods: analysis, systematization and generalization of data of scientific literature, methods of assessment of Spielberger-Khanin situational anxiety, statistical analysis. The study involved 10 gymnasts who train at the stage of basic preliminary training (8-12 years), who took part in the International Competition "Dmitrash Cup 2021". Result. It is proved that the average assessment of situational anxiety of young gymnasts in the pre-competition period is statistically significant (p <0.05) increases from 19.3 to 35.1 points. The most effective in the training process of gymnasts at the stage of initial basic training methods and techniques to combat the state of pre-start overstrain: psychological and pedagogical, hardware means of influence, methods of relaxation and mobilization and psychophysiological influences. An algorithm for optimizing the pre-start state of female athletes in rhythmic gymnastics at the initial stage of basic training, namely the establishment of the type of temperament of the athlete, the diagnosis of her pre-start state, the application of methods of regulation of pre-start states. The prospect of further research is the development of methods for optimizing the pre-start condition of athletes in rhythmic gymnastics and the formation of their skills of self-regulation in the training process at the stage of initial basic training.

Оцінка індивідуальних змін діяльності кардіореспіраторної системи атлетів при поточних обстеженнях

Assessment of the athletes’ body state is important and has many prerequisites. The latter predetermined the expediency of unifying the assessment using the normocentric approach to assessing of the cardiorespiratory system state during current examinations.The purpose of this study was to test the use of percentile analysis of cardiorespiratory system indicators to assess individual changes in the athletes’ body during current examinations. Materials and methods. Using Spiroarteriocardiorhythmography (SACR) examined 202 highly qualified male athletes aged 22.6 ± 2.8 years, representing acyclic sports – martial arts (karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, boxing, judo, sambo) and games (water polo, football). The length of service in sports was 10.3 ± 3.1 years. All studies were carried out in the pre-competition period. In accordance with the design of the examination, using SACR were carried out three times: in the morning, on an empty stomach, in a sitting position on the day of training (K1), immediately (in the first 5-7 minutes) after training (K2) and the morning after training (K3). ). Each registration lasted 2 minutes. Research results. Taking into account the previously determined boundaries of the percentile ranges of the cardiorespiratory system indices distribution, to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed approach, the changes in the indicators of tidal volume (DO), respiration rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) were assessed during control examinations of athletes before, after and the next morning after workout. It is shown that there are certain differences in cardiorespiratory indices, taking into account their response to the training load. Based on the survey data, an individual functional profile of an athlete was built, which, according to physiological parameters, makes it possible to assess the changes in the body that occur during the post-exercise period. Conclusion. The approved approach made it possible to characterize both group changes in the functional support of physical work and the individual parameters of the athlete's body from the standpoint of its recovery in the post-exercise period in a single scale of assessments

THE EFFECT OF HIGH-SPEED INTERVAL TRAINING ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF THE CARDIORESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Aim. The paper aims to study the effect of high-speed interval training on the functional status of the cardiorespiratory system of football players. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in the preparatory (the beginning of the study) and pre-competition period (the end of the study) of the annual training cycle in compliance with the requirements for biomedical research. The experimental group consisted of 32 football players ages 17-21 (Candidates for Master of Sport, First category) who have been playing football for 5–8 years. The control group of athletes (n = 32) was similar to the experimental group in terms of age and skills characteristics. The functional status of the cardiorespiratory system was assessed by using the following tests: orthostatic test, clinostatic tests, Stange test, Gench test, Cooper test, and general fitness assessment. Results. The dynamics of indicators of the cardiorespiratory system in the control group ranged from 3 to 16% by the end of the study. In the experimental group, the dynamics of indicators was 12–20%. The results obtained indicate a wider range of adaptive mechanisms of the cardiorespiratory system in the experimental group. Conclusion. The results obtained indicate that the adaptation of the cardiorespiratory system in athletes increases in the pre-competition period. Running-based physical activity led to a further performance enhancement in the pre-competition period.

Which Are the Most Determinant Psychological Factors in Olympic Shooting Performance? A Self-Perspective from Elite Shooters.

Psychological aspects like anxiety, injuries’ effects, professional psychological support (PPS), psychological training (PT), or athlete-coach relationships could influence shooters’ performance. This study tried to determine which aspects were critical from the shooters’ perspective. Eight elite shooters were interviewed. After using qualitative methods, the following categories were obtained: importance of PT; anxiety and competition relationship; mental preparation; PPS; stress during training; injuries’ psychological effects and coach’s influence. PT is important for shooter’s performance, being PPS a key aspect. Moreover, anxiety levels are critical, raising during the pre-competitive period and oscillating during competition. Furthermore, shooters considered more effective the stress placed on training by the coach than by themselves. Accordingly, the coach plays a key role. Surprisingly, injuries did not affect shooters psychologically, nor in their competitive performance. We conclude that the combination of PPS, shooter competitive experience and the optimal coach’s work can promote a greater performance in Olympic shooting.

Carbohydrate refeed does not modify GVT-performance following energy restriction in bodybuilders.

Bodybuilding is a sport in which competitors' physiques are judged on their muscular size, symmetry, and leanness, as displayed in a number of different poses. In the pre-competitive period, bodybuilders attempt to reduce body fat stores as much as possible while maintaining fat-free mass (FFM). This is achieved via a sustained negative energy balance, generally induced by a combination of decreased energy intake and increased energy expenditure. This study aimed to assess the ability of bodybuilders to resist fatigue during resistance exercise based German Volume Training (GVT), as well as the affective response after carbohydrate refeed following four weeks of moderate or severe energy restriction. Eleven male bodybuilders (28.4±2.3 years old) with experience in competitions were randomized into two groups: Moderate Energy Restriction (MER; n=6) or Severe Energy Restriction (SER; n=5). On the 2nd day (during energy restriction) and 7th day (during refeed) of the fourth week, both groups completed two leg press protocols involving the GVT method. After the first and last workout protocol subjects were assessed for muscle soreness using the visual-analog scale (VAS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), affective response, lactate, and creatine kinase. Anthropometric analysis indicated that a reduction of 3.7 and 3.2% in body mass corresponded to a loss of 16.0 and 17.6% of fat mass for the MER and SER groups, respectively, with both groups maintaining FFM. Blood CK and VAS values were reduced only in SER. Our results suggest that a carbohydrate refeed may help to attenuate the perception of muscle soreness and maintain exercise performance, especially when severe energy restriction is combined with an intense training protocol such as GVT.

Постнавантажувальна динаміка варіабельності артеріального тиску на кожному серцевому скороченні у висококваліфікованих атлетів

Using Spiroarteriocardiorhythmography (SACR), 202 highly qualified male athletes, aged 22.6 ± 2.8 years, representing acyclic sports: martial arts (karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, boxing, freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, sambo) and games (water polo, football) were examined. Sports experience was 10.3 ± 3.1 years. All studies were carried out in the pre-competition period. In accordance with the design, the examination with the use of SACR were carried out three times: in the morning, on an empty stomach, in a sitting position on the day of training (G1), immediately (in the first 5-7 minutes) after training (G2) and the next day in the morning after sleep (G3). The duration of each registration was 2 minutes. The spectral parameters of the variability of systolic (SBPV) and diastolic (DBPV) pressure and their derivatives – baroreceptor sensitivity (BR) and indices of heart rate centralization (ICHR), systolic (ICSBP) and diastolic (ICDBP) pressures were determined.

The Effect of Single Bout of Competitive Training on Muscle Damage and Liver Enzymes in University Student Wrestling and Taekwondo Athletes

Aims: The effects of exercise/training on biochemical parameters may vary according to the characteristics of individuals, physical conditions, duration and intensity of exercise, and different lipid values. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations in muscle damage and liver enzyme parameters of male university student wrestling and taekwondo athletes after single bout of competitive training.
 Methodology: The participants of the present study, sampled voluntarily. The research sample consists of 6 elite level male wrestlers (age=17.33 ± 0.54) and 6 elite level male taekwondo (age=17.66 ± 0.54) athletes. First of all, blood samples from all athletes were taken to evaluate the pre-test levels of serum AST, ALT and CK. After 15 minutes of warm-up, in accordance with the competition conditions of the relevant sports branch, the match was made in a total of 6 minutes, with appropriate loading intensity and rest interval. After at least 15 minutes of training blood samples were taken again to evaluate the post-test levels of AST, ALT and CK. Serum samples were studied in an auto analyzer.
 Results: The results showed that after single bout of competitive training, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatine kinase (CK) significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: As a conclusion; acute load of exercise caused an increase in both muscle damage and liver enzyme parameters. When this increase is compared between the two combat sports, it was seen that the parameters of the wrestlers were higher. If these biomarkers increase so much during competition, this will negatively affect the athletic performance of the athletes. In order to prevent this, success can be achieved by ensuring that the athletes are trained sufficiently and prepared for the competition during the pre-competition preparation period.

POST-LOADING DYNAMICS OF HEART RATE VARIABILITY INDICES IN HIGHLY QUALIFIED ATHLETES IN THE FORMATION OF OVERSTRAINS BY SYMPATHETIC AND PARASYMPATHETIC TYPES

Objective: to determine the HRV changes in highly qualified athletes that occur in the post-loading period, during the formation of overstrains by sympathetic and parasympathetic types.
 Research methods. 202 highly qualified male athletes aged 22.6 ± 2.8 years, who are representatives of acyclic sports, were examined. All studies were performed in the pre-competition period using spiroarteriocardiorhythmography (SACR): in the morning, on an empty stomach, in a sitting position on the day of training (K1), immediately (first 5-7 minutes) after training (K2) and the next morning after training on an empty stomach (K3). Each registration lasted 2 minutes.
 Results. At the initial stage, changes in HRV were identified, which testified to the development of overstrain of the sympathetic and parasympathetic types. The approach proposed by N. I. Shlyk was used for this purpose, when all athletes had the type of their cardiac rhythm regulation determined at K1, K2 and K3. With this in mind, 2 observation groups were formed – OG1 (with a stable central predominance of regulatory effects on heart rate) and OG2 (with a stable autonomous predominance of regulatory effects on heart rate). In OG1 at K2 and K3 the type II of cardiac rhythm regulation was noted, while in OG2 – at K2 types III and IV of regulation, and at K3 –type IV of regulation were detected. OG1 consisted of 10 athletes, OG2 – 9 athletes. The comparison group (CG) consisted of all 202 athletes.
 The analysis of changes in absolute values of HRV indicators at K1, K2 and K3 in OG1 and OG2 in comparison with CG was carried out. The dynamics of changes in most indicators in OG1 at K3 indicates their under recovery compared to CG, except for the indicator LF (ms2), which returns to baseline values and indicates the predominance of the sympathetic circuit of cardiac rhythm regulation. The dynamics of changes in and OG2 indicated a significant recovery of parasympathetic effects at K2, which was characterized by an increase in HFn (n. u) and RMSSD (ms).
 In general, the parameters of HRV, which characterize the overstrain of the cardiovascular system regulation, include RMSSD (ms), the values of which at K2 change in the opposite direction during the formation the parasympathetic type of overstrain compared to other athletes as well as its stable decrease at sympathetic overstrain at K2 and K3; the IAB index, which increasing at K2 remains at the same level at K3, at sympathetic overstrain, and at parasympathetic – changes little at K2 and decreases significantly at K3; the PAPR index, which after a pronounced increase at K2 remains moderately elevated at K3 compared to baseline in both variants of overstrain. Activation of VLF-effects in parasympathetic overstrain in K3 was indicative.
 Conclusions. The study of post-load dynamics of HRV parameters in athletes with the formation of overstrain by sympathetic and parasympathetic types showed that the most significant are the dynamics of RMSSD, IAB, PAPR and VLF, which can contribute to the use of data for validation of overstrain by sympathetic and, especially, by parasympathetic types.

Influence of Body Composition Parameters on Anaerobic Strength of Lower Extremities in Female Football Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of body composition on the anaerobic strength of the lower extremities, as well as the prediction of body composition on the results of anaerobic ability in professional football players. Materials and Method. The sample of respondents consists of female football players who compete in the highest rank of the competition, the Serbian Super League. The total number of respondents included in the study was 21 female football players (age 19.38 ± 3.69, body height 166.48 ± 6.17 cm, body weight 59.98 ± 7.09 kg). The study is of a transversal nature and testing was done in the pre-competition period. The sample of measuring instruments used in the research are body composition and assessment of anaerobic strength of the lower extremities. Assessment of body composition was performed indoors using a multifrequency bioelectric impedance (Inbody 770). Variables for estimating the anaerobic strength of the lower extremities were obtained using a bicycle ergometer (Monark 839E) in the Wingate Anaerobic Test. Results. The results of body composition show a statistically significant influence on the prediction of maximum anaerobic strength of the lower extremities in professional female football players (p < 0.05), as well as on the overall work in the anaerobic zone and the mean values ​​of anaerobic strength. Regression analysis of the influence of body composition on the parameters of maximum strength in (W/kg) and fatigue rate does not show statistically significant results. Conclusion. There is a statistically significant influence of body composition, such as: body weight, lean body mass (%), muscle mass in absolute and relative values, on the values ​​of maximum anaerobic strength, mean values ​​of anaerobic strength and overall work in professional female footballers.

Кореляції клінічно значущих та інших суб’єктивних ознак стану організму у висококваліфікованих спортсменів

The study of the subjective signs of athletes in the training process has the same importance as the study of objective characteristics, which helps to identify overstrain states of systems and their underrecovery. The purpose of the study was to determine the connections of clinically significant subjective signs of athletes with other subjective signs of the body state of highly qualified athletes in the pre-competition period. Material and methods. 202 highly qualified male athletes aged 22.6 ± 2.8 years were examined. They were representatives of acyclic sports. Their sport experience was 10.3±3.1 years. The questionnaire together with other research methods were conducted in the morning on an empty stomach in the pre-competition period. Results and discussion. According to the questionnaire signs we identified some things might be clinically significant, namely: unpleasant sensations in the heart, feeling of interruption in the heart work, sweating at rest, headache after sleep, sweating at low loads, the feeling of fatigue after sleep, sweating at the sleep. Unpleasant sensations in the heart and feeling of interruption in the heart work were the most critical from the perspective of overload or underrecovery of cardiovascular system. This was confirmed by their connections with their weekly duration (r = 0.230, р = 0.021 and r = 0.343, р = 0.000, accordingly) and duration of trainings (r = 0.202, р = 0.042 and r = 0.361, р = 0.000, accordingly). There were no other subjective signs with such connections. Noteworthy was the inverse relationship between sweating at low load and the age of athletes (r = -0.249, р = 0.012) and their training experience (r = -0.275, р = 0.005), which is quite understandable from the perspective of formation of adaptation mechanism with increasing training experience. Sweating at low loads is associated with a feeling of heaviness in working muscles (r = 0.230, р = 0.020), and a feeling of fatigue after sleep with feelings of fatigue at rest the day after training (r = 0.250, р = 0.012), feeling of heaviness during training (r = 0.210, p = 0.035) and a headache after training (r = 0.221, p = 0.026). These clinically significant subjective signs had a number of specific links that could be essential for assessing functional and non-functional overstrain in the athlete’s body. Conclusion. In general, the analysis of associations of clinically significant subjective signs of athletes allowed to determine the most important ones for assessing the condition of athletes. The analysis of other subjective signs should be conducted taking into account the data of objective instrumental research

Morning Heart Rate Variability as an Indication of Fatigue Status in Badminton Players during a Training Camp.

This study aimed to clarify whether changes in the fatigue status of elite athletes during a precompetition period could be evaluated using morning heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Eight Japanese National Badminton Team players (age, 23.0 ± 2.8 years) participated in this study. HRV and subjective fatigue were measured during the first (days 1–4: Phase 1) and the second half (days 5–8: Phase 2) of an 8-day national team training camp. The global and parasympathetic HRV indices were as follows: standard deviation of all R-R intervals (SDNN) (Phase 1, 87.5 ms; Phase 2, 104.3 ms; p < 0.05), root mean square of the successive R-R interval differences (RMSSD) (Phase 1, 66.6 ms; Phase 2, 103.6 ms; p < 0.05), and high-frequency component power (HF) (Phase 1, 1412.0 ms2; Phase 2, 3318.5 ms2; p < 0.05). All the aforementioned indices increased significantly from Phase 1 to Phase 2. Significant correlations were observed between the change in subjective fatigue and changes in SDNN, RMSSD, and HF (ρ = −0.80, p = 0.017; ρ = −0.77, p = 0.027; and ρ = −0.80, p = 0.017, respectively). Measuring morning HRV indices may be effective for objectively evaluating changes in the fatigue status of elite athletes during a precompetition period.

Effects of small-sided games and high-intensity interval training on physical performance in young female handball players.

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of small-sided handball games in combination with handball training (SSG group) versus high-intensity interval training in combination with handball training (HIIT group) on physical performance of young female handball players during pre-competitive period. Twenty-four young female handball players, who have a 6.17 ± 1.54 years training experience and competition in the national league participated in this study. SSG group (n = 12; age 16.06 ± 0.80 years, body mass 61.27 ± 3.68 kg, body height 1.64 ± 4.7 m, body mass index 22.7 kg/m2) while HIIT group (n = 12; 16.20 ± 1.28 years, body mass 62.46 ± 7.86 kg, body height 1.68 ± 6.8 m, body mass index 22 kg/m2). Both groups applied training programs twice-a-week for 8 weeks. Before and after the training programs physical performances were assessed: Countermovement jump (CMJ), Squat jump (SJ), Sprint on 0–10 m; Sprint on 0–20 m; Sprint on 0–30 m, Throwing medicine ball and total distance covered during the Yo-YoIRT1. After 8 weeks SSG and HIIT groups significantly improved CMJ, SJ, 0–20 m sprint, 0–30 m sprint, throwing medicine ball and Yo-YoIRT1 (p ≤ 0.05). However, significantly greater improvement was achieved in Yo-YoIRT1 (m) in HIIT group (28.40%) than SSG group (17.63%). These results indicate that SSG group and HIIT group equally improve of physical performances (jump, sprint and upper explosive strength) among young female handball players in pre-competitive period.

Effects of gradual weight loss on strength levels and body composition in wrestlers athletes.

Few investigations have evaluated isokinetic torque after a period of weight loss in wrestlers. Thus, the current study sought to investigate the effects of gradual weight loss in the precompetitive period on isokinetic peak torque in the upper and lower limbs and body composition in wrestling athletes. Eight elite athletes participated in the study (mean age 20.8±3.1 years). The athletes visited the laboratory on 2 occasions: during the period of weight maintenance (baseline) and during weight loss, in the precompetitive period (post). The variables analyzed were body composition through air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD) and peak torque (PT) of knee flexion and extension movements, and internal and external shoulder rotation in concentric action, at speeds of 60°/s and 180°/s, determined using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems; Shirley, NY, USA). A significant decrease was observed in body composition values, except lean mass. No significant differences were observed in the PT of the movements analyzed: Shoulder internal rotation (60°/s P=0.825; 180°/s P=0.245) and external rotation (60°/s P=0.149; 180°/s P=0.163) and knee extension (60°/s P=0.086; 180°/s P=0.630) and flexion (60°/s P=0.310; 180°/s P=0.239). Gradual weight loss did not affect the production of torque in the wrestlers before a competition. In addition, gradual weight loss contributed to a reduction in body fat, associated with an increase in percentage lean body mass.

Rapid Weight Loss Adversely Affects Muscle Damage Markers In Elite Judo Athletes

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is a phenomenon that is commonly detected amongst elite judo athletes. It is used to gain the advantage over their lighter opponents. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of 7-day RWL intervention on muscle damage markers in seven elite judokas during a pre-competition period. METHODS: The participants voluntarily participated in this study. RWL was induced in accordance to personal preference previously practiced by judo athletes. Most frequently reported methods of RWL were increased exercise volume, fluid and caloric restriction and heated environment exposure. RESULTS: RWL induced a significant drop in weight within all seven participants (93.07 ± 10.69 kg at baseline vs. 88.12 ± 10.30 kg at follow-up; P < 0.001). Regarding biochemical changes, myoglobin levels significantly increased on the last day of intervention (P < 0.01) (day 7). In addition, creatine kinase levels were also elevated on the 6th day of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the obtained results, RWL methods caused alterations in myoglobin and creatine kinase levels in elite judokas. This indicates that although RWL is perceived as helpful in achieving success in competition, it can produce muscle tissue damage that can further impact fitness profile of elite judokas. This project was partly supported by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development (175037 and 179011), the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research (142-451-2473 and 114-451-710) and the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad (2019 Annual Award).