Preparatory Season Research Articles

Evaluation of sleep patterns during a preparatory season of female college athletes

Evaluation of sleep patterns during a preparatory season of female college athletes

Periodization Of The Training Load Through A Preparatory Season For High-Level Algerian Judokas

Periodization Of The Training Load Through A Preparatory Season For High-Level Algerian Judokas

Accuracy Of Multi-frequency BIA In %Fat Change During Weight Loss Among Competitive Girl Runners

Periodical measurement of %fat with accuracy is crucial for optimizing the health and performance in competitive runners who need strict weight control. Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) is feasible for routine use but the evidence of the accuracy is limited to cross-sectional evaluation and no data is available for tracking of %fat change in competitive runners. PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of MFBIA for evaluating the decrease in %fat by weight loss among competitive girl runners. METHODS: The data of %fat were obtained from consecutive 25 freshmen long distance runners over 5 years in the same girlʼs high school team and were retrospectively analyzed. The team regularly participated in the All-Japan high school Ekiden championship. MFBIA was performed at the preparatory season (PRE) and repeated after 5.6 ± 0.5 months at the competitive season (CMP) with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as reference. Weight loss period was defined as that between PRE and CMP and changes in %fat (Δ%fat) was calculated by subtracting %fat in PRE from those in CMP. Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the validity of MFBIA compared to DXA for Δ%fat. Statistical significance of the mean difference between MFBIA and DXA was assessed by paired t-test. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Written informed consent was obtained from the runners and their parents. RESULTS: %Fat by DXA vs. MFBIA at PRE and CMP were 19.7 ± 5.6 vs. 17.9 ± 5.4% and 12.7 ± 3.1 vs. 12.2 ± 2.6%, respectively. Thus, systemic error (the mean difference) of Δ%fat between the 2 methods was 1.2 percentage points [pp] (DXA, -6.9 vs. MFBIA, -5.7pp, p=0.008). Random error (the limits of agreement) was -3.0 to 5.5pp and no proportional error was observed between MFBIA and DXA. CONCLUSIONS: The small size of systemic error (mean difference) allow the use of MBIA to evaluate a group mean of Δ%fat. However, due to the large random error size relative to the low level of %fat of the competitive runners, caution should be taken to use MFBIA for individual monitoring of %fat change during weight loss period.

Changes in the Level of Motor Preparation of Professional Soccer Players in Training

Abstract Introduction . Since the competition period has been prolonged in modern football, it is important to know if a shortened preparatory phase is enough to improve motor fitness preparation. This study analysed the changes in the level of physical fitness in second-league soccer players with respect to training conducted during the preparatory period. Material and methods . Speed (5-m and 30-m sprint), endurance (progressive test), and power (Counter Movement Jump) were tested in 21 players at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory phase. Results . The results obtained indicate a significant improvement in physical capacity parameters as well as speed and strength abilities measured using 5-m and 30-m running speed tests and the CMJ test for muscle power. In the progressive test measuring anaerobic threshold speed, the players active in the central section of the pitch (centre-backs and central midfielders) achieved the best results, while in the speed trials and explosive strength trials, side-backs and side midfielders achieved the best results. Conclusions . During the winter preparatory season, the most significant changes in the physical fitness of soccer players were observed in aerobic endurance expressed as threshold speed (an increase of 1.2 km/h) and running speed measured as the time needed to cover a distance of 5 m (time reduced by 0.04 s) and 30 m (time reduced by 0.07 s). These traits are crucial in the preparation of soccer players for league matches and have the greatest impact on their performance in sports competitions.

Study of biochemical responses to sprint swimming and longdistance swimming and variations in these responses during different training seasons

The biochemical responses to any exercise activity are extremely important indicators of the quantity and quality of training being given to the sports person. The chief purpose of present study was to analyze the biochemical responses to sprint swimming and long-distance swimming and variations in these responses during different training seasons. For this purpose, the subjects were assigned to two groups. Group A was of sprint swimmers and Group B was of longdistance swimmers. Each group consisted of thirty subjects. For each group, subjects were selected by using Random sampling method from the available trained level swimmers. The duration of experimental period was of sixteen weeks. This period was divided into three seasons. These seasons were: Preparatory season, Peak season and Taper season. The biochemical tests were done after collecting blood samples of subjects. The difference in biochemical responses before and after activity was tested. Such tests were carried out in the beginning i.e. start of the experimental programme and at the end of each training season and the variations in these responses were tested. The results of the group of sprint swimmers indicated that, there is no significant difference in pre-swimming and post-swimming total cholesterol levels at all stages of the experiment. But observation of variations in these responses during different training seasons indicates that, the total cholesterol level decreased gradually during each season. The greatest decrease in total cholesterol level was observed at the end of peak season in both groups.

Session RPE During Prolonged Exercise Training

Introduction: Various strategies are used to monitor training intensity and permit the calculation of training load. Traditional measures such as speed, heart rate (HR) and blood lactate (HLa) are widely used. The session RPE (sRPE) has been used as an alternative method of training monitoring. PURPOSE: This study compared the evolution of speed, HR, HLa and sRPE during an intensive swimming training session. METHODS: Collegiate swimmers (NCAA Div III), during mid preparatory season, performed 4 x 10 x 100 yd, on a 1:15-1:30 sendoff, and with 10 min rest between sets. Speed and HR were measured after each repetition, and averaged per set. HLa was measured immediately after each set. sRPE was measured after each set, but asking the athlete to rate the effort “as if this was the completion of the workout.” RESULTS: Speed, HR and HLa were essentially constant across the training session, indicating that both the external and internal training load was constant and only dependent on volume of training. The sRPE increased significantly from set to set. CONCLUSIONS: The progressive increase in sRPE suggests that it reflects some aspect of internal training load not reflected by the objective measures.

Lactate Threshold Changes in Soccer Players during the Preparation Period

The aim of the study was to assess the anaerobic threshold (lactate threshold LT) changes during winter and summer preparation period in soccer premier league and first division players. It was assumed that the index value varies depending on the stage of a one-year training cycle. Tests were conducted on the premier league and first division soccer players. Physical capacity tests were carried out at the beginning and at the end of the winter and summer preparation period. The tests covered 3 years: 2008-2010. Subjects performed an incremental running test according to Jastrzebski’s method. The most important data ob tain ed from this test are: running speed (V/LT) and heart rate (HR/LT) at LT. At the beginning of summer preparations the players’ speed corresponding to LT reached the value of 3.69 m/s ± 0.31 m/s, while at the end of this period it increased to 3.86 m/s ± 0.29 m/s. During the winter preparatory season the values of this index were 3.81 m/s ± 0.3 m/s and 3.80 m/s ± 0.21 m/s, respectively. Tested subjects showed lower values of running speed at LT level at the beginning of the summer preparatory season than at its end. At the final stage of the winter preparatory season HR values at LT were significantly lower than at the initial stage of this period.

Changes of Lactate Threshold during a Half-Year Training Cycle in "Arka Gdynia" Football Players

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to assess lactate threshold changes during a half-year training cycle in S.S.A. “Arka Gdynia” football team. Material/Methods: The research was conducted on a sample of 17 “Arka Gdynia” Football Club players. The subjects participated in premier league competitions in autumn 2009/10 season. Apart from league matches (17) the players took part in Remes Polish Cup (2 matches). Aerobic capacity tests were conducted at the beginning of the summer preparatory season (test 1 – 27th June 2009), during the competitive season (test 2 – 2nd September 2009) and at the beginning of the winter preparatory season (test 3 – 13th January 2010). The players underwent an incremental running test. Running speed (V/LT) and heart rate (HR/LT) at the lactate threshold were determined. Results: An analysis of mean running speed values at LT intensity in each study confirms that during the first two tests participants achieved the same mean value of the ratio V/LT (3.80 m/s). The last test revealed a regression of the results by 0.17 m/s. The lowest standard deviation (± 0.20 m/s) was observed in the first study, which indicates that the diversity of the group was the smallest. Conclusions: Goalkeepers achieved statistically lower (p<0.05) values of running speed at the intensity corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (V/LT) in relation to field players.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Progressive Electrostimulation Strength Training for Competitive Tennis Players

The purpose of this preliminary study was to show the feasibility of electrostimulation (ES) strength exercise incorporated into tennis sessions during the preparatory season of competitive players, and its impact on anaerobic performance. Twelve tennis players (5 men, 7 women) completed 9 sessions of quadriceps ES (duration: 16 minutes; frequency: 85 Hz; on-off ratio: 5.25-25 seconds) during 3 weeks. The ES sessions were integrated into tennis training sessions. Subjects were baseline tested and retested 1 (week 4), 2 (week 5), 3 (week 6), and 4 weeks (week 7) after the ES training program for maximal quadriceps strength, vertical jump height, and shuttle sprint time. Participants were able to progressively increase ES current amplitude and evoked force throughout the 9 training sessions, with an optimal treatment compliance of 100%. Maximal quadriceps strength significantly increased during the entire duration of the experiment (p < 0.001). Countermovement jump height at week 5 (+5.3%) and week 6 (+6.4%) was significantly higher than at baseline (p < 0.05). In addition, 2 x 10-m sprint time at week 6 was significantly shorter (-3.3%; p = 0.004) compared with pretraining. The 3-week ES strength training program was successfully incorporated into preseason tennis training with a linear progression in all training parameters. Throughout the study period, a delayed enhancement of anaerobic power and stretch-shortening cycle performance was observed. Progressive ES strength training may be safely included in the early tennis season and can lead to improvements in the anaerobic performance of men and women players.

Precocious ovarian recrudescence and induced off-season spawning of Heteropneustes fossilis by D-Lys6 salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (sGnRH-A)

The feasibility of photothermal treatment and use of salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (sGnRH-A) for induced spawning of Heteropneustes fossilis outside the spawning season was investigated. Fish were maintained at 30° C and 14 h light (L)/10 h dark (D) for 60 days between the post-spawning season and preparatory season. Fish attained gonadal maturity 4 months earlier compared to the natural spawning season. Mature fish were induced to spawn by D-Lys6 sGnRH-A at a dose of 25 μg kg−1 body weight. The eggs obtained were fertilizable. Injection of D-Lys6 sGnRH-A at different time points during the photodiurnal cycle did not influence the latency period and spawning of H. fossilis.

Precocious ovarian recrudescence and induced off–season spawning of Heteropneustes fossilis by D‐Lys6 salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (sGnRH‐A)

The feasibility of photothermal treatment and use of salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (sGnRH‐A) for induced spawning of Heteropneustes fossilis outside the spawning season was investigated. Fish were maintained at 30° C and 14 h light (L)/10 h dark (D) for 60 days between the post‐spawning season and preparatory season. Fish attained gonadal maturity 4 months earlier compared to the natural spawning season. Mature fish were induced to spawn by D‐Lys6 sGnRH‐A at a dose of 25 μg kg−1 body weight. The eggs obtained were fertilizable. Injection of D‐Lys6 sGnRH‐A at different time points during the photodiurnal cycle did not influence the latency period and spawning of H. fossilis.

Changes in hypothalamic monoamine oxidase activity in relation to 17β-estradiol and clomiphene citrate treatments in the teleost Channa punctatus during three seasons

Hypothalamic monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity displayed biphasic responses to administration of estradiol-17β (E 2) depending on season. Lower doses of 0.05 and 0.10 μg/g BW of E 2 had enhanced enzyme activity and higher doses (0.5 and 1.0 μg/g BW) depressed it significantly in preparatory season. In prespawning phase, the lowest dose of 0.05 μg/g BW of E 2 was stimulatory and the higher doses were inhibitory to MAO activity. In postspawning season, lower doses (0.05 and 0.10 μg/g BW) of E 2 failed to elicit any significant change in enzyme activity whereas the higher doses (0.5 and 1.0 μg/g BW) elevated it significantly. Administration of clomid (5, 10, and 20 μg/g BW) inhibited MAO activity in a dose-dependent manner during all the three seasons. The results show that E 2 may participate in feedback control of gonadotropin secretion by modifying monoaminergic activity at the level of oxidative deamination by MAO.

In vivo and in vitro effects of oestradiol‐17β on lipid metabolism in Notemigonus crysoleucas

The effects of oestradiol‐17β on the gonosornatic index, liver size, hepatic and body lipid levels in the cyprinid teleost, Notemigonus crysoleucas, were investigated. Administration of oestradiol to female TV. crysoleucas during the gonadal preparatory and prespawning seasons stimulates increases in ovarian size. During the early spawning season oestradiol therapy results in a reduction of ovarian gonosomatic index. Oestrogen treatment of males causes a suppression of testicular growth. In female fish exposed to long (15‐5L/8‐5D) or intermediate (12L/12D) photoperiods oestradiol increases body fat reserves. At short photoperiods (9L/15D) oestrogen treatment of females results in body fat store depletion Low doses deplete and high doses of oestradiol increase body lipid reserves in male fish. The hepatosomic index increases in both male and female fish following oestrogen treatment. Oestradiol therapy during the gonadal preparatory season, but not during the prespawning season, increases total liver lipids. The in vitro effects of oestradiol on liver lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were also examined. Under the conditions used in these experiments, lipid depletion was observed in liver slices incubated with or without oestradiol. Pretreatment of fish with oestradiol before liver tissue was removed drastically reduced in vitro lipid depletion. Oestradiol retards the gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis seen in liver slices incubated in a hormone‐free medium.

Effects of pinealectomy on gonadal activity in the cyprinid teleost, Notemigonus crysoleucas

Investigations were initiated to examine the effects of pinealectomy on gonadal activity in the cyprinid teleost, Notemigonus crysoleucas, during different phases of the reproductive cycle and maintained under different photoperiod-temperature regimes. The effects of pinealectomy varied depending on the phase of the natural reproductive cycle when the organ was removed, as well as, with the photoperiod-temperature regime under which the experimental animals were maintained. Pinealectomy causes testicular regression during the gonadal preparatory and prespawning season and retards final testicular maturation during the spawning season in fish maintained on a long photoperiod-warm temperature regime. Under these conditions epiphysectomy retarded ovarian development or caused ovarian involution during all phases of the gonadal maturation cycle. In Notemigonus maintained on a long photoperiod-low temperature regime, pinealectomy had no apparent effects on gonadal development during the preparatory and spawning seasons. During the prespawning season pinealectomy repressed ovarian development and caused testicular regression in fish exposed to a long photoperiod-low temperature regime. During the prespawning and spawning seasons pinealectomy stimulated gonadal activity in fish maintained on a short photoperiod-warm temperature regime. Under these same conditions epiphysectomy failed to alter gonadal activity during the gonadal preparatory season. No obvious changes could be detected in gonadal activity in pinealectomized fish exposed to short photoperiodlow temperature regimes during any phase of the gonadal maturation cycle. These data suggest that the pineal in Notemigonus may be either stimulatory or inhibitory to gonadal development depending on the photoperiod-temperature regime to which the fish are exposed.