Relative Peak Power Output Research Articles

Caffeine Gum Improves Reaction Time but Reduces Composure Versus Placebo During the Extra-Time Period of Simulated Soccer Match-Play in Male Semiprofessional Players.

This study aimed to determine whether caffeine gum influenced perceptual-cognitive and physical performance during the extra-time period of simulated soccer match-play. Semiprofessional male soccer players (n = 12, age: 22 ± 3years, stature: 1.78 ± 0.06m, mass: 75 ± 9kg) performed 120-min soccer-specific exercise on two occasions. In a triple-blind, randomized, crossover design, players chewed caffeinated (200mg; caffeine) or control (0mg; placebo) gum for 5min following 90min of soccer-specific exercise. Perceptual-cognitive skills (i.e.,passing accuracy, reaction time, composure, and adaptability) were assessed using a soccer-specific virtual reality simulator, collected pre- and posttrial. Neuromuscular performance (reactive-strength index, vertical jump height, absolute and relative peak power output, and negative vertical displacement) and sprint performance (15 and 30m) were measured at pretrial, half-time, 90min, and posttrial. Caffeine gum attenuated declines in reaction time (pre: 90.8 ± 0.8AU to post: 90.7 ± 0.8AU) by a further 4.2% than placebo (pre: 92.1 ± 0.8AU to post: 88.2 ± 0.8AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum reduced composure by 4.7% (pre: 69.1 ± 0.8AU to post: 65.9 ± 0.8AU) versus placebo (pre: 68.8 ± 0.8AU to post: 68.3 ± 0.8AU; p < .01). Caffeine gum did not influence any other variables (p > .05). Where caffeine gum is consumed by players prior to extra-time, reaction time increases but composure may be compromised, and neuromuscular and sprint performance remain unchanged. Future work should assess caffeine gum mixes with substances like L-theanine that promote a relaxed state under stressful conditions.

Three sessions of repeated sprint training in normobaric hypoxia improves sprinting performance

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impacts of three-session repeated sprint training conducted in normobaric hypoxia with 48-h intervals on sprint performance, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores. A total of 27 moderately trained male university students voluntarily took part in this study. In this single-blind placebo-controlled study, subjects were assigned into normobaric hypoxia (FiO2: 13.6%; HYP), normobaric normoxia (FiO2: 20.9%; PLA), and control group (CON). The HYP and PLA groups underwent three repeated sprint training sessions (a total of four sets of five times 5-s sprints with a 5-min rest between sets and a 30-s rest between each sprint) on a cycle ergometer in normobaric hypoxia or normoxia conditions. Pre- and post-tests were performed 72 h before and after the training period. Three participants were excluded from the study, and the data from twenty-four participants were analyzed. Contrary to what was observed in the pre and post tests, no time and condition interactions were observed in the relative peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), percentage of sprint decrement score (Sdec%), and RPE parameters. Time effect was found in all observed variables respectively; relative PPO (F = 5.784, p = 0.045, η2 = 0.74), relative MPO (F = 3.927, p = 0.042, η2 = 0.66) and large time effect found for Sdec% (F = 11.430, p = 0.046, 0.83), and RPE (F = 14.990, p = 0.008, η2 = 0.96). A notable increase in relative peak power output (PPO) and mean power output (MPO) was observed in the post-test in comparison to the pre-test values, indicating statistical significance. The increase in PPO was in HYP 13.44% (p = 0.006), in PLA 7.48% (p = 0.264) and in CON 2.66% (p = 0.088). The decrease in Sdec% was in HYP -13.34%% (p = 0.048), PLA -10.54 (p = 0.577) and CON -4.83 (p = 0.644) at post-test. The results show that although there were no statistical differences between the groups, notable differences in performance-related variables were observed in the HYP group after 3 sessions of repetitive sprint training in hypoxia.

Will Music Give Me Power? Effects of Listening to Music during Active and Passive Rest Intervals on Power Output during Resistance Exercise.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of listening to preferred music during active/passive rest on power output and heart rate in barbell squats (BS) and bench presses (BP). Fifteen participants (13 males and 2 females), moderately resistance trained, were engaged in four randomized experimental sessions with varying rest intervals (active/passive) and music presence (listening or not). Each session involved three sets of three repetitions of BS and BP at a 50% one-repetition maximum. ANOVA showed a significant main effect of the set for BP relative mean and peak power output (p < 0.001; both). The post hoc comparisons indicated a significantly higher BP relative mean and peak power output in set_2 (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.12 and p < 0.001; ES = 0.10) and set_3 (p < 0.001; ES = 0.11 and p = 0.001; ES = 0.16) in comparison to set_1. Moreover, a main effect of the set indicating a decrease in BS relative peak power output across sets was observed (p = 0.024) with no significant differences between sets. A significantly higher mean heart rate during active rest in comparison to passive rest was observed (p = 0.032; ES = 0.69). The results revealed no significant effect of listening to music on relative power output and heart rate during BS and BP.

Effects of external limb compression and/or low‐load resistance exercise on post‐activation performance enhancement during countermovement jumps

AbstractThe effects of low‐load resistance exercise combined with external limb compression (ELC) to augment post‐activation performance enhancement during countermovement jumps have yet to be examined. We assessed the separate and combined effects of ELC and sets of low‐load (back squats) resistance exercise (both compared with controls) during conditioning routines, and determine their subsequent neuromechanical consequences during countermovement jumps. On separate days, twenty strength‐trained men completed a familiarization session followed by four experimental trials in a randomized design that included one of the following conditioning routines: passive rest (Control [CON], no occlusion/standing), exercise (sets of low‐intensity resistance exercise [RE] with 30% 1RM, no occlusion/exercise), ELC ([ELC] at 80% of the individual arterial occlusion pressure, occlusion/standing), and combined ELC and exercise ([ELC + RE], occlusion/exercise). Countermovement jump performance (jump height, relative peak power output, vertical impulse, and rate of force development) was assessed at baseline, immediately after, and at the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth minute following each conditioning routine. Compared to baseline, jump height, relative peak power output and vertical impulse values were lower at 0 min for [RE] (−3.5%–8.2%; p ≤ 0.014) and higher at +3 min for [ELC] (+2.0%–3.8%; p ≤ 0.013). Regarding [ELC + RE], values for these three variables were lower at 0 min (−4.8%–8.0%; p &lt; 0.001) but higher at +12 min (+2.9%–5.5%; p &lt; 0.001) versus baseline. In strength‐trained men, using ELC either alone (while standing) or combined with low‐load resistance exercise sets (during back squats) can be a useful way to improve CMJ mechanics. However, the duration and magnitude of post‐activation potentiation performance benefits varied depending on the type of ELC protocol used.

Somatotype and Body Composition of Indian Male and Female Swimmers, and their Relationship to Countermovement Jump Performance

Introduction: The aim of this study was:1) to ascertain the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers and 2) to investigate the potential association between these characteristics and countermovement jump metrics. Method: Forty-two national level Indian swimmers (18 females and 24 males) who regularly compete in national and/or international competitions, took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed for body mass, stature, 8 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotypes, body fat %, fat mass and lean body mass for all athletes were also calculated. A CMJ test was performed to measure vertical jump height, peak power output, and relative peak power output. Results: The Pearson correlation analysis of body composition variables and CMJ measures revealed a very large negative association between body fat percent and vertical jump height (R = - 0.726; p = 0.000) and between body fat percent and relative peak power (R = -0.757; p = 0.000); a large negative association between body fat percent and peak power (R = - 0.577; p = 0.000) and between fat mass and relative peak power (R = -0.560, p = 0.000); a moderately negative association between fat mass and vertical jump height (R = -0.490, p = 0.001); a very large positive association between lean body mass and peak power (R = 0.862, p = 0.000); and a large positive association between lean body mass and vertical jump height (R = 0.599, p = 0.000) and a large positive association between lean body mass and relative peak power (R = 0.530, p = 0.000); and a moderately positive association between BMI and peak power (R = 0.413, p = 0.007). Conclusion: There are significant differences in anthropometric characteristics when analyzing the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers which could be attributed to the specific demands of each event. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition differences influence swim performance and vary according to gender, age and maturation status. A robust and significant positive correlation exists between lean body mass and vertical jump height suggesting that an enhancement of an individual's lean mass seems to have a positive impact on lower body power production in swimmers. Individualised training plans that focus on lower limb strength will have a potential positive effect on swim performance.

Countermovement Jump Performance in Elite Senior Male Kabaddi Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the peak power and relative peak power output between raiders and defenders in professional kabaddi players using the counter movement jump test. Method: A total of 16 professional male kabaddi players, evenly split into 8 raiders, and 8 defenders with an average kabaddi experience of 6 years (aged 22.5 ± 3.1 years, height 175.1 ± 6.3cm and weight 78.7 ± 0.5kg) participated in this study. A counter movement jump test on a force platform was performed to determine their power output values along with their whole-body composition analysis. All players have played in national, international, or pro league competitions. During their 8-week pre-season camp in September–October 2022, these athletes trained and were tested at Inspire Institute of Sport in Bellary, India. Results: The results indicated that there is no significant difference in peak power output with respect to a Kabaddi player’s playing position or training age. But a significant positive correlation (p=0.039) was established between lean body mass and relative peak power output. Conclusion: The current study suggests that peak power production from the countermovement leap test may be a good way to measure explosive leg power in kabaddi athletes. Kabaddi raiders and defenders have similar vertical jump height, peak power, and relative peak power. Years of kabaddi experience did not affect countermovement jump test variables. According to the study, all kabaddi players have similar physiological demands.

Abductor and adductor strength relation to sprint performance in soccer players

Introduction: The hip muscle strength plays an important role in sprinting and non-contact in-juries, where their role in soccer players needs to be recognized. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the strength of hip abductor (Abd), hip adductor (Add) and linear sprint performance (5 m and 35 m). Sixteen professional soccer players (Second Polish League) participated in the study (age = 24 ± 3.2 years, body mass = 75.3 ± 9.58 kg, height = 179 ± 5.6 cm, soccer training experience = 8 ± 2.9 years). 5 m and 3 m linear sprint performance was described by: peak acceleration, peak velocity (PV), relative peak force (PF), and relative peak power output. Hip Abd and Add strength was tested by maximum isometric tests on both lower limbs. T-tests revealed statistically significant differences between strength of right and left Add and Abd, (p &lt; 0.001, for both). Stepwise regression showed that the model of hip Abd, Add and their ratio predict the PV (R2 = 37%) and PP (R2 = 36%) in 35 m sprint, and hip Abd with Abd/Add ratio can predict PF (R2 = 16%) and acceleration (R2 = 14%) in 5 m sprint. Results of the present study indicate that Abd-Add maximum isometric strength and 5 m, as well as 35 m sprint running, are related athletic performance qualities. Moreover, hip Abd and Add are typical for strength bilateral strength imbalances. Therefore, the evaluation and development of these qualities are essential for coaches to monitor and prescribe adequate training regimens.

Physiological and Mechanical Responses to a Graded Exercise Test in Traditional Rowing.

Maximum oxygen consumption and maximum power output are critical measures for training prescription in endurance sports such as rowing. The objective of this investigation was twofold: to compare the physiological and mechanical responses of female and male traditional rowers during a graded exercise test and to establish reference values in this specific rowing modality that have not yet been documented, unlike in Olympic rowing. Twenty-one highly trained/national level rowers participated in the study: 11 female (age: 30.1 ± 10.6 years, height: 167.3 ± 5.0 cm, body mass: 61.9 ± 4.9 kg) and 10 males (age: 33.5 ± 6.6 years, height: 180.8 ± 6.9 cm, body mass: 74.4 ± 6.9 kg). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in rowing performance between sexes, with a very large effect size (d = 7.2). The peak power output for the female rowers was 180.9 ± 11.4 W and 287.0 ± 17.7 W for the male rowers. The female rowers reached a VO2max of 51.2 ± 6.6 mL/kg/min at a mean of 174.5 ± 12.9 W, while the males' VO2max was 62.1 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min at a mean of 280.0 ± 20.5 W. These differences in VO2max and maximal aerobic capacity were significant (p < 0.05), with a large (d = 1.9) and very large (d = 6.2) effect size, respectively. A moderate association between VO2max, and rowing performance expressed in watts per kilogram of muscle mass was observed in the female rowers (r = 0.40, p = 0.228). For the male rowers, the correlation between VO2max and relative peak power output in watts per kilogram of body mass was strong (r = 0.68; p = 0.031). This study highlights the differences in the kinetics of ventilatory and mechanical parameters between female and male rowers and the importance of these differences for specific physical preparation in traditional rowing.

Warm up with music and visual feedback can effect Wingate performance in futsal players

PurposeVisual feedback and music while warm up may help elicit peak performance, but its effect during the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) in futsal players is unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of music and visual stimulus on WAnT performance in futsal players.MethodsThe study included 17 young male futsal players (age, 21.53 ± 1.32 years; height, 177.59 ± 5.75 cm; 73.71 ± 9.31 kg; BMI 23.342 ± .47). The WAnT was administered using three distinct protocols: with music (M), without music (NM), and with music and visual feedback (MV) following a 10-min warm-up at 72-h intervals. After WAnT, the following parameters were evaluated: (a) peak power output: PPO (W), (b) relative peak power output: RPPO (W/kg), (c) mean power output: MPO (W), (d) relative mean power output: RMPO (W/kg), (e) fatigue index: FI (%), and (f) minimum power output MIPO (W).ResultsMV indicated that futsal players' WAnT values, including PPO, RPPO, MPO, RMPO, and MIPO improved more than with other protocols (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between protocols for FI (%) WAnT values (p > 0.05).ConclusionsListening to music and watching visual feedback while warm up before performing WAnT performance suggest to coaches and futsal players.

The Performance-Result Gap in Mixed-Reality Cycling - Evidence From the Virtual Tour de France 2020 on Zwift.

Background: Mixed-reality sports are increasingly reaching the highest level of sport, exemplified by the first Virtual Tour de France, held in 2020. In road races, power output data are only sporadically available, which is why the effect of power output on race results is largely unknown. However, in mixed-reality competitions, measuring and comparing the power output data of all participants is a fundamental prerequisite for evaluating the athlete’s performance. Objective: This study investigates the influence of different power output parameters (absolute and relative peak power output) as well as body mass and height on the results in mixed-reality competitions. Methods: We scrape data from all six stages of the 2020 Virtual Tour de France of women and men and analyze it using regression analysis. Third-order polynomial regressions are performed as a cubic relationship between power output and competition result can be assumed. Results: Across all stages, relative power output over the entire distance explains most of the variance in the results, with maximum explanatory power between 77% and 98% for women and between 84% and 99% for men. Thus, power output is the most powerful predictor of success in mixed-reality sports. However, the identified performance-result gap reveals that other determinants have a subordinate role in success. Body mass and height can explain the results only in a few stages. The explanatory power of the determinants considered depends in particular on the stage profile and the progression of the race. Conclusion: By identifying this performance-result gap that needs to be addressed by considering additional factors like competition strategy or the specific use of equipment, important implications for the future of sports science and mixed-reality sports emerge.

Effects of sodium pyruvate supplementation on repeated sprint exercise performance and recovery in male college soccer players: a randomized controlled trial.

Sodium pyruvate (PYR) has been reported to improve aerobic metabolism and attenuate metabolic acidosis. Aerobic capacity and the ability to remove hydrogen ions affect the recovery from repeated high intensity activities. However, the effects of PYR supplementation on repeated sprint exercise (RSE) performance have not been elucidated. This study explored the effects of PYR ingestion on RSE ability and recovery. A total of 14 male soccer athletes (aged 20±2 years) participated in this double-blinded crossover study. The subjects completed two experimental sessions after randomized ingestion of either PYR or the maltodextrin placebo (PLA) for 1 week. At each session, participants completed high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and RSE 60 minutes after supplementation. Additionally, acid-base parameters in venous blood, energy system contributions, and power output were assessed. Compared to PLA, PYR supplementation significantly increased the relative peak power output (PPO) of the first (P=0.034) and fifth (P=0.043) sprints, and the relative mean power output (MPO) of the fifth sprint (P=0.026). In addition, the mean PPO (P=0.031) and MPO (P=0.033) of sprints 1-6 were significantly elevated after PYR supplementation. After PYR administration, the phosphagen energy system [adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-phosphocreatine (PCr)] resynthesis of the fourth (P=0.034) and the overall recovery periods during HIIE (P=0.029) were higher than PLA administration. Additionally, the ATP-PCr resynthesis of the first (P=0.033) and fifth (P=0.019) recovery periods, and the mean of the six recovery periods during RSE (P=0.041) were increased in the PYR group compared to the PLA group. Furthermore, participants on the PYR regimen had higher blood pH, HCO3-, and base excess at pre-HIIE, post-HIIE, and pre-RSE (all P<0.05) compared to participants receiving PLA. PYR supplementation enhanced RSE performance, and the improvement may be attributed to accelerated restoration of the acid-base balance and ATP-PCr regeneration. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100053936.

Comparison of training responses and performance adaptations in endurance-trained men and women performing high-intensity interval training

ABSTRACT The efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to elicit physiological and performance adaptations in endurance athletes has been established in men and to a lesser extent in women. This study compared lactate threshold (LT2) and performance adaptations to HIIT between men and women. Nine male and eight female cyclists and triathletes completed trials to determine their LT2 and 40 km cycling performance before, and after 10 HIIT sessions. Each HIIT session consisted of 10 × 90 s at peak power output, separated by 60 s active recovery. Main effects showed that HIIT improved peak power output (p = 0.05; ES: 0.2); relative peak power output (W.kg−1; p = 0.04; ES: 0.3 and W.kg−0.32; p = 0.04; ES: 0.3); incremental time to fatigue (p = 0.01; ES: 0.4), time trial time (p < 0.001; ES: 0.7) and time trial power output (p < 0.001; ES: 0.7) equally in both sexes. Although LT2 power output explained 77% of the performance improvement in women, no variable explained the performance improvement in men, suggesting another mechanism(s) was involved. Although HIIT improved cycling performance in men and women, it might not be appropriate to evaluate the effectiveness of HIIT using the same variables for both sexes.

TRAINING LOAD AND CHANGES IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONG YOUNG CYCLISTS

Monitoring several aspects of training load, anthropometric characteristics and physiological characteristics of cyclists can be a very important factor for success in the cycling world. The study aimed to establish the differences between some physiological parameters computed by metabolic gas measurements. The study sample included 86 cyclists age 15 to 18 years (BM = 63.4 ± 7.9 kg, BH = 176 ± 7.4 cm, % body fat = 9.9% ± 3.2 %). In the first part of the study, they completed a questionnaire about the evaluation of the training process, where we identified their training habits – the frequency (13.76 ± 3.7 hours per week) and intensity of their training methods (31.7 ± 19.1% of low-intensity training). In the second part of the study, we did laboratory testing (body composition and incremental cycling test). The results showed that changes depend on the cyclists` age group. The maximal peak power output (+32.1%; p&lt;0.01); relative maximal peak power output (+9.2%; p&gt;0.01), and maximal oxygen uptake (+ +6,1%; p&gt;0.05) . The main finding of the study was that as the age of a cyclist increases, there is a tendency to increase training load and may influence their performance at the laboratory test.

Cycling-specific isometric resistance trainingimprovespeak power output in elite sprint cyclists.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 6-week cycling-specific, isometric resistance training program on peak power output (PPO) in elite cyclists. Twenty-four elite track sprint cyclists were allocated to EXP (n=13, PPO, 1537±307W) and CON (n=11, PPO, 1541±389W) groups. All participants completed a 6-week training program; training content was identical except participants in the EXP group replaced their usual compound lower body resistance training exercise with a cycling-specific, isometric resistance training stimulus. Cycling PPO, knee extensor and cycling-specific isometric strength, and measures of muscle architecture were assessed pre- and post-training. In EXP, absolute and relative PPO increased (46±62W and 0.8±0.7W/kg, P<.05), and the change in relative PPO was different to CON (-0.1±1.0W/kg, group×time interaction P=.02). The increase in PPO was concurrent with an increase in extrapolated maximal torque in EXP (7.1±6.5Nm, P=.007), but the effect was not different from the change in CON (2.4±9.7Nm, group×time P=.14). Cycling-specific isometric strength also increased more in EXP (group×time P=.002). There were no other between-group differences in response to training. A 6-week novel, cycling-specific isometric resistance training period improved PPO in a group of elite sprint cyclists by 3%-4%. These data support the use of a cycling-specific isometric resistance training stimulus in the preparation programs of world-class cyclists.

Exercising control over signs and symptoms of stress and depression

300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. A poorly understood stress‐related pathophysiology is compounded by frequent treatment‐resistance.Undertaking regular exercise has consistently shown to prevent, protect and increase resilience against the development of aberrant stress‐related responses seen in depression, whereas sedentary behaviour tends to heighten symptoms. Despite the promise shown by exercise its clinical use is undermined by poor understanding of how beneficial effects are produced.Stress exposure can dysregulate important physiological pathways such as the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Disruption of tryptophan metabolism, including increased metabolism along the kynurenine pathway, is a neurobiological hallmark of depressed patients. Recent studies have shown that the beneficial impact of exercise for mood and cognition may be linked to reduced kynurenine production.Aimto examine the benefits of a 12‐week exercise programme in healthy but sedentary adults across mood, stress, anxiety and depression were mediated by the regulation of tryptophan metabolism in a dose dependent manner.32 healthy sedentary participants (16 female) were analysed. To establish a baseline profile each participant undertook a battery of psychometric assessments, cognitive assessments and a cycle ergometer‐based incremental fitness assessment. Measures of oxygen uptake and capillary blood lactate levels were taken at the end of each stage during the fitness assessment.After the baseline assessment, participants were randomised into one of four groups (high, moderate, low dose exercise, or sedentary control group). Exercise was administered over 3 sessions/week based on individual fitness and group. Monthly fitness and psychometric assessments were performed throughout to monitor change across the 12‐week exercise programme. Analyses performed using SPSS.As expect, participants showed a positive increase in fitness and performance with an increase in maximal oxygen uptake (F(1,28)=14.62, p=.001, ηp2=.343) after 12‐weeks exercise training, accompanied by an increased relative peak power output (rPPO) (F(1,28)=16.93, p=.000, ηp2=.377) and an increased time to exhaustion (T2Ex) (F(1,28)=31.07, p=.000, ηp2=.526). Post hoc paired T‐tests revealed that the most pronounced effects on rPPO and T2Ex occurred in the moderate or high intensity groups There was a reduction in scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (F(1,28)=6.50, p=.017, ηp2=.189) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (F(1,28)=4.09, p=.053, ηp2=.127) scores after 12 weeks of exercise.In sum, these results confirm that exercise training beneficially influences measures of stress and depression. Further work is required to understand the role of exercise‐induced alterations in tryptophan metabolism in mediating these effects.Support or Funding InformationAPC Microbiome Ireland is a research center funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), through the Irish Government’s National Development Plan (grant no. 12/RC/2273). GC, JFC and TD are supported by the Irish Health Research Board (Grant number ILP‐POR‐2017‐013). CEG is supported by European Foundation for the Advancement in Neurosciences, Geneva, Switzerland.

Wingate anaerobic test reference value for lower limb of elite Indian men wrestlers

Background: Wrestling as an Olympic sport was inducted in the modern Olympic Games from its very first edition. India has participated in Olympic Games for a long time. Anaerobic energy level is a deciding factor for adjudicating the final result in a wrestling match. Various studies found that the energy from the anaerobic metabolism sources can be more crucial than the aerobic power and capacity for success in wrestling. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop reference values for the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) for peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and fatigue index (FI) in elite Indian wrestlers which can be used by coaches, trainers, or athletes as a reference of talent identification, conditioning, and enable more effective decisions to be made regarding training focus or rehabilitation status. Materials and Methods: A total of 76 highly trained elite Indian male wrestlers (age 23.3 ± 3.21 years, weight 73.19 ± 8.21 kg, height 170.12 ± 4.92 cm, and mean body fat % 12.59 ± 2.34) were volunteered for this study. All of them performed a 30s all out WAnT on cycle ergometer resisted at 0.075 kp/kg body mass (BM). Results: Mean values for PP and MP were 756.98 ± 107.19 and 555.17 ± 55.96, respectively. Mean relative PP and average power were 10.40 ± 1.48 and 7.61 ± 0.82. Mean FI was 49.84% ± 9.54%. Relative PP output >10.76, 9.69–10.76, and 7.995, 7.33–7.995, and

The relative peak power output of amateur mountain bikers is inversely correlated with body fat but not with fat-free mass

Aims: To evaluate whether body mass (BM) and body composition may influence mountain bike cycling performance. Methods: Forty male amateur mountain bikers attended the laboratory on two non-consecutive days. At the first visit, anthropometric measures (height, BM, body fat [BF], fat-free mass [FFM] and body mass index [BMI]) and familiarization to incremental cycling test were performed. On the second visit, cyclists performed again the incremental cycling test to measure peak power output (PPO), peak power output relative to BM (PPO-BM), and time to exhaustion (TE), which were posteriorly correlated with BM and anthropometric measures. Results: A low and moderate significant correlation were observed between TE and BM (p<0.01; r=0.40) and FFM (p<0.01; r=0.56). Moderate significant correlation was found between PPO and BM (p<0.01; r=0.45), BMI (p=0.03; r=0.35) and strong with FFM (p<0.01; r=0.59). Also, PPO-BM significantly correlated with BM (p=0.04; r=-0.31), BMI (p=0.02; r=-0.35) and BF (p<0.01; r=-0.55). No other significant correlations were observed. Conclusion: Considering PPO-BM as mainly performance variable, BM and BF can be a determining factor in mountain biking performance but FFM did not.

The effect of somatotype characters on selected physical performance parameters

Background and Study Aim: The physical structure is considered as one of the elements for sporting success. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of somatotype characters on selected physical performance parameters. Material and Methods: This study was included 150 males (age: 22.10±2.46 years) participants who do not have habit of regular exercise. The somatotype characters of participants were determined and physical performance tests (30 m sprint, vertical jump, anaerobic power, aerobic capacity, and flexibility) were measured as an experimental design. Results: As a result of the research, 9 different somatotype subgroups were identified. In this study, the statistically significant was found between groups in terms of explosive force, aerobic and anaerobic power output (p&lt;0.05). We found no significant between groups in terms of flexibility (p=0.670), relative anaerobic peak (p=0.560) and mean power output (p=0.077). The results were obtained in favor of mesomorph-endomorph structure in terms of absolute peak and mean power, while mesomorph and ectomorph component contributed positively to explosive force and aerobic capacity scores.Conclusion: Our study highlighted the fact that the subgroups of somatotype have an effect on performance parameters. The body-performance relationship can be examined in detail with more participants representing each somatotype group.

Mean Propulsive Velocity Is a Viable Method for Adjusting the Resistance-Training Load at Moderate Altitude.

We examined the viability of using mean propulsive velocity (MPV) to adjust the load in the countermovement jump (CMJ) at moderate altitude. Twenty-four volunteers were assigned to a 4-week power-oriented resistance training (RT) program in either normoxia (N, 690 m) or intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IH, 2,320 m). The load was adjusted to maintain execution velocity of CMJ at 1m·s−1 of MPV. Relative peak power output (Prel), and percentage of velocity loss throughout the sets (VL) were determined for each session. The internal load was measured by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The absolute load lifted was higher in IH compared to N (75.6 ± 8.4 vs. 58.5 ± 12.3 kg P < 0.001). However, similar relative increases for both groups were found when comparing the final values (IH: 8.2%, P = 0.007; N: 9.8%, P = 0.03) with no changes in VL between groups (P = 0.36). Post-study Prel improved significantly only in IH (+7% W·kg−1, P = 0.002). Mean RPE was greater in IH vs. N (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 5.6 ± 2, P < 0.001). The MPV seems to be a viable method for adjusting external load during RT at moderate altitude. However, given that RT at moderate altitude increases RPE, it is prudent to monitor internal load when using the MPV to best determine the actual physiological stress of the session.

Comparison of Forward and Reverse Wingate Anaerobic Tests: A Brief Technical Note.

BackgroundThe Wingate anaerobic test (WAT) is traditionally performed in the forward pedaling direction on a cycle ergometer. However, reverse (backward) pedaling during a WAT test may be a novel way to convey meaningful information related to performance and rehabilitation. This study compared peak power measurements between 30-second forward pedaling WAT (FWAT) with a 30-second reverse pedaling WAT (RWAT).Methods10 male and 10 female participants (age 27.6 ± 7.31 yrs, mass 74.9 ± 21.3 kg and height 172.6 ± 10.9 cm) volunteered to participate. Participants performed one FWAT and one RWAT at 7.5% of body mass on a specially modified Monark cycle ergometer. Tests were separated 2 days of rest. Peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), relative PPO (RPPO), relative MPO (RMPO), fatigue index (%FI), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured.ResultsThe FWAT power measurements were all significantly greater (p < 0.05) than RWAT power measurements except MPO (p > 0.05); and that RPE was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in FWAT than RWAT. Specifically, FWAT vs. RWAT (M ± SD) are as follows: PPO watts (w) = 731.7 ± 237.1 vs. 529.6 ± 192.2; RPPO w/kg = 10.2 ± 2.3 vs. 7.2 ± 1.6; MPO w = 510.2 ± 162.1 vs. 415.1 ± 146.2; RMPO w/kg = 7.3 ± 1.5 vs. 5.8 ± 1.3; %FI = 49.2 ± 8.7 vs. 37.4 ± 13.7; and RPE = 19.4 ± 1.1 vs. 15.8 ± 1.5. Gender did not impact the relative differences in these relationships.ConclusionPractitioners and clinicians may use this information to begin to understand the power and perceived exertion relationships of forward versus reverse pedaling during a WAT; exercise prescription for rehabilitation and performance may benefit.