Repeated Sprint Ability Test Research Articles

Aerobic and anaerobic performance, ability to repeat sprints, and fatigue development during a basketball game-based drill: correlational study

ABSTRACT Fatigue development during basketball matches affects player performance. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship among fatigue development during game-based drills, aerobic and anaerobic performance, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) basketball players. The study included 49 male elite basketball players (23.4 ± 3.8 years, body mass 83.0 ± 8.5 kg, height 189.7 ± 8.9 cm). They performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Test (YIRT2), RSA test, anaerobic performance assessment (300y; “300-yard shuffle running test”), and a game-based drill. The regression equation for total distance decline during last 3 min of each quarter was TD3 min = −38.11 + 0.253·YIRT2 + 0.276·300y + 0.670·RSA with standard erorr =±4.66 for TD3 min during basketball game-based drill. We found out that RSA performance was the most valuable predictor of TD3 min, explaining 44.89% of variance, 300y explained 10.24%, and YIRT2 7.84%. Notably, 37.03% was unexplained by observed variables. Collectively, RSA is considered an important component of basketball in predicting the delay of neuromuscular fatigue during match but not VO2peak.

The Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning on Tennis Exercise Performance and the Recovery Subsequent to a Simulated Tennis Match: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on tennis skill and physical exercise performance, as well as to explore whether 7-day repeated IPC (RIPC) accelerated fatigue recovery after a simulated tennis match. Twenty-nine male tennis-specific current students were randomly allocated into 1 of 2 groups: SHAM (n = 14, 3 × 5min at 20mm Hg) and IPC (n = 15, 3 × 5min at 220mm Hg). Participants in both groups engaged in acute IPC and RIPC interventions. After the first acute IPC intervention, assessments were conducted to evaluate tennis-specific skills and overall physical exercise capacity. Following completion of chronic RIPC interventions, all participants competed in a simulated tennis match specifically designed to induce fatigue. To evaluate recovery from this induced fatigue, physical exercise capacity tests were conducted at 24 and 48hours postmatch, allowing for an assessment of the participants' recovery capabilities over time. After the first acute intervention, notable differences were observed between the IPC and SHAM groups in their performance on the repeated-sprint ability test. Specifically, the total times recorded were significantly shorter in the IPC group compared with the SHAM group (IPC: 109.05 [2.70] vs SHAM: 114.57 [7.45]s, P = .012), and this trend was also reflected in their best times (IPC: 4.20 [0.18]s vs SHAM: 4.39 [0.30]s, P = .042), indicating an immediate benefit of the IPC intervention on sprint performance. After a 7-day RIPC intervention, significant changes were noted in the SHAM group's performance metrics postmatch. There was an increase (P < .001) in fatigue index from 22% (8%) to 30% (9%) during repeated-sprint ability test and a decrease in serve speed from 120.2 (17.5) to 106.7 (13.0)km/h (P = .002) and knee peek torque from 196.0 (49.0) to 162.7 (39)N (extension, 60°/s, P < .001) in the SHAM group 24hours postmatch, relative to the IPC group. Moreover, compared with the SHAM group, the IPC group showed a lower rate of perceived exertion during the match (P < .001) and a decrease in visual analog scale score (P = .026) 24hours postmatch, suggesting enhanced recovery and reduced perception of pain relative to the SHAM group. IPC could serve as a strategy to generate an ergogenic effect and recovery during training and competition.

Relationship between Repeated Sprint Ability and Force–Velocity Profile in Elite and Subelite Female Field Hockey Players

This study aimed to compare two female field hockey teams of different competitive levels by analyzing kinematic variables in repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and the force-velocity profile (FVP). Twenty-five female hockey players representing the elite and subelite levels from the same club volunteered to participate. The RSA protocol included six 30 m maximal sprints with a 30 s recovery. Kinematic variables, such as sprint time, step frequency, and step length, were analyzed for each sprint. Additionally, players performed counter-movement jumps (CMJs) and CMJs with 50% body weight (CMJ50s) to calculate the FV50 using the Bosco Index. The elite players showed better (≈2%; p &lt; 0.05) fatigue indexes in sprint time (0–30 m and 0–10 m sections), step length (0–10 m, 10–20 m, and 20–30 m sections), and step frequency (20–30 m section) during the RSA test, as well as greater values (&gt;10%; p &lt; 0.05) in the CMJ50 and FV50 tests. In addition, these RSA (sprint time, step frequency, and step length) and jumping (CMJ, CMJ50, and FV50) variables showed a moderate, significant, or very significant relationship with each other. Therefore, it seems that both strength and speed capacities can be used either in conjunction or as a complementary approach to enhance the overall RSA performance.

Effects of Music on Repeated-Sprint Performance of Elite Tunisian Soccer Players: Comparing Morning to Afternoon Practice Sessions.

Our aim in the present study was to examine the effect of listening to self-selected music during soccer warm-ups in morning and afternoon sessions on repeated-sprint performances of elite soccer players. Twenty elite academy male soccer players performed a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test in the morning (i.e., 07:00hours) and in the afternoon (i.e., 17:00hours), with or without listening to music during the warm-up period. The RSA test consisted of six 40-meter sprints with 180° direction changes interspersed with a 20-second passive recovery period. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were obtained at the end of the warm-up period and immediately after the RSA test. Results showed that listening to music during warming-up had no significant effect on these selected performance measures (i.e., mean sprint time, best sprint time, RSA decrement), regardless of whether performances were in the morning or the afternoon. Moreover, players reported higher post-warm-up RPE scores in the music listening condition than in the no-music listening condition, only in the afternoon session. Furthermore, RPE scores measured after the RSA test were higher in the no-music listening condition compared to the music listening condition, only in the morning session. Thus, the use of music during warming-up in elite soccer players appears to be an individual athlete's choice but not a reliable means of enhancing performance.

Crocus Sativus Linnaeus (Saffron) intake does not affect physiological and perceptual responses during a repeated sprint test in healthy active young males

The study aimed to investigate the effects of acute ingestion of saffron (SAF) on physiological (i.e., heart rate and blood lactate) and perceptual (i.e., ratings of perceived exertion [RPE] and feeling scale) measures in response to a repeated-sprint ability test (RSS) in healthy young males (N = 22; mean ± SD: age, 21.7 ± 1.24 yrs.). All participants completed two experimental trials with a one-week washout period using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. In each session, the participants were randomly chosen to receive either a capsule of saffron (300 mg) (SAF session) or a capsule of lactose (PLB session) two hours before performing the RSS.No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for heart rate, RPE, and feeling scale between the SAF or PLB sessions at pre- and post-RSS. There were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in peak time, total time, fatigue index, and blood lactate in either the SAF or PLB sessions. Acute SAF ingestion did not significantly improve RSS performance nor physiological and perceptual measures in active young males. Future trials should address the topic by using shortened/prolonged higher doses of SAF on biological, physical, physiological, and perceptual responses to acute and chronic exercise.

Changes in performance on physical capacity tests after three months of cross-training among elite male football referees in Burkina Faso

The performance of the football referee is partly determined by his physical abilities and cross-training is an effective training method. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of three months of cross-training on performance in physical field tests among elite soccer referees in Burkina Faso. Methods: It was carried out with 28 male referees, divided into two groups: cross-training group (CTG) and usual training group (UTG). CTG and UTG went through cross-training and regular elite referee training in Burkina Faso, respectively. max, running times over 10 m (RT10 m), 40 m (RT40 m) single sprint, Illinois agility test (RTIAT), and the mean running time to the repeated sprint ability test (RSAmean) were studied. The significance level of the statistical tests carried out was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Significant improvements were observed in CTG for: max (+3.6%; p = 0.0009), RT10 m (-9.6%; p = 0.009), RT40 m (-3.2%; p = 0.0009), RTIAT (-4.8%; p = 0.0009) and RSAmean (-1.4%; p = 0.002). In UTG, performance was improved for: max (+0.6%; p = 0.01), RT10 m (-1.5%; p = 0.01), RTIAT (-1.8%; p = 0.008). Improvements were greater in CTG than in UTG for: max (+3.6% versus +0.6%; p = 0.000007), RT10 m (-9.6% versus -1.5%; p = 0.0001) and RTIAT (-4.8% versus -1.8%; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that cross-training induces an improvement in performance on the tests used among elite football referees in Burkina Faso. These effects on cardiac physiology must be evaluated in these referees to determine the risk incurred by exposure to this method.

Anthropometric, body composition and physical performance of elite young Italian football players and differences between selected and unselected talents

Football is a team sport played worldwide and specific competition demands are needed since young categories. Several physiological and psychological aspects could influence the selection process, and adolescent investigations still be necessary. This retrospective study aims to compare anthropometric and performance features between selected and unselected adolescent footballers. The sample size was 78 players from U10 to U12 categories. Maturation, RAE, anthropometry, and physical performance (repeated sprint ability (RSA), 15-m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ) and Harre's test) were evaluated (mean ± SD). 33.3 % of players were selected (height = 144.06 ± 6.74 cm, weight = 35.38 ± 4.56 kg) and 66.7 % were unselected (height = 143.06 ± 8.34 cm, weight = 35.94 ± 6.24 kg). Selected U10 were leaner and got the peak of height velocity (APHV) earlier (p < 0.05) than unselected U10 players, while U11 selected were faster than unselected (p < 0.05). Also, the RSA test, APHV and the humeral width well discriminated among the selection (χ2(3) = 12; p < 0.01). Football field technicians involved in scouting need quantitative and qualitative information that could help to predict talented players. Although physical performance test results and body height led to decisions, further anthropometric features and maturation could provide relevant support.

Combined Impact of Creatine, Caffeine, and Variable Resistance on Repeated Sprint Ability in Young Soccer Players.

There is evidence that both intra-serial variable resistance (I-sVR), as pre-activation within the post-activation performance enhancement cycle (PAPE), and creatine and caffeine supplementation increase athletic performance in isolation. However, the effect of the three conditioning factors on 30 m repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance in young soccer players is unknown. This study determined the summative and isolation effect of ergogenic aids and pre-activation in half-back squats (HBSs) with I-sVR on performance in an RSA test in young soccer players. Twenty-eight young soccer players were randomly assigned to either EG1 (n = 7, creatine + caffeine + I-sVR), EG2 (n = 7, creatine + placebo2 + I-sVR), EG3 (n = 7, placebo1 + caffeine + I-sVR), or EG4 (n = 7, placebo1 + placebo2 + I-sVR), using a factorial, four-group-matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Creatine supplementation included 0.3 g/kg/day for 14 days, caffeine supplementation included 0.3 mg/kg per day, and pre-activation in HBS with I-sVR (1 × 5 at 30% 1RM [1.0-1.1 m/s] + 1 × 4 at 60% 1RM [0.6-0.7 m/s]). The RSA test and HBS outcomes were evaluated. Three-way ANOVA showed non-significant differences for the RSA test and HBS outcomes (p > 0.05). At the end of this study, it was found that the three ergogenic aids, together, do not generate a summative effect on the physical performance of young soccer players. However, it is important to analyze individual responses to these specific protocols.

Effects of Fast-Tempo and Binaural Beat Therapy Music during Warm-Up on Repeated Sprint Ability Test Performance among Young Soccer Players.

This prospective crossover study aimed to investigate the effect of binaural beat therapy music on soccer player performance. Between July 2023 and December 2023, 45 athletes (31 females/14 males, mean age = 20.47 ± 0.99) wore Bluetooth earphones through which one of the following was given during initial 20 min warm-up exercises before undergoing repeated sprint ability tests: no music/fast-tempo music/fast-tempo music with background binaural beat therapy music. Heart rate change after warm-up exercises/repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and the time to finish RSA tests were recorded. Despite no significant difference in heart rate increase after warm-up between the two genders regardless of intervention, larger increases after RSA tests were found in males following any of the three interventions (all p < 0.01) with the most notable difference observed after fast-tempo music (p < 0.0001). A significant effect size (r = 0.2) correlated with fast-tempo music during warm-up in either gender. Binaural beat therapy music during warm-up reached a significant effect size only when all participants were considered, suggesting limited benefits.

The impact of high-intensity arm crank exercise on reaction time in wheelchair fencers: gender differences and mechanical predictors

To achieve high performance, wheelchair fencing (WF) athletes are required to exhibit good physiological and timing indicators. The main aims of this study were to assess the relationship between the results of the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and reaction time (RT) in WF, and to evaluate changes in RT after repeated high-intensity sprints in the group of an international-level WF athletes. This experimental study involved 18 athletes (aged 34.6 ± 7.70) from the Paralympic WF team. To establish the impact of fatigue on psychomotor capacity, the participants undergo a series of tests. At the beginning of the study, first reaction time (RT1) was measured. Afterwards, the RSA test was performed using the arm crank ergometer to evaluate the participants’ repeated sprint ability. Immediately after RSA, the second reaction time (RT2) was measured. Statistical analysis revealed moderate correlations between the RT2 and total work, decrease of work (DW), highest peak power, mean peak power, and highest peak power/kg, but these correlations were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). All fencers achieved a significantly shorter average RT2 (p < 0.005) after the RSA test (0.383 ± 0.035 s) than before the test (0.391 ± 0.038 s). Additionally, RT2 was significantly shorter than RT1 in the women's group (p < 0.001). Moreover, males had significantly greater values of repeated sprint ability parameters: highest work, total work, decrease of work and highest peak power (p < 0.05) than females. To conclude, repeated high-intensity arm crank exercise has a positive impact on simple postexercise cognitive tasks in WF fencers, especially in women, and leads to a decrease in RT. The RSA parameters can be predictors of changes in RT in men and women wheelchair fencers.

Repeated Sprint Training in Hypoxia Improves Repeated Sprint Ability to Exhaustion Similarly in Active Males and Females.

The aim of this study was to compare the physiological adaptations of males and females to repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH). Active males and females completed 7 wk of repeated sprint training in normoxia (RSN; F i O 2 = 0.209, males: n = 11, females: n = 8) or RSH (F i O 2 = 0.146, males: n = 12, females: n = 10). Before (Pre-) and after (Post-) training, a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test was performed (10-s cycle sprints with 20-s recovery between sprints, until exhaustion), and aerobic and anaerobic qualities were evaluated in normoxia. The number of sprints during RSA increased after training in HYP from 11 to 21 in males and from 8 to 14 in females ( P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 5-11), without significant changes after RSN (10 vs 14 and 8 vs 10 in males and females, respectively). No improvements in mean or peak power output were found in either group. Total work during RSA improved after training in all groups (+9 ± 2 kJ, P < 0.001). Tissue saturation index during the repeated sprints was higher in females than males (+10% ± 2%, P < 0.001). The difference in tissue saturation index between the recovery and sprint phases remained unchanged after training. O 2 peak during an incremental exercise test increased in all groups (+3 ± 1 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 , P = 0.039). Mean power output during a Wingate test also increased in both males and females in RSN and RSH (+0.38 ± 0.18 W·kg -1 , P = 0.036). No changes were observed in hematological parameters after training. Seven weeks of RSH further increased the number of repeated sprints performed to exhaustion compared with RSN in females, in the same order of magnitude as in males.

Effects of a 6-Week Repeated-Sprint Training With Voluntary Hypoventilation at Low and High Lung Volume on Repeated-Sprint Ability in Female Soccer Players.

To investigate the effects of repeated-sprint training with voluntary hypoventilation at low (RSH-VHL) and high (RS-VHH) lung volume on repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in female athletes. Over a 6-week period, 24 female soccer players completed 12 sessions of repeated 30-m running sprints with end-expiratory breath holding (RSH-VHL, n = 8), end-inspiratory breath holding (RS-VHH, n = 8), or unrestricted breathing (RS-URB, n = 8). Before and after training, a running RSA test consisting of performing 30-m all-out sprints until exhaustion was implemented. From before to after training, the number of sprints completed during the RSA test was increased in both RSH-VHL (19.3 [0.9] vs 22.6 [0.9]; P < .01) and RS-VHH (19.3 [1.5] vs 20.5 [1.7]; P < .01) but not in RS-URB (19.4 [1.3] vs 19.5 [1.7]; P = .67). The mean velocity and the percentage decrement score calculated over sprints 1 to 17 were, respectively, higher (82.2% [1.8%] vs 84.6% [2.1%] of maximal velocity) and lower (23.7% [3.1%] vs 19.4% [3.2%]) in RSH-VHL (P < .01), whereas they remained unchanged in RS-VHH and RS-URB. The mean arterial oxygen saturation recorded during training at the end of the sprints was lower in RSH-VHL (92.1% [0.4%]) than in RS-VHH (97.3% [0.1%]) and RS-URB (97.8% [0.1%]). This study shows that female athletes can benefit from the RSH-VHL intervention to improve RSA. The performance gains may have been limited by the short sprinting distance with end-expiratory breath holding, which provoked only moderate hypoxemia. The increase in the number of sprints in RS-VHH seems to show that factors other than hypoxia may have played a role in RSA improvement.

Repeated sprint training in hypoxia induces specific skeletal muscle adaptations through S100A protein signaling.

Athletes increasingly engage in repeated sprint training consisting in repeated short all-out efforts interspersed by short recoveries. When performed in hypoxia (RSH), it may lead to greater training effects than in normoxia (RSN); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed at elucidating the effects of RSH on skeletal muscle metabolic adaptations as compared to RSN. Sixteen healthy young men performed nine repeated sprint training sessions in either normoxia (FIO2 = 0.209, RSN, n = 7) or normobaric hypoxia (FIO2 = 0.136, RSH, n = 9). Before and after the training period, exercise performance was assessed by using repeated sprint ability (RSA) and Wingate tests. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were performed to investigate muscle metabolic adaptations using proteomics combined with western blot analysis. Similar improvements were observed in RSA and Wingate tests in both RSN and RSH groups. At the muscle level, RSN and RSH reduced oxidative phosphorylation protein content but triggered an increase in mitochondrial biogenesis proteins. Proteomics showed an increase in several S100A family proteins in the RSH group, among which S100A13 most strongly. We confirmed a significant increase in S100A13 protein by western blot in RSH, which was associated with increased Akt phosphorylation and its downstream targets regulating protein synthesis. Altogether our data indicate that RSH may activate an S100A/Akt pathway to trigger specific adaptations as compared to RSN.

Repeated-Sprint Training With Blood-Flow Restriction Improves Repeated-Sprint Ability Similarly to Unrestricted Training at Reduced External Loads.

This study examined performance and physiological adaptations following 3 weeks of repeated-sprint training (RST) with blood-flow restriction (BFR) or without (non-BFR). Twenty-six semiprofessional and amateur adult male team-sport players were assessed for repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, neuromuscular function, and maximal aerobic capacity before and after RST. Participants completed 9 cycling RST sessions (3 sets of 5-7 × 5-s sprints, 25-s passive recovery, 3-min rest) over a 3-week period with BFR or non-BFR. During RST sessions, the BFR group demonstrated lower mean power output compared with non-BFR (-14.5%; g = 1.48; P = .001). Significant improvements (P < .05) in mean and peak power output during repeated-sprint ability (+4.1%; g = 0.42, and + 2.2%; g = 0.25, respectively) and anaerobic capacity (+4.8%; g = 0.47, and + 4.7%; g = 0.32, respectively) tests, leg lean mass (+2.0%; g = 0.16), and peak aerobic power (+3.3%; g = 0.25) were observed from pretesting to posttesting without any between-groups differences. No significant changes (P > .05) were observed for maximal isometric voluntary contraction and maximal aerobic capacity. Peak rate of force development decreased (P = .003) in both groups following RST (-14.6%; g = 0.65), without any between-groups differences. Repeated-sprint ability, anaerobic capacity, leg lean mass, and peak aerobic power improved following 3 weeks of RST; however, the addition of BFR did not further enhance adaptations. Interestingly, comparable improvements were achieved between groups despite lower external loads experienced during RST sessions with BFR.

Are there specific molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle to repeated sprint training in hypoxia?

Introduction&#x0D; Athletes increasingly engage in repeated sprint training that consists of repeated short all-out effort (&lt; 10 s) interspersed by short recoveries (&lt; 60 s). When performed in hypoxia (repeated sprints in hypoxia, RSH), it may lead to greater training effect than in normoxia (RSN). However, the mechanisms underlying this superior training effect of RSH are unclear. Specifically, the role of muscle metabolic response to RSH is still debated and results are heterogeneous. Clarifying the molecular pathways of skeletal muscle adaptations to RSH may thus provide new insights into the role of hypoxia-induced response to training.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Two groups of healthy young men (randomized) performed three training sessions/week for three weeks. Each training session consisted in six series of six sprints (6 s effort/24 s rest) in either normoxia (RSN, n = 7) or normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 = ~13%, RSH, n = 9). Before and after the training period, vastus lateralis muscle biopsies, a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test and a Wingate test were performed. Metabolic muscle adaptations were studied with proteomics and western blotting.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; RSN and RSH similarly improved power output (p &lt; 0.05) during the RSA test (RSN: + 7.2 ± 7.7% vs. RSH: + 7.9 ± 6.6%) and the Wingate test (RSN: + 1.3 ± 3.6% vs. RSH: + 4.4 ± 5.0%). Proteomics revealed a decrease in several processes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, confirmed by Western Blot with a reduction (p &lt; 0.05) in complexes I (- 19 ± 30%) and V (- 15 ± 24%) protein levels in response to both RSN and RSH. RSN and RSH increased (p &lt; 0.05) protein levels of the hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α, + 111 ± 50%) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFa, + 91 ± 60%). Protein levels of the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase II increased (+ 119 ± 183%, p &lt; 0.05) after both training types. Only RSH induced increased glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4, + 31 ± 18%, p &lt; 0.05) protein level, suggesting specific glycolytic adaptations in response to hypoxia, supported by proteomics data. This specific adaptation may be triggered through the signaling of S100A protein family as we observed an increased S100A13 protein level (+ 467 ± 353%, p &lt; 0.05) and Akt phosphorylation (+ 21 ± 21%, time x group interaction, p &lt; 0.05) as well as several other S100A proteins in proteomics only after RSH training.&#x0D; Discussion/Conclusion&#x0D; To conclude, RSH did not exhibit in greater performance improvement compared to RSN. However, it further improved the glycolytic phenotype compared to RSN, possibly through specific S100A13 proteins signaling. Thus, we suggest that the reported superiority of RSH to RSN in the literature may stem from superior glycolytic adaptations triggered through the activation of a specific pathway involving S100A13 protein. The potential role of S100A13 protein in skeletal muscle adaptative responses to exercise is novel and the present results open new research perspectives in this field.

Comparative Effects of Two High-Intensity Intermittent Training Programs on Sub-Elite Male Basketball Referees' Fitness Levels.

This study aimed to compare the effects of an 8-week short-term training program, comprising repeated sprints or running-based high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT), on the aerobic fitness and repeated sprint ability (RSA) performance of sub-elite basketball referees. Twenty male referees participated in supervised training sessions twice a week. They were randomly assigned to either the RSA-based group (RSAG) or the running-based HIIT group (HIITG). The RSAG conducted 3-4 sets of 8 × 20-m all-out sprints, while the HIITG performed 2-3 sets of 6 × 20-s runs at 90% of their maximal velocity achieved in the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT). Referees underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill, the 30-15IFT, and an RSA test before and after the training program. Both groups showed significant improvement (~3%) in the fastest (22.6 ± 1.4 vs. 23.4 ± 1.7 and 22.0 ±1.9 vs. 22.4 ± 1.7 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) and mean (21.5 ± 1.2 vs. 22.4 ± 1.4 and 21.3 ± 1.8 vs. 21.7 ± 1.6 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively) sprint velocity of the RSA test (p < 0.05). Moreover, positive changes (p < 0.05) were observed in the 30-15IFT maximal velocity (18.6 ± 1.1 vs. 19.3 ± 1.0 and 19.4 ± 0.9 vs. 20.5 ± 0.9 km·h-1 in RSAG and HIITG, respectively). In conclusion, an 8-week training intervention using either RSA or running-based HIIT led to similar improvements in referees' RSA performance and specific aerobic fitness measures. These findings could assist in devising tailored training programs for basketball referees.

Agreement of ultra-short-term heart rate variability measure after different repeated bouts of sprint ability tests.

This study aims to explore: (1) the validity of post-exercise ultra-short-term heart rate variability (HRVust) after two different bouts of repeated sprint ability test (RSA), and (2) the relationship between HRVust measure and RSA performance. Twenty adolescent male futsal players voluntarily participated in this study (age: 17.65 ± 1.81 years, body height: 170.88 ± 4.98 cm, body weight: 61.78 ± 4.67 kg). The participants performed a standard RSA test (RSAstandard) and an RSA test with a 10% decrement of the best sprint time test (RSA10%decrement) on two separate occasions within a week. On both occasions, a 5-min resting electrocardiography was administered pre- and post-RSA exercise protocols. The first 30-s (HRVust30s), 60-s (HRVust60s), and 60-120-s (HRVust1-2min) were extracted and used to compare with the standard of 5-min HRV recording (HRVcriterion). The natural logarithm (ln) of the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences (RMSSD) HRV indices were utilised to establish intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), coefficient of variation (%CV), and Pearson product-moment correlation (r). Results revealed the ICC values of HRVust lnSDNN (RSAstandard = 0.77-0.88; RSA10%decrement = 0.41-0.71) and lnRMSSD (RSAstandard = 0.81-0.86; RSA10%decrement = 0.57-0.82). Furthermore, significantly positive correlations between best sprint time and post-exercise HRVust indices were found in lnSDNN (r = 0.47-0.62; p < 0.05) and lnRMSSD (r = 0.45; p < 0.05). Additionally, a large CV of lnSDNN (RSAstandard = 32%-45%; RSA10%decrement = 29%-39%), lnRMSSD (RSAstandard = 50%-66%; RSA10%decrement = 48%-52%), and ratio (RSAstandard = 45%-126%; RSA10%decrement = 27%-45%) was found after the RSA protocols. In conclusion, the number of bouts of RSA exercise potentially influences the agreement of post-exercise time-domain HRVust indices to standard HRV measure.

Validity and reliability of a repeated multi-changes of direction agility test in senior soccer players.

This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of repeated multi-changes of direction agility test (rMCOD) compared to a soccer-specific field test of repeated sprint ability (S-RSA) and repeated sprint ability test (RSA). Thirty-five healthy male soccer players (age: 18.4 ± 1.3 years) from Tunisan national soccer league (elite and sub-elite) took part in this study. They performed the tests in a randomized order over five sessions interspaced by at least 72 h. The construct, predictive and discriminant validity, relative and absolute reliability, and sensitivity of the tests were analyzed. The total and best time of the test (the sum for all trials and the trial with the lowest duration on nine, six, and seven attempts for rMCOD, RSA, and S-RSA, respectively), fatigue index, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and lactate concentration were recorded. rMCOD correlated with both, S-RSA and RSA in total time (r = 0.85 and r = 0.52, respectively) and fatigue index (r = 0.74 and r = 0.83, respectively). Receiver operator characteristics were not able to discriminate between group levels (elite and sub-elite). When comparing training levels, only the fatigue index in S-RSA showed a difference between groups. Fatigue index, total time, and the best time in rMCOD showed excellent reliability, as well as the minimal change detectable (MCD = 0.89, MCD = 0.63, and MCD = 0.11, respectively) was higher than the standard error of the mean (SEM = 0.32, SEM = 0.23, and 0.04, respectively). rMCOD showed large to very large predictive validity compared with the S-RSA and RSA, being a reliable test for the following parameters: the best time and total time to perform the test. Nevertheless, this study design cannot ensure whether or not this test is able to detect real changes in performance in response to training since it did not include a training intervention; besides, rMCOD could not distinguish between elite and sub-elite players, which is a limitation.

Mental fatigue impairs repeated sprint and jump performance in team sport athletes

ObjectivesWe tested whether mental fatigue (MF), induced by a cognitively-demanding task, would impair repeated sprint ability (RSA) and repeated jump ability (RJA) performance, and whether physical fatigue and MF would impair psychomotor vigilance. DesignRandomized within-participant design. MethodsAfter establishing baseline peak countermovement jump (CMJ), 18 male participants performed 12 maximal 20-m (10-m linear + 10-m directional) repeated sprints (RSA random test) followed by 12 maximal repeated CMJs (RJA test) subsequent to 30-min Stroop task (MF) or a documentary (Control). Peak and mean running time and height, percent decrement score (Sdec), blood lactate, heart rate and RPE were measured for CMJ, RSA, and RJA tests. MF (M-VAS) and psychomotor vigilance [psychomotor vigilance test (PVT)] were measured at baseline, after each condition, and after the RSA/RJA tests. ResultsCompared to Control, the Stroop task elevated MF (p = .001), RPE ratings (all p < .031), and mean and Sdec performance in directional (but not linear) RSA (all p < .032) and RJA tests (all p < .034). PVT score worsened after Stroop task (p = .011) but not Control, declined after RSA/RJA tests in both conditions (all p < .023) and was lower in the MF condition (p = .029). No condition differences were noted for peak (CMJ, RSA and RJA tests) performance, blood lactate, and heart rate. ConclusionsMF impairs directional RSA, and RJA performance. This impairment was linked with increased RPE and without physiological changes. The progressive impairment in PVT score suggests a cumulatively negative effect of mental and physical fatigue on psychomotor vigilance.

Ramadan Fasting and Short-Term Maximal Physical Performance: Searching for Optimal Timing of the Last Meal "Suhoor" in Female Pre-University Handball Players.

Aiming to identify the ideal suhoor timing for maintaining optimal physical performance and health indicators during Ramadan intermittent fasting, the present study compares the effects of early vs. late Suhoor on short-term high-intensity physical exercise while controlling the body mass index (BMI) oral temperature (OT), dietary intake, and sleep patterns. In a randomized design, 19 female pre-university handball players (age: 16.8 ± 0.4 y; height: 1.70 ± 0.9 m; and body mass: 61.5 ± 6.9 kg) underwent two test sessions (at 08:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m.) at four different conditions: ten days prior to Ramadan (R - 10), the final ten days of Ramadan (R) including both Early Suhoor R(ES) and Late Suhoor R(LS) conditions, and the ten days immediately following Ramadan (R + 10). A recovery period of at least 48 h has been set between successive test sessions at each period. Outcome measures included the Countermovement Jumps Test (CMJ), Modified Agility t-Test (MATT), Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA), and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), OT, BMI, and daily diary intake were assessed across the three periods. The total scores of PSQI decreased significantly during R and R + 10 compared to R - 10. When performed in the afternoon, CMJ, MATT, and RSA performance decreased significantly at R(ES) and R(LS) conditions compared to R - 10. However, these performances decreased only after R(ES) when performed in the morning. Furthermore, performances were lower during R(ES) compared to R(LS) in the afternoon for all tests and the morning for MATT and RSA tests. These findings support prior research showing a deterioration of physical performance during Ramadan fasting and indicate a more pronounced impact following early Suhoor condition. Therefore, consuming a late suhoor, closer to pre-dawn time, could be suggested as an effective strategy to minimize physical performance decline during short-term high-intensity exercise.