Simulated Competition Research Articles

Análisis antropométrico, fisiológico y temporal en jugadoras de pádel de elite (Anthropometric, physiological and temporal analysis in elite female paddle players)

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar en el pádel femenino de elite (PFE) las características antropométricas, la respuesta fisiológica y la estructura temporal producida durante una competición simulada (CS). Seis jugadoras con una experiencia mínima de 4 años en pruebas del circuito oficial fueron seleccionadas para participar en esta investigación. Se registraron diferentes medidas corporales para estudiar el perfil antropométrico: masa corporal, talla, 6 pliegues, 4 perímetros y 3 diámetros. Durante la CS fueron registradas las siguientes variables: i. Frecuencia cardíaca máxima (FCmáx), mínima (FCmín) y media (FCmed) de cada juego, set y total; ii. Niveles lácticos al terminar cada set, al finalizar el partido y en los minutos 2, 4, 6, 8 y 10 del periodo de recuperación; iii. Tiempo de juego total. Los valores antropométricos analizados reflejaron un somatotipo endo-mesomórfico (3.7-4.2-2.5). Los resultados fisiológicos obtenidos durante la CS fueron de 177±9.2 y 151±8.1 lpm para la FCmáx y FCmed respectivamente. Los niveles lácticos máximos alcanzados fueron de 2.4±.6 mmol.l. La duración media de los partidos fue de 56:11±00:38 m. La FCmáx fue de un 76.3% respecto a la máxima hallada en laboratorio. Los niveles de lactacidemia registrados situaron el esfuerzo en la vía metabólica aeróbica con cortos periodos entre el metabolismo aeróbico-anaeróbico. Conocer estos datos resulta de gran utilidad como método de control del rendimiento y de planificación del entrenamiento en el PFE.Palabras clave: composición corporal, somatotipo, lactato, frecuencia cardiaca, estructura temporal.Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze anthropometric characteristics, physiological response and structure temporal produced in elite female paddle players (EFPP) during a simulated competition (SC). Six EFPP, with four years minimum experience in official circuit competitions, were selected for this study. Different body measures were registered to obtain the anthropometric profile: body mass, height, 6 skinfolds, 4 girths and 3 breadths. During CS the following variables were recorded: i. Maximum heart rate (HRmax), minimum and medium heart reat (HRmin and HRmed) on each game, set and final match; ii. Blood lactate levels after each set and lactate levels in minutes 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 during recovery period; iii. Total playing time. Anthropometric values showed a mesoendomorfic somatotype (3.7-4.2-2.5). Physiological results showed that average achieved during SC was 177±9.2 and 151±8.1 bmp HRmax and HRmed, respectively. Maximum blood lactate levels showed by EFPP were 2.4±0.6 mMol.L-1. The mean match time was 56:11±00:38 m. Percentage of HRmax during simulated match was 76.3% of maximum value obtained during laboratory test. Blood lactate levels during SC showed that EFPP spent most of the time at aerobic intensities with brief periods at anaerobic intensities. Data obtained in this study provides useful information in EFPP training periodization and performance management.Key words: body composition, somatotype, blood lactate, heart rate, temporal structure.

Development of a lab based epee fencing protocol

The aims were to undertake a movement analysis of a simulated epee fencing competition and to develop and validate a laboratory based protocol (LAB). Seven male club epee fencers undertook a simulated competition (SIM) comprising of the ‘Poule’ and ‘direct elimination’ (DE) structure of competition. Video analysis was completed to identify fencing specific movements and work to rest ratios from which a LAB was developed. Six different fencers undertook the second part of the experiment involving the LAB. Heart rate and RPE were monitored throughout both trials. Statistical analysis was undertaken to compare HR and RPE responses within and between SIM and LAB. A work to rest ratio of 9:8s was calculated for the Poule and 10:12s for the DE. Poule (first round) fights lasted 139 ±12 s whereas a DE fights lasted 491 ±20 s. Although HR was lower during the DE phase of LAB, a similar intensity to those reported for previous fencing competitions was elicited. Lower HR during the second phase of the LAB is likely due to lower circulating adrenaline in a non competitive situation. However, based on mean HR and RPE responses and specific movement patterns involved the protocol may be useful for examining interventions.