Subjective Perception Of Effort Research Articles

Influence of competitive padel matches on physical fitness and perceptual responses in high-level players.

Padel is a sport that requires a combination of physical and technical skills. Fatigue is a major modulator of padel players' performance. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in neuromuscular performance and perceived effort among high-level padel players. Countermovement jump and handgrip strength of 58 participants (men: N.=38 age = 28.3±7.05 years, height = 178.9±8.41 cm; body mass = 75.25±8.2 kg. women: N.=21, age = 23.07±4.6 years, height = 163.86±10.34 cm; body mass = 59.9±6.13 kg) were assessed pre- and post-match in 43 official matches during the Padel Master 2021 of the Andalusian Padel Federation. Additionally, the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale was used to assess players' subjective perception of effort after each match. Players experienced significant increases in postmatch jump height, with no changes in handgrip strength. Moreover, changes in jump height were greater in male players after the match when compared to their female counterparts, but the match duration was not determinant when comparing CMJ or handgrip between 2-sets and 3-sets matches. Finally, players reported a higher RPE after longer matches, but perceived effort was not different between sexes. These findings suggest that the internal load generated during competitive padel matches is insufficient to cause a declination in performance of the studied variables. It is also concluded that players' warm-up routines could be optimized to enhance neuromuscular performance at the start of matches.

Effects of Mechanical Vibration during an Incremental Slide Board Skating Test on Physiological and Movement Variability Parameters

The physiological, kinematic, and performance benefits of slide board (SB) training are well established. However, there is limited research investigating the potential effects offered by combining SB training with whole-body vibration (WBV). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of WBV on movement variability (MV) and physiological parameters during an incremental SB skating test. Ten elite ice hockey players (20.4 ± 2.07 years; 1.79 ± 0.05 m; 75.97 ± 5.44 kg; 23.64 ± 1.64 body mass index) participated in this study. An incremental test was conducted on the SB under two conditions, randomized in order: WBV (30 Hz) and non-WBV (0 Hz). The incremental test rhythms were established at 30, 35, 40, and 45 Hz. Participants performed the exercise on the SB at each rhythm for four minutes, for a total of 16 mins. MV, subjective perception of effort (RPE), heart rate (HR), and ergospirometric parameters were assessed. Differences were observed between rhythms in ergospirometric parameters and HR, increasing directly with rhythm (p < 0.05). Regarding differences between conditions, MV was higher when the incremental test was performed with WBV (p < 0.01). The addition of WBV during SB training resulted in a rise in MV without affecting physiological parameters.

Effects on strength, jumping, reaction time and perception of effort and stress in men´ s top-20 World Padel Competitions

Paddle tenis has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming one of the most popular and globally expanding sports. This study aims to examine the physiological performance and subjective perception of stress and fatigue in top-20 padel players during matches. Seven elite players participated in the study. Various variables were evaluated, such as subjective perception of effort and stress, isometric grip strength, reaction time, and jump performance, both before and after the matches. The results showed significant increases in subjective perception of effort, perceived stress, and performance in vertical countermovement and squat jumps, as well as in horizontal jumps after the matches. However, no significant changes were observed in reaction time, free-arm jumps, and grip strength (although significant differences were observed between the dominant and non-dominant hand). These findings suggest that the physical conditioning of high-level padel players allows them to endure the fatigue of matches. The differences between the dominant and non-dominant hand indicate asymmetries due to the one-sided nature of this sport. Reaction time did not decrease, suggesting that the level of fatigue was not sufficient to limit the information processing of these athletes. Perceived stress, with widely dispersed values far from the maximum, was consistent with the reaction and adaptation times of the players. The repeated decelerations and accelerations from the backcourt to the net (and vice versa) did not produce excessive fatigue but rather muscular activation, which was evident in horizontal jumps. These findings contribute to understanding the physiological aspects of padel and can be used for the development of training programs that optimize performance and minimize the perception of fatigue in players.

Examining the alignment between subjective effort and objective force production.

Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) are frequently used to prescribe exercise intensity. A central assumption of using RPE scales is that the subjective perception of effort maps onto objective performance in a consistent way. However, the degree and shape of how RPE aligns with objective performance is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the degree and shape of alignment, as well as how time (i.e., how frequently an effort needs to be performed) and mental effort (i.e., if one has to invest mental effort and physical effort) correspond with the alignment. In a randomized within-subjects experiment, we used a grip-to-scale method that asked participants (N = 43) to repeatedly squeeze a handgrip dynamometer with four to-be-produced RPE target levels relative to their subjective maximum strength (representing 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80%). We found that the RPE-force alignment was not the same across RPE-levels: Whereas subjective differences from 20-40% and 40-60% were met by comparable differences in produced force, a substantially larger difference was observed for the 60-80% interval. Interestingly, exploratory post-hoc analyses revealed that this was mirrored by an increase in variance at the higher effort levels. In addition, at constant RPE-levels, participants produced less force over time, and this effect was more pronounced at lower RPE target levels. Lastly, anticipating mental effort after the physical effort slightly altered the alignment as a function of the to-be-produced RPE-level and experimental duration. Taken together, our results indicate that the mapping of perceived effort on objective performance is intricate, and several factors affect the degree and shape of how RPE and performance align. Understanding the dynamic adjustment of RPE-performance alignment across different RPE levels is particularly relevant for contexts that use RPE as a tool for training load prescription.

Correlation between training load variables and sports performance in elite athletes during a CrossTraining competition

Controlling training loads is important to obtain results and avoid overtraining in athletes. In CrossTraining, subjective perception of effort (PSE) has been cited as an important parameter for load control, however, little is known about the contribution of physiological parameters. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between training control variables and performance in elite athletes during a CrossTraining competition. Ten athletes (26.4 ± 4.5 years, 84.32 ± 6.75 kg, height 1.74 ± 0.21 m) participated in the study. The RPE values ​​were recorded at the end of each test, and the athletes were monitored in real time using a HR monitoring system (Firstbeat SPORT, Jyvaskyla, Finland). The training control variables collected were: Total training volume (VTT), PSE, training load (PSE X time), mean and maximum HR, average and training impulse (TRIMP). Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated the following associations with competitive performance (VTT, r=0.87; RPE, r=0.28; training load, r=0.60; HRmáx, r=0.73; HRmean, r=0.76 and TRIMP, r=0.87). In conclusion, physiological parameters showed significant correlations compared to RPE, being more suitable for monitoring CrossTraining athletes.

Motivational Enhancement: What Ancient Technologies of the Self and Recent Biotechnologies Have in Common

Motivational enhancement of any kind can be conceived of either as a way to reduce the need for effort, or as a change in the subjective perception of effort. However, in both cases, effort is not all that matters. In the evaluation of praiseworthy conduct, the practical goals pursued by the subject, their dedication, and the discernment they exercise are equally important. I further argue that not only in terms of the general purpose, but also in terms of the means employed for human enhancement, we cannot, in fact, establish significant differences between the traditional technology of the self and biomedical technologies for enhancing motivation. There are two key features they all share. The traditional techniques of the self also aim at the gradual reduction of effort through their steady practice, and they are all mental conditioning and self-conditioning techniques based on repetition and training.

Acute Effect of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Resistance Exercise Performance and Muscle Oxygenation in Recreationally Resistance Trained Men and Women.

L-citrulline serves as a nitric oxide precursor with the potential to increase blood flow and improve resistance exercise performance, yet more research is needed to examine its ergogenic potential. To examine the effect of L-citrulline supplementation on resistance exercise performance, muscle oxygenation, and the subjective perception of effort, energy, focus, fatigue, and muscle pump, eighteen resistance-trained men (n = 11) and women (n = 7) (21.4 ± 1.8 years; 172.3 ± 7.5 cm; 76.9 ± 10.8 kg) were randomly assigned for supplementation with 8 g of L-citrulline (CIT) or a placebo (PL) in a cross-over fashion one hour prior to testing. Participants completed an isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP), a ballistic bench press protocol [two sets of two repetitions at 75% 1-repetition maximum (1 RM) with maximum ballistic intent], and a strength-endurance bench press protocol [five repetition-maximum sets at 75% 1RM]. Barbell velocity and power were measured via a linear position transducer during the ballistic protocol, while the repetitions completed, volume load and muscle oxygenation were quantified during the strength-endurance protocol. Subjective measures were assessed at the baseline and immediately pre- and post-exercise. Repeated measures of the analysis of variance and Bayesian equivalents revealed no significant interactions, providing evidence favoring the null hypothesis (BF10 < 1) for IMTP (PL 497.5 ± 133.6 vs. CIT 492.5 ± 129.4 N), barbell velocity, and power, and repetitions completed (PL 36.7 ± 7.2 vs. CIT 36.9 ± 8.1 repetitions). There were also no significant interactions for muscle oxygenation parameters or subjective measures except perceived fatigue. Women reported greater fatigue across all time points compared to men (~1.88 au, p = 0.045, BF10 = 0.2). The results indicate that a single 8 g dose of L-citrulline did not enhance isometric force production, muscle endurance, or muscle oxygenation parameters during the protocol implemented in this study.

Associations between Borg's rating of perceived exertion and changes in urinary organic acid metabolites after outdoor weight-bearing hiking.

Developing methods to monitor exercise load and evaluate body fatigue and muscle injury over time in hiking training remains a key problem to be solved. A widely used psycho-physical tool to assess the subjective perception of effort during exercise is Borg's rating of perceived exertion (BRPE) scale. Data on the relationships and validity of the BRPE compared to objectively assessed metabolic criteria are still lacking, especially urinary organic acid concentrations. To verify whether the BRPE scale could be used in the prescription of outdoor hiking with weight-bearing and reveal the relationship between the BRPE scale and urinary physiological measures. Eighty-nine healthy men (average age: 22 years) were enrolled in a 40 km (6 h) hiking training exercise with a 20 kg load. After training, the BRPE scale (6-20) was completed. All participants were divided into three groups according to the rating of the BRPE scale. Urine samples were collected before and after training. Urinary myoglobin levels were measured immediately using the fluorescent immunoassay method. The remaining urine was subpacked and frozen for the subsequent detection of urinary organic acids using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The contents of organic acids and myoglobin in urine were significantly increased after participants hiked 40 km (6 h) with a 20 kg load. Only orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis performed well in separating the group with a BRPE score of 6-12 from the group with a BRPE score of 13-20. Significant differences in the urine levels of several organic acids were observed between the two groups, and the heatmap also presented different metabolic profiles based on BRPE. According to the standard of a variable importance in the projection > 1, fold change > 1.5 and P < 0.05, 19 different metabolites of urinary organic acids were screened and enriched in pathways mainly including the citrate cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle) and alanine, aspartate and glucose metabolism. The BRPE scale identified significantly different urinary organic acid profiles between the higher and lower BRPE value groups, and, thus, could be used to monitor body fatigue in individuals participating in long-distance outdoor hiking with weight bearing.

Psychological Motivation of Athletes’ Physical Training Based on Deep Learning Model

In the field of sports training, two methods of physical and psychological monitoring are usually used to monitor the training process. Physiological index monitoring can objectively reflect the physical function of athletes, and there are many monitoring constraints. Psychological indicators can subjectively reflect the athlete’s own state, and the monitoring is simple and easy. This paper mainly used the subjective perception of effort (RPE) and the profile of mood state (POMS) scales to track and monitor 20 nonprofessional athletes in a university track and field team. Based on the change of the same training volume, the change law and relationship between RPE and POMS, and the change law and relationship between RPE, POMS, heart rate, and blood pressure were analyzed. Finally, it was concluded that the athletes are feeling more and more about the amount of training, and the minimum value P &lt; 0.01 showed a very significant difference, reflecting that the increase of training volume has a significant impact on the t-test value. The training volume has an impact on both the positive and negative dimensions of POMS, but the negative dimension reflects the training volume more clearly. There was a linear relationship between RPE and POMS subscales. RPE was not significantly correlated with positive emotions but positively correlated with negative emotions and TMD. The change trend was the same and the RPE grade increases; the blood pressure and systolic blood pressure also increased accordingly, and vice versa. The POMS negative dimension and TMD were the same as changes in blood pressure increase or decrease, and TMD was not related to heart rate. Scientific training has a large impact on the training of nonprofessional athletes, and whether the training volume is reasonable or not directly affects the qualitative change of athletes’ physical functions. Therefore, it is particularly important to monitor the physiological and psychological indicators of nonprofessional athletes. The improvement of sports performance is the goal, and the improvement of physical function is the guarantee.

Effects of music on psychophysiological responses during high intensity interval training using body weight exercises

The use of music in exercise sessions is considered an interesting strategy as it facilitates, through motivation, an improvement in physical performance, as well as a reduction in the subjective perception of effort and an improvement in mood. Such factors are important for the maintenance of physical exercise programs, however, considering high intensity interval training, the effects of music remain inconclusive. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of music during high intensity interval training sessions using body weight (HIIT-B) on the physiological parameters and mood state of adults. Methods: 11 CrossFit male practitioners were randomly submitted to three sessions of HIIT-B under the following experimental conditions: preference music (PM), non-preference music (nPM) and without music (WM). The HIIT-B protocol consisted of 20 sets of 30 s of stimulus using maximal intensities followed by 30 s of passive recovery. The following exercises were used: jumping jacks, burpee, mountain climber and squat jumping. The following parameters were analyzed: heart rate (HR), lactate (La), total amount of movements (TAM), affective response (AR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), recovery (RPR) and mood states. Results: although an increase (p< 0.05) of HR, RPE and La, reduction of RPR was found after performing the HIIT session, no differences were found between the three conditions to these parameters. The nPM condition promoted lower (p< 0.001) TAM compared to the WM and PM conditions, which also differed from each other. However, for AR, a music effect was found among the protocols (p< 0.0001), indicating that the PM session promoted an increase in pleasure, unlike WM and nPM session which provided pleasure reduction and displeasure respectively. The WM session did not promote any changes. There were no main effects on time for depression and anger, which were different for vigor, fatigue, mental confusion, tension and mood disturbance. Additionally, differences were found after session to tension (p = 0.0229), vigor (p = 0.0424) and fatigue (p = 0.0400) for PM condition, vigor (p = 0.0424), fatigue (p = 0.0400) mental confusion (p = 0.0302) and mood disturbance (p = 0.0129) for nPM and vigor (p = 0.0363) and fatigue (p = 0.0468) to WM conditions. Conclusion: Listening to preferred music during an 'all out' HIIT-B session increases exercise performance and elicits more positive affective responses in recreationally active adult males, despite similar HR, blood lactate, RPE and fatigue compared to nonpreferred music or no-music.

MO302: The Correlation Between Serum and Urinary NGAL With Redox Biomarkers in Post-Ultramarathon Amateur Athletes

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Few studies have investigated the physiological alterations provoked by ultramarathon competition, particularly those related to redox balance, kidney function and NGAL regulation. A better understanding of the dynamics of these biomarkers during ultramarathons could be useful in the search of new biomarkers in the context of exercise physiology. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress and NGAL levels in blood and urine of amateur athletes before and after a 100-km ultramarathon. METHOD The sample was composed of seven athletes between the ages of 21 and 60 years, submitted to anthropometric evaluation, ergoespirometric testing, urine and blood sampling, biochemical and hormonal measurements, body weight measurement and subjective perception of effort (SPE)—–the perception was evaluated through a scale from 6 to 19 [1], along with verification of competition duration, besides the heart rate (HR), energy expenditure and oxygen consumption (VO2) during the event. The duration, the energy expenditure and the average HR of the competition were measured by a frequency meter (Polar, m200). The data provided was analyzed by the Polar Flow app platform. RESULTS The sample had an average BMI of 25.75 ± 3.20, a body fat percentage of 18.54% ± 4.35% and a VO2max of 48.87 ± 4.78. In the pre-competition period, no significant correlations (P &amp;gt; .05) were found between NGAL levels, in blood and urine and blood and urine biomarkers. In relation to the results obtained after competition, there were no significant correlations among of the NGAL levels and plasma biomarkers, except for the serum creatinine level (P &amp;lt; .05). The average duration of the competition (the average finishing time of the competitors) was 820.60 min (±117.00), during which the mean energy consumption was 2209.72 kcal (+951.97) and energy expenditure was 7837.16 kcal (+195.71), with an average HR of 127.85 (±12.02). CONCLUSION The data presented here did not support our initial hypothesis that the ultramarathon would cause oxidative stress and acute kidney injury. In addition, there was no significant correlation between oxidative stress biomarkers and NGAL in serum and urine, which suggests that NGAL is more sensitive to the inflammatory process than ROS levels.

Effects of Verbal Encouragements on Selected Measures of Physical Fitness and Subjective Effort Perception in Young High School Students

: This study aimed to examine the effects of verbal encouragements (VE) on linear sprint speed, jump height, change of direction (CoD) speed, and subjective perception of effort among high school students. Twenty-three high school male students volunteered to participate in this study (age = 19.70 ± 1.06 years). Participants were evaluated during two separate sessions (first session with VE and second session without VE) in a randomized order. The teacher provided VE during each physical test. Jump height [squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), five jump test (FJT)], linear sprint speed (10-m and 30-m sprint), and CoD speed (30-m with CoD) were performed during the two sessions. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each session. Results indicated that VE induced moderate but sig-nificant improvement in 10-m (ES = 0.71, P = 0.023) and 30-m (ES = 0.76, P = 0.016) sprint speed. However, the 30-m sprint with CoD did not change across conditions (P &gt; 0.05). For jump tests, significant moderate-to-large increases were observed under the VE compared with the non-VE condition (ES = 0.65 to 0.90; P = 0.005 to 0.037). Findings showed a large increase in effort perception following VE compared to the non-VE condition (ES = 1.54, P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicated that VE has a positive impact on measures of physical fitness but increases effort perception.

Changes in athlete training patterns due to COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian athletes

In sports, training needs to be done according to various training patterns to optimize performance. However, this has been a major challenge to athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore describing the impacts of lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the athlete's training routine is necessary. 52 Brazilian athletes (Age: 31.5±10.3 years; Body Mass Index: 23.9±3.5 kg/m²), Olympic and Paralympic sports practitioners (professional and recreational) answered an online questionnaire [frequency, duration and intensity (subjective perception of effort) of training sessions], before and during lockdown (July to November/2020). The weekly training frequency (sessions/week) reduced by 48.1% (n=25) and was significantly higher among those who performed more than eight sessions before the pandemic (75% of them, p<0.000). The duration of the sessions (hours/day) decreased by 55.8% (n=29) and was significantly higher in athletes who performed training lasting more than one hour/day [75.9% of them (n=22)] and 24.1% (n= 7) performed training for more than two hours/day (p=0.132). The subjective perception of effort significantly decreased by 56%, from 8.4±1.2 to 5.5±1.7 (p=0.001). Because of the lockdown, athletes have suffered a reduction in the frequency, volume and intensity of their training sessions, but only in those with higher pre-pandemic training loads.

Impact of resistance exercise order on postexercise hemodynamic measures in middle-aged and older women

Aim: to compare the impact of different resistance exercise orders on postexercise hemodynamic measures in resistance-trained nonhypertensive middle-aged and older women. Methods: Twenty-three women (age 50-78 yrs) were randomized into two resistance training (RT) groups: one group started training sessions performing multi-joint exercises followed by single-joint exercises (MS, n = 12; 58.92 ± 5.53 yrs), while the other group performed their sessions in the opposite order (SM, n = 11; 57.93 ± 11.89 yrs). Both groups performed their RT sessions composed of 7 exercises performed in 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions maximum. Blood pressure was measured by automated equipment during pre-training and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after the training session. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified an isolated effect of time only for systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003) with statistically significant reductions in pre-session measurement at 60 min post-session in both groups (MS: 117.67 ± 15.89 mmHg vs. 111.25 ± 11.84 mmHg and SM: 118.64 ± 15.13 mmHg vs. 111.50 ± 15.62 mmHg). Regarding diastolic blood pressure and subjective perception of effort, no difference was identified between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that a RT session can promote post-exercise hypotension for systolic blood pressure after 60 min of recovery in middle-aged and nonhypertensive older women regardless of the exercise order.

Immediate Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Associated with Squatting Exercises on Hemodynamic Parameters in Sarcopenic Older People: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises have recently been introduced as a nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy for sarcopenic older people. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of WBV exercise on hemodynamic parameters in sarcopenic older people. Forty older people, divided into groups of nonsarcopenic (NSG = 20) and sarcopenic (SG = 20), participated in the study and were cross randomized into two interventions of eight sets of 40 s each, these being squatting with WBV and squatting without WBV. Heart rate (HR), peak heart rate (peak HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), double product (DP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and subjective perception of effort (SPE), were assessed at baseline, during, and after a single WBV session. The HR, peak HR, and DP variables were similar at baseline between groups. WBV exercise increased all the hemodynamic parameters both during and immediately after the intervention, in both groups (SG and NSG). The MAP values were similar at baseline between groups; however, in the NSG there was a significant increase during and immediately after the squatting with WBV intervention (p < 0.05). The HR behavior, in both groups, showed that there was an increase in HR after the first set of exercises with vibration and this increase was maintained until the final set. The absence of adverse effects of WBV exercise on the cardiovascular system and fatigue suggests this exercise modality is adequate and safe for sarcopenic older people.

Is Rating of Perceived Exertion a Valuable Tool for Monitoring Exercise Intensity During Steady-State Conditions in Elite Endurance Athletes?

Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a widely used tool to assess subjective perception of effort during exercise. The authors investigated between-subject variation and effect of exercise mode and sex on Borg RPE (6-20) in relation to heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), and capillary blood lactate concentrations. A total of 160 elite endurance athletes performed a submaximal and maximal test protocol either during cycling (n = 84, 37 women) or running (n = 76, 32 women). The submaximal test consisted of 4 to 7 progressive 5-minute steps within ∼50% to 85% of maximal VO2. For each step, steady-state HR, VO2, and capillary blood lactate concentrations were assessed and RPE reported. An incremental protocol to exhaustion was used to determine maximal VO2 and peak HR to provide relative (%) HR and VO2 values at submaximal work rates. A strong relationship was found between RPE and %HR, %VO2, and capillary blood lactate concentrations (r = .80-.82, all Ps < .05). The between-subject coefficient of variation (SD/mean) for %HR and %VO2 decreased linearly with increased RPE, from ∼10% to 15% at RPE 8 to ∼5% at RPE 17. Compared with cycling, running induced a systematically higher %HR and %VO2 (∼2% and 5%, respectively, P < .05) with these differences being greater at lower intensities (RPE < 13). At the same RPE, women showed a trivial, but significantly higher %HR and %VO2 than men (<1%, P < .05). Among elite endurance athletes, exercise mode influenced RPE at a given %HR and %VO2, with greater differences at lower exercise intensities. Athletes should manage different tools to evaluate training based on intensity and duration of workouts.

NOS3 Polymorphisms Can Influence the Effect of Multicomponent Training on Blood Pressure, Nitrite Concentration and Physical Fitness in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Older Adult Women

Associations of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) polymorphisms with hypertension and response to exercise training in prehypertensive and hypertensive older adult women remain unclear. This study used a multicomponent program (various capacities and motor skills) in the physical training intervention. It analyzed the influence of NOS3 polymorphisms [−786T > C, 894G > T (Glu298Asp), and intron 4b/a] on the response of blood pressure (BP), nitrite concentration, and physical fitness in older adult women. Fifty-two participants aged between 50 and 80 underwent body mass index, BP, 6-min walk, elbow flexion, and sit and stand-up tests to assess physical fitness. The intervention duration was 12 weeks, twice a week, on non-consecutive days. Each session lasted 90 min, maintaining an intensity between 13 (moderate) and 15 (intense), controlled by the Subjective Effort Perception Scale. Plasma/blood samples were collected to assess nitrite concentration and genotyping. The statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact test and linear mixed-effects models. The multicomponent training’s positive effect was observed with a similar response in both prehypertensive and hypertensive groups. However, carriers of different genotypes demonstrated different responses to training: the decreases in systolic and diastolic BP and increases in nitrite expected from the physical training were smaller in variant genotype than ancestral genotype carriers, especially in the hypertensive group. At positions −786T > C and Glu298Asp, only the ancestral genotypes showed a decrease in diastolic BP (Δ% = −8.1, and Δ% = −6.5, respectively) and an increase on nitrite (Δ% = 19.1, and Δ% = 24.1, respectively) in the hypertensive group. Our results show that the benefits of a multicomponent training intervention seem to be genotype-dependent. It should be possible to consider genetic variants when selecting an exercise treatment intervention.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Muscle Fatigue in Recreational Runners: Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Triple-Blind, Crossover Study-Protocol Study.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on central and peripheral fatigue in recreational runners. This is a clinical randomized, sham-controlled, triple-blind, crossover study. Twenty adult runners will be randomized on the first day of the intervention to receive active or sham tDCS before fatigue protocol. After 1 wk, the participants will receive the opposite therapy to the one that they received on the first day. The tDCS, 2 mA, will be applied for 20 mins over the motor cortex. The fatigue protocol will be performed after tDCS, in which the participant should perform concentric knee flexion/extension contractions until reaching three contractions at only 50% of maximum voluntary contraction. Central fatigue will be evaluated with the motor evoked potential of the quadriceps muscle; peripheral fatigue with the peak torque (N.m) using an isokinetic dynamometer; the electrical activity of the quadriceps muscle using surface electromyography (Hz); blood lactate level (mmol/L); and the subjective perception of effort (Borg scale). All evaluations will be repeated before and after the interventions. This study will evaluate the effect of tDCS on fatigue in runners, possibly determining an application protocol for this population.

ANALYSIS AND COMPARISON OF TRAINING LOAD BETWEEN TWO GROUPS OF WOMEN’S ARTISTIC GYMNASTS RELATED TO THE PERCEPTION OF EFFORT AND THE RATING OF THE PERCEIVED EFFORT SESSION

The aim of this study was to assess the internal training load in female artisticgymnastics through subjective perception of effort (PSE) by calculating the sRPE variableand different associated variables. Ten gymnasts participated (age: 14.4 ± 2.9 years; height:1.5 ± 0.1 m; mass: 43.3 ± 12.2 kg) and were divided into two groups according to theircompetitive level and weekly training volume: High Level Gymnasts (HLG) and MediumLevel Gymnasts (MLG). The PSE of each gymnast was recorded daily for four weeks after theend of each training block. The HLG group recorded a significantly higher RPE and sRPEvalue in the specific physical preparation (SST) and in the parallel technical training (UB)contents (p &lt; 0.05) compared to MLG. Statistically significant differences were also obtainedfrom the registered mean values of RPE and sRPE when comparing training content.Furthermore, a direct relationship between volume and workload was observed. Finally, thevariables associated with injury risk control provided relevant information to determine thatthe HLG group had a higher risk of injury than the MLG group. Therefore, the sRPE hasbeen a useful tool to assess the internal training load in women's artistic gymnastics. Suchinformation may help quantify the load in this sport in the future.

Effects of Verbal Encouragements on Selected Measures of Physical Fitness and Subjective Effort Perception in Young High School Students

This study aimed to examine the effects of verbal encouragements (VE) on linear sprint speed, jump height, change of direction (CoD) speed, and subjective perception of effort among high school students. Twenty-three high school male students volunteered to participate in this study (age = 19.70 ± 1.06 years). Participants were evaluated during two separate sessions (first session with VE and second session without VE) in a randomized order. The teacher provided VE during each physical test. Jump height [squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), five jump test (FJT)], linear sprint speed (10-m and 30-m sprint), and CoD speed (30-m with CoD) were performed during the two sessions. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each session. Results indicated that VE induced moderate but sig-nificant improvement in 10-m (ES = 0.71, P = 0.023) and 30-m (ES = 0.76, P = 0.016) sprint speed. However, the 30-m sprint with CoD did not change across conditions (P &gt; 0.05). For jump tests, significant moderate-to-large increases were observed under the VE compared with the non-VE condition (ES = 0.65 to 0.90; P = 0.005 to 0.037). Findings showed a large increase in effort perception following VE compared to the non-VE condition (ES = 1.54, P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the findings of this study indicated that VE has a positive impact on measures of physical fitness but increases effort perception.