Weeks Of Pre-season Training Research Articles

Peak fat oxidation, peak oxygen uptake, and running performance increase during pre-season in sub-elite male football players.

In Football, the high-intensity running bouts during matches are considered decisive. Interestingly, recent studies showed that peak fat oxidation rates (PFO) are higher in football players than other athletes. This study aimed to investigate whether PFO increases following a pre-season. Secondarily, and due to COVID-19, we investigated whether PFO is related to the physical performance in a subgroup of semi-professional male football players. Before and after 8 weeks of pre-season training, 42 sub-elite male football players (18 semi-professionals and 24 non-professionals) had a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill for the determination of PFO, the exercise intensity eliciting PFO (Fatmax) and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). Additionally, the semi-professional players performed a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 2 (YYIR2) before and after pre-season training to determine football-specific running performance. PFO increased by 11 ± 10% (mean ± 95% CI), p = 0.031, and V̇O2peak increased by 5 ± 1%, p < 0.001, whereas Fatmax was unchanged (+12 ± 9%, p = 0.057), following pre-season training. PFO increments were not associated with increments in V̇O2peak (Pearson's r2 = 0.00, p = 0.948) or fat-free mass (FFM) (r2 = 0.00, p = 0.969). Concomitantly, YYIR2 performance increased in the semi-professional players by 39 ± 17%, p < 0.001, which was associated with changes in V̇O2peak (r2 = 0.35, p = 0.034) but not PFO (r2 = 0.13, p = 0.244). PFO, V̇O2peak, and FFM increased following pre-season training in sub-elite football players. However, in a subgroup of semi-professional players, increments in PFO were not associated with improvements in YYIR2 performance nor with increments in V̇O2peak and FFM.

Prevalence of self-reported lower limb overuse problems in highly trained track and field athletes during 12 weeks of pre-season training

Prevalence of self-reported lower limb overuse problems in highly trained track and field athletes during 12 weeks of pre-season training

Effect of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory status and muscle damage in competitive female soccer players: a placebo-controlled, singleblind, nonrandomized, crossover pilot study.

Curcumin, a major component of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which are associated with protective effects against muscle damage. This study examined the effects of dietary curcumin on inflammation and muscle damage in female competitive soccer players. A single-blinded, placebo-controlled, nonrandomized, crossover pilot study was conducted. Six competitive female soccer players (20.0 ± 2.0 yearsold) who participated in a 2-week preseason training program were assigned to two conditions: placebo and curcumin. The participants ingested a placebo or curcumin dosage (270 mg/day) during 2 weeks of preseason training, with 1 week of washout. Fasting blood samples were collected under resting conditions before (day 0) and after (day 15) the training period to examine changes in the concentration of interleukin 6 (IL-6), an inflammatory marker, and indices reflective of muscle damage. Curcumin decreased the concentration of IL-6 released (mean decrease, -30.2 ± 28.1%), whereas no decrease was observed in the placebo condition (13.4 ± 17.4%). Changes in plasma IL-6 concentrations were significantly greater in the curcumin condition than in the placebo condition (p &lt; 0.05). However, curcumin supplementation had no significant effects on muscle damage indices. The present study shows that curcumin supplementation could attenuate inflammation, as indicated by IL-6 concentrations, in competitive female soccer players during the training period.

Effects of preseason training on body composition, running performance, biochemical markers and workload variation in professional rugby union players

Few studies have examined the impact of a preseason training intervention through systematic measures in Pro D2 rugby union (RU). Therefore, this study aimed to describe the effects of 12 weeks of preseason training (three blocks) on body composition, running performance, biochemical markers, and workload (WL) variation in professional RU players. Physiological (physical and biochemical) responses to preseason WL were analyzed by examining changes in anthropometric characteristics, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test, blood samples (BS), Hooper index (1–7), the 10-Hz global positioning system (GPS), and session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) in nineteen elite male players. Changes throughout the preseason were analyzed using the one-way and mixed-model analysis of variance. Significant (p < 0.01) improvements occurred in anthropometry and Yo-Yo IR1 running performance in forwards and backs. Total distance (p < 0.01) and impact (p < 0.05) during the second block were meaningfully higher than the other two blocks, with backs showing higher values than forwards. As expected, WL decreased significantly (p < 0.01) during the last training block. The WL variations were correlated with changes in biochemical markers over the preseason period. The collected data can be used for i) profiling French Pro D2 rugby championships players, ii) establishing effective training strategies, and iii) setting preseason WL expectations.

The effect of rugby training on indirect markers of gut permeability and gut damage in academy level rugby players

PurposeTo assess indirect markers of intestinal endothelial cell damage and permeability in academy rugby players in response to rugby training at the beginning and end of preseason.MethodsBlood and urinary measures (intestinal fatty acid binding protein and lactulose:rhamnose) as measures of gastrointestinal cell damage and permeability were taken at rest and after a standardised collision-based rugby training session in 19 elite male academy rugby players (age: 20 ± 1 years, backs: 89.3 ± 8.4 kg; forwards: 111.8 ± 7.6 kg) at the start of preseason. A subsample (n = 5) repeated the protocol after six weeks of preseason training. Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS; range of thirteen standard symptoms), aerobic capacity (30–15 intermittent fitness test), and strength (1 repetition maximum) were also measured.ResultsFollowing the rugby training session at the start of preseason, there was an increase (median; interquartile range) in intestinal fatty acid binding protein (2140; 1260–2730 to 3245; 1985–5143 pg/ml, p = 0.003) and lactulose:rhamnose (0.31; 0.26–0.34 to 0.97; 0.82–1.07, p < 0.001). After six weeks of preseason training players physical qualities improved, and the same trends in blood and urinary measures were observed within the subsample. Overall, the frequency and severity of GIS were low and not correlated to markers of endothelial damage.ConclusionsRugby training resulted in increased intestinal endothelial cell damage and permeability compared to rest. A similar magnitude of effect was observed after six weeks of pre-season training. This was not related to the experience of GIS.

Alterations in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors During Critical Training in Wildland Firefighters.

To identify physiologic stressors related to cardiovascular disease via changes in metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress biomarkers during 2 weeks of preseason training in wildland firefighters (WLFFs). Participants were recruited from a local hotshot crew and monitored during preseason training. Fitness was assessed via the Bureau of Land Management fitness challenge. Venipuncture blood was collected on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 and analyzed for changes in a lipid and glucose panel, C-reactive protein, and oxidative stress markers 8-isoprostane (8ISO), 3-nitrotyrosine (3NT), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), and protein carbonyls. The high physical demands of training resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reductions in total cholesterol, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c. A main effect for time was observed in 8ISO, 3NT, and LOOH. Alterations in metabolic and oxidative stress markers suggest an acute, high-intensity physical stress during WLFF preseason training.

Assessment of the Dietary Intake of High-Rank Professional Male Football Players during a Preseason Training Week.

A well-balanced diet is one of the main factors that may play a supportive role in enhancing acute training stimuli in optimal training adaptation. The aim of the present study was to examine the energy and macro- and micronutrient intake including and excluding supplements among top-level Polish football players during one week of the general preparatory period. In addition, the study looked at whether athletes consume carbohydrates in recommended amounts, depending on the completed training sessions. A total of 26 professional football players were included in the study. The preseason dietary intake was assessed using a 7-day estimated food record. The energy value of the diet and the amounts of the dietary ingredients were assessed using the software Dieta 6.0. The average consumption of energy, vitamin B2, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and calcium was lower than recommendations, and average intake of sodium and potassium was higher than the norm in the diets of the athletes. The results of this study do not confirm the justification for adding protein preparations to diets of the studied players. Furthermore, football players dietary carbohydrate intake was relatively low in comparison to requirements based on training loads. Based on our results we conclude that further work is necessary to reinforce education about nutritional habits and adjust nutritional strategies to individual needs to enhance athletic performance.

Differences in physical fitness after an 8-week preseason training among elite football players aged 17-19 years.

There may be an optimal period of time to maximize the improvement of physical fitness during adolescence. The aim of this study was to examine the magnitude of changes in physical fitness after 8 weeks of preseason training according to chronological ages after the age at peak high velocity. Thirty male young football players from an elite football team (U-16, n=10; U-17, n=10; U-18, n=10) participated in the study. The players completed an 8-week general preseason football training and participated in the pre- and posttests to measure physical fitness. The 8-week preseason training improved the power of all young players (P<0.05). The 20-m sprint performance was improved by training in U-16 and U-18 (P<0.05), but no changes were found in the U-17 group (P>0.05). Significant differences were found in the arrowhead left in U-16 and U-18 (P<0.05) after training; however, no difference was observed in U-17 (P>0.05). Coordination was enhanced further in U-16 and U-17 (P<0.05) compared with that in U-18 (P>0.05). The performance of repeated sprints and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) were similar between pre- and posttraining in all age groups (P>0.05). Collectively, the results emphasized the importance of systematic and scientific training methods to improve the fitness levels of young football players in the preseason training period. Moreover, training to improve coordination in young football players is effective at younger ages.

Dietary intakes of professional Australian football league women’s (AFLW) athletes during a preseason training week

ObjectivesIn 2016 the Australian football league introduced the first women’s league, integrating part-time female athletes into the professional sporting environment. This study aims to assess the dietary intakes of professional Australian football league women’s (AFLW) athletes to highlight key focus areas for nutrition and additionally provide nutrition recommendations for dietitians working with these athletes. DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsDietary intake data was collected from 23 players from the same club competing in the Australian football league women’s, during a preseason week. Dietary intakes were assessed using three day estimated food records. ResultsMajority of athletes did not meet recommendations for carbohydrate (96%, n=22), iron (87%, n=20) and calcium (61%, n=14). In comparison, majority of athletes met protein (74%, n=17) and fat (78%, n=18) recommendations. No significant difference was found in energy intake on main training, light training and recovery days (p>0.05). Energy and carbohydrate intakes reported by AFLW athletes (1884±457kcalday−1 and 2.7±0.7gkg−1day−1) were consistent with values reported in previous studies that included professional female athletes. ConclusionsThis research highlights that further exploration of the factors that influence dietary intake is required to support athletes to meet energy and carbohydrate recommendations required for desired training and performance outcomes.

Quantifying the physical loading of five weeks of pre-season training in professional soccer teams from Dutch and Portuguese leagues

The purpose of this study was to quantify the physical loads of programmed pre-season training in four different professional Dutch and Portuguese soccer teams. Eighty-nine professional players were monitored daily during a five-week period. We monitored the physical loading of training by measuring the external load measures of total distance covered, walking distance, jogging distance, running distance, sprinting distance, high-intensity sprint distance, player's load and number of sprints using a 10 Hz GPS technology. Weekly external load and intra-week external load variations were tested. Repeated measures did not show significant differences between weeks in terms of weekly loads based on total distance and sprinting distance. Significant differences were found between training days considering the duration (p = .011), walking distance (p = .017), running distance (p = .004), player's load (p = .040) and number of sprints (p = .006). Variations between weeks were small, however intra-week variations were observed namely considering the measures associated with great volume and lower intensity.

Monitoring External Training Loads and Neuromuscular Performance For Division I Basketball Players Over the Pre-Season

External training load (TLE) is used to quantify the biomechanical load accrued during training. The countermovement (CMJ) jump is used to evaluate neuromuscular fatigue and recovery in response to TLE. However, limited research has coupled TLEparameters with changes in neuromuscular performance variables from the CMJ. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was twofold: 1) to characterize TLE across the pre-season and 2) examine the differences in TLEper session and CMJ performance across the 5 weeks of preseason training in NCAA D1 basketball athletes. Additional analyses examined the influence of position and scholarship standings. METHODS: TLEwas monitored in 14 male athletes during 22 basketball practice sessions over the course of the preseason. In addition, weekly CMJs were used as an indicator of neuromuscular fatigue and performance. A 3-way (2 X 2 X 5) Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance with Bonferroni post hoc analysis was used to examine differences in the average TLEper session each week and differences in the CMJ variables of Flight Time:Contraction Time (FT:CT) and Jump Height (JH) across time and between position (Guard vs. Forward/Center) and academics (Scholarship vs. Walk-on). Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05) RESULTS: Player load per minute(PL; PL/min) was significantly higher during Week 1 and Week 2 compared to Week 3 (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for average PL, high inertial movement analysis (IMA), or Total Jumps per session across the 5 weeks of pre-season (p > 0.05). A significant group X time interaction indicated Scholarship athletes had greater PL, PL/min, 2 Dimensional PL, High IMA, and Total Jumps compared to the Walk-on athletes. Player position did not influence TLE. No significant differences were observed in FT:CT or JH over the 5 weeks of preseason (p > 0.05) or between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study characterizes the TLEdemands in collegiate basketball during the pre-season. The average TLEper week did not vary across 5 weeks of training, while differences in intensity (PL/min) were evident. While no differences were observed between position groups, there was a significant difference in TLEbetween scholarship and walk-on athletes.

Heart Rate Variability Changes From Traditional vs. Ultra-Short-Term Recordings in Relation to Preseason Training Load and Performance in Futsal Players.

Nakamura, FY, Antunes, P, Nunes, C, Costa, JA, Esco, MR, and Travassos, B. Heart rate variability changes from traditional vs. ultra-short-term recordings in relation to preseason training load and performance in futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2974-2981, 2020-The aims of this study were to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) changes in futsal players during preseason training using both "criterion" (10-minute) and ultra-shortened (2-minute) measures, and to determine whether they were related to changes in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) performance and accumulated training load (TL). Eleven male competitive futsal players (age = 25.19 ± 4.70 years; body mass = 73.15 ± 11.70 kg; and height = 176.90 ± 5.01 cm) volunteered for the study. Data collection took place during the first to the fourth weeks of preseason training. Training load was monitored with session ratings of perceived exertion. The total distance (TD) covered during the Yo-Yo IR1 was recorded during week 1 and week 4. Heart rate variability was measured through the log-transformed root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences using the ultra-short analysis, with its weekly mean (lnRMSSDM) and coefficient of variation (lnRMSSDCV) recorded, and by means of the criterion method (weeks 1 and 4). lnRMSSDM was likely higher at week 4 compared with week 1 using both criterion and ultra-short recordings. Moderate-to-large correlations were found between changes in the lnRMSSDM and lnRMSSDCV values and changes in TL and TD (r values ranged from -0.48 to 0.65). Changes in ultra-short HRV measures (i.e., increase in lnRMSSDM and decrease in lnRMSSDCV) during futsal preseason were associated with increased performance. The players who accumulated higher perceived TLs displayed smaller improvements in the Yo-Yo IR1 performance and HRV.

Adding omega-3 fatty acids to a protein-based supplement during pre-season training results in reduced muscle soreness and the better maintenance of explosive power in professional Rugby Union players

Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could reduce muscle soreness and maintain muscle function following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. The aim of this applied field study was to investigate the effectiveness of consuming a protein-based supplement containing 1546 mg of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (551 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 551 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) twice daily (FO) compared to a protein-based placebo (P) on muscle soreness, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and psychological well-being in 20 professional Rugby Union players during 5 weeks of pre-season training. Players completed a 5-point-Likert soreness scale with 5 indicating “no soreness” and a questionnaire assessing fatigue, sleep, stress and mood each morning of training, plus they performed CMJ tests once or twice per week. Data were analysed using magnitude-based inferential statistics and are presented as percent beneficial/trivial/harmful. On day 35, there was a likely (% beneficial/trivial/harmful: 94/5/1) moderate (0.75, standardized mean difference (SMD)) beneficial effect of FO vs. P on the change in lower body muscle soreness compared with day 0 (FO: −3.8 ± 21.7%; P: −19.4 ± 11.2%). There was a likely (92/7/0) moderate (SMD: 0.60) beneficial effect of FO vs. P on CMJ performance (change from baseline to day 35, FO: +4.6 ± 5.9%; P: −3.4 ± 8.6%). From day 20, a moderate beneficial effect of FO on fatigue was observed. In terms of practical relevance, the moderate beneficial effect of adding fish oil to a protein-based supplement on muscle soreness translated into the better maintenance of explosive power in elite Rugby Union players during pre-season training.

Dietary intake of professional Australian football athletes surrounding body composition assessment

BackgroundSports Dietitians aim to assist in improving performance by developing nutrition knowledge (NK), enhancing dietary intake and optimising body composition of athletes. In a high-pressure environment, it is important to identify factors that may compromise an athlete’s nutrition status. Body composition assessments are regularly undertaken in sport to provide feedback on training adaptions; however, no research has explored the impact of these assessments on the dietary intake of professional athletes.MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed dietary intake (7-day food diary), nutrition knowledge (Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire) and body composition (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) of 46 professional male Australian football (AFL) athletes during a 2017 pre-season training week (7 days) where body composition assessments were undertaken. Dietary intake was assessed against International Olympic Committee recommendations for professional athletes.ResultsOverall, no athlete met dietary their recommended energy intake (15 ± 1.1 vs. 9.1 ± 1.8 MJ, respectively) or carbohydrate recommendations (6–10 vs. 2.4 ± 0.9 g·kg-1·day-1). Only 54% met protein recommendations. Secondary analyses demonstrated significant associations between education status and energy intake (P < 0.04) and vegetable intake (P < 0.03), with higher levels of education being associated with higher intakes. A moderately positive association was observed between NK scores and meeting estimated energy requirements (r = 0.33, P = 0.03). NK scores were also positively associated with protein (r = 0.35, P = 0.02), fibre (r = 0.51, P = 0.001) and calcium intakes (r = 0.43, P = 0.004).ConclusionsThis research identified that the dietary intake of professional AFL athletes during a pre-season training week where body composition assessments were undertaken did not meet current recommendations. Several factors may influence the dietary intake of AFL athletes, including lower education levels, poor NK and dietary intake restriction surrounding body composition assessment. Athletes may require support to continue with performance-based nutrition plans in periods surrounding body composition assessment.

THE EFFECT OF BLOCK AND TRADITIONAL PERIODIZATION MODELS ON JUMPING AND SPRINTING DYNAMICS DURING THE SIMULATED BASKETBALL GAMES

Background. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of block and traditional periodization preseason preparation on advanced players’ jumping and sprinting dynamics during the simulated basketball games. Methods. Ten college-level males (age (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), 21.5 ± 1.7 years; weight, 83.5 ± 8.9 kg; height, 192.5 ± 5.4 cm) were divided into two teams according to the training model: block periodization (BP) and traditional periodization (TP). Block periodization (BP) consisted of the following blocks: aerobic endurance (AE), power endurance (PE), basketball specific aerobic endurance (BSAE), and power (P). Both groups played a simulated basketball game with each other before and after preseason preparation. Vertical countermovement jump and 20 meters sprint were measured before each simulated game and after each quarter of the game. Results. In BP, the 8 weeks of preseason training resulted in elevated vertical jump and 20 meters sprint dynamics during simulated games (p &lt; .05). Conclusion. We conclude that 8 weeks of block periodization enhanced leg power production and sprint abilities during simulated games and therefore is more effective than traditional periodization model.

Basal Markers of Inflammation, Muscle Damage, and Performance during Five Weeks of Pre-Season Training in Elite Youth Rugby League Players

Objectives: this study examined changes in basal biochemical markers of immune function and muscle damage, as well as physical performance during a typical pre-season training block in preparation for the Australian national youth rugby league competition. Methods: twelve elite youth (i.e., 18-20 yrs.) rugby league players completed 5 weeks of physical training that included 10-12 sessions per week. Anthropometry, sprint speed, anaerobic power, leg power, upper- and lower-body strength were measured pre- and post-training. Venous blood was assessed for interleukin (IL-1b, IL- 10, IL-6, TNFα) and Creatine kinase (Ck) concentrations at weekly intervals. Results: IL-1b and IL-10 concentrations were reduced from baseline after three and four weeks, respectively whereas IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations did not change over the 5-week period. Ck was increased above baseline after three weeks of training and returned to baseline at 5 weeks. Maximal bench press, hack squat, bench pull, and skinfold thickness were all improved after the 5-week training period. Conclusion: Early increases in Ck may indicate muscle damage in response to an increased volume of physical activity or unaccustomed exercise, while a return to baseline Ck levels may indicate adaptation. Increases in muscle strength confirm positive muscle adaptation and the training resulted in a reduction in basal IL-10 and TNF alpha production which could be characteristics of normal training response. From a practical perspective, the program employed in this study provided a useful training plan to increase physical qualities, and adaptation to muscle damage.

Changes in Isokinetic Muscle Strength in Adolescent Soccer Players after 10 Weeks of Pre-Season Training

Background:During soccer-specific movements, the strength of knee extensors and flexors is of great importance and achieving certain strength ratios between the two has been identified as an important parameter for reducing the risk of soft tissue injuries around the knee.Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in isokinetic strength of the knee flexors and extensors and their strength ratios in elite adolescent soccer players.Methods:Before and after 10 weeks of standard pre-season soccer training with progressive eccentric hamstring exercises, the players (n=18; age 17.1±0.4 years) participated in isokinetic testing to assess concentric and eccentric peak torque at 60°·s-1.Results:After 10 weeks of training, the peak eccentric torque of the non-dominant quadriceps increased (p=0.018; ω=0.24). Additionally, the average eccentric work increased in the dominant hamstrings (p=0.007; ω=0.23), dominant quadriceps (p=0.02; ω=0.31), non-dominant hamstrings (p=0.003; ω=0.25 and non-dominant quadriceps (p=0.01; ω=0.37). Lastly, the isokinetic functional ratio (eccentric hamstrings-to-concentric quadriceps) increased in favor of eccentric hamstring strength in the non-dominant limb (p=0.04; ω=0.31).Conclusion:The results of the study indicate that pre-season training induced suboptimal changes in the isokinetic strength of the knee flexors and extensors in elite adolescent soccer players. However, the lack of injuries combined with an apparent lack of preparedness explained by slow velocity isokinetic testing indicates that future research should investigate other forms of strength testing to determine soccer-specific preparedness such as isokinetic dynamometry at higher speeds (i.e.180°.s-1or 240°.s-1) and traditional weight-room testing such as 1RM tests.

A Wearable Neuromuscular Device Reduces ACL Injury Risk in Female Soccer Athletes

Objectives:Female soccer athletes have a three-fold greater risk of sustaining an ACL injury compared with their male counterparts yet only 1 in 5 teams engage in ACL risk reduction programs due to several participation barriers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a wearable neuromuscular (WNM) device on postural control, performance and ACL injury risk in female soccer athletes.Methods:Seventy-nine elite youth and collegiate female soccer athletes (age range: 12-25 y) trained with a WNM device that applied bi-lateral, topical pressure to the medial quadriceps and hamstrings muscles (Topical Gear, Austin, TX). The athletes performed 7-9 weeks of pre-season training with the WNM device consisting of strength and conditioning exercises and on-field team practices (46-64 total hours of exposure). Postural control was measured in 15 athletes with and without the WNM device before and after the training program; and performance was measured in 25 athletes without the WNM device before and after the training program. Postural control was determined from a single-leg landing on a force plate from a horizontal distance normalized to leg length. The athletes were instructed to gain their balance as fast as possible upon landing and remain balanced for 5 seconds. The peak ground reaction forces (GRF) and the medial-lateral, anterior-posterior and net center of pressure (COP) velocities and displacement ranges were calculated during 2 seconds of single-leg stance. Performance measures including speed, power and endurance were measured from the 40 yard dash, vertical jump for height and the Beep test, respectively. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc comparisons were used to compare the postural variables; and t-tests were used to compare the performance tests (p=.05). ACL injury rates, the absolute risk reduction (ARR) and the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one ACL injury were calculated between the WNM intervention group and 11 control groups identified from 10 studies in the literature that followed female soccer athletes for an entire soccer season. The treatment effect of the WNM device was determined to be statistically significant at the .05 level if the 95% confidence interval for the ARR of an ACL injury did not include zero.Results:Training with the WNM device demonstrated 18% lower peak medial GRFs (p=.005), 12% lower medial-lateral COP velocities (p=.032) and 18% longer landing phase durations (p=.001). Landing and balance performance with, compared to without, the WNM device demonstrated 2% lower peak vertical GRF (p=.047), 6% lower net COP velocities (p=.044) and 10% lower medial-lateral COP displacements (p=.018). Speed, power and endurance significantly improved 7, 22 and 14% after training with the WNM device (all p<.05). No athletes in the current study sustained an ACL injury during training or over the course of the season. The ARR was on average lowered 1.5% and statistically improved in 9 of the 11 control group comparisons (p<.05) and corresponded to a RRR of 100%. From the NNT analysis, it was determined that 92 female soccer athletes would need to be trained with the WNM device to prevent one ACL injury over the course of one competitive season.Conclusion:Training with a WNM device improved postural control without limiting performance and reduced ACL injury risk in female soccer athletes. Wearable neuromuscular products may provide a solution to the current participation barriers of ACL injury risk reduction programs.

Monitoring weekly heart rate variability in futsal players during the preseason: the importance of maintaining high vagal activity

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to compare the weekly natural log of the root-mean-square difference of successive normal inter-beat (RR) intervals (ln RMSSDWeekly) and its coefficient of variation (ln RMSSDCV) in response to 5 weeks of preseason training in professional male futsal players. A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between ln RMSSDWeekly and ln RMSSDCV. The ln RMSSD is a measure of cardiac–vagal activity, and ln RMSSDCV represents the perturbations of cardiac autonomic homeostasis, which may be useful for assessing how athletes are coping with training. Ten futsal players had their resting ln RMSSD recorded prior to the first daily training session on four out of approximately five regular training days · week−1. Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) was quantified for all training sessions. Despite weekly sRPE varying between 3455 ± 300 and 5243 ± 463 arbitrary units (a.u.), the group changes in ln RMSSDWeekly were rated as unclear (using magnitude-based inference), although large inter-individual variability in ln RMSSD responses was observed. The ln RMSSDCV in weeks 4 and 5 were likely lower than the previous weeks. A large and significant negative correlation (r = −0.53; CI 90%: −0.36; −0.67) was found between ln RMSSD and ln RMSSDCV. Therefore, monitoring individual ln RMSSD responses is suggested since large inter-individual variations may exist in response to futsal training. In addition, higher values of ln RMSSD are associated with lower oscillations of cardiac autonomic activity.

Physical Exercise and its Impact on Psychology

The multi-dimensional impact of physical exercise upon psychology and behavioural science is linked to the manifest healthbeneficial expressions of physical exercise over individuals’ life-cycles, whether normal or in ill-health, may be encapsulated within several domains of welfare: (i) exercise and academic and other cognitive performances, (ii) exercise and the developmental trajectory, (iii) exercise for the alleviation of affective disorders, and (iv) the epigenetic manifestations of physical exercise. Surprisingly, the effects of exercise may be determined relatively quickly: just eight weeks of pre-season training on body composition, physical fitness, anaerobic capacity, and isokinetic strength in collegiate taekwondo athletes in endurance gave improvements on all these parameters, as assessed by relative peak power and anaerobic capacity and angular velocity [1]. Psychological well-being, cognitive, emotional, motor, behavioral, clinical, recuperative, epigenetic and health domains all make considerable impact upon individuals’ propensity for and compliance with regular exercise and physical activity and vice versa throughout the lifespan development [2-16]. Accordingly, physical exercise is viewed as a “scaffolding” construct that buttresses against illness and damage incurred under conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, clinical depression, developmental disorders or neurodegenerative diseases and aging, by shaping conditions for construction, damage control and reconstruction. It furnishes ongoing processes that are maintained across the lifespan through the applications and development of complementary, alternative biomarkers and neural networks for the attainment of selected functions and performances [17,18]. For example, [19], using data from the ageing population of the “Betula” study (Umea, Sweden) have shown that (i) higher levels of physical activity score were related to greater connectivity in the posterior default-mode network, (ii) higher levels of physical activity score were related to larger gray matter volume of the posterior cingulate cortex, and (iii) higher levels of physical activity score were related to higher perfusion rate within the posterior cingulate cortex.