Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Research Articles

Massage Therapy May Help Pain and Endurance Performance in Modern Pentathlon Athletes with Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is common among both sports and inactive individuals and several treatment approaches are available. There is no study that examines the effect of massage on PF in multi-discipline athletes such as modern pentathletes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of massage on modern pentathletes suffering from PF. Twelve male athletes between the ages of 18 and 25 who had a history of plantar fasciitis pain and participated in modern pentathlon sports took part in the study. Every athlete received a 15-minute deep friction massage (DFM) between 13:00 and 17:00 on each day of the week for 15 days. Before and after the massage, all athletes' pain and endurance levels were measured. For pain assessments, pressure pain algometry was utilised, and for endurance evaluations, the yo-yo intermittent endurance test was utilised. Athletes participating in the study before (3.5 (2-5)) and after (7 (6-8)) pain average measurements and before massage (830±60) and after (1498.33±52.88) endurance average measurements pretest-post It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between test values. According to the study, massage, an alternative therapeutic strategy, can be used to address the PF issue. To increase the accuracy of the findings and to assert that massage is the definitive treatment for PF, it is proposed that other sample groups with PF diagnoses be included in the studies, or that the treatment time for a single sample group be extended.

Effect of 3min whole-body and lower limb cold water immersion on subsequent performance of agility, sprint, and intermittent endurance exercise.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of whole-body cold-water immersion (WCWI) and lower-limb cold-water immersion (LCWI) employed during a 15-min recovery period on the subsequent exercise performance as well as to determine the physiological and perceptual parameters in the heat (39°C). Eleven males performed team-sports-specific tests outdoors. The exercise program consisted of two identical exercise protocols (1 and 2) separated by a 15-min recovery period. The participants completed the same tests in each exercise protocol, in the following order: agility t test (t-test), 20-m sprint test (20M-ST), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo). During the recovery period, a 3-min recovery intervention of a passively seated rest (control, CON), WCWI, or LCWI was performed. The t-test and 20M-ST for the CON group were significantly longer during exercise protocol 2, but they were not significantly different between the two exercise protocols for the WCWI and LCWI groups. The completed Yo-Yo distance for the CON and LCWI groups was shorter during exercise protocol 2, but it was not significantly different between the two exercise protocols for the WCWI group. The chest temperature (Tchest), upper arm temperature (Tarm), thigh temperature (Tthigh), mean skin temperature (Tskin), and thermal sensation (TS) values were lower for the WCWI group than for the CON group; but only the Tthigh, Tskin, and TS values were lower for the LCWI group compared to the CON group. The Tchest, Tarm, Tskin, and TS values after the intervention were lower for the WCWI group than for the LCWI group. None of the three intervention conditions affected the core temperature (Tcore), heart rate (HR), or rating of perceived exertion (RPE). These results suggest that WCWI at 15°C for 3 min during the 15-min recovery period attenuates the impairment of agility, sprint, and intermittent-endurance performance during exercise protocol 2, but LCWI only ameliorates the reduction of agility and sprint performance. Furthermore, the ergogenic effects of WCWI and LCWI in the heat are due, at least in part, to a decrease of the Tskin and improvement of perceived strain.

Types of Physical Activity and Sports for teens in Maintaining Physical Fitness in Leisure

This study aims to determine the types of physical activities and sports carried out by adolescents in maintaining their physical fitness outside of physical education learning at school. Especially to test the physical activity carried out without using the tool for one month with the number of meetings 10 times. The application of physical activity and exercise is carried out 2 or 3 times per week with a duration of 30 minutes. The research method used is experimental. Participants who took part in this study were 66 students consisting of 45 male students and 16 female students. Physical fitness measurements were carried out using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 2. Deeper sports participation, this study divided into outdoor sports and not using tools, both of which were associated with physical activity. The results of this study indicate that the analysis of the mean difference test in the control group obtained t 0 of 10.392 and t table of 2.035 with degrees of freedom (db) 32 and = 0.05. The hypothesis is that there are differences in the average physical fitness of students who are not given physical activity and sports treatment. While the results of statistical analysis of the experimental group obtained t 0 of 21.582 and t table 2.035 with degrees of freedom (db) 32 and = 0.05. The hypothesis is that there are differences in physical fitness in students who are given physical activity and sports treatment. the conclusion is that physical activity and sports support the improvement of physical fitness in adolescent students who are physically active at least once every 2-3 weeks. However, the shortcoming of this study was that it did not see what physical activities and sports the participants did outside of the treatment given.

Players with high physical fitness are at greater risk of injury in youth football.

The aim of this study was to investigate physical fitness, football-specific skills, and their association with injury risk in youth football. Altogether 447 male and female players aged 9-14 years (median 12 years) participated in performance tests and prospective follow-up. The physical fitness tests included five-jump test for distance, 30-m sprint, football-specific figure of eight agility, countermovement jump, and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 1. The football-specific skill tests included dribbling and passing tests. Injuries and exposure were registered during the 20-week follow-up. Our candidate risk factors were low/high level of physical fitness measured with a composite score of physical fitness tests and low/high level of football-specific skills measured with a composite score of dribbling and passing tests. Secondarily, we investigated performance in individual tests and their association with injury risk. During the follow-up, players reported 565 injuries (264 acute and 301 overuse injuries). High level of physical fitness was associated with increased rate of all injuries (age-, sex-, and mean team exposure-adjusted IRR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.58). The level of football-specific skills had no influence on the overall injury rate. Burden of overuse injuries, but not acute injuries was significantly higher in most fit players compared with the players in the reference group (IRR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.04-4.24). In conclusion, most fit players were at greater risk of sustaining injuries in youth competitive football.

Associations of Body Composition, Maximum Strength, Power Characteristics with Sprinting, Jumping, and Intermittent Endurance Performance in Male Intercollegiate Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between body composition, strength, power characteristics, sprinting, jumping, and intermittent endurance performance in collegiate male players. Twenty-three players participated (19.7 ± 1.6 yrs; 71.8 ± 7.1 kg; 176.5 ± 5.1 cm). Measurements of interest in body composition included body fat percentage (BF%), lean body mass (LBM), and body mass (BM). Power characteristics were measured with an unloaded squat jump (SJ0) and loaded SJ at 20 kg (SJ20) and 40 kg (SJ40), and unloaded countermovement jump (CMJ0). Power assessments included peak power (PP) and PP allometrically scaled (PPa). Strength characteristics were assessed using isometric mid-thigh pull. Strength assessment included isometric peak force (IPF) and IPF allometrically scaled (IPFa). Performance measures included 10m and 20 m sprint time, CMJ0 jump-height, and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 1 distance. Significant correlations ranging from moderate to very large were found for LBM and CMJ jump height (CM0 JH) (p = 0.01, r = 0.50); BF% and sprint times at 10 m (p = 0.03, r = 0.44) and 20 m (p = 0.02, r = 0.50). PP and PPa from SJ0 and CMJ0 were significantly correlated to 10m sprint time (p < 0.05, r = −0.45 to −0.53) and 20 m sprint time (p < 0.05, r = −0.40 to −0.49). Our findings agree with previous literature in that body composition and power characteristics are directly related to soccer-related performance.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES IN VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

This research aims to determine the relationship between morphological characteristics and abilities in volleyball players. It was conducted on the territory of Vojvodina autonomous province on a sample of 27 male volleyball players with an average age of 17.48 ± 0.50 years and an average sports experience of 6.33 ± 2.83 years. A test battery consisting of five variables for measuring morphological characteristics and twelve tests of abilities was applied: flexibility, speed, agility, endurance, static and explosive power. The normality of the data distribution was controlled by the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the connection between morphological characteristics and abilities was calculated by the Spearman ro correlation coefficient. The limit value for testing the normality of distribution of p&gt; 0.05 was not met by: body mass index (p = 0.01), straddle in supine position (p = 0.03), single leg counter movement jump with the left leg (p = 0.01) and Yo-Yo Intermittent endurance test level 2 (p = 0.02). The connection of morphological characteristics with explosive power tests is especially noticeable, the most significant is the range of arms span with continuous jump with bent legs (ro = 0.75), single leg counter movement jump with the right leg (ro = 0.74) and Counter movement jump (ro = 0.63). The main finding in this study is that morphological characteristics are mostly negatively correlated with the explosive power of volleyball players. It is known that these characteristics and abilities have a significant share in the model of the ideal volleyball player and therefore their negative connections, the approach to the selection of volleyball and volleyball training must be based on scientific knowledge. Key words: measurement, testing, diagnostics, test batteries, volleyball

Reliability and Validity of a 6-Minute Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 2 in Subelite Part Time Male Soccer Players.

Gibson, N, Easton, C, Williams, M, McCunn, R, Gibson, NV. Reliability and validity of a 6-minute Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 2 in subelite part time male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1011-1018, 2022-The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and relationship to maximal intermittent running performance of the 6-minute Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 2 (YYIET2), among subelite part time soccer players. Twenty male soccer players (15-22 years) completed three 6-minute YYIET2 trials with heart rate (HR), PlayerLoad, and rating of perceived exertion assessed during the protocol and HR and blood lactate assessed during 5 minutes of recovery. Subjects also completed a maximal version of the YYIET2 and the maximal Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1) and 2 (YYIRT2). Heart rate at 4 and 6 minutes, PlayerLoad at 4 minutes, and HR recovery at 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes during recovery from the 6-minute YYIET2 demonstrated little variance between tests. Correlations between variables measured during and after the 6-minute YYIET2 and distance covered in maximal tests ranged from r = 0.02 to -0.72. The 6-minute YYIET2 provides practitioners with a method of reliably assessing HR responses within subelite part time soccer players, although large correlations with maximal assessments suggest it can be used as a proxy measure for maximal intermittent running performance. Given its ease of administration and low time cost, the 6-minute YYIET2 offers practitioners a useful means of tracking training status and movement efficiency in players longitudinally.

Addition of Caffeine to a Carbohydrate Feeding Strategy Prior to Intermittent Exercise.

The ergogenic effect of caffeine is well established, although no investigations providing a high carbohydrate feeding strategy (pre-exercise meal=2 g/kg BM) co-ingested with caffeine exist for soccer. This investigation examines the effect of caffeine in addition to a pre-exercise carbohydrate meal and drink mid-way through a soccer simulation. Eight recreational soccer players completed an 85-minute soccer simulation followed by an exercise capacity test (Yo-yo Intermittent Endurance test level 2) on two occasions. Prior to exercise participants consumed a high carbohydrate meal, with placebo or 5 mg/kg BM-1 caffeine. No significant performance effect was identified (p=0.099) despite a 12.8% (109 m) improvement in exercise capacity following caffeine. Rates of carbohydrate and fat oxidation did not differ between conditions and nor were differences apparent for plasma glucose, fatty acids, glycerol, β-hydroxybutyrate (p>0.05). However, an increase in lactate was observed for caffeine (p=0.039). A significant condition effect on rating of perceived exertion was identified (p<0.001), with the overall mean for the protocol lowered to 11.7±0.9 au for caffeine compared to 12.8±1.3 au. Caffeine supplementation with a carbohydrate feeding strategy failed to affect metabolic and metabolite responses, although reductions in perception of exercise were observed. While a 12.8% increase in exercise capacity was noted the findings were not significant, possibly due to the small sample size.

Submaximal field testing validity for aerobic fitness assessment in recreational football.

Submaximal field tests are especially recommended when repeated testing is warranted. This study aimed at assessing the validity of the submaximal versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent tests in male recreational football players in untrained and trained status. The participants' (n=66; age 39.3±5.8years, VO2max 41.2±6.2mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , body mass 81.9±10.8kg, height 173.2±6.4cm) heart rate after 2minutes (HR2min ) during the level 1 (YYIE1HR2min ) and 2 (YYIE2HR2min ) versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test and the level 1 version of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1HR2min ) was plotted against individual VO2max values. Thirty-two participants performed all the tests after a 12-week recreational football intervention for test responsiveness. Associations between VO2max and YYIE1HR2min were large to small (P=.0001). Large to trivial associations were found between YYIE2HR2min , YYIR1HR2min , and VO2max (P<.01). Maximal Yo-Yo performances were large, significant, and inversely related to HR2min (-0.68 to -0.49, P<.0001). Pre- to post-intervention ICC values were good for YYIE1HR2min and YYIE2HR2min , and excellent for YYIR1HR2min . Post-intervention associations between HR2min and Yo-Yo maximal performances were large to very large (-0.55 to -0.72; P<.002, n=32). Training-induced changes in VO2max moderately correlated with YYIR1HR2min (-0.48; P=.007; n=32). HR2min lower than 89%, 98%, and 91% HRmax for YYIE1HR2min , YYIE2HR2min , and YYIR1HR2min , respectively, may be considered as signs of good to excellent VO2max levels. Since in the YYIE1HR2min , the participants attained 84% HRmax and test specificity increased for HR2min values <89%, this test may be the preferred choice when repeated assessment of aerobic fitness, using submaximal intermittent Yo-Yo tests, is considered in recreational football.

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 2 Test: Reliability of Performance Scores, Physiological Responses and Overload Characteristics in Competitive Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball Players.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of the physiological and overload features of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2) in competitive male soccer (n = 20), basketball (n = 11), and volleyball players (n = 10). The participants completed Yo-Yo IE2 tests on three separate occasions with assessment of performance, heart rate, running speed, accelerations, decelerations and body load using GPS instrumentation. The intra-class correlation coefficient index, confidence intervals and coefficients of variation were calculated to assess the reliability of the test. Intra-class correlation coefficients for test-retest trials in the total sample ranged from large to nearly perfect (total distance: 0.896; mean speed: 0.535; maximum speed: 0.715; mean HR: 0.876; maximum HR: 0.866; body load: 0.865). The coefficients of variation for distance, mean speed, HR response, as well as acceleration and deceleration scores for test-retest trials ranged from 1.2 to 12.5% with no differences observed among particular sport disciplines. The CV for shuttles performed ranged from 4.4 to 5.5% in all sports. Similar results were obtained for the three different categories of players tested. These results suggest that the Yo-Yo IE2 test appears to be a reliable alternative for evaluating the ability to perform intermittent high-intensity running in different outdoor and indoor team sports. Players may need one or two familiarization tests to ensure valid assessment of intermittent endurance capacity. It appears that the Yo-Yo IE2 test incorporates accelerations and decelerations in a consistent and reproducible fashion.

Skeletal Muscle Antioxidant Antioxidant Capacity Correlates With Both Oxidative And Glycolytic Profile In Trained Women Athletes

Muscle antioxidant enzymes may be upregulated in parallel with increased exercise training status and capacity for reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. PURPOSE: To examine associations between antioxidant protein expression and different physiological markers of endurance exercise in trained women athletes. METHODS: Seventeen competitive women soccer players (age; 23±4 yrs; height; 166±5 cm, weight; 60.2±7.5 kg; VO2max; 50.5±5.1 ml·min-1·kg-1) participated. Participants had a muscle biopsy taken from m. vastus lateralis, which was analyzed for protein expression of superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD1 and 2), several metabolic enzymes and muscle fiber type profile. Participants also performed a VO2max test, a repeated sprint test (RST), as well as the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance, level 1 (YYIE1) and Recovery test, level 1 (YYIR1). Inter-individual relationships between selected variables were analysed using Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficients. RESULTS: VO2max and SOD2 correlated (P<0.05) with VO2max explaining 24% of the variance in SOD2 protein expression. Myosin Heavy Chain I (MHCI) and IIa (MHCIIa) explained 26 and 25%, respectively, of the variance in SOD2 protein. Oxidative enzymes such as citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and cytocrome c oxidase correlated (P<0.05) with SOD2 explaining 24, 31 and 17% of the variance, respectively. Finally, SOD2 protein expression correlated (P<0.05) to monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4; r=0.67) and phosphofructokinase (PFK; r=0.62). No statistical relationship was observed between SOD2 protein and neither Na+-K+ATPase subunits, Na+/H+ exchanger, Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, PECAM-1, nor YYIE1, YYIR1 and RST performance. SOD1 protein expression displayed an inverse correlation with MHCIIa (r=0.61; P<0.05), but did not correlate with any other variable assessed in muscle or physical capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle antioxidant capacity associates with markers of endurance exercise such as maximal aerobic power, type I and IIa muscle fibers, and mitochondrial function. However, strong relationships were additionally observed between antioxidant profile and lactate production as well as transport capacity, supporting a link between lactate and ROS generation.

Heart Rate Kinetics Response of Pre-Pubertal Children during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test-Level 1.

This study analyzed heart rate (HR) kinetics during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test—level 1 (Yo-Yo IE1) in children. At the middle of the school year, 107 boys (7–10 years old) performed the Yo-Yo IE1. Individual HR curves during the Yo-Yo IE1 were analyzed to detect an inflection point between an initial phase of fast rise in HR, and a second phase in which the rise of HR is slower. The 7th shuttle of the test was established as the inflection point. Engagement with extra-school sports practice was identified. Percentile groups (P1, P2 and P3) were created for body weight and physical fitness data composite (PFcomposite). Differences were found between the slopes of P1 and P3 on phase 1 for body weight (12.5 ± 2.7 vs. 13.7 ± 2.0 bpm/shuttle; p = 0.033; d = 0.50) and PFcomposite (14.2 ± 2.5 vs. 12.5 ± 2.0 bpm/shuttle; p = 0.015; d = 0.75). Time spent >95% of peak HR was longer for the children engaged with extra-school sports practice (335 ± 158 vs. 234 ± 124 s; p < 0.001; d = 0.71); differences were also detected for PFcomposite (P1, P2 and P3: 172 ± 92, 270 ± 109, and 360 ± 157 s, respectively; p < 0.05; d = 0.66–1.46). This study indicates that physical fitness and body weight influence HR kinetics during the Yo-Yo IE1 in pre-pubertal boys.

Effects of Plyometric and Directional Training on Physical Fitness Parameters in Youth Soccer Players.

To investigate whether the combination of a soccer training session, plyometric training, and change-of-direction (COD) exercises would enhance soccer ability to a greater extent than training on its own in youth soccer players. Thirty-one youth players participated in this study (age: 12 [0.8]y). Players were randomly separated into 2 groups: a control group (CG, n = 14) and an intervention group that performed extra plyometric training and COD exercises (intervention group, n = 17). The duration of the training program was 6 wk. Players' performances in sprint (10 and 30m), countermovement jump, squat jump, long jump, multiple 5-bound, T-test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test 1 were measured before and after the training program. Players' performance in acceleration, T-test, and long jump improved in both groups (P = .03, P = .002, and P = .001, respectively). Squat-jump performance increased in the intervention group (15.2%, P = .003) and slightly decreased in the control group (P = .003). The performances of the 2 groups differed significantly in squat jump and long jump (P = .003 and P = .038, respectively). This study indicates that a short-term combined program of plyometric training and COD exercises can improve jumping ability, acceleration, and endurance parameters in youth soccer players. The small training effect could be explained when taking into account the level of the participants, the duration of the program, and the low volume of COD exercises used.

Can compression stockings reduce the degree of soccer match-induced fatigue in females?

ABSTRACTSoccer-induced fatigue and performance are different between the sexes. The effect of compression stockings (CS) use on fatigue during the soccer match in females is unknown. Thus, we evaluated the impact of CS use during a female soccer match on match-induced fatigue. Twenty soccer players were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 10 for each group): CS and Control (regular socks), and equally distributed within two teams. At rest (baseline 48-h before the match) and immediately post-match, we assessed agility T-test, standing heel-rise test and YoYo Intermittent Endurance Test level 2 (YoYoIE2) performance. Effort during the match (heart rate and rating of perceived exertion) was similar (p > 0.05) between groups. The YoYoIE2 performance was decreased post-match (p < 0.05) equally for both groups. Otherwise, the CS group exhibited a greater post-match performance (p < 0.05) for the agility T-test and heel-rise test (large effect sizes). Therefore, we conclude that the use of CS during an amateur female soccer match resulted in less match-induced fatigue.

Effects of Different Plyometric Training Frequencies on Components of Physical Fitness in Amateur Female Soccer Players

Plyometric jump training (PJT) is a frequently used and effective means to improve amateur and elite soccer players' physical fitness. However, it is unresolved how different PJT frequencies per week with equal overall training volume may affect training-induced adaptations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of an in-season 8 week PJT with one session vs. two sessions per week and equal training volume on components of physical fitness in amateur female soccer players. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants (N = 23; age, 21.4 ± 3.2 years) were randomly assigned to a one session PJT per-week (PJT-1, n = 8), two sessions PJT per-week (PJT-2, n = 8) or an active control group (CON, n = 7). Before and after training, participants performed countermovement jumps (CMJ), drop-jumps from a 20-cm drop-height (DJ20), a maximal kicking velocity test (MKV), the 15-m linear sprint-time test, the Meylan test for the assessment of change of direction ability (CoDA), and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery endurance test (Yo-YoIR1). Results revealed significant main effects of time for the CMJ, DJ20, MKV, 15-m sprint, CoDA, and the Yo-YoIR1 (all p < 0.001; d = 0.57–0.83). Significant group × time interactions were observed for the CMJ, DJ20, MKV, 15-m sprint, CoDA, and the Yo-YoIR1 (all p < 0.05; d = 0.36–0.51). Post-hoc analyses showed similar improvements for PJT-1 and PJT-2 groups in CMJ (Δ10.6%, d = 0.37; and Δ10.1%, d = 0.51, respectively), DJ20 (Δ12.9%, d = 0.47; and Δ13.1%, d = 0.54, respectively), MKV (Δ8.6%, d = 0.52; and Δ9.1%, d = 0.47, respectively), 15-m sprint (Δ8.3%, d = 2.25; and Δ9.5%, d = 2.67, respectively), CoDA (Δ7.5%, d = 1.68; and Δ7.4%, d = 1.16, respectively), and YoYoIR1 (Δ10.3%, d = 0.22; and Δ9.9%, d = 0.26, respectively). No significant pre-post changes were found for CON (all p > 0.05; Δ0.5–4.2%, d = 0.03–0.2). In conclusion, higher PJT exposure in terms of session frequency has no extra effects on female soccer players' physical fitness development when jump volume is equated during a short-term (i.e., 8 weeks) training program. From this, it follows that one PJT session per week combined with regular soccer-specific training appears to be sufficient to induce physical fitness improvements in amateur female soccer players.

The Acute Effect of Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 1, on Vertical Jump Height of Volleyball Players

The Acute Effect of Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 1, on Vertical Jump Height of Volleyball Players

Acute ischemic preconditioning does not influence high-intensity intermittent exercise performance.

This study evaluated the acute effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on a high-intensity intermittent exercise performance and physiological indicators in amateur soccer players. Thirteen players (21.5 ± 2 yrs) attended three trials separated by 3–5 days in a counterbalanced randomized cross-over design: IPC (4 × 5-min occlusion 220 mmHg/reperfusion 0 mmHg) in each thigh; SHAM (similar to the IPC protocol but “occlusion” at 20 mmHg) and control (seated during the same time of IPC). After 6-min of each trial (IPC, SHAM or control), the players performed the YoYo Intermittent Endurance Test level 2 (YoYoIE2). The distance covered in the YoYoIE2 (IPC 867 ± 205 m; SHAM 873 ± 212 m; control 921 ± 206 m) was not different among trials (p = 0.10), furthermore, lactate concentration and rate of perceived exertion did not differ (P > 0.05) among protocols. There were also no significant differences in either mean heart rate (HR) or peak HR (p > 0.05) for both IPC and SHAM compared to control. Therefore, we conclude that acute IPC does not influence high-intensity intermittent exercise performance in amateur soccer players and that rate of perceived exertion, heart rate and lactate do not differ between the intervention IPC, SHAM and control.

Fitness and health benefits of team handball training for young untrained women—A cross-disciplinary RCT on physiological adaptations and motivational aspects

PurposeThe present study evaluated the effects of regular participation in small-sided team handball training on body composition, osteogenic response, physical performance, and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as well-being and motivation, in young untrained women. MethodsTwenty-eight untrained 20- to 30-year-old women were randomized to a handball training group (HG; n = 14, height 170 ± 5 cm, weight 73 ± 11 kg, VO2peak 37.7 ± 4.1 mL/min/kg) that trained 1.7 ± 0.3 times per week over 12 weeks (70 min 4 v 4 handball sessions) or an inactive control group (CG; n = 14, 169 ± 5 cm, 71 ± 12 kg, 38.1 ± 3.7 mL/min/kg). Physiological and psychological and motivational training adaptations were assessed pre- and post-intervention by dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans, blood sampling, physical tests, and questionnaires. ResultsThe average heart rate (HR) over all training sessions was equal to 85% ± 6% HRmax. Between-group intervention effects were observed in favor of HG for muscle mass (2.1%, p = 0.024), proximal femur bone mineral density (0.8%, p = 0.041), Yo-Yo IE1 intermittent endurance test level 1 (IE1) performance (35%, p < 0.001), and incremental treadmill test performance (11.5%, p = 0.003), but not total fat mass (p = 0.176), mean arterial blood pressure (p = 0.328), resting HR (p = 0.219), or blood lipids (p = 0.298–0.854). In CG, no changes were observed in any of the measured physiological variables after the training period. Compared to CG, HG had an increase in intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001) and in the well-being subscale “energy” (p = 0.010). ConclusionParticipation in regular recreational team handball training organized as small-sided games has marked beneficial effects on physical performance, musculoskeletal fitness, well-being, and motivation in untrained young women.

The effects of menstrual cycle phase on physical performance in female soccer players.

BackgroundFemale soccer has grown extensively in recent years, however differences in gender-specific physiology have rarely been considered. The female reproductive hormones which rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, are known to affect numerous cardiovascular, respiratory, thermoregulatory and metabolic parameters, which in turn, may have implications on exercise physiology and soccer performance. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to investigate potential effects of menstrual cycle phase on performance in soccer specific tests.MethodsNine sub elite female soccer players, all of whom have menstrual cycles of physiological length; performed a series of physical performance tests (Yo-Yo Intermittent endurance test (Yo-Yo IET), counter movement jump (CMJ) and 3x30 m sprints). These were conducted at distinct time points during two main phases of the menstrual cycle (early follicular phase (FP) and mid luteal phase (LP)) where hormones contrasted at their greatest magnitude.ResultsYo-Yo IET performance was considerably lower during the mid LP (2833±896 m) as compared to the early FP (3288±800 m). A trend towards significance was observed (p = 0.07) and the magnitude based inferences suggested probabilities of 0/61/39 for superiority/equality/inferiority of performance during the mid LP, leading to the inference of a possibly harmful effect. For CMJ (early FP, 20.0±3.9 cm; mid LP 29.6±3.0 cm, p = 0.33) and sprint (early FP, 4.7±0.1 s; mid LP, 4.7±0.1 s, p = 0.96) performances the results were unclear (8/24/68, 48/0/52, respectively).ConclusionThe results of this study are in support of a reduction in maximal endurance performance during the mid LP of the menstrual cycle. However, the same effect was not observed for jumping and sprint performance. Therefore, consideration of cycle phase when monitoring a player’s endurance capacity may be worthwhile.

Adaptations with Intermittent Exercise Training in Post- and Premenopausal Women.

The purposes of the present study was to examine the effect of intermittent exercise training on musculoskeletal and metabolic health in postmenopausal (PM) and premenopausal (PRM) women and, furthermore, to evaluate whether the adaptations can be maintained with a reduced training frequency. Eighteen PM (51 ± 1 yr, mean ± SEM) and 12 PRM (48 ± 1 yr) women participated in floorball training approximately two times per week for 12 wk. In a subgroup (n = 9) of PM women (PM40), exercise training was performed for an additional 40 wk with a reduced training frequency of approximately one training session per week. In PM, the body fat percentage decreased (P < 0.05) and the total lean leg mass increased (P < 0.05) during the 12-wk training period, with no changes in PRM. In both PM and PRM, lean body mass and maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) were higher, and Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test 1 (YYIET-1) performance was better (P < 0.05) after the 12-wk training period. Procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide was higher (P < 0.05) in PM, and total leg bone mineral density (BMD) was higher (P < 0.05) in both PM and PRM after the 12-wk training period. In PM40, total lean leg mass, V˙O2max, YYIET-1 performance, level of procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide, and total leg BMD were maintained, whereas whole-body BMD and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were reduced (P < 0.05) and the expression of muscle glucose transporter type 4 was higher (P < 0.05). Twelve weeks of intermittent exercise training increased BMD, intermittent exercise capacity, and V˙O2max in PM and PRM, with PM also having positive changes in body composition. Additional 40 wk of training with a reduced frequency was sufficient to preserve these physiological adaptations and also improve blood glucose regulation in PM.