New insights in professional horse racing; “in-race” heart rate data,elevated fracture risk,hydration, nutritional and lifestyle analysis of elite professional jockeys

Weight-making practices have been shown to impair musculoskeletal and physiological function of jockeys. This study investigated the “in-race” heart rate (HR) responses and hydration status during competitive racing, as well as selected physiological and lifestyle parameters of professional jockeys based in Hong Kong. “In-race” HR responses and early morning hydration status of 20 male jockeys were examined in hot and moderate climactic occasions. Additionally, bone mineral density (BMD), dietary intake and lifestyle choices were assessed. Osteopenia was observed in the calcanei of jockeys (left: 0.51 ± 0.06; right: 0.46 ± 0.12 g · cm^?2). Energy and protein intake were significantly lower on a race day compared to a non-race day (P < 0.05). “In-race” HR_max values were similar to those from VO_2max laboratory tests (186 ± 14 vs. 185 ± 8 bpm). Hypohydration was observed on both racing days. (USG: 1.0247 ± 0.006 and 1.0256 ± 0.0258 mg · L^?1 for hot and moderate conditions, respectively). Sauna usage (25.5%) and food restriction (20.4%) were the most common weight-making practices. Current lifestyle choices of jockeys result in suboptimal bone health, hydration status and nutritional intake, which can significantly enhance the fracture risk. Further research should develop exercise and nutrition guidelines for optimising their skeletal health.     

Adolescent elite Kenyan runners are at risk for energy deficiency,menstrual dysfunction and disordered eating

Limited data are available on the female athlete triad (Triad) in athletes from minority groups. We explored subclinical and clinical Triad components amongst adolescent elite Kenyan athletes (n = 61) and non-athletes (n = 49). Participants completed demographic, health, sport and menstrual history questionnaires as well as a 5-day weighed dietary record and exercise log to calculate energy availability (EA). Ultrasound assessed calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD). Eating Disorder Inventory subscales and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire’s cognitive dietary restraint subscale measured disordered eating (DE). EA was lower in athletes than non-athletes (36.5 ± 4.5 vs. 39.5 ± 5.7 kcal ? kg FFM^?1 ? d^?1, P = 0.003). More athletes were identified with clinical low EA (17.9% vs. 2.2%, OR = 9.5, 95% CI 1.17–77, P = 0.021) and clinical menstrual dysfunction (32.7% vs. 18.3%, χ² = 7.1, P = 0.02). Subclinical (75.4% vs. 71.4%) and clinical DE (4.9% vs. 10.2%, P = 0.56) as well as BMD were similar between athletes and non-athletes. More athletes had two Triad components than non-athletes (8.9% vs. 0%, OR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–6.9, P = 0.05). Kenyan adolescent participants presented with one or more subclinical and/or clinical Triad component. It is essential that athletes and their entourage be educated on their energy needs including health and performance consequences of an energy deficiency.     

Do the effects of high intensity 40 km cycling upon left ventricular function and cardiac biomarker during recovery vary with time of day?

Abstract

Twelve healthy participants performed two identical high-intensity 40 km cycling trials (morning and evening) under controlled laboratory conditions. Echocardiograms and venous blood samples were collected before and after each exercise bout. Cardiac electro-mechanical-delay (cEMD) was measured as QRS-complex onset to peak systolic (S’) and early diastolic (E’) tissue velocities. Myocardial strain and strain rates were assessed in longitudinal, circumferential and radial planes at the left ventricular apex and base. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) were assessed as biomarkers of cardiomyocyte damage and wall stress. cEMD was lengthened after both morning (S’: 160 ± 30 vs. 193 ± 27; E’: 478 ± 60 vs. 620 ± 87, P < 0.05) and evening (S’: 155 ± 29 vs. 195 ± 31; E’: 488 ± 42 vs. 614 ± 61, P < 0.05) trials. A reduction in peak S’ (morning: 6.96 ± 1.12 vs. 6.66 ± 0.89; evening: 7.09 ± 0.94 vs. 7.02 ± 0.76) was correlated with cEMD (r = ?0.335, P < 0.05). Peak longitudinal strain was reduced, atrial strain rates were sporadically increased in both trials post-cycling. cTnI was elevated in only two participants (0.04 µg · L^?1, 0.03 µg · L^?1), whilst NT-proBNP was below the clinical cut-off point in all participants. Prolonged-cycling resulted in a lengthening of cEMD, small changes in aspects of left ventricular deformation and sporadic increases in cardiac biomarkers. None of these effects were moderated by time-of-day.     

Influence of different sports on bone mass in growing girls

The aim of this study was to analyse whether there are differences in bone mass in girls playing different sports. Two hundred girls (10.6 ± 1.5 years old, Tanner stages I–III) participated in the study and were divided into groups of 40 (swimmers, soccer players, basketball players, handball players and controls). Bone mineral content and bone mineral density (BMD) (whole body and hip) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The degree of sexual development was determined using Tanner test, and physical activity habits were recorded through a questionnaire designed ad hoc for this research. Girls were divided by pubertal stage and the type of sport. In the prepubertal group, intertrochanteric BMD was significantly higher in both handball and soccer players compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in the pubertal group, total BMD, mean arms BMD, pelvis BMD, femoral neck BMD, intertrochanteric BMD and Ward’s triangle BMD were significantly higher in soccer and handball players compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and the swimmers showed significantly higher values in the mean arms BMD compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Our data suggest that sport practice during puberty, especially in activities that support the body weight, may be an important factor in achieving a high peak bone mass and improving bone health in girls.     

Kicking Performance in Young U9 to U20 Soccer Players: Assessment of Velocity and Accuracy Simultaneously

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the kicking performance of young soccer players in the U9 to U20 age groups. Method: Three hundred and sixty-six Brazilian players were evaluated on an official pitch using three-dimensional kinematics to measure (300 Hz) ball velocity (V_ball), foot velocity (V_foot), V_ball/V_foot ratio, last stride length, and distance between the support foot and the ball. Simultaneously, a two-dimensional procedure was also conducted to compute (60 Hz) the mean radial error, bivariate variable error, and accuracy. Possible age-related differences were assessed through one-way analysis of variance and magnitude-based inferences. Results: Ball velocity increased by 103% (p < .001, η² = .39) from the U11 age group (48.54 ± 8.31 km/hr) to the U20 age group (98.74 ± 16.35 km/hr). Foot velocity presented a 59% increase (p < .001, η² = .32) from the U11 age group (49.08 ± 5.16 km/hr) to U20 (78.24 ± 9.49 km/hr). This finding was due to improvement in the quality of foot–ball impact (V_ball/V_foot ratio) from U11 (0.99 ± 0.13 a.u.) to U20 (1.26 ± 0.11 a.u.; p < .001, η² = .25). Parameters such as mean radial error and accuracy appeared to be impaired during the growth spurt (U13–U15). Last stride length was correlated, low to moderately high, with V_ball in all age groups (r = .36–.79). Conclusions: In summary, we concluded that simple biomechanical parameters of kicking performance presented distinct development. These results suggest that different training strategies specific for each age group could be applied. We provide predictive equations to aid coaches in the long-term monitoring process to develop the kick in soccer or search for talented young players.     

Swimming and peak bone mineral density: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aims to determine the effects of regular swimming on bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults (18–30 years). A systematic search was performed in Pubmed, SPORTDiscus and the Cochrane Library from the earliest possible year to March 2016. Swimmers were compared to non-athletic controls (CG) and to high-impact athletes (HIGH). Effect sizes with the Hedges g in random effects models were developed. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analyses. Swimmers presented similar BMD values to CG in whole-body (g = ?0.20; P = 0.251), femoral neck (g = ?0.05; P = 0.818) and lumbar spine (g = 0.18; P = 0.492); and lower BMD in the whole-body (g = ?1.21; P < 0.001), femoral neck (g = ?1.51; P < 0.001) and lumbar spine (g = ?0.84; P = 0.017) than the HIGH. For the whole-body differences, the higher the latitude the smaller the differences between swimmers and HIGH (B = 0.10; P = 0.001). For the femoral neck differences, age also seemed to reduce the differences between groups (B = 0.19; P = 0.020). Young adult swimmers present similar BMD values than CG and lower values than HIGH.     

Assessment of hydration status by urinary analysis of elite junior taekwon-do athletes in preparing for competition

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess over time the hydration status of taekwon-do athletes during a preparatory camp. Measures of urine osmolality, conductivity, specific gravity and colour were made on the first urine sample passed by the participants (n = 32) in the morning before breakfast. The urinary measurements were made on samples collected at the beginning of the camp, 5 days later and one day before competition. Body mass was also measured at the same instants. Body mass (mean ± s) was essentially the same on each of the measurement days (62.6 ± 12.2, 62.7 ± 12.3 and 62.2 ± 12.6 kg, respectively). Mean urine osmolality at the beginning of the camp was relatively high (998 ± 171 mOsmol · kg^?1), suggesting that a significant number of the athletes were already hypohydrated. However, no significant differences were detected in urine osmolality at the three time points during the study. There were no significant differences in any of the four methods of urine analysis during the study (P > 0.05). The average values for all samples were 989 ± 205 mOsmol · kg^?1 for osmolality, 25.5 ± 6.7 mS · cm^?1 for conductivity, 1.017 ± 0.010 g · cm^?3 for specific gravity and 4 ± 1 arbitrary units for colour. Correlation analysis between the different methods suggested moderately good agreement (correlation coefficient = 0.5–0.7) between all four measurement techniques (P < 0.01). The coefficients of variation for these techniques were relatively low (CV = 11.8 – 35.0%). The results of this study suggest that some of the taekwon-do athletes were slightly hypohydrated in the morning on each of the test days, but there was no evidence to suggest that most of the athletes further restricted their fluid intake to make weight. In addition, it appears that each of the four methods used gave essentially the same estimate of hydration status of these athletes.     

Effects of breaking up sedentary time with “chair squats” on postprandial metabolism

Prolonged sitting induces adverse metabolic changes. We aimed to determine whether breaking up prolonged sedentary time with short periods of repeated sit-to-stand transitions (“chair squats”) every 20 minutes influences postprandial metabolic responses. Fourteen participants (11 men, 3 women), age 37 ± 16 years, BMI 30.5 ± 3.8 kg.m^?2 (mean ± SD) each participated in two experimental trials in random order, in which they arrived fasted, then consumed a test breakfast (8 kcal.kg^?1 body weight, 37% energy from fat, 49% carbohydrates, 14% protein) and, 3.5 hours later, an identical test lunch. Expired air and blood samples were taken fasted and for 6.5 hours postprandially. In one trial (SIT) participants sat continuously throughout the observation period; in the “Chair squat” trial (SIT/STAND), participants performed “chair squats” (10 × standing and sitting over 30 seconds, every 20 minutes). Compared to SIT, energy expenditure was 409.7 ± 41.6 kJ (16.6 ± 1.7%) higher in SIT/STAND (p < 0.0001). Postprandial insulin concentrations over the post-breakfast period were 10.9 ± 8.4% lower in SIT/STAND than SIT (p = 0.047), but did not differ between trials in the post-lunch period. Glucose and triglyceride concentrations did not differ significantly between trials. These data demonstrate that a simple, unobtrusive intervention to break up sedentary time can induce some favourable metabolic changes.     

Nutritional practices associated with low energy availability in Division I female soccer players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine macronutrient intake, energy density and energy intake distribution that may be associated with low energy availability (EA) in Division I female soccer players. The energy intake, exercise energy expenditure and EA of 19 participants (18–21 years) was assessed during the pre-, mid- and postseasons. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to examine the changes across the season. Chi-square analysis was performed to examine the distribution of participants meeting the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for carbohydrate and protein consumption. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences between groups. The proportion of athletes who did not meet the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for carbohydrate intake (6–10 g . kg^–1 BW) was significantly greater in the low (<30 kcal . kg^–1 LBM) than higher (≥30 kcal . kg^–1 LBM) EA group (χ² (1) = 7.5; P = 0.006). Participants with low compared to higher EA consumed a lower energy dense dinner (0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1 kcal . g^–1; P = 0.004) after a soccer match during midseason. No differences in the percentage (%) of kilocalories from food (84.5 ± 2.0% vs. 84.7 ± 2.6%), sports drinks (7.3 ± 1.4% vs. 6.0 ± 3.2%), other drinks (7.6 ± 1.5 % vs. 6.0 ± 1.5%) or bars/gels/beans (1.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.0 ± 1.5) were observed in participants with low compared to higher EA (P > 0.05) during the pre- and midseasons. Identifying inadequate carbohydrate intake and the practice of consuming lower energy dense meals may be important in preventing low EA conditions and consequently the Female Athlete Triad.     

Age-related differences in repeated-sprint ability in highly trained youth football players

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the age-related differences in repeated-sprint ability and blood lactate responses in 134 youth football players. Players from the development programme of a professional club were grouped according to their respective under-age team (U-11 to U-18). Following familiarization, the participants performed a repeated-sprint ability test [6 × 30-m sprints 30 s apart, with active recovery (2.0–2.2 m · s^?1) between sprints]. The test variables were total time, percent sprint decrement, and post-test peak lactate concentration. Total time improved from the U-11 to U-15 age groups (range 33.15 ± 1.84 vs. 27.25 ± 0.82 s), whereas no further significant improvements were evident from U-15 to U-18. No significant differences in percent sprint decrement were reported among groups (range 4.0 ± 1.0% to 5.5 ± 2.1%). Post-test peak lactate increased from one age group to the next (range 7.3 ± 1.8 to 12.6 ± 1.6 mmol · l^?1), but remained constant when adjusted for age-related difference in body mass. Peak lactate concentration was moderately correlated with sprint time (r = 0.70, P > 0.001). Our results suggest that performance in repeated-sprint ability improves during maturation of highly trained youth football players, although a plateau occurs from 15 years of age. In contrast to expectations based on previous suggestions, percent sprint decrement during repeated sprints did not deteriorate with age.     

Urinary creatine and methylamine excretion following 4 × 5 g · day−1 or 20 × 1 g · day−1 of creatine monohydrate for 5 days

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effect of two creatine monohydrate supplementation regimes on 24-h urinary creatine and methylamine excretion. Nine male participants completed two trials, separated by 6 weeks. Participants ingested 4 × 5 g · day^?1 creatine monohydrate for 5 days in one trial and 20 × 1 g · day^?1 for 5 days in the other. We collected 24-h urine samples on 2 baseline days (days 1–2), during 5 days of supplementation (days 3–7), and for 2 days post-supplementation (days 8–9). Urine was assayed for creatine using high-performance liquid chromatography and methylamine using gas chromatography. Less creatine was excreted following the 20 × 1 g · day^?1 regime (49.25 ± 10.53 g) than the 4 × 5 g · day^?1 regime (62.32 ± 9.36 g) (mean ± s; P < 0.05). Mean total excretion of methylamine (n = 6) over days 3–7 was 8.61 ± 7.58 mg and 24.81 ± 25.76 mg on the 20 × 1 g · day^?1 and 4 × 5 g · day^?1 regimes, respectively (P < 0.05). The lower excretion of creatine using 20 × 1 g · day^?1 doses suggests a greater retention in the body and most probably in the muscle. Lower and more frequent doses of creatine monohydrate appear to further attenuate formation of methylamine.     

Effects of aerobic training on serum omentin-1 and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese men

Abstract

Omentin-1 is a newly discovered protein expressed and secreted from visceral adipose tissue that increases insulin sensitivity. We examined the effects of 12 weeks of aerobic training on serum omentin-1 concentrations together with cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese men. Eighteen overweight and obese participants (age 43.1 ± 4.7 years, BMI ≥25 kg · m^?2) were assigned to exercise training (n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups. A matched control group of normal weight participants (n = 8; age 42.2 ± 3.8 years, BMI <25 kg · m^?2) were also recruited for baseline comparison. The obese exercise group participated in 12 weeks of progressive aerobic training 5 days a week. Measures of serum omentin-1, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and body composition were obtained before and after the 12 weeks. At baseline, normal weight participants had significantly higher serum omentin-1 concentrations than overweight and obese participants, and there were inverse correlations between omentin-1 and each of waist circumference, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). After the aerobic training, waist circumference, percent body fat, fasting glucose, insulin resistance, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In contrast, serum omentin-1 concentration was significantly increased after the aerobic programme (P < 0.05), and correlated with changes in insulin resistance (r = ?0.67, P = 0.04), glucose (r = ?0.65, P = 0.05), waist circumference (r = ?0.70, P = 0.03), and aerobic fitness r = ?0.68, P = 0.04). Aerobic training resulted in an improvement in cardiometabolic risk factors in obese participants, and this improvement was accompanied by increased omentin-1 concentrations.     

Measurement of maximal muscle cross-sectional area of the elbow extensors and flexors in children,teenagers and adults

Abstract

The aims of this study were to examine age and sex differences in elbow extensor and flexor anatomical muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the location of maximal mCSA as a percentage of the distance from the distal to the proximal end of the humerus. Ninety-five individuals spread across the age groups 9 – 10 years, 16 – 17 years and 21 years participated in the study. Muscle cross-sectional area derived from the manual MRI tracing proved to be highly reliable in terms of limits of agreement (?2.5 to 1.5 cm²) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.998). A sex-by-age group analysis of variance revealed significant effects (P < 0.01) of sex, group and a sex-by-group interaction, the latter reflecting a greater increase in males than females of upper arm mCSA from childhood to adulthood. Extensor mCSA was more proximal (55 ± 6%) than that of the flexors (28 ± 6%). A significant effect (P < 0.01) of group was found for location of maximal extensor mCSA, reflecting its more distal position with increasing age. Measurements of muscle size should be made at the individually determined position of maximal mCSA if interpreting data collected during growth and maturation, especially if the muscle group of interest is the elbow extensors and if different age groups are being monitored.     

Chronic weight control impacts on physiological function and bone health in elite jockeys

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of weight restrictions on physiological function and bone health in a group of horse racing jockeys. Twenty-seven elite male jockeys participated in this study (17 flat jockeys; 10 national hunt jockeys). Participants completed a range of measurements including anthropometry, hydration analysis, bone mineral density assessment, and musculoskeletal screening. Fifty-nine percent of flat and 40% of national hunt jockeys showed osteopenia in one or more of the total body, hip or spine scans. Mean urine-specific gravity (Usg) values revealed moderate dehydration on a non-race day (Usg = 1.022 ± 0.005 and 1.021 ± 0.007 for flat and national hunt jockeys respectively). Analysis of a number of flat jockeys (n = 11) revealed marked dehydration on an official race day (Usg = 1.028 ± 0.005). Sixty-four percent of participants reported a current injury at the time of assessment. Our results reveal some worrying trends within this population. Further research is required to examine the effects of current weight control practices typically used by jockeys on both physiological and cognitive function as well as health and performance.     

The sensitivity of the alternative maximal accumulated oxygen deficit method to discriminate training status

The purpose of the study was to investigate the sensitivity of an alternative maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD_ALT) method to discriminate the “anaerobic” capacity while comparing: least trained (LT) participants (n = 12), moderately trained (MT) participants (n = 12), endurance trained (ET) participants (n = 16), and rugby (RG) players (n = 11). Participants underwent a graded exercise test on a treadmill and a supramaximal effort for assessing MAOD_ALT. MAOD_ALT was calculated as the sum of oxygen equivalents from the phosphagen and glycolytic metabolic pathways. MAOD_ALT was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RG (64.4 ± 12.1 mL · kg^?1) than in ET (56.8 ± 5.4 mL · kg^?1; effect size [ES] = 0.77; +13.5%), MT (53.8 ± 5.3 mL · kg^?1; ES = 1.08; +19.8%), and LT (49.9 ± 4.5 mL · kg^?1; ES = 1.50; +36.4%). In addition, the magnitude-based inference analysis revealed that MAOD_ALT was likely (LT vs. MT), very likely (MT vs. RG, and ET vs. RG) and most likely (LT vs. ET, and LT vs. RG) different between all groups, except for MT and ET, which presented an unclear difference. In conclusion, MAOD_ALT was sensitive enough to distinguish the “anaerobic” capacity in individuals with different training status, especially for RG players compared with LT participants and MT participants.     

Russians are the fastest and the youngest in the “Comrades Marathon”

The present retrospective study intended to determine age, performance, the role of nationality and participation trends across calendar years in runners competing in “Comrades Marathon”, the ultra-marathon with the longest tradition and the highest number of finishers worldwide. We analysed 235,467 finishers (40,211 women and 195,256 men) competing between 1994 and 2017. In women and men, Russians were the fastest (12.55 ± 2.03 km/h and 12.24 ± 2.93 km/h, respectively) and Indians the slowest (7.87 ± 0.64 km/h and 7.91 ± 0.60 km/h) (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.053 and η2 = 0.010, small effect size, ES). Also, Russians were the youngest (33.9 ± 4.6 and 36.3 ± 5.9 years, respectively) and Japanese the oldest (49.3 ± 9.6 and 51.4 ± 12.3 years, respectively) (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.011, small ES). Performance improved (r = 0.90 in women and r = 0.92 in men), age of finishers (r = 0.91 in women and r = 0.97 in men), participation (r = 0.92 in women and r = 0.87 in men) and sex difference in age increased (r = 0.71), whereas men-to-women ratio (r = ?0.91) and sex difference in performance (r = ?0.68) decreased across calendar years (p < 0.001). In summary, runners from Russia were the fastest and the youngest in both sexes. The knowledge of the relationship of nationality with performance, age and participation trends of finishers, and changes across calendar years are of practical importance for ultra-runners and coaches working with them.     

Bone health in elite Kenyan runners

Impact loading in athletes participating in various sports has been positively associated with increased bone mineral density (BMD), but this has not been investigated in elite Kenyan runners. Body composition and site-specific BMD measures quantified with dual x-ray absorptiometry were measured in 15 elite male Kenyan runners and 23 apparently healthy South African males of different ethnicities. Training load and biomechanical variables associated with impact loading, such as joint stiffness, were determined in the elite Kenyan runners. Greater proximal femur (PF) BMD (g · cm^?2) was higher (P = 0.001, ES = 1.24) in the elite Kenyan runners compared with the controls. Six of the 15 (40%) Kenyan runners exhibited lumbar spine (LS) Z-Scores below ?2.0 SD, whereas this was not found in the apparently healthy controls. PFBMD was associated with training load (r = 0.560, P = 0.003) and ankle (r = 0.710, P = 0.004) and knee (r = 0.546, P = 0.043) joint stiffness. Elite Kenyan runners exhibit greater PFBMD than healthy controls, which is associated with higher training load and higher joint stiffness. Our results reaffirm the benefits of impact loading on BMD at a weight-bearing site, while a high prevalence of low LSBMD in the elite Kenyan runners is hypothesised to be the result of a mismatch between energy intake and high training load. Future research investigating energy availability in Kenyan runners and the possible association with musculoskeletal injury should be investigated.     

Bone asymmetries in the limbs of children tennis players: testing the combined effects of age,sex, training time,and maturity status

ABSTRACT

This study estimated upper and lower limb bone mineral content (BMC) and bone area (BA) in 48 children tennis players (24 boys, 24 girls) aged 7–13 years. The sample comprised four age groups (8.2 ± 0.44, 9.5 ± 0.13, 10.5 ± 0.33, 12.2 ± 0.58). BMC and BA were measured via DXA, and sexual maturity by the Tanner scale, then used as a binary: prepubertal vs peripubertal. Total training time (TTT) included all playing years. Arms were asymmetric and legs symmetric. Boys were more asymmetric than girls in BMC (18% vs 13%) and BA (11% vs 8%). Pre-pubertal children were less asymmetric than peri-pubertal in BMC (14% vs 18%) and in BA (9.4% vs 10%). Bone growth changed with age and TTT markedly better in the dominant arm. The linear combination of TTT, sex, and maturity binary extracted 59% of BMC asymmetry and only 21% of BA asymmetry. For both bone parameters the sex effect was significant only for the pre-pubertal children. Training time constitutes the best predictor of bone asymmetry compared to age, sex, and maturity; when adequate, playing arm bone hypertrophy may be detectable at the age of 7–8 years. These results have health and performance implications.     

Quantification of spinning® bike performance during a standard 50-minute class

Abstract

Spinning is a type of indoor fitness activity performed on stationary bikes by participants who pedal together to the rhythm of music and the motivating words of an instructor. Despite worldwide popularity of this type of recreational activity, to date there have been few, mainly non-scientific, studies of the impact of spinning on metabolic, respiratory, and cardiovascular functions. The main aim of this study was to evaluate a number of metabolic and cardiovascular variables during a standard 50-min class performed by Spinning® instructors of both sexes: six males (age 30 ± 4.8 years, body mass index 24 ± 2.5 kg · m^?2; mean ± s) and six females (age 34 ± 6.3 years, body mass index 21 ± 1.9 kg · m^?2). The mean power output, heart rate, and oxygen uptake during the performance were 120 ± 4 W, 136 ± 13 beats · min^?1, and 32.8 ± 5.4 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 respectively for males, and 73 ± 43 W, 143 ± 25 beats · min^?1, and 30 ± 9.9 ml · kg^?1 · min^?1 respectively for females. Analysis of individual performances showed that they were compatible with physical exercise that ranged from moderate-to-heavy to very heavy, the latter conditions prevailing. The results show that this type of fitness activity has a high impact on cardiovascular function and suggest that it is not suitable for unfit or sedentary individuals, especially the middle aged or elderly, who are willing to begin a recreational physical activity programme.     

Chronic ingestion of a low dose of caffeine induces tolerance to the performance benefits of caffeine

This study examined effects of 4 weeks of caffeine supplementation on endurance performance. Eighteen low-habitual caffeine consumers (<75 mg · day^?1) were randomly assigned to ingest caffeine (1.5–3.0 mg · kg^?1day^?1; titrated) or placebo for 28 days. Groups were matched for age, body mass, V?O_2peak and W_max (P > 0.05). Before supplementation, all participants completed one V?O_2peak test, one practice trial and 2 experimental trials (acute 3 mg · kg^?1 caffeine [precaf] and placebo [testpla]). During the supplementation period a second V?O_2peak test was completed on day 21 before a final, acute 3 mg · kg^?1 caffeine trial (postcaf) on day 29. Trials consisted of 60 min cycle exercise at 60% V?O_2peak followed by a 30 min performance task. All participants produced more external work during the precaf trial than testpla, with increases in the caffeine (383.3 ± 75 kJ vs. 344.9 ± 80.3 kJ; Cohen’s d effect size [ES] = 0.49; P = 0.001) and placebo (354.5 ± 55.2 kJ vs. 333.1 ± 56.4 kJ; ES = 0.38; P = 0.004) supplementation group, respectively. This performance benefit was no longer apparent after 4 weeks of caffeine supplementation (precaf: 383.3 ± 75.0 kJ vs. postcaf: 358.0 ± 89.8 kJ; ES = 0.31; P = 0.025), but was retained in the placebo group (precaf: 354.5 ± 55.2 kJ vs. postcaf: 351.8 ± 49.4 kJ; ES = 0.05; P > 0.05). Circulating caffeine, hormonal concentrations and substrate oxidation did not differ between groups (all P > 0.05). Chronic ingestion of a low dose of caffeine develops tolerance in low-caffeine consumers. Therefore, individuals with low-habitual intakes should refrain from chronic caffeine supplementation to maximise performance benefits from acute caffeine ingestion.