Incorporating perceptual decision-making training into high-intensity interval training for Australian football umpires

Existing methods for developing decision–making skill for Australian football umpires separate the physical and perceptual aspects of their performance. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of incorporating video-based decision-making training during high-intensity interval training sessions, specific for Australian football umpires. 20 amateur Australian football umpires volunteered to participate in a randomised control trial. Participants completed an 8-week training intervention in a conditioning only (CON; n=7), combined video-based training and conditioning (COM; n=7), or separated conditioning and video-based training (SEP; n=6) group. Preliminary and post-testing involved a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-YoIR1), and 10x300m run test with an Australian football specific video-based decision-making task. Overall, changes in decision-making accuracy following the intervention were unclear between groups. SEP was possibly beneficial compared to COM in Yo-YoIR1 performance, whereas CON was likely beneficial compared to COM in 10x300m sprint performance. There was no additional benefit to completing video-based training, whether combined with, or separate to physical training, suggesting that this was not an optimal training method. For video-based training to be an effective decision-making tool, detailed feedback should be incorporated into training. It is recommended that longer conditioning and video-based training interventions be implemented to determine training effectiveness.     

Pre-training perceived wellness impacts training output in Australian football players

The impact of perceived wellness on a range of external load parameters, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and external load:RPE ratios, was explored during skill-based training in Australian footballers. Fifteen training sessions involving 36 participants were analysed. Each morning before any physical training, players completed a customised perceived wellness questionnaire (sleep quality, fatigue, stress, mood and muscle soreness). Microtechnology devices provided external load (average speed, high-speed running distance, player load and player load slow). Players provided RPE using the modified Borg category-ratio 10 RPE scale. Mixed-effect linear models revealed significant effects of wellness Z-score on player load and player load slow. Effects are reported with 95% confidence limits. A wellness Z-score of ?1 corresponded to a ?4.9 ± 3.1 and ?8.6 ± 3.9% reduction in player load and player load slow, respectively, compared to those without reduced wellness. Small significant effects were also seen in the average speed:RPE and player load slow:RPE models. A wellness Z-score of ?1 corresponded to a 0.43 ± 0.38 m·min^?1 and ?0.02 ± 0.01 au·min^?1 change in the average speed:RPE and player load slow:RPE ratios, respectively. Magnitude-based analysis revealed that the practical size of the effect of a pre-training perceived wellness Z-score of ?1 would have on player load slow was likely negative. The results of this study suggests that monitoring pre-training perceived wellness may provide coaches with information about the intensity of output that can be expected from individual players during a training session.     

Childhood football play and practice in relation to self-regulation and national team selection; a study of Norwegian elite youth players

Childhood sport participation is argued to be important to understand differences in self-regulation and performance level in adolescence. This study sought to investigate if football-specific activities in childhood (6–12 years of age) is related to self-regulatory skills and national under 14- and 15-team selection in Norwegian elite youth football. Data of practice histories and self-regulatory skills of 515 youth football players selected at Norwegian regional level were collected and further analysed using multilevel analyses. The results revealed that high self-regulated players were more likely to be selected for national initiatives, and increased their involvement in peer-led football practice and adult-led football practice during childhood, compared to players with lower levels of self-regulation. While national level players reported higher levels of peer-led football play in childhood, the interaction effect suggest that the regional level players increased their involvement in peer-led play during childhood compared to national level players. In conclusion, the findings indicate that childhood sport participation may contribute to later differences in self-regulation, and highlights the importance of childhood engagement in football-specific play and practice in the development of Norwegian youth football players.     

The appropriateness of training exposures for match-play preparation in adolescent schoolboy and academy rugby union players

The aim of this study was to compare the physical and movement demands between training and match-play in schoolboy and academy adolescent rugby union (RU) players. Sixty-one adolescent male RU players (mean ± SD; age 17.0 ± 0.7 years) were recruited from four teams representing school and regional academy standards. Players were categorised into four groups based on playing standard and position: schoolboy forwards (n = 15), schoolboy backs (n = 15), academy forwards (n = 16) and academy backs (n = 15). Global positioning system and accelerometry measures were obtained from training and match-play to assess within-group differences between conditions. Maximum data were analysed from 79 match files across 8 matches (1.3 ± 0.5 matches per participant) and 152 training files across 15 training sessions (2.5 ± 0.5 training sessions per participant). Schoolboy forwards were underprepared for low-intensity activities experienced during match-play, with schoolboy backs underprepared for all movement demands. Academy forwards were exposed to similar physical demands in training to matches, with academy backs similar to or exceeding values for all measured variables. Schoolboy players were underprepared for many key, position-specific aspects of match-play, which could place them at greater risk of injury and hinder performance, unlike academy players who were better prepared.     

Psychological characteristics of developing excellence in elite youth football players in English professional academies

ABSTRACT

This mixed-longitudinal prospective study examined the development of psychological characteristics of developing excellence in relation to the career progression of elite youth football players. In a 20-month period, 111 academy football players aged 11–16 completed the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire (PCDEQ) on 1–5 occasions. This combination of single and repeated assessments resulted in a mixed-longitudinal sample of 226 completed PCDEQs. Players were then prospectively tracked, and their scholarship status assessed at follow-up, at age U17. Multilevel modelling revealed that coping with performance and developmental pressures scores increased with age, and that Category 1–2 academy scholars (4.35 ± 0.61) scored higher than Category 3–4 academy scholars (3.99 ± 0.67) and non-scholars (4.02 ± 0.78) (p < .05). Evaluating performances and working on weaknesses scores increased with age for Category 1–2 academy scholars (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 5.16 ± 0.48 vs. 5.38 ± 0.45), compared to non-scholars (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 5.11 ± 0.59 vs. 5.03 ± 0.71) (p < .05). Imagery use during practice and competition scores decreased with age (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 4.45 ± 0.66 vs. 4.29 ± 0.70) (p < .05). A blend of PCDEs may facilitate optimal career progression. Football academies should develop players’ PCDEs, with a particular focus on developing their coping skills and their ability to realistically evaluate performances and work on weaknesses.     

Effects of autonomous motivational priming on motivation and affective responses towards high-intensity interval training

This study examined the effect of autonomous motivational priming on motivation, attitudes and intentions towards high-intensity interval training (HIT). Participants (N = 42) performed a graded exercise test to determine their peak aerobic power (W_PEAK). At a subsequent testing session, participants were randomised to complete either an autonomous or neutral motivational priming task followed by a 10 × 1 HIT exercise protocol, alternating 1-min bouts of hard (70% W_PEAK) and light (12.5% W_PEAK) exercises for 20 min. Participants primed with autonomous motivation reported greater enjoyment, P = .009, η_p² = .16, and perceived competence, P = .005, η_p² = .18, post-exercise compared to those in the neutral priming condition. Participants in the autonomous motivational priming condition also reported more positive attitudes, P = .014, η_p² = .14, towards HIT; however, there was no difference between the conditions for task motivation during HIT or intentions, P = .53, η_p² = .01, to engage in HIT. These findings highlight autonomous motivational priming as a method of enhancing affective and motivational experiences regarding HIT.     

间歇训练法在散打训练中的应用

介绍了间歇训练法的原理、功能及其类型、特点,着重从3个方面分析了间歇训练法在散打训练实践中的应用。     

我国女子足球运动员技术训练中不良行为的表现特征研究

技术训练是足球运动员提高自身和整体技术能力的最重要环节,如果球员在技术训练中存在不良行为,将势必影响到训练的效果。本研究以参加2008年中国女子足球超级联赛的俱乐部中的部分球员共160人作为研究对象,将她们在技术训练中的不良行为表现做为研究重点,对其进行系统的研究得出：我国成年女足球员在技术训练中存在不良行为的原因主要包括球员的长期的训练习惯、训练态度、相关训练认知上的欠缺以及教练员的管理监控不利等几个方面。     

Six high-intensity interval training sessions over 5 days increases maximal oxygen uptake,endurance capacity,and sub-maximal exercise fat oxidation as much as 6 high-intensity interval training sessions over 2 weeks

BackgroundHigh-intensity interval training (HIIT) induces similar or even superior adaptations compared to continuous endurance training. Indeed, just 6 HIIT sessions over 2 weeks significantly improves maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), submaximal exercise fat oxidation, and endurance performance. Whether even faster adaptations can be achieved with HIIT is not known. Thus, we aimed to determine whether 2 sessions of HIIT per day, separated by 3 h, every other day for 5 days (double HIIT (HIIT-D), n = 15) could increase VO_2max, submaximal exercise fat oxidation, and endurance capacity as effectively as 6 sessions of HIIT over 2 weeks (single HIIT (HIIT-S), n = 13).MethodsEach training session consisted of 10 × 60 s of cycling at 100% of VO_2max interspersed with 75 s of low-intensity cycling at 60 watt (W). Pre- and post-training assessments included VO_2max, time to exhaustion at ∼80% of VO_2max, and 60-min cycling trials at ∼67% of VO_2max.ResultsSimilar increases (p < 0.05) in VO_2max (HIIT-D: 7.7% vs. HIIT-S: 6.0%, p > 0.05) and endurance capacity (HIIT-D: 80.1% vs. HIIT-S: 79.2%, p > 0.05) were observed. Submaximal exercise carbohydrate oxidation was reduced in the 2 groups after exercise training (HIIT-D: 9.2%, p = 0.014 vs. HIIT-S: 18.8%, p = 0.012) while submaximal exercise fat oxidation was significantly increased in HIIT-D (15.5%, p = 0.048) but not in HIIT-S (9.3%, p = 0.290).ConclusionSix HIIT sessions over 5 days was as effective in increasing VO_2max and endurance capacity and was more effective in improving submaximal exercise fat oxidation than 6 HIIT sessions over 2 weeks.     

Workload and non-contact injury incidence in elite football players competing in European leagues

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between absolute and acute:chronic workload ratios and non-contact injury incidence in professional football players and to assess their predictive ability. Methods: Elite football players (n?=?130) from five teams competing in European domestic and confederation level competitions were followed during one full competitive season. Non-contact injuries were recorded and using session rate of perceived exertion (s-RPE) internal absolute workload and acute:chronic (A:C) workload ratios (4-weeks, 3-weeks, 2-weeks and week-to-week) were calculated using a rolling days method. Results: The relative risk (RR) of non-contact injury was increased (RR?=?1.59, CI95%: 1.18–2.15) when a cumulative 4-week absolute workload was greater than 10629 arbitrary units (AU) in comparison with a workload between 3745 and 10628?AU. When the 3-week absolute workload was more than 8319?AU versus between 2822 and 8318?AU injury risk was also increased (RR=?1.46, CI95% 1.08–1.98). Injury incidence was higher when the 4-week A:C ratio was <0.85 versus >0.85 (RR?=?1.31, CI95%: 1.02–1.70) and with a 3-week A:C ratio >1.30 versus <1.30 (RR?=?1.37, CI95%: 1.05–1.77). Importantly, none of the A:C workload combinations showed high sensitivity or specificity. Conclusions: In elite European footballers, using internal workload (sRPE) revealed that cumulative workloads over 3 and 4 weeks were associated with injury incidence. Additionally, A:C workloads, using combinations of 2, 3 and 4 weeks as the C workloads were also associated with increased injury risk. No A:C workload combination was appropriate to predict injury.     

间歇训练理论在艺术体操训练中的运用

通过对国内外有关文献的分析研究，探讨了极强性间歇训练法、强化性间歇训练法和发展性间歇训练法在艺术体操身体训练和技术训练的运用方案及其训练方法设计的原则，旨在为我国艺术体操的科学训练提供参考。     

Fluid and electrolyte balance in elite male football (soccer) players training in a cool environment

There are few data in the published literature on sweat loss and drinking behaviour in athletes training in a cool environment. Sweat loss and fluid intake were measured in 17 first-team members of an elite soccer team training for 90 min in a cool (5°C, 81% relative humidity) environment. Sweat loss was assessed from the change in body mass after correction for the volume of fluid consumed. Sweat electrolyte content was measured from absorbent patches applied at four skin sites. Mean (?± s) sweat loss during training was 1.69?±?0.45 l (range 1.06?-?2.65 l). Mean fluid intake during training was 423?±?215 ml (44?-?951 ml). There was no apparent relationship between the amount of sweat lost and the volume of fluid consumed during training (r ² = 0.013, P = 0.665). Mean sweat sodium concentration was 42.5?±?13.0 mmol?·?l^?1 and mean sweat potassium concentration was 4.2?±?1.0 mmol?·?l^?1. Total salt (NaCl) loss during training was 4.3?±?1.8 g. The sweat loss data are similar to those recorded in elite players undergoing a similar training session in warm environments, but the volume of fluid ingested is less.     

Validation of a commercially available inertial measurement unit for recording jump load in youth basketball players

ABSTRACT

A high incidence of overuse knee injuries among youth basketball players may be attributed to number of jumps. Wearable technology may be an effective tool for measuring jump load compared to traditional counting methods. The purpose of this study was to validate a commercially available jump counter (VERT® Classic) in youth basketball practices and games, and to identify the characteristics (i.e., height, direction, takeoff) of jumps recorded by the VERT® Classic. 46 (19F, 27M) youth basketball players wore a VERT® Classic and were recorded on video during games and practices. The number of jumps recorded by the VERT® Classic and evaluated by video raters were compared for each jump characteristic using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(3,k)), mean offset, and limits of agreement. The number and percent of VERT® Classic jumps and corresponding video jumps according to timestamp were reported. VERT® Classic jumps had excellent reliability with video-counted jumps over 15 cm (ICC(3,k) = 0.958), with a mean offset of ?2.4 jumps (fewer VERT® Classic) and limits of agreement ?12.6 to 7.8 jumps. Pairs of corresponding jumps represented 68.0% of total video jumps and 92.0% of VERT® Classic jumps. The VERT® Classic can provide an estimate of jump load in youth basketball.     

The effect of low-volume high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic health and psychological responses in overweight/obese middle-aged men

ABSTRACT

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed as a time-efficient exercise protocol to improve metabolic health, but direct comparisons with higher-volume moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) under unsupervised settings are limited. This study compared low-volume HIIT and higher-volume MICT interventions on cardiometabolic and psychological responses in overweight/obese middle-aged men. Twenty-four participants (age: 48.1±5.2yr; BMI: 25.8±2.3kg·m^?2) were randomly assigned to undertake either HIIT (10 X 1-min bouts of running at 80–90% HR_max separated by 1-min active recovery) or MICT (50-min continuous jogging/brisk walking at 65–70% HR_max) for 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks (2-week supervised + 6-week unsupervised training). Both groups showed similar cardiovascular fitness (VO_2max) improvement (HIIT: 32.5±5.6 to 36.0±6.2; MICT: 34.3±6.0 to 38.2±5.1mL kg^?1 min^?1, p < 0.05) and %fat loss (HIIT: 24.5±3.4 to 23.2±3.5%; MICT: 23.0±4.3 to 21.5±4.1%, p< 0.05) over the 8-week intervention. Compared to baseline, MICT significantly decreased weight and waist circumference. No significant group differences were observed for blood pressure and cardiometabolic blood markers such as lipid profiles, fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin. Both groups showed similar enjoyment levels and high unsupervised adherence rates (>90%). Our findings suggest that low-volume HIIT can elicit a similar improvement of cardiovascular fitness as traditional higher-volume MICT in overweight/obese middle-aged men.     

Testing the functionality of peripheral vision in a mixed-methods football field study

ABSTRACT

In team sports, peripheral vision might be useful to simultaneously monitor movements of opponents and teammates. Until now, however, little is known about the perceptual-cognitive processes underlying peripheral vision in a sporting task. Therefore, we used a mixed-methods approach with in-situ decision making (3 vs. 3 situations) and retrospective verbal reports to identify perceptual strategies used for optimal information pick-up in high- and low-skilled football players. Our results show that the use of peripheral vision by central defenders depends on the position of the ball and the position of the direct opponent. Players were shown to either use a pivot strategy, whereby they frequently look at the direct opponent if he is not in the possession of the ball in addition to making saccades to monitor other players, or they employ a more direct strategy, in which gaze is anchored on this location, avoiding saccades and monitoring the other players with peripheral vision. Based on our findings we make recommendations about how these gaze strategies can be further tested in future research and how sports practice can benefit from these results.     

浅谈青少年足球训练中存在的问题与对策

以青少年足球训练为切入点,在分析青少年足球训练中存在的问题的基础上,探讨解决青少年足球训练中问题的对策,旨在说明青少年足球训练的重要性,以期为青少年足球训练提供参考。     

Acute effects of high-intensity intermittent training on kinematics and foot strike patterns in endurance runners

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate running kinematic characteristics and foot strike patterns (FSP) during early and late stages of actual and common high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT): 5 × 2000 m with 120-s recovery between runs. Thirteen healthy, elite, highly trained male endurance runners participated in this study. They each had a personal record in the half-marathon of 70 ± 2.24 min, and each had a minimum experience of 4 years of training and competition. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during HIIT. High levels of exhaustion were reached by the athletes during HIIT (HRpeak: 174.30 bpm; RPE: 17.23). There was a significant increase of HRpeak and RPE during HIIT; nevertheless, time for each run remained unchanged. A within-protocol paired t-test (first vs. last run) revealed no significant changes (P ≥ 0.05) in kinematics variables and FSP variables during HIIT. There were no substantial changes on kinematics and FSP characteristics in endurance runners after fatigue induced by a HIIT. Only the minimum ankle alignment showed a significant change. The author suggests that these results might be due to both the high athletic level of participants and their experience in HIIT.     

现阶段我国足球运动员体能训练结构的分析与训练对策

从当今职业化足球比赛对运动员的体能要求出发,分析我国职业球员体能现状,通过对足球运动员体能水平构成因素的分析及比赛中体能表现的研究,探讨符合足球运动规律的体能训练方法,为足球体能训练监控提供依据。     

Can high-intensity interval training improve physical and mental health outcomes? A meta-review of 33 systematic reviews across the lifespan

ABSTRACT

High-intensity-interval-training (HIIT) has been suggested to have beneficial effects in multiple populations across individual systematic reviews, although there is a lack of clarity in the totality of the evidence whether HIIT is effective and safe across different populations and outcomes. The aim of this meta-review was to establish the benefits, safety and adherence of HIIT interventions across all populations from systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Major databases were searched for systematic reviews (with/without meta-analyses) of randomised & non-randomised trials that compared HIIT to a control. Thirty-three systematic reviews (including 25 meta-analyses) were retrieved encompassing healthy subjects and people with physical health complications. Evidence suggested HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometric measures, blood glucose and glycaemic control, arterial compliance and vascular function, cardiac function, heart rate, some inflammatory markers, exercise capacity and muscle mass, versus non-active controls. Compared to active controls, HIIT improved cardiorespiratory fitness, some inflammatory markers and muscle structure. Improvements in anxiety and depression were seen compared to pre-training. Additionally, no acute injuries were reported, and mean adherence rates surpassed 80% in most systematic reviews. Thus, HIIT is associated with multiple benefits. Further large-scale high-quality studies are needed to reaffirm and expand these findings.

Abbreviations: ACSM: American College of Sports Medicine; BMI: Body Mass Index; BNP: Brain Natriuretic Peptide; BP: Blood Pressure; CAD: Coronary Artery Disease; CHD: Coronary Heart Disease; COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; CRP: c- reactive Protein; CVD: Cardiovascular Disease; DBP: Diastolic Blood Pressure; ES: Effect Size; FAS: Reduced Fatty Acid Synthase; FATP-1: Reduced Fatty Acid Transport Protein 1; FMD: Flow Mediated Dilation; Hs-CRP: High-sensitivity c- reactive Protein; HDL: High Density Lipoprotein; HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training; HOMA: Homoeostatic Model Assessment; HR: Heart Rate; HTx: Heart Transplant Recipients; IL-6: Interleukin-6; LDL: Low Density Lipoprotein; LV: Left Ventricular; LVEF: Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction; MD: Mean Difference; MetS: Metabolic Syndrome; MPO: Myeloperoxidase; MICT: Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training; NO: Nitric Oxide; NRCT: Non-Randomised Controlled Trial; PA: Physical Activity; PAI-1: Plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1; QoL: Quality of Life; RCT: Randomised Controlled Trial; RoB: Risk of Bias; RPP: Rate Pressure Product; RT: Resistance Training; SBP: Systolic Blood Pressure; SD: Standardised Difference; SMD: Standardised Mean Difference; TAU: Treatment-As-Usual; T2DM: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; TC: Total Cholesterol; TG: Triglycerides; TNF-alfa: Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha; UMD: Unstandardised Mean Difference; WC: Waist Circumference; WHR: Waist-to-Hip Ratio; WMD: Weighted Mean Difference

Key points:

• HIIT may improve cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular function, anthropometric variables, exercise capacity, muscular structure and function, and anxiety and depression severity in healthy individuals and those with physical health disorders.

• Additionally, HIIT appears to be safe and does not seem to be associated with acute injuries or serious cardiovascular events.