Elite male field hockey players have symmetric isokinetic glenohumeral strength profiles,but show asymmetry in scapular muscle strength

Shoulders of elite field hockey players are loaded continuously during play. However, shoulder girdle muscle performance in this population has never been examined yet. This study aimed to compare isokinetic shoulder girdle performance in elite male field hockey players to matched controls, with respect to strength, endurance and muscle balance. The complete male national field hockey team of Belgium (n = 25) was included and matched to a gender- and age-matched control group of healthy participants (n = 25). A Biodex system-4 dynamometer was used to measure glenohumeral and scapular muscle strength at 2 velocities in a concentric/concentric mode. With the main outcome measures being isokinetic strength values, peak force (protraction-retraction), peak torque (rotations), fatigue index and agonist/antagonist ratio’s. Measurement results showed that elite male field hockey players were stronger than their matched controls, for both the rotational and the protraction-retraction movement. Concerning rotational strength, symmetrical findings were established, contrary to scapular strength, where side differences were noted. At low velocity, retraction peak force was higher on the dominant side. Protraction peak force was higher on the non-dominant side when measured at high velocity. In conclusion, elite field hockey players have a symmetrical rotational strength profile, in contrast to their scapular strength profile.     

Peak aerobic power and paddling efficiency in recreational and competitive junior male surfers

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to measure and compare peak oxygen uptake and paddling efficiency in recreational and competitive junior male surfers. Eight male recreational surfers (mean age 18 years, s=2; mass 66.8 kg, s=13.0; height 1.75 m, s=0.10) and eight male competitive surfers (mean age 18 years, s=1; mass 68.0 kg, s=11.7; height 1.72 m, s=0.10) performed an incremental paddling test consisting of four 3-min constant load work stages followed by a ramp increase in power output of 20 W · 30 s^?1 until exhaustion. The oxygen uptake–power output relationship of the four constant load work stages and peak values obtained during the incremental paddling test were used to calculate paddling efficiency. No differences (P>0.05) were observed between the recreational and competitive surfers for peak oxygen uptake (recreational: 2.52 litres · min^?1, s=0.5; competitive: 2.66 litres · min^?1, s=0.35) or efficiency (recreational: 24%, s=3; competitive: 21%, s=4). Blood lactate concentration was significantly greater in recreational (2.4 mmol · l^?1, s=0.9) than competitive surfers (1.6 mmol · l^?1, s=0.5) during submaximal paddling. There were no differences in peak oxygen uptake or paddling efficiency between recreational and competitive surfers suggesting that peak oxygen uptake and efficiency are not sensitive to differences in surfing ability. The increase in blood lactate concentration during submaximal paddling in recreational compared with competitive surfers suggests that other determinants of paddling endurance, such as blood lactate threshold, might be better at distinguishing surfers of differing ability.     

耐力训练、神经骨骼肌系统适应与跑步经济性

跑步经济性和运动成绩密切相关。进行专项运动训练,下肢运动肌募集方式更为精炼。耐力训练可诱导神经骨骼肌系统发生适应,降低代谢需求,提高运动成绩。自行车运动单项与多项组合项目相比,下肢运动肌募集方式存在差异。目前,研究非常关注单项与多项组合项目诱导神经骨骼肌系统适应间的差异。但是,并不清楚这些特异性神经骨骼肌系统适应是否有助于提高或损害耐力性项目的运动成绩？神经骨骼肌系统适应可能在影响耐力性项目的运动成绩。力量训练和超等长训练可提高运动的经济性,但这些适应性的变化对跑步时运动肌募集方式产生多少有益的影响并不清楚。当前,尚没有充足的证据显示拉伸训练和运动鞋可提高运动的经济性。     

Alterations in Strength and Maximal Oxygen Uptake Consequent to Nautilus Circuit Weight Training

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a Nautilus circuit weight training program on muscular strength and maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O ₂ max) by comparing these effects to those produced by adhering to either a free weight (FW) strength training program or a running (R) program. Male college students who voluntarily enrolled in either a FW training class (n = 11), a Nautilus (N) circuit weight training class (n= 12), or a R conditioning class (n= 13) were subjects for this investigation. All groups participated in their respective programs 3 days per week for 10 weeks. Strength was assessed using a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer set at an angular velocity of 60° · s ^?1 and a damping of 2. The FW group served as the control group for the assessment of [Vdot]O ₂ max changes, while the R group served as controls for the assessment of strength differences. ANCOVA revealed that the N and R groups experienced significant (p < .01) increases in [Vdot]O ₂ max expressed in L · min ^?1 (10.9 and 11.4%), ml · kg ^?1 · min ^?1 (10.8 and 11.7%), and ml · kgLBW ^?1 · min ^?1 (7.1 and 7.5%) when compared to the FW group. There were no significant differences between the N and R groups. There were no significant differences among groups in final peak torque values (after covariance), and torque at the beginning and end of the range of motion for the knee extensors, knee flexors, elbow extensors, and elbow flexors. In general, isokinetic strength values elicited by the N group compared favorably to those generated by the FW group. It was concluded that for a training period of short duration, Nautilus circuit weight training appears to be an equally effective alternative to standard free weight (strength) and aerobic (endurance) training programs for untrained individuals.     

力量训练提升马拉松跑者耐力运动表现的研究进展及训练策略

有氧能力的高低是马拉松跑者能否取得优异成绩的关键。最大摄氧量、乳酸阈和跑步经济性是衡量运动员有氧能力和耐力运动表现的关键指标,也是长跑训练效果的核心考量。由于力量和耐力训练对机体产生不同的训练刺激,教练员和运动员很少将力量训练作为提升耐力运动表现的手段,以防止有氧能力受到负面影响。通过对大量文献梳理发现,力量训练可以在不影响机体最大摄氧量和乳酸阈值的前提下,通过改善神经肌肉功能、转换肌纤维类型以及增强肌肉肌腱刚度和利用弹性势能的能力,提高跑步经济性和无氧能力,改善运动员耐力运动表现。本文基于对力量、耐力训练的生理学适应的探讨,总结不同形式力量训练对耐力运动表现的影响与作用机制,并为马拉松选手科学安排力量训练提出建议,从而优化其耐力运动表现。     

U- 15 男子足球运动员血睾酮与生长激素 变化特点及对有氧能力的影响

通过测定我国U-15男子足球运动员血睾酮激素和生长激素及心肺功能,分析U-15男子足球运动员血睾酮和生长激素分泌特点对心肺功能的影响及对有氧能力的作用特点。结果显示血睾酮与最大摄氧量、最大氧脉搏显著相关（P〈0．01）。不同水平血睾酮的受试者最大有氧能力有显著差别（P〈0．05）。生长激素与最大摄氧量、最大氧脉搏无显著相关性（P〉0．05）。通过以上的研究,为优秀青少年男子足球运动员的科学选材和科学训练提供可能的理论依据。     

Physiological and Anatomical Characteristics Of Outstanding Female Junior Tennis Players

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological adaptations of resistance training (RT) in prepubertal boys. Methods: Eighteen healthy boys were divided into RT (n = 9, M_age = 10.4 ± 0.5 years) and control (CTR; n = 9, M_age = 10.9 ± 0.7 years) groups. The RT group underwent a resistance training during 12 weeks, 3 times per week, performing 3 sets of 6 to 15 repetitions at intensities ranging from 60% to 80% of maximal dynamic strength (1-repetition maximum [1-RM] values). Before and after the training, the groups were assessed in their body mass and composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), isokinetic dynamometry, 1-RM, and ergoespirometry. Moreover, force per unit of muscle volume was calculated by the quotient between 1-RM and lean mass. Results: Both groups presented statistically significant (p < .05) increases in the 1-RM and force per unit of muscle volume in the knee extension and elbow flexion, but these strength increases were statistically significantly greater in the RT group (effect size [ES] = 2.83–9.00) than in the CTR group (ES = 0.72–1.00). Moreover, both groups statistically significantly increased in lean body mass variables (ES = 0.12–0.38). However, increases in the fat mass variables occurred only in the CTR group (ES = ? 0.01–0.50), whereas no changes were observed in the RT group. Furthermore, there were statistically significant increases in all bone mineral content variables (ES = 0.13–0.43), without differences between groups. No cardiorespiratory changes were observed. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of RT was effective in improving strength and force per unit of muscle volume and prevented fat mass increases in boys.     

9——18岁学生最大吸氧量的纵向研究

本文采用复盖式纵向研究法,对9—18岁男女学生的最大吸氧量进行连续4年的直接测定,分析研究了其自然发展规律及年龄、性别特征。     

Age and maturity related differences in motor coordination among male elite youth soccer players

This study investigated differences in generic and soccer specific motor coordination, as well as speed and agility depending on age and maturity in elite youth soccer players (U10-U15, N = 619). Measurements included body height, body weight and sitting height to estimate age at peak height velocity (APHV); three Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder subtests (i.e. jumping sideways (JS), moving sideways (MS), balancing backwards (BB)) to assess generic motor coordination; the UGent dribbling test for soccer specific motor coordination; a 5m/30m sprint and T-test for speed and agility, respectively. Age specific z-scores of the predicted APHV identified players as earlier, on time or later maturing. (M)ANOVA analyses showed significant age by maturity interaction effects for the speed and agility test cluster, revealing maturity related differences in U14 and U15 players. Next to an overall higher performance with age for all test clusters (η² 0.080–0.468), earlier maturing players outperformed their later maturing peers in 5m/30m sprinting. The opposite was seen for JS and BB. So, players’ maturity status should be taken into account to adequately value performance in talent identification. Also, the focus on characteristics that appear to be minimally biased by an earlier maturational timing (i.e. motor coordination) should be increased.     

Exercise performance and cardiovascular health variables in 70-year-old male soccer players compared to endurance-trained,strength-trained and untrained age-matched men

Abstract

The aim was to investigate performance variables and indicators of cardiovascular health profile in elderly soccer players (SP, n = 11) compared to endurance-trained (ET, n = 8), strength-trained (ST, n = 7) and untrained (UT, n = 7) age-matched men. The 33 men aged 65–85 years underwent a testing protocol including measurements of cycle performance, maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and body composition, and muscle fibre types and capillarisation were determined from m. vastus lateralis biopsy. In SP, time to exhaustion was longer (16.3 ± 2.0 min; P < 0.01) than in UT (+48%) and ST (+41%), but similar to ET (+1%). Fat percentage was lower (P < 0.05) in SP (–6.5% points) than UT but not ET and ST. Heart rate reserve was higher (P < 0.05) in SP (104 ± 16 bpm) than UT (+21 bpm) and ST (+24 bpm), but similar to ET (+2 bpm), whereas VO₂max was not significantly different in SP (30.2 ± 4.9 ml O₂ · min^?1 · kg^?1) compared to UT (+14%) and ST (+9%), but lower (P < 0.05) than ET (?22%). The number of capillaries per fibre was higher (P < 0.05) in SP than UT (53%) and ST (42%) but similar to ET. SP had less type IIx fibres than UT (?12% points). In conclusion, the exercise performance and cardiovascular health profile are markedly better for lifelong trained SP than for age-matched UT controls. Incremental exercise capacity and muscle aerobic capacity of SP are also superior to lifelong ST athletes and comparable to endurance athletes.     

Effect of biological maturation on maximal oxygen uptake and ventilatory thresholds in soccer players: An allometric approach

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of biological maturation on maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max) and ventilatory thresholds (VT₁ and VT₂) in 110 young soccer players separated into pubescent and post-pubescent groups.. Maximal oxygen uptake and [Vdot]O₂ corresponding to VT₁ and VT₂ were expressed as absolute values, ratio standards, theoretical exponents, and experimentally observed exponents. Absolute [Vdot]O₂ (ml · min^?1) was different between groups for VT₁, VT₂, and [Vdot]O_2max. Ratio standards (ml · kg^?1 · min^?1) were not significantly different between groups for VT₁, VT₂, and [Vdot]O_2max. Theoretical exponents (ml · kg^?0.67 · min^?1 and ml · kg^?0.75 · min^?1) were not properly adjusted for the body mass effects on VT₁, VT₂, and [Vdot]O_2max. When the data were correctly adjusted using experimentally observed exponents, VT₁ (ml · kg^?0.94 · min^?1) and VT₂ (ml · kg^?0.95 · min^?1) were not different between groups. The experimentally observed exponent for [Vdot]O_2max (ml · kg^?0.90 · min^?1) was different between groups (P = 0.048); however, this difference could not be attributed to biological maturation. In conclusion, biological maturation had no effect on VT₁, VT₂ or [Vdot]O_2max when the effect of body mass was adjusted by experimentally observed exponents. Thus, when evaluating the physiological performance of young soccer players, allometric scaling needs to be taken into account instead of using theoretical approaches.     

上海汉族优秀耐力运动员ACE基因I/D多态性与最大有氧能力(O_2max)的关联研究

采用PCR和breath by breath方法,对上海汉族55名优秀游泳运动员、60名优秀赛艇运动员和85名汉族普通人的ACE基因I/D多态性和V。O2max进行检测。结果显示1)上海汉族优秀游泳和赛艇运动员ACE基因的基因型和等位基因频率与上海和成都地区汉族普通人组无明显差异(P>0.05);与Caucasian人群相比,均存在非常显著性差异(P<0.0001),表现出明显的民族和地区的差异性;游泳和赛艇项目健将和一级运动员间的基因型和等位基因频率分布,存在明显差异(P<0.05);游泳运动员水平越高,II型所占比例就越高,赛艇运动员中水平越高,ID型的比例越大;2)不同基因型的游泳运动员的O2max、O2max/kg、CO2max、Emax、O2-plusemax、Wmax和Tmax等指标,均表现为II型>DD型>ID型,II型明显优于ID型(P<0.05~0.01),而赛艇运动员则表现为ID型>II型>DD型,ID明显优于DD型(P<0.05~0.01)。结果提示,游泳项目中具有II基因型或I等位基因的运动员,赛艇项目中具有ID基因型或I等位基因的运动员,可能属于运动训练敏感的高反应群体,经过多年系统科学的训练,具有成为优秀运动员的可能。ACE基因I/D多态性可作为运动训练和选材中高敏感的、非常重要的遗传标记之一。     

湖南省大学生有氧耐力评价标准研究

对湖南省文、理、工、医、农 5类专业 6 0 0名二年级与四年级男、女大学生进行 12min跑测验 ,并用RPE值对运动负荷进行监控。结果显示 ,用 12min跑间接测定大学生的最大耗氧量是可行的 ,据此制定了湖南省大学生有氧耐力评价标准。     

Influence of recovery intensity on time spent at maximal oxygen uptake during an intermittent session in young,endurance-trained athletes

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of three recovery intensities on time spent at a high percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (t90[Vdot]O_2max) during a short intermittent session. Eight endurance-trained male adolescents (16 ± 1 years) performed four field tests until exhaustion: a graded test to determine maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2max; 57.4 ± 6.1 ml · min^?1 · kg^?1) and maximal aerobic velocity (17.9 ± 0.4 km · h^?1), and three intermittent exercises consisting of repeat 30-s runs at 105% of maximal aerobic velocity alternating with 30 s active recovery at 50% (IE₅₀), 67% (IE₆₇), and 84% (IE₈₄) of maximal aerobic velocity. In absolute values, mean t90[Vdot]O_2max was not significantly different between IE₅₀ and IE₆₇, but both values were significantly longer compared with IE₈₄. When expressed in relative values (as a percentage of time to exhaustion), mean t90[Vdot]O_2max was significantly higher during IE₆₇ than during IE₅₀. Our results show that both 50% and 67% of maximal aerobic velocity of active recovery induced extensive solicitation of the cardiorespiratory system. Our results suggest that the choice of recovery intensity depends on the exercise objective.     

Dissociation between running economy and running performance in elite Kenyan distance runners

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between running economy (RE) and performance in a homogenous group of competitive Kenyan distance runners. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO_2max) (68.8 ± 3.8 ml?kg^?1?min^?1) was determined on a motorised treadmill in 32 Kenyan (25.3 ± 5.0 years; IAAF performance score: 993 ± 77 p) distance runners. Leg anthropometry was assessed and moment arm of the Achilles tendon determined. While Achilles moment arm was associated with better RE (r² = 0.30, P = 0.003) and upper leg length, total leg length and total leg length to body height ratio were correlated with running performance (r = 0.42, P = 0.025; r = 0.40, P = 0.030 and r = 0.38, P = 0.043, respectively), RE and maximal time on treadmill (t_max) were not associated with running performance (r = ?0.01, P = 0.965; r = 0.27; P = 0.189, respectively) in competitive Kenyan distance runners. The dissociation between RE and running performance in this homogenous group of runners would suggest that RE can be compensated by other factors to maintain high performance levels and is in line with the idea that RE is only one of many factors explaining elite running performance.