A model study of optimal training reduction during pre-event taper in elite swimmers

The aim of this study was to assess responses to taper in elite athletes using computer simulations. Parameters of a non-linear model were derived from training and performance data over two seasons for eight elite swimmers. The fit between modelled and actual performances was statistically significant for each swimmer (r(2) = 0.56 +/- 0.06; P < 0.01). The simulations were used to estimate characteristics of step and progressive tapers that would maximize performance either (1) after regular training only or (2) after overload training of a 20% step increase in regular training for 28 days. The highest performance with a step taper was greater with than without prior overload training (101.4%, s = 1.6 vs. 101.1%, s = 1.4 of personal record; P < 0.01) but required a longer taper duration (22.4 days, s = 13.4 vs. 16.4 days, s = 10.3; P < 0.05). The optimal progressive taper led to a better performance only after the overload period (101.5%, s = 1.5; P < 0.001). Negative and positive influences of training were estimated as indicators of fatigue and adaptations to training respectively. During the optimal taper, the negative influence was completely removed, independently of the prior training, whereas the positive influence increased only after overload training. Our computer simulations show that the characteristics of an optimal training reduction in elite athletes depend on the training performed in the weeks prior to a taper.     

Ethnicity,Cognitive Styles,and Math Achievement: Variability within African-American Post-Secondary Students

Diversity related dispositions (understanding, tolerance, and respect) of prospective teachers are crucial aspects of today's teacher preparation programs. Can prospective teachers challenge and change their diversity-related dispositions through the use of Teaching Tolerance's culturally responsive curriculum materials? Students watched the Teaching Tolerance video "The Shadow of Hate: A History of Intolerance in America," and responded in writing to 4 open-ended questions which prompted them to articulate the meaning of discrimination and to make connections between diversity, history, discrimination, and their future classroom practices. Based on the qualitative research reported in this article, using Teaching Tolerance Project curriculum materials in a teacher preparation program contributes to cultivating a cooperative, inclusive, egalitarian classroom.     

Anaerobic capacity, isometric endurance, and Laser sailing performance

Laser sailors have to tolerate fatiguing contractions of the lower-body muscles for prolonged periods. The aims of the present study were (1) to evaluate the difference between top-ranked and club sailors, in their capacity to resist fatigue during sustained isometric and maximal power exercise, and (2) to examine the relationships between the above parameters and performance on a Laser simulator and competitive racing performance according to the national ranking list. Eight Greek nationally ranked Laser sailors were compared with eight club sailors. Each sailor performed: (a) an effort to the limit of tolerance on the Laser simulator, (b) an effort to the limit of tolerance of isometric endurance for the right leg on an isokinetic dynamometer, and (c) a Wingate test of maximal lower-body anaerobic power on a cycle ergometer. In the nationally ranked sailors, isometric endurance time (mean 160 s, s = 50) and endurance time on the Laser simulator (1381 s, s = 1354) were significantly (P < 0.05) longer than in the club sailors (101 s, s = 29 and 565 s, s = 367, respectively), whereas the final minute heart rate (in both groups: 149 beats . min(-1), s = 22) and the mean arterial pressure (nationally ranked sailors: 129 mmHg, s = 16; club sailors: 120 mmHg, s = 21) on the Laser simulator were not different between groups. During the Wingate test, the nationally ranked sailors had a significantly lower index of fatigue (42%, s = 5) than the club sailors (49%, s = 6). Isometric endurance time was significantly correlated with the Wingate index of fatigue (r = -0.73; P < 0.001). The nationally ranked sailors' mean and maximal anaerobic powers were significantly correlated with their national ranking positions (r = -0.83 and -0.71, respectively). It is suggested that isometric endurance and anaerobic power are well-developed in Laser class sailors and may influence their sailing performance. Furthermore, compared with club sailors, the nationally ranked sailors are able to sustain the same intensity of lower-limb isometric contractions for much longer with similar cardiovascular responses.     

Influence of cold-water immersion on indices of muscle damage following prolonged intermittent shuttle running

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of cold-water immersion (cryotherapy) on indices of muscle damage following a bout of prolonged intermittent exercise. Twenty males (mean age 22.3 years, s = 3.3; height 1.80 m, s = 0.05; body mass 83.7 kg, s = 11.9) completed a 90-min intermittent shuttle run previously shown to result in marked muscle damage and soreness. After exercise, participants were randomly assigned to either 10 min cold-water immersion (mean 10 degrees C, s = 0.5) or a non-immersion control group. Ratings of perceived soreness, changes in muscular function and efflux of intracellular proteins were monitored before exercise, during treatment, and at regular intervals up to 7 days post-exercise. Exercise resulted in severe muscle soreness, temporary muscular dysfunction, and elevated serum markers of muscle damage, all peaking within 48 h after exercise. Cryotherapy administered immediately after exercise reduced muscle soreness at 1, 24, and 48 h (P < 0.05). Decrements in isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the knee flexors were reduced after cryotherapy treatment at 24 (mean 12%, s(x) = 4) and 48 h (mean 3%, s(x) = 3) compared with the control group (mean 21%, s(x) = 5 and mean 14%, s(x) = 5 respectively; P < 0.05). Exercise-induced increases in serum myoglobin concentration and creatine kinase activity peaked at 1 and 24 h, respectively (P < 0.05). Cryotherapy had no effect on the creatine kinase response, but reduced myoglobin 1 h after exercise (P < 0.05). The results suggest that cold-water immersion immediately after prolonged intermittent shuttle running reduces some indices of exercise-induced muscle damage.     

What is modelled during observational learning?

In this article, we examine the question of what information is processed during observational learning by evaluating a variety of methods, theories, and empirical data. Initially, we review work involving neuroimaging techniques and infant imitation. We then evaluate data from behavioural experiments involving adults, wherein a variety of attempts have been made to isolate the critical or minimal information constraining the acquisition of coordination. This body of research has included comparisons between video and point-light displays, manipulations to the amount and type of information presented in the display, the collection of point-of-gaze data, and manipulations to the task context in terms of outcome goals. We conclude that observational learning is governed by specific features of the model's action (i.e. motions of the end effector) and the task (i.e. outcome constraints) and, in contrast with traditional theoretical modelling, more global aspects of a model (i.e. the relative motions within and between joints) do not appear to be the primary method for constraining action execution.     

The influence of carbohydrate and protein ingestion during recovery from prolonged exercise on subsequent endurance performance

Ingesting carbohydrate plus protein following prolonged exercise may restore exercise capacity more effectively than ingestion of carbohydrate alone. The objective of the present study was to determine whether this potential benefit is a consequence of the protein fraction per se or simply due to the additional energy it provides. Six active males participated in three trials, each involving a 90-min treadmill run at 70% maximal oxygen uptake (run 1) followed by a 4-h recovery. At 30-min intervals during recovery, participants ingested solutions containing: (1) 0.8 g carbohydrate x kg body mass (BM)(-1) h(-1) plus 0.3 g kg(-1) h(-1) of whey protein isolate (CHO-PRO); (2) 0.8 g carbohydrate x kg BM(-1) h(-1) (CHO); or (3) 1.1 g carbohydrate x kg BM(-1) h(-1) (CHO-CHO). The latter two solutions matched the CHO-PRO solution for carbohydrate and for energy, respectively. Following recovery, participants ran to exhaustion at 70% maximal oxygen uptake (run 2). Exercise capacity during run 2 was greater following ingestion of CHO-PRO and CHO-CHO than following ingestion of CHO (P< or = 0.05) with no significant difference between the CHO-PRO and CHO-CHO treatments. In conclusion, increasing the energy content of these recovery solutions extended run time to exhaustion, irrespective of whether the additional energy originated from sucrose or whey protein isolate.