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EN
The aim of this research was to develop a path-flow analysis model to highlight the relationships between buoyancy and prone gliding tests and some selected anthropometrical and biomechanical variables. Thirty-eight young male swimmers (12.97 ± 1.05 years old) with several competitive levels were evaluated. It were assessed the body mass, height, fat mass, body surface area, vertical buoyancy, prone gliding after wall push-off, stroke length, stroke frequency and velocity after a maximal 25 [m] swim. The confirmatory model included the body mass, height, fat mass, prone gliding test, stroke length, stroke frequency and velocity. All theoretical paths were verified except for the vertical buoyancy test that did not present any relationship with anthropometrical and biomechanical variables nor with the prone gliding test. The good-of-fit from the confirmatory path-flow model, assessed with the standardized root mean square residuals (SRMR), is considered as being close to the cut-off value, but even so not suitable of the theory (SRMR = 0.11). As a conclusion, vertical buoyancy and prone gliding tests are not the best techniques to assess the swimmer's hydrostatic and hydrodynamic profile, respectively.
EN
This paper analyses the dynamics of changes between the performances of elite freestyle swimmers recorded at particular Olympic Games. It also uses a set of chronologically ordered results to predict probable times of swimmers at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The analysis of past performances of freestyle swimmers and their prediction have revealed a number of interesting tendencies within separately examined results of men and women. Women's results improve more dynamically compared with men's. Moreover, the difference between women's and men's results is smaller, the longer the swimming distance. As both male and female athletes tend to compete more and more vigorously within their groups, the gap between the gold medallist and the last finisher in the final is constantly decreasing, which provides significant evidence that this sport discipline continues to develop.
EN
The aim of this work was to study the impact of the implementation of a mental training program on swimmers' chronometric performance, with national and international Portuguese swimmers, based on the goal setting model proposed by Vasconcelos-Raposo (2001). This longitudinal study comprised a sample of nine swimmers (four male and five female) aged between fourteen and twenty, with five to eleven years of competitive experience. All swimmers were submitted to an evaluation system during two years. The first season involved the implementation of the goal setting model, and the second season was only evaluation, totaling seven assessments over the two years. The main results showed a significant improvement in chronometric performance during psychological intervention, followed by a reduction in swimmers' performance in the second season, when there was no interference from the investigators (follow-up).
EN
The purpose of the study was to measure anthropometry, isometric force, balance, functional movement quality and asymmetries and peak oxygen uptake of prospective Rio 2016 Olympic Games Eventing horse riders (five males and two females: age 26-41 years, height 173.0 ± 8.9 cm, weight 66.4 ± 11.1 kg, BMI 22.0 ± 1.8, FEI ranking 33-409). Mean and maximal isometric of the hands were approximately 45 kg, and 50 kg, respectively. Total maximal isometric force of the lower limb resulted 372.6 kg for the extensor muscles, and approximately 58 kg for the adductor muscles. Mean composite functional movement score was 14.1, mean Bunkie score 3.4. Y-balance score 93.1 ± for the left side and 90.9 for the right one. V̇O2peak values ranged between 2.4 and 4.2 l·min-1 and 46.8 and 59.7 ml·kg-1·min-1. The oldest and more experienced athletes had a greater postural control on the anterior direction. The athletes with a superior FEI ranking had a greater postural control. Subjects had high maximal isometric strength of the hands and lower limbs, good physical functions parameters, balance and maximal aerobic power and few muscular strength and balance asymmetries.
EN
The main objective of this study was to analyze the motor variability in the performance of the tennis serve and its relationship to performance outcome. Seventeen male tennis players took part in the research, and they performed 20 serves. Linear and non-linear variability during the hand movement was measured by 3D Motion Tracking. Ball speed was recorded with a sports radar gun and the ball bounces were video recorded to calculate accuracy. The results showed a relationship between the amount of variability and its non-linear structure found in performance of movement and the outcome of the serve. The study also found that movement predictability correlates with performance. An increase in the amount of movement variability could affect the tennis serve performance in a negative way by reducing speed and accuracy of the ball.
EN
The aim was to study the effect of a formative program about nutrition as well as weight management and its risks in elite gymnasts. The sample was 37 under-18 Spanish athletes from rhythmic and aesthetic gymnastics (national level). The sample was divided into a control group (n=21) and an intervention group (n=16). A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test was used. The dependent variable was the knowledge of nutrition, weight management, and its risks. The independent variable was the educational program. The program had three 30-minute sessions which combined talks, videos, and tasks to complete. Descriptive and inferential analyses were done. The educational program was ineffective with regard to increasing the gymnasts’ knowledge about nutrition, weight management, and its risks. The gymnasts’ knowledge of nutrition and weight management was high before beginning the intervention. Gymnasts and the coach expressed the need for individualized training adapted to each gymnast’s needs and for incorporating a follow-up that provides feedback that is applicable in the gymnast’s daily life.
EN
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of depth on drag during the streamlined glide in swimming using Computational Fluid Dynamics. The Computation Fluid Dynamic analysis consisted of using a three-dimensional mesh of cells that simulates the flow around the considered domain. We used the K-epsilon turbulent model implemented in the commercial code Fluent® and applied it to the flow around a three-dimensional model of an Olympic swimmer. The swimmer was modeled as if he were gliding underwater in a streamlined prone position, with hands overlapping, head between the extended arms, feet together and plantar flexed. Steady-state computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed using the Fluent® code and the drag coefficient and the drag force was calculated for velocities ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 m/s, in increments of 0.50m/s, which represents the velocity range used by club to elite level swimmers during the push-off and glide following a turn. The swimmer model middle line was placed at different water depths between 0 and 1.0 m underwater, in 0.25m increments. Hydrodynamic drag decreased with depth, although after 0.75m values remained almost constant. Water depth seems to have a positive effect on reducing hydrodynamic drag during the gliding. Although increasing depth position could contribute to decrease hydrodynamic drag, this reduction seems to be lower with depth, especially after 0.75 m depth, thus suggesting that possibly performing the underwater gliding more than 0.75 m depth could not be to the benefit of the swimmer.
EN
Quantification of eccentric hamstring strength within elite youth sporting populations is a contemporary issue within practice. The aim of the study was to identify the reliability of eccentric strength metrics obtained via isokinetic dynamometry (IKD) and the NordBord in an elite youth football population. Furthermore, relationships between the strength metrics exhibited by the two devices were observed, to ascertain whether level of performance on one device can indicate how athletes will perform on the other. Twenty-one elite academy footballers completed two measures of eccentric hamstring strength on each device (60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1). Test-retest reliability was determined through Pearson correlation analysis. Relationships between strength metrics (IKD: PT, AvT and oPT at 60°·s-1 and 180°·s-1; NordBord: PF, AvF, PT, AvT, Ɵ) obtained on both devices were identified for analysis. Test-retest of both devices identified significant correlations for all eccentric strength metrics (P=≤0.05). Significant unilateral (L) relationships between PT, AvT (IKD 60°·s-1; 180°·s-1), break angle (Ɵ) (NordBord) angle peak torque (oPT) at 60°·s-1 and Ɵ were identified (P=≤0.05). Eccentric hamstring strength analysis on both the IKD and NordBord provide reliable information for practitioners, justifying their inclusion as one factor that may inform readiness to train and injury risk, within elite youth footballers. Although, careful consideration in relation to individual metrics must be given when informing decision making processes. Practitioners require clarity on the objectives of the assessment, what the strength metrics represent and how they provide insight into performance and injury risk.
EN
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different exercise orders on the local muscular endurance of trained women. Methods. Nineteen women with a minimum of two years experience in resistance training volunteered to participate in the study (age 27.68 ± 5.24 years; body mass 60.31 ± 7.50 kg; height 161.83 ± 7.05 cm; body mass index 22.85 ± 1.85 kg · m-2). Data were collected in two phases: 1) determining the one repetition maximum (1RM) for the bench press (BP), machine lat pull-down (LPD), free-weight shoulder press (SP), standing free-weight biceps curl (BC), and triceps extension (TE); 2) the completion of two resistance training sequences including 4 sets of exercise at 60% of 1RM with 2 minute rest intervals between sets with exercises performed until failure: Sequence A (SEQ A) comprised of: BP, LPD, SP, BC, TE while sequence B (SEQ B): TE, BC, SP, LPD, BP. Results. The mean number of repetitions per set in BP and TE presented significant reductions (p = 0.001 and p = 0.026, respectively) when they were the last exercise performed in each exercise sequence. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was not significantly different between the exercise sequences; however, increases for BC (in SEQ A) and BP (in SEQ B) were observed when they were performed later in the sequences. Conclusion. These data indicate that in trained women, local muscular endurance is affected by exercise sequence, with exercises performed later in a workout sequence showing decreased exercise ability due to fatigue.
EN
Purpose. To aim of this study was to analyze the effects of maltodextrin supplementation on cardiovascular and performance parameters during simulated Mountain Biking (MTB) competition as well as the cardiorespiratory and blood glucose (BG) response to a maximal test performed in a laboratory on elite MTB athletes. Methods. A total of eight male bikers [age: 28.4 ± 10.6 years; body fat: 9.46 ± 3.76 %; VO2max: 55.31 ± 4.7 mL/kg/min], participated in a double-blind study. The athletes received maltodextrin supplementation (1g/kg) or a placebo (light tangerine juice) 20 min before competition (seven 2 km laps) or before a laboratory maximal test. An incremental exercise test on a cycloergometer was performed to find any alterations in maximal HR, Watts max, VO2max, VEmax, and VO2 at the ventilatory threshold (VT), using a gas exchange analyzer. Comparisons between the simulated competition and laboratory variables (maltodextrin vs. placebo) were made using ANOVA and a two-tailed paired Student's t-test, where p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Maltodextrin supplementation reduced 26 s in the mean time spent on completing all laps (Maltodextrin: 9 min and 16 s vs. placebo: 9 min and 35 s; p < 0.05). In laboratory testing, maltodextrin raised BG during exercise (Maltodextrin: 104.1 ± 20.9 mg/dL vs. placebo: 88.2 ± 5.3 mg/dL; p < 0.05), power output at the ventilatory threshold (Maltodextrin: 260.8 ± 12.9 vs. placebo: 150.5 ± 8.7; p < 0.05) but had no effect on cardiorespiratory variables. Conclusion. Maltodextrin was found to enhance athletic performance during MTB competition, showing that it can play an important role in supplementation strategies for these competitors.
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2014
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vol. 44
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issue 1
67-74
EN
The aim of this study was to examine whether the intracyclic velocity variation (IVV) was lower in elite swimmers than in beginner swimmers at various velocities, and whether differences may be related to arm coordination. Seven elite and nine beginner male swimmers swam front crawl at four different swimming velocities (maximal velocity, 75%, 85%, and 95% of maximal swimming velocity). The index of arm coordination (IDC) was calculated as the lag time between the propulsive phases of each arm. IVV was determined from the coefficient of variation of horizontal velocity within one stroke cycle. IVV for elite swimmers was significantly lower (26%) than that for beginner swimmers at all swimming velocities [...] . In contrast, the IDC was similar between elite and beginner swimmers. These data suggest that IVV is a strong predictor of the skill level for front crawl, and that elite swimmers have techniques to decrease IVV. However, the IDC does not contribute to IVV differences between elite and beginner swimmers.
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2014
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vol. 44
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issue 1
223-236
EN
The purpose of this paper was to study the ranges in height, weight, age, spike reach, and block reach of volleyball players in relation to the player position and the level of their respective teams in peak performance. The analysed sample included 1454 male and 1452 female players who participated in the volleyball competitions of the Olympic Games and World Championships in the 2000-2012 period. A descriptive, correlational, and longitudinal design was used. The variables studied were: the player position, body height, weight, body mass index, spike reach, block reach, age, and team level. The results show differences between body height, spike and block reaches, and the age of the players by their position. These differences are related to the needs of the different positions with regard to the actions they execute. Middle-blockers, outside-hitters, and opposites have the characteristics that are most suitable for blocking and spiking, and the setters and liberos appear to have characteristics conducive to setting and receiving as well as digging, respectively. The differences found in the studied variables with regard to the playing position are related to players' needs regarding the actions they perform. Player´s age was a variable that differentiated first teams at this level of competition for males, and physical capacities (body height, weight, spike reach, and block reach) were variables that differentiated first teams at this level of competition for females.
EN
Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 2 weeks of creatine hydrochloride (CrHCl) supplementation on physical performance and hormonal changes in army soldiers. Materials: Eighteen male army soldiers were randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to either a CrHCl (n=9) or placebo (Pl) (n=9) groups. CrHCl group costumed 3g of creatine per day, whereas Pl group was given dextrose. Before and after supplementation period, the subjects performed a battery of performance tests including one repletion maximum (1RM) of bench press and back squat, vertical jump (VJ) and Wingate anaerobic test. In addition, blood samples were obtained to determine changes in testosterone and cortisol concentrations per and post supplementation. Results: There were significant increases in VJ, peak and mean power, and 1RM back squat test following the 2 weeks of CrHCl supplementation (p < 0.05) without any significant change for the Pl group. In addition significant changes were observed in testosterone and cortisol concentrations from before to after supplementation in CrHCl group (p < 0.05) and compared with Pl group (p=0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study indicates that CrHCl supplementation can improve VJ, power performance, 1RM back squat and hormonal changes in army soldiers.
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2014
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vol. 41
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issue 1
43-49
EN
The sympathetic nervous system dominates the regulation of body functions during exercise. Therefore after exercise, the sympathetic nervous system withdraws and the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body return to a resting state. In the examination of this relationship, the purpose of this study was to compare recovery heart rates (HR) of anaerobically versus aerobically trained cyclists. With all values given as means ± SD, anaerobically trained track cyclists (n=10, age=25.9 ± 6.0 yrs, body mass=82.7 ± 7.1 kg, body fat=10.0 ± 6.3%) and aerobically trained road cyclists (n=15, age=39.9 ± 8.5 yrs, body mass=75.3 ± 9.9 kg, body fat=13.1 ± 4.5%) underwent a maximal oxygen uptake test. Heart rate recovery was examined on a relative basis using heart rate reserve as well as the absolute difference between maximum HR and each of two recovery HRs. The post-exercise change in HR at minute one for the track cyclists and road cyclists respectively were 22 ± 8 bpm and 25 ± 12 bpm. At minute two, the mean drop for track cyclists was significantly (p<0.05) greater than the road cyclists (52 ± 15 bpm and 64 ± 11 bpm). Training mode showed statistically significant effects on the speed of heart rate recovery in trained cyclists. Greater variability in recovery heart rate at minute two versus minute one suggests that the heart rate should be monitored longer than one minute of recovery for a better analysis of post-exercise autonomic shift.
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Content available remote

Effect of The Swimmer’s Head Position on Passive Drag

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EN
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the head position on passive drag with a towing-line experiment in a swimming pool. The tests were performed on ten male swimmers with regional level swimming skills and at least 10 years of competitive swimming experience. They were towed underwater (at a depth of 60 cm) at three speeds (1.5, 1.7 and 1.9 m/s) and in two body positions (arms above the swimmer’s head and arms alongside the body). These two body positions were repeated while the swimmer’s head was positioned in three different ways: head-up, head-middle and head-down in relation to the body’s horizontal alignment. The results showed a reduction of 4-5.2% in the average passive drag at all speeds when the head was down or aligned to the swimmer’s arms alongside the body, in comparison to the head-up position. A major significant decrease of 10.4-10.9% (p < 0.05) was shown when the head was down or aligned at the swimmer’s arms above the swimmer’s head. The passive drag tended to decrease significantly by a mean of 17.6% (p < 0.001) for all speeds examined with the arms alongside the body position rather than with the arms above the head position. The swimmer’s head location may play an important role in reducing hydrodynamic resistance during passive underwater gliding.
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2014
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vol. 40
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issue 1
213-225
EN
The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to profile physical characteristics and motor abilities of three age groups of soccer players - under 14 years, 14-17, and over 17, playing different positions - goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards; and (b) to examine the inter-individual variability among the players in each age group in all physical and physiological measurements performed in the study. In addition, anthropometric, power, strength, and flexibility tests were administered. Findings showed large inter-individual variability in all three age groups and in all playing positions. Differences between playing positions were found only in the 14-17 group (body mass) and in the over-17 group (body height, body mass, fat-free mass, and mean power in the Wingate Anaerobic Test). Due to the observed large inter-individual variability, it was concluded that the findings obtained in the physical and physiological tests should be interpreted with caution when attempting to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful soccer players, as well as when trying to predict future success in soccer.
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2014
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vol. 41
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issue 1
235-244
EN
The aim of this study was to describe the fitness profiles of senior elite Portuguese rugby players. Forty-six senior Portuguese rugby players, classified as backs (n=22; age 26.2±2.8) and forwards (n=24; age 26.7±2.9) were assessed during physical testing sessions carried out for the Portuguese National rugby team. The body composition, maximum strength and anaerobic capacity of players are hypothesized to be important physical characteristics as successful performance in rugby is predicated on the ability to undertake skilled behaviours both quickly and whilst withstanding large forces when in contact situations. No absolute differences were found between the backs and forwards for the speed performance variables although positional differences were found across all speeds when assessed relative to body mass since the forwards were significantly heavier. Coaches and the management team can use this information for monitoring progressive improvements in the physiological capacities of rugby players. These physical characteristics of elite rugby players provide normative profiles for specific positions and should form the basis of developmental programmes for adolescents.
EN
The present study aimed to analyze the interaction and main effects of deliberate practice experience and smallsided game format (3 vs. 3 and 6 vs. 6 plus goalkeepers) on the offensive performance of young soccer players. Twentyeight U-15 male players were divided into 2 groups according to their deliberate practice experience in soccer (i.e., years of experience in federation soccer): Non-Experienced (age: 12.84 ± 0.63 years) and Experienced (age: 12.91 ± 0.59 years; experience: 3.93 ± 1.00 years). The experimental protocol consisted of 3 independent sessions separated by one-week intervals. In each session both groups performed each small-sided game during 10 minutes interspersed with 5 minutes of passive recovery. To characterize the recorded offensive sequences we used the Offensive Sequences Characterization System, which includes performance indicators previous applied in other studies. No interaction effects on the offensive performance were found between both factors. Non-parametric MANOVA revealed that the factor “experience level” had a significant effect (p<0.05) on performance indicators that characterize the development of offensive sequences, especially in 6 vs. 6 + GKs. While experienced players produced longer offensive sequences with greater ball circulation between them, the non-experienced participants performed faster offensive sequences with a predominance of individual actions. Furthermore, significant differences were observed (p<0.05) in the development and finalization of offensive sequences within each group, when comparing small-sided game formats. Evidence supports that small-sided games can serve several purposes as specific means of training. However, the manipulation of game format should always consider the players’ individual constraints.
EN
The aim of this study was to assess the: (i) gender; (ii) performance and; (iii) gender versus performance interactions in young swimmers’ anthropometric, kinematic and energetic variables. One hundred and thirty six young swimmers (62 boys: 12.76 ± 0.72 years old at Tanner stages 1-2 by self-evaluation; and 64 girls: 11.89 ± 0.93 years old at Tanner stages 1-2 by self-evaluation) were evaluated. Performance, anthropometrics, kinematics and energetic variables were selected. There was a non-significant gender effect on performance, body mass, height, arm span, trunk transverse surface area, stroke length, speed fluctuation, swimming velocity, propulsive efficiency, stroke index and critical velocity. A significant gender effect was found for foot surface area, hand surface area and stroke frequency. A significant sports level effect was verified for all variables, except for stroke frequency, speed fluctuation and propulsive efficiency. Overall, swimmers in quartile 1 (the ones with highest sports level) had higher anthropometric dimensions, better stroke mechanics and energetics. These traits decrease consistently throughout following quartiles up to the fourth one (i.e. swimmers with the lowest sports level). There was a non-significant interaction between gender and sports level for all variables. Our main conclusions were as follows: (i) there are non-significant differences in performance, anthropometrics, kinematics and energetics between boys and girls; (ii) swimmers with best performance are taller, have higher surface areas and better stroke mechanics; (iii) there are non-significant interactions between sports level and gender for anthropometrics, kinematics and energetics.
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EN
Purpose. The literature shows few studies on shod and unshod running performance in athletes, with most limited to laboratory settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate preadolescent 1000 m running performance when barefoot and in running spikes or training shoes. Methods. A sample of 22 boys and 21 girls aged 10.6 ± 1.1 years was recruited. Anthropometric data and VO2max were recorded when completing the three study protocols in a counter balanced design. Student’s t tests were applied to compare mean 1000 m finish times while ANOVA was used to evaluate sex differences between the protocols. Pearson's correlation analysis measured interactions between the finish times, anthropometric variables, and VO2max. Results. Running performance with spikes (4.58 min) was significantly better than with training shoes (5.21 min) and barefoot (5.18 min). Male 1000 m times were overall better than the females. A substantial effect of VO2max and body fat on performance was found in all protocols. Conclusions. Preadolescent endurance performance was not significantly different between training shoes and barefoot; this may serve as an incentive for future research on the training of developmental age runners.
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