Metabolic and hormonal responses during squash

An exercise protocol that simulates the activity patterns of elite junior squash

Squash is a popular racket sport that requires intermittent activity with frequent bursts of near maximal-intensity exercise. Consequently, effective physiological and thermoregulatory responses are important contributors to performance during squash match-play. Controlled field-based simulation protocols have been introduced in a growing number of sports, which allow sports scientists to investigate changes in physiology and the efficacy of various interventions in sport-specific contexts. This study aimed to develop an exercise protocol that simulates the physiological requirements of elite squash match-play. Eight elite junior squash players (age 16.2+/-0.8 years, height 1.76+/-0.06 m, body mass 61.3+/-5.9 kg; mean+/-s) completed the following in a randomized order: (1) a squash match against a player of similar standard and (2) a squash-specific incremental exercise protocol (multistage squash test [MST]) followed by the squash simulation protocol (SSP). The multistage squash test was continued for 18.0+/-1.0 min and elicited near maximal post-MST heart rates, blood lactate concentrations and ratings of perceived exertion (198+/-9 beats.min-1, 5.7+/-1.7 mmol.l-1 and 18+/-1, respectively). The SSP was 12.2 min in length compared with mean game length during competitive matches of 10.0+/-1.6 min (P=0.27). Peak heart rates were similar during the SSP and match-play (192+/-11 and 189+/-6 beats.min-1, respectively; P=0.44). Mean exercising heart rates were similar during the SSP (180+/-8 beats.min-1) and match-play (179+/-13 beats.min-1; P=0.73). Peak blood lactate concentrations during the SSP and match-play were 3.5+/-1.5 and 2.4+/-1.2 mmol.l-1 (P=0.07), respectively. Peak ratings of perceived exertion during the SSP and match-play were similar (17+/-2 and 17+/-2, respectively; P=0.64). It was concluded that the SSP closely replicated the demands of squash match-play in elite junior squash players. Furthermore, the SSP provides coaches and scientific support staff with a controlled squash-specific exercise protocol that has potential application in the objective investigation of a range of interventions such as training programmes, nutritional supplements and strategies to maintain core body temperature.

Physiological profiles and sport specific fitness of Asian elite squash players

There is a scarcity of descriptive data on the physiological characteristics of elite Asian squash players. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological profile and sports specific fitness of Hong Kong elite squash players. It was conducted before the selection of the Hong Kong national squash team for the 1992 Asian Squash Championship. Ten elite squash players were selected as subjects for the study. Maximum oxygen uptake was measured using a continuous treadmill running test. A sports specific field test was performed in a squash court. The following means (s.d.) were observed: height 172.6(4.3) cm; weight 67.7(6.9) kg; body fat 7.4(3.4)%; forced vital capacity (FVC) 5.13(0.26) litres; maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) 61.7(3.4) ml.kg-1.min-1; anaerobic threshold (AT) 80.2(3.3)% of VO2max; alactic power index 15.5(1.8) W.kg-1; lactic work index 323.5(29.4) J.kg-1, peak isokinetic dominant knee extensor and flexor strengths 3.11(0.29) Nm.kg-1 and 1.87(0.18) Nm.kg-1. The results show that the Hong Kong squash players have relatively high cardiorespiratory sports specific fitness and muscle strength which may be one of the key factors that contributed to the success of the Hong Kong team in the Asian Championship.

Effects of sport (football) on growth: auxological, anthropometric and hormonal aspects

There are very few data available on the relationship between sporting activities, endocrine levels and changes in anthropometric measurements during growth. In order to study these relationships, we have made measurements of growth, changes in physical conformation and the plasma levels of several hormones [cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), testosterone, growth hormone, somatomedin C, insulin, glycaemia and haemoglobin A1C] in 175 boys, aged 10-16 years, who have played football at a competitive level and in 224 boys, severing as controls, who have never performed sporting activities regularly. The football players were divided into prepubertal and pubertal subjects (10-11.99 years, 12-13.99 years and 14-16 years, chronological and bone age groups). Our results showed no significant differences in the growth indices between prepubertal athletes and controls, but the plasma level of DHEA-S was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the athletes. Pubertal football players, however, were significantly taller than the control subjects, particularly at 14-16 years chronological age. There were no such significant differences when bone age was considered. The pubertal football players were also more advanced in all biological indices of maturity, i.e. pubic hair, testicular volume and bone age. The increase in DHEA-S in pubertal football players, already seen in prepubertals, was also combined with a significant increase in testosterone, growth hormone and cortisol levels. Thus, in football players the DHEA-S level is already higher during prepuberty. This increase thus precedes all other indices of growth and maturation associated with puberty. We hypothesize that, while not excluding the possible influence of selection, as ours is a cross-sectional study, adrenal hyperactivity may be mainly responsible for the earlier onset of pubertal growth and maturity in exercising males.

Applied physiology of squash

Squash is a moderate- to high-intensity intermittent exercise. Players are active 50 to 70% of the playing time. 80% of the time, the ball is in play 10 seconds or less. The rest intervals fit a normal distribution with an average duration of 8 seconds. Heart rate increases rapidly in the first minutes of play and remains stable at approximately 160 beats/min for the whole match no matter what levels the players are. The energy expenditure for medium-skilled players is approximately 2850 kJ/h and over 3000 kJ/h for A grade players. The thermal and metabolic response to squash is similar to that of moderate intensity running. Hyperglycaemia, elevated free fatty acids and growth hormone levels, and low serum insulin values are the common metabolic changes. Blood lactate levels are understandably low due to the very short work to rest pattern of play. Injuries are not frequent in squash but they can occur. Serious eye injuries have been documented and as a result protective equipment is highly recommended. To reduce the possibility of sudden death on the court or after the game, older players that present some risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be warned against smoking after the game and informed of the serious implications of the development of chest pain, or undue tiredness before, during or after squash.