Alterations in Adiponectin, Leptin, Resistin, Testosterone, and Cortisol across Eleven Weeks of Training among Division One Collegiate Throwers: A Preliminary Study

Training Specificity for Athletes: Emphasis on Strength-Power Training: A Narrative Review

Specificity has two major components: A strength-endurance continuum (S-EC) and adherence to principles of Dynamic Correspondence. Available evidence indicates the existence of the S-EC continuum from two aspects. Indeed, the S-EC exists, particularly if work is equated as a high load low repetition scheme at one end (strength stimulus) and high volume (HIEE stimulus) at the other. Furthermore, some evidence also indicates that the continuum as a repetition paradigm with high-load, low repetition at one end (strength stimulus) and a high repetition, low load at the other end. The second paradigm is most apparent under three conditions: (1) ecological validity-in the real world, work is not equated, (2) use of absolute loads in testing and (3) a substantial difference in the repetitions used in training (for example 2-5 repetitions versus ≥10 repetitions). Additionally, adherence to the principles and criteria of dynamic correspondence allows for greater "transfer of training" to performance measures. Typically, and logically, in order to optimize transfer, training athletes requires a reasonable development of capacities (i.e., structure, metabolism, neural aspects, etc.) before more specific training takes place.

Preliminary results indicate that regular training induces high protection against oxidative stress in basketball players compared to soccer

In elite athlete several metabolic changes occur during regular training. These modifications are associated with changes in blood metabolic profile and can lead to adaptive mechanisms aimed at establish a new dynamic equilibrium, which guarantees better performance. The goal of this study was to characterize the plasma metabolic profile and redox homeostasis, in athletes practicing two different team sports such as soccer and basketball in order to identify potential metabolic pathways underlying the differences in training programs. A cohort of 30 male, 20 professional players (10 soccer and 10 basketballs) and 10 sedentary males as control were enrolled in the study. Plasma redox balance, metabolites and adiponectin were determined. The results show low levels of oxidative species (25.5%), with both high antioxidant capacity (17.6%) and adiponectin level (64.4%) in plasma from basketball players, in comparison to soccer players. Metabolic analysis indicates in basketball players a significant high plasma level of amino acids Valine and Ornithine both involved in redox homeostasis and anti-inflammatory metabolism.

Serum adiponectin and cortisol levels are not affected by studied ADIPOQ gene variants: Tehran lipid and glucose study

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major public health concern in developed and even developing countries worldwide. Adiponectin is a protein secreted by adipose tissue that modulates many metabolic processes and plays a vital role in obesity. This study aimed to determine the association of four variants of the ADIPOQ gene with serum adiponectin, cortisol levels and obesity status.

METHODS

This case-control study was performed on 164 obese individuals compared by 156 control from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Standard procedures obtained anthropometric measures and metabolic parameters. Cortisol and adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA method. rs1501299, rs266729, rs17300539, and rs17366743 on the ADIPOQ gene were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP. The correlation between adiponectin gene SNPs and obesity were calculated by Additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. Pearson's or Spearman's found correlations between adiponectin levels and metabolic and anthropometric variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS software Version 20.

RESULTS

Adiponectin and cortisol levels were significantly lower in obese subjects compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between serum adiponectin level and BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio, hip circumference (HC), Fasting blood sugar (FBS) Triglyceride (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), Systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = - 0.147, r = - 0.324, r = 0.371, r = - 0.179, r = - 0.299, r = - 0.277, r = - 0.041, r = - 0.134, and r = - 0.149, respectively). A positive correlation was found between adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (r = 0.29), but no significant correlations were found between adiponectin and Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and cortisol. ADIPOQ variant rs1501299 was significantly associated with cortisol levels in subjects with BMI ≥ 25 (P-value =0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Adiponectin and cortisol levels were associated with obesity. No ADIPOQ gene variants and haplotypes were associated with cortisol, Adiponectin, and obesity.

Weightlifting for Children and Adolescents: A Narrative Review

The involvement of youth in the sport of weightlifting and the use of weightlifting methods as part of training for youth sport performance appears to be increasing. Weightlifting for children and adolescents has been criticized in some circles and is a controversial aspect of resistance training for young people. Although injuries can occur during weightlifting and related activities, the incidence and rate of injury appear to be relatively low and severe injury is uncommon. A number of performance, physical, and physiological variables, such as body composition, strength, and power, are improved by weightlifting training in children, adolescents, and young athletes. Manipulating program variables, when appropriate, can have a substantial and profound influence on the psychological, physiological, physical, and performance aspects of weightlifters. An understanding of the sport, scientific training principles, and musculoskeletal growth development is necessary to properly construct a reasonable and appropriate training program. A scientific background aids in providing an evidenced basis and sound rationale in selecting appropriate methods and directing adaptations toward more specific goals and enables the coach to make choices about training and competition that might not otherwise be possible. If weightlifting training and competition are age group appropriate and are properly supervised, the sport can be substantially safe and efficacious.

Biological Determinants of Track and Field Throwing Performance

Track and field throwing performance is determined by a number of biomechanical and biological factors which are affected by long-term training. Although much of the research has focused on the role of biomechanical factors on track and field throwing performance, only a small body of scientific literature has focused on the connection of biological factors with competitive track and field throwing performance. The aim of this review was to accumulate and present the current literature connecting the performance in track and field throwing events with specific biological factors, including the anthropometric characteristics, the body composition, the neural activation, the fiber type composition and the muscle architecture characteristics. While there is little published information to develop statistical results, the results from the current review suggest that major biological determinants of track and field throwing performance are the size of lean body mass, the neural activation of the protagonist muscles during the throw and the percentage of type II muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Long-term training may enhance these biological factors and possibly lead to a higher track and field throwing performance. Consequently, coaches and athletes should aim at monitoring and enhancing these parameters in order to increase track and field throwing performance.

Redox Homeostasis and Metabolic Profile in Young Female Basketball Players during in-Season Training

BACKGROUND

Most studies on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant levels have been conducted in male athletes, although female participation in sport has increased rapidly in the past few decades. In particular, it could be important to assess oxidative stress markers in relation to the training load because the anaerobic path becomes predominant in high-intensity actions.

METHODS

Ten female professional basketball players, performing five 2 h-lasting training sessions per week, and 10 sedentary control women were investigated. Capillary blood and saliva samples were collected in the morning before the training session. The antioxidant capacity and the levels of reactive oxygen metabolites on plasma were determined measuring Reactive Oxygen Metabolite and Biological Antioxidant Potential (d-ROMs and the BAP Test). Salivary cortisol was detected by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS

The antioxidant capacity (BAP value) was significantly higher in elite basketball players (21.2%; p < 0.05). Conversely, cortisol (51%; p < 0.009) and the levels of oxidative species (d-ROM, 21.9%; p < 0.05) showed a significant decrease in elite athletes.

The "Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology" Journal Club Series: PhysioMechanics of Human Locomotion

We are glad to introduce the Third Journal Club of Volume five, the third issue. This edition is focused on relevant studies published in the last years in the field of PhysioMechanics of Human Locomotion, chosen by our Editorial Board members and their colleagues. We hope to stimulate your curiosity in this field and to share with you the passion for the Sports Medicine and Movement Sciences seen also from the scientific point of view. The Editorial Board members wish you an inspiring lecture.