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Sellés-Pérez S, Arévalo-Chico H, Fernández-Sáez J, Cejuela R. Training Characteristics, Performance, and Body Composition of Three U23 Elite Female Triathletes throughout a Season. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:53. [PMID: 38393273 PMCID: PMC10892950 DOI: 10.3390/sports12020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: There is a lack of data on the long-term training characteristics and performance markers of elite young female endurance athletes. The aim of this study was to present the training load (ECOs), as well as the evolution of the anthropometric values and performance of three elite U23 female triathletes over a season. (2) Methods: General training data and performance data relating to the swimming, cycling, and running legs of the 2021 season were described. The training intensity distribution (TID) was presented using the triphasic model, while the training load was based on the ECO model. An anthropometric analysis was also conducted in accordance with the ISAK standards. (3) Results: Triathletes increased their VO2max in cycling (6.9-10%) and running (7.1-9.1%), as well as their power and speed associated with the VO2max (7.7-8.6% in cycling and 5.1-5.3% in running) and their swimming speed associated with the lactate thresholds (2.6-4.0% in LT2 and 1.2-2.5% in LT1). The triathletes completed more than 10 h of weekly average training time, with peak weeks exceeding 15 h. The average TID of the three triathletes was 82% in phase 1, 6% in phase 2, and 12% in phase 3. A decrease in the sum of skinfolds and fat mass percentage was observed during the season in the three triathletes, although the last measurement revealed a stagnation or slight rise in these parameters. (4) Conclusions: The triathletes performed a combination of two training periodization models (traditional and block periodization) with a polarized TID in most of the weeks of the season. Improvements in performance and physiological parameters were observed after the general preparatory period as well as a positive body composition evolution throughout the season, except at the end, where the last measurement revealed stagnation or a slight decline. This study can be useful as a general guide for endurance coaches to organize a training season with female U23 triathletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Sellés-Pérez
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (H.A.-C.); (R.C.)
| | - Hector Arévalo-Chico
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (H.A.-C.); (R.C.)
| | - José Fernández-Sáez
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut, Universitari per a la Recerca a l’atenció Primària de Salur Jordi Gol i Urina (IDIAPGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain;
- Facultat de Enfermería, Campus Terres de l’Ebre, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Roberto Cejuela
- Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain; (H.A.-C.); (R.C.)
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Tsukahara Y, Kamada H, Torii S, Yamasawa F, Macznik AK. Controlling Behavior, Sex Bias and Coaching Success in Japanese Track and Field. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11020032. [PMID: 36828317 PMCID: PMC9960089 DOI: 10.3390/sports11020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coaching athletes is a complex and lengthy process. Recently, attention has been given to coaches over-controlling behavior toward the athletes' personal lives and possible sex bias, but the impact of these behaviors on coaching success is unclear. An anonymous survey was answered by 412 track and field coaches (male: 369; female: 43), comprising questions regarding controlling behaviors, sex bias, and personal background. A Chi-square test and logistic regression were performed to determine the factors related to the coach's characteristics and their success in coaching athletes (to national vs. non-national level). The results showed that controlling behaviors and sex-bias-related beliefs were present. The coaches who coached national-level athletes were more likely to be older, more experienced, and were national level athletes themselves. More national-level coaches reported controlling behaviors but fewer held sex bias beliefs than the non-national level coaches. However, the strength of these beliefs (scores for controlling behavior and sex bias) was not related to the coaching success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Tsukahara
- Department of Sports Medicine, Tokyo Women’s College of Physical Education, Tokyo 1868668, Japan
- Medical Committee, Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), Tokyo 1600013, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-80-3688-6128
| | - Hiroshi Kamada
- Medical Committee, Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), Tokyo 1600013, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 3058577, Japan
| | - Suguru Torii
- Medical Committee, Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), Tokyo 1600013, Japan
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa 3591192, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Yamasawa
- Medical Committee, Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), Tokyo 1600013, Japan
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Anthropometry, body composition, and athletic performance in specific field tests in Paralympic athletes with different disabilities. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09023. [PMID: 35252618 PMCID: PMC8889346 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The structural appearance of each disabled athlete or the shape of their body, as determined by their individual genotype and influenced by the environment, considerably affects their technical and physical performance. This study sought to examine the morphological characteristics of elite track and field athletes with different disabilities, including their possible effects on physical and physiological performance. Methods A total of 66 male elite athletes with cerebral palsy (n = 12), upper arm amputation (n = 12), short stature (n = 20), or intellectual disability (n = 22) were included. For each athlete, height, weight, sitting height, arm span and four skin folds were assessed; ape index, body mass index, body fat percentage, fat mass, fat mass index and fat-free mass values were calculated; and vertical jump, drop jump, countermovement jump, squat jump, repeated sprint ability and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 tests were performed. Results Significant differences were noticed between short stature and the other groups concerning morphological characteristics, however, the best motor performance was observed in amputees and, to a lesser degree, in short stature. In the top performing athletes, physical performance was significantly correlated with body mass index and fat mass index for amputees, and with arm span, ape index, body fat percentage and fat mass index for short stature. Regression analysis revealed that regardless of disability type, physical and physiological performance (except maximum heart rate) were significantly influenced primarily by adipose tissue-specific variables. A significant effect of height, weight, fat free mass, arm span, sitting height, and ape index on drop jump performance with left leg, maximal oxygen consumption, and maximum heart rate was also noticed. The type of disability affects performance in the squat jump and vertical jump tests, and to a lesser extent in the countermovement jump test.
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Tsukahara Y, Mason RA, Macznik A. Training and physiological characteristics of American and Japanese female track and field athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2022; 62:1184-1190. [PMID: 35084164 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.22.13045-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive training without appropriate recovery can predispose athletes to injury. Balancing these two facets-training and recovery-is crucial for keeping athletes at their highest possible performance level while lowering their risk of training-related injury. Cultural differences may also affect athletes' training and daily routines, but research investigating the effects of cultural background on female track and field athletes is lacking. METHODS In total, 49 Japanese and 28 American track and field athletes competing at the national level were included in this study. Their body composition was evaluated and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and a survey regarding training schedules, recovery practices, and performance levels were conducted. RESULTS Compared with the Japanese athletes, the American athletes had significantly higher height, weight, and body mass index measurements, although their performance levels did not differ. Japanese athletes trained for significantly longer hours both on school days and non-school days and spent significantly fewer days per week on weight training. The Japanese athletes slept, on average, for 1 hour less per day than the American athletes, and their EAT-26 scores were significantly higher than those of the American athletes (both p < 0.01). The number of days off per week was positively correlated with performance, but training hours on school days and fat mass percentage were negatively correlated with performance (p < 0.05). Further, days off per week and nationality were correlated with EAT-26 scores (both p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The American and Japanese athletes performed similarly, but the Japanese athletes were achieving their performance level with less sleep, longer training hours, and a higher risk of developing an eating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Tsukahara
- Waseda Institute of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan - .,Tokyo Women's College of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education, Tokyo, Japan -
| | - Rudolph A Mason
- Sports Medicine and Spine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexandra Macznik
- Tokyo Women's College of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education, Tokyo, Japan
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Tsukahara Y, Torii S, Yamasawa F, Iwamoto J, Otsuka T, Goto H, Kusakabe T, Matsumoto H, Akama T. Bone parameters of elite athletes with oligomenorrhea and prevalence seeking medical attention: a cross-sectional study. J Bone Miner Metab 2021; 39:1009-1018. [PMID: 34101019 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-021-01234-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the definition of secondary amenorrhea is cessation of regular menses for more than 3 months, it is likely that athletes with irregular menstrual cycles, including oligomenorrhea, do not consider the condition as serious. However, the consequences of untreated oligomenorrhea have not been investigated in elite track and field athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cohort consisted of 91 elite-level track and field athletes. Body compositions, including bone parameters and bone turnover markers (BTMs), were measured. RESULTS Among the 91 participants, 52 were eumenorrheic and 33 were oligomenorrheic. The eumenorrheic athletes had significantly higher bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the lumbar spine, lower extremities, and whole body than had the oligomenorrheic athletes (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in BTMs between the two groups, but oligomenorrheic athletes had significantly lower percent body fat. CONCLUSION More than 40% of the elite-level female track and field athletes in this study reported menstrual disorders with oligomenorrhea as the most common. However, none sought medical attention. As compared to the eumenorrheic athletes, the oligomenorrheic athletes had lower BMC and BMD. Hence, if an athlete is oligomenorrheic, bone parameter measurements are considerably important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Tsukahara
- Waseda Institute for Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1192, Japan.
- Institute for Integrated Sports Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0016, Japan.
| | - Suguru Torii
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1192, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Yamasawa
- Marubeni Health Promotion Center, 7-1, Nihonbashi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-6060, Japan
| | - Jun Iwamoto
- Bone and Joint Disease Center, Keiyu Orthopaedic Hospital, 2267 Akoudacho, Tatebayashi, Gunma, 374-0013, Japan
| | - Takanobu Otsuka
- School of Education, Tokai Gakuen University, 901 Nakahira Tempakuku, Nagoya, 468-8514, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Goto
- Department of Health and Fitness, Faculty of Wellness, Shigakkan University, 55 Nakoyama Yokonemachi, Obu, 474-8651, Japan
| | - Torao Kusakabe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Japanese Red-Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, 355-5 Haruobi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8026, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsumoto
- Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Sports Medicine Foundation, 8-1-9 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyukuku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Takao Akama
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, 2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-1192, Japan
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Tsukahara Y, Torii S, Yamasawa F, Iwamoto J, Otsuka T, Goto H, Kusakabe T, Matsumoto H, Akama T. Bone Metabolism, Bone Mineral Content, and Density in Elite Late Teen Female Sprinters. Int J Sports Med 2021; 42:1228-1233. [PMID: 34015835 DOI: 10.1055/a-1432-2587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
With intensive training, bone injuries are a major concern for athletes. To assess bone condition, we often measure bone turnover markers, bone mineral content and density; however, in junior athletes, it is not easy to distinguish changes caused by bone injuries from those caused by growth, because the metabolism is increased in both cases. Moreover, although some studies have examined female endurance athletes, knowledge regarding changes in static and dynamic bone conditions in late teen athletes is limited. In this study, we measured the bone mineral content and density, as well as bone turnover markers, in 40 elite female sprinters in their late teens. Whole body mode dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed to measure bone mineral content and density. Blood samples were collected to determine bone resorption and formation markers at the end of track season in 2016 and during the same period of the following year. Body weight and bone mineral content significantly increased, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5b, bone-type alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin significantly decreased after a year. Furthermore, the rate of change in bone mineral content was higher in younger athletes, indicating that bone growth approaches completion in the late teen years and that bone metabolism accordingly decreases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Tsukahara
- Waseda Institute for Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan.,Institute for Integrated Sports Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Torii
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Yamasawa
- Marubeni Health Promotion Center, Marubeni Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Iwamoto
- Bone and Joint Disease Center, Keiyu Orthopaedic Hospital, Tatebayashi, Japan
| | - Takanobu Otsuka
- School of Education, Tokai Gakuen University-Nagoya Campus, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Goto
- Department of Health and Fitness, Faculty of Wellness, Shigakkan University, Obu, Japan
| | - Torao Kusakabe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Japanese Red-Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsumoto
- Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Japan Sports Medicine Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Akama
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
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