Reference Values of Physical Performance in Handball Players Aged 13-19 Years: Taking into Account Their Biological Maturity

Biological maturity status significantly influences success in handball, impacting an athlete's performance and overall development. This study aimed to examine the anthropometric and physical performance variables concerning age and maturity status, establishing reference values for physical performance among Tunisian players. A total of 560 handball players (309 males and 251 females aged 13-19 years) were categorized based on maturity status: early (n = 98), average (n = 262), and late (n = 200), determined through Mirwald and colleagues' equations. Anthropometric, physical fitness, and physiological data were collected for reference value creation. Our findings revealed significantly higher anthropometric parameters (p = 0.003) in late-maturing athletes compared to their early-maturing counterparts. Post-pubertal athletes showed significantly superior (p = 0.002) jumping ability, change of direction, and aerobic performance compared to their pre-pubertal peers. Additionally, male athletes outperformed females in both fitness (p = 0.001) and aerobic (p = 0.001) performance. A notable age-by-maturity interaction emerged for most performance outcomes (η2 ranging from 0.011 to 0.084), highlighting increased sex-specific differences as athletes progressed in age. Percentile values are provided for males and females, offering valuable insights for coaches and sports scientists to design personalized training programs. Understanding a player's performance relative to these percentiles allows trainers to tailor workouts, addressing specific strengths and weaknesses for enhanced development and competitiveness.

Mid-Term and Long-Lasting Psycho-Cognitive Benefits of Bidomain Training Intervention in Elderly Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: This study investigated whether combining simultaneous physical and cognitive training yields superior cognitive outcomes compared with aerobic training alone in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and whether these benefits persist after four weeks of detraining. Methods: Forty-four people with MCI (11 males and 33 females) aged 65 to 75 years were randomly assigned to an 8-week, twice-weekly program of either aerobic training (AT group, n = 15), aerobic training combined with cognitive games (ACT group, n = 15), or simply reading for controls (CG group, n = 14). Selective attention (Stroop), problem-solving (Hanoi Tower), and working memory (Digit Span) tasks were used to assess cognitive performances at baseline, in the 4th (W4) and 8th weeks (W8) of training, and after 4 weeks of rest (W12). Results: Both training interventions induced beneficial effects on all tested cognitive performance at W4 (except for the number of moves in the Hanoi tower task) and W8 (all p <0.001), with the ACT group exhibiting a more pronounced positive impact than the AT group (p < 0.05). This advantage was specifically observed at W8 in tasks such as the Stroop and Tower of Hanoi (% gain ≈40% vs. ≈30% for ACT and AT, respectively) and the digit span test (% gain ≈13% vs. ≈10% for ACT and AT, respectively). These cognitive improvements in both groups, with the greater ones in ACT, persisted even after four weeks of detraining, as evidenced by the absence of a significant difference between W8 and W12 (p > 0.05). Concerning neuropsychological assessments, comparable beneficial effects were recorded following both training regimens (all p < 0.05 from pre- to post-intervention). The control group did not show any significant improvement in most of the cognitive tasks. Conclusions: The greater mid-term and long-lasting effects of combined simultaneous physical-cognitive training underscores its potential as a cost-effective intervention for the prevention and management of cognitive decline. While these results are valuable in guiding optimal physical and mental activity recommendations for adults with MCI, further neurophysiological-based studies are essential to offer robust support and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these promising findings.

Acute Exercise and Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Many studies have shown the impact of acute aerobic exercises (AAE) on cognition in healthy adults or at a pre-dementia stage. Few studies, however, have explored the positive effects of AAE in moderate Alzheimer's disease (ADM) patients.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating the effect of AAE on cognitive functions in ADM patients.

METHODS

Overall, 79 (age: 69.62±0.99) ADM patients were recruited. Participants were divided into three groups according to the task: aerobic exercises done alone or combined with cognitive games presented on a screen, and a control group who performed a reading task. The aerobic exercise protocol consisted of a 20-min cycling exercise of moderate intensity, corresponding to 60%of the individual target maximal heart rate recorded in a 6-minute walking test. The participants' cognition was monitored before and after the intervention using the Tower of Hanoi, Digit Span, and Stroop tasks.

RESULTS

After the exercise, the participants' attention in both the physical and combined groups improved for the Stroop, the forward and backward Digit Span tasks, as well as the time taken to solve the Tower of Hanoi, although no significant differences were found in the number of moves taken in the latter. By contrast, the control group did not show any significant improvement for most of the cognitive tasks after the reading session.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests that AAE may help to improve cognitive functions in ADM patients. This improvement is enhanced when the exercise is combined with cognitive games. Safe and progressive types of exercises should be promoted among ADM patients.

Specific physical performances among male elite youth soccer players: effect of maturity status

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of studies that investigated the relationship between anthropometric profile, biological maturity and specific soccer performances. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to establish normative data of anthropometric and specific physical performances and to determine the impact age and somatic maturation on young soccer players (U13-U19, n=487).

METHODS

Measurements include anthropometric variables to determine the age of peak height velocity (PHV), leg muscle volume (LMV) and soccer specific test (SST); Squat jump (SJ), Counter Movement jump (CMJ), sprint 10 meter (T<inf>10m</inf>), sprint 20 meter (T<inf>20m</inf>), sprint 30 meter (T<inf>30m</inf>) and intermittent-endurance tests.

RESULTS

Reference values showed a significant difference between anthropometric variables, LMV and SST according to PHV categories. (M)ANOVA analysis showed a significant age using maturity interaction effect of all anthropometric variables. A significant result was reported in the majority of SST performances for the age, the T<inf>10m</inf> and for T<inf>20m</inf> performances. The full model of multiple regressions and the multiple equations was used to determine the best predictors of physical performances according to anthropometric variables.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides normative data for anthropometric characteristics and physical performances according to chronological age (U13-U19) and maturity groups of young soccer players.

Prediction equations for spirometry in healthy children from Djibouti

OBJECTIVE

To determine normal spirometric values in Djiboutian children and to compare these data with values reported by African studies and by the 2012 Global Lung Function Initiative.

METHODS

Spirometric data from healthy Djiboutian children were collected and reference equations derived using the least mean squared method, which includes modelling skewness (λ, L), mean (μ, M) and coefficient of variation (σ, S) according to sex, age and height. In addition, the age-dependent lower limits of normal were calculated.

RESULTS

Spirometric values in Djiboutian children were lower than those obtained for other Black children; these differences were relatively small and clinically irrelevant, representing differences of approximately 3% predicted. However, significant differences were observed between our equations and those for Tunisian children.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study could help to improve the clinical diagnosis of respiratory diseases in Djiboutian children.

Jumping improves lower limbs bone mass and lean mass in elite jumpers

BACKGROUND

The present study was designed to examine the influence of extreme impact loading induced by jump training on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in high level jumpers.

METHODS

Forty boys volunteered for the study aged 20 to 21 years. They were 22 high level jumpers and 18 controls. Bone mass and body composition measurements were performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, in the total body and at different sites.

RESULTS

The results showed that BMC, BMD, bone area, and lean mass (P<0.0001) were significantly higher in the jumpers compared to the controls. A strong positive correlation was found between lean mass and bone parameters (BMC at the right femur, r=0.80; P<0.01). The values of the same correlation were weak in the control group. In addition, the effects of the regular practice of jumping on the BMD, BMC, and bone area were more pronounced in the lower limbs (P<0.01). These adaptations were site-specific, with increased bone mass at the lower limbs (P<0.01), especially at the legs, right and left leg (LRL) (P<0.05). It appears that the time dedicated to this activity may be account for the difference between jumpers and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of high level jump starting at pubertal age generates an increase and an acquisition of the bone mass in males. This adaptation is further enhanced by the times dedicated for this activity. Therefore, it would be interesting to program jumping activities daily to conserve bone mineral and to prevent osteopenia.

Comparative Study of Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness Between Football and Judo Groups in Prepubertal Boys

BACKGROUND

Exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB) commonly occurs during exercise. The comparative effects of different sports on airway responsiveness among prepubertal boys remain to be determined.

OBJECTIVES

To assess differences in post exercise spirometry between footballers, judokas and a control group in prepubertal boys.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of ninety six prepubertal boys were studied. Bronchial hyper responsiveness (BHR) to exercise challenge test was defined by a diagnosis of baseline spirometry, followed by an incremental exercise test. To date, the best test to confirm EIB may simply be standard pulmonary function testing before and after high-intensity exercise. A 10% or greater post-challenge fall in forced expiratory volume in FEV1 is used as a diagnostic criterion.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in baseline spirometry between all groups (P > 0.05). The post exercise spirometry test revealed the presence of EIB in 16 of 32 (50%) footballers against 9 out of 32 (28.12%) in both judokas and control subjects at 5 min after the exercise. Also, there was a significantly higher decrease (P < 0.05) in mean FEV1 at 5 minuts in footballers (-9.60 ± 6.18) compared to judokas (-5.41 ± 5.85).

CONCLUSIONS

The footballers have more BHR than judokas, especially at 5min after the exercise. This may be due to prolonged hyperventilation, atopy and increased exposure to inhaled allergens and pollutants during training and competition.

Effect of rehabilitation program on endocrinological parameters in patients with COPD and in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle wasting commonly occurs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been associated with the presence of systemic inflammation and endocrinological disturbance. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of rehabilitation program on the balance of anabolic versus catabolic hormone in patients with COPD and in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with COPD and 16 age-matched healthy subjects undertooked exercise training 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Before and after the training program the concentration of growth hormone (GH), Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 3 (IGF-BP3), testosterone and cortisol in serum were determined. The exercise measurements included a 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT).

RESULTS

After 8 weeks, there was no significant change in lung function in patients with COPD and healthy subjects. Growth hormone, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 3 increased significantly after rehabilitation training (p < 0.01). The rehabilitation program improves the testosterone/cortisol ratio (T/C ratio) in both groups. There is a significant improvement in the 6-Minute Walking distance (6MWD) in both groups (p < 0.01). Dyspnea and heart rate at rest and at the peak of the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT) decreased significantly after training program (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary rehabilitation induces an improvement of the anabolic process and reduces proteine distruction by the modifications in endocrinological factors regulating skeletal muscle in patients with COPD.

Effects of partial sleep deprivation on proinflammatory cytokines, growth hormone, and steroid hormone concentrations during repeated brief sprint interval exercise

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of partial sleep deprivation (PSD) on circulating concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in relation to the secretory profiles of growth hormone (GH), cortisol, and testosterone during a repeated brief sprint interval exercise. Thirty healthy football players (mean age: 21.1 [range: 18-24] years; body mass index [BMI]: 22.6 [range: 18.47-24.46] Kg/m(2)) completed two test sessions at 08:00 h, one scheduled after a baseline night (bedtime: from 22:30 to 07:00 h) and the other after a PSD night caused by an early awakening (bedtime: from 22:30 to 03:00 h). During each session, participants performed 4 × 250-m run on a treadmill at a constant intensity of 80% of the personal maximal speed with a 3-min recovery in between. Tests session were performed at 08:00 h. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after the first and the fourth 250-m run, and 60 min after the exercise. The results showed that cortisol concentrations were not affected by the PSD. However, GH and testosterone concentrations were higher (p < .05) 60 min after the exercise during PSD in comparison with baseline. Likewise, plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were higher (p < .05) after PSD during the exercise (i.e., the first and the fourth run) and remained elevated during the recovery period (i.e., 60 min after the exercise). In conclusion, these results showed that sleep restriction increases the proinflammatory cytokine, GH, and testosterone concentrations after physical exercise but did not affect the cortisol responses.

The relative contributions of anthropometric variables to vertical jumping ability and leg power in Tunisian children

The purpose of this study was to examine the relative contributions of anthropometric variables to vertical jumping ability and leg power and to establish reference values of vertical jumping parameters in athletic Tunisian children aged 7-13 years in both sexes. Three hundred and ninety-one athletic Tunisian children (208 boys and 183 girls) aged 7-13 years were randomly selected to participate in our study. They were asked to perform squat jumps and countermovement jumps. Jump heights and leg power were simultaneously provided by the optojump device. Full and stepwise regression models were calculated to identify which anthropometric parameters significantly contributed to performance variables. The multiple regressions showed that age, weight, standing height and fat-free mass were the predictors of jumping performance. The results may help in verifying the effectiveness of a specific training program and detecting highly talented athletes.

Effect of time of day and partial sleep deprivation on plasma concentrations of IL-6 during a short-term maximal performance

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of time of day and partial sleep deprivation (PSD) on short-term maximal performance and level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in trained subjects. In a randomized order, 12 football players were asked to perform a 30-s Wingate test during which we measured the peak (PP) and mean (MP) powers. Measurements were performed at 0800 and 1800 hours, after two nocturnal regimens: (1) a reference normal sleep night (RN) and (2) 4 h of PSD caused by an early awakening. Plasma IL-6 concentrations were measured before (P1), immediately after (P2), and 60 min after the exercise (P3). PP and MP improved significantly from the morning to the afternoon after RN (P < 0.05) and from the afternoon to the morning after PSD (P < 0.05). Compared to RN, PP and MP were not affected by PSD the following morning. However, there was a significant decrease in PP and MP (P < 0.001) after the PSD at 1800 hours. In all conditions, IL-6 and resting core temperature were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the afternoon than in the morning. In all sessions, IL-6 levels increased significantly from P1 to P2 (P < 0.01) and remained elevated in the afternoon during the recovery period after PSD (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in IL-6 between P1 and P3 during RN and PSD at 0800 hours. In conclusion, a short-term high-intensity exercise may increase the IL-6 concentrations in the morning and the afternoon. Moreover, IL-6 remained elevated during the recovery period in the afternoon after the PSD at the end of the night.