Effect of pre-season and in-season training on anthropometric variables, somatotype, body composition and body proportion in elite basketball players

The aims of the study were: 1) to evaluate the changes in anthropometric variables, body composition, somatotype and body proportions of elite basketball players throughout the pre-season period; 2) to evaluate the changes in anthropometric variables, body composition, somatotype and body proportions of elite basketball players throughout the in-season period; and 3) to observe if the age and position influenced the variables analyzed. A total of 17 players belonging to the men's ACB league team competing in the Euroleague (age = 23.42 ± 5.28 years-old) participated in the study. The players underwent an anthropometric measurement before and after the pre-season, as well as four evaluations throughout the in-season. Anthropometric indices, somatotype components according to Heath and Carter, and adiposity were calculated. The results show that during the pre-season, body mass, BMI, sum of 6 and 8 skinfolds, waist/hip ratio, adipose tissue (kg), adipose tissue percentage, and endomorphy decreased, while ectomorphy increased. However, no significant changes were found in the variables analyzed throughout the season; except for endomorphy, which increased along the in-season. Playing position and age did not have a significant influence on the changes in the anthropometric variables throughout the pre-season and the in-season. In conclusion, while changes in the anthropometric variables in the pre-season were observed, these remained the same during the in-season.

Physical and psychological effects of outdoor fitness equipment training on middle-aged and older adults: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

This project will investigate the effectiveness of an 8-week outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) programme on health parameters in healthy community-dwelling middle and older adults, corresponding to the present paper to the study protocol, which follows a single-blind randomised controlled trial design. The training intervention will involve participation in an OFE programme implemented over 8 weeks, two sessions/week. Rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, training volume and adherence to the exercise programme will be registered each session. The control group will not receive any structured exercise programme. Blinded examiners will evaluate before and after the training programme muscle strength with both maximum knee extension and elbow flexion isometric tests, handgrip strength test and five time sit-to-stand test; cardiovascular fitness with 400-metre walking test; postural stability with the balance tests of the short physical performance battery (SPPB) battery; dynamic balance with Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; body composition with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; functional performance by gait speed, TUG and SPPB battery; blood pressure; and sagittal spine disposition and pelvic tilt. Information will also be collected about demographic characteristics, health-related quality of life, satisfaction with life and adherence to the Mediterranean diet questionnaires. After that, sarcopenia, osteoporosis and fracture risk will be calculated. The results derived from this research will increase the knowledge of the effectiveness of OFE training for improving the health of healthy community-dwelling middle and older adults.

Skinfolds compressibility and digital caliper's time response in skinfold measurement in male and female young adults

BACKGROUND

The skinfold caliper reading of the skinfold thickness depends on its dynamic compressibility. This has led to the fact that, while it is indicated that skinfold readings should be taken when the reading is stable, there is no consensus on at what second the reading should be taken after the application of the skinfold caliper. The new Lipowise PRO digital skinfold caliper was used to analyze the evolution of skinfold readings under skinfold caliper pressure. The aim of the present investigation were: a) to analyze the evolution of the reading time of individual skinfolds when subjected to skinfold caliper pressure and when the skinfold reading reaches stability; b) to describe the physical behavior of skinfold tissues' time response to skinfold caliper pressure, and to explore differences between sites and subjects' skinfolds compressibility; and c) to analyze the sex differences in both the reading and the evolution of the skinfold over time.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional design was followed with a convenience sample of 165 healthy young adults (79 males and 86 females), with eight skinfolds measured using the Lipowise PRO skinfold caliper. The Lipowise PRO skinfold caliper uses a programmable reading time allowing for the measurement of the skinfold's thickness at a rate of 100 times per second, and monitoring skinfold behavior over the 3-second measurement period, thereby enabling the assessment of the tissue response to the constant force exerted by the skinfold caliper jaws.

RESULTS

All skinfolds showed statistical differences in terms of compressibility characteristics (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between measurement time points for individual skinfolds and sum of skinfolds (p < 0.001-0.025). Stabilization being found depending on the skinfold measured from 1.5 seconds for biceps, subscapular, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, and thigh skinfolds; 2.0 seconds for ∑6 and ∑8 skinfolds; and 2.5 seconds for triceps and calf skinfolds. It was observed an effect of sex on this issue (p < 0.001-0.030). More specifically, in the case of males, the supraspinale and abdominal skinfolds stabilized after 1.5 seconds; the calf skinfold and ∑6 and ∑8 skinfolds stabilized after 2 seconds; while the rest of the skinfolds did not stabilize until 3 seconds. In the case of females, no stabilization of the triceps skinfold was found, while the rest of the individual skinfolds and the ∑6 and ∑8 skinfolds stabilized from 1.5 seconds. A regression analysis indicated that skinfold thickness could be predicted based on measurement time in 50-77% of the cases (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A skinfold caliper application, using the digital caliper Lipowise PRO, of three seconds may be sufficient for achieving stability in the measurement and for obtaining the minimum value for most individual and sum of skinfolds. However, there are certain skinfolds that may require more time when performed on certain individuals, which vary according to sex.

What Variables Allow the Differentiation between More and Less Successful Adolescent Volleyball Players?

Kinanthropometric and physical fitness variables have been habitually used for the detection of sports talent in adolescent populations. Considering these variables, players who obtained better scores than their peers in kinanthropometric and physical fitness variables have been traditionally selected for promotion in their teams, without taking into account the possible effect of the maturation process. The aim of the present study was to analyse the differences between adolescent volleyball players in terms of success assessment and the age category, as well as to identify variables that may predict success in volleyball. A total of 101 volleyball players in the U14 age category (28 boys and 73 girls; age = 13.28 ± 0.49 years) and 99 players in the U16 age category (20 boys and 79 girls; age = 15.24 ± 0.59 years) participated in the study. Significant differences were observed in biological maturation in male groups (p < 0.001-0.041), kinanthropometric variables related to bone structure and muscle mass in male groups (p < 0.001-0.048), in variables related to adipose tissue in the U16 female group (p = 0.012-0.032) and in physical fitness tests related to muscle strength and power (p < 0.001-0.049), indicating that more successful (MS) players showed a more advanced biological maturation process, higher values of kinanthropometric variables related to bone structure and muscle mass, and lower values in variables related to adipose tissue, as well as higher levels of physical fitness. The difference in biological maturation and its relationship with structural and muscular anthropometric variables in boys, and physical fitness tests related to muscle strength and power in both boys and girls, are of great importance in the selection process of sports talent in volleyball. These findings should be considered by clubs and coaches, who could be discarding players who could improve their sports performance in later stages when their maturational development is equalised.

Differences in Psychological Variables and the Performance of Female Futsal Players according to Playing Position, Match Result and Menstruation

Futsal performance has been extensively investigated in previous studies, demonstrating that the psychological state of the players or the playing position condition performance. However, research with female indoor soccer players is scarce; therefore, menstruation has not been considered as a determinant aspect for performance in females. Previous research has shown the influence of menstruation on the psychological state and performance of players of different sports; however, there is no known research on female futsal players. For this reason, the aims of the present research were to establish the differences in pre-match psychological variables and offensive performance as a function of playing position, match result and menstruation. A total of 132 s division Spanish players participated in the research. All participants completed the Questionnaire of Psychological Needs of the Athlete-15, and their regular league matches were recorded and subsequently analyzed to determine their offensive performance. The results showed differences according to playing position: pivots and closers showed greater motivation than wings, while the pivots showed greater activation and shots on goal than the wings and closers. Regarding match results, pivots demonstrated more shots on goals than closers only when the match was lost. In addition, the motivation and activation of the pivots, as well as the number of shots on goal, were higher than that of the wings and closers only when they were not menstruating.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, kinanthropometric characteristics and physical performance of young male handball players

Introduction

Handball is a team sport whose performance depends on a large number of factors. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the differences in physical performance, kinanthropometric variables, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), in handball players according to sports category, as well as the possible relationships between these variables.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-three male handball players (35 infant; 46 cadets; 26 juniors and 26 seniors players) underwent a kinanthropometric analysis following the ISAK protocol, self-completed the KIDMED questionnaire, and their physical condition was evaluated with different physical tests.

Results

Significant differences (p < 0.001-0.007) were found between the sports categories in most of the physical condition variables and anthropometric characteristics, but not in the degree of adherence to the MD. The predominant level of adherence to the MD was medium (47.4%), followed by good (42.1%), and correlated with the body mass, the height, the BMI, the muscle mass and the ∑3-girths sum corrected, but not with physical test results. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the fat mass and muscle mass variables had a more specific weight in the results of the physical fitness tests.

Conclusions

There are differences according to sports category in kinanthropometric characteristics and physical fitness tests in adolescent handball players. The predominant degrees of adherence to the MD were medium and good. A relationship was found between anthropometric characteristics and physical performance in handball players.

Physical, Psychological, and Body Composition Differences between Active and Sedentary Adolescents According to the "Fat but Fit" Paradigm

The practice of physical activity during adolescence is essential for the proper development of the population. In recent decades, the relevance of physical activity has been increasing, due to the development of the "fat but fit" paradigm. This paradigm shows that adolescents with a high level of physical fitness are healthier than adolescents with poorer physical fitness, regardless of their weight, giving importance to sports practice over other aspects. However, few previous studies have analyzed the differences in physical and body composition between active and sedentary adolescents in this paradigm. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were to establish the differences in body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet between active and sedentary adolescents; and to analyze the differences between active and sedentary adolescents according to the "fat but fit" paradigm. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. It was found significant between active and sedentary adolescents in most of the anthropometric, AMD, and physical fitness variables, with a significant effect of the covariates gender, age, BMI, and biological maturation on the model. The binary logistic regression analysis performed shows that anthropometric variables, AMD, and VO2 max can be considered as primary outcomes to distinguish between active and sedentary groups of adolescents. Furthermore, the results showed that the active adolescents, regardless of their weight status, had lower fat mass and greater muscle mass, as well as a higher performance in the physical fitness tests, and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet than the sedentary adolescents. To conclude, the practice of physical activity is a determinant for the improvement of body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the adolescent population, regardless of their gender, age, weight, or maturity status.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on health parameters and muscle strength of older women: A longitudinal study

OBJETIVES

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 13-week COVID-19 lockdown on health-related parameters in women aged 60-70 years.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty women participated in this longitudinal study. All the assessments were performed before and 13 weeks after the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain (March to June 2020).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A sociodemographic questionnaire was provided, and tests were performed to assess muscle strength, anthropometric measurements, densitometry, blood pressure, blood parameters, Mediterranean diet adherence, and physical activity levels.

RESULTS

After the lockdown, both healthy and unhealthy lifestyle groups showed a significant worsening of HDL, cholesterol/HDL lipids, and isometric knee extension strength parameters. However, individuals with an unhealthy lifestyle also showed a significant worsening in LDL lipids, Non-HDL lipids, bone mineral density of the femoral neck, fat mass/height (%), truncal fat mass (absolute and percentage), total fat mass (absolute and percentage) and handgrip strength.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the overall health status of Spanish older women, potentially increasing their susceptibility to comorbidities, such as lipid cholesterol, body fat, and decreased muscle strength.

Differences between Four Skinfold Calipers in the Assessment of Adipose Tissue in Young Adult Healthy Population

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the validity of four different skinfold calipers, as well as to establish the differences between them in a healthy young adult population. Methods: The present study followed a cross-sectional design, including 138 participants, with 69 males (21.46 ± 2.52 years) and 69 females (22.19 ± 2.85 years). The measurement protocol included basic measurements of body mass and stretch stature and eight skinfolds with a Harpenden, Holtain, Slim Guide, and Lipowise. The ∑6 and ∑8 skinfolds and fat mass were calculated. The order in which the skinfold calipers were used was randomized. Results: No significant differences were found in either the Σ6 and Σ8 skinfolds or masses and fat percentages calculated with the skinfolds obtained with the different calipers (p > 0.05), and the inclusion of the covariates of sex, BMI, and hydration status of the participants showed no effect on the differences. The Bland−Altman test showed significant differences between the calipers (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It has been observed that the analyzed calipers have shown validity for the assessment of adiposity-related variables in a male and female sample of non-overweight, young healthy adults, but they are not interchangeable with each other when the assessment is meant to be compared over time or with other samples.

Influence of biological maturation status on selected anthropometric and physical fitness variables in adolescent male volleyball players

Background

The identification of sport talent among adolescent athletes is a topic that in recent years has been a major focus of interest for both the scientific community and sport managers. Both anthropometry and physical performance through fitness tests have demonstrated to be key elements. Biological maturation, due to its influence on anthropometric variables and physical fitness, has also been studied in relation to sport talent identification.

Objective

To analyse differences according to biological maturation status in anthropometric characteristics and performance in physical fitness tests, and to determine which variables predict better performance in physical fitness tests in adolescent volleyball players.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was followed to collect the data. A total of 48 male sub-elite volleyball players (14.17 ± 0.73 years) completed a socio-demographic and sports ad hoc questionnaire. Anthropometric variables were measured following the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry (ISAK) including four basic measurements (body mass, height, sitting height and arm span); eight skinfolds (triceps, biceps, subscapular, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, thigh and calf); four girths (arm relaxed, flexed and tensed arm, middle thigh and calf); five breadths (biacromial, biileocrestal, humerus, femur and bi-styloid); three lengths (acromiale-radiale, radiale-stylion and stylion-medio dactilion); and a height (ilioespinale). Physical fitness was assessed, including the sit-and-reach, back scratch, long jump, medicine ball throw, counter movement jump (CMJ), 20 meters sprint, and agility tests. Furthermore, maturity offset and age at peak height velocity (APHV) was calculated.

Results

Significant differences were found in the body mass (Mean Difference, MD = 20.86-30.75), height (MD = 11.72-19.09), sitting height (MD = 4.27-10.27), arm span (MD = 12.91-20.78), body mass index (MD = 3.72-5.63), upper limb length (MD = 7.76), corrected muscle girths (MD = 2.06-9.31), ∑6 and 8 skinfolds (MD = 3.67-50.21) fat mass and percentage (MD = 0.30-11.58), muscle (MD = 4.13-10.64) and bone mass (MD = 1.61-3.54) (p < 0.001-0.030), showing higher values the early maturers. In the physical fitness tests, significant differences were observed in the medicine ball throw (MD = 1.26-2.80) and in CMJ power (MD = 156.71-379.85) (p < 0.001). Regression models identified fat mass percentage predicted worse physical test performance (p < 0.001), while age, maturation offset, muscle and bone variables were predictors of better physical performance (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Significant differences based upon the stages of biological maturation were found in the anthropometric and physical condition variables in favor of the players whose maturation process was more advanced, with the variables related to fat and adipose, muscle and bone development conditioning their performance in the physical condition tests.

The Effect of Age, Biological Maturation and Birth Quartile in the Kinanthropometric and Physical Fitness Differences between Male and Female Adolescent Volleyball Players

BACKGROUND

Differences in kinanthropometric and physical fitness performance between boys and girls usually start during adolescence, as a result of the changes in the hormonal environment that occur with the advance of age and biological maturation; Methods: A total of 96 1st Regional Division players adolescent volleyball players, 48 males, (age = 14.17 ± 1.00 years-old) and 48 females (age = 14.41 ± 1.21 years-old) underwent a kinanthropometric assessment, were asked to perform different physical fitness test and to complete a questionnaire. Chronological age, maturity offset, age at peak height velocity (APHV), and birth quartile were calculated; Results: Statistical differences were observed between male and female players in the APHV (p < 0.001). Male players showed higher values in the bone and muscle-related variables (p < 0.001-0.040), as well as in the strength and power production-related physical tests (p < 0.001-0.012), while the female showed higher values in the fat-related variables (p = 0.003-0.013), and performed better in the flexibility tests. Age, maturity offset, and birth quartile showed to have statistical influence in the differences found between sex groups; Conclusions: There is a clear influence of age and biological maturation on the differences found between sexes in adolescent volleyball players that could be taken into account regarding grouping in early stages.

Sagittal spine disposition and pelvic tilt during outdoor fitness equipment use and their associations with kinanthropometry proportions in middle-aged and older adults

BACKGROUND

Outdoor fitness training has become popular as a tool for improving the health, especially middle-aged and older adults. For this purpose, outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) have been installed in public areas. However, their safety and effectiveness are still unknown. The aim of the present research was to analyze the sagittal disposition of the spine and pelvic tilt during the use of OFE, and to determine the influence of anthropometric variables on these factors in middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

Seventy healthy volunteers, 56 women and 14 men (age: 63.14 ± 8.19 years) participated in the study. Sagittal spine disposition and pelvic tilt were measured using a Spinal Mouse®, in the relaxed standing position, and during the use of the OFE. In addition, kinanthropometry variables were also measured according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry.

RESULTS

Regarding thoracic kyphosis, a significant decrease was found in thoracic kyphosis in the initial position (IP) in single bonny rider (SBR) (p = 0.006) and row (p = 0.046), and a significant increase in the final position (FP) in the row (p = 0.011), surfboard (p < 0.001) and air walker (p = 0.027) machines. In relation to the lumbar curvature and pelvic tilt, a significant decrease in lumbar lordosis and a decrease in pelvic anteversion were observed in the IP and FP in SBR and row; and in the bike (p < 0.001) machine. In the surfboard machine, a significant decrease in lumbar lordosis was found (p = 0.002), with no changes in pelvic tilt. According to the multiple linear regression analysis, the subjects with a higher cormic index and height were more at risk of increasing their thoracic kyphosis, decreasing lumbar lordosis and/or decreasing pelvic anteversion towards pelvic retroversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Middle-aged and older adults show spinal misalignments when using the OFE with respect to the standing position, showing a decrease in the thoracic kyphosis in IP of SBR and ROW, and a significant increase in the surfboard and air walker, and in the FP of Row, in the lumbar lordosis in all the OFE in sitting and some in standing, and in the pelvic anteversion in all the OFE in sitting. The variables height and the cormic index explained most of the changes in sagittal spine disposition.

Relationship between Biological Maturation, Physical Fitness, and Kinanthropometric Variables of Young Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

There is a growing interest in knowing the relationship between biological maturation and sport performance-related variables of young athletes. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between biological maturation, physical fitness, and kinanthropometric variables of athletes during their growing period, according to their sex. The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement and the search protocol was registered in PROSPERO, code: CRD42020208397. A search through the PubMed, Web of Sciences, and EBSCO databases was performed. A total of 423 studies were screened and 13 were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was completed by using the mean and standard deviation of each variable according to each maturation status (early, on time, or late). Differences depending on maturation were found on physical fitness, with better results in the advanced maturational groups in the male population (standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.17-2.31; p < 0.001-0.05). Differences depending on maturation were found for kinanthropometric variables in males (SMD = 0.37-2.31; p < 0.001-0.002) and height and body mass in females (SMD = 0.96-1.19; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the early maturation group showed higher values in kinanthropometric variables and better results in physical fitness, highlighting the importance of the maturational process in the talent selection programs. Despite that, more research is needed to clarify the relationship of maturation with the other variables on female populations and the changes in the muscle and bone variables during the maturation processes of both sexes.

Effect of an injury prevention program on the lower limb stability in young volleyball players

BACKGROUND

Volleyball players have a high risk of injury in the lower limbs as a consequence of the specific characteristics of the sport, such as repetitive jumps and falls. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary injury prevention program on lower limb stability in young volleyball players.

METHODS

The experimental design was a non-randomized controlled trial. All the measurements were performed in a standardized room in a sports center. Twenty-six young male volleyball players (mean age: 15.39±1.16 years), divided into experimental (N.=15) and control groups (N.=11) participated in this study. The experimental group performed an 8-week prevention program including lower limb strength and plyometric training, and joint and core stability. The Y-Balance and force platform landing tests were carried out as the pre- and post-tests.

RESULTS

The main outcome measures were the injuries history, distance and difference reached in anterior, post-lateral and post-medial axis of the Y-Balance test, and the force produced on the z, x, and y axis after landing. Differences were found between groups and measurements in all the variables of the Y-Balance test, except in the frontal axis for the dominant leg and for the differences between legs (P=0.039-0.001); and in the ground reaction forces (z axis) (P=0.040), the x axis (P=0.014) and the dynamic postural stability index (P=0.025) of the lateral jump with the non-dominant leg.

CONCLUSIONS

An 8-week prevention program seems to improve the lower limb stability in young volleyball players.

Differences in Fat Mass Estimation Formulas in Physically Active Adult Population and Relationship with Sums of Skinfolds

Changes in body composition and specifically fat mass, has traditionally been used as a way to monitor the changes produced by nutrition and training. The objective of the present study was to analyse the differences between the formulas used to estimate fat mass and to establish the existing relationship with the body mass index and sums of skinfolds measurement in kinanthropometry. A total of 2458 active adults participated in the study. Body mass index (BMI) and skinfolds were measured, and the Kerr, Durnin-Womersley, Faulkner and Carter equations were used to assess fat mass. Significant differences were found between all the formulas for the percentage of fat mass, ranging from 10.70 ± 2.48 to 28.43 ± 5.99% (p < 0.001) and fat mass from 7.56 ± 2.13 to 19.89 ± 4.24 kg (p < 0.001). The correlations among sums of skinfolds and the different equations were positive, high and significant in all the cases (r from 0.705 to 0.926 p < 0.001), unlike in the case of BMI, were the correlation was lower and both positive or negative (r from -0.271 to 0.719; p < 0.001). In conclusion, there were differences between all the formulas used to estimate fat mass; thus, for the evaluation of fat mass with kinanthropometry of an active adult, the use of the same formula is recommended on all occasions when the results are going to be compared or when an athlete is compared with a reference.

Hamstring extensibility differences among elite adolescent and young dancers of different dance styles and non-dancers

Background

Hamstrings have been analyzed extensively due to their tendency to shorten and their effect in the lumbo-pelvic dynamics and the sagittal position of the spine in trunk flexion with extended knees positions. It has been demonstrated that practicing a certain sport results in long-term changes in hamstring extensibility. Despite this, adequate extensibility of the hamstring musculature is essential for the dancer’s performance. Several studies have found differences in the extensibility of the hamstrings depending on the dance style, but none have compared ballet, Spanish dance and modern dance. The purpose of the present research was to analyze the differences in hamstring extensibility among professional dance students based on dance style practiced and non-dancers.

Methods

The sample was comprised of 210 students from the Professional Dance Conservatory (70 for ballet, 70 for Spanish dance and 70 for modern dance) and 70 non-dancers. For the assessment of hamstring extensibility, the angle in the passive and active straight leg raise (PSLR and ASLR, respectively) test, and the scores of the pelvic tilt in sit-and-reach (SR) test and the toe-touch (TT) test were randomly conducted.

Results

The results showed significant differences for all the tests according to group (p < 0.001). In the PSLR and ASLR test, for both legs, and in the pelvic tilt in the SR test, the ballet dancers showed greater ranges of hamstring extensibility than the modern dancers and Spanish dancers (p ≤ 0.001). In the distance in the SR test and in the pelvic tilt in the TT test, the ballet dancers obtained higher values than the Spanish dancers (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). The modern dancers showed higher ranges of hip flexion than the Spanish dancers in the ASLR test for both legs and in the pelvic tilt in the SR test (p from 0.007 to <0.001). Dancers showed significantly higher hamstring extensibility than non-dancers in all the tests (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The systematic practice of dance, regardless of the style, seems to lead to high ranges of hamstring extensibility. Ballet dancers have the greatest hamstring extensibility.

Strength recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon versus hamstring tendon autografts in soccer players: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The comparison between HT and QT grafts in strength recovery and function after an ACLR is scarce in the literature.

METHODS

A total of 56 participants were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and placed into two groups: HT or QT. The hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio was the primary end-point measured with a Genu-3 dynamometer. Peak torque, functional assessment (Lysholm knee scoring scale and Cincinnati Knee Rating System), and anteroposterior laxity (KT-2000™ arthrometer) were also assessed. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The results of the H/Q ratio analysis of the participants over time revealed significant differences at 60, 180, and 300°/s at three, six, and 12months of follow-up (60°/s: F=5.3, p=0.005; 180°/s: F=5.5, p=0.004; 300°/s: F=5.1, p=0.005). Furthermore, they revealed significant differences at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s in the participants over time for peak torque in the extensor muscle strength at three and six months of follow-up, with higher values in the hamstring tendon group but not at 12months of follow-up. There were no significant differences in functional endpoints or arthrometer assessments at 24months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

An ACLR with a QT graft showed similar functional results with a better isokinetic H/Q ratio compared to an ACLR with the HT at 12months of follow-up in soccer players. This higher H/Q ratio observed with the QT could be an advantage of this graft over the HT for an ACLR.

The effects of a reformer Pilates program on body composition and morphological characteristics in active women after a detraining period

The aim of this quasi-experimental pilot study was to explore the effects of a reformer Pilates program on the anthropometry, body composition, and somatotype of active adult women after a short non-exercise period. Twenty-eight women (mean age: 40.21 ± standard deviation of 8.12 years old) with one to three years of reformer Pilates experience participated in the study. The women participated in a reformer Pilates program for 16 weeks (one hour, twice per week) after 4 weeks of detraining (summer holidays) in 2012. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry full profile was assessed before and after the intervention program. Significant decreases (p ≤ 0.05) from pre- to post-program were observed for triceps, iliac crest, supraspinale, abdominal, front thigh and medial calf skinfold thicknesses, six and eight skinfold thickness sums, forearm and ankle girths, waist/hip ratio, endomorphy, and fat mass. Significant increases (p ≤ .05) were observed for corrected arm, corrected calf girths, and muscle mass. Generally, women showed a mesomorphic endomorph (endomorphy predominant) and mesomorph-endomorph (endomorphy and mesomorphy predominant) in the pre- and posttests, respectively. In conclusion, the practice of reformer Pilates was associated with healthy changes in anthropometric parameters, body composition, and somatotype in Pilates-experienced women after 4 weeks of no physical exercise.

[THE EFFECTS OF THE PILATES METHOD ON HAMSTRING EXTENSIBILITY, PELVIC TILT AND TRUNK FLEXION]

INTRODUCTION

Pilates includes a high volume of hamstring stretching and maximal trunk flexion with knees extended exercises.

OBJECTIVE

to perform a systematic review about Pilates practice effects and a detraining period on hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and trunk flexion in maximal trunk flexion with knees extended.

METHOD

it was analysed all the experimental or quasi-experimental designs written in English, Spanish or Portuguese and included in the following databases: Pubmed, Sports Discus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Dialnet and Research Gate.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

twenty-one papers were analysed. Most of them used a pre-test-post-test design with control group. The intervention programs applied were heterogeneous. Samples were composed mainly of women, both young and old. It was found that the Pilates practice, with different volume, significantly increased hamstring muscle extensibility and pelvic tilt in maximal trunk flexion. At least three training sessions peer week during six weeks were necessary in order to obtain a high trunk inclination. Studies which involved athletes showed contradictory results. By inducing a detraining period it was noticed a decrease in hamstring extensibility and trunk flexion from the second week.

CONCLUSIONS

there is a moderate evidence that Pilates is an effective method to increase hamstring extensibility, pelvic tilt and the degree of trunk flexion in maximal flexion positions in sedentary and recreational active people and also to increase hamstring extensibility in athletes.

[The effects of 16-weeks pilates mat program on anthropometric variables and body composition in active adult women after a short detraining period]

INTRODUCTION

previous studies have analysed the effect of mat Pilates practice on anthropometric variables and body composition in sedentaries. To date no researchs have investigated the benefits of Pilates on these variables after a short detraining period.

OBJETIVE

to determine the effect of a 16-week mat Pilates program on anthropometric variables, body composition and somatotype of women with previous practice experience after three weeks of detraining period.

METHOD

twenty-one women underwent a complete anthropometric assessment according with ISAK guidelines before and after a 16 week mat Pilates program (two days, one hour). All women had one to three years of mat Pilates experience and came to three weeks of detraining period (Christmas holiday).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

women showed significant decreases for body mass, BMI, upper limb (biceps and triceps) and trunk (subscapular, iliac crest, supraspinale and abdominal) individual skinfolds, 6 and 8 skinfold sums, endomorphy and fat mass; and a significant increases for muscle mass. The mean somatotype was classified as mesomorphic endomorph in the pre- (4.91, 4.01, 1.47) and post-test (4.68, 4.16, 1.69). Eight women changed their somatotype clasification after the intervention program.

CONCLUSIONS

the practice of mat Pilates for 16 weeks caused changes associated with health state improvements on anthropometric variables, especially on skinfolds which significantly decreased, body composition (fat and muscle masses decreased and increased, respectively) and somatotype (there was a significantly decreased on the endomorph component in experienced women after three week of detraning.

Effects of hamstring-emphasized neuromuscular training on strength and sprinting mechanics in football players

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining eccentric hamstring muscle strength, plyometrics, and free/resisted sprinting exercises on knee extensor/flexor muscle strength, sprinting performance, and horizontal mechanical properties of sprint running in football (soccer) players. Sixty footballers were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Twenty-seven players completed the EG and 24 players the CG. Both groups performed regular football training while the EG performed also a neuromuscular training during a 7-week period. The EG showed a small increases in concentric quadriceps strength (ES = 0.38/0.58), a moderate to large increase in concentric (ES = 0.70/0.74) and eccentric (ES = 0.66/0.87) hamstring strength, and a small improvement in 5-m sprint performance (ES = 0.32). By contrast, the CG presented lower magnitude changes in quadriceps (ES = 0.04/0.29) and hamstring (ES = 0.27/0.34) concentric muscle strength and no changes in hamstring eccentric muscle strength (ES = -0.02/0.11). Thus, in contrast to the CG (ES = -0.27/0.14), the EG showed an almost certain increase in the hamstring/quadriceps strength functional ratio (ES = 0.32/0.75). Moreover, the CG showed small magnitude impairments in sprinting performance (ES = -0.35/-0.11). Horizontal mechanical properties of sprint running remained typically unchanged in both groups. These results indicate that a neuromuscular training program can induce positive hamstring strength and maintain sprinting performance, which might help in preventing hamstring strains in football players.