Do small-sided games prepare players for the worst-case scenarios of match play in elite young soccer players?

The aim of the study was to determine whether the physical performance of young soccer player during various small sided games (SSGs) underloads, replicates or overloads the requirements of the worst-case scenarios (WCS) during match play. A total of 521 SSGs' individual observations and 15 different formats of SSGs with different areas per player (ApP) (ApP100: < 100; ApP200: ranged from 101 to 200; ApP300: > 201, all in m2 · player-1) were taken into consideration. Whole (90-min average; OM) and 15-, 5- and 1-min worst-case scenarios (WCS15, WCS5 and WCS1, respectively) were analysed. Total distance covered relative (m · min-1) (TDCR), high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (HSDR), very high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (VHSDR) and sprint distance relative (m · min-1) (SDR), player load relative (PLR) and both total (ACCR) and high intensity relative accelerations (n · min-1) (ACCHR) were collected. All external load measures analysed were significantly higher in WCS1 compared to WCS of longer duration and SSGs with different ApP (p < 0.001). The analysis demonstrated interactions between game type and player positions (p < 0.001) for TDCR, VHSDR, PLR and ACCHR. The SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate the WCS for locomotor demands (VHSDR and SDR). SSGs played on an ApP100 overestimated the mechanical values compared to WCS15 and WCS5. The analysed SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate players to cope with all external load demands that occurred during WCS1. This study provides useful information for practitioners on the heightened impact of different SSG formats on external load in relation to the WCS of competitive match play.

Position specific physical demands in different phases of competitive matches in national level women's football

The purpose of the present study was twofold: to investigate position-specific physical match demands of national level women's football; and to examine if demands change during a match (comparison between first and second half and in 15-minute intervals). Seven teams from the Finnish National League participated in the study. Eighty-five players met the inclusion criteria, and a total of 340 individual match observations from 68 individual matches were included for analysis. The Polar Team Pro -player tracking system (with 10 Hz GPS units, including 200 Hz tri-axial accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and HR monitor) was used to assess positional data and HR response of the players. This study demonstrated that women's national level football matches place a range of physical demands on players, which in general were highest for wide midfielders, and lowest for central defenders. Wide midfielders and forwards performed significantly more 'very high-speed' running, sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations than other outfield positions (p < 0.05). HRmean varied from 84-87% of HRmax and was significantly lower for central defenders than central midfielders (p < 0.001). External load variables varied during a match and generally decreased especially after 60 minutes of play compared to first 15-min period of the match. Present study showed that national level women football players' positional differences in match demands are similar to those reported with elite players in previous studies. On national level, players' physical performance tended to decrease towards the end of the match, especially in terms of total distance (~10%), high-speed running (~20%), and decelerations (~20%).

Nurses' steps, distance traveled, and perceived physical demands in a three-shift schedule

BACKGROUND

The physical job demands of hospital nurses are known to be very high. Although many studies have measured the physical activities of nurses subjectively using questionnaires, it remains necessary to quantify and measure nurses' physical activity at work using objective indicators. This study was conducted to address this gap in the literature by analyzing nurses' physical activity using both objective measurements and subjective perceptions. The number of steps, distance traveled, and actual work hours were measured during work, and the influence of related factors was analyzed.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, survey and activity tracking data were collected from nurses who worked in three shifts in two tertiary hospitals located in the capital region of South Korea. The participants comprised 117 nurses working in four different units (medical ward, surgical ward, intensive care unit, emergency room), and data from 351 shifts were used in the final analysis. Between-group differences in the main variables were analyzed using the t-test, the Mann-Whitney test, analysis of variance, or the Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriate. The relationships were examined through multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The average number of steps and distance traveled were greatest for nurses working in the emergency room, followed by the intensive care unit, surgical ward, and medical ward (in descending order). Younger nurses and those with shorter unit experience tended to have the greatest number of steps and distance traveled.

CONCLUSION

Using activity trackers, this study derived physical activity measures such as number of steps and distance traveled, enabling an objective examination of physical activity during shifts. Nurses' level of physical activity differed depending on the type of nursing unit, nurses' age, and unit experience. These results suggest the need for support programs that are specific to the job demands of specific nursing units.

Physical and psychosocial working conditions as predictors of 5-year changes in work ability among 2078 employees in Germany

OBJECTIVE

To examine 5-year prospective associations between working conditions and work ability among employees in Germany.

METHODS

A cohort study (2011/2012-2017), based on a random sample of employees in employments subject to payment of social contributions aged 31-60 years (Study on Mental Health at Work; S-MGA; N = 2,078), included data on physical and quantitative demands, control (influence, possibilities for development, control over working time), relations (role clarity and leadership quality) and work ability (Work Ability Index, WAI; subscale 'subjective work ability and resources'). Data were analysed using linear regression.

RESULTS

Physical demands and control were associated with small 5-year changes in work ability (ΔR² = 1%). Among the subgroup of employees with ≥ 25 sickness days, possibilities for development, control and quality of leadership were associated with changes in work ability (ΔR² = 8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of working conditions on long term changes in work ability seems to be negligible. However, in vulnerable subpopulations experiencing poor health, working conditions may be associated to a larger extent to work ability over this time span.

A comparison of the physical demands associated with various right-angle direct-current power tools

This work examined the physical demands associated with 4 commercially available direct current right-angle power tools along with their computer controlled fastening strategies. Physical demands were measured via an external instrumented handle that could also control the trigger of each tool. Data revealed that forces recorded by the external handle for each of the 4 tools differed. Independent of Joint-Hardness and Target Torque the Atlas Copco TurboTight® and Cleco Low Torque Reaction fastening strategies, both using a rapid spindle-head rotation strategy, produced the lowest peak and impulse force, respectfully, when compared to the 2 tools that were designed to fasten with a longer duration. This work has shown that short duration fastening strategies provide an ergonomics benefit to the users as it requires less force to operate, such force reduction in previous research has been linked to reduced handle displacement and lower muscle effort.

Work-life balance predicted work ability two years later: a cohort study of employees in the Swedish energy and water sector

Background

Work-life balance (WLB) is the extent to which individual’s multiple life roles and demands carry over between each role. WLB can be divided into work interference with personal life (WIPL) and personal life interference with work (PLIW). This study aimed to investigate longitudinal associations between WIPL, PLIW and work ability outcomes.

Methods

In this cohort study, 224 employees in the energy and water sector in Sweden were followed-up over 2 years. Three questions derived from the Work Ability Index were used for measuring work ability outcome: current work ability compared with lifetime best; work ability regarding physical; and mental demands. Logistic regression models were used to analyse longitudinal associations between work ability and WIPL and WIPL respectively, controlling for workplace (company), position at work, experience of leadership quality, demographics, and work ability.

Results

Work ability compared to lifetime best were associated with WIPL in the adjusted logistic regression models (odds ratio (OR) 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–2.73), and PLIW (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.66–6.74). Work ability regarding physical demands was associated with WIPL (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.07–2.40). Work ability regarding mental demands was associated with WIPL (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.03–2.44) and PLIW (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.31–6.32).

Conclusion

In this two-year longitudinal study, lower WIPL predicted good/excellent overall work ability compared with lifetime best, higher work ability regarding physical and mental demands, and lower PLIW predicted good/excellent overall work ability compared with lifetime best and higher work ability regarding and mental demands.

Low back and neck pain: objective and subjective measures of workplace psychosocial and physical hazards

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the role of occupational physical activity (OPA), physical demands and psychosocial work-related factors on low back pain (LBP) and neck-shoulder pain (NSP) amongst workers with physically demanding professions.

METHODS

Data from 331 participants within the service and manufacturing sector in the Flemish Employees' Physical Activity (FEPA) study were used, with objective measures of OPA and subjective measures of physical and psychosocial work environment. A modified Nordic questionnaire collected data on LBP and NSP.

RESULTS

LBP (> 30 days over a year) was reported by 25% of participants, NSP (> 30 days over a year) by 30% and the composite measure of LBP/NSP simultaneously by 17%. Objective measures of OPA were not significantly associated with any pain groups. In the final model, self-reported physical demands were associated with NSP (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.30-3.18) and LBP/NSP (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.16-3.45) but not LBP. Job control was negatively associated with LBP (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-0.99) and LBP/NSP (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.3-0.98).

CONCLUSION

Objective measures were not associated with LBP or NSP. Self-reported measures provided insights into potential workplace hazards such as physical demands and job control which can be used to inform future strategies to prevent the development of LBP and NSP.

Physical demands associated with right-angle direct-current power-tools: An evaluation of current technology

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the physical demands associated with three direct current powered right-angle power tool tightening strategies at various fastener-location-orientations, target torques and joint-hardness. Physical demands were measured using surface electromyography, handle force and upper body kinematics. Results identified TurboTight®, a rapid and short duration fastening strategy, to produce lower handle force impulse, less joint angle displacement, and lower EMG magnitudes when compared to the longer duration fastening strategies tested. The reduced magnitudes associated with TurboTight®, independent of fastener-location-orientations, target torques and joint-hardness, indicate a lower physical demand on power tool operators, providing a significant ergonomic benefit when compared to the slower fastening strategies.

A meta-analysis of the association between physical demands of domestic labor and back pain among women

Background

Back pain (BP) is among the most common musculoskeletal problems globally and is a leading contributor to disability among adults. Millions of women especially those in low-income settings, engage in strenuous domestic activities that may increase their risk of BP. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the association between physically demanding domestic labor (PDDL) which is characterized as intensity, frequency, duration of work and biomechanical risk factors of work and BP among women.

Methods

Five databases were searched for records published from January 1991 to March 2020; and results from 11studies were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model and the generic inverse-variance method was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and the degree of heterogeneity among studies (I²). Stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the influence of outliers and identify the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Exposure to high PDDL was significantly associated with BP (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.30, 2.04; I² = 70%). The odds of back pain were highest among the following groups: women performing domestic labor in non-neutral postures (OR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.75–3.04; I² = 0%; N = 4 studies) and among women from low- and middle-income countries (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.58–2.49; I² = 29%; N = 5 studies). We found no evidence of publication bias (Egger’s test p-value = 0.15).

Conclusions

PDDL may significantly increase a woman’s risk of experiencing BP, but larger prospective studies are needed to further investigate the association. Presenting data on how domestic work affects the musculoskeletal health of women will be important in designing future interventions (behavioral, infrastructural, and ergonomic) that can reduce the burdens from domestic labor.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01294-5.

A Systematic Review of Workplace Interventions to Rehabilitate Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Employees with Physical Demanding Work

Purpose This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of workplace interventions to rehabilitate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among employees with physically demanding work. Methods A systematic search was conducted in bibliographic databases including PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection for English articles published from 1998 to 2018. The PICO strategy guided the assessment of study relevance and the bibliographical search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs in which (1) participants were adult workers with physically demanding work and MSD (including specific and non-specific MSD and musculoskeletal pain, symptoms, and discomfort), (2) interventions were initiated and/or carried out at the workplace, (3) a comparison group was included, and (4) a measure of MSD was reported (including musculoskeletal pain, symptoms, prevalence or discomfort). The quality assessment and evidence synthesis adhered to the guidelines developed by the Institute for Work & Health (Toronto, Canada) focusing on developing practical recommendations for stakeholders. Relevant stakeholders were engaged in the review process. Results Level of evidence from 54 high and medium quality studies showed moderate evidence of a positive effect of physical exercise. Within this domain, there was strong evidence of a positive effect of workplace strength training. There was limited evidence for ergonomics and strong evidence for no benefit of participatory ergonomics, multifaceted interventions, and stress management. No intervention domains were associated with "negative effects". Conclusions The evidence synthesis recommends that implementing strength training at the workplace can reduce MSD among workers with physically demanding work. In regard to workplace ergonomics, there was not enough evidence from the scientific literature to guide current practices. Based on the scientific literature, participatory ergonomics and multifaceted workplace interventions seem to have no beneficial effect on reducing MSD among this group of workers. As these interventional domains were very heterogeneous, it should also be recognized that general conclusions about their effectiveness should be done with care.Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42018116752 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=116752 ).

Impacts of different fabric scissor designs on physical demands and performance in simulated fabric cutting tasks

While there is wide evidence that the occupational use of hand tools increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorder, evidence is limited regarding manual scissors, commonly used by custom tailors for bespoke garment production. We assessed whether scissor design impacts physical demands (muscle activity, perceived discomfort, and wrist posture) and task performance (quality and perceived efficiency). Twenty-four novice volunteers each completed simulated cutting tasks in 24 conditions involving the factorial combinations of four scissor designs (SD), three workstation heights, and two fabric types. SD significantly affected all outcome measures, and differences between SDs were consistent across workstation heights and fabric types. Two wide-handles scissors appeared superior overall, which may be related to the distinct grip type employed with this type of design. These results suggest that careful scissor selection has the potential to both reduce injury risk and enhance performance during fabric cutting tasks, though future testing is needed under more realistic conditions.

Do organisational and ward-level factors explain the variance in multi-site musculoskeletal pain in eldercare workers? A multi-level cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Multi-site musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is highly prevalent among eldercare workers, leading to increased incidence of sickness absence and early retirement. Most research on MSP in eldercare workers has focused on individual-level factors reported by the employees, with limited focus at the organisation and ward level. To address this gap, the aim of this study was to investigate whether organisation and ward-level factors explain the variance in MSP among Danish eldercare workers.

METHODS

A multi-level cross-sectional study was conducted among 20 Danish nursing homes, containing 126 wards, and 418 workers who participated in measurements of organisational factors, working environment factors, and MSP (classified as reporting pain in 2 or more body regions). Data were collected at the level of the organisation, ward, and individual. The proportion of variance in MSP explained by each level was estimated using variance components analysis. The association between factors at each level of the organisation and MSP was investigated using generalised linear mixed-effects regression.

RESULTS

Sixty seven percent of participants reported having MSP. The organisational and ward-level factors explained 0% of the variance in MSP, while the individual-level factors explained 100% of the variance in MSP. Moreover, no factors at the organisational and ward levels showed statistically significant associations with MSP. Individual-level perceived physical exertion and quantitative demands had a statistically significant association with a higher prevalence of MSP.

CONCLUSIONS

The organisation and ward levels did not contribute to explaining any of the variance in MSP. All variance in MSP was explained at the individual level.

Physiological responses and activity demands remain consistent irrespective of team size in recreational handball

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of team size on acute physiological, perceptual, and activity demands of recreational handball to provide a better understanding for the potential prescription of recreational handball to achieve health benefits. Active, male college students (N=22) completed 3-, 4-, and 5-a-side handball game formats across three separate sessions following a repeated-measures, crossover design. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), distance covered, and frequency of accelerations/decelerations were monitored during games. Each game format elicited vigorous intensities with a mean HR in the range 82-85%HR_max and post-game BLa in the range 3.9-4.4 mmol·L^-1. No significant differences (P>0.05) in absolute (ηp²=0.40), relative mean HR (ηp²=0.43), BLa (ηp₂=0.16), total distance (ηp₂=0.32), total accelerations (ηp²=0.23), or total decelerations (ηp₂=0.23) were observed between game formats. A significant effect was observed for RPE (ηp²=0.51), where 3-a-side games elicited a higher RPE than 5-a-side games (P=0.03, large). Modifying player number has a negligible effect on the physiological and activity demands encountered during recreational handball games. Recreational handball consisting of 3-5 players imposes similar intermittent workloads, resulting in vigorous physiological responses concomitant with those recommended for overall health improvements as part of regular training.

Chronic health conditions and work-related stress in older adults participating in the Dutch workforce

The proportion of workers with chronic health conditions (CHCs) will increase over the years as pension reform is increasing the age of retirement in many European countries. This will increase the percentage of older adults with CHCs performing highly demanding work. This study sought to examine the association between common CHCs [cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, arthritis, respiratory and sleep disorders] and three domains of work stress in older Dutch workers. This study used data from the first wave of the NIDI Pension Panel Study for working adults aged 60–65 years (n = 6793). Logistic regression models examined the strength of association between CHCs and (1) general work stress, (2) emotional, and (3) physical demands. All five CHC were independently associated with one or more domains of stress. After including all CHCs in the model, CVD, sleep disorders, and arthritis were significantly associated with general stress. Respiratory disorders, sleep disorders, and arthritis were significantly associated with physical demands. Diabetes (1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.53), sleep disorders (1.99, 95% CI 1.72–2.31), and arthritis (1.18, 95% CI 1.06–1.31) were significantly associated with emotional demands. Our findings demonstrate that work stress is associated with prevalent CHCs, and these conditions are differentially associated with several domains of work stress in adults approaching retirement. More research is needed to understand the causal relationship between CHCs and work stress. Such research may provide insights for effective workplace and public health interventions to ensure that older workers remain physically and mentally healthy, and productive through their working years.

Opioid use disorder, job strain, and high physical job demands in US workers

PURPOSE

Little is known about the work environmental risk factors for opioid use disorder (OUD) in working populations. The purpose of this study is to examine whether adverse physical and psychosocial working conditions are associated with OUD in a working population of the United States (US).

METHODS

Among the participants of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) II Study (2004-2006), 2134 workers (1059 men and 1075 women; mean age, 51 years) were chosen for this study. OUD was measured with self-administered questions in line with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSD-5). Physical demands (physical efforts, heavy lifting, and crouching/stooping/kneeling) and psychosocial work stressors (skill discretion, decision authority, job control, psychological job demands, supervisor and coworker support at work, job insecurity, and work hours) were measured with a standard questionnaire.

RESULTS

The prevalence of OUD was 3.8%. In multivariate analyses, low skill discretion, high psychological job demands, job strain (a combination of low control and high demands), and high physical job demands were significantly associated with OUD. The multivariate prevalence ratios for OUD by job strain and frequent heavy lifting were 1.98 (1.27-3.10) and 2.23 (1.22-4.10), respectively. Job strain was more strongly associated with OUD in men, while high physical job demands were more strongly associated with OUD in women.

CONCLUSION

This study implies that adverse physical and psychosocial working conditions may be important risk factors for OUD in US working populations. Future longitudinal and mechanistic studies are urgently warranted.

Medical students' resilience: a protective role on stress and quality of life in clerkship

BACKGROUND

Resilience refers to the ability to be flexible and adaptive in response to challenges. Medical students in clerkship who are transitioning from medical studies to clinical practice face a variety of workplace demands that can lead to negative learning experiences and poor quality of life. This study explored whether medical students' resilience plays a protective role against the stresses incurred during workplace training and on their professional quality of life during clerkships.

METHODS

This was a 1-year prospective web-based questionnaire study comprising one cohort of medical students in their fifth year who were working as clerks as part of their 6-year medical education programme at one medical school in Taiwan between September 2017 and July 2018. Web-based, validated, structured, self-administered questionnaires were used to measure the students' resilience at the beginning of the clerkship and their perceived training stress (i.e. physical and psychological demands) and professional quality of life (i.e. burnout and compassion satisfaction) at each specialty rotation. Ninety-three medical students who responded to our specialty rotation surveys at least three times in the clerkship were included and hierarchical regressions were performed.

RESULTS

This study verified the negative effects of medical students' perceived training stress on burnout and compassion satisfaction. However, although the buffering (protective) effects of resilience were observed for physical demands (one key risk factor related to medical students' professional quality of life), this was not the case for psychological demands (another key risk factor). In addition, through the changes in R square (∆R²) values of the hierarchical regression building, our study found that medical students' perceived training stresses played a critical role on explaining their burnout but their resilience on their compassion satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical students' resilience demonstrated a buffering effect on the negative relationship between physical demands and professional quality of life during clerkships. Moreover, different mechanisms (predictive paths) leading to medical students' professional quality of life such as burnout and compassion satisfaction warrant additional studies.

Individual, physical, and organizational risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among municipality solid waste collectors in Shiraz, Iran

In Iran-Shiraz, municipal solid waste is collected manually requiring strenuous physical activities. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and its associated risk factors. Two hundred male waste collectors participated in this cross-sectional study, in which task analysis followed by motion and timeline analysis were performed. The data were collected using demographic, occupation-specific physical and organizational demands, and Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used for identifying independent risk factors for MSDs. Ten motions observed during waste collection, and the most physical and organizational demands were related to the running along with bag carriage, and the time pressure, respectively. About 39% and 36.5% of the workers reported very high physical and psychological workloads, respectively. Totally, 92.5% of waste collectors reported MSDs symptom at least in one body region during the last 12 months. Lower back and knee injuries were more prevalent and more severe. Some individual factors (age, body weight, and waste collecting duration), physical demands (lifting bag/bucket, pulling/pushing waste container, walking along with bag/bucket carriage, and jumping up/down on the garbage truck), and organizational demands (low vacation and high decision authority) were the most important risk factors for developing MSDs.

Comparison of technical and physical activities between 8 vs. 8 and 11 vs. 11 games in young Korean soccer players

The aims of this study were to examine the differences in technical aspects and physical demands between small-size games (SSG; 8 vs. 8) and regular-size games (RSG; 11 vs. 11) in young Korean soccer players. Seventy-nine young soccer players from 6 teams (U-12) volunteered to participate in the study. The players completed 4 games (2 SSG, 62×51 m, and 2 RSG, 80×54 m) in 2 days. Each game was filmed to evaluate technical actions. Physical demand variables were measured using global positioning system technology. SSG showed significantly greater numbers of technical plays among 17 variables when compared to RSG (P<0.05). The players covered significantly greater total distance during low−, moderate−, and high-speed running and sprinting in SSG than in RSG (P<0.05). Higher numbers of high-intensity activities (repeated high-intensity efforts, explosive efforts, decelera-tions, accelerations, and sprinting) were observed in SSG compared to RSG (P<0.05). Mean heart rate was also higher in SSG than in RSG (P<0.05). Despite the greater physical demands during SSG, the exercise intensity was similar to that reported in previous studies. Therefore, the SSG format applied in the present study can be a suitable official game format for Korean young soccer players, resulting in significantly greater exposure to technical plays without excessive physical demands.

Effects of 3 months of full-court and half-court street basketball training on health profile in untrained men

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether street basketball organized as 3 v 3 on either a half court (HC) with 1 basket or a full court (FC) with 2 baskets could improve fitness and health profiles of untrained men after 3 months of supervised training.

METHODS

Thirty-five untrained men (aged 20-42 years) completed the pre- and post-intervention testing (FC: n = 13, HC: n = 12, CO (control): n = 10). The training attendance was 2.0 ± 0.4 and 1.9 ± 0.3 times per week in FC and HC, respectively. Mean heart rate (HR) was 83.8 ± 6.0 percent of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) and 84.5 ± 2.9 %HRmax in FC and HC, respectively.

RESULTS

The 3 months of street basketball training on an FC with 2 baskets increased maximal oxygen uptake (2.4 mL/min/kg (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-3.9)), time to exhaustion (47 s (95%CI: 26-67)), lean body mass (0.8 kg (95%CI: 0.1-1.5)), and bone mineral density (0.021 g/cm2 (95%CI: 0.011-0.031)), whereas mean arterial pressure (-5.6 mmHg (95%CI: -7.5 to 3.7)), body fat percentage (-1.6%, (95%CI: -2.5 to -0.7)), heart rate (-18 bpm (95%CI: -24 to -12)), and blood lactate (median: -1.4 mmol/L (interquartile range: -1.5 to -0.6)) during submaximal running were lowered. The changes were less pronounced after the training period when playing on an HC with 1 basket, but increases in maximal oxygen uptake (1.6 mL/min/kg (95%CI: -0.1 to 3.3)), time to exhaustion (28 s (95%CI: 9-47)), lean body mass (1.3 kg (95%CI: 0.3-2.4)), and lower body fat percentage (-0.9% (95%CI: -1.9 to -0.1)) were observed in this group.

CONCLUSION

Three months of 3 v 3 street basketball training improved fitness and led to broad-spectrum improvements in variables related to overall health profile, with the most marked effects observed when playing on an FC with 2 baskets.

Energy expenditure, metabolic power and high speed activity during linear and multi-directional running

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to compare measures of energy expenditure derived from indirect calorimetry and micro-technology, as well as high power and high speed activity during linear and multi-directional running.

DESIGN

Repeated measures.

METHODS

Twelve university standard team sport players completed a linear and multi-directional running condition. Estimated energy expenditure, as well as time at high speed (>14.4kmh^-1) and high power (>20Wkg^-1) were quantified using a 10Hz micro-technology device and compared with energy expenditure derived from indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS

Measured energy expenditure was higher during the multi-directional condition (9.0±2.0 cf. 5.9±1.4kcalmin^-1), whereas estimated energy expenditure was higher during the linear condition (8.7±2.1 cf. 6.5±1.5kcalmin^-1). Whilst measures of energy expenditure were strongly related (r>0.89, p<0.001), metabolic power underestimated energy expenditure by 52% (95% LoA: 20-93%) and 34% (95% LoA: 12-59%) during the multi-directional and linear condition, respectively. Time at high power was 41% (95% LoA: 4-92%) greater than time at high speed during the multi-directional condition, whereas time at high power was 5% (95% LoA: -17-9%) lower than time at high speed during the linear condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimated energy expenditure and time at high metabolic power can reflect changes in internal load. However, micro-technology cannot be used to determine the energy cost of intermittent running.

Performance in sports--With specific emphasis on the effect of intensified training

Performance in most sports is determined by the athlete's technical, tactical, physiological and psychological/social characteristics. In the present article, the physical aspect will be evaluated with a focus on what limits performance, and how training can be conducted to improve performance. Specifically how intensified training, i.e., increasing the amount of aerobic high-intensity and speed endurance training, affects physiological adaptations and performance of trained subjects. Periods of speed endurance training do improve performance in events lasting 30 s-4 min, and when combined with aerobic high-intensity sessions, also performance during longer events. Athletes in team sports involving intense exercise actions and endurance aspects, such as soccer and basketball, can also benefit from intensified training. Speed endurance training does reduce energy expenditure and increase expression of muscle Na(+), K(+) pump α subunits, which may preserve muscle cell excitability and delay fatigue development during intense exercise. When various types of training are conducted in the same period (concurrent training), as done in a number of sports, one type of training may blunt the effect of other types of training. It is not, however, clear how various training modalities are affecting each other, and this issue should be addressed in future studies.

Patient acuity as a determinant of paramedics' frequency of being exposed to physically demanding work activities

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this investigation was to examine if paramedics' frequency of being exposed to highly physically demanding activities, or their perception of physical, clinical, and emotional demands were altered by patients' acuity level, operationalized using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS).

METHODS

Physical demands descriptions (PDD) were compiled from thirteen services across Canada. The observation sessions took place during a minimum of two full-shift (12-h) ride-outs at each service. Data were obtained from 53 ride-outs, which included a total of 190 calls.

RESULTS

Higher urgency calls (CTAS level I or II) required significantly more stretcher handling, equipment handling, and intravenous (IV) work, also prompting higher ratings of perceived clinical, physical, and emotional demand. Independent of CTAS level, stretcher loading with patient (15.0%), horizontal patient transfer (13.7%), and pushing/pulling the stretcher with patient (13.1%) were identified as the most physically demanding tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient acuity is an important determinant affecting the frequency for which paramedics are exposed to work tasks with inherent ergonomic hazards (e.g., handling a stretcher with a patient). Patient acuity also affects paramedics' perceived clinical, physical, and emotional demands of a call.

Physical load affects duration judgments: A meta-analytic review

This article reports a meta-analytic review of seven extant experiments, with 235 participants, concerning effects of physical workload on duration judgments. It also provides a qualitative assessment of related studies that, for specific reasons, were not includable in the quantitative meta-analysis. All analyzed experiments used the prospective duration-judgment paradigm and the production method, in which participants knew in advance that duration estimation was required. A large overall effect size reveals that increasing physical workload results in longer prospective duration productions. Physical workload effects are comparable to those of cognitive load. Implications for applied research, theory, and applications are discussed.

Influence of playing standard and physical fitness on activity profiles and post-match fatigue during intensified junior rugby league competition

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether the fatigue responses to the same intensified rugby league competition differed depending on playing standard and physical fitness.

Methods

Players from a high-standard (n = 15) and a low-standard (n = 16) junior rugby league team had lower body neuromuscular fatigue, perceptual wellbeing, and blood creatine kinase (CK) assessed over an intensified competition. Global positioning system units measured match activity profiles and rating of perceived exertion-assessed internal loads. Players were divided into high- and low-fitness groups across the two standards based on Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance.

Results

Playing intensity increased with playing standard and fitness levels (high-standard = 92 ± 6 m·min⁻¹ vs. 88 ± 6 m·min⁻¹; low-standard = 88 ± 2 m·min⁻¹ vs. 83 ± 6 m·min⁻¹). Despite greater internal and external loads, high-fitness players showed smaller reductions in lower body power (high-standard effect size [ES] = −0.74; low-standard ES = −0.41). High-standard players had smaller increases in blood CK (77% ± 94% vs. 113% ± 81%; ES = −0.41), primarily due to very small increases in the high-fitness group (50% ± 45%).

Conclusions

Increased fitness leads to greater internal and external workloads during intensified competition, smaller increases in blood CK, and less neuromuscular fatigue. Maximising player fitness should be a primary goal of coaches in order to increase match workloads and reduce post-match fatigue during intensified competition.

Key Points

Increased physical fitness results in greater relative and absolute match workloads.

Increased physical fitness results in less fatigue and muscle damage during an intensified competition.

Coaching staff should aim to maximise physical fitness in order to optimise match performance and reduce player fatigue.