Endometriosis and physical activity: A narrative review

Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder that affects many women. Constant treatments and contraception changes affect women looking for solutions to treat and limit the problems caused by endometriosis. The current narrative review discusses the effects of physical activity on the management, pain, and quality of life in patients with endometriosis. Findings suggest that body awareness practices such as Hatha yoga, the Jacobson method, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce pain and stress and improve the quality of life associated with endometriosis. It also highlights the current knowledge gap on available evidence and future research. Moreover, care must be taken when considering patients' physical abilities and goals and avoiding intense physical activities. The forms of endometriosis and its symptoms vary from one woman to another, so it is important to perform studies with various nonmedicinal or surgical techniques. It is important to continue randomized controlled trials to obtain more data on the benefits of physical activity in women with endometriosis and also to identify what types of activities could be beneficial to combat pain symptoms and improve the daily lives of women with endometriosis.

Yoga in the Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Sequelae: A Non-Inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Stroke survivors can experience various consequences that affect their physical and psychological balance. Yoga seems to be relevant for this population as it allows to work on both the body and the mind. The first objective of this study was to investigate the non-inferiority of yoga compared with conventional physical activity in improving physical function in patients with chronic post-stroke sequelae. The secondary objective was to investigate the superiority of yoga in improving the mental health of these patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-six patients were randomized into two groups to practice a yoga program (YOG'AVC) or the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program. Patients were assessed in a blinding mode pre- (T0) and post-program (T1) and 3-4 months after completion (T2). The physical assessments were the Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test, 6-minute walk test, and quadriceps strength measured by hand-held dynamometer. Questionnaire assessments were: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale-Simplified, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck's Depression Inventory, and the Reintegration to Normal Living Index. Results: The YOG'AVC program was not inferior to the FAME program in improving balance, functional mobility and muscle strength. Both groups showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) between T0 and T1 in their anxiety, depression, and reintegration to normal life scores, with no significant difference between groups. Discussion: Both programs seem to be valuable in improving the physical abilities and psychological well-being of chronic post-stroke patients. However, further studies are required to confirm the difference between these programs.

Psychometric validation of the French Multidimensional Chronic Asthenia Scale (MCAS) in a sample of 621 patients with chronic fatigue

BACKGROUND

Psychometric validation of the Multidimensional Chronic Asthenia Scale (MCAS) was conducted in order to provide an effective tool for assessing the health-related quality of life of French-speaking patients with chronic asthenia (CA).

METHODS

Items resulting from the initial formulation of the self-reported MCAS (along with other materials) were completed by French-speaking volunteers with inactive or active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-I vs. IBD-A) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Responses from 621 participants (180 patients with IBD-A, 172 with IBD-I, 269 with CFS) collected in a single online survey were divided into three subsamples to test the construct validity of the MCAS (Step 1, N = 240), to confirm its factorial structure (Step 2, N = 204) and to explore its convergent-discriminant validity with the Fatigue Symptoms Inventory (FSI) and revised Piper Fatigue Scale (r-PFS, Step 3, N = 177).

RESULTS

Steps 1 and 2 showed that, as expected, MCAS has four dimensions: feeling of constraint (FoC), physical (PC), life (LC) and interpersonal consequences (IC), which are also related to the duration of CA (i.e., the longer it lasts, the more the dimensions are impacted). The results further showed that the MCAS is sensitive enough to capture between-group differences, with the CFS group being the most impaired, followed by IBD-A and IBD-I. While convergent-discriminant validity between the 4 factors of MCAS and FSI and r-PFS, respectively, was satisfactory overall, Step 3 also pointed to some limitations that call for future research (e.g., shared variances between the PC and IC dimensions of MCAS and behavioral dimension of r-PFS).

CONCLUSION

Despite these limitations, the MCAS clearly constitutes a promising tool for measuring quantitative differences (i.e., severity/intensity) in CA associated with various diseases, but also, and importantly, the clinically important differences in domains of its expression (i.e., qualitative differences).

Kinematic, electromyographic and isokinetic measurements for the management of shoulder subacromial pain syndrome: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Subacromial shoulder pain syndrome is a very common and challenging musculoskeletal disorder. Kinematics, electromyographic muscle activity and isokinetic dynamometry are promising non-invasive movement analysis tools to improve understanding of this condition. No review has combined their results to provide a better understanding of the effects of subacromial pain syndrome on shoulder movement. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the associations between exposure to shoulder pain due to subacromial pain syndromes or subacromial impingement and changes in shoulder movement measures.

METHODS

The databases were Scholar google, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. We included studies that observed the association of the presence of subacromial pain syndromes or subacromial impingement with changes in shoulder motion measures.

FINDINGS

Seventeen studies with 943 participants were included. The main kinematic change was a lower scapular posterior during abduction in the subacromial pain syndrome group with a "low" level of evidence (standardised mean difference = -0.61, 95% confidence interval [-0.80; -0.43]). The main electromyographic change was an earlier onset of activation of the upper trapezius in the subacromial pain syndrome group, with a "moderate" level of evidence (standardised mean difference = 1.01, 95% confidence interval: [-2.97; 0.96]). The main isokinetic change was a lower peak internal rotator torque in the subacromial pain syndrome group, with a 'low' level of evidence (standardised mean difference = -0.41, 95% confidence interval: [-0.53; -0.29]).

INTERPRETATION

The variables measured during movement are associated with subacromial pain syndrome or subacromial impingement syndrome. Consistency between the results supports the importance of scapula biomechanics measurements in these conditions.

Association between ACTN3 R577X genotype and risk of non-contact injury in trained athletes: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review, systematically, evidence concerning the link between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the rates and severity of non-contact injuries and exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes and individuals enrolled in exercise training programs.

METHODS

A computerized literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, from inception until November 2020. All included studies compared the epidemiological characteristics of non-contact injury between the different genotypes of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism.

RESULTS

Our search identified 492 records. After the screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, 13 studies examining the association between the ACTN3 genotypes and the rate and severity of non-contact injury were included in the analysis. These studies were performed in 6 different countries (Spain, Japan, Brazil, China, the Republic of Korea, and Italy) and involved a total participant pool of 1093 participants. Of the studies, 2 studies involved only women, 5 studies involved only men, and 6 studies involved both men and women. All the studies included were classified as high-quality studies (≥6 points in the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale score). Overall, evidence suggests there is an association between the ACTN3 R577X genotype and non-contact injury in 12 investigations. Six studies observed a significant association between ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and exercise induced muscle damage: 2 with non-contact ankle injury, 3 with non-contact muscle injury, and 1 with overall non-contact injury.

CONCLUSION

The present findings support the premise that possessing the ACTN3 XX genotype may predispose athletes to a higher probability of some non-contact injuries, such as muscle injury, ankle sprains, and higher levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Solutions to the Physical Fitness Challenge

In 2022, the FIFA World Cup has been scheduled to take place in Qatar in November and December, months which coincide with the in-season period of the European soccer season. This will be challenging for the staff of the participating national teams and the domestic clubs to which participating players are attached. The aim of this letter to the editor is to propose solutions on how to manage the associated challenges. Regular training and competition over the course of a season in European professional soccer is generally characterized by a pre-competition preparation period of five to six weeks, followed by two competition phases, interspersed with a winter break (Eliakim et al., 2018). Certain leagues such as the English Premier League do not typically have a winter break meaning that games are played almost continuously across the season. During World Cup years, there is usually an average of four to five weeks between the end of national domestic championships and the start of the World Cup tournament (Table 1, Figure 1) which traditionally takes place during the off-season period. However, in 2022, the FIFA World Cup has been scheduled to take place in November and December, months which coincide with the in-season period of the European soccer season (Figure 1). With the World Cup being staged during this part of the season, many national team players (notably those in the major European Leagues) will have just one week of preparation between the last match of their domestic leagues and the start of the World Cup tournament (November 20th, 2022). More precisely, the major European soccer leagues will interrupt match schedules between November 9th and 13th with differences in the number of games completed at this time of the season ranging from 14 to 17 across the various leagues (Table 2). The physical and mental demands placed on modern professional players have steadily risen over recent years due to an increase in the number of matches played during congested periods across the season (Anderson et al., 2016). Since the number of matches is not evenly distributed across the typical 40-week season, players can often compete in as many as three matches in a seven-day period. Aside from the physical and mental demands that are imposed during a match, players might experience insufficient recovery between these games; in part due to extensive travelling which can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle (Lastella et al., 2019). Indeed, poor quality of sleep and the stress induced by a match can negatively affect physical fitness and may even increase the risk of sustaining injuries and/or infections (Clemente et al., 2021) in the period leading up to the World Cup. National teams are composed of players from different leagues who have varying levels of exposure to match-play (e.g., starters, non-starters) in terms of the average weekly volume of soccer matches at their clubs (“Rapports - Observatoire du football CIES”). Moreover, both starters and non-starters are exposed to different external match and training loads (Anderson et al., 2016). External loads have previously been defined as the overall volume of activity that a player performs during both training sessions and matches (Ravé et al., 2020). There is evidence that this metric correlates with a player’s physical fitness status (Clemente et al., 2019) and their injury risk (Malone et al., 2017). Accordingly, it will be challenging for national teams to manage the fitness of players such that they are physically ready to play at the World Cup tournament. This is especially applicable to individuals who play in the major European leagues and we note a significant contrast between European match schedules and those on other continents. For example, in Major League Soccer (MLS) in North America, match schedules will be interrupted from November 5th, 15 days before the World Cup tournament begins. Similarly, in the Japanese J-League in Asia, Saudi Pro League and Qatar Star League, matches will be interrupted one month before the World Cup tournament begins, leaving more time for players on these continents to prepare. It is also important to note that the French, Spanish and English domestic championships will resume their match schedules on December 27th which is just ten days after the end of the World Cup (Figure 1). Clubs will clearly want their players to return uninjured and with sufficient fitness levels to resume domestic competition but these goals could be compromised by the aforementioned scheduling of the World Cup tournament.

Effects of Exercise Training on Anabolic and Catabolic Hormones with Advanced Age: A Systematic Review

Background

Ageing is accompanied by decreases in physical capacity and physiological regulatory mechanisms including altered hormonal regulation compared with age-matched sedentary people. The potential benefits of exercise in restoring such altered hormone production and secretion compared to age-matched physically inactive individuals who are ageing remains unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the findings of exercise training in modulating levels of ostensibly anabolic and catabolic hormones in adults aged > 40 years.

Methods

We searched the following electronic databases (to July 2021) without a period limit: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search for published studies in Google Scholar was conducted for analysis of the ‘grey literature’ (information produced outside of traditional commercial or academic publishing and distribution channels). The initial search used the terms ‘ageing’ OR ‘advanced age’ OR ‘old people’ OR ‘older’ OR elderly’ AND ‘anabolic hormones’ OR ‘catabolic hormones’ OR ‘steroid hormones’ OR ‘sex hormones’ OR ‘testosterone’ OR ‘cortisol’ OR ‘insulin’ OR ‘insulin-like growth factor-1’ OR ‘IGF-1’ OR ‘sex hormone-binding globulin’ OR ‘SHBG’ OR ‘growth hormone’ OR ‘hGH’ OR ‘dehydroepiandrosterone’ OR ‘DHEA’ OR ‘dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)’ AND ‘exercise training’ OR ‘endurance training’ OR ‘resistance training’ OR ‘ strength training’ OR ‘weight-lifting’ OR ‘high-intensity interval training’ OR ‘high-intensity interval exercise’ OR ‘high-intensity intermittent training’ OR ‘high-intensity intermittent exercise’ OR ‘interval aerobic training’ OR ‘interval aerobic exercise’ OR ‘intermittent aerobic training’ OR ‘intermittent aerobic exercise’ OR ‘high-intensity training’ OR ‘high-intensity exercise’ OR ‘sprint interval training’ OR ‘sprint interval exercise’ OR ‘combined exercise training’ OR ‘anaerobic training’. Only eligible full texts in English or French were considered for analysis.

Results

Our search identified 484 records, which led to 33 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Different exercise training programs were used with nine studies using endurance training programs, ten studies examining the effects of high-intensity interval training, and 14 studies investigating the effects of resistance training. Most training programs lasted ≥ 2 weeks. Studies, regardless of the design, duration or intensity of exercise training, reported increases in testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), human growth hormone (hGH) or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (effect size: 0.19 < d < 3.37, small to very large) in both older males and females. However, there was no consensus on the effects of exercise on changes in cortisol and insulin in older adults.

Conclusion

In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that exercise training increases basal levels of testosterone, IGF-1, SHBG, hGH and DHEA in both male and females over 40 years of age. The increases in blood levels of these hormones were independent of the mode, duration and intensity of the training programs. However, the effects of long-term exercise training on cortisol and insulin levels in elderly people are less clear.

Effects of Orthotic Insoles on Gait Kinematics and Low-Back Pain in Patients with Mild Leg Length Discrepancy

BACKGROUND

Mild leg length discrepancy increases biomechanical asymmetry during gait, which leads to low-back pain. Orthotic insoles with a directly integrated heel lift were used to reduce this asymmetry and thus the associated low-back pain. The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical adaptations of the locomotor apparatus during gait and the subjective pain ratings before and after the establishment of orthotic insole use.

METHODS

Eight patients with mild leg length discrepancy (≤2.0 cm) underwent three-dimensional biomechanical analysis while walking before and after 3 weeks of orthotic insole use. Low-back pain was assessed separately before both measurement sessions using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Analysis of the kinematic parameters highlighted individual adaptations. The symmetry index of Dingwell indicated that orthotic insoles had no significant effect on the kinematic gait parameters and an unpredictable effect across patients. Orthotic insole use significantly and systematically (in all of the patients) reduced low-back pain (P < .05), which was correlated with changes in ankle kinematics (P = .02, r = 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of orthotic insoles on gait symmetry are unpredictable and specific to each patient's individual manner of biomechanical compensation. The reduction in low-back pain seems to be associated with the improved ankle kinematics during gait.

Walking exercise and lower-body blood flow restriction: Effects on systemic inflammation, lipid profiles and hematological indices in overweight middle-aged males

The objective of present study is to investigate the effects of walk training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR and no-BFR) on lipid profiles, inflammatory and haematological factors in over-weighed men. Participants were divided into BFR (n = 9) or no-BFR (n = 9) groups. Both groups were exposed to 8-week walk training on a treadmill: 3 sessions/week at a speed of 50 m/min, 5 sets × 2 min/session. There were differences in pre- to post-levels of (TG) and fibrinogen in the BFR group (p ≤ 0.05) that were accompanied by changes in red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB) and haematocrit (HCT) levels (p ≤ 0.05). RBC levels were increased in the BFR group (p ≤ 0.05). The groups differed in their mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). These findings suggest the efficiency of BFR walk training in individuals exposed to chronic diseases associated with overweight, such as metabolic syndrome.

Cold Water Immersion After a Handball Training Session: The Relationship Between Physical Data and Sensorial Experience

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the physiological data from subjects and their reported sensory experiences during two types of recovery methods following a handball training session. Female handball players (average age: 21.4 ± 1.3 years; weight: 59.2 ± 3.3 kg; height: 158 ± 3 cm; body mass index, 23.4 ± 2.0 kg.m⁻²) carried out an athletic training session (rating of perceived exertion RPE: 14.70 ± 0.89) with either a passive recovery (PR) period or cold water immersion (CWI) for 14 min) (cross-over design). Physiological data were collected during the recovery period: CWI had a greater effect than PR on heart rate (HR; bpm), the higher frequencies (HF) of heart rate variability (HRV: 46.44 ± 21.50 vs. 24.12 ± 17.62), delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS: 1.37 ± 0.51 vs. 2.12 ± 1.25), and various reported emotional sensations. Spectrum HRV analysis showed a significant increase in HF during CWI. Sensorial experiences during the recovery periods were gathered from verbatim reports 24 h later. Players' comments about CWI revealed a congruence between the physiological data and sensorial reports. They used words such as: “thermal shock,” “regeneration,” “resourcefulness,” “dynamism,” and “disappearance of pain” to describe their sensations. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the link between physiological and experiential data during CWI and we propose that action of the parasympathetic system on the autonomic nervous system can, at least in part, explain the observed correlations between the corporeal data measured and the sensorial experiences reported.

Sprint and jump performances in highly trained young soccer players of different chronological age: Effects of linear VS. CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION sprint training

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of two different sprint-training regimes on sprint and jump performances according to age in elite young male soccer players over the course of one soccer season.

Methods

Players were randomly assigned to two training groups. Group 1 performed systematic change-of-direction sprints (CODST, U19 [n = 9], U17 [n = 9], U15 [n = 10]) while group 2 conducted systematic linear sprints (LST, U19 [n = 9], U17 [n = 9], U15 [n = 9]). Training volumes were similar between groups (40 sprints per week x 30 weeks = 1200 sprints per season). Pre and post training, all players performed tests for the assessment of linear and slalom sprint speed (5-m and 10-m), countermovement jump, and maximal aerobic speed performance.

Results

For all physical fitness measures, the baseline-adjusted means data (ANCOVA) across the age groups showed no significant differences between LST and CODST at post (0.061 < p < 0.995; 0.0017 < d < 1.01). The analyses of baseline-adjusted means for all physical fitness measures for U15, U17, and U19 (LST vs. CODST) revealed no significant differences between LST and CODST for U15 (0.213 < p < 0.917; 0.001 < d < 0.087), U17 (0.132 < p < 0.976; 0.001 < d < 0.310), and U19 (0.300 < p < 0.999; 0.001 < d < 0.049) at post.

Conclusions

The results from this study showed that both, LST and CODST induced significant changes in the sprint, lower limbs power, and aerobic performances in young elite soccer players. Since no significant differences were observed between LST and CODST, the observed changes are most likely due to training and/or maturation. Therefore, more research is needed to elucidate whether CODST, LST or a combination of both is beneficial for youth soccer athletes' performance development.

Six weeks of localized heat therapy does not affect muscle mass, strength and contractile properties in healthy active humans

PURPOSE

Animal and human studies have shown that repeated heating may induce skeletal muscle adaptations, increasing muscle strength. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of localized heating on skeletal muscle strength, volume and contractile properties in healthy humans.

METHODS

Fifteen active participants (8 males/7 females, 35 ± 6 years, 70 ± 14 kg, 173 ± 7 cm, average training of 87 min per week) were subjected to 6 weeks of single-leg heat therapy. Heat pads were applied for 8 h/day, 5 days/week, on one randomly selected calf of each participant, while the contralateral leg acted as control. The heat pads increased muscle temperature by 4.6 ± 1.2 °C (p < 0.001). Every 2 weeks, participants were tested for morphological (MRI), architectural (ultrasound), contractile (electrically evoked twitch), and force (isometric and isokinetic) adaptations.

RESULTS

Repeated localized heating did not affect the cross-sectional area (p = 0.873) or pennation angle (p = 0.345) of the gastrocnemius muscles; did not change the evoked peak twitch amplitude (p = 0.574) or rate of torque development (p = 0.770) of the plantar flexors; and did not change maximal voluntary isometric (p = 0.214) or isokinetic (p = 0.973) plantar flexor torque.

CONCLUSION

Whereas previous studies have observed improved skeletal muscle function following whole-body and localized heating in active and immobilized humans, respectively, the current data suggested that localized heating may not be a potent stimulus for muscle adaptations in active humans.

The biomechanical effects of pronated foot function on gait. An experimental study

The relationship between foot kinematics and the development of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) has been the focus of recent attention. However, most studies evaluated static foot type and not dynamic foot function. The purpose was to compare lower limb and foot kinematics, and plantar pressures during gait in physically active individuals with pronated and non-pronated foot function. Foot function in 154 adult participants was documented as pronated (n = 63) or neutral (n = 91) using 2 established methods: The Foot Posture Index and the Center of Pressure Excursion Index. Difference between the groups in triplanar motion of the lower limb during barefoot gait was evaluated using a 3D motion capture system incorporating the Oxford Foot Model. Dynamic parameters of plantar pressure were recorded using a pressure platform. Anterior-posterior pelvic tilt range of motion (ROM), peak knee internal rotation, forefoot dorsiflexion ROM, peak forefoot abduction, and rearfoot eversion were all increased in those with pronated foot function. Hallux contact time and time to peak force under the medial forefoot were increased with pronated foot function, and maximal force under the lateral forefoot was reduced. Pronated foot function affected the whole lower limb kinematic chain during gait. These kinematic alterations could increase the risk of developing MSD. Further studies should elucidate the relationship between pronated foot function and MSD, and, if confirmed, foot function should be evaluated in clinical practice for patients with lower limb and low back pain.

Planning Training Workload in Football Using Small-Sided Games' Density

Sangnier, S, Cotte, T, Brachet, O, Coquart, J, and Tourny, C. Planning training workload in football using small-sided games density. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2801-2811, 2019-To develop the physical qualities, the small-sided games' (SSGs) density may be essential in soccer. Small-sided games are games in which the pitch size, players' number, and rules are different to those for traditional soccer matches. The purpose was to assess the relation between training workload and SSGs' density. The 33 densities data (41 practice games and 3 full games) were analyzed through global positioning system (GPS) data collected from 25 professional soccer players (80.7 ± 7.0 kg; 1.83 ± 0.05 m; 26.4 ± 4.9 years). From total distance, distance metabolic power, sprint distance, and acceleration distance, the data GPS were divided into 4 categories: endurance, power, speed, and strength. Statistical analysis compared the relation between GPS values and SSGs' densities, and 3 methods were applied to assess models (R-squared, root-mean-square error, and Akaike information criterion). The results suggest that all the GPS data match the player's essential athletic skills. They were all correlated with the game's density. Acceleration distance, deceleration distance, metabolic power, and total distance followed a logarithmic regression model, whereas distance and number of sprints follow a linear regression model. The research reveals options to monitor the training workload. Coaches could anticipate the load resulting from the SSGs and adjust the field size to the players' number. Taking into account the field size during SSGs enables coaches to target the most favorable density for developing expected physical qualities. Calibrating intensity during SSGs would allow coaches to assess each athletic skill in the same conditions of intensity as in the competition.

Cold Water Immersion Enhanced Athletes' Wellness and 10-m Short Sprint Performance 24-h After a Simulated Mixed Martial Arts Combat

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of Cold Water Immersion (CWI) on the recovery of physical performance, hematological stress markers and perceived wellness (i.e., Hooper scores) following a simulated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition.

Methods: Participants completed two experimental sessions in a counter-balanced order (CWI or passive recovery for control condition: CON), after a simulated MMAs competition (3 × 5-min MMA rounds separated by 1-min of passive rest). During CWI, athletes were required to submerge their bodies, except the trunk, neck and head, in the seated position in a temperature-controlled bath (∼10°C) for 15-min. During CON, athletes were required to be in a seated position for 15-min in same room ambient temperature. Venous blood samples (creatine kinase, cortisol, and testosterone concentrations) were collected at rest (PRE-EX, i.e., before MMAs), immediately following MMAs (POST-EX), immediately following recovery (POST-R) and 24 h post MMAs (POST-24), whilst physical fitness (squat jump, countermovement-jump and 5- and 10-m sprints) and perceptual measures (well-being Hooper index: fatigue, stress, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and sleep) were collected at PRE-EX, POST-R and POST-24, and at PRE-EX and POST-24, respectively.

Results: The main results indicate that POST-R sprint (5- and 10-m) performances were ‘likely to very likely’ (d = 0.64 and 0.65) impaired by prior CWI. However, moderate improvements were in 10-m sprint performance were ‘likely’ evident at POST-24 after CWI compared with CON (d = 0.53). Additionally, the use of CWI ‘almost certainly’ resulted in a large overall improvement in Hooper scores (d = 1.93). Specifically, CWI ‘almost certainly’ resulted in improved sleep quality (d = 1.36), stress (d = 1.56) and perceived fatigue (d = 1.51), and ‘likely’ resulted in a moderate decrease in DOMS (d = 0.60).

Conclusion: The use of CWI resulted in an enhanced recovery of 10-m sprint performance, as well as improved perceived wellness 24-h following simulated MMA competition.

Benefits of a regular vs irregular rhythm-based training programme on physical fitness and motor skills in obese girls

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study was to examine the impact of a physical exercise programme including rhythmic elements (regular and irregular tempos) on physiological variables, motor skills (MS), and jump performances in obese girls.

METHODS

Thirty-six obese girls (age: 10.4 ± 0.9 years, body mass: 58.7 ± 4.0 kg, height: 1.37 ± 0.04 m, body mass index: 31.2 ± 2.1) participated in three weekly physical exercise sessions for 6 weeks, with each session consisting of basic fundamental locomotor movements. The participants were divided into two groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). CG performed the exercise in a quiet setting (i.e., without rhythmic accompaniment), whereas regular and irregular rhythmic accompaniments were prescribed in EG. The physical exercise programme included three sessions per week for 6 weeks. Each session was composed of three parts: 15 min of warm-up, followed by 40 min of exercises based on basic locomotor movements (i.e., running, hopping, skipping, jumping, leaping, sliding, galloping, throwing, catching, kicking, dribbling, and striking) and then 5 min of stretching. Each exercise was demonstrated by the teacher. Before and after the intervention period, cardiovascular measures (i.e., resting blood pressures, recovery for heart rate and systolic blood pressure, and recovery rate-pressure product) were made and five MS (i.e., running, hopping, leaping, jumping and dribbling) were evaluated in two conditions (i.e., during exercise with regular and irregular tempos). Moreover, performances on vertical jump tests (squat and countermovement jump tests) were measured.

RESULTS

EG exhibited greater improvement in MS with a regular tempo (and sometimes an irregular tempo), cardiovascular components, and jump performances.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that physical exercise at various tempos is useful for improving physical fitness, developing MS, and thus probably preventing obesity complications.

Submaximal, Perceptually Regulated Exercise Testing Predicts Maximal Oxygen Uptake: A Meta-Analysis Study

BACKGROUND

Recently, several authors have proposed the use of a submaximal 'perceptually regulated exercise test' (PRET) to predict maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]). The PRET involves asking the individual to self-regulate a series of short bouts of exercise corresponding to pre-set ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The individual linear relationship between RPE and oxygen uptake (RPE:[Formula: see text]) is then extrapolated to the [Formula: see text], which corresponds to the theoretical maximal RPE (RPE20). Studies suggest that prediction accuracy from this method may be better improved during a second PRET. Similarly, some authors have recommended an extrapolation to RPE19 rather than RPE20.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the meta-analysis was to examine the validity of the method of predicting [Formula: see text] from the RPE:[Formula: see text] during a PRET, and to determine the level of agreement and accuracy of predicting [Formula: see text] from an initial PRET and retest using RPE19 and RPE20.

DATA SOURCES

From a systematic search of the literature, 512 research articles were identified.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The eligible manuscripts were those which used the relationship between the RPE≤15 and [Formula: see text], and used only the Borg's RPE scale.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Ten studies (n = 274 individuals) were included.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

For each study, actual and predicted [Formula: see text] from four subgroup outcomes (RPE19 in the initial test, RPE19 in the retest, RPE20 in the initial test, RPE20 in the retest) were identified, and then compared. The magnitude of the difference regardless of subgroup outcomes was examined to determine if it is better to predict [Formula: see text] from extrapolation to RPE19 or RPE20. The magnitude of differences was examined for the best PRET (test vs retest).

RESULTS

The results revealed that [Formula: see text] may be predicted from RPE:[Formula: see text] during PRET in different populations and in various PRET modalities, regardless of the subgroup outcomes. To obtain greater accuracy of predictions, extrapolation to RPE20 during a retest may be recommended.

LIMITATIONS

The included studies reported poor selection bias and data collection methods.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS

The [Formula: see text] may be predicted from RPE:[Formula: see text] during PRET, especially when [Formula: see text] is extrapolated to RPE20 during a second PRET.

Impact of a walking program of 10,000 steps per day and dietary counseling on health-related quality of life, energy expenditure and anthropometric parameters in obese subjects

PURPOSE

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the impact of a physical activity program of walking 10,000 steps per day along with monthly dietary counseling on the body composition, biological parameters, resting energy expenditure (REE) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of obese individuals.

METHODS

Thirty-five obese adults (26 women; age: 39.2 ± 13.4 years, body mass, BM: 104.1 ± 18.7 kg and body mass index, BMI: 38.3 ± 6.6 kg m^-2) followed a walking program (instructions were provided so that the participants increase their walking distance by 1000 steps each week, until to perform at least 10,000 steps per day) and received qualitative dietary advice (cookbook presenting numerous recipes with low calories and dietary advices was provided) for 6 months. Before and after the intervention, anthropometric (BM, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, fat mass: FM and lean body mass: LBM) and biological data (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride and glucose concentrations), REE and HRQoL (including eight dimensions and two summaries) were assessed.

RESULTS

After the intervention, BM (difference: 3.8 kg or 3.7 %), BMI (difference: 1.4 kg m^-2 or 3.7 %), hip circumference (difference: 4.6 cm or 4.3 %), FM in kg (difference: 4.0 kg or 8.9 %) and FM in percentage of BM (difference: 1.6 kg or 6.1 %) were significantly decreased, whereas number of steps (difference: 7579 steps or 135 %), LBM in percentage of BM (difference: 2.6 kg or 4.5 %) and REE (difference: 78 kcal d^-1 or 4.8 %) were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, two HRQoL subdimension scores (physical functioning and physical component summary; increase by 15.3 and 4.6, respectively, p < 0.05) and anxiety (reduction by 1.2, p < 0.05) were also significantly improved. Conversely, the biological data showed no significant change (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Walking 10,000 steps per day in association with dietary counseling improved anthropometric data, REE, the physical domains of HRQoL and anxiety in obese adults.

Human Energy Expenditure and Postural Coordination on the Mechanical Horse

The authors investigated and compared the energy expenditure and postural coordination of two groups of healthy subjects on a mechanical horse at 4 increasing oscillation frequencies. Energy expenditure was assessed from the oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, and heart rate values, and postural coordination was characterized by relative phase computations between subjects (elbow, head, trunk) and horse. The results showed that the postural coordination of the riders was better adapted (i.e., maintenance of in-phase and antiphase) than that of the nonriders, but the energy expenditure remains the same. Likewise, we observed an energy system shifting only for nonriders (from aerobic to lactic anaerobic mode). Finally, cross-correlations showed a link between energy expenditure and postural coordination in the riders (i.e., effectiveness).

A specific prediction equation is necessary to estimate peak oxygen uptake in obese patients with metabolic syndrome

PURPOSE

The aims were to: (1) compare peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]peak) predicted from four standard equations to actual [Formula: see text]peak measured from a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in obese patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and (2) develop a new equation to accurately estimate [Formula: see text]peak in obese women with MetS.

METHODS

Seventy-five obese patients with MetS performed a CPET. Anthropometric data were also collected for each participant. [Formula: see text]peak was predicted from four prediction equations (from Riddle et al., Hansen et al., Wasserman et al. or Gläser et al.) and then compared with the actual [Formula: see text]peak measured during the CPET. The accuracy of the predictions was determined with the Bland-Altman method. When accuracy was low, a new prediction equation including anthropometric variables was proposed.

RESULTS

[Formula: see text]peak predicted from the equation of Wasserman et al. was not significantly different from actual [Formula: see text]peak in women. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the predicted and actual values (p < 0.001, r = 0.69). In men, no significant difference was noted between actual [Formula: see text]peak and [Formula: see text]peak predicted from the prediction equation of Gläser et al., and these two values were also correlated (p = 0.03, r = 0.44). However, the LoA95% was wide, whatever the prediction equation or gender. Regression analysis suggested a new prediction equation derived from age and height for obese women with MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

The methods of Wasserman et al. and Gläser et al. are valid to predict [Formula: see text]peak in obese women and men with MetS, respectively. However, the accuracy of the predictions was low for both methods. Consequently, a new prediction equation including age and height was developed for obese women with MetS. However, new prediction equation remains to develop in obese men with MetS.

Return to Sport Among French Alpine Skiers After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Results From 1980 to 2013

BACKGROUND

There is little known about return to sport and performance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in high-level alpine skiers.

PURPOSE

To analyze the parameters that influence the return to sport and performance after an ACL tear in French alpine skiers from 1980 to 2013.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

The study population included 239 male and 238 female skiers who competed on the national French alpine ski team for at least 1 season between 1980 and 2013 in the speed (downhill and super-G) and technical disciplines (giant slalom and slalom). Two groups were formed: group 1 (G1) included athletes who had sustained an ACL rupture, and group 2 (G2) included athletes who had never sustained an ACL rupture. Three performance indicators were selected: International Ski Federation (FIS) points calculation, FIS ranking, and podium finishes in the World Cup, World Championships, and Olympic Games.

RESULTS

The first-decile FIS points and international FIS ranking showed that G1 skiers obtained better performance than did G2 skiers. The mean ± SD career length of G1 skiers (men, 7.9 ± 4.7 years; women, 7.1 ± 4.1 years) was longer than that of G2 skiers (men, 4.5 ± 3.3 years; women, 4.2 ± 3.5 years). In addition, 12.8% (61 of 477) of the skiers achieved at least a podium finish during their careers: 23.0% (34 of 148) in G1 and 8.3% (27 of 329) in G2. The mean age at ACL rupture was 22.6 ± 4.1 years for men and 19.9 ± 3.5 years for women. In G1, 55 podiums were achieved before ACL rupture and 176 after in all competitions. Skiers who improved their performances after ACL rupture were significantly younger (men, 22.2 ± 3.0 years; women, 18.7 ± 2.2 years; P < .0001) at the time of injury than those showing a performance deterioration after ACL rupture (men, 25.3 ± 4.2 years; women, 22.4 ± 4.0 years). All skiers who had ACL tears continued their competitive careers after the injury.

CONCLUSION

The overall results showed that it is possible to return to preinjury or even higher levels of performance after an ACL rupture and that age is the main element that guides postsurgical recovery.

Correlation of gas exchange threshold and first muscle oxyhemoglobin inflection point with time-to-exhaustion during heavy-intensity exercise

BACKGROUND

The twofold aim of the study was to: 1) compare the gas exchange threshold (GET), the first oxyhemoglobin inflection point ([O2Hb]-T), and perceptual threshold as determined during an incremental exercise test, and 2) investigate the link between each threshold and time-to-exhaustion during heavy intensity exercise.

METHODS

Fourteen competitive cyclists performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion on a cycloergometer to determine the different thresholds and peak workload (Wpeak). The participants then performed a sub-maximal constant workload test (90% Wpeak) to exhaustion to determine time-to-exhaustion. The thresholds were identified from: 1) the first breakpoint in the oxygen uptake vs. carbon dioxide output curve (GET), 2) the [O2Hb]-T, and 3) a rating of 13 in perceived exertion (perceptual threshold: RPE13-T).

RESULTS

Oxygen uptake at the different thresholds was not significantly different (P>0.05). Moreover, GET and [O2Hb]-T were significantly correlated: 1) to each other (r≥0.79; P≤0.001), and 2) to time-to-exhaustion (r=0.81 and r=0.72, respectively; P<0.01). RPE13-T, however, was not significantly correlated with the time-to-exhaustion (P=0.148).

CONCLUSIONS

The anaerobic threshold as identified from GET was concomitant to [O2Hb]-T. Both thresholds were correlated to time-to-exhaustion, and could therefore be used as a performance index in middle-duration events.

Validity and reliability of the session-RPE method for quantifying training load in karate athletes

AIM

To test the construct validity and reliability of the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method by examining the relationship between RPE and physiological parameters (heart rate: HR and blood lactate concentration: [La --] ) and the correlations between sRPE and two HR--based methods for quantifying internal training load (Banister's method and Edwards's method) during karate training camp.

METHODS

Eighteen elite karate athletes: ten men (age: 24.2 ± 2.3 y, body mass: 71.2 ± 9.0 kg, body fat: 8.2 ± 1.3% and height: 178 ± 7 cm) and eight women (age: 22.6 ± 1.2 y, body mass: 59.8 ± 8.4 kg, body fat: 20.2 ± 4.4%, height: 169 ± 4 cm) were included in the study. During training camp, subjects participated in eight karate--training sessions including three training modes (4 tactical--technical, 2 technical--development, and 2 randori training), during which RPE, HR, and [La -- ] were recorded.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were found between RPE and physiological parameters (percentage of maximal HR: r = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.64--0.86; [La --] : r = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.49--0.75; P < 0.001). Moreover, individual sRPE was significantly correlated with two HR--based methods for quantifying internal training load ( r = 0.65--0.95; P < 0.001). The sRPE method showed the high reliability of the same intensity across training sessions (Cronbach's α = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.61--0.92).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the sRPE method is valid for quantifying internal training load and intensity in karate.

Epidemiologic study of young soccer player's injuries in U12 to U20

AIM

The aim of this study was an epidemiological report of the injuries to young soccer players from pretraining centres (12 to 15 years: U12-U15) and training centres (16 to 20 years: U16-U20).

METHOD

Over 3 years, 618 injuries were analysed, concerning an average of 137 players per season (66 and 71 players in U12-U15 and U16-U20, respectively). The injuries were diagnosed by a physician. Numerous injury-related information were documented: player, player's age category, date of the injury, site of the injury, injured side, type of injury, circumstances: training vs. match and contact vs non-contact, number of days of play missed, severity, and player's position.

RESULTS

The injury rate was higher in matches than in training sessions. Non-contact injuries accounted for 77.0% of the injuries for U12-U15 and 65.6% for U16-U20. The injuries were mainly to the thigh and hip in pretraining players (23.3% and 19.0%, respectively), and to the thigh and ankle in training players (32.1% and 20.3%, respectively). Contact injuries occurred more frequently during matches, presumably because of the higher intensity of play. The analysis of match injuries by position indicated that for U12-U15, during the matches, lateral defenders were injured most often: 30.4%. For U16-U20, axial midfielders and axial defenders were most subject to injuries during the matches (26.6% and 23.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results may help to improve the programming of training. Between the first and third seasons of this study, a decrease in injuries during both matches and training sessions: from 174 to 107 (decrease of 38.5%).

The influence of karate practice level and sex on physiological and perceptual responses in three modern karate training modalities

Objective

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of karate practice level (national vs international level) and sex (women vs men) on physiological and perceptual responses in three modern karate training modalities (tactical-technical (TT), technical-development (TD), and randori).

Method

The study included 18 karatekas participating in an eight-session training camp of four TT, two TD, and two randori. During each session, the percentage of maximal heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration [La^-], and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed.

Results

The main results showed that the percentage of maximal HR was significantly higher in women than in men regardless of practice level or training modality (70.3 ± 4.1 vs 66.2 ± 6.3, respectively). Moreover, [La^-] and RPE were significantly lower in international-level karatekas compared with their national-level counterparts whatever the sex or training modality ([La^-] = 11.4 ± 2.6 vs 8.3 ± 2.4 mmol · L^-1 and RPE = 3.6 ± 1.2 vs 4.3 ± 1.5, respectively). Last, physiological and perceptual responses were significantly higher during randori in comparison with TT and TD for both sexes.

Conclusion

The combination of [La^-] and RPE thus seems to be a good indicator for discriminating between national- and international-level karatekas, and randori seems to be an effective means to reproduce official karate sparring.

Hemodynamic adjustments during breath-holding in trained divers

PURPOSE

Voluntary breath-holding (BH) elicits several hemodynamic changes, but little is known about maximal static immersed-body BH. We hypothesized that the diving reflex would be strengthened with body immersion and would spare more oxygen than maximal dry static BH, resulting in a longer BH duration.

METHODS

Eleven trained breath-hold divers (BHDs) performed a maximal dry-body BH and a maximal immersed-body BH. Cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), contractility index (CTI), and ventricular ejection time (VET) were continuously recorded by bio-impedancemetry (PhysioFlow PF-05). Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) was assessed with a finger probe oximeter.

RESULTS

In both conditions, BHDs presented a bi-phasic kinetic for CO and a tri-phasic kinetic for SV and HR. In the first phase of immersed-body BH and dry-body BH, results (mean ± SD) expressed as percentage changes from starting values showed decreased CO (55.9 ± 10.4 vs. 39.3 ± 16.8 %, respectively; p < 0.01 between conditions), due to drops in both SV (24.9 ± 16.2 vs. 9.0 ± 8.5 %, respectively; p < 0.05 between conditions) and HR (39.7 ± 16.7 vs. 33.6 ± 17.0 %, respectively; p < 0.01 between conditions). The second phase was marked by an overall stabilization of hemodynamic variables. In the third one, CO kept stabilizing due to increased SV (17.0 ± 20.2 vs. 10.9 ± 13.8 %, respectively; p < 0.05 between conditions) associated with a second HR drop (14.0 ± 10.0 vs. 12.7 ± 8.9 %, respectively; p < 0.01 between conditions).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights similar time-course patterns for cardiodynamic variables during dry-body and immersed-body BH, although the phenomenon was more pronounced in the latter condition.

Nutritional status and physical fitness of elderly sportsmen

The nutritional status of elderly sportsmen has not been reported on, neither has the nutritional balance nor the precise relationship between nutritional status and physical fitness been detailed for this population. Thus, group of 18 sportsmen [age 63 (SD 4.5) years] was monitored by weighing their food during a 6-day period. Macro nutrient, mineral and vitamin content was derived from tables. Daily energy expenditure (DEE) and sport activity (DSA) were quantified over a 7-day period using a questionnaire. Physical fitness was assessed by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measurements. The DEE was 11429 (SD 1890) kJ x day(-1). The DSA corresponded to 38% of DEE and VO2max to 35.9 (SD 6.1) ml x min(-1) x kg(-1). When compared with French recommended dietary allowances (RDA) intakes were higher for energy (+ 24%), macro nutrients, and most minerals and vitamins. Despite high energy intakes, some subjects had mineral and vitamin deficits. Energy intakes were significantly related to intakes of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins B2, B6, C and to VO2max, but not to age. Stepwise regressions indicated that vitamin C intake was the only determinant to have a relationship with VO2max. Thus, most elderly sportsmen had higher nutritional status than RDA, although some had mineral and vitamin deficits. It is therefore suggested that elderly sportsmen should be encouraged to consume food with higher mineral and vitamin contents.

Stroking characteristic variations in the 100-M freestyle for male swimmers of differing skill

The purpose of the study was to identify the stroking characteristics such as rate and length used by male swimmers of differing skill and to analyze the variations of velocity, stroke rate, and stroke length during the course of the race. The performance of 442 male subjects including 40 swimmers competing at an international 100-m freestyle event was videotaped and later analyzed to measure velocity, stroke rate, and stroke length on each lap of the race. Stroke length seemed to be the best predictor of swimming velocity. Different levels of performance could be discriminated by the variations of velocity, stroke rate, and especially stroke length, throughout the race. Besides higher values for velocity, stroke rate, and stroke length, the best swimmers were characterized by the capacity to maintain these parameters constant throughout the course of the race. Such results could be used by coaches to assess technique and training for certain racing strategies.