European journal of sport science最新文献

The present study explored acute responses of heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) metrics, incorporating the nonlinear index alpha 1 of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFAa1) during passive recovery, providing information about correlation properties of HR time series during the regulation of recovery processes. Recreationally active female (n = 13) and male (n = 13) participants participated. In a first session, a graded exercise test was conducted to determine peak HR (HR_PEAK) and peak oxygen consumption (VO_2PEAK). In a second and third session, participants completed an endurance training with moderate intensity (MOD) on a treadmill and an exergaming training with vigorous intensity (VIG), randomized and counterbalanced. Before and up to 45 min after the respective exercise sessions, RR-interval and hemodynamic measurements (peripheral systolic, SBP; diastolic blood pressure, DBP; and pulse wave velocity, PWV) were conducted. Internal load analysis of MOD versus VIG revealed significant differences and appropriate prescription of intensity domains during exercise (%HR_PEAK: ∼66% vs. 86% and %VO_2PEAK: ∼48% vs. 66%). The present data showed significant main effects of time, intensity, and their interaction for all RR-interval outcomes, PWV, and SBP. DFAa1 demonstrated a stronger correlated reorganization and overcompensation after VIG, with higher values and therefore increased correlation properties throughout the recovery process. The present data suggest that VIG transiently delays the recovery of cardiac parasympathetic activity and the normalization of correlation properties of HR time series. Regarding acute early and delayed recovery processes, higher correlation properties may reflect more order (less complexity) and interaction of involved physiological subsystems, supporting the assumption of increased systemic control to process the demands of higher exercise intensity.

The order of strength or ballistic exercises in complex training with similar movement patterns may affect performance outcomes. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether the order (random vs. progressive block) of ballistic exercise within a complex training protocol influences throwing performance and muscular strength in resistance-trained males. Twenty resistance-trained males (age: 21.1 ± 3.2 years; height: 177.1 ± 7.7 cm; and body mass: 76.6 ± 12.9 kg) with a minimum of 3 years of resistance training experience were randomly assigned to either a random-order, independent weight-order group (Rnd: e.g., 5,3, and 7 kg–7,3, and 5) or a blocked-order, progressive weights-order group (Blc: 3,5, and 7–3,5, and 7 kg) during medicine ball throwing. Subjects performed the training protocol three times per week for 4 weeks in addition to their normal training. Each training session included three repetitions of the bench press at 65% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM), followed by medicine ball throws for 10 sets. Both groups improved strength and throwing distance (p = 0.001). However, the Rnd group showed greater improvements (interaction effect) compared to the Blc group in 3 kg (p = 0.001; 52 VS. 115 cm) and 5 kg (p = 0.001; 32 VS. 95 cm), but not 7 kg throw distance (p = 0.10; 40 VS. 70 cm). These findings suggest that coaches and strength practitioners should consider performing ballistic exercises in random order rather than a progressive block ordering when designing complex training protocols as the unpredictable sequence appears to improve neuromuscular adaptations and translates more effectively to throwing performance.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 1-week block of moderate-intensity interval training (MIT) and high-intensity interval training (HIT) in well-trained cyclists. Cyclists (♀ = 1; ♂ = 21; maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2max) = 69.5 (6.0) mL·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹) performed both a MIT block involving 6 sessions over 7 days (5–7 × 10–14-min work intervals, rate of perceived exertion (RPE): 14.5 (0.3)) and a HIT block involving 5 sessions over 6 days (5 × 8.75-min with multiple short intervals, RPE: 17.1 (0.4)). Post-testing was performed after 6 days of active recovery, and blocks were separated by 2 months. Testing included 15-min maximal cycling power (PO_15min), 10 s maximal sprint power (PO_10sec), and power output at a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L⁻¹ (PO_4mmol). Both the MIT and HIT block improved PO_15min (4.9 (8.7)% and 2.8 (5.3)%, respectively), with no difference between blocks (p = 0.44). MIT displayed greater improvement than HIT in PO_4mmol (4.5 (4.5)% vs. 2.1 (2.7)%, respectively, p = 0.03, moderate effect size (ES)), while HIT had a moderate ES compared to MIT for improvement in PO_10sec (1.5 (3.7)% vs. −1.5 (7.3)%, respectively), that was not significant (p = 0.08). No differences were observed between blocks in changes in V̇O_2max (p = 0.43) or measures of gross efficiency (p range = 0.43–0.79). However, MIT induced a larger increase in % of V̇O_2max at PO_4mmol compared to HIT (1.2 (3.4)%-points vs. −0.9 (2.5)%-points, respectively, p = 0.02, moderate ES). In conclusion, both a MIT block (lower work interval intensity but longer work duration) and a HIT block (higher work interval intensity but shorter work duration) can improve endurance performance determinants and PO_15min with some work intensity-specific adaptations.

This study aimed to (a) establish the test-retest reliability of the water polo intermittent shuttle test (WIST) in elite female water polo players, (b) investigate the validity of the WIST to determine positional differences in WIST scores within this population and (c) distinguish between competitive female playing standards. Part one involved 14 elite female water polo players (24.2 ± 3.2 years, experience > 5 years) completing the WIST on two separate occasions, separated by 48 h. In part two, 18 elite (24.4 ± 3.5 years), 7 highly trained (21.6 ± 3.2 years) and 34 trained (13–17 years) female water polo players completed the WIST. The coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), smallest worthwhile change (SWC) and minimal detectable change 90% CI (MDC₉₀) were calculated. The WIST demonstrated acceptable reliability (ICC = 0.93, CV = 6.7%) and usefulness to detect performance changes with SWC_0.2 (22.3 m) > TE 90% CI [(17.5 m (11.6, 23.3))], quantifying practically meaningful changes in performance (MDC₉₀ = 54.8 m or ∼ 4 shuttles). No significant positional differences were evident. Very large, positive, statistically significant differences were found between highly trained and trained (U14 to U17) players (p < 0.01, g = 3.1) and between elite and trained (U14 to U17) players (p < 0.01, g = 2.4). The WIST is a reliable and useful high-intensity intermittent performance test suitable for elite female water polo players. Differences across standards of competition confirmed the sensitivity and validity of the WIST. Practitioners can quantify practically meaningful changes in WIST performance using MDC₉₀.

Glycemic control is vital to health and disease prevention. A randomized crossover design assessed the effects of fasting alone, fasting with exercise, and fasting with a pre-exercise snack on beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose concentrations, hunger, mood, physical activity, and sleep in 30 participants (16 male). BHB concentrations were elevated in the exercise condition compared to the control at 24 h (p < 0.01), continuing through the end of the intervention (p < 0.01). BHB concentrations were also elevated in the exercise condition compared to the pre-exercise snack condition at 22 h (p < 0.01) and 24 h (p = 0.01) with no differences in BHB between the pre-exercise snack condition and control. There was no main effect of condition on glucose concentrations during the 30-h fast (p = 0.48). However, a condition by time interaction (p < 0.01) revealed elevated glucose levels immediately after exercise (p < 0.01) and lower glucose levels at hour 24 in the exercise-only condition compared to control (p < 0.05). Hunger ratings were lower at 21 h in both exercise conditions immediately following the bout (p < 0.01), but similar at all other time-points. Moderate physical activity was greatest during the pre-exercise snack condition (p = 0.02). Sleep and mood parameters did not differ between conditions. Snacking before exercise produced comparable levels of BHB to a water-only fast. After fasted exercise, BHB decreased, and glucose increased compared to water-only fasting. Hunger was lower following exercise. Snacking before exercise could be a viable alternative for maintaining glycemic control while temporarily reducing subjective hunger compared to a water-only fast.

Physiological markers of endurance performance include the maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O_2peak), its fractional utilisation at lactate threshold (FU_LT), and running economy (RE), which are closely tied to the speed eliciting the lactate threshold (sLT). These parameters deteriorate during prolonged exercise, and the ability to resist such declines (i.e., durability) is now also considered a marker of marathon performance. This study investigated the durability of markers of endurance performance (V̇O_2peak, FU_LT and RE), and whether the durability of these markers was associated with marathon performance. Eighteen participants of the 2024 London Marathon (11 males, age: 41 ± 12 years, marathon finish time: 3:17 ± 0:32 h:min) completed two separate visits to determine V̇O_2peak, FU_LT, RE and sLT in a ‘fresh’ state (PRE) and following a 90-min run at sLT (POST). Reductions in V̇O_2peak (PRE: 56.7 ± 7.2 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ vs. POST: 53.4 ± 6.3 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p < 0.001) and sLT (PRE: 12.8 ± 2.0 km·h⁻¹ vs. POST: 12.1 ± 2.2 km·h⁻¹, p < 0.001) were evident, but RE and FU_LT were unchanged (both p > 0.05). The percentage change in sLT between POST and PRE (r = 0.680, p < 0.01) was significantly associated with marathon performance, whereby small deteriorations of sLT were associated with faster marathon times. Prolonged running impairs key physiological markers of endurance performance, and the degree of this deterioration, that is, durability, is associated with marathon performance. Marathon runners and practitioners should consider quantifying durability to complement existing physiological markers.

Parents have arguably a significant impact on athletes' experiences favoring mental health of elite adolescent athletes. However, parents can have negative effects in adopting regular pressure and directive behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between directive and pressure behaviors from mothers and fathers with athletes' burnout, positive and negative emotions, and motivation. Additionally, this study aimed to compare athletes' psychological variables exposed to higher versus lower frequencies of these parental behaviors. One hundred-five girls and 114 boys semi and competitive elite athletes completed self-reported questionnaires to measure mothers' and fathers' behaviors and athletes' motivation, emotions, and burnout indicators. Correlations and three separate multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted. Athletes' perceptions of parental pressure and directive behaviors were significantly (a) positively related to their anger (r = 0.14 to 0.15), anxiety (r = 0.14), controlled motivation (r = 0.29 to 0.49), amotivation (r = 0.20 to 0.44), and burnout (r = 0.14 to 0.35) and (b) negatively related to their autonomous motivation (r = −0.24 to −0.49). Moreover, significant differences in self-perception were found between athletes exposed to lower versus higher frequencies of parental behaviors. Athletes who perceived a higher frequency of parental behaviors reported significantly greater level of burnout (η² = 0.02 to 0.04), controlled motivation (η² = 0.11), and amotivation (η² = 0.07). This study highlights the inappropriateness of directive and pressure behaviors and the value of measuring the frequency of use by both parents for the athletes' mental health.

This investigation aimed to evaluate sleep of young rugby union players during a 10-day training camp accounting for the potential influence of prior daily training load and the morning appointment time. Twenty-six elite male under-20 rugby union players were monitored each day during a 10-day training camp including two exhibitions matches. Sleep-wake patterns and sleep architecture were assessed using actigraphy and a reduced-montage dry-electroencephalographic headband device, respectively. Training load and perceived wellness were, respectively, evaluated using GPS trackers and 10-score visual analogue scales. The prevalence of nights with sleep duration < 7 h, wake after sleep onset > 40 min and sleep efficiency < 85% was 30.3%, 77.8% and 43.4%, respectively. Every 100-m increase in high-speed running distance increased sleep duration (β = +4.9 min, p < 0.05) and reduced the number of sleep stage shifts (β = −1.1, p < 0.05). The shortest sleep duration (06:52 ± 00:34 h) occurred on the day of Match 1, when the morning appointment was the earliest, that is, 7:30. Sleep duration (−19.3 min, p = 0.01) and efficiency (−2.2%, p < 0.01) were impaired when the morning appointment was scheduled at 8:30 compared to 8:00. This study supports that the training camp is a vulnerable period for sleep, but a controlled, non-excessive training load promotes sleep quantity and continuity of sleep architecture. The organisational aspects of the camp strongly influence the sleep-wake patterns. Coaches should be aware of the putative impact of earlier and/or unusual morning appointment times on sleep, especially in proximity to a match.