Explore the vast range of titles available.

This study assessed the effects of a 12-week strength training (ST) intervention on Achilles and patellar tendon stiffness and tendon-matrix blood-borne markers in well-trained triathletes performing concomitant high-volume aerobic training. Eighteen triathletes (VO 2 max: 64.43 ± 4.65 ml kg −1 min −1 ) were randomized into a combined endurance and ST group (3-times/week; intervention) or endurance-only group (control). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included ultrasound-based force-elongation measurements of the Achilles and patellar tendons, blood analysis of selected markers before and after an experimental ST session in weeks 1 and 12, and dynamic strength and endurance testing. Achilles (39.1 ± 31.8%) and patellar tendon stiffness (15.8 ± 8.5%), isometric maximal knee extensor strength (8.9 ± 5.7%), and squat one-repetition maximum (20.0 ± 9.7%) significantly increased in the intervention group (all p  ≤ 0.002). Additionally, serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) I (46.30 ± 20%; p  = 0.027) and decorin (30.50 ± 19.94%; p  = 0.015) increased after the first experimental ST session, while after the second session MMP-III (40.77 ± 20.13%; p  = 0.040) and decorin (36.59 ± 37.81%; p  = 0.007) were increased. Baseline tenascin-c concentrations decreased significantly only in the control group (-19.49 ± 20.55%; p  = 0.029). Our data clearly show improved muscle-tendon properties of the plantar flexor muscles and quadriceps femoris, indicating Achilles and patellar tendon stiffness to be similarly responsive to heavy ST despite concomitantly performing high volumes of endurance training.

Background Isomaltulose has been discussed as a low glycaemic carbohydrate but evidence concerning performance benefits and physiological responses has produced varying results. Therefore, we primarily aimed to investigate the effects of isomaltulose ingestion compared to glucose and maltodextrin on fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates, blood glucose levels and serum hormone concentrations of insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). As secondary aims, we assessed running performance and gastrointestinal discomfort. Methods Twenty-one male recreational endurance runners performed a 70-min constant load trial at 70% maximal running speed (V max ), followed by a time to exhaustion (TTE) test at 85% V max after ingesting either 50 g isomaltulose, maltodextrin or glucose. Fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated from spiroergometric data. Venous blood samples for measurement of GIP and insulin were drawn before, after the constant load trial and after the TTE. Capillary blood samples for glucose concentrations and subjective feeling of gastrointestinal discomfort were collected every 10 min during the constant load trial. Results No between-condition differences were observed in the area under the curve analysis of fat ( p  = 0.576) and carbohydrate oxidation rates ( p  = 0.887). Isomaltulose ingestion led to lower baseline postprandial concentrations of blood glucose compared to maltodextrin (percent change [95% confidence interval], − 16.7% [− 21.8,-11.6], p  < 0.001) and glucose (− 11.5% [− 17.3,-5.7], p  = 0.001). Similarly, insulin and GIP concentrations were also lower following isomaltulose ingestion compared to maltodextrin (− 40.3% [− 50.5,-30.0], p  = 0.001 and − 69.1% [− 74.3,-63.8], p  < 0.001, respectively) and glucose (− 32.6% [− 43.9,-21.2], p  = 0.012 and − 55.8% [− 70.7,-40.9], p  < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, glucose fluctuation was lower after isomaltulose ingestion compared to maltodextrin (− 26.0% [− 34.2,-17.8], p  < 0.001) and glucose (− 17.4% [− 29.1,-5.6], p  < 0.001). However, during and after exercise, no between-condition differences for glucose ( p  = 0.872), insulin ( p  = 0.503) and GIP ( p  = 0.244) were observed. No between-condition differences were found for TTE ( p  = 0.876) or gastrointestinal discomfort ( p  = 0.119). Conclusion Isomaltulose ingestion led to lower baseline postprandial concentrations of glucose, insulin and GIP compared to maltodextrin and glucose. Consequently, blood glucose fluctuations were lower during treadmill running after isomaltulose ingestion, while no between-condition differences were observed for CHO and fat oxidation rates, treadmill running performance and gastrointestinal discomfort. Further research is required to provide specific guidelines on supplementing isomaltulose in performance and health settings.

We investigated the ecological validity of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (Vmaxpro) to assess the movement velocity (MV) during a 1-repetition maximum (1RM) test and for the prediction of load-velocity ( ) variables, as well as the ecological intra- day and inter-day reliability during free-weight bench press (BP) and squat (SQ). Furthermore, we provide recommendations for the practical use of the sensor. Twenty-three strength-trained men completed an incremental 1RM test, whereas seventeen men further participated in another 3 sessions consisting of 3 repetitions with 4 different loads (30, 50, 70 and 90% of 1RM) to assess validity and intra- and inter-day reliability, respectively. The MV was assessed using the Vmaxpro and a 3D motion capture system (MoCap). variables and the 1RM were calculated based on submaximal velocities. The Vmaxpro showed high validity during the 1RM test for BP ( = 0.935) and SQ ( = 0.900), but with decreasing validity at lower MVs. The variables and the 1RM demonstrated high validity for BP ( = 0.808-0.942) and SQ ( = 0.615-0.741) with a systematic overestimation. Coefficients of variance for intra- and inter-day reliability ranged from 2.4% to 9.7% and from 3.2% to 8.6% for BP and SQ, respectively. The Vmaxpro appears valid at high and moderately valid at low MVs. Depending on the required degree of accuracy, the sensor may be sufficient for the prediction of variables and the 1RM. Our data indicate the sensor to be suitable for monitoring changes in MVs within and between training sessions.

This study aimed to examine the effect of goalkeeper distribution on offensive team performance, during the 2018/2019 and 2019-2020 seasons of the Women Spanish La Liga. A total of 10,868 distributions, during 376 matches were analyzed by systematic observation. Two UEFA PRO coaches designed an ad hoc observation instrument \"GOALDFOOT\" and one observer coded the data after a training process. An intra-observer reliability kappa index of 0.94 was established. Results show how the offensive effectiveness of the goalkeepers was similar to outfield players, with 0.4% of possessions ending in a goal, 2.2% ending in an attempt on goal, with 79.4% ending unsuccessfully. The goalkeeper lost possession from their distribution 32.5% of the time. Multivariate analysis identified several predictors of goalkeepers' distributions. The results show that teams classified in the middle zone of the final classification of the regular league had 1.2 times more probability of being successful compared with the lowest ranked teams (p < 0.05). Goalkeeper's distribution beginning during Open play after a transition, represented an increase success rate of almost 3 times compared to being performed from a free kick (p < 0.05). Passes from outfield players to a goalkeeper made from distant zones to the own goal, decreased the probability of success (p < 0.001). The pitch location of the distribution outcome near to the opponent goal offered the best probability of success. In conclusion, the most effective offensive sequences occur with dynamic transitions initiated with short passes. This information can provide coaches and players with insights to improve the offensive performance of goalkeepers.