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New Training Strategies and Evaluation Methods for Improving Health and Physical Performance

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 64603

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A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Laboratory of Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: hydration; body composition; physiology and biochemistry of exercise
Laboratory of Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: physiology and biochemistry of exercise; reactive oxygen species

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity is identified among the most effective methods of improving health and physical function, and its practice is suitable for every population. Its benefits are known for sedentary individuals who, by initiating sport, improve their physical condition by reducing risk factors. Active training is also encouraged for the general population who need to maintain an optimal level of fitness, as well as for athletes who want to achieve high performance during the competitive period. Even young people benefit from sports practice, growing into healthy young adults with important implications for their psychological and social development. In the last few years, the scope of research in sports has become very wide and detailed, laying the foundations for the development of innovative training methods and new evaluation approaches aimed at improving health, physical function, and performance. The aim of this Special Issue is to propose, on the basis of the evidence that the current literature provides, new training techniques and specific evaluation methods for the different populations practicing physical activity. The Guest Editors are interested in studies with longitudinal and transversal experimental designs, as well as systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses.

The purpose of this research collection is to add information on:

  • New training strategies adapted for young or elderly populations;
  • Nutritional strategies integrated with physical activity aimed at improving the state of health in pathological subjects;
  • Innovative and healthy methods to improve sports performances in athletes;
  • Evaluation techniques to measure health status, body composition, and physical performance.

Dr. Catarina Nunes Matias
Dr. Stefania Toselli
Dr. Cristina Monteiro
Dr. Francesco Campa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • body composition
  • adapted physical activity
  • active lifestyle
  • health promotion
  • sport practice
  • evaluation techniques
  • exercise testing
  • wellness and health

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 279 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial: New Training Strategies and Evaluation Methods for Improving Health and Physical Performance
by Catarina N. Matias, Stefania Toselli, Cristina P. Monteiro and Francesco Campa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 5855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105855 - 11 May 2022
Viewed by 1223
Abstract
Physical activity is among the most effective methods for improving health, body composition, and physical function, and its practice is suitable for every population [...] Full article

Research

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11 pages, 1027 KiB  
Article
Effect of Physical Training on Body Composition in Brazilian Military
by Luis Alberto Gobbo, Raquel David Langer, Elisabetta Marini, Roberto Buffa, Juliano Henrique Borges, Mauro A. Pascoa, Vagner X. Cirolini, Gil Guerra-Júnior and Ezequiel Moreira Gonçalves
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031732 - 02 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2182
Abstract
The military are selected on the basis of physical standards and are regularly involved in strong physical activities, also related to particular sports training. The aims of the study were to analyze the effect of a 7-month military training program on body composition [...] Read more.
The military are selected on the basis of physical standards and are regularly involved in strong physical activities, also related to particular sports training. The aims of the study were to analyze the effect of a 7-month military training program on body composition variables and the suitability of specific ‘bioelectrical impedance vector analysis’ (spBIVA), compared to DXA, to detect the changes in body composition. A sample of 270 male Brazilian cadets (19.1 ± 1.1 years), composed of a group practicing military physical training routine only (MT = 155) and a group involved in a specific sport training (SMT = 115), were measured by body composition assessments (evaluated by means of DXA and spBIVA) at the beginning and the end of the military routine year. The effect of training on body composition was similar in SMT and MT groups, with an increase in LST. DXA and spBIVA were correlated, with specific resistance (Rsp) and reactance (Xcsp) positively related to fat mass (FM), FM%, LST, and lean soft tissue index (LSTI), and phase angle positively related to LST and LSTI. Body composition variations due to physical training were recognized by spBIVA: the increase in muscle mass was indicated by the phase angle and Xcsp increase, and the stability of FM% was consistent with the unchanged values of Rsp. Military training produced an increase in muscle mass, but no change in FM%, independently of the sample characteristics at baseline and the practice of additional sports. SpBIVA is a suitable technique for the assessment of body composition in military people. Full article
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16 pages, 1000 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between VO2 and Muscle Deoxygenation Kinetics and Upper Body Repeated Sprint Performance in Trained Judokas and Healthy Individuals
by André Antunes, Christophe Domingos, Luísa Diniz, Cristina P. Monteiro, Mário C. Espada, Francisco B. Alves and Joana F. Reis
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020861 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2043
Abstract
The present study sought to investigate if faster upper body oxygen uptake (VO2) and hemoglobin/myoglobin deoxygenation ([HHb]) kinetics during heavy intensity exercise were associated with a greater upper body repeated-sprint ability (RSA) performance in a group of judokas and in a [...] Read more.
The present study sought to investigate if faster upper body oxygen uptake (VO2) and hemoglobin/myoglobin deoxygenation ([HHb]) kinetics during heavy intensity exercise were associated with a greater upper body repeated-sprint ability (RSA) performance in a group of judokas and in a group of individuals of heterogenous fitness level. Eight judokas (JT) and seven untrained healthy participants (UT) completed an incremental step test, two heavy intensity square-wave transitions and an upper body RSA test consisting of four 15 s sprints, with 45 s rest, from which the experimental data were obtained. In the JT group, VO2 kinetics, [HHb] kinetics and the parameters determined in the incremental test were not associated with RSA. However, when the two groups were combined, the amplitude of the primary phase VO2 and [HHb] were positively associated with the accumulated work in the four sprints (ΣWork). Additionally, maximal aerobic power (MAP), peak VO2 and the first ventilatory threshold (VT1) showed a positive correlation with ΣWork and an inverse correlation with the decrease in peak power output (Dec-PPO) between the first and fourth sprints. Faster VO2 and [HHb] kinetics do not seem to be associated with an increased upper body RSA in JT. However, other variables of aerobic fitness seem to be associated with an increased upper body RSA performance in a group of individuals with heterogeneous fitness level. Full article
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12 pages, 814 KiB  
Article
Postactivation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) Increases Vertical Jump in Elite Female Volleyball Players
by Lamberto Villalon-Gasch, Alfonso Penichet-Tomas, Sergio Sebastia-Amat, Basilio Pueo and Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010462 - 01 Jan 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3567
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to verify if a conditioning activity was effective to elicit postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) and to increase the performance in vertical jump (VJ) in elite female volleyball players. Eleven national Superliga-2 volleyball players (22.6 ± 3.5 years) [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to verify if a conditioning activity was effective to elicit postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) and to increase the performance in vertical jump (VJ) in elite female volleyball players. Eleven national Superliga-2 volleyball players (22.6 ± 3.5 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental and control group. Countermovement jumps (CMJ) were performed on eight occasions: before (Pre-PAPE) and after activation (Post-PAPE), after the match (Pre-Match), and after each of the five-match sets (Set 1 to 5). ANOVA showed significantly increased jump performance for the experiment between baseline (Pre-PAPE) and all the following tests: +1.3 cm (Post-PAPE), +3.0 cm (Pre-Match), +4.8 cm (Set 1), +7.3 cm (Set 2), +5.1 cm (Set 3), +3.6 cm (Set 4), and +4.0 cm (Set 5), all showing medium to large effect size (0.7 < ES < 2.4). The performance of the control group did not show significant increases until Set 3 (+3.2 cm) and Set 5 (+2.9 cm), although jump heights were always lower for the control group than the experimental. The use of conditioning activity generates increased VJ performance in Post-PAPE tests and elicited larger PAPE effects that remain until the second set of a volleyball match. Full article
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15 pages, 1873 KiB  
Article
Effects of Acute Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Function and Subsequent Recovery Strategy
by Alessandro Piras, Lorenzo Zini, Aurelio Trofè, Francesco Campa and Milena Raffi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4597; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094597 - 26 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5373
Abstract
Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS) is believed to alter blood flow, increasing cutaneous blood perfusion, with vasodilation and hyperemia. According to these physiological mechanisms, we investigated the short-term effects of MENS on constant-load exercise and the subsequent recovery process. Ten healthy subjects performed, [...] Read more.
Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS) is believed to alter blood flow, increasing cutaneous blood perfusion, with vasodilation and hyperemia. According to these physiological mechanisms, we investigated the short-term effects of MENS on constant-load exercise and the subsequent recovery process. Ten healthy subjects performed, on separate days, constant-load cycling, which was preceded and followed by active or inactive stimulation to the right quadricep. Blood lactate, pulmonary oxygen, and muscle deoxyhemoglobin on-transition kinetics were recorded. Hemodynamic parameters, heart rate variability, and baroreflex sensitivity were collected and used as a tool to investigate the recovery process. Microcurrent stimulation caused a faster deoxyhemoglobin (4.43 ± 0.5 vs. 5.80 ± 0.5 s) and a slower VO2 (25.19 ± 2.1 vs. 21.94 ± 1.3 s) on-kinetics during cycling, with higher lactate levels immediately after treatments executed before exercise (1.55 ± 0.1 vs. 1.40 ± 0.1 mmol/L) and after exercise (2.15 ± 0.1 vs. 1.79 ± 0.1 mmol/L). In conclusion, MENS applied before exercise produced an increase in oxygen extraction at muscle microvasculature. In contrast, MENS applied after exercise improved recovery, with the sympathovagal balance shifted toward a state of parasympathetic predominance. MENS also caused higher lactate values, which may be due to the magnitude of the muscular stress by both manual treatment and electrical stimulation than control condition in which the muscle received only a manual treatment. Full article
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10 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
Effect of an Endurance and Strength Mixed Circuit Training on Regional Fat Thickness: The Quest for the “Spot Reduction”
by Antonio Paoli, Andrea Casolo, Matteo Saoncella, Carlo Bertaggia, Marco Fantin, Antonino Bianco, Giuseppe Marcolin and Tatiana Moro
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3845; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073845 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9440
Abstract
Accumulation of adipose tissue in specific body areas is related to many physiological and hormonal variables. Spot reduction (SR) is a training protocol aimed to stimulate lipolysis locally, even though this training protocol has not been extensively studied in recent years. Thus, the [...] Read more.
Accumulation of adipose tissue in specific body areas is related to many physiological and hormonal variables. Spot reduction (SR) is a training protocol aimed to stimulate lipolysis locally, even though this training protocol has not been extensively studied in recent years. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the effect of a circuit-training SR on subcutaneous adipose tissue in healthy adults. Methods: Fourteen volunteers were randomly assigned to spot reduction (SR) or to a traditional resistance training (RT) protocol. Body composition via bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and subcutaneous adipose tissue via skinfold and ultrasound were measured before and after eight weeks of training. Results: SR significantly reduced body mass (p < 0.05) and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (p < 0.05). Conclusions: circuit-training SR may be an efficient strategy to reduce in a localized manner abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue depot. Full article
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11 pages, 1838 KiB  
Article
The Activation of Gluteal, Thigh, and Lower Back Muscles in Different Squat Variations Performed by Competitive Bodybuilders: Implications for Resistance Training
by Giuseppe Coratella, Gianpaolo Tornatore, Francesca Caccavale, Stefano Longo, Fabio Esposito and Emiliano Cè
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020772 - 18 Jan 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 14125
Abstract
The present study investigated the activation of gluteal, thigh, and lower back muscles in different squat variations. Ten male competitive bodybuilders perform back-squat at full (full-BS) or parallel (parallel-BS) depth, using large feet-stance (sumo-BS), and enhancing the feet external rotation (external-rotated-sumo-BS) and front-squat [...] Read more.
The present study investigated the activation of gluteal, thigh, and lower back muscles in different squat variations. Ten male competitive bodybuilders perform back-squat at full (full-BS) or parallel (parallel-BS) depth, using large feet-stance (sumo-BS), and enhancing the feet external rotation (external-rotated-sumo-BS) and front-squat (FS) at 80% 1-RM. The normalized surface electromyographic root-mean-square (sEMG RMS) amplitude of gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, adductor longus, longissimus, and iliocostalis was recorded during both the ascending and descending phase of each exercise. During the descending phase, greater sEMG RMS amplitude of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius was found in FS vs. all other exercises (p < 0.05). Additionally, FS elicited iliocostalis more than all other exercises. During the ascending phase, both sumo-BS and external-rotated-sumo-BS showed greater vastus lateralis and adductor longus activation compared to all other exercises (p < 0.05). Moreover, rectus femoris activation was greater in FS compared to full-BS (p < 0.05). No between-exercise difference was found in vastus medialis and longissimus showed no between-exercise difference. FS needs more backward stabilization during the descending phase. Larger feet-stance increases thigh muscles activity, possibly because of their longer length. These findings show how bodybuilders uniquely recruit muscles when performing different squat variations. Full article
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17 pages, 1938 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Wrist Percooling on Physiological and Perceptual Responses during a Running Time Trial Performance in the Heat
by Kelsey Denby, Ronald Caruso, Emily Schlicht and Stephen J. Ives
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207559 - 17 Oct 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2275
Abstract
Environmental heat stress poses significant physiological challenge and impairs exercise performance. We investigated the impact of wrist percooling on running performance and physiological and perceptual responses in the heat. In a counterbalanced design, 13 trained males (33 ± 9 years, 15 ± 7% [...] Read more.
Environmental heat stress poses significant physiological challenge and impairs exercise performance. We investigated the impact of wrist percooling on running performance and physiological and perceptual responses in the heat. In a counterbalanced design, 13 trained males (33 ± 9 years, 15 ± 7% body fat, and maximal oxygen consumption, VO2max 59 ± 5 mL/kg/min) completed three 10 km running time trials (27 °C, 60% relative humidity) while wearing two cooling bands: (1) both bands were off (off/off), (2) one band on (off/on), (3) both bands on (on/on). Heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV), mean arterial pressure (MAP), core temperature (TCO), thermal sensation (TS), and fatigue (VAS) were recorded at baseline and recovery, while running speed (RS) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during the 10 km. Wrist cooling had no effect (p > 0.05) at rest, except modestly increased HR (3–5 ∆beats/min, p < 0.05). Wrist percooling increased (p < 0.05) RS (0.25 ∆mi/h) and HR (5 ∆beats/min), but not TCO (∆ 0.3 °C), RPE, or TS. Given incomplete trials, the distance achieved at 16 min was not different between conditions (off/off 1.96 ± 0.16 vs. off/on 1.98 ± 0.19 vs. on/on 1.99 ± 0.24 miles, p = 0.490). During recovery HRV, MAP, or fatigue were unaffected (p > 0.05). We demonstrate that wrist percooling elicited a faster running speed, though this coincides with increased HR; although, interestingly, sensations of effort and thermal comfort were unaffected, despite the faster speed and higher HR. Full article
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15 pages, 1163 KiB  
Article
Sarcopenia as a Mediator of the Effect of a Gerontogymnastics Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Overweight and Obese Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Pablo Jorge Marcos-Pardo, Noelia González-Gálvez, Gemma María Gea-García, Abraham López-Vivancos, Alejandro Espeso-García and Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7064; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197064 - 27 Sep 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2726
Abstract
The objectives were to analyze the effect of a gerontogymnastics program on functional ability and fitness on overweight and obese older woman and to understand if sarcopenia mediates its effect. This randomized controlled trial involved 216 overweight and obese women. The experimental group [...] Read more.
The objectives were to analyze the effect of a gerontogymnastics program on functional ability and fitness on overweight and obese older woman and to understand if sarcopenia mediates its effect. This randomized controlled trial involved 216 overweight and obese women. The experimental group (EG) carried out 12 weeks of a gerontogymnastics program. The assessment was of gait speed, cardiorespiratory fitness, functional capacity, and muscle strength. EG showed significant improvements in almost every test. When the effect of training was adjusted by gait speed, the improvement of the 6 min walk test (MWT) for the trained group was no longer significant (p = 0.127). The improvement of the 6 MWT was significantly and positively associated with the 10 m test (β = −10.087). After including the 10-m test in the equations, the association between the 6MWT and carrying out the training program decreased but remained significant (β = −19.904). The mediation analysis showed a significant, direct and indirect effect with a significant Sobel test value (z = 6.606 ± 7.733; p = 0.000). These results indicate that a gerontogymnastics program improves functional capacity and fitness; and the effect of a gerontogymnastics program on CRF is mediated by sarcopenia in older women who are overweight and obese. Full article
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11 pages, 299 KiB  
Article
Relationships between Exercise Modality and Activity Restriction, Quality of Life, and Hematopoietic Profile in Korean Breast Cancer Survivors
by MunHee Kim, Wi-Young So and Jiyoun Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6899; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186899 - 21 Sep 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2023
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationships between activity restriction, quality of life (QoL), and hematopoietic profile in breast cancer survivors according to exercise modality. The subjects in this study were 187 female breast cancer survivors among a total of 32,631 participants in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine the relationships between activity restriction, quality of life (QoL), and hematopoietic profile in breast cancer survivors according to exercise modality. The subjects in this study were 187 female breast cancer survivors among a total of 32,631 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted from 2016 to 2018. The selected subjects participated in a questionnaire survey and blood analysis. A cross-analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between participation in various modality of exercise (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, walking exercise). The phi coefficients or Cramer’s V value for activity restriction and QoL were calculated; an independent t-test was conducted to evaluate the differences between hematopoietic profiles based on the modality of exercise. Statistically significant correlations were seen between obesity and aerobic exercise and walking frequency, as well as between diabetes and aerobic exercise and activity restriction. With respect to QoL, there was a statistically significant correlation between participation in aerobic exercise and exercise ability, participation in aerobic exercise and anxiety/depression, participation in resistance exercise and subjective health status, participation in resistance exercise and exercise ability, and participation in weekly walking exercise and self-care ability. Regarding hemodynamic changes, red blood cells increased significantly in breast cancer survivors who participated in weekly resistance exercise compared to in those who did not. In conclusion, exercise participation had a positive effect on activity restriction, QoL, and hematopoietic profile in breast cancer survivors; in particular, some modalities of aerobic exercise were more effective. Full article
12 pages, 1770 KiB  
Article
Body Water Content and Morphological Characteristics Modify Bioimpedance Vector Patterns in Volleyball, Soccer, and Rugby Players
by Francesco Campa, Analiza M. Silva, Catarina N. Matias, Cristina P. Monteiro, Antonio Paoli, João Pedro Nunes, Jacopo Talluri, Henry Lukaski and Stefania Toselli
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186604 - 10 Sep 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3353
Abstract
Background: Bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a widely used method based on the interpretation of raw bioimpedance parameters to evaluate body composition and cellular health in athletes. However, several variables contribute to influencing BIVA patterns by militating against an optimal interpretation of the [...] Read more.
Background: Bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a widely used method based on the interpretation of raw bioimpedance parameters to evaluate body composition and cellular health in athletes. However, several variables contribute to influencing BIVA patterns by militating against an optimal interpretation of the data. This study aims to explore the association of morphological characteristics with bioelectrical properties in volleyball, soccer, and rugby players. Methods: 164 athletes belonging to professional teams (age 26.2 ± 4.4 yrs; body mass index (BMI) 25.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2) underwent bioimpedance and anthropometric measurements. Bioelectric resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) were standardized for the athlete’s height and used to plot the vector in the R-Xc graph according to the BIVA approach. Total body water (TBW), phase angle (PhA), and somatotype were determined from bioelectrical and anthropometric data. Results: No significant difference (p > 0.05) for age and for age at the start of competition among the athletes was found. Athletes divided into groups of TBW limited by quartiles showed significant differences in the mean vector position in the R-Xc graph (p < 0.001), where a higher content of body fluids resulted in a shorter vector and lower positioning in the graph. Furthermore, six categories of somatotypes were identified, and the results of bivariate and partial correlation analysis highlighted a direct association between PhA and mesomorphy (r = 0.401, p < 0.001) while showing an inverse correlation with ectomorphy (r = −0.416, p < 0.001), even adjusted for age. On the contrary, no association was observed between PhA and endomorphy (r = 0.100, p = 0.471). Conclusions: Body fluid content affects the vector length in the R-Xc graph. In addition, the lateral displacement of the vector, which determines the PhA, can be modified by the morphological characteristics of the athlete. In particular, higher PhA values are observed in subjects with a high mesomorphic component, whereas lower values are found when ectomorphy is dominant. Full article
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11 pages, 974 KiB  
Article
Effects of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fatigue Exercises on Postural Control and Recovery Time in Female Soccer Players
by Özkan Güler, Dicle Aras, Fırat Akça, Antonino Bianco, Gioacchino Lavanco, Antonio Paoli and Fatma Neşe Şahin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176273 - 28 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4004
Abstract
Sixteen female soccer players (age = 20.19 ± 1.52 years; body mass = 56.52 ± 4.95 kg; body height = 164.81 ± 4.21 cm) with no history of lower extremity injury participated in the study. The Biodex SD Balance system was used to [...] Read more.
Sixteen female soccer players (age = 20.19 ± 1.52 years; body mass = 56.52 ± 4.95 kg; body height = 164.81 ± 4.21 cm) with no history of lower extremity injury participated in the study. The Biodex SD Balance system was used to determine the non-dominant single-leg stability. In anaerobic exercise, each subject performed four maximal cycling efforts against a resistance equivalent to 0.075 kg/body mass for 30 s with three-minute rest intervals. In aerobic exercise, subjects performed the Bruce protocol on a motorized treadmill. After each exercise, subjects subsequently performed a single-leg stability test and then repeated the same test for four times with five-minute passive rest periods. In accordance with the results, it was found that the impairment observed right after the aerobic loading was higher (p < 0.001) compared to the anaerobic one. However, the time-related deterioration in both aerobic and anaerobic loadings was similar. The B-pre value was lower than Bpost and B5 (p < 0.01) and B10 (p < 0.05) in both conditions. Subjects could reach the initial balance level at B15 after aerobic and anaerobic loadings. The lactate level did not reach resting value even after 20 min of both fatigue protocols. Although the fatigue after aerobic and aerobic exercise negatively affects a single-leg dynamic balance level, single leg balance ability returns to the baseline status after 10 min of passive recovery duration. Full article
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

10 pages, 971 KiB  
Review
Exercise Dose Equalization in High-Intensity Interval Training: A Scoping Review
by Tom Normand-Gravier, Florian Britto, Thierry Launay, Andrew Renfree, Jean-François Toussaint and François-Denis Desgorces
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 4980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19094980 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2495
Abstract
Based on comparisons to moderate continuous exercise (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is becoming a worldwide trend in physical exercise. This raises methodological questions related to equalization of exercise dose when comparing protocols. The present scoping review aims to identify in the literature [...] Read more.
Based on comparisons to moderate continuous exercise (MICT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is becoming a worldwide trend in physical exercise. This raises methodological questions related to equalization of exercise dose when comparing protocols. The present scoping review aims to identify in the literature the evidence for protocol equalization and the soundness of methods used for it. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for original investigations comparing the effects of HIIT to MICT. A total of 2041 articles were identified, and 169 were included. Of these, 98 articles equalized protocols by utilizing energy-based methods or exercise volume (58 and 31 articles, respectively). No clear consensus for protocol equalization appears to have evolved over recent years. Prominent equalization methods consider the exercise dose (i.e., energy expenditure/production or total volume) in absolute values without considering the nonlinear nature of its relationship with duration. Exercises resulting from these methods induced maximal exertion in HIIT but low exertion in MICT. A key question is, therefore, whether exercise doses are best considered in absolute terms or relative to individual exercise maximums. If protocol equalization is accepted as an essential methodological prerequisite, it is hypothesized that comparison of program effects would be more accurate if exercise was quantified relative to intensity-related maximums. Full article
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17 pages, 405 KiB  
Review
Sports Performance Tests for Amputee Football Players: A Scoping Review
by Agnieszka Magdalena Nowak, Jolanta Marszalek and Bartosz Molik
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4386; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074386 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2423
Abstract
Background: This scoping review aims to identify sports performance tests for amputee football players and to critically analyze the methodological quality, validation data, reliability, and standardization of sport-specific tests to indicate the best-fitting tests. Methods: Electronic database searches were conducted between January 2019 [...] Read more.
Background: This scoping review aims to identify sports performance tests for amputee football players and to critically analyze the methodological quality, validation data, reliability, and standardization of sport-specific tests to indicate the best-fitting tests. Methods: Electronic database searches were conducted between January 2019 and October 2021. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative assessment of each study was conducted by STROBE checklist. Results: Twenty-nine sports performance tests were identified. No sports performance test fully met all three criteria associated with the qualitative assessment of tests. The critical appraisal of the articles demonstrates a gap in study design, settings, and main results description. Some inconsistencies were found in the methodological descriptions of tests assessing the same motor skill. A STROBE score of 13 points was considered a satisfactory score for the article (it was obtained by 8 of the 12 studies). The weakest point of the analyzed studies was the description of how the test group size was accessed and later obtained. Conclusions: No test was found that was simultaneously presented as valid, reliable, and standardized. The authors can recommend the use of the two-sports performance tests that are the closest to ideal: the L test and the YYIRT1. Full article
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Other

74 pages, 1152 KiB  
Systematic Review
Biomechanical Performance Factors in the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Systematic Review
by Maria João Valamatos, João M. Abrantes, Filomena Carnide, Maria-José Valamatos and Cristina P. Monteiro
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074074 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5799
Abstract
In athletics sprint events, the block start performance can be fundamental to the outcome of a race. This Systematic Review aims to identify biomechanical factors of critical importance to the block start and subsequent first two steps performance. A systematic search of relevant [...] Read more.
In athletics sprint events, the block start performance can be fundamental to the outcome of a race. This Systematic Review aims to identify biomechanical factors of critical importance to the block start and subsequent first two steps performance. A systematic search of relevant English-language articles was performed on three scientific databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) to identify peer-reviewed articles published until June 2021. The keywords “Block Start”, “Track and Field”, “Sprint Running”, and “Kinetics and Kinematics” were paired with all possible combinations. Studies reporting biomechanical analysis of the block start and/or first two steps, with track and field sprinters and reporting PB100m were sought for inclusion and analysis. Thirty-six full-text articles were reviewed. Several biomechanical determinants of sprinters have been identified. In the “Set” position, an anthropometry-driven block setting facilitating the hip extension and a rear leg contribution should be encouraged. At the push-off, a rapid extension of both hips and greater force production seems to be important. After block exiting, shorter flight times and greater propulsive forces are the main features of best sprinters. This systematic review emphasizes important findings and recommendations that may be relevant for researchers and coaches. Future research should focus on upper limbs behavior and on the analysis of the training drills used to improve starting performance. Full article
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