Search Results (30)

This study examined the longitudinal patterns of concurrent aerobic and resistance training in young elite rowers to address the limited understanding of how training volume, modality, and periodisation interact across a season, and to introduce a novel rowing-specific resistance training classification. A retrospective design was used to analyse group training data over 36 weeks (n = 9; 20.6 ± 0.5 years), and individual case studies over 55 weeks (n = 4; 21.6 ± 0.4 years). Aerobic loads, resistance training tonnage, and ergometer performance (power output) were tracked, with resistance exercises categorised as rowing-specific, upper accessory, lower accessory, or core. Weekly aerobic volume averaged 14.0 ± 5.0 h, and rowing-specific resistance accounted for 48–57% of total tonnage (14.13 × 10³ ± 7.41 × 10³ kg). Exploratory analyses suggested an inverse relationship between aerobic, and resistance loads across training phases and trends toward improved ergometer power in three of four case athletes. High concurrent loads also appeared to coincide with occasional missed or modified sessions in several cases. These findings highlight the importance of managing concurrent loads to support consistent training while offering a practical resistance training classification that may enhance monitoring and decision-making for developing rowers. Full article

Background. This study aimed to quantify differences in the internal training load (ITL) of an elite rink hockey (RH) team across days within and between three types of microcycles: pre-season, in-season regular, and in-season congested, to provide insights to optimise microcycle scheduling. Methods. One international-level male RH team comprising seven outfielders (29.6 ± 4.7 years; height, 178.9 ± 2.3 cm; body mass, 77.8 ± 5.7 kg) and one goalkeeper (32 years; height, 180.4 cm; body mass, 83.6 kg) was monitored for 21 microcycles. The ITL was assessed using the session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) and quantified as time based on a triphasic classification commonly utilised in team sports: low-intensity training (LIT, <80% heart rate maximum (HRmax)), medium-intensity training (MIT, 80–90% HRmax), and high-intensity training (HIT, >90% HRmax). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine differences across within-microcycle training days and between seasonal phases, with linear mixed models applied as sensitivity analyses. Results. Across all phases, significant day-to-day variations in ITL were observed within microcycles (all p < 0.001), with both subjective (sRPE) and objective (LIT–HIT) ITLs progressively decreasing as match days (MDs) approached, showing moderate-to-large population-averaged effects with 95% confidence intervals consistently not crossing zero. The pre-season exhibited the highest overall ITL (p < 0.001), characterised by a substantially greater sRPE and increased time spent across all intensity zones, with the largest magnitudes observed for LIT and MIT compared with the in-season phases. Conclusions. Findings suggest that an international-level RH team progressively reduced the ITL as MDs approached with the highest loads scheduled earlier within microcycles. Moreover, the pre-season had the highest ITLs. This ITL distribution may provide useful guidance for RH coaches and support staff in optimising microcycle planning. Full article

Monitoring the training load of elite soccer players is a common practice for clubs. However, limited information exists about the internal load experienced by elite soccer players. The heart rate (HR) exposure of 51 French elite soccer players was monitored using conductive vests incorporating ECG bands during two consecutive seasons using a three-zone intensity model. HR exposure was broken down into volume (i.e., total time in the three zones) and intensity (i.e., relative time in the three zones). The effect of playing position, as well as the period (monthly or daily), was assessed. Regarding seasonal exposure, a significant difference was observed between key periods of the season (i.e., preseason, in season, end-of-season) for both volume and intensity (p < 0.05). Noteworthily, monthly HR exposure was relatively constant across competitive period. For weekly exposure, a significant difference in HR volume and intensity was observed between matches and training sessions (p < 0.001) potentially highlighting gaps in players’ readiness. Note that there were small variations in terms of HR exposure between the three first training days (p < 0.05), especially for time and relative time over 90% of maximal HR (not significant). This study not only provides insight into typical HR exposure in elite football but also questions the current training periodisation. Full article

We examined the effects of resistance training over 1.5 years (two seasons). Body mass, strength, power, and aerobic capacity were assessed during the first 1.5 years of a standardised, progressive, blocked linear periodisation training program in adolescent males with no prior history of resistance training (N = 11, 16.4 ± 0.5 years). Testing occurred during the start of pre-season (SPS), end of pre-season (EPS), and end of season (EOS) during the first and second year of resistance training. Changes over time were assessed with within-group ANOVAs and follow-up independent t-tests. Differences in relative change that occurred during the first and second year of training for each variable were assessed with dependent t-tests. Body mass changed over time (p < 0.001, n²p = 0.794). Body mass increased from SPS to EPS (p = 0.008, Large) and EPS to EOS (p = 0.019, Large) in year 1, and from EOS in year 1 to SPS in year 2 (p < 0.001, Large). Bench press (p < 0.001, n²p = 0.806), squat (p < 0.001, n²p = 0.670), and medicine ball throw (p < 0.001, n²p = 0.350) changed over time. Bench press (Year 1: p < 0.001, Large; Year 2: p < 0.001, Large), squat (Year 1: p < 0.001, Large; Year 2: p < 0.001, Large), and medicine ball throw (Year 1: p = 0.007, Large; Year 2: p = 0.026, Large) increased from SPS to EPS in year 1 and year 2. Bench press (p = 0.010, Large) and squat (p = 0.004, Large) increased more from SPS to EPS during year 1 than year 2. By quantifying diminished returns, our study offers practitioners novel information, helping practitioners manage expectations, avoid excessive training and support long-term adolescent development. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a step load periodisation protocol for the rehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) based on the variables of both the tempo of movement and time under tension (TUT) in normobaric hypoxia using a case study. Introduction: We verified the influence of variables such as time under tension (TUT) and the tempo of movement in hypoxia on the concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), and erythropoietin (EPO). The effectiveness of the protocol also concerned variables such as peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors and maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max), as well as body composition analysis. Methods: The study used a 28-year-old judoka athlete from the national team, competing in the weight category up to 73 kg. Results: The use of short partial rest breaks between series (80s) in combination with six exercises in four series and a hypoxic environment (FiO₂ = 15%) significantly increased metabolic stress, resulting in the highest increase in GH and IGF in the main phase of accumulation of the 3:1 step load. During 16 running sessions, the rehabilitated athlete achieved a significant increase in individual variables in the running test. Conclusions: The combination of a hypoxic environment combined with a periodized rehabilitation protocol can induce a number of positive hormonal, circulatory and respiratory reactions as well as positively influence muscle asymmetry, which can ultimately shorten the time it takes for an athlete to return to sport (RTS). Full article

Background: Sprint performance is crucial in rugby, impacting offensive and defensive actions. Despite increasing research on team sports, specific sprint training guidelines for rugby remain limited. This review evaluates the effectiveness of various training methods to improve sprint performance in semi-professional and professional players. Objectives: To identify and assess the most effective training methodologies for improving rugby sprint performance and provide evidence-based recommendations for coaches. Methods: A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, including studies published before November 2024. Eligible studies focused on Rugby Union, Rugby League, or Rugby Sevens players undergoing resistance-based or sprint-specific training for at least four weeks. Exclusion criteria included amateur players, athletes under 16, or interventions using advanced technologies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Results: Twenty-six studies involving 644 rugby players were analysed. Training programmes ranged from 4 to 18 weeks (average: 8 weeks) and were categorised into resistance training, small-sided games, and sprint-specific methods. Resistance training combined with plyometrics and agility drills achieved the most significant sprint improvements. Small-sided games enhanced sprint performance by simulating game-like scenarios, while resisted sprint training showed notable results for short-distance acceleration but limited maximum speed gains. Conclusions: Rugby sprint performance improves through periodised training protocols incorporating resistance exercises, plyometrics, and sport-specific drills. Coaches should use small-sided games and resisted sprint training to target short-distance acceleration and agility. Further research should examine the long-term effects of these methods and their influence on match performance. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare the external load of each session along competitive microcycles on an elite futsal team, considering the positions and relationships of the players. The external load of 10 elite players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League (age 27.5 ± 7 years, height 1.73 ± 0.05 m, weight 70.1 ± 3.8 kg) were recorded across 30 microcycles. The players’ external loads were monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the external load, Levene’s test was conducted to assess the homogeneity of variances, followed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify differences in dependent variables across the different microcycle days and player positions. Regarding external load during the microcycle, the day with the lowest external load was MD-1, and the days with the highest external load were MD-3 and MD-4. In addition, considering playing positions, pivots exhibited the lowest loads throughout the microcycle, whereas wingers and defenders exhibited the highest loads, depending on the variables analysed. By providing reference values from elite contexts, this study offers practical insights for S&C coaches to optimize microcycles. Furthermore, it contributes to workload management strategies within sport science and public health frameworks, promoting sustainable performance and athlete wellness in futsal. Full article

Background: The Black Country (BC) is an area of the United Kingdom covering Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. The area is ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse. One-fifth of the total population is in the lowest socioeconomic quintile, with an uneven distribution of wealth. The area manifests unmet needs and as perceived underserved community groups. Objectives and Methods: To better understand the situation and inform future provision, listening events were organised across the BC to engage with local underserved communities. A mixed-methods design was employed, using collaborative workshops. The workshops enabled stakeholders to explore priorities, perceived barriers and solutions to mental health services’ access within the BC. Results: Sixty participants verbally consented and signed in to attend the three workshops. There were nine groups that provided 247 statements on the topic, yielding a total of 12 codes and six themes (priorities). The top identified priorities were inappropriate periodisation of accessible funded healthcare needs (n = 42, 18.03%), barriers to appropriate healthcare (n = 49, 21.03%) and limited resources for training, health promotion, preventative care and support networks (n = 62, 26.61%). Conclusions: Addressing the identified priorities will require location and community-specific solutions to establish those communities’ trust and engagement. Cultural stigma should not be viewed as the only barrier to access healthcare but should be considered in combination with the population’s reluctance to reach out to healthcare services due to loss of trust between community groups and lack of co-design of culturally and religiously appropriate services for the community. Full article

Immediately after the Second World War, Jean-Paul Sartre offered a history of literature as part of his project to launch a new era of literary activity guided by his concept of littérature engagée or committed literature. This article examines Sartre’s approach to the construction of literary history, highlighting his use of periodisation, a thematics of shifting relationships between writers and readers, and frequent deployment of gendered rhetoric to support his arguments. It shows that Sartre repeatedly used gendered tropes that worked to associate women, females and/or femininity with characteristics generally devalued in European and other Western societies, such as passivity, ignorance and indecision. It is argued that the touchstone to which Sartre continually referred in formulating his literary history was Julien Benda’s La Trahison des Clercs (Treason of the Intellectuals). The argument to be developed takes broad inspiration from the work of Hayden White on the analysis of historical texts, and follows his injunction that historians and readers of history need to become more conscious of how histories are made. Full article

Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of dietary intake in this population. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to summarise the current evidence detailing dietary intake in rugby union players, report on contemporary nutritional research themes, and provide recommendations for athletes, nutritionists, and other stakeholders. In total, eighteen articles report on dietary intake in rugby players, with only one of these detailing dietary intake in female athletes. Recent studies have reported on both protein and carbohydrate periodisation practices in rugby union players; however, there is currently limited evidence as to the influence of these on performance, recovery, and well-being. Factors influencing eating patterns, the impact of sports nutritionists on dietary intake, and food consumption in catered and non-catered environments has been explored in isolated studies. Nutrition knowledge levels in rugby players have been reported in several studies; however, the influence this has on dietary intake in rugby players is unknown. Collectively, despite new contemporary themes emerging in the literature concerning dietary intake in rugby players, the studies are isolated; as such, there is limited scope to the translatability of information due to heterogeneity in sex, level of play, and location of participants. Given this, future research should aim to build upon the themes identified in this review in combination to support practitioners working within their specific environments. This will subsequently build towards the generation of rugby-specific recommendations. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the physiological, perceptual, and biomechanical differences between male and female soldiers across several military-relevant load and walking speed combinations. Eleven female and twelve male soldiers completed twelve 12 min walking trials at varying speeds (3.5 km·h⁻¹, 5.5 km·h⁻¹, 6.5 km·h⁻¹) and with varying external loads (7.2 kg, 23.2 kg, 35.2 kg). Physiological (indirect calorimetry, heart rate), perceptual (perceived exertion), and biomechanical (spatiotemporal, kinematic, kinetic) outcomes were measured throughout each trial. Females had a lower aerobic capacity and lower body strength than males, which resulted in them working at a greater exercise intensity (%VO_2peak and heart rate) but with a lower oxygen pulse. Females demonstrated higher breathing frequency and perceived exertion with specific loads. At selected loads and speeds, frontal and sagittal pelvis, hip, and knee motions and forces were greater for females. Females consistently displayed greater relative stride length and step width. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of tailored interventions, periodisation, and nutritional strategies for female military personnel, given their higher relative work rate and increased injury risk during load carriage tasks. Understanding these differences is crucial for preparing female soldiers for the physical demands of military service. Full article

The pre-season plays a crucial role in the preparation of professional football players, as it allows for an extensive focus on training sessions compared to the more congested schedules during the in-season period, especially in professional football leagues. This study aimed to describe the workload during a 6-week pre-season in Belgian professional football players and to analyse and compare the workloads for players in each microcycle according to several variables of external workload (e.g., distance covered at some velocities). Seventeen male Belgian professional football players competing in the second division of the Belgian league system participated in the study. Throughout the 6 weeks, the players were closely monitored during both training sessions and friendly matches using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Several parameters, including total distance covered and distance at different velocities, were recorded. Accelerating and decelerating distances, as well as the number of sprints, were also captured. Statistical analysis was based on a repeated measures ANOVA, percentage dynamics, and effect size calculations. The results obtained showed a progressive increase in the distance travelled at different intensities from week 1 (i.e., lower values) to week 3 (i.e., higher values), with reductions in these values in week 6, prior to the start of the official competition. Similarly, the peak of accelerations and decelerations were observed in week 2 and week 3, with decrements at the end of the pre-season period. This comprehensive investigation attempts to shed light on the effects and dynamic changes in external workload during the crucial pre-season, contributing valuable insights for coaches and practitioners in football conditioning and training programs, especially concerning optimal preparation for the beginning of the league’s season. Full article

Background: Regular exercise has been described to modify both the diversity and the relative abundance of certain bacterial taxa. To our knowledge, the effect of a cycling stage race, which entails extreme physiological and metabolic demands, on the gut microbiota composition and its metabolic activity has not been analysed. Objective: The aim of this cohort study was to analyse the dynamics of faecal microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content of professional cyclists over a Grand Tour and their relationship with performance and dietary intake. Methods: 16 professional cyclists competing in La Vuelta 2019 were recruited. Faecal samples were collected at four time points: the day before the first stage (A); after 9 stages (B); after 15 stages (C); and on the last stage (D). Faecal microbiota populations and SCFA content were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography, respectively. A principal component analysis (PCA) followed by Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) models were carried out to explore the dynamics of microbiota and SCFAs and their relationship with performance. Results: Bifidobacteriaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Sutterellaceae dynamics showed a strong final performance predictive value (r = 0.83, ranking, and r = 0.81, accumulated time). Positive correlations were observed between Coriobacteriaceae with acetate (r = 0.530) and isovalerate (r = 0.664) and between Bifidobacteriaceae with isobutyrate (r = 0.682). No relationship was observed between SCFAs and performance. The abundance of Erysipelotrichaceae at the beginning of La Vuelta was directly related to the previous intake of complex-carbohydrate-rich foods (r = 0.956), while during the competition, the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was negatively affected by the intake of simple carbohydrates from supplements (r = −0.650). Conclusions: An ecological perspective represents more realistically the relationship between gut microbiota composition and performance compared to single-taxon approaches. The composition and periodisation of diet and supplementation during a Grand Tour, particularly carbohydrates, could be designed to modulate gut microbiota composition to allow better performance. Full article

Background: There are no published data on the training-load magnitude or distribution in elite international-level boxers preparing for a major competition nor on the training load’s relationship with objective and subjective training markers. Methods: Twelve elite boxers (eight males and four females) preparing for the 2018 Commonwealth Games were monitored during training for 12 weeks. The training load (TL), change in creatine kinase (ΔCK), and wellness variables were measured daily but were amalgamated into average weekly values over the 12-week period for weekly comparisons. The relationships between the TL, ΔCK, and wellness variables were also assessed. Results: The significant (p < 0.001) main effects of the week with large and moderate effect sizes were noted for the TL and ΔCK, respectively, with weeks 9 and 12 in the competition-specific and taper phases showing the greatest differences, respectively. For wellness, only the muscle condition showed a significant change over time (p < 0.001). There were significant (p < 0.05) small–moderate correlations between the TL, ΔCK, and wellness variables. Conclusions: This is the first study to describe the weekly training loads and responses to training of elite international boxers across a 12-week pre-competition training period in preparation for a major competition. The findings within this study report that elite international boxers have high chronic training loads that change between training blocks to put emphasis on different qualities. Monitoring the indirect muscle damage through CK may provide further information on the internal training responses in boxers. Full article

Giorgia Meloni has long been one of the most important figures on the political scene. Her strength has been, from the very beginning, clear and effective communication, combined with a populist style based on the credibility of her path. Our contribution will attempt to highlight the interweaving that links this discipline to the complex and varied representation of populism. The analyses are based on extensive documentation of data for a period from July 2020 to September 2022, the month in which the vote was held in Italy. This periodisation allowed us to have a broad view of the phenomenon and a consequent linear picture of the state of the art. Moreover, in this way, we were able to cover three years of particularly intense political debate, allowing us to outline the underlying motivations that led to electoral success. Based on existing research, the phenomena are described and then framed in relation to the social and political context in which they were experienced, taking into account the interconnection with communication. In this sense, this contribution aims to introduce a perspective that corrects most analyses in this field, which assume that populist parties have lost ground in Europe with the advent of the pandemic. In fact, this study argues that the communication strategies linked to some of Giorgia Meloni’s political choices, including all forms of populism, have generally succeeded in attracting greater public interest while maintaining the characteristics of a phenomenon with pop traits that favoured its rise. Full article