Anaerobic capacity of the upper arms in top-level team handball players

Muscle Oximetry in Sports Science: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction (in 2006) of commercially available portable wireless muscle oximeters, the use of muscle near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology is gaining in popularity as an application to observe changes in muscle metabolism and muscle oxygenation during and after exercise or training interventions in both laboratory and applied sports settings.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this systematic review were to highlight the application of muscle oximetry in evaluating oxidative skeletal muscle performance to sport activities and emphasize how this technology has been applied to exercise and training.

METHODS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed in a systematic fashion to search, assess and synthesize existing literature on this topic. The Scopus and MEDLINE/PubMed electronic databases were searched to 1 March 2017. Potential inclusions were screened against eligibility criteria relating to recreationally trained to elite athletes, with or without training programs, who must have assessed physiological variables monitored by commercial oximeters or NIRS instrumentation.

RESULTS

Of the 14,609 identified records, only 57 studies met the eligibility criteria. This systematic review highlighted a number of key findings in 16 sporting activities. Overall, NIRS information can be used as a marker of skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and for analyzing muscle performance factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although NIRS instrumentation is promising in evaluating oxidative skeletal muscle performance when used in sport settings, there is still the need for further instrumental development and randomized/longitudinal trials to support the detailed advantages of muscle oximetry utilization in sports science.

Differences in Physical Performance According to the Competitive Level in Amateur Handball Players

Estibaliz, R, Fabio, N, Rodrigo, RC, Daniel, C, Josune, RN, and Javier Y. Differences in physical performance according to the competitive level in amateur handball players. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 2048-2054, 2020-The aim of this study was to compare physical performance in amateur handball players of 2 different competitive levels. Thirty-four senior handball players were divided into 2 groups according to their competitive level (regional category: REG or national category: NAC). Although no significant differences were found between groups in any of the horizontal jump (HJ) or vertical jump (VJ) variables (p > 0.05), NAC players obtained a better performance in the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test (RSABest [the best attempt] and RSATT [the total time in the total of sprints] in 15 m and 30 m), in change of direction ability (CODA) and in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1) test (p < 0.01, effect size = -1.32 to 1.75, large). A significant association was observed between the body mass index (BMI) and the HJ or VJ capacity (r = -0.35 to -0.55, p < 0.01), the RSA15mBest and RSA30mBest (r = 0.41 to 0.59, p < 0.01), and YYIR1 distance (r = -0.54, p ≤ 0.05), and a also between the performance in the HJ or the VJ and the RSA15mBest and RSA30mBest, the CODA and the YYIR1, and between the RSA30mBest and the YYIR1 (r = -0.54, p ≤ 0.05). Specific strength and conditioning programs should aim toward improving RSA, CODA, and YYIR1, as these abilities may be needed at higher levels of competition. The programs also should aim toward improved HJ and VJ abilities, given their association with RSA, CODA, and YYIR1 performance. Moreover, maintaining an adequate BMI may aid players to sustain greater physical performance levels.

Influence of warm-up duration on physical performance and psychological perceptions in handball players

The purpose of the study was to analyse the effect of two warm-up protocols of different duration on physical performance, perceived load and perception of being ready for a match in handball players. Eighteen handball players were randomly divided into two groups (Wup_34min, warm-up protocol of 34 min, Wup_17min, warm-up protocol of 17 min). Before and after the warm-up protocols, they performed a battery of physical tests and recorded their perception of feeling ready for a match. At the end of the warm-up protocols, all the players evaluated their differentiated perceived effort (dRPE). The results showed that neither of the protocols significantly modified (p > 0.05) the players' physical performance. However, the Wup_34min group showed higher values in the differentiated warm-up perceived load (dRPE-WL) (p < 0.01, TE = 0.97-1.27, high) than the Wup_17min group. The players with a greater perceived muscular load (RPE_MUSC) experienced a greater decrease in their acceleration capacity (r = 0.48-0.49, p < 0.05). In spite of the fact that neither of the warm-up protocols significantly modified the players' physical performance, a greater perceived muscular load may cause a greater decrease in acceleration capacity.