Influence of the Type of Training Sport Practised on Psychological and Physiological Parameters during Exhausting Endurance Exercises

Comparing the Effects of Immersed Versus Land-Based High-Intensity Interval Cycling on Energy Intake, Appetite Sensations and Perceived Exertion Among Healthy Men

Immersed exercise has been shown to induce higher energy expenditure and no difference or increase in food intake compared with similar exercise on land. In this study, we compared the effects of acute high-intensity cycling performed on land versus when immersed on subsequent energy intake (EI), appetite sensations and perceived exertion (RPE) in healthy men. Ten participants in a postprandial condition completed three experimental visits in a randomized order: a control condition (CONT); a high-intensity interval cycling exercise performed on land (HIIE-L) and the same exercise while immersed in water (HIIE-A) with a similar targeted heart rate. We observed no difference in energy and macronutrient intake and in area under the curve (AUC) for appetite sensations between sessions. The RPE at the end of HIIE-L was negatively correlated with EI (r=-0.67; p < 0.05), AUC for hunger (r=-0.86, p < 0.01), desire to eat (r=-0.78, p < 0.05) and prospective food consumption (r=-0.86, p < 0.01). Conversely, the RPE at the end of HIIE-L was positively correlated with AUC for fullness (r = 0.76, p < 0.05). No such correlations were observed for HIIE-A. The present study was the first to observe that immersion did not influence EI after HIIE cycling, but immersion blunted the relationship between session RPE and subsequent energy intake and appetite sensations relative to HIIE on land.

Pre-race determinants influencing performance and finishing of a transcontinental 4486-km ultramarathon

BACKGROUND

Pre-race determinants influencing performance and finishing of one of the largest transcontinental multistage ultramarathons were investigated.

METHODS

Forty-four participants of the TransEurope FootRace 2009 (TEFR), running 4486 km in 64 stages (average 70.1 km daily) were analyzed regarding training and running history. This included years of regular endurance running (PRY), number of finished marathons, ultramarathons (UM) and multistage ultramarathons (MSUM), pre-race records (PRR) for marathon and specific UM races and the extent of pre-race training (PRT) in the last year before TEFR: volume (km/week), duration (h/week) and intensity (km/h).

RESULTS

Mean total running speed during TEFR was 8.25 km/h.Seventy-one percent of subjects finished the race. The mean PRT-volume extends 5500 km. Finishers and non-finishers of the TEFR did not show significant difference in any tested pre-race determinants. There was no association between PRY, number of finished marathons, UM, and MSUM and TEFR performance. There was very strong positive correlation between PRT-intensity and TEFR performance. PRT volume correlated with a medium effect size to TEFR performance. PRR in specific ultra-races (6-hour, 50-km, 100-km races) showed a high correlation to TEFR performance. Performance in ultramarathon correlates inversely with age.

CONCLUSIONS

Like in other endurance disciplines with shorter distances, in ultra-long multistage endurance running the athletes also need a stage-specific pre-race experience, training and adaptation if he wants to end up with a good performance. But dropping out of a MSUM seems not to be consistent with regard to specific pre-race experience. Further research results of TEFR project may reveal potential risk factors for non-finishing a transcontinental footrace.

Use of the anaerobic speed reserve to normalize the prescription of high-intensity interval exercise intensity

The aim of this study was to compare the perceptual and physiological responses and time-to-exhaustion in high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocols that are prescribed based on the relative anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) or maximal aerobic speed (MAS) in athletes with different ASR values, as well as the coefficient of variation (CV) of the abovementioned variables. Eleven long-distance runners and ten rugby players were submitted to five experimental sessions on different days; the first and second session were intended for the determination of the anthropometry, MAS and maximal sprint (MSS). In the subsequent sessions, three HIIE_15:15s protocols were performed until exhaustion (110%MAS, Δ25%ASR, and Δ50%ASR) in random order. The anthropometric characteristics and variables obtained from the MAS and MSS tests in the different groups were compared by Student's unpaired t-test. The analysis of mixed models for repeated measures (groups and protocols) was used to compare the speed, delta blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and time-to-exhaustion. Rugby players presented higher ASR (13.6 ± 0.9 km h^-1) compared to long-distance runners (12.6 ± 0.9 km h^-1) (P = .049). For the HIIE_15:15s protocols, there were no protocol and group interaction effects. However, lower CV values were observed for time-to-exhaustion (a mean reduction of 52%) and delta blood lactate (a mean reduction of 48%) in Δ25%ASR and Δ50%ASR when compared to 110%MAS. Furthermore, the rating of perceived exertion CV was similar in all HIIE_15:15s protocols. The prescription of intensity of HIIE based on the ASR was able to reduce the inter-subject variability of lactate and time-to-exhaustion in rugby players and long-distance runners.

Anthropometric prediction of DXA-measured body composition in female team handball players

Background

The relevance of body composition (BC) to performance in sport has long been appreciated with special concern on the total and regional proportion of fat and muscle. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is able to accurately measure BC, but it may not be easily available in practice; anthropometry has long been used as a simple and inexpensive field method to objectively assess BC. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to develop and validate a sport-specific anthropometric predictive equation for total body fat mass (FM) and lean mass components in female handball players to be used in the sport setting; second, to cross-validate in female team handball players several independently developed, predictive equations for BC in female athletes.

Methods

A total of 85 female team handball players (30 wings, 31 backs, 14 pivots, 10 goalkeepers) of different competitive levels underwent anthropometry and a whole-body DXA scan. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop predictive equations in a derivation sample (n = 60) of randomly selected players using demographic and anthropometric variables. The developed equations were used to predict DXA outcomes in an independent validation sample (n = 25).

Results

Statistically significant (P < 0.001) models were developed for total body FM (adjusted R² = 0.943, standard error of the estimate, SEE = 1,379 g), percentage FM (adjusted R² = 0.877, SEE = 2.00%), fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM) (adjusted R² = 0.834, SEE = 2,412 g), fat-free mass (FFSTM + bone mineral content; adjusted R² = 0.829, SEE = 2,579 g). All models were robust to collinearity. Each developed equation was successfully validated in the remaining 25 players using correlation analysis, mean signed difference, t-test, and Bland–Altman plot. The whole dataset of team handball players (n = 85) was used to cross-validate several predictive equations independently developed by others in female athletes. Equations significantly (P < 0.001 for all; t-test) over- or underestimated the corresponding DXA measurements.

Discussion

It is concluded that in team female handball players the anthropometric equations presented herein are able to estimate body fat and FFSTM with accuracy. Several BC predictive anthropometric equations developed in different female athletic populations revealed inaccurate when tested in team handball players. These results should be of use for coaches, physical trainers, and nutritionists when evaluating the physical status of female team handball players.

Validity and Reliability of Perceptually-Based Scales during Exhausting Runs in Trained Male Runners

The purposes of this study were to test the validity of a recent scale based on the estimation of a time of exhaustion (entitled Estimated Time Limit scale) to predict a time limit (Tlim) and to regulate exercise intensity and to investigate the reliability of the Estimated Time Limit scale and the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. 14 male runners performed one incremental test, one constant velocity test at 85% of Maximal Aerobic Velocity (MAV), one constant duration test and one retest of 15 min. on an outdoor track. The difference between Estimated Time Limit values obtained during the incremental test at 85% MAV and measured Tlim values during the constant velocity test were examined, the velocities at ETL = 13 (i.e., 15 min.) obtained during the incremental test were compared with measured velocities during the constant duration test or the retest (only the best performance was used), and RPE and Estimated Time Limit values during the constant duration test were compared with those measured during retest. The results have shown a nonsignificant correlation between Estimated Time Limit values at 85% MAV and measured Tlim values during constant velocity test. There was a significant correlation ( p < .02, r = .64) between velocities at ETL = 13 and measured velocities. However, the slope and y intercept value of this regression were significantly different from those of the identity line. There was no significant difference between constant duration test and retest for the values of RPE and Estimated Time Limit with high correlations (between r = .77 and .99 for RPE scale, and r = .74 and .99 for Estimated Time Limit scale). Moreover, the regression lines were close to the identity line. The RPE and Estimated Time Limit scales are reliable, but the lack of validity for the Estimated Time Limit scale suggests that more studies must be performed before using this scale to predict Tlim and regulate exercise intensity in male runners.

Performance factors in women's team handball: physical and physiological aspects--a review

Team handball is an Olympic sport played professionally in many European countries. Nevertheless, a scientific knowledge regarding women's elite team handball demands is limited. Thus, the purpose of this article was to review a series of studies (n = 33) on physical characteristics, physiological attributes, physical attributes, throwing velocity, and on-court performances of women's team handball players. Such empirical and practical information is essential to design and implement successful short-term and long-term training programs for women's team handball players. Our review revealed that (a) players that have a higher skill level are taller and have a higher fat-free mass; (b) players who are more aerobically resistant are at an advantage in international level women team handball; (c) strength and power exercises should be emphasized in conditioning programs, because they are associated with both sprint performance and throwing velocity; (d) speed drills should also be implemented in conditioning programs but after a decrease in physical training volume; (e) a time-motion analysis is an effective method of quantifying the demands of team handball and provides a conceptual framework for the specific physical preparation of players. According to our results, there are only few studies on on-court performance and time-motion analysis for women's team handball players, especially concerning acceleration profiles. More studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of different training programs of women's team handball players' physiological and physical attributes.

Anthropometric profile, vertical jump, and throwing velocity in elite female handball players by playing positions

Women's handball is a sport, which has seen an accelerated development over the last decade. Although anthropometric and physical characteristics have been studied for male sports teams, in women's handball, studies are scarce. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to describe the anthropometric characteristics, throwing velocity, hand grip, and muscular power of the lower limbs in female handball players and second, to identify the possible differences in these parameters in terms of individual playing positions (center, back, wing, pivot, and goalkeeper). A total of 130 elite female Spanish handball players participated in the study (age 25.74 ± 4.84 years; playing experience 14.92 ± 4.88 years). Anthropometric assessment was performed for all the subjects following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocols. Furthermore, all the subjects performed a vertical jump test (squat jump and countermovement jump). Hand grip and throwing velocity in several situations were also assessed. A 1-way analysis of variance and a Tukey post hoc test were used to study the differences among individual playing positions. Wings were less heavy, shorter, and showed a smaller arm span than did goalkeepers, backs and pivots (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, pivots were heavier than centers. Backs and pivots exhibited higher muscular mass than did wings. Total players' somatotype was mesomorphy endomorphy (3.89-4.28-2.29). Centers showed higher throwing velocity levels than did wings in 9-m throws from just behind the line, with a goalkeeper. Backs exhibited higher hand-grip values than did wings. Statistical differences have been established between wings and other specific playing positions, especially with pivot and backs. Coaches can use this information to select players for the different specific positions.

Perceived exertion and heart rate models for estimating metabolic workload in elite British soldiers performing a backpack load-carriage task

Identifying field measures to estimate backpack load-carriage work intensity in elite soldiers is of interest to the military. This study developed rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and heart rate models to define metabolic workload for a backpack load-carriage task valid for a population of elite soldiers using serial data. Male soldiers (n = 18) from the British Parachute or Special Air Service Regiment completed an incremental treadmill walking and (or) running protocol while carrying a 20-kg backpack. Heart rate, RPE, and oxygen uptake were recorded at each incremental stage of the protocol. Linear mixed models were used to model the RPE and heart rate data in the metric of measured peak oxygen uptake. Workload was accurately estimated using RPE alone (SE = 6.03), percentage of estimated maximum heart rate (%E-MHR) (SE = 6.9), and percentage of measured maximum heart rate (%M-MHR) (SE = 4.9). Combining RPE and %E-MHR resulted in a field measure with an accuracy (SE = 4.9) equivalent to the %M-MHR model. We conclude that RPE, %E-MHR, and %M-MHR provide accurate field-based proxy measures of metabolic workload in elite British soldiers performing a backpack load-carriage task. The model is accurate for the metabolic range measured by these serial data for the backpack load-carriage task.

Factors associated with perceived exertion and estimated time limit at lactate threshold

The purpose was to identify the most predictive parameters for perceived exertion and estimated time limit responses at the velocity corresponding to the lactate concentration threshold. The former scale concerns the subject's current status (how hard he feels the exercise currently is) whereas the latter scale deals with a subjective prediction of how long the current exercise level can be maintained. Multiple regression equations were developed among physiological, psychological, nutritional, and individual parameters (subjects' characteristics and performances) as independent variables, and perceived exertion or estimated time limit as dependent variables. Independent variables were collected before or during an incremental running field test. 94 regional to national level athletes (47 endurance-trained runners, 11 sprinters, and 36 handball players) participated. Multiple stepwise regression showed that Rating of Perceived Exertion and Estimated Time Limit at the lactate threshold were mainly mediated by factors relative to the performance expressed in percentage of the maximal aerobic velocity. Secondary factors which contribute significantly as perceptual predictors were related to various classes of factors except for psychological factors.