Energetic responses of head-out water immersion at different temperatures during post-exercise recovery and its consequence on anaerobic mechanical power

PURPOSE

While exercise recovery may be beneficial from a physiological point of view, it may be detrimental to subsequent anaerobic performance. To investigate the energetic responses of water immersion at different temperatures during post-exercise recovery and its consequences on subsequent anaerobic performance, a randomized and controlled crossover experimental design was performed with 21 trained cyclists.

METHOD

Participants were assigned to receive three passive recovery strategies during 10 min after a Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT): control (CON: non-immersed condition), cold water immersion (CWI: 20 ℃), and hot water immersion (HWI: 40 ℃). Blood lactate, cardiorespiratory, and mechanical outcomes were measured during the WAnT and its recovery. Time constant (τ), asymptotic value, and area under the curve (AUC) were quantified for each physiologic parameter during recovery. After that, a second WAnT test and 10-min recovery were realized in the same session.

RESULTS

Regardless the water immersion temperature, water immersion increased [Formula: see text] (+ 18%), asymptote ([Formula: see text]+ 16%, [Formula: see text] + 13%, [Formula: see text] + 17%, HR + 16%) and AUC ([Formula: see text]+ 27%, [Formula: see text] + 18%, [Formula: see text] + 20%, HR + 25%), while decreased [Formula: see text] (- 33%). There was no influence of water immersion on blood lactate parameters. HWI improved the mean power output during the second WAnT (2.2%), while the CWI decreased 2.4% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Independent of temperature, water immersion enhanced aerobic energy recovery without modifying blood lactate recovery. However, subsequent anaerobic performance was increased only during HWI and decreased during CWI. Despite higher than in other studies, 20 °C effectively triggered physiological and performance responses. Water immersion-induced physiological changes did not predict subsequent anaerobic performance.

Ecological and Construct Validity of a Repeated Sprint Test in Male Youth Soccer Players

ABSTRACT

Fernandes-Da-Silva, J, Castagna, C, Teixeira, AS, Carminatti, LJ, Francini, L, Póvoas, SCA, and Antonacci Guglielmo, LG. Ecological and construct validity of a repeated sprint test in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 2000-2009, 2021-This study aimed to examine the relationship between a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test (5 bouts of 30-m sprints interspersed by 30 seconds of recovery) and match-related physical performance in male youth soccer players. Although 60 outfield players were evaluated, only data from players who participated in the full matches (n = 39) were retained (8 central defenders, 7 external defenders, 8 central midfielders, 8 external midfielders, and 8 forwards). To verify the ecological validity of this RSA protocol, the association between the best (RSAbest) and mean (RSAmean) sprint time in the 5 × 30-m and physical match performance during friendly youth soccer games was examined. Physical match demands were assessed using global positioning system technology (10 Hz) considering distance covered in selected arbitrary speed categories. The absolute speed thresholds were the same for all the players. Players were categorized into 2 groups based on the 5 × 30-m performance: RSAmean times below (i.e., faster) and above (i.e., slower) the median value. Players with faster RSAmean times covered significantly more distance sprinting during friendly matches (606 ± 204 m, +47.0%; t = 4.953; effect size = 1.88, 1.24; 2.52, p ≤ 0.001) compared to their slower counterparts (322 ± 145 m). A large negative correlation (r = -0.63, -0.77; -0.44, p ≤ 0.001) was found between RSAbest time (4.59 ± 0.27 seconds) and match sprint distance (457 ± 229 m). Likewise, RSAmean time (4.76 ± 0.25 seconds) was also largely associated (r = -0.60, -0.75; -0.39; p ≤ 0.001) with in-game sprinting performance. The results of this study provided evidence to support the construct and ecological validity of the 5 × 30-m protocol in male youth soccer players. Furthermore, differences in 5 × 30-m performance explained the amount of sprinting activity performed during the match.

Talk test: a simple alternative to identify lactate thresholds during progressive cycling exercise

The assessment of speech production difficulty has been used to control aerobic exercise intensity through the Talk Test method. The aim of this study was to compare the Talk Test variables to lactate thresholds using an incremental test. Thirteen male subjects performed an incremental cycle test to identify the first lactate threshold (LT1), second lactate threshold (LT2) and transition points of the Talk Test. During the incremental exercise test subjects read aloud a standard paragraph at the end of each stage. The last stage at which the subjects could talk comfortably, the first stage at which the subjects could not talk comfortably, and the first stage at which they definitely could not talk comfortably were referred to as the last positive (LP), equivocal (EQ) and negative stages (NEG), respectively. The power output (88±22W) and heart rate at the first lactate threshold (115±15 bpm) were significantly lower (p&lt;.05) than the power output at the last positive (127±26 W) and heart rate (131+21 bpm) at the last positive. The power output and heart rate at the second lactate threshold (169.5 ± 22.6 W; 157 ± 14 bpm) were not significantly different (p=.195) from power output and heart rate at the equivocal (178.8± 30.3 W; 161 ± 15 bpm). The heart rate at the second lactate threshold and equivocal were significantly correlated (r=.57; p&lt;.05). In conclusion, this study showed that the equivocal stage of the Talk Test can be used as a simple tool to indirectly identify the second lactate threshold in healthy men during cycling exercise.

Predicting Maximal Lactate Steady State from Carminatti's Shuttle Run Test in Soccer Players

The objective of the present study was to determine the validity of Carminatti's shuttle run incremental test-T-Car derived parameters in estimating the maximal lactate steady state determined in shuttle run format. Eighteen soccer players performed a T-Car test, and several trials to determine the maximal lactate steady state. From T-Car were derived the heart rate deflection point, peak speed, maximal heart rate and parameters resulting from percentage of peak measures. The validity was accessed by Bland-Altman plots, linear regressions, and two one-sided tests of equivalence analysis. The results showed the speed at 80.4% of T-Car peak speed, the heart rate deflection point and the 91.4% of maximal heart rate were equivalent to maximal lactate steady state (Mean difference; ±90% compatibility interval; -0.8; ±1.5%, -0.4; ±1.1%, and 0.0; ±2.7%, respectively). Additionally, peak speed during the T-Car test was a stronger predictor of maximal lactate steady state (MLSS [km/h]=2.57+0.65 × sPeak; r=0.82 [90% CI; 0.62-0.92], standard error of the estimate=3.6%; 90% CI ×/÷1.4). Therefore, soccer players can use the T-Car derived parameters as a noninvasive and practical alternative to estimate the specific maximal lactate steady state for soccer.

Game Running Performance and Fitness in Women’s Futsal

The study aimed to verify possible associations between game-play running performance and outcomes derived from fitness (running) tests in female futsal players. Sixteen women professional elite futsal players from a 1st division league team (19.2±2 years-old, 4.3±2.1 years of experience) participated. Firstly, a graded incremental treadmill test was adopted to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Following 72 h of laboratory protocol, players were asked to perform a repeated-sprint test on a court (8×40 m with two 180° change-of-directions). Twenty-four hours after, players participated in a one-off friendly game (two 20-min half-times). A computerized automatic image recognition software (DVIDEOW; 30 Hz) allowed to determine game running performance variables. Fatigue index and best time in the court test and VO2max and its attached speed derived from laboratory-based test showed significant moderate-to-moderately high correlations (r=− 0.59–0.76; p<0.05) with some game running performance outputs, notably related to high-intensity running. In conclusion, the present study provided initial evidence on associations between two fitness tests and one-off game running performance in female futsal. Information derived from the work potentially help conditioning professionals working with female futsal athletes gain awareness about some properties of common testing tools.

The peak velocity of Carminatti’s Test for aerobic-fitness training in male soccer players

Aerobic energy transference is highly required and accounts for more than 90% of total energy consumption during a soccer match. In addition high aerobic fitness contributes to recovery from high-intensity intermittent exercise, specific to performance in soccer. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the peak velocity in the Carminatti’s test (PVT-CAR) for prescribing interval-training drills is effective in eliciting aerobic-fitness development intensities in male soccer-players. Fifteen Brazilian male elite soccer-players (U20) were tested for T-CAR and monitored for heart rate (HR) during PVT-CAR prescribed interval-training drills (i.e., 4x4min with 3min passive recovery). Drills were performed with a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio with either straight-line (6/6s) or 180° shuttle running (12/12s). The interval training performed at PVT-CAR elicited HR above 90% of HRmax and lactate above 4m.mol.l-1. In the shuttle-running drills, HR and lactate (93.3±2.1% HRmax; 7.7±1.4 m.mol.l-1) were significantly higher than in the straight line drills (vs 90.3±2.6 %HRmax; 4.5±0.9 m.mol.l-1). The coefficient of variations showed low inter-subject variability in HR (CV 2.3 and 3.0% for 12/12 and 6/6 respectively). The results of this study demonstrated that PVT-CAR can be successfully used to individualize high-intensity interval running training in players with different aerobic profiles, while shuttle-running drills presented higher values at intern load than straight line. The physiological and time-motion profiles resemble the most demanding phases of the match, especially for the fittest players.

Physiological Responses During the Time Limit at 100% of the Peak Velocity in the Carminatti's Test in Futsal Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological responses during the time limit at the intensity of the peak velocity of the Carminatti's test (T-CAR). Ten professional futsal players (age, 27.4 ± 5.8 years, body mass, 78.8 ± 8.5 kg, body height, 175.8 ± 6.8 cm, body fat mass, 14.1 ± 2.6%) took part in the study. The players performed three tests, with an interval of at least 48 hours, as follows: the T-CAR to determine the peak velocity and the maximal heart rate; an incremental treadmill protocol to determine the maximal physiological responses; and a time limit running test at the peak velocity reached in the T-CAR. During the last two tests, a portable gas analyzer was used for direct measurement of cardiorespiratory variables. It was shown that the peak velocity was not significantly different from the maximal aerobic speed achieved in the laboratory (p = 0.213). All athletes reached their maximum oxygen uptake during the time limit test. The maximum oxygen uptake achieved during the time limit test was not different from that observed in the laboratory condition (51.1 ± 4.7 vs. 49.6 ± 4.7 ml·kg^-1·min^-1, respectively, p = 0.100). In addition, Bland and Altman plots evidenced acceptable agreement between them. On average, athletes took ~140 s to achieve maximum oxygen uptake and maintained it for ~180 s. Therefore, the peak velocity intensity can be used as an indicator of maximal aerobic power of futsal athletes and the time limit can be used as a reference for training prescription.

The peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test is related to physical match performance in young soccer players

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test (T-CAR) (PV_T-CAR) and physical match performance in young soccer players. Thirty-three youth soccer players were recruited from 2 non-professional clubs. Friendly matches and small-sided game were performed. Physical match demands were assessed using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. On a separate occasion, the players were submitted to the T-CAR. Players were categorised into 3 groups based on their T-CAR performance: Low (PV_T-CAR ≤ P33), Intermediate (P33 > PV_T-CAR < P66) and High (PV_T-CAR ≥ P66). The PV_T-CAR (15.5 ± 0.7 km·h^-1) was significantly related to high-intensity activities (HIA; r = 0.78, P < 0.001), high-intensity running (HIR; r = 0.66, P < 0.001), sprinting (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and total distance (TD) covered (r = 0.47, P < 0.01) during friendly matches. The PV_T-CAR was strongly correlated with the amount of HIA (r = 0.81, P < 0.001), HIR (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and TD covered (r = 0.81, P < 0.001) during small-sided game. No significant correlation was observed between the PV_T-CAR and distance of sprinting (r = 0.49, P = 0.067) during small-side game. Furthermore, players in the High group covered significantly more TD (10%) and did more HIA (42%), sprinting (31%) and HIR (25%) during friendly matches compared to the players classified as having Low performance on the T-CAR. These differences still remained after adjusting for chronological age (CA), maturity and body size. In conclusion, the current study gives empirical support to the ecological and construct validity of this novel field test (T-CAR) as an indicator of match-related physical performance in young soccer players during pubertal years.

The effect of two generic aerobic interval training methods on laboratory and field test performance in soccer players

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 generic aerobic training models, based on peak running velocity in Carminatti's test (PVT-CAR) in U-20 elite soccer players. Seventeen soccer players (age: 17.9 ± 1.0 years; 178.6 ± 5.0 cm; 73.6 ± 6.6 kg; 11.1 ± 1.3%) from a team competing in a national junior league took part in the study. The athletes performed a series of pre- and posttraining tests (incremental test on a treadmill to determine the maximal oxygen uptake [(Equation is included in full-text article.)], velocity at maximal oxygen uptake [(Equation is included in full-text article.)], the lactate threshold [LT], and T-CAR). The interval training models applied were with 180° direction change (T12:12; n = 9) and without direction change (T6:6; n = 8). No significant interaction (time vs. group) was observed for the majority of variables analyzed (p > 0.05), although significant main effects in time were evident regarding peak treadmill velocity (PVTREAD) (F = 56.3, p < 0.0001), (Equation is included in full-text article.)(F = 35.8, p < 0.0001), LT (F = 57.7, p < 0.0001), and PVT-CAR (F = 52.9, p < 0.0001). Moreover, there was no significant change in (Equation is included in full-text article.)between pre and posttraining period (F = 4.26, p = 0.056) in both training groups. Thus, it can be concluded that the prescribed training with and without direction change in the intensity of the PVT-CAR increases the PVTREAD, the (Equation is included in full-text article.), the LT, and the PVT-CAR similarly.

Comparação do ponto de deflexão da frequência cardíaca com a máxima fase estável de lactato em corredores de fundo

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o ponto de deflexão da freqüência cardíaca (PDFC) visual e método DMAX com a máxima fase estável de lactato (MFEL). Treze corredores executaram teste incremental Vameval e testes de cargas retangulares (TCR). A velocidade do PDFC visual (14,3 ± 1,13km.h-1) foi significantemente maior que o DMAX (13,2 ± 1,35km.h-1) além de apresentarem correlação não significante. Entretanto, nenhuma dessas velocidades foram diferentes da MFEL (13,8 ± 0,90km.h-1) embora somente o PDFC visual tenha apresentado correlação significante com a MFEL (r = 0,75). A concentração de lactato sanguíneo não apresentou estabilidade em oito sujeitos no TCR na intensidade do PDFC visual o qual nos leva a concluir que este não é um índice confiável para estimativa da MFEL. No entanto, este índice pode ser usado como um indicador de capacidade aeróbia.