The effect of Ramadan fasting on the morning-evening difference in team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performances in elite female team-handball players

The combined effect of Ramadan fasting and the time of theday on the physical performance of team-handball players has not yet been fully investigated. This study investigated the effects of Ramadan fasting on the morning-evening difference in team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performance. With acounterbalanced study design, 15 elite female team-handball players underwent the hand grip (HG), ball throwing velocity (BTV), modified agility T-test (MAT), and repeated shuttle-sprint and jump ability (RSSJA) tests at 07:00 h and 17:00 h, one week before Ramadan (BR), and during thesecond (SWR) and fourth week of Ramadan (4WR). The oral temperature (OT) was monitored prior to exercise and the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale were obtained after RSSJA. The results showed that the time of theday had an effect on OT under all conditions. The HG, BTV, and MAT test performances were higher in the evening than in the morning BR (P< .001, P< .05, and P< .001, respectively). However, the diurnal variation noted in the HG and MAT tests was reversed during the SWR and 4WR, while the BTV variation was blunted during the SWR and reversed during the 4WR. The best RSSJA performance was observed in the evening BR. However, for the best and mean sprint times, areversal of this diurnal variation was observed, which was blunted for the mean jump height and sprint time decrement during Ramadan. Moreover, RPE were influenced by the time of theday and the month of Ramadan. These findings suggest that the diurnal variation of team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performance may be reversed and/or blunted during Ramadan fasting.

Effect of Player Role and Competition Level on Player Demands in Basketball

This study compared basketball training and match demands between player roles (starters, in-rotation bench players, out-rotation bench players) and between competition levels (semi-professional, professional). Thirty-seven players from one professional women's team, one semi-professional women's team, and one semi-professional men's team wore accelerometers during training and matches throughout a competitive season. All teams were used for player role comparisons and the women's teams were used to compare competition levels. Match and training session average intensity and volume, and durations of relative exercise intensities (inactive, light, moderate-vigorous, maximal, supramaximal) were calculated. Compared to out-rotation bench players, starters experienced twice the average match intensity and volume, spent 50% less match time being inactive, and spent 1.7-4.2× more match time in all other activity categories (p < 0.01). Compared to in-rotation bench players, starters experienced 1.2× greater average match intensity and volume, spent 17% less match time being inactive, and spent 1.4-1.5× more match time performing moderate-vigorous and maximal activity (p < 0.01). No differences in match demands were found between women's competition levels, however the professional team experienced double the cumulative weekly training volume of the semi-professional team and spent 1.6-2.1× more cumulative weekly time in all activity categories (p < 0.01). To improve performance and reduce injury risk, players should prepare for the greatest match demands they could encounter during a season while considering potential changes to their role. Additionally, players might need their training volume managed when transitioning from a semi-professional to a professional season to reduce the injury risk from sharp increases in training demands.

Fire Characteristics of Upholstery Materials in Seats

The article deals with selected upholstery flammability test materials that, in the case of fire, can cause fire spread. For the research, frequently used materials for upholstery based on polyester were utilized: imitation leather, suede, and microplush. Initiation of initiating spontaneous flammability with various sources of ignition were measured including a smoldering cigarette and a match flame. Results were measured as smoldering time and length of the burnt-though sample. Upholstery materials are an integral part of seat construction. To be used in transport, upholstered material must meet safety measures such as the strength, sanitariness, and fire resistance. All tests were performed in accordance with applicable technical standards. Impact assessment of the sample (weight) on “smoldering time” and “length of degradation” was carried out using an ANOVA. Significant differences in length of degradation was observed between samples. Tests cannot provide reliable information about the flammability course of the final product. Upholstery is composed of external covering, of inner liner, and padding. Results of the research presented in this paper indicate the need to continue the research in a broader aspect.

Analysis of goalkeepers' game performances at the 2016 European Football Championships

Background

Despite a substantial body of literature on the physical and technical demands of outfield players in football, there is little information regarding the performance of goalkeepers.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse the game performance profiles of goalkeepers at the 2016 European Football Championships.

Methods

A total of 30 goalkeepers from 15 games played during the 2016 European Football Championships were analysed using the InStat® video tracking system.

Results

The results showed that goalkeepers covered a mean total distance of 4819 m, ranging from 4036 m to 6640 m. Overall, 68% of distance travelled was attributed to walking, whereas 0.8% was due to high-intensity activities. The goalkeepers of teams that lost matches covered significantly (p < 0.05) longer distances while sprinting than those of teams that drew or won the matches. Goalkeepers of teams that drew significantly (p < 0.05) had a greater number of passes than those goalkeepers of teams that won or lost.

Conclusion

The current results have implications for soccer coaches to structure training sessions and tactical strategies for goalkeepers. The ability of goalkeepers to meet the physical and technical demands of a match could directly influence the successful execution of skills and the outcome of the competition.

Maternal cautopyreiophagia as a rare cause of neonatal hemolysis: a case report

Hyperbilirubinemia in the first 24 hours of life in a newborn is pathologic, necessitating additional evaluation. We report the first case of hemolysis and subsequent hyperbilirubinemia in an otherwise normal term neonate resulting from oxidative stress in the form of maternal cautopyreiophagia: the ingestion of burnt matchstick heads. During the third trimester of pregnancy, the infant's mother consumed more than 300 burnt matchstick heads weekly for 4 weeks. Matches contain potassium chlorate, a powerful oxidant that when ingested can ultimately lead to the destruction of erythrocytes, disseminated intravascular coagulation, kidney injury, or death. The infant's bilirubin rose as high as 17 mg/dL at 22 hours of life; however, the infant did well with a brief course of phototherapy. This case highlights the importance of prenatal questioning about maternal ingestion of potentially oxidative substances and assessing the possible risk for the infant.

Validation of a web-based questionnaire to assess the dietary intake of Brazilian children aged 7-10 years

BACKGROUND

The Food Intake and Physical Activity of School Children (CAAFE) comprises an online questionnaire to self-report diet and physical activity of Brazilian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to assess the validity (matches, omissions and intrusions) and moderating factors of the CAAFE.

METHODS

Direct observation was made of foods consumed (five public schools) and child self-reporting on the CAAFE. Additional data included school grade, gender, body mass index, completion of food diary, socioeconomic status and access to computer. Data were analysed using regression.

RESULTS

In total, 602 children participated in the study [mean (SD) age 9.5 (1.24) years; 53.6% boys]. On average, there were 43% matches, 29% intrusions and 28% omissions. Matches doubled in third grade compared to the second grade (P = 0.004); matches almost tripled for afternoon snack compared to morning snack (P < 0.001); and matches were 69% higher for children with access to a computer at home (P < 0.01). Intrusions decreased by almost one-half in fifth compared to fourth grades (P = 0.004). Omissions declined significantly in the third and fourth grades but increased in the fifth grade. Omissions were 47% lower for children in the highest income and lower among children who completed the food diary. No differences were found for gender or body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Children older than 8 years old, who owned a computer and completed a food diary, performed better in the CAAFE. A high incidence of disagreement was found in relation to the schools and the type of meal. Overall matches (43%), intrusions (29%) and omissions (28%) indicate that further studies are required to improve the validity of the CAAFE.