Showing papers in "European Journal of Sport Science in 2011"

Comparison of physical and technical performance in European soccer match-play: FA Premier League and La Liga

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare match performance in professional soccer players across two major European championships: Spanish La Liga and English FA Premier League (FAPL). Data were collected using a computerized match analysis system. A total of 5938 analyses were recorded during the 2006–2007 season. The players were classified into six positional roles: central defenders, full backs, central defensive midfielders, wide midfielders, central attacking midfielders, and forwards. The match performance variables analysed included: (i) physical activity – total distance covered, distances covered at high-intensities both with and without possession of the ball; (ii) technical actions – heading and ground duels, passing, time in possession, and ball touches. Comparison of the total distance covered by FAPL and La Liga players showed no difference across individual playing positions but FAPL players generally covered greater distances in sprinting. In contrast, more of the total distance in s...

Oscillations of centroid position and surface area of soccer teams in small-sided games

Abstract: There is a need for a collective variable that captures the dynamics of team sports like soccer at match level. The centroid positions and surface areas of two soccer teams potentially describe the coordinated flow of attacking and defending in small-sided soccer games at team level. The aim of the present study was to identify an overall game pattern by establishing whether the proposed variables were linearly related between teams over the course of the game. In addition, we tried to identify patterns in the build-up of goals. A positive linear relation and a negative linear relation were hypothesized for the centroid positions and surface areas respectively. Finally, we hypothesized that deviations from these patterns are present in the build-up of goals. Ten young male elite soccer players (mean age 17.3, s=0.7) played three small-sided soccer games (4-a-side) of 8 minutes as part of their regular training routine. An innovative player tracking system, local position measurement (LPM), was us...

Influence of opposition team formation on physical and skill-related performance in a professional soccer team

Abstract: This study examined the influence of opposition team formation on physical and skill-related performance in a professional soccer team. Performance in 45 French League 1 matches played over three competitive seasons (2007–2008, 2008–2009, and 2009–2010) was analysed using multi-camera computerized tracking. Players (n=21) in the reference team (using a 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation) were analysed in matches against three opposition team formations: 4-4-2 (11 games), 4-3-3/4-5-1 (16 games), and 4-2-3-1 (18 games). Performance was compared for defending and midfield units as a whole and individually across four positions: full backs, central defenders, central midfielders, and wide midfielders. Collectively, players covered a greater total distance (P<0.05) and distance in low- to moderate-intensity running (0–14.3 km · h−1) (P<0.05) in matches against a 4-2-3-1 compared with a 4-4-2 formation. Distance covered in high-intensity (14.4–19.7 km · h−1) and very high-intensity running (≥19.8 km · h−1) was not ...

Assessing free-living physical activity using accelerometry: Practical issues for researchers and practitioners

Abstract: Physical activity is an integral component of a healthy lifestyle, with relationships documented between physical activity, chronic diseases, and disease risk factors. There is increasing concern that many people are not sufficiently active to benefit their health. Consequently, there is a need to determine the prevalence of physical activity engagement, identify active and inactive segments of the population, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. The aim of the present study was to identify and explain a number of methodological and decision-making processes associated with accelerometry, which is the most commonly used objective measure of physical activity in child and adult research. Specifically, this review addresses: (a) pre-data collection decisions, (b) data collection procedures, (c) processing of accelerometer data, and (d) outcome variables in relation to the research questions posed. An appraisal of the literature is provided to help researchers and practitioners begin field-based research, with recommendations offered for best practice. In addition, issues that require further investigation are identified and discussed to inform researchers and practitioners of the surrounding debates. Overall, the review is intended as a starting point for field-based physical activity research using accelerometers and as an introduction to key issues that should be considered and are likely to be encountered at this time.

Influence of technical instructions on the physiological and physical demands of small-sided soccer games

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of changes in the number of ball contacts allowed per individual possession on the physiological, technical, and physical demands within small-sided games in elite soccer. Twenty international players (age 27.4±1.5 years, body mass 79.2±4.2 kg, height 1.81±0.02 m, velocity at [Vdot]O2max 17.4±0.8 km ·h−1, percent body fat 12.7±1.2%) performed three different small-sided game formats (i.e. 2 vs. 2; 3 vs. 3; 4 vs. 4) on three different occasions in which the number of ball contacts authorized per possession was fixed (one touch, two touches, and free play). The relative pitch per player ratio was similar for all small-sided games. The small-sided games were performed with four support players (placed around the perimeter of pitch) with instructions to keep possession of the ball. The total duration of the small-sided games was the effective time of play. The physical demands, technical requirements, heart rates, post-exercise blood lactate con...

Determinants of block cohesiveness and attack efficacy in high-level women's volleyball

Abstract: Analysing the performance of a team is important for optimizing the training process, thus improving the quality of practice. The interactions between the two opposing teams generate specific dynamical interactions, leading to the emergence of unique game patterns, which are of interest in such analyses. Hence, the purpose of the present study is to analyse probabilistic relationships that might predict certain outcomes relating to block cohesiveness and attack efficacy in elite-level women's volleyball. Six volleyball matches from the 2006 FIVB Women's World Championships were analysed, producing a total of 650 sequences. A multinomial logistic regression was applied, with the level of significance determined at α = 0.05. The results clearly suggest that one of the most important cues for the blockers to analyse is the availability of the opponent's middle-attacker for quick attacks. This emphasizes the notion of availability, a functional concept of the greatest importance. Regarding anticipati...

A multidisciplinary identification model for youth handball

Abstract: Talent identification in team sports is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between elite and non-elite handball players in three age groups: U14 (n=186), U16 (n=150), and U18 (n=92). A multidimensional test battery was assessed, taking biological maturation into account. Significant maturation effects were found for all anthropometric characteristics and most performance variables. Compared with their non-elite peers, the elite handball players demonstrated significantly greater aerobic capacity (P<0.01), strength and power (U14: countermovement jump, P=0.021; sit-ups, P=0.003; handgrip, P=0.020; U16: countermovement jump, P=0.013; five-jump test, P<0.001), and speed and agility (P<0.05) when maturation was controlled for. There was a significant difference in flexibility between elite and non-elite players in the U18 group (P<0.05). The elite and non-elite players did not differ in task- and ego-orientation. These results show ...

Effects of coaches' timeouts on basketball teams' offensive and defensive performances according to momentary differences in score and game period

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of game timeouts on basketball teams' offensive and defensive performances according to momentary differences in score and game period. The sample consisted of 144 timeouts registered during 18 basketball games randomly selected from the 2007 European Basketball Championship (Spain). For each timeout, five ball possessions were registered before (n=493) and after the timeout (n=475). The offensive and defensive efficiencies were registered across the first 35 min and last 5 min of games. A k-means cluster analysis classified the timeouts according to momentary score status as follows: losing (−10 to −3 points), balanced (−2 to 3 points), and winning (4 to 10 points). Repeated-measures analysis of variance identified statistically significant main effects between pre and post timeout offensive and defensive values. Chi-square analysis of game period identified a higher percentage of timeouts called during the last 5 min of a game compared with...

Are athletes burning out with passion

Abstract: Passion is a strong motivational force towards an activity considered very important, possibly to the extent that the activity forms a part of an individual’s identity. Two forms of passion, harmon ...

Physiological demands of match-play in elite tennis: A case study

Abstract: The physiological and perceptual demands together with match notation of a four-set tennis match were studied in two elite professional players during the preparation for the 2008 Davis Cup. The design of this case report is unique in that it is the first to describe the demands of prolonged match-play (197 min) over four sets in ecologically valid conditions. The variables measured before and after each set included blood lactate and glucose concentrations, body mass, and perception of effort. Stroke count for each rally and heart rate were recorded during each set while salivary cortisol concentration was determined before and after the match. The rally length decreased as the match progressed. The results showed significant physiological stress, with each player losing greater than 2.5% of body mass (as fluid) and having elevated salivary cortisol concentrations after the match. Heart rate and perception of effort were also increased following each set indicating increasing stress. However, blood lactate decreased following the fourth set while blood glucose was maintained. The results also suggest that elite players may adjust work rates or tactics to cope with the increased perception of effort. This report shows that four sets of tennis are associated with increasing stress and fatigue.

Reduced home advantage for basketball teams from capital cities in Europe

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the home advantage effect in professional basketball leagues in Europe, especially the differences in home advantage between capital city teams and other teams in each country. All the teams (n=159) of seven national professional basketball leagues were studied (Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Spain, and Turkey) and classified as capital city teams or other teams. The data (n=7432 games) were gathered for six seasons (2003–2004 to 2008–2009). The results confirmed the existence of a home advantage effect in all seven basketball leagues. There was a significant difference (P<0.001) between the leagues, with home advantage highest in Romania (65.10%) and Greece (65.02%), and lowest in Turkey (58.12%) and Lithuania (56.13%). The results also show that capital city teams experienced lower home advantage compared with other teams in all seven countries. After controlling for team ability, this was statistically significant for Bulgaria, Gre...

Social isolation and physical inactivity in older US adults: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract: Physical inactivity is a risk factor for cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. It has been shown that both physical inactivity and social isolation increase with age, and that these factors are detrimental to physical and mental well-being. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between physical inactivity and social isolation in older US adults. Using data from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994, we assessed the age- and race-specific prevalence of no leisure-time physical activity in relation to various forms of social interaction. The prevalence of no leisure-time physical activity increases with age in both men and women. In non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans, the prevalence of no leisure-time physical activity is increased in older US adults who are socially isolated. Social isolation is related to physical inactivity among persons 60 years and ol...

Physical activity levels during Dutch primary and secondary school physical education

Abstract: Objective: Physical education (PE) has been attributed an important role in providing young people with physical activity If sufficiently active, PE lessons could contribute to physical activity levels in youth Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the overall intensity of Dutch primary and secondary school physical education (PE) lessons and the influence of various lesson characteristics on these intensity levels Methods: Between September 2008 and June 2009 heart rates were measured using the Polar Team System in a nationally distributed sample of 913 students in 40 schools in the Netherlands Results: Overall percentages lesson time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were 467% and 401% during primary school and secondary school PE respectively Results indicated a sharp decline in girls’ PE intensity levels at the beginning of secondary school Furthermore, secondary school boys were more active than girls The high prevalence of teamgames in the Dutch PE cu

Influence of sport type and interdependence on the developmental experiences of youth male athletes

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sport type, interdependence (task and outcome), and the developmental experiences of select male basketball players (n=129) and middle-distance runners (n=83) aged 14–17 years. Athletes completed the Youth Experiences Survey 2.0 (Hansen & Larson, 2005) and a modified measure assessing task and outcome interdependence (Van der Vegt, Emans, & Van de Vliert, 1998 Vliert, 2001). Hierarchical multiple regression determined that basketball players reported higher rates of teamwork and social skills, adult networks and social capital, and negative experiences. Furthermore, outcome interdependence was a predictor of identity exploration, initiative, emotional regulation, positive relationships, teamwork and social skills, and adult networks and social capital experiences independent of sport type. Although different sports may provide different learning environments, the developmental experiences youth garner may be more strongly influenc...

An analysis of competition in young tennis players

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyse the temporal structure of individual tennis play on hard courts in adolescence. Thirtytwo national-level tennis players (16 females, 16 males) participated in the study (age 15.690.9 years, weight 61.791.4 kg, height 1.7090.14 m). All participants played an official competition on hard courts and with the same type of balls. Games were recorded for later analysis of total play time, real play time, and resting time, both in absolute values and as a percentage of total time. The average duration of a point and the number of strokes per rally were also determined. Results showed no differences based on gender, with a total play time of 105.00920.00 min, real play time of 31.5095.83 min, and resting time of 73.598.50 min. The ratio of work to resting time was 1:2.7, the number of strokes per rally was 5.1290.17, and a point lasted an average of 9.0890.60 s. Our results show the importance of keeping in mind the technical evolution of players at this age, with the goal of reaching maximum athletic performance. The adolescent players showed approximately the same number of strokes per rally, but with a greater average duration compared with adult elite athletes.

Association between physical activity and health in German adolescents

Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between physical activity and several health parameters in German adolescents. We predicted that the association between physical activity and physical and psychosocial health resources (physical and psychosocial characteristics that tend to enhance coping and well-being) would be stronger than the association between physical activity and health deficits. This research is based on a large representative, cross-sectional study (the German Health Interview and Examination Survey [KiGGS] and the Motoric-Module [MoMo]). Health was assessed using medical parameters, motor fitness data, and questionnaire data for various health-related parameters. To assess physical activity, the participants answered questions regarding the duration and intensity of weekly physical activity in leisure and organized sports. We tested our assumptions using a representative sample (N2291; 50.5% boys) of German adolescents aged 1117 years. Participants were classified as physically inactive (16.7%), somewhat active (24.7%), medium active (19.8%), active (14.4%) or highly active (24.4%), based on the duration and intensity of their weekly physical activity. In support of our hypothesis, the data revealed that the amount of physical activity explains up to 12.6% in the variance of physical and psychosocial health resources, but only 2.5% of the variance in physical and psychosocial health deficits. We conclude that the relationship between physical activity and health among adolescents should not only be viewed as a way of reducing health deficits, but should also focus on the enhancement of physical and psychosocial resources.

Variability and predictability of elite competitive slalom canoe-kayak performance

Abstract: Little is known about the race performance characteristics of elite-level slalom canoeists or the magnitude of improvement necessary to enhance medal-winning prospects. Final placing in this sport is determined by the aggregate of semi-final and final run times inclusive of penalty times. We therefore used mixed linear modelling to analyse these times for finalists ranked in the top and bottom half in the men's canoe, men's kayak, and women's kayak boat classes at World Cups, World Championships, and Olympic Games from 2000 to 2007. The run-to-run variability for top-ranked athletes at different courses ranged from 0.8% to 3.2% (90% confidence limits ×/÷1.11–1.31), reflecting differences in how challenging these courses were. The race-to-race variability of aggregate run time was 1.2–2.1% (×/÷~1.09); 0.3 of this variability yields the smallest worthwhile enhancement of 0.4–0.6%. The variabilities of bottom-ranked finalists were approximately double those of top-ranked finalists. The home advantag...

Effect of 12 weeks of training on critical velocity and maximal lactate steady state in swimmers

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 12 weeks of training on the critical velocity and maximal lactate steady state of elite swimmers. The tests to determine critical velocity and maximal lactate steady state were performed before and after 12 weeks of training. Critical velocity after 12 weeks of training was significantly higher than before training (1.45±0.10 m · s−1 vs. 1.41±0.11 m · s−1). In contrast, no significant differences in the velocity at maximal lactate steady state were observed before and after training (1.41±0.10 m · s−1 vs. 1.43±0.10 m · s−1). There was also a decrease in mean lactate concentration after 12 weeks of training. Before training, the velocity at maximal lactate steady state occurred at 100% of critical velocity, with a mean lactate concentration of 4.34 mmol · l−1. After training, the velocity at maximal lactate steady state occurred at 98% of critical velocity, with a reduced mean lactate concentration of 3.69 mmol · l−1. Based on these results, it ...

Evidence of exercise-induced muscle damage following a simulated rugby league match

Abstract: This study investigated symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage following a simulated rugby league game. Ten male participants were assessed before, immediately after (0 h), and 24 and 48 h after the simulated game. Perceived muscle soreness was higher at all time points (P=0.001) and creatine kinase values were increased at 24 h following the simulated game (P=0.001). Peak knee extensor torque at 60 deg · s−1 was reduced up to 48 h (P =0.04) but was unchanged at 240 deg · s−1. Similarly, peak knee flexor torque at 60 deg · s−1 was lower than baseline up to 24 h, while at 240 deg · s−1 it was reduced at 24 h only (P=0.045). Correlations between changes in strength loss of the knee extensors and fat mass to fat-free mass ratio reveleaved no significant relationship between variables (P >0.05). In addition, countermovement jump performance was reduced at 0 and 24 h following the simulated game (P=0.008). Our results suggest that symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage occur up to 48 h followi...

Variation in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α gene in elite combat athletes

Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPARα) is a main regulator of energy metabolism, as it regulates the expression of genes encoding several key muscle enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation. Importantly for power sports, it may affect pathways of glucose metabolism, which can be critical in power-based sports. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of the PPARα gene polymorphisms in mixed power/endurance athletes. The study was carried out on elite combat athletes and sedentary individuals, in an attempt to determine possible relationships between genotype and physical performance. We tested 60 male elite Polish combat athletes. Control samples came from 181 unrelated sedentary volunteers. The G/C polymorphic site in PPARα intron 7 was scanned using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) protocol with TaqI enzyme. Differences in the distribution frequency of this polymorphism were assessed by chi-square analysis. The results re...

Antioxidant supplementation and endurance training: Win or loss?

Abstract: Typically, free radicals are thought of as perpetrators of cell damage, ageing, even cancer, whereas antioxidants are seen as the defence against these threats. Accordingly, antioxidants are among the most common sports supplements used by amateur and professional athletes. However, the sensibility of this practice has recently been challenged in the scientific literature. This article briefly summarizes both positive and negative physiological effects of free radicals and antioxidants, culminating with emphasis on the signalling roles played by free radicals during training adaptations and the ability of superfluous antioxidants to weaken these desired signals, as revealed in several recent publications. The aim of this article is not to explicitly condemn antioxidant supplementation by athletes, but to underscore complexity of the situation and to champion efforts to achieve a deeper understanding of circumstances (e.g. dosage, timing, and setting) that might deem antioxidant supplementation as...

Effects of ingesting a sports drink during exercise and recovery on subsequent endurance capacity

Abstract: Most rehydration studies prohibit fluid ingestion during the preceding bout of dehydrating exercise. However, an athlete using a widely researched carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink as a nutritional strategy is likely to consume the fluid both during and after exercise, warranting a study design with administration of test fluids during a preceding exercise bout and recovery. This is further enhanced with the incorporation of wind speed to mimic outdoor conditions. Improved performance, usually extrapolated from improved recovery, was directly quantified in this investigation with an endurance capacity test. Twelve males (mean±s: age 24.3±1.6 years; body fat 14.6±4.0%; 53.9±8.8 ml · kg−1 · min−1) performed three trials in which they ingested water, placebo or a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink during exercise and ensuing recovery to evaluate their efficacy in replacing fluids and carbohydrates, and the effects on subsequent endurance capacity. Double-blind administration of the placebo an...

Validity of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test in young soccer players

Abstract: The Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test is frequently used to assess aerobic endurance performance in young soccer players but only the logical validity of the test has been shown to date. The main ai m of this study was to assess the criterion (i.e. association with maximal aerobic capacity, [Vdot]O2max) and construct validities of the test in young soccer players. A secondary aim was to examine possible shared variance of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test with other physical capacities. Sixty-two soccer players (age 13.7±0.5 years) from an Under-14 team participated. All players performed a battery of fitness tests to assess [Vdot]O2max, aerobic endurance performance (Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test), soccer dribbling endurance performance (Hoff dribbling test), and power performance (maximal vertical jump, 30-m sprint with 10-m split time). Results showed that the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test was strongly correlated with [Vdot]O2max (r=0.63, P<0.001), thereby showing the test's criter...

Effects of a cooling collar on affect, ratings of perceived exertion, and running performance in the heat

Abstract: During prolonged exercise, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect (pleasure; activation) play an important role in performance, especially in hot conditions. Although various mechanisms have been tried to manage the effects of heat (e.g. cooling jackets), the purpose of the current research was to assess the effect of a cooling collar on RPE, affect, thermal sensation, and running performance in the heat. Participants (n =8) wore a cold collar, uncooled collar or no collar as they completed three 90-min preloaded treadmill time-trials in the heat (30.5±0.1°C), which included 75 min at ∼60% [Vdot]O2max followed by a 15-min time-trial. Affect, RPE, and thermal sensation were measured throughout. Performance during the time-trial was significantly improved in the cold collar compared with the uncooled collar and no-collar trials; however, pleasure and activation ratings were highest for the no-collar trial. Findings suggest that a cooling collar may improve performance, but not necessarily “...

Changes in mental distress following individualized physical training in patients suffering from chemical dependence

Abstract: Thirty-three individuals suffering from chemical dependence and psychiatric disorders underwent 150–500 h of training over 8–15 months with assistance from dedicated training partners, who motivated them to carry out exercise and controlled the intensity of their workouts. To accurately monitor fitness development, direct measures of maximum oxygen uptake and lactate threshold performance were recorded at the start and end of the project. The participants improved moderately in aerobic power by ~5%, (P =0.02). Furthermore, lactate threshold performance increased by ~12% (P =0.03). All scores of depression, anxiety, social phobia, and general mental distress declined during the project (P≤0.03). However, the results of screening tests for alcoholism and drug abuse did not show any significant change (P≥0.28). With the use of accurate physical tests, it was possible to distinguish between responders and non-responders in terms of improvement in aerobic power. The responders showed reduced mental di...

Reduced cardiovascular risk is associated with aerobic fitness in university students

Abstract: The aims of this study were to assess the physical activity and aerobic fitness of a group of university students (n=399) and to evaluate their risk for cardiovascular disease. Leisure-time physical activity, body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake ( ) were assessed. During leisure time, the majority (53.5%) of female students were found to be sedentary, while the majority of male students (49.6%) were found to be active (P<0.001). Active students, both males (P<0.05) and females (P<0.05), had higher absolute and relative values than their sedentary counterparts. No statistically significant differences were found in anthropometric or blood pressure values according to the different physical activity classification levels. In contrast, relative was negatively associated with percentage body fat (males: P<0.01; females: P<0.01) and body mass index (males: P<0.01; females: P<0.01). We also found a negative association between relative and systolic (males: ...

Efficacy of current and novel electromyographic normalization methods for lower limb high-speed muscle actions

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of electromyography (EMG) normalization methods for a high-speed 20-m sprint. Comparisons were based on intra-individual reliability and magnitude of normalized EMG signals from three repeat sessions separated by 1 day (between days) and 1 week (between weeks) from the initial test. Surface EMGs were recorded (n=16) from the medial and lateral gastrocnemius and soleus during the normalization methods (isometric: maximum/sub-maximum/body weight; isotonic: maximum/sub-maximum/body weight; isokinetic: 1.05 rad · s–1, 1.31 rad · s–1, 1.83 rad · s–1; squat jump). The EMG data from the 20-m sprint were normalized using each method and using the within-sprint peak EMG (sprint peak). Intra-individual reliability of the EMG was assessed using typical error of measurement as a percentage of intra-individual coefficient of variance (TEMCV%). Sprint peak normalization improved intra-individual reliability of EMG (soleus: <4.91CV%; medial gastrocnemius: <6.2CV%...

Relationship between starting and finishing position in short track speed skating races

Abstract: Races in short track speed skating represent head-to-head competitions performed during multiple series (the rank but not the time qualifying for the next round are important), where strategic aspects are thought to play an important role for success. This study examined the relationship between starting and finishing position performed in six short track ice speed skating events (3 European Championships, 3 World Championships) over a four year period (321 female and 386 male individual races finished). Associations were analyzed for effects of race distance (500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, and 3000 m) and qualifying round (preliminaries, heats, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final). Kendall's tau-b rank-correlation revealed that regardless of athletes’ sex, the size of correlation between starting and finishing position decreases with race distance, which was highest and positive in the 500 m races (women: τ=0.28, P 0.05; men: ...

Effect of whole-body contrast-water therapy on recovery from intense exercise of short duration

Abstract: Athletes often use contrast-water therapy as a recovery modality to reduce training fatigue. However, there is debate regarding the effectiveness of this practice, particularly when active and passive recovery regimens are more readily accessible. Fourteen male state-level hockey players participated in three experimental sessions involving two 30-s maximalintensity Wingate ergometer tests interspersed by a 12-min recovery period. Three different recovery protocols were assessed. Passive recovery involved sitting while active recovery comprised low-intensity cycling. Contrast-water therapy recovery involved three cycles of alternate immersion in heated (388C) and cool (158C) water for 3.5 min and 30 s respectively. Heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and ratings of fatigue were assessed immediately before (baseline) and after the first Wingate test, 3 min and 7 min into and at the end of the recovery period, and immediately after the second Wingate test. Blood pressure was assessed at baseline, immediately before recovery, and immediately after recovery. Heart rate remained elevated 3 min and 7 min into as well as after active recovery compared with both contrast-water therapy (P B0.001) and passive recovery (P B0.001), and was elevated 3 min into and after contrast-water therapy recovery compared with passive recovery (P B0.001). Blood lactate concentration was significantly lowered 7 min into and after active recovery (P B0.001) and contrast-water therapy (P B0.001) compared with passive recovery, but no significant difference was observed between active recovery and contrast-water therapy. Rating of fatigue was significantly lower for contrast-water therapy (P B0.001) compared with passive recovery and active recovery, the latter two being similar. However, no significant differences were found between the recovery modalities for any of the test or retest Wingate performance indices. Although contrast-water therapy offered similar benefits to well-established active recovery protocols, it also resulted in reduced ratings of fatigue and a faster return to baseline for some variables. Although restricted to a limited time frame, these findings reflect that the subtle effects from contrast-water therapy may translate to important practical differences that can influence the recovery choices of athletes, particularly when engaged in intense events/training where the recovery period is limited.

Fatmax in children and adolescents: A review

Abstract: The purpose of this review is to summarize and critically examine the literature that has determined Fatmax in children and adolescents (young people). Maximizing fat oxidation during exercise may be beneficial for health, particularly in the management of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Exercise intensity largely determines fat oxidation during exercise. Fatmax is the relative exercise intensity that elicits the highest fat oxidation rate and has received increasing attention in recent years. Studies in young people have demonstrated that there is considerable inter-individual variation in Fatmax, which generally occurs between 30 and 60% of peak oxygen uptake. Factors that may influence Fatmax in young people include body composition, physical maturation, and exercise training. Several researchers have suggested that Fatmax and fat oxidation rates may be reduced in obese compared with non-obese young people. Fatmax and fat oxidation rates may also decrease with maturatio...