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Aim to investigate internal and external load in three different game formats (8 v 8, 5 v 5, 3 v 3 with 80 m² per player) of small-sided games (SSG) in Chinese elite youth football players. Twenty-nine elite male football players (age: 18.3 ± 0.5 years (mean ± SD), height: 175 ± 6 cm, weight: 65.5 ± 6.3 kg) participated in randomized order in the three formats. Each session consisted of 20 min: 3 v 3 on a 24 x 20-m pitch, 5 v 5 on a 32 x 25-m pitch, or 8 v 8 on a 40 x 32-m pitch all equalling 80 m² player. Each player was recorded once in each format. Using GPS-units and heart rate belts and blood lactate measured the two kinds of load. 8--10% higher total distance (P < 0.01) was observed in 8 v 8 and 5 v 5 compared with 3 v 3 (1627 ± 240 and 1595 ± 243 m vs. 1477 ± 179 m, ES = 0.55--0.71). Higher distance (P < 0.001) was covered with high speed running (HSR: > 14 km/h) in 8 v 8 and 5 v 5 than 3 v 3 (154 ± 94 m and 133 ± 59 m vs. 77 ± 35, ES = 1.09--1.15), whereas very high speed running distance (> 21 km/h) was higher (P < 0.01) in 8 v 8 than 5 v 5 and 3 v 3 (15.2 ± 19.5 vs. 5.3 ± 6.7 and 1.0 ± 0.4 m, ES = 0.69--1.03) and in 5 v 5 than 3 v 3. No difference was found between game formats in the number of intense accelerations nor intense decelerations. Blood lactate (3.5 ± 2.3 vs. 2.8 ± 1.9 vs. 2.4 ± 1.5 mmol ⋅ L-1, P = 0.201) and mean heart rate (155 ± 21 vs. 160 ± 11 vs. 157 ± 17 bpm, P = 0.254) was not different between 8v8, 5v5 and 3v3 game formats. Distance covered in total and in highest speed zones was higher in SSG formats with more players, which, however, did not lead to differences in internal load measured by heart rate and blood lactate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare repeated jump tests (RJT's) performance indices of adolescent and prepubertal basketball players during different stages of basketball games, and to examine their relationships to aerobic capacity. The study included 34 male basketball players - 18 children (age 12.1±0.4 yrs) and 16 adolescents (age 17.2±0.4 yrs.) - who were asked to perform RJT after a warm-up, at halftime, at the end of a game, as well as an aerobic power test. A significant decrease in Ideal jump height (IJH) between half-time and full-time was seen among the adolescents (p<0.01), yet not among the children. Moreover, while the Total jump height (TJH) was significantly increased (p<0.05) among the children at the end of the game compared to at the warm-up, this significantly decreased among the adolescents (p<0.01). Significant correlations were found between the IJH at halftime and full-time and the aerobic fitness, and between the TJH at halftime and the aerobic fitness among the children's group. No significant correlations were found between aerobic fitness and any RJT performance indices in the adolescents' group. The findings demonstrate that prepubertal children are superior in maintaining repeated jumping performance during basketball games compared to adolescents. The findings also suggest that the aerobic system is a significant energy contributor among children, but not among adolescent players, during repeated jump activity. Coaches of young basketball players may consider these differences, allowing more breaks for recovery during training sessions for adolescents' groups when an intense activity such as repeated jumps is involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze and compare very high-intensity acceleration and deceleration in official matches in two different professional teams during three competitive seasons (Italian 3rd Division-Series C, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22), to understand how two different training methodologies during the week influenced the performance about these parameters indicated above. Eighty-seven (n=87) élite football players participated in this study (age 23.1±1.4; body weight 77.8±1.7; height 181.9±0.6; fat mass 10.7±1.5), without goalkeepers. Every player has been analyzed with a K-AI live device 50Hz (K-Sport Universal STATS, Italy) in 857 pieces of training and 104 official matches for three regular seasons. These data were collected in groups with similar performance indexes (PI). All data have been analyzed with Dynamix Software, K-Sport Online. Data show that percentage very high intensity acceleration (%D_A8; >3m/s²) and very high intensity deceleration (%D_A1; < - 3m/s²) are very large differences from during training session, respectively (ES: -1.63; p<0.05 and ES: -2.38; p<0.05) and during official match, respectively (ES: -2.11; p<0.05 and ES: 2.22 p<0.05). As regards the comparisons between seasons of the official competitions, there is an insignificant difference for all parameters between T1 and T2, which denotes a similar style of play and a similar level of preparation between the two seasons same athletic trainer and work volume physical between 32.9% and 35.4%. With an important all-out lactacid contribution without the ball in training 1 session per week for about 40 weeks. Instead between T1 and T3, the changes are statistically significant on all parameters in favor of T1 and between T2 and T3 in favor of T2. Also, this season the head fitness coach was the same but he worked between 7 and 10% less and the lactic acid work without the ball and with the ball was practically inexistent (0.07%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. High-speeds distances covered during a soccer match are considered a good indicator of team success, especially for some playing positions. These distances vary markedly among different playing positions, and match congestion typically results in a reduction of high-intensity activities. However, the different playing levels might influence those results. Aim of Study. 1) To analyze the differences in the total distance covered during the match, and the high-intensity physical performance parameters between the various playing positions in the four highest-ranking teams in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 2) To follow the evolution of those parameters throughout the competition. Material and Methods. Match data, reported by FIFA, of the four teams classified for the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup were used. Differences between the different playing positions and the different phases were analyzed. Results. The distances covered at high speeds and the number of sprints performed during a soccer match may differentiate team performance. The distance covered at 20-25 km/h, at speeds exceeding 25 km/h, and the total number of sprints were significantly lower (p < 0.05) for central defenders; they were higher for the wide-midfielders, though not significantly likely due to the low sample size. No significant differences were observed between the different phases in most of the study variables. Conclusions. Understanding the differences between the different playing positions in the highestranking teams of the competitions may help coaches to carefully design players’ rotations and include different soccer-specific drills for each playing position to contribute to team success. Together with a good technical and tactical strategy, promoting post-match recovery may be the key for team success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review aimed to perform a meta-analysis of studies exploring the acute effects of sodium bicarbonate on Wingate test performance. Ten databases were searched to find studies that examined the effects of sodium bicarbonate on single and repeated Wingate tests. Meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model. Ten studies were included in the review. There was no significant difference between the sodium bicarbonate and placebo trials for mean power in Wingate test 1 (standardized mean difference [SMD]¼0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.07, 0.11) and test 3 (SMD =0.21; 95% CI: -0.16, 0.58). There was a significant effect of sodium bicarbonate on mean power in Wingate test 2 (SMD =0.09; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.16), and test 4 (SMD =0.62; 95% CI: 0.15, 1.08). When considering studies that used shorter rest intervals between repeated Wingate tests, a significant effect of sodium bicarbonate was found on mean power in Wingate test 3 (SMD =0.40; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.80). There was no significant difference between the sodium bicarbonate and placebo trials for peak power in Wingate test 1 (SMD =-0.01; 95% CI: -0.06, 0.04), test 2 (SMD =0.02; 95% CI: -0.10, 0.13), or test 4 (SMD =0.29; 95% CI: -0.13, 0.71). There was a significant effect of sodium bicarbonate on peak power in test 3 (SMD =0.09; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.17). The results of this review suggest that sodium bicarbonate may provide an ergogenic effect on measures of repeated Wingate test performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of playing three consecutive matches with extra time (ET) on the physical performance of selected Croatian players in their subsequent match, the final of the 2018 Men's World Cup in Russia. The case study consisted of 4 players on the Croatian national team (16 observations) who had played in all three matches up to 120 min. The consecutive full time matches (90 minutes) and extra time (30 minutes) were compared. The analysis was conducted using data collected by an advanced motion analysis system known as STATS and from interviews with the strength and conditioning coach of the Croatian national team. The recorded variables used were: total distance covered [m], distances covered [m] at intensity ranges of 20-25 km/h and above 25 km/h, and number of sprints performed. All the studied parameters systematically increased in each match up to 90 minutes of play, reached their maximum values in the semi-final and then decreased in the final match. Compared to the first extra time period, in the third extra time period the players covered twice as much distance with an intensity of 20-25 km/h and above 25 km/h, and recorded twice as many sprints. This investigation shows that players in central positions on the pitch are able to maintain or even increase high and very high intensity activity in three consecutive matches with extra time. These data complement the developing body of literature relating to the influence of accumulation of match play with extra time periods on high level players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether self-reported health complaints and choice of heat stress prevention strategies during the taper predicted peaking at an athletics championship in hot conditions.Design: Cohort study.Methods: Data on health and heat stress prevention were collected before the 2015 World Athletics Championship in Beijing, China. Peaking was defined using the athlete's pre-competition ranking and final competition rank. Baseline and endpoint data were fitted into multiple logic regression models.Results: Two hundred forty-five (29%) of 841 eligible athletes participated. Both sprint/power (Odds ratio (OR) 0.33 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.11 to 0.94), P=0.038) and endurance/combined events (OR 0.38 (95% CI 0.14 to 1.00), P=0.049) athletes having sustained concern-causing health complaints during the taper were less likely to peak. Endurance/combined events athletes who chose pre-cooling to mitigate heat stress were less likely to peak (OR 0.35 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.80), P=0.013), while sprint/power athletes reporting a sudden-onset injury complaint during the taper displayed increased peaking (OR 4.47 (95% CI 1.28 to 15.59), P=0.019).Conclusions: Health complaints that caused the athlete concern during the taper were predictive of failure to peak at a major athletics competition. Sprint/power athletes who experienced an acute injury symptom during the taper appeared to benefit from rest. Pre-cooling strategies seem to require further validation during real-world endurance/combined events. It appears that athletics athletes' self-reported health should be monitored during the taper, concerns addressed, and heat stress prevention strategies individually tested before championships in hot conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents nutritional guidelines for health and fitness professionals to maximize the training effects and recovery of clients engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in cardiovascular-based activities. Topics discussed include the importance of enhanced muscle resynthesis after training sessions, optimal amount of carbohydrate (CHO) and protein recommended before HIIT, and supplements that can improve performance or recovery in HIIT.

Abstract: This study examined differences in movement patterns between AFL (elite) and WAFL (sub-elite) players using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Maximum speed data and totals of high intensity efforts (>15kmh−1), sprint efforts (>20kmh−1) and distance covered were collected on 41 players during the 2008 season. Data were expressed per min of game time played, separated into first and second halves, and also into positions, for both elite and sub-elite players. Overall, elite players had higher movement demands, including 9% more distance covered/min (128±12mmin−1 vs. 117±15mmin−1; p <0.01, ES=0.84), and 21% more high intensity efforts/min (2.9±0.6 vs. 2.4±0.6; p <0.01, ES=0.83). Movement demands significantly declined (p <0.05–0.01) from first to second half, in both competition levels. For both leagues, Small Forwards/Small Backs and Midfield players covered significantly greater (p <0.05–0.01) total distances and completed more high intensity efforts than other positions. Ruckmen recorded significantly lower (p <0.05–0.01) movement demands than Small Forwards/Small Backs, Midfielders and Centre Half-Forwards/Centre Half-Backs over most variables. In conclusion, elite players recorded higher overall movement demands than sub-elite players. This information may be useful for coaches and conditioning staff in designing appropriate training drills for specific role requirements of individual players and assist in the progression of players from sub-elite to elite levels of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of hot/cold contrast water immersion (CWI), cold-water immersion (COLD) and no recovery treatment (control) as post-exercise recovery methods following exhaustive simulated team sports exercise. Repeated sprint ability, strength, muscle soreness and inflammatory markers were measured across the 48-h post-exercise period. Eleven male team-sport athletes completed three 3-day testing trials, each separated by 2 weeks. On day 1, baseline measures of performance (10m×20m sprints and isometric strength of quadriceps, hamstrings and hip flexors) were recorded. Participants then performed 80min of simulated team sports exercise followed by a 20-m shuttle run test to exhaustion. Upon completion of the exercise, and 24h later, participants performed one of the post-exercise recovery procedures for 15min. At 48h post-exercise, the performance tests were repeated. Blood samples and muscle soreness ratings were taken before and immediately after post-exercise, and at 24h and 48h post-exercise. In comparison to the control and CWI treatments, COLD resulted in significantly lower (p <0.05) muscle soreness ratings, as well as in reduced decrements to isometric leg extension and flexion strength in the 48-h post-exercise period. COLD also facilitated a more rapid return to baseline repeated sprint performances. The only benefit of CWI over control was a significant reduction in muscle soreness 24h post-exercise. This study demonstrated that COLD following exhaustive simulated team sports exercise offers greater recovery benefits than CWI or control treatments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study assessed the effect of acute creatine monohydrate (CR) loading on creatine phosphate (CrP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), lactate (La), mean power (MP), minimum power (MIP) and mean pedal rate (MPR) during three 30 s Wingate tests (WinT). Seven male active subjects had a muscle biopsy at rest and after the 3 rd WinT pre and post 25g of Cr for 4 days. ATP and CrP concentrations after the 3 rd WinT were significantly (p<0.05) higher pre vs. post Cr (12.0 ± 1.1 vs 16.0 ± 3.2 and 10.3 ± 1.4 vs 13.2 ± 5.1 mmol/kg of dry muscle respectively). Performance was also improved significantly (p<0.05) following Cr supplementation, where MP, MIP and MPR were 598 ± 65 vs 649 ± 62 Watts, 382 ± 51 vs 424 ± 46 Watts and 108 ± 10 vs 115 ± 9 rev/m, respectively. Performance improvement became greater at the 3rd WinT with mean percentage improvement being 6.3%, 6.7% and 10.0% for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd WinT respectively. In conclusion, the present CR regimen significantly increased muscle ATP and CrP, did not alter blood lactate, and led to significantly improved performance especially towards the end of the exercise protocol, possibly via an accelerated ATP and CrP re-synthesis during the recovery period between bouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]