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Purpose: Although women's futsal has experienced great growth recently, few studies have analyzed the physical profiles of female futsal players. The objectives of this study were to determine the physical and anthropometric characteristics in elite women's futsal using laboratory and field tests and to analyze the differences between the different playing positions., Methods: Forty-one female futsal players from the second division of the Spanish league (age 22.69 [4.76] y; body height 161.28 [6.03] cm; body mass 62.20 [10.34] kg) were evaluated for body composition with dual-energy X-ray absortiometry anthropometrically, lower-body power using a force platform (countermovement jump, squat jump, and drop jump), linear speed (5, 10, 15, and 25 m), changes of direction (505 modified, V-Cut, and L-Run), and repeated-sprint ability measured through photoelectric cells., Results: The results reveal that there are no significant differences between the physical profiles of players depending on playing position. Despite this, wingers seem to have the best physical profiles, and goalkeepers have the highest body mass index (26.9 [4.48] vs 23.3 [2.82]; P = .069) and fat percentage (31.9 [7.81] vs 29.96 [6.08]; P = .101), but they present very similar values to the other positions in all other tests performed, except for repeated-sprint ability (4.64 [0.45]; P = .009)., Conclusion: Relevant descriptive data were presented to provide useful information for coaches to optimize their training programs, reporting that playing position does not identify different physical profiles in elite female futsal players.

The aim of this study was to compare the external load of each session along competitive microcycles on an elite futsal team, considering the positions and relationships of the players. The external load of 10 elite players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League (age 27.5 ± 7 years, height 1.73 ± 0.05 m, weight 70.1 ± 3.8 kg) were recorded across 30 microcycles. The players' external loads were monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the external load, Levene's test was conducted to assess the homogeneity of variances, followed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify differences in dependent variables across the different microcycle days and player positions. Regarding external load during the microcycle, the day with the lowest external load was MD-1, and the days with the highest external load were MD-3 and MD-4. In addition, considering playing positions, pivots exhibited the lowest loads throughout the microcycle, whereas wingers and defenders exhibited the highest loads, depending on the variables analysed. By providing reference values from elite contexts, this study offers practical insights for S&C coaches to optimize microcycles. Furthermore, it contributes to workload management strategies within sport science and public health frameworks, promoting sustainable performance and athlete wellness in futsal.

This study aimed to determine the correlation between interlimb asymmetries and physical performance metrics in adolescent female tennis players., Methods: Twenty-five female tennis players (age: 13.29 ± 0.98 years; weight: 52.52 ± 7.31 kg; height: 162.91 ± 6.02 cm) consented to participate in this study. Their performance was evaluated using various variables, including bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), bilateral and unilateral horizontal jump (HJ), 180° change of direction (180COD) conducted with both the right and left legs, and a 20 m sprint. The systematic bias was evaluated by one-way repeated measure analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation test for relationships between variables, and the kappa coefficient for consistency in the asymmetrical direction., Results: Significant relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and the variables HJR (r = -0.47) and HJL (r = -0.44). In addition, significant relationships were found between HJ asymmetry and the variables CMJR (r = -0.60) and CMJL (r = -0.54), HJR (r = -0.64), HJL (r = -0.67), CMJ (r = -0.55), and HJ (r = -0.52)., Conclusion: Jumping tests are important indicators of performance loss in female tennis players. In addition, no significant correlation was found between the 180COD and performance tests, suggesting that asymmetries in COD do not affect jump performance or speed. Based on these results, it is recommended to integrate individualized programs for each athlete to reduce asymmetries.

Purpose: Different studies indicate that female players in team sports such as soccer tend to have a lower change-of-direction (COD) deficit (CODD) than their male counterparts and that players who performed better in linear and curved sprints tended to have a worse CODD, suggesting that maximum speed does not equate to a faster COD. This study assessed how performance variables related to speed and jumping influence the variability of %CODD among adult highly trained female soccer players., Methods: Fifty-two highly trained female soccer players (age 23.1 [3.25] y; height 163.6 [5.49] cm; weight 59.7 [5.71] kg) participated in this study and performed 180COD, 40-m sprint, countermovement jump, and standing broad jump tests., Results: Significant correlations were found between 180CODL, %CODDR, %CODDL, and between-limbs standing broad jump asymmetry (r = .28-.74). A very large correlation existed between %CODDR and %CODDL (r = .91). Regression analyses indicated a strong inverse relationship between the 10-m sprint time and %CODDR and %CODDL. No predictive models were found for 180COD in either limb. Differences in performance variables such as 180CODR, 180CODL, and asymmetry %CODD were significant between the high- and low-%CODD groups, with moderate to large effect sizes., Conclusion: The present study suggests that specific physical-performance variables, particularly acceleration and unilateral horizontal jumping, are vital to improving COD in highly trained female soccer players, highlighting the need for specific training interventions.

The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, considering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. The external load of 10 players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League was recorded throughout 15 official matches in the first half of the league championship. The players' external load was monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the influence of the match outcome and location on the external load, a univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted with Bonferroni post hoc. There are no differences between the variables neither comparing results nor location factors, except for accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s 2 (m) per minute and the number of accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s 2 per minute, reporting higher value winnings at home than away ( p < 0.05). The location and results are not factors that influence on external load in futsal matches, except the number and distance performed in accelerations and distance covered at a low to medium speed. These findings are important for planning microcycles and providing the appropriate dosage to each player to achieve optimal performance in matches.

Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetry in vertical and horizontal jump tests (CMJ and HJ) and COD with lower limb performance variables in adolescent tennis players. Forty-five adolescent tennis players (age: 13.81 ± 1.08 years; height: 167.64 ± 9.9 cm; body mass: 57.48 ± 10.94 kg; body mass index: 20.27 ± 2.18 kg/m 2 ) performed the CMJ test (unilateral and bilateral), horizontal jumps (unilateral and bilateral), 25 m sprint, and 180° COD test. The single-leg countermovement jump showed the greatest asymmetries among the different tests (6.62 ± 9.35%). Notable negative relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and COD asymmetry with unilateral horizontal jump variables ( r = -0.30 to -0.53). In addition, CMJ asymmetry showed notable relationships with CMJR ( r = 0.49) and COD180R ( r = 0.29), whereas COD asymmetry showed a notable relationship with COD180L ( r = 0.40). On the other hand, HJ asymmetry showed no notable relationships with any variable. The main findings of this study indicate that greater imbalances in the CMJ and COD tests are associated with a reduced capacity to perform unilateral horizontal jumps. These results suggest the incorporation of training protocols to reduce interlimb asymmetries in growing athletes to improve their performance. This practical application is important for coaches and physical trainers who aim to improve the physical performance of adolescent tennis players. Greater asymmetry results in a reduced ability to produce unilateral horizontal force.

Abstract: Mainer-Pardos, E, Bishop, C, and Gonzalo-Skok, O. Seasonal variations in performance and asymmetry data for jump and change of direction abilities in female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The study aimed to evaluate the progression of the percentage-based change of direction (COD) deficit (%CODD) over a competitive season, along with its correlation with performance tests and to examine the impact of the magnitude and direction of asymmetry at 4 stages of the season. Forty-seven (U-16, U-18, and U-20), highly trained, female soccer players performed unilateral vertical jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ]) and horizontal jumping (HJ), 10-m sprint, and 180° change of direction (COD180) tests. The %CODD was also calculated. Significant group and time effects (p < 0.05) were observed in CMJ, HJ, 10-m sprint, and COD180 tests, with U-20 players generally outperforming the U-18 and U-16 groups. Nonsignificant differences were reported in the %CODD between any time point or groups throughout the season. Moderate or large significant (r = 0.44-0.64; p < 0.05) relationships were found between %CODD and 10 m. The direction of asymmetry within and between tests at all time points was slight to moderate (k = -0.29 to 0.57). Notwithstanding, 51% of the players showed the best performance in the horizontal jump with the same leg throughout the season, whereas only 36% in %CODD. This study highlights the importance of developing strategies to improve %CODD depending on the player's position demands. Finally, individually monitoring the magnitude and direction of asymmetry can help practitioners monitor the effects of training and competition throughout the season., (Copyright © 2024 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Futsal is a high intensity team sport with intermittent actions of short duration, so it is necessary to include different training strategies to improve explosive actions. There is a gap in the scientific literature regarding training programs that improve the performance of young futsal players. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different strength and velocity training programs on lower body physical performance in youth futsal players. Forty-two youth futsal players were divided into control group (CG, n = 14) and a strength intervention group (SG, n = 14), which included a weekly session for 8 weeks of eccentric strength training, plyometrics and core strengthening, and a velocity intervention group (VG, n = 14), which included a weekly session during 8 weeks of training with linear speed exercises and with change of direction, accelerations with resistance bands and core strengthening. SG significantly improved horizontal jump (HJ) (p:0.02), V-CUT (p:0.91) and change of direction deficit (CODD) (p:0.01). VG showed significant improvements in HJ (p:0.01), in 25 m sprint (p:0.01), in total repeated sprint ability time (p:0.01), in V-CUT (p:0.01) and in CODD (p:0.01). SG showed significant intergroup differences (p:0.01) in COD variables with respect to CG and VG. In conclusion, SG and VG showed significant improvements in lower body performance variables in youth futsal players. In addition, the SG has substantial changes in COD compared to the other two groups, so it has a greater effect., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Studies show that although female soccer players often have shorter change of direction (COD) deficits than males, indicating different biomechanical profiles, there is a lack of research on the impact of physical metrics on COD performance in females. The purpose of this work was to analyse whether performance metrics based on speed and jumping could explain the variation in %CODD in young female soccer players. Thirty-three highly trained adolescent female soccer players with an age of 16 ± 0.95 years, a body mass of 55.7 ± 7.22 kg, and a height of 160.4 ± 5.22 cm performed COD180 tests, 10 m and 30 m sprint tests, single-leg countermovement, and horizontal jumps. Acceleration in the first 10 m of a sprint was identified as a significant predictor of COD180 performance (R 2 = 28%), (R 2 = 50%), ( p < 0.01), indicating that early sprint performance may largely determine an individual's ability to change direction. However, no predictors were found for %CODD. Significant correlations were observed between COD180 performance and %CODD, acceleration, linear speed, and horizontal jump performance ( r = -0.59 to 0.70; p < 0.05). The study suggests that specific physical performance metrics, particularly early acceleration, are crucial for enhancing COD skills in female soccer players, emphasizing the need for targeted training interventions.

Human and animal tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC), which has evolved a genomic decay of cobalamin (vitamin B12) biosynthetic genes. Accordingly, and in sharp contrast to environmental, opportunistic and ancestor mycobacteria; we demonstrate that M. tuberculosis (Mtb), M. africanum, and animal-adapted lineages, lack endogenous production of cobalamin, yet they retain the capacity for exogenous uptake. A B12 anemic model in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice, demonstrates improved survival, and lower bacteria in organs, in B12 anemic animals infected with Mtb relative to non-anemic controls. Conversely, no differences were observed between mice groups infected with M. canettii, an ancestor mycobacterium which retains cobalamin biosynthesis. Interrogation of the B12 transcriptome in three MTBC strains defined L-methionine synthesis by metE and metH genes as a key phenotype. Expression of metE is repressed by a cobalamin riboswitch, while MetH requires the cobalamin cofactor. Thus, deletion of metE predominantly attenuates Mtb in anemic mice; although inactivation of metH exclusively causes attenuation in non-anemic controls. Here, we show how sub-physiological levels of B12 in the host antagonizes Mtb virulence, and describe a yet unknown mechanism of host-pathogen cross-talk with implications for B12 anemic populations., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of neuromuscular training on the performance of highly trainer junior tennis players., Methods: Twelve male tennis players (age: 13.4 ± 0.36 years; weight: 50.2 ± 6.29 kg; height: 163 ± 4.41 cm) participated and were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) performed neuromuscular training that included exercises for speed, strength, throws, agility, jumps and coordination twice a week for a duration of 10 weeks. Performance was evaluated using various variables, including bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump, 30 cm drop jump and horizontal jump, 505 change of direction test conducted with both the right and left legs, 20-m sprint, and overhead 3 kg medicine ball throw. Asymmetries were also evaluated during the unilateral tests. The impact of the training was assessed through the utilization of ANCOVA tests and effect size measurements., Results: The results indicated a significant enhancement in the EG, specifically in bilateral vertical jump and horizontal jump, as well as explosive strength and speed. Conversely, the control group (CG) did not display similar advancements. Furthermore, there was no increase in asymmetries., Conclusion: This suggests that the implementation of a neuromuscular training program could prove to be an effective approach in enhancing explosive power in the lower limbs among young competitive tennis players. Finally, this training program could contribute to the enhancement of their physical attributes in lower body of young tennis players., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Muscle strength is affected by different stages of the menstrual cycle in women. Since the strength of the lower limb muscles plays a significant role in the occurrence of anterior cruciate ligament injury, it seems necessary to study the strength of the lower limb muscles at different stages of this cycle to take preventive measures. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the isometric and isokinetic strength of lower limb muscles in female athletes at different menstrual cycle stages., Methods: The present study is of a causal-comparative type. Thirty-seven female athletes in anterior cruciate ligament injury high-risk disciplines participated in this study. Isometric and isokinetic knee extensors and flexors muscle strength status, including the traditional hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratios, were recorded at different stages of the menstrual cycle (follicular, ovulatory, luteal) by Biodex isokinetic dynamometry system 4. Then, the obtained results were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance., Results: Analysis of variance with repeated measures showed isokinetic and isometric strength in the knee flexor and extensor muscles at an angular velocity of 60˚/s in the ovulatory phase are higher than the follicular and luteal ones. The strength of the muscles declined during the follicular and luteal phases (p ≤ 0.05)., Conclusions: Due to the negative effect of the follicular and luteal stages of the menstrual cycle on the strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee, the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury may increase during this period. Therefore, it is recommended that all female coaches and athletes take preventive measures during this period., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Performance in jumping and change of direction tests are good proxies to reflect the skill level during soccer-specific actions. Greater inter-leg asymmetries have been identified as a risk factor for developing acute and overuse injuries and jeopardizing soccer performance. The aim of this study was to assess the association between asymmetry in the unilateral vertical and horizontal jump tests, ankle range of motion, linear velocity, and change of direction in a sample of highly trained adult female soccer players., Methods: Thirty-eight highly trained female soccer players underwent a testing protocol including ankle dorsiflexion, single leg jumps for height (CMJ), distance (HJ), 40 m sprint and 180° change of direction tests., Results: Within-session reliability was acceptable (CV ≤ 7.9%), and relative reliability showed good to excellent (ICC: 0.83 to 0.99). The one-way ANOVA reported higher inter-limb differences for change of direction deficit (10.9 ± 8.04%) and single leg CMJ (5.70 ± 5.22%). Pearson correlations highlighted significant relationships between horizontal jump asymmetries and ankle dorsiflexion (r = -0.41), CMJ (r = -0.36 to -0.49) and HJ (r = -0.28 to -0.56)., Conclusions: Assessing inter-limb asymmetries through different methods can help scientists understand the specificity of their detrimental effects on soccer performance. Practitioners should be aware of these specificities as well as the magnitude and direction of the asymmetries when aiming to improve specific on-field skills., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Women's football require optimal neuromuscular system development for injury prevention and performance optimization. Standardized neuromuscular training programs have shown promising results in reducing injuries and functional asymmetries, but evidence on their impact on performance is limited. Methods: This research examined the effects of a 10-week neuromuscular training program on physical performance and asymmetries in female football players. Thirty-eight female players from two Spanish Second Division women's football teams participated in the study. The physical performance tests used were: ankle dorsiflexion, bilateral and unilateral horizontal jump, bilateral and unilateral vertical countermovement jump, 40 m sprint including partial times at 10, 20 and 30 m and the 505 test for change of direction evaluation. For 10 weeks, players in the experimental group performed three weekly 24-min neuromuscular training sessions. Participants in the control group completed their normal 24-min strength and conditioning program. Results: The main results were that maximal linear velocity and change of direction skills showed the most notable improvements [effect size (ES), 0.46 to 0.59] after implementation of the training program, ankle dorsiflexion and jumping skills, also improved although, to a lesser extent (ES, <0.35) while asymmetries between limbs were reduced. Maximal running speed improved in the intervention group ( p < 0.001) with a mean ES -0.59. Discussion: We conclude that a 10-week neuromuscular training program can be a sufficient stimulus to improve football-specific performance variables in high-level female football players. Therefore, female players and coaches should be aware that weekly inclusion of strength, power and dynamic balance exercises following a neuromuscular paradigm is helpful for football-specific performance improvement., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Roso-Moliner, Mainer-Pardos, Cartón-Llorente, Nobari, Pettersen and Lozano.)

(1) Background: The objective of this research was to analyse the most demanding passages (MDP) considering the sprint variable relative to the maximum level of sprint ability of each player as a function of player position, final outcome and part of the match during the competitive phase of a professional soccer season. (2) Methods: Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 22 players according to their playing position in the last 19 match days of the Spanish La Liga professional soccer in the 2020/2021 season. MDP were calculated from 80% of the maximum sprint speed of each player. (3) Results: Wide midfielders covered the greatest distance at >80% of the maximum speed (2.4 ± 1.63 seg) and the longest duration (21.91 ± 13.35 m) in their MDP. When the whole team was losing, it demonstrated greater distances (20.23 ± 13.04 m) and longer durations (2.24 ± 1.58 seg) compared to games in which it was winning. When the team ended up drawing, the relative sprint distance covered in the second half was significantly greater than in the first (16.12 ± 21.02; SD = 0.26 ± 0.28 (-0.03/-0.54). (4) Conclusions: Different demands of MDP, according to the sprint variable relative to the maximum individual capacity in competition, are required when contextual game factors are considered.

Background: It is considered that the maturity condition of young football players is related to their physical performance during short high-intensity efforts dependent on anaerobic power ability. Hence, the aim was to determine possible relationships between maturity status and training intensity by measuring the footballer´s peak height velocity (PHV), maturity offset and anaerobic power., Methods: Seventeen youth male players of different playing positions participated in the study and performed tests at three different stages of the season (early-, mid- and end-season) All the anthropometric parameters and biomarkers related to maturation were controlled during the season. The training intensity and load was monitored and the anaerobic power of the players was assessed by a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST)., Results: The analysis of all the recorded data revealed a positive relationship between PHV and anaerobic power in the early- and end-season stages (p < 0.05). Maturity offset and anaerobic power (mean RAST) showed an absolute correlation in early- and end -season stages (r: - 0.39 to 0.91). The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that min RAST was the best predictor for both PHV and maturity offset. The analysis of the training intensity and workloads showed a positive effect on the performance in the fitness test (p < 0.05). Additionally, players experienced less fatigue at the end-season stage than at the early-season., Conclusions: The results show that coaches might benefit from monitoring training loads and the maturity status of the players in order to enhance their physical performance during the season., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: the main aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between sole pattern parameters of football boots with the frequency of injuries that occur in semiprofessional and amateur footballers., Methods: The study sample was composed of 77 male football players. All were at least 18 years old, played at least 10 h per week, gave signed informed consent to take part and properly completed the Visual Analogue Scale. This study analysed data from each player's medical history, including age, injuries, years of practice, field type and surface condition information., Results: The visual analogic score in semiprofessional players was higher (2.05 ± 2.43) than in amateur players (1.00 ± 1.1). A total of 141 lesions were collected, equivalent to 1.81 injuries for each football player studied ( n = 77). The result of the ROC curve indicated that the player's years of practice could predict significantly ( p < 0.05) the presence of lower limb injuries, with an area under the curve of 0.714., Conclusions: This study described the predictive capacity of sole pattern characteristics concerning lower limb injuries in amateur and semiprofessional footballers. Football boot variables associated with the number of studs were associated with foot and ankle overload injuries.

Introduction: Post-activation potentiation (PAP) can be defined as the acute enhancement in muscle performance after preload stimulation that occurs during strength exercises or warm-up protocols, and the contractile history of any muscle group can directly influence the presented performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of motoric performance tests carried out at two different times of the day using three different PAP protocols., Methods: Thirty-two male basketball players with at least 2 years of training experience and who competed at the national level were recruited for this study [age: 21.80 ± 1.91 years; body height: 178.40 ± 6.85 cm; body mass: 72.50 ± 7.16 kg; body mass index (BMI): 22.81 ± 2.28]. After control and experimental-specific warm-up (SWU) sessions, participants completed a countermovement jump (CMJ) and seated medicine ball throw (SMBT). The SWU protocol was developed based on the athlete's typical warm-up routine. The experimental warm-ups included the same exercises as the SWU, with one set of bench presses for five repetitions at 80% (80% PAP) and one repetition at 100% of 1 RM (100% PAP). Each of the protocols consists of 15 min. The SWU and experimental warm-up sessions were completed in a random, counterbalanced order, completed in a period of 3-weeks., Results: According to the research findings, carrying out the protocols in the evening led to a larger improvement in SMBT than in the morning ( F = 35.94, p < 0.001, η 2 p = 0.537). Additionally, the SMBT results were statistically more significant in the group that received 80% PAP compared to the SWU ( p = 0.034), and the SMBT results were also higher in the group that received 100% PAP compared to the SWU ( p = 0.002). Furthermore, the interaction effect (time × PAP) was statistically significant in SMBT ( F = 6.39, p = 0.003, η 2 p = 0.17)., Discussion: These results may provide more particular recommendations than previously thought to basketball coaches for the planning of basketball-specific PAP exercises prior to the start of training programs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Eken, Mainer-Pardos, Yagin, Eken, Prieto-González and Nobari.)

The study’s purposes were to examine the associations of training load parameters with locomotor demand and puberty status in elite young soccer players and to predict the percentage of changes in their performance ability with adjustments to the training load parameters, using multivariate regression analysis, while considering PHV and maturity offset. Seventeen male players (15−16 years old) participated in this study. Anthropometrics, body composition, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and puberty status (for calculating PHV) and maturity offset were assessed. The results demonstrated substantial differences between the PHV, VO2max, and load parameters (acute and chronic workload (CWL)) over a soccer season. A substantial relationship existed between the workload parameters (VO2max, CWL, and training monotony (TM)) and maturity offset. All of the variables, except for training strain, demonstrated significant variances in relation to the differences between the first and second halves (p < 0.05). Aerobic performance can be estimated using the CWL, TM, and maturity offset values (R2 = 0.46). On the contrary, aerobic power performance can be explained using the acute:chronic workload, TM, and PHV values (R2 = 0.40). In conclusion, the biological maturity state of young soccer players has a substantial impact on their functional potential. Variations in accumulated load contribute significantly to aerobic resistance, whereas weight and height contribute significantly to sprint and vertical-jump performance, respectively.

Background: The advent of power meters for running has raised the interest of athletes and coaches in new ways of assessing changes in running performance. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in power-related variables during and after a strenuous endurance running time trial., Methods: Twenty-one healthy male endurance runners, with a personal record of 37.2 ± 1.2 min in a 10-km race, completed a 1-h run on a motorized treadmill trying to cover as much distance as they could. Before and after the time trial the athletes were asked to perform a 3-min run at 12 km h -1 . Normalized mean power output, step frequency, form power and running effectiveness were calculated using the Stryd™ power meter. Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored, and data averaged every 5 min., Results: Despite high levels of exhaustion were reached during the time trial (HRpeak = 176.5 ± 9.8 bpm; RPE = 19.2 ± 0.8), the repeated measures ANOVA resulted in no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05), between each pair of periods for any of the power-related variables. The pairwise comparison (T test) between the non-fatigued and fatigued constant 3-min runs showed an increase in step frequency (p = 0.012) and a decrease in form power (p < 0.001) under fatigue conditions, with no meaningful changes in normalized mean power output and running effectiveness., Conclusions: Trained athletes are able to maintain power output and running effectiveness during a high demanding extended run. However, they preferred to reduce the intensity of vertical impacts under fatigue conditions by increasing their step frequency., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

(1) Background: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a 10-week neuromuscular training program (NMT) on the sum of six skinfolds (Σ6S) and body composition variables in elite female soccer players. (2) Methods: Forty-four Spanish elite female soccer players (age: 24.0 ± 4.2 years; height: 164.3 ± 5.5 cm; body mass: 60.4 ± 5.5 kg; body mass index (BMI): 22.4 ± 2.2 kg/m 2 ) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or to an experimental group (EG). Participants in the EG completed a specific NMT program of 24 min, three times per week, which included exercises from six different categories (mobility, dynamic stability, anterior chain strength, lumbopelvic control, posterior chain strength, and change of direction). The CG followed their normal strength and conditioning program. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included anthropometric measurements (weight, height, limb circumferences, and bone breadths), and subsequently, body composition factors BMI, Σ6S, body mass, muscle mass, and lean body mass were calculated. Nutrition was standardized by a nutritionist and also load monitored. (3) Results: A two-way mixed analysis of variance (group × time) revealed that there was a significant ( p ≤ 0.001) group × time interaction between body mass, fat mass, and Σ6S in favor of NMT. A significant interaction was also observed for body skeletal muscle mass and lean body mass favoring NMT. (4) Conclusions: The application of an NMT program seems to be a useful strategy to improve body composition in elite female soccer players.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the eating behaviors, obesity and physical activity status of children of similar ages living in rural and urban areas and to examine these relationships during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic process., Method: The research was conducted using the scanning model. The research group consists of children living in rural and urban areas in Turkey. The sample of the study consists of a total of 733 adolescent participants, 351 females (47.9%) and 382 males (52.1%). After anthropometric measurements were made, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for older children and the Yale Food Addiction Scale for children 2.0 were used to determine the food addiction and physical activity status of children during the COVID19 pandemic process. Since the groups were homogeneously distributed, independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation test were used., Result: In terms of food addiction and physical activity levels, children living in the urban have higher scores than children living in rural areas. In addition, children living in the urban were taller and have higher body mass values than those in rural areas. In terms of physical activity level and food addiction levels, while girls living in the urban had higher activity levels than those living in rural areas, no statistically significant difference was found between the physical activity levels of boys. When evaluated in terms of general and gender, it was determined that children living in rural areas were overweight and obese at a higher rate. Obese children had higher levels of food addiction and lower physical activity levels than non-obese children., Conclusion: In order to prevent childhood obesity, the level of food addiction should be reduced as well as increasing the level of physical activity. This study is limited in terms of cross-sectional evaluation. Future research can experimentally reveal how much obesity is reduced by methods such as exercise and diet interventions., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) has been calculated for individual athletes and sports, but it has not been investigated in futsal performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate any relationships between 2D:4D of the dominant and non-dominant hands and physical capacity performances, selected functional variables and hormone concentrations in elite female futsal players., Methods: Twenty-four elite female futsal players were measured for 2D:4D in the dominant (2D:4D D ) and non-dominant (2D:4D ND ) hand. The futsal specific performance test (FSPT), hand-grip strength (HGS) and aerobic power were also assessed. In addition, selected circulatory hormones were measured (estradiol, cortisol, growth hormone and insulin like growth factor-1). Pearson's correlation test was used to identify correlational relationships., Results: Total test-time and performance time (total time + penalty time) for the FSPT showed a significant correlation with 2D:4D D (r = 0.53, p = 0.005 and r = 0.55, p = 0.003, respectively). HGS ND also displayed a significant correlation with the 2D:4D D (r = 0.59, p = 0.002). Aerobic power and time spent running on the treadmill also showed a significant relationship with 2D:4D ND (both, r = 0.54, p = 0.006). Cortisol showed a significant correlation with 2D:4D D (- 0.58, p = 0.003) and 2D:4D ND (- 0.52, p = 0.008)., Conclusions: The measurement of 2D:4D ratio could be an important factor in determining potential performance attributes and talent identification of elite female futsal players. Further studies are needed in this area to further examine the results presented here., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Cyclic (di)nucleotides act as universal second messengers endogenously produced by several pathogens. Specifically, the roles of c-di-AMP in Mycobacterium tuberculosis immunity and virulence have been largely explored, although its contribution to the safety and efficacy of live tuberculosis vaccines is less understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the synthesis of c-di-AMP is negatively regulated by the M. tuberculosis PhoPR virulence system. Accordingly, the live attenuated tuberculosis vaccine candidate M. tuberculosis vaccine (MTBVAC), based on double phoP and fadD26 deletions, produces more than 25- and 45-fold c-di-AMP levels relative to wild-type M. tuberculosis or the current vaccine bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), respectively. Secretion of this second messenger was exclusively detected in MTBVAC but not in M. tuberculosis or in BCG. We also demonstrate that c-di-AMP synthesis during in vitro cultivation of M. tuberculosis is a growth-phase- and medium-dependent phenotype. To uncover the role of this metabolite in the vaccine properties of MTBVAC, we constructed and validated knockout and overproducing/oversecreting derivatives by inactivating the disA or cnpB gene, respectively. All MTBVAC derivatives elicited superior interleukin-1β (IL-1β) responses compared with BCG during an in vitro infection of human macrophages. However, both vaccines failed to elicit interferon β (IFNβ) activation in this cellular model. We found that increasing c-di-AMP levels remarkably correlated with a safer profile of tuberculosis vaccines in the immunodeficient mouse model. Finally, we demonstrate that overproduction of c-di-AMP due to cnpB inactivation resulted in lower protection of MTBVAC, while the absence of c-di-AMP in the MTBVAC disA derivative maintains the protective efficacy of this vaccine in mice., Competing Interests: C.M. and J.G.-A. are coinventors on the patent “Tuberculosis vaccine”. N.A., C.M., and J.G.-A. are coinventors on the patent “Compositions for use as a prophylactic agent to those at risk of infection of tuberculosis, or as secondary agents for treating infected tuberculosis patients”. Both patents were filed by the University of Zaragoza., (© 2022 The Authors.)