Search

Purpose: Mental fatigue causes decreases in aspects of athletes' performance. Elite coaches commonly undertake cognitively demanding tasks and are seemingly at similar risk of subsequent performance impairment. However, elite sport coaches' experiences of mental fatigue, alongside other markers of psychobiological stress, have yet to be quantified. Methods: Three elite coaching and performance staff (2 women and 1 man) provided 100-mm visual analog scale ratings of mental fatigue, physical fatigue, readiness to perform, and salivary samples for later cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA) analysis. Data were obtained on the same morning each week across a 16-week preseason. Data were subset by individual coach for descriptive and repeated-measures correlational analyses. Results: Fluctuating mental fatigue was observed over the 16 weeks (min–max; coach 1 = 25–86 AU; coach 2 = 0–51 AU; and coach 3 = 15 − 76 AU). Elevated levels of mental fatigue were reported at multiple time points, with individual variability observed. sCort (in nanomoles per liter), sAA (in micromoles per liter), and sAA:sCort indicated that coaches experienced psychophysiological stress (min–max; coach 1 sCort = 8.42–17.31, sAA = 52.40–113.06, sAA:sCort = 3.20–12.80; coach 2 sCort = 4.20–9.70, sAA = 158.80–307.20, sAA:sCort = 21.10–61.70; and coach 3 sCort = 6.81−19.66, sAA = 86.55–495.85, sAA:sCort = 4.90–35.50). A significant inverse relationship between mental fatigue and readiness to perform (r = −.44 [−.64 to −.17], P =.002) was identified. Conclusions: Elite sport coaches report elevated instances of mental fatigue during a preseason training period. Those involved in elite sports should act to understand the presence and potential subsequent impacts of staff mental fatigue and consider management or mitigation strategies. Optimization of the cognitive performance of coaches and performance staff presents as a potential source of competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine responses at 3 and 27 hours after low-load jump squat (LL) and maximal isometric half-squat (ISO) priming stimuli. Fifteen resistance-trained males performed LL (4 3 3 at 20% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), ISO (4 3 3 seconds), and control (CON) activities (standardized warm-up) in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric midthigh pull tests were conducted to assess performance changes after priming and CON activities. No clear changes in CMJ measures were found after priming activities compared with CON. However, small effect size improvements were found after priming stimuli completed on the same day. A 2.9% decrease in concentric phase duration (CI 5 0.3-5.9, p 5 0.333, Cliff's delta520.156) and a 9.1% increase in RSImod (CI 50.2-12.3, p50.151, Cliff's delta520.218) occurred at 3 hours after LL compared with CON. Braking phase duration (CI 5 0.8-10.6, p 5 0.333, Cliff's delta520.213) was 2.9% shorter at 3 hours after ISO compared with CON. No clear changes in isometric peak force occurred after priming activities compared with CON. Additionally, questionnaires were completed to assess perceptual state and perceived effectiveness of the priming stimulus to influence performance. An increase in the "effect of activity" was perceived at 3 hours after LL and ISO (p 5 0.013-0.044, Cliff's delta 5 0.578-0.6) and at 27 hours after ISO (p 5 0.99, Cliff's delta 5 0.173) compared with CON. An increase in "muscular heaviness" was also reported at 3 hours after ISO compared with CON (p 5 0.199, Cliff's delta 5 0.320). The collective findings suggest limited benefits over the day after LL and ISO priming stimuli. However, as there was substantial variation in individual responses, the relative nature of priming responses should be considered when prescribing similar strategies in practical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mental fatigue is emerging as an important consideration for elite sporting performance, yet it is rarely monitored. The present study assessed changes in mental fatigue in professional team-sport athletes across 2 seasons and examined the relationship between mental fatigue and other athlete self-report measures of well-being. Methods: Elite netballers contracted to all teams competing in Australia's premier professional netball competition during the 2018 and 2019 seasons (N = 154) participated. Using 5-point Likert scales, mental fatigue, fatigue (physical), tiredness, sleep quality, stress, mood, and motivation were assessed daily across 2 seasons composed of 14 round and finals series. Results: The ratings of mental fatigue significantly changed during both seasons. In 2018, lower ratings of mental fatigue were reported in round 1 versus 3, 4, 6, 8, and 14; round 7 versus 6; and round 6 versus 10 (P <.05). In 2019, lower ratings of mental fatigue were identified for round 1 versus 3, 9, 10 to 14, and semifinal; round 2 versus 10 to 13; and 5 versus 10 to 12 (P <.05). Ordinal regression revealed significant differences between mental fatigue and physical fatigue (P <.001), tiredness (P <.001), stress (P <.001), mood (P <.001), and motivation (P <.05). Conclusions: The present study found mental fatigue to significantly fluctuate across a season in elite netballers. Moreover, perceived mental fatigue differed from physical fatigue, tiredness, stress, mood, and motivation. The data impress the need for mental fatigue to be included as an independent measure of athlete well-being. Monitoring of mental fatigue can allow practitioners to implement strategies to manage its influence on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harrison, PW, Kelly, VG, Jenkins, DG, McGuigan, MR, Holmberg, PM, and James, LP. Does moderate-load priming activity influence maximal upper-body performance and perceptual state?. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): e581-e587, 2023--The results of previous research indicate that resistance exercise "priming" may improve strength-power measures within 48 hours after their completion. Although researchers have primarily examined performance responses after lower-body priming stimuli, investigations examining the effects of upper-body resistance priming exercises are presently limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine upper-body pushing and pulling performance in addition to perceptual responses 3 and 27 hours after moderate-load (ML) upper-body resistance priming exercise. Fourteen resistance-trained men were assigned to complete ML priming (4 3 3 bench press and bench pull at 65% 1RM [repetition maximum]) and control (rest) protocols in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Peak velocity during the bench throw and bench pull tests involving different loads (25, 50, and 75% 1RM) showed no practical change at 3 and 27 hours after the priming session (p 5 0.216-0.99, Cliff's d520.041 to 0.225). Small effect size increases in perceptual measures ("physical feeling," "physical performance," "aggression" [p 5 0.400-0.553, Cliff's d 5 0.183-0.201], and "muscular heaviness" [p 5 0.178, Cliff's d 5 0.231]) were found at 3 hours postpriming. A moderate practical increase was observed in perceived "physical feeling" compared with control (p 5 0.385, Cliff's d 5 0.349) in addition to small effect size increases in perceived "physical performance" and "aggression" (Cliff's d50.243-0.290) at 27 hours after priming activities. These results indicate that upper-body strength-power changes within 27 hours after ML upper-body resistance exercise priming are not practically meaningful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine relationships between external- and internal-workload variables in an elite female netball team, with consideration of positional differences. Methods: Nine elite female netball athletes had their weekly workloads monitored across their preseason and competition phases of a season. Internal workload was determined using summated heart-rate (HR) zones and session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE), whereas external workload was determined using inertial movement units and included absolute PlayerLoad (PL), relative PL (PL per minute), accelerations (ACCEL), decelerations (DECEL), jumps, changes of direction (COD), high-intensity events, medium-intensity events, low-intensity events, PL in the forward direction, PL in the sideways direction, and PL in the vertical direction. Relationships between external- and internal-workload variables in the team and relative to playing position were examined. Results: Across the team, the strongest external workloads that correlated with summated HR zones were PL (r =.65), COD (r =.64), ACCEL (r =.61), and DECEL (r =.61). The strongest external workloads that correlated with sRPE were COD (r =.79), followed by jumps (r =.76), ACCEL (r =.75), and DECEL (r =.75). For all positions, except-goal shooter, the strongest correlation was between PL and sRPE (r =.88–.94). In the goal-shooter position, the strongest correlation was between summated HR zones and DECEL (r =.89). Conclusions: The inertial movement unit-derived external-workload variables are strongly related to common internal-workload variables. In particular, COD and sRPE appear to provide a good monitoring combination of external and internal training loads for elite netball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Menstruation and menstrual symptoms are commonly cited barriers to physical activity in women. The delay or avoidance of menstruation through extended oral-contraceptive (OC) regimens may mitigate these barriers, yet information on menstrual- manipulation practices in young physically active women is sparse. The objective of this study was to investigate prevalence of, and reasons for, menstrual manipulation with OCs in recreationally and competitively active women. Methods: One hundred ninety-one recreationally active (self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity 150--300 min/wk) women (age 23 ± 5 y), 160 subelite recreationally active (self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity >300 min/wk) women (age 23 ± 5 y), and 108 competitive (state-, national- or international-level) female athletes (age 23 ± 4 y) completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing OC- regimen habits and reasons for manipulation of menstruation. Results: The majority (74%) of OC users reported having deliberately manipulated menstruation at least once during the previous year, with 29% reporting having done so at least 4 times. Prevalence of menstrual manipulation (at least once in the previous year) was not different between competitive athletes, subelite recreationally active women, and recreationally active women (77% vs 74% vs 72%; P > .05). The most cited reasons for manipulating menstruation were special events or holidays (rated by 75% as important/very important), convenience (54%), and sport competition (54%). Conclusions: Menstrual manipulation through extended OC regimens is common practice in recreationally and competitively active young women, for a range of reasons relating to convenience that are not limited to physical activity. This strategy may help reduce hormone-related barriers to exercise participation, thereby positively affecting participation and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), masters athletes take longer to recover than younger athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of higher than recommended postexercise protein feedings on the recovery of knee extensor peak isometric torque (PIT), perceptions of recovery, and cycling time trial (TT) performance following EIMD in masters triathletes. Eight masters triathletes (52 ± 2 y, ...O2max, 51.8 ± 4.2 ml⋅kg-1⋅min-1) completed two trials separated by seven days in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Trials consisted of morning PIT testing and a 30-min downhill run followed by an eight-hour recovery. During recovery, a moderate (MPI; 0.3 g⋅kg-1⋅bolus-1) or high (0.6 g⋅kg-1⋅bolus-1) protein intake (HPI) was consumed in three bolus feedings at two hour intervals commencing immediately postexercise. PIT testing and a 7 kJ⋅kg-1 cycling TT were completed postintervention. Perceptions of recovery were assessed pre- and postexercise. The HPI did not significantly improve recovery compared with MPI (p > .05). However, comparison of within-treatment change shows the HPI provided a moderate beneficial effect (d = 0.66), attenuating the loss of afternoon PIT (-3.6%, d = 0.09) compared with the MPI (-8.6%, d = 0.24). The HPI provided a large beneficial effect (d = 0.83), reducing perceived fatigue over the eight-hour recovery (d = 1.25) compared with the MPI (d = 0.22). Despite these effects, cycling performance was unchanged (HPI = 2395 ± 297 s vs. MPI = 2369 ± 278 s; d = 0.09). In conclusion, doubling the recommended postexercise protein intake did not significantly improve recovery in masters athletes; however, HPI provided moderate to large beneficial effects on recovery that may be meaningful following EIMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postexercise nutrition is a critical component of an athlete's recovery from training and competition. However, little is known about athletes' postexercise dietary practices or knowledge of dietary recommendations, particularly among masters athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the knowledge of postexercise nutritional recommendations, and typical postexercise intakes of carbohydrate and protein, between masters and younger triathletes. 182 triathletes (Male = 101, Female = 81) completed an online survey distributed by Triathlon Australia. Knowledge of postexercise nutrition recommendations for protein and carbohydrate intake were assessed as a group, and contrasted between subgroups of masters (>50 years) and younger triathletes (<30 years). Using dietary recall, postexercise intakes of carbohydrate and protein were examined and contrasted between masters and younger triathletes. As a group, 43.1% and 43.9% of all triathletes answered, "I don't know" when asked to identify the recommended postexercise carbohydrate and protein intakes, respectively. Dietary analysis revealed masters triathletes consumed significantly less carbohydrate (0.7 ± 0.4 g.kg-1) postexercise than recommended (1.0 g.kg-1; p = .001), and in comparison with younger triathletes (1.1 ±0.6 g.kg-1; p = .01). Postexercise protein intakes were similar between masters (19.6 ± 13.5 g) and younger (26.4 ± 15.8 g) triathletes. However, relative to body mass, masters triathletes consumed significantly less protein (0.3 ± 0.2 g.kg-1) than younger triathletes (0.4 ± 0.2 g.kg-1; p = .03), and consumed significantly less energy postexercise (22.7 ± 11.7 kJ.kg-1) than younger triathletes (37.8 ± 19.2 kJ.kg-1; p = .01). The present data suggests triathletes have poor knowledge of recommendations for postexercise carbohydrate and protein intakes. Furthermore, low postexercise intakes of carbohydrate and protein by masters athletes may impair acute recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the impact of different repeated-high-intensity-effort (RHIE) bouts on player activity profiles, skill involvements, and neuromuscular fatigue during small-sided games, Participants: 22 semiprofessional rugby league players (age 24.0 ± 1.8 y, body mass 95.6 ± 7.4 kg). Methods: During 4 testing sessions, they performed RHIE bouts that each differed in the combination of contact and running efforts, followed by a 5-min off-side small-sided game before performing a second bout of RHIE activity and another 5-min small-sided game. Global positioning system microtechnology and video recordings provided information on activity profiles and skill involvements. A countermovement jump and a plyometric push-up assessed changes in lower- and upper-body neuromuscular function after each session. Results: After running-dominant RHIE bouts, players maintained running intensities during both games. In the contact-dominant RHIE bouts, reductions in moderate-speed activity were observed from game 1 to game 2 (ES = -0.71 to -1.06). There was also moderately lower disposal efficiency across both games after contact-dominant RHIE activity compared with running-dominant activity (ES = 0.62-1.02). Greater reductions in lower-body fatigue occurred as RHIE bouts became more running dominant (ES = -0.01 to-1.36), whereas upper-body fatigue increased as RHIE bouts became more contact dominant (ES - -0.07 to -1.55). Conclusions: Physical contact causes reductions in running intensity and the quality of skill involvements during game-based activities. In addition, the neuromuscular fatigue experienced by players is specific to the activities performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the influence of playing standard and physical fitness on pacing strategies during a junior team-sport tournament. Methods: A between-groups, repeated-measures design was used. Twenty-eight junior team-sport players (age 16.6 ± 0.5 y, body mass 79.9 ± 12.0 kg) from a high-standard and low-standard team participated in a junior rugby league tournament, competing in 5 games over 4 d (4 x 40-min and 1 x 50-min game). Players wore global positioning system (GPS) microtechnology during each game to provide information on match activity profiles. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1) was used to assess physical fitness before the competition. Results: High-standard players had an initially higher pacing strategy than the low-standard players, covering greater distances at high (ES = 1.32) and moderate speed (ES = 1.41) in game 1 and moderate speed (ES = 1.55) in game 2. However, low-standard players increased their playing intensity across the competition (ES = 0.57-2.04). High-standard/high-fitness players maintained a similar playing intensity, whereas high-standard/low-fitness players reduced their playing intensities across the competition. Conclusions: Well-developed physical fitness allows for a higher-intensity pacing strategy that can be maintained throughout a tournament. High-standard/low-fitness players reduce playing intensity, most likely due to increased levels of fatigue as the competition progresses. Low-standard players adopt a pacing strategy that allows them to conserve energy to produce an "end spurt" in the latter games. Maximizing endurance fitness across an entire playing group will maximize playing intensity and minimize performance reductions during the latter stages of a tournament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the influence the number of contact efforts during a single bout has on running intensity during game- based activities and assess relationships between physical qualities and distances covered in each game. Methods: Eighteen semiprofessional rugby league players (age 23.6 ± 2.8 y) competed in 3 off-side small-sided games (2 x 10-min halves) with a contact bout performed every 2 min. The rules of each game were identical except for the number of contact efforts performed in each bout. Players performed 1, 2, or 3 x 5-s wrestles in the single-, double-, and triple-contact game, respectively. The movement demands (including distance covered and intensity of exercise) in each game were monitored using global positioning system units. Bench-press and back-squat 1-repetition maximum and the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30--15IFT) assessed muscle strength and high-intensity-running ability, respectively. Results: There was little change in distance covered during the single- contact game (ES = -0.16 to -0.61), whereas there were larger reductions in the double- (ES = -0.52 to -0.81) and triple-contact (ES = -0.50 to -1.15) games. Significant relationships (P < .05) were observed between 30--15IFT and high-speed running during the single- (r = .72) and double- (r = .75), but not triple-contact (r = .20) game. Conclusions: There is little change in running intensity when only single contacts are performed each bout; however, when multiple contacts are performed, greater reductions in running intensity result. In addition, high-intensity-running ability is only associated with running performance when contact demands are low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the satisfaction of elite female cyclists with their body weight (BW) in the context of race performance, the magnitude of BW manipulation, and the association of these variables with menstrual function. Methods: Female competitors in the Australian National Road Cycling Championships (n = 32) and the Oceania Championships (n = 5) completed a questionnaire to identify current BW, BW fluctuations, perceived ideal BW for performance, frequency of weight consciousness, weight-loss techniques used, and menstrual regularity. Results: All but 1 cyclist reported that female cyclists are “a weight-conscious population,” and 54% reported having a desire to change BW at least once weekly; 62% reported that their current BW was not ideal for performance. Their perceived ideal BW was (mean ± SD) 1.6 ± 1.6 kg (2.5% ± 2.5%) less than their current weight (P < .01), and 73% reported that their career-lowest BW was either “beneficial” or “extremely beneficial” for performance. 65% reported successfully reducing BW in the previous 12 months with a mean loss of 2.4 ± 1.0 kg (4.1% ± 1.9%). The most common weight-loss technique was reduced energy intake (76%). Five cyclists (14%) had been previously diagnosed as having an eating disorder by a physician. Of the 18 athletes not using a hormonal contraceptive, 11 reported menstrual dysfunction (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea). Conclusion: Elite Australian female cyclists are a weight-conscious population who may not be satisfied with their BW leading into a major competition and in some cases are frequently weight conscious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some athletes avoid dairy in the meal consumed before exercise due to fears about gastrointestinal discomfort. Regular exclusion of dairy foods may unnecessarily reduce intake of high quality proteins and calcium with possible implications for body composition and bone health. This study compared the effects of meals that included (Dairy) or excluded (Control) dairy foods on gastric comfort and subsequent cycling performance. Well-trained female cyclists (n = 32; mean ± SD; 24.3 ± 4.1 y; VO2peak 57.1 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min) completed two trials (randomized cross-over design) in which they consumed a meal (2 g/kg carbohydrate and 54 kJ/kg) 2 hr before a 90-min cycle session (80 min at 60% maximal aerobic power followed by a 10-min time trial; TT). The dairy meal contained 3 servings of dairy foods providing ~1350 mg calcium. Gut comfort and palatability were measured using questionnaires. Performance was measured as maximum mean power during the TT (MMP10min). There was no statistical or clinical evidence of an effect of meal type on MMP10min with a mean difference (Dairy – Control) of 4 W (95% CI [–2, 9]). There was no evidence of an association between pretrial gut comfort and meal type (p = .15) or between gut comfort delta scores and meal type postmeal (p = .31), preexercise (p = .17) or postexercise (p = .80). There was no statistical or clinical evidence of a difference in palatability between meal types. In summary, substantial amounts of dairy foods can be included in meals consumed before strenuous cycling without impairing either gut comfort or performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second lactate threshold (LT2) has previously been associated with endurance performance; however, comparisons between sexes are lacking regarding its efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare LT2 between men and women, specifically regarding its (a) relationship with endurance performance and (b) capacity to establish training and competition intensities. Competitive male (mean ± SD: age, 27.7 ± 4.7 years; ...O2max, 59.7 ± 5.2 ml•kg•min-1; n = 10) and female (mean ± SD: age, 27.3 6 6.2 years; ...O2max, 54.5 ± 5.3 ml•kg•min-1; n = 12) cyclists and triathletes completed an incremental cycle trial to volitional fatigue (for determination of ...O2max and LT2 via the modified D-max method), a constant load (65%) exercise trial of 30 minutes at LT2 power output, and a 40-km cycle time trial. The LT2 significantly correlated with 40-km cycling performance in both men (r = -0.69 to -0.77; p < 0.01-0.05) and women (r = -0.63 to -0.75; p < 0.01-0.05). All men sustained LT2 power output for 30 minutes, compared with 82% of women. Despite LT2 reflecting a similar heart rate, ...O2, and [La-] to those elicited during a 40-km time trial in both men and women, power output at LT2 was 6% higher (p < 0.05) than mean time trial power output in women, with no significant difference in men. Based on these findings, sexspecific recommendations have been suggested in regard to the use of LT2 for establishing performance potential, prescribing endurance training intensities and setting 40-km performance intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical profile data from elite, sub-elite, regional, under 21s (U21), under 19s (U19) and under 17s (U17) (n = 845) players from a state netball association in Australia were analysed. Within season changes were examined for the elite and sub-elite players. Longitudinal changes were examined for the elite across four consecutive netball seasons. Elite were significantly older (24.3 ± 3.4years), taller (182.4 ± 7.2cm) and heavier (73.42 ± 6.95kg) than other playing levels (p < 0.001, ES 0.49–3.26) and had higher vertical jump (VJ) data compared to all groups (p < 0.001, ES 0.47–0.93). U17's were significantly faster than elite, sub-elite and U19 players over 5m (p < 0.05, ES 0.36–0.58) while elite were faster over 20m compared to all groups (p < 0.01, ES 0.45–0.72). Elite achieved a greater distance (1350.8m; p < 0.05, ES 0.32–0.50) in the Yo-YoIRT1 compared to the sub-elite, regional, U19 and U17. VJ height significantly increased from the 2014 (51.6 ± 4.8cm) to the 2017 season (59.6 ± 6.3cm) for the elite players (p < 0.01, ES 1.18). Yo-YoIRT1 test scores increased significantly between the pre-season and in-season phases (p < 0.05, ES 0.17). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to describe normative values and seasonal variation of body composition in female cyclists comparing female road and track endurance cyclists, and to validate the use of anthropometry to monitor lean mass changes. Anthropometric profiles (seven site skinfolds) were measured over 16 years from 126 female cyclists. Lean mass index (LMI) was calculated as body weight × skinfolds−x. The exponent (x) was calculated as the slope of the natural logarithm of body weight and skinfolds. Percentage changes in LMI were compared to lean mass changes measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a subset of 25 road cyclists. Compared to sub-elite and elite cyclists, world class cyclists were (mean [95% CI]) 1.18 kg [0.46, 1.90] and 0.60 kg [0.05, 1.15] lighter and had skinfolds that were 7.4 mm [3.8, 11.0] and 4.6 mm [1.8, 7.4] lower, respectively. Body weight (0.41 kg [0.04, 0.77]) and skinfolds (4.0 mm [2.1, 6.0]) were higher in the off-season compared to the early-season. World class female road cyclists had lower body weight (6.04 kg [2.73, 9.35]) and skinfolds (11.5 mm [1.1, 21.9]) than track endurance cyclists. LMI (mean exponent 0.15 [0.13, 0.18]) explained 87% of the variance in DXA lean mass. In conclusion, higher performing female cyclists were lighter and leaner than their less successful peers, road cyclists were lighter and leaner than track endurance cyclists, and weight and skinfolds were lowest early in the season. LMI appears to be a reasonably valid tool for monitoring lean mass changes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses research which investigated how three contact efforts influence running performance of athletes during small-sided rugby league games. Topics explored include the recruitment and physical evaluation of study participants, the way repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) can affect physical performance of athletes, and the statistical analyses of data gathered such as relative distance, low-speed activity, and moderate speed running.

The article evaluates repeated high-intensity exercise performance testing for training professional rugby league and rugby union players in Queensland, Australia. The reliability and sensitivity of the test was assessed with the correlation of test performance with sprint speed and intermittent running recovery measurements. Data was analyzed using statistical methods such as analysis of variance, repeated measures statistics, and descriptive statistics.

The article presents the results of a study which investigated the influence of alternating game components upon the physiological and skill demands of rugby players. An overview of related previous research is provided, detailing heart rate increases with greater field size and smaller player numbers. Details of the experiment protocol are also presented, including use of global positioning satellites to track player movements.

The article discusses the impact of wrestling on the physiological and skills requirements in small-sided games. An overview of the game filmed to follow the number of possessions and quality of disposals along with the help of global positioning system unit is provided. The study reports that the games with wrestling show significant accelerations and repeated high-intensity efforts on body movements of the players.

The objective of this study is to compare the effects of constant- and variable-intensity cycling on gross efficiency (GE) and to compare estimates of energy expenditure (EE) made using indirect calorimetry (CAL) with estimates derived from commercially available power meters. Methods: Nine national team female road cyclists completed a GE test (GEtest = 4 min at approximately 45%, approximately 55%, approximately 65%, and approximately 75% maximal aerobic power (MAP)) before and after 10.5 min of either constant- (CON)- or variable- (VAR)- intensity cycling averaging approximately 55% MAP. GE measured before, after, and during CON and VAR cycling was compared. Total EE (Id) for 10.5 min of VAR cycling was estimated using indirect CAL and compared with estimates on the basis of mechanical power [Schoberer Rad Messtechnik (SRM)] using the group mean GE, each athlete's mean GE, and each athlete's power to GE regression. Results: There was no effect of VAR on GEtests (P = 0.74). GE reduced from 19.1% ± 0.4% (mean ± SE) during the pretrial GEtests to 18.7% ± 0.4% during the posttrial GEtests (P < 0.05) in both conditions. Differences in GE (mean + SD) measured during CON (18.4% ± 1.6%) and VAR cycling (18.6% ± 1.1%) were trivial (P = 0.28). SRM-based estimates of EE were most accurate when using individual athlete's power GE regression using Pre- and Post-VAR GEtest, data combined (Δ ̄X (%) ± 90% CI, 0.3 ± 0.8; R2 0.98, P <0.001). Group mean estimates were within approximately 1% of CAL, although individual errors were approximately 11%. Conclusion: Findings support the use of calibrated power meters for estimating cycling EE. For trained female road cyclists, total mechanical work (kj) multiplied by 5.3 (GE = 19%) provides a valid estimation of total EE during variable-intensity cycling <75% MAP, although determining each athlete's GE improves accuracy greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the influence of preexercise food intake on plasma pseudoephedrine (PSE) concentrations and subsequent high-intensity exercise. In addition, urinary PSE concentrations were measured under the same conditions and compared with the present threshold of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Methods: Ten highly trained male cyclists and triathletes (age = 30.6 ± 6.6 yr, body mass [BM] = 72.9 ± 5.1 kg, and V̇O2max = 64.8 ± 4.5 mL•kg−1•min−1mean ± SD) undertook four cycling time trials (TT), each requiring the completion of a set amount of work (7 kJ•kg−1 BM) in the shortest possible time. Participants were randomized into a fed or nonfed condition and orally ingested 2.8 mg•kg−1 BM) of PSE or a placebo (PLA) 90 min before exercise; in the fed trials, they consumed a meal providing 1.5 g•kg−1 BM of CHO. Venous blood was sampled at 30, 50, and 70 min and pre-warm-up and postexercise for the analysis of plasma PSE and catecholamine concentrations, and urine was also collected for the analysis of PSE concentration. Results: Independent of the preexercise meal, 2.8 mg•kg−1 BM of PSE did not significantly improve cycling TT performance. The fed trials resulted in lower plasma PSE concentrations at all time points compared with the nonfed trials. Both plasma epinephrine and blood lactate concentrations were higher in the PSE compared with the PLA trials, and preexercise and postexercise urinary PSE concentrations were significantly higher than the threshold (150 µg•mL−1) used by WADA to determine illicit PSE use. Conclusion: Irrespective of the preexercise meal, cycling TT performance of approximately 30 min was not improved after PSE supplementation. Furthermore, 2.8 mg•kg−1 BM of PSE taken 90 min before exercise, with or without food, resulted in urinary PSE concentrations exceeding the present WADA threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]