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This study investigated whether street soccer might be proposed as an alternative to recreational small-sided games on grass as a health-enhancing activity and, specifically, the effects of the boards surrounding the pitch. Eleven recreationally active young men (28.4 ± 4.2 SD years, 19.9 ± 4.2% body fat, and 47.7 ± 6.0 ml·min·-1kg-1), after familiarization, completed one to 2 sessions of 20 × 13-m 3v3 street soccer games with boards (WBs) and one to 2 sessions without boards (WOBs) in a randomized order. Movement pattern was measured using global positioning system, and heart rate recordings, blood sampling, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scales were used to evaluate exercise intensity and physiological strain. Total number of accelerations (19%) and player load (18%) were higher (p ≤ 0.005) in WB than in WOB, whereas total distance covered (12%), high-speed running (59%), and peak speed (11%) were lower (p ≤ 0.003) in WB than in WOB. Moreover, HRmean was higher in WB than in WOB (85.7 ± 5.4 vs. 81.3 ± 8.2% HRmax, p = 0.012, ES = 0.64), whereas time with HR > 90% HRmax did not differ between WB and WOB (42 ± 34 vs. 32 ± 30%, p = 0.243, ES = 0.32). Plasma ammonia increased more in WB than in WOB, with no differences found in mean and peak blood lactate. Rating of perceived exertion was higher after WB than after WOB (7.1 ± 1.0 vs. 5.5 ± 1.2, p < 0.001, ES = 1.39). In conclusion, intensity was sufficiently high in both game formats to expect short- and long-term health improvements as a result of regular participation. Boards affected movement pattern and physiological demands, producing higher number of accelerations, player load, average heart rate, plasma ammonia, and RPE but lower total distance, number of intense runs, and peak speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which is worsened by physical inactivity. Subclinical myocardial dysfunction is associated with increased risk of heart failure and impaired prognosis in T2DM; however, it is not clear if exercise training can counteract the early signs of diabetic heart disease. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soccer training on cardiac function, exercise capacity, and blood pressure in middle-age men with T2DM. METHODS: Twenty-one men age 49.8 ± 1.7 yr with T2DM and no history of cardiovascular disease participated in a soccer training group (n = 12) that trained 1 h twice a week or a control group (n = 9) with no change in lifestyle. Examinations included comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, measurements of blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2max), and intermittent endurance capacity before and after 12 and 24 wk. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was applied. RESULTS: After 24 wk of soccer training, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter and volume were increased (P < 0.001) compared to baseline. LV longitudinal systolic displacement was augmented by 23% (P < 0.001) and global longitudinal two-dimensional strain increased by 10% (P < 0.05). LV diastolic function, determined by mitral inflow (E/A ratio) and peak diastolic velocity E', was increased by 18% (P < 0.01) and 29% (P < 0.001), respectively, whereas LV filling pressure E/E' was reduced by 15% (P = 0.05). Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were all reduced by 8 mm Hg (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). V˙O2max and intermittent endurance capacity was 12% and 42% (P < 0.001) higher, respectively. No changes in any of the measured parameters were observed in control group. CONCLUSION: Regular soccer training improves cardiac function, increases exercise capacity, and lowers blood pressure in men with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]