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Souissi, MA, Elghoul, Y, Souissi, H, Masmoudi, L, Ammar, A, Hamdi chtourou, and Souissi, N. The effects of three corrections strategies of errors on the snatch technique in 10-12-year-old children: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-Sports movement correction is one of the major problems for motor control and learning. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine which of the 3 strategies, i.e., the self-observation method with direct instructions (SO-DI), self-observation alone (SO), or the direct instruction (DI), would be useful for correcting errors during the snatch technique. Forty-eight children with 2 months of experience were randomly assigned to one of 4 training conditions: SO-DI, SO, DI, or control. In this study, the experience lasted 15 sessions. Subjects completed the test sessions before (T0) and after (T1) 12 training sessions and a retention test session after 2 weeks (T2). The Kinovea version 0.8.15 software was used to measure the kinematic parameters of weightlifting performance. After the training intervention, the data showed that the SO-DI group registered a greater improvement in all kinematic parameters compared with the SO, DI, and control groups, and this benefit was present 2 weeks later in the retention test (e.g., the horizontal displacement of the bar in the first pull with respect to the starting position [T1 vs. T0: +32.57 ± 6.69%, d = 1.87, p < 0.001; T2 vs. T0: 25.07 ± 11.55%, d = 1.32, p < 0.001] and the horizontal displacement of the bar between the receiving position and the reference line [T1 vs. T0: 24.34 ± 29%, d = 1.17, p < 0.01; T2 vs. T0: 25.53 ± 30.4%, d = 0.99, p < 0.01]). The results of the present study could have practical implications for physical education teachers because, even if practice is required to improve the technique, the effectiveness of the learning process is essential to enhance learner self-efficacy and motivation.

Summary Objectives The objectives of this study were to evaluate the duration and the quality of sleep, as well as daytime sleepiness, among different levels of Arab athletes (i.e., amateur, elite) and to compare sleep quality and duration and daytime sleepiness in athletes and sedentary individuals. Material and methods A total of 409 participants, characterized as elite athletes (n = 78), amateur athletes (n = 231), and sedentary individuals (n = 100), participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, for the evaluation of sleep quality, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), for the assessment of daytime sleepiness. Results The total PSQI score was significantly higher in sedentary (total PSQI score = 5.74 ± 2.5) vs. amateur (total PSQI score = 5 ± 2.3) (P 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between levels of daytime sleepiness reported in amateur athletes (ESS score = 9.6 ± 4.3), elite athletes (ESS score = 10 ± 3.8), and sedentary individuals (ESS score = 10.4 ± 2.4). Conclusion Athletes experienced a better sleep quality compared to sedentary individuals. However, some athletes can suffer from poor sleep quality, suggesting an urgent need for the implementation of sleep hygiene education. Levels of daytime sleepiness, comparable in athletes and sedentary individuals, indicate higher normal daytime sleepiness. Thus, daily naps could be useful to prevent excessive daytime sleepiness, but future studies on this topic, efficacy, and practicality are needed.

The month of Ramadan will intersect with many football leagues’ schedules over the next decade. Understanding the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on physical performance is necessary to guide considerations for football players. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of RIF on physical factors in football players, and secondarily to consider the impact this may have on domestic club football leagues. We conducted a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines. The online literature search utilized CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, Embase.com, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and grey literature (all from database inception to May 2020). Inclusion criteria consisted of studies of football (soccer) players, data collected during and/or around Ramadan, with injury and/or performance data provided. The search yielded 11,226 studies. Twenty-two studies were included following a review of titles, abstracts, and full texts. Studies included some iteration of before-Ramadan, during-Ramadan, and after-Ramadan data. Common measures observed included ratings of perceived exertion (n = 8), sprinting (n = 7), sleep (n = 7), peak heart rate (n = 6), jumping (n = 5), Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests (n = 4), Wingate anaerobic test (n = 3), field-specific tests (n = 3), and injury rates (n = 2). Decreased physical performance was commonly observed during late afternoon/evening testing (before breaking the fast) and with high-intensity exercise. There appears to be a performance deficit related to RIF in Muslim football players. Studies should explore the effects of RIF on actual match demands. Due to the month of Ramadan emerging into league calendars, considerations should be made to accommodate Muslim football players who are intermittently fasting.

The study investigated the influence of hydrotherapy method–based McKenzie and Williams among patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Semi-experimental pretest-posttest with a control group design trial was conducted at Health Service Center, Qazvin, Iran. Twenty-eight NSLBP patients (16 men and 12 women, age: 42.5 ± 7 years) were recruited. Hydrotherapy program developed based on McKenzie and Williams therapy was performed individually 3 days per week for 20 sessions. Therefore, the study compared a hydrotherapy group (based on McKenzie and Williams therapy) to a control group. Participants attended a hydrotherapy program under the supervision of a hydrotherapist. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Straight Leg Raise Test (SLRT) were measured at the beginning, middle, and at the end of the 20 sessions to determine pain and functionality of the patient’s improvement. Overall, NPRS, RMDQ, and SLRT scores were improved in hydrotherapy group in the 10th session and 20th session compared with baseline (p ≤ 0.001) and control group (p ≤ 0.001). No difference in the treatment variables between the 10th session and the 20th session was observed (p > 0.05). The results indicated that the NSLBP symptom was improved after 10 sessions of hydrotherapy program developed based on McKenzie and Williams therapy.

This study aimed to determine if sleep quality and psychological factors were associated with time to meet the discharge criteria to return to sport (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) among athletes. A cohort-study design included 89 athletes following ACL-R. Each participant completed a battery of questionnaires at 6 different time points: within 3 days of injury occurrence and at post-surgery (1.5 m, 3 m, 4.5 m, 6 m and when discharge criteria were met). Assessment included sleep quality and quantity, symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, psychological readiness to RTS and fear of re-injury. The primary outcome was the time needed to meet all discharge criteria to RTS. Sleep parameters and psychological factors were not associated with time to meet the discharge criteria to RTS. However, athletes that had lower scores of anxiety (OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.0, 1.3) and insomnia (OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.0, 1.3) at baseline were more likely to meet the RTS discharge criteria. Athletes with better sleep quality at 3m, 4.5m and 6m were more likely to meet the RTS discharge criteria OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1, 1.7), 2.0 (95% CI 1.1–3.4) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.0, 1.9) respectively. Sleep quality and psychological factors were not associated with time to meet the discharge criteria to RTS but impacted whether athletes adhered and completed their rehabilitation program or not. Monitoring sleep quality and psychological factors of athletes before and following ACL-R surgery is important to identify athletes who could have difficulties in adhering to and completing their rehabilitation program to RTS.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an accurate description of the effect of Ramadan observance on sleep duration, sleep quality, daily nap duration, and daytime sleepiness in athletes and physically active individuals. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley, and Taylor and Francis) were used to search for relevant studies conducted with athletes or physically active individuals during Ramadan, published in any language, and available before May 23, 2021. Studies that included assessments of sleep quantity and/or quality, and/or daytime sleepiness, and/or daily naps in athletes and physically active individuals were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using "QualSyst". Of the 18 papers included in this study (298 participants in total), 14 were of strong quality, two were moderate, and the remaining two were rated as weak. Individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration (number of studies, K = 17, number of participants, N = 289, g = -0.766, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.199 to -0.333, p = 0.001). Additionally, the global score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index increased from 4.053 (K = 5, N = 65, 95% CI 3.071-5.034) pre-Ramadan, to 5.346 (95% CI 4.362-6.333) during Ramadan, indicating a decrease in sleep quality. The duration of daytime naps increased during compared to pre-Ramadan (K = 2, N = 31, g = 1.020, 95% CI 0.595-1.445, p = 0.000), whereas Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores remained unchanged during versus pre-Ramadan (K = 3, N = 31, g = 0.190, 95% CI -0.139-0.519, p = 0.257). In conclusion, individuals who continued to train during Ramadan experienced a decrease in sleep duration, impairment of sleep quality, and increase in daytime nap duration, with no change in daytime sleepiness levels.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Ramadan observance (RAM) on decision-making in Kung-Fu athletes. Fourteen male Kung-Fu athletes (mean age = 19 ± 3 years) completed two test sessions: before Ramadan (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (ER). In the afternoon of each session (between 16:00 h and 18:00 h), participants completed: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subjects also reported subjective fatigue, alertness, and concentration. Additionally, all participants performed video-based decision-making tasks (i.e., reaction time and decision-making). Results indicated that reaction time decreased by 30% at ER vs. BR (p &lt, 0.01). However, decision-making decreased by 9.5% at ER vs. BR (p &lt, 0.05). PSQI results indicated sleep quality score, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency were negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p &lt, 0.05). ESS was higher at ER compared to BR (p &lt, 0.05). In addition, fatigue scores, estimated by the POMS and current subjective feelings (i.e., fatigue, concentration, and alertness), were also negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p &lt, 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance was associated with an adverse effect on sleep and decision making, as well as feelings of fatigue, alertness, and concentration.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of Ramadan fasting on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in team sport referees. Seventy-eight male amateur team sport referees (age: 31.1 ± 10.8 years) participated in this study. Participants responded to the Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) questionnaires before (10-days prior) and during (last 7-days) the month of Ramadan.PSQI and ESS scores increased significantly during Ramadan (both p .001, ES = 0.56 and 0.54, respectively) with 83.3% of participants scoring ≥5 in the PSQI. The percentage of participants suffering from severe excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS score ≥ 16) was 3.8% before

The effect of a 40-min nap opportunity was investigated during the day following a late evening simulated soccer match. Twelve male amateur soccer players (23 ± 3 years; 77.3 ± 5.3 kg; 1.76 ± 0.04 m) performed the Loughborough-intermittent-shuttle test at 21h00 and the following day they completed the sleepiness scale after either a nonap (N0) or 40-min nap (N40) opportunity that began at 14h00. At 17h00, participants performed the 5-m shuttle run test (5mSRT) (6 × 30-s with 35-s in-between; best distance (BD) and total distance (TD) were calculated). After performing the 5mSRT, they provided their rating of the perceived exertion (RPE) and rated their muscle soreness. Sleepiness scores were significantly lower in N40 in comparison with N0 (P

Physical training is considered as a low-cost intervention to generate cardioprotective benefits and to promote physical and mental health, while reducing the severity of acute respiratory infection symptoms in older adults. However, lockdown measures during COVID-19 have limited people’s opportunity to exercise regularly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of Fitness and Dance training, followed by four weeks of COVID-19-induced detraining, on cardiac adaptations and physical performance indicators in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Twelve older adults (6 males and 6 females) with MCI (age, 73 ± 4.4 y, body mass, 75.3 ± 6.4 kg, height, 172 ± 8 cm, MMSE score: 24–27) participated in eight weeks of a combined Fitness-Dance training intervention (two sessions/week) followed by four weeks of training cessation induced by COVID-19 lockdowns. Wireless Polar Team Pro and Polar heart rate sensors (H10) were used to monitor covered distance, speed, heart rate (HR min, avg and max), time in HR zone 1 to 5, strenuousness (load score), beat-to-beat interval (max RR and avg RR) and heart rate variability (HRV-RMSSD). One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data of the three test sessions (T1: first training session, T2: last training session of the eight-week training program, and T3: first training session after the four-week training cessation). Statistical analysis showed that eight weeks of combined Fitness-Dance training induced beneficial cardiac adaptations by decreasing HR (HR min, HR avg and HR max) with p &lt, 0.001, ES = 0.5–0.6 and Δ = −7 to−9 bpm, and increasing HRV related responses (max and avg RR and RMSSD), with p &lt, 0.01 and ES = 0.4. Consequently, participants spent more time in comfortable HR zones (e.g., p &lt, 0.0005, ES = 0.7, Δ = 25% for HR zone 1) and showed reduced strenuousness (p = 0.02, Δ = −15% for load score), despite the higher covered total distance and average speed (p &lt, 0.01, ES = 0.4). However, these changes were reversed after only four weeks of COVID-19 induced detraining, with values of all parameters returning to their baseline levels. In conclusion, eight weeks of combined Fitness-Dance training seems to be an efficient strategy to promote cardioprotective benefits in older adults with MCI. Importantly, to maintain these health benefits, training has to be continued and detraining periods should be reduced. During a pandemic, home-based exercise programs may provide an effective and efficient alternative of physical training.

Several studies report sleep deprivation negatively impacts post-cognitive and physical performance, and other functions. Recent findings indicate ingestion of melatonin prior to exercise enhances tolerance to training and improves competition. We investigated the effects of melatonin supplementation on psychomotor performance and selected physical fitness measures of collegiate student-athletes following 4 h and 24 h of sleep deprivation. The study employed a repeated-measures, double-blind, randomized controlled protocol with posttest control group design with six conditions [3 sleep conditions (without sleep deprivation, 4 h sleep deprivation (4SD) and 24 h sleep deprivation (24SD)) × 2 supplementation conditions (melatonin and placebo)]. Ten trained male collegiate student-athletes (mean ± SD; age: 20 ± 2 y) attended the laboratory on six occasions with 72 h between successive visits. Placebo or 6 mg of melatonin were administered orally in capsules 30 min before the tests of: static and dynamic balance, reaction time, and anaerobic power. Also, blood lactate was measured before and 3 min after the anaerobic power exercise. During the placebo session, the results indicated that 4SD and 24SD had negative effect on the measured parameters, with higher impacts of the 24SD condition. Compared to placebo and during both 4SD and 24SD conditions, melatonin had a positive effect on static and dynamic balance, anaerobic power, blood lactic acid, and reaction time (

We investigated the effect of exergames and aquatic exercises on lung function and weight loss in obese children. Sixty-one obese male primary-school children were randomly allocated to video game, aquatic exercise, and control groups. Lung functions and anthropometric variables were measured before and after the intervention and after one month (follow-up). In the video game group, an Xbox Kinect game was played for 60 min during three sessions a week. The aquatic aerobic exercise was performed three times per week and consisted of a warm-up, main exercises, and a cool down phase. For the video game group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between (i) pre- and (ii) post-intervention and follow-up. In the aquatic exercise group, there was a significant reduction in body weight between pre- and post-intervention and between pre-intervention and follow-up. Both exercise groups improved the waist/hip ratio index compared to the control group. Forced vital capacity was significantly improved in the follow-up of the video game group and the aquatic exercise group compared to the control group. A significant improvement was found in forced expiratory volume in the first second at post-intervention and follow-up in the video game and the aquatic exercise groups. Exergames and aquatic exercises improved weight loss and lung function in obese children.

To evaluate the effects of Ramadan observance on dietary intake, body mass and body composition of adolescent athletes (design: systematic review and meta-analysis; data sources: PubMed and Web of Science; eligibility criteria for selecting studies: single-group, pre-post, with or without control-group studies, conducted in athletes aged th, 2020). Studies assessing body mass and/or body composition and/or dietary intake were deemed eligible. The methodological quality was assessed using ‘QualSyst’. Of the twelve selected articles evaluating body mass and/or body composition, one was of strong quality and eleven were rated as moderate. Ten articles evaluated dietary intake; four were rated as strong and the remaining moderate in quality. Continuation of training during Ramadan did not change body mass from before to the first week (trivial effect size (ES) = −0.011, p = 0.899) or from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = 0.069, p = 0.277). Additionally, Ramadan observance did not change body fat content from before to the first week (trivial ES = −0.005, p = 0.947) and from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = -0.057, p = 0.947). Lean body mass remained unchanged from before to the fourth week of Ramadan (trivial ES = −0.025, p = 0.876). Dietary data showed the intake of energy (small ES = -0.272, p = 0.182), fat (trivial ES = 0.044, p = 0.842), protein (trivial ES = 0.069, p = 0.720), carbohydrate (trivial ES = 0.075, p = 0.606) and water (trivial ES = −0.115, p = 0.624) remained essentially unchanged during as compared to before Ramadan. Continued training of adolescent athletes at least three times/week during Ramadan observance has no effect on body mass, body composition or dietary intake.

This study investigated the relationship between well-being indices and the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE), recovery (TQR), and physical enjoyment (PE) during intensified, tapering phases of judo training. Sixty-one judo athletes (37 males, ranges 14&ndash, 17 years, 159&ndash, 172 cm, 51&ndash, 67 kg) were randomly assigned to three experimental (i.e., randori, uchi-komi, running) and control groups (regular training). Experimental groups trained four times per week for 4 weeks of intensified training followed by 12 days of tapering. Session-RPE, well-being indices (i.e., sleep, stress, fatigue, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), Hooper index (HI)), and TQR were measured every session, whereas PE was recorded after intensified, tapering periods. Recovery (TQR) was negatively correlated with sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, HI, session-RPE in intensified period and was negatively correlated with sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, HI in tapering. Session-RPE was positively correlated with sleep, fatigue, DOMS, HI in intensified period and positively correlated with fatigue, DOMS in tapering. PE was negatively correlated with stress in intensified training. Enjoyment could be partially predicted by sleep only in intensified periods. Session-RPE could be partially predicted by TQR, fatigue during intensified periods and by sleep, and HI during tapering. Sleep, recovery state, pre-fatigue states, and HI are signals contributing to the enjoyment and internal intensity variability during training. Coaches can use these simple tools to monitor judo training.

The present study investigated the effect of intense and tapering training periods using different exercise modalities (i.e., Randori – grip dispute practice without throwing technique, Uchi-komi – technique repetition training, and sprinting) on rating of perceived exertion (RPE), well-being indices, recovery state, and physical enjoyment in judo athletes. Sixty-one adolescent male and female judo athletes (age: 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental or one control groups. Experimental groups (Randori, Uchi-komi, and running) trained four times per week for 4 weeks of intense training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; control group underwent only such a training) followed by 12 days of tapering. RPE, well-being indices [i.e., sleep, stress, fatigue, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)], total quality of recovery (TQR), and physical enjoyment were measured every session. RPE, sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, Hooper index (HI; sum of wellbeing indices), and TQR were lower in the tapering compared with the intensified training period (P < 0.001). Moreover, the running group showed better values for sleep (P < 0.001), stress (P < 0.001), fatigue (P = 0.006), DOMS (P < 0.001), and HI (P < 0.001) in comparison with the other training groups, indicating a more negative state of wellbeing. The Randori and Uchi-komi groups showed higher values for TQR and physical enjoyment (both P < 0.001) than the running group, whereas RPE was lower in the control compared with all training groups (P < 0.001). Coaches should use more specific training modalities (i.e., Randori and Uchi-komi) during intensified training and should monitor well-being indices, RPE, and TQR during training periods. Moreover, for all variables, 12 days tapering period are beneficial for improving wellbeing and recovery after 4 weeks of intense training.

This study investigated the effects of 4-weeks repeated sprint (RST) vs. repeated high-intensity-technique training (RTT) on physical performance. Thirty-six adolescent taekwondo athletes (age: 16 &plusmn, 1 yrs) were randomly assigned to RST (10 &times, 35 m sprint, 10 s rest), RTT (10 &times, 6 s Bandal-tchagui, 10 s rest) and control (control group (CG): no additional training) groups. Additionally, to their regular training, RST and RTT trained 2&times, /week for 4 weeks. Training load (TL), monotony, and strain were calculated using the rating of perceived exertion scale. The progressive specific taekwondo (PSTT), 20 m multistage shuttle run (SRT20m), 5 m shuttle run, agility T-test, taekwondo-specific agility (TSAT) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were performed before and after 4 weeks of training. Additionally, taekwondo athletes performed specific taekwondo exercises (i.e., repeated techniques for 10 s and 1 min). From week 1, mean TL increased continuously to week 4 and monotony and strain were higher at weeks 3 and 4 (p &lt, 0.001). VO2max calculated from SRT20m and PSTT increased for RST and RTT in comparison to CG (p &lt, 0.001). Agility performance during T-test and TSAT (p &lt, 0.01) improved in RTT. The number of performed techniques during the 10 s specific exercise increased in RTT and RST (p &lt, 0.01) for the dominant leg and in RTT for the non-dominant leg (p &lt, 0.01). The number of techniques during the 1 min specific exercise was higher in RST and RTT compared to CG for the dominant leg (p &lt, 0.001). Delta lactate at post-training was lower for RTT for both legs compared to RST and CG (p &lt, 0.01). It is important to include a low-volume high-intensity training based on repeated sprint running or repeated technique in the training programs of adolescent taekwondo athletes.

The functional significance of pomegranate (POM) supplementation on physiological responses during and following exercise is currently unclear. This systematic review aimed (i) to evaluate the existing literature assessing the effects of POM supplementation on exercise performance and recovery; exercise-induced muscle damage, oxidative stress, inflammation; and cardiovascular function in healthy adults and (ii) to outline the experimental conditions in which POM supplementation is more or less likely to benefit exercise performance and/or recovery. Multiple electronic databases were used to search for studies examining the effects of POM intake on physiological responses during and/or following exercise in healthy adult. Articles were included in the review if they investigated the effects of an acute or chronic POM supplementation on exercise performance, recovery and/or physiological responses during or following exercise. The existing evidence suggests that POM supplementation has the potential to confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects during and following exercise, to improve cardiovascular responses during exercise, and to enhance endurance and strength performance and post-exercise recovery. However, the beneficial effects of POM supplementation appeared to be less likely when (i) unilateral eccentric exercise was employed, (ii) the POM administered was not rich in polyphenols (

During Ramadan, dehydration and disturbed sleep patterns are common, so accurate reliable methods for the assessment of hydration and sleep of athletes are necessary to maintain performance. The purpose of this review is: (1) to identify appropriate tools/methods for monitoring hydration status and sleep in sports people; (2) to discuss which of these tools/methods can be confidently used by sport scientists and trainers during Ramadan; and (3) to discuss the possible link that may exist between sleep and hydration status. Several markers of hydration status are currently used and include body mass, plasma/serum osmolality, dilution techniques, and neutron activation analysis. Used in an appropriate context, all can be indicative of the hydration status in the laboratory. In the field, monitoring hydration status in physically active individuals and athletes may be performed using a combination of body mass with some measure of urine concentration (e.g. urine osmolality, urine-specific gravity, urine color) and sensation of thirst. During Ramadan, appropriate timing of sample collection and the use of reference methods in future studies are warranted. In the field, careful use of body mass in conjunction with urine indices may be used to monitor the hydration status of subjects practicing physical activity during Ramadan. There is a need for the use of polysomnography or actigraphy for sleep assessment during Ramadan in future laboratory-based studies of athletes. However, in the field, monitoring sleep–wake patterns may be performed using actigraphy and/or the PSQI questionnaire.

Ramadan is considered to be the month of the stomach break. It has been reported that Ramadan has some health benefits. In most Muslims countries, there is a huge modification in the diet during th...

The aim of this study was to identify the physiological responses of 3 forms of players’ numbers during two different games rules of small-sided games (SSG: stop-ball vs. small-goals rules). Eighteen youth amateur soccer players (age 13.5±0.7 years; height 168.9±6.1cm; body mass 63.1±7.7 kg) participated in this study and performed 3 SSGs with varying players’ number (2vs.2; 3vs.3 and 4vs.4): stop-ball SSG (SB-SSG) vs. small-goals SSG (SG-SSG) in a randomized and counter-balanced order on a constant pitch dimension (20×25m). The players performed 4×4 min SSG with 2-min of passive recovery in-between. Heart rate (HR), (expressed in bpm and % HRmax), lactate ([La-]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected during each session. SB-SSG induced the higher HR values in comparison with the SG-SSG for the 3 game formats (2vs.2; 3vs.3 and 4vs.4). Also, compared with SG-SSG, SB-SSG induced the higher HR values during 2vs.2 compared with 4vs.4 games rules (178 vs. 174 and 175 vs. 171 bpm, respectively). However, the SB-SSG was more intense compared with SG-SSG in the 2 vs. 2 game rule compared with the two others (3 vs.3 and 4 vs. 4) for [La-] and RPE (7.58 vs. 7; 7.25 vs. 6.75 and 6.5 vs. 6.16 mmol ∙ L-1, and 7.75 vs. 7.33; 7.41 vs. 7.08 and 7.16 vs. 6.83, respectively). Therefore, the use of 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3 SSG with SB-SSG seems to represent an alternative to coaches to increase cardiovascular and metabolic demands in youth soccer players.

We aimed to examine the effect of listening to music during a warm-up on the subsequent Wingate test performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and mood in sprinters and long-distance runners. Twenty-four participants were divided in two groups: twelve sprinters (20.1 ± 1.6 years, 178 ± 4.4 cm and 73.1 ± 5.2 kg) and twelve long-distance runners (21.2 ± 2.1 years, 175 ± 5.2 cm and 67.3 ± 6.4 kg). All participants performed two test sessions in a random order: with either a 10 min warm-up with music (MWU) or 10 min warm-up without music (NMWU). The RPE scores and responses to the POMS questionnaire (for the estimation of tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and vigor) were obtained after the Wingate test. Peak and mean power increased between NMWU and MWU only in sprinters (p

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the main methods used to analyse the soccer players movement during games. Data were collected at three databases (PubMed, Medline and SPORTDiscus) from 2010 to 2015, using the match terms: “perceived exertion” AND “fatigue” AND “soccer”. The data criteria inclusion considered articles with match terms in titles and abstracts; studies purposes assessed central or peripheral fatigue in soccer players; psychological, physiological or psychophysiological variables; research design as a descriptive or experimental models. Studies that evaluated children, adults and recreational soccer practitioners were excluded. The studies quality was assessed by three PhD professors using the PEDro scale. Twenty-two studies were initially located; following the application of the eligibility criteria, 11 studies were selected for our analysis. Data showed that the main methods used to determine psychophysiological fatigue in athletes were ergoespirometry, but mainly indirect methods to identify aerobic power. For anaerobic power, the studies used mainly indirect tests (sprint and jump test). The Profile of Mood States and Illinois Agility Test were used to identify mood states and agility, respectively. For psychophysiological assessments were used mainly perceived exertion scales (Borg 6–20 and CR-10), Felt Arousal Scale, Feeling Scale, Hooper's Index and the SFMS questionnaire for the detection of early signs of overtraining, while for metabolic assessments were used the heart rate identified by heart monitor and blood lactate identified by lactimeter. Thus, this study concludes that indirect and cheap methods were reported to identify fatigue and psychophysiological changes during soccer matches and training session.

Teenage students continue to participate in physical education lessons during the month of Ramadan. The combination of intermittent fasting and physical activity may result in impairment in both physical and cognitive performances. Additionally, dietary intake, sleep and hydration status may be negatively affected. To counteract the possible negative effects of intermittent fasting upon health and athletic performance of adolescent students, some practical recommendations should be outlined including (i) nutrition and sleep education of students, (ii) reducing the intensity and increasing the recovery periods during physical education lessons and (iii) practicing physical education in indoor. Additionally, teachers should be aware of clinical signs and symptoms of dehydration and hypoglycemia.

Judo is a weight-classified combat sport, and many athletes seek to compete at the lightest possible weight category to gain an advantage from competing against shorter/smaller, and supposedly weaker opponents. To achieve a desired weight, most judokas opt for rapid weight loss techniques. Short-duration maximal efforts are not greatly affected by "making weight", but prolonged and/or repeated exercise is significantly impaired. Negative effects on mood, ratings of perceived exertion, and cognitive function are also reported. Moreover, rapid weight loss reduces maximal cardiac output and glycogen stores, and impairs thermo-regulation. Limited empirical data suggest that Ramadan reduces judokas' performance, and this is likely to be exacerbated by attempts at rapid weight loss. Weight reduction during Ramadan tends to be counterproductive, and judokas who aim for a lower weight category are advised to attempt any desired reduction of body mass during the weeks leading up to Ramadan, rather than during the holy month.

This study was designed to assess the effect of strength and power training on throwing velocity and muscle strength in handball players according to their playing positions. Twenty-two male handball players were assigned to either an experimental group (n=11) or a control group (n=11) (age: 22.1 ± 3.0 years). They were asked to complete (i) the ball throwing velocity test and (ii) the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests for the half-back squat, the pull-over, the bench press, the developed neck, and the print exercises before and after 12 weeks of maximal power training. The training was designed to improve strength and power with an intensity of 85-95% of the 1RM. In addition to their usual routine handball training sessions, participants performed two sessions per week. During each session, they performed 3-5 sets of 3-8 repetitions with 3 min of rest in between. Then, they performed specific shots (i.e., 12 to 40). Ball-throwing velocity (p

This study examined the effects of electrostimulation (ES) strength training at the same time-of-day on the diurnal fluctuations of maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and surface electromyography (EMG). 20 male performed 3 MVICs of knee extension coupled with surface EMG before and after 5 weeks of 3 ES training sessions per week. Each ES training session consisted in 45 isometric contractions. The participants were randomly assigned to either a morning (MTG, 07:00-08:00 h) or an evening (ETG, 17:00-18:00 h) training group. Both groups performed the evaluation tests at 07:00 and 17:00 h. Before ES training, MVIC was significantly higher in the evening compared to the morning for all groups, but there was no significant difference between groups for all EMG parameters. After the ES training, the diurnal variations in MVIC were blunted in the MTG and persisted in the ETG. Significant time-of-day effect was noticed for all EMG parameters but there was no group effect. The elimination of the diurnal fluctuations of MVIC and the appearance of EMG variations by training in the morning hours suggest that neural adaptations are the main source of temporal specificity of neuromuscular performance after ES strength training.

Summary Objective The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of exponential taper and electrostimulation training during two weeks of tapering on anaerobic performances after resistance training program. Methods Twenty-eight healthy male (age: 17.7 ± 0.8 years; height: 187.1 ± 3.9 cm; weight: 76.7 ± 6.6 kg, and body mass index: 21.9 ± 1.6 kg⋅m−2) were divided into three groups: control group, exponential taper group and electrostimulation taper group. During resistance period, all groups followed the same training program during 5 weeks (3 sets × 10 repetitions with 2 min of rest; intensity = 10 repetition maximum). At the taper period, control group continued with the same program. In contrast, both exponential groups had a diminution of training volume. Participants were tested in three periods (i.e., before and after the resistance training and after the tapering phase) for the determination of maximum repetition, squat jump and countermovement jump. Subjects answered to questionnaire of rating of perceived exertion after every training session. Results Resistance training showed a significant improvement of muscle strength and power in the three groups. However, in response to tapering phase, vertical jump performances and maximum repetition increased significantly only in both tapering groups. No significant difference was showed between exponential taper group and electrostimulation taper group after two weeks of taper.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of time of day and different modalities of recovery (active vs. passive recovery) after intermittent exercise in young soccer players. In randomized order, 16 boys participated in the study, divided into two groups: passive recovery (PRG, n = 8) and active recovery (ARG, n = 8). Both groups performed tests at 07:00 and 17:00 h. The results showed that performance in the Sargent jump test (SJT), 10-m sprint, and agility were higher in the evening (17:00 h), around the presumed peak of body temperature. SJT and agility performance decreased after the match. The better performance in SJT and agility were found in ARG rather than PRG (p

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of training at the same time of day on diurnal variations of technical ability and swimming performance, to provide some recommendations with regard to adjusting training hours in accord with the time of day of competitive events. Eighteen participants volunteered for this study, and these were randomly assigned to either a morning training group (MTG, who trained only between 07:00 and 08:00 h, n = 6), an evening training group (ETG, who trained only between 17:00 and 18:00 h, n = 6), or a control group (CG, did not train but participated in all tests, n = 6). Swimming performance and technical ability – (i) stroke parameters: swim velocity (V), stroke rate (SR), and stroke length (SL); and (ii) motor organization: arm stroke phases and arm coordination (Idc) – were recorded 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after an 8-week regular training period. For all participants, the morning and evening tests were scheduled at the same time of day as the morning an...

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on feelings, dietary intake, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and repeated high-intensity short-term maximal performance. Thirteen physically active men (age: 21.2 ± 2.9 years, height: 175.6 ± 5.6 cm, body-mass: 72.4 ± 8.6 kg) performed a 5-m shuttle run test (6 × 30-s + 35-s of recovery in-between) during five experimental periods: fifteen days before Ramadan (BR), the first ten days of Ramadan (FR), the last ten days of Ramadan (ER), ten days after Ramadan (AR10) and 20 days after Ramadan (AR20). The study was carried out in Tunisia during the 2016 Ramadan month. During the 5-m shuttle run test, higher distance (HD), total distance (TD) and fatigue index (FI) were recorded. RPE was determined after a 5-min warm-up and after each repetition of the 5-m shuttle run test (the mean RPE score during the test was calculated). Moreover, a feelings scale (FS) was used after the warm-up and after the end of the 5-m shuttle run test. During the five experimental periods, dietary intake was assessed. The results showed that HD, TD and FI during the 5-m shuttle run test were not affected by Ramadan observance (p 0.05). Likewise, FS scores recorded after the warm-up and the 5-m shuttle run test were not affected by Ramadan fasting (p 0.05). However, mean RPE scores during the 5-m shuttle run test were significantly lower at ER (4.06 UA), AR10 (3.86 UA) and AR20 (3.71 UA) in comparison to BR (4.51 UA) (p 0.05). The results showed also that Ramadan fasting has no adverse effect on energy intake, protein (g and %), fat (g and %) and carbohydrate (g). However, the fractional contribution of carbohydrate was significantly higher AR10 than FR (53.1% vs. 45.8%) and ER (53.1% vs. 46.5%) and AR20 than FR (5.92% vs. 45.8%) (p 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan fasting has no adverse effect on feelings, dietary intake, and short-term maximal performance. However, the RPE during repeated high intensity short-term maximal exercise was reduced AR20 in comparison to ER. Abbreviations: AR: After Ramadan; AR10: Ten days after Ramadan; AR20: Twenty days after Ramadan; BR: Fifteen days before Ramadan; ER: Last ten days of Ramadan; FI: Fatigue index; FR: First ten days of Ramadan; FS: Feelings scale; HD: Higher distance; PSQI: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; RPE: Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale; TD: Total distance.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the validity and the reliability of a new fitness intermittent judo test using the basic movement patterns of judo. Methods: Forty-one national level judo male athletes participated in this study. Eighteen judokas performed the intermittent judo fitness test consisting of 10 × 30 s maximal interspersed with 15 second rest, the Australian shuttle test, the special judo fitness test and a judo fight. Twenty three judokas performed twice the intermittent judo fitness test on different days. Results: The results showed significant correlations between the biggest number of Uchi-komi during the intermittent judo fitness test (Uchi-komibest), the longest distance covered during Australian shuttle test and the total projection in the special judo fitness test (P 0.90). The smallest worthwhile change showed that a change of 2 and 4 Uchi-komi in Uchi-komibest and Uchi-komiTot respectively is occurred. Conclusions: The new fitness intermittent judo test is both valid and reliable measurement tool to assess judokas’ fitness at the basic judo movement patterns.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of maturity, assessed as difference between chronological age and age at peak height velocity, on heart rate (HR) responses to maximal and submaximal laboratory and field exercises. Twenty-eight postpubescent female volleyball players participated in the present study (age 13.8 (0.6) yr, body mass 62.5 (8.2) kg and height 1.73 (0.05) m; mean (standard deviation)). They were divided into two groups with regards to their maturation: less matured (LM) and more matured (MM). In laboratory, HR was recorded during 5 min rest, physical working capacity in heart rate 170 bpm, 3 min step test, 30 s Bosco test and Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) were performed. In field, a 70 min training session (consisted by three parts: warm-up, 1 x 1 drills and team drills) was monitored and 20 m shuttle run endurance test was performed. There was significant difference between LM and MM groups over HR responses (%HR reserve, %HRR) to exercise training (F(2,21) = 6.08, p = 0.008, η2 = 0.37). There was a main effect of part session of exercise program on HR responses with the highest intensity recorded in 1 x 1 drills (-75% HRR) and the lowest in team drills (-60% HRR in LM and -65% HRR in MM). There was also a moderate effect of maturity on HR during cycling against 90 W and in the WAnT, and small effect on HR during cycling against 60 W, in the end of the step test, Bosco test and running endurance test, where the highest scores were recorded in LM. Based on the findings of the present study, it was concluded that maturity exerted an effect of small to moderate magnitude on H R responses in a laboratory setting and this should be taken into account by coaches and trainers when evaluating physiological characteristics.

The aim of this study was to examine changes in physical attributes, physiological characteristics and responses that occurred in a simulated combat during a six-week preparatory period in young taekwondo athletes. Seven athletes (age 12.17 ±1.11 years) were examined before (pre-intervention) and after (post-intervention) a preparatory period for physical fitness and physiological responses to a 2×90 s simulated bout with a 30 s rest period. The heart rate (HR) was monitored during the simulated combat, and handgrip muscle strength (HMS) along with the countermovement jump (CMJ) were recorded before and after the combat. When compared with pre-intervention values, in post-intervention we observed a decrease in body mass, body fat percentage, and the HR at rest and during recovery after a 3 min step test, and an increase in maximal velocity of the cycle ergometer force-velocity test, the CMJ and mean power during the 30 s continuous jumping test (p

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of time of day on soccer-specific skills and physiological and psychological parameters in children. Ten male children soccer players (age: 14.6 ± 0.8 years; height: 1.63 ± 0.4 m; body mass: 52.5 ± 4.9 kg) performed two shooting accuracy tests before and after a 10 × 20-m dribbling sprint test with 20-s of passive recovery between repetitions. The measurements were taken at 08:00 h, 13:00 h, and 17:00 h in a randomized order. Mean heart rate (HR) was monitored during the dribbling test. At the beginning of each test session, blood pressure and intra-aural temperature were measured. Likewise, children were asked to complete the profile of mood state (POMS) and the Hooper Index questionnaires. Lactate concentration ([La]) was recorded at rest, post-fifth recovery periods and post-second accuracy test. Moreover, they indicate their rating of perceived exertion (RPE) score immediately at the end of each test session. The results of this study showed that dribbli...

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 3 and 5 weeks of detraining after 14 weeks of resistance training at a specific time of day on performances during the squat jump (SJ) and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). Thirty-one healthy male physical education students (age: 23.1 ± 1.0 years; height: 176.1 ± 6.3 cm; weight: 74.9 ± 10.9 kg) were randomly assigned to either a morning training group (MTG, training between 07:00 and 08:00 h, n = 10), an evening training group (ETG, training between 17:00 and 18:00 h, n = 11) or a control group (CG, no training, n = 10). Participants then performed eight test sessions (twice per day, at 07:00 and 17:00 h) over the course of four phases: during pre-training, immediately post-training, and after 3 and 5 weeks of detraining. Before each test session, oral temperature was recorded. During the first 12 weeks of resistance training, participants performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions to failure (10-RM) for 4 exercises (squat, leg press, leg extension and l...

Purpose : To examine the effect of active warm-up duration on short-term maximal performance assessed during Ramadan in the morning. Methods : Twelve healthy active men performed four Wingate tests for measurement of peak power and mean power before and during Ramadan at 09:00 a.m. The tests were performed on separate days, after either a 5-min or a 15-min warm-up. The warm-up consisted in pedaling at 50% of the power output obtained at the last stage of a submaximal multistage cycling test. Oral temperature was measured at rest and after warming-up. Furthermore, ratings of perceived exertion were obtained immediately after the Wingate test. Results : Oral temperature was higher after the 15-min warm-up than the 5-min warm-up throughout the study. Moreover, peak power and mean power were higher after the 15-min warm-up than the 5-min warm-up before Ramadan. However, during Ramadan, there was no significant difference between the two warm-up durations. In addition, ratings of perceived exertion were higher after the 15-min warm-up than the 5-min warm-up only during Ramadan. Conclusions : There is no need to prolong the warm-up period before short-term maximal exercise performed during Ramadan in the morning. Keywords: fasting; morning; warm-up; anaerobic; power (Published: 11 February 2015) Citation: Libyan J Med 2015, 10 : 26229 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ljm.v10.26229

The aim of the present study was to compare the physical fitness of Egyptian (n = 403) and German (n = 1712) volunteer children aged between 6 and 10 years. The German motor test (DMT), height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. ANOVA showed that the results of the motor performance ability (MPA) were affected by the ethnicity with higher performance for German children (p < 0.05). German children’s superiority in strength is present from the age of 6 years (p < 0.001 for the Push-Ups and p < 0.05 for the Long Jumping), to the age of 10 years (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, their superiority in coordination ability was observed only in school aged children (p < 0.05 and p > 0.05, respect to 6 and 10 years old). With maturation from six to ten years, the achievement level for both populations show a positive improvement in the coordination and strength, and reduction in the flexibility (p < 0.001), with a higher rate of increase for the German children, except boys in the Push-Ups. Therefore, more strength-oriented physical activities before the age of 6 years and coordination-oriented activities between 6 and 8 years are recommended for Egyptian PE curriculum.

International audience; We investigated the effect of Ramadan fasting on maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), time to exhaustion (t(lim100)), performance in running 3000-m in runners who trained at 09:00, 14:00, and 22:00h. Twenty-four middle- and long-distance runners (28.5 +/- 10.6years) were assigned to 3 groups of 8 participants: an afternoon group (AG) (who trained between 14:00 and 16:00h), a morning group (MG) (who trained between 09:00 and 11:00h), and an evening group (EG) (who trained between 22:00 and 24:00h). Before, at mid-, and after Ramadan, MAV and maximal oxygen uptake were significantly higher (p

Purpose. Although maximal heart rate (HRmax) is used widely to assess exercise intensity in training, there are limited data with regards to the validity of age-based prediction equations of HRmax in volleyball players. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the measured-HRmax of two prediction equations (Fox-HRmax = 220 − age and Tanaka-HRmax = 208 − 0.7 × age) in young female volleyball players. Methods. The study involved 47 volleyball players (age 13.39 ± 2.01 years, body mass 54.0 ± 10.8 kg, height 162.7 ± 10.2 cm) who performed a graded exercise field test (20 m shuttle run endurance test) to assess HRmax. Measured-HRmax values were compared with the Fox and Tanaka prediction equations. Results. The results showed that mean scores for HRmax significantly differed between measured and predicted values (p < 0.001, ŋ2 = 0.49). Post-hoc tests revealed that Fox-HRmax overestimated measured-HRmax (mean difference 5.7 bpm; 95% CI [3.0, 8.5]), whereas Tanaka-HRmax was similar to measured-HRmax (-2.2 bpm; 95% CI [-4.9, 0.4]). HRmax did not correlate with age (r = 0.16, p = 0.291). Conclusions. The results of this study failed to validate the widely used ‘220−age’ formula in volleyball players. Coaches and fitness trainers should take into account that the overestimation of HRmax by the Fox equation might lead to prescribing exercise at a higher intensity than what is targeted. Therefore, the Tanaka equation appears to offer a more accurate prediction equation of HRmax than the Fox equation in young female volleyball players.

No study has examined whether nocturnal melatonin ingestion affects short-term maximal athletic performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nocturnal melatonin ingestion on upper and lower body anaerobic performances. Twelve professional soccer players from a Tunisian league two squad (age: 22.9 ± 1.3yrs; height: 1.8 ± 0.05 m, and body mass 72.0 ± 8.8 kg) performed three testing sessions at 21:00 h (two melatonin sessions, 5 mg or 8 mg, and one placebo session) in a double-blind, counterbalanced protocol. During each session, 30 min after melatonin or placebo ingestion, subjects performed the following tests: the squat jump, the countermovement jump, the medicine-ball throw, the five jumps, the grip strength, and agility tests. In all tests, the results showed no difference between placebo and 5 mg melatonin ingestion (p

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of time-of-day on long- and short-duration exercise performance and mood states. Twelve prepubertal boys (age 10.7 ± 0.4 years; height 1.47 ± 0.6 m; body-mass 44.8 ± 3.1 kg) performed three test sessions at 08:00, 14:00 and 18:00 h. During each session, they performed the squat jump (SJ), the countermovement jump (CMJ) and the Yo–Yo test. Oral temperature was recorded at the beginning of each test session. Moreover, boys completed the profile of mood states questionnaire before performing the physical tests. The results showed that SJ (p

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of time-of-day of training during Ramadan on soccer players’ chronotype and mood states. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either a morning training group (MTG, trained between 0700 and 0830 hours, n = 10), an evening training group (ETG, trained between 1700 and 1830 hours, n = 10), or a control group (CG, did not train, n = 10). They completed two questionnaires before (BR) and at the end of (ER) Ramadan: the Horne and Ostberg’s self-assessment questionnaire and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. The results showed that the MTG maintained the Horne and Ostberg’s scores during ER compared with BR, with all players classified as “moderately morning type”. However, Horne and Ostberg’s scores were reduced in the ETG (p < 0.05), with all players classified as “moderately evening type”, and in the CG, with six players classified as “neither type” and four as “moderately evening type”. There was not a significant effect of Ramadan on mood states. Only fatigue was increased and vigor was reduced in the ETG. Therefore, morning training did not affect the chronotype of the players during Ramadan. However, evening training reduced the Horne and Ostberg’s scores. During ER, the participants of the MTG were classified as “moderately morning type” and the participants of the ETG were classified as “neither type” (n = 6) and “moderately evening type” (n = 4).

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different nap opportunity durations on short-term maximal performance, attention, feelings, muscle soreness, fatigue, stress and sleep. Twenty physically active men (age: 21.1 ± 3.6 years, height: 176.4 ± 5.7 cm, body-mass: 72 ± 10.8 kg) performed the 5-jump and the digit-cancellation (i.e., attention) tests after four randomized nap opportunity conditions: no-nap opportunity (N0), 25 min of nap opportunity (N25), 35 min of nap opportunity (N35) and 45 min of nap opportunity (N45). Subjective measurement of feelings, muscle soreness, fatigue, stress and sleep were performed during each test session. Compared to N0, there was a significant improvement of the 5-jump performance during N35 (Δ = +3.5%, p

Since the prevalence of depression is high among athletes at the end of their athletic career, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of time-of-day-exercise in group settings on the level of the mood and depression of former elite male athletes.Out of 187 volunteers referring to the sports counseling clinic, 71 retired male athletes who had a national championship record were randomly divided into two morning and evening exercise groups. The inclusion criteria were severe depression (high score in the Beck Depression Inventory-II), the age range of 50 to 60 years, the absence of metabolic syndrome, and the body mass index (BMI) between 28 and 35. All body composition variables were measured using body composition analysis (In Body 320, Korea). The second stage was the collection of data after three months (completion of the training protocol). After data collection, independent and dependent t-tests were used to analyze the data. The results indicated that both groups had a significant improvement in depression compared to the pre-test (p &le, 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the two groups (p &ge, 0.05). The overall conclusion is that exercise at different times of the morning or evening can improve the psychological state and reduce depression.

Ramadan is one of the pillars of the Islamic creed. Its observance commonly causes chrono-biological changes. The present study examined sleep and alertness during Ramadan observance relative to data collected before and after Ramadan in a sample of young, physically active men. Information was also collected on dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress over the three periods. Fourteen physically active men (age: 21.6 &plusmn, 3.3 years, height: 1.77 &plusmn, 0.06 m, body-mass: 73.1 &plusmn, 9.0 kg) completed the Hooper questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and responded to the digit cancellation test (DCT) fifteen days before Ramadan, during the last ten days of Ramadan and 20 days after Ramadan. The PSQI results indicated that sleep duration was significantly longer before Ramadan (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) compared to during Ramadan and was longer before Ramadan than after Ramadan (p = 0.04). In addition, the sleep efficiency was lower during Ramadan in comparison to before Ramadan (p = 0.02) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04). The daytime dysfunction score increased during Ramadan in comparison with before Ramadan (p = 0.01) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04), and the sleep quality score was higher during (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) as compared to before Ramadan. The sleep disturbance score increased during Ramadan relative to before Ramadan (p = 0.04). However, Ramadan observance had no significant effect on sleep latency. Mental alertness also decreased at the end of Ramadan compared to before (p = 0.003) or after Ramadan (p = 0.01). Dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress as estimated by the Hooper questionnaire remained unchanged over the three periods of the investigation (p &gt, 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance had an adverse effect on sleep quantity and on mental alertness, but not on sleep quality. However, dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress remained unaffected.

PURPOSE the main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of body mass (BM) status with running and jumping performances in young male basketball players. METHODS basketball players (n=72, age 12.9±2.8 yrs), who were grouped into U-12 (9-12 yrs), U-15 (12-15 yrs) and U-18 (15-18 yrs), performed a battery of anthropometric, running and jumping tests. We examined differences among age groups, and between normal weight and overweight players. RESULTS the results indicated significant and large differences among age groups in BM, height, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, speed, endurance, standing long jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), mean power in 30 s jumping test (Pmean) (p

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Ramadan on the diurnal variations of physical performance and perceived exertion in adolescent soccer players. Twelve young male soccer players (age 13.3 ± 0.4 yrs; height 164.8 ± 2.9 cm; body mass 60.9 ± 6.5 kg) completed vertical jump tests and the multistage 20-m shuttle run test one week before Ramadan (BR) and during the fourth week of Ramadan (R4) in the morning and in the afternoon. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were obtained after the shuttle test. The results showed that squat jump and countermovement jump performances and predicted VO2max were higher in the afternoon than the morning only BR (p

The purpose of this study was to examine the ergogenic effect of caffeine ingestion on the diurnal fluctuations of mood states, simple reaction time, and muscle power during the Wingate test. Twelve elite judoists (age: 21.1 ± 1.2 years; body mass: 83.8 ± 8.2 kg; height: 1.8 ± 0.6 m), participated in the present study. Mood states and simple reaction time, and peak and mean powers (P peak, P mean) during the Wingate test were measured during four separate sessions in a randomized design: at 07:00 and 17:00 h after placebo or caffeine ingestion (i.e. 5 mg/kg). The results of the present study revealed an increase in the anxiety, vigor, and fatigue and a decrease in the simple reaction time after the caffeine compared to the placebo ingestion at 07:00 and 17:00 h. Moreover, the results indicated that the diurnal variation of P peak and P mean was reduced after the ingestion of the caffeine in comparison with the control session by an increased performance only at 07:00 h (p

Muslim athletes observe the Ramadan intermittent fast (RIF) while training and/or competition are often maintained during this period. In combat sports, where contestants compete in different weight categories, some athletes often undertake a prescribed acute weight loss over 4–5 days prior to competition. On the day of competition, they normally restore the body water content lost during the pre-competition period between the weigh-in and the start of the matches. However, this is not possible for those who observe the RIF. Body water and energy decrements are exacerbated when Muslim combat sport athletes have to compete in the morning and afternoon during the same day when a competition is scheduled during Ramadan. This article focuses on the several challenges faced by Muslim combat sport athletes, especially those who undergo a rapid weight loss before a major competition during Ramadan. Suggestions that could limit the difficulties encountered by these athletes during the fasting month are presented.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the time-of-day effect on short-term maximal performances before and after a judo match in young judokas. Ten male judokas (age, 18.2 ± 1.4 yrs; height, 176.5 ± 4.6 cm; body mass, 74.1 ± 9.6 kg) performed three test sessions at 09:00, 12:30, and 16:00 h. During each session, they completed the hand grip (HG) and the Wingate tests before (T0) and after (T1) a 5-min judo combat. Likewise, core temperature was measured at T0 and T1 in all sessions. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scores were obtained at the end of each combat. Core temperature recorded before and after the judo match was lower at 09:00 h than 12:30 h and 16:00 h, and at 12:30 h than 16:00 h (p