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The purpose of the present study was to analyse a 6-week IAT (individual anaerobic threshold) based work load programme in a subelite rowing crew. 15 male rowers performed a 6-week IAT based work load distributed in 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 2 sessions per week. To assess each rower’s IAT training zone, the Stegmann method (22) was used. This training programme was framed in the 6-week precompetitive mesocycle (specific training period). Before and after this training programme the crew was tested in order to analyse the effects of the IAT stimuli programme. These tests were conducted at a starting work load of 100 W and increased by 40 W every 2 min until volitional exhaution. An improvement was found in cardiovascular efficiency and blood lactate concentration ([LA]) buffering capacity during all the work loads in the post-IAT training programme test (100, 140, 180, 220 and 260 W) (p<0.05). After 3 min recovery, significant differences were not observed in [LA] (NS). We conclude that the proposed training programme improves cardiovascular efficiency and [LA] buffering capacities but not the short-term recovery in a subelite traditional rowing crew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is not enough information on the effects of compression therapy in soccer players during recovery after matches. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of wearing compression garments during soccer matches and during recovery period on physical responses., Methods: Eighteen semi-professional soccer players participated in this study. A two-stage crossover design was chosen. Participants acted as controls in one match and were assigned to an experimental group (compression stockings group, full-leg compression group, shorts group) in the other match. Participants in experimental groups played the match wearing assigned compression garments and were worn in the 3 days post-match, for 7 hours/day. Blood lactate concentration, arterial oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, perceived exertion, perceived recovery, anaerobic power (vertical jump, sprint, change of direction) and aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2) were measured. Internal and external loads were measured during both matches., Results: Using compression garments may slightly increase lactate during and after soccer matches and only full-leg garments can moderately attenuate the reduction of arterial oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. Wearing compression garments can be useful between 24-48 hours post-exercise to promote psychological recovery, especially with full-leg garments and compression shorts. Decreases in anaerobic power can be attenuated but not significantly, mainly with full-leg compression garments or compression shorts. Compression garments could also have positive effect on aerobic capacity, but we cannot exclude a placebo effect., Conclusions: Compression garments could be moderately beneficial, but effects are not significant.

Performance in team sports is the expression of complex, dynamic, interactive, and multidimensional processes. It is now well-established that optimum recovery after practice or match is a key factor of team sport performance. During season and tournaments, improving recovery could offer an advantage for following performance. As a consequence of the professionalization of different roles in staffs, new particular roles have been developed within the team sports physician core in order to improve recovery protocols. Presently, scientific literature presents a big amount of methods used to enhance recovery based on the type of practice, time between session or competitions and equipment and/or staff accessible. These practices, usually used by teams are related to: ergonutritional, water therapy, massages techniques, stretching compression garments, sleep strategies and psychological implements. Besides, travel fatigue has been recognized by athletes and coaches as a challenging problem that could benefit from practical solutions. Nowadays, players have to play a lot of matches without enough time to recover among them, therefore the use of well-managed recovery can lead to a competitive advantage. Although the main purpose of applied sport sciences investigation is to categorize the protocols as well as providing approaches for individual recovery, the stages to recognize the most appropriate recovery plans in the field of team sports come from the analysis of the individual parameters., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Purpose: The aim was to identify benefits of compression garments used for recovery of exercised-induced muscle damage., Methods: Computer-based literature research was performed in September 2015 using four online databases: Medline (PubMed), Cochrane, WOS (Web Of Science) and Scopus. The analysis of risk of bias was completed in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with Hedges' g for continuous outcomes. A random effect meta-analysis model was used. Systematic differences (heterogeneity) were assessed with I(2) statistic., Results: Most results obtained had high heterogeneity, thus their interpretation should be careful. Our findings showed that creatine kinase (standard mean difference=-0.02, 9 studies) was unaffected when using compression garments for recovery purposes. In contrast, blood lactate concentration was increased (standard mean difference=0.98, 5 studies). Applying compression reduced lactate dehydrogenase (standard mean difference=-0.52, 2 studies), muscle swelling (standard mean difference=-0.73, 5 studies) and perceptual measurements (standard mean difference=-0.43, 15 studies). Analyses of power (standard mean difference=1.63, 5 studies) and strength (standard mean difference=1.18, 8 studies) indicate faster recovery of muscle function after exercise., Conclusions: These results suggest that the application of compression clothing may aid in the recovery of exercise induced muscle damage, although the findings need corroboration., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Smoking is the main preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in our region, it being the main causative agent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There still is no consensus on the use of spirometry as a strategy for smoking cessation, given that there is insufficient scientific evidence from high quality studies to recommend the use of this technique., Methods/design: This is to be a randomized, multicentre, open-label clinical trial. A total of 444 smokers over 40 years of age will be recruited by 39 general practitioners from 22 health centers. Primary objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of spirometry together with information regarding the test for smoking cessation after 1 year in smokers over 40 years of age with a more than 10 pack-year history and no previous diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Groups of 45 patients who smoke will be randomly selected from the lists of the participating doctors. The names will be sent to the corresponding doctors who will contact candidate patients and assess whether they meet the selection criteria. Patients who meet these criteria will be randomly allocated to an intervention or control group. For patients in both groups, a nurse will conduct an interview and perform a spirometry test to measure forced vital capacity. Then, all patients will be referred for an appointment with their doctor for brief anti-smoking intervention, patients from the intervention group additionally being informed about the result of the spirometry test. After 1 year, smoking status will be assessed and, in those who report that they have quit smoking, abstinence will be confirmed by co-oximetry. Data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis using the chi-squared test for outcomes and binary logistic regression if it is considered to be necessary to adjust for confounding variables., Discussion: Performing a spirometry test and providing information on pulmonary function may increase awareness of the effect of smoking among smokers who are asymptomatic or have few symptoms and make them decide to quit. Specifically, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease it might increase levels of motivation to quit smoking in early stages of the disease. If this strategy were to be effective, it could be included in the health promotion activities offered in primary care., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01821885.