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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to look for a new, simple, and fast method of assessing and monitoring indoor race performance and to assess the relationship between 20 s, 60 s, and 2000 m indoor rowing performances of youth rowers to evaluate their anaerobic profile.Methods: For three consecutive days, 17 young able-bodied male rowers (15.8 +/- 2.0 years), performed three tests (20 s, 60 s, and 2000 m) on a rowing ergometer. Mean power (W-20, W-60, and W-2000) and 2000 m time (t(2000)) were considered for the analysis. In addition, 14 athletes (15-18 years) performed a 20 s, 60 s, and 2000 m tests and used this as a control group. To define the anaerobic profile of the athletes, W-20 and W-60 were normalized as percentages of W-2000. Associations between variables were determined by means of the Pearson correlation coefficient (r).Results: Mean power decreased with increasing test duration (W-20 = 525.1 +/- 113.7 W; W-60 = 476.1 +/- 91.0 W; W(2000=)312.9 +/- 56.0 W) and negative correlations emerged between t(2000) (418.5 +/- 23.1 s) and W-20 (r = -0.952, p < 0.0001) and W-60 (r = -0.930, p < 0.0001).Conclusion: These findings indicate that W-20 and W-60 are significant predictors of 2000 m rowing ergometer performances. Furthermore, normalized W-20 and W-60 can be used to evaluate athletes and as a reference for planning anaerobic training sessions, on a rowing ergometer.

During 2000m indoor rowing performances, the estimated aerobic and anaerobic contribution are 65-75% and 25-35%, respectively2. In considering that anaerobic power could be an important predictor of performance1, the aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the power outputs during a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) on a cycling ergometer and a 2000m rowing ergometer performance in young rowers. In two separate days, 11 young (14.9±1.1yrs) male rowers performed a 2000m indoor rowing ergometer performance and a 30s WAnT on a cycling ergometer. WAnT peak power (PP) and mean power (MP), and 2000m time indoor rowing performance (t2000) were collected. Moreover, PP and MP were normalized with respect to body mass. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to determine the association between t2000 and absolute and normalized PP and MP values. Absolute PP and MP were 888.1±133.2W and 548.5±74.4W, respectively. The relative picture for normalized values was 13.4±1.5 W·kg-1 and 8.2±0.6 W·kg-1. High associations emerged between t2000 (431.5±19.5s) and absolute PP (r=-0.900, P=0.05) values, whereas no significant relationship was observed for normalized PP (r=-0.585, P=0.058) and AP (r=-0.561, P=0.072) values. These findings indicate that PP and MP could be considered significant predictors of 2000m rowing ergometer performances, substantiating also the relevance of the anaerobic energy pathways to the 2,000m rowing performance., Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology, Vol. 122, No. 1 (Supplement) 2017

Background and Objectives: Heart rate recovery at first (HRR-I) and second (HRR-II) minute after exercise is accurate in estimating autonomic nervous system balance, and has been related to risk of cardiovascular events. Our aim was to determine independent predictors of HRR collected during standard cardio-pulmonary stress test (CPT) in a group of overweight/obese subjects without (N=14) and with type 2 diabetes (N=19), as compared to a sample (N=15) of healthy sedentary subjects. Methods: A graded exercise test on treadmill was performed. Oxygen uptake at rest and at peak exercise (VO2max), as well as respiratory exchange ratio at peak exercise was collected. Linear and logistic regression was used to assess association between variables collected at CPT and HRR-I and HRR-II. Results: Age, gender, as well as VO2 and HR at rest were all comparable among groups. VO2max and HRmax were both lower in diabetic patients as compared to healthy and overweight/obese groups (20 ± 4.3 vs. 28 ± 7 vs. 25.1 ± 5 ml/Kg/min respectively, p < 0.01). VO2max had the highest association to HRR-I (R2=0.47) and HRR-II (R2=0.44); VO2max < 28 and VO2max < 29 were the most accurate cut-off values to identify subjects with abnormally low HRR-I and HRR-II. Conclusions: VO2max is an independent predictor of HRR-I or HRR-II, and it is able to discriminate between patients with normal or abnormally low HRR values. Further studies are warranted to test usefulness of a customized exercise program to ameliorate autonomic nervous system balance, therefore reducing global cardiovascular risk.

Aim: Strategy plays a relevant role. The purpose of this study was to analyze the race profiles of youth athletes competing at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games over a distance of 1000-m. Methods: According to the competition outcome of sculling and sweep events, 48 male and 48 female youth (17–18 years) rowers were divided in medallist (W), not medallist (NW), qualified (Q) and not qualified (NQ) athletes. Time at 0–500 m (T1) and 500–1000 m (T2) was considered. The average speed for T1 and T2 were normalized in relation to the average speed of the whole race. ANOVA for repeated measures was applied to performance 1xJ and 2-J during qualifying: 2 (sex: females vs. males) 9 2 (outcome: qualified vs. notqualified), repechages and semi-finals: 2 (sex: females vs. males) x 2 (outcome: FB vs. NFB) 9 2 (boat: 1xJ vs. 2-J) and final: 2 (sex: females vs. males) 9 2 (outcome: M vs NM) 9 2 (boat: 1xJ vs. 2-J). Results: Qualifying 1xJ show a difference (F(1, 44) = 57.76, p.001; ES = 0.75) and emerged only between competition sectors, with higher values for T1 (101.9 ± 1.7 %) respect to T2 (98.1 ± 1.7 %). Similarly, for repechages and semifinals phase 1xJ and 2-J, a difference (F(1,40) = 31.8, p.001; ES = 0.57) was found between competition sectors, with highest values for T1 (101.6 ± 2.3 %) and lowest for T2 (98.4 ± 2.3 %). For the final phase of the 1xJ and 2-J competitions, no main effect was found. In repechages and semifinals, rowers adopting a positive strategy (88 %), while during the final phase medallist (67 %) adopting a negative strategy. Conclusions: in this study emerges that athletes who adopted a negative strategy had more chance of winning respect to athletes who adopted a positive strategy. Reference Garland SW (2005) An analysis of the pacing strategy adopted by elite competitors in 2000 m rowing. Br J Sports Med 39:39–42.

Heart rate recovery (HRR) is the rate at which the heart rate returns to baseline after a period of exercise. HRR is a marker of autonomic function and a predictor of cardiovascular fitness in healthy subjects and in those with cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, HRR has been proposed as a marker of training status in athletes. Our aim was to perform a review of studies that evaluated HRR after exercise in trained and untrained healthy subjects and assessed its relationship with training status. Several studies suggest that the assessing of HRR after exercise may be useful to distinguish trained from untrained individuals and to establish an athlete’s state of training. However, standardization of measuring is required to compare between individuals.

The contribution of fat oxidation to energy production during exercise is influenced by intensity of exercise. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the highest value of fat oxidation rate (FATmax) and the oxygen uptake (VO2) in sedentary type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients vs healthy sedentary subjects. Sedentary T2D patients and healthy sedentary subjects were evaluated to a graded exercise test, and oxygen uptake and fat oxidation rate were detected. Data show that in T2D patients fat oxidation rate is not impaired and the positive linear correlation between FATmax and both VO2 and VO2max suggests that even in T2D patients the muscle oxidative capacity might increase in response to aerobic training.

Aim: To date, assessment of the anaerobic components to determine performance in rowers is not part of standard evaluation or monitoring set for training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between anaerobic power output and ergometer rowing performance over 2000 meters, in a group of 14 -17 years old rowers (n = 11). Methods: Each subject performed, in three separate days, two “all-out” tests, over 20 and 60 seconds, and a 2000 meters trial, using a Concept II rowing ergometer. Mean power values over 20 sec (W20) and 60 sec (W60) were measured and compared with the time to perform the 2000 m trial (t2000). Results: Statistical analysis showed high and significant correlation between 2000 meters performance (6.90 ± 0.1 min) and anaerobic power over 20 sec (479.5 ± 93.90 watts; r = 0.941, P = 0.00002) and 60 sec (435.5 ± 64.60 watts; r = 0.964, P = 0.000002). Conclusions: The data of our study confirm that parameters of anaerobic power strongly affect the performance and that the determination of these variables by testing on rowing ergometer can be an useful tool for planning and monitoring of training in young rowers.

Aims: To evaluate variations in biometrics, physiological and performance parameters over a seasonal training – from September to March - in club level young rowers. Methods: Six young rowers, age 13-15, affiliated with a rowing club member of the Italian Rowing Federation, were assessed three times at regular three-months intervals (September, December, and March) during the 2011 season. Biometrics evaluations included stature, body mass and body composition, whereas physiological assessments on rowing ergometer included maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) obtained during an incremental test, and average power output values obtained during a 2000m trial (W2000) and during a 20-sec (W20) and a 60-sec (W60) maximal effort tests. The time to complete the 2000m trial (t2000) on rowing ergometer was chosen as index of performance. Results: From September to March body mass decreased not significantly while the stature, due to growth for age, increased from 162.2 cm to 165.3 cm (+1.95%, p=0.0006) so that BMI decreased significantly (-5.85%, p=0.008). Body fat mass decreased not significantly from 22.0% to 19.2%. Maximum oxygen uptake decreased from 59.8 ml/Kg/min in September to 54.3 ml/Kg/min in December (-9.2%, p=0.015), before rising to 66.6 ml/Kg/min in March (+22.8%, p=0.002). Average power over 20-sec and 60-sec increased respectively from 300 to 366 W (+21.7%, p=0.009), and from 309 to 353 W (+14.2%, p=0.045). The time to complete 2000m on rowing ergometer decreased from 8’08” in September to 7’36” in March (-6.6%, p=0.0001). Conclusions: Seasonal variation in body mass and body composition was minimal, while body height, an important but not trainable factor in rowing performance, increased due to the growth. The main physiological factor correlated with rowing ergometer performance (VO2max) increased, although in a variable manner. The indices of anaerobic power (W20 and W60) continuously increased from the initial phase of training to workout. The current findings suggest that seasonal training in club level young rowers was effective in increasing maximal oxygen uptake and muscle power output, correlated with performance on 2000m rowing ergometer.

Un allenamento regolare di grado moderato, e di tipo prevalentemente aerobico ha effetti positivi sul benessere generale ed in particolare sulla performance cardiovascolare, apportando un contributo significativo nella prevenzione primaria delle cardiopatie, in quanto elemento essenziale del trattamento di malattie metaboliche quali obesità, diabete mellito, dislipidemia, o dell’aterosclerosi, condizioni riconosciute come fattori di rischio di eventi cardiovascolari. L’esercizio moderato è inoltre essenziale nella prevenzione secondaria e nella fase riabilitativa della cardiopatia ischemica o dell’insufficienza cardiaca. Gli effetti benefici non sono però così chiari quando l’attività fisica diventa estremamente intensa, o strenua: negli atleti spesso si evidenziano modificazioni cardiache, elettriche e strutturali, indicate genericamente con il termine di “cuore d’atleta”, che rappresentano una risposta adattativa all’aumentato lavoro cardiaco, e che sono influenzate da fattori quali l’allenamento ad una specifica disciplina sportiva, il sesso e la razza. Sebbene questi adattamenti siano generalmente valutati come fisiologici e reversibili, alcune recenti osservazioni indicano che un esercizio strenuo (come l’ultra-maratona) danneggia il tessuto miocardio e riduce la performance sistolica sia del ventricolo sinistro che del ventricolo destro ed il rimodellamento atriale e ventricolare destro potrebbero rappresentare adattamenti patologici, predisponenti ad aritmie e morte cardiaca improvvisa.

Aims: Rowing performance over 2000m is dependent upon the functional capacity of both the aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways. Although several studies have indicated that maximal oxygen uptake is strongly related to rowing performance and it is the best predictor of performance in elite rowers, some evidence is that muscle power output could be an important predictor of performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between anaerobic power and rowing ergometer performance over 2000m in young rowers, and whether anaerobic power assessed could identify athletes with the best performance. Methods: We collected biometric characteristics and energy data, including average power during 20 sec. (W20) and 60 sec (W60) maximal efforts, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), in 20 club and national level young rowers (mean age 14.7 ± 1.1 years). Enrolled athletes were divided in 2 groups by performance: high-performance athletes (N=7) completed 2000m indoor row in ≤ 425 sec, and low-performance group (N=13) in > 425 sec. A simple linear regression model was used to assess relation between time to complete 2000 meters and biometric data, W20 , W60 , and VO2max. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine if significant predictors identified by linear regression modeling might be accurate in discriminating athletes with the best performance (HP Group) from those with a less good performance (LP Group). Results: Indexed W20 and W60 were greater in high-performance compared to low-performance athletes (7.77 ± 0.3 vs. 6.34 ± 0.5 W/Kg, p = 0.005 for W20 , and 6.77 ± 0.7 vs. 5.99 ± 0.5 W/Kg, p = 0.04 for W60 ). Indexed VO2max (62.5 ± 8.5 vs. 60.1 ± 7.5 ml/Kg/min, p = 0.44) was not different in the groups. At ROC analysis, indexed W20 ≥ 7.19 W/Kg was able to identify athletes with the best performance in 100% of the cases, while W60 ≥ 6.68 W/Kg and VO2max ≥ 65.6 ml/Kg/min had a discriminatory power of 86% and 59%, respectively. Conclusions: Anaerobic power evaluated by W20 was the most significant predictor of indoor rowing performance, and more accurate than W60 or VO2max in identifying athletes with best performance.

Purpose Carbohydrate and fatty acids are the dominant fuels oxidized for energy production during exercise. Their contribution is influenced by intensity of exercise, with a progressive increase in the relative contribution of carbohydrate oxidation to energy expenditure, whereas the absolute rate of fat oxidation increases from low to moderate intensities of exercise and declines as exercise becomes more intense. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) the altered metabolism and the lower capacity to sustain efforts changed the choice and regulation of energy substrates for oxidation. Purpose of our study was to assess the relationship between the highest value of fat oxidation rate (FATmax) and the oxygen uptake (VO2) in sedentary T2D patients and to compare with healthy sedentary subjects. Methods Fifteen sedentary T2D patients (nine males, six females), mean age 58 (range 39 – 65) and fifteen healthy sedentary subjects (eight males, seven females), mean age 53 (range 37 – 71), were studied. All T2D patients were being treated with diet and antiglycemic agents. Significant cardiovascular disease was excluded in all subjects by an instrumental examination. The exercise testing started in the laboratory at 08.00 hours after an overnight fast. All subjects performed a graded exercise test to exhaustion on treadmill, using modified Bruce protocol. Oxygen uptake (VO2) and carbon dioxide (VCO2) were recorded and maximum fat oxidation rate (FATmax) was determined using indirect calorimetry, with the assumption that urinary nitrogen excretion rate was negligible. Substrate oxidation rates were then plotted as a function of exercise intensity, expressed as percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Experimental data are presented as means ± standard error of the mean, and for the statistical analysis of the data linear regression analysis was used. Results The physical and physiological characteristics of subjetcs are shown in table 1. The average VO2max for T2D patients and healthy subjects was 22.29 ± 1.06 ml/Kg/min and 28.63 ± 2.03 ml/Kg/min respectively (P < 0.01). In T2D patients, absolute fat oxidation rate reached a maximum of 6.71 ± 0.46 mg/Kg/min at VO2 of 15.41 ± 0.68 ml/Kg/min (70 ± 1.27% of VO2max)while in healthy subjects 7.19 ± 0.77 mg/Kg/min at VO2 of 18.23 ± 1.28 ml/Kg/min (64 ± 2.61% of VO2max). When linear regression analysis was performed, a positive linear correlation between FATmax and VO2 (r = 0.85; p = 0.0001) in both groups has been found. Also, positive linear correlation between FATmax and VO2max in both T2D (r = 0.76; p = 0.001) and healthy subjects (r = 0.73; p = 0.002) has been found. Conclusions Our data, comparable with those reported in the literature, indicate that in T2D patients fat oxidation rate is not impaired. VO2max, index of exercise capacity, was significantly lower in T2D patients so that, in T2D compared to healthy subjects, we found a maximal fat rate oxidation at higher exercise intensity. Moreover, the positive linear correlation between FATmax and both VO2 and VO2max suggests that even in T2D patients the muscle oxidative capacity might increase in response to aerobic training.

PURPOSE: Performance over 2000m on a rowing ergometer is dependent upon the functional capacity of both the aerobic and anaerobic energy pathway. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between anaerobic power and indoor performance over 2000m in youth rowers. METHODS: Six youth rowers, 3 males and 3 females mean age 14 (range 13 – 15), performed, on a separate occasion, two maximal ergometer power tests, on 20” and on 60”, and a maximal 2000m ergometer time trial. All evaluations were performed on a Concept II model D air braked rowing ergometer (Concept2, Nottingham, UK). Average speed over 2000m (V) and average power over 20” (W20) and over 60” (W60) were measured. The data is shown as mean values ± standard error of the mean. Pearson’s product-moment correlation and stepwise regression analysis were employed to examine the relationship between V, W20 and W60. RESULTS: The average of rowing speed over 2000m was 4.26 ± 0.17 m/s. The average power over 20” and over 60” was respectively 366 ± 46.94 W and 353 ± 41.35 W. Significant correlations were observed between V and W20 (r=0.95 p < 0.004) and W60 (r=0.98 p < 0.0005). Stepwise multiple regression identifies W20 and W60 as determinants of performance over 2000m on a rowing ergometer, accounting for 96.80% of the variance, P

PURPOSE: Physical activity is recommended as a component of weight management. Exercise intensity has been showed to be one of the most important factors in determining substrate utilization. Purpose of our study was to determine the level at which physical exercise elicits maximal fat oxidation. METHODS: Fifteen healthy sedentary subjects, 8 men and 7 women, mean age 53 (range 37 – 71), BMI 26,6  1,33 performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion on treadmill, using Bruce protocol. Breath-by-breath measurements of VO2 (ml/Kg/min) were detected throughout exercise and FAT rate (mg/Kg/min) was determined using indirect calorimetry (Cosmed, Quark CPET). The data is shown as mean values ± standard error of the mean. For the statistical analysis of the data, linear regression analysis was used. RESULTS: The average VO2max was 28,63±2,03 ml/Kg/min (men 30,91±3,27; women 26,03±2,08 ml/Kg/min). FATmax of 7,19±0,77 mg/Kg/min (men 0,80±1,22; women 6,26±0,84 mg/Kg/min) was reached at VO2 of 18,23±1,28 ml/Kg/min (men 18,85±2,03; women 17,51±1,59 ml/Kg/min) and it was located at 64±2,05 %VO2max (men 61±2,06; women 68±4,96 %VO2max). A positive linear correlation between FATmax and VO2 at FATmax (r=0,85, p

Aim. To evaluate the effects of physical activity on the lean (LLM) and fat (FLM) mass of both legs and on the left femur neck bone mineral density (FemBMD) in young adults. Methods. Subjects were 48 healthy male, mean age 25 (range 20-32). Subjects were assigned to one of three groups according to the physical activity practiced from age 10 onwards: 17 sedentary subjects (A), 15 active subjects (B) and 16 athletes (C). LLM and FLM (g) were evaluated by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), as well as FemBMD (g/cm2). The data is shown as mean values ± standard deviation. For the statistical analysis of the data, linear regression analysis and Student's t test for unpaired data were used. Results. No differences were observed between the three groups with regards to age and anthropometric measurements. C had a significantly higher FemBMD than A and B (respectively 1,32+0,2 vs 1,05+0,2, p

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the assumption of extra virgin olive oil enriched with E-vitamin and Q10-coenzyme may improve the plasma anti-oxidant/pro-oxidant balance and be associated with favorable changes in heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: Four male athletes, mean age 22 (range 21-24), were recruited. They assumed 20 ml per day of the integrator (20 mg Q10 and 15 mg Vit E) for one month. The plasma antioxidant capacity (AC) was evaluated by the crocin bleaching assay. The frequency-domain analysis of HRV was carried out using Cardioline Cube recorder and specific software to obtain, from an autoregressive power spectrum approach, the power in normalized units (nu) of the low-(LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands and LF/HF ratio. HRV was recorded between 8.00 and 13.00, after a 5-min rest, for 10-15 min with the subject seated. We used for the HRV calculation short-term (5 min) interval between the 3rd-8th min of the recording. Data, shown as mean values ± standard error of the mean, was collected before the integration, then after one month since the assumption and finally after one month since the wash-out. RESULTS: An increase of the AC was observed after supplementation (from 582.7+121 to 890.2+253). Furthermore, a reduction in the LF/HF (from 9,1±6 to 3.6±2) and in LFnu (from 72,1±9 to 63,7±8) have been observed and there was also an increase in the HFnu (from 19,9±7 to 25,1±6). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the extra-virgin olive oil enriched with E-vitamin and Q10-coenzyme increased the AC and induced favorable changes in cardiac autonomic function. These results are preliminary observations that need to be confirmed.

OBIETTIVO - Valutare, nel periodo di raggiungimento del picco di massa ossea, gli effetti dell’attività fisica sulla mineralizzazione ossea in età giovanile. MATERIALI E METODI - Allo studio hanno partecipato 43 soggetti maschi, sani, con età media di 25 anni, suddivisi in tre gruppi in relazione all’intensità dell’attività fisica svolta dall’età di dieci anni in poi: il primo composto da 17 soggetti sedentari, il secondo da 16 soggetti attivi e il terzo da 15 soggetti atleti. Ogni soggetto è stato sottoposto a mineralometria ossea computerizzata (DEXA). La misurazione della densità ossea (BMD, g/cm2) dei soggetti ha riguardato: corpo intero (Total Body), collo femore dx e sx e tratto rachideo L2-L4. Il parametro di riferimento è stato lo Z-Score. RISULTATI - Il confronto dei valori di Z-Score tra i gruppi sedentari ed attivi evidenzia significatività statistica per i valori di Z-Score nel Total Body e nel tratto lombare L2-L4. Lo Z-Score nel collo femore sx e dx risulta non significativo. Nel confronto tra sedentari ed atleti, così come tra attivi ed atleti, i valori di Z-Score del Total Body, del tratto L2-L4 e del collo femore sx e dx risultano tutti significativi. CONCLUSIONI - Nel confronto tra i tre gruppi si evidenzia, nei sedentari, lo Z-Score del rachide lombare col più basso valore rispetto agli altri gruppi, a nostro parere dovuto probabilmente alla scarsa attività fisica. Lo Z-Score del collo dei femori, nel confronto tra sedentari ed attivi, non mostra differenza statistica nonostante i due diversi stili di vita; probabilmente l’ortostasi e la deambulazione rappresentano già stimolo sufficiente alla mineralizzazione dei femori. Nel confronto tra sedentari ed atleti, così come tra attivi ed atleti, risulta una significatività statistica per lo Z-Score del tratto lombare L2-L4 e del collo dei femori; ciò evidenzia come l’attività fisica protratta nel tempo e con intensità adeguata stimoli una maggiore mineralizzazione ossea, soprattutto in quel range tra i 10 e i 25 anni in cui si raggiunge il picco di massa ossea. Avere un maggiore picco di massa ossea in età giovanile è alla base della prevenzione di quei possibili fenomeni, presenti in età adulta, come l’osteopenia o l’osteoporosi.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate if the supplementation with Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) juice may affect plasma redox balance and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters following a maximal effort test, in young physically active women. Methods: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled and crossover study comprising eight women (23.25 ± 2.95 years, 54.13 ± 9.05 kg, 157.75 ± 0.66 cm and BMI of 21.69 ± 0.66 kg/m2) was carried out. A juice containing OFI diluted in water and a Placebo solution were supplied (170 ml; OFI = 50 ml of OFI juice + 120 ml of water; Placebo = 170 ml beverage without Vitamin C and indicaxanthin). Participants consumed the OFI juice or Placebo beverage every day for 3 days, before performing a maximal cycle ergometer test, and for 2 consecutive days after the test. Plasma hydroperoxides and total antioxidant capacity (PAT), Skin Carotenoid Score (SCS) and HRV variables (LF, HF, LF/HF and rMSSD) were recorded at different time points. Results: The OFI group showed significantly lower levels of hydroperoxides compared to the Placebo group in pretest, post-test and 48-h post-test. PAT values of the OFI group significantly increased compared to those of the Placebo group in pre-test and 48-h post-test. SCS did not differ between groups. LF was significantly lower in the OFI group 24-h after the end of the test, whereas rMSSD was significantly higher in the OFI group 48-h post-test. Conclusion: OFI supplementation decreased the oxidative stress induced by intense exercise and improved autonomic balance in physically active women.

Relationships between heart rate recovery after exercise (HRR, baseline heart rate variability measures (HRV), and time to perform a 10Km running trial (t10Km) were evaluated in "master" athletes of endurance to assess whether the measured indexes may be useful for monitoring the training status of the athletes. Ten “master” athletes of endurance, aged 40-60 years, were recruited. After baseline measures of HRV, the athletes performed a graded maximal test on treadmill and HRR was measured at 1 and 2 minutes from recovery. Subsequently they performed a 10Km running trial and t10Km was related to HRV and HRR indexes. The time to perform a 10Km running trial was significantly correlated with baseline HRV indexes. No correlation was found between t10Km and HRR. Baseline HRV measures, but not HRR, were significantly correlated with the time of performance on 10km running in “master” athletes. The enhanced parasympathetic function at rest appears to be a condition to a better performance on 10km running. HRV can be simple and useful measurements for monitoring the training stratus of athletes and their physical condition in proximity of a competition.

Cerasola, D, Cataldo, A, Bellafiore, M, Traina, M, Palma, A, Bianco, A, and Capranica, L. Race profiles of rowers during the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2055-2060, 2018-Among the different factors affecting the outcome of elite rowing competitions, pacing strategy plays a relevant role. The purpose of this study was to analyze the race profiles of youth athletes competing at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games over a distance of 1,000 m. According to the competition outcome of sculling and sweep events, 96 youth (17-18 years) rowers (48 male and 48 female) were divided into winner (W), not winner (NW), qualified (Q), and not-qualified (NQ) athletes. The time during the 1,000-m race distance was considered at 0-500 m (T1) and 500-1000 m (T2). The average speed of T1 and T2 were normalized in relation to the average speed of the whole race. In both sexes, W rowers showed higher (p > 0.05) T2 values (100.8 ± 0.9%) with respect to T1 (99.2 ± 0.9%) ones. Female athletes showed a higher (p ≤ 0.05) T1 with respect to T2 in NW, Q, and NQ, whereas male athletes exhibited a higher T1 (p ≤ 0.05) than T2 speed only in NQ. While to be admitted to the final phase of the competition, the rowers tended to favor a positive race strategy (88%); during the final phase, a difference (p = 0.43) emerged for outcome, with the majority of medalists (67%) adopting a negative race strategy. These results suggest that winners have applied a different race strategy compared with the other groups in consequence to a higher efficiency of anaerobic metabolism.