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Purpose: The aims of this study were to classify, identify and follow-up young swimmers' performance and its biomechanical determinants during two competitive seasons (in seven different moments of assessment--M), and analyze the individual variations of each swimmer. Method: Thirty young swimmers (14 boys: 12.70 ± 0.63 years-old; 16 girls: 11.72 ± 0.71 years-old) were recruited. A set of anthropometric, kinematic, efficiency, hydrodynamic and mechanical power variables were assessed. Results: The cluster solution (i.e., number of ideal clusters for this sample) resulted in three clusters, which were named as--cluster 1 ("talented"), cluster 2 ("proficient"), and cluster 3 ("non-proficient"). The performance improved between moments of assessment in all clusters (cluster 1--M1: 68.07 ± 6.62s vs M7: 61.46 ± 3.43s; cluster 2--M1: 73.14 ± 4.87s vs M7: 65.33 ± 2.97s; cluster 3--M1: 82.60 ± 4.18s vs M7: 70.09 ± 3.48s). Anthropometric features also increased between moments of assessment, and remaining biomechanical variables (kinematic, efficiency, hydrodynamic and mechanical power) also increased between M1 and M7, in all clusters. Cluster 1 increased their swimmer's membership between M1 and M7 (4 to 11), cluster 2 decreased (12 to 5), and cluster 3 maintained (14). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the cluster formation depends on different determinant factors during two competitive seasons, and young swimmers are prone to change from one cluster to another over this period of time.

Background: The IRONMAN® (IM) triathlon is a popular multi-sport, where age group athletes often strive to qualify for the IM World Championship in Hawaii. The aim of the present study was to investigate the location of the fastest IM racecourses for age group IM triathletes. This knowledge will help IM age group triathletes find the best racecourse, considering their strengths and weaknesses, to qualify. Objective: To determine the fastest IM racecourse for age group IM triathletes using descriptive and predictive statistical methods. Methods: We collected and analyzed 677,702 age group IM finishers' records from 228 countries participating in 444 IM competitions held between 2002 and 2022 across 66 event locations. Locations were ranked by average race speed (performance), and countries were sorted by number of records in the sample (participation). A predictive model was built with race finish time as the predicted variable and the triathlete's gender, age group, country of origin, event location, average air, and water temperatures in each location as predictors. The model was trained with 75% of the available data and was validated against the remaining 25%. Several model interpretability tools were used to explore how each predictor contributed to the model's predictive power, from which we intended to infer whether one or more predictors were more important than the others. Results: The average race speed ranking showed IM Vitoria-Gasteiz (1 race only), IM Copenhagen (8 races), IM Hawaii (18 races), IM Tallinn (4 races) and IM Regensburg (2 races) in the first five positions. The XG Boost Regressor model analysis indicated that the IM Hawaii course was the fastest race course and that male athletes aged 35 years and younger were the fastest. Most of the finishers were competing in IM triathlons held in the US, such as IM Wisconsin, IM Florida, IM Lake Placid, IM Arizona, and IM Hawaii, where the IM World Championship took place. However, the fastest average times were achieved in IM Vitoria-Gasteiz, IM Copenhagen, IM Hawaii, IM Tallin, IM Regensburg, IM Brazil Florianopolis, IM Barcelona, or IM Austria with the absolutely fastest race time in IM Hawaii. Most of the successful IM finishers originated from the US, followed by athletes from the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France. The best mean IM race times were achieved by athletes from Austria, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, and Denmark. Regarding environmental conditions, the best IM race times were achieved at an air temperature of ∼27°C and a water temperature of ∼24°C. Conclusions: IM age group athletes who intend to qualify for IM World Championship in IM Hawaii are encouraged to participate in IM Austria, IM Copenhagen, IM Brazil Florianopolis, and/or IM Barcelona in order to achieve a fast race time to qualify for the IM World Championship in IM Hawaii where the top race times were achieved. Most likely these races offer the best ambient temperatures for a fast race time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A promising approach to optimizing recovery in youth football has been the use of machine learning (ML) models to predict recovery states and prevent mental fatigue. This research investigates the application of ML models in classifying male young football players aged under (U)15, U17, and U19 according to their recovery state. Weekly training load data were systematically monitored across three age groups throughout the initial month of the 2019–2020 competitive season, covering 18 training sessions and 120 observation instances. Outfield players were tracked using portable 18-Hz global positioning system (GPS) devices, while heart rate (HR) was measured using 1 Hz telemetry HR bands. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE 6–20) and total quality recovery (TQR 6–20) scores were employed to evaluate perceived exertion, internal training load, and recovery state, respectively. Data preprocessing involved handling missing values, normalization, and feature selection using correlation coefficients and a random forest (RF) classifier. Five ML algorithms [K-nearest neighbors (KNN), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machine (SVM), RF, and decision tree (DT)] were assessed for classification performance. The K-fold method was employed to cross-validate the ML outputs. Results: A high accuracy for this ML classification model (73–100%) was verified. The feature selection highlighted critical variables, and we implemented the ML algorithms considering a panel of 9 variables (U15, U19, body mass, accelerations, decelerations, training weeks, sprint distance, and RPE). These features were included according to their percentage of importance (3–18%). The results were cross-validated with good accuracy across 5-fold (79%). Conclusion: The five ML models, in combination with weekly data, demonstrated the efficacy of wearable device-collected features as an efficient combination in predicting football players' recovery states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of an intervention on anthropometrics, body composition, physical fitness, and sleep quality in aged individuals, comparing a control group (N = 11) and an experimental group (N = 13) across two measurement points. Methods: A multicomponent training program of 8 months was adopted as the intervention group. A bioimpedance balance, functional fitness test, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index measured body composition, functional fitness, and sleep quality. Results: Both groups showed minimal changes in body mass and hand grip strength. However, the experimental group experienced significant improvements in physical fitness, including a 26% increase in arm curl repetitions, an 18% reduction in 5 times sit-to-stand (5TSTS) completion time, and a 29% rise in 2-min step test (2MST) steps, indicating enhanced muscle endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Flexibility decreased significantly in the experimental group, while body fat percentage was reduced by 10%. Sleep quality improved by 47% in the experimental group but declined by 14% in the control group. Correlational analysis revealed that better sleep quality was linked to improved fitness performance and reduced body fat in the experimental group, with post-intervention results further confirming the connection between sleep and fat reduction. In the control group, improved sleep quality was associated with higher metabolic rates after 8 months. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the intervention positively impacted physical fitness and sleep quality, with potential benefits for overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though the mechanisms are not fully understood, tryptophan (Trp) and physical exercise seem to regulate mechanical hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia. Here, we tested the impact of Trp supplementation and continuous low-intensity aerobic exercise on the modulation of mechanical hypersensitivity in a fibromyalgia-like model induced by acid saline in female rats. Twelve-month-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into groups: [control (n = 6); acid saline (n = 6); acid saline + exercise (n = 6); acid saline + Trp (n = 6); and acid saline + exercise + Trp (n = 6)]. Hypersensitivity was caused using two intramuscular jabs of acid saline (20 μL; pH 4.0; right gastrocnemius), 3 days apart. The tryptophan-supplemented diet contained 7.6 g/hg of Trp. The three-week exercise consisted of progressive (30–45 min) treadmill running at 50 to 60% intensity, five times (Monday to Friday) per week. We found that acid saline induced contralateral mechanical hypersensitivity without changing the levels of Trp, serotonin (5-HT), and kynurenine (KYN) in the brain. Hypersensitivity was reduced by exercise (~150%), Trp (~67%), and its combination (~160%). The Trp supplementation increased the levels of Trp and KYN in the brain, and the activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and decreased the ratio 5-HT:KYN. Exercise did not impact the assessed metabolites. Combining the treatments reduced neither hypersensitivity nor the levels of serotonin and Trp in the brain. In conclusion, mechanical hypersensitivity induced by acid saline in a fibromyalgia-like model in female rats is modulated by Trp supplementation, which increases IDO activity and leads to improved Trp metabolism via the KYN pathway. In contrast, physical exercise does not affect mechanical hypersensitivity through brain Trp metabolism via either the KYN or serotonin pathways. Because this is a short study, generalizing its findings warrants caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the stability (mean and normative) of the lap performance, and a set of clean swim and turn variables of junior male swimmers in the 200 m freestyle, and; (2) verify the relationship between the start, clean swim, turn, and finish phases in the 200 m freestyle. Seventy-six individual races in the 200 m freestyle at the 2019 long-course LEN European Junior Championships were analysed. Start, clean swim, turn, and finish variables were assessed. The lap performance showed a significant variance. The highest variation was verified between the first and third lap (Coefficient of Variation = 7.37%). The clean swim and the total turn also presented a significant variance. Normative stability indicated a moderate to very-high stability for all variables. All phases of the race had significant correlations with the final race time (p < 0.001). The total turn (i.e., the total time spent to perform the turn), specifically turn #3, showed the largest correlation with the total race performance. The significant correlation between all phases of the race and the final race time indicates that coaches and swimmers should customise the swimmers' preparation and race strategy at major international competitions, based on the individual characteristics of each swimmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Triathletes are pushing their limits in multi-stage Ironman-distance triathlons. In the present case study, we investigated the pacing during 20, 40, and 60 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, of one professional IRONMAN® triathlete. Case study: Event 1 (20 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20 days), Event 2 (40 Ironman-distance triathlons in 40 days), and Event 3 (60 Ironman-distance triathlons in 60 days) were analyzed by discipline (swimming, cycling, running, and overall event time), by Deca intervals (10 days of consecutive Ironman-distance triathlons) and additional data (sleep duration, body mass, heart rate in cycling and running). To test differences between Events and Deca intervals within the same discipline, T-tests (2 groups) or one-way ANOVAs (3 or more groups) were used. Results: Swimming splits were fastest in Event 1, (ii) cycling and running splits were fastest in both Event 2 and 3, (iii) overall speed was fastest in Event 3, (iv) sleep duration increased during Event 2 but decreased in Event 3, (v) body mass decreased in Event 2, but increased in Event 3 and (vi) heart rate during cycling was similar in both Event 2 and 3. In contrast, heart rate during running was greater in Event 3. Conclusion: In a professional IRONMAN® triathlete finishing 20, 40, and 60 Ironman-distance triathlons in 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, split performances and both anthropometrical and physiological changes such as body mass and heart rate differed depending upon the duration of the events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of swimming goggles on swimming hydrodynamics by numerical simulations. An elite swimmer volunteered for this research. The swimmer's head was scanned both without goggles, and while wearing 3 different types of goggles (Nikko, Ankor and Swedish). Numerical simulations were conducted at 2 m/s with the Fluent code. The condition without goggles showed the highest viscous drag (1.65 N), followed by the Ankor (1.64 N), Swedish (1.63 N) and Nikko (1.62 N) goggles, respectively. The highest pressure drag was found in the situation without goggles (11.34 N), followed by the Ankor (10.87 N), Nikko (10.78 N) and Swedish (10.20 N) goggles. The condition without goggles presented the highest total drag (12.99 N), followed by the Ankor (12.52 N), Nikko (12.40 N) and Swedish (11.83 N) goggles. Thus, Swedish goggles yields the best hydrodynamics, followed by the Nikko and Ankor goggles and lastly without goggles. Thus, goggles minimise the swimmer's drag comparing to not wearing any. The design of the goggles may impose varying drag forces and therefore it is advised to use goggles at least in competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study evaluated the effects of resistance exercise training and açaí supplementation on cardiac parameters in hypertensive animals. Methods: For this study, rats from the Wistar and SHR lines (spontaneously hypertensive rats) were used. The animals were divided into 5 groups: Wistar Control (C); Control Hypertensive (H); Trained Hypertensive (HT); Hypertensive and Supplemented with Açaí (HA); and Hypertensive Trained and Supplemented with Açaí (HAT). Resistance exercise training was carried out through climbing. The supplemented groups received 3 g of açaí/kg of body mass. The animals' systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass, and physical test were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. At the end, an echocardiographic analysis was performed. Histological analysis and oxidative stress of the LV were performed. Results: It was found that hypertensive animals showed an increase in SBP, and the treatments reduced this parameter. The trained groups achieved higher values of maximum carrying load. Hypertension increased the dimension of the left ventricular free wall in diastole and reduced ejection and shortening fractions. The trained groups showed improvement in ejection and shortening fractions. The H group increased the proportion of extracellular matrix and reduced the proportion of cells, with the HAT group attenuating this change. Cell diameter was greater in group H, and all treatments reduced this parameter. Hypertension increased the concentration of malondialdehyde and decreased catalase activity in LV. The treatments managed to mitigate this damage. Conclusions: It is concluded that the treatments managed to generate positive cardiovascular adaptations, and their combination enhanced these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands from one Portuguese professional football team according to playing positions. Twenty-three male outfield professional football players were observed during eighteen matches of the Portuguese Second League. Time–motion data were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Match running performance was analyzed based on the following three playing positions: defenders (DF), midfielders (MF), and forwards (FW). Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare match running performance within each position role, and seasonal running variation. Practical differences were assessed using the smallest worthwhile change (SWC), coefficient of variation (CV), and twice the coefficient of variation (2CV). Significant differences were found among playing positions in total distance covered (F = 15.45, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.33), average speed (F = 12.79, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.29), high-speed running (F = 16.93, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.36), sprinting (F = 13.49, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.31), accelerations (F = 4.69, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.132), and decelerations (F = 12.21, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.284). The match-to-match running performance encompassed TD (6.59%), AvS (8.67%), HSRr (37.83%), SPR (34.82%), ACC (26.92%), and DEC (27.85%). CV values for total distance covered ranged from 4.87–6.82%, with forwards and midfielders exhibiting the greatest and smallest variation, respectively. Midfielders demonstrated the highest match-to-match variation for all other analyzed variables (8.12–69.17%). All playing positions showed significant variation in high-demanding variables (26.94–37.83%). This study presents the initial analysis of match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands within a Portuguese professional football team. Thus, the position's specificity and context can provide a helpful strategy for evaluating match-to-match running performance, and for recommending individualized training exercises based on the peak and high-intensity demands for each player's role within the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test a machine learning (ML) model to predict high-intensity actions and body impacts during youth football training. Sixty under-15, -17, and -19 sub-elite Portuguese football players were monitored over a 6-week period. External training load data were collected from the target variables of accelerations (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), and dynamic stress load (DSL) using an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS). Additionally, we monitored the perceived exertion and biological characteristics using total quality recovery (TQR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), chronological age, maturation offset (MO), and age at peak height velocity (APHV). The ML model was computed by a feature selection process with a linear regression forecast and bootstrap method. The predictive analysis revealed that the players' MO demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in predicting their DEC and ACC across different ranges of IQR. After predictive analysis, the following performance values were observed: DEC ( x ¯ predicted = 41, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 36.6, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), and upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 46 decelerations, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0). The player's MO also demonstrated the ability to predict their upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 51, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 40, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), and ACC ( x ¯ predicted = 46 accelerations, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62). The ML model showed poor performance in predicting the players' ACC and DEC using MO (MSE = 2.47–4.76; RMSE = 1.57–2.18: R2 = −0.78–0.02). Maturational concerns are prevalent in football performance and should be regularly checked, as the current ML model treated MO as the sole variable for ACC, DEC, and DSL. Applying ML models to assess automated tracking data can be an effective strategy, particularly in the context of forecasting peak ACC, DEC, and bodily effects in sub-elite youth football training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Patellofemoral syndrome is a common osteoarticular condition that affects many individuals. Various treatment options are available, with a significant emphasis on targeted muscle-strengthening exercises. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of isokinetic muscle strengthening on muscle strength, joint range of motion, quality of life, physical performance, and pain tolerance in overweight/obese women with patellofemoral syndrome. Methods: Twenty-four overweight or obese women with patellofemoral syndrome participated in the study during September and October 2023 in a private medical facility for physical medicine and functional rehabilitation. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups for six weeks of isokinetic muscle strengthening. The first group (ISO.G) followed a rehabilitation program combined with isokinetic muscle strengthening. A second group (PCM.G) followed a rehabilitation program that includes an isokinetic protocol in passive compensation movement. The extensors' peak torque was measured before and after training. Results: The flexors' peak torque, stair climbing test, 10 m walk, chair lift, monopodal support, goniometric knee flexion test, heel–buttock distance measurement, pain, and quality of life scores improved significantly in both groups. The ISO.G, on the other hand, benefited from a significant increase in quadriceps muscle strength revealed by the extensors' peak torque. Conclusions: For the treatment of patellofemoral syndrome, isokinetic muscle strengthening in concentric mode appears to have a significant advantage over the classic rehabilitation program with isokinetic passive compensation, particularly in muscle strength gain, in addition to the improvement of joint range of motion, quality of life, physical performance, and pain tolerance. Isokinetic training may be recommended as a beneficial approach for the rehabilitative treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome in overweight/obese women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood obesity presents a significant public health concern globally, with implications for cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome. In Portugal, approximately 31.6% of children are affected, highlighting the urgency for intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portuguese school-aged children, with a focus on sex and age differences. Methods: Anthropometric measurements were conducted on 1564 children aged 6–10 years, including weight, height, and skinfold thickness. Body Mass Index (BMI) and the percentage of body fat were calculated using established methods. Results: The results revealed significant differences in BMI (≤0.001) and body fat percentage (≤0.001) among different BMI categories, with a notable prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly among boys. A total of 37% of the studied population is overweight or obese, among which 40.1% and 33.9% are boys and girls, respectively. Conclusions: This study highlights statistically significant differences in BMI and body fat percentage for both sexes in different BMI categories. A large proportion of the population is overweight or obese, with a greater prevalence in boys. In short, childhood obesity has a negative impact on body composition and is associated with significant differences in anthropometric parameters, emphasizing the importance of preventative and intervention strategies to address this health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study aimed to verify participation and performance in all road and trail-based races in Switzerland over two decades (1999-2019). Methods. This is a secondary data-based study. We used 1,149,182 race records (788,818 from men and 360,364 from women) from 407,944 unique finishers of the 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon races in Switzerland, between 1999 and 2019. Data included the athletes' genders, ages, race distances, and types of races (road or trail). The men-to-women ratio was calculated and box plots were used to present differences according to gender, age groups, and race distances in both terrains. Differences between the groups were calculated. Results. The men-to-women ratio has generally decreased in all race distances over the years. Runners competing in roadbased races were faster than those in a trail run in all distances. Men had faster finish times than women independent of age, except those competing in 10 km trail races. In road-based races, the men-to-women ratio was higher among older marathoners, while for trail runs, a higher men-to-women ratio was shown for older half-marathoners and participants in 10 km races. For 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, and ultra-marathon races, a decrease in running speed differences was shown until the age of 50 years. Conclusions. In Switzerland, most of the runners competed in road-based races, but the interest in trail running has increased. The men-to-women ratio declined over time, which could show an increase in the interest of women to participate in endurance activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing techniques for reducing multivariate data is essential for comprehensively understanding the variations and relationships within both biomechanical and physiological datasets in the context of youth football training. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the primary factors influencing training sessions within a standard microcycle among young sub-elite football players. A total of 60 male Portuguese youth sub-elite footballers (15.19 ± 1.75 years) were continuous monitored across six weeks during the 2019–2020 in-season, comprising the training days from match day minus (MD-) 3, MD-2, and MD-1. The weekly training load was collected by an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS), 1 Hz heart rate (HR) monitors, the perceived exertion (RPE) and the total quality recovery (TQR). A principal component approach (PCA) coupled with a Monte Carlo parallel analysis was applied to the training datasets. The training datasets were condensed into three to five principal components, explaining between 37.0% and 83.5% of the explained variance (proportion and cumulative) according to the training day (p < 0.001). Notably, the eigenvalue for this study ranged from 1.20% to 5.21% within the overall training data. The PCA analysis of the standard microcycle in youth sub-elite football identified that, across MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1, the first was dominated by the covered distances and sprinting variables, while the second component focused on HR measures and training impulse (TRIMP). For the weekly microcycle, the first component continued to emphasize distance and intensity variables, with the ACC and DEC being particularly influential, whereas the second and subsequent components included HR measures and perceived exertion. On the three training days analyzed, the first component primarily consisted of variables related to the distance covered, running speed, high metabolic load, sprinting, dynamic stress load, accelerations, and decelerations. The high intensity demands have a high relative weight throughout the standard microcycle, which means that the training load needs to be carefully monitored and managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eminent purpose of physical education (PE) is to promote physical fitness, health, and overall well-being among individuals. It aims to develop motor skills, improve cognitive functions, and instill a lifelong appreciation for an active and healthy lifestyle. Physical education also fosters social skills, teamwork, and discipline, contributing to the holistic development of individuals. The study aimed to assess the impact of a hybrid teaching model, integrating elements from the Sport Education Model (SEM) and Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU), on the performance and motivation of students during basketball lessons. Eighteen adolescents (9 girls and 8 boys) aged 15-17 years (mean ± SD: 15.67 ± 0.69 years) participated in the study. Participants engaged in basketball physical education classes twice a week, incorporating principles and attributes from both TGfU and SEM. Motivation and performance (GP) were evaluated before and after basketball sessions. The students' motivation was assessed using the Attitude Questionnaire of Students towards PE, and the performance was measured using the Game Performance Assessment Instrument. The results showed significant improvements in students' GP, but no differences in motivation was found at the end of the instructional unit. However, it was discovered that students enjoyed and appreciated physical education (PE), demonstrating a favorable attitude towards the subject. A hybrid teaching model with principles based on TGfU and SEM seems to be an appropriate approach to enhance students' game understanding, decision-making and overall GP (game skills, both technical and tactical). Attributes and principles such as simulating a sports season and student-centered learning situations that consider individual needs, seems to be important to develop students' awareness of attributing meaning to their actions, resulting in improved GP. The findings could be useful to teachers, coaches and researchers contributing to the development of teaching strategies to empower the PE classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to present Paralympic athlete Mario Trindade's training to become the European Champion at the 100-meter wheelchair race in Berlin 2018. The lack of information on this specific training has impaired the beginning of this journey. However, the daily monitoring of this athlete over 20 years has permitted us to realise that the training methods of athletes with disabilities are not very different from those of others. Thus, it is important to understand the different responses to exercise. The degree of improvement after a training program depends on the characteristics of the vertebral-medullary lesion, the training history, and the training ability of the athlete, which is determined by the amount of active muscle mass available. Considering these aspects, we aim to describe the summer training macrocycle that is developed for the 100 m wheelchair race, which is a combined work developed by a multidisciplinary team. We will start by providing a theoretical background on para-athletics events, specifically wheelchair competitions. Afterwards, we will characterise the athlete and discuss his track and strength training, which prepared him to obtain the gold medal in 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The IRONMAN® triathlon is an endurance multisport discipline of high popularity. Professional IRONMAN® triathletes need to qualify for the IRONMAN® World Championships and, therefore, would benefit from identifying the fastest race courses. Our purpose was to identify the fastest races held for professional IRONMAN® triathletes competing from 2002 to 2022. Methods. This was an observational study, sampling 7,078 race records (380 different events in 55 different event locations) of professional IRONMAN® triathletes of both sexes (4,235 males and 2,843 females). We downloaded information about sex, nationality, both split (swimming, cycling, and running) and overall race times, the event location, and the year. Information about race course characteristics, water temperatures, and air temperatures was obtained. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each event location, and factorial ANOVA tests were used to explore the statistical significance of the results. A confidence interval of 95% was adopted. Results. The fastest overall IRONMAN® average race times were achieved during the IRONMAN® Tallinn, IRONMAN® Switzerland held in Thun, and IRONMAN® Des Moines. A lake for the swim split characterized the first five courses, while the bike split featured rolling or hilly terrain. For the run split, most of the courses were characterized as flat. For environmental characteristics, lower water and air temperatures also added time to the average finish time. Conclusions. Understanding the fastest race courses and their characteristics would assist professional IRONMAN® triathletes in selecting races that offer the optimal conditions for their competition. Fast IRONMAN® race courses typically feature a lakeside swim course, a rolling or hilly bike course, and a flat run course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]