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The quantification of training loads (TLs) is essential for optimizing jump performance and reducing the occurrence of injuries. This study aimed to (a) propose a new method for quantifying TLs in explosive exercises, (b) determine the nature of the relationship between TLs dynamics and injury occurrence, and (c) assess a TLcritical for training schedule purposes, above which the risk of injury occurrence becomes unacceptable. This study was conducted with 11 male volleyball players on a national team during a 5-month international competitive period. The proposed new method for quantifying TLs is based on a weighting factor applied to relative jumping intensities, determined by the number of sustainable jumps and their intensities measured by G-Vert accelerometer. The relationship between TLs dynamics and injury occurrence was assessed using a variable dose-response model. A high coefficient of determination was found between the maximum number of jumps possible and their intensities (r² = 0.94 ± 0.14, p < 0.001), indicating a strong physiological relationship between jumping intensities and the constraints imposed. The occurrence of injury was dependent on TLs dynamics for 2 players (r² = 0.26 ± 0.01; p < 0.001). The TLcritical corresponded to 11 jumps over 80% of maximum jump height during games and approximately 130 jumps at <80% of maximal jump height. The present study proposes a new approach for quantifying supramaximal exercises and provides tools for training schedules and the prevention of volleyball injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence regarding the impact of offshore sailing on fatigue and readiness variables is conspicuous by its absence. This study investigated the acute effects of an offshore sailing regatta on anthropometry, muscular performance, subjective recovery, and salivary biomarker cortisol. Methods: Ten professional offshore sailors from a mixed-sex crew partook in the study (N = 10; mean [SD] age = 32.2 [3.96] y; stature = 179.1 [7.30] cm; body mass = 84.2 [12.1] kg). The race involved 3 offshore legs over a 3-week period. Baseline measures of anthropometry, lower- and upper-body muscular function, perceptions of subjective wellness, and salivary cortisol were assessed 3 hours prior to competition (ie, before the first leg). These measures were repeated within 30 minutes after the cessation of each leg. During each leg, boat movements were recorded via global positioning system units. Results: There were significant reductions in lower (effect size [ES] = 0.49) and upper muscular (ES = 0.21) functions, as well as in subjective wellness (ES = 1.65). Salivary cortisol levels increased (ES = 0.84). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that, during an intensified period of sailing competition, fatigue will progressively increase. This may impede sailing performance by reducing physical and cognitive efficiency. Furthermore, countermovement jump, handgrip strength, perception of subjective wellness, and cortisol concentration appear to be sensitive measures for monitoring fatigue and readiness in professional sailors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Professional rugby union players can improve their performance by engaging in small-sided games (SSGs), which simulate the movement patterns of the game. This study collected metrics related to running performance and mechanical workload and their relative values from both forward and back positions, aiming to explore the impact of different SSGs factors on athlete workload, as well as the workload difference between official games (OGs) and SSGs. Methods: The monitored GPS data were collected from SSGs with different player numbers and pitch sizes (five sessions), SSG rules (5 weeks, four sessions per week), and OGs conducted throughout the year. Additionally, the study compared changes in players' sprinting performance before and after two SSG sessions. Results: Backs had greater workload than forwards. Less space and number of players SSG (4 vs. 4, 660m²) was conducive to facilitating training for players in acceleration and deceleration. Conversely, larger spaces were associated with improved running performance. However, the introduction of a floater had no significant impact on performance improvement. Additionally, the 7 vs. 4 model (seven players engaged with four opponents) resulted in the greatest workload during medium-hard accelerations (F = 52.76-88.23, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.19-0.28). Japan touch model allowed for more high-speed running training (F = 47.93-243.55, p < 0.001, ηp² = 1.52). The workload performed by SSGs can almost cover that of OGs (F = 23.36-454.21, p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.03-0.57). In the context of ηp², values around 0.01, 0.06 and 0.14 indicate small, medium and large effects respectively. Discussion: However, given the significantly higher workload of SSGs and the slight decrease in sprinting performance, further research is required to examine the training patterns of SSGs. This study provided insight into the impact of player numbers, pitch size, and rules on rugby-specific SSGs. Coaches should optimize SSG setups for enhanced training outcomes, ensuring the long-term development of physical capacity, technical and tactical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tactical periodization (TP) emerged approximately 30 years ago and has recently gained considerable attention in rugby union (RU). It aims to develop specific physical fitness components with 3 acquisition days (strength, endurance, and speed). However, no study has investigated the effects of TP on workload, physical fitness, and well-being across an RU preseason. This study aimed to determine how RU players' workload response to TP focusing on positional differences, observe the influence of a TP preseason training program on aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance between positions, and analyze the variation of well-being reported by forwards and backs from the 3 acquisition days. Thirty-two male players completed a 6-week TP protocol. External and internal workload variables were recorded through global positioning systems and session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) separately. Fitness assessments included Bronco and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests. The sum of well-being indices was measured using the Hooper index. Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed that the highest values of PlayerLoad slow, PlayerLoad slow percentage, and s-RPE were found on endurance day and the lowest on speed day. Mann-Whitney U tests showed that 15 external workload parameters were higher in backs than forwards for each acquisition day. Small improvements were observed on the Bronco test. No differences were observed in CMJ performance during the preseason period and well-being values between acquisition days. This study provides unique insights into external and internal workload variables during each acquisition day. Furthermore, it highlights TP as an efficient theoretical concept to use in an RU context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the test–retest reliability of the 80s-slide-test in well-trained alpine ski racers. Methods: The sample consisted of 8 well-trained alpine ski racers (age = 17.8 [0.7] y old; height = 1.80 [0.09] m; body mass = 72.1 [9.5] kg) who performed a lab-based maximal graded test on cycle ergometer and three 80s-slide-tests in 4 separate sessions. The 80s-slide-test consisting of maximal push-offs performed for 80s on a 8-ft slide board. Oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 ) and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. Blood lactate ([La]b) was determined immediately prerun, followed by 3 minutes postrun. Three minutes after the completion of the session, the subjects were asked to indicate their rate of perceived exertion using Borg scale ranging from 6 to 20. Total and every 10s mean push-offs number were assessed by camera. Typical errors of measurement, intraclass correlation coefficients, and smallest worthwhile change were calculated. Results: The 80s-slide-test showed strong reliability for total push-offs number, V ˙ O 2 peak , V ˙ O 2 mean , HRpeak, and HRmean. Δ[La]b, fatigue index, and the rate of perceived exertion were moderately reliable. Conclusion: The 80s-slide-test is a reliable test for well-trained alpine ski racers and can be used easily by trainers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zouhal, H, Jabbour, G, Jacob, C, Duvigneau, D, Botcazou, M, Ben Abderrahaman, A, Prioux, J, and Moussa, E. Anaerobic and aerobic energy system contribution to 400-m flat and 400-m hurdles track running. J Strength Cond Res 24(9): 2309-2315, 2010--The present study was designed te determine the aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions to 400-m Flat (400mF) and 400-m hurdles (400mH) using the accumulated oxygen deficit method. Six nationally ranked athletes, specializing in 400mH and familiar with 400mF volunteered to participate in this study. All the participants performed 3 track-running sessions. The first session determine the maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic speed using lightweight ambulatory respiratory gas exchange measurements ([[??]o.sub.2000], Medical Graphics). The second and third tests consist of a 400mF and a 400mH performed on the track in a randomized counterbalanced order. Accumulated oxygen deficit determined during the 400mF was significantly higher than that determined during the 400mH (65.0 [+ or -] 10.0 ml x [kg.sup.1] vs. 44.1 [+ or -] 7.4 ml x [kg.sup.- 1], p < 0.05). Thus, the aerobic contribution calculated was significantly higher during the 400mH compared to during the 400mF (43.0 [+ or -] 2.0 vs. 37.4 [+ or -] 2.70/0, p < 0.05, respectively). These results strongly suggest that the aerobic contribution is greater during a 400mH compared to during a 400mF. Thus, this study provides a scientific rationale behind the coaches' practice and contributes to a better understanding of the differences between 400mF and 400mH. Then, the coaches must propose different training programs for both 400mF and 400mH runners. KEY WORDS accumulated oxygen deficit, spirit, athletes, aerobic contribution

Purpose: To determine the effect of drafting on running time, physiological response, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during 3000-m track running. Methods: Ten elite middle- and long-distance runners performed 3 track-running sessions. The 1st session determined maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic speed using a lightweight ambulatory respiratory gas-exchange system (K4B2). The 2nd and the 3rd tests consisted of nondrafting 3000-m running (3000-mND) and 3000-m running with drafting for the 1st 2000 m (3000-mD) performed on the track in a randomized counterbalanced order. Results: Performance during the 3000-mND (553.59 ± 22.15 s) was significantly slower (P < .05) than during the 3000-mD (544.74 ± 18.72 s). Cardiorespiratory responses were not significantly different between the trials. However, blood lactate concentration was significantly higher (P < .05) after the 3000-mND (16.4 ± 2.3 mmol/L) than after the 3000-mD (13.2 ± 5.6 mmol/L). Athletes perceived the 3000-mND as more strenuous than the 3000-mD (P < .05) (RPE = 16.1 ± 0.8 vs 13.1 ± 1.3). Results demonstrate that drafting has a significant effect on performance in highly trained runners. Conclusion:This effect could not be explained by a reduced energy expenditure or cardiorespiratory effort as a result of drafting. This raises the possibility that drafting may aid running performance by both physiological and nonphysiological (ie, psychological) effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the key performance indicators of inshore sailing during the sailing Tour de France. Technical and physical parameters were investigated to determine the discriminating factors between successful and less successful international level sailors. Measurements from 21 sailors (mean ± SD; age = 23.81 ± 4.18 years) were conducted prior to the sailing Tour de France. Global Positioning System data of all participating teams (n = 23) was analysed. Sailors were divided into two groups (i.e. successful and less successful) according to qualifying performance percentage. The differences between successful and less successful sailors were explored by means of independent t-tests. Results indicate that successful boats displayed higher maximal speed, higher average speed and more efficient starting performance per race than less successful boats. Successful sailors have stronger handgrip strength, higher isometric maximal voluntary force relative to bodyweight (isometric mid-thigh pull) and more powerful submaximal pulling (bench pull) actions than their less successful counterparts. The results of this study suggest that multiple sailing, physical and physiological variables are related to sailing performance in inshore sailing. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of integrating specific testing protocols to evaluate the performance potential of inshore sailors participating in the sailing Tour de France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]