Background Adolescent athletes have different injury patterns to those of adults, and their growing bones are susceptible to overuse injuries. Evidence of growth-related injuries in relation to growth and maturation in youth elite soccer players remains sparse. Objective 1) to investigate lower-limb apophyseal injuries (LL-AI) and 2) their relationship with peak height velocity (PHV) and skeletal age (SA) in elite young soccer players. Design Prospective longitudinal cohort study. Setting Youth elite soccer academy. Patients (or Participants) During 4 consecutive seasons, 551 youth soccer players from under U-9 (under 9 yrs.) to U-19 with a mean age of 14.9±1.7 years participated. Interventions (or assessment of risk factors) Injury surveillance Main outcome measurements Lower-limb apophysis items were integrated in the consensus injury registration form. Diagnoses were established by experienced clinicians and the team’s dedicated physiotherapist. Imaging was utilized if required. Skeletal age was assessed at the start of each season (Fels method), then classified by maturity status (SA minus chronological age: Late: >-1 yr; Normal: ±1 yr; Early: <1 yr & SA<18 yr; Mature: SA=18 yr). Peak height velocity was calculated non-invasively (Mirwald method) three times during each season, then allocated to Pre-circum <-1 yr from PHV), Circum- (≥-1 yr from/to PHV ≤+1) or Post-circum (>1 yr to PHV) status. Results There were 307 (14% of 2204) growth-related injuries recorded, of which 84% were LL-AI. After controlling for confounders, adjusted injury-free survival analysis showed substantially different hazard ratios (HR) for LL-AI (i) PHV: Circum higher than Pre-circum (HR: 2.09, 95% CI, 1.22–3.56; p<0.05) and Post-circum (HR: 1.88, 95% CI, 1.22–2.90; p<0.05) respectively. (ii) SA: Mature lower than Late-maturers (HR=2.56, 95% CI: 1.01–6.51; p<0.05), Normal-maturers (HR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.30–3.50; p<0.05) and Early-maturers (HR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.11–2.97; p<0.05) respectively. Conclusions Apophyseal injuries of the lower-limb is the most prevalent growth-related injury in youth soccer. The growth spurt was the period of greatest risk for apophyseal injury. However, the type and location of apophyseal injuries varies depending on growth and skeletal maturation status.

2 gallon bucket. Initial load was set at 40 lbs for men and 20 lbs for women, and increased by 20 lbs and 15 lbs respectively after each trial completion. Swimmers were allowed to rest for 3 min after each trial. Speed, work, and power were calculated using the distance traveled per second factoring in the additional weight in bucket. Heart rate (HR), lactate (La), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed within the first minute of each rest period. Two-way RM-ANOVAs (visits×bucket weight) were used to compare the effect of training across the primary outcomes. RESULTS: A main effect of visit was observed for average speed whereby V 2 was faster in women (V 1 : 1.08±0.26 m/s, V 2 : 1.19±0.18 m/s, V 3 : 1.11±0.31 m/s; P<0.001) and men (V 1 : 1.20±0.26 m/s, V 2 : 1.41±0.29 m/s, and V 3 : 1.25±0.26 m/s; P<0.001) compared to V 1 and V 3 . In addition, an interaction for speed at higher weights was observed and post-hoc analysis revealed higher speeds during V 2 in women at 65 lbs (V 1 :0.75±0.22 m/s, V 2 : 0.99±0.06 m/s, V 3 : 0.73±0.25 m/s; P<0.02) and men at 120 lbs (V 1 : 0.83±0.09 m/s, V 2 : 1.45±0.57 m/s, V 3 : 0.77± 0.14 m/s; P<0.001). A main effect of visit was seen for HR demonstrating a higher average HR during V 2 in women (165.3±14.4 bpm) compared to V1 (156.7±17.1 bpm) and V3 (156.2±14.8 bpm; P<0.02). RPE and La were not different between the three visits (P>0.05). Total work per stroke was also higher at 65 lbs in women across visits (V 1 : 11.9±1.5 Nm, V 2 : 16.8±2.9 Nm, V 3 : 12.1±1.6 Nm; P<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Swimmers had better anaerobic performance during mid-offseason while their overall training load was reduced in both women and men. The greater swimming speeds at similar RPE and La suggest that the swimmers may benefit from altered training.

OBJECTIVES:Fatigue is a limiting factor for sport performance. For this reason, optimal recovery after training is just as critical as the training program itself, if not more. Indeed, there is a need for strategies that can facilitate recovery after training, and one such strategy is the ingestion of supplements like melatonin (MEL). This study aimed to evaluate if MEL intake could improve recovery of athletes after an intermittent training session (ITS). METHODS:Fifteen elite female athletes (17.4 ± 0.4 years, 76.4 ± 5.6 kg, 1.76 ± 0.04 m; mean ± standard deviation) participated in two testing campaigns. During each period, they performed a battery of physical and cognitive tests before and after an ITS, as well as after ingesting MEL (6 mg tablet) or placebo in a randomized design. The ITS comprised the modified agility T-test, squat jump, counter movement jump, maximum standing ball-throw velocity test, maximum jump ball-throw velocity test, and 20-m sprint. Oral temperature (OT) and vigilance were evaluated before and after the ITS. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate [La], and glucose [Gl] were recorded after each ITS. RESULTS:Short-term performance, recovery of physical performance, and OT were not affected by MEL ingestion after the ITS. Moreover, MEL did not affect cognitive performance or RPE scores after the ITS. However, [La] and [Gl] (p < 0.05 for both) were decreased after MEL ingestion. CONCLUSION:MEL has no effect on the recovery of physical performance but may affect glucose utilization and lactate metabolism during the team-handball training session.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of different post-activation potentiation (PAP) protocols on initial-acceleration (0-10 m) and late-acceleration phases (10 to 30 m) within a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test.Methods: Twenty athletes (age: 20.8 +/- 1.2 years, height: 180.2 +/- 5.3 cm, body mass: 76.8 +/- 6.4 kg, % body fat: 10.9 +/- 2.8, and 3 repetition maximum [3RM] of half-squats 152.9 +/- 14.8 kg) completed 4 testing sessions of RSA testing (7x30-m sprints, starting every 25s, with an active recovery in-between). Five minutes before the RSA-testing, conditioning protocols were performed: I) one half-squats at 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) [PAP1]; II) two half-squats at 90% of 1RM [PAP2]; III) three half-squats at 90% of 1RM [PAP3], and (IV) the control protocol [CON]: no effort. Each conditioning condition was applied in a counterbalanced, randomized order on separate days separated by a minimum of 72 hours' rest.Results: ANOVA showed that PAP1 and PAP2 sessions were similar, and brought significantly improved results for: 0-30m and 0-10m sprints of the RSA-time (p<0.001, ES=large) vs the PAP3 and CON-conditions. For the late-acceleration phase of the RSA, the conditioning activity gave no effect (p>0.05, ES=small). Furthermore, magnitude-based inference revealed that both PAP1 and PAP2 protocols elicited changes > 75% likelihood of exceeding the smallest worthwhile change (> 99% likely) for mean sprint-time (RSA(mean)) and the percentage of sprint-decrement (RSA(dec)) in overall 0-30 m and 0-10 m of the RSA test.Conclusion: PAP1 and PAP2 exert a positive effect on the initial-acceleration phase of the RSA and could be considered in the preparation routine of repeated sprinting activities.

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.

Striking combat sports are challenging, commonly stressing the endocrinological system based on a mixture of body-contact actions and physiological efforts. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to discuss the hormonal responses related to striking combat sports competitions and to investigate the moderator and mediator variables of the hormonal response-competition/outcome relationship. Three electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect) were systematically searched (up to February 2016) followed by a manual search of retrieved papers. The data showed a moderate increase in cortisol (C) (ES = 0.79; 95% CI 0.31–1.28; p = 0.001), an extremely large increase in adrenaline (ES = 4.22; 95% CI 2.62–5.82; p < 0.001), and a very large increase in noradrenaline (ES = 3.40; 95% CI 1.03–5.76; p = 0.005) and human growth hormone (HGH) levels (ES = 3.69; 95% CI 1.96–5.42; p < 0.001) immediately following the combat events, compared to the control condition i.e., “pre-combat”. Furthermore, amateur athletes had a larger increase in C levels compared to highly trained athletes (ES = 2.91 [very large] vs ES = 0.56 [small]), while evening events showed greater alterations in C levels compared to morning events (ES = 1.91 [large] vs ES = 0.48 [small]), without significant differences between them (p = 0.26 and p = 0.06, respectively). The present meta-analysis also showed a small, insignificant increase in testosterone (T) (ES = 0.47 [small]; 95% CI -0.45–0.99; p = 0.074) and a decrease in insulin-like growth factor 1 levels (ES = -0.20 [trivial]; 95% CI -0.78–0.37; p = 0.486) immediately following the combat events, compared to the control condition. The type of combat sports practised, participants’ gender, and the nature of competition contests (i.e., official vs simulation) did not moderate the relationship between competition and hormonal response. Additionaly, sub-analysis results showed a significant difference between younger and older athletes (Q = 4.05, p = 0.044), suggesting that after combat, younger individuals (less than 17 years of age) had a small decrease in T levels (ES = -0.58), compared with the moderate increase observed in older individuals (ES = 0.76). In conclusion, irrespective of striking combat sports types, the results showed that both official and simulated bouts are a real stressor of the hormonal system of practitioners. Coaches and applied practitioners should adopt “pre-competitive cognitive/coping strategies” to improve the psychological state that mediates the hormonal changes-competition/outcome relationship of their athletes in order to mitigate athletes’ stress.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of variations in pitch dimensions on pre-adolescent youth soccer players' physiological responses during two different types of small-sided games (SSG). Sixteen young soccer players (age: 13.2 +/- 0.6 years; body mass: 52.5 +/- 7 kg; height: 163.4 +/- 6 cm) participated in this study. They performed 4 vs. 4 stop-ball SSG (SB-SSG) vs. small-goals SSG (SG-SSG) with 4x4 min and 2 min of passive recovery in between, using 3 different pitch sizes (small: 10x15, medium: 15x20, and large: 20x25 m). Heart rate (HR), lactate concentration ([La-]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during each session. The results show that SB-SSG induced higher HR responses than SG-SSG for the 3 pitch sizes: for HR (167.2 +/- 3.0 vs. 164.5 +/- 3.0, 172.3 +/- 2.9 vs. 169.2 +/- 3.1, and 175.4 +/- 3.1 vs. 171.1 +/- 2.7 bpm; P<0.05, for small, medium, and large, respectively) and [La-] (7.1 +/- 1.0 vs. 6.5 +/- 1.04, 7.3 +/- 1.0 vs. 6.8 +/- 1.2, and 7.8 +/- 0.9 vs. 7.1 +/- 0.8 mmol center dot l(-1); P<0.05 on small, medium, and large pitches, respectively), whereas RPE scores were significantly higher during SB-SSG compared to SG-SSG (6.2 +/- 1.0 vs. 5.8 +/- 0.9; P<0.05, respectively) on the small pitch. In the present study higher physiological responses were observed in SSG in pre-adolescent young soccer players when using the stop-ball conditions in comparison with the small-goal rule for all pitch sizes - small, medium, and large. Stopball conditions in comparison with the small-goal rule for all pitch sizes - small, medium, and large.

Common methods to estimate vertical jump height (VJH) are based on the measurements of flight time (FT) or vertical reaction force. This study aimed to assess the measurement errors when estimating the VJH with flight time using photocell devices in comparison with the gold standard jump height measured by a force plate (FP). The second purpose was to determine the intrinsic reliability of the Optojump photoelectric cells in estimating VJH. For this aim, 20 subjects (age: 22.50±1.24 years) performed maximal vertical jumps in three modalities in randomized order: the squat jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ), and CMJ with arm swing (CMJarm). Each trial was simultaneously recorded by the FP and Optojump devices. High intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for validity (0.98-0.99) and low limits of agreement (less than 1.4 cm) were found; even a systematic difference in jump height was consistently observed between FT and double integration of force methods (-31% to -27%; p<0.001) and a large effect size (Cohen’s d>1.2). Intra-session reliability of Optojump was excellent, with ICCs ranging from 0.98 to 0.99, low coefficients of variation (3.98%), and low standard errors of measurement (0.8 cm). It was concluded that there was a high correlation between the two methods to estimate the vertical jump height, but the FT method cannot replace the gold standard, due to the large systematic bias. According to our results, the equations of each of the three jump modalities were presented in order to obtain a better estimation of the jump height.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of 3 training protocols (plyometric [PLYO], agility [AG], or repeated shuttle sprints [RS]) on physical performance in the same population of young soccer players. Forty-two youth-level male players (13.6±0.3-years; 1.65±0.07 m; 54.1±6.5 kg; body fat: 12.8±2.6%) participated in a short-term (6-week) randomized parallel fully controlled training study (pre-to-post measurements): PLYO group, n=10; AG group, n=10; RS group, n=12; and control group [CON] n=10. PLYO training = 9 lower limb exercises (2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions). The AG group performed planned AG drills and direction changes. RS training consisted of 2-4 sets of 5-6x 20 to 30 m shuttle sprints (20 seconds recovery in between). Progressive overload principles were incorporated into the programme by increasing the number of foot contacts and varying the complexity of the exercises. Pre/post-training tests were: bilateral standing horizontal jump, and unilateral horizontal jumps, sprint (30 m with 10 m lap time), agility (20 m zigzag), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) (i.e. 6x30 m shuttle sprints: 2x15 m with 180° turns). Significant main effects for time (i.e. training application) and group (training type) were detected. Improvements in horizontal jumping were higher (p<0.01: ES=large) in PLYO. The RS group improved significantly more (p<0.01; ES=large) than other groups: 30 m sprint, RSAbest and RSAmean performances. Significantly greater increases in 20 m zigzag performance were observed following AG and RS training (4.0 and 3.8%, respectively) compared with PLYO (2.0%) and CON training (0.8%). No significant differences were reported in the RSAdec between groups. Elite young male soccer players’ physical performances can be significantly and specifically improved either using PLYO or AG or RSA training over short-term in-season training.

The aim of our study was to determine the differences in some anthropometric and physical performance variables of young Croatian female volleyball players (aged 13 to 15) in relation to playing position (i.e., independent variable) and performance level within each position (i.e., independent variable). Players were categorized according to playing position (i.e., role) as middle blockers (n=28), opposite hitters (n=41), passer-hitters (n=54), setters (n=30), and liberos (n=28). Within each position, players were divided into a more successful group and a less successful group according to team ranking in the latest regional championship and player quality within the team. Height and body mass, somatotype by the Heath-Carter method, and four tests of lower body power, speed, agility and upper body power (i.e., dependent variables) were assessed. Players in different positions differed significantly in height and all three somatotype components, but no significant differences were found in body mass, body mass index or measured physical performance variables. Players of different performance level differed significantly in both anthropometric and physical performance variables. Generally, middle blockers were taller, more ectomorphic, less mesomorphic and endomorphic, whereas liberos were shorter, less ectomorphic, more mesomorphic and endomorphic than players in other positions. More successful players in all positions had a lower body mass index, were less mesomorphic and endomorphic, and more ectomorphic than less successful players. Furthermore, more successful players showed better lower body power, speed, agility and upper body power. The results of this study can potentially provide coaches with useful indications about the use of somatotype selection and physical performance assessment for talent identification and development.

Introduction: Many Muslim team sports players are keeping their training and competition activity while fasting during the holy month of Ramadan or while practicing short periods of fasting as advised by Sunna (single days of 3 consecutive days of fast). To study the effects of 3-days of Islamic intermittent fasting (IF) on physical performance during treadmill repeated-sprints (RS) in active healthy Muslim young adults.

Recreational soccer (RS) is becoming a popular alternative to the classical continuous exercise mode used for the improvement of cardiovascular and metabolic fitness in untrained people. The objective of this paper was to conduct a detailed systematic review of the literature, identifying the physiological responses to RS and the training effects of RS on aerobic fitness and health in untrained healthy individuals and clinical patients. PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases were searched using terms related to recreational soccer. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCT) that assessed acute physiological responses to RS or the training effects of RS on physical fitness and health in sedentary, untrained subjects of any age or health status. All studies were assessed for methodological quality using the PEDro scale. Thirty-five articles met the inclusion criteria; seven examined the acute response to RS, and 28 assessed training effects. Clear evidence was found that RS had positive effects on many health-related indices and variables, including VO2 max (gains of 7-16%), blood pressure (reductions of 6-13 mmHg), body composition (decreased fat mass and improved indices of bone health), and metabolic and cardiac function. These positive effects were observed in both healthy individuals and clinical patients, irrespective of age or sex. Although this review provides clear evidence of the positive effects of RS on health, most studies had limitations of methodology (an average PEDro score < 6). Furthermore, many of the training studies were from a small number of research groups. Future studies should be extended to other countries and institutions to ensure generality of the results. Regular RS training leads to significant cardiovascular and muscular adaptations and gains of health both in sedentary individuals and clinical patients at all ages, suggesting that RS is a potentially highly motivational method to enhance population health.

The effectiveness of selected physiological and perceptual measures for monitoring training load and fatigue was studied in 16 male elite rugby sevens players during a 6-week intense training block (IT) and 2-week tapering (TAP). Daily training load (TL) and strain (TS) as well as weekly total score of fatigue (TSF) were quantified respectively by the session-rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method and an 8-item questionnaire. Also, testing was performed and 24 h urinary cortisol (C), cortisone (Cn), adrenaline (A) and noradrenalin (NA) excretion was measured before (T0) and after the IT (T1) and after the TAP (T2). The TL, TS and TSF increased during the IT and decreased during the TAP, in conjunction with a significant drop and improvement, respectively, of performance standards during the two periods. At T1, C and Cn levels increased while A and NA levels decreased, resulting in a higher C/Cn ratio and lower A/NA ratio, respectively. At T2, both C/Cn and A/NA returned to baseline values. The changes in C/Cn ratio, after the 6-week IT, were more closely related to mean TL, TS and TSF (r=0.75-0.76 vs. r=0.48-0.58, p<0.01) and to changes in the majority of performance measures than to A/NA ratio. Only the changes in C/Cn ratio after the 2-week TAP were related to mean TL, TS and TSF (r=0.61-0.68, p<0.01). The changes in hormone levels, training strain and performance standards reflected the physical and mental stressors of training, with complete recovery, as indicated by physiological homeostasis, achieved after an appropriate tapering period.

This study assessed selected measures of cognitive function in trained cyclists who observed daylight fasting during Ramadan. Eleven cyclists volunteered to participate (age: 21.6±4.8 years, VO2max: 57.7±5.6 ml kg(-1)·min(-1)) and were followed for 2 months. Cognitive function (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), Reaction Time index (RTI) and Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP) tests) and sleep architecture (ambulatory EEG) were assessed: before Ramadan (BR), in the 1st week (RA1) and 4th week of Ramadan (RA4), and 2 weeks post-Ramadan (PR). Both cognitive tests were performed twice per day: before and after Ramadan at 8-10 a.m. and 4-6 p.m., and during Ramadan at 4-6 p.m. and 0-2 a.m., respectively. Training load (TL) by the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method and wellness (Hooper index) were measured daily. If the TL increased over the study period, this variable was stable during Ramadan. The perceived fatigue and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) increased at RA4. Sleep patterns and architecture showed clear disturbances, with significant increases in the number of awakenings and light sleep durations during Ramadan (RA1 and RA4), together with decreased durations of deep and REM sleep stages at PR. RTI (simple and multiple reaction index) reaction and movement times did not vary over the study period. The RVP test showed reduced false alarms during Ramadan, suggesting reduced impulsivity. Overall accuracy significantly increased at RA1, RA4 and PR compared to baseline. At RA4, the accuracy was higher at 0-2 a.m. compared to 4-6 p.m. Despite the observed disturbances in sleep architecture, Ramadan fasting did not negatively impact the cognitive performance of trained cyclists from the Middle East.

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 examined the effects of high- vs. moderate-intensity interval training on cardiovascular fitness, leptin levels and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in obese female adolescents. Forty-seven participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving either a 1:1 ratio of 15 s of effort comprising moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT at 80% maximal aerobic speed: MAS) or high- intensity interval training (HIIT at 100% MAS), with matched 15 s recovery at 50% MAS, thrice weekly, or a no-training control group. The HIIT and MIIT groups showed improved (p<0.05) body mass (BM), BMI Z-score, and percentage of body fat (%BF). Only the HIIT group showed decreased waist circumference ( WC) (p=0.017). The effect of exercise on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was significant (p=0.019, ES=0.48 and p=0.010, ES=0.57, HIIT and MIIT, respectively). The decrease of rate-pressure product (RPP) (p<0.05, ES=0.53 and ES=0.46, HIIT and MIIT, respectively) followed the positive changes in resting heart rate and blood pressures. Blood glucose, insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment index for insulin decreased (p<0.05) in both training groups. Significant decreases occurred in blood leptin (p=0.021, ES=0.67 and p=0.011, ES=0.73) and in RPE (p=0.001, ES=0.76 and p=0.017, ES=0.57) in HIIT and MIIT, respectively. In the post-intervention period, blood leptin was strongly associated with %BF (p<0.001) and VO2 max (p<0.01) in the HIIT and MIIT groups, respectively, while RPE was strongly associated with BM (p<0.01) in the HIIT group. The results suggest that high-intensity interval training may produce more positive effects on health determinants in comparison with the same training mode at a moderate intensity.

This study aimed to describe a gradient repeated sprint ability (RSA) test in comparison with a standard level one by investigating performance, metabolic demand and muscular jumping performance as a proxy for running mechanics. Eighteen athletes performed two level RSA tests (40mx6) - for reliability evaluation - and one +/- 5% gradient RSA test, second leg downhill (RSAgrad). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration (BLa) concentration, vertical jump heights were assessed as well. Level test measures resulted highly reliable (Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.96). RSAgrad worsened only first sprints' performance (-2%) but not overall test performance (similar to 45s). RSAgrad resulted to be less deteriorating in terms of fatigue index (FI) (-36%), BLa (-23%), RPE (-11%), jumping performance (RSAgrad post-/pre-squat jump, countermovement jump heights (CMJh): -3%, -6%, respectively). RSAgrad could be used to diversify common training protocol without stressing excessively athletes' current metabolic-anaerobic capacity. Such physical conditioning procedures could improve acceleration/braking capability.

The study aimed to assess the reliability and the criterion-related validity of a new repeated sprint T-test (RSTT) that includes intense multidirectional intermittent efforts. The RSTT consisted of 7 maximal repeated executions of the agility T-test with 25 s of passive recovery rest in between. Forty-five team sports players performed two RSTTs separated by 3 days to assess the reliability of best time (BT) and total time (TT) of the RSTT. The intra-class correlation coefficient analysis revealed a high relative reliability between test and retest for BT and TT (>0.90). The standard error of measurement (<0.50) showed that the RSTT has a good absolute reliability. The minimal detectable change values for BT and TT related to the RSTT were 0.09 s and 0.58 s, respectively. To check the criterion-related validity of the RSTT, players performed a repeated linear sprint (RLS) and a repeated sprint with changes of direction (RSCD). Significant correlations between the BT and TT of the RLS, RSCD and RSTT were observed (p<0.001). The RSTT is, therefore, a reliable and valid measure of the intermittent repeated sprint agility performance. As this ability is required in all team sports, it is suggested that team sports coaches, fitness coaches and sports scientists consider this test in their training follow-up.

The Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) has become the test most widely used by coaches and physical trainers for assessment of competitors’ judo-specific physical aptitude and training programme prescription. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the SJFT performance indices and both maximal aerobic power and the level of blood lactate concentrations in female judo athletes. Seventeen female judokas (age: 21.9±1.6 years, body mass: 74.6±27.4 kg, height: 164.5±8.6 cm; BMI: 27.1±8.0 kg · m-2) took part in this study. All participants performed the SJFT, 20 m multi-stage shuttle run test (MSRT), and 30 m straight sprint test (SST), from which we calculated both acceleration (10 m) and the maximal anaerobic speed (MAnS: flying 20 m sprint). A blood sample was taken 3 min after the SJFT. The number of throws was significantly correlated with estimated VO2max (r=0.795, p=0.0001) and both acceleration (r=0.63, p =0.006) and MAnS (r=0.76, p=0.0004). Peak blood lactate recorded after the SJFT was 13.90±1.39 mmol · l-1. No significant correlation was found between blood lactate concentration and the SJFT performance indices. The lack of significant correlation between blood lactate and SJFT performance suggests that lactic anaerobic metabolism has no effect on this type of judo-specific supra-maximal exercise. The observed results can provide coaches and strength and conditioning professionals with relevant information for the interpretation of SJFT performance and the prescription of specific training programmes for female judo athletes.