Benjamín Fernández-García

Genetic variation in the renin-angiotensin system and athletic performance

Abstract The D allele at the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-insertion/deletion polymorphism has been associated with an increased risk of developing several pathological processes, such as coronary heart disease and ventricular hypertrophy. Individuals with the DD genotype show a significantly increased left-ventricular mass in response to physical training, compared to the II genotype (which would be associated with the lowest plasma ACE levels) and the ID genotype. The II genotype has been linked to a greater anabolic response. In accordance with a role for ACE in the response to rigorous physical training, a higher frequency of the I allele has been reported to exist among elite rowers and high-altitude mountaineers. Sixty elite (professional) athletes (25 cyclists, 20 long-distance runners, and 15 handball players), and 400 healthy controls were genotyped for the DNA polymorphisms of the ACE, angiotensinogen (Ang) and angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1) genes. Plasma ACE levels showed a strong correlation with the I/D genotype in our population. The I-allele occurred at a significantly higher frequency in athletes compared to controls (P=0.0009). Gene and genotype frequencies for the Ang and AT1 polymorphisms did not differ between athletes and controls. Since the frequency of the ACE I allele was significantly increased among our elite athletes, we conclude that the ACE polymorphism represents a genetic factor that contributes to the development of an elite athlete.

Intensity of exercise during road race pro-cycling competition

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to quantify the intensity of competition during two professional bicycle stage races: the Tour de France (Tour) and Vuelta a España (Vuelta). METHODS The HR responses of 18 world class cyclists were recorded during the races and compared with HR ranges that corresponded to four intensities of exercise that were measured in the laboratory with an incremental test to exhaustion 2 wk before each race. The four intensities were: Anaerobic (AN) over the individual anaerobic threshold, which was over 90% of VO2max; intense aerobic (IA), which was between 70 and 90% of VO2max; moderate aerobic (MA), which was between 50 and 70% of VO2max; and recovery (RE), which was < 50% of VO2max. The stages were divided in individual time trial (ITT), flat, or mountain. RESULTS The mean HR of the Vuelta and Tour were, respectively, 133.8 +/- 17.9 and 134 +/- 18.6 beats x min(-1). The mean total time of each stage was 269.6 +/- 122 and 259.4 +/- 119.9 min. The mean stage time over IAT was 17.5 +/- 15.7 and 24.7 +/- 26 min; the IA time was 75.2 +/- 47.6 and 79.6 +/- 48.3 min; the MA was 97.2 +/- 57.4 and 89.5 +/- 54.9 min. Finally the RE time was 79.6 +/- 60.5 and 65.4 +/- 69.7 min. The percentage of participation related to total time of the race was, respectively, in the Vuelta and the Tour, 12.99 and 16.8% in AN exercise intensity, 29.5 and 29.2% in IA, 32.4 and 31.9% in MA, and 25.1 and 25.2% in RE. There are no differences in AN time among flat, mountain, and ITT stages in each race, except for the mountain stages in the Tour. CONCLUSION Cycling is a high intensity sport because approximately 93 min in flat and 123 min in mountain stages were above 70% of VO2max. In addition, the time spent at IAT was roughly 20 min regardless of stage type, suggesting that the anaerobic capacity limits performance.

Activity patterns, blood lactate concentrations and ratings of perceived exertion during a professional singles tennis tournament

Objective: To examine the game characteristics and physiological (ie, blood lactate concentration) and perceptual (ie, rating of perceived exertion, RPE) responses during actual tennis competition in professional performers. Methods: Eight trained and internationally ranked (Association of Tennis Professionals rankings) male tennis players were studied during singles matches (best of three sets) played on an outdoor clay court surface during a professional, invitational tournament. Blood lactate concentrations (n = 53) and RPE (n = 113) were determined at selected changeovers during the game. The variables describing the characteristics of the matches, (a) duration of rallies (DRs); (b) rest time (RT); (c) effective playing time (EPT); and (d) shots per rally (SR), were determined from video recordings. Results: The mean (SD) values for the match-play activity variables were DR 7.5 (7.3) s, RT 16.2 (5.2) s, EPT 21.5 (4.9%), SR 2.7 (2.2) shots. Average blood lactate concentration and RPE values were 3.8 (2.0) mmol/l and 13 (2). Blood lactate concentrations and RPE values were significantly higher (p<0.01) in service games than in receiving games. Both blood lactate concentration and RPE values were significantly correlated with SR and DR (r = 0.80 to 0.28; p<0.001). Conclusions: Blood lactate concentrations and RPE were found to be influenced by the characteristics of the match and the playing situation (ie, serving or returning). These specific situations might be used to alter the overload training stimulus during tennis on-court practice.

Upper body aerobic fitness comparison between two groups of competitive surfboard riders

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the upper-body aerobic fitness characteristics in 2 groups of competitive surfers with different performance levels. Thirteen male competitive surfers performed an incremental dry-land board paddling test to determine specific peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), peak power output (Wpeak) and the exercise intensity (%VO2peak) that elicits a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol x L(-1) (LT4). As a measure of surfing performance, surfers were ranked according to their competitive season performance (RANK) and divided into 2 groups based on their performance level; European top-level competitive surfers (ELS) (n = 7) and regional level competitive surfers (RLS) (n = 6). ELS reached significantly higher values than RLS for Wpeak (154.71 +/- 36.82 W vs. 117.70 +/- 27.14 W: P = 0.04) and LT4 (95.18 +/- 3.42 %VO2peak vs. 88.89 +/- 5.01 %VO2peak; P = 0.02) but not VO2peak (3.34 +/- 0.31 L x min(-1) vs. 3.40 +/- 0.37 L x min(-1); P = 0.77). Spearman-rank order correlation analysis revealed that RANK was inversely correlated with Wpeak (r = -0.65, P = 0.01) and LT4 (r = -0.58, P = 0.03). These findings identify that better surfers have higher upper body aerobic fitness scores.

Match activity and physiological responses during a junior female singles tennis tournament

Objective: To assess physiological load in conjunction with individual patterns of match-play activity in junior female tennis players during actual singles tennis competition. Methods: Eight elite junior female tennis players (n = 8; mean (SD) age, 17.3 (1.9) years) took part in a 2 day invitational tournament. Activity pattern analysis was performed during competitive matches. Heart rate and blood lactate concentrations were measured during selected changeovers breaks in play. Results: The activity profile of junior female players were: rally duration, (mean (SD)) 8.2 (5.2) s; rest time between rallies, 17.7 (6.5) s; effective playing time, 21.9 (3.8)%; strokes per rally, 2.7 (1.7); changes of direction per rally, 2.3 (1.4). The mean (SD) heart rate and blood lactate concentration recorded during the matches were 161 (5) beats/min and 2.0 (0.8) mmol/litre. Heart rate and blood lactate concentration values were influenced by the characteristics of the match and mean (SD) heart rate was significantly higher (p = 0.004) during service games (166 (15.4) beats/min) than in return games (156 (19.6) beats/min), while blood lactate concentrations were not significantly different (p = 0.83) between service (2.3 (0.6) mmol/litre) and return games (2.3 (0.9) mmol/litre). We found a significant (p<0.05) positive relationship between rally duration, strokes per rally, changes of direction and blood lactate and heart rate responses, with stronger correlations when the players were serving. Conclusions: The physiological (ie, blood lactate and heart rate) responses associated with match play were influenced by the characteristics of the match (rally duration, strokes per rally and changes of direction), with higher heart rate on service position. Training programs should reflect these demands placed on female players during competitive match play.

Match activity and physiological load during a clay-court tennis tournament in elite female players

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the match activity and physiological demands of womens tennis during a 3-day clay-court tennis tournament. The activity profile of eight players was determined by filming each competitive match with video cameras. Metabolic-perceptual measurements–blood samples and individual ratings of perceived exertion (RPE)–were taken while the players were sitting during permitted changeover breaks in play. The activity profile of the players was as follows: strokes per rally, 2.5 ± 1.6; rally duration, 7.2 ± 5.2 s; rest time between rallies, 15.5 ± 7.3 s; effective playing time, 21.6 ± 6.1%; work-to-rest ratio, 1:2.1. Blood lactate concentration [2.2 ± 0.9 mmol · l−1 (n = 50) vs. 2.2 ± 0.7 mmol · l−1 (n = 48)] and RPE values [12.2 ± 2.4 (n = 57) vs. 12 ± 2.3 (n = 57)] were not significantly different (P = 0.65–0.78) between service and return games. The results highlight the importance of taking these factors (i.e. activity patterns and physiological profile) into account when planning training strategies for competitive females players. As such, tennis training regimes should be adapted to the specific demands imposed by match-play in female players on a clay-court surface.

Effects of Vibration Training on Force Production in Female Basketball Players

Fernandez-Rio, J, Terrados, N, Fernandez-Garcia, B, and Suman, OE. Effects of vibration training on force production in female basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 24(5): 1373-1380, 2010-The goal of this research project was to investigate the long-term effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on force production. Thirty-one female basketball players were randomly distributed in an experimental group: VG (vibration) and a control group: CG (no vibration). Both groups participated in the same training program; however, the experimental group (VG) performed a set of exercises on a vibration platform (Power Plate®) at 30- to 35-Hz frequency and 4 mm amplitude, whereas the CG performed the same exercises at 0 Hz. Muscle performance of the legs was tested on a contact-time platform (Ergojump®, Finland) through several tests: squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 15-second maximal performance jump; squat leg power (knee extension) was also evaluated using an Ergopower machine® (Bosco, Italy). After 14 weeks, there was a significant increase (p < 0.001) from initial to final tests in both groups (CG and VG) in SJ, CMJ, 15 seconds, and squat leg power. However, there were no significant differences between the VG and the CG for any of the parameters evaluated. The findings of this study indicate that WBV training has no additive or discernible effect on the strength development of female basketball players after several weeks of use, suggesting that the application of this technology has no advantages over traditional strength training methods.

Ratings of Perceived Exertion-Lactate Association During Actual Singles Tennis Match Play

Mendez-Villanueva, A, Fernandez-Fernández, J, Bishop, D, and Fernandez-Garcia, B. Ratings of perceived exertion-lactate association during actual singles tennis match play. J Strength Cond Res 24(1): 165-170, 2010-To examine the relationship between metabolic (i.e., blood lactate concentration) and perceptual (ratings of perceived exertion, RPE) responses and their association with variables describing the characteristics of the singles tennis match play. Eight trained and internationally ranked (Association of Tennis Professionals rankings) male tennis players were studied during singles matches (best of 3 sets) played on an outdoor clay court surface during a professional invitational tournament. Ratings of perceived exertion and blood lactate concentrations were determined at selected changeovers during the game. The variables describing the characteristics of the matches, (a) duration of rallies (DR), (b) rest time, (c) effective playing time, and (d) strokes per rally (SR), were determined from video recordings. Significant correlations (r = 0.57-0.48; p < 0.01) were found for RPE-blood lactate responses during the games. Both RPE and blood lactate concentration values were significantly correlated with SR and DR (r = 0.80-0.61; p < 0.001) in service games. Average RPE was significantly higher (p < 0.05) following service games (13.5 ± 1.9; n = 24) than following receiving games (12.2 ± 2.0; n = 22). Mean blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) following service games (4.4 ± 2.4 mmol·L−1; n = 24) than following receiving games (3.0 ± 1.3 mmol·L−1; n = 22). These results indicate that monitoring RPE may be a useful technique for regulating on-court tennis training intensity. Moreover, blood lactate may mediate the relation between RPE and tennis match play intensity.

Frequent participation in high volume exercise throughout life is associated with a more differentiated adaptive immune response.

Exercise induces changes in the immune system depending on its intensity and duration. For example, transient states of immunodepression can be induced after acute intense physical activity whereas beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of moderate chronic exercise on many diseases and longevity have been described. To study the impact of high volume exercise over a lifetime on aspects of immunity we compared immunological features of 27 young and 12 elderly athletes with 30 young and 26 elderly non-athletes stratified by their CMV serostatus. We characterized blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry, quantified TREC content, and measured activation and proliferation ability of T-lymphocytes in the presence of anti-CD3. NK-cells functionality was determined in response to K-562, 721.221 and 721.221-AEH cell-lines. High volume physical activity reduced the total number of circulating leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. In the lymphocyte compartment, athletes had higher frequencies of NK-cells and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, whereas CD4+ T-lymphocytes were present at significantly lower levels in CMV-seropositive athletes. We found, in the high volume physical activity individuals, a higher degree of differentiation in CD4+ T-lymphocytes. CD8+ T-lymphocytes from young athletes had reduced TREC content and lower frequencies of recent thymic emigrants. Furthermore, the functional ability of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes was significantly impaired in young but not in elderly athletes, and may be compensated for significantly higher activation and degranulation of NK-cells. In conclusion, high volume exercise throughout life appears to be associated with increased levels of biomarkers that are associated with an aging immune system, which are partially reduced with physiological aging.

Effects of Slackline Training on Postural Control, Jump Performance, and Myoelectrical Activity in Female Basketball Players.

Abstract Santos, L, Fernández-Río, J, Fernández-García, B, Jakobsen, MD, González-Gómez, L, and Suman, OE. Effects of slackline training on postural control, jump performance, and myoelectrical activity in female basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 30(3): 653–664, 2016—The main goal of the study was to assess the effects of slackline training on the postural control system and jump performance of athletes. Twenty-five female basketball players were randomized into 2 groups: control (N = 12) and experimental (N = 13). The latter experienced a 6-week supervised slackline training (3 sessions per week, 5–9 minutes per session). Participants underwent center of pressure (CoP) testing through three 10-second tasks (bipedal, left leg, and right leg support) over firm and compliant surfaces with eyes open. Several CoP parameters were assessed: length, area, length/area, speed, Ymean, Xmean, deltaY, deltaX, RMS (root-mean-squared amplitude of the CoP), RMSY, and RMSX. Surface electromyography recordings were obtained too. Participants were also tested on jump performance, provided perceived exertion (6–20 Borg scale) and local muscle perceived exertion. Center of pressure parameters significantly differed before and after training only in the experimental group and only on the compliant surface (left leg: length, area, speed, deltaY, and deltaX; right leg: length, speed, Ymean, deltaY, and RMSY). Surface electromyography recordings were comparable before and after training in both groups. Performance on a countermovement jump test significantly improved only in the experimental group (effect side was 3.21 and 1.36 [flight time and jump height, respectively], which is described as a large effect). Mechanical power of the legs, as measured through the 30-second maximal performance jump test, did not improve in either group. The slackline training was rated as “somewhat hard” with the quadriceps, soleus, and gastrocnemius being rated as the most engaged muscles. Data indicate that slacklining requires activation of the main lower limb muscles. On conclusion, slacklining may be a valid cross-training tool for female basketball players.