Braulio Henrique Magnani Branco

Caffeine Ingestion Increases Estimated Glycolytic Metabolism during Taekwondo Combat Simulation but Does Not Improve Performance or Parasympathetic Reactivation

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of caffeine ingestion on performance and estimated energy system contribution during simulated taekwondo combat and on post-exercise parasympathetic reactivation. Methods Ten taekwondo athletes completed two experimental sessions separated by at least 48 hours. Athletes consumed a capsule containing either caffeine (5 mg∙kg-1) or placebo (cellulose) one hour before the combat simulation (3 rounds of 2 min separated by 1 min passive recovery), in a double-blind, randomized, repeated-measures crossover design. All simulated combat was filmed to quantify the time spent fighting in each round. Lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion were measured before and after each round, while heart rate (HR) and the estimated contribution of the oxidative (WAER), ATP-PCr (WPCR), and glycolytic (W[La-]) systems were calculated during the combat simulation. Furthermore, parasympathetic reactivation after the combat simulation was evaluated through 1) taking absolute difference between the final HR observed at the end of third round and the HR recorded 60-s after (HRR60s), 2) taking the time constant of HR decay obtained by fitting the 6-min post-exercise HRR into a first-order exponential decay curve (HRRτ), or by 3) analyzing the first 30-s via logarithmic regression analysis (T30). Results Caffeine ingestion increased estimated glycolytic energy contribution in relation to placebo (12.5 ± 1.7 kJ and 8.9 ± 1.2 kJ, P = 0.04). However, caffeine did not improve performance as measured by attack number (CAF: 26. 7 ± 1.9; PLA: 27.3 ± 2.1, P = 0.48) or attack time (CAF: 33.8 ± 1.9 s; PLA: 36.6 ± 4.5 s, P = 0.58). Similarly, RPE (CAF: 11.7 ± 0.4 a.u.; PLA: 11.5 ± 0.3 a.u., P = 0.62), HR (CAF: 170 ± 3.5 bpm; PLA: 174.2 bpm, P = 0.12), oxidative (CAF: 109.3 ± 4.5 kJ; PLA: 107.9 kJ, P = 0.61) and ATP-PCr energy contributions (CAF: 45.3 ± 3.4 kJ; PLA: 46.8 ± 3.6 kJ, P = 0.72) during the combat simulation were unaffected. Furthermore, T30 (CAF: 869.1 ± 323.2 s; PLA: 735.5 ± 232.2 s, P = 0.58), HRR60s (CAF: 34 ± 8 bpm; PLA: 38 ± 9 bpm, P = 0.44), HRRτ (CAF: 182.9 ± 40.5 s, PLA: 160.3 ± 62.2 s, P = 0.23) and HRRamp (CAF: 70.2 ± 17.4 bpm; PLA: 79.2 ± 17.4 bpm, P = 0.16) were not affected by caffeine ingestion. Conclusions Caffeine ingestion increased the estimated glycolytic contribution during taekwondo combat simulation, but this did not result in any changes in performance, perceived exertion or parasympathetic reactivation.

Development and validation of a time-motion judo combat model based on the Markovian Processes

The aim of the study was to develop a technical-tactical model of judo combat. Thus, 2.316 combats performed by men ranked as the world’s best and qualified for the 2012 Olympics Games were collected in 2011 and 2012, and 769 performances were used and 53.403 combat situations were analyzed. In order to develop the model of combat situations and the combinations between phases, as well as their respective components, the statistical analysis used the multi-state Markov Model. Moreover, the objectivity of the analysis was observed with comparisons and, the intra and inter-agreement was verified by means of the Cohen Kappa coefficient. Results showed no differences among analysts and referent to the actions in each phase of combat, the correlations analyses showed a “Almost perfect” classification for 87% of all variables analyzed. Regarding Markovian process analysis of the combat phases, results show the main tactical systems of attacks, where attack to the front follows attack to the right in the most part of the time and the highest likelihood to occur a projection is after attack to the front and to the right orientations. This information can help analysts and coaches to improve tactical and physiological athlete’s performance.

Physical Fitness Attributes of Team-Handball Players are Related to Playing Position and Performance Level

Background: Investigations have reported differences amongst player position groups in elite team-Handball (HB) players. Nevertheless, studies with normative physical fitness data of the HB playing positions at more than two different levels of male HB players have not been reported yet. Objectives: This study aimed: 1) to describe and compare the physical fitness (PF) attributes of male HB players in different playing positions, and 2) to determine which combination of PF measures best discriminate the performance level groups in each one of the individual HB playing position groups. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty-one male HB players participated in this study. The participants were divided into five playing position groups: 1) Goalkeeper (GK, n = 24), 2) Wing (W, n = 48), 3) Back left/right (BLR, n = 38), 4) Back center (BC, n = 29), 5) Pivot (Pi, n = 22), complementarily, performance level was recorded for each participant according to the national HB association, i.e. 1) Top Elite, 2) Moderate Elite, 3) Sub-Elite or, 4) Moderately Trained. Stature and body mass measures were taken from each HB player, and six fitness tests were performed (30 -m sprint, handgrip, vertical jumps-SJ and CMJ, sit-ups, and Yo-Yo IE2). Results: Significant differences were observed between HB playing position groups in body size, speed, and lower limb power and handgrip strength. Nevertheless, 1) the performance in Yo-Yo IE2 was the best measure to discriminate the performance level groups when considering the HB goalkeeper group, HB center back group, and HB pivot group; 2) the average leg power (in squat jump) and the number of executions in sit up test successfully discriminated HB wing performance level groups; and, 3) Stature, countermovement jump height and the position in the Yo-Yo IE2, successfully discriminated HB left/right back performance level groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that HB players profile, 1) differs according to HB playing position group, and, 2) for the same playing position group, it differs according to HB performance level. This study also demonstrated the influence of aerobic capacity for HB excellence, and according to playing positions.

High-Intensity Intermittent Training Positively Affects Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance in Judo Athletes Independently of Exercise Mode

Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) on lower- and upper-body graded exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE, four Wingate bouts) performance, and on physiological and muscle damage markers responses in judo athletes. Methods: Thirty-five subjects were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 8) or to one of the following HIIT groups (n = 9 for each) and tested pre- and post-four weeks (2 training d·wk−1): (1) lower-body cycle-ergometer; (2) upper-body cycle-ergometer; (3) uchi-komi (judo technique entrance). All HIIT were constituted by two blocks of 10 sets of 20 s of all out effort interspersed by 10 s set intervals and 5-min between blocks. Results: For the upper-body group there was an increase in maximal aerobic power in graded upper-body exercise test (12.3%). The lower-body group increased power at onset blood lactate in graded upper-body exercise test (22.1%). The uchi-komi group increased peak power in upper- (16.7%) and lower-body (8.5%), while the lower-body group increased lower-body mean power (14.2%) during the HIIE. There was a decrease in the delta blood lactate for the uchi-komi training group and in the third and fourth bouts for the upper-body training group. Training induced testosterone-cortisol ratio increased in the lower-body HIIE for the lower-body (14.9%) and uchi-komi (61.4%) training groups. Conclusion: Thus, short-duration low-volume HIIT added to regular judo training was able to increase upper-body aerobic power, lower- and upper-body HIIE performance.

The Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Post-Training Recovery in Jiu-Jitsu Athletes

Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy during post-training recovery in jiu-jitsu athletes. Methods Eleven experienced Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes were investigated during and following two training sessions of 1h30min. Using a cross-over design, the athletes were randomly assigned to passive recovery for 2 hours or to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (OHB) for the same duration. After a 7-day period, the interventions were reversed. Before, immediately after, post 2 hours and post 24 hours, blood samples were collected to examine hormone concentrations (cortisol and total testosterone) and cellular damage markers [creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)]. Moreover, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and recovery (RPR) scales were applied. Results Final lactate [La] values (control: 11.9 ± 1.4 mmol/L, OHB: 10.2 ± 1.4 mmol/L) and RPE [control: 14 (13–17 a.u.), OHB: 18 (17–20 a.u.)] were not significantly different following the training sessions. Furthermore, there was no difference between any time points for blood lactate and RPE in the two experimental conditions (P>0.05). There was no effect of experimental conditions on cortisol (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.793, η2 = 0.00, small), total testosterone (F1,20 = 0.03, P = 0.877, η2 = 0.00, small), CK (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.759, η2 = 0.01, small), AST (F1,20 = 0.1, P = 0.761, η2 = 0.01, small), ALT (F1,20 = 0.0, P = 0.845, η2 = 0.00, small) or LDH (F1,20 = 0.7, P = 0.413, η2 = 0.03, small). However, there was a difference between the two experimental conditions in RPR with higher values at post 2 h and 24 h in OHB when compared to the control condition (P<0.05). Conclusions Thus, it can be concluded that OHB exerts no influence on the recovery of hormonal status or cellular damage markers. Nonetheless, greater perceived recovery, potentially due to the placebo effect, was evident following the OHB condition.

Normative tables for the dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests for judo athletes

BackgroundNo study has elaborated the normative tables to classify judo athletes as to the dynamic and isometric chin-up judogi tests.PurposeTo elaborate normative judogi chin-up tables to classify judo athletes.Methods138 male judo athletes from state, national, and international levels participated in the study. All tests were carried out during the competitive period. The tests can be performed by absolute values or relativized by body mass.ResultsData were distributed as percentile, with absolute values ≤ 10% (very poor ≤ 10 s; ≤ 1 rep), 11 a 25% (poor 11–25 s; 2–6 reps), 26–75% (regular 26–55 s; 7–16 reps), 76–90% (good 56–62 s; 17–19 reps), and > 90% (excellent ≥ 63 s; ≥ 20 reps). The relativized values consist of the following classifications [body mass multiplied per seconds (s) or repetitions (reps)] ≤ 10% (very poor ≤ 1051 kg.s; ≤ 121 kg.rep), 11–25% (poor 1052–2041 kg.s; 122–474 kg.rep), 26–75% (regular 2042–3962 kg.s; 475–1190 kg.rep), 76–90% (good 3963–4008 kg.s; 1191–1463 kg.rep), and > 90% (excellent ≥ 4009 kg.s; ≥ 1464 kg.rep).ConclusionThe normative table can be used as a reference to classify judo athletes as to specific used as a reference to classify judo athletes as to specific dynamic and isometric endurance strength holding the judogi, a specific field test which is low cost and can be implemented with the basic equipment.

Different sports, but the same physical and physiological profiles?

We would like to congratulate Dr. Lachlan P. James and colleagues for their work ‘‘Towards a Determination of the Physiological Characteristics Distinguishing Successful Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: A Systematic Review of Combat Sport Literature’’, published recently in Sports Medicine [1]. In recent years, mixed martial arts (MMA) has seen an exponential growth in both the number of practitioners/athletes and the number of sporting events. Thus, to draw a physical and physiological profile of athletes of this modality would be of great help to the organization and prescription of training, as the authors reported and tried to describe through a (much appreciated) systematic review. However, some factors make us question the applicability of the results. In our view, the results of this review provide important information to distinguish between the physiological profiles of athletes of different modalities (boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai and wrestling), but such results cannot be extended to MMA specifically. In Table 1, it can be seen that no article specifically dealing with MMA met the search criteria to be included in the systematic review [1]. This fact is inherent in the low number of studies involving the sport, which are mostly studies describing injuries involving MMA [2–6]. In all, eight articles referred to wrestling, eight referred to judo, four referred to karate, two referred to boxing, and one referred to Brazilian jiu-jitsu; none referring to kickboxing, Muay Thai or MMA were added. This fact is extremely important in interpreting the results because the main modalities of striking (Muay Thai and kickboxing) are not considered in the study, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is a modality of grappling included in the training of almost all MMA athletes, is considered in only one study [1]. Furthermore, the fact that judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are played in a kimono uniform (judogi or gi) can greatly influence the physiological responses of the athletes (e.g. isometric endurance strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm due to grip contests in the course of the match). Indeed, approximately 50 % of judo matches is taken up by the participants battling for grips [7, 8]. Thus, it is plausible that the grappling athletes have high isometric and dynamic endurance strength in the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm. However, the key factor in our objection to the applicability of the results is due to the fact that the results are from elite athletes engaged in their modalities of origin and not in MMA. There is consensus that the physiological adaptations are specific to the training carried out and this principle must be considered to maximize the performance of sports combat athletes [9, 10]. Training for MMA and MMA competitions reflects the fact that the physiological and metabolic demands of these contests are significantly different, a fact that can change the morphophysiological profile of these athletes over the long-term. In major competitions, the professional MMA match time comprises three to five rounds of 5 min, with 1 min of rest between rounds. This total match time (15–25 min, & Leonardo Vidal Andreato vidal.leo@hotmail.com

Comment on: “Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Total, Abdominal and Visceral Fat Mass: A Meta-Analysis”

We would like to congratulate Maillard et al. [1] on their review, Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Total, Abdominal and Visceral Fat Mass: A Meta-Analysis, published recently in Sports Medicine [1]. This is an extremely relevant topic since obesity is a pandemic health problem [2, 3] and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to be an effective training method for the improvement of several physiological parameters [4, 5], including the body composition of overweight/obese individuals [6]. The results presented by Maillard et al. [1] contribute tremendously to this area of research. However, we feel the data should be interpreted with caution and would like to address five crucial points of concern. The first of these points is the ambiguous description and analysis of certain studies included in the meta-analysis. For example, we highlight the reported lengths of the exercise sessions. In Table 2, Maillard et al. [1] demonstrate that, in the study by Shepherd et al. [7], the HIIT protocol ranged between ‘‘18–25’: [15–60 s (90% HRmax)/45–120 s active R])’’ during the follow-up; however, the HIIT protocol actually ranged between 8–15’. This difference is due to the warm-up (5-min) and cooldown (5-min) periods of the exercise session, overestimating, at times, the length of the session by more than 100%. Similarly, in another study [8], the warm-up (6min) was also included in the length of the exercise session. Furthermore, the analysis of the effect of HIIT on abdominal fat mass needs to be clarified (Fig. 3). Maillard et al. [1] consider certain studies to have had more than one HIIT protocol, but some of these HIIT protocols are nonexistent. For example, the authors reported that Heydari et al. [9] had four protocols and that Trapp et al. [10] and Kong et al. [11] had two protocols, but only one HIIT protocol was observed in each of these studies. The second point of concern is the inclusion of studies with potential confounding factors, such as protocols in which the HIIT intervention group also received another type of intervention. For example, in the studies by Cassidy et al. [12] and Hallsworth et al. [13], the participants performed 60 s of band-resisted upper-body exercise during the 3-min recovery periods between effort intervals. In the study conducted by Hornbuckle et al. [14], which consisted of a 16-week intervention in the HIIT group, the subjects only performed continuous effort at an intensity corresponding to 60–70% maximum heart rate (HRmax) for 4 weeks, but Maillard et al. [1] did not mention this. Furthermore, in the studies by Hutchison et al. [15] and Terada et al. [16], the individuals from the HIIT group performed moderate-intensity continuous training (60’ at 70% maximal oxygen consumption—VO2max and 30–60’ at 40% oxygen consumption reserve [VO2R]) for 1 day each week. The third point of concern is the inclusion of studies that did not meet the proposed eligibility criteria: the metaanalysis should involve only HIIT protocols, as these protocols have a ‘‘target intensity ‘near the maximal’ effort (i.e., between 80 and 100% of the peak heart rate [PHR]),’’ and will exclude studies that involve sprint interval training & Leonardo Vidal Andreato vidal.leo@hotmail.com