Ciro Winckler

Sleep quality evaluation, chronotype, sleepiness and anxiety of Paralympic Brazilian athletes: Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the sleep quality, sleepiness, chronotype and the anxiety level of Brazilian Paralympics athletes before the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Exercise and Psychobiology Studies Center (CEPE) and Universidade Federal de São Paulo, an urban city in Brazil. Participants A total of 27 Paralympics athletes of both genders (16 men and 11 women) with an average age of 28±6 years who practised athletics (track and field events) were evaluated. Main outcome measures Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Scale and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to evaluate sleepiness. Chronotype was determined by the Horne and Östberg questionnaire and anxiety through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The evaluations were performed in Brazil 10 days before the competition. Results The studys results demonstrate that 83.3% of the athletes that presented excessive daytime sleepiness also had poor sleep quality. The authors noted that 71.4% were classified into the morning type and 72% of the athletes who presented a medium anxiety level also presented poor sleep quality. Athletes with poor sleep quality showed significantly lower sleep efficiency (p=0.0119) and greater sleep latency (p=0.0068) than athletes with good sleep quality. Athletes who presented excessive daytime sleepiness presented lower sleep efficiency compared to non-sleepy athletes (p=0.0241). Conclusions The authors conclude that the majority of athletes presented poor sleep quality before the competition. This information should be taken into consideration whenever possible when scheduling rest, training and competition times.

Sports injuries in Paralympic track and field athletes with visual impairment

PURPOSE The aims of this study were to determine the epidemiology, nature, and pattern of sports injuries in Brazilian Paralympic track and field athletes with visual impairment and to assess differences between visual classes and sex. METHODS Forty visually impaired elite Paralympic athletes participated in this study (28 males and 12 females). All athletes competed in International Paralympic competitions between 2004 and 2008. According to the visual classification, 14 athletes were T/F11, 15 were T/F12, and 11 were T/F13. A standardized report form was used to collect injury data during five competitions. RESULTS Thirty-one athletes reported 77 sports injuries, with a prevalence of 78%, a clinical incidence of 1.93 injuries per athlete, and an incidence rate of 0.39 injuries per athlete per competition. Overuse injuries accounted for 82% and traumatic injuries 18% (P < 0.05). Small variations in the prevalence and clinical incidence of injury between sexes and visual classes were observed, but these were not statistically different (P > 0.05). The highest distribution of injury was in the lower limbs (87%), followed by spine (12%) and upper limbs (1%). The body regions most affected were the thighs (33.8%), lower legs (16.9%), and knees (9.1%). The most frequent diagnoses were spasms (26%), tendinopathies (23.4%), and strains (13%). CONCLUSIONS Elite visually impaired track and field Paralympic athletes present a pattern of overuse injuries predominantly affecting the lower limbs, particularly the thighs, lower legs, and knees. These injuries are associated with tendinopathies, muscle spasms, and strains. There were no apparent differences in injury characteristics between visual classes or sex.

Queixas musculoesqueléticas e procedimentos fisioterapêuticos na delegação brasileira paralímpica durante o mundial paralímpico de atletismo em 2011

Introduction: Athletics is an umbrella sport with high incidence of musculoskeletal injuries; however, the literature presents little information on injuries in Paralympics athletics. Objective: This study was to describe the profile of the musculoskeletal complaints, their anatomical locations, and physiotherapeutic resources used during the Paralympic Athletics World Championships in Christchurch in 2011. Methods: The Brazilian delegation included 34 athletes. Their musculoskeletal complaints, affected anatomical regions, and the physiotherapy resources used were daily recorded for all of the physiotherapy sessions. The sessions were held in the hotel that hosted the delegation and at the competition venue. Results: Out of the 34 athletes, 25 (73.5%) were treated at the Department of Physiotherapy. The main complaints were myalgia (38.4%), followed by arthralgia (23%). The region of the body with the most complaints was the thigh (n = 8, 30.7%), followed by the knee (n = 6, 23%). A total of 428 physiotherapy sessions were performed. At the hotel, the mostly used therapeutic approach was the ultrasound (35.1%), followed by TENS (31.2%) and cryotherapy (23.3%). At the competition venue, the mostly used therapeutic approach was cryotherapy (44.1%), followed by massage (37.2%). Conclusion: The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the major injuries in this sport and help to develop programs aimed for injury prevention.

Strength-Power Performance of Visually Impaired Paralympic and Olympic Judo Athletes From the Brazilian National Team: A Comparative Study

Abstract Loturco, I, Nakamura, FY, Winckler, C, Bragança, JR, da Fonseca, RA, Filho, JM, Zaccani, WA, Kobal, R, Cal Abad, CC, Kitamura, K, Pereira, LA, and Franchini, E. Strength-power performance of visually impaired paralympic and olympic judo athletes from the brazilian national team: a comparative study. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 743–749, 2017—The aim of this study was to compare the muscle power and maximal isometric strength capacities of Olympic and visually impaired Paralympic judo athletes. Twenty-eight elite judo athletes (7 men and 7 women per group) from the permanent Brazilian National Paralympic and Olympic teams took part in this study. After a specific warm-up, the athletes performed loaded jump squat (JS), bench press (BP), and standing barbell row (SBR) exercises to determine their values of maximum mean propulsive power (MPP) in these respective exercises. The maximal isometric strength (MIS) was also determined for both upper and lower limbs, through the use of BP and half-squat (HS) exercises. Finally, the jumping ability was assessed using unloaded squat jump (SJ). The magnitude-based inference was used to compare the groups. The Olympic judo athletes presented a likely higher SJ height than the Paralympic athletes. The Olympic group presented almost certainly higher MPP in the loaded JS and in the SBR exercises and likely higher MPP in the BP exercise. Importantly, in the MIS assessments the differences between groups in the HS and BP exercises were rated as unclear. In conclusion, our results showed that both Olympic and Paralympic judo athletes present similar levels of maximal isometric strength, but muscle power performance is superior in Olympic athletes.

Power and Speed Differences Between Brazilian Paralympic Sprinters With Visual Impairment and Their Guides

This study compared the physical performance of Paralympic sprinters with visual impairments (PSVI) and their guides in jump and sprint tests. Ten PSVI and guides executed squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), horizontal quintuple right/left-leg jumps (QR/QL), decuple jumps (DEC), and 50-m-sprint tests. The guides were superior to the PSVI in SJ (35.9 ± 6.3 vs 45.6 ± 3.2 cm), CMJ (38.5 ± 6.2 vs 46.7 ± 4.0 cm), QR (9.2 ± 1.9 vs 12.7 ± 1.0 m), QL (9.4 ± 1.9 vs 13.1 ± 0.8 m), DEC (21.0 ± 3.3 vs. 27.2 ± 1.7 m), and 50-m sprints (8.4 ± 0.4 vs 7.6 ± 0.5 m/s). The average differences between the PSVI and guides in the sprint tests was 10%, range 1-24%. Therefore, substantial differences in sprinting speed (in favor of the guides) between the peers were observed. Coaches should develop strategies to train the guides to improve their muscle-power performance.

Sleep quality and psychobiological aspects of Brazilian Paralympic athletes in the London 2012 pre-Paralympics period

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os aspectos psicobiologicos de atletas da modalidade de atletismo Paralimpico, antes dos Jogos Paralimpicos de Londres de 2012. Foram avaliados 40 atletas, sem 31 homens e 9 mulheres que foram convocados pelo Comite Paralimpico Brasileiro para fazer parte da Delegacao Brasileira. Para a avaliacao dos aspectos psicobiologicos nos utilizamos os questionarios: Inventario de Ansiedade Traco-Estado, POMS, Inventario de Depressao de Beck, questionario de Pittsburgh Escala de Epworth para avaliar, respectivamente, a ansiedade, o humor, a depressao, o sono e a sonolencia. Para ansiedade-traco e ansiedade-estado os atletas apresentaram nivel medio de ansiedade, em relacao ao perfil dos estados de humor, a dimensao vigor apresentou valores mais altos do que as outras dimensoes. O tempo total de sono foi menor em atletas com o sono ruim, a eficiencia de sono foi menor em atletas com sono ruim e o tempo total de sono foi menor para quem teve eficiencia < 85%. Todas as variaveis psicobiologicas avaliadas no periodo pre-competitivo estavam dentro da normalidade para os atletas da equipe Paralimpica Brasileira de atletismo que participaram dos Jogos Paralimpicos de Londres 2012.O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os aspectos psicobiologicos de atletas da modalidade de atletismo Paralimpico, antes dos Jogos Paralimpicos de Londres de 2012. Foram avaliados 40 atletas, sem 31 homens e 9 mulheres que foram convocados pelo Comite Paralimpico Brasileiro para fazer parte da Delegacao Brasileira. Para a avaliacao dos aspectos psicobiologicos nos utilizamos os questionarios: Inventario de Ansiedade Traco-Estado, POMS, Inventario de Depressao de Beck, questionario de Pittsburgh Escala de Epworth para avaliar, respectivamente, a ansiedade, o humor, a depressao, o sono e a sonolencia. Para ansiedade-traco e ansiedade-estado os atletas apresentaram nivel medio de ansiedade, em relacao ao perfil dos estados de humor, a dimensao vigor apresentou valores mais altos do que as outras dimensoes. O tempo total de sono foi menor em atletas com o sono ruim, a eficiencia de sono foi menor em atletas com sono ruim e o tempo total de sono foi menor para quem teve eficiencia < 85%. Todas as variaveis psicobiologicas avaliadas no periodo pre-competitivo estavam dentro da normalidade para os atletas da equipe Paralimpica Brasileira de atletismo que participaram dos Jogos Paralimpicos de Londres 2012.

Vertically and horizontally directed muscle power exercises: Relationships with top-level sprint performance

The capacity to rapidly generate and apply a great amount of force seems to play a key role in sprint running. However, it has recently been shown that, for sprinters, the technical ability to effectively orient the force onto the ground is more important than its total amount. The force-vector theory has been proposed to guide coaches in selecting the most adequate exercises to comprehensively develop the neuromechanical qualities related to the distinct phases of sprinting. This study aimed to compare the relationships between vertically-directed (loaded and unloaded vertical jumps, and half-squat) and horizontally-directed (hip-thrust) exercises and the sprint performance of top-level track and field athletes. Sixteen sprinters and jumpers (including three Olympic athletes) executed vertical jumps, loaded jump squats and hip-thrusts, and sprinting speed tests at 10-, 20-, 40-, 60-, 100-, and 150-m. Results indicated that the hip-thrust is more associated with the maximum acceleration phase (i.e., from zero to 10-m; r = 0.93), whereas the loaded and unloaded vertical jumps seem to be more related to top-speed phases (i.e., distances superior to 40-m; r varying from 0.88 to 0.96). These findings reinforce the mechanical concepts supporting the force-vector theory, and provide coaches and sport scientists with valuable information about the potential use and benefits of using vertically- or horizontally-based training exercises.

Performance Changes of Elite Paralympic Judo Athletes During a Paralympic Games Cycle: A Case Study with the Brazilian National Team

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the variations in power performance of elite Paralympic judo athletes across three consecutive training cycles of preparation for the ParaPan American Games, the World Championship and the Paralympic Games. Eleven Paralympic judokas from the Brazilian National team participated in this study. They were repeatedly assessed using squat and countermovement jumps, mean propulsive power (MPP) in the jump-squat (JS), the bench press and prone bench pull at several moments of the preparation. Training supervision based on the optimum power zone (range of loads where power production is maximized) was provided in the final cycle, prior to the Paralympic Games. Magnitude-based inference was used to compare the repeated measurements of power performance. Lower and upper limb muscle power gradually increased throughout the cycles; however, the best results in all exercises were observed prior to the Paralympic Games, during which the team won four silver medals. As an illustration, prior to participation in the Paralympic Games the MPP in the JS was likely to very likely higher than prior to the World Championship (effect size [ES] = 0.77) and ParaPan American Games (ES = 0.53), and in January and March 2016 (ES = 0.98 and 0.92, respectively; months preceding the Paralympic Games). Power performance assessments can provide information about the evolution of Paralympic judokas, and training at the optimum power zone seems to constitute an effective method to improve lower and upper limb power in these athletes.

Comparison of Measured and Predictive Values of Basal Metabolic Rate in Brazilian Paralympic Track and Field Athletes

UNLABELLED To compare basal metabolic rate (BMR) predicted by different equations with measured BMR of the Brazilian paralympic track & field team aiming to verify which of these equations is best suited for use in this group. METHOD 19 male and 11 female athletes grouped according to functional classification (vision impairment-VI, limb deficiency-LD, and cerebral palsy-CP) had their BMR measured by indirect calorimetry and compared with values predicted by different equations: Cunningham, Owen, Harris-Benedict, FAO/OMS, Dietary Reference Intakes, and Mifflin. Body composition data were obtained by skinfold measurements. Results were reported as mean and standard deviation and analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and Pearsons Correlation Coefficient. The Root Mean Squared Prediction Error (RMSPE) was calculated to identify the similarity between the estimated and predicted BMR. RESULTS Mean measured BMR was 25 ± 4.2, 26 ± 2.4, and 26 ± 2.7 kcal/kg of fat free mass/day for VI, LD, and CP, respectively. Owens equation had the best predictive performance in comparison with measured BMR for LD and CP athletes, within 104 and 125 kcal/day, while Mifflins equation predicted within 146 kcal/day for VI athletes. CONCLUSION for this specific group of athletes the Owen and Mifflin equations provided the best predictions of BMR.

Analysis of the body composition of Paralympic athletes: Comparison of two methods

Abstract Body composition is a physiological variable associated with physical activity and, in some cases, is related to athletic performance. Our objectives were to describe the body composition of participants in three distinct Paralympic sports and to compare the values of body density and estimated body fat obtained from the Paralympic athletes on the National Team by air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) and by the anthropometric method (skinfolds (SFs)). The sample consisted of 70 volunteers of both genders. The body composition of the volunteers was evaluated using the ADP in a Bod Pod® and seven SFs. There were no significant differences between the values obtained by ADP and SF for body fat percentage (p = .58) and body density (p = .49). Analysis by Bland–Altman plots showed mean differences of 0.56 ± 4.94 (−9.12–10.23) and −0.0017 ± 0.0113 (−0.024–0.020) for body fat percentage and body density, respectively. In conclusion, body composition analyses of Paralympic athletes by the ADP and SF methods show similar results, and ADP should be used as the first option when available. When the use of ADP is not possible, estimating body density and fat percentage by SF is a viable alternative for Paralympic athletes when future comparisons will use the same analysis method.