G Annino

Effects of whole-body vibration exercise on the endocrine system of healthy men.

Whole-body vibration is reported to increase muscle performance, bone mineral density and stimulate the secretion of lipolytic and protein anabolic hormones, such as GH and testosterone, that might be used for the treatment of obesity. To date, as no controlled trial has examined the effects of vibration exercise on the human endocrine system, we performed a randomized controlled study, to establish whether the circulating concentrations of glucose and hormones (insulin, glucagon, cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GH, IGF-1, free and total testosterone) are affected by vibration in 10 healthy men [age 39±3, body mass index (BMI) of 23.5±0.5 kg/m2, mean±SEM]. Volunteers were studied on two occasions before and after standing for 25 min on a ground plate in the absence (control) or in the presence (vibration) of 30 Hz whole body vibration. Vibration slightly reduced plasma glucose (30 min: vibration 4.59±0.21, control 4.74±0.22 mM, p=0.049) and increased plasma norepinephrine concentrations (60 min: vibration 1.29±0.18, control 1.01±0.07 nM, p=0.038), but did not change the circulating concentrations of other hormones. These results demonstrate that vibration exercise transiently reduces plasma glucose, possibly by increasing glucose utilization by contracting muscles. Since hormonal responses, with the exception of norepinephrine, are not affected by acute vibration exposure, this type of exercise is not expected to reduce fat mass in obese subjects.

Effect of recovery mode on repeated sprint ability in young basketball players.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of recovery mode on repeated sprint ability in young basketball players. Sixteen basketball players (age, 16.8 ± 1.2 years; height, 181.3 ± 5.7 cm; body mass, 73 ± 10 kg; VO2max, 59.5 ± 7.9 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed in random order over 2 separate occasions 2 repeated sprint ability protocols consisting of 10 × 30-m shuttle run sprints with 30 seconds of passive or active (running at 50% of maximal aerobic speed) recovery. Results showed that fatigue index (FI) during the active protocol was significantly greater than in the passive condition (5.05 ± 2.4, and 3.39 ± 2.3, respectively, p < 0.001). No significant association was found between VO2peak and FI and sprint total time (TT) in either repeated sprint protocols. Blood lactate concentration at 3 minutes post exercise was not significantly different between the 2 recovery conditions. The results of this study show that during repeated sprinting, passive recovery enabled better performance, reducing fatigue. Consequently, the use of passive recovery is advisable during competition in order to limit fatigue as a consequence of repeated high intensity exercise.

Relation between maximal aerobic power and the ability to repeat sprints in young basketball players.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of maximal aerobic power (&OV0622;O2peak) level on the ability to repeat sprints (calculated as performance decrement and total sprinting time) in young basketball players. Subjects were 18 junior, well-trained basketball players (age, 16.8 ± 1.2 years; height, 181.3 ± 5.7 cm; body mass, 73 ± 10 kg; &OV0622;O2peak, 59.6 ± 6.9 ml·kg−1·min−1). Match analysis and time-motion analysis of competitive basketball games was used to devise a basketball-specific repeated-sprint ability protocol consisting of ten 15-m shuttle run sprints with 30 s of passive recovery. Pre, post, and post plus 3-minute blood lactate concentrations were 2.5 = 0.7, 13.6 ± 3.1, and 14.2 ± 3.5 mmol·L−1, respectively. The mean fatigue index (FI) value was 3.4 ± 2.3% (range, 1.1–9.1%). No significant correlations were found between &OV0622;O2peak and either FI or total sprint time. A negative correlation (r = −0.75, p = 0.01) was found between first-sprint time and FI. The results of this study showed that &OV0622;O2peak is not a predictor of repeated-sprint ability in young basketball players. The high blood lactate concentrations found at the end of the repeated-sprint ability protocol suggest its use for building lactate tolerance in conditioned basketball players.

EFFECT OF WHOLE BODY VIBRATION TRAINING ON LOWER LIMB PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED HIGH-LEVEL BALLET STUDENTS

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks of whole body vibration (WBV) training on vertical jump ability (CMJ) and knee-extensor performance at selected external loads (50, 70, and 100 kg; leg-press exercise) in elite ballerinas. Twenty-two (age, 21.25 ± 1.5 years) full-time ballerinas were assigned randomly to the experimental (E, n = 11) and control (C, n = 11) groups. The experimental group was submitted to WBV training 3 times per week before ballet practice. During the training period, the E and C groups undertook the same amount of ballet practice. Posttraining CMJ performance significantly increased in E group (6.3 ± 3.8%, p ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, E group showed significant (p ≤ 0.05–0.001) post- training average leg-press power and velocity improvements at all the external loads considered. Consequently, the force-velocity and power-velocity relationship shifted to the right after WBV training in the E group. The results of the present study show that WBV training is an effective short-term training methodology for inducing improvements in knee-extensor explosiveness in elite ballerinas.

Kinematics Of Running At Different Slopes And Speeds

Abstract Padulo, J, Annino, G, Migliaccio, GM, DOttavio, S, and Tihanyi, J. Kinematics of running at different slopes and speeds. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1331–1339, 2012—The aim of this study was to verify the influence of the combination of different running speeds and slopes based on main kinematic parameters in both groups of elite (RE) and amateur (RA) marathon runners. All subjects performed various tests on a treadmill at 0, 2, and 7% slopes at different speeds: 3.89, 4.17, 4.44, 4.72, and 5.00 m·s−1. A high speed digital camera, 210 Hz, has been used to record; Dartfish 5.5Pro has been used to perform a 2D video analysis. Step length (SL), step frequency (SF), flight time (FT), and contact time (CT) were determined and used for comparison. SL, SF, and FT parameters increased, and CT parameter decreased as speed increased. As slopes increased, SL and FT decreased and SF increased in both groups and only CT decreased in RE, whereas in RA, it increased. Data were fitted to the linear regression line (R2 > 0.95). The 2 groups were significantly different (p < 0.05) in FT, SL, and SF at all speeds in level running. A significant difference between the 2 groups was found in FT at 2 and 7% slopes at all speeds (p < 0.05). Percentage alterations in all variables were greater in the RA group. In conclusion, the choice of optimum SL and SF, through efficient running can be maintained, is influenced not only by speed but also by slopes. Elite runners perform more efficiently than amateur runners who have less experience.

Kinematic analysis of soccer players in shuttle running.

The intermittent shuttle running test is mainly used within soccer to assess aerobic power. For this reason we studied kinematic parameters and heart rate at both an increasing speed, [Yo-Yo Endurance Lv 1 (Y₁)] and at constant velocity [95% maximal aerobic velocity (MAV(95%))]. 12 soccer players were selected for this study. A high-speed digital camera (210 Hz) was used to record motion; Dartfish5.5Pro was used to perform 2D video analysis and heart rate was also recorded and computed during the test. The parameters considered (baseline measures with respect to the end of each test) in this study were: step length (SL), contact time (CT) and heart rate (HR). SL: 40% in Y1 and -22% in MAV(95%). CT: -31% in Y1 and 29% in MAV(95%). HR: increased 96% in Y1 and 17% in MAV(95%). These results highlight 2 different neuromechanical strategies adopted under fatigued conditions. In light of the clear changes of the CT in MAV(95%) (29%) and with respect to the moderate changes in HR (17%) it is clear that the CT is the most important parameter, as it experiences greater adaptations associated with neuromuscular patterns, under a fatigued condition as opposed to HR.

Morning Meal More Efficient for Fat Loss in a 3-Month Lifestyle Intervention

Objective: To evaluate the effects of 2 low-calorie diets but with different distributions of calories throughout the day on weight loss and other major obesity-related metabolic parameters. Methods: We randomly assigned 42 nonsmoking homemakers (age = 46.3 ± 2.3 years, body mass index [BMI] = 35.7 ± 0.8 kg/m2, mean ± SD) in 2 groups of 21 subjects (G1 and G2). The participants underwent a 3 month individualized Mediterranean-style diet (55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 15% protein and fiber > 30 g), calorie (600 kcal daily deficit compared to the total energy expenditure measured by a metabolic Holter). Diets consisted of the same food and complied with cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines but differed in the distribution of calories throughout the day (G1: 70% breakfast, morning snack, lunch and 30% afternoon snack and dinner; G2: 55 breakfast, morning snack, lunch and 45% afternoon snack and dinner). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used for pre- and postintervention body composition assessment. Results: Thirty-six subjects completed the study (G1 = 18, G2 = 18). Both groups had significant improvements in body composition and metabolic parameters but G1 had enhanced results for weight loss (G1: −8.2 ± 3.0 kg; G2: −6.5 ± 3.4 kg; p = 0.028), waist circumference reduction (G1: −7 ± 0.6 cm; G2: −5 ± 0.3 cm; p = 0.033), and fat mass loss (G1: −6.8 ± 2.1 kg, G2: −4.5 ± 2.9 kg, p = 0.031; mean ± SD). Improvements were detected in both groups for blood pressure and blood and lipid parameters. G1 subjects showed a greater improvement in insulin sensitivity measured by homeostasis model assessment–estimated insulin resistance (G1: −1.37 ± 0.27, G2: −0.74 ± 0.12, p = 0.017). Conclusions: These data suggest that a low-calorie Mediterranean diet with a higher amount of calories in the first part of the day could establish a greater reduction in fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity than a typical daily diet.

Uphill racewalking at iso-efficiency speed.

Abstract Padulo, J, Annino, G, Tihanyi, J, Calcagno, G, Vando, S, Smith, L, Vernillo, G, La Torre, A, and DOttavio, S. Uphill racewalking at iso-efficiency speed. J Strength Cond Res 27(7): 1964–1973, 2013—The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gradients (0, 2, and 7%) on biomechanical parameters during racewalking (RW) at iso-efficiency speed (IES). During the experiment, 12 high-level athletes performed at IES on different slopes. The parameters studied were surface muscular activity (EMG) of 5 muscles of the leg using Muscle Lab (Boscosystem); kinematic parameters were collected using a high-speed camera (210 Hz) analyzed with Dartfish 5.5Pro; and heart rate (HR) was monitored with a Cardio Polar. The results showed step length (SL), step frequency (SF), and internal work (WINT) decreased with increased treadmill gradient: SL = ([0–2% = 3.48%, p = 0.158], [0–7% = 12.17%, p < 0.001]); SF = ([0–2% = 2.38%, p = 0.173], [0–7% = 6.07%, p < 0.01]); WINT = ([0–2% = 8.34%, p < 0.001], [0–7% = 22.81%, p < 0.0001]). Conversely, contact time (CT) and HR increased less significantly with the increased gradients: CT = ([0–2% = 2.46%, p = 0.198], [0–7% = 6.56%, p < 0.01]); HR = ([0–2% = 0.62%, p = 0.652], [0–7% = 3.25%, p < 0.05]). The knee angle (KE) increased, whereas ankle angle (AK) and hip angle (HP) decreased with the increased gradients: AK = ([0–2% = 1.69%, p < 0.001], [0–7% = 1.13%, p < 0.01]); HP = ([0–2% = 0.22%, p < 0.03], [0–7% = 0.16%, p = 0.456]); KE = ([0–2% = 1.01%, p < 0.001], [0–7% = 1.60%, p < 0.001]). Electromyography (EMG) significantly decreased with the increased gradients in the: tibialis anterior ([0–2% = 22.49%, p < 0.0001], [0–7% = 41.18%, p < 0.0001]) and rectus femoris ([0–2% = 15.35%, p < 0.0001], [0–7% = 29.13%, p< 0.0001]). In contrast, EMG activity was significantly increased in the vastus lateralis ([0–2% = 22.95%, p < 0.0001], [0–7% = 31.15%, p < 0.0001]), gastrocnemius medialis ([0–2% = 21.40%, p < 0.001], [0–7% = 48.37%, p < 0.0001]), and biceps femoris ([0–2% = 190.78%, p < 0.0001], [0–7% = 201.37%, p < 0.0001]). The results indicate that increasing the gradient to 2% did not elicit an increased HR in racewalkers; however, at a 7% gradient, greater muscle activity was required.

Footstep Analysis at Different Slopes and Speeds in Elite Race Walking

Abstract Padulo, J, Annino, G, DOttavio, S, Vernillo, G, Smith, L, Migliaccio, GM, and Tihanyi, J. Footstep analysis at different slopes and speeds in elite race walking. J Strength Cond Res 27(1): 125–129, 2013—In order to investigate the effects of speed and slope on kinematic parameters, we studied the step parameters of 12 elite race walkers on a treadmill at different speeds (3.61, 3.89, and 4.17 m·s−1) and slopes (0, 2, and 7%). A high-speed digital camera (210 Hz) was used to record motion, and 2D data were analyzed with Dartfish 5.5Pro. The parameters studied were step length (SL), step frequency (SF), and contact time (CT). The results showed that the increases in SL were linearly related to increases in speed: r = 0.37 with p < 0.01, whereas decreases in SL were elicited with an increase in slope r = –0.56, p < 0.0001 ([0–2% = –3.5%, p < 0.02], [0–7% = –7.5%, p < 0.01]). The SF was positively correlated with increases in speed, r = 0.56, p = 0.0001, and slopes, r = 0.50, p < 0.0001 (0–2% = 3.6% n.s.; 0–7% = 8.5%, p < 0.01). Conversely, CT was negatively correlated with increases of both speed; r = –0.57, p < 0.0001 and slope r = –0.50, p < 0.0001 (0–2% = –3.4%, n.s.; 0–7% = –7.7%, p < 0.01). These results suggest that using slopes <7% could considerably alter the neuromechanical behavior of athletes, whereas slopes around 2% could positively influence the performance of the elite race walkers without altering the race-walking technique.

Footstep Manipulation during Uphill Running

The present study investigated the effects of step frequency manipulation during training on slopes (2%) on biomechanical parameters at Iso-Efficiency Speed (without increasing the metabolic demand). 24 male marathon runners were randomly allocated to one of 2 training groups for 3 weeks: step frequency manipulation group (SFM, n=12) and free step frequency group (SFF, n=12). Lower limb kinematic parameters were measured before and after the 3 weeks training. The SFM group increased step length 4.30% (p<0.001), flight time 29.48% (p<0.001) and decreased contact time 14% (p<0.01). These findings coincide with characteristics of better running performances. The SFF group did not elicit such results. The results from the study could help coaches to devise training methods which could improve an athletes performance through increasing step length. The method provided may aid faster race times for athletes.