Giuseppe Coratella

Effects of recreational football performed once a week (1 h per 12 weeks) on cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged sedentary men

ABSTRACT Objectives: It is well established that there is a strong relationship between physical activity, cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Regular recreational football training can lower blood pressure, heart rate at rest, fat percentage, LDL cholesterol and increase maximal aerobic power (VO2max). This study analyzed the effect of one recreational football training per week on middle-aged men. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-four participants (mean ± SDs; age 44.5 ± 4.7 years, weight 81.9 ± 10.4 kg, height 175.0 ± 7.3 cm) were randomized in a football group (FG = 10) and control group (CG = 14). FG performed supervised recreational football training (five-a-side futsal match) on 36 × 18.5 m synthetic indoor and outdoor field, 60 min per week over 12 weeks. Results: After training, VO2max and maximal aerobic speed improved in FG respectively of 4.4% (+1.89 mL O2⋅ kg−1.min−1, P = 0.002) and 5.9% (P = 0.01). Systolic and mean blood pressure decreased respectively of 2.5% (−3.18 mmHg, P = 0.04) and 2.2% (−2.28 mmHg, P = 0.04) in FG, while diastolic blood pressure did not change (−1.84 mmHg, P = 0.09). Conclusions: Recreational football activity produces health benefits by improving VO2 max and lowering blood pressure parameters in middle-aged men.

Correlation between quadriceps and hamstrings inter-limb strength asymmetry with change of direction and sprint in U21 elite soccer-players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between in quadriceps and hamstrings inter-limb strength asymmetry and change of direction, sprinting and jumping abilities in U21 elite soccer players. Twenty-seven soccer players volunteered for this study. Isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings peak torque was measured at high and low angular velocities, both in concentric and eccentric modalities. Performance in agility T-test, 20u202f+u202f20u202fm shuttle-test, 10u202fm and 30u202fm sprint, squat jump (SJ) and counter-movement jump (CMJ), were measured. Overall, time on agility T-test and 20u202f+u202f20u202fm shuttle-test was moderately and positively correlated with the quadriceps and hamstrings inter-limb eccentric peak torque asymmetry, both at high and low angular velocities. In addition, time on 10u202fm and 30u202fm sprints was moderately and positively correlated with the hamstrings inter-limb high-velocity concentric peak torque asymmetry. SJ and CMJ showed trivial to small correlations with hamstrings and quadriceps inter-limb peak torque asymmetry. The present results provide further information insight the role of lower-limb muscle strength balance in COD, sprinting and jumping performance.

Effects of Combined Aerobic-Strength Training vs Fitness Education Program in COPD Patients

We compared the effects of a new physical activity education program approach (EDU), based on a periodically supervised protocol of different exercise modalities vs traditionally supervised combined strength-endurance training (CT) on health-related factors in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-eight COPD patients without comorbidities were randomly assigned to receive either EDU or CT. CT was continuously supervised to combine strength-endurance training; EDU was taught to progressively increase the rate of autonomous physical activity, through different training modalities such as Nordic walking, group classes and circuit training. Body composition, walking capacity, muscle strength, flexibility and balance, total daily energy expenditure and quality of life were evaluated at baseline, after 28 weeks training period (3d/week) and after a 14-week follow-up. No adverse events occurred during the interventions. After training, CT and EDU similarly improved walking capacity, body composition and quality of life. However, after 14 weeks of follow-up, such improvements were not maintained. Only in CT, muscle strength and flexibility improved after training but returned to baseline after follow-up. EDU, similar to CT, can effectively and safely improve health-related parameters in COPD patients. EDU could be an attractive alternative to traditional supervised training for improving quality of life in COPD patients.

Aerobic exercise training improves physical performance of patients with binge-eating disorder

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of aerobic exercise training and traditional treatment on body mass index (BMI) and aerobic capacity compared to the traditional treatment alone in patients with binge-eating disorder (BED). Fourteen BED patients were divided into Intervention Group (IG, nxa0=xa06) and Control Group (CG, nxa0=xa08). All patients participated into the weekly multidisciplinary program. In addition, IG underwent an aerobic exercise-training period of 6xa0months. At baseline and after 6xa0months of intervention, both groups underwent measurements of BMI and six-minute walk test (6MWT). BMI reduced in both groups (47.2xa0±xa05.5xa0 and 42.7xa0±xa05.1xa0kg/m2 in IG PRE and IG POST, respectively; pxa0<xa00.01; 46.6xa0±xa06.9 and 44.3xa0±xa06.1xa0kg/m2 in CG PRE and CG POST, respectively; pxa0<xa00.01), but IG obtained a greater reduction than CG. Indeed, a BMI reduction of −4.50xa0kg/m2 in IG occurred while in CG decreased by −2.30xa0kg/m2 (pxa0<xa00.05). The IG improved the 6MWT (435.9xa0±xa0106.2 and 519.1xa0±xa0151.5xa0m in IG PRE and IG POST, respectively; pxa0<xa00.01). In addition, the CG improved 6MWT (455.5xa0±xa0114.9 and 502.5xa0±xa0110.7xa0m in CG PRE and CG POST, respectively; pxa0<xa00.01) probably because of the influence of diet and changes in body composition, even though the difference did not achieve statistical significance. Changes induced by the combined intervention were significantly greater than traditional treatment alone, suggesting that the addition of physical exercise constitutes a novel potential therapeutic approach in eating disorders.

Running fatiguing protocol affects peak torque joint angle and peak torque differently in hamstrings vs. quadriceps

PurposeThe aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of a running fatiguing protocol on the peak torque joint angle and the peak torque in hamstrings vs. quadriceps.MethodsTwenty-one male runners underwent a running fatiguing protocol consisting of 40xa0min at a speed corresponding at first ventilatory threshold. Before and after the fatiguing protocol, isokinetic concentric and eccentric hamstrings and concentric quadriceps peak torque was measured at 60 and 300xa0degxa0s−1. The peak torque joint angle (i.e. the angle at which the peak torque was exerted) was recorded. The conventional Hconc:Qconc ratio and the functional Hecc:Qconc ratio were also calculated.ResultsThe peak torque joint angle increased (i.e. shifted toward shorter muscle length) in hamstrings in eccentric at 60xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa01.35) and at 300xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.71) and in concentric modality at 300xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.50) but not at 60xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.23). No change occurred in quadriceps at 60xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.15) and 300xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.20). Peak torque deteriorated in both hamstrings and quadriceps, irrespective of the testing modality (ES 0.95–1.90) Functional Hecc:Qconc ratio decreased at 60xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.74) and 300xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.85). No change in conventional Hconc:Qconc ratio occurred at 60xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.12) and 300xa0degxa0s−1 (ESxa0=xa00.14).ConclusionThe fatigue-induced changes in peak torque joint angle in hamstrings but not in quadriceps and the simultaneous decrements in the functional Hecc:Qconc ratio may point a reduced hamstrings resistive capacity, with implications for hamstrings strain injury risk.

Match-play performance comparisons between elite and sub-elite hurling players

BackgroundThe current study aimed to describe the differences in the external and internal loads between elite and sub-elite male senior hurling match-play and across halves of play.MethodsGlobal positioning systems (5-Hz) and heart rate (HR) monitors were used to collect data from 24 elite and 24 sub-elite hurling players during 16 games. Data [total distance (TD), distance per speed zone, max speed, number of entries, length of run, and mean HR] were presented per min (relative) for the total game and per half.ResultsElite players covered a greater relative TD (pu2009<u20090.001, ESu2009=u20091.85) and TD walking (pu2009<u20090.009, ESu2009=u20091.21) but covered lower TD running (pu2009<u20090.001, ESu2009=u20094.00) than sub-elite players. Temporal decreases between halves occurred in relative TD (pu2009=u20090.039, ESu2009=u20090.36), and the first five speed zones (pu2009<u20090.05) for sub-elite players and for distance covered walking (pu2009=u20090.001, ESu2009=u20090.98), jogging (pu2009<u20090.001, ESu2009=u20090.77), HSR (pu2009=u20090.022, ESu2009=u20090.46) and mean number of entries at HSR (pu2009=u20090.002, ESu2009=u20090.72) at elite level.ConclusionGames specific conditioning activities to assist players to repeat the running performances for the duration of the match is significant, especially at a sub-elite level. The current results are the first to highlight the differences in external and internal workloads between sub-elite and elite male senior hurlers and across halves of play.

Evidence of balance training-induced improvement in soccer-specific skills in U11 soccer players

The present study aimed to determine the role of balance training improving technical soccer skills in young players. Two U11 soccer teams were randomly assigned one to either balance training (BT; n = 22) or control group (Ctrl; n = 21). At the end of their habitual soccer training (identical in BT and Ctrl), BT underwent additional balance training for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week, 20 minutes per session), while Ctrl had a 20‐minute scrimmage. Before and after the intervention, BT and Ctrl underwent two soccer‐specific tests (Loughborough Soccer Passing, LSPT, and Shooting, LSST, Tests), and bipedal and unipedal balance evaluations. After intervention, both groups decreased the trials time and improved passing accuracy, with larger improvements in BT than Ctrl (LSPT penalty time [CI95%]: −2.20 seconds [−2.72/−1.68]; ES [CI95%]: −2.54 seconds [−3.34/−1.74]). Both groups improved balance ability, with BT showing larger increments in bipedal tests than Ctrl (static balance: −29 mm [−42/−16]; ES: −1.39 [−2.05/−0.72]; limit of stability: 4% [3/5]; ES 3.93 [2.90/4.95]; unipedal quasi‐dynamic balance: 0.07 a.u. [0.03/0.11]; ES: 1.04 [0.40/1.67] and active range of motion: −5% [−8/−2]; ES −0.89 [−1.51/−0.26]). Low‐to‐moderate correlations between the players’ technical level and unipedal balance ability were retrieved, particularly in the non‐dominant limb (R from 0.30 to 0.48). Balance training improved some technical soccer skills more than habitual soccer training alone, suggesting that young soccer players may benefit from additional balance training added to their traditional training.

Effect of ramp slope on different methods to determine lactate threshold in semi-professional soccer players

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the effect of stage duration in incremental protocols on lactate threshold (LT), determined by different methods. Sixteen semi-professional soccer-players performed a 4-min stage incremental discontinuous (DP) and two maximal incremental running continuous (1 km h−1· min−1, CP1; and 1 km h−1·2 min−1 CP2) protocols. Blood-lactate concentration [La−] was measured at baseline and during the protocols. LT was determined using DMAX, DMAX-MOD, 4-mM⋅L−1, Δ1-mM⋅L−1 and Log-Log methods. Log-Log showed no difference in LT between CP1, CP2 and DP. Conversely, LT was determined at higher velocity in CP1 than CP2 for DMAX (15.2 ± 0.5 vs 14.4 ± 1.2 km⋅h−1, P = 0.002), DMAX-MOD (16.0 ± 0.5 vs 14.7 ± 1.3 km⋅h−1, P < 0.001), 4-mM⋅L−1 (15.5 ± 1.4 vs 14.4 ± 1.2 km⋅h−1, P < 0.001), Δ1-mM⋅L−1 (15.5 ± 1.3 vs 14.4 ± 1.2 km⋅h−1, P < 0.001). Higher LT in CP1 than DP for DMAX (15.2 ± 0.5 vs 13.0 ± 1.0 km⋅h−1, P < 0.001) and DMAX-MOD (16.0 ± 0.5 vs 13.6 ± 1.6 km⋅h−1, P < 0.001) was found (P < 0.001). Log-Log resulted in shorter but accurate protocols to determine LT.

Sex-Related Responses to Eccentric-Only Resistance Training in Knee-Extensors Muscle Strength and Architecture

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate whether or not eccentric-only training induced different sex-related adaptations in vastus lateralis muscle architecture and knee extensors strength. Methods: Thirteen healthy women and 13 healthy men were recruited. Vastus lateralis pennation angle, fascicle length, and muscle thickness, as well as knee extensors eccentric, isometric, and concentric peak torque and one-repetition maximum (1RM) were measured. Both women and men underwent a unilateral iso-load knee-extension eccentric-only training with 120% of the concentric 1RM, consisting of 4 sets × 10 repetitions twice a week for a total of 8 weeks. Results: Pennation angle increased in women (+ 14%, 95% CI [10, 17], effect size [ES] = 1.54) but not in men (+ 5%, 95% CI [−1, 11], ES = 0.28), while fascicle length increased in both women (+ 7%, 95% CI [4, 10], ES = 1.02) and men (+ 12%, 95% CI [8, 16], ES = 1.82) and muscle thickness increased in women (+ 13%, 95% CI [8, 18], ES = 1.11) and men (+ 11%, 95% CI [7, 15], ES = 0.89). In both women and men, eccentric (18%, 95% CI [11, 25], ES = 0.96, and 16%, 95% CI [9, 22], ES = 0.82, respectively), isometric (17%, 95% CI [11, 23], ES = 0.53, and 17%, 95% CI [10, 24], ES = 0.62), concentric (12%, 95% CI [7, 16], ES = 0.49, and 9%, 95% CI [5, 13], ES = 0.42) peak torque and 1RM (10%, 95% CI [6, 14], ES = 0.53, and 10%, 95% CI [5, 15], ES = 0.50) similarly increased after the intervention. Conclusions: This study showed that the adaptations in strength are not sex-dependent, but the increases in pennation angle only in women suggest that the changes in muscle architecture may depend on sex.

Comparative effects of single vs. double weekly plyometric training sessions on jump, sprint and COD abilities of elite youth football players.

BACKGROUNDnPlyometrics are widely implemented as training methodology for enhancing functional sports performance. Although several studies have analyzed the plyometrics effects due to training plans with a frequency of 2-3 times a week, few of them provided evidence supporting an equal efficiency of similar training programs implementing lower training frequency such as one training session a week.nnnMETHODSnTwenty-one players (elite academy, Switzerland) were included in the current study (mean±SD; age 17±0.8 years, weight 70.1±6.4 kg, height 177.4±6.2 cm). This study used a randomised pre-post parallel group trial design. The participants were assigned to either a low-volume plyometric training group (LPG=10 participants) or a high-volume plyometric training group (HPG=11 participants). A long jump test, a single-leg triple hop test, sprint (10, 30 and 40 m) and 505 change of directions test were performed.nnnRESULTSnExercise-induced meaningful changes in performance for both LPG and HPG occurred after the training. LPG and HPG reported improvements in long jump (ES=1.0 and 0.77), triple hop right (ES=0.32 and 0.28), triple hop left (ES=0.46 and 0.32), 10 m sprint (ES=0.62 and 1.0).nnnCONCLUSIONSnBoth LPG and HPG are effective training modalities inducing benefits in jump and sprint tests for elite young football players. Fitness coaches and sports scientists could integrate their training plans with the protocols described in this study.