Helen T. Douda

Test-retest reliability of the eurofit test battery administered to university students

The purpose of this study was to examine the rest-retest reliability of the Eurofit motor fitness tests performed by university students. A total of 98 undergraduate students who were enrolled in physical education departments in Greece participated (29 men aged 19.5 ± 2.7 hr. and 66 women aged 19, 4 ± 2.7 yr.). ALL Eurofit motor fitness tests and anthropometric measurements were obtained twice with one week between the two measurements, Intraclass correlation coefficient indicated satisfactory coefficients above .70 for most tests. The only exception was the plate-tapping test which yielded a low value (R = .57). Further, the majority of the Eurofit test battery fitted well within the 95% confidence interval, and only three Eurofit motor fitness test items (flamingo balance, plate tapping, and sit-ups) presented a confidence limit below the value of .70, These findings indicated that the Eurofit test battery yielded reliable data for undergraduate students. However, modifications should be considered to improve the reliability of certain test items, for application to undergraduates.

Physiological alterations to detraining following prolonged combined strength and aerobic training in cardiac patients.

Background The purpose of the present study was to assess the training and detraining effects on physiological parameters resulting from a combined strength and aerobic exercise programme in patients with coronary artery disease. Design and methods Thirty male coronary artery disease patients were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 16) and control group (n = 14). Patients in the exercise group participated in a supervised exercise programme for 8 months and were followed for 3 months after training cessation. The programme consisted of two sessions of circuit weight training and two sessions of aerobic training. Cardiopulmonary testing and muscular strength were assessed at baseline and after 4 and 8 months of training as well as after 3 months of detraining. Results The exercise training programme resulted in significant improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (V O2peak 15.4% and exercise time 14%) after 8 months. Muscular strength also increased significantly in all exercises by an average of 28% (upper body 25.5% and lower body 35.4%). Three months of detraining, however, resulted in a 10% regression in V O2peak , 6.7% in exercise time, 12% in upper body strength and 15.7% in lower body strength. Conclusions The above results indicate that a significant part of the favourable adaptations obtained after prolonged training is practically lost within 3 months of detraining. Therefore, patients with coronary artery disease should follow a systematic exercise programme throughout life in order to improve cardiovascular function, muscular strength and ameliorate their health status. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 13:375–380

Relationship between Anaerobic Power and Jumping of Selected Male Volleyball Players of Different Ages

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anaerobic power of elite male volleyball players, using the Wingate Anaerobic Test to examine the relationship between anaerobic power and jumping performance. Athletes (n = 56) and Nonathletes (n = 53) were divided into three age groups: Adults (18–25 yr.), Juniors (15–16 yr.), and Youth (10–11 yr.). Measurements of height, body mass, vertical jump and Wingate scores indicated higher values for athletes. The specific training effects of anaerobic power were more pronounced at the age of 10–11 years than for Nonathletes. A significant correlation coefficient between peak power and vertical jump was found for Athletes (r = .86) and for the total group (r = .82). These results indicated that vertical jump may predict the maximal anaerobic power and could be used by coaches as a practical and easy-to-apply field screening test for evaluation in volleyball training.

Long-Term training induces specific adaptations on the physique of rhythmic sports and female artistic gymnasts

The purpose of the present study was to observe the specific adaptations, induced by long-term training, on the physique of rhythmic sports (RSG) and artistic gymnasts (GYM). Two hundred females (N = 200) aged 8–17 years (RSG: n = 60; GYM: n = 60; CONTROL: n = 80) participated in the study. Measurements of height, body mass, sitting height, armspan, skinfold thickness, circumferences, and diameters were obtained. The MANOVA and the Scheffe post hoc test indicated that GYM athletes were shorter in height (p < .01), lower in body mass (p < .01), had lower values in fat content (p < .001), had narrow bi-iliac breadth (p < .001), but presented higher values in the upper limb circumferences (p < .01) as compared to the females of the control and the RSG groups. On the other hand, RSG athletes had leaner upper limbs than nonathletes (p < .01), presented broad shoulders (p < .05), and had a prevalence in the lower limbs against the trunk (p < .05). Significant differences were also observed in circumferences between the right and left legs (p < .05) in RSG elite athletes. Apart from the differences between athletes and non-athletes, these observations suggest that long-term training affects the muscle mass of the upper limbs in GYM gymnasts, due to the dynamic structure of supporting exercises. In addition, the significant differences between left and right legs (thigh and calf circumferences), only in RSG elite gymnasts, point out the unilateral adaptations for the thigh of the raised prevalent working leg and for the calf of the supported leg due to one-sided specific training demands.

Maximum power training load determination and its effects on load-power relationship, maximum strength, and vertical jump performance.

Abstract Smilios, I, Sotiropoulos, K, Christou, M, Douda, H, Spaias, A, and Tokmakidis, SP. Maximum power training load determination and its effects on load-power relationship, maximum strength, and vertical jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 27(5): 1223–1233, 2013—This study examines the changes in maximum strength, vertical jump performance, and the load-velocity and load-power relationship after a resistance training period using a heavy load and an individual load that maximizes mechanical power output with and without including body mass in power calculations. Forty-three moderately trained men (age: 22.7 ± 2.5 years) were separated into 4 groups, 2 groups of maximum power, 1 where body mass was not included in the calculations of the load that maximizes mechanical power (Pmax − bw, n = 11) and another where body mass was included in the calculations (Pmax + bw, n = 9), a high load group (HL-90%, n = 12), and a control group (C, n = 11). The subjects performed 4–6 sets of jump squat and the repeated-jump exercises for 6 weeks. For the jump squat, the HL-90% group performed 3 repetitions at each set with a load of 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), the Pmax − bw group 5 repetitions with loads 48–58% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw 8 repetitions with loads 20–37% of 1RM. For the repeated jump, all the groups performed 6 repetitions at each set. All training groups improved (p < 0.05) maximum strength in the semisquat exercise (HL-90%: 15.2 ± 7.1, Pmax − bw: 6.6 ± 4.7, Pmax + bw: 6.9 ± 7.1, and C: 0 ± 4.3%) and the HL-90% group presented higher values (p < 0.05) than the other groups did. All training groups improved similarly (p < 0.05) squat (HL-90%: 11.7 ± 7.9, Pmax − bw: 14.5 ± 11.8, Pmax + bw: 11.3 ± 7.9, and C: −2.2 ± 5.5%) and countermovement jump height (HL-90%: 8.6 ± 7.9, Pmax − bw: 10.9 ± 9.4, Pmax + bw: 8.8 ± 4.3, and C: 0.4 ± 6%). The HL-90% and the Pmax − bw group increased (p < 0.05) power output at loads of 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw group at loads of 20 and 35% of 1RM. The inclusion or not of body mass to determine the load that maximizes mechanical power output affects the long-term adaptations differently in the load-power relationship. Thus, training load selection will depend on the required adaptations. However, the use of heavy loads causes greater overall neuromuscular adaptations in moderately trained individuals.

Physiological responses during interval training at relative to critical velocity intensity in young swimmers

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological responses on three interval training sets performed at intensities relative to the critical velocity which was calculated from two different combinations of distances using a 2-parameter linear model. METHODS In a controlled repeated measures design, ten male well trained swimmers (age: 15.2 ± 1.2 years) swam 5 × 400-m, 10 × 200-m and 20 × 100-m on separate days with rest to swimming ratio 1:8, aiming to maintain the critical velocity calculated from distances of 50, 100, 200, 400-m (CV(4)) or 200, 400-m (CV(200-400)). RESULTS The sustained velocity on the 5 × 400-m was lower compared to CV(4) and velocity on the 20 × 100-m was higher compared to CV(200-400). The velocity on the 10 × 200-m was kept similar to both CV(4) and CV(200-400) (5 × 400-m: 1.27 ± 0.07 vs. CV(4): 1.33 ± 0.09 ms(-1), p<0.05; 20 × 100-m: 1.32 ± 0.02 vs. CV(200-400): 1.28 ± 0.09 ms(-1), p < 0.05; 10 × 200-m: 1.30 ± 0.10 ms(-1) vs. CV(4) and CV(200-400), p > 0.05). The blood lactate concentration increased after 1200 compared to 400-m (4.45 ± 0.23 vs. 5.82 ± 0.24 mmol l(-1), p < 0.05) and was no different between sets (p > 0.05). Stroke rate and stroke length were not different between and within conditions (p>0.05). Heart rate during the recovery periods was lower in the 5 × 400-m compared to 10 × 200-m and 20 × 100-m training set (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Interval swimming pace can be adjusted in relation to critical velocity calculated from distances of 200 and 400-m or from distance of 50, 100, 200, 400 m. When the distance of repetitions is increased from 100 to 200 and 400-m the velocity should be reduced by 2% to achieve similar metabolic responses.

The Effects of Pre-Exercise Glycemic Index Food on Running Capacity

This study examined the effects of pre-exercise food on different glycemic indexes (GI) on exercise metabolism and endurance running capacity. 9 subjects performed 3 exercise trials on different days 15 min after ingesting: lentils, (LGI), potatoes, (HGI), and placebo. Each subject ingested an equal amount of each food (1 g/kg body mass) and ran on a level treadmill for 5 min at 60%, 45 min at 70% and then at 80% of VO (2max) until exhaustion. Serum glucose concentrations were higher ( P<0.01) 15 min after the HGI trial compared to the LGI and placebo trials. In addition, serum glucose levels were higher ( P<0.05) during the LGI trial at the time of exhaustion compared to the HGI and placebo trials. Plasma insulin levels, 15 min after ingestion, were higher ( P<0.001) in the HGI trial as compared to the LGI and placebo trials. Exercise time was longer during the LGI trial ( P<0.05) compared to the placebo, but the time to exhaustion in the HGI condition did not differ from the placebo (LGI: 90.0 ± 7.9; HGI: 81.8 ± 5; placebo: 73.0 ± 6.4 min). These results suggest that lentils, the LGI food, ingested 15 min before prolonged exercise maintained euglycemia during exercise and enhanced endurance running capacity.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Metabolic Risk, and Inflammation in Children

The aim of this study was to investigate the independent associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in children. The sample consisted of 112 children (11.4  ±  0.4 years). Data was obtained for childrens anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS components, and CRP levels. MetS was defined using criteria analogous to the Adult Treatment Panel III definition. A MetS risk score was also computed. Prevalence of the MetS was 5.4%, without gender differences. Subjects with low fitness showed significantly higher MetS risk (P < 0.001) and CRP (P < 0.007), compared to the high-fitness pupils. However, differences in MetS risk, and CRP between fitness groups decreased when adjusted for waist circumference. These data indicate that the mechanisms linking cardiorespiratory fitness, MetS risk and inflammation in children are extensively affected by obesity. Intervention strategies aiming at reducing obesity and improving cardiorespiratory fitness in childhood might contribute to the prevention of the MetS in adulthood.

Repeated sprint swimming performance after low- or high-intensity active and passive recoveries.

Toubekis, AG, Adam, GV, Douda, HT, Antoniou, PD, Douroundos, II, and Tokmakidis, SP. Repeated sprint swimming performance after low- or high-intensity active and passive recoveries. J Strength Cond Res 25(1): 109-116, 2011-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on sprint swimming performance after low- and high-intensity active recovery (AR) as compared to passive recovery. Ten male competitive swimmers (age: 17.9 ± 2.3 years; body mass: 73.2 ± 4.0 kg; height: 1.81 ± 0.04 m, 100-m best time: 54.90 ± 1.96 seconds) performed 8 × 25-m sprints with 120-second rest intervals followed by a 50-m sprint 6 minutes later. During the 120-second and the 6-minute interval periods swimmers rested passively (PAS) or swam at an intensity of 40% (ACT40; 36 ± 8% of the &OV0312;O2max) and 60% (ACT60; 59 ± 7% of the &OV0312;O2max) of their individual 100-m velocity. Performance time of the 8 × 25-m after ACT60 was slower compared with PAS and ACT40, but no difference was observed between ACT40 and PAS conditions (PAS: 12.15 ± 0.48, ACT40: 12.23 ± 0.54, ACT60: 12.35 ± 0.57 seconds, p < 0.05). Performance time of the 50-m sprint was no different between conditions (PAS: 26.45 ± 0.91; ACT40: 26.30 ± 1.18; ACT60: 26.21 ± 1.19 seconds; p > 0.05). Blood lactate concentration was not different between PAS, ACT40, and ACT60 after the 8 × 25-m and the 50-m sprints (p > 0.05). Passive recovery, or low intensity of AR (40% of the 100-m velocity), is advised to maintain repeated 25-m sprint swimming performance when a 2-minute interval period is provided. Active recovery at an intensity corresponding to 60% of the 100-m velocity decreases performance during the 25-m repeated sprints without affecting the performance time on a subsequent longer duration sprint (i.e., 50 m).

Aerobic, resistance and combined training and detraining on body composition, muscle strength, lipid profile and inflammation in coronary artery disease patients.

ABSTRACT Fifty-six elderly individuals diagnosed with coronary artery disease participated in the study and were divided into four groups: an aerobic exercise group, a resistance exercise group, a combined (aerobic + resistance) exercise group and a control group. The three exercise groups participated in 8 months of exercise training. Before, at 4 and at 8 months of the training period as well as at 1, 2 and 3 months after training cessation, muscle strength was measured and blood samples were collected. The resistance exercise caused significant increases mainly in muscle strength whereas aerobic exercise caused favourable effects mostly on lipid and apolipoprotein profiles. On the other hand, combined exercise caused significant favourable effects on both physiological (i.e. muscle strength) and biochemical (i.e. lipid and apolipoprotein profile and inflammation status) parameters, while the return to baseline values during the detraining period was slower compared to the other exercise modalities.