Javier Brazo-Sayavera

Identifying talented track and field athletes: The impact of relative age effect on selection to the Spanish National Athletics Federation training camps

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of relative age effect (RAE) on selection to the Spanish National Athletics Federation (RFEA) training camps (TC) between 2006 and 2013. Overall, 1,334 selected athletes at U15 years (cadet) and U17 years (juvenile) were compared against 27,711 licensed but unselected athletes for the same age groups. The results highlighted the influential role of the RAE on selection to national level track and field training camp opportunities. Interestingly, this effect was mediated by age and gender, where effects were stronger for both males and younger athletes (U15), with no evidence of RAE for older (U17) female athletes. These results support the “maturation-selection” hypothesis as a mechanism for RAE. Particularly given the long-term goals of RFEA (e.g., production of successful senior elite athletes), these results highlight the need to consider the impact of current selection processes on effective provision of opportunities to those athletes with most potential to succeed in the long term. A number of possible context-relevant solutions are discussed, including education and awareness raising, using holistic selection criteria and correction adjustments techniques.

Relative age effects in international age group championships: A study of Spanish track and field athletes

The relative age effect is a well-researched phenomenon, however there is still a dearth of understanding in track and field and female sport. This study investigated the role of relative age on selection for international competition of Spanish age group athletes between 2006–2014. Six hundred and forty two athletes competed for Spain at U20 or U18 age group international competition (n = 359 males; 283 females) across 9 years. The birthdates of these athletes were compared against the population of registered athletes at that time (14,502 males; 10,096 females). The results highlighted the influential role of relative age on selection to these opportunities. In line with previous research, this effect was mediated by age and gender, with stronger effects for both males and younger athletes (U18). The data best supported the ‘maturation-selection’ hypothesis as a mechanism for RAEs. These results highlight the need to carefully consider the role and need for international competitive opportunities at different age groups. A number of possible context relevant solutions are discussed, including correction adjustments techniques and competition structure within track and field.

Effects of whole-body vibration after eccentric exercise on muscle soreness and muscle strength recovery

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not a single whole-body vibration treatment after eccentric exercise can reduce muscle soreness and enhance muscle recovery. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty untrained participants were randomly assigned to two groups: a vibration group (n=10) and control group (n=10). Participants performed eccentric quadriceps training of 4 sets of 5 repetitions at 120% 1RM, with 4 min rest between sets. After that, the vibration group received 3 sets of 1 min whole body vibration (12 Hz, 4 mm) with 30 s of passive recovery between sets. Serum creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, muscle soreness (visual analog scale) and muscle strength (peak isometric torque) were assessed. [Results] Creatine kinase was lower in the vibration group than in the control group at 24 h (200.2 ± 8.2 vs. 300.5 ± 26.1 U/L) and at 48 h (175.2 ± 12.5 vs. 285.2 ± 19.7 U/L) post-exercise. Muscle soreness decreased in vibration group compared to control group at 48 h post-exercise (34.1 ± 11.4 vs. 65.2 ± 13.2 mm). [Conclusion] Single whole-body vibration treatment after eccentric exercise reduced delayed onset muscle soreness but it did not affect muscle strength recovery.

Anthropometric and Physical Performance of Youth Handball Players: The Role of the Relative Age

Background: The relative age effect is essential throughout all of the talent selection processes in sports, especially during adolescence, which leaves fewer athletes within each cohort that are born late in the selected year. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of relative age in anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of youth handball players by gender. Methods: The sample that was selected included 47 participants (male n = 23, female n = 24). The data collection included anthropometric, body compositions parameters, and physical performance levels. Results: There was a significantly higher representation of players in the first semester in comparison with the second semester, for all of the gender groups, except for the selected male players. In males, statistically significant differences were found in height, sitting height, weight, wingspan, arm and leg circumferences, and in throws speed (in support and in suspension) between those players that were born in the first and second semester. Conclusion: The results confirmed an effect of relative age in the players born in 2002 that were selected to participate in the Spanish Championship, which was different for males and females. In spite of this effect, which only appeared in females, significant differences in the anthropometric and physical conditions appeared in the male players.

Changes in physiological and performance variables in non-professional triathletes after taking part in an Olympic distance triathlon

ABSTRACT Given increasing popularity of triathlon, the objective of this study was to evaluate the acute effects upon the health of triathletes. To do so, with a sample of 23 male athletes (34.4 ± 7.9 years old), an assessment was carried out both before and after an Olympic distance triathlon, of the bodily composition, the jumping ability and the BORG and VAS scales, as well as a blood analysis of the following: Lactate (mmol/L), Hematrocrit (%), Glucose (mg/dL), Total proteins (mg/dL), Triglycerides (mg/dL), Bilirubin (mg/dL), GOT (IU/L), GPT (IU/L), LDH (IU/L), CPK (IU/L). The results showed an increase (p < 0.001) in the different markers of metabolic stress and muscular damage following the triathlon, but always within a normal range considered to be healthy, with the exception of CPK (IU/L) (PRE 149.33 ± 108.16 vs POST 290.10 ± 102.48). Therefore, it would seem that competing in an Olympic-distance triathlon does not pose health risks for trained subjects.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Uruguayan Adults’ Leisure Time Physical Activity

Policymakers rely on information for describing and monitoring levels of physical activity among the population. However, in Uruguay there is no research presenting physical activity practices nationwide. The present study aims to describe the leisure time physical activity levels and their unequal distribution among Uruguayan adults. Data from the 2014 Uruguayan National Health Survey (n = 3543 adults aged > 15 years) were analysed. Physical activity was measured by questionnaire, with participants reporting the number of days and time spent doing physical activity during leisure time in a typical week. Only 25.1% of the participants met the international recommendations for physical activity. Males were twice as active as females in early adulthood in terms of time. The absolute socioeconomic gap between the poorest and wealthiest income quintiles was around 20 percentage points, and participants with the highest physical activity levels were within the wealthiest and highest-educational levels. A low proportion of the population met the proxy of the international recommendations for physical activity. Important socioeconomic inequalities have been found in physical activity practices and must be considered in public health interventions.

Efectos de una intervención quirúrgica menor sobre la calidad de vida en niños desde diferentes perspectivas

espanolObjetivo: Comparar la percepcion de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) de padres y medico con respecto al paciente en poblacion infantil sometida a una intervencion quirurgica menor, y analizar la progresion de la CVRS tras un mes de someterse a la intervencion. Metodo: Participaron 36 pacientes sometidos a intervenciones quirurgicas menores. Se les administro el cuestionario EQ-5D-Y, y su version proxy correspondiente a los padres y al medico. Se utilizo la variable TTO. Resultados: Los pacientes refirieron un peor estado de salud, sobre todo en la dimension de preocupacion/tristeza, que los medicos en el preoperatorio (p EnglishObjective: To compare the health related quality of life (HRQoL) perceptions in parents and physician regarding the patient undergoing ambulatory surgery, and to analyse the evolution of HRQoL before and after the ambulatory surgery. Method: 36 patients underwent ambulatory surgical interventions taken part in this study. The questionnaires EQ-5D-Y were administered to the patients and questionnaires EQ-5D-Y proxy to parents and physicians. Variable TTO was used. Results: Statistical differences were found at baseline between answers of patients and physicians (p

High-Intensity Interval Training in Normobaric Hypoxia Leads to Greater Body Fat Loss in Overweight/Obese Women than High-Intensity Interval Training in Normoxia

A moderate hypoxic stimulus is considered a promising therapeutic modality for several pathological states including obesity. There is scientific evidence suggesting that when hypoxia and physical activity are combined, they could provide benefits for the obese population. The aim of the present study was to investigate if exposure to hypoxia combined with two different protocols of high-intensity interval exercise in overweight/obese women was more effective compared with exercise in normoxia. Study participants included 82 overweight/obese women, who started a 12 week program of 36 sessions, and were randomly divided into four groups: (1) aerobic interval training in hypoxia (AitH; FiO2 = 17.2%; n = 13), (2) aerobic interval training in normoxia (AitN; n = 15), (3) sprint interval training in hypoxia (SitH; n = 15), and (4) sprint interval training in normoxia (SitN; n = 18). Body mass, body mass index, percentage of total fat mass, muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, fat, and carbohydrate oxidation, and fat and carbohydrate energy were assessed. Outcomes were measured at baseline (T1), after 18 training sessions (T2), 7 days after the last session (T3), and 4 weeks after the last session (T4). The fat mass in the SitH group was significantly reduced compared with the SitN group from T1 to T3 (p < 0.05) and from T1 to T4 (p < 0.05) and muscle mass increased significantly from T1 to T4 (p < 0.05). Fat mass in the AitH group decreased significantly (p < 0.01) and muscle mass increased (p = 0.022) compared with the AitN group from T1 to T4. All training groups showed a reduction in the percentage of fat mass, with a statistically significant reduction in the hypoxia groups (p < 0.05). Muscle mass increased significantly in the hypoxia groups (p < 0.05), especially at T4. While fat oxidation tended to increase and oxidation of carbohydrates tended to decrease in both hypoxia groups, the tendency was reversed in the normoxia groups. Thus, high-intensity interval training under normobaric intermittent hypoxia for 12 weeks in overweight/obese women seems to be promising for reducing body fat content with a concomitant increase in muscle mass.

Effects training in hypoxia on cardiometabolic parameters in obese people: A systematic review of randomized controlled trial

Objective The aim of the present review is to evaluate effects of intermittent hypoxia and exercise therapy in cardiometabolic parameters on adult obese people. Database Three well-known databases were selected: EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science. Studies selection: Inclusion criteria were: (a) human healthy overweight or obese adults, (b) study randomized controlled trial, (c) original experimental study, (d) English languages and (e) therapy with intermittent hypoxia and exercise. Design The assessment of the methodological quality of each study was based upon the risk of bias (PEDro scale) and level of evidence (CBO Guidelines). Data extraction: five articles clearly met inclusion criteria and were reviewed to data extraction. Results In the hypoxia groups, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, waist–hip ratio, fat mass and lean mass improved in at least two studies in comparison with the baseline. Systolic blood pressure improved in one study. The lipid profile and the aerobic capacity were not reduced significantly. Conclusions Results suggest that combined hypoxia with exercise may help to improve cardiometabolic parameters in obese people.

Acute Effects of Block Jumps in Female Volleyball Players: The Role of Performance Level

Although the role of jumping ability in female volleyball players is well recognised, the effect of fatigue on this ability is not well known. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a series of block jumps (BJ) on jumping ability and whether it varies by performance level. Ten elite (EG) and 11 amateur (AG) female volleyball players performed a fatigue intervention consisting of 45 BJ, being tested for squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and BJ before and after the intervention. Elasticity index (EI): (100 × (CMJ − SJ)/SJ) and upper limbs coordination index (ULCI): (100 × (BJ − CMJ)/CMJ) were calculated. After the intervention, EG showed a decrease of 4.40% in BJ height (p = 0.04; ES = 0.40), whereas AG presented an increase of 1.27%, which was not significant (p = 0.57; ES = 0.07). However, EG and AG presented no significant differences in SJ (p = 0.965 and p = 0.655) and CMJ (p = 0.742 and p = 0.211) when comparing baseline with post-intervention. Although EI and ULCI showed no significant differences after intervention in any group (AG: p = 0.989 and p = 0.114; EG: p = 0.242 and p = 0.205, respectively), AG presented a medium effect size (ES = 0.50) in EI and a small one in ULCI (ES = 0.37), also EG showed a medium-large effect in ULCI (ES = 0.75). These findings suggest that EG performance in BJ tends to decrease at the end of a specific jump training practice. Therefore, coaches and fitness trainers working with elite volleyball players should focus on exercises to maintain jumping ability during a match.