José G. Villa Vicente

Intensity of Exercise according to Topography in Professional Cyclists

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to analyze the intensity of effort made by professional cyclists in the different mountain passes climbed during the 1999 and 2000 Vuelta a España. METHODS During the ascent of high mountain passes of different categories (special category (HMS), and 1st (HM1), 2nd (HM2), and 3rd category (HM3)), the response of the HR was analyzed according to three intensity zones: zone 1(Z1, above the ventilatory threshold (VT)), zone 2 (Z2, between VT and the respiratory compensation threshold (RCT)), and zone 3 (Z3, above the RCT). RESULTS The values are presented as mean +/- SEM. Values of HR were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in HM1 (160 +/- 1 beats x min-1) compared with the other types of ascents. When we compared the different passes, the intensity decreased in the following order: HM1, HMS, HM2, and HM3. The average time that cyclists spent in Z3 was significantly higher in HM1 (10.7 +/- 1.4 min) with respect to the other categories. The time in Z2 was significantly higher in HMS and HM1 (43.1 +/- 1.5 and 44.3 +/- 3.1 min) than in HM2 and HM3 (21.6 +/- 1.1 and 11.9 +/- 1.1 min). The percentage of total time spent in Z3 was significantly higher in HM1 and HM3 (21.2 +/- 2.9 and 17.3 +/- 1.9%) than in HME and HM2. CONCLUSION The ascent of mountain passes is an activity involving intense effort which is reflected in the time cyclists spend in Z3 and Z2, and is related to the category of the mountain passes involved.

New technologies applied to ultrasound diagnosis of sports injuries

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the ultrasound images of different soft tissue lesions from two different portable sonography devices: a conventional portable sonography device (ultrasound [US]-A, Micromaxx model; Sonosite Inc., Bothell, WA, USA), and a recently marketed compact device (US-B, Logiq e; General Electric Healthcare, Wauwatosa, WI, USA). The US-B device uses the new technologies of tissue harmonic imaging, real-time compound ultrasound, panoramic view, three-dimensional imaging, and virtual convex imaging.MethodsWe compared ultrasound images of six different types of soft tissue lesions (muscle contusion, muscle strain, patellar tendinosis, calcifying patellar tendinosis, rupture of the lateral internal ligament of the knee, and deep infrapatellar synovial bursa), from six different subjects. Analysis of images was performed by the same ultrasound specialist. In accordance with the classical criteria for ultrasound studies, the following quantitative indicators and parameters of ultrasound quality were used to evaluate the images: degree of echogenicity, size of the lesion area, aspect, shape, borders, and overall visualization.ResultsIn muscle lesions due to contusion, not only is the edematous area better visualized with the new system, but definition of hemorrhagic area borders and their content is especially increased. In lesions of the tendons, the new system affords better definition of the borders of the hypoechogenic area of tendinous degeneration and perfect visualization of the extension of the damaged area using a panoramic study. Sonographic study of ligaments with chronic lesions permits visualization of scar areas. Finally, use of the new system with a small synovial bursa shows the content of the bursa and thickness of the walls more clearly.ConclusionOverall, the quantitative indicators and parameters of image quality performed in this study of common sports lesions demonstrate the improvement in visualization of damaged soft tissues with the new technologies now incorporated into portable sonography devices.

Dieta afro-bahiana, estrés oxidativo y ejercício físico

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to observe the protective role of a diet based on the culinary culture of Bahia State against an oxidative stress induced by strenuous exercise in 17 young and healthy individuals. METHODS: Meat, palm oil, fruit juices, roots, manioc flour and cereals are the main constituents of this diet. Dietary control had a span of four months. Before the dietetic regime started blood samples were collected from each individual both at rest and also five minutes after a bout of strenuous exercise. Samples were collected again both at rest and after the bout of strenuous exercise at the end of the dietary intervention. RESULTS: The oxidative status was assessed measuring catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in erythrocytes, and lipid peroxidation in membranes of these cells. These parameters were not affected by the diet when at rest. The strenuous exercise did not interfere with superoxide dismutase activities and lipid peroxidation before and after the dietary intervention. However, strenuous exercise induced an increase in catalase activities before and after the dietary regime (19.49 and 11.74% respectively). Moreover, this effect was significantly (p<0,05) less pronounced (26.11%) as a result of the diet. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that antioxidants present in the Bahia State diet can down-regulate the increase in catalase activity induced by strenuous exercise.

Efecto de la motivación del entrenador sobre la carga interna y el rendimiento físico de un juego de fútbol reducido

Los juegos reducidos de futbol son una estrategia de entrenamientomuy empleada en la actualidad. Manipulando sus parametros configuradores,el entrenador puede conseguir diferentes propositos. El objetivo del trabajofue analizar la influencia de la motivacion del entrenador sobre la intensidad de un juego reducido (JR) de 3 contra 3 y su efecto sobre el rendimiento fisico de jugadores de categoria alevin. Doce futbolistas realizaron el mismo juego reducido con motivacion del entrenador (JME) y sin motivacion del tecnico(JSME). La carga interna de cada tarea fue cuantificada mediante el registro de la frecuencia cardiaca. Antes y despues del JR los jugadores realizaron un test de velocidad (sprint de 30-m), un test de fuerza explosiva de piernas (testtriple Hop) y un test de agilidad (test de Illinois). La participacion motivante del entrenador provoca una frecuencia cardiaca media, expresada como porcentaje de la frecuencia cardiaca maxima, significativamente mayor quela obtenida sin la motivacion del entrenador (89.12±4.29% vs. 82.15±3.12%respectivamente). Ademas, se ha observado una perdida significativa de rendimiento en el test de velocidad (5.15±0.21s pre-test y 5.43±0.27 s post-test),agilidad (20.25 ± 0.86s pre-test y 21.01±0.99s post-test) y salto con pierna habil (4.88±0.43 m pre-test y 4.58±0.41 m post-test) tras realizar el JME.El JSME solo provoca un descenso significativo del rendimiento en el testde velocidad (5.28±0.27s pre-test y 5.51±0.22s post-test). La motivacion delentrenador aumenta la intensidad del JR 3 contra 3

Avances técnicos aplicados a la ecografía musculoesquelética de la lesión deportiva

Resumen Metodos Se comparan dos equipos portatiles de ultrasonografia de alta definicion (E-A y E-B). Uno de ellos (E-B) integra en su sistema la imagen armonica, la ecografia compuesta en tiempo real, la vision panoramica, la imagen en 3D y el convex virtual. Se comparan 5 tipos de lesiones: contusion muscular, lesion muscular intrinseca, tendinosis rotuliana, tendinosis calcificante del tendon rotuliano y rotura parcial del ligamento lateral interno de la rodilla. Criterios de valoracion: grado de ecogenicidad, tamano del area de lesion, aspecto, forma, bordes, visualizacion global. Resultados Contusion muscular: con el E-B se visualizan mas las zonas anecoicas e hipoecoicas. Lesion muscular intrinseca: con el E-B se detecta el area hipoecoica de rotura 4 semanas despues de la lesion y se observan vasos sanguineos en este territorio. Tendinosis rotuliana: con el E-B se reduce el efecto anisotropico y mejoran la definicion y los limites de lesion. Tendinosis calcificante del tendon rotuliano: el sistema 3D del E-B permite una mejor valoracion de la disposicion de la calcificacion. Rotura parcial del ligamento lateral interno de la rodilla: con el E-B se localiza tejido fibroso de reparacion en el fasciculo profundo del ligamento. Conclusiones Los nuevos sistemas integrados en los equipos de ultrasonografia portatil mejoran la visualizacion de los tejidos lesionados. En las lesiones musculares se incrementa la definicion de las areas de sangrado y de su contenido. En las lesiones musculares por distraccion, se prolonga en el tiempo de visualizacion de la lesion y la hipervascularizacion. En las lesiones tendinosas se delimitan mejor los bordes de degeneracion tendinosa y su extension lesional. El sistema 3D define con gran exactitud la invasion del deposito calcico del interior de las fibras tendinosas. En la lesion del ligamento se visualizan las zonas cicatriciales.

Effects of short-term in-season break detraining on repeated-sprint ability and intermittent endurance according to initial performance of soccer player

To better understand the detraining effects in soccer, the purpose of the study was to analyse if performance level of soccer players modulate repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and intermittent endurance changes during 2-weeks of detraining (i.e., in-season break). Seventeen professional and sixteen young elite soccer players of two different teams performed, before and after 2-weeks of detraining, the RSA test and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 (YYIR1). Before detraining, professional players perform better (p < 0.05) RSA best time (RSAbest) than young players. A decrease (p < 0.05) in RSAbest, RSA total time (RSAtotal) and mean time (RSAmean) performance was observed in both teams, without changes in RSA fatigue index (Sdec). No significant changes in distance covered during YYIR1 was observed in any team. Before detraining, faster players from both teams (FG) (following the median split technique, soccer players with RSAbest ≤ 3.95 s) performed better (p < 0.01) in RSAtotal, RSAmean and RSAbest, but worse (p < 0.01) in Sdec. Although FG and the slower players (SG, RSAbest > 3.95 s) showed a worse (p < 0.05) RSAtotal, RSAbest and RSAmean performance after detraining (ES = 1.5, 1.4 and 2.9; ES = 0.6, 1.2 and 0.6; for FG and SG, respectively), the deterioration was greater in the FG for RSAbest (p < 0.05) and RSAtotal (ES = 1.46). After detraining, FG improved (p < 0.05) Sdec performance. In conclusion, a 2-week in-season break (detraining) period induced a worse RSA, with no effect on intermittent endurance in professional and elite young soccer players, with greater detrimental effects on RSAtotal and RSAbest in FG. In addition, Sdec does not seem to be sensitive to changes in RSA after a 2-week in-season break.

Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Response of Male and Female Soldiers during a Simulated Attack Maneuver

The study of organic response during combat is poorly reported in specific literature, despite being essential to improve soldiers training. The aim of the present research was to study the body composition and organic response during a treadmill test simulating the attack maneuver of a light infantry company, studying the differences between soldiers gender. Body composition and organic response in the treadmill test were analyzed in 27 healthy professional soldiers. Body weight was lower and fat mass was higher in female soldiers, and height and muscle mass were higher in male soldiers. In treadmill test, values of maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 ), oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold and maximal heart rate (HR) and HR at anaerobic threshold, were higher in male soldiers (male vs. female: 51.9±1.2 vs. 50.4±1.3 ml/kg/min; 3278.9±93.9 vs. 2721.8 ml/min; 194.2±1.9 vs. 184.0±6.6 bpm; 181.3±1.8 vs. 171.4±1.7 bpm respectively). During simulated attack maneuver female soldiers presented lower VO 2 and higher HR than male soldiers, showing a worse physical fitness level. These data could be used by military coach to improve specific combat training. It is also recommended a decrease in the weigh carried by soldiers and to improve their aerobic performance to maximize the efficiency in last phases of combat maneuvers.

Relações da dieta ovo-lácteo-vegetariana com o exercício físico e as enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase e catalase

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a influencia da dieta ovo-lacteo-vegetariana e do exercicio fisico extenuante sobre as atividades das enzimas catalase e superoxido dismutase em dez individuos masculinos, jovens e saudaveis. METODOS: O controle alimentar aplicou-se por quatro meses. Antes disso, foram recolhidas amostras de sangue em estado basal e cinco minutos apos o exercicio fisico extenuante efetuado em esteira rolante. O mesmo procedimento foi aplicado apos o controle alimentar. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que a dieta ovo-lacteo-vegetariana, em condicoes de repouso, reduziu de forma significativa a atividade da enzima catalase em 18,98% (p<0,05) e aumentou, tambem de forma significativa, a atividade da enzima superoxido dismutase em 77,84% (p<0,001). Depois do exercicio fisico extenuante, a dieta ovo-lacteo-vegetariana reduziu a atividade da enzima catalase de forma significativa em 26,11% (p<0,05) e nao alterou a atividade da enzima superoxido dismutase. CONCLUSAO: Os resultados indicam que tanto as atividades da catalase como da superoxido dismutase sao sensiveis a uma dieta ovo-lacteo-vegetariana adequada.

Exposición al monóxido de carbono del personal especialista en extinción de incendios forestales

Background: Health and occupational performance in wildland firefighters are mainly impaired for the carbon monoxide inhalation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the personal exposure to carbon monoxide in wildland firefighters during wildfires suppression. Methods: Carbon monoxide exposure was monitorized in 44 subjects during 58 real wildfires. Moreover, we analyzed the time weighted average exposure for an 8h shift (VA-ED). The wildfires were classified according to the work done (direct attack, indirect attack and mixed attack) and the current fuel (grass, bush, understory and mixed). Results: The mean exposure to carbon monoxide was of 18,4±1,7 ppm, what supposed a VA-ED of 7,0±1,0 ppm. The highest exposures to carbon monoxide were found during the mixed attack (20,4±2,3 ppm) and direct attack (17,5±2,7 ppm). We only obtained significant differences (p<0.05) between bush (19,8±2,2) and understory (17,2±3,9) and grass (12,0±5,6). Conclusions: Exposures to carbon monoxide were influenced for the work done during the wildfires suppression and the type of fuel involved. Mean values obtained in this study were within safety limits described by different Spanish (INSHT) and international (NIOSH, OSHA) occupational safety and health agencies.

El ejercicio físico aeròbico como posible causa de lesión renal.

Resumen Para comprobar si la actividad fisica aerobica afecta al rinon y en que sentido, sometemos a un grupo de personas homogeneo desde el punto de vista de la edad y los datos antropometricos, a un ejercicio fisico controlado de intensidad submaxima. Durante la prueba cada individuo debe pedalear en un er-gociclo a una intensidad igual al 65% de su VO 2 max. Antes y despues de la prueba se toman muestras de orina para analizar en ellas: B-2-M, N.A.G., proteinas y sedimento urinario asi como la presencia o no de hematuria. Los resultados obtenidos nos indican que existen diferencias significativas en las proteinas, B-2-M y la N.A.G., al comparar los valores obtenidos en reposo con los que se observan despues del ejercicio, siendo estos ultimos siempre mas elevados. Los autores consultados coinciden en general con nuestros resultados por lo que podemos afirmar que, tras una actividad fisica de intensidad submaxima, puede haber alteraciones renales de origen tubular, que suelen desaparecer a los pocos dias sin dejar secuelas