Liwa Masmoudi

Antioxidant status and oxidative stress at rest and in response to acute exercise in judokas and sedentary men.

El Abed, K, Rebai, H, Bloomer, RJ, Trabelsi, K, Masmoudi, L, Zbidi, A, Sahnoun, Z, Hakim, and A Tabka, Z. Antioxidant status and oxidative stress at rest and in response to acute exercise in judokas and sedentary men. J Strength Cond Res 25(9): 2400-2409, 2011. It is well recognized that acute strenuous exercise is accompanied by an increase in free-radical production and subsequent oxidative stress, in addition to changes in blood antioxidant status. Chronic exercise provides protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress by upregulating endogenous antioxidant defense systems. Little is known regarding the protective effect afforded by judo exercise. Therefore, we determined antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers at rest and in response to acute exercise in 10 competitive judokas and 10 sedentary subjects after mixed exercise (anaerobic followed by aerobic). The subjects performed a Wingate test, followed by 30 minutes of aerobic exercise performed at 60% of maximal aerobic power. Blood samples were taken, by an intravenous catheter, at rest (R), immediately after the physical exercise (P0), and at 5 (P5), 10 (P10), and 20 (P20) minutes postexercise. The measured parameters included the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, in addition to α-tocopherol, and total antioxidant status. Malondialdehyde was measured as a representation of lipid peroxidation. At rest, the judokas had higher values for all antioxidant and oxidative stress markers as compared to the sedentary subjects (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of all parameters except for α-tocopherol increased significantly above resting values for both the judokas and sedentary subjects (p < 0.05) and remained elevated at 20 minutes postexercise. A significant postexercise decrease was observed for α-tocopherol (p < 0.05) at P20 for judokas and at P5 for sedentary subjects. These data indicate that competitive judo athletes have higher endogenous antioxidant protection compared to sedentary subjects. However, both groups of subjects experience an increase in exercise-induced oxidative stress that is not different.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on male judokas’ performances in specific and non-specific judo tasks

This study aimed to examine the effects of Ramadan on judokas’ performances in specific and non-specific tasks performed in the afternoon. Twelve male black belt judokas voluntarily participated in this study. The experimental design consisted of two testing phases: the fourth week of Ramadan (FWR) and five weeks after Ramadan (AR). At each phase, the judokas performed two test sessions. During the first one, they performed the squat jump (SJ), the countermovement jump (CMJ), and then, a maximal graded cycle test to assess maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). During the second one, the judokas carried out a specific judo test. All tests were performed in the afternoon (i.e. 16:00 h). The results showed that jump heights measured in the SJ (p < 0.05) and the CMJ (p < 0.05) were significantly lower during the FWR than AR. Likewise, VO2max (p < 0.05) and peak heart rate recorded during the specific judo test (p < 0.001) were significantly higher AR with respect to the FWR. Moreover, the number of uchi-komi performed in the specific judo test was significantly lower during the FWR compared to AR (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that Ramadan leads to impairment in judokas’ physical performances during generic and specific judo tests performed in the afternoon.

Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among undergraduate students of a sports and physical education institute in Tunisia

Introduction For obvious reasons, athletes are at greater risk of sustaining a lumber (lower) spine injury due to physical activity. To our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in a Tunisian sports and physical education institute. Aim To assess the prevalence of LBP in different sports among students studying in a sports and physical education institute in Tunisia, to determine the causes of the injuries, and to propose solutions. Methods A total of 3,379 boys and 2,579 girls were studied. A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on a group of students aged 18.5–24.5 years at the Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax to estimate the prevalence of LBP and its relation to the type of sports. Data on age, weight, height, smoking, and the sport in which the student was injured in the low back were collected from the institute health service records from 2005 until 2013. Results LBP was reported by 879 of the 5,958 study participants (14.8%). The prevalence of LBP was significantly higher (p<0.001) in females (17.6%) than in males (12.5%). LBP prevalence did not differ by body mass index or smoking habit (p>0.05). The sports associated with the higher rates of LBP were gymnastics, judo, handball, and volleyball, followed by basketball and athletics. Conclusion LBP is frequent among undergraduate students of a sports and physical education institute in Tunisia. It is strongly associated with fatigue after the long periods of training in different sports. Gymnastics, judo, handball, and volleyball were identified as high-risk sports for causing LBP.Introduction For obvious reasons, athletes are at greater risk of sustaining a lumber (lower) spine injury due to physical activity. To our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in a Tunisian sports and physical education institute. Aim To assess the prevalence of LBP in different sports among students studying in a sports and physical education institute in Tunisia, to determine the causes of the injuries, and to propose solutions. Methods A total of 3,379 boys and 2,579 girls were studied. A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on a group of students aged 18.5–24.5 years at the Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax to estimate the prevalence of LBP and its relation to the type of sports. Data on age, weight, height, smoking, and the sport in which the student was injured in the low back were collected from the institute health service records from 2005 until 2013. Results LBP was reported by 879 of the 5,958 study participants (14.8%). The prevalence of LBP was significantly higher (p<0.001) in females (17.6%) than in males (12.5%). LBP prevalence did not differ by body mass index or smoking habit (p>0.05). The sports associated with the higher rates of LBP were gymnastics, judo, handball, and volleyball, followed by basketball and athletics. Conclusion LBP is frequent among undergraduate students of a sports and physical education institute in Tunisia. It is strongly associated with fatigue after the long periods of training in different sports. Gymnastics, judo, handball, and volleyball were identified as high-risk sports for causing LBP.

Effect of exercise training intensity on body composition, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in young obese women

G75 and G50 showed a significant decrease in body-mass-index (-7.1 versus -3.3%, P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively), total fat (-14.4 versus -9.5%, P<0.001), and in WC (-9.4 versus -8.1%, P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). The reduction of total fat and WC were significantly correlated with body mass decrease (r=0.46 and r=0.43, respectively, P<0.001) among the two training groups but the change in body composition was not correlated with lipid parameters. In addition, the decrease of the homeostasis model assessment index was higher (P<0.001) in G50 than G75 with a significant reduction in LDLc. The training program at 50% of HRR induced a significant reduction of LDLc and a significant improvement in insulin status associated with body mass reduction, total fat, and WC. However, the training program at 75% of HRR induced more significant reduction in body mass and total fat than that at 50% of HRR.

Lung function profiles and aerobic capacity of adult cigarette and hookah smokers after 12 weeks intermittent training

Introduction Pulmonary function is compromised in most smokers. Yet it is unknown whether exercise training improves pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in cigarette and hookah smokers and whether these smokers respond in a similar way as do non-smokers. Aim To evaluate the effects of an interval exercise training program on pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in cigarette and hookah smokers. Methods Twelve cigarette smokers, 10 hookah smokers, and 11 non-smokers participated in our exercise program. All subjects performed 30 min of interval exercise (2 min of work followed by 1 min of rest) three times a week for 12 weeks at an intensity estimated at 70% of the subjects maximum aerobic capacity ([Formula: see text]). Pulmonary function was measured using spirometry, and maximum aerobic capacity was assessed by maximal exercise testing on a treadmill before the beginning and at the end of the exercise training program. Results As expected, prior to the exercise intervention, the cigarette and hookah smokers had significantly lower pulmonary function than the non-smokers. The 12-week exercise training program did not significantly affect lung function as assessed by spirometry in the non-smoker group. However, it significantly increased both forced expiratory volume in 1 second and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the cigarette smoker group, and PEF in the hookah smoker group. Our training program had its most notable impact on the cardiopulmonary system of smokers. In the non-smoker and cigarette smoker groups, the training program significantly improved [Formula: see text] (4.4 and 4.7%, respectively), v [Formula: see text] (6.7 and 5.6%, respectively), and the recovery index (7.9 and 10.5%, respectively). Conclusions After 12 weeks of interval training program, the increase of [Formula: see text] and the decrease of recovery index and resting heart rate in the smoking subjects indicated better exercise tolerance. Although the intermittent training program altered pulmonary function only partially, both aerobic capacity and life quality were improved. Intermittent training should be advised in the clinical setting for subjects with adverse health behaviors.Introduction Pulmonary function is compromised in most smokers. Yet it is unknown whether exercise training improves pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in cigarette and hookah smokers and whether these smokers respond in a similar way as do non-smokers. Aim To evaluate the effects of an interval exercise training program on pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in cigarette and hookah smokers. Methods Twelve cigarette smokers, 10 hookah smokers, and 11 non-smokers participated in our exercise program. All subjects performed 30 min of interval exercise (2 min of work followed by 1 min of rest) three times a week for 12 weeks at an intensity estimated at 70% of the subjects maximum aerobic capacity ( ). Pulmonary function was measured using spirometry, and maximum aerobic capacity was assessed by maximal exercise testing on a treadmill before the beginning and at the end of the exercise training program. Results As expected, prior to the exercise intervention, the cigarette and hookah smokers had significantly lower pulmonary function than the non-smokers. The 12-week exercise training program did not significantly affect lung function as assessed by spirometry in the non-smoker group. However, it significantly increased both forced expiratory volume in 1 second and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the cigarette smoker group, and PEF in the hookah smoker group. Our training program had its most notable impact on the cardiopulmonary system of smokers. In the non-smoker and cigarette smoker groups, the training program significantly improved (4.4 and 4.7%, respectively), v (6.7 and 5.6%, respectively), and the recovery index (7.9 and 10.5%, respectively). Conclusions After 12 weeks of interval training program, the increase of and the decrease of recovery index and resting heart rate in the smoking subjects indicated better exercise tolerance. Although the intermittent training program altered pulmonary function only partially, both aerobic capacity and life quality were improved. Intermittent training should be advised in the clinical setting for subjects with adverse health behaviors.

Warm-up durations and time-of-day impacts on rate of perceived exertion after short-term maximal performance

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of different active warm-up (AWU) durations on the diurnal variations of power output during the Wingate test and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Eleven male handball players, volunteered to take part in this study, underwent six Wingate tests at 08:00 and 18:00 h after 5 (AWU5), 15 (AWU15), or 20 min (AWU20) of AWU. All the warm-up protocols consisted of pedaling at a constant pace of 60 rpm against 50% of the maximal aerobic power. RPE scores were recorded after the AWU and Wingate test. During the Wingate test, the peak (PP), the mean power (MP), and the fatigue index were measured. The RPE values were not affected by the time-of-day after both AWU and the Wingate test. The PP and MP during the Wingate test were: (i) higher in the evening in comparison with the morning (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). (ii) Better PP and MP were recorded after AWU15 than after AWU5 and AWU20 at 08:00 h. Time-of-day affects the Wingate test performance, but not the RPE scores. Moreover, before morning competition, subjects could be advised to increase morning AWU, but not longer than 15 min.

Volleyball and Basketball Enhanced Bone Mass in Prepubescent Boys

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of volleyball and basketball practice on bone acquisition and to determine which of these 2 high-impact sports is more osteogenic in prepubertal period. We investigated 170 boys (aged 10-12 yr, Tanner stage I): 50 volleyball players (VB), 50 basketball players (BB), and 70 controls. Bone mineral content (BMC, g) and bone area (BA, cm(2)) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at different sites. We found that, both VB and BB have a higher BMC at whole body and most weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing sites than controls, except the BMC in head which was lower in VB and BB than controls. Moreover, only VB exhibited greater BMC in right and left ultra-distal radius than controls. No significant differences were observed between the 3 groups in lumbar spine, femoral neck, and left third D radius BMC. Athletes also exhibited a higher BA in whole body, limbs, lumbar spine, and femoral region than controls. In addition, they have a similar BA in head and left third D radius with controls. The VB exhibited a greater BA in most radius region than controls and a greater femoral neck BA than BB. A significant positive correlation was reported between total lean mass and both BMC and BA in whole body, lumbar spine, total hip, and right whole radius among VB and BB. In summary, we suggest that volleyball and basketball have an osteogenic effect BMC and BA in loaded sites in prepubescent boys. The increased bone mass induced by both volleyball and basketball training in the stressed sites was associated to a decreased skull BMC. Moreover, volleyball practice produces a more sensitive mechanical stress in loaded bones than basketball. This effect seems translated by femoral neck expansion.

Time-of-day and warm-up durations effects on thermoregulation and anaerobic performance in moderate conditions

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of different active warm-up (AWU) durations on the diurnal variations of temperature and power output during the Wingate test. Eleven physical education students underwent the Wingate test at 08:00 and 18:00 h after four AWU protocols: control warm-up (CWU), 5 min (AWU5), 15 min (AWU15), and 20 min (AWU20). The CWU consisted of 5 min of free pedaling; however, the AWU5, AWU15, and the AWU20 protocols consisted of pedaling at a constant pace of 60 rpm against at 50% of the maximal aerobic power. Oral temperature was recorded at rest, at the end of warm-up, and before and after the Wingate test. The temperature has improved significantly from morning to evening. However, the increase was greater after AWU15 and AWU20. The power peak and the power means were significantly higher in the evening in comparison with morning. These diurnal variations persisted after all AWU durations. However, the increase was greater in the morning and in the evening following the AWU15 in comparison with the AWU5 and the AWU20. The fatigue index (FI) recorded in the evening is statistically higher in comparison with those recorded in the morning. In addition, our findings show an effect of the AWU durations on the FI. In moderate conditions, an AWU of 15 min at 50% of the maximal aerobic power is the best duration for the improvement of both core temperature and muscle power in the morning and in the evening.

Effect of time of day on soccer specific skills in children: psychological and physiological responses

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of time of day on soccer-specific skills and physiological and psychological parameters in children. Ten male children soccer players (age: 14.6 ± 0.8 years; height: 1.63 ± 0.4 m; body mass: 52.5 ± 4.9 kg) performed two shooting accuracy tests before and after a 10 × 20-m dribbling sprint test with 20-s of passive recovery between repetitions. The measurements were taken at 08:00 h, 13:00 h, and 17:00 h in a randomized order. Mean heart rate (HR) was monitored during the dribbling test. At the beginning of each test session, blood pressure and intra-aural temperature were measured. Likewise, children were asked to complete the profile of mood state (POMS) and the Hooper Index questionnaires. Lactate concentration ([La]) was recorded at rest, post-fifth recovery periods and post-second accuracy test. Moreover, they indicate their rating of perceived exertion (RPE) score immediately at the end of each test session. The results of this study showed that dribbling performance was higher at 13:00 h and 17:00 h in comparison with 08:00 h (p < 0.05). Likewise, intra-aural temperature, RPE scores, depression recorded by the POMS questionnaire, and the stress recorded by the Hooper questionnaire were higher in the afternoon (p < 0.05). However, the fatigue during the 10 × 20-m dribbling sprint and the kicking accuracy were not affected by the time of day. Moreover, [La], mean HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were not affected by the time of day. For the correlations analysis between all parameters, the statistical analysis showed significant correlation only between TT and RPE scores and between MT and RPE scores (r = 0.6, p < 0.05). In conclusion, shooting accuracy was not affected by the time of day. However, dribbling performance of children is better in the afternoon than in the morning. This diurnal variation could not been explained by variation in mood or in [La], mean HR, SBP, and DBP.

Effect of low- intensity continuous training on lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness in both cigarette and hookah smokers.

BACKGROUND The decline in cardiorespiratory fitness and lung function was higher in smokers. Training method could mitigate some of the negative consequences of smoking among smokers unable or unwilling to quit. OBJECTIVE To examine the effects of continuous training on lungs functional capability and cardiorespiratory fitness in smokers. METHODS Fifteen cigarette smokers, 14 hookah smokers, and 14 nonsmokers were assigned to low-intensity continuous training (20-30 minutes of running at 40% of maximum oxygen uptake (O2max)). Lung function and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were determined using respectively spirometer and treadmill maximal exercise test. RESULTS Continuous training improved forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (FEF50 %) in all participants, smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). In contrast, forced vital capacity (FVC) improvement was significant only among cigarette smokers (CS) (+1.7±2.21%, p < 0.01) and hookah smokers (HS) (+1.3±1.7 %, p < 0.05). Likewise, an improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness in both smokers groups without significant changes in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for CS group and in velocity at maximum oxygen uptake (vO2max) for HS group. CONCLUSION The low-intensity continuous training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces lung function decline in both cigarette and hookah smokers. It seems to be beneficial in the prevention programs of hypertension. It could have important implications in prevention and treatment programs in smokers unable or unwilling to quit.