Luís Miguel Massuça

Attributes of Top Elite Team-handball Players

Abstract Massuça, LM, Fragoso, I, and Teles, J. Attributes of top elite team-handball players. J Strength Cond Res 28(1): 178–186, 2014—Researchers in the field of excellence in sport performance are becoming increasingly focused on the study of sport-specific characteristics and requirements. In accordance with this, the purposes of this study were (a) to examine the morphologic-, fitness-, handball-specific skills and psychological and “biosocial” differences between top elite and nontop elite team-handball players and (b) to investigate the extent to which they may be used to identify top elite team-handball players. One hundred sixty-seven adult male team-handball players were studied and divided in 2 groups: top elite (n = 41) and nontop elite (n = 126). Twenty-eight morphologic-, 9 fitness-, 1 handball-specific skills and 2 psychological-based and 2 “biosocial”-based attributes were used. Top elite and nontop elite groups were compared for each variable of interest using Students t-test, and 5 logistic regression analyses were performed with the athletes performance group (top elite or nontop elite) as the dependent variable and the variables of each category as predictors. The results showed that (a) body mass, waist girth, radiale-dactylion length, midstylion-dactylion length, and absolute muscle mass (morphologic model); (b) 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump height and average power, abdominal strength and the class of performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test (fitness model); (c) offensive power (specific-skills model); (d) ego-based motivational orientation (psychological model); (e) socioeconomic status and the energy spent (for week) in handball activity (biosocial model); significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to predict the probability of an athlete to be a top elite team-handball player. Moreover, the fitness model exhibited higher percentages of correct classification (i.e., 91.5%) than all the other models did. This study provided (a) the rational to reduce the battery of tests for evaluation purposes, and (b) the initial step to work on building a multidisciplinary model to predict the probability of a handball athlete to be a top elite player.

Plyometric muscular action tests in judo- and non-judo athletes

The majority of explosive actions during the Judo fight occur when the athlete is trying to overcome his/her adversary via rapid execution(s) of (isolated or chained) technical manoeuvres. The aim of this study was to compare the results of two plyometric muscular action tests (i.e., Squat Jump – SJ, and Countermovement Jump – CMJ) between judoand non-judoathletes. The investigation involved a cross-sectional examination of 102 subjects (age, 21.9 ± 3.4 years) divided into 3 performance groups: a) Senior top elite judo athletes (n = 50), b) Junior elite judo athletes (n = 26) and c) Adult non-judo athletes (n = 26). Thirteen biomechanical variables (including jump height, velocity, power, force in SJ and CMJ; time to peak force, to peak power and between peaks) were examined. The dataset was analysed using a Univariate analysis of variance. No significant differences in anthropometric variables were observed between groups. However, significant differences were observed in: a) jump height and peak velocity (SJ, CMJ), b) peak power and peak force (SJ), and c) peak eccentric force, peak eccentric power and peak concentric power (CMJ). We conclude that: a) the center of mass displacement achieved in the CMJ is higher than in the SJ; b) the optimisation of coordination between the eccentric and concentric phases of muscle action is not the primary determinant of performance of Judo athletes; and c) the main pre-requisite for success in elite judo athletes is superior peak eccentric power.

Study of portuguese handball players of different playing status. A morphological and biosocial

The development of sport has guided sports sciences researchers to the study of excellence in sport performance. In accordance, this study aims to evaluate the relation between some morphological and biosocial factors and sport level and tactical position in handball players of Portuguese leagues. A total of 187 male handball athletes (age, 23.48±5.12 years) participated in this study. The sample was divided into five groups (Top elite, Moderate elite, Sub-elite, Moderate trained, Junior elite) for comparison. Morphological evaluation of participants comprised the study of 11 anthropometric measures, adipose mass and fat-free mass. To evaluate biosocial dimensions, participants completed the Portuguese Biosocial RAPIL questionnaire (adapted to handball athletes). Results showed that top elite athletes were taller, heavier, had higher fat-free mass, less fat mass, higher socio-economic status and higher weekly energy expenditure. These findings can be a useful tool to promote real changes in training methods, specifically in relation to the weekly energy expenditure in training (i.e., training volume).

Methodological Agreement between Body-Composition Methods in Young Soccer Players Stratified by Zinc Plasma Levels

Es factible pensar que la evaluacion de la composicion corporal puede estar influenciada por el estado de maduracion y los niveles plasmaticos de zinc, especialmente en atletas jovenes, que regularmente realizan un alto volumen de entrenamiento fisico. Por tanto, es importante aclarar el impacto de estos factores en la evaluacion de la composicion corporal de los atletas, ya que errores en su analisis pueden conducir al desarrollo de una equivocada prescripcion de entrenamiento, ademas de una dieta determinada, y por lo tanto afectar el rendimiento deportivo. El objetivo de esta investigacion consistio en: (1) comparar los diferentes metodos de evaluacion de la composicion corporal en futbolistas jovenes estratificados por los niveles plasmaticos de zinc; (2) comparar los dos metodos de referencia utilizando el espesor de los pliegues cutaneos en ninos (ecuaciones de Slaughter y Lohman), teniendo en cuenta el nivel de maduracion. En este estudio transversal, cincuenta futbolistas jovenes (13,3±0,7 anos) fueron sometidos a un perfil bioquimico de sangre, bioimpedancia electrica (BIA), absorciometria de rayos X de energia dual (DXA), medidas antropometricas (masa corporal, estatura y pliegues cutaneos de espesor (ST)) y radiografia de mano-muneca. La evaluacion de la composicion corporal se realizo por: DXA, ST (ecuaciones Lohman y Slaughter) y BIA (ecuacion Houtkooper). El nivel de zinc identifico dos grupos: deportistas normozincemicos e hipozincemicos, determinados por un punto de corte de 11,0 mmol/L. Se observo una diferencia significativa en los datos descriptivos de todos los participantes despues de la estratificacion del estado de zinc solo para la concentracion de zinc en plasma; se observaron correlaciones significativas entre los metodos de evaluacion (porcentaje de grasa: r= 0,34 a 0,98 y p <0,001 a 0,013; masa libre de grasa: r= desde 0,95 hasta 0,9998 y p <0,001), y disminuyeron las correlaciones al estar involucrada la impedancia electrica. Los resultados a traves de los metodos Bland y Altman mostraron un acuerdo mas cercano al comparar DXA y ST. El metodo ST fue mejor que el BIA para evaluar la composicion corporal (en los jugadores jovenes de futbol), cuando no estaban disponibles los escaneos DXA. La comparacion de los modelos basados en ST mostro que la mejor asociacion de valores DXA se obtuvieron para la ecuacion Slaughter, seguidos por la ecuacion Lohman utilizando la edad osea en lugar de la edad cronologica. Los niveles de zinc en plasma parecen no influir en la evaluacion de la composicion corporal, lo que amerita mas estudios.

A massa gorda de risco afeta a capacidade aeróbia de jovens adolescentes

OBJECTIVE: To study the behavior of sex and age and fat mass effects on aerobic capacity of young adolescents. METHODS: The 621 students participating in the study (14 to 17 years, female: n = 329, age 15.84 ± 0.92 years, male: n = 292, age 15.82 ± 0.87 years) were evaluated in two categories: morphology (height, body mass and % fat mass - %FM) and physical fitness (aerobic capacity). The anthropometric measurements were performed according to the protocol described by Marfell-Jones and %FM was calculated by bioelectrical impedance. The assessment of aerobic capacity was performed with the aerobic running test (PACER), and relative VO2maxwas calculated using the equation of Leger. The evaluation results were classified according to the normative values of the FITNESSGRAM® reference tables. The statistical techniques used were: 1) calculation of frequencies; 2) Student t-test for independent samples; and 3) two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Bonferroni HSD. RESULTS: 1) there are significant differences between genders with regard to %FM and VO2max; 2) during adolescence a stabilization of VO2maxwas observed in boys and a decline in girls; 3) regardless of gender, the class of %FM and chronological age have a significant effect on aerobic capacity; and 4) in young people (adolescents) with %FM risk, the reduction of %FM to healthy levels seems to result in improved aerobic capacity. CONCLUSION: The impact of %FM in aerobic capacity reinforces the importance of physical education in promoting cardiovascular health.OBJETIVO: Estudar o comportamento do sexo e os efeitos da idade e da massa gorda sobre a capacidade aerobia de jovens adolescentes. METODOS: Os 621 estudantes do ensino secundario participantes no estudo (14 aos 17 anos; feminino: n = 329, idade, 15,84 ± 0,92 anos; masculino: n = 292, idade, 15,82 ± 0,87 anos) foram avaliados em duas categorias: morfologia (altura, peso e % massa gorda - %MG) e aptidao fisica (capacidade aerobia). As medicoes antropometricas foram realizadas de acordo com o protocolo descrito por Marfell-Jones e a %MG foi calculada por bioimpedância. A avaliacao da capacidade aerobia foi realizada com o teste aerobio de corrida - PACER, e VO2max relativo foi calculado utilizando a equacao de Leger. Os resultados das avaliacoes foram classificados de acordo com os valores normativos das tabelas de referencia da bateria de testes FITNESSGRAM® As tecnicas estatisticas utilizadas foram: 1) calculo de frequencias; 2) teste t de Student para amostras independentes; e 3) ANOVA two-way seguida do teste post-hoc HSD de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: 1) existem diferencas significativas entre sexos no que se refere a %MG e ao VO2max; 2) durante a adolescencia, o VO2max estabiliza nos rapazes e sofre um declinio nas mocas; 3) independentemente do sexo, a classe de %MG e a idade cronologica tem um efeito significativo sobre a capacidade aerobia; e 4) em jovens adolescentes, com %MG de risco, a reducao da %MG para niveis saudaveis parece resultar na melhoria da capacidade aerobia. CONCLUSAO: O impacto da %MG na capacidade aerobia, reforca a importância da educacao fisica escolar na promocao da saude cardiovascular.

Biological Maturation Assessment Methods in Adolescent Soccer Players Considering Zinc Status

The purpose of this study was to compare different methods of maturity evaluation and their relation with performance-related physical and anthropometric variables in young soccer players, with different plasma zinc status. A total of 53 healthy male young soccer players (age: 13±1 years; body mass: 48±10 kg; stature: 160±10 cm) participated in this study. Variables from physical fitness (stature, ST; fat-free mass, FFM; handgrip strength in the dominant hand, DHS), testosterone and zinc plasma concentration were measured. Biological maturity was evaluated by sexual maturity (development of: pubic hair, PH; genitals, GD; axillary hair; AH), bone maturity (TW3 method; BA), and testosterone plasma concentration methods. We observed that: (i) the frequency of hypozincemics and normozincemics children stratified by BA-CA, PH and GD were similar in each category; (ii) the BA allowed the identification of differences between the three categories, in at least two performance-related variables (FFM and DHS, p<0.0001); (iii) the AH method was able to discriminate only for DHS (p<0.0001); and (iv) the testosterone method was not able to identify differences between the four maturation categories with regard to ST, FFM, and DHS. Results suggested that Zinc deficiency did not influence the results obtained for the maturation categories defined by the different assessment methods. The assessment of biological maturation by BA seems to be the most effective for the stratification of performance-related and anthropometric variables in young soccer players. Nevertheless, the AH method should also be considered as a fair option to be used in field studies and practice.

The risk fat mass class affects aerobic capacity of young adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To study the behavior of sex and age and fat mass effects on aerobic capacity of young adolescents. METHODS: The 621 students participating in the study (14 to 17 years, female: n = 329, age 15.84 ± 0.92 years, male: n = 292, age 15.82 ± 0.87 years) were evaluated in two categories: morphology (height, body mass and % fat mass - %FM) and physical fitness (aerobic capacity). The anthropometric measurements were performed according to the protocol described by Marfell-Jones and %FM was calculated by bioelectrical impedance. The assessment of aerobic capacity was performed with the aerobic running test (PACER), and relative VO2maxwas calculated using the equation of Leger. The evaluation results were classified according to the normative values of the FITNESSGRAM® reference tables. The statistical techniques used were: 1) calculation of frequencies; 2) Student t-test for independent samples; and 3) two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Bonferroni HSD. RESULTS: 1) there are significant differences between genders with regard to %FM and VO2max; 2) during adolescence a stabilization of VO2maxwas observed in boys and a decline in girls; 3) regardless of gender, the class of %FM and chronological age have a significant effect on aerobic capacity; and 4) in young people (adolescents) with %FM risk, the reduction of %FM to healthy levels seems to result in improved aerobic capacity. CONCLUSION: The impact of %FM in aerobic capacity reinforces the importance of physical education in promoting cardiovascular health.OBJETIVO: Estudar o comportamento do sexo e os efeitos da idade e da massa gorda sobre a capacidade aerobia de jovens adolescentes. METODOS: Os 621 estudantes do ensino secundario participantes no estudo (14 aos 17 anos; feminino: n = 329, idade, 15,84 ± 0,92 anos; masculino: n = 292, idade, 15,82 ± 0,87 anos) foram avaliados em duas categorias: morfologia (altura, peso e % massa gorda - %MG) e aptidao fisica (capacidade aerobia). As medicoes antropometricas foram realizadas de acordo com o protocolo descrito por Marfell-Jones e a %MG foi calculada por bioimpedância. A avaliacao da capacidade aerobia foi realizada com o teste aerobio de corrida - PACER, e VO2max relativo foi calculado utilizando a equacao de Leger. Os resultados das avaliacoes foram classificados de acordo com os valores normativos das tabelas de referencia da bateria de testes FITNESSGRAM® As tecnicas estatisticas utilizadas foram: 1) calculo de frequencias; 2) teste t de Student para amostras independentes; e 3) ANOVA two-way seguida do teste post-hoc HSD de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: 1) existem diferencas significativas entre sexos no que se refere a %MG e ao VO2max; 2) durante a adolescencia, o VO2max estabiliza nos rapazes e sofre um declinio nas mocas; 3) independentemente do sexo, a classe de %MG e a idade cronologica tem um efeito significativo sobre a capacidade aerobia; e 4) em jovens adolescentes, com %MG de risco, a reducao da %MG para niveis saudaveis parece resultar na melhoria da capacidade aerobia. CONCLUSAO: O impacto da %MG na capacidade aerobia, reforca a importância da educacao fisica escolar na promocao da saude cardiovascular.

La masa de tejido adiposo de riesgo afecta la capacidad aeróbica de jóvenes adolescentes

OBJECTIVE: To study the behavior of sex and age and fat mass effects on aerobic capacity of young adolescents. METHODS: The 621 students participating in the study (14 to 17 years, female: n = 329, age 15.84 ± 0.92 years, male: n = 292, age 15.82 ± 0.87 years) were evaluated in two categories: morphology (height, body mass and % fat mass - %FM) and physical fitness (aerobic capacity). The anthropometric measurements were performed according to the protocol described by Marfell-Jones and %FM was calculated by bioelectrical impedance. The assessment of aerobic capacity was performed with the aerobic running test (PACER), and relative VO2maxwas calculated using the equation of Leger. The evaluation results were classified according to the normative values of the FITNESSGRAM® reference tables. The statistical techniques used were: 1) calculation of frequencies; 2) Student t-test for independent samples; and 3) two-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Bonferroni HSD. RESULTS: 1) there are significant differences between genders with regard to %FM and VO2max; 2) during adolescence a stabilization of VO2maxwas observed in boys and a decline in girls; 3) regardless of gender, the class of %FM and chronological age have a significant effect on aerobic capacity; and 4) in young people (adolescents) with %FM risk, the reduction of %FM to healthy levels seems to result in improved aerobic capacity. CONCLUSION: The impact of %FM in aerobic capacity reinforces the importance of physical education in promoting cardiovascular health.OBJETIVO: Estudar o comportamento do sexo e os efeitos da idade e da massa gorda sobre a capacidade aerobia de jovens adolescentes. METODOS: Os 621 estudantes do ensino secundario participantes no estudo (14 aos 17 anos; feminino: n = 329, idade, 15,84 ± 0,92 anos; masculino: n = 292, idade, 15,82 ± 0,87 anos) foram avaliados em duas categorias: morfologia (altura, peso e % massa gorda - %MG) e aptidao fisica (capacidade aerobia). As medicoes antropometricas foram realizadas de acordo com o protocolo descrito por Marfell-Jones e a %MG foi calculada por bioimpedância. A avaliacao da capacidade aerobia foi realizada com o teste aerobio de corrida - PACER, e VO2max relativo foi calculado utilizando a equacao de Leger. Os resultados das avaliacoes foram classificados de acordo com os valores normativos das tabelas de referencia da bateria de testes FITNESSGRAM® As tecnicas estatisticas utilizadas foram: 1) calculo de frequencias; 2) teste t de Student para amostras independentes; e 3) ANOVA two-way seguida do teste post-hoc HSD de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: 1) existem diferencas significativas entre sexos no que se refere a %MG e ao VO2max; 2) durante a adolescencia, o VO2max estabiliza nos rapazes e sofre um declinio nas mocas; 3) independentemente do sexo, a classe de %MG e a idade cronologica tem um efeito significativo sobre a capacidade aerobia; e 4) em jovens adolescentes, com %MG de risco, a reducao da %MG para niveis saudaveis parece resultar na melhoria da capacidade aerobia. CONCLUSAO: O impacto da %MG na capacidade aerobia, reforca a importância da educacao fisica escolar na promocao da saude cardiovascular.