Olivier Galy

Maximal oxygen uptake and power of lower limbs during a competitive season in triathletes

Background: In order to study the effect of a competitive triathlon season on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), aerobic power (AeP) and anaerobic performance (AnP) of the lower limbs, eight triathletes performed exercise tests after: (1) a pre‐competition period (Pre‐COMP) (2) a competitive period (COMP), and (3) a low (volume and intensity) training period (Post‐COMP). The tests were a vertical jump‐and‐reach test and an incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Ventilatory data were collected every minute during the incremental test with an automated breath‐by‐breath system and the heart‐rate was monitored using a telemetric system.

Relationships between heart rate and physiological parameters of performance in top-level water polo players.

The aim of this study was to measure the heart rate (HR) response of eight elite water polo players during the four 7-min quarters of the game and to check for relationships with the physiological parameters of performance (V.O2max, Th1vent, Th2vent). Each athlete performed a V.O2max treadmill test and played a water polo game wearing a heart rate monitor. The game fatigue index was calculated as the ratio of the fourth-quarter HR to the first-quarter HR: HR4/HR1. The results showed a slight decrease in fourth-quarter HR compared with the first quarter, with the mean four-quarter HR equal to 79.9±4.2% of HRmax. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed V.O2max to be the main explanatory factor of game intensity, i.e. game HR expressed in %HRreserve (R=0.88, P<0.01). We observed that higher aerobic capacity resulted in higher game intensity. We also observed a decrease in the playing intensity in the fourth quarter compared with the first, likely due to very high game involvement. We concluded that high aerobic capacity seems necessary to ensure high game intensity in water polo. This suggests that coaches should encourage their athletes to reach a minimum level of V.O2max and that HR monitoring could be of great interest in the control of water polo training sessions.

Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of Melanesian futsal players: a first approach to talent identification in Oceania.

This study assessed the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of elite Melanesian futsal players in order to determine the best performance predictors. Physiological parameters of performance were measured in 14 Melanesian (MEL-G, 24.4±4.4 yrs) and 8 Caucasian (NMEL-G, 22.9±4.9) elite futsal players, using tests of jump-and-reach (CMJ), agility (T-Test), repeated sprint ability (RSA), RSA with change-of-direction (RSA-COD), sprints with 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, and 30 m lap times, and aerobic fitness with the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15 IFT). The anthropometric data revealed significantly lower height for MEL-G compared with NMEL-G: 1.73±0.05 and 1.80±0.08 m, respectively; P = 0.05. The CMJ was significantly higher for MEL-G than NMEL-G: 50.4±5.9 and 45.2±4.3 cm, respectively; P = 0.05. T-Test times were significantly lower for MEL-G than NMEL-G: 10.47±0.58 and 11.01±0.64 seconds, respectively; P = 0.05. MEL-G height was significantly related to CMJ (r = 0.706, P = 0.01), CMJpeakP (r = 0.709, P = 0.01) and T-Test (r = 0.589, P = 0.02). No significant between-group differences were observed for sprint tests or 30-15 IFT, including heart rate and estimated VO2max. Between groups, the percentage decrement (%Dec) in RSA-COD was significantly lower in MEL-G than NMEL-G (P = 0.05), although no significant difference was noted between RSA and RSA-COD. Within groups, no significant difference was observed between %Dec in RSA or RSA-COD; P = 0.697. This study presents specific anthropometric (significantly lower height) and physiological (significantly greater agility) reference values in Melanesians, which, taken together, might help coaches and physical fitness trainers to optimize elite futsal training and talent identification in Oceania.

Maximal oxygen uptake, ventilatory thresholds and mechanical power during cycling in Tropical climate in Guadeloupean elite cyclists

The Tropical climate imposes a high level of physiological stress, which could modify the target heart rate in training load prescription, as the recommendations are often determined by maximal oxygen uptake testing in temperature-neutral laboratories. To test this hypothesis, 7 high-level cyclists performed two randomised maximal tests in neutral (19.2±0.9°C; 51.7±1.3% RH) and Tropical environment (25.8±1.1°C; 63.7±2.3% RH). Neither maximal oxygen uptake nor ventilatory threshold was influenced by the environmental conditions. However, ventilation (p<0.005) and the respiratory equivalent in O(2) (p<0.05) were significantly higher in the Tropical environment, whereas maximal power output and the time to attain maximal oxygen uptake were significantly lower (p<0.05 for both). Moreover, the ventilatory cost of cycling (expressed in LW(-1)) was significantly greater in the Tropical condition (0.40±0.03LW(-1) vs. 0.32±0.05LW(-1), in Tropical vs. Neutral; condition effect: p<0.005; condition × time: p<0.001). Rectal temperature was influenced by neither the environmental conditions nor exercise (36.7±0.1 and 37.0±0.1°C vs. 36.8±0.1 and 37.1±0.2°C, in Tropical vs. Neutral, before and after exercise) but was influenced by condition × time (p<0.05). The heart rate (HR) values usually used for training prescription were not significantly different (154±5bpm vs. 156±4bpm and 172±4bpm vs. 167±4bpm in Tropical vs. Neutral climate, for the first and second thresholds, respectively). We concluded that the usual parameters measured during maximal exercise to establish training programs are not impaired in moderate Tropical environment. Nevertheless, the thermal stress attested by the increased ventilatory cost of cycling could have prevented the cyclists from performing a true maximal test in Tropical conditions.

Nutrition behaviors and sociodemographic factors associated with overweight in the multi-ethnic adolescents of New Caledonia

ABSTRACT Objectives: New Caledonia is a multi-ethnic French territory in the Pacific, characterized by communities with widely varying nutritional habits. Little is currently known about adolescent food behaviors and habits and their association with overweight. This study therefore determined the sociodemographic factors and food behaviors associated with overweight and underweight in this population, as well as the factors associated with skipping breakfast. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among New Caledonian adolescents using a self-administered questionnaire; anthropometric measurements were also taken. Weight status was determined using international cutoffs, and the factors associated with overweight and underweight were identified with multiple logistic regression analysis. The factors associated with breakfast skipping were also determined. Results: Skipping breakfast, being Melanesian, living in a rural area and having low economic status were positively associated with overweight in these adolescents. Skipping breakfast was relatively infrequent, reported by 18% and 13% of the males and females, respectively. Logistic regression models found that the main factors associated with breakfast consumption habits were gender, weight status and ethnicity. Conclusions: Several factors are associated with overweight status in New Caledonian adolescents. Breakfast education should be improved for adolescents living in rural areas and from low socioeconomic status.

Intensity, recovery kinetics and well-being indices are not altered during an official FIFA futsal tournament in Oceanian players

Abstract Physiological responses (intensity and recovery kinetics) and well-being indices were examined during a 4-day FIFA international tournament. Ten outfield New Caledonian players (age: 25.5 ± 3.8 years; height: 170 ± 7 cm; weight: 70.7 ± 8.6 kg) were assessed during the four matches. Players’ aerobic and anaerobic capacities were measured before the tournament while heart rate (HR), intra-matches recovery and well-being indices (Hooper index) were measured throughout the tournament. HR (168 ± 8 bpm), exercise intensity (83.4 ± 2.3% of HR reserve) and recovery indices were similar throughout the tournament. Well-being indices were largely alike during the tournament while rating of perceived exertion increased throughout the tournament that was not associated with HR or well-being indices. High aerobic and anaerobic capacities were associated with high match intensities and slow recovery indices. In summary, match intensity assessed by HR, recovery kinetics and well-being of Oceanian futsal players were not modified during a 4-day FIFA futsal tournament. Assessment of aerobic and anaerobic capacities may be useful to select players for optimal performance during this type of international tournament.

Relationship of body fat and body mass index in young Pacific Islanders: a cross-sectional study in European, Melanesian and Polynesian groups

Body mass index is the most often used indicator of obesity but does not distinguish between lean and fat mass. Adiposity at the same body mass index differs across ethnic groups.

Supporting Learning Activities with Wearable Devices to Develop Life-Long Skills in a Health Education App

80% of Australian children do not engage in recommended minima of physical activity levels, contributing to an alarming trend in obesity levels and associated diseases in adult life. We created iEngage, an innovative health education program for 10–12 year old school children that blends a learning app, wearable technology, feedback, goal setting and gamification with practical activities to promote knowledge and behavioural changes with regards to physical activity and to guide children at their own pace towards World Health Organisation’s recommended minima of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. We present how the activity trackers are used to provide objective feedback and support the learning activities and the individual goal setting. We conducted a controlled pilot study in two Australian schools. Post-tests using research-grade accelerometer devices reveal a significant increase in moderate and vigorous activities in the experimental group, compared to none in the control group.

Tackling the Consumption of High Sugar Products among Children and Adolescents in the Pacific Islands: Implications for Future Research

The Pacific Islands are experiencing an obesity epidemic with a rate of overweight and obesity as high as 80% among adults in some Pacific Island nations. Children and adolescents in the region are also affected by overweight and obesity, which is alarming due to the increased likelihood of remaining overweight as an adult. Research supports an association between poor diet and an increased risk of obesity and development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Excess consumption of free sugars is associated with poorer overall diet quality and increased risk of weight gain, chronic inflammation and dental caries. Traditional diets in the Pacific Islands are being supplemented with processed, high-sugar foods and beverages; thus, there is a clear need for effective interventions promoting positive dietary behaviors in the region. School and community based interventions offer an opportunity to promote positive behavior change among children and adolescents. This review aims to evaluate interventions targeting the consumption of high-sugar products in this population in the Pacific Islands.

Potential for waist-to-height ratio to detect overfat adolescents from a Pacific Island, even those within the normal BMI range

INTRODUCTION Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a simple anthropometric proxy for central body fat; it is easy to use from a health education perspective. A WHtR value >0.5 has been proposed as a first level indicator of health risk. The first aim of this study was to compare WHtR with values based on body mass index (BMI) in their prediction of the percentage of body fat (%BF) in a multi-ethnic population of adolescents from New-Caledonia (age 11-16year). Secondly, to see whether WHtR >0.5 could be used to detect overfat subjects whose BMI was in the normal range. MATERIALS AND METHODS Body fat percentage (%BF, based on skinfold measurements), BMI and WHtR were calculated for New Caledonian adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds. The relationship between %BF, BMI and WHtR was determined using quadratic models and from linear regression equations. The sensitivity and specificity of WHtR for detecting overfat adolescents (%BF >25% in boys and >30% in girls) were assessed and compared with those from the BMI-based classification. RESULTS WHtR showed better correlation with %BF than BMI-based measurements. WHtR >0.5 was also more accurate than BMI in detecting overfat adolescents. Moreover, using this boundary value, 8% of adolescents in the normal BMI range were shown to be over-fat. CONCLUSIONS WHtR is a good anthropometric proxy to detect overfat adolescents. Detecting overfat adolescents within the normal BMI range is particularly important for preventing non communicable diseases. We therefore recommend using WHtR for health education programs in the Pacific area and more generally.