Tapering and Repeated High-Intensity Effort Ability in Young Elite Rugby Union Players: Influence of Pretaper Fatigue Level

Author(s):  
Adrien Vachon ◽  
Nicolas Berryman ◽  
Iñigo Mujika ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Paquet ◽  
Laurent Bosquet

Purpose: To assess the effects of a short-term taper on the ability to perform repeated high-intensity efforts, depending on players’ fatigue level following an intensive training block. Method: After a 3-day off-season camp, 13 players followed the same 3-week preseason training block followed by a 7-day exponential taper. Performance was assessed by a repeated high-intensity effort test before and after the taper. Total sprint time, percentage of decrement, and the number of sprints equal to or higher than 90% of the best sprint were retained for analysis. Players were a posteriori classified in normal training or acute fatigue groups based on their readiness to perform prior to the taper, assessed through the magnitude of difference in psychological (Profile of Mood State Questionnaire), cardiovascular (submaximal constant-duration cycling), and neuromuscular (countermovement jump) tests between the preintensive and postintensive training blocks. Results: Training load declined by 55% (9%) during the taper (P = .001, g = −2.54). The overall group showed a small improvement in total sprint time (−3.40% [3.90%], P = .04, g = −0.39) following the taper. Relative changes tended to be higher in the acute fatigue compared with the normal training group (−5.07% [4.52%] vs −1.45% [1.88%], respectively; P = .08; d = 1.01). No taper-induced improvement was observed in percentage of decrement or number of sprints equal to or higher than 90% of the best sprint. Conclusion: A 7-day taper consisting of 55% training load reduction improved repeated high-intensity effort performance in young elite rugby union players. Pretaper level of fatigue seems to be a key determinant in the taper supercompensation process, as acutely fatigued players at the end of the intensive training block tended to benefit more from the taper.

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Adrien Vachon ◽  
Nicolas Berryman ◽  
Iñigo Mujika ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Paquet ◽  
Tony Monnet ◽  
...  

This study aimed to adapt a repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) test to the rugby union physical demands and assess both sprint time and tackle indices reliability. Following a familiarization session, sixteen elite rugby union players completed two RHIE tests consisting of 12 × 20 m sprint + tackle. Total sprint time and total g-force during tackling, average sprint time and average g-force as well as percentage decrementsprint time and percentage decrementtackle were considered for the analysis. Sprint time indices showed high to very high absolute and relative reliability (intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) = 0.95, Standard Error Measurement (SEM) = 1.30%; ICC = 0.95, SEM = 1.44%; ICC = 0.73, SEM = 23.0%, for total sprint time, average sprint time and percentage decrementsprint time, respectively). Tackle indices showed moderate to high reliability (ICC = 0.54, SEM = 16.5%; ICC = 0.61, SEM = 15.6%; ICC = 0.71, SEM = 12.3%, for total g-force, average g-force and percentage decrementtackle, respectively). The RHIE test provides reliable measures of sprint time and tackle indices. Tackle indices should be used as a validation criterion of the test, whereas total time should be considered as the test final result.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-222
Author(s):  
Zhang Haimin

Long-term high-intensity training can cause a decline in immune function in athletes. In this study, we have explored whether bovine colostrum could improve the immune function in athletes undergoing intensive training. Thirty professional athletes were randomly divided into control group and bovine colostrum group; both groups received one month of intensive training. The control group received usual colostrum-free diet and the bovine colostrum group was fed bovine colostrum-rich milk every day. The venous blood was collected from both groups before and after the treatment period. The results showed that the lymphocyte population increased significantly in the bovine colostrum group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in CD4+ and CD8+ in the two groups (P < 0.05), but the CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ of the bovine colostrum group were significantly higher than those of the control group. There were significant differences in albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio in the control group (P < 0.05), but not in the bovine colostrum group after training. The bovine colostrum group had lower serum albumin and albumin/globulin (P < 0.05) and higher globulin (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in immunologic indexes before and after training in both groups (P > 0.05). The decline in the markers of immune function after high-intensity training was ameliorated by the intake of bovine colostrum.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willibald F. Ruch ◽  
Jennifer Hofmann ◽  
Sandra Rusch ◽  
Heidi Stolz

Abstract The current study tested the 7 Humor Habits Program after McGhee (1996, Health, healing, and the amuse system (2. edition): Humor as survival training. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing; 2010, Humor as survival training for a stressed-out world: The 7 Humor Habits Program. Bloomington, IN: Author House) in two groups receiving the eight-week training (group sessions; one group additionally completing “Home Play” exercises and one group without Home Play) compared to two control groups (a placebo humor group and a waiting control group). The total sample of 110 adults completed measures on the sense of humor, the temperamental basis of the sense of humor, and life satisfaction at three time points: directly before and after the training time, as well as at a two-month follow up. Additionally, peer-ratings on the sense of humor were collected. At each session, the humor-related mood (state cheerfulness, seriousness, and bad mood) was assessed before and after the session. Results show that the sense of humor is malleable, noticeable to the trained individuals as well as to peers (but not in the placebo humor group). The sessions increased cheerful mood and decreased seriousness. Life satisfaction generally increased from the pre-training phase to the post-training phase. To conclude, humor can be trained but more work on consolidation strategies are needed in future studies and intervention designs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuncai Fan ◽  
Qi Yan

Objective To explore the usage of heart rate and derivative index, such as quick recovery index (QRI) and training impulse (TRIMP), to monitor and evaluate load level at physical training course. With simplified load evaluation program, we can accurately feedback load stress and recovery conditions of the athletes, so as to timely adjust training load and avoid sports fatigue. Methods Maximum oxygen uptake is tested to determine maximum heart rate of the athletes, which can be used as the basis for monitoring assessment of physical training load. During training phase, monitoring the variation of the relative index of HR and sleeping conditions of 10 athletes by Firstbeat. The test means was High-intensity interval endurance of climbing machine in 7*20s-20s before and after stage training. The main indexes include of QRI/TRIMP/EPOC/BLa\climbing height.  Results It’s shown through monitoring that maximum heart rate of the athletes in the physical training course is up to 200BPM, which prompts high load level during training. Such athletic ability is promoted to satisfy the demands for complex choreography. Characteristics of energy supply for power endurance with high intensity closely agree with physical fitness demand during synchronized swimming competition, which is general performance of strength, speed and endurance. Through comparison of data on testing power endurance of climbing machine in 7*20s-20S before and after training, average climbing height of the athletes is increased from 60.1m/20s to 62.4m/20s with increased range up to 3.8% and blood lactate level is decreased from 10.7mmol/L to 10.5mmol/L in 2 minutes after exercise, which can be regarded as slightly improvement of ability of the athletes for lactate decomposition and fatigue relief, and aerobic capacity of the athletes are improved to a certain degree. After training, heart rate QRI and TRIMP of the athletes are improved slightly. Among them, QRI is significantly improved from 19.6% to 21.6% after stage training, which shows slightly improvement of training quality and recovery capability of the athletes, i.e. adaptive capacity to training load; After physical training, research on monitoring QRI of the athletes during arrangement and relaxation shows that maximum heart rate level without voice guidance is 75.1bpm,which is higher than those with voice guidance 72.9bmp after 5-min quick recovery; QRI of the athletes is 31.9% when voice is used to guide relaxation, which is significantly higher than those without relaxation under voice guidance (QRI is 27.0%); night pressure monitoring unit (BodyGuard2) of Firstbeat is used to monitor sleeping conditions of the athletes. In the initial stage of heavy load training cycle, training load enables athletes to produce a strong stress response, which causes relatively poor sleeping and recovery conditions; with gradual adaptation of the athletes to the training load, in the middle and later stages of the cycle, stress response of the athletes during sleeping almost disappears, and their sleeping quality and recovery conditions are improved significantly.  Conclusions Through Power endurance training, lactate elimination capacity of the athletes, i.e. anti-fatigue capacity and quick recovery capability are improved; during quick recovery of the athletes, voice guidance can be used to effectively promote quick recovery of the athletes. Exercise heart rate, TRIMP and QRI can be used to perceptually and rapidly monitor completion of physical training load in a real-time way, Objective to evaluate recovery and sleeping conditions of the athletes, and effectively evaluate high-intensity interval physical training load and training effect.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Guo ◽  
Jianmin Cao ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Haitao Zhou ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
...  

Objective Long-term intensive training may led to ischemia oxygen reaction and increase the ROS. Astaxanthin, as the super antioxidant, was investigated to against anti-oxidative stress. By supplementing the astaxanthin, we wanted to observe if it can mediated Nrf2 reduces myocardial cell oxidative injury in rats after high intensity training of 6 weeks.  Methods 7-week SD male rats were divided into 3 groups randomly: control group ( C group,n =10),high intensity training group ( HT group,n = 15),astaxanthin and high intensity training group (HTA group,n = 15) . The rats in HTA group were given with astaxanthin 20 mg /kg·d and in HT group were given with oil during the training day.The serum cTnI,myocardial apoptosis index,  the expression of myocardial BAX, Bcl2, Nrf2, HO-1, myocardial MDA,SOD and T- AOC activity were measured 24 hours after the last training. Results After 6-week tranning of high intensity, compared with group C, the serum cTNI, myocardial apoptosis index, the expression of BAX and myocardial MDA were significantly higher in group HT(P<0.01).The Bcl2/Bax, the expression of HO-1, SOD and T-AOC activity were significantly declined (P<0.01). After the intervention of 6-week astaxanthin, compared with group HT, the serum cTNI, myocardial MDA, the myocardial apoptosis index, the expression of BAX were significantly lower in HTA group (cTNI(ng/ml): 1.16±0.27 VS 2.47±0.39, P<0.05; myocardial apoptosis index: 164.27±3.98 VS 196.20±9.65, P<0.01; BAX: 58.40±5.95 VS 78.03±3.80, P<0.01 ). Finally, Bcl2/Bax, SOD, T-AOC activity, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly higher  (Bcl2/Bax : 1.92±0.10 VS 1.19±0.18, P<0.01; SOD(U/mg): 52.38±6.15 VS 38.32±3.36, P<0.01; T-AOC(U/mg): 30.22±4.07 VS 23.76±3.20, P<0.01; Nrf2: 93.61±8.53 VS 74.26±6.69, P<0.01; HO-1: 84.99±13.78 VS 64.22±11.39, P<0.05).  Conclusions The supplement of astaxanthin can mediate Nrf2 signaling pathway, and elevate the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Then it can increase the activity of SOD and T-AOC and reduce the myocardial oxidative level and myocardial apoptosis in rats caused by 6-week high intensity training. Finally, the structure and function of heart tissue are back to normal.


2018 ◽  
pp. S155-S166 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. TAGAWA ◽  
S.-G. RA ◽  
H. KUMAGAI ◽  
T. YOSHIKAWA ◽  
Y. YOSHIDA ◽  
...  

Arterial compliance (AC) is an index of the elasticity of large arteries. Endothelial dysfunction has been reported to result in reduced arterial compliance, which represents increased arterial stiffness. A reduction in AC is elicited by high-intensity resistance training, however the mechanisms are obscure. Because a single bout of resistance exercise causes a transient increase in circulating plasma endothelin-1 in humans, some vasoconstrictors may play a role in the mechanisms. The present study aimed to investigate whether resistance training-induced decrease in AC is associated with changes in circulating vasoconstrictors levels in young men. Young sedentary men were assigned to control (n=5) or training (n=9) groups. The training group performed four-week high-intensity resistance training (weight training exercise; three sessions/week). We measured AC and plasma levels of endothelin-1, angiotensin II, and norepinephrine before and after intervention. Resistance training significantly decreased AC, whereas the changes in plasma levels of neither endothelin-1, nor angiotensin II, nor norepinephrine were significantly different between the control and the training groups. Moreover, we found no significant correlations between changes in circulating plasma levels (endothelin-1, angiotensin II, and norepinephrine) and in the AC. Despite of no alteration of the resting circulating plasma levels (endothelin-1, etc.), we cannot exclude a possibility that the tissue/local concentrations of vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1, etc.) around the vessels might be increased and also involved in a reduction of AC in the training group. Taken together, the present results suggest that circulating vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1, etc.) in plasma are not involved in a reduction in AC by the resistance training.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 824-830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Francesca Piacentini ◽  
Oliver C. Witard ◽  
Cajsa Tonoli ◽  
Sarah R. Jackman ◽  
James E. Turner ◽  
...  

Context:Monitoring mood state is a useful tool for avoiding nonfunctional overreaching. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in stress-related mood disorders.Purpose:To investigate the impact of intensified training-induced mood disturbance on plasma BDNF concentrations at rest and in response to exercise.Methods: Eight cyclists performed 1 wk of normal (NT), 1 wk of intensified (INT), and 1 wk of recovery (REC) training. Fasted blood samples were collected before and after exercise on day 7 of each training week and analyzed for plasma BDNF and cortisol concentrations. A 24-item Profile of Mood State questionnaire was administered on day 7 of each training week, and global mood score (GMS) was calculated.Results:Time-trial performance was impaired during INT (P = .01) and REC (P = .02) compared with NT. Basal plasma cortisol (NT = 153 ± 16 ng/mL, INT = 130 ± 11 ng/mL, REC = 150 ± 14 ng/ml) and BDNF (NT = 484 ± 122 pg/mL, INT = 488 ± 122 pg/mL, REC = 383 ± 56 pg/mL) concentrations were similar between training conditions. Likewise, similar exercise-induced increases in cortisol and BDNF concentrations were observed between training conditions. GMS was 32% greater during INT vs NT (P < .001).Conclusions: Consistent with a state of functional overreaching (FOR), impairments in performance and mood state with INT were restored after 1 wk of REC. These results support evidence for mood changes before plasma BDNF concentrations as a biochemical marker of FOR and that cortisol is not a useful marker for predicting FOR.


Author(s):  
Jorge Arede ◽  
John Fernandes ◽  
Jason Moran ◽  
Nuno Leite ◽  
Daniel Romero-Rodriguez ◽  
...  

This study compared the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) versus FIFA 11+ protocols on sprint, change of direction performance and inter-limb asymmetries. Thirty young (U-11) male soccer players (age: 11.2 ± 0.7 years; height: 145.6 ± 6.8 cm; body mass: 72.5 ± 3.0 kg) were randomly assigned to each training group, which consisted of two sessions/week for a period of 6-weeks. The INT consisted of play-based tasks designed according to structured training principles, whereas the FIFA 11+ followed standard procedures. Before and after the intervention, 0-20 sprint time and double 180° change of direction test were measured from which change of direction deficit and inter-limb asymmetries were also computed. Significant improvements were found in double 180° change of direction test and deficit for both legs in both groups (all p < 0.01). A significant decrease was observed in 0-20 sprint time ( p < 0.05), and inter-limb asymmetries for FIFA 11+ group. A significant group-by-time effect, which favored the FIFA 11+ group, was observed on double 180° change of direction in right leg (F = 15.08, p < 0.01, η 2 p = 0.35), but also in change of direction deficit in right (F = 214.19, p < 0.01, η 2 p = 0.88), and left legs (F = 126.79, p < 0.01, η 2 p = 0.82). These findings suggest youth soccer practitioners should select the FIFA 11+ program to improve inter-limb asymmetries and 0-20 sprint time, and that both training methods are suitable to improve 180° change of direction performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee A. Bridgeman ◽  
Nicholas D. Gill

Abstract Background Global positioning systems (GPS) imbedded with accelerometer systems (AS) are used in rugby union (RU) to collect information on absolute and relative distances, distances in different speed zones, high-speed running (HSR) distances, repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE) and collisions and impacts. This information can be used to monitor match play which can then be used to plan training sessions. The objective of this review was to conduct a systematic review of studies which have reported the use of GPS and AS. Methods A systematic review of the use of GPS and AS in both age-grade and senior rugby was conducted. The authors systematically searched electronic databases from January 2010 until March 2020. Keywords included rugby union, GPS, global position* and microtechnology. Results A total of 51 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. There was a total of 34 studies utilising GPS and AS in senior RU players (mean ± SD; age 26.2 ± 1.9 years; height 185.7 ± 2.6 cm; mass 101.3 ± 4.2 kg) and 17 studies in age-grade RU players (mean ± SD; age 17.6 ± 1.5 years; height 182.1 ± 3.3 cm; mass 87.1 ± 8.6 kg). The results of this review highlighted that there are differences between backs and forwards and within these positions in these groups during both match play and training sessions. The backs covered greater total absolute, relative and HSR distance compared to forwards. Forwards are involved in more collisions and impacts than backs. When investigating the most intense periods of match play, studies in this review highlighted that the demands during these periods outweigh the average demands of the game. It was proposed that a rolling average over different time epochs is the best way to assess this and ensure that the most intense periods of play are assessed and monitored. Conclusions The information highlighted in this review can be used to help coaches assess performances in match play, allow them to plan appropriate training sessions and monitor training load.


Author(s):  
Marko D. M. Stojanović ◽  
Mladen Mikić ◽  
Patrik Drid ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Nebojša Maksimović ◽  
...  

The main aim of the present study was to compare the effects of flywheel strength training and traditional strength training on fitness attributes. Thirty-six well trained junior basketball players (n = 36; 17.58 ± 0.50 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into: Flywheel group (FST; n = 12), traditional strength training group (TST; n = 12) and control group (CON; n = 12). All groups attended 5 basketball practices and one official match a week during the study period. Experimental groups additionally participated in the eight-week, 1–2 d/w equivolume intervention conducted using a flywheel device (inertia = 0.075 kg·m−2) for FST or free weights (80%1 RM) for TST. Pre-to post changes in lower limb isometric strength (ISOMET), 5 and 20 m sprint time (SPR5m and SPR20m), countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction ability (t-test) were assessed with analyses of variance (3 × 2 ANOVA). Significant group-by-time interaction was found for ISOMET (F = 6.40; p = 0.000), CMJ (F = 7.45; p = 0.001), SPR5m (F = 7.45; p = 0.010) and T test (F = 10.46; p = 0.000). The results showed a significantly higher improvement in CMJ (p = 0.006; 11.7% vs. 6.8%), SPR5m (p = 0.001; 10.3% vs. 5.9%) and t-test (p = 0.045; 2.4% vs. 1.5%) for FST compared to the TST group. Simultaneously, th FST group had higher improvement in ISOMET (p = 0.014; 18.7% vs. 2.9%), CMJ (p = 0.000; 11.7% vs. 0.3%), SPR5m (p = 0.000; 10.3% vs. 3.4%) and t-test (p = 0.000; 2.4% vs. 0.6%) compared to the CON group. Players from the TST group showed better results in CMJ (p = 0.006; 6.8% vs. 0.3%) and t-test (p = 0.018; 1.5% vs. 0.6%) compared to players from the CON group. No significant group-by-time interaction was found for sprint 20 m (F = 2.52; p = 0.088). Eight weeks of flywheel training (1–2 sessions per week) performed at maximum concentric intensity induces superior improvements in CMJ, 5 m sprint time and change of direction ability than equivolumed traditional weight training in well trained junior basketball players. Accordingly, coaches and trainers could be advised to use flywheel training for developing power related performance attributes in young basketball players.


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