Various Workload Models and the Preseason Are Associated With Injuries in Professional Female Cyclists

Author(s):  
Teun van Erp ◽  
Taco van der Hoorn ◽  
Marco J.M. Hoozemans ◽  
Carl Foster ◽  
Jos J. de Koning

Purpose: To determine if workload and seasonal periods (preseason vs in season) are associated with the incidence of injuries and illnesses in female professional cyclists. Methods: Session rating of perceived exertion was used to quantify internal workload and was collected from 15 professional female cyclists, from 33 athlete seasons. One week (acute) workload, 4 weeks (chronic) workload, and 3 acute:chronic workload models were analyzed. Two workload models are based on moving averages of the ratios, the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), and the ACWR uncoupled (ACWRuncoup). The difference between both is the chronic load; in ACWR, the acute load is part of the chronic load, and in ACWRuncoup, the acute and chronic load are uncoupled. The third workload model is based on exponentially weighted moving averages of the ratios. In addition, the athlete season is divided into the preseason and in season. Results: Generalized estimating equations analysis was used to assess the associations between the workload ratios and the occurrence of injuries and illnesses. High values of acute workload (P = .048), ACWR (P = .02), ACWRuncoup (P = .02), exponentially weighted moving averages of the ratios (P = .01), and the in season (P = .0001) are significantly associated with the occurrence of injury. No significant associations were found between the workload models, the seasonal periods, and the occurrence of illnesses. Conclusions: These findings suggest the importance of monitoring workload and workload ratios in female professional cyclists to lower the risk of injuries and therefore improve their performances. Furthermore, these results indicate that, in the preseason, additional stressors occur, which could lead to an increased risk of injuries.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hetti von Hellens ◽  
Leea Keski-Nisula ◽  
Heidi Sahlman

Abstract Background The maternal use of paracetamol during pregnancy has been associated with the development of preeclampsia. This study aims to clarify whether the connection is causal or whether it is due to reverse causation. Methods This study is a continuation of the retrospective case cohort study examining 2,508 pregnant women using a variety of drugs and the development of preeclampsia (1,252 women with preeclampsia and 1,256 controls). For the purposes of this study, more precise data was collected from several hospital databases of the women among this cohort who had reported taking paracetamol during pregnancy (indications, gestational period etc.); this was evaluated in association with the development of preeclampsia. Results 5.5% (100 cases and 37 controls) of all the study population (2,508) had clearly reported paracetamol use. Women with preeclampsia had used significantly more often paracetamol during pregnancy compared to controls (cases 8.0%, controls 2.9%, p < 0.001). The difference was most evident in the third trimester (after the 29th GW) and the use of paracetamol was associated with both mild and severe preeclampsia. Headache and “general pain” were the most common indications for medication among all paracetamol users. Conclusions The use of paracetamol in the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with preeclampsia. This observation indicates that association between paracetamol use and preeclampsia is probably due to reverse causation, i.e. women with preeclampsia experience more headaches due to preeclampsia symptoms since this association was not detected with the use of paracetamol in earlier stages of pregnancy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane Malone ◽  
Mark Roe ◽  
Dominic A. Doran ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
Kieran D. Collins

Purpose:To examine the association between combined session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) workload measures and injury risk in elite Gaelic footballers.Methods:Thirty-seven elite Gaelic footballers (mean ± SD age 24.2 ± 2.9 y) from 1 elite squad were involved in a single-season study. Weekly workload (session RPE multiplied by duration) and all time-loss injuries (including subsequent-wk injuries) were recorded during the period. Rolling weekly sums and wk-to-wk changes in workload were measured, enabling the calculation of the acute:chronic workload ratio by dividing acute workload (ie, 1-weekly workload) by chronic workload (ie, rolling-average 4-weekly workload). Workload measures were then modeled against data for all injuries sustained using a logistic-regression model. Odds ratios (ORs) were reported against a reference group.Results:High 1-weekly workloads (≥2770 arbitrary units [AU], OR = 1.63–6.75) were associated with significantly higher risk of injury than in a low-training-load reference group (<1250 AU). When exposed to spikes in workload (acute:chronic workload ratio >1.5), players with 1 y experience had a higher risk of injury (OR = 2.22) and players with 2–3 (OR = 0.20) and 4–6 y (OR = 0.24) of experience had a lower risk of injury. Players with poorer aerobic fitness (estimated from a 1-km time trial) had a higher injury risk than those with higher aerobic fitness (OR = 1.50–2.50). An acute:chronic workload ratio of (≥2.0) demonstrated the greatest risk of injury.Conclusions:These findings highlight an increased risk of injury for elite Gaelic football players with high (>2.0) acute:chronic workload ratios and high weekly workloads. A high aerobic capacity and playing experience appears to offer injury protection against rapid changes in workload and high acute:chronic workload ratios. Moderate workloads, coupled with moderate to high changes in the acute:chronic workload ratio, appear to be protective for Gaelic football players.


2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 663-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margot Callewaert ◽  
Stefan Geerts ◽  
Evert Lataire ◽  
Jan Boone ◽  
Marc Vantorre ◽  
...  

Purpose:To develop a sailing ergometer that accurately simulates upwind sailing exercise.Methods:A sailing ergometer that measures roll moment accompanied by a biofeedback system that allows imposing a certain quasi-isometric upwind sailing protocol (ie, 18 bouts of 90-s hiking at constantly varying hiking intensity interspersed with 10 s to tack) was developed. Ten male high-level Laser sailors performed an incremental cycling test (ICT; ie, step protocol at 80 W + 40 W/3 min) and an upwind sailing test (UST). During both, heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilation (VE), respiratory-exchange ratio, and rating of perceived exertion were measured. During UST, also the difference between the required and produced hiking moment (HM) was calculated as error score (ES). HR, VO2, and VE were calculated relative to their peak values determined during ICT. After UST, the subjects were questioned about their opinion on the resemblance between this UST and real-time upwind sailing.Results:An average HM of 89.0% ± 2.2% HMmax and an average ES of 4.1% ± 1.8% HMmax were found. Mean HR, VO2, and VE were, respectively, 80% ± 4% HRpeak, 39.5% ± 4.5% VO2peak, and 30.3% ± 3.7% VEpeak. Both HM and cardiorespiratory values appear to be largely comparable to literature reports during on-water upwind sailing. Moreover, the subjects gave the upwind sailing ergometer a positive resemblance score.Conclusions:Results suggest that this ergometer accurately simulates on-water upwind sailing exercise. As such, this ergometer could be a great help in performance diagnostics and training follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Dorton ◽  
Brent C. Ruby ◽  
Charles L. Dumke

Our aim was to examine the effect of a synthetic material undergarment on heat stress during exercise in a hot environment. Ten active males completed two trials of intermittent (50min walking, 10min sitting) treadmill walking over 3h in 35°C and 30% relative humidity. Subjects wore wildland firefighter flame-resistant meta-aramid blend pants and shirt with either a 100% cotton (C) or flame-retardant modacrylic undergarment (S), while carrying a 16-kg pack, helmet and leather gloves. Exercise was followed by a 30-min rest period without pack, helmet, gloves, and outerwear shirt. Rectal temperature and physiological strain were greater in S than C (P=0.04). No significant differences were found for heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, energy expenditure or skin temperature between C and S. Skin blood flow increased significantly in S following the second hour of exercise, resulting in a time×trial interaction (P=0.001). No significant differences for skin blood flow were found post exercise. Sweat rate and percent dehydration were not different between C and S. These data indicate that, of the two undergarments investigated, the synthetic undergarment negatively affected physiological factors that have been shown to indicate an increased risk of heat-related injuries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-237
Author(s):  
Rogerson Pessanha Da Ressurreição ◽  
Eric Rosário Pereira ◽  
Luis Fernando Martinez ◽  
Igor Nasser ◽  
João Antônio Souza ◽  
...  

Objective: the aim of this study was to compare differences in volume load, total repetition performed and rating of perceived exertion between static stretching and self-myofascial release on antagonist muscles. Methods: Eighteen recreationally trained men (23.4 ± 3.3 years; 80.7 ± 11.1 kg; 1.76 ± 0.06 cm) performed 10 repetitions maximum test and retest in the leg extension exercise on the first two visits. Then, three experimental sessions were conducted in a random order, in which two consisted of self-myofascial release and static stretching on hamstrings, and the other was used as a control. Results: significant higher repetitions were performed in the third set of static stretching when compared to control protocol. Additionally, significant reductions in total repetitions performed were observed only in the control session. No significant differences were noticed in the volume load of leg extension and rating of perceived exertion between protocols. Conclusion: self-myofascial release and static stretching performed before a session in the antagonist muscles can maintain repetitions performance by optimizing recovery between sets and reducing fatigue of agonist muscle.


2017 ◽  
Vol 125 (07) ◽  
pp. 436-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Brinkmann ◽  
Leonie Schäfer ◽  
Magd Masoud ◽  
Joachim Latsch ◽  
Daniel Lay ◽  
...  

AbstractPatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. There is growing evidence that repeated exercise-induced transient increases in neurotrophic factors can augment neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. This pilot study compares the effects of 30-min submaximal cycling with those of exergaming (combining exercise and video gaming) at the same duration and same rating of perceived exertion (BORG RPE: 14-15) on serum neurotrophic factors in 8 elderly non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients (71±4 years) (2×2 crossover design). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Heart rates were almost equal during cycling and exergaming, while lactate values were significantly higher during cycling (cycling versus exergaming: 3.7±1.1 versus 2.5±1.2 mmol/l, p<0.05). BDNF and VEGF levels were increased significantly post-cycling (+20%,+14%, p<0.05). No other significant pre-post changes were evident. This study demonstrates that acute exercise can increase neurotrophic factors (BDNF, VEGF) in elderly T2DM patients, depending on exercise mode.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi R. Thornton ◽  
Jace A. Delaney ◽  
Grant M. Duthie ◽  
Brendan R. Scott ◽  
William J. Chivers ◽  
...  

Purpose:To identify contributing factors to the incidence of illness for professional team-sport athletes, using training load (TL), self-reported illness, and well-being data.Methods:Thirty-two professional rugby league players (26.0 ± 4.8 y, 99.1 ± 9.6 kg, 1.84 ± 0.06 m) were recruited from the same club. Players participated in prescribed training and responded to a series of questionnaires to determine the presence of self-reported illness and markers of well-being. Internal TL was determined using the session rating of perceived exertion. These data were collected over 29 wk, across the preparatory and competition macrocycles.Results:The predictive models developed recognized increases in internal TL (strain values of >2282 AU, weekly TL >2786 AU, and monotony >0.78 AU) to best predict when athletes are at increased risk of self-reported illness. In addition, a reduction in overall well-being (<7.25 AU) in the presence of increased internal TL, as previously stated, was highlighted as a contributor to self-reported-illness occurrence.Conclusions:These results indicate that self-report data can be successfully used to provide a novel understanding of the interactions between competition-associated stressors experienced by professional team-sport athletes and their susceptibility to illness. This may help coaching staff more effectively monitor players during the season and potentially implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of illnesses occurring.


Kinesiology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-222
Author(s):  
Matteo Corvino ◽  
Dinko Vuleta ◽  
Marko Šibila

The aim of the present study was to analyse load to which players were exposed to and effort they invested in 4vs4 small-sided handball games in relation to various court dimensions. Eight male amateur handball players participated in three eight-minute 4vs4 (plus goalkeepers) small-sided handball games. The three court dimensions were 12×24 m, 30×15 m and 32×16 m. Using Global Positioning System devices (SPI pro elite 15hz, GPSports), time-motion video analysis, and Borg’s scale for rating of perceived exertion (RPE), the following performance, physiological and psychological parameters were recorded: cyclic movements for distance covered, acyclic movements for the number of technical actions executed, heart rate, and RPE. Total distance travelled increased with the increase in court size (948.1±64.5, 1087.2±92.0 and 1079.8±90.6 on the 24×12 m, 30×15 m and 32×16 m court, respectively; p&lt;.05). Distance covered by the players in four speed zones revealed the substantial difference between the games played on the 24×12 and 30×15m court in the first and third (p&lt;.05; moderate ES) speed zone. On the 24×12 m court players covered more distance while moving in the first speed zone, but less distance when moving in the third speed zone (p&lt;.05; moderate ES). On the 32×16 m court the players covered less distance while moving in the first speed zone, but they covered more distance by moving in the third speed zone (p&lt;.05; moderate ES). There were no substantial differences found for the second and fourth speed zone cyclic movements and distances covered on all the three experimental court sizes. No statistical differences between the games played on various court dimensions were found in acyclic movements. No statistical differences were found in the analysis of heart rate. Further analysis of players’ self-evaluated effort confirmed the trend of heart rate values, showing no statistical differences in the RPE values among the three different court dimensions. Our findings indicate that changing court dimensions during 4vs4 small-sided handball games could influence load imposed on the players and their exertion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-204
Author(s):  
Charis Tsarbou ◽  
Nikolaos I. Liveris ◽  
Panagiotis D. Tsimeas ◽  
George Papageorgiou ◽  
Sofia A. Xergia ◽  
...  

Abstract Study aim: To investigate the effect of fatigue, induced by a volleyball training game on the risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. Material and methods: Thirteen female volleyball college athletes, ages 18 to 21 years old, completed jump landings from a box 30 cm height, prior and post a 60-minute volleyball training game. The clinical tool Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) was employed in order to evaluate the technique of landing prior and post the game. The level of fatigue induced by the volleyball game was assessed by vertical jump test and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale pre and post-game. In order to compare measurements pre and post-game t-tests for dependent samples were used. Results: Participants performed lower vertical jumps post-game with a Confidence Interval of 26.2 ± 2.3 cm (pre-game) and 24.9 ± 2.2 cm (post game). The difference between pre and post-game was found to be statistically significant with a t12 = 2.55 and a p-value of 0.026. In the case of assessing fatigue, the Borg RPE scale scores were found to be statistically significant (t12 = 14.05, p < 0.001) higher post-game (10.2 ± 0.6), as compared to pre-game (6.5 ± 0.4). Similarly, LESS scores increased significantly (t12 = 2.21, p = 0.047), post-game (6.3 ± 1.1) compared to pre-game (5.8 ± 1.0) that prove poorer landing ability. Conclusion: It seems that a short duration volleyball training game induces fatigue and negatively affects the jumping and landing ability.


Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 440-446
Author(s):  
Honorato José Sousa ◽  
Élvio Rúbio Gouveia ◽  
Adilson Marques ◽  
Hugo Sarmento ◽  
Romualdo Caldeira ◽  
...  

  The integration of methods to quantify the physical demands [e.g., Rating Perceived Exertion (RPE)] in small-sided games (SSGs) in younger soccer players, has been scarcely studied. In addition, few studies have been addressing the impact of balanced vs. unbalanced SSGs, in particular in youth players’ RPE. This study aimed to investigate differences between balanced and unbalanced format games in young soccer players’ RPE, controlling for different playing field sizes. The sample comprised 10 field players and 2 goalkeepers (Gk) being 13,55±0,51 years-old. The players performed 6 randomized different situations, following an identical methodology across the training days: (1) 4Vs.4+Gk (2) 4Vs.5+Gk, and (3) 4Vs.6+Gk. All situations were performed in 30x25m and 40x30m. The game situations lasted 5 minutes of practice and another 5 minutes of rest. After the execution of all game situations, participants were asked individually about their self-perceived effort, using the OMNI effort scale. In unbalanced format games when the difference in the number of players increases, RPE is lower. This tendency seems to be more evident in smaller compared to bigger playing field areas. The difference in RPE scores considering different dimensions of playing space seems not to be linear. Balanced soccer SSGs promote higher RPE than unbalanced soccer SSG. More studies on the topic are required considering different playing field areas as well as different players' backgrounds.  Resumen. La integración de métodos para cuantificar las demandas físicas [por ejemplo, Calificación del Esfuerzo Percibido (CEP)] en juegos reducidos (JR) en jugadores de fútbol más jóvenes, ha sido poco estudiada. Además, pocos estudios han abordado el impacto de los JR equilibrados frente a los no equilibrados, en particular en el CEP de los jugadores juveniles. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las diferencias entre los juegos de formato equilibrado y desequilibrado en el CEP de los jugadores de fútbol jóvenes, controlando los diferentes tamaños del campo de juego. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 10 jugadores de campo y 2 porteros (P) con 13,55 ± 0,51 años. Los jugadores realizaron 6 situaciones diferentes aleatorias, siguiendo una metodología idéntica a lo largo de los días de entrenamiento: (1) 4Vs.4 + P (2) 4Vs.5 + P, y (3) 4Vs.6 + P. Todas las situaciones se realizaron en 30x25m y 40x30m. Las situaciones de juego duraron 5 minutos de práctica y otros 5 minutos de descanso. Después de la ejecución de todas las situaciones del juego, se preguntó a los participantes individualmente sobre su esfuerzo autopercibido, utilizando la escala de esfuerzo OMNI. En los juegos de formato desequilibrado, cuando aumenta la diferencia en el número de jugadores, el CEP es menor. Esta tendencia parece ser más evidente en las áreas de juego más pequeñas que en las más grandes. La diferencia en las puntuaciones de CEP considerando las diferentes dimensiones del espacio de juego parece no ser lineal. Los JR de fútbol equilibrado promueven un CEP más alto que el JR de fútbol desequilibrado. Se requieren más estudios sobre el tema considerando las diferentes áreas del campo de juego, así como los antecedentes de los diferentes jugadores.


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