scholarly journals Acute Effects of Different Postactivation Potentiation Protocols on Traditional Rowing Performance

Author(s):  
Alfonso Penichet-Tomas ◽  
Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo ◽  
Luis Serra Torregrosa ◽  
Basilio Pueo

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) describes an initial muscular activation with a submaximal or maximal load intensity that produces acute improvements in muscle power and performance in subsequent explosive activities. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of different PAP protocols in rowing performance. A crossover design involving seven rowers was used, in which two different PAP protocols were applied: PAP of maximal conditioning contractions (PAP MCC) on a rowing ergometer to provide greater transferability and, thus, enhance the magnitude of PAP stimuli on subsequent rowing performance; and PAP of maximal strength contractions (PAP MSC) in half squat and bench pull exercises, similar to the main exercises in rowing strength training, to perform a 20 s “all-out” test simulating a competition start. Student’s t-test was used to compare means of the variables (p < 0.05). Effect size statistics were calculated using Cohen’s d. The PAP MCC protocol resulted in significant differences, with an extremely large effect size in average power output (p = 0.034, d = 0.98) in the first 3 (p = 0.019, d = 1.15) and first 5 (p = 0.036, d = 0.91) strokes. This group also reached a greater number of strokes (p = 0.049, d = 2.29) and strokes per minute (p = 0.046, d = 1.15). PAP with maximal conditioning contractions in rowing warm-up enhanced subsequent rowing sprint and is an advisable strategy to potentiate performance at the start of rowing competitions and sprint regattas.

Author(s):  
Alessio Rossi ◽  
Damiano Formenti ◽  
Luca Cavaggioni ◽  
Giampietro Alberti ◽  
Fabio Esposito ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The fact that kinesio tape may be capable to enhance muscle power would qualify it as practical tool to be considered during passive warm-up (WU) or coupled with active WU processes prior to power-based performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the single and combined effect of kinesio tape (KT) and WU on sprint cycling performance. Methods In a repeated measure design, fifteen participants underwent six sessions to assess sprint cycling performance involving a combination of three taping conditions (without KT: NoKT; with KT positioned vertically over the thigh muscles KT; with KT positioned horizontally over the thigh muscles: Sham) with two pre-exercise routines (with WU: WU; without WU: NoWU) in a randomized order. Allometric scaling of peak power (PP) and average power (AP) values were considered for each sprint. Results KT-WU demonstrated the highest PP and AP with respect to the other conditions (p < 0.05), except for AP that was similar to Sham-WU (p > 0.05). Moreover, NoKT-NoWU showed the lowest PP and AP with respect to the other conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusions Overall, our findings suggest that kinesio tape might be a possible tool to be combined with an active WU routine, inducing benefit on sprint performance. Moreover, KT may be considered a potential strategy to include within a passive WU, perhaps where an active WU is not feasible. However, as the influence of KT on muscle function is still unclear, our results should not be overinterpreted.


Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Kambis ◽  
Sarah K. Pizzedaz

Creatine monohydrate (CrH2O) supplementation has been demonstrated to increase skeletal muscle power output in men. However, its effect upon women is not as clearly defined. This study investigated the effect of oral creatine supplementation upon muscle function, thigh circumference, and body weight in women. Twenty-two consenting college-age women were assigned to 1 of 2 groups matched for dietary and exercise habits, phase of menstrual cycle, and fat-free mass (FFM). After familiarization with testing procedures, pretrial measures of muscle function (5 repetitions 60 deg · s−1 and 50 repetitions 180 deg · s−1) were conducted during maximal voluntary concentric contraction of the preferred quadriceps muscle using an isokinetic dynamometer. Subjects then ingested 0.5 g · kg−1 FFM of either CrH2O or placebo (one fourth dosage 4 times daily) in a double-blind design for 5 days. Resistance exercise was prohibited. After the ingestion phase was completed, all measures were repeated at the same time of day as during pretrials. Statistical analysis revealed time to peak torque in quadriceps extension decreased from pre-test values of 255 ± 11 ms (mean ± SEM) to post-test values of 223 ± 3 ms; average power in extension increased from 103 ± 7 W pre-test to 112 ± 7 W post-test; and, during flexion, average power increased from 59 ± 5 W pre-test to 65 ± 5 W post-test in the creatine group as compared to controls (p ≤ .05). FFM, percent body fat, mid-quadriceps circumference, skinfold thickness of the measured thigh, and total body weight did not change for both groups between trials. We conclude that CrH2O improves muscle performance in women without significant gains in muscle volume or body weight.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-95
Author(s):  
Jaroslav Broďáni ◽  
Natália Dvořáčková ◽  
Monika Czaková ◽  
Zdenek Malík ◽  
Peter Lopata

The objective of the study was to deal with the ratio of the parameters of maximum muscle power and power endurance and explain their contribution to the sports performance in kayak disciplines of Slovakia National Team members. Material and methods. Strength parameters were monitored by Tendo Power Analyser in the barbell bench press and pull on a horizontal bench. A diagnostic series of maximum power and effective repetition test for power endurance was performed at both, barbell bench press and bench pull exercises. Determining the factors limiting sports performance in kayak disciplines 200 meters, 500 meters, 1,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and marathon 21,500 meters, the evaluation of dependence between all power variables were used. The stepwise regression was used to reduce the indicators.  Results. It was found out that in kayak sprint disciplines (200 meters, 500 meters) the sports performance in the kayak is influenced by the barbell bench pull more than bench press on the horizontal bench when speaking about the strength parameters. In the middle-distance disciplines (1,000 meters), the ratio of strength parameters is balanced. As the length of kayak disciplines increases (5,000 meters and 21,500 meters), the ratio of strength parameters has changed in favor of the barbell bench press. From the parameters of maximum muscle performance and muscle endurance measured in the barbell bench press and pull on a horizontal bench, the average power of power endurance was demonstrated to explain the sports performance in kayak disciplines.  Conclusion. From the parameters of maximum power and power endurance in the bench press and bench pull in all kayak disciplines, the parameter of average power in power endurance was proved to explain sports performance. Knowledge of these factors will allow optimizing the content of sports training of kayakers, the process of developing their strength skills, and their transformation process into a structure of sports performance and kayaking paddling technique. 


Author(s):  
Amy Larkin ◽  
Colleen Healy

Introduction: Mortality rates due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are 2-4 times higher among people with diabetes than in those without. Glucose control reduces the risk of any CVD event by 42% and the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from CVD by 57%. We assessed the hypothesis that continuing medical education (CME) improves knowledge and performance of cardiologists in managing glycemic control and other CV risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Cardiologists who treat patients with coronary artery disease participated in at least 1 of 2 online CME activities within a curriculum on CV risks and outcomes in patients with T2D. Participant responses to a case-based survey after activity completion were compared with responses from demographically similar control groups of nonparticipants. Educational effect size was calculated using Cohen’s d formula, with a value of <0.4 representing a small effect, 0.4-0.8 a medium effect, and >0.8 a large effect. Results: Participating cardiologists (n = 151) were more likely to make evidence-based practice choices than were nonparticipating cardiologists. Activity 1: Improving CV Outcomes in Patients with T2D Multi-media format Increased Likelihood to Make Evidence-Based Practice Choices Post-Education: 33.5% Effect Size: 0.51 (N = 78) Activity 1: Assessing CV Risk in Patients with T2D Multi-media format Increased Likelihood to Make Evidence-Based Practice Choices Post-Education: 50.3% Effect Size: 0.87 (N = 73) Domain 1: Managing Glycemic Control and Other CV Risk Factors in Patients with CVD and T2D. Participating cardiologists significantly improved their consideration of comorbid conditions when deciding on a glucose management strategy (73% pre vs. 85% post) and selection of treatment for early intervention (85% pre vs. 96% post). Domain 2: Identification of Outcomes Data on Glucose-Lowering Agents in Patients with T2D and CVD. Participating cardiologists significantly improved in the recognition of antihyperglycemic agents shown in clinical trials to be safe for high risk CV patients (36% pre vs. 79% post) and in identification of the effect of saxagliptin on CV events in high risk CV patients with T2D (SAVOR TIMI 53 trial) (55% pre vs. 86% post). Domain 3: Application of Outcomes Data on Glucose-Lowering Agents in Patients with T2D and CVD. Participating cardiologists significantly improved in their selection of a DPP-4 inhibitor as the most appropriate antihyperglycemic agent for patients with T2D and CV risk factors or previous CV events (59% pre vs. 81% post and 53% pre vs. 73% post, respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the success of a curriculum-style educational intervention using multimedia technology on improving knowledge and performance of cardiologists which can lead to enhanced management of CV risks and, thus, improved outcomes in patients with T2D and CVD.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 1385-1394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Villadsen ◽  
Søren Overgaard ◽  
Anders Holsgaard-Larsen ◽  
Robin Christensen ◽  
Ewa M. Roos

Objective.Knowledge about the effects of exercise in severe and endstage osteoarthritis (OA) is limited. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a neuromuscular exercise program in patients with clinically severe hip or knee OA.Methods.This was a randomized controlled assessor-blinded trial. Patients received an educational package (care-as-usual) only, or care-as-usual plus an 8-week neuromuscular exercise intervention (NEMEX-TJR). NEMEX-TJR was supervised by a physiotherapist, twice weekly for 1 h. The primary outcome was Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale from the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were the HOOS/KOOS subscales Pain, Symptoms, Sport and Recreation, and Joint-related Quality of Life. Exploratory outcomes were functional performance measures and lower limb muscle power.Results.Included were 165 patients, 56% female, average age 67 years (SD ± 8), and a body mass index of 30 (SD ± 5), who were scheduled for primary hip or knee replacement. The postintervention difference between mean changes in ADL was 7.2 points (95% CI 3.5 to 10.9, p = 0.0002) in favor of NEMEX-TJR compared with control. Second, there were statistically significant differences between groups in favor of NEMEX-TJR on all self-reported outcomes and most functional performance tests (walk, chair stands, and 1-leg knee bends). Stratified analyses according to joint revealed moderate effect size for ADL for hip patients (0.63, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.00). Corresponding effect size for knee patients was small (0.23 95% CI −0.14 to 0.60).Conclusion.Feasibility of neuromuscular exercise was confirmed in patients about to have total joint replacement. Self-reported activities of daily living and objective performance were improved and pain reduced immediately following 8 weeks of neuromuscular exercise. While the effects were moderate in hip OA, they were only small in knee OA.ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier:NCT01003756.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 666-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony G. Whitty ◽  
Aron J. Murphy ◽  
Aaron J. Coutts ◽  
Mark L. Watsford

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high- and low-cadence interval training on the freely chosen cadence (FCC) and performance in endurance-trained cyclists. Sixteen male endurance-trained cyclists completed a series of submaximal rides at 60% maximal power (Wmax) at cadences of 50, 70, 90, and 110 r·min−1, and their FCC to determine their preferred cadence, gross efficiency (GE), rating of perceived exertion, and crank torque profile. Performance was measured via a 15-min time trial, which was preloaded with a cycle at 60% Wmax. Following the testing, the participants were randomly assigned to a high-cadence (HC) (20% above FCC) or a low-cadence (LC) (20% below FCC) group for 18 interval-based training sessions over 6 weeks. The HC group increased their FCC from 92 to 101 r·min−1 after the intervention (p = 0.01), whereas the LC group remained unchanged (93 r·min−1). GE increased from 22.7% to 23.6% in the HC group at 90 r·min−1 (p = 0.05), from 20.0% to 20.9% at 110 r·min−1 (p = 0.05), and from 22.8% to 23.2% at their FCC. Both groups significantly increased their total distance and average power output following training, with the LC group recording a superior performance measure. There were minimal changes to the crank torque profile in both groups following training. This study demonstrated that the FCC can be altered with HC interval training and that the determinants of the optimal cycling cadence are multifactorial and not completely understood. Furthermore, LC interval training may significantly improve time-trial results of short duration as a result of an increase in strength development or possible neuromuscular adaptations.


Author(s):  
Zied Abbes ◽  
Monoem Haddad ◽  
Khalid W. Bibi ◽  
Iñigo Mujika ◽  
Cyril Martin ◽  
...  

Objectives: To investigate whether tethered swimming (TS) performed 8 minutes before a 50-m freestyle swimming sprint could be an effective postactivation potentiation method to improve performance in young swimmers. Methods: Fourteen regional-level male adolescent swimmers (age 13.0 [2.0] y; height 161.1 [12.4] cm; body mass 52.5 [9.5] kg) underwent 2 trial conditions in a randomized and counterbalanced order (1 experimental [TS], 1 control) on different days. During the experimental session, the participants performed a standard warm-up of 1200 m followed by a TS exercise, which consisted of 3 × 10-second maximal efforts of TS with 1-minute rests between bouts. In the control condition, the warm-up phase was immediately followed by 200 m at a moderate pace (same duration as the TS in the experimental session). Performance (time trial); biomechanical (stroke length), physiological (blood lactate concentrations), and psychophysiological (ratings of perceived exertion) variables; and countermovement-jump (CMJ) flight time were collected. Results: TS warm-up had no significant effect on 50-m swimming performance (P = .27), postexercise ratings of perceived exertion, stroke length, or CMJ flight time (P ≥ .05). Blood lactate concentrations significantly increased at the end of the warm-up in the TS condition only (interaction effect: F1.91,29.91 = 4.91, P = .01, η2 = .27) and after the 50-m trial in both conditions (F1.57,20.41 = 62.39, P = .001, η2 = .82). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that 3 × 10-second TS exercises performed 8 minutes prior to the event did not affect ratings of perceived exertion, stroke length, or CMJ flight time. In addition, tethered swimming did not affect 50-m freestyle sprint performance in young swimmers.


Author(s):  
Xabier Muriel ◽  
Javier Courel-Ibáñez ◽  
Victor Cerezuela-Espejo ◽  
Jesús G. Pallarés

Purpose: The COVID-19 outbreak has challenged professional athletes’ training and competition routines in a way not seen before. This report aims to inform about the changes in training volume and intensity distribution and their effects on functional performance due to a 7-week home-confinement period in professional road cyclists from a Union Cycliste Internationale Pro Team. Methods: A total of 18 male professional cyclists (mean [SD] age = 24.9 [2.8] y, body mass = 66.5 [5.6] kg, maximal aerobic power = 449 [39] W; 6.8 [0.6] W/kg) were monitored during the 10 weeks before the lockdown (outdoor cycling) and the 7-week lockdown (indoor cycling turbo trainer). Data from the mean maximal power output (in watts per kilogram) produced during the best 5-minute and best 20-minute records and the training intensity distributions (weekly volumes at power-based training zones) were collected from WKO5 software. Results: Total training volume decreased 33.9% during the lockdown (P < .01). Weekly volumes by standardized zones (Z1 to Z6) declined between 25.8% and 52.2% (effect size from 0.83 to 1.57), except for Z2 (P = .38). There were large reductions in best 5-minute and best 20-minute performance (effect size > 1.36; P < .001) with losses between 1% and 19% in all the cyclists. Conclusions: Total indoor volumes of 12 hours per week, with 6 hours per week at low intensity (Z1 and Z2) and 2 hours per week at high intensity over the threshold (Z5 and Z6), were insufficient to maintain performance in elite road cyclists during the COVID-19 lockdown. Such performance declines should be considered to enable a safe and effective return to competition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 204-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blair Crewther ◽  
Christian Cook ◽  
John Fitzgerald ◽  
Michal Starczewski ◽  
Michal Gorski ◽  
...  

Purpose: Reported associations between vitamin 25(OH)D and exercise performance are equivocal, perhaps due to complex interplay with cortisol and testosterone. In this study, the authors investigated serum 25(OH)D and cortisol as moderators of the testosterone relationship with exercise performance in adolescent male athletes. Methods: A total of 88 ice hockey players were assessed for serum 25(OH)D, cortisol, testosterone, body composition, and exercise performance, based on countermovement jump power and muscle torque. The authors tested independent relationships, before examining complex interactions via moderated regression analyses. Results: Most athletes (62.5%) exhibited a suboptimal (20–30 ng·mL−1) serum 25(OH)D concentration, whereas 9.1% of athletes were deficient (<20 ng·mL−1). Serum 25(OH)D was not related to performance when controlling for testing year, age, and fat mass. Further modeling revealed a significant hormonal interaction. Specifically, in low-25(OH)D subjects, testosterone predicted countermovement jump power at a high (β = 7.10, effect size = .43, P < .01), but not low (β = −3.32, effect size = −.20, P = .09), cortisol concentration. Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D was a poor predictor of exercise performance, but it did moderate (with cortisol) the testosterone link to muscle power. Notably, this relationship emerged among individuals with a 25(OH)D concentration (∼22 ng·mL−1) approaching the deficiency cutoff. Viewing 25(OH)D as a moderating, rather than dose responsive, variable could help explain equivocal cross-sectional associations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0014
Author(s):  
Joseph J. Janosky ◽  
Brandon Schneider ◽  
Daphne Ling ◽  
James Russomano ◽  
Naomi Roselaar ◽  
...  

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and devastating sports-related knee injuries. Neuromuscular training (NMT) has demonstrated efficacy as a preventive intervention for ACL injury and has been associated with improvements in measures of sports performance, but the specific physiologic mechanisms that serve as protective factors and contribute to improved performance haven not been well-defined. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between NMT and biomechanical efficiency among high school athletes. We hypothesized that the performance of NMT is associated with improved biomechanical efficiency during the performance of fundamental movements and agility tests when compared to a group of untrained control subjects. Methods: Eight high school soccer and basketball teams (111 athletes, 53.1% male, mean age 15.6 years) were recruited and assigned to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group performed NMT as part of their warm-up prior to each practice and competition for 12 weeks. NMT was administered by experienced sports medicine clinicians who provided exercise instruction, technique cues, and performance feedback throughout each training session. The control group performed their customary warm-up under the direction of the team’s coaches. Biomechanical efficiency was assessed through performance of static and dynamic tests using an FDA-approved wireless sensor system. Agility was assessed using a timed three-cone agility test. All tests were administered immediately prior to and following each competitive sports season. Results: Matched pre-/post-season data was collected from 74 athletes (67%). Significant improvements [point estimate (95% CI) p-value] were observed in the intervention group for left lower extremity [0.25 (0.06,0.45) p = 0.01] and right lower extremity [0.21 (0.05,0.37) p = 0.01] loading/landing speed ratios during a single leg hop test, left lower extremity [-136.34 (-225.74,-46.95) p = 0.003] and right lower extremity [-110 (-211.36,-8.64) p = 0.03] ground reaction force, left lower extremity [-1.03, (-.189,-0.18) p = 0.02] and right lower extremity [-0.94 (-1.73,-0.14) p = 0.02] initial peak acceleration, and cadence [-12.12 (-21.60,-2.65) p = 0.01] during a straight-line running acceleration/deceleration test, and time [0.51 (0.24,0.78) p = 0.0003] during a three-cone agility test. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that season-long, sport-specific, age-appropriate NMT administered by sports medicine clinicians can significantly improve biomechanical efficiency during the performance of fundamental movements and agility tests by high school athletes. To achieve similar results, sports coaches should be trained to provide exercise instruction, technique cues, and performance feedback when administering NMT in real-world settings. [Table: see text][Table: see text]


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