Bilateral Asymmetries in Ultrasound Assessments of the Rectus Femoris throughout an NCAA Division I Volleyball Preseason

The purpose of the study was to assess glycogen content of the rectus femoris (RF) muscles utilizing high-frequency ultrasound throughout an intensive, nine-day preseason training period in NCAA division I volleyball athletes. In the morning prior to the beginning of practice, athletes (n = 13) left and right RF muscles were assessed via ultrasound to quantify muscle fuel ratings (0–100 score range). The recommended location of the RF ultrasound scans were based on manufacturer guidelines, and the same technician recorded the daily measurements. To assess daily training load, session ratings of perceived exertion (s-RPE) were utilized. A paired t-test revealed a large significant difference between left (51.7 ± 17.9) and right (32.8 ± 17.4) RF muscle fuel ratings (p < 0.001). There was also a major effect of time on s-RPE (p < 0.001) and left (dominant) RF fuel rating (p = 0.001). s-RPE decreased from the beginning to the end of the training camp. However, left RF fuel ratings increased from the first to the second day, then remained elevated all throughout the preseason. In conclusion, all athletes were left-leg dominant and had a 57.6% bilateral asymmetry between their left and right RF muscle fuel ratings despite changes in training load. High-frequency ultrasounds are a noninvasive assessment tool that can determine glycogen replenishment asymmetries in the RF.

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Lower Extremity Movement Quality Does Not Moderate Internal Training Load Response of Male Collegiate Soccer Athletes

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-0322.20 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tara A. Condon MS ATC ◽

Timothy Eckard ◽

Alain J. Aguilar ◽

Barnett S. Frank ◽

Darin A. Padua ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

Injury Risk ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Training Load ◽

Division I ◽

Movement Quality ◽

Load Response ◽

Key Points ◽

Soccer Team

ABSTRACT Context: Training load and movement quality are associated with injury risk in athletes. Given these associations, it is important to understand how movement quality may moderate training load so that appropriate prevention strategies be employed. Objectives: To determine how absolute and relative internal training load change over the course of a men's NCAA soccer season, and determine how movement quality, assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), moderates relative internal training load. Design: Prospective Cohort Study Setting: NCAA Division I athletics Patients or Other Participants: One NCAA Division I male collegiate soccer team was recruited and followed over two consecutive seasons. Fifty-two athletes (height = 1.81 ± .06 m, mass = 75.74 ± 6.64 kg, age = 19.71 ± 1.30 years) consented to participate and forty six met the criteria to be included in the final statistical analysis. Main Outcome Measures: Daily absolute internal training load was tracked over the course of two seasons using a rated perceived exertion scale and time which were subsequently used to calculate absolute and relative internal training loads. Movement quality was assessed using the LESS and categorized participants as poor movers (LESS >5) and good movers (LESS <4). Results: The 46 athletes included in the final analysis included 29 poor movers and 17good movers. Absolute (p < 0.001) and relative (p<0.001) internal training load differed across weeks of the season. However, movement quality did not moderate relative (p=0.264) internal training load. Conclusions: Absolute and relative training load changed across weeks of a male collegiate soccer season. Movement quality did not impact relative training load but further research with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm this result. Key Points:

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The Impact of Fluid Loss and Carbohydrate Consumption during Exercise, on Young Cyclists’ Fatigue Perception in Relation to Training Load Level

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063282 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3282

Author(s):

Leonardo Cesanelli ◽

Berta Ylaitė ◽

Giuseppe Messina ◽

Daniele Zangla ◽

Stefania Cataldi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Perceived Exertion ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Load Level ◽

Training Load ◽

Fluid Loss ◽

Young Athletes ◽

Carbohydrate Consumption ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Training Impulse ◽

The Impact

High-level young athletes need to face a wide spectrum of stressors on their journey to élite categories. The aims of the present study are (i) to evaluate session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) at different training impulse (TRIMP) categories and the correlations between these two variables and, (ii) evaluate the correlations between sRPE, fluid loss, and carbohydrate consumption during exercise. Data on Edward’s TRIMP, sRPE, body mass loss pre- and post- exercise (∆), and carbohydrate consumption (CHO/h) during exercise have been acquired from eight male junior cyclists during a competitive season. One-way ANOVA and correlation analysis with linear regression have been performed on acquired data. sRPE resulted in a significant difference in the three TRIMP categories (p < 0.001). sRPE resulted in being very largely positively associated with TRIMP values (p < 0.001; R = 0.71). ∆ as well as CHO/h was largely negatively related with sRPE in all TRIMP categories (p < 0.001). The results confirmed the role of fluid balance and carbohydrate consumption on the perception of fatigue and fatigue accumulation dynamics independently from the training load. Young athletes’ training load monitoring and nutritional-hydration support represent important aspects in athlete’s exercise-induced fatigue management.

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Competition-Based Heart Rate, Training Load, and Time Played Above 85% Peak Heart Rate in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research ◽

10.1519/jsc.0000000000002876 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Gabriel J. Sanders ◽

Brian Boos ◽

Jessica Rhodes ◽

Roger O. Kollock ◽

Corey A. Peacock

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Training Load ◽

Division I ◽

Peak Heart Rate ◽

Women's Basketball

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Influence of 2D:4D ratio on fitness parameters and accumulated training load in elite youth soccer players

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-021-00354-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hadi Nobari ◽

Ana Ruivo Alves ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Jorge Pérez-Gómez

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Muscular Strength ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Training Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Fitness Parameters ◽

Three Stages ◽

Left And Right

Abstract Background Digit ratio (2D:4D) characterized by the length of the second digit (2D) divided by the length of the fourth digit (4D), is a powerful marker of athletic performance. Some studies showed a negative correlation between 2D:4D ratio and sports performances. Objectives The purpose of the present study was three-fold: (1) to analyze the influence of anthropometric and 2D:4D ratio on variations of accumulated training load (ATL) and fitness parameters: maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric muscular strength of the knee extensor for hamstring (ISH) and flexor for quadriceps (ISQ) muscles; along three stages of evaluation of soccer players based on playing positions; (2) to analyze the correlations between 2D:4D ratio and aforementioned parameters; and (3) to investigate if variance in fitness levels and ATL can explain the 2D:4D ratio. Methods Twenty-four elite players under 17 years were daily monitored for their rating perceived exertion and ATL across 24 weeks over the season. Soccer players have also measured in three stages for anthropometric traits and fitness parameters. Results Significant differences were observed between playing positions for body mass, goalkeepers had higher body mass compared to centre-midfielder and winger players. Moreover, there were significant differences in ATL between early-season to mid-season in goalkeepers (P = 0.032). The 2D:4D ratio (left and right) shown largely and negatively association with muscular strength (ISQ: r = − 0.80; r = − 0.78, P ≤ 0.001, ISH: r = − 0.63; r = − 0.62, P = 0.001, respectively) and VO2max changes (r = − 0.55, P = 0.005; r = − 0.50, P = 0.013, respectively); lastly, both 2D:4D ratio significantly predicted changes in muscular strength and VO2max in young soccer players. Conclusions Goalkeepers tended to have higher body mass compared to centre-midfielder and winger players; and 2D:4D ratio revealed a mighty predictor of physical fitness changes in soccer players. Evidence should be helpful to professionals to highlight the usefulness of the 2D:4D into the identification of talent, but also to optimize young players' performance.

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Training-Load Distribution in Endurance Runners: Objective Versus Subjective Assessment

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2014-0557 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1023-1028 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Vincenzo Manzi ◽

Antonio Bovenzi ◽

Carlo Castagna ◽

Paola Sinibaldi Salimei ◽

Maurizio Volterrani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Maximal Heart Rate ◽

Long Distance ◽

Running Speed ◽

Training Time ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Training Methodologies

Purpose:To assess the distribution of exercise intensity in long-distance recreational athletes (LDRs) preparing for a marathon and to test the hypothesis that individual perception of effort could provide training responses similar to those provided by standardized training methodologies.Methods:Seven LDRs (age 36.5 ± 3.8 y) were followed during a 5-mo training period culminating with a city marathon. Heart rate at 2.0 and 4.0 mmol/L and maximal heart rate were used to establish 3 intensity training zones. Internal training load (TL) was assessed by training zones and TRIMPi methods. These were compared with the session-rating-of-perceived-exertion (RPE) method.Results:Total time spent in zone 1 was higher than in zones 2 and 3 (76.3% ± 6.4%, 17.3% ± 5.8%, and 6.3% ± 0.9%, respectively; P = .000 for both, ES = 0.98, ES = 0.99). TL quantified by session-RPE provided the same result. The comparison between session-RPE and training-zones-based methods showed no significant difference at the lowest intensity (P = .07, ES = 0.25). A significant correlation was observed between TL RPE and TL TRIMPi at both individual and group levels (r = .79, P < .001). There was a significant correlation between total time spent in zone 1 and the improvement at the running speed of 2 mmol/L (r = .88, P < .001). A negative correlation was found between running speed at 2 mmol/L and the time needed to complete the marathon (r = –.83, P < .001).Conclusions:These findings suggest that in recreational LDRs most of the training time is spent at low intensity and that this is associated with improved performances. Session-RPE is an easy-to-use training method that provides responses similar to those obtained with standardized training methodologies.

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Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Division I Collegiate Baseball Athletes

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-0881-2905 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (07) ◽

pp. 447-452 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Madeline A. Czeck ◽

Christiana J. Raymond-Pope ◽

Tyler A. Bosch ◽

Christopher W. Bach ◽

Jonathan M. Oliver ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Total Mass ◽

Division I ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Regional Body Composition ◽

Collegiate Baseball ◽

Composition Measurements

AbstractThis study’s purpose was to evaluate total, regional, and throwing versus non-throwing arm body composition measurements between various positions of NCAA Division I male baseball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Two hundred and one collegiate baseball athletes were measured using DXA. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), total and regional fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. Athletes were separated into: pitchers (n=92), catchers (n=25), outfielders (n=43), and infielders (n=41). ANOVA and Tukey’s honest significant difference assessed total and regional differences between positions. Infielders had significantly (p<0.05) lower total LM than pitchers and outfielders. Additionally, outfielders had significantly lower total FM compared to pitchers and catchers. No significant differences between positions were observed for total BMD and VAT. Pitchers’ and infielders’ throwing arm demonstrated significantly greater total mass, FM, LM, and BMD compared to the non-throwing arm. Further, outfielders’ throwing arm total mass, LM, and BMD were significantly higher vs. the non-throwing arm. Significant differences were observed in total and regional body composition measurements across position, in addition to differences in throwing arm vs. non-throwing arm composition. These measurement values are important to coaches and trainers as normative positional DXA data for collegiate baseball players.

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An Analysis of Desirable Attributes for Strength and Conditioning Coaches as Perceived by Male and Female Population of Collegiate Athletes

International Journal of Physical Education Fitness and Sports ◽

10.34256/ijpefs2023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 16-29

Author(s):

Severiano Tiberi ◽

Jeremy Moody

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

Role Model ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Male Gender ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Division I ◽

Strength And Conditioning ◽

Female Population ◽

Male And Female ◽

Significant Difference

The present study aimed to suggest desirable attributes and characteristics for strength and conditioning coaches as perceived by the male and female population of collegiate athletes and statistically evaluate differences of perception between genders. Participants were 99 NCAA division I student-athletes (Male=56, Female=43) aged between 18-22 years of age, with a mean of 2.98 S&C sessions per week. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire to rank the importance of 17 research-based attributes through a 5-point Likert-type-scale. Descriptive statistics revealed that overall, “knowledgeable” and “communicative” were considered the most important attributes, whereas “overall size/muscularity” and “male gender” were the least desirable. With regards to perceived importance, attributes were ranked in the following order: knowledgeable, communicative, motivator, trustworthy, give positive feedback, approachable, organised, supportive, positive, honest, confident, role model, intense, physical fitness, sense of humour, overall size/muscularity, male gender. “Male gender” as an attribute was identified as the only significant difference in perception between genders (p = .017). The observed results are consistent with previous research that highlighted how several attributes and characteristics are important for strength and conditioning coaches. Thus, these results might foster reflection and guide personal and professional development of strength and conditioning coaches.

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Decreased Shoulder and Elbow Joint Loads During the Changeup Compared With the Fastball and Curveball in NCAA Division I Collegiate Softball Pitchers

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211026625 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 232596712110266

Author(s):

Gretchen D. Oliver ◽

Jessica L. Downs Talmage ◽

Kenzie B. Friesen ◽

Michael G. Saper ◽

Jeffrey R. Dugas

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Injury Risk ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Division I ◽

Future Research ◽

Study Results ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Baseball leagues have implemented pitch count and pitch type restrictions based on biomechanical concepts associated with pitch type. Softball has not yet adopted these practices, although softball pitchers continue to pitch at a high volume and learn multiple pitches at a young age. Purpose: To examine shoulder and elbow kinetics between the fastball, curveball, and changeup, as well as to provide descriptive upper extremity pain data in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) softball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Study participants consisted of 27 female NCAA Division I softball pitchers (age, 20.2 ± 1.9 years; height, 175.7 ± 5.7 cm; weight, 83.6 ± 12.7 kg). The participants pitched 3 balls of each pitch type, and kinetic data were recorded. A one-way within-participants repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in kinetics and pitch speed between pitch types. Results: Results revealed a statistically significant main effect for pitch type (Wilks λ = .087; F = 36.523; P < .001). Post hoc testing showed that the changeup produced less anterior elbow force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .012). In addition, the changeup produced less shoulder distraction force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in pitch speed between all 3 pitch types ( P = .006). The curveball revealed no statistically significant kinetic differences compared with the fastball. Conclusion: The fastball and curveball placed similar stress on the upper extremity in collegiate softball pitchers. However, in comparison with the changeup, the fastball and curveball placed increased stress on the upper extremity. More research is needed to fully explain the differences seen between pitch type and injury risk. Clinical Relevance: Sports medicine professionals, coaches, and athletes should use the current study results to note these differences in shoulder distraction and elbow anterior forces between softball pitch types. The study results can be used as a reference and basis for future research investigating kinetic differences across varying pitch types.

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Photoacoustic and High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging of Systemic Sclerosis Patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-93714/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Brigit E. Kersten ◽

Khalid Daoudi ◽

Cornelia H van den Ende ◽

Frank H van den Hoogen ◽

Chris L. de Korte ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Oxygen Saturation ◽

High Frequency ◽

Skin Thickness ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

High Frequency Ultrasound ◽

The Third ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Primary Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Frequency Ultrasound

Abstract Introduction: Systemic sclerosis starts with an early phase characterized by Raynauds phenomenon, puffy fingers/hands, autoantibodies and a scleroderma nailfoldmicroscopic pattern. Alterations in the nailfoldmicroscopic pattern are not evident in all early SSc patients. Photoacoustics(PA) and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) could fulfill this need. The former can measure oxygen saturation while the latter can measure skin thickening. We hypothesize that photoacoustics and high-frequency ultrasound can distinguish (early) SSc patients from individuals with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) by measuring oxygenation of the fingertip and skin thickening.Methods: We compared measurements of the third finger in (early)SSc patients to healthy and PRP individuals. The level of oxygenation and skin thickness were compared between groups. Nailfoldcapillaroscopy was performed on all subjects.Results: Thirty-one adult subjects participated in this study: twelve patients with SSc, 5 patients with early SSc, 5 volunteers with PR and 9 healthy controls. We found a significant difference in oxygen saturation between (early) SSc patients (80.8% ± 8.1 and 77,9% ± 10.5 ) and individuals with PRP (93.9% ± 1.1). Measurements of skin thickening showed a significant difference in (early) SSc patients compared to individuals with PRP (0.48 ± 0.06 mm and 0.51 ±0.16 mm vs. 0.27 ± 0.01 mm). There was no significant difference between healthy and PRP individuals in oxygenation or skin thickening.Conclusion: Photoacoustic and high-frequency ultrasound can distinguish between (early)SSc, PRP and healthy individuals in both oxygenation and skin thickening.

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