Conditioning Program Prescribed from the External Training Load Corresponding to the Lactate Threshold Improved Cardiac Function in Healthy Dogs

This research focuses on the adjustments in systolic and diastolic functions that are not fully understood in dogs submitted to athletic training. Beagle dogs carried out an endurance training program (ETP) prescribed from the external training load, corresponding to 70–80% of the lactate threshold (VLT) velocity. Eighteen dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: control (C, n = 8), active dogs that did not perform any forced exercise, and trained (T, n = 10), submitted to the ETP during eight weeks. All dogs were evaluated before and after the ETP period using two-dimensional echocardiography, M-mode, Doppler, and two-dimensional speckle tracking. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the echocardiographic variables was performed. The ETP improved the left ventricular internal dimension at the end of diastole (LVDd), the left ventricular internal dimension at the end of diastole to aorta ratio (LVDd: Ao), and the strain rate indices. PCA was able to capture the dimensionality and qualitative echocardiography changes produced by the ETP. These findings indicated that the training prescribed based on the lactate threshold improved the diastolic and systolic functions. This response may be applied to improve myocardial function, promote health, and mitigate any injuries produced during heart failure.

Influence of game format and team strategy on physical and perceptual intensity in soccer small-sided games

The aim of the study was to compare internal and external load responses of different small-sided games, using balanced (5v5 Possession and small-sided games formats) and unbalanced (6v4) teams. Ten elite youth male soccer players were monitored at the start of the in-season period using global positioning system, heart rate and subjective ratings of intensity. Results showed higher physiological stress (>90% HRmax) in Possession and small-sided games formats when compared to the unbalanced teams (ES = 1.3–2.3). Total and high-intensity distance in small-sided games (28 ± 25 m) and Possession (67 ± 35 m) were greater compared to teams of 6 and 4 in the unbalanced scenario. Small-sided games format and team with six players had higher proportion of distance running at sub-maximal velocities (0–5.8 m/s2). Small-sided games format and team with four players saw greater mean acceleration effort (mean acceleration intensity in small-sided games 1.91 ± 0.27 vs. Possession 1.80 ± 0.20 m/s2, ES = 0.4 and Team 4 1.56 ± 0.24 vs. Team 6 1.44 ± .0.19 m/s2, ES = 1.3). Small-sided games format and team with 6 players had lower starting velocities prior to acceleration efforts (small-sided games 0.90 ± 0.08 and Team 6 1.11 ± 0.11 m/s2, ES = 1.5 and ES = 1.8), while velocity at the end of each acceleration effort was greater in the Possession format and Team 4 compared to small-sided games and Team 6 (Possession 3.54 ± 0.23 m/s2 and Team 4 3.13 ± 0.22 m/s2) compared to the small-sided games format (ES = 0.1) and the team with six players (ES = 2.3). These data demonstrate that using unbalanced teams can provide an additional form of training prescription to facilitate player specific training within a squad environment by providing different internal and external training responses within a combined drill.

Exploration of the Age-Category Soccer Performance Effects During Ball Possession Small-Sided Games

Small-sided games have been adopted as an integral part of soccer training, however, the use of task constraints by the coach and the action capabilities of both players and teams require further investigation. The aim of this investigation was to explore the age-category effects (under-11: U11, under-15: U15 and under-23: U23) on external training workloads (total distance covered, distance covered while walking, running and sprinting, number of sprints and maximum sprint speed), internal training load metrics (rate of perceived exertion, RPE) and tactical individual actions (passing number with dominant and non-dominant foot, and max passing speed) during 4 vs. 4 ball possession small-sided game constrained within three different playing areas (small: 20 x 15 m, medium: 25 x 20 m, and large: 30 x 25 m). Results revealed substantial differences (all p < .001) for each specific playing area observed across many of the external workload measures. For every area analysed, U23 players covered more distance walking, whereas U11 and U15 players covered more distances at higher intensities. Additionally, significant differences were found for the RPE (small playing area: p = .001; large playing area: p < .001) with U23 and U15 players showing higher scores compared with U11 ones. It can be concluded that a 4 vs. 4 ball possession small-sided game can provide different performance related stimuli to players, depending on age category and the playing surface area. Therefore, coaches and individuals involved with training and development of soccer players across all age groups should be aware of the key variables highlighted in this study before planning training drills.

Mind the gaps: therapists’ experiences of managing symptomatic hypermobility in Scotland

Objectives To ascertain OT and PT experiences of managing Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) patients, specifically the training and confidence levels of therapists, use of evidence-based practice, accessibility of pain management and clinical psychology services, and perceived usefulness of a specialist centre in Scotland. Methods A mixed-method survey was distributed to Rheumatology OTs/PTs in Scotland. It included multiple choice and open text questions, which were analysed to reflect therapist’s experiences and perception of service need. Results We found that therapists in Scotland do have expertise in the management of HSD/hEDS patients; however, this expertise tends to be concentrated in secondary care, which makes it difficult for patients who are managed in primary care to access. The majority of respondents reported lack of access to external training (80%). There was difficulty in referral to pain management services (55%), and clinical psychology (28%) amongst adult therapists. Paediatric services provided considerably better access to these disciplines. Of note, the majority of respondents were in favour of a specialist centre in Scotland for the training and education of therapists (94.7%) and the diagnosis and management of complex HSD/hEDS patients (73.7%). Conclusion More research is urgently needed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy interventions to underpin a national guideline so that we can improve outcomes for HSD/hEDS patients. A specialist centre with expert and engaged clinicians would be a valuable asset in coordinating patient focused research and conducting good quality clinical trials.