Retrospective Analysis of Training Intensity Distribution Based on Race Pace Versus Physiological Benchmarks in Highly Trained Sprint Kayakers

Background Research results on the training intensity distribution (TID) in endurance athletes are equivocal. This non-uniformity appears to be partially founded in the different quantification methods that are implemented. So far, TID research has solely focused on sports involving the lower-body muscles as prime movers (e.g. running). Sprint kayaking imposes high demands on the upper-body endurance capacity of the athlete. As there are structural and physiological differences between upper- and lower-body musculature, TID in kayaking should be different to lower-body dominant sports. Therefore, we aimed to compare the training intensity distribution during an 8-wk macrocycle in a group of highly trained sprint kayakers employing three different methods of training intensity quantification. Methods Heart rate (HR) and velocity during on-water training of nine highly trained German sprint kayakers were recorded during the final 8 weeks of a competition period leading to the national championships. The fractional analysis of TID was based on three zones (Z) derived from either HR (TIDBla-HR) or velocity (TIDBla-V) based on blood lactate (Bla) concentrations (Z1 ≤ 2.5 mmol L−1 Bla, Z2 = 2.5–4.0 mmol L−1 Bla, Z3 ≥ 4.0 mmol L−1 Bla) of an incremental test or the 1000-m race pace (TIDRace): Z1 ≤ 85% of race pace, Z2 = 86–95% and Z3 ≥ 95%. Results TIDBla-V (Z1: 68%, Z2: 14%, Z3: 18%) differed from TIDBla-HR (Z1: 91%, Z2: 6%, Z3: 3%) in each zone (all p < 0.01). TIDRace (Z1: 73%, Z2: 20%, Z3: 7%) differed to Z3 in TIDBla-V (p < 0.01) and all three TIDBla-HR zones (all p < 0.01). Individual analysis revealed ranges of Z1, Z2, Z3 fractions for TIDBla-HR of 85–98%, 2–11% and 0.1–6%. For TIDBla-V, the individual ranges were 41–82% (Z1), 6–30% (Z2) and 8–30% (Z3) and for TIDRace 64–81% (Z1), 14–29% (Z2) and 4–10% (Z3). Conclusion The results show that the method of training intensity quantification substantially affects the fraction of TID in well-trained sprint kayakers. TIDRace determination shows low interindividual variation compared to the physiologically based TIDBla-HR and TIDBla-V. Depending on the aim of the analysis TIDRace, TIDBla-HR and TIDBla-V have advantages as well as drawbacks and may be implemented in conjunction to maximize adaptation.

Self-Esteem, Individual versus Team Sports

On the basis of the integrative concept of self-esteem discussed in sport-related literature, various studies refer to its importance in the context of sports activities. Self-esteem is often understood as a personality trait because it tends to be durable and stable. No accurate description is available regarding the types of sports in which subjects participated. The main purpose of the research was to identify and compare the levels of self-esteem and self-confidence of athletes practicing individual and team sports. The self-esteem and self-confidence levels were measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg 1979) and the Self-Confidence Test (Romek, 2000). All participants were males. Subjects were divided into two categories: 40 for individual sports and 40 for team sports. There were two evaluation periods: P1, the beginning of the preparation period, and P2, the beginning of the competition period. There were statistically significant differences for P1 (p < 0.002) and P2 (p < 0.003). The differences between the average values of the two periods were 5.8 points and 3.8 points, both favorable to the group of athletes who practiced individual sports. There were significant differences between the individual and team athletes in self-esteem level. Individual athletes presented a higher level of self-esteem.

Regulated free banking in Switzerland (1881–1907)

The free-banking history of Switzerland is subdivided into periods with unfettered competition (1826–1881), and strict banknote regulation (1881–1907). This paper suggests that the Federal Banknote Act of 1881 was introduced to remedy the fragmentation of the unfettered-competition period, during which private note-issuing banks were unable to issue standardised paper money. Although the corresponding minimum-reserve and mutual-acceptance rules led to a standardisation, they created new problems. For example, these regulatory interventions reduced the flexibility (or “elasticity”) of the paper-money supply. It turned out that a central note-issuing bank is needed to supply adequate amounts of standardised banknotes.

COMPARISON OF THE PERFORMANCE VALUES OF THE U-16 DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN THE COMPETITION PERIOD

This study aims to compare the performance values of U-16 development league football players. The research was carried out according to the experimental research model. A total of 25 football players of a super league football team (age: 16, height: 170,36±7,31cm, weight: 56,89±8,88kg), all competing in the U-16 elite development league, participated voluntarily. The players wear Polar watches on the grass football field; Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 test was applied and aerobic endurance levels, maximal heart rate, and heart rate recovery times were measured. Tests and measurements were applied 1 week before the start of the league. After the first test, the competition period general training program was applied for 9 weeks, 4 days a week, and after that, the same tests and measurements were carried out again. After a 9-week competition training program, there were statistically significant differences in aerobic endurance levels and heart rate recovery times at the 1st minute (p<0.01), no statistically significant differences were found in maximal heart rate and heart rate recovery times at the 2nd minute (p>0.01). In conclusion, it can be said that the 9-week training program applied during the competition period is effective on the aerobic endurance level and heart rate recovery time in the 1st minute. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0893/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Football in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic – considerations regarding competition organization

In this paper, we aim to complement the experience acquired so far in pandemic times by addressing the current problem of football from certain specific directions, in the conditions of COVID-19 infection. This study used some models (SIR, SEIR and SIRD) that tried to determine the evolution of the pandemic on the basis of a few defining aspects. In a championship involving 20 teams and 38 stages, an officially registered squad for each team can consist of 34 players (30 field players and 4 goalkeepers), and competition organization in the form of a tournament can include: 14 days competition period + 7 days break => 4 games scheduled every 3 or 4 days; 10 x 14-day modules with 9 x 7-day recovery modules will be required for the competition. The current context is completely new and, in order to train and play during the pandemic, we need to consider the following aspects: the competition system of national football leagues should take the form of the model proposed by us, promoting young players from the academy; the competitions of the national team should take place in the form of tournaments; the referees’ activity should be reorganized in relation to the competition system.

Creation of a functional product based on grain mixture for hardtacks for people with intense loads

As a rule, grain products contain deficient protein in their composition. In order to achieve the reference protein in plant foods, a blending method can be used. The development of the formulation and technology of high-protein hardtacks based on wheat wholemeal flour using high-protein biomass will become indispensable in the field nutrition of climbers, militaries and athletes during the competition period.

Exercise-associated Muscle Cramps in Runners: A Review

Objective: Exercise-associated Muscle Cramp (EAMC) is an intense, painful, and involuntary contraction of skeletal muscles during a physical activity. Runners are more prone to this syndrome than other athletes. The present paper aims to review of the literature on EAMC in runners to determine the reasons and nature of EAMC in this sports field. Methods: A search was conducted for related studies from 1997 to 2021 in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE/SCOPUS, LILACS, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science, PEDro, Google Scholar as well as MagIran, IranDoc, IranMedex, MedLib using MeSH Keywords. The reference section of the studies were also checked to find more studies. Finally, 15 eligible papers on EAMC in runners were reviewed and findings were reported. Results: Several factors were found to be effective in EAMC among runners, including dehydration, electrolyte deficit, cold, long training or competition period, increased body temperature during training or competition, history of injury or muscle cramp, increased training intensity in short time, and dietary restrictions. Conclusion: The cause of EAMC in runners seems to be multifactorial.

A competition period evaluation in the long jump events in terms of seasonal Variables: Creating prediction models

Aim: The purpose of training planning in performance sports is to achieve the desired performance in the target competition. Maintaining the desired performance in the major competition is the main subject of periodization. But at this point, the prediction of the season best, which will serve as a showcase for preparations, is a question as old as the history of training science for coaches. The aim of the study is to examine the variables in the competition period of female and male athletes participated in the top 100 places in the 2018 world lists in the long jump event, to compare by gender, and to create prediction models for the season best and season average performances (SPA) according to the average of first two performances (AF2P). Methods: Ages, total number of days in a season, the number of days between the competitions, total competitions, the number of competitions in which the season's best (SB) performance was achieved, the ratio of the SB to the total number of competitions, the percentages of the first, end, and average scores were analysed. Statistical comparison of female and male athletes was carried out using Independent Samples t-Test. To express the relationships between parameters Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used. Besides, polynomial regression analysis was used. Finally, the quadratic equations were used to predict SB performance and SPA according to the AF2P. Findings: SB competition, season initial, AF2P, SB, SPA and season-end variables were found to be statistically different between genders. Season initial and SB showed significant relationships for both genders (women; r=0.68; p<0.001; men; r=0.51; p<0.001). AF2P explained 54% of the SB performance for women and 48% for men. Conclusion: The prediction model found in the current study to predict SB performance was applied to the male and female athletes from 2019 season. Models predicted the actual performance with an average of 1.15%. Depending on the close estimation of the actual SB performance of the models; It is thought that the prediction models will enable the trainers to predict the performance of their athletes in target competitions at the beginning of the season. Özet Amaç: Performans sporlarında antrenman planlamasının amacı hedef yarışmada istenilen performansı yakalamaktır. İstenen performansın da majör yarışmada gerçekleştirilmesi periyodizasyonun ana konusudur. Fakat bu noktada hazırlıkların vitrini niteliğinde olacak sezonun en iyi derecesinin gerçekleşeceği öngörüsü antrenörler için antrenman bilim tarihi kadar eski bir sorudur. Çalışmanın amacı, uzun atlama branşında 2018 dünya listelerinde ilk yüz sırada yer alan kadın ve erkek sporcuların yarışma periyodundaki değişkenleri incelemek, cinsiyetlere göre karşılaştırmak, ilk iki performans ortalamasına göre sezonun en iyi ve ortalama performansları için tahmin modelleri oluşturmaktır. Metot: Çalışmada sporcuların yarışma verileri [yaş, bir sezondaki toplam gün sayısı (SGS), bir sezondaki toplam yarışma sayısı (TYS), sporcunun sezondaki en iyi derecesi (SB), SB performansının gerçekleştiği yarışma (SBY), sporcunun sezonun ilk iki yarışmasındaki performansının ortalaması (İ2PO), sezon en iyi derecesine göre; sezon ortalama (SORT), başlangıç (SBAŞ) ve bitiriş (SBİT) derecelerinin yüzde oranları] incelenmiştir. Parametreler arasındaki ilişkiler için pearson korelasyon (r) istatistiği, ilişkilerin belirleme katsayılarının (r2) bulunmasında polinom regresyonu, cinsiyete göre İ2PO’dan SB ve sezon ortalama performanslarının tahmin modellerinde karesel regresyon modeli kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: SBY, başlangıç, İ2PO, SB, SORT ve SBİT değişkenleri cinsiyetler arasında istatistiksel olarak farklı bulunmuştur. SBAŞ değerleriyle SB performansı arasında iki cinsiyet için anlamlı ilişkiler bulunmuştur (kadınlar; r=0,68; p<0,001; erkekler, r=0,51; p<0,001). İ2PO; kadınlarda SB performansının %54’ünü, erkeklerde; %48’ini açıklayabilmektedir. Sonuç: Çalışmada bulunan İ2PO’na göre SB tahmin modeli, 2019 yılında dünya listelerinde yer alan erkek ve kadın sporculara uygulandığında, modelin SB performansını ortalama %1,15 farkla tahmin ettiği görülmüştür. Modellerin gerçek SB performansını yakın tahmin edebilmesine bağlı olarak; tahmin modellerinin antrenörlerin sezon başında sporcularının hedef yarışmalardaki performanslarını öngörebilmelerine olanak sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

The Training Characteristics of Recreational-Level Triathletes: Influence on Fatigue and Health

Little is known about how recreational triathletes prepare for an Olympic distance event. The aim of this study was to identify the training characteristics of recreational-level triathletes within the competition period and assess how their preparation for a triathlon influences their health and their levels of fatigue. During the 6 weeks prior to, and the 2 weeks after, an Olympic distance triathlon, nine recreational athletes (five males, four females) completed a daily training log. Participants answered the Daily Analysis of Life Demands Questionnaire (DALDA), the Training Distress Scale (TDS) and the Alberta Swim Fatigue and Health Questionnaire weekly. The Recovery-Stress Questionnaire (REST-Q) was completed at the beginning of the study, on the day before the competition, and at the end of week 8. Training loads were calculated using session-based rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). The data from every week of training was compared to week 1 to determine how athletes’ training and health changed throughout the study. No changes in training loads, duration or training intensity distribution were seen in the weeks leading up to the competition. Training duration was significantly reduced in week 6 (p = 0.041, d = 1.58, 95% CI = 6.9, 421.9), while the number of sessions was reduced in week 6 (Z = 2.32, p = 0.02, ES = 0.88) and week 7 (Z = 2.31, p = 0.02, ES = 0.87). Training was characterized by large weekly variations in training loads and a high training intensity. No significant changes were seen in the DALDA, TDS or REST-Q questionnaire scores throughout the 8 weeks. Despite large spikes in training load and a high overall training intensity, these recreational-level triathletes were able to maintain their health in the 6 weeks of training prior to an Olympic distance triathlon.

Management of Training Process of Team Sports Athletes During the Competition Period on the Basis of Programming (Football-Based)

The purpose of the study was to experimentally substantiate the effectiveness of organization of structural arrangements of the training process in skilled football players within the limits of the competition period on the basis of programming. Material and methodology. 18 skilled football players of “Burevisnyk” student team took part in the research. The average age of participants was 19.8 ± 5.8 years and the qualification was category 1. The programme of the competition period of the skilled football players consisted of four blocks: the first one included the types and ratios of the training work, the second one included quantitative indexes of training sessions (non-specific, specific, comprehensive) and games (educational, control, official), and the third one included the ratio of means (general preparatory exercises, special preparatory exercises, developing exercises, competitive exercises) and training loads (aerobic, mixed aerobic and anaerobic, anaerobic alactic, anaerobic glycolytic loads), and the fourth one included preparedness criteria. Results. We have redistributed training loads of various orientation by taking into account the specifics of competitive loads in skilled football players. Thus, shares of loads of the aerobic and anaerobic glycolytic orientation at the formative stage of the experiment were increased by 53.6 and 3.0 %, respectively, and the loads of the mixed and anaerobic alactic orientation were decreased by 40.0 and 3.4 %, respectively. Positive dynamics of indexes of physical (1.2-2.2 %) and functional (5.4-6.7 %) preparedness and competitive activity (3.6-23.8 %) of skilled football players at the formative phase of the experiment in comparison to the ascertaining phase was evident. Conclusions. Theoretical and methodical aspects of programming of the training process may be conditioned upon the hierarchical structure, in which smaller programmatic structural arrangements are subordinate to the larger ones; the objectives with respect to the training programmes at every phase of the training macrocycle; general and special principles of athlete training; algorithmicity, i.e. step-by-step planning and correction of managerial influences; proper selection of training means and use of training loads with different focuses in the process of training cycles; use of informational criteria for control at every phase of the training process.