The Between-Competition Running Demands of Elite Hurling Match-Play

The current study aimed to investigate the differences in running demands between the National Hurling League (NHL) and the Championship, and within playing positions. GPS (10 Hz, STATSports Apex GNSS) were used to analyse the running demands during 34 games (2017–2020 seasons) of the Championship and the NHL. The running demands (total-, relative-, high-speed- [>17 km·h−1] and sprint [≥22 km·h−1] distance, number and length of sprints, and peak speed) were compared between competitions. Greater total- [ES = 0.32], relative- [ES = 0.26], and sprint-distance [ES = 0.41], and number of sprints [ES = 1.29] were completed in the Championship. The high-speed distance was similar between competitions. Half-backs and half-forwards covered greater total- (ES = 0.91 and 0.21, respectively), relative- (ES = 1.14 and 0.68, respectively), high-speed- (ES = 0.69 and 0.44, respectively), and sprint-distance (ES = 0.50 and 1.26, respectively), number of sprints (ES = 2.66 and 1.73, respectively), and peak speed (ES = 1.09 and 1.32, respectively) in the Championship. There was no difference (p < 0.05) in the sprint distance covered between positions in the Championship. The results showed that the Championship is more physically demanding. The findings present key implications for the transition between competitions.

Сomparative analysis of calculated and experimental studies of pallet movement speed on magnetic type brake roller

Introduction. Increasing the efficiency of using a warehouse with a constant volume is an urgent task, the solution of which is possible through block or deep-lane storage systems. One such solution is the pallet flow rack, which saves up to 25% of the distance travelled by a forklift compared to the single-deep racks. The main element of the safe operation of the gravity roller conveyors used in a pallet flow rack is a brake roller. The most promising design is a magnetic (eddy current) type brake roller.The purpose of the work is to carry out a comparative analysis of the results of the calculated and experimental studies to determine the speed of movement of a pallet along a magnetic brake roller.Materials and methods. The research area is the magnetic brake roller. Its construction and description of work presented. The results of calculated and experimental study of the coefficient of magnetic viscosity presented.Results. The calculated and experimental dependences of the pallet movement speed along the magnetic brake roller were obtained. It was found that with an increase in the speed of movement of the pallet along the magnetic brake roller, the error of the mathematical model increases, and, first of all, after crossing with the straight line of a drag peak speed.Conclusions. A comparative analysis of the results of the calculated and experimental studies to determine the speed of movement of the pallet along the magnetic brake roller carried out. It was found that the developed design of a magnetic brake roller in the operating range of the pallet masses from 100 to 600 kg with up to 16 magnets located on one side of the disc, and from 100 to 1150 kg with up to 8 pairs of the magnets located on both sides of the disc, provides a speed control within the limits not exceeding the permissible speeds of the pallet movement on the gravitational roller conveyor. The verification of the mathematical model showed that the average value of the error of the mathematical model in the entire range of the pallet masses at speeds not exceeding the permissible speeds of pallet movement on a gravitational roller conveyor and below the drag peak speed is no more than 8.2%.

Articulatory Correlates of Stress Pattern Disturbances in Talkers With Dysarthria

Purpose Reduced stress commonly occurs in talkers with Parkinson's disease (PD), whereas excessive and equal stress is frequently associated with dysarthria of talkers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). This study sought to identify articulatory impairment patterns that underlie these two impaired stress patterns. We further aimed to determine if talkers with the same stress pattern disturbance but different diseases (ALS and MS) exhibit disease-specific articulatory deficits. Method Fifty-seven talkers participated in the study—33 talkers with dysarthria and 24 controls. Talkers with dysarthria were grouped based on their medical diagnosis: PD ( n = 15), ALS ( n = 10), MS ( n = 8). Participants repeated target words embedded in a carrier phrase. Kinematic data were recorded using electromagnetic articulography. Duration, displacement, peak speed, stiffness, time-to-peak speed, and parameter c were extracted for the initial lower lip opening stroke of each target word, which was either stressed or unstressed. Results Stress effects were significant for all kinematic measures across groups except for stiffness and time-to-peak speed, which were nonsignificant in ALS. For comparisons with controls, more kinematic measures significantly differed in the ALS group than in the PD and MS groups. Additionally, ALS and MS showed mostly similar articulatory impairment patterns. Conclusions In general, significant stress effects were observed in talkers with dysarthria. However, stress-specific between-group differences in articulatory performance, particularly displacement, may explain the perceptual impression of disturbed stress patterns. Furthermore, similar findings for ALS and MS suggest that articulatory deficits underlying similar stress pattern disturbances are not disease-specific.

Kinematic cervical rotation performance in patients with acute non-specific neck pain during the DidRen test improves after manual mobilizations regardless of the painful spinal level

Background: Evaluation of kinematic axial cervical rotation performance is of major importance in the context of studying sensorimotor control of the neck. However, studies are missing on acute neck pain, on the influence of the level of provocation of spinal pain, and on the potential benefits of manual therapy mobilizations. Methods: A non-randomized prospective trial with intervention assessed the influence of acute non-specific neck pain on kinematic parameters during a fast axial head rotation task standardized with the DidRen laser test device. First, we compared kinematic parameters between patients and healthy controls. Second, we assessed whether upper or lower spinal pain location influenced these kinematic parameters. Finally, we examined the short-term effect of passive cervical mobilizations in patients on these kinematic variables. Results: We observed that patients were significantly slower (total time) to perform the DidRen laser test (4.5 s; p<0.006) and to reach the end of rotation from peak acceleration (0.02 s; p<0.016). The time between peaks acceleration and deceleration (-0.03 s; p<0.003), the time to peak deceleration (0.004 s; p<0.003), to peak acceleration (0.04 s; p<0.001) and to peak speed (0.01 s; p<0.001), the average speed (7.2 °s-1; p<0.001), peak speed (21.7 °s-1; p<0.010), acceleration (143.5 °s-2; p<0.013) and deceleration (-193.1 °s-2; p<0.006) were significantly slower for patients compared to controls. No significant effect of spinal pain location was observed on kinematic variables. After the intervention, patients were faster for average speed (2.9 °s-1; p<0.02), peak speed (8.7 °s-1; p<0.011), peak deceleration (69.7 °s-2; p<0.007). Patients took less time to reach peak speed (0.01 s; p<0.033) and peak acceleration (0.01 s; p<0.028). They took also less time (-0.01 s; p<0.003) between peak acceleration and deceleration and to stabilize the laser into the target (0.12 s; p<0.026) and to perform the DidRen laser test (4 s; p<0.001). Conclusion: The DidRen laser test allowed to demonstrate significant differences in kinematic axial cervical rotation in patients suffering from acute non-specific neck pain compared to pain-free controls. No significant effect of spinal pain location was observed on kinematic variables. Pain reduction significantly improved the patients’ kinematic parameters.

Critical speed estimated by statistically appropriate fitting procedures

Purpose Intensity domains are recommended when prescribing exercise. The distinction between heavy and severe domains is made by the critical speed (CS), therefore requiring a mathematically accurate estimation of CS. The different model variants (distance versus time, running speed versus time, time versus running speed, and distance versus running speed) are mathematically equivalent. Nevertheless, error minimization along the correct axis is important to estimate CS and the distance that can be run above CS (d′). We hypothesized that comparing statistically appropriate fitting procedures, which minimize the error along the axis corresponding to the properly identified dependent variable, should provide similar estimations of CS and d′ but that different estimations should be obtained when comparing statistically appropriate and inappropriate fitting procedure. Methods Sixteen male runners performed a maximal incremental aerobic test and four exhaustive runs at 90, 100, 110, and 120% of their peak speed on a treadmill. Several fitting procedures (a combination of a two-parameter model variant and regression analysis: weighted least square) were used to estimate CS and d′. Results Systematic biases (P < 0.001) were observed between each pair of fitting procedures for CS and d′, even when comparing two statistically appropriate fitting procedures, though negligible, thus corroborating the hypothesis. Conclusion The differences suggest that a statistically appropriate fitting procedure should be chosen beforehand by the researcher. This is also important for coaches that need to prescribe training sessions to their athletes based on exercise intensity, and their choice should be maintained over the running seasons.

Match Day-1 Reactive Strength Index and In-Game Peak Speed in Collegiate Division I Basketball

Basketball is a game of repeated jumps and sprints. The objective of this study was to examine whether repeated jump assessments the day prior to competition (MD-1) could discriminate between fast and slow in-game performances the following day. Seven NCAA Division I Basketball athletes (4 guards and 3 forwards; 20 ± 1.2 years, 1.95 ± 0.09 m, and 94 ± 15 kg) performed a repeated-hop test on a force platform before and after each practice MD-1 to assess Reactive Strength Index (RSI) and Jump Height (JH). Peak speed was recorded during games via spatial tracking cameras. A median split analysis classified performance into FAST and SLOW relative to individual in-game peak speed. Paired T-tests were performed to assess post- to pre-practices differences. An independent sample T-test was used to assess the differences between FAST and SLOW performances. Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) were calculated to determine the magnitude of the differences. Statistical significance was set for p ≤ 0.05. Post-practice RSI and JH were significantly higher than pre-training values prior to the FAST but not the SLOW in-game performances. A significant difference was found for MD-1 RSI when comparing FAST and SLOW conditions (p = 0.01; ES = 0.62). No significant between-group differences were obtained in JH (p = 0.07; ES = 0.45). These findings could have implications on the facilitation of reactive strength qualities in conjunction with match-play. Practitioners should evaluate the placement of stimuli to potentiate athlete readiness for competition.

HIIT Models in Addition to Training Load and Heart Rate Variability Are Related With Physiological and Performance Adaptations After 10-Weeks of Training in Young Futsal Players

IntroductionThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) shuttle-run-based models, over 10 weeks on aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular parameters, and the association of the training load and heart rate variability (HRV) with the change in the measures in young futsal players.MethodsEleven young male futsal players (age: 18.5 ± 1.1 years; body mass: 70.5 ± 5.7 kg) participated in this study. This pre-post study design was performed during a typical 10 weeks training period. HIIT sessions were conducted at 86% (HIIT86; n = 6) and 100% (HIIT100; n = 5) of peak speed of the FIET. Additionally, friendly and official matches, technical-tactical and strength-power training sessions were performed. Before and after the training period, all players performed the FIET, treadmill incremental, repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint 15-m, and vertical jump tests (CMJ and SJ), and the HRV was measured. Training load (TL) was monitored using the session rating of perceived effort. Data analysis was carried out using Bayesian inference methods.ResultsThe HIIT86 model showed clear improvements for the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), peak speed in the treadmill incremental test, first and second ventilatory thresholds, RSA best and mean times, CMJ, and SJ. The HIIT100 model presented distinct advances in VO2peak, peak speed in the treadmill incremental test, RSA mean time, and CMJ. Between HIIT models comparisons showed more favorable probabilities of improvement for HIIT86 than HIIT100 model in all parameters. TL data and HIIT models strongly explained the changes in the RSA mean and best times (R2 = 0.71 and 0.87, respectively), as well as HRV changes, and HIIT models explained positively VO2peak changes (R2 = 0.72). All other changes in the parameters were low to moderately explained.ConclusionThe HIIT86 proved to be more effective for improving aerobic, RSA, and neuromuscular parameters than HIIT100 during a typical 10-week futsal training period. So, strength and conditioning specialists prescribing shuttle-run intermittent exercises at submaximal intensities can manage the individual acceleration load imposed on athlete increasing or decreasing either the set duration or the frequency of change of direction during HIIT programming.

Peak Speeds of Professional Football Players During Bouts of Non-curved, Manual Treadmill Sprints

Purpose: Speed training and short distance sprints have become an essential component of preparation for professional football players. Current trends in speed training have included the application of non-curved, manual treadmills, as they may enhance peak speeds with less biomechanical stress. A lack of data currently exists in regards to the effectiveness of different settings and peak speed response. Therefore, we proposed to compare peak speeds during different settings of non-curved, manual treadmills. It was hypothesized that as resistance/incline increased, peak sprinting speeds would decrease and vice versa. Methods: Fourteen male professional football players (27.14 ± 3.11 yrs., 183.93 ± 8.52 cm, 100.36 ± 15.60 kg) sprinted at peak speeds during four different incline/resistance bouts. Paired samples T-tests examined differences between bouts, and significance was set at p ≤ 0.008. Results: A significant difference (p < 0.001) existed for peak speeds between each incline/resistance bout (i.e. INC15R8, INC15R5, INC20R3, INC20R1). Conclusions: The observed data differences existed between all bouts, indicating that as resistance and/or incline increased, peak speed decreased. This also indicated that as resistance and/or incline decreased, peak speed increased during sprint bouts in professional football players.

Oxygen Uptake at Critical Speed and Power in Running: Perspectives and Practical Applications

Purpose: Intensity domains are recommended when prescribing exercise, and critical power/speed (CP/CS) was designated the “gold standard” when determining maximal metabolic steady state. CS is the running analog of CP for cycle ergometry. However, a CP for running could be useful for controlling intensity when training in any type of condition. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate external, internal, and total CP (CPext, CPint, and CPtot), obtained based on running power calculations, and verified whether they occurred at the same percentage of peak oxygen uptake as the usual CS. Furthermore, this study examined whether selecting strides at the start, half, or end of the exhaustive runs to calculate running power influenced the estimation of the 3 CPs. Methods: Thirteen male runners performed a maximal incremental aerobic test and 4 exhaustive runs (90%, 100%, 110%, 120% peak speed) on a treadmill. The estimations of CS and CPs were obtained using a 3-parameter mathematical model fitted using weighted least square. Results: CS was estimated at 4.3 m/s while the estimates of CPext, CPint, and CPtot were 5.2, 2.6, and 7.8 W/kg, respectively. The corresponding for CS was 82.5 percentage of peak oxygen uptake and 81.3, 79.7, and 80.6 percentage of peak oxygen uptake for CPext, CPint, and CPtot, respectively. No systematic bias was reported when comparing CS and CPext, as well as the 3 different CPs, whereas systematic biases of 2.8% and 1.8% were obtained for the comparison among CS and CPint and CPtot, respectively. Nonetheless, the for CS and CPs were not statistically different (P = .09). Besides, no effect of the time stride selection for CPs as well as their resulting was obtained (P ≥ .44). Conclusions: The systematic biases among at CS and CPint and CPtot were not clinically relevant. Therefore, CS and CPs closely represent the same fatigue threshold in running. The knowledge of CP in running might prove to be useful for both athletes and coaches, especially when combined with instantaneous running power. Indeed, this combination might help athletes controlling their targeted training intensity and coaches prescribing a training session in any type of condition.