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  • A Rapidly Incremented Tethered-Swimming Maximal Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Assessment of Swimmers
    Publication . Pessôa Filho, Dalton M.; Massini, Danilo A.; Siqueira, Leandro O. C.; Santos, Luiz Gustavo A.; Vasconcelos, Camila M. T.; Almeida, Tiago A. F.; Espada, Mário; Reis, Joana F.; Alves, Francisco B.; DiMenna, Fred J.
    Incremental exercise testing is the standard means of assessing cardiorespiratory capacity of endurance athletes. While the maximal rate of oxygen consumption is typically used as the criterion measurement in this regard, two metabolic breakpoints that reflect changes in the dynamics of lactate production/consumption as the work rate is increased are perhaps more relevant for endurance athletes from a functional standpoint. Exercise economy, which represents the rate of oxygen consumption relative to performance of submaximal work, is also an important parameter to measure for endurance-athlete assessment. Ramp incremental tests comprising a gradual but rapid increase in work rate until the limit of exercise tolerance is reached are useful for determining these parameters. This type of test is typically performed on a cycle ergometer or treadmill because there is a need for precision with respect to work-rate incrementation. However, athletes should be tested while performing the mode of exercise required for their sport. Consequently, swimmers are typically assessed during free-swimming incremental tests where such precision is difficult to achieve. We have recently suggested that stationary swimming against a load that is progressively increased (incremental tethered swimming) can serve as a "swim ergometer" by allowing sufficient precision to accommodate a gradual but rapid loading pattern that reveals the aforementioned metabolic breakpoints and exercise economy. However, the degree to which the peak rate of oxygen consumption achieved during such a protocol approximates the maximal rate that is measured during free swimming remains to be determined. In the present article, we explain how this rapidly incremented tethered-swimming protocol can be employed to assess the cardiorespiratory capacity of a swimmer. Specifically, we explain how assessment of a short-distance competitive swimmer using this protocol revealed that his rate of oxygen uptake was 30.3 and 34.8 mL∙min 1∙kg-1BM at his gas-exchange threshold and respiratory compensation point, respectively.
  • Physiological Responses During High-Intensity Interval Training in Young Swimmers
    Publication . Almeida, Tiago André Freire; Pessôa Filho, Dalton; Espada, Mário; Reis, Joana Filipa; Sancassani, Andrei; Massini, Danilo Alexandre; SANTOS, FERNANDO JORGE LOURENÇO DOS; Alves, Francisco Besone
    This study analyzed whether 100- and 200-m interval training (IT) in swimming differed regarding temporal, perceptual, and physiological responses. The IT was performed at maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) until exhaustion and time spent near to maximalVO2 peak oxygen uptake (⩒O2peak), total time limit (tLim), peak blood lactate [La−] peak, ⩒O2 kinetics (⩒O2K), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were compared between protocols. Twelve swimmers (seven males 16.1 ± 1.1 and five females 14.2 ± 1 years) completed a discontinuous incremental step test for the second ventilatory threshold (VT2), ⩒O2peak, and MAV assessment. The swimmers subsequently completed two IT protocols at MAV with 100- and 200-m bouts to determine the maximal ⩒O2 (peak-⩒O2) and time spent ≥VT2, 90, and 95% of ⩒O2peak for the entire protocols (IT100 and IT200) and during the first 800-m of each protocol (IT8x100 and IT4x200). A portable apparatus (K4b2) sampled gas exchange through a snorkel and an underwater led signal controlled the velocity. RPE was also recorded. The Peak-⩒O2 attained during IT8x100 and IT4x200 (57.3 ± 4.9 vs. 57.2 ± 4.6 ml·kg−1·min−1) were not different between protocols (p = 0.98) nor to ⩒O2peak (59.2 ± 4.2 ml·kg−1·min−1, p = 0.37). The time constant of ⩒O2K (24.9 ± 8.4 vs. 25.1 ± 6.3-s, p = 0.67) and [La−] peak (7.9 ± 3.4 and 8.7 ± 1.5 mmol·L−1, p = 0.15) also did not differ between IT100 and IT200. The time spent ≥VT2, 90, and 95%⩒O2peak were also not different between IT8x100 and IT4x200 (p = 0.93, 0.63, and 1.00, respectively). The RPE for IT8x100 was lower than that for IT4x200 (7.62 ± 2 vs. 9.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.01). Both protocols are considered suitable for aerobic power enhancement, since ⩒O2peak was attained with similar ⩒O2K and sustained with no differences in tLim. However, the fact that only the RPE differed between the IT protocols suggested that coaches should consider that nx100-m/15-s is perceived as less difficult to perform compared with nx200-m/30-s for the first 800-m when managing the best strategy to be implemented for aerobic power training.
  • Mixed Method Research on Football Coaches’ Competitive Behavior
    Publication . Rodrigues, José; Rodrigues, Filipe; Rescende, Rui; Espada, Mário; SANTOS, FERNANDO JORGE LOURENÇO DOS
    Objective: The purpose of this study was to present the reliability of three validated measures, namely the System of Analysis of Instruction in Competition, the Questionnaire on Coach Instructional Behavior Expectations, and the Questionnaire on Coach Instructional Behavior Perception that could be used in a mix-method approach. Methods: Three instruments underwent a robust process of construct and reliability analysis. Inter− and intra-observer reliability was tested for the observational instrument using Cohen’s k-agreement measure. Reliability values above 0.85 were considered as a good agreement between and within observers. To verify the internal consistency of the questionnaires, the correlation coefficients were considered. Results: The results related to intra-observer and inter-observer reliability showed that intra-observer reliability k-agreement values ranged between 0.912 and 1 for observer 1, and 0.82 and 1 for observer 2. For inter-observer reliability, k-agreement values ranged between 0.885 and 1 between observers. Thus, values for reliability are above acceptable. The correlation coefficient values recorded for the questionnaires on instruction expectations in the competitive moment were above 0.82 and significant (p < 0.05), and for the questionnaire on instruction perception in competition above 0.88 and significant (p < 0.05). The pilot study showed some divergent results across expectations, behavior during competition, and perception about the instruction behavior. Conclusion: The observational system and the expectations and perceptions questionnaires, used in a complementary way, can be considered as a mix-method approach for studies aiming to examine coaches’ competitive behavior.
  • Training Load in Different Age Category Soccer Players and Relationship to Different Pitch Size Small-Sided Games
    Publication . JORGE LOURENÇO DOS SANTOS, FERNANDO; Figueiredo, Teresa; Pessôa Filho, Dalton; Verardi, Carlos; Macedo, Anderson; Ferreira, Cátia; Espada, Mário
    This study sought to evaluate the training load in different age category soccer players associated with distinct pitch size small-sided games (SSGs). Twenty-four soccer players (eight in each age category: U-12, U-15, and U-23) performed three consecutive 4 vs. 4 ball possession SSGs (SSG1: 16 × 24 m; SSG2: 20 × 30 m; and SSG3: 24 × 36 m) all with 3 min duration and 3 min rest. Subjects carried ultra-wideband-based position-tracking system devices (WIMU PRO, RealTrack System). Total distance covered increased from SSG1 to SSG3 in all age categories and predominantly in running speeds below 12 km·h−1. Moreover, distance covered in 12–18 km·h−1 running speed was different in all performed SSGs and age categories. Residual or null values were observed at 18–21 km·h−1 or above running speed, namely in U-12, the only age category where metabolic power and high metabolic load distance differences occurred throughout the performed SSGs. Edwards’ TRIMP differences between age categories was only observed in SSG2 (U-12 < U-15). The design of SSGs must consider that the training load of the players differs according to their age category and metabolic assessment should be considered in parallel to external load evaluation in SSGs. Wearable technology represents a fundamental support in soccer.
  • Effects of Pitch Size and Goalkeeper Participation on Physical Load Measures during Small-Sided Games in Sub-Elite Professional Soccer Players
    Publication . SANTOS, FERNANDO JORGE LOURENÇO DOS; Verardi, Carlos; Moraes, Mayra Grava de; Pessôa Filho, Dalton; Macedo, Anderson G.; Figueiredo, Teresa P.; Ferreira, Cátia C.; Borba, Ricardo P.; Espada, Mário
    This study sought to examine the variations of internal and external load measures in soccer players when performing different types of 4 vs. 4 small-sided games (SSGs). Ten U-23 professional and sub-elite soccer players, eight outfield players (age: 20.1 ± 1.5 years old; height: 1.83 ± 0.04 m; total body mass: 76.1 ± 3.6 kg) and two goalkeepers (GK) (age: 20.5 ± 2.1 years old; height: 1.91 ± 0.04 m; total body mass: 77.0 ± 1.4 kg) participated in the study. Five SSGs were performed with 3 min duration and 3 min rest interval. SSG1, SSG2 and SSG4 aimed for ball possession play, while in SSG3 and SSG5, two GK were added, defending regular-size goals. The pitch size changed from SSG1 (16 × 24 m) to SSG2 and SSG3 (both 20 × 30 m) and SSG4 and SSG5 (both 24 × 36 m). All players were monitored using WIMU Pro device during the tasks. Anova One-Way and the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference were used for analysis of statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) and effect sizes were determined by calculating partial eta-squared. The framework was associated with relevant but steady state internal load fatigue and induce a considerable external load stimulus. GK participation in SSGs should be carefully considered as it seems to have a greater impact on physical load measures when compared to the pitch size manipulation.
  • V̇O2 kinetics and energy contribution in simulated maximal performance during short and middle distance-trials in swimming
    Publication . Almeida, Nalvo F; Pessôa Filho, Dalton; Espada, Mário; Reis, Joana F.; Simionato, Astor R.; Siqueira, Leandro O. C.; Alves, Francisco B.
    Purpose: This study aims to analyze swimmers' oxygen uptake kinetics ([Formula: see text]K) and bioenergetic profiles in 50, 100, and 200 m simulated swimming events and determine which physiological variables relate with performance. Methods: Twenty-eight well-trained swimmers completed an incremental test for maximal oxygen uptake (Peak-[Formula: see text]) and maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) assessment. Maximal trials (MT) of 50, 100, and 200-m in front crawl swimming were performed for [Formula: see text]K and bioenergetic profile. [Formula: see text]K parameters were calculated through monoexponential modeling and by a new growth rate method. The recovery phase was used along with the blood lactate concentration for bioenergetics profiling. Results: Peak-[Formula: see text] (57.47 ± 5.7 ml kg-1 min-1 for male and 53.53 ± 4.21 ml kg-1 min-1 for female) did not differ from [Formula: see text]peak attained at the 200-MT for female and at the 100 and 200-MT for male. From the 50-MT to 100-MT and to the 200-MT the [Formula: see text]K presented slower time constants (8.6 ± 2.3 s, 11.5 ± 2.4 s and 16.7 ± 5.5 s, respectively), the aerobic contribution increased (~ 34%, 54% and 71%, respectively) and the anaerobic decreased (~ 66%, 46% and 29%, respectively), presenting a cross-over in the 100-MT. Both energy systems, MAV, Peak-[Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] peak of the MT's were correlated with swimming performance. Discussion: The aerobic energy contribution is an important factor for performance in 50, 100, and 200-m, regardless of the time taken to adjust the absolute oxidative response, when considering the effect on a mixed-group regarding sex. [Formula: see text]K speeding could be explained by a faster initial pacing strategy used in the shorter distances, that contributed for a more rapid increase of the oxidative contribution to the energy turnover