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BACKGROUND: Women's artistic gymnastics (WAG) is a complex aesthetic sport in which athletes start at a young age and are exposed to high loads during their careers. Little is known about the external and internal training load characteristics among elite young gymnasts. HYPOTHESIS: High training loads, with variations over the weeks, are expected. There is a relationship between external and internal load variables. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Seven elite-level Brazilian youth artistic gymnasts (age, 11.3 ± 0.4 years; mass, 33.0 ± 7.0 kg; height, 137.7 ± 10.6 cm; experience, 4.0 ± 1.2 years) participated in this study. Five nonconsecutive microcycles were monitored. Both external and internal training loads were quantified by counting the number of elements in video recordings of training sessions and by the session rating of perceived exertion method. RESULTS: A total of 168 individual training sessions were monitored. The microcycle that succeeded the main competition showed a significantly lower training load than ≥3 of the other 4 microcycles for all training load variables, except for vault elements, of which microcycle 4 was inferior only to the microcycle before the competition. Significant correlations were found between weekly internal training load and the total of elements and elements performed on uneven bars. CONCLUSION: Youth women's artistic gymnasts present fluctuations in external and internal training load variables over the weeks close to a major competition. Training load management in this sport must consider the specificity of each apparatus, as they have different demands and training load behaviors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better comprehension of external and internal training loads in youth WAG and its apparatuses can benefit coaches and support staff and provide more information to overcome the challenge of training load management in gymnastics.

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Those responsible for elite and youth athletes are increasingly aware of the need to balance the quest for superior performance with the need to protect the physical and psychological wellbeing of athletes. As a result, regular assessment of risks to mental health is a common feature in sports organisations. In the present study, the Brazil Mood Scale (BRAMS) was administered to 898 athletes (387 female, 511 male, age range: 12-44 years) at a leading sports club in Rio de Janeiro using either "past week" or "right now" response timeframes. Using seeded k-means cluster analysis, six distinct mood profile clusters were identified, referred to as the iceberg, surface, submerged, shark fin, inverse iceberg, and inverse Everest profiles. The latter three profiles, which are associated with varying degrees of increased risk to mental health, were reported by 238 athletes (26.5%). The prevalence of these three mood clusters varied according to the response timeframe (past week > right now) and the sex of the athletes (female > male). The prevalence of the iceberg profile varied by athlete sex (male > female), and age (12-17 years > 18+ years). Findings supported use of the BRAMS as a screening tool for the risk of psychological issues among athletes in Brazilian sports organisations.

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RESUMO Este estudo investigou a participação e retenção de jovens atletas de basquetebol em Santa Catarina de 2012 a 2022. Utilizando uma abordagem quantitativa e descritiva, foram analisados, a partir de modelos de regressão multinível, dados da Federação Catarinense de Basquetebol, envolvendo 2978 atletas. Os resultados mostraram que apenas 7% dos homens e 6% das mulheres, que competem nas categorias sub 12, sub 13 e sub 15, alcançaram a competição adulta. Atletas das competições sub 12 tiveram maior probabilidade de ingressar na categoria adulta, com variações geográficas evidenciando diferenças na probabilidade de atingir a categoria adulta. Este estudo fornece informações cruciais para melhorar as oportunidades de desenvolvimento de jovens atletas de basquetebol em Santa Catarina.

ABSTRACT This study examined the trends of participation and retention among young basketball athletes in Santa Catarina from 2012 to 2022. Using a quantitative and descriptive approach, data from the Catarinense Basketball Federation, involving 2978 athletes, were analyzed using multilevel regression models. The results showed that only 7% of men and 6% of women, which compete in the under-12, under-13, and under-15, categories attained adult competition. Athletes from the under-12 competitions had a higher probability of entering the adult category, with geographical variations highlighting differences in success rates. This study provides crucial information to improve the development opportunities for young basketball athletes in Santa Catarina.

RESUMEN Este estudio investigó la participación y retención de jóvenes atletas de baloncesto en Santa Catarina de 2012 a 2022. Utilizando un enfoque cuantitativo y descriptivo, se analizaron datos de la Federación Catarinense de Baloncesto, involucrando a 2978 atletas, mediante modelos de regresión multinivel. Los resultados muestran que solo el 7% de los hombres y el 6% de las mujeres que compiten en las categorías sub-12, sub-13 y sub-15 llegan a la competencia adulta. Los atletas de las competiciones sub-12 tienen mayor probabilidad de ingresar a la categoría adulta, con variaciones geográficas que evidencian diferencias en las posibilidades de éxito. Este estudio brinda información crucial para mejorar las oportunidades de desarrollo de jóvenes atletas catarinenses de baloncesto.

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Young people's sources of satisfaction in sport are an important indicator of their long-term sport participation. Contextual factors and an individual's internal dispositions act synergistically to determine a positive experience. We studied sources of sport satisfaction and perceived self-efficacy of 1,151 male and female youth athletes (M age = 14.72, SD = 1.56 years) in Brazil who were engaged in school state level competition. The participants responded to questionnaires on their sport satisfaction and perceived self-efficacy. We considered sex, training time, and last game results as independent variables in accessing participant differences in perceived satisfaction. We observed an increasing trend toward more significant satisfaction as sport experience increased. Perceived self-efficacy was a moderator for young participants' self-reported positive experience in sports. Thus, in our offer of evidence on sources of satisfaction in sport and perceived self-efficacy among youth in competition, we found the extent of the sport experience and self-efficacy to be important factors in the developmental pathway.

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Cluster sets (CS) are effective in maintaining performance and reducing perceived effort compared to traditional sets (TRD). However, little is known about these effects on adolescent athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of CS on the performance of mechanical and perceptual variables in young athletes. Eleven subjects [4 boys (age = 15.5 ± 0.8 years; body mass = 54.3 ± 7.0 kg; body height = 1.67 ± 0.04 m; Back Squat 1RM/body mass: 1.62 ± 0.19 kg; years from peak height velocity [PHV]: 0.94 ± 0.50) and 7 girls (age = 17.2 ± 1.4 years; body mass = 54.7 ± 6.3 kg; body height = 1.63 ± 0.08 m; Back Squat 1RM/body mass: 1.22 ± 0.16 kg; years from PHV: 3.33 ± 1.00)] participated in a randomized crossover design with one traditional (TRD: 3 × 8, no intra-set and 225 s interest rest) and two clusters (CS1: 3 × 2 × 4, one 30 s intra-set and 180 s inter-set rest; and CS2: 3 × 4 × 2, three 30 s intra-set and 90 s inter-set rest) protocols. The subjects were assessed for a Back Squat 1RM for the first meet, then performed the three protocols on three different days, with at least 48 h between them. During experimental sessions, a back squat exercise was performed, and mean propulsive velocity (MPV), power (MPP), and force (MPF) were collected to analyze performance between protocols, together with measures of countermovement jump (CMJ) and perceptual responses through Rating of Perceived Exertion for each set (RPE-Set) and the overall session (S-RPE), and Muscle Soreness (DOMS). The results showed that velocity and power decline (MVD and MPD) were favorable for CS2 (MVD: -5.61 ± 14.84%; MPD: -5.63 ± 14.91%) against TRD (MVD: -21.10 ± 11.88%; MPD: -20.98 ± 11.85%) (p < 0.01) and CS1 (MVD: -21.44 ± 12.13%; MPD: -21.50 ± 12.20%) (p < 0.05). For RPE-Set, the scores were smaller for CS2 (RPE8: 3.23 ± 0.61; RPE16: 4.32 ± 1.42; RPE24: 4.46 ± 1.51) compared to TRD (RPE8: 4.73 ± 1.33; RPE16: 5.46 ± 1.62; RPE24: 6.23 ± 1.97) (p = 0.008), as well as for Session RPE (CS2: 4.32 ± 1.59; TRD: 5.68 ± 1.75) (p = 0.015). There were no changes for jump height (CMJ: p = 0.985), and the difference between time points in CMJ (ΔCMJ: p = 0.213) and muscle soreness (DOMS: p = 0.437) were identified. Our findings suggest that using CS with a greater number of intra-set rests is more efficient even with the total rest interval equalized, presenting lower decreases in mechanical performance and lower perceptual effort responses.

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Resumen Introducción: El objetivo principal de este trabajo es conocer la interrelación entre la percepción de los climas empowering y disempowering generados por los entrenadores (nivel equipo) con la satisfacción y frustración de las necesidades psicológicas básicas, y estas, a su vez, con las intenciones de continuar y abandonar la práctica deportiva (nivel individual) en jóvenes deportistas. Método: Participaron 251 deportistas mexicanos (M = 13.22, DT = 1.28) pertenecientes a 19 equipos. Se les aplicó una batería de cuestionarios para la recolección de datos y se realizó un análisis multinivel de ecuaciones estructuradas. Resultados: El modelo de ecuaciones estructurales reveló asociaciones positivas entre las percepciones de climas empowering desde una perspectiva grupal sobre la satisfacción de necesidades psicológicas básicas y de estas sobre las intenciones de continuar la práctica deportiva desde una perspectiva individual, así como entre las percepciones de un clima disempowering sobre la frustración de las necesidades psicológicas básicas y de estas sobre las intenciones de abandono. Conclusión: Los hallazgos de este estudio sugieren en un nivel aplicado que el clima empowering actúa como catalizador del bienestar psicológico y como protector de la aparición de frustración, mientras que el clima disempowering facilita el desarrollo de respuestas psicológicas desadaptativas en el deporte.

Abstract Introduction: The main objective of this work is to know the interrelation between the perception of empowering and disempowering climates generated by coaches (team level) with basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration, and these in turn, with the intentions to continue and abandon sports practice (individual level) in young athletes. Method: 251 Mexican athletes participated (M = 13. 22, SD = 1.28) belonging to 19 teams. A battery of questionnaires was applied for data collection and a multilevel structured equation analysis was performed. Results: The structural equation model revealed positive associations between perceptions of empowering climates from a group perspective on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and of these on intentions to continue practicing sports from an individual perspective; as well as between perceptions of a disempowering climate on the frustration of basic psychological needs and of these on intentions to drop out. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest at an applied level that the empowering climate acts as a catalyst of psychological well-being and as a protector against the occurrence of frustration, while the disempowering climate facilitates the development of maladaptive psychological responses in sport.

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Although the link between sleep and hematological parameters is well-described, it is unclear how this integration affects the swimmer's performance. The parameters derived from the non-invasive critical velocity protocol have been extensively used to evaluate these athletes, especially the aerobic capacity (critical velocity-CV) and the anaerobic work capacity (AWC). Thus, this study applied the complex network model to verify the influence of sleep and hematological variables on the CV and AWC of young swimmers. Thirty-eight swimmers (male, n = 20; female, n = 18) completed five experimental evaluations. Initially, the athletes attended the laboratory facilities for venous blood collection, anthropometric measurements, and application of sleep questionnaires. Over the 4 subsequent days, athletes performed randomized maximal efforts on distances of 100, 200, 400, and 800-m. The aerobic and anerobic parameters were determined by linear function between distance vs. time, where CV relates to the slope of regression and AWC to y-intercept. Weighted but untargeted networks were generated based on significant (p < 0.05) correlations among variables regardless of the correlation coefficient. Betweenness and eigenvector metrics were used to highlight the more important nodes inside the complex network. Regardless of the centrality metric, basophils and red blood cells appeared as influential nodes in the networks with AWC or CV as targets. The role of other hematologic components was also revealed in these metrics, along with sleep total time. Overall, these results trigger new discussion on the influence of sleep and hematologic profile on the swimmer's performance, and the relationships presented by this targeted complex network can be an important tool throughout the athlete's development.

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The present study aimed to investigate (i) differences in salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations before, during, and after simulated beach volleyball match, depending on match outcome (winning vs. losing); (ii) the relationship between technical-tactical performance indicators in beach volleyball and salivary hormonal concentrations (i.e., testosterone, cortisol). We hypothesized (i) salivary testosterone concentrations would be greater in winners and salivary cortisol would be lower; (ii) testosterone would associate with positive technical-tactical performance and cortisol would associate with negative technical-tactical performance. Sixteen athletes participated in the study and were grouped according to the result of a simulated game (winners: n = 8; losers: n = 8). Salivary hormone concentration of testosterone and cortisol were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pre-match, post first set, and post-match), and the coefficient of performance and efficiency were used as technical-tactical performance indicators. Regarding testosterone, there was a large effect size for match outcome after the first set (i.e., Winner vs. Losers) and a moderate effect size for the time in winners (pre-match vs. post-match). Regarding cortisol, there was a moderate effect size of time in losers only (pre-match vs. post-match). Moreover, cortisol pre-match was negatively correlated with the offensive performance (attack performance coefficient: r = -0.541; p = 0.030; attack efficiency: r = -0.568; p = 0.022). In conclusion, the effect of match outcome on testosterone and cortisol levels was moderate in winners and losers, respectively. Moreover, resting cortisol concentration appears to be related to a diminished attack technical-tactical performance. However, larger confirmatory studies are required to confirm these data to corroborate winning increases testosterone levels and/or reduces cortisol in a sporting setting.

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The present study examined the influence of the specialization onset on the magnitude and patterns of changes in basketball-specific physical fitness within a competitive season and developmental fitness trends between 11 and 17 years in young basketball players. Repeated measures of 181 young basketball players (female, n = 40; male, n = 141) were examined. Anthropometry, age, estimated maturity status, and basketball-specific physical fitness (assessed with the countermovement jump, line drill, and yo-yo intermittent recovery level-1 and fitness score) were considered. Players were grouped by the onset of specialization as related to biological maturation milestones (pre-puberty, mid-puberty, and late-puberty specialization). The within-season and developmental changes in physical fitness were fitted using multilevel modeling in a fully Bayesian framework. The fitness outcomes were similar between-player and within-player changes when grouped by specialization across a season. Fitness improvements across a season were apparent for female players, while male players maintained their performance levels. There was no variation in the patterns of physical fitness development between 11 and 17 years associated with the onset of specialization. Conditional on our data and models, the assumption that early sport specialization provides a physical fitness advantage for future athletic success does not hold.

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Purpose: To compare body size measurements and physical performance among female youth judo athletes with differing menarcheal status and to identify indicators of physical performance in post-menarcheal girls. Methods: Nineteen young female judo athletes (age 13.9 ± 2.3 years) were divided into a pre-menarche (n = 7) and a post-menarche (n = 12) group. The athletes were evaluated through neuromuscular tests, including standing long jump (SLJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), and handgrip strength (HGS), and judo-specific assessments, including the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and the Judogi Grip Strength Test (JGSTISO). Furthermore, years of experience in judo and the age at menarche were determined. Results: The main results showed higher performance for the post-menarche group for most variables (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-menarche group. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that age at menarche, chronological age, and body mass explained close to 70% of JGSTISO, while training experience, chronological age, and age at menarche explained close to 59% of SLJ. Additionally, chronological age and age at menarche explained 40% of MBT, and chronological age and height explained 52% of HGS. Conclusions: Age at menarche and somatic growth variables explained moderate proportions of the variance of physical performance, thereby providing evidence that these parameters are the primary indicators of physical performance in young female judo athletes.

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The present study aimed to investigate the influence of months of birth on anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and motor performance in young Brazilian soccer players. Young Brazilian soccer players from the Under-13 (n = 50; 13.6 ± 0.3 years), Under-15 (n = 50; 15.5 ± 0.4 years), and Under-17 categories (n = 46; 17.7 ± 0.3 years) took part in this study. Athletes were divided according to chronological age, 1st tertile (January to April); 2nd tertile (May to August); and 3rd tertile (September to December). Anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and motor performance variables were evaluated for all participants. There were no differences between the U-13, U-15, and U-17 categories regarding birth tertiles (p > 0.05). Differences between the ages and birth tertiles were observed for the stature, body mass, and lean body mass (p < 0.05). Moreover, differences were found in maturational status between the ages and birth tertiles (p < 0.05). In general, U-13 players showed lower values compared to U-15 and U-17 players in tests of motor performance. In addition, there was a difference in motor performance between the birth tertiles only for RSA variables. The months of birth influenced the stature, body mass, lean body mass, and repeated sprint ability in the U-13 and U-15 categories. Thus, care should be taken during the process of talent selection, as many young players could be underestimated due to their date of birth.

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BACKGROUND: Physical performance tests provide a more complete picture of the functional status of the athlete's upper extremity. OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose was to evaluate the reliability of the Modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (MCKCUEST) in adolescent volleyball and basketball players. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the MCKCUEST and shoulder rotation isometric strength in this population. METHODS: Seventy-three healthy basketball (n=39) and volleyball (n=34) players participated to establish the reliability and correlations of the MCKCUEST. We used a two-session measurement design to evaluate the reliability of the MCKCUEST. Shoulder rotation isometric strength was performed to determine relationships with the MCKCUEST. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) for intra-session reliability of the MCKCUEST ranged from 0.86 to 0.89, and the between days test-retest reliability (ICC3,1) was 0.93. The standard error of measurement (1 touch) and the minimal detectable change (3 touches) showed clinically acceptable absolute reliability values. A weak correlation was found between the MCKCUEST power score and shoulder rotation isometric strength (r values between 0.3 and 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability and clinically acceptable absolute reliability values for the MCKCUEST on adolescent basketball and volleyball athletes. Performances on the MCKCUEST were weakly associated with shoulder rotation strength.

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BACKGROUND: Endocrine mechanisms can be a determining factor in the neuromuscular performance of young athletes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to relate maturational and hormonal markers to neuromuscular performance, as well as to verify whether young athletes with different testosterone levels show differences in muscle strength. METHODS: The sample consisted of 37 young male Brazilian athletes (11.3 ± 0.94 years) who were members of a sports initiation project. Hormonal markers were analyzed biochemically by blood samples, and maturation markers by mathematical models based on anthropometry. Body composition was verified by tetrapolar bioimpedance. The performance of upper and lower limb strength and body speed were analyzed. RESULTS: Hormonal and maturational markers were related to neuromuscular performance (p < 0.05). Young people with higher testosterone levels showed higher muscle strength (p < 0.05). Artificial neural networks showed that testosterone predicted the performance of upper limbs by 49%, and maturation by 60%. Maturation foreshadowed the performance of lower limbs by 30.3%. CONCLUSION: Biological maturation and hormonal levels can be related to neuromuscular performance, and young people with higher testosterone levels show superior muscle strength in relation to the others.

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The aims of this work were to compare the performances of male and female cadet and junior judo athletes and to develop classificatory tables to these judo-specific tests for international-level from these ages. Data collected during training camps of male and female cadet and junior judo teams from three nations (Brazil, Serbia, and Spain) were analyzed, totalizing 252 individual results of special judo fitness test (SJFT), and 222 and 208 of dynamic and isometric judogi chin-up tests, respectively. Juniors performed better than cadets in the SJFT, with higher number of throws in A, B, C, and total (P<0.001 for all comparisons), lower final heart rate (P=0.021), and lower index (P<0.001), as well as higher relative performance in the dynamic chin-up test (P<0.001). Furthermore, male athletes presented better performance compared to female athletes in the SJFT (higher number of throws in A, B and total, and lower index) and in the isometric and dynamic chin-up tests (higher absolute and relative performances) (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Considering these differences, tables were established by sex and age groups, using percentile values. Thereby, each of the parameters of the SJFT (number of throws, heart rate after and 1 min after the test, and SJFT index), as well as absolute and relative results in chin-up judogi tests, were classified by sex and age. These classificatory tables can be useful for judo coaches to monitor specific physical performance during different phases of periodization process.

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The aim of this study was to compare changes in young soccer player's fitness after traditional bilateral vs. unilateral combined plyometric and strength training. Male athletes were randomly divided in two groups; both received the same training, including strength training for knee extensors and flexors, in addition to horizontal plyometric training drills. The only difference between groups was the mode of drills technique: unilateral (UG; n = 9; age, 17.3 ± 1.1 years) vs. bilateral (TG; n = 9; age, 17.6 ± 0.5 years). One repetition maximum bilateral strength of knee muscle extensors (1RM_KE) and flexors (1RM_KF), change of direction ability (COD), horizontal and vertical jump ability with one (unilateral) and two (bilateral) legs, and limb symmetry index were measured before and after an 8-week in-season intervention period. Some regular soccer drills were replaced by combination of plyometric and strength training drills. Magnitude-based inference statistics were used for between-group and within-group comparisons. Beneficial effects (p < 0.05) in 1RM_KE, COD, and several test of jumping performance were found in both groups in comparison to pre-test values. The limb symmetry index was not affected in either group. The beneficial changes in 1RM_KE (8.1%; p = 0.074) and 1RM_KF (6.7%; p = 0.004), COD (3.1%; p = 0.149), and bilateral jump performance (from 2.7% [p = 0.535] to 10.5% [p = 0.002]) were possible to most likely beneficial in the TG than in the UG. However, unilateral jump performance measures achieved likely to most likely beneficial changes in the UG compared to the TG (from 4.5% [p = 0.090] to 8.6% [p = 0.018]). The improvements in jumping ability were specific to the type of jump performed, with greater improvements in unilateral jump performance in the UG and bilateral jump performance in the TG. Therefore, bilateral strength and plyometric training should be complemented with unilateral drills, in order to maximize adaptations.

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BACKGROUND: The shoulder complex is highly loaded during swimming. No studies were found analyzing the changes in shoulder girdle strength in young swimmers, through the years. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the changes in strength of internal rotators and external rotators of the arm, lower trapezius and supraspinatus and in the external rotators/internal rotators ratio in young elite swimmers through 3 years. METHODS: 31 adolescent elite swimmers (14-18 years, of both sexes) participated in the study. Isometric strength of the shoulder girdle muscles was performed using a handheld dynamometer during 3 years. RESULTS: For boys absolute data, internal rotators increased from the first to the second (p=0.0001; mean difference 45.6N; 95%CI 26.7-65.0) and third years (p=0.01; mean difference: 32.4; 95%CI: 9.3-55.5). Considering the weight-normalized data, internal rotators increased from the first to the second year (p<0.0001; mean difference: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.26-0.78), external rotators decreased from the first to the third year (p=0.003; mean difference: -0.33; 95%CI: -0.53 to -0.13) and from the second to the third year (p=0.0004; mean difference: -0.29; 95%CI: -0.46 to -0.12) and supraspinatus decreased from the second to the third year (p=0.006; mean difference: -0.17; 95%CI: -0.28 to -0.06). For girls, there were no significant differences in the absolute strength. Considering the weight-normalized data, lower trapezius decreased from the first to the third year (p=0.02; mean difference: -0.15; 95%CI: -0.27 to 0.03). Considering both sexes, the external rotators/internal rotators ratio decreased from the first to the second (p<0.0001; mean difference -0.12N; 95%CI -0.13 to -0.11) and third years (p<0.0001; mean difference -0.15N; 95%CI -0.16 to -0.14). CONCLUSION: Muscle imbalance can occur in the shoulder girdle in young swimmers in 3 years, with increased internal rotators and decreased external rotators and supraspinatus strength in boys, and decreased strength of the lower trapezius in girls. Attention should be given in young swimmers' shoulder girdle muscle balance.

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To investigate the presence of a relative age effect (RAE) and the influence of birth quarters (BQ), semesters (S) as well as skeletal maturation on anthropometric characteristics and aerobic peak speed (PST-CAR) in youth male soccer players. Methods: One hundred players were recruited to participate in this study. Players were allocated into 4 BQ's and 2 S. Skeletal maturity status was assessed using the Fels method. Assessments for players included determination of body size and composition and PST-CAR. Results: Overall, more players were born in BQ1 (38 %) and S1 (75%). The likelihood of players born in BQ1 and BQ2 being selected was 3.61 to 4.96 times higher than players in BQ3 and BQ4. Players in BQ4 maturing earlier were biologically older than their peers in BQ1. The players in BQ3 and S2 displayed higher PST-CAR compared with players in BQ2 and S1, respectively. However, players of contrasting skeletal maturity status did not differ in aerobic performance. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that coaches and talent scouts are systematically retaining average and early maturing players born in S1 and excluding late maturing players born in BQ4. However, aerobic performance appeared to be dependent on the relative age, but independent of skeletal maturation during puberty.(AU)

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The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in loaded and unloaded jump performances between different age categories of top-level volleyball players from the same club. Forty-three volleyball players were divided into four age groups: under-17, under-19, under-21 and professional. Vertical jumping height for squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and CMJ with arm swing (CMJa) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in the loaded jump squat exercise with 40% of the athlete's body mass were compared among the different age categories, considering body mass as a covariate. SJ and CMJ jump height values were higher for professional and under-21 players than under-17 players (p<0.05). CMJa height was higher for under-21 players than under-19 and under-17 players (p<0.05). MPV in the loaded jump squat was higher for under-21 players than under-17 players (p<0.05). From a general perspective, these results suggest that aging per se is not capable of substantially improving loaded and unloaded vertical jump performances across different age categories of top-level volleyball players. Therefore, to increase the vertical jumping ability of these team sport athletes throughout their long-term development, coaches and strength and conditioning professionals are encouraged to implement consistent neuromuscular training strategies, in accordance with the specific needs and physiological characteristics of each age group.

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Summary Objective: The idea that different sports and physical training type results in different cardiac adaptations has been widely accepted. However, this remodelling process among different sport modalities is still not fully understood. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the heart morphology variation associated with a set of different modalities characterized by distinct models of preparation and different methods and demands of training and completion. Method: The sample comprises 42 basketball players, 73 roller hockey players, 28 judo athletes and 21 swimmers. Anthropometry was assessed by a single and experienced anthropometrist and the same technician performed the echocardiographic exams. Analysis of variance was used to study age, body size and echocardiograph parameters as well as different sport athlete's comparison. Results: Basketball players are taller (F=23.448; p<0.001; ES-r=0.553), heavier (F=6.702; p<0.001; ES-r=0.334) and have a greater body surface area (F=11.896; p<0.001; ES-r=0.427). Basketball and hockey players have larger left auricle diameters compared with judo athletes (F=3.865; p=0.011; ES-r=0.316). Interventricular end-diastolic septal thickness (F=7.287; p<0.001; ES-r=0.347) and left ventricular posterior wall thickness (F=8.038; p<0.001; ES-r=0.362) of the judokas are smaller compared to the mean values of other sports participants. In addition, relative left parietal ventricular wall thickness is lower among swimmers compared with judokas (F=4.127; p=0.008; ES-r=0.268). Conclusion: The major contributors to changes in heart morphology are for the most part associated with sport-specific training and competition and the specific dynamics and adaptive mechanisms imposed by each sport.

Resumo Objetivo: Os efeitos decorrentes da prática de diferentes modalidades desportivas resultam em padrões divergentes de adaptação cardíaca. A presente pesquisa procura estudar a variação da morfologia do coração associada a um conjunto de modalidades desportivas distintas quanto à natureza do esforço e aos modelos de preparação, incluindo metodologias de treino e sistemas de competição. Método: Foram estudados 42 basquetebolistas, 73 hoquistas, 28 judocas e 21 nadadores. A antropometria foi avaliada por um único e experiente antropometrista e os exames ecocardiográficos foram realizados pelo mesmo operador. Recorreu-se à análise da variância para estudar a variação associada a idade, medidas de tamanho corporal e parâmetros ecocardiográficos, bem como para a comparação entre os atletas de diferentes modalidades desportivas. Resultados: Os basquetebolistas são os atletas mais altos (F=23,448; p<0,001; ES-r=0,553), mais pesados (F=6,702; p<0,001; ES-r=0,334), com maior superfície corporal (F=11,896; p<0,001; ES-r=0,427) e, com os hoquistas, apresentam um diâmetro da aurícula esquerda superior ao dos judocas (F=3,865; p=0,011; ES-r=0,316). A espessura telediastólica do septo interventricular (F=7,287; p<0,001; ES-r=0,347) e da parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (F=8,038; p<0,001; ES-r=0,362) dos judocas é inferior à dos outros atletas, mesmo quando controlado para o tamanho corporal. Os nadadores apresentam uma espessura parietal relativa do ventrículo esquerdo superior à dos judocas (F=4,127; p=0,008; ES-r=0,268). Conclusão: As diferentes fontes de variação da morfologia cardíaca prendem-se com as dinâmicas do processo de treino, competição e correspondentemente com os mecanismos adaptativos, sobrepondo-se ao processo de formação desportiva a longo prazo.

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RESUMO

The objective of this study was to examine the internal training load (TL), IgA, and salivary steroid hormone responses in elite youth judo athletes during an entire annual training periodization. Ten male judo athletes (18±2 years, 72.3±12.3 kg, and 175±6 cm) competing at a state/national level were examined for the TL and salivary imune-endocrine responses variations over an annual judo season, divided in three macrocyles composed by distinct periods denominated preparatory period (PP), competitive period (CP) and transition period (TP). At the end of PP and CP, saliva samples were collected to determine cortisol, testosterone and IgA concentrations. Throughout PP and CP the session-rating of perceived exertion and the total duration of each session were monitored, allowing the internal TL and weekly training strain (TS) calculation. During all macrocycles, significant decreases in TL and TS were observed during CP compared with PP (P<0.05), although no significant differences were observed for immune-endocrine concentrations between PP and CP (P>0.05). Specific variations were observed comparing periods with similar characteristics throughout the macrocycles as higher TL and TS (PP1 to PP2 and PP3, P<0.05), increased testosterone (CP1 to CP3, P=0.024) and decreased testosterone-cortisol ratio (PP1 to PP2, P=0.005). The present findings suggest that the internal TL variations over an annual multipeak traditional periodization did not influence the resting mucosal immune-endocrinal responses in young judo athletes.