Influence of performance level on anaerobic power and body composition in elite male judoists

This study examined the relationship between 30-second anaerobic power and body composition by performance level in elite Judoists. During a 3-month period, 10 male Korean Judo national team athletes (NT), 26 male university varsity team athletes (VT), and 28 male junior varsity team athletes (JT) were assessed for 30-second anaerobic power and body composition at the Youngin University. Anaerobic power was measured using a 30-second Wingate test. Body composition was assessed via bioelectric impedance analysis in standardized conditions using BioSpace (Korean)-specific prediction formulas. All testing occurred at the beginning of the winter nonseason period but excluded a brief weight-loss period before the competition phase. Anaerobic power measures were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in NT and VT than in JT. Fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), and total body water in JT were also greater than in VT and JT (p < 0.05). Muscle mass in VT was significantly lower than in NT (p < 0.05). Fat-free mass in NT was strongly correlated to mean and peak anaerobic power (r = 0.77, p = 0.009; r = 0.87, p < 0.001, respectively). Varsity team athletes also indicated a moderate association between FFM and peak and mean anaerobic power (r = 0.63, p < 0.001; r = 0.48, p = 0.013, respectively). However, relationship between FFM and anaerobic power was not statistically significantly correlated in JT (r = 0.14, p = 0.470; r = 0.23, p = 0.232, separately). In conclusion, our data indicated that anaerobic power is closely correlated with increase in FFM and MM and was different dependent among performance levels. Further research in the field is warranted to elucidate the Judo-specific relationship between FFM and performance.     

The effects of ionized and nonionized compression garments on sprint and endurance cycling

ABSTRACT: Burden, RJ and Glaister, M. The effects of ionized and nonionized compression garments on sprint and endurance cycling. J Strength Cond Res 26(10): 2837-2843, 2012-The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ionized and nonionized compression tights on sprint and endurance cycling performance. Using a randomized, blind, crossover design, 10 well-trained male athletes (age: 34.6 ± 6.8 years, height: 1.80 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 82.2 ± 10.4 kg, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max: 50.86 ± 6.81 ml·kg·min) performed 3 sprint trials (30-second sprint at 150% of the power output required to elicit V[Combining Dot Above]O2max [pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max] + 3 minutes recovery at 40% pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max + 30-second Wingate test + 3 minutes recovery at 40% pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) and 3 endurance trials (30 minutes at 60% pV[Combining Dot Above]O2max + 5 minutes stationary recovery + 10-km time trial) wearing nonionized compression tights, ionized compression tights, or standard running tights (control). There was no significant effect of garment type on key Wingate measures of peak power (grand mean: 1,164 ± 219 W, p = 0.812), mean power (grand mean: 716 ± 68 W, p = 0.800), or fatigue (grand mean: 66.5 ± 6.9%, p = 0.106). There was an effect of garment type on blood lactate in the sprint and the endurance trials (p < 0.05), although post hoc tests only detected a significant difference between the control and the nonionized conditions in the endurance trial (mean difference: 0.55 mmol·L, 95% likely range: 0.1-1.1 mmol·L). Relative to control, oxygen uptake (p = 0.703), heart rate (p = 0.774), and time trial performance (grand mean: 14.77 ± 0.74 minutes, p = 0.790) were unaffected by either type of compression garment during endurance cycling. Despite widespread use in sport, neither ionized nor nonionized compression tights had any significant effect on sprint or endurance cycling performance.     

Creatine supplementation and multiple sprint running performance

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation on multiple sprint running performance. Using a double-blind research design, 42 physically active men completed a series of 3 indoor multiple sprint running trials (15 x 30 m repeated at 35-second intervals). After the first 2 trials (familiarization and baseline), subjects were matched for fatigue score before being randomly assigned to 5 days of either creatine (4 x d(-1) x 5 g creatine monohydrate + 1 g maltodextrin) or placebo (4 x d(-1) x 6 g maltodextrin) supplementation. Sprint times were recorded via twin-beam photocells, and earlobe blood samples were drawn to evaluate posttest lactate concentrations. Relative to placebo, creatine supplementation resulted in a 0.7 kg increase in body mass (95% likely range: 0.02 to 1.3 kg) and a 0.4% reduction in body fat (95% likely range: -0.2 to 0.9%). There were no significant (p > 0.05) between-group differences in multiple sprint measures of fastest time, mean time, fatigue, or posttest blood lactate concentration. Despite widespread use as an ergogenic aid in sport, the results of this study suggest that creatine monohydrate supplementation conveys no benefit to multiple sprint running performance.     

Physiological determinants of three-kilometer running performance in experienced triathletes

The present investigation examined the physiological parameters that contribute to 3-km running performance. Following 2 familiarization sessions, 16 experienced male triathletes (Vo(2)max = 55.7 +/- 4.9 ml.kg(-1).min(-1), age = 31.3 +/- 11.7 years) performed a 3-km time trial (3kmTT) and were assessed for selected physiological and anthropometrical characteristics. Stepwise multiple regression and correlation analysis was used to determine the variables that significantly related to 3kmTT. The analysis revealed that 82.3% of the adjusted variance in 3kmTT performance could be explained by peak treadmill running velocity during a Vo(2)max test (Vmax) alone. The addition of the running velocity at lactate threshold (LT(vel)) and peak lactate concentration ([BLa(-)](peak)) to the prediction equation allowed for 93.6% of the adjusted variance in 3kmTT to be predicted (Y = -13.64 Vmax - 25.61 LT(vel) - 5.40 [BLa(-)](peak) + 1358.5). Correlation analysis revealed that Vmax (r = -0.91), LT(vel) (r = -0.90), and Vo(2)max (r = -0.80) were significantly related to running performance. These results show that Vmax was the single best predictor of 3-km running performance in experienced male triathletes and that both aerobic and anaerobic abilities are related to improved 3kmTT performance. Since the assessment of Vmax is relatively simple to implement, we suggest that determining Vmax may be a practical method for monitoring performance changes in short-term endurance running events.     

Relationships between repeated sprint testing, speed, and endurance

Repeated sprint testing is gaining popularity in team sports, but the methods of data analysis and relationships to speed and endurance qualities are not well described. We compared three different methods for analyzing repeated sprint test results, and we quantified relationships between repeated sprints, short sprints, and endurance test scores. Well-trained male junior Australian Football players (n = 60, age 18.1 +/- 0.4 years, height 1.88 +/- 0.07 m, mass 82.0 +/- 8.1 kg; mean +/- SD) completed a 6 x 30-m repeated sprint running test on a 20-second cycle, a 20-m sprint test (short sprint), and the 20-m multistage shuttle run for endurance. Repeated sprint results were evaluated in three ways: total time for all six sprints (TOTAL), percent change from predicted times (PRED) from the fastest 30-m sprint time, and percent change from first to last sprint (CHANGE). We observed a very large decrement (CHANGE 6.3 +/- 0.7%, mean +/- 90% confidence limits) in 30-m performance from the first to last sprint (4.16 +/- 0.10 to 4.42 +/- 0.11 seconds, mean +/- SD). Results from TOTAL were highly correlated with 20-m sprint and 20-m multistage shuttle run tests. Performance decrements calculated by PRED were highly correlated with TOTAL (r = 0.91), but neither method was directly comparable with CHANGE (r = -0.23 and r = 0.12 respectively). TOTAL was moderately correlated with fastest 20-m sprint time (r = 0.66) but not the 20-m multistage shuttle run (r = -0.20). Evaluation of repeated sprint testing is sensitive to the method of data analysis employed. The total sprint time and indices of the relative decrement in performance are not directly interchangeable. Repeated sprint ability seems more related to short sprint qualities than endurance fitness.     

Effect of creatine supplementation on intermittent sprint running performance in highly trained athletes

This study examined the impact of short-term (7-day), high-dose (0.35 g.kg(-1).d(-1)) oral creatine monohydrate supplementation (CrS) on single sprint running performance (40 m, <6 seconds) and on intermittent sprint performance in highly trained sprinters. Nine subjects completed the double-blind cross-over design with 2 supplementation periods (placebo and creatine) and a 7-week wash-out period. A test protocol consisting of 40-m sprint runs was performed, and running velocity was continuously recorded over the total distance. The maximal sprint performance, the relative degree of fatigue at the end of intermittent sprint exercise (6 x 40 m, 30-second rest interval), as well as the degree of recovery (120-second passive rest) remained unchanged following CrS. There were no significant changes related to CrS in absolute running velocity at any distance between start and finish (40 m). It was concluded that no ergogenic effect on single or repeated 40-m sprint times with varying rest periods was observed in highly trained athletes.     

The influence of recovery duration on multiple sprint cycling performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of recovery duration on various measures of multiple sprint cycling performance. Twenty-five physically active men completed 2 maximal multiple sprint (20 x 5 seconds) cycling tests with contrasting recovery periods (10 or 30 seconds). The mean +/- SD values for age, height, and body mass were 20.6 +/- 1.5 years, 177.2 +/- 5.4 cm, and 78.2 +/- 8.2 kg, respectively. All tests were conducted on a friction-braked cycle ergometer. Longer (30 seconds) recovery periods resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher measures of maximum (approximately 4%) and mean (approximately 26%) power output, the former appearing to result from a potentiation effect during the first few sprints. Thirty-second recovery periods also corresponded with significantly lower measures of fatigue (absolute difference: 16.1%; 95% likely range: 14.1-18.2%), heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and oxygen uptake. Blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion (6-20 scale) increased progressively throughout both protocols and were significantly lower with 30-second recovery periods. The results of this study illustrate the considerable influence of recovery duration on various measures of multiple sprint work. Although the precise mechanisms of this response require further investigation, coaches and sport scientists should consider these findings when attempting to develop or evaluate the performance capabilities of athletes involved in multiple sprint sports.     

The effect of warm-up on high-intensity, intermittent running using nonmotorized treadmill ergometry

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of previous warming on high-intensity intermittent running using nonmotorized treadmill ergometry. Ten male soccer players completed a repeated sprint test (10 x 6-second sprints with 34-second recovery) on a nonmotorized treadmill preceded by an active warm-up (10 minutes of running: 70% VO2max; mean core temperature (Tc) 37.8 +/- 0.2 degrees C), a passive warm-up (hot water submersion: 40.1 +/- 0.2 degrees C until Tc reached that of the active warm-up; 10 minutes +/- 23 seconds), or no warm-up (control). All warm-up conditions were followed by a 10-minute static recovery period with no stretching permitted. After the 10-minute rest period, Tc was higher before exercise in the passive trial (38.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C) compared to the active (37.7 +/- 0.4 degrees C) and control trials (37.2 +/- 0.2 degrees C; p < 0.05). There were no differences in pre-exercise oxygen consumption and blood lactate concentration; however, heart rate was greater in the active trial (p < 0.05). The peak mean 1-second maximum speed (MxSP) and group mean MxSP were not different in the active and passive trials (7.28 +/- 0.12 and 7.16 +/- 0.10 m x s(-1), respectively, and 7.07 +/- 0.33 and 7.02 +/- 0.24 m x s(-1), respectively; p > 0.05), although both were greater than the control. The percentage of decrement in performance fatigue was similar between all conditions (active, 3.4 +/- 1.3%; passive, 4.0 +/- 2.0%; and control, 3.7 +/- 2.4%). We conclude that there is no difference in high-intensity intermittent running performance when preceded by an active or passive warm-up when matched for post-warm-up Tc. However, repeated sprinting ability is significantly improved after both active and passive warm-ups compared to no warm-up.     

Relationships to skating performance in competitive hockey players

The purpose of this study was to identify off-ice variables that would correlate to on-ice skating sprint performance and cornering ability. Previous literature has not reported any off-ice testing variables that strongly correlate to on-ice cornering ability in ice hockey players. Thirty-six male hockey players aged 15-22 years (mean +/- SD: 16.3 +/- 1.7 years; weight = 70.8 +/- 10.4 kg; height = 175.6 +/- 4.1 cm) with an average of 10.3 +/- 3.0 years hockey playing experience (most at AA and AAA levels) participated in the study. The on-ice tests included a 35-m sprint and the cornering S test. The off-ice tests included the following: 30-m sprint, vertical jump, broad jump, 3 hop jump, Edgren side shuffle, Hexagon agility, side support, push-ups, and 15-second modified Wingate. The on-ice sprint test and cornering S test were strongly correlated (r = 0.70; p < 0.001). While many off-ice tests correlated with on-ice skating, measures of horizontal leg power (off-ice sprint and 3 hop jump) were the best predictors of on-ice skating performance, once weight and playing level were accounted for. These 4 variables accounted for a total of 78% (p < 0.0001) of the variance in on-ice sprint performance. No off-ice test accounted for unique variance in S-cornering performance beyond weight, playing level, and skating sprint performance. These data indicate that coaches should include horizontal power tests of off-ice sprint and 3 hop jump to adequately assess skating ability. To improve on-ice skating performance and cornering ability, coaches should also focus on the development of horizontal power through specific off-ice training, although future research will determine whether off-ice improvements in horizontal power directly transfer to improvements in on-ice skating.     

A preliminary investigation into the relationship between functional movement screen scores and athletic physical performance in female team sport athletes

There is little research investigating relationships between the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and athletic performance in female athletes. This study analyzed the relationships between FMS (deep squat; hurdle step [HS]; in-line lunge [ILL]; shoulder mobility; active straight-leg raise [ASLR]; trunk stability push-up; rotary stability) scores, and performance tests (bilateral and unilateral sit-and-reach [flexibility]; 20-m sprint [linear speed]; 505 with turns from each leg; modified T-test with movement to left and right [change-of-direction speed]; bilateral and unilateral vertical and standing broad jumps; lateral jumps [leg power]). Nine healthy female recreational team sport athletes (age = 22.67 ± 5.12 years; height = 1.66 ± 0.05 m; body mass = 64.22 ± 4.44 kilograms) were screened in the FMS and completed the afore-mentioned tests. Percentage between-leg differences in unilateral sit-and-reach, 505 turns and the jumps, and difference between the T-test conditions, were also calculated. Spearman''s correlations (p ≤ 0.05) examined relationships between the FMS and performance tests. Stepwise multiple regressions (p ≤ 0.05) were conducted for the performance tests to determine FMS predictors. Unilateral sit-and-reach positive correlated with the left-leg ASLR (r = 0.704-0.725). However, higher-scoring HS, ILL, and ASLR related to poorer 505 and T-test performance (r = 0.722-0.829). A higher-scored left-leg ASLR related to a poorer unilateral vertical and standing broad jump, which were the only significant relationships for jump performance. Predictive data tended to confirm the correlations. The results suggest limitations in using the FMS to identify movement deficiencies that could negatively impact athletic performance in female team sport athletes.     

The effects of acute creatine supplementation on multiple sprint cycling and running performance in rugby players

The benefits of creatine (CR) supplementation are well documented, particularly during repeated bouts of high-intensity muscular activity. Most published experiments use mass-supported (cycle ergometry) activities as a means of evaluating creatine's efficacy, therefore minimizing any possible adverse effects of increased body mass associated with CR supplementation. This study aims to use both mass-supported and mass-dependent activities to assess the effectiveness of acute CR supplementation on a group of highly trained rugby players. A randomized, double-blind, crossover research design was utilized, with subjects receiving 20 g.d(-1) x 5 d of both CR and a glucose placebo (PL). Subjects were assessed via 10 x 6-second Wingate test and a 10 x 40-m sprint test on separate days, presupplementation and postsupplementation. A 28-d washout period separated the two treatments. No significant treatment (p > 0.05) or treatment by test interaction effects (p > 0.05) were observed for peak or minimum power output (W), peak or minimum running velocity (m.s(-1)), or fatigue index (%). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found postsupplementation for body mass and percentage body fat. Although statistical significance was not achieved for any of the measured parameters, there were small improvements in performance that may be of benefit to rugby players.     

The Effects of a 6-Week Strength Training on Critical Velocity,Anaerobic Running Distance, 30-M Sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Running Test Performances in Male Soccer Players

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of a moderate intensity strength training on changes in critical velocity (CV), anaerobic running distance (D''), sprint performance and Yo-Yo intermittent running test (Yo-Yo IR1) performances. Methods: two recreational soccer teams were divided in a soccer training only group (SO; n = 13) and a strength and soccer training group (ST; n = 13). Both groups were tested for values of CV, D'', Yo-Yo IR1 distance and 30-m sprint time on two separate occasions (pre and post intervention). The ST group performed a concurrent 6-week upper and lower body strength and soccer training, whilst the SO group performed a soccer only training. Results: after the re-test of all variables, the ST demonstrated significant improvements for both, YoYo IR1 distance (p = 0.002) and CV values (p<0.001) with no significant changes in the SO group. 30-m sprint performance were slightly improved in the ST group with significantly decreased performance times identified in the SO group (p<0.001). Values for D'' were slightly reduced in both groups (ST -44.5 m, 95% CI = -90.6 to 1.6; SO -42.6 m, 95% CI = -88.7 to 3.5). Conclusions: combining a 6-week moderate strength training with soccer training significantly improves CV, Yo-Yo IR1 whilst moderately improving 30-m sprint performances in non-previously resistance trained male soccer players. Critical Velocity can be recommended to coaches as an additional valid testing tool in soccer.     

Effects of 4 weeks of creatine supplementation in junior swimmers on freestyle sprint and swim bench performance

To determine whether 4 weeks of oral creatine (Cr) supplementation could enhance single freestyle sprint and swim bench performance in experienced competitive junior swimmers, 10 young men and 10 young women (x age = 16.4 +/- 1.8 years) participated in a 27-day supplementation period and pre- and posttesting sessions. In session 1 (presupplementation testing), subjects swam one 50-m freestyle and then (after approximately 5 minutes of active recovery) one 100-m freestyle at maximum speed. Blood lactate was measured before and 1 minute after each swim trial. Forty-eight hours later, height, mass, and the sum of 6 skinfolds were recorded, and a Biokinetic Swim Bench total work output test (2 x 30-second trials, with a 10-minute passive recovery in between) was undertaken. After the pretests were completed, participants were divided into 2 groups (n = 10, Cr; and n = 10, placebo) by means of matched pairs on the basis of gender and 50-m swim times. A Cr loading phase of 20 g x d(-1) for 5 days was then instituted, followed by a maintenance phase of 5 g x d(-1) for 22 days. Postsupplementation testing replicated the presupplementation tests. Four weeks of Cr supplementation did not influence single sprint performance in the pool or body mass and composition. However, 30-second swim bench total work scores for trial 1 and trial 2 increased after Cr (p < 0.05) but not placebo ingestion. Postexercise blood lactate values were not different after supplementation for the 50- and 100-m sprint trials either within or between groups. It was concluded that 4 weeks of Cr supplementation did not significantly improve single sprint performance in competitive junior swimmers, but it did enhance swim bench test performance.     

A comparison of maximal squat strength and 5-, 10-, and 20-meter sprint times, in athletes and recreationally trained men

The purpose of this study was to identify whether there was a relationship between relative strength during a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat and 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint performances in both trained athletes and recreationally trained individuals. Professional rugby league players (n = 24) and recreationally trained individuals (n = 20) participated in this investigation. Twenty-meter sprint time and 1RM back squat strength, using free weights, were assessed on different days. There were no significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences between the well-trained and recreationally trained groups for 5-m sprint times. In contrast, the well-trained group's 10- and 20-m sprint times were significantly quicker (p = 0.004; p = 0.002) (1.78 + 0.06 seconds; 3.03 + 0.09 seconds) compared with the recreationally trained group (1.84 + 0.07 seconds; 3.13 + 0.11 seconds). The athletes were significantly stronger (170.63 + 21.43 kg) than the recreationally trained individuals (135.45 + 30.07 kg) (p = 0.01); however, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in relative strength between groups (1.78 + 0.27 kg/kg; 1.78 + 0.33 kg/kg, respectively). Significant negative correlations were found between 5-m sprint time and relative squat strength (r = -0.613, power = 0.96, p = 0.004) and between relative squat strength and 10- and 20-m sprint times in the recreationally trained group (r = -0.621, power = 0.51, p = 0.003; r = -0.604, power = 0.53, p = 0.005, respectively). These results, indicating that relative strength, are important for initial sprint acceleration in all athletes but more strongly related to sprint performance over greater distances in recreationally trained individuals.     

Changes in dynamic exercise performance following a sequence of preconditioning isometric muscle actions

Complex training is the method of coupling heavy and light loads into an organized sequence with the aim of facilitating postactivation potentiation. Anecdotal evidence has supported the use of complex training sequences, but scientific studies investigating the effects of sequencing isometric loads with dynamic muscle actions have been limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a preconditioning sequence of maximal isometric knee extensions on performance standards in selected dynamic whole-body exercise. Fourteen track and field athletes (23 +/- 5.7 years; 71.53 +/- 6.93 kg; 172.6 +/- 5.8 cm) were randomly assessed in selected whole-body exercises (drop and countermovement jumps, 5-second cycle sprint, knee extension) following a sequence of maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC; 3 repetitions of 3 seconds or 3 repetitions of 5 seconds) or in the absence of prior loading (control). Electromyographic (EMG) assessments of muscle activity were also made during the knee extension assessment. Significant (p < or = 0.05) increases in jump height (5.03%), maximal force (4.94%), and acceleration impulse (9.49%) were observed in the drop jump following 3 repetitions of 3-second MVC only. Knee extension maximal torque was also significantly increased (6.12%) following the 3-second MVC. No significant changes in countermovement jump or cycle sprint measures were observed for any of the experimental conditions. Though adaptations were found, changes in EMG activity were not significantly different for any of the experimental conditions. These data indicate that performing a sequence of repeated maximal isometric knee extensions (3 repetitions of 3 seconds) prior to selected dynamic exercise (< or =0.25 seconds) may have favorable effects on performance beyond standards achieved without prior heavy loading.     

The relationship between core stability and performance in division I football players

The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between core stability and various strength and power variables in strength and power athletes. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football players (height 184.0 +/- 7.1 cm, weight 100.5 +/- 22.4 kg) completed strength and performance testing before off-season conditioning. Subjects were tested on three strength variables (one-repetition maximum [1RM] bench press, 1RM squat, and 1RM power clean), four performance variables (countermovement vertical jump [CMJ], 20- and 40-yd sprints, and a 10-yd shuttle run), and core stability (back extension, trunk flexion, and left and right bridge). Significant correlations were identified between total core strength and 20-yd sprint (r = -0.594), 40-yd sprint (r = -0.604), shuttle run (r = -0.551), CMJ (r = 0.591), power clean/body weight (BW) (r = 0.622), 1RM squat (r = -0.470), bench press/BW (r = 0.369), and combined 1RM/BW (r = 0.447); trunk flexion and 20-yd sprint (r = -0.485), 40-yd sprint (r = -0.479), shuttle run (r = -0.443), CMJ (r = 0.436), power clean/BW (r = 0.396), and 1RM squat (r = -0.416); back extension and CMJ (r = 0.536), and power clean/BW (r = 0.449); right bridge and 20-yd sprint r = -0.410) and 40-yd sprint (r = -0.435), CMJ (r = 0.403), power clean/BW (r = 0.519) and bench press/BW (r = 0.372) and combined 1RM/BW (r = 0.406); and left bridge and 20-yd sprint (r = -0.376) and 40-yd sprint (r = -0.397), shuttle run (r = -0.374), and power clean/BW (r = 0.460). The results of this study suggest that core stability is moderately related to strength and performance. Thus, increases in core strength are not going to contribute significantly to strength and power and should not be the focus of strength and conditioning.     

Assessment of maximal cardiorespiratory performance and muscle power in the Italian Olympic judoka

The main purposes of this study were to describe the cardiorespiratory fitness and lower limbs maximal muscle power of a selected group of Olympic Italian male (M) and female (F) judokas. Eleven subjects (6 M, 5 F) underwent 3 different tests. The VO(2)max and ventilatory threshold (VT; V-slope method) were assessed during a graded maximal treadmill test. Lower limbs muscle peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were determined during a 30-second Wingate test (WIN). Post-WIN blood lactate peak was also measured. Subjects were tested also during a 5-minute combat test (CT), during which blood lactate and heart rate (HR) were monitored. VO(2)max (mean +/- SD) was 47.3 +/- 10.9 and 52.9 +/- 4.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) for M and F judokas, respectively. The VT corresponded to 80.8% (M) and 86.5% (F) of VO(2)max. Both PP and MP, measured during the WIN, were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in M than in F judokas (PP: 12.1 +/- 2.4 vs. 9.5 +/- 1.1 W x kg(-1); MP: 5.4 +/- 1.1 W x kg(-1); F: 4.3 +/- 0.5 W x kg(-1)). Post WIN blood lactate peak was 6.9 +/- 2.8 mmol x l(-1) and 6.1 +/- 1.8 mmol x l(-1) for M and F judokas, respectively (not significant). During the CT blood lactate peak was 9.9 +/- 3.0 mmol x l(-1) (M) and 9.2 +/- 2.0 mmol x l(-1) (F); these values being significantly higher than those obtained after the WIN (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Italian Olympic judokas showed high levels of muscle power but accompanied by a moderate engagement of the aerobic metabolic pathway, which is well in accordance with the characteristics of judo. Having these results in top-level athletes may represent a useful contribution to the work of coaches and trainers in optimizing training programs for the achievement of the best performance of the judoka.     

Effect of expertise on postmaximal long sprint blood metabolite responses

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the blood metabolic responses obtained after a single maximal exercise in elite and less-successful athletes and to investigate whether these responses are related to sprint performance. Eleven elite (ELI) and 14 regional (REG) long sprint runners performed a 300-m running test as fast as possible. Blood samples were taken at rest and at 4 minutes after exercise for measurements of blood lactate concentration [La] and acid-base status. The blood metabolic responses of ELI subjects compared to those of REG subjects for pH (7.07 ± 0.05 vs. 7.14 ± 1.5), sodium bicarbonate concentration ([HCO(3)(-)], 8.1 ± 1.5 vs. 9.8 ± 1.8 mmol·L(-1)), hemoglobin O(2) saturation (SaO(2)) (94.7 ± 1.8 vs. 96.2 ± 1.6%) were significantly lower (p < 0.05), and [La] was significantly higher in ELI (21.1 ± 2.9 vs. 19.1 ± 1.2 mmol·L(-1), p < 0.05). The 300-m performance (in % world record) was negatively correlated with pH (r = -0.55, p < 0.01), SaO2 (r = -0.64, p < 0.001), [HCO(3)(-)] (r = -0.40, p < 0.05), and positively correlated with [La] (r = 0.44, p < 0.05). In conclusion, for the same quantity of work, the best athletes are able to strongly alter their blood acid-base balance compared to underperforming runners, with larger acidosis and lactate accumulation. To obtain the pH limits with acute maximal exercise, coaches must have their athletes perform a distance run with duration of exercise superior to 35 seconds. The blood lactate accumulation values (mmol·L(-1)·s(-1)) recorded in this study indicate that the maximal glycolysis rate obtained in the literature from short sprint distances is maintained, but not increased, until 35 seconds of exercise.     

Relations between force-velocity characteristics of the knee-hip extension movement and vertical jump performance

Relations between force-velocity characteristics of the multijoint movement of the lower limbs and vertical jump performance were investigated. A total of 67 untrained subjects (age: 19.54 +/- 2.38 years; height: 166.88 +/- 8.53 cm; body mass: 59.14 +/- 10.82 kg, mean +/- SD) performed isometric and isotonic knee-hip extension movements on a servo-controlled dynamometer, and the force-velocity relations were determined. Also, vertical jump (VJ) performance was measured with a jump gauge. The force-velocity relation was described with a linear function so that the maximum isometric force (Fmax) and the maximum unloaded velocity (Vmax) for the knee-hip extension movement were estimated by extrapolation. Maximum isometric force coincided with maximum isometric force, F(0) (F(0)/Fmax = 1.03 +/- 0.24). Maximum isometric force, Vmax, and maximum power output (Pmax) were positively correlated with VJ (r = 0.48, 0.68, and 0.76, respectively; p < 0.001). However, when Fmax, Vmax, and Pmax were normalized with body mass (BM), leg length (LL), and BM, respectively, no correlation was seen between Fmax/BM and VJ (r = 0.24, p > 0.05), and significant correlations were seen between Vmax/LL and VJ (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and between Pmax/BM and VJ (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). On the other hand, Fmax and Vmax (r = 0.12, p > 0.05) and Fmax/BM and Vmax/LL (r = 0.05, p > 0.05) were not significantly correlated, indicating that Fmax and Vmax were independent variables. The present estimates of Fmax, Vmax, and Pmax can be useful for evaluating the actual performance of multijoint movement of the lower limbs. It is suggested that, although in untrained individuals the speed of movement might be a more important determinant of jump performance, jump performance ability has a potential to improve with increases in strength of the lower limb.