Effects of Equal Volume But Different Plyometric Jump Training Intensities on Components of Physical Fitness in Physically Active Young Males

An 8-week single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of separate programs of equal volume, but different intensity, plyometric jump training (PJT), on physical fitness in healthy adults. Thirty-eight physically active males (mean age: 21.8 +/- 2.5 years) participated. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of 3 PJT groups or a control (CON, n = 9) according to their jump performance. Plyometric jump training was conducted at maximal (PJT-100, n = 10), high (PJT-80, n = 9), or moderate (PJT-65, n = 10) intensity within each group. Baseline and follow-up tests were performed for the assessment of countermovement jump (CMJ) height, CMJ height with arm swing (CMJA), and drop jump height from a 20-cm drop box (DJ20), linear speed (30 m), and change-of-direction speed (CODS) (the Illinois CODS test). Results revealed significant group x time interactions for CMJ, CMJA, DJ20, 30-m sprint, and CODS (all p < 0.001; d = 0.39-0.76). Post hoc analyses showed significant improvements in all 5 fitness measures for PJT-100 (all p < 0.01, Delta 3.7-13.5%, d = 0.26-1.4). For PJT-80, 3 of 5 fitness tests demonstrated significant change (CMJ: p < 0.001, Delta 5.9%, d = 0.33; CMJA: p < 0.001, Delta 7.0%, d = 0.43; CODS: p < 0.001, Delta 3.9%, d = 0.9), and for PJT-65, only 1 test was significant (CMJ: p < 0.05, Delta 2.8%, d = 0.15). No significant changes were observed in CON. Except for similar gains in DJ20 and 30-m sprint in PJT-100 and PJT-80, gains in physical fitness were, in general, greater (p < 0.05) after PJT-100 vs. PJT-80 vs. PJT-65 vs. CON. Therefore, maximal PJT intensity may induce larger physical fitness gains, although high and moderate intensities may also be useful, but to a lesser extent

Effects of progressed and non-progressed volume-based overload plyometric training on components of physical fitness and body composition variables in youth male basketball players

This study examined the effect of 6 weeks of progressed and nonprogressed volume-based overload plyometric training (PT) on components of physical fitness and body composition measures in young male basketball players, compared with an active control group. Subjects were randomly assigned to a progressed PT (PPT, n = 7; age = 14.6 +/- 1.1 years), a non-PPT (NPPT, n = 8, age = 13.8 +/- 2.0 years), or a control group (CG, n = 7, age = 14.0 +/- 2.0 years). Before and after training, body composition measures (muscle mass and fat mass), countermovement jump with arms (CMJA) and countermovement jump without arms (CMJ), horizontal bilateral (HCMJ) and unilateral jump with right leg (RJ) and left leg (LJ), 20-cm drop jump (DJ20), sprint speed (10 m sprint), and change of direction speed (CODS [i.e., T-test]) were tested. Significant effects of time were observed for muscle and fat mass, all jump measures, and CODS (all p < 0.01; d = 0.37-0.83). Significant training group x time interactions were observed for all jump measures (all p < 0.05; d = 0.24-0.41). Post hoc analyses revealed significant pre-post performance improvements for the PPT (RJ and LJ: increment 18.6%, d = 0.8 and increment 22.7%, d = 0.9, respectively; HCMJ: increment 16.4%, d = 0.8; CMJ: increment 22.4%, d = 0.7; CMJA: increment 23.3%, d = 0.7; and DJ20: increment 39.7%, d = 1.1) and for the NPPT group (LJ: increment 14.1%, d = 0.4; DJ20: increment 32.9%, d = 0.8) with greater changes after PPT compared with NPPT for all jump measures (all p < 0.05; d = 0.21-0.81). The training efficiency was greater (p < 0.05; d = 0.22) after PPT (0.015% per jump) compared with NPPT (0.0053% per-jump). The PPT induced larger performance improvements on measures of physical fitness as compared to NPPT. Therefore, in-season progressive volume-based overload PT in young male basketball players is recommended

Effects of Maturation on Physical Fitness Adaptations to Plyometric Drop Jump Training in Male Youth Soccer Players

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of maturation on physical fitness adaptations to a twice weekly, 7-week plyometric drop jump training program. Seventy-six young male soccer players (aged 10–16 years) participated in this randomized controlled trial. Before and after the intervention, a physical fitness test battery was applied (countermovement jump; drop jump from 20 to 40 cm; 5 multiple bounds test; 20-m sprint time; change of direction speed; 2.4-km running time-trial; 5 repetition maximum [RM] squat; and maximal kicking distance). Participants were randomly divided into an active soccer-control group (CG) with Tanner stage maturation of 1–3 (CG-early; n = 16) or Tanner stage 4–5 (CG-late; n = 22), and to plyometric drop jump training groups with Tanner stage 1–3 (plyometric jump training [PJT]-early; n = 16) or 4–5 (PJT-late; n = 22). The analysis of variance and effect size (ES) measures revealed that when compared with their age-matched controls, the PJT-early (ES = 0.39–1.58) and PJT-late (ES = 0.21–0.65) groups showed greater improvements (p < 0.05) in sprint time, 2.4-km running time-trial, change of direction speed, 5RM squat, jumping, and kicking distance. The PJT-early exceeded the PJT-late group with greater (p < 0.05) improvements in drop jump from 20 cm (ES = 1.58 vs. 0.51) and 40 cm (ES = 0.71 vs. 0.4) and kicking distance (ES = 0.95 vs. 0.65). Therefore, a 7-week plyometric drop jump training program was effective in improving physical fitness traits in both younger and older male youth soccer players, with greater jumping and kicking adaptations in the less-mature athletes

Optimum power loads for elite boxers: case study with the Brazilian national olympic team

The purpose of this case study was to examine the effects of a resistance-training program based on the optimum power loads (OPL) method on neuromuscular performance of Olympic boxing athletes during preparation for the Rio-2016 Olympic Games. Twelve elite amateur boxers from the Brazilian National Olympic Team participated in this study. Athletes were assessed at four time-points, over two consecutive competitive seasons. In the first season (considered as "control period"), the athletes executed a non-controlled strength-power training program for 10 weeks. In the second season (a seven-week experimental period), the elite boxers performed 14 power-oriented training sessions, comprising bench press (BP) and jump squat (JS) exercises at the OPL. Maximum bar-power output in BP and JS exercises was measured pre and post both training phases. Magnitude-based inferences were used to compare changes in pre and post training tests. Bar-power outputs increased meaningfully in both BP (+8%) and JS (+7%) exercises after the OPL training program. In contrast, after the control period, no worthwhile improvements were observed in the variables tested. Based on the findings of this study, highly trained boxers might benefit from the use of a training scheme based on OPL

Active commuting is associated with a lower risk of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome in Chilean adults

Background: There is limited evidence on how active commuting is associated with health benefits in developing countries. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the associations between active commuting and markers of adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in the Chilean adult population. Methods: In total, 5157 participants from the Chilean National Health Survey 2009–10 were included in this cross-sectional study. Active commuting was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ v2). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured and used to define obesity and central obesity. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome were determined using WHO and updated ATPIII-NCEP criteria, respectively. Results: The main finding of this study is that a 30 min increase in active commuting is associated with lower odds for BMI &gt; 25.0 kg m−2 (0.93 [95% CI: 0.88–0.98, P = 0.010]). Similarly, the odds for central obesity was 0.87 [0.82–0.92, P &lt; 0.0001]. Similar associations were found for T2D (0.81 [0.75–0.88], P &lt; 0.0001) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.86 [0.80–0.92], P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings show that active commuting is associated with lower adiposity and a healthier metabolic profile including lower risk for obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Pensar lo Político. Ontología y Mundo Contemporáneo

Los vertiginosos cambios del mundo actual reclaman una reflexión desde los más diversos derroteros disciplinarios y, en esta tarea, la filosofía no es la excepción. Sin embargo, la complejidad de los dilemas contemporáneos demanda un examen desde la propia ontología, pues así como el Ser se dice de muchas maneras, la política es también un affaire que se dice de variados modos, en tanto termina reflejando y enriqueciendo tal pluralidad ontológica. Los textos aquí reunidos comparten una preocupación común: interrogarse por el Ser de la política y la manera que ésta, y sus expresiones contemporáneas, nos arrojan a habitar un mundo lleno de contradicciones y retos. La forma como vivimos el tiempo, como enfrentamos la globalización, la manera como territorializamos el espacio, como creamos alternativas frente a las lógicas dominantes, como nos insertamos o intentamos frenar la aceleración de lo cotidiano, como reconstruimos nuestras prácticas e ideas sobre la libertad, incluso, el modo de edificar nuestro estar en común, son cuestiones en las que lo político y el mundo contemporáneo terminan repensando muchos de los temas y conceptos ontológicos clásicos. Vivimos tiempos críticos no sólo porque parecen violentar nuestras visiones y formas de vida tradicionales, sino sobre todo porque nos invitan a pensar de maneras inéditas, así como a plantearnos otras formas de acción, nuevos conceptos y herramientas de pensamiento

Efeitos do treinamento de força de baixa intensidade em mulheres com sobrepeso/obesidade e pré-menopausa/menopausa

Obesity-related complications may be compounded by the detrimental consequences of menopause. Strength training programs may have an impact on this relationship. Our objective was to examine strength (1RM) and kinanthropometric alterations for overweight/obese pre- and menopausal women who participated in a strength program. Methods: 35 women were separated into: overweight premenopausal (n=8),obese premenopausal (n=9), overweight menopausal (n=8) and obese menopausal (n=10)categories. Participants attended a strength program for 8 weeks. Kinanthropometric characteristics and 1RM were determined at baseline, week 4 (except 1RM) and week 8. Results: All groups reduced (p&lt; 0.05) body weight, body mass index (BMI), skinfolds and waist circumference. Furthermore, all groups achieved an increase (p&lt; 0.05) in 1RM. When grouped per menopausal state or BMI, a more significant increase in strength was seen in menopausal and obese subjects. A significant correlation was observed for menopausal state, BMI and strength. The strength changes were significantly superior vs. kinanthropometric changes. Within kinanthropometric changes, skinfolds exhibit amore significant reduction vs. body weight, BMI and waist circumference. Conclusions: all groups showed changes in strength and kinanthropometric parameters. Strength adaptations were superior in menopausal and obese women. The strength adaptations exhibit a superior magnitude vs. kinanthropometric changes. In short term, a strength program may leadAs complicações relacionadas à obesidade podem ser agravadas pelas consequências prejudiciais da menopausa. Programas de força podem ter um impacto sobre esta relação. O objetivo foi examinar alterações cineantropométricas e força em mulheres com excesso de peso/obesas e pré-menopausa/menopausa que participaram de um programa de força. Participaram do estudo 35 mulheres que foram separadas em grupos: excesso de peso pré-menopausa (n= 8), obesas pré-menopausa (n = 9), excesso de peso menopausa(n = 8) e obesas menopausa (n = 10). Os sujeitos foram treinados durante oito semanas. Características cineantropométricas e de força foram analisadas no início, na quarta e oitava semana (exceto força). Os grupos conseguiram uma redução no peso corporal, IMC, da gordura subcutânea e circunferência da cintura. Todos os grupos obtiveram um aumento (p &lt; 0,05) na força máxima. Um aumento de força significativamente maior foi observado em mulheres obesas ou na menopausa. Uma correlação significativa foi observada para estado menopausal,IMC e força. As mudanças de força foram significativamente mais elevadas versus mudanças cineantropométricas. Dentro das mudanças cineantropométricas, a gordura subcutânea apresentou uma redução mais significativa versus o peso corporal, IMC e circunferênciada cintura. Pode-se concluir que os grupos apresentaram alterações nos parâmetros cineantropométricos e de força. As adaptações de força foram superiores em mulheres na menopausae obesas. As adaptações de força apresentaram uma magnitudesuperior versus alterações cineantropométricos. Em curto prazo, o programa de treinamento de força podeconduzir a importantes benefícios na saúde e funcionais, especialmente, em mulheres na menopausa ou com obesidade

Effects of Different Plyometric Training Frequencies on Components of Physical Fitness in Amateur Female Soccer Players

Plyometric jump training (PJT) is a frequently used and effective means to improve amateur and elite soccer players' physical fitness. However, it is unresolved how different PJT frequencies per week with equal overall training volume may affect training-induced adaptations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of an in-season 8 week PJT with one session vs. two sessions per week and equal training volume on components of physical fitness in amateur female soccer players. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants (N = 23; age, 21.4 +/- 3.2 years) were randomly assigned to a one session PJT per-week (PJT-1, n = 8), two sessions PJT per-week (PJT-2, n = 8) or an active control group (CON, n = 7). Before and after training, participants performed countermovement jumps (CMJ), drop-jumps from a 20-cm drop-height (DJ20), a maximal kicking velocity test (MKV), the 15-m linear sprint-time test, the Meylan test for the assessment of change of direction ability (CoDA), and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery endurance test (Yo-YoIR1). Results revealed significant main effects of time for the CMJ, DJ20, MKV, 15-m sprint, CoDA, and the Yo-YoIR1 (all p 0.05; Delta 0.5-4.2%, d = 0.03-0.2). In conclusion, higher PJT exposure in terms of session frequency has no extra effects on female soccer players' physical fitness development when jump volume is equated during a short-term (i.e., 8 weeks) training program. From this, it follows that one PJT session per week combined with regular soccer-specific training appears to be sufficient to induce physical fitness improvements in amateur female soccer players.We acknowledge the support of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), and Open Access Publishing Fund of University of Potsdam, Germany

Peaking for the World Para Athletics Championships: Case study of a World Champion female Paralympic shot putter

Tapering is used to maximize performance and reduce fatigue levels before athletic competitions. However, scientific evidence regarding Paralympic athletes is scarce. Moreover, no study has assessed the effects of tapering practices on performance in a world champion female Paralympic shot putter (FPSP). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of a short tapering period on the performance of an elite FPSP. A world champion FPSP (sport class F54; age 42.2 y; body mass 74 kg; height 1.67 m) was monitored during both overload (2 weeks) and tapering (2 weeks; training volume and intensity decreased) blocks previous to Dubai 2019 World Para Athletics Championships. The internal training load (ITL) (through session rating of perceived exertion) and self-reported wellbeing (using a questionnaire) were assessed daily. Shot put performance was assessed at the beginning and after tapering. The ITL decreased 37.9% with tapering, shot put performance increased 7.6%, there were no differences between weekly wellness scores. No significant correlations were found between ITL and wellbeing indicators. It was concluded that two weeks of tapering induced a rather large improvement in shot put performance. Surprisingly, self-reported wellbeing did not improve with taper as expected