Publications by authors named "Josep Padulles"

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether a soccer match affects the rapid force-generating capacity of the hamstring muscles, given their key role in both horizontal ground reaction force production during sprint biomechanics, and in the deceleration of the shank during the late swing phase, where rapid force production is essential owing to time constraints. Therefore, the research objective was to determine soccer match-induced hamstrings residual fatigue and recovery through rate of torque development (RTD) and associated biochemical parameters.

Methods: The recovery kinetics of hamstrings RTD metrics by the 90°:20° test, together with serum biomarkers (creatine kinase, mitochondrial creatine kinase, transaminases, malondialdehyde, irisin), were assessed in 19 male, regional first-division soccer players (age = 20.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates how a high-volume sprinting session affects sprint performance and risk factors for hamstring strain injuries in male amateur soccer players.* -
  • Results show significant decreases in sprint performance and posterior chain muscle strength for up to 72 hours post-sprinting, indicating that such sessions can lead to fatigue and increased injury risk.* -
  • The findings highlight the necessity for careful management of sprinting volume in training to minimize the risk of injuries while maintaining performance levels.*
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study aimed to assess acute and residual changes in sprint-related hamstring injury (HSI) risk factors after a football (soccer) match, focusing on recovery within the commonly observed 72-h timeframe between elite football matches. We used a multifactorial approach within a football context, incorporating optical and ultrastructural microscopic analysis of BFlh (biceps femoris long head) muscle fibres, along with an examination of BFlh fibre composition. Changes in sprint performance-related factors and HSI modifiable risk factors were examined until 3 days after the match (MD ) in 20 football players.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Hamstring muscles are most affected by multiple sprint-based sports as a result of muscle strain during sprinting, leading to reduced performance and increased risk of injury. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess inter-individual variability in hamstrings recovery after a sport-specific repeated-sprint training (RST), through sprint-specific markers of muscle recovery and associated muscle damage biomarkers in women and men. Healthy females ( = 14) and males ( = 15) underwent 10 repeated 40-m sprints with a 3-min rest pause between each repetition.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Many sweat-based wearable monitoring systems have been recently proposed, but the data provided by those systems often lack a reliable and meaningful relation to standardized blood values. One clear example is lactate, a relevant biomarker for both sports and health sectors, with a complex sweat-blood bioequivalence. This limitation decreases its individual significance as a sweat-based biomarker.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study compared mechanical properties and sprint performance between national-level sprinters and physically active males, focusing on thigh muscle volumes (MVs) as a factor.
  • Results showed that sprinters were significantly faster in 10m and 40m sprints and exhibited higher maximum velocity (V0) and maximum power (Pmax) compared to active males.
  • Strong correlations were found between hamstring muscle volume and both sprint time and mechanical performance, indicating that larger hamstring volumes contribute to better sprinting outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * Results showed that males had significantly larger hamstring muscle volumes and were faster in sprinting, outperforming females by 14% on 40 m and 15% on 80 m.
  • * The research found a strong correlation between hamstring and adductor muscle volumes with sprint performance, indicating that larger hamstrings were most related to better sprinting outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluated the impact of a 5-month sprint-based training macrocycle on national-level sprinters, focusing on sprint performance, muscle volumes (MVs), and mechanical parameters (SMPs).
  • Twelve sprinters underwent tests for sprint times at various distances, MRI scans for muscle volume assessment, and radar measurements for sprint mechanics.
  • Results showed significant improvements in sprint performance (4%-7%), muscle volumes (6%-12% increases), and sprint mechanics, emphasizing the effectiveness of sprint-specific training for enhancing the performance of elite athletes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluates the reliability of two tests, the Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion (IMPRP) test and a sprint test, in assessing the physical condition of elite wheelchair rugby players.
  • It involved 16 Spanish players and found that both tests showed high reliability and accuracy, indicating they can be trusted for evaluating performance.
  • The study revealed strong correlations between IMPRP mechanical outputs and sprint performance, suggesting that specific strength training could enhance both push and sprint capabilities in wheelchair rugby athletes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - This study evaluated the early effects of a 4-week inertial resistance training program on muscle size and strength in ten young volunteers, using MRI scans to measure muscle cross-sectional area and volume before, during, and after training sessions.
  • - Results showed significant increases in quadriceps muscle size (hypertrophy) and improvements in squat force and power after just two weeks of training, with notable enhancements in knee extensor strength by the end of the program.
  • - The findings suggest that muscle growth begins early in the training process, challenging the effectiveness of muscle functional MRI as a reliable predictor of hypertrophy outcomes from resistance training.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - The study evaluated hamstring muscle damage from eccentric leg curls (ELCs) by measuring force-generating capacity, muscle enzyme levels, and fMRI scans over a week after exercise, focusing on how damage varies among subjects.
  • - Thirteen male participants performed ELCs, leading to a classification of subjects into high responders (10 with severe damage) and moderate responders (3 with moderate damage), based on their muscle function and enzyme level changes.
  • - fMRI results revealed that the semitendinosus (ST) muscle sustained the most damage, showing significant increases in T2 measures, while variations in muscle force capacity indicated differing degrees of damage in individuals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Clinical studies have shown that after incomplete spinal cord lesions at the thoracic level, patients can develop functional gait patterns through gait training. To date, however, training has been ineffective in producing gait in patients with clinically motor complete spinal cord lesions.

Objective: Here we report a patient with chronic motor complete spinal cord injury who regained locomotor function with assistance after intensive gait rehabilitation treatment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This case study examined the nutritional behavior and energy balance in an official finisher of a 24-hour ultracycling race. The food and beverages consumed by the cyclist were continuously weighed and recorded to estimate intake of energy, macronutrients, sodium, and caffeine. In addition, during the race, heart rate was continuously monitored.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Information about behavior of energy intake in ultra-endurance cyclists during a 24-hour team relay race is scarce. The nutritional strategy during such an event is an important factor which athletes should plan carefully before the race. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the nutritional intake of ultra-endurance cyclists during a 24-hour team relay race with the current nutritional guidelines for endurance events.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The aim of this study was to typify cardiorespiratory and metabolic adaptation capacity at race pace of high-level triathletes during simulations of short distance triathlon swimming sector, first transition and cycling sector. Six national and international-level triathletes performed a 1500 m swimming trial followed by a transition and one hour on ergocycle at race pace, with sequenced measures of blood lactate concentration, gas exchange and heart rate recording. The mean speed obtained in the swimming sector was 1.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF