Relative Acceleration and Maximum Velocity in Rugby Players According to Age Category and Playing Position.

Zabaloy, S, Freitas, TT, Alcaraz, PE, Gálvez-González, J, Pereira, LA, Comyns, T, Loturco, I, and Healy, R. Relative acceleration and maximum velocity in rugby players according to age category and playing position. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study aimed to: (a) assess the intrasession reliability of the acceleration time constant (i.

Differences and correlations between horizontal and vertical single-leg jump performance, dynamic balance, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in male amateur rugby players according to playing positions.

Objectives: To explore the differences and correlations in the Y-Balance Test (YBT) scores, ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (ADF), single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) and single-leg hop for distance (SLHD) in amateur male rugby players by playing positions and limb dominance.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Argentinian amateur rugby club.

Longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women's rugby league players.

This is the first study to assess longitudinal changes in anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities of international women's rugby league players. Thirteen forwards and 11 backs were tested three times over a 10-month period. Assessments included: standing height and body mass, body composition measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a blood panel, resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessed by indirect calorimetry, aerobic capacity (i.

Jump Squats Performed with Both Light and Heavy Loads Have Similar Effects on the Physical Performance of Elite Rugby Players during the Initial Phase of the Competitive Period.

We examined the effectiveness of two different jump-squat (JS) loading ranges on the physical performance of rugby players. Twenty-eight elite male rugby players were divided into two JS training groups: a light-load JS group ("LJS"; JS at 40% of the one-repetition maximum [1RM] in the half-squat (HS) exercise) and a heavy-load JS group ("HJS"; JS at 80% HS-1RM). Players completed the distinct training programs over four weeks, three times per week, during the initial phase of the competitive period.

Resistance Training Practices of Brazilian Olympic Sprint and Jump Coaches: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Their Choices and Insights (Part III).

In the final part of this three-article collection on the training strategies of Brazilian Olympic sprint and jump coaches, we provide a detailed description of the resistance training methods and exercises most commonly employed by these speed experts. Always with the objective of maximizing the sprint and jump capabilities of their athletes, these experienced coaches primarily utilize variable, eccentric, concentric, machine-based, isometric, complex, and isoinertial resistance training methods in their daily practices. Squats (in their different forms), Olympic weightlifting, ballistics, hip thrusts, lunges, calf raises, core exercises, leg curls, stiff-leg deadlifts, and leg extension are the most commonly prescribed exercises in their training programs, during both the preparatory and competitive periods.

A High-Resolution Linkage Map Construction and QTL Analysis for Morphological Traits in Anthurium ( Linden).

Linden is a prominent ornamental plant belonging to the family Araceae and is cultivated worldwide. The morphology characteristics are crucial because they significantly impact ornamental values, commercial properties, and the efficiency of space utilization in production. However, only a few related investigations have been conducted in anthurium to date.

Speed Training Practices of Brazilian Olympic Sprint and Jump Coaches: Toward a Deeper Understanding of Their Choices and Insights (Part II).

This is the second article in a three-article collection regarding the plyometric, speed, and resistance training practices of Brazilian Olympic sprint and jump coaches. Here, we list and describe six out of the ten speed training methods most commonly employed by these experts to enhance the sprinting capabilities of their athletes. Maximum speed sprinting, form running, resisted sprinting, overspeed running, uphill and downhill running, and sport-specific movement methods are critically examined with reference to their potential application in different sport contexts.

Half-Squat and Jump Squat Exercises Performed Across a Range of Loads: Differences in Mechanical Outputs and Strength Deficits.

Loturco, I, McGuigan, MR, Freitas, TT, Bishop, C, Zabaloy, S, Mercer, VP, Moura, TBMA, Arruda, AFS, Ramos, MS, Pereira, LA, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Half-squat and jump squat exercises performed across a range of loads: differences in mechanical outputs and strength deficits. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1052-1056, 2023-The aim of this study was to compare the peak force (PF), peak power (PP), and peak velocity (PV) outputs produced during half-squat (HS) and jump squat (JS) exercises executed at 20, 40, 60, and 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the HS (HS 1RM) and to compute and compare the strength deficit (SDef) achieved in these exercises across these loads.

Sprint and Jump Training on Sand vs. Grass Surfaces: Effects on the Physical Performance of Young Soccer Players.

Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, Zabaloy, S, Ferreira, RCA, Silva, ML, Azevedo, PHSM, and Loturco, I. Sprint and jump training on sand versus grass surfaces: effects on the physical performance of young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1828-1833, 2023-The aims of this study were to (a) examine the effects of a 6-week sand training program including both sprint and jump exercises on the speed-related and vertical jump performance of elite young soccer players and (b) compare the changes induced by a sand training scheme with those induced by a similar training program (in volume, intensity, and exercise types) performed on grass.

The LGBTQ+ People-Animal Bond: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Companion Animals on LGBTQ+ People.

LGBTQ+ people tend to experience prejudice, stigma, and discrimination, which increases their risk of developing mental health difficulties. Support networks, including companion animals, can be used to cope with these challenges. We performed a systematic review of studies related to the effects of human-animal interactions on the LGBTQ+ population.

Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on injury incidence and burden in amateur rugby union.

Objectives: To analyse match and training injury incidence rates and burden from pre-(2019) and post-COVID-19 (2021) seasons; To analyse injury related variables as mechanisms, type, body locations, severity and the differences of the most common injuries according to playing positions.

Design: An observational study was performed according to the consensus statement on injury definitions and data collection from World Rugby. Injury variables were collected retrospectively for 2019 season and prospectively during 2021 season.

Changes in body composition and physical performance measures during a regular competitive season among young backs and forwards rugby players.

This study aimed to compare the changes in body composition and physical qualities of under 19's backs and forwards during the season (i.e. from pre-season [Pre-S] to end-season [End-S]).

Can the Supido Radar Be Used for Measuring Ball Speed during Soccer Kicking? A Reliability and Concurrent Validity Study of a New Low-Cost Device.

The aim was to analyze the reliability and validity of a low-cost instrument, based on a radar system, to quantify the kicking ball speed in soccer. A group of 153 male soccer players (under-13, n = 53; under-15, n = 54; under-18, n = 46) participated in this study. Each player performed three kicks on the goal in a standardized condition while the ball speed was measured with three different devices: one Radar Stalker ATS II (reference criterion) and two Supido Radar (Supido-front of the goal and Supido-back of the goal).

Strength Deficit in Elite Young Rugby Players: Differences Between Playing Positions and Associations With Sprint and Jump Performance.

Zabaloy, S, Giráldez, J, Fink, B, Alcaraz, PE, Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, and Loturco, I. Strength deficit in elite young rugby players: Differences between playing positions and associations with sprint and jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 920-926, 2022-The aims of this study were twofold: to compare the strength-related performance between young forwards and backs rugby players and to examine the correlations between strength deficit (SDef), strength parameters, and sprint and jump performance.

Acute Effects on Physical Performance Measures after 45 Min of Official Competition in Youth Soccer Players.

(1) Background: An improved understanding of soccer players' match-related physical performance and recovery may help conditioning programs and re-warm up strategies to increase team performance during official competitions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the acute effects of 45 min of official competition (first half in matches) on physical performance variables in U-16 youth soccer players. (2) Methods: 20 male soccer players (age: 14.

In-Season Assessment of Sprint Speed and Sprint Momentum in Rugby Players According To the Age Category and Playing Position.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interval in which male rugby union players reach maximum speed in a 50 m sprint according to age categories and playing positions. This study also aimed to establish the optimal distance for the assessment of sprint speed and to compare the differences in anthropometrics, sprint and sprint momentum according to the age and playing position. Three hundred amateur rugby players performed anthropometric and physical fitness tests (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 m sprint times, acceleration, velocity, and sprint momentum) during the in-season period.

Determination of respiratory point compensation in healthy adults: Can non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy help?

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that the respiratory compensation point can be accurately determined in healthy participants during incremental cycling exercise using non-invasive near-infrared spectroscopy-derived measures of deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb).

Design: Validation study.

Methods: 118 healthy men (average age 47 ± 19 yrs, range 20-79 yrs) performed an incremental cycling test to exhaustion.

Exercise during pregnancy attenuates prenatal depression: a randomized controlled trial.

Recent studies have estimated the prevalence of depression during pregnancy to be between 10% and 30%, which is higher than that in the postpartum period. Pharmacological treatment during pregnancy is difficult because of the possible side effects of antidepressants on the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to examine whether a supervised exercise program (EP) reduces depressive symptoms in pregnant women.