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At least 1,567 records · Page 87Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Intensity of exercise during road race pro-cycling competition.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to quantify the intensity of competition during two professional bicycle stage races: the Tour de France (Tour) and Vuelta a España (Vuelta). METHODS: The HR responses of 18 world class cyclists were recorded during the races and compared with HR ranges that corresponded to four intensities of exercise that were measured in the laboratory with an incremental test to exhaustion 2 wk before each race. The four intensities were: Anaerobic (AN) over the individual anaerobic threshold, which was over 90% of VO2max; intense aerobic (IA), which was between 70 and 90% of VO2max; moderate aerobic (MA), which was between 50 and 70% of VO2max; and recovery (RE), which was < 50% of VO2max. The stages were divided in individual time trial (ITT), flat, or mountain. RESULTS: The mean HR of the Vuelta and Tour were, respectively, 133.8 +/- 17.9 and 134 +/- 18.6 beats x min(-1). The mean total time of each stage was 269.6 +/- 122 and 259.4 +/- 119.9 min. The mean stage time over IAT was 17.5 +/- 15.7 and 24.7 +/- 26 min; the IA time was 75.2 +/- 47.6 and 79.6 +/- 48.3 min; the MA was 97.2 +/- 57.4 and 89.5 +/- 54.9 min. Finally the RE time was 79.6 +/- 60.5 and 65.4 +/- 69.7 min. The percentage of participation related to total time of the race was, respectively, in the Vuelta and the Tour, 12.99 and 16.8% in AN exercise intensity, 29.5 and 29.2% in IA, 32.4 and 31.9% in MA, and 25.1 and 25.2% in RE. There are no differences in AN time among flat, mountain, and ITT stages in each race, except for the mountain stages in the Tour. CONCLUSION: Cycling is a high intensity sport because approximately 93 min in flat and 123 min in mountain stages were above 70% of VO2max. In addition, the time spent at IAT was roughly 20 min regardless of stage type, suggesting that the anaerobic capacity limits performance.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Competition performance and basal nocturnal catecholamine excretion in cross-country skiers.

UNLABELLED: Objective techniques to determine whether an athlete is optimally prepared for a competition are virtually nonexistent. Preparedness for sports competition is commonly judged through the experience of the athletes and their coaches. Evidence from overtraining studies suggests that catecholamine (Cat) excretion rates may correlate with performance in athletes. PURPOSE: We therefore attempted to determine whether a relationship existed between performances of world-class cross-country skiers and basal nocturnal Cat excretion (BNCE). METHOD: During the Cross-Country Skiing World Championships, we determined BNCE in nine cross-country skiers of the Swiss national team by measuring free Cat concentration (dopamine = D, norepinephrine = NE, epinephrine = E) in morning urine samples, using high performance liquid chromatography. Expert judgments of competition performance (ECP) were assessed by two experienced professional coaches of the national team by using an 11-step scale. RESULTS: The BNCE correlated significantly with ECP in cross-country skiers (r2 = 0.84 and P < for NE; r2 = 0.86 and P < 0.001 for D). Athletes who had their best absolute competition results (ACR) showed the highest NE and D concentrations. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that competitive cross-country skiers with higher D and NE excretion may reach better competition levels compared with those with lower levels. Measures of BNCE provide objective information about competition performance, which may benefit athletes in their precompetition preparation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of visual impairment on stroke parameters in Paralympic swimmers.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between degree of vision and stroking parameters in male and female Paralympic swimmers with visual impairment during the 50- and 100-m freestyle events. METHODS: A video analysis was conducted at the 1996 Paralympic Games in which swimmers competed in three groups based on degree of impairment (S11, S12, and S13; S11 least amount of vision). A video camera placed 25 m from the start, perpendicular to the swimming direction, recorded the performance of each swimmer during the clean swim phase. Variables measured included total race time, clean swimming speed (CSS), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI = CSS x SL). Comparisons of performance were made between the classes and between men and women. RESULTS: The men showed no significant differences between S12 and S13 on any of the variables or between all three classes on SL and SI. The S11 swimmers demonstrated a significantly slower total race time and CSS in both events. In the women, an increase in class was associated with a decrease in total race time, faster CSS, and increase in SI. In comparing men and women, men demonstrated a significantly faster CSS and total race time during both events, whereas no differences were observed in SR. CONCLUSION: Stroke parameters during the clean swim phase were affected by visual impairment in both men and women. The male classes, however, were not clearly distinct from each other based on the swimming variables measured, as no significant differences were found between S12 and S13 in either event. With the exception of stroke rate and length, performance of the women tended to increase with an increase in class.

Arm↗
PubMed2002

The 4000-m team pursuit cycling world record: theoretical and practical aspects.

Due to constant competition conditions, track cycling can be accurately modeled through physiological and biomechanical means. Mathematical modeling predicts an average workload of 520 W for every team member for a new team pursuit world record. Performance in team pursuit racing is highly dependent on aerobic capacity, anaerobic skills, and aerodynamic factors. The training concept of the 2000 record-breaking team pursuit team was based on unspecific training of these qualities and periodical, short-term recall of previously acquired track specific skills. Aerobic performance was trained through high overall training mileage (29,000-35,000 km.yr-1) with workload peaks during road stage races. Before major track events, anaerobic performance, and track-specific technical and motor skills were improved through discipline-specific track training. Training intensities were monitored through heart rate and lactate field tests during defined track-training bouts, based on previously performed laboratory exercise tests. During pursuit competition, analysis of half-lap split times allowed an estimation of the individual contribution of each rider to the team's performance and thereby facilitated modifications in team composition to optimize race speed. The theoretically predicted performance necessary for a new world record was achieved through careful planning of training and competition schedules based on a concise theoretical concept and the high physiological capacities of the participating athletes.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2002

The influence of pacing strategy on VO2 and supramaximal kayak performance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of manipulating pacing strategy on VO2 and kayak ergometer performance in well-trained paddlers. METHODS: Eight well-trained kayak paddlers (500-m time = 115-125 s) first performed a graded exercise test for determination of VO2max and lactate (La-) parameters. On subsequent days and in a random, counterbalanced order, subjects performed a 2-min, kayak ergometer test using either an all-out start or even pacing strategy. RESULTS: There was a significantly greater peak power (747.6 +/- 152.0 vs 558.3 +/- 110.1 W) and average power (348.5 +/- 47.6 vs 335.5 +/- 44.8 W) using the all-out start strategy, when compared with the even-paced strategy. There was however, no significant difference between the two pacing strategies for peak VO2, accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD), peak [La-], or posttest pH. Using the all-out start, total VO2 was significantly greater (7.3 +/- 0.8 vs 6.9 +/- 0.8 L). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that 2-min kayak ergometer performance is significantly greater following an all-out start strategy when compared with an even-paced strategy. The improved performance appears to be attributable to faster VO2 kinetics, without a significant change in the total AOD (although the AOD distribution was altered).

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Performance, biochemical, and endocrine changes during a competitive football game.

PURPOSE: This study represents the first time that anaerobic power performance was examined during an actual intercollegiate American football game. In addition, biochemical and endocrine responses also were examined to assess the physiological stress imposed by this competitive contest. METHODS: Twenty-one members of a NCAA Division III football team were divided into two groups. Group one (ST) were starters (N = 11). The second group (RS) consisted of red-shirt players (N = 10). Blood samples were obtained 24 h (Pre1) and 2.5 h (Pre2) before the game and within 15 min of game conclusion (IP). Anaerobic power measures were recorded approximately 10 min before kickoff (pre) and following the first (Q1), second (Q2), third (Q3), and fourth (Q4) quarters. RESULTS: Peak force (PF) and power (PP) in both squat and countermovement jumps decreased (P < 0.05) from pre to Q2 in both ST and RS; however, all variables returned to baseline levels by Q4. When averaged across trials, PF and PP in both jumps were greater (P < 0.05) in ST than RS. No significant changes in testosterone concentrations with respect to time or between groups were seen. Cortisol concentrations were significantly higher for ST at IP than RS. No significant changes in creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, or uric acid were observed in either group from Pre2 to IP. In addition, no between group differences were seen in these variables. Myoglobin and aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased from Pre2 to IP in ST, and a significant difference in myoglobin concentrations was seen between the groups at IP. CONCLUSIONS: Performance, biochemical, and endocrine changes in these NCAA Division III football players reflected the stress and muscle damage that occurs as a result of a competitive American football game.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Competitive styles in men and women.

Competition is a function intrinsic to current clinical practice. Of the two competitive styles, goal competitiveness is found by both men and women to be more worthy of respect. Interpersonal competitiveness is manifested more by highly competitive women than by highly competitive men, especially in relationships with female co-workers, representing a significant problem for organizations and employees. The styles and their effects are described, their possible sources discussed, additional research outlined, and recommendations proposed.

Competitive Behavior↗
PubMed1983

Athletic activity and menstruation.

Menstrual dysfunction characterized by delayed menarche, irregular menses, or secondary amenorrhea often affects women who compete in athletics over a prolonged time. Loss of body fat and emotional stress are important predisposing factors. Under these circumstances, hypoestrogenism, an altered ratio of follicle-stimulating hormone to luteinizing hormone, and elevation of serum testosterone, prolactin, catecholamines, and opioids are fairly common. There is controversy over whether the working capacity and performance of the average woman varies appreciably during various phases of the menstrual cycle. Apparently, those who suffer from premenstrual tension do have a diminution in working capacity. Generally, the causes of menstrual dysfunction are the same for athletes and nonathletes, and there are currently no data to forbid athletes' training at any time during the menses. A gynecologic examination should be done before menstrual dysfunction is considered to be due to physical exercise. If this assumption is substantiated, and if amenorrhea persists for one year or more, a periodic estrogen-progesterone regimen should be offered to minimize vascular problems, osteoporosis, and stress fractures, and to protect the endometrium and ovarian function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

High school cross country running injuries: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence rate of injury among high school cross country runners over a 15-year period. DESIGN: Prospective-longitudinal. SETTING: Twenty-three high schools in western Washington State under the surveillance of the University of Washington Athletic Health Care System between 1979-1994. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and ninety-nine cross country teams. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Injuries resulting from running in a cross country practice or meet. RESULTS: There were 1,622 injuries for an overall injury rate of 13.1/1,000 athletic exposures (AEs), i.e., participation of a runner in a practice or meet. Girls had a significantly higher overall injury rate (16.7/1,000 AEs) than boys (10.9/1,000 AEs) (p < 0.0001). Girls also had significantly higher injury rates than boys for both initial (p < 0.0001) and subsequent injuries (p < 0.0001), especially those at the same body location (p = 0.0001). This difference in risk estimates was consistent over a 15-year period. Nearly three-fourths of the injuries resulted in < or =4 days of disability. Overall, higher rates of initial injuries were reported during practices (9.2/1,000 AEs) than in meets (7.8/1,000 AEs) (p = 0.04). Shin injuries had the highest overall rates of new injury (1.9/1,000 AEs) and reinjury at the same body location (53.9/1,000 AEs). Girls had significantly higher initial injury rates than boys for shin (p < 0.0001), hip. and foot injuries (p < 0.01), and higher reinjury rates for knee. calf, and foot injuries, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that girl cross country runners are at higher risk of injury and reinjury than boy cross country runners.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Playing ice hockey and basketball increases serum levels of S-100B in elite players: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in serum concentrations of the biochemical markers of brain damage S-100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in ice hockey and basketball players during games. DESIGN: Descriptive clinical research. SETTING: Competitive games of the Swedish Elite Ice Hockey League and the Swedish Elite Basketball League. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six male ice hockey players (from two teams) and 18 basketball players (from two teams). INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: S-100B and NSE were analyzed using two-site immunoluminometric assays. The numbers of acceleration/deceleration events were assessed from videotape recordings of the games. Head trauma-related symptoms were monitored 24 hours after the game using the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire. RESULTS: Changes in serum concentrations of S-100B (postgame - pregame values) were statistically significant after both games (ice hockey, 0.072 +/- 0.108 microg/L, P = 0.00004; basketball, 0.076 +/- 0.091 microg/L, P = 0.001). In basketball, there was a significant correlation between the change in S-100B (postgame-pregame values) and jumps, which were the most frequent acceleration/deceleration (r = 0.706, P = 0.002). For NSE, no statistically significant change in serum concentration was found in either game. For one ice hockey player who experienced concussion during play, S-100B was increased more than for the other players. CONCLUSIONS: S-100B was released into the blood of the players as a consequence of game-related activities and events. Analysis of the biochemical brain damage markers (in particular S-100B) seems to have the potential to become a valuable additional tool for assessment of the degree of brain tissue damage in sport-related head trauma and probably for decision making about returning to play.

Acceleration↗
PubMed1984

A cost-effective weight loss program at the worksite.

A major focus of Lockheed Missiles and Space Company's wellness program (Sunnyvale, Calif.) was to motivate weight loss in a cost-effective manner. The educationally based "Take It Off '83" campaign was created using the concepts of competition and self-responsibility. Seventy percent of the initial 2,499 participants completed the program, and 90% of these lost weight. Program completion rates and weight lost were higher for men than for women and higher for those who participated as team members rather than as individuals. Encouraging the formation of supportive/competitive teams proved to be a very effective means of promoting weight loss. The cost-effective motivation of weight loss in an industrial setting was accomplished successfully through this program (the cost to the company per initial participant was +5.40). Because of these results, the program will be repeated annually.

Adult↗