Human performance efficiency and effectiveness in different sports depend to a large extent on the size, weight and proportion of the physique of the athlete. The aim of this study was to identify morphological characteristics of Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ) athletes. The sample consisted of 25 highly trained male athletes who were classified according to their fighting style; guard fighter (GF) vs. pass fighter (PF). The athletes were assessed for somatotype, body composition and proportionality. For the whole group of athletes the somatotype was 2.23±0.68, 6.33±1.14, and 1.75±0.87 for endomorph, mesomorph and ectomorph components, respectively. Muscle and adipose tissue percentages were 52.34±2.15% and 19.30±2.51%, respectively. PF were significantly more mesomorph (p< 0.05) and less ectomorph (p< 0.05) than GF. Also, PF had significantly higher phantom Z score for bone mass vs. GF (0.51±0.57 vs. 0.01±0.54; p<0.05), and significantly lower muscle mass-bone mass ratio (4.55±0.31 vs. 4.77±0.56; p<0.05), height (1.71±0.06 vs. 1.77±0.07; p<0.05) and height weight ratio (40.58±1.11 vs. 41.84±1.22). Our results show that morphological characteristics are related to different fighting styles in BJJ athletes.

Background To validate the traditional talk test (TTT) and an alternative talk test (ATT; using a visual analog scale) in overweight/obese (OW-OB) patients and to establish its accuracy in determining the aerobic training zones. Methods We recruited 19 subjects aged 34.9 ± 6.7 years, diagnosed with overweight/obesity (BMI 31.8 ± 5.7). Every subject underwent incremental cycloergometric tests for maximal oxygen consumption, and TTT in a randomized order. At the end of each stage during the TTT, each subject read out loud a 40 words text and then had to identify the comfort to talk in two modalities: TTT which consisted in answering “Yes,” “I don’t know,” or “No” to the question Was talking comfortable?, or ATT through a 1 to 10 numeric perception scale (visual analog scale (VAS)). The magnitude of differences was interpreted in comparison to the smallest worthwhile change and was used to determine agreement. Results There was an agreement between the power output at the VAS 2–3 of ATT and the power output at the ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) (very likely equivalent; mean difference − 1.3 W, 90% confidence limit (CL) (− 8.2; 5.6), percent chances for higher/similar/lower values of 0.7/99.1/0.2%). Also, there was an agreement between the power output at the VAS 6–7 of ATT and the power output at the ventilatory threshold 2 (VT2) (very likely equivalent; mean difference 11.1 W, 90% CL (2.8; 19.2), percent chances for higher/similar/lower values of 0.0/97.6/2.4%). Conclusions ATT is a tool to determine exercise intensity and to establish aerobic training zones for exercise prescription in OW-OB patients.

Cerda-Kohler, H, Burgos-Jara, C, Ramírez-Campillo, R, Valdés-Cerda, B, Báez, E, Zapata-Gómez, D, Cristóbal Andrade, D, and Izquierdo, M. Analysis of agreement between 4 lactate threshold measurements methods in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2864-2870, 2016-Lactate threshold (LT) represents the inflection point of blood lactate values from rest to high-intensity exercise during an incremental test, is commonly used to determine exercise intensity, and is related to different positional roles of elite soccer players. Different methodologies have been adopted to determine the LT; however, the agreement between these methodologies in professional soccer players is unclear. Seventeen professional soccer players were recruited (age 24.7 ± 3.7 years, body mass 70.1 ± 5.3 kg, height 172.8 ± 7.3 cm) and performed an incremental treadmill test until volitional fatigue. Speed at LT (LTspeed), heart rate at LT (LTHR), and lactate values from capillary blood samples obtained at 3-minute intervals were analyzed using 4 LT measurement methods: visual inspection (VI), maximum distance (Dmax), modified Dmax (DmaxM), and logarithmic (log-log). Only Bland-Altman analysis for LTHR showed agreement between VI and Dmax, between VI and DmaxM, and between Dmax and DmaxM methods. No agreement between methods was observed after intraclass correlation coefficient and 95% one-sided lower-limit analysis. Comparative results showed that LTspeed was lower (p < 0.01) with the log-log method compared with the Dmax method and lower (p < 0.01) with the latter compared with the VI and DmaxM methods. Regarding LTHR, higher (p < 0.01) values were observed using the VI, DmaxM, and Dmax methods compared with the log-log method. Therefore, VI, Dmax, DmaxM, and log-log methods should not be used interchangeably for LT measurement. More studies are needed to determine a gold standard for LT detection in professional soccer players.

Eccentric resistance training that focuses on the lengthening phase of muscle actions has gained attention for its potential to enhance muscle strength, power, and performance (among others). This review presents a methodological proposal for classifying eccentric exercises based on complexity, objectives, methods, and intensity. We discuss the rationale and physiological implications of eccentric training, considering its benefits and risks. The proposed classification system considers exercise complexity and categorizing exercises by technical requirements and joint involvement, accommodating various skill levels. Additionally, training objectives are addressed, including (i) Sports Rehabilitation and Return To Sport, (ii) Muscle Development, (iii) Injury Prevention, (iv) Special Populations, and (v) Sporting Performance, proposing exercise selection with desired outcomes. The review also highlights various eccentric training methods, such as tempo, isoinertial, plyometrics, and moderate eccentric load, each with different benefits. The classification system also integrates intensity levels, allowing for progressive overload and individualized adjustments. This methodological proposal provides a framework for organizing eccentric resistance training programs, facilitating exercise selection, program design, and progression. Furthermore, it assists trainers, coaches, and professionals in optimizing eccentric training’s benefits, promoting advancements in research and practical application. In conclusion, this methodological proposal offers a systematic approach for classifying eccentric exercises based on complexity, objectives, methods, and intensity. It enhances exercise selection, program design, and progression in eccentric resistance training according to training objectives and desired outcomes.

Background: to validate the traditional talk test (TTT) and an alternative talk test (ATT; using a visual analog scale) in overweight/obese (OW-OB) patients and to establish its accuracy in determining the aerobic training zones.Methods: We recruited 19 subjects aged 34.9 ± 6.7 years, diagnosed with overweight/obesity (BMI 31.8 ± 5.7). Every subject underwent incremental cycloergometric tests for maximal oxygen consumption, and TT in a randomized order. At the end of each stage during the TT each subject read out loud a 40 words text and then had to identify the comfort to talk in two modalities: TTT which consisted in answering “Yes”, “I don’t know” or “No” to the question Was talking comfortable?, or ATT through a 1 to 10 numeric perception scale (visual scale analog: VAS). The magnitude of differences was interpreted in comparison to the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) and was used to determine agreement.Results: Agreement between the power output at the VAS 2-3 of ATT and the power output at the ventilatory threshold 1 (very likely equivalent; mean difference -1.3 W, 90 % CL (-8.2; 5.6), % chances for higher/similar/lower values of 0.7/99.1/0.2 %). Also, there was an agreement between the power output at the VAS 6-7 of ATT and the power output at the ventilatory threshold 2 (very likely equivalent; mean difference 11.1 W, 90 % CL (2.8; 19.2), % chances for higher/similar/lower values of 0.0/97.6/2.4 %). Conclusions: ATT is a tool to determine exercise intensity and to establish aerobic training zones for exercise prescription in OW-OB patients.

Background: to validate the traditional talk test (TTT) and an alternative talk test (ATT; using a visual analog scale) in overweight/obese (OW-OB) patients and to establish its accuracy in determining the aerobic training zones.Methods: We recruited 19 subjects aged 34.9 ± 6.7 years, diagnosed with overweight/obesity (BMI 31.8 ± 5.7). Every subject underwent incremental cycloergometric tests for maximal oxygen consumption, and TTT in a randomized order. At the end of each stage during the TTT each subject read out loud a 40 words text and then had to identify the comfort to talk in two modalities: TTT which consisted in answering “Yes”, “I don’t know” or “No” to the question Was talking comfortable?, or ATT through a 1 to 10 numeric perception scale (visual scale analog: VAS). The magnitude of differences was interpreted in comparison to the smallest worthwhile change and was used to determine agreement.Results: Agreement between the power output at the VAS 2-3 of ATT and the power output at the ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) (very likely equivalent; mean difference -1.3 Watts (W), 90 % confidence limit (CL) (-8.2; 5.6), % chances for higher/similar/lower values of 0.7/99.1/0.2 %). Also, there was an agreement between the power output at the VAS 6-7 of ATT and the power output at the ventilatory threshold 2 (VT2) (very likely equivalent; mean difference 11.1 W, 90 % CL (2.8; 19.2), % chances for higher/similar/lower values of 0.0/97.6/2.4 %). Conclusions: ATT is a tool to determine exercise intensity and to establish aerobic training zones for exercise prescription in OW-OB patients.