Barley, OR, Iredale, F, Chapman, DW, Hopper, A, and Abbiss, C. Repeat effort performance is reduced 24 hours after acute dehydration in mixed martial arts athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2555-2561, 2018-This study sought to determine the influence of acute dehydration on physical performance and physiology in mixed martial arts (MMA). Mixed martial arts athletes (n = 14; age: 23 ± 4 years) completed in a randomized counterbalanced order a dehydration protocol, (DHY: 3-hour cycling at 60 W in 40° C to induce 5% dehydration) or thermoneutral control (25° C: CONT) exercise, followed by ad libitum fluid/food intake. Performance testing (a repeat sled push test, medicine ball chest throw, and vertical jump) was completed 3 hours and 24 hours after the intervention, whereas urine and blood samples were collected before, 20 minutes, 3 hours, and 24 hours after the intervention. Body mass was reduced (4.8 ± 0.8%) after DHY (p < 0.001) and remained lower than CONT at 3 hours and 24 hours after DHY (p = 0.003 and p = 0.024, respectively). Compared with CONT, average sled push times were slower 3 hours and 24 hours after DHY (19 ± 15%; p = 0.001; g = 1.229 and 14 ± 15%; p = 0.012; g = 0.671, respectively). When compared with the CONT, handgrip was weaker 3 hours after DHY (53 ± 8 and 51 ± 8 kg; p = 0.044, g = 0.243, respectively) and medicine ball chest throw distances were shorter 24 hours after DHY (474 ± 52 and 449 ± 44 cm; p = 0.016, g = 0.253, respectively). No significant differences were observed in vertical jump (p = 0.467). Urine specific gravity was higher than CONT 20 minutes (p = 0.035) and 24 hours (p = 0.035) after DHY. Acute dehydration of 4.8% body mass results in reduced physical performance 3 and 24 hours after DHY. There is need for caution when athletes use dehydration for weight loss 24 hours before competition.
Measurement of punch performance in a reliable, quantitative manner is relevant to combat sport, military, and concussion research. A punching protocol (3MPT) was developed, based on performance demands of amateur boxing, and evaluated on a custom‐built punch integrator (PI). PI reliability and accuracy were assessed by calculating TE and CV for a range of known masses. A within‐subject, repeated‐measures design assessed the test‐retest reliability of 3MPT. Fifteen male boxers (17.5 ± 0.5 years; 177.5 ± 9.5 cm; 73.0 ± 14.0 kg) were familiarized and then completed two 3MPT trials 90 minutes apart on 2 days (total of four tests). Peak punch force (N), relative punch force (N/kg), impulse (N·s), and rate of force development calculated to various time points were compared using a linear mixed model. Smallest worthwhile change (SWC) was also computed. PI data were reliable and accurate (CV <0.1%). TE and SWC comparisons revealed that 3MPT can detect moderate and large changes in performance; however, within‐day reliability improved from day 1 (3.1%‐13.8%) to 2 (2.3%‐5.1%) indicating a possible learning effect. Likewise, differences between test one and two were greater on day 1 than 2. Numerous punch‐related variables can be accurately and reliably measured using the 3MPT but repeat‐trial familiarization is suggested to reduce between‐test variability.
Psyching-up refers to self-directed cognitive strategies used immediately prior to or during skill execution that are designed to enhance performance. This review focuses on research that has investigated the effect of psyching-up on force production; specifically, strength, muscular endurance and power. Although firm conclusions are not possible, the research tentatively suggests that psyching-up may enhance performance during dynamic tasks requiring strength and/or muscular endurance. However, more research is required. Power has received scant empirical attention and there are not enough data to support any conclusions. Preparatory arousal appears to be the most effective strategy although other strategies like imagery, self-talk and attentional focus also have empirical support. The range of tasks that have been used to measure force production have been limited to movements such as handgrip, leg extension, bench press, sit-ups, press-ups, pull-ups, and the standing broad jump. Additionally, most studies have used undergraduate and/or untrained samples. Only a very small number of studies have examined well-trained individuals. Currently, no explanation for why psyching-up may influence force production has any substantive support. Although a small number of studies have examined moderating and mediating variables, few consistent patterns have emerged and knowledge in this area is somewhat restricted. Given the importance that many athletes place on their mental preparation just prior to performance this is an area that warrants further examination. Research needs to examine a range of complex sport-specific tasks and use well-trained samples. Additionally, research needs to further examine why psyching-up may enhance force production.
Objectives Football Federation Australia (FFA) has identified that Australian athletes are proficient physically, however often lack the technical and tactical skills to excel internationally. The aim of the current study was to assess if a video-based decision-making test could discriminate different age-matched skill levels of talent in Australian soccer. Design Cross-sectional observational. Methods Sixty-two youth male soccer players completed a video-based decision-making test. Results An ANOVA test showed that the video-based test significantly discriminated between all three groups, with the national elite athletes selecting more correct responses than the state elite (65.3 ± 8.1%; 56.0 ± 9.1%, respectively). The state elite were more accurate than the sub-elite (45.9 ± 8.8%). Conclusions Results suggest that a video-based test may be a suitable tool to use in the selection of athletes as a measure of decision-making skill. The low accuracy scores, even for the national elite cohort, suggest that decision-making skill at the youth level has room for improvement and should be prioritised as an area for development.
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