The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of recovery mode (active/passive) on time spent at high percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) i.e. above 90% of VO2max (t90VO2max) and above 95% of VO2max (t95VO2max) during a single short intermittent session. Eight endurance-trained male adolescents (15.9 +/- 1.4 years) performed three field tests until exhaustion: a graded test to determine their VO2max (57.4 +/- 6.1 ml min(-1) kg(-1)), and maximal aerobic velocity (MAV; 17.9 +/- 0.4 km h(-1)), and in a random order, two intermittent exercises consisting of repeated 30 s runs at 105% of MAV alternated with 30 s passive (IE(P)) or active recovery (IE(A), 50% of MAV). Time to exhaustion (t(lim)) was significantly longer for IE(P) than for IE(A) (2145 +/- 829 vs. 1072 +/- 388 s, P < 0.01). No difference was found in t90VO2max and t95VO2max between IE(P) (548 +/- 499-316 +/- 360 s) and IE(A) (746 +/- 417-459 +/- 332 s). However, when expressed as a percentage of t(lim), t90VO2max and t95VO2max were significantly longer (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) during IE(A) (67.7 +/- 19%-42.1 +/- 27%) than during IE(P) (24.2 +/- 19%-13.8 +/- 15%). Our results demonstrated no influence of recovery mode on absolute t90VO2max or t95VO2max mean values despite significantly longer t(lim) values for IE(P) than for IE(A). In conclusion, passive recovery allows a longer running time (t(lim)) for a similar time spent at a high percentage of VO2max.

Previous studies on overarm throwing have described a proximal-to-distal segmental sequence. The proximal segments reached their maximal linear velocities before the distal ones. In handball, no study has demonstrated this sequence from the upper torso to the wrist, although a recent study did present a different organization. The aim of this study was to analyse the throwing arm segmental organization during handball throwing. We found that the maximal linear velocity of the shoulder occurred after the maximal linear velocity of the elbow. Moreover, the maximal angular velocity of the upper torso occurred later than that of the elbow. Hence, contrary to other disciplines, the rotation of the upper torso was not suddenly stopped just after the forward arm motion was initiated. These results may apply to handball in general or be specific to the population of handball players studied. It may be advisable in future studies to include international players.

Dubois, R, Lyons, M, Paillard, T, Maurelli, O, and Prioux, J. Influence of weekly workload on physical, biochemical and psychological characteristics in professional rugby union players over a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-This study aimed to (a) quantify the physical workload (P-WL) during training and games throughout the professional rugby season and (b) analyze the influence of the season period and weekly-WL, at short (acute) and moderate (chronic) terms, on physical, biochemical, and psychological responses during the season. Physiological (physical and biochemical) responses to P-WL were analyzed by examining changes in the individual Z score of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRT), submaximal aerobic tests (5'/5'-test), strength tests, countermovement jump tests, blood sampling, and "recovery-stress" scores (RESTq) in 14 professional players (26.9 ± 1.9 years). Changes throughout the season were analyzed using a linear mixed model to identify changes in P-WL, whereas repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze changes in physiological responses across the season. The relationship between P-WL and physiological responses was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). The results showed that the preseason period comprised the highest level of P-WL compared with all other blocks across the season (p < 0.001). The acute P-WL, acute competitive-WL, and number of impacts seemed to be the WL parameters, which most influenced the physiological responses (changes in testosterone [T], cortisol [C], T/C ratio, IGF-1/C ratio, strength, and RESTq index). The chronic P-WL, particularly conditioning-WL, induced positive changes in fitness characteristics (YYIRT and 5'/5'-test). Finally, this study provides information to players and coaches alike as to the influence of P-WL on as well as adaptations in physiological and psychological indices throughout a playing season. This information can greatly inform the training and preparation of future players in different levels.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare two recovery modes (active vs. passive) during a seven-week high-intensity interval training program (SWHITP) aimed to improve maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]), maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), time to exhaustion (t lim) and time spent at a high percentage of [Formula: see text], i.e., above 90 % (t90 [Formula: see text]) and 95 % (t95 [Formula: see text]) of [Formula: see text]. Twenty-four adults were randomly assigned to a control group that did not train (CG, n = 6) and two training groups: intermittent exercise (30 s exercise/30 s recovery) with active (IEA, n = 9) or passive recovery (IEP, n = 9). Before and after seven weeks with (IEA and IEP) or without (CG) high-intensity interval training (HIT) program, all subjects performed a maximal graded test to determine their [Formula: see text] and MAV. Subsequently only the subjects of IEA and IEP groups carried out an intermittent exercise test consisting of repeating as long as possible 30 s intensive runs at 105 % of MAV alternating with 30 s active recovery at 50 % of MAV (IEA) or 30 s passive recovery (IEP). Within IEA and IEP, mean t lim and MAV significantly increased between the onset and the end of the SWHITP and no significant difference was found in t90 VO2max and t95 VO2max. Furthermore, before and after the SWHITP, passive recovery allowed a longer t lim for a similar time spent at a high percentage of VO2max. Finally, within IEA, but not in IEP, mean VO2max increased significantly between the onset and the end of the SWHITP both in absolute (p < 0.01) and relative values (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed a significant increase in VO2max after a SWHITP with active recovery in spite of the fact that t lim was significantly longer (more than twice longer) with respect to passive recovery.

This effect could not be explained by a reduced energy expenditure or cardiorespiratory effort as a result of drafting. This raises the possibility that drafting may aid running performance by both physiological and nonphysiological (ie, psychological) effects.

The aim of this study was to compare tennis matches played on clay (CL) and resin (R) courts. Six matches were played (3 on CL courts and 3 on R courts) by 6 high-level players. Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously while running time (4.66 m), and blood lactate concentration ([La]) were measured every 4 games. Mean duration of points and effective playing time (EPT) were measured for each match. Mean HR (154 ± 12 vs. 141 ± 9 b · min(-1)) and [La] values (5.7 ± 1.8 vs. 3.6 ± 1.2 mmol · L(-1)) were significantly higher on CL (p < 0.05). The [La] increased significantly during the match on CL court. Mean duration of rallies (8.5 ± 0.2 vs. 5.9 ± 0.5 seconds) and EPT (26.2 ± 1.9 vs. 19.5 ± 2.0%) were significantly longer (p < 0.05) on CL. Running time values in speed tests were not significantly different between CL and R. Running time performance was not significantly decreased during the match, whatever the playing surface. This study shows that the court surface influences the characteristics of the match and the player's physiological responses. The court surface should be a key factor for consideration when coaches determine specific training programs for high-level tennis players.

Cholecystectomy at times results in impaired respiratory and diaphragmatic functions. The techniques currently used to study these repercussions are both laborious and invasive. Our sonographic technique is completely noninvasive and can be used to study diaphragm morphology and movement in real time.

The purpose of our study was to compare time to exhaustion ( t(lim)) and time spent at a high level of oxygen uptake (V(.)O(2)) during two high-intensity short intermittent exercises (30 s-30 s) realized with or without series. Eleven young endurance-trained athletes [16.6 (0.4) years] took part in three field tests until exhaustion: (1) a maximal graded test to measure their maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) and maximal oxygen uptake (V(.)O(2max)); (2) and (3) two randomized intermittent exercises (30 s at 110% of MAV alternated with 30 s at 50% of MAV): one alternating repetitions non-stop (IE) and another including 4 min recovery every six repetitions (IEs). The mean t(lim) measured during IEs was significantly longer than IE [respectively 960.0 (102.0) s vs 621.8 (56.2) s]. The time spent at V(.)O(2max)( t(V(.)O2max)) and the time spent above 90% of V(.)O(2max)( t(90%V(.)O2max)) did not differ significantly according to the type of exercise: with or without series [respectively t(V(.)O2max) was 158.2 (59.7) s vs 178.0 (56.5) s and t(90%O2max) was 290.4 (84.3) s vs 345.0 (61.6) s] but when expressed as a relative value, t(90%O2max) during IEs was significantly lower than during IE [respectively 36.4 (10.4)% t(lim) vs 58.3 (8.7)% t(lim)]. Despite a significant decrease ( P<0.005) of time to achieve 90% of V(.)O(2max) at the start of each series during IEs [respectively 165.0 (43.1) s for the first series and 82.5 (15.8) s for the second series ( n=6)] the time spent under 90% of V(.)O(2max) limited the t(90%V(.)O2max) during each series. In conclusion, our results showed that intermittent exercise with series does not permit an increase in the time spent at a high level of V(.)O(2); however, the athletes performed more repetitions of short intense exercise.