We examined the typical weekly training load experienced by elite junior soccer players during the in-season competitive period. Altogether, eight under-14 (U14), eight under-16 (U16) and eight under-18 (U18) players were monitored over a 2-week period during the first month of the 2010-11 competitive season. This time period included one competitive match per week. Physiological loading was monitored using heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Training and match loads were calculated by multiplying the global session RPE and duration (session-RPE). Total weekly training load (training and match) increased with age (U14, 2524 ± 128 arbitrary units [AU]; U16, 2919 ± 136 AU; U18, 3948 ± 222 AU; P < 0.05). Differences in the daily training load across the training week were also evident in the older age group relative to both U14 and U16. The amount of time engaged in low (<50% HRmax) and high (>90% HRmax) intensity activity during training and match-play was significantly lower and higher respectively in the U18 compared to the U14 group (P < 0.05). When comparing activity, the intensity (% HRmax) of field training (U18, 69 ± 2%; U16, 74 ± 1%; U14, 74 ± 2%) was significantly lower compared to match-play (U18, 81 ± 3%; U16, 84, ± 2%; U14, 83 ± 2) across all age groups (P < 0.05). Findings demonstrate that age related differences in the volume and intensity of weekly in-season training load are evident amongst elite professional junior soccer players. These differences may reflect a systematic approach to the long-term physical development of elite junior players.

Body composition is a key consideration in the physical make-up of professional soccer players. The aims of the present study were to determine whether the body composition of professional soccer players varied according to playing position, international status or ethnicity, and to establish which variables best distinguished the soccer players from a reference group. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 64 male professional soccer players. Measured variables included bone mineral density and the relative amounts of lean and fat mass. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and stepwise discriminant function. The soccer players recorded better values than a reference group (n = 24) for all body composition compartments. Percent lean mass and bone mineral density were the variables best able to identify the soccer players (95.5% correctly classified). Differences in body composition were evident between goalkeepers and outfield players, but not between outfield playing positions. No differences were found on the basis of international status. The non-Caucasian players demonstrated significantly lower percent body fat (9.2 +/- 2.0%) than the Caucasian players (10.7 +/- 1.8%). It was concluded that body composition is important for elite soccer players, but that homogeneity between players at top professional clubs results in little variation between individuals.

The use of generic equations for estimating percent body fat from skinfold thicknesses can be criticised when applied to specific sports. The present aims were to compare existing methods of using skinfold data and to derive an equation for predicting body fat values in professional soccer players. Forty-five professional soccer players (24.2 +/- 5.0 years; 82.0 +/- 8.5 kg; 1.82 +/- 0.07 m) participated. Skinfold thicknesses were assessed at eight sites for the application of existing prediction equations. Skinfold data were also utilised to determine a novel soccer-specific equation. All players had a reference estimate of percent fat by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The existing skinfold equations differed from the DXA-referenced values by varying degrees, the equation of Withers et al. (1987) demonstrating the lowest bias and highest relationship and agreement with DXA. Regression analysis resulted in an equation incorporating anterior thigh, abdominal, triceps and medial calf sites, accounting for 78.4% variance in DXA criterion values.

Synaptic function is affected in many brain diseases and disorders. Technologies for large-scale synapse assays can facilitate identification of drug leads. Here we report a “synapse microarray” technology that enables ultra-sensitive, high-throughput, and quantitative screening of synaptogenesis. Our platform enables the induction of synaptic structures in regular arrays by precise positioning of non-neuronal cells expressing synaptic proteins, while allowing neurites to grow freely around these cells. The technology increases by tenfold the sensitivity of the traditional assays, and simultaneously decreases the time required to capture synaptogenic events by an order of magnitude. It is readily incorporated into multiwell formats compatible with industrial high-throughput screening platforms. Using this technology, we screened a chemical library and identified novel histone deacetylase inhibitors that improve neuroligin-1 induced synaptogenesis via modulating class-I histone deacetylases. We also found a structure-activity relationship for designing novel potent histone deacetylase inhibitors, which can be applied towards development of new therapeutics.

Bony changes occur in the skeleton of the midcheek with advancing age for both males and females. The anterior maxillary wall retrudes in relation to the bony orbit, which maintains a fixed anteroposterior dimension at its midpoint. These changes should be considered in addressing the aging midface.