Open Access

Article

Article ID: 701

Sex and physical fitness status differences in heart rate variability and cardiorespiratory indices during long-term exposure to particulate air pollution

by Sara Pouriamehr, Valiollah Dabidi Roshan, Somayeh Namdar Tajari, Farimah Shirani

Insight - Sports Science, Vol.6, No.1, 2024; 21 Views

Purpose: The current study investigated the impact of gender (men vs. women) and cardiovascular fitness status (active vs. sedentary) on heart rate variability (HRV) [standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF)] following performing an exhaustive exercise in an air-polluted environment. In addition, we measured the impact of gender (men vs. women) and cardiovascular fitness status (active vs. sedentary) on the cardiorespiratory indices [e.g., the myocardial volume oxygen (MvO 2 ), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC)] at pre- and post-exercise status in an air-polluted environment. Method: 120 participants (46 ± 5 years) were classified into experimental and control categories and two subgroups; including physical fitness status (active vs. sedentary) and sexes (men vs. women). The heart rate variability and cardiorespiratory indices were measured at different times of performing the exhaustive exercise. Results: At rest condition, higher MvO 2 values were detected in the experimental groups in comparison to women in the control groups ( p < 0.001). Performing the exhaustive exercise in the polluted ambient caused lower RMSSD and higher MvO 2 indices in experimental groups ( p < 0.001). Exposure to air pollution could negatively alter cardio-autonomic and respiratory systems among sedentary and active women ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: In air-polluted ambient, the exhaustive exercise increases myocardial stress in both sexes, regardless of cardiovascular fitness status.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 638

Analysis of the internal and external loads, and technical actions of small-sided games in soccer

by Nuno André Nunes, Gavin Comber, Grégory Hallé Petiot, Mathew Coley

Insight - Sports Science, Vol.6, No.1, 2024; 213 Views

The priority in team sport training like soccer is the acquisition and refinement of individual and group skills as well as tactics to transform the group into an effective competitive unit. To achieve these objectives, it is common for coaches to reduce both the number of players and the field dimensions to manipulate exercise intensity, catering for the specific needs of their players. The use of small-sided games (SSGs) that feature less participant has proven a practical tool for coaches, for the development of technical, tactical, and physical abilities. The objective of this paper is to conduct a review of the literature on the topic of small-sided games to analyze specific parameters such as physiological, technical, and movement duration. The effectiveness of SSGs in enhancing aerobic and anaerobic capacities as well as technical skills is often highlighted although their main benefit might be to practice decision-making and problem-solving under pressure, replicating game-like situations. Examining the psychological aspects during small-sided games, such as confidence, motivation, enjoyment, and cognitive engagement, could also provide insights into optimizing training programs and enhancing player development. In summary, small-sided games offer diverse benefits for physical, technical, tactical development in players across different age groups and skill levels for both training and/or learning purposes. Future research should thus focus on investigating the long-term effects of small-sided games on players’ physical and technical development, as well as their transfer to actual match performance.

Open Access

Perspective

Article ID: 639

Postural myoadaptive disorders in short track athletes

by Yuri Olegovich Novikov, Anna Sergeevna Yasinskaya, Sofya Marsovna Musina

Insight - Sports Science, Vol.6, No.1, 2024; 24 Views

Our article is the first to conduct a study of short track athletes in the Russian Federation, which revealed the presence of postural muscle changes in the back. The study used a neuro-orthopedic examination, original instruments and a questionnaire method. Our article is the first step towards studying postural myodaptive disorders in short track athletes.