ECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP04
INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of advanced footwear technologies (AFTs) in 2016, all world records from 5km to the marathon have been broken (1). This is due to an improved running economy (RE) with AFTs (2). To this date, these improvements have been investigated only during short running bouts, while there are indications that performance effects may be greater over longer distances (3). The aim of this study was to compare RE during a 90min run in AFTs compared to lightweight trainers (non-AFTs) in elite distance runners. METHODS: Nine elite distance runners visited our laboratory on two separate sessions within 14 days. In each session, they performed a submaximal threshold assessment treadmill test, followed by a 90min run below the first lactate threshold. Blood lactate concentration (BLa) as well as ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed every 15min. Mean V̇O2 determined during the last 3min of each 15min period was expressed as RE. We used linear mixed effects models (with random intercepts for participants) to examine the effects of time, shoe condition, and their interaction on energetic and oxygen cost of transport (ECOT and OCOT). Post hoc pairwise comparisons of estimated marginal means were performed using Tukey’s correction. RESULTS: The nine participants (55.6% females, age: 32.4±8.4y, body mass index: 20.8±1.2kg/m2) had a highest achieved world athletics score of 929.9±83.8 points which corresponds to 10km times of 30:17 and 36:09min for males and females, respectively. ECOT and OCOT were lower in AFTs (ECOT: 2.8±0.7%, p<0.001, β=0.56 [0.41 to 0.71]; OCOT: 1.9±0.9%, p<0.001, β=0.40 [0.26 to 0.55]). ECOT and OCOT increased over time (ECOT: p<0.001, β=0.40 [0.30 to 0.51]; OCOT: p<0.001, β=0.33 [0.23 to 0.44]) from minute 15 to 90 (ECOT: 6.1±3.7%; OCOT: 5.3±3.7%) but these changes did not differ between shoes (time x shoe interaction: ECOT: p=0.809; OCOT: p=0.649). RPE was lower in AFTs up to 60min (p=0.007, β=0.40 [0.16 to 0.64]), while BLa did not differ between shoe conditions at any time point (p=0.908). CONCLUSION: Although the change of RE during the 90min run did not reveal statistical differences between shoe conditions, AFTs maintained their beneficial properties over time. The duration and intensity of the exercise may have been too small to reveal differences in RE deterioration between shoe conditions over time. Therefore, AFTs are probably a good choice for long distances, but future studies should investigate the effects of AFTs during more intense and even longer running. References 1. Muniz-Pardos et al., Sports Med, 2021 2. Burns et al., Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2024 3. Willwacher et al., Sports Med Open, 2024
Read CV Lars SchwalmECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP04
INTRODUCTION: Jump, a significant component in the assessment of explosive power, constitutes a fundamental element of sporting performance. The squat jump (SJ) is a prevalent evaluation method employed to ascertain lower extremity strength, explosive power and balance.In recent years, there has been a notable advancement in the integration of advanced technologies into exercise and rehabilitation processes.In this context, a study was conducted to analyze the effects of the Cyberdyne Lumbar HAL and TecnoBody D-Wall systems on jump performance. The Cyberdyne HAL system employs hybrid support technology to optimize muscle activation, while the TecnoBody D-Wall system utilizes digital analysis of movement in three dimensions. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of both systems on jump height, force production and acceleration parameters in healthy subjects. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers, aged between 20 and 40 years, participated in this study. The participants performed four different exercise protocols using the Cyberdyne HAL Lumbar device, and their jump performance was evaluated with the TecnoBody D-Wall. Total work (Joule), jump height (cm), maximum acceleration (m/s²) and peak force (Newton) were measured as part of the SJ tests. The exercise program consisted of 60-minute sessions performed three times a week for eight weeks, performed using the Cyberdyne HAL Lumbar devices Cybernetic Voluntary Control (CVC) mode. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 26.0; continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and categorical variables were presented as percentage (%). The normality of distribution was analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and a Paired t-test was used for intergroup comparisons. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was accepted. RESULTS: A total of 30 healthy individuals, 13 males (43.3%) and 17 females (56.7%), participated in this study. The mean age of the participants was 28.7 years (±4.79 years), height 169.83 cm (±8.76 cm), body weight 65.56 kg (±10.09 kg) and BMI (body mass index) 22.71 kg/m² (±2.97 kg/m²). The present study investigates the effects of the combined use of Cyberdyne HAL Lumbar and TecnoBody D-Wall systems on jumping performance in healthy individuals. According to the data obtained after the applied exercise protocol, a statistically significant increase was observed in Joule and cm values (p<0.05). However, no significant change was found in m/s² and Newton values (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the incorporation of Cyberdyne HAL Lumbar into an exercise program results in a favorable impact on lower extremity endurance and energy production. However, it does not yield a substantial enhancement in terms of maximum force production and acceleration. Consequently, further comprehensive studies are advised to ascertain the long-term implications of combined exercise protocols on neuromuscular adaptation and motor performance.
Read CV Görkem AçarECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP04
INTRODUCTION: Rugby union is an intermittent, high-intensity sport requiring players to perform various physical activities with distinct positional demands (1, 2). Previous research assessing match demands using whole-match (WM) GPS data may underestimate peak physical outputs (1, 2). This study aimed to compare match demands in Super Rugby Américas using ball-in-play (BiP) vs. WM data. METHODS: GPS data from 35 elite players of the 2023 Super Rugby Américas champion team was collected across 14 matches. Metrics analyzed included total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), accelerations (ACC), and high metabolic-load distance (HMLD). Data were reported in absolute terms and relative to playing time (per minute). Linear mixed models assessed differences between BiP and WM data, considering positional variations between forwards and backs. RESULTS: BiP phases exhibited significantly higher physical demands than WM periods. Absolute match demands were generally lower in BiP than in WM, except for HSR, which showed no significant difference. TD per minute was ~2.5 times greater in BiP (114.9 ± 7.7 m/min) than WM (45.5 ± 3.2 m/min; p < 0.001). Similar trends were observed for ACC per min (0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 0.2 ± 0.03, p < 0.001), HSR per min (15.4 ± 2.6 vs. 3.4 ± 0.4, p < 0.001), and HMLD per min (27.9 ± 3.7 vs. 6.6 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). Positional differences were evident, with backs covering greater TD (p < 0.001) and engaging in more HSR than forwards (p < 0.001) (1, 2). CONCLUSION: BiP analysis provides a more accurate representation of peak match demands than WM data, highlighting the need for training programs tailored to BiP-specific intensities (1, 2). Given the significantly higher relative demands observed in BiP, training should emphasize high-intensity efforts rather than relying solely on WM averages, which underestimate match intensity. These insights may contribute to more effective game strategies and physical conditioning programs. Additionally, positional differences reinforce the need for individualized training interventions to optimize performance. Future research should explore tactical variations influencing BiP demands, as well as how different styles of play impact the physical demands experienced during elite-level competition. References: 1. Pollard B et al. (2018). The ball in play demands of international rugby union. J Sci Med Sport, 21(10), 1090-1094. 2. Sheehan A et al. (2024). Ball in Play (BiP) Demands of Elite Rugby Union Match-Play in the United Rugby Championship. Sport Perform Sci Rep, 233, v1.
Read CV Lorenzo ConsonniECSS Paris 2023: CP-AP04