Diego Chaverri | INEFC, University of Barcelona (original) (raw)

Papers by Diego Chaverri

Research paper thumbnail of Performance in long distance triathlon events in continental Ironman races

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Rendimiento en triatlón de media distancia en pruebas continentales ironman 70.3

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and Body Mass Changes in an Ultra-Endurance Triathlon Event

PubMed, Dec 1, 2018

This study aimed to provide the first description of the whole-body bioimpedance vector of nine n... more This study aimed to provide the first description of the whole-body bioimpedance vector of nine non-professional triathletes, and to assess body mass (BM) and vector variations evoked by an ultra-endurance triathlon event. Anthropometric and bioelectrical assessments were performed before (PRE), after (POST), and 48 hours following the race (POST48h). Bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) showed triathletes' vectors placed to the left of the major axis and mostly outside the 50% tolerance ellipse of the reference population. Vector migration in POST indicated dehydration, paralleled by a decrease in BM (p = 0.0001). Increased hydration status from POST to POST48h was suggested by a reversed vector migration and increased BM (p = 0.0001). Compared to PRE, POST48h values reflected fluid retention by changes in BIVA, while BM was still lower (p = 0.0001). Racing time was positively related to basal resistance -R/h- (r = 0.68; p = 0.04) and bioimpedance -Z/h- (r = 0.68; p = 0.045). Besides, basal R/h and Z/h were positively related to PRE-to-POST changes of R/h and Z/h (r = 0.80; p = 0.009). PRE-to-POST changes of R/h and Z/h were positively related to racing time (r = 0.80, p = 0.01) and internal workload (r = 0.80, p ≤ 0.02). Notwithstanding the lack of significant correlation between BM and bioelectrical parameters, the vector's behavior was explained from a multifactorial perspective (including BM variations) by using multiple regression analysis. On the other hand, BM changes were not related to racing time, internal workload or energy deficit (ranges: r = - 0.46 to 0.65; p = 0.06 to 0.98). In conclusion, these triathletes exhibit a specific bioelectrical distribution. Furthermore, vector migration was consistent with fluid loss induced by the event. Finally, vector analysis seems to provide additional information about hydration changes 48h after the event in comparison with BM alone.

Research paper thumbnail of Estimating peak oxygen uptake based on postexercise measurements in swimming

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Jun 1, 2016

To assess the validity of postexercise measurements in estimating peak oxygen uptake (V'O 2peak) ... more To assess the validity of postexercise measurements in estimating peak oxygen uptake (V'O 2peak) in swimming, we compared V'O 2 measurements during supramaximal exercise with various commonly adopted methods, including a recently developed heart rate-V'O 2 modelling procedure. 31 elite swimmers performed a 200-m maximal swim where V'O 2 was measured breath-by-breath using a portable gas analyser connected to a respiratory snorkel, 1 min before, during, and 3 min postexercise. V'O 2peak (-20-0) was the average of the last 20 s of effort. The following postexercise measures were compared: 1) first 20-s average [V'O 2peak (0-20)]; 2) linear backward extrapolation (BE) of the first 20 s [BE(20)], 30 s, and 3x20-, 4x20-and 3-or 4x20-s averages; 3) semilogarithmic BE at 20 s [LOG(20)] and at the other same time intervals as in linear BE; and 4) predicted V'O 2peak using mathematical modelling [pV'O 2 (0-20)]. RM-ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni tests compared V'O 2peak (criterion) and each estimated value. Pearson's coefficient of determination (r 2) was used to assess correlation. Exercise V'O 2peak (-20-0) (mean±SD 3531±738 ml•min-1) was not different (p>0.30) from pV'O 2 (0-20) (3571±735 ml•min-1), BE(20) (3617±708 ml•min-1), or LOG(20) (3627±746 ml•min-1). pV'O 2 (0-20) was very strongly correlated with exercise V'O 2peak (r 2 =0.962; p<0.001), and showed a low standard error of the estimate (146 ml•min-1 , 4.1%) and the lowest mean difference (40 ml•min-1 ; 1.1%). We confirm that the new modelling procedure based on postexercise V'O 2 and HR measurements is a valid and accurate procedure for estimating V'O 2peak in swimmers and avoids the estimation bias produced by other methods.

Research paper thumbnail of Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) for measuring the hydration status in young elite synchronized swimmers

PLOS ONE, Jun 7, 2017

The assessment of body hydration is a complex process, and no measurement is valid for all situat... more The assessment of body hydration is a complex process, and no measurement is valid for all situations. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) has emerged as a relatively novel technique for assessing hydration status in sports. We applied BIVA a) to determine hydration changes evoked by an intense synchronized swimming (SS) training session; b) to characterize the sample of young elite swimmers in relation with a nonathletic reference population; and c) to generate its 50%, 75% and 95% percentiles of the bioelectrical variables.

Research paper thumbnail of Validity of Postexercise Measurements to Estimate Peak VO2 in 200-m and 400-m Maximal Swims

International Journal of Sports Medicine, May 8, 2017

To assess the validity of postexercise measurements to estimate oxygen uptake (V˙O2) during swimm... more To assess the validity of postexercise measurements to estimate oxygen uptake (V˙O2) during swimming, we compared V˙O2 measured directly during an all-out 200-m swim with measurements estimated during 200-m and 400-m maximal tests using several methods, including a recent heart rate (HR)/V˙O2 modelling procedure. 25 elite swimmers performed a 200-m maximal swim where V˙O2 was measured using a swimming snorkel connected to a gas analyzer. The criterion variable was V˙O2 in the last 20 s of effort, which was compared with the following V˙O2peak estimates: 1) first 20-s average; 2) linear backward extrapolation (BE) of the first 20 and 30 s, 3×20-s, 4×20-s, and 3×20-s or 4×20-s averages; 3) semilogarithmic BE at the same intervals; and 4) predicted V˙O2peak using mathematical modelling of 0-20 s and 5-20 s during recovery. In 2 series of experiments, both of the HR/V˙O2 modelled values most accurately predicted the V˙O2peak (mean ∆=0.1-1.6%). The BE methods overestimated the criterion values by 4-14%, and the single 20-s measurement technique yielded an underestimation of 3.4%. Our results confirm that the HR/V˙O2 modelling technique, used over a maximal 200-m or 400-m swim, is a valid and accurate procedure for assessing cardiorespiratory and metabolic fitness in competitive swimmers.

Research paper thumbnail of A New Model for Estimating Peak Oxygen Uptake Based on Postexercise Measurements in Swimming

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, May 1, 2016

Assessing cardiopulmonary function during swimming is a complex and cumbersome procedure. Backwar... more Assessing cardiopulmonary function during swimming is a complex and cumbersome procedure. Backward extrapolation is often used to predict peak oxygen uptake (V O 2peak) during unimpeded swimming, but error can derive from a delay at the onset of V O 2 recovery. The authors assessed the validity of a mathematical model based on heart rate (HR) and postexercise V O 2 kinetics for the estimation of V O 2peak during exercise. Methods: 34 elite swimmers performed a maximal front-crawl 200-m swim. V O 2 was measured breath by breath and HR from beat-to-beat intervals. Data were time-aligned and 1-s-interpolated. Exercise V O 2peak was the average of the last 20 s of exercise. Postexercise V O 2 was the first 20-s average during the immediate recovery. Predicted V O 2 values (pV O 2) were computed using the equation: pV O 2 (t) = V O 2 (t) HR end-exercise /HR(t). Average values were calculated for different time intervals and compared with measured exercise V O 2peak. Results: Postexercise V O 2 (0-20 s) underestimated V O 2peak by 3.3% (95% CI = 9.8% underestimation to 3.2% overestimation, mean difference =-116 mL/min, SE E = 4.2%, P = .001). The best V O 2peak estimates were offered by pV O 2peak from 0 to 20 s (r 2 = .96, mean difference = 17 mL/ min, SE E = 3.8%). Conclusions: The high correlation (r 2 = .86-.96) and agreement between exercise and predicted V O 2 support the validity of the model, which provides accurate V O 2peak estimations after a single maximal swim while avoiding the error of backward extrapolation and allowing the subject to swim completely unimpeded.

Research paper thumbnail of Altitude training and performance in elite swimmers: results from an international collaborative study (the altitude project)

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological demands and motion analysis of elite foil fencing

PLOS ONE

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological demands and motion analysis of a simulat... more The aim of this study was to determine the physiological demands and motion analysis of a simulated fencing competition. Eighteen fencers each completed 5 ‘poule’ (5 touches) and ‘direct elimination (DE)’ (15 touches) fights. Expired gases were measured during 1 poule and DE fight. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and movement data were recorded throughout all fights. Motion analysis was undertaken using the software LINCE PLUS. Differences between poule and DE fights were determined by either a paired t-test or a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. HR and RPE were significantly greater during DE compared to poule (170 ±10 vs 163 ±13 beats·min-1; P<0.05). A greater distance was covered during a DE fight compared to a poule fight (459.9 ± 117.7 m vs 162.6 ± 74.2 m; P<0.05). The average values of V.O2max were 42.5 ±5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1 in men and 34.4 ±3.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 in women. Work-to-rest ratios reduced during the DE fights along with a lower average speed and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing walking with knee-ankle-foot orthoses and a knee-powered exoskeleton after spinal cord injury: a randomized, crossover clinical trial

Scientific Reports

Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for peop... more Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable exoskeletons are being considered as a promising alternative to conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for gait training and assisting functional mobility. However, comparisons between these two types of devices in terms of gait biomechanics and energetics have been limited. Through a randomized, crossover clinical trial, this study compared the use of a knee-powered lower limb exoskeleton (the ABLE Exoskeleton) against passive orthoses, which are the current standard of care for verticalization and gait ambulation outside the clinical setting in people with SCI. Ten patients with SCI completed a 10-session gait training program with each device followed by user satisfaction questionnaires. Walking with the ABLE Exoskeleton improved gait kinematics compared to the KAFOs, providing a more physiological gait pattern with less compensatory m...

Research paper thumbnail of Modelaje del rendimiento en pruebas nacionales de duatlón de corta distancia

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Incorporación del crossfit en el aula de educación física

espanolEl Crossfit es una disciplina deportiva innovadora y original cuya repercusion mediatica y... more espanolEl Crossfit es una disciplina deportiva innovadora y original cuya repercusion mediatica y social esta en plena expansion. Desarrollando las capacidades basicas y contribuyendo a la consecucion de los objetivos establecidos por la legislacion educativa para la Educacion Fisica, en este trabajo se presenta una Unidad Didactica de Crossfit orientada al alumnado de Secundaria y Bachiller. De esta manera, se pretende mostrar las razones por las cuales esta practica educativa puede ser considerada como buena practica y, por lo tanto, puede pasar a contemplarse como una opcion metodologica, conceptual y pedagogica valida para el aula de Educacion Fisica. EnglishCrossfit is an innovative and original sport discipline which media and social impact is currently in expanding process. Developing basic skills and achieving the established objectives of the educational legislation for Physical Education, this work presents a Didactic Unit of Crossfit for students for secondary and high sc...

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of patterns in bouts elite epee

Cuadernos de Psicologia del Deporte

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Oxidative stress in elite athletes training at moderate altitude and at sea level

European Journal of Sport Science, Mar 24, 2018

Using a controlled parallel group longitudinal trial design, we investigated the effects of diffe... more Using a controlled parallel group longitudinal trial design, we investigated the effects of different training interventions on the prooxidant/antioxidant status of elite athletes: living and training at moderate altitude for 3 (Hi-Hi3) and 4 weeks (Hi-Hi), and for 4 weeks too, living high and training high and low (Hi-HiLo) and living and training at sea level (Lo-Lo). From 61 swimmers, 54 completed the study. Nitrites, carbonyls, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were assessed in plasma. Enzymatic antioxidants glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRd), and non-enzymatic antioxidants total glutathione (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were analysed in the erythrocyte fraction. At the end of the intervention, nitrites levels were similar in all altitude groups but higher than in the Lo-Lo controls (P = .02). Hi-HiLo had greater GPx activity than Hi-Hi and Hi-Hi3 during most of the intervention (P ≤ .001). GRd activity was higher in Lo-Lo than in Hi-Hi at the end of the training camp (P ≤ .001). All groups showed increased levels of LPO, except Lo-Lo, and carbonyls at the end of the study (P ≤ .001). Training at altitude for 3 or 4 weeks drives oxidative stress leading to cellular damage mainly by worsening the antioxidant capacities. The GSSG/GSH ratio appears to be related to perceived exertion and fatigue. The stronger antioxidant defence showed by the Hi-HiLo group suggests an inverse relationship between redox alterations and performance. Further studies are required to investigate the role of oxidative stress in acclimatization, performance, and health.

Research paper thumbnail of A Six-Minute Walk Test: Oxygen Uptake and Distance Predicted

MHSalud: Revista en Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Salud

Background: Maximum oxygen consumption is an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. Aim: The pur... more Background: Maximum oxygen consumption is an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. Aim: The purpose was, first, to relate and compare the V̇O2max as the dependent variable with the estimated distance in the six-minute walk test (SMWT) as the independent variable in university students and, secondly, to relate the distance (dependent) with demographic and anthropometric variables (independents). Methodology: A correlational, descriptive, and quantitative study with a non-experimental design was conducted on 110 university students. In the study, basic anthropometry and vital signs were measured. A direct method of V̇O2max (Bruce test) on a treadmill was applied. Then, the distance covered in the SMWT was evaluated with two equations available in the scientific literature. Differences between men and women were measured in the tests, the correlation between the distances estimated with V̇O2max and anthropometric variables, and repeated ANOVA measurement tests between V̇O2max and est...

Research paper thumbnail of Precisión en la determinación de la potencia crítica y la w´ mediante un test de 2 o 3 esfuerzos máximos y su capacidad en la predicción del tiempo hasta la extenuación en ciclistas entrenados

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Walking with a Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis and a Knee Powered Lower Limb Exoskeleton in People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial

Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for peop... more Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable exoskeletons are being considered as a promising alternative to conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for gait training and assisting functional mobility. However, comparisons between these two types of devices in terms of gait biomechanics and energetics have been limited. Through a randomized, crossover clinical trial, this study compared the use of a knee powered lower limb exoskeleton (the ABLE Exoskeleton) against passive orthoses (KAFOs), which are the current standard of care for verticalization and gait ambulation outside the clinical setting in people with SCI. Ten patients with SCI completed a 10-session gait training program with each device followed by user satisfaction questionnaires. Walking with the ABLE Exoskeleton improved gait kinematics compared to the KAFOs, providing a more physiological gait pattern with less compen...

Research paper thumbnail of Rendimiento en triatlón de media distancia en pruebas continentales ironman 70.3

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Influencia del tipo de empuñadura en la eficacia de las acciones de esgrima en espada de elite

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Performance modelling of Olympic triathlon of the World Triathlon Series 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Performance in long distance triathlon events in continental Ironman races

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Rendimiento en triatlón de media distancia en pruebas continentales ironman 70.3

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and Body Mass Changes in an Ultra-Endurance Triathlon Event

PubMed, Dec 1, 2018

This study aimed to provide the first description of the whole-body bioimpedance vector of nine n... more This study aimed to provide the first description of the whole-body bioimpedance vector of nine non-professional triathletes, and to assess body mass (BM) and vector variations evoked by an ultra-endurance triathlon event. Anthropometric and bioelectrical assessments were performed before (PRE), after (POST), and 48 hours following the race (POST48h). Bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) showed triathletes' vectors placed to the left of the major axis and mostly outside the 50% tolerance ellipse of the reference population. Vector migration in POST indicated dehydration, paralleled by a decrease in BM (p = 0.0001). Increased hydration status from POST to POST48h was suggested by a reversed vector migration and increased BM (p = 0.0001). Compared to PRE, POST48h values reflected fluid retention by changes in BIVA, while BM was still lower (p = 0.0001). Racing time was positively related to basal resistance -R/h- (r = 0.68; p = 0.04) and bioimpedance -Z/h- (r = 0.68; p = 0.045). Besides, basal R/h and Z/h were positively related to PRE-to-POST changes of R/h and Z/h (r = 0.80; p = 0.009). PRE-to-POST changes of R/h and Z/h were positively related to racing time (r = 0.80, p = 0.01) and internal workload (r = 0.80, p ≤ 0.02). Notwithstanding the lack of significant correlation between BM and bioelectrical parameters, the vector's behavior was explained from a multifactorial perspective (including BM variations) by using multiple regression analysis. On the other hand, BM changes were not related to racing time, internal workload or energy deficit (ranges: r = - 0.46 to 0.65; p = 0.06 to 0.98). In conclusion, these triathletes exhibit a specific bioelectrical distribution. Furthermore, vector migration was consistent with fluid loss induced by the event. Finally, vector analysis seems to provide additional information about hydration changes 48h after the event in comparison with BM alone.

Research paper thumbnail of Estimating peak oxygen uptake based on postexercise measurements in swimming

Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, Jun 1, 2016

To assess the validity of postexercise measurements in estimating peak oxygen uptake (V'O 2peak) ... more To assess the validity of postexercise measurements in estimating peak oxygen uptake (V'O 2peak) in swimming, we compared V'O 2 measurements during supramaximal exercise with various commonly adopted methods, including a recently developed heart rate-V'O 2 modelling procedure. 31 elite swimmers performed a 200-m maximal swim where V'O 2 was measured breath-by-breath using a portable gas analyser connected to a respiratory snorkel, 1 min before, during, and 3 min postexercise. V'O 2peak (-20-0) was the average of the last 20 s of effort. The following postexercise measures were compared: 1) first 20-s average [V'O 2peak (0-20)]; 2) linear backward extrapolation (BE) of the first 20 s [BE(20)], 30 s, and 3x20-, 4x20-and 3-or 4x20-s averages; 3) semilogarithmic BE at 20 s [LOG(20)] and at the other same time intervals as in linear BE; and 4) predicted V'O 2peak using mathematical modelling [pV'O 2 (0-20)]. RM-ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni tests compared V'O 2peak (criterion) and each estimated value. Pearson's coefficient of determination (r 2) was used to assess correlation. Exercise V'O 2peak (-20-0) (mean±SD 3531±738 ml•min-1) was not different (p>0.30) from pV'O 2 (0-20) (3571±735 ml•min-1), BE(20) (3617±708 ml•min-1), or LOG(20) (3627±746 ml•min-1). pV'O 2 (0-20) was very strongly correlated with exercise V'O 2peak (r 2 =0.962; p<0.001), and showed a low standard error of the estimate (146 ml•min-1 , 4.1%) and the lowest mean difference (40 ml•min-1 ; 1.1%). We confirm that the new modelling procedure based on postexercise V'O 2 and HR measurements is a valid and accurate procedure for estimating V'O 2peak in swimmers and avoids the estimation bias produced by other methods.

Research paper thumbnail of Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) for measuring the hydration status in young elite synchronized swimmers

PLOS ONE, Jun 7, 2017

The assessment of body hydration is a complex process, and no measurement is valid for all situat... more The assessment of body hydration is a complex process, and no measurement is valid for all situations. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) has emerged as a relatively novel technique for assessing hydration status in sports. We applied BIVA a) to determine hydration changes evoked by an intense synchronized swimming (SS) training session; b) to characterize the sample of young elite swimmers in relation with a nonathletic reference population; and c) to generate its 50%, 75% and 95% percentiles of the bioelectrical variables.

Research paper thumbnail of Validity of Postexercise Measurements to Estimate Peak VO2 in 200-m and 400-m Maximal Swims

International Journal of Sports Medicine, May 8, 2017

To assess the validity of postexercise measurements to estimate oxygen uptake (V˙O2) during swimm... more To assess the validity of postexercise measurements to estimate oxygen uptake (V˙O2) during swimming, we compared V˙O2 measured directly during an all-out 200-m swim with measurements estimated during 200-m and 400-m maximal tests using several methods, including a recent heart rate (HR)/V˙O2 modelling procedure. 25 elite swimmers performed a 200-m maximal swim where V˙O2 was measured using a swimming snorkel connected to a gas analyzer. The criterion variable was V˙O2 in the last 20 s of effort, which was compared with the following V˙O2peak estimates: 1) first 20-s average; 2) linear backward extrapolation (BE) of the first 20 and 30 s, 3×20-s, 4×20-s, and 3×20-s or 4×20-s averages; 3) semilogarithmic BE at the same intervals; and 4) predicted V˙O2peak using mathematical modelling of 0-20 s and 5-20 s during recovery. In 2 series of experiments, both of the HR/V˙O2 modelled values most accurately predicted the V˙O2peak (mean ∆=0.1-1.6%). The BE methods overestimated the criterion values by 4-14%, and the single 20-s measurement technique yielded an underestimation of 3.4%. Our results confirm that the HR/V˙O2 modelling technique, used over a maximal 200-m or 400-m swim, is a valid and accurate procedure for assessing cardiorespiratory and metabolic fitness in competitive swimmers.

Research paper thumbnail of A New Model for Estimating Peak Oxygen Uptake Based on Postexercise Measurements in Swimming

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, May 1, 2016

Assessing cardiopulmonary function during swimming is a complex and cumbersome procedure. Backwar... more Assessing cardiopulmonary function during swimming is a complex and cumbersome procedure. Backward extrapolation is often used to predict peak oxygen uptake (V O 2peak) during unimpeded swimming, but error can derive from a delay at the onset of V O 2 recovery. The authors assessed the validity of a mathematical model based on heart rate (HR) and postexercise V O 2 kinetics for the estimation of V O 2peak during exercise. Methods: 34 elite swimmers performed a maximal front-crawl 200-m swim. V O 2 was measured breath by breath and HR from beat-to-beat intervals. Data were time-aligned and 1-s-interpolated. Exercise V O 2peak was the average of the last 20 s of exercise. Postexercise V O 2 was the first 20-s average during the immediate recovery. Predicted V O 2 values (pV O 2) were computed using the equation: pV O 2 (t) = V O 2 (t) HR end-exercise /HR(t). Average values were calculated for different time intervals and compared with measured exercise V O 2peak. Results: Postexercise V O 2 (0-20 s) underestimated V O 2peak by 3.3% (95% CI = 9.8% underestimation to 3.2% overestimation, mean difference =-116 mL/min, SE E = 4.2%, P = .001). The best V O 2peak estimates were offered by pV O 2peak from 0 to 20 s (r 2 = .96, mean difference = 17 mL/ min, SE E = 3.8%). Conclusions: The high correlation (r 2 = .86-.96) and agreement between exercise and predicted V O 2 support the validity of the model, which provides accurate V O 2peak estimations after a single maximal swim while avoiding the error of backward extrapolation and allowing the subject to swim completely unimpeded.

Research paper thumbnail of Altitude training and performance in elite swimmers: results from an international collaborative study (the altitude project)

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological demands and motion analysis of elite foil fencing

PLOS ONE

The aim of this study was to determine the physiological demands and motion analysis of a simulat... more The aim of this study was to determine the physiological demands and motion analysis of a simulated fencing competition. Eighteen fencers each completed 5 ‘poule’ (5 touches) and ‘direct elimination (DE)’ (15 touches) fights. Expired gases were measured during 1 poule and DE fight. Heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and movement data were recorded throughout all fights. Motion analysis was undertaken using the software LINCE PLUS. Differences between poule and DE fights were determined by either a paired t-test or a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. HR and RPE were significantly greater during DE compared to poule (170 ±10 vs 163 ±13 beats·min-1; P<0.05). A greater distance was covered during a DE fight compared to a poule fight (459.9 ± 117.7 m vs 162.6 ± 74.2 m; P<0.05). The average values of V.O2max were 42.5 ±5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1 in men and 34.4 ±3.2 ml·kg-1·min-1 in women. Work-to-rest ratios reduced during the DE fights along with a lower average speed and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Comparing walking with knee-ankle-foot orthoses and a knee-powered exoskeleton after spinal cord injury: a randomized, crossover clinical trial

Scientific Reports

Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for peop... more Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable exoskeletons are being considered as a promising alternative to conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for gait training and assisting functional mobility. However, comparisons between these two types of devices in terms of gait biomechanics and energetics have been limited. Through a randomized, crossover clinical trial, this study compared the use of a knee-powered lower limb exoskeleton (the ABLE Exoskeleton) against passive orthoses, which are the current standard of care for verticalization and gait ambulation outside the clinical setting in people with SCI. Ten patients with SCI completed a 10-session gait training program with each device followed by user satisfaction questionnaires. Walking with the ABLE Exoskeleton improved gait kinematics compared to the KAFOs, providing a more physiological gait pattern with less compensatory m...

Research paper thumbnail of Modelaje del rendimiento en pruebas nacionales de duatlón de corta distancia

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Incorporación del crossfit en el aula de educación física

espanolEl Crossfit es una disciplina deportiva innovadora y original cuya repercusion mediatica y... more espanolEl Crossfit es una disciplina deportiva innovadora y original cuya repercusion mediatica y social esta en plena expansion. Desarrollando las capacidades basicas y contribuyendo a la consecucion de los objetivos establecidos por la legislacion educativa para la Educacion Fisica, en este trabajo se presenta una Unidad Didactica de Crossfit orientada al alumnado de Secundaria y Bachiller. De esta manera, se pretende mostrar las razones por las cuales esta practica educativa puede ser considerada como buena practica y, por lo tanto, puede pasar a contemplarse como una opcion metodologica, conceptual y pedagogica valida para el aula de Educacion Fisica. EnglishCrossfit is an innovative and original sport discipline which media and social impact is currently in expanding process. Developing basic skills and achieving the established objectives of the educational legislation for Physical Education, this work presents a Didactic Unit of Crossfit for students for secondary and high sc...

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of patterns in bouts elite epee

Cuadernos de Psicologia del Deporte

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Oxidative stress in elite athletes training at moderate altitude and at sea level

European Journal of Sport Science, Mar 24, 2018

Using a controlled parallel group longitudinal trial design, we investigated the effects of diffe... more Using a controlled parallel group longitudinal trial design, we investigated the effects of different training interventions on the prooxidant/antioxidant status of elite athletes: living and training at moderate altitude for 3 (Hi-Hi3) and 4 weeks (Hi-Hi), and for 4 weeks too, living high and training high and low (Hi-HiLo) and living and training at sea level (Lo-Lo). From 61 swimmers, 54 completed the study. Nitrites, carbonyls, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were assessed in plasma. Enzymatic antioxidants glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRd), and non-enzymatic antioxidants total glutathione (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were analysed in the erythrocyte fraction. At the end of the intervention, nitrites levels were similar in all altitude groups but higher than in the Lo-Lo controls (P = .02). Hi-HiLo had greater GPx activity than Hi-Hi and Hi-Hi3 during most of the intervention (P ≤ .001). GRd activity was higher in Lo-Lo than in Hi-Hi at the end of the training camp (P ≤ .001). All groups showed increased levels of LPO, except Lo-Lo, and carbonyls at the end of the study (P ≤ .001). Training at altitude for 3 or 4 weeks drives oxidative stress leading to cellular damage mainly by worsening the antioxidant capacities. The GSSG/GSH ratio appears to be related to perceived exertion and fatigue. The stronger antioxidant defence showed by the Hi-HiLo group suggests an inverse relationship between redox alterations and performance. Further studies are required to investigate the role of oxidative stress in acclimatization, performance, and health.

Research paper thumbnail of A Six-Minute Walk Test: Oxygen Uptake and Distance Predicted

MHSalud: Revista en Ciencias del Movimiento Humano y Salud

Background: Maximum oxygen consumption is an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. Aim: The pur... more Background: Maximum oxygen consumption is an indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. Aim: The purpose was, first, to relate and compare the V̇O2max as the dependent variable with the estimated distance in the six-minute walk test (SMWT) as the independent variable in university students and, secondly, to relate the distance (dependent) with demographic and anthropometric variables (independents). Methodology: A correlational, descriptive, and quantitative study with a non-experimental design was conducted on 110 university students. In the study, basic anthropometry and vital signs were measured. A direct method of V̇O2max (Bruce test) on a treadmill was applied. Then, the distance covered in the SMWT was evaluated with two equations available in the scientific literature. Differences between men and women were measured in the tests, the correlation between the distances estimated with V̇O2max and anthropometric variables, and repeated ANOVA measurement tests between V̇O2max and est...

Research paper thumbnail of Precisión en la determinación de la potencia crítica y la w´ mediante un test de 2 o 3 esfuerzos máximos y su capacidad en la predicción del tiempo hasta la extenuación en ciclistas entrenados

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Walking with a Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis and a Knee Powered Lower Limb Exoskeleton in People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized, Crossover Clinical Trial

Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for peop... more Recovering the ability to stand and walk independently can have numerous health benefits for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable exoskeletons are being considered as a promising alternative to conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) for gait training and assisting functional mobility. However, comparisons between these two types of devices in terms of gait biomechanics and energetics have been limited. Through a randomized, crossover clinical trial, this study compared the use of a knee powered lower limb exoskeleton (the ABLE Exoskeleton) against passive orthoses (KAFOs), which are the current standard of care for verticalization and gait ambulation outside the clinical setting in people with SCI. Ten patients with SCI completed a 10-session gait training program with each device followed by user satisfaction questionnaires. Walking with the ABLE Exoskeleton improved gait kinematics compared to the KAFOs, providing a more physiological gait pattern with less compen...

Research paper thumbnail of Rendimiento en triatlón de media distancia en pruebas continentales ironman 70.3

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Influencia del tipo de empuñadura en la eficacia de las acciones de esgrima en espada de elite

Revista Internacional de Deportes Colectivos, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Performance modelling of Olympic triathlon of the World Triathlon Series 2015