This velocity was selected since it is often used in training, representing CHIR99021 the maximum aerobic velocity that swimmers can maintain without accumulation of fatigue (approximately 30 min) (Olbrecht, 2000; Fernandes et al., 2010). Previous studies conducted in order to observe whether the hip accurately represents the intracycle CM profile in front crawl have been carried out at much higher intensities (Maglischo et al., 1987; Psycharakis and Sanders, 2009). As results, higher IVV values were expected due to a significant increase in both propulsive and drag forces (Schnitzler et al., 2010). In fact, Barbosa et al. (2006) found a linear relationship between IVV and energy cost, and, therefore, with velocity, in the front crawl.

In the current study, a 2D kinematical recording was implemented since it requires less digitizing time and has fewer methodological problems. In fact, the 2D approach is conceptually easier to relate to, and can yield acceptable results (Bartlett, 2007), being proper to evaluate numerous samples and to implement in field studies, particularly in the swimming club. Conversely, the 3D analysis is a very time-consuming process that requires complex analytical methods, what makes it difficult for coaches to use on a day-to-day basis (Psycharakis and Sanders, 2009). CM and hip presented similar mean values for both forward velocity and displacement. Such a result was expected once the CM is located in the hip region (Costill et al., 1987; Maglischo et al., 1987; Figueiredo et al., 2009).

In fact, nonetheless the mean error concerning the hip and CM displacement towards a slight tendency for a hip underestimation, the approximately 0 velocity mean error values indicate that the hip seems not to under or overestimate the CM velocity values. This is in line with the literature, as Maglischo et al. (1987) concluded that forward velocity of the hip can be a useful tool for diagnosing problems within stroke cycles. However, the values of RMS error and percentage of error evidence the opposite behaviour: although being of low magnitude, the error is higher regarding forward velocity (7.54%) than the displacement (3.24%). It is accepted that the RMS error should be considered preferably to the mean error, since the hip frequently underestimates or overestimates the CM due to differences in swimmers�� technique (negative errors cancelled by the positive ones), and because RMS is considered a conservative estimate of accuracy (Allard et al.

, 1995). Furthermore, high and very high positive correlation coefficients were found between the hip and the CM regarding horizontal swimming velocity and displacement, Cilengitide as seen in front crawl (Costill et al., 1987; Maglischo et al., 1987, Figueiredo et al., 2009), backstroke (Maglischo et al., 1987), breaststroke (Costill et al., 1987; Maglischo et al., 1987), and butterfly (Maglischo et al., 1987; Barbosa et al.

, 2007). Kerksick et al. (2007) suggested that intensive resistance-training reduces the availability of essential amino acids, which selleck in turn, may decrease the rate of tissue repair and growth. Ingestion of whey protein via post training supplementation would subsequently generate a rapid increase in the plasma volume levels of amino acids, producing elevated protein synthesis, and little change in protein catabolism (Kerksick et al., 2006). Whey protein supplementation is purported to elicit a higher blood amino acid peak and prevent protein degradation (Kerksick et al., 2007). The amount of whey protein in our study (i.e. 60 g/d) was higher compared to other studies on multi-ingredient supplementation and resistance training (13 g serving (Chromiak et al., 2004); 7 g serving (Schmitz et al.

, 2010) or comparable (Burke et al., 2001)). In that study, Burke et al. (2001) found no effect on knee flexion peak torque, 1-RM for the bench press and squat exercises were unaffected. The amount of HMB in our study (3 g/d) was similar to the study by Panton et al. (2000). HMB is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine. It may enhance gains in strength associated with resistance training (Slater and Jenkins, 2000). HMB has been suggested to act as an anti-catabolic agent, minimizing protein degradation, and muscular cell damage as a result of high-intensity resistance-training, stimulating increased gains in strength. It was reported that short-term HMB supplementation during resistance training significantly enhanced upper body strength (Panton et al., 2000).

Not all research supports gains in muscular function with HMB supplementation (for a review see Wilson et al., 2008). During 4-weeks of HMB supplementation, in comparison to a placebo, no significant changes in strength, expressed as gains in total weight lifted in a maximal repetition test at a load equal to 70% of 1RM, for the BP, squat, and power clean exercises were reported (Kreider et al., 1997). It was concluded that HMB supplementation during training provides no ergogenic value to experienced resistance-trained athletes (Kreider et al., 1997). Although our groups had at least one year of experience with resistance training exercises, our group of participants could not be considered experienced resistance-trained athletes.

Besides creatine monohydrate, whey protein and HMB, Cyclone contains ingredients for which there is no strong evidence to be beneficial for enhancement of strength and/or endurance adaptations by resistance training. Glutamine has been suggested Dacomitinib to enhance protein synthesis and minimise catabolic responses during heavy resistance-training, increasing muscular hypertrophy, and reducing exercise-induced immunosuppression (Kreider, 1999) but others reported no effect of glutamine supplementation in combination with a six-week resistance-training program (Candow et al., 2001).

Cronbach��s �� values for the seven Crizotinib structure produced factors ranged from .42 to .51 and test-retest reliability values from .41 to .51. Confirmatory factor analysis Confirmatory factor analysis, using a different sample (n3=288) of athletes, was conducted to confirm the previously obtained factorial structure. The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with a computer program Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS; Arbuckle, 1997). The primary index used for model fit was the ��root mean square error of approximation�� (RMSEA), which is a measure of the mean discrepancy between the observed covariances and those implied by the model per degree of freedom. Values less than 0.05 are indicators of a good fit. Certain researchers consider 0.08 as an acceptable cut-off value, but certainly an RMSEA value above 0.

1 indicates a poor model fit. Two additional incremental fit indices are reported: TLI and CFI. The TLI, (Tucker-Lewis coefficient), belongs to the family of indices that compare the discrepancy of the specified model in comparison to the baseline model (Bentler & Bonett, 1980; Bollen, 1989). The typical range for TLI lies between 0 and 1, but it is not limited to that range. TLI values close to 1 indicate a very good fit. A value of TLI=0.9 is considered a cut-off value, above which there is an indication of a good model fit. The same criteria apply for the CFI (comparative fit index). The confirmatory factor analysis for the overall model gave an RMSEA value of 0.049, with TLI=0.892 and CFI=0.911, providing acceptance for the structure of the inventory.

Following the analysis for the total model, separate confirmatory factor analyses were performed for each factor (Table 3). Table 3 shows the fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis for the model fit of each individual factor. The RMSEA values for the factors activation, automaticity, and self talk are above the value of 0.1. Table 3 Confirmatory factor analysis of the subscales of the TOPS-CS (group 3=288 athletes) Discussion The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Competition Scale of the TOPS in Greek athletic population. The TOPS-CS is designed to assess the psychological strategies used by athletes in competition, thus giving valuable information to coaches and practitioners about the psychological parameters underlying athletic performance.

In the present study, results differentiate a lot depending on the athletes�� age group. In the first study, Batimastat for athletes aged 16�C20 years, exploratory factor analysis produced an acceptable eight factor structure, a result also found in other studies (Jackson et al., 2000; Taylor et al., 2000). The eight factors hypothesized to underlie the items were: self-talk, emotional control, automaticity, goal-setting, imagery, relaxation, activation and negative thinking. In the exploratory factor analysis, all factors were obtained.

The sample was randomly divided selleckchem into two groups: the Stretching Group (n=15), which performed 6.5 minutes of stretching and the Control Group (n=15), which remained seated for the same period of time. Procedures The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards (Harriss and Atkinson, 2009). Moreover, the local Ethics Committee, in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, approved all procedures prior to the start of this investigation. All volunteers completed a medical screening questionnaire and provided written informed consent prior to participation. The Stretching Group performed a bout of stretching focusing on their dominant quadriceps muscle, which included ten passive stretches lasting 30 s each with a 10 s rest between stretches (Torres et al., 2007).

All passive stretching was observed by the same examiner, who limited the stretch until he felt reasonable resistance or the subject reported discomfort (Johansson et al., 1999). The subject was in a standing position with one knee resting on a chair. The dominant leg was kept relaxed; the examiner passively stretched the quadriceps, flexing maximally the subject��s knee and extending the hip to a neutral position. If maximal knee flexion did not produce the sensation of a stretch or resistance against the movement, hip extension would be added in order to increase the stretch. No intervention was made in the Control Group, which remained seated while the stretching program was conducted. The dependent variables included knee JPS, TTDPM, and the sense of force, which were recorded in random order before, immediately afterward, and one hour after the stretching program.

The protocol for the JPS assessment involved passive positioning and active repositioning (passive-active test) of the dominant leg (Zhou et al., 2008). JPS measurements were performed with an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., Shirley, NY, USA) (Callaghan et al., 2002). The Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer is a mechanically reliable instrument for the measurement of an angular position, isometric torque, and slow to moderately high velocities, with high intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC 2,K = 0.99 for each variable) (Drouin et al., 2004). Test instructions were given to the participants prior to their initiation and they were allowed to familiarise themselves with the Biodex System one day before the test.

The participants were seated in the dynamometer chair at 90 degrees of hip flexion with their eyes closed. They were given headphones and were fitted with an Carfilzomib air cushion above the leg, which was inflated to a pressure of 40 mmHg to minimize cutaneous sensory information (Callaghan et al., 2002). All participants had the ��hold�� button in one hand so that they could stop the dynamometer��s lever arm with their thumb when they thought it was at the target angle (Willems et al., 2002).