0000000000115013
AUTHOR
Jean-rené Lacour
A systems model of training responses and its relationship to hormonal responses in elite weight-lifters
A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness levels was applied to a 1-year training period of six elite weight-lifters. The model parameters were individually determined by fitting the predicted performance (calculated as the difference between fitness and fatigue) to the actual one. The purpose of this study was to validate the systems model by comparing the estimated levels of fatigue and fitness with biological parameters external to the model calculation. The predicted and the actual performances were significantly correlated in each subject. The calculated fitness and fatigue levels were related to serum testosterone concentration, testosterone: cortisol and testost…
Mechanical step variability during treadmill running.
The present study was designed to study intra-individual step variability measured both on vertical displacement of the body (delta Z) and on step time (delta t) parameters by means of a kinematic arm and during treadmill running. A group of 17 subjects ran successively at 60%, 80%, 100% and 140% of their maximal aerobic velocity (Vamax). The total number of steps analysed was 6116. The absolute delta Z step variability (sigma delta Z) ranged between 5 mm and 21 mm while the absolute delta t variability (sigma delta t) ranged between 6 ms and 40 ms. Step variabilities were due to step asymmetry (from 38.5% to 48.5% of the step variability) and to stride variability. For submaximal velocitie…
Optic fibre as a transducer of tendomuscular forces
Direct in vivo tendon force measurements open up new possibilities for understanding of muscle-tendon loads during natural locomotion. The present report presents a new optic fibre method for such applications. The method is based on light intensity modulation by mechanical modification of the geometric properties of the optic fibre. A special optic fibre with a plastic covering buffer and with a total diameter of either 265 microns or 500 microns was carefully prepared at both ends for receiving and transmitting light. The fibre was inserted through the rabbit common calcaneal tendon with a 20 gauge needle. By removing the needle the optic fibre remained in situ. Static loading demonstrate…
Hormonal adaptations and modelled responses in elite weightlifters during 6 weeks of training.
The concentrations of serum testosterone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were examined throughout 1-year of training in six elite weightlifters. A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness, was applied to records of training volume and performance levels in clean and jerk. The analysis focused on a 6-week training period during which blood samples were taken at 2-week intervals. A 4-week period of intensive training (period I) could be distinguished from the following 2-week period of reduced training (period II). During period I, decreases in serum testosterone (P less than 0.05) and increases in serum LH concentrations (P less than 0.0…