Abstract In cycling, drag is the force that opposes the cyclist’s motion and is caused by the cyclist’s and their equipment’s interaction with the air. The surface area of the cyclist and their equipment, such as the bike, helmet, and body postures, substantially impact how much drag they encounter. This study compared the energy cost (Ec) of an able-bodied and shoulder amputee cyclist through numerical simulations using computer fluid dynamics (CFD). According to the hypothesis, an able-bodied cyclist may use more energy at a given speed than an able-bodied cyclist. For this study, a professional male cyclist who weighs 65 kg and is 1.72 m tall took part. The estimated Ec was lower for a shoulder amputee in comparison to an able-bodied cyclist. Significant statistical differences and relationships were found between the cyclists for the 11 selected speeds. Altogether, this study allows us to conclude that, for the same conditions, an able-bodied cyclist delivers less Ec in comparison to a shoulder amputee. Such knowledge contributes to understanding cycling performance and may inform training, equipment design, and energy optimisation strategies for diverse cyclist populations.

Abstract Drag crisis has been described as a drop in the drag coefficient (Cd). This procedure was lately assessed in able-bodied cyclists in time trial position by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the phenomenon of the drag crisis by computer fluid dynamics in transradial and transtibial amputee cyclists in the upright position. A male elite-level cyclist was recruited for this research. The subject was scanned (3D geometry with a 3D Scan) with his competition bicycle, helmet, suit, and shoes. Consequently, transradial and transtibial 3D models were created editing the able-bodied 3D model. To perform the CFD analyses, a domain measuring 7 x 2.5 x 2.5 m (length, width and height, respectively) was created around each bicycle-cyclist model. The domains were meshed with more than 42 million elements. Numerical simulations by CFD were performed in fluent numerical for speeds between 1 m/s and 13 m/s, with increments of 1 m/s. The total Cd decreased with speed. It ranged from 0.84 to 0.55 in the able-bodied, 0.86 to 0.64 in the transradial and 0.90 to 0.61 in the transtibial. The drag crisis phenomenon was observed between 1m/s and 4m/s in all models.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyse and compare propulsive forces, relative force production and symmetry between genders during water fitness exercises. Eighteen participants (women, n= 9; age: 20.67± 0.87 years; body mass: 58.18± 4.97 kg; height: 159.19± 5.85 cm; and men, n= 9; age: 22.11± 1.76 years; body mass: 72.93± 7.00 kg; height: 170.83± 5.57 cm) underwent two incremental protocols performing horizontal adduction (HA) and the rocking horse (RHadd) exercises, from 105 to 150 bpm. Propulsive peak force of dominant (PFD) and non-dominant upper-limbs (PFND) was assessed by a differential pressure system. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to collect the dry-land isometric peak strength of the dominant upper-limb. Significant differences between genders were found for most of the music cadences in HA and RHadd. Men were able to produce higher propulsive force values for both upper-limbs during the overall incremental protocol, whereas women reached a higher relative force production. However, no significant differences were found between both genders at the same music cadence. Most actions were asymmetric in women, whereas men showed a symmetric pattern. The cadence of 135 bpm elicits a symmetric motion in both genders while exercising water fitness exercises.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the elderly's functional fitness and body composition effects between pre and post multicomponent training program with six months of intervention. The sample of this study was composed of 34 volunteered elders with 68 (± 7.55) years old. The body composition was evaluated by a Tanita BC-545, and a functional fitness test assessed the elderly's functional fitness. The body composition did not present significant changes between the pre- and post-exercise program intervention. The training program increased the upper limbs’ strength levels and upper body flexibility, and aerobic endurance. Different associations between body composition and functional fitness variables were found between pre and post multicomponent training program. In this study, body composition seems not to be affected. However, functional fitness in upper limbs strength, upper body flexibility, and aerobic endurance improved under six months of multicomponent training.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the VO2max using a previously validated indirect test for non-expert adult swimmers and to verify its connection with the 400 meters freestyle test. A total of 17 non-expert male swimmers (21.5 ± 3.12 years) were evaluated. Body composition measurements included body weight (74 ± 9.41 kg), height (172.9 ± 5.21 cm) and body fat percentage (15.2 ± 4.15 %). Two tests were conducted on different days; the 400 meters freestyle (400 MF) and the Progressive Swim Test (PSwT), respectively. The participant's heart rate frequency before and after the test (BHR and AHR) was analyzed, as well as the subjective perception of effort (RPE), the number of laps covered (NLP), and the time of test execution measured in minutes. Significant differences were identified in all variables (p < 0.05) with the exception of BHR. An inverse correlation (r > - 0.60) was found between AHR and execution time (r > - 0.70), as well as between the VO2max estimated by the PSwT and the 400 MF performance test (r > - 0.70). The Bland-Altman Plot showed that the values discovered were within the established concordance limits of 95% (±1.96 SD). A negative correlation between a swimming test and a test that estimates the VO2max occurred, and the PSwT showed results of greater approximation of the aerobic power of non-expert swimmers. In conclusion, the PSwT is applicable for non-expert adult swimmers.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: Investigar se a inclusão do equivalente energético de lactato sanguíneo (LS) em intensidades submáximas alteraria o gasto energético de corrida (Gc) estimado para corrida supramáxima de alta intensidade assim como sua precisão MÉTODOS: O Gc foi determinado a partir da curva de regressão de velocidade do VO2. Para cada sujeito, uma regressão alternativa foi estabelecida em que energia equivalente a 3 ml de O2 kg-1∙mM-1 de LS foi adicionada ao VO2. Testes t pareados, correlações pareadas e plotagem de Bland-Altman foram utilizados para investigar se os dois métodos representam os mesmos fenômenos. RESULTADOS: Os principais achados foram que o Gc previsto para intensidades supramáximas incluídos entre 110 e 160% ao correspondente ao pico de VO2 dos indivíduos aumentou significativamente quando as medidas de LS foram incluídas nas regressões. A inclusão das medidas de LS também aumentaram a imprecisão do Gc a 110, 120, 130, 150 e 160%. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados indicam que a inclusão do equivalente do lactato de O2 na regressão de intensidade de VO2-exercício aumenta o gasto energético e diminui sua precisão.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Investigate whether the inclusion of the blood lactate (BL) energy equivalent at submaximal intensities would change the energy cost of running (CR) predicted to supramaximal high-intensity running as well as its precision. METHODS: The CR was determined from the slope of the VO2-speed regression. For each subject an alternative regression was established where an energy equivalent of 3 ml O2 kg-1∙mM-1 BL was added to the VO2. Paired t-tests, pairwise correlations and Bland-Altman plots were used to investigate whether the two methods represent the same phenomena. RESULTS: The main findings were that CR predicted to supramaximal intensities comprised between 110% and 160% of that corresponding to the individuals' peak VO2, increased significantly when the BL measurements were included in the regressions. The inclusion of BL measurements also increased the imprecision of the CR at 110%, 120%, 130%, 150% and 160%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that inclusion of lactate O2 equivalent in the VO2-exercise intensity regression increases the energy cost of running and lowers its precision.

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Investigar si la inclusión del equivalente energético de lactato sanguíneo (LS), en intensidades submáximas, modificaría el gasto energético de la carrera (Gc), estimado para carrera supramáxima de alta intensidad, así como su precisión. MÉTODOS: El Gc fue determinado a partir de la curva de regresión de velocidad del VO2. Para cada individuo, se estableció una regresión alternativa en la cual energía equivalente a 3 ml de O2 kg-1∙mM-1 de LS fue adicionada al VO2. Pruebas t por pares, correlaciones por pares y plotaje de Bland-Altman fueron utilizados para investigar si los dos métodos representan los mismos fenómenos. RESULTADOS: Los hallazgos principales fueron que el Gc previsto para intensidades supramáximas, incluidos 110% y 160% de lo que corresponde al pico de VO2 de los individuos, aumentó significativamente cuando las medidas de LS fueron incluidas en las regresiones. La inclusión de las medidas de LS también aumentó la imprecisión del Gc a 110%, 120%, 130%, 150% y 160%. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestros resultados indican que la inclusión del equivalente del lactato de O2, en la regresión de intensidad de VO2-ejercicio, aumenta el gasto energético y disminuye su precisión.

O objectivo do estudo foi desenvolver e validar equações preditivas da área de secção transversa do tronco humano, Os modelos foram desenvolvidos para o sexo masculino e de acordo com o nível competitivo, A amostra foi composta por 152 sujeitos, todos praticantes de Natação Pura desportiva, com idades entre os 10 e os 32 anos de idade, Para o desenvolvimento dos modelos foi utilizado um grupo de sujeitos para estimar a equação e um outro para validar. Foram avaliadas as seguintes características antropométricas: (i) massa corporal; (ii) estatura; (iii) diâmetro bi-acromial; (iv) diâmetro tóraco-sagital; (v) perímetro peitoral e (vi) área de secção transversal do tronco. Os modelos preditivos foram desenvolvidos através de análise de regressão linear múltipla passo-a-passo e num dos casos, com recurso ao nível competitivo enquanto variável dummy. Todos os modelos desenvolvidos incluíram como variáveis independentes o diâmetro tóraco-sagital e o perímetro peitoral (0,32 ≤ R² ≤ 0,48; P < 0,01). No processo de validação entre as áreas de secção transversal do tronco medida e estimada, não se verificaram diferenças significativas entre valores médios (P > 0,05), as regressões lineares simples foram moderadas (0,23 ≤ R² ≤ 0,39; 0,01 ≤ P ≤ 0,001) e o critério de Bland Altman foi em todos os casos cumprido. Pode concluir-se que os modelos desenvolvidos para nadadores masculinos, e de acordo com o nível competitivo, predizem com validade a área de secção transversa do tronco de nadadores.

The objective of this study was to develop and validate predictive equations of the cross-sectional area of the human trunk. The models were developed for males according to their level of expertise. The sample comprised 152 male subjects, all of them with a background in competitive or recreational swimming. Their ages ranged between 10 and 32 years. Two different groups of subjects were used to estimate and validate the equation. The following anthropometric characteristics were assessed: (i) body weight, (ii) height, (iii) biacromial diameter, (iv) sagittal thoracic diameter, (v) chest circumference, and (vi) cross-sectional area of the trunk. Predictive models were developed using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. One of the models used level of expertise as a dummy variable. All models included sagittal thoracic diameter and chest circumference as independent variables (0.32 ≤ R² ≤ 0.48; P < 0.01). The validation process of the measured and estimated cross-sectional area of the trunk did not reveal any significant differences between the mean values (P > 0.05). The simple linear regressions were moderate (0.23 ≤ R² ≤ 0.55; 0.01 ≤ P ≤ 0.001), and the Bland-Altman criterion was met in all cases. Therefore, our findings suggest that the models developed for male swimmers according to their level of expertise are able to provide a valid prediction of the cross-sectional area of the trunk.