Abstract Aim: To evaluate the intensity of training and official badminton matches (international championship) in junior elite players. Methods: Twelve elite players from the Brazilian junior national team (6 male and 6 female) were monitored during 19 training sessions and 50 official men's and women's single and double matches in the XXVII Pan-American Junior Games. Subjects underwent an incremental running step test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and an individual relationship between heart rate (HR) and VO2max was established to estimate exercise intensity and oxygen uptake at official matches (OMs) and training sessions. HR was monitored during multi-shuttlecock (MS), technical-tactical (TT), and physical (PS) training methods, as well as during simulated matches (SMs) and OMs. Variables such as %HRmax, HR zones, %VO2max, and energy expenditure were also calculated. Results: OM was the most intense activity monitored for male and female athletes, followed by SM according to %HRmax (86.8 ± 4.1% and 84.4 ± 5.0% for female and male, respectively, in OM vs. 74.6 ± 2.3% and 75.0 ± 5.0% for female and male, respectively, in SM). OM mean energy expenditure was 10.7 ± 0.5 kcal.min-1 for females and 14.9 ± 4.6 kcal.min−1 for males. Conclusion: MS training has less physiological demand and OM presented higher intensity. SM, on the other hand, had the closest physiological demand to an OM.

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the external load of amateur male players during 4 consecutive training microcycles (M) at the beginning of the in-season according to the training session in absolute external load demands and in relation to the competition demands. Methods: Regional-level players (n = 10; age, 20.8 ± 1.7 years; height, 175.5 ± 3.8 cm; body mass, 69.7 ± 2.9 kg; soccer experience, 13.2 ± 2.5 years) were monitored using GPS devices during training sessions and matches. The external load variables measured were: duration (min); total distance covered (TD); distance covered at high-speed (HID, 14.4-19.8 km/h); distance covered at sprinting (SPD; >19.8 km/h); and distance covered in high intensity acceleration (ACD; >2.5 m/s2) and deceleration (DECD; <-2.5 m/s2). Results: The results indicated that the external load variables (time, HID, SPD, ACD, and DECD) were similar between the four microcycles. Greater (p<0.01) time, TD, HID and SPD were observed in match day (MD)-2 compared to MD+1, MD-3, and MD-1. Aside from training duration, all external loads variables (TD, HID, SPD, ACD, and DECD) were lower during training sessions compared to official matches (p<0.05). Conclusion: Amateur soccer players present relative stable external training loads across competitive microcycles, with the peak load observed two days before the official match. Besides this, the match constitutes the highest load during a typical competitive microcycle in this cohort of players.

RESUMO Introdução: Este estudo envolveu uma análise do impacto da fadiga mental sobre a recuperação da frequência cardíaca (RFC), medidas subjetivas de fadiga e desempenho de corrida intermitente em jogadores de handebol. Objetivo: Este estudo visou (1) examinar os efeitos de um estado induzido de fadiga mental no desempenho aeróbico de jogadores de handebol, medido pelo teste Yo-Yo IR1 e (2) explorar possíveis alterações na regulação da frequência cardíaca através da análise da RFC. Métodos: Doze jogadores de handebol (idade: 17,50 ± 3,63 anos, 5 ± 2,2 anos de prática) realizaram um teste Yo-Yo IR1 em duas ocasiões, com pelo menos 72 horas de intervalo. O teste Yo-Yo IR1 foi precedido por tratamento de 30 minutos que consistiu no teste Stroop Color-Word para induzir estado de fadiga mental. Os participantes na condição de controle assistiram a um vídeo emocionalmente neutro. Resultados: Foram observadas taxas mais elevadas de fadiga mental e esforço mental após o teste Stroop para o grupo experimental. Não foram observadas diferenças na motivação entre as condições. Além disso, a indução de fadiga mental prejudicou o desempenho de corrida e levou a maior PSE durante o teste Yo-Yo IR1. Não obstante, não foram observadas alterações na RFC nem nas concentrações de lactato sanguíneo entre as condições. Conclusão: Em conjunto, esses resultados sugerem que a fadiga mental afeta o desempenho de corrida intermitente, sem alterar os valores de RFC. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo de caso-controle.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study involved an analysis of the impact of mental fatigue on heart rate recovery (HRR), subjective measures of fatigue and intermittent running performance in handball players. Objective: This study was aimed at (1) examining the effects of an induced state of mental fatigue on the aerobic performance of handball players, as measured by the Yo-Yo IR1 test, and (2) exploring possible changes in heart rate regulation through HRR analysis. Methods: Twelve handball players (age: 17.50 ± 3.63 years; 5 ± 2.2 years of practice) undertook a Yo-Yo IR1 test on two occasions, separated by an interval of at least 72 hours. The Yo-Yo IR1 test was preceded by a 30-min treatment, consisting of the Stroop Color-Word Test, to induce mental fatigue. Participants in the control condition watched an emotionally neutral video. Results: Higher ratings of mental fatigue and mental effort following the Stroop Test were observed for the experimental group. No differences in motivation were observed between conditions. Moreover, the induction of mental fatigue impaired running performance and led to a higher RPE during the Yo-Yo IR1 test. Notwithstanding, no changes in HRR or blood lactate levels were observed across conditions. Conclusion: Altogether, these results suggest that mental fatigue impairs intermittent running performance, without affecting HRR values. Level of Evidence III; Case-Control study.

RESUMEN Introducción: En el presente estudio se analizó el impacto de la fatiga mental en la recuperación de la frecuencia cardíaca (RFC), las medidas subjetivas de fatiga y el rendimiento intermitente en atletas de handball. Objetivo: los objetivos de este estudio fueron (1) examinar los efectos de un estado inducido de fatiga mental en el rendimiento aeróbico de atletas de handball, medida por el Yo-Yo IR1, y (2) explorar las posibles alteraciones en la regulación de la frecuencia cardíaca a través del análisis RFC. Métodos: Doce atletas (edad: 17,50 ± 3,63 años, 5 ± 2,2 años de práctica) realizaron un test Yo-Yo IR1 en dos ocasiones, separados por un intervalo de al menos 72 horas. El test Yo-Yo IR1 fue precedido por un tratamiento de 30 minutos, consistente en el Stroop Color-Word Test, para inducir un estado de fatiga mental. Los participantes en la condición de control asistieron un video emocionalmente neutro. Resultados: Se observaron altas percepciones de fatiga y esfuerzo mental después del test de Stroop para el grupo experimental. No se observaron diferencias de motivación entre las condiciones. Además, la inducción de fatiga mental perjudicó el desempeño de carrera y llevó a un mayor PSE durante el test Yo-Yo IR1. No obstante, no se observaron alteraciones en la RFC y en las concentraciones de lactato sanguíneo entre las condiciones. Conclusión: En conjunto, estos resultados sugieren que la fatiga mental afecta el rendimiento intermitente de la carrera, sin alterar los valores de FCR. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio de caso-control.

Purpose To report long-term results of the Argus T adjustable system for treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI). Materials and Methods From October 2007 to August 2008, 37 patients with PPI were included in a prospective, single-arm, multicenter trial of treatment with the Argus T adjustable system (Promedon, Argentina). Preoperative evaluation included urine culture, urethrocystoscopy, urodynamic testing, 24-h pad weight test (PWT) and quality of life questionnaires. Patients were stratified according to baseline degree of incontinence (mild–moderate or severe). Postoperative evaluation included immediate PWT, quality of life questionnaires and daily use of pads at 1, 12 and 30 months. Results and Conclusions One patient was lost to follow-up. At the 30-month follow-up, 24/31 patients (77%) were dry, 3/31 (10%) improved and 4/31 (13%) were failures. In particular, in the mild-moderate group, 8/8 (100%) patients were dry. In the severe group, 20/28 patients (71%) were dry, 3/28 (11%) improved and 5/28 (18%) were failures. Median visual analogue scale (VAS) scores dropped from 9 (4-10) to 0.5 (0-10) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form scores from (ICIQ-SF) 19 (12–21) to 1 (0–10). Retrograde leak point pressure increased from 18 (5–29) to 35 (22–45) cm H2O after intraoperative adjustment. Complications included immediate postoperative infection in 2/36 patients (6%) and transient inguinal and/or perineal pain in 22/36 patients (61%). Argus T has a long-term high success rate (86% cure + improvement at the 30-month follow-up). Good outcomes were achieved even in severe incontinence cases and maintained for over 30 months.

Objective: To communicate long- term results of the multicentre phase III trial post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) treated with an adjustable male sling¹. Patients and Methods: 48 PPI patients were included in this trial from april 2003 to september 2004. 39 post radical prostatectomy and 9 post adenomectomy. 19 wore 5 pads per day (3-8) each weight 83gr (17-198). 29 wore condom catheter or penile clamp. The Argus was implanted through perineal approach. Using needles, the sling was transferred to the abdominal wall where it was adjusted by washers. The adjustment was done with retrograde urethral pressure from 45 to 55 cm water. Clinical data were up-dated till September 2007. The mean follow-up was 45 months (36-54) and median age was 67 years (52-77). The evaluation was: the ICIQ-SF score and qualification as Dry: no pads, Improved: 1 pad and Failed: 2 or more pads in 24 hr, including those with slings removed. Results: 47 were evaluated, resulting: 31 (66%) Dry, 6 (12.8%) Improved and 10 (21%) Failed. The ICIQ-SF score changed from 19.5 to 6. Of the 31 dry pts, 5 required one adjustment. 10 pts failed, 9 after sling removal, 6 due to erosion and 3 for infection. One patient failed with the sling in place, 6 erosions were registered: 4 in the urethra, 1 into the bladder and 1 through the abdominal wall. Perineal pain persisted in 2. One patient was excluded, died in September 2006. Conclusions: Argus® has demonstrated its efficacy in long- term follow-up. The social continence rate was about 80%. The important complication was erosion or infection.

Objetivo: Comunicar los resultados a largo plazo del estudio multicéntrico fase III del tratamiento de la incontinencia post- prostatectomía (IPP) con un Sling masculino ajustable (Argus®)¹. Pacientes y métodos: 48 pacientes con IPP, 39 post radical y 9 post adenomectomía, ingresaron entre abril de 2003 y septiembre de 2004. 19 usaban 5 paños por día (3-8) pesando 83 gr. (17-198) por paño. 29 usaban clamp peniano o colector externo. El seguimiento promedio fue de 45 meses (36-54). La edad fue de 67 años (52-77). Fueron evaluados con el cuestionario ICIQ-SF y la calificación de seco (sin paños), mejora (1 paño) y falla (2 o más paños en 24 hs), incluyéndose a los slings extraídos. El Argus se implantó por vía perineal, transfiriéndolo con agujas al abdomen para ser ajustado y fijado con arandelas. El ajuste se realizó por presión uretral retrograda (PUR) entre 45 y 55cm de agua. Resultados: Evaluamos 47 de 48 pacientes (1, falleció antes de 3 años) resultando secos, mejorados y fallados, 31(66%), 6 (12.8%) y 10 (21%) respectivamente. ICIQ-SF cambió de 19,5 a 6 (1-21). 5 de 31 secos, debieron reajustarse una vez. Fallaron 10 pacientes: 9 Argus retirados: 6 (12,8%) por erosión, 3 (6,2%) por infección y 1 usa 3 paños diarios. Hubieron 6 erosiones: 4 uretrales, 1 vesical y 1 parietal abdominal. El dolor persistió en 2 casos. Las complicaciones menores se resolvieron espontáneamente antes de 2 meses. Conclusiones: El Argus® demostró ser eficaz en el control de la IPP en el largo plazo en casi el 80% de los pacientes evaluados. La infección y la erosión fueron las complicaciones más importantes y los desafíos a resolver.

Indivíduos com dor lombar têm redução na força e na resistência dos músculos paraespinhais. A avaliação da fadiga e da resistência dos músculos paraespinhais é importante, uma vez que tem sido reportado que indivíduos com lombalgia desenvolvem um déficit no condicionamento físico que influencia na força e na função do tronco. Além disso, ainda é incerto a relação da fadiga dos paraespinhais e o ângulo de flexão anterior de tronco. Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar a fadiga em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar e correlacionar a fadiga com o ângulo de flexão anterior de tronco. O grupo lombalgia foi composto por dez indivíduos com diagnóstico médico exclusivo de lombalgia. O grupo controle foi composto por dez indivíduos que possuíam características físicas semelhantes. Inicialmente avaliou-se a flexão anterior de tronco dos indivíduos pelo método angular de Whistance. A fadiga dos músculos paraespinhais foi avaliada nas alturas de L1 e L5 por meio da eletromiografia de superfície em duas cargas: 50 e 75% da contração isométrica voluntária máxima. Os resultados do estudo indicaram que o grupo lombalgia apresentou menor força durante os testes de contração isométrica voluntária máxima (P < 0,004). Embora o grupo lombalgia tenha apresentado maior valor de fadiga, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os dois grupos para as alturas de L1 e L5 nas duas cargas. As correlações entre a fadiga e o ângulo de flexão anterior de tronco mostraram-se de fracas a moderadas (valores entre r = -0,58 a 0,51). Estes achados indicam que ambos os grupos fadigam, entretanto o grupo lombalgia apresentou maior fadiga. Além disso, não se pode predizer a fadiga por meio do ângulo de flexão anterior de tronco.

Subjects with low back pain have reduction in strength and endurance of the erector spinae muscles. The assessment of the fatigue and the endurance of these muscles is important, once it has been reported that individuals with low back pain develop a deficit in physical conditioning which influences on trunk strength and function. Moreover, the relationship between back muscles fatigue and trunk forward flexion is still unclear. The aims of this study were to compare fatigue between individuals with and without low back pain and to correlate the muscles fatigue with the angle of trunk forward flexion. The low back pain group consisted of ten low back pain subjects. The control group was composed by ten subjects with similar physical characteristics and without low back pain. Initially, the trunk forward flexion was evaluated with the Whistance angular method. The erector spinae fatigue was assessed at L1 and L5 by surface electromyography on two loads: 50 and 75% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. The results indicated that the low back pain group presented a lower strength output during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (P < 0.004). Although the low back pain group has presented greater values of fatigue, there is no statistically significant difference between groups at L1 and L5. The correlation between muscles fatigue and trunk forward flexion angle have shown poor to moderate values (between r = -0.58 to 0.51). The results suggest that both groups present fatigue, however the low back pain group presented greater values. Moreover, it is not possible to predict fatigue by analysis of the trunk forward flexion angle.