Twenty-five sedentary female volunteers, 18-30 years of age, were studied to determine the effects of an endurance running program on leg strength gains from a weight training program. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a weight training group (W), a weight training plus running group (RW), or a control group (C). The subjects trained three days per week, approximately one hour per day, for nine weeks. The RW group ran for 25 min then weight trained for 30 min, whereas the W group weight trained for one hour. Subjects were tested for one-repetition maximum (l-RM) pre-training, at two week intervals during training, and post-training. Thigh girth (midpoint [MG] and 1.18 cm above the patella [AP]) and percent body fat were measured pre- and post-training, only weekly on a calibrated scale. Body weight was measured. Significant improvements in isotonic leg strength of 56% for W and 66% for RW were observed, with no difference between the groups. W and RW also achieved a significantly greater isotonic leg strength than the C group. The experimental groups had a significantly greater posttest AP as compared to the C group. No significant differences were observed over the experimental period in MG, percent body fat and body weight of any of the groups. In conclusion, the running program used in the present study did not interfere with leg strength or girth gains achieved through weight training. These results are in contrast to those reported in other studies which found that aerobic training impaired strength gains. / Master of Science

Populations that utilize deep water running (DWR) are described in Chapter I. A review of the literature concerning studies comparing peak physiological variables of water exercises (swimming, DWR, & land based running) to land based exercises (cycle ergometer, walking, & running) are presented in Chapter II. The protocols utilized for obtaining peak values on land and in the water along with subject characteristics, statistical methods and description of the training regimen are discussed in Chapter HI. The results, presented in Chapter IV, indicate no interaction between any of the variables measured but a main effect for treadmill V02 peak for the pre- and post testing. Chapter V discusses factors which may limit physiological changes within each training group. Chapter VI contains suggestions for further research.

It is common practice for endurance athletes to manipulate training load prior to an important competition, known as tapering. An effective strategy aims to alleviate accumulated fatigue, whilst maximising physiological adaptation and facilitating a peak performance. Improvements in performance of 0.5 to 6.0% have been reported after a successful taper, a margin that could potentially have a dramatic influence on performance outcome at the elite level. This thesis explored the strategies currently employed by elite endurance athletes and investigated novel training manipulations during the taper to further enhance performance, to gain a more thorough understanding of the physiological mechanisms, and to identify a minimally invasive physiological biomarker capable of monitoring recovery status during the taper. Tapering strategies in elite endurance athletes were shown to be individualised and influenced by the preceding training load. Algorithms were developed, capable of explaining a large proportion of the variance (53-95%) in tapering strategy training variables (with the exception of interval volume), for a given pre-taper training load (Chapter III). A tapering strategy implemented using the algorithms was most likely to improve 1,500 m treadmill performance (ES = 0.53). When the intensity of final interval session was increased from 100% to 115% race speed, the effect on treadmill performance was unclear (ES = 0.22) and perhaps due to insufficient recovery to respond positively to the increased intensity interval session (Chapter IV). When continuous volume was reduced further (by 60%), the novel high intensity strategy was very likely to improve 1,500 m track performance (ES = 0.74), compared to the algorithm-derived taper (ES = 0.40) (Chapter VI). In middle-distance runners, training above race speed in the final days of the taper might be more beneficial than current practice, although training volume must be further reduced to compensate. It was possible to measure plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-6 receptor from capillary samples (Chapter II), although these markers in addition to C-reactive protein, testosterone and cortisol were not sensitive enough to detect changes in recovery status during tapering (Chapters IV and V). Measures of muscle maximum voluntary contraction force (algorithm-derived taper: 9%; ES = 0.39; novel taper: 6%; ES = 0.29), and rate of force development (algorithm-derived taper: ES = 0.53; novel taper: ES = 0.26) improved in response to tapering (Chapter IV), and could represent alternative non-invasive markers of recovery and taper effectiveness to facilitate peak performance.

Title: Functional strength in running preparation of soldiers of Czech army Objectives: The main objective of this work is to create a reservoir of exercises of increasing functional strength runners. Creating a poll for functional strength between physical education employees of Czech army and civilian coaches. Methods: At work I used the method of analysis of scientific literature in the field of functional strength. Qualitative research method I used to obtain information from respondents in the form of survey forms. Results: Result of this work is the basic reservoir of thirty-two exercises that assist in increasing and improving running functional strength and which can be used in running training soldiers of Czech army. Another result of the survey is to evaluate the awareness of trainers on the concept of functional strength and definition of this concept. Keywords: Functional strength, strength, coordination and balanced skills, running training, functional, natural movements, kinetic chain.

A dor em membros inferiores é muito comum em atletas e pode representar um aspecto limitante ao rendimento. De acordo com estudos epidemiológicos, entre 27% e 70% dos corredores apresentam algum tipo de lesão durante o período de um ano, que causa desconforto durante os treinos e gera desempenho abaixo do esperado em competições. Na busca da atenuação e/ou solução para a dor de atletas corredores, a acupuntura pode ser benéfica, já que esta técnica é conhecida pelos seus efeitos de analgesia aplicados em região de joelho. O objetivo deste estudo foi de analisar os parâmetros relacionados à dor de joelho correlacionando os parâmetros de força das musculaturas avaliadas em corredores submetidos ao tratamento de acupuntura. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo no período de janeiro a junho de 2015, com 34 corredores, com idade de 20 a 52 anos, de ambos os sexos, que apresentassem dor em região de joelho. Os voluntários preencheram o Questionário de Dor McGill e a Escala Visual Analógica e foram submetidos ao teste de força máxima com avaliação eletromiográfica dos músculos reto femoral, vasto lateral e vasto medial e avaliação de força do quadríceps. Receberam semanalmente cinco atendimentos seguindo o protocolo de acupuntura desenvolvido neste estudo. Após, foram novamente submetidos ao teste de força e preenchimento do questionário e da escala de dor. Todos os voluntários relataram sentir diminuição da dor de joelho após o tratamento, que foi avaliada por meio do Questionário de Dor McGill que obteve inicialmente mediana de 17,5 e após o tratamento, 6,5 (melhora de 62,9%). E por meio da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), que inicialmente obteve média de 6,0 e após o tratamento, média de 3,0 (melhora de 50,0%) e p<0,001 para ambos. A média de força do membro afetado foi de 20kgf e esta foi aumentada para 27kgf após o tratamento (incremento de 34% e p<0,001). Para o membro contralateral, a força média inicial era de 22kgf e após o tratamento foi de 27,90kgf (incremento de 25% e p<0,001). Para comprovar o ganho de força por meio da amplitude do sinal eletromiográfico, verificou-se aumento no número de recrutamento de unidades motoras para os três músculos avaliados em ambos os membros. O músculo reto femoral do membro afetado teve incremento de 43% (p<0,001), o músculo vasto medial de 25% (p<0,001) e vasto lateral de 16% (p=0,025). Para o membro contralateral, o músculo reto femoral teve incremento de 17% (p=0,023), o músculo vasto medial de 32% (p=0,029) e o músculo vasto lateral de 27% (p=0,002). Quanto à frequência mediana não houve diferença na velocidade de condução dos potenciais de ação, em ambos os membros. Conclui-se que o protocolo proposto se mostrou eficaz na diminuição da sintomatologia dolorosa em região de joelhos de atletas corredores, interferindo no ganho de força e no equilíbrio muscular. / Pain in the lower members is very common in athletes and may represent a limiting aspect to income. According to epidemiological studies, between 27% and 70% of the runners have some type of injury during the period of one year, which causes discomfort during practice and generates poor performance in competitions. In the pursuit of mitigation and / or solution to the pain of running athletes, acupuncture may be beneficial, as this technique is known for its analgesic effects applied on knee area. The objective of this study was to analyze parameters related to knee pain correlating the musculature strength parameters evaluated in corridors undergoing acupuncture treatment. It conducted a descriptive study from January to June 2015 with 34 runners, aged 20-52 years, of both sexes, who presented pain in the knee region. Volunteers completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale and were subjected to the maximum force test with electromyographic evaluation of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and vastus and quadriceps strength evaluation. They received five weekly attendances following the acupuncture protocol developed for this study. After, they were again subjected to strength testing and completing the questionnaire and the pain scale. All volunteers reported feeling decrease knee pain after treatment, which was assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire initially obtained median of 17.5 and after treatment, 6.5 (62.9% improvement). And through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), which initially had an median of 6.0 and after the average treatment of 3.0 (an improvement of 50.0%) and p <0.001 for both. The affected limb mean strength was 20kgf and 27kgf this was increased to after treatment (34% increment and p <0.001). For the contralateral member, the initial average strength was 22kgf and after treatment was 28kgf (increase of 25% and p <0.001). To prove the strength gain through the amplitude of the electromyographic signal, there was an increase in the number of motor unit recruitment for the three muscles evaluated in both members. The affected member of the rectus femoris muscle had increased by 43% (p <0.001), vastusvmuscle of 25% (p <0.001) and vastus lateralis of 16% (p = 0.025). For the contralateral leg, the rectus femoris muscle was increased by 17% (p = 0.023), the vastus medialis of 32% (p = 0.029) and lateral vastus 27% (p = 0.002). The median frequency no difference in conduction velocity of action potentials in both members. It is concluded that the proposed protocol is effective in reducing painful symptoms in knees region runners athletes, interfering with the gain in strength and muscle balance.

A dor em membros inferiores é muito comum em atletas e pode representar um aspecto limitante ao rendimento. De acordo com estudos epidemiológicos, entre 27% e 70% dos corredores apresentam algum tipo de lesão durante o período de um ano, que causa desconforto durante os treinos e gera desempenho abaixo do esperado em competições. Na busca da atenuação e/ou solução para a dor de atletas corredores, a acupuntura pode ser benéfica, já que esta técnica é conhecida pelos seus efeitos de analgesia aplicados em região de joelho. O objetivo deste estudo foi de analisar os parâmetros relacionados à dor de joelho correlacionando os parâmetros de força das musculaturas avaliadas em corredores submetidos ao tratamento de acupuntura. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo no período de janeiro a junho de 2015, com 34 corredores, com idade de 20 a 52 anos, de ambos os sexos, que apresentassem dor em região de joelho. Os voluntários preencheram o Questionário de Dor McGill e a Escala Visual Analógica e foram submetidos ao teste de força máxima com avaliação eletromiográfica dos músculos reto femoral, vasto lateral e vasto medial e avaliação de força do quadríceps. Receberam semanalmente cinco atendimentos seguindo o protocolo de acupuntura desenvolvido neste estudo. Após, foram novamente submetidos ao teste de força e preenchimento do questionário e da escala de dor. Todos os voluntários relataram sentir diminuição da dor de joelho após o tratamento, que foi avaliada por meio do Questionário de Dor McGill que obteve inicialmente mediana de 17,5 e após o tratamento, 6,5 (melhora de 62,9%). E por meio da Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), que inicialmente obteve média de 6,0 e após o tratamento, média de 3,0 (melhora de 50,0%) e p<0,001 para ambos. A média de força do membro afetado foi de 20kgf e esta foi aumentada para 27kgf após o tratamento (incremento de 34% e p<0,001). Para o membro contralateral, a força média inicial era de 22kgf e após o tratamento foi de 27,90kgf (incremento de 25% e p<0,001). Para comprovar o ganho de força por meio da amplitude do sinal eletromiográfico, verificou-se aumento no número de recrutamento de unidades motoras para os três músculos avaliados em ambos os membros. O músculo reto femoral do membro afetado teve incremento de 43% (p<0,001), o músculo vasto medial de 25% (p<0,001) e vasto lateral de 16% (p=0,025). Para o membro contralateral, o músculo reto femoral teve incremento de 17% (p=0,023), o músculo vasto medial de 32% (p=0,029) e o músculo vasto lateral de 27% (p=0,002). Quanto à frequência mediana não houve diferença na velocidade de condução dos potenciais de ação, em ambos os membros. Conclui-se que o protocolo proposto se mostrou eficaz na diminuição da sintomatologia dolorosa em região de joelhos de atletas corredores, interferindo no ganho de força e no equilíbrio muscular. / Pain in the lower members is very common in athletes and may represent a limiting aspect to income. According to epidemiological studies, between 27% and 70% of the runners have some type of injury during the period of one year, which causes discomfort during practice and generates poor performance in competitions. In the pursuit of mitigation and / or solution to the pain of running athletes, acupuncture may be beneficial, as this technique is known for its analgesic effects applied on knee area. The objective of this study was to analyze parameters related to knee pain correlating the musculature strength parameters evaluated in corridors undergoing acupuncture treatment. It conducted a descriptive study from January to June 2015 with 34 runners, aged 20-52 years, of both sexes, who presented pain in the knee region. Volunteers completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale and were subjected to the maximum force test with electromyographic evaluation of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and vastus and quadriceps strength evaluation. They received five weekly attendances following the acupuncture protocol developed for this study. After, they were again subjected to strength testing and completing the questionnaire and the pain scale. All volunteers reported feeling decrease knee pain after treatment, which was assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire initially obtained median of 17.5 and after treatment, 6.5 (62.9% improvement). And through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), which initially had an median of 6.0 and after the average treatment of 3.0 (an improvement of 50.0%) and p <0.001 for both. The affected limb mean strength was 20kgf and 27kgf this was increased to after treatment (34% increment and p <0.001). For the contralateral member, the initial average strength was 22kgf and after treatment was 28kgf (increase of 25% and p <0.001). To prove the strength gain through the amplitude of the electromyographic signal, there was an increase in the number of motor unit recruitment for the three muscles evaluated in both members. The affected member of the rectus femoris muscle had increased by 43% (p <0.001), vastusvmuscle of 25% (p <0.001) and vastus lateralis of 16% (p = 0.025). For the contralateral leg, the rectus femoris muscle was increased by 17% (p = 0.023), the vastus medialis of 32% (p = 0.029) and lateral vastus 27% (p = 0.002). The median frequency no difference in conduction velocity of action potentials in both members. It is concluded that the proposed protocol is effective in reducing painful symptoms in knees region runners athletes, interfering with the gain in strength and muscle balance.

Research on athletes has shown that mental skills are an important component of being a successful athlete. The importance of these mental skills is seen in the number of athletes who have formally started training using mental skills training programmes (MST) according to the literature. The study of mental skills in South Africa lags behind other countries like USA, UK and Sweden. This particular study explored the use of mental skills by road running athletes. The study was conducted with six competitive marathon athletes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of an elaborate qualitative methodology design. The data collected from these semi-structured interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that road running athletes use mental skills that include; mental rehearsal, planning, goal setting and self-talk. The athletes in this research showed the importance of mental skills and it is recommended that formal training in these mental skills will be highly beneficial not only to road running athletes but for all South African sports people in general