The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of different judo training loads on heart rate variability (HRV) measurements, to determine if they can be used as valid indicators in monitoring stress and recovery in judo athletes. Fourteen male national-standard judo athletes were randomly divided into 2 groups, and each group followed a different type of training, namely, a high training load (HTL) and a moderate training load program (MTL). Data collection included HRV measurements, a Recovery Stress Questionnaire for athletes (RESTQ-SPORT), and strength measurements, 4 weeks before and after the training program. The HTL group had lower square root of the mean squared difference of successive RR intervals, very low frequency, high frequency, short-term variability, short-range scaling exponents, general recovery, sport-specific recovery, general stress, maximum strength, maximum power, and higher low/high frequency ratio at posttest compared with pretest (p ≤ 0.05). The HTL group showed lower short-range and long-range scaling exponents, general recovery, sport-specific recovery, and higher general stress than the MTL group in posttest measurements (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, judo athletes enrolled in an HTL program showed an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system with decreased vagal modulation, together with a decrease in strength parameters, higher markers for stress, and a lower perception of recovery.

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The objectives of this study is to identify the motivational factors which make judo athletes train for years until they finally become world and/or Olympic champion in judo. The work employed closedended rating values questionnaires Three Brazilian Olympic judo team members, (men and women) 41 in total were evaluated. Three professional experts of renowned and proven experience in judo competitions validated the questionnaires. The results showed a list of several indicators which have been classified and prioritized as: outcome motivation, coping with adversity, peak under pressure, setting goals/mental preparation, concentration, no worries and eager to be trained. All these values were prevalent in the closed-ended questionnaire obtained in this ranking. In conclusion, different factors exist which motivate judo athletes to continue to practice judo without considering the present but the future rewards. On the other hand, their resilience reduces over a long period of time.

Título: Análisis multivariante del tiro libre indirecto en la Copa del Mundo de la FIFA 2014. Resumen: Los tiros libres indirectos son situaciones que se producen con regularidad durante los partidos de fútbol, siendo acciones potencialmente trascendentales en el resultado final de los partidos. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la efectividad de estas acciones, identificar las variables asociadas con el éxito y proponer un modelo de tiro libre indirecto exitoso. Fueron codificados y analizados 506 tiros libres indirectos registrados en los 64 partidos de la FIFA World Cup Brasil 2014, se llevaron a cabo análi-sis univariados, bivariados (Ji-Cuadrado) y multivariados (regresión logística binaria), los resultados indican una baja eficacia en el remate, remate entre los tres palos y el gol en este tipo de acciones. En cambio, el 89% de los goles con procedencia en un tiro libre indirecto han contribuido a sumar puntos en el resultado final de los partidos. La organización ofensiva, basada en maniobras de creación y ocupación de espacios, y la intervención de hasta 4 jugadores, son variables que se han revelado como moduladoras de la eficacia. Sin duda, estos enunciados podrían suponer un punto de partida para dotar a entrenadores de nuevas herramientas tácticas con el fin de dotar de un perfil más eficaz en este tipo de acciones. Palabras clave: Regresión logística; metodología observacional; fútbol; saque de esquina.Abstract: Indirect free kicks are relatively common in soccer and have the potential to change the outcome of a match. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of these kicks, to identify variables associated with success, and propose a model for optimal execution. We analyzed and coded 506 indirect free kicks taken in 64 matches during the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil and conducted univariate, bivariate (chi-square), and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses. Our results show very low success rates in terms of shots, shots between the posts, and goals. Nevertheless, 89% of goals scored from indirect free kicks led to the teams gaining valuable points. Determinants of success included a dynamic attack based on the creation and occupation of spaces and the intervention of up to four attackers. Our findings offer an interesting starting point for trainers to build on tactical strategies designed to improve free-kick performance.

BackgroundBlind people depend on spatial and temporal representations to perform activities of daily living and compete in sport.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the spatiotemporal characteristics of long jumps performed by blind athletes and compare findings with those reported for sighted athletes.MethodsWe analysed a sample of 12 male athletes competing in the F11 Long Jump Finals at the Paralympic Games in London 2012. Performances were recorded using four high-speed cameras, and speeds were measured using a radar speed gun. The images were processed using validated image analysis software.ResultsThe long jump run-up is shorter in blind athletes than in sighted athletes. We observed statistically significant differences for body centre of mass velocity and an increase in speed over the last three strides prior to take-off, contrasting with reports for sighted athletes and athletes with less severe visual impairment, who maintain or reduce their speed during the last stride. Stride length for the last three strides was the only spatial characteristic that was not significantly associated with effective jump distance. Blind long jumpers extend rather than shorten their last stride. Contact time with the take-off board is longer than that reported for sighted athletes.ConclusionThe actions of blind long jumpers, unlike those without disabilities, do not vary their leg actions during the final runway approach for optimal placement on the take-off board.