Evaluation of energy expenditure in forward and backward movements performed by soccer referees

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure the energy expenditure for locomotor activities usually performed by soccer referees during a match (walking, jogging, and running) under laboratory conditions, and to compare forward with backward movements. The sample was composed by 10 male soccer referees, age 29±7.8 years, body mass 77.5±6.2 kg, stature 1.78±0.07 m and professional experience of 7.33±4.92 years. Referees were evaluated on two separate occasions. On the first day, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was determined by a maximal treadmill test, and on the second day, the oxygen consumption was determined in different speeds of forward and backward movements. The mean VO2max was 41.20±3.60 mL·kg-1·min-1 and the mean heart rate achieved in the last stage of the test was 190.5±7.9 bpm. When results of forward and backward movements were compared at 1.62 m/s (walking speed), we found significant differences in VO2, in metabolic equivalents, and in kcal. However, the same parameters in forward and backward movements at jogging velocities (2.46 m/s) were not significantly different, showing that these motor activities have similar intensity. Backward movements at velocities equivalent to walking and jogging are moderate-intensity activities, with energy expenditure less than 9 kcal. Energy expenditure was overestimated by at least 35% when calculated by mathematical equations. In summary, we observed that backward movements are not high-intensity activities as has been commonly reported, and when calculated using equations available in the literature, energy expenditure was overestimated compared to the values obtained by indirect calorimetry.

Energy expenditure, metabolic power and high speed activity during linear and multi-directional running

“…Furthermore, the inclusion of backwards and lateral movement in the multi-directional condition might also explain the greater underestimation in EEGPS compared with EEVO2. A greater VO2 during backwards 34,35 and lateral 34 running, compared to forward running at the same speed has been observed indicating such activities are associated with a greater energy expenditure. Yet, the metabolic power approach is based on forward running, 3 and potentially cannot account for the additional energy requirement of lateral and backwards movement, which reduces the agreement between the two measures.…”

Modulation of locomotion and motor neuron response by the cohesive effect of acute and chronic feeding states and acute d-amphetamine treatment in zebrafish larvae

“…Additionally, NPY neuron populations which are present in conjunction with AgRP neurons also get activated during CFD reducing energy expenditure and thereby reducing locomotion. (Luo et al, 2011; Paes and Fernandez, 2016) and NPY mRNA expression (required for NPY protein formation in NPY neurons) is reduced by amphetamine. (Anon, n.d.; Hsieh et al, 2005)) Although AgRP and NPY populations in zebrafish are expressed in distinct neurons, they are involved in appetite regulation.…”