Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, May 1, 2016
Introduction: Barefoot running may affect performance in endurance running events, by improving b... more Introduction: Barefoot running may affect performance in endurance running events, by improving biomechanical parameters and physiological responses compared to shod running. The majority of research efforts during the last 15 years have been centered mainly on the biomechanical differences between shod and unshod running and the influence on a selection of physiological variables i.e. heart rate, submaximal oxygen uptake and blood lactate. Surprisingly data from studies to examine the impact of barefoot running on the race performance are scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of minimal running shoes (MRS) on peak oxygen consumption (peakVO2) and 5 km running performance. METHODS: Twelve moderately trained subjects (10 male, 2 female), all habitual shod runners, participated in a series of 5 maximal trials 7 days apart. During the first two trials, the subjects completed two exhaustive incremental peakVO2 efforts on a treadmill, running either with MRS or with their shoes in a random order. On Day 3 they completed a 3 km race on a treadmill running with the MRS, for familiarization with the race performance trial. During the last two laboratory visits, the subjects completed two 5 km race trials on a treadmill, either with the MRS or the shod condition in a random order. Paired T-test for dependent samples was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean (±sd) MRS and shod running peakVO2 values 54.68 ± 3.74 and 54.04 ± 4.44 ml.min-1.kg-1 respectively was not different (p=0.532). Mean (±sd) time for the 5 km race performance also was not different (p=0.225) between MRS and shod conditions (1446 ± 139,22 v 1458 ± 141,05 s). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show no effect of MRS in habitually shod runners on peakVO2 and 5 km performance time. Despite however, the lack of significance there was a tendency for faster times with MRS condition. Future studies may need to extend the familiarization period with MRS to notice significant running performance benefits.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Purpose: Advanced footwear technology is prevalent in distance running, with research focusing on... more Purpose: Advanced footwear technology is prevalent in distance running, with research focusing on these “super shoes” in competitive athletes, with less understanding of their value for slower runners. The aim of this study was to compare physiological and biomechanical variables between a model of super shoes (Saucony Endorphin Speed 2) and regular running shoes (Saucony Cohesion 13) in recreational athletes. Methods: We measured peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in 10 runners before testing each subject 4 times in a randomly ordered crossover design (ie, Endorphin shoe or Cohesion shoe, running at 65% or 80% of velocity at VO2peak [vVO2peak]). We recorded video data using a high-speed camera (300 Hz) to calculate vertical and leg stiffnesses. Results: 65% vVO2peak was equivalent to a speed of 9.4 km·h−1 (0.4), whereas 80% vVO2peak was equivalent to 11.5 km·h−1 (0.5). Two-way mixed-design analysis of variance showed that oxygen consumption in the Endorphin shoe was 3.9% lower than in th...
Background: Post-activation potentiation refers to the acute and temporary enhancement of perform... more Background: Post-activation potentiation refers to the acute and temporary enhancement of performance in explosive movements after performing a conditioning activity, such as plyometrics. The current study aimed to investigate the acute effects of horizontal leg bounding on 30 m acceleration performance, 5 m split times, and sprint kinematics (step frequency and length, flight and contact time). Methods: Fourteen young sprinters, nine females and five males, performed two experimental conditions and one control condition in randomized and crossover orders. The experimental conditions included 3 × 10 repetitions of alternate-leg horizontal bounding or 3 × 5 repetitions of single-leg horizontal bounding for each leg. Active recovery was performed in the control condition. A 30 m sprint test was executed before and 5 min after each condition. Results: Sprint times at 5 m (p = 0.014) and 10 m (p = 0.041) were improved after performing alternate-leg horizontal bounding. Additionally, an ...
Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been used to improve jumping ability, muscle strength, power, and ... more Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been used to improve jumping ability, muscle strength, power, and performance in various sports. Bilateral deficit (BLD) is defined as the difference in the magnitude of the maximum force during single or double support. The present study investigated the effect of unilateral and bilateral whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on jumping ability, asymmetry and BLD on former artistic gymnasts. Twenty-eight former artistic gymnasts volunteered to participate in this study. Participants performed 4 experimental protocols on nonconsecutive days in a random order. Each protocol included a 3-min-warm-up running on the treadmill at 2.22 m.s -1, followed by a 2-min rest. The intervention protocols were: a) WBV with feet [bipedal] (WBVB), b) WBV with single foot [unilateral] (WBVU), c) WBVB with the device turn-off (NWBVB), and d) WBVU with the device turn-off (NWBVU). The dependent variables were the squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ) with both feet...
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of sex and performance standard on pac... more The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of sex and performance standard on pacing profiles in a 24 h ultra-marathon race. Performance data of 283 participants (237 men and 46 women) from the last decade’s versions (2011 until 2020, with the exception of the 2017 version) of the International Ultramarathon Festival held in Athens-Hellinikon, Greece, were analyzed and pacing profiles were evaluated based on performance standard and sex. Relative speed for every hour and % distance covered in 6 h and 12 h segments and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. Mean distance ran was 159.99±36.04 km. Runners followed a reverse J-shaped race pace (p < 0.001). Sex did not seem to interact with pacing (p > 0.05 in every case), while performance standard interacted significantly with pacing (p < 0.001). CV was negatively correlated with total distance covered and total running time (–0.761, p < 0.001 and –0.753, p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, t...
Improved temporal sequencing of high – intensity muscle contractions prior to the sprint start ma... more Improved temporal sequencing of high – intensity muscle contractions prior to the sprint start may maximize motoneuron excitability and may enhance fast twitch fiber recruitment and sprint start effectiveness. The aim of the study was to assess a) the electromyographic activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis, biceps femoris and vastus femoris muscles under exposure to specific voluntary, dynamic actions (quick skipping or tuck jumps that sometimes sprinters perform after the “on your marks” command) and to an external involuntary stimulus (WBV-whole body vibration) and b) the effectiveness of the above stimuli applied on the activation level of lower limb muscles in order to produce neuromuscular activation the very last moment just behind the blocks, as this is measured by the RT and time in 1.5m and 3m after the sprint start.Ten male sprinters executed sprint starts under 4 experimental conditions after the “on your marks command”: 1st condition – without performing any action, 2n...
This study aimed to identify potential factors that may influence specific fencing offensive kine... more This study aimed to identify potential factors that may influence specific fencing offensive kinetic patterns in a large group of well-trained fencers having different ages, gender level, and training specialization. One-hundred-thirty fencers (males: n = 72) and (females: n = 58), participating in three different fencing weapons (epee, foil, and sabre), having considerable experience of national and international competitions. All members of seven national fencing teams were measured for basic anthropometric parameters, leg power performance and velocity values for three specific kinetic offensive patterns during an International Fencing camp. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a significant velocity multivariate effect in age competitive categories (Wilks Λ = 0.129, F = 2.112, p <0.01, n 2 = 0.060) gender (Wilks Λ = 0.103, F = 3.743, p < 0.05, n 2 = 0.103), competition levels (Wilks Λ = 0.863, F = 5.198, p <0.01, n 2 = 0.137) and discipline practiced (W...
European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 2021
The minimal power that elicits VO2max and the time to exhaustion (tlimit) at this workload appear... more The minimal power that elicits VO2max and the time to exhaustion (tlimit) at this workload appear to determine cyclists’ endurance capabilities, analyze performance and help coaches to design training. Data in the literature are limited so as to elucidate this. The aim of this study was to investigate the tlimit at the power output, which corresponds to 90 (tlimit 90) and 100% VO2max (tlimit 100) in elite endurance cyclists. The contribution of tlimit in 3 km indoor individual time trial was also studied. Subjects were eleven elite male road cyclists (age 17.7 0.5 years, body mass 66.8 4.9 kg, body height 176.3 7.4 cm, VO2max 69.77 2.58 ml.kg-1.min-1). Power output at 90 and 100% VO2max was determined by continuous incremental testing. This protocol had steps of 2 min and increments of 30 W. The exhaustive trials tlimit 90 or tlimit 100 were performed in random order at least five days apart. Five days after the last exhaustive trial, cyclists performed an individual 3 km ti...
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, May 1, 2016
Introduction: Barefoot running may affect performance in endurance running events, by improving b... more Introduction: Barefoot running may affect performance in endurance running events, by improving biomechanical parameters and physiological responses compared to shod running. The majority of research efforts during the last 15 years have been centered mainly on the biomechanical differences between shod and unshod running and the influence on a selection of physiological variables i.e. heart rate, submaximal oxygen uptake and blood lactate. Surprisingly data from studies to examine the impact of barefoot running on the race performance are scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of minimal running shoes (MRS) on peak oxygen consumption (peakVO2) and 5 km running performance. METHODS: Twelve moderately trained subjects (10 male, 2 female), all habitual shod runners, participated in a series of 5 maximal trials 7 days apart. During the first two trials, the subjects completed two exhaustive incremental peakVO2 efforts on a treadmill, running either with MRS or with their shoes in a random order. On Day 3 they completed a 3 km race on a treadmill running with the MRS, for familiarization with the race performance trial. During the last two laboratory visits, the subjects completed two 5 km race trials on a treadmill, either with the MRS or the shod condition in a random order. Paired T-test for dependent samples was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean (±sd) MRS and shod running peakVO2 values 54.68 ± 3.74 and 54.04 ± 4.44 ml.min-1.kg-1 respectively was not different (p=0.532). Mean (±sd) time for the 5 km race performance also was not different (p=0.225) between MRS and shod conditions (1446 ± 139,22 v 1458 ± 141,05 s). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show no effect of MRS in habitually shod runners on peakVO2 and 5 km performance time. Despite however, the lack of significance there was a tendency for faster times with MRS condition. Future studies may need to extend the familiarization period with MRS to notice significant running performance benefits.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
Purpose: Advanced footwear technology is prevalent in distance running, with research focusing on... more Purpose: Advanced footwear technology is prevalent in distance running, with research focusing on these “super shoes” in competitive athletes, with less understanding of their value for slower runners. The aim of this study was to compare physiological and biomechanical variables between a model of super shoes (Saucony Endorphin Speed 2) and regular running shoes (Saucony Cohesion 13) in recreational athletes. Methods: We measured peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in 10 runners before testing each subject 4 times in a randomly ordered crossover design (ie, Endorphin shoe or Cohesion shoe, running at 65% or 80% of velocity at VO2peak [vVO2peak]). We recorded video data using a high-speed camera (300 Hz) to calculate vertical and leg stiffnesses. Results: 65% vVO2peak was equivalent to a speed of 9.4 km·h−1 (0.4), whereas 80% vVO2peak was equivalent to 11.5 km·h−1 (0.5). Two-way mixed-design analysis of variance showed that oxygen consumption in the Endorphin shoe was 3.9% lower than in th...
Background: Post-activation potentiation refers to the acute and temporary enhancement of perform... more Background: Post-activation potentiation refers to the acute and temporary enhancement of performance in explosive movements after performing a conditioning activity, such as plyometrics. The current study aimed to investigate the acute effects of horizontal leg bounding on 30 m acceleration performance, 5 m split times, and sprint kinematics (step frequency and length, flight and contact time). Methods: Fourteen young sprinters, nine females and five males, performed two experimental conditions and one control condition in randomized and crossover orders. The experimental conditions included 3 × 10 repetitions of alternate-leg horizontal bounding or 3 × 5 repetitions of single-leg horizontal bounding for each leg. Active recovery was performed in the control condition. A 30 m sprint test was executed before and 5 min after each condition. Results: Sprint times at 5 m (p = 0.014) and 10 m (p = 0.041) were improved after performing alternate-leg horizontal bounding. Additionally, an ...
Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been used to improve jumping ability, muscle strength, power, and ... more Whole-body vibration (WBV) has been used to improve jumping ability, muscle strength, power, and performance in various sports. Bilateral deficit (BLD) is defined as the difference in the magnitude of the maximum force during single or double support. The present study investigated the effect of unilateral and bilateral whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on jumping ability, asymmetry and BLD on former artistic gymnasts. Twenty-eight former artistic gymnasts volunteered to participate in this study. Participants performed 4 experimental protocols on nonconsecutive days in a random order. Each protocol included a 3-min-warm-up running on the treadmill at 2.22 m.s -1, followed by a 2-min rest. The intervention protocols were: a) WBV with feet [bipedal] (WBVB), b) WBV with single foot [unilateral] (WBVU), c) WBVB with the device turn-off (NWBVB), and d) WBVU with the device turn-off (NWBVU). The dependent variables were the squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ) with both feet...
The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of sex and performance standard on pac... more The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of sex and performance standard on pacing profiles in a 24 h ultra-marathon race. Performance data of 283 participants (237 men and 46 women) from the last decade’s versions (2011 until 2020, with the exception of the 2017 version) of the International Ultramarathon Festival held in Athens-Hellinikon, Greece, were analyzed and pacing profiles were evaluated based on performance standard and sex. Relative speed for every hour and % distance covered in 6 h and 12 h segments and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated. Mean distance ran was 159.99±36.04 km. Runners followed a reverse J-shaped race pace (p < 0.001). Sex did not seem to interact with pacing (p > 0.05 in every case), while performance standard interacted significantly with pacing (p < 0.001). CV was negatively correlated with total distance covered and total running time (–0.761, p < 0.001 and –0.753, p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, t...
Improved temporal sequencing of high – intensity muscle contractions prior to the sprint start ma... more Improved temporal sequencing of high – intensity muscle contractions prior to the sprint start may maximize motoneuron excitability and may enhance fast twitch fiber recruitment and sprint start effectiveness. The aim of the study was to assess a) the electromyographic activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis, biceps femoris and vastus femoris muscles under exposure to specific voluntary, dynamic actions (quick skipping or tuck jumps that sometimes sprinters perform after the “on your marks” command) and to an external involuntary stimulus (WBV-whole body vibration) and b) the effectiveness of the above stimuli applied on the activation level of lower limb muscles in order to produce neuromuscular activation the very last moment just behind the blocks, as this is measured by the RT and time in 1.5m and 3m after the sprint start.Ten male sprinters executed sprint starts under 4 experimental conditions after the “on your marks command”: 1st condition – without performing any action, 2n...
This study aimed to identify potential factors that may influence specific fencing offensive kine... more This study aimed to identify potential factors that may influence specific fencing offensive kinetic patterns in a large group of well-trained fencers having different ages, gender level, and training specialization. One-hundred-thirty fencers (males: n = 72) and (females: n = 58), participating in three different fencing weapons (epee, foil, and sabre), having considerable experience of national and international competitions. All members of seven national fencing teams were measured for basic anthropometric parameters, leg power performance and velocity values for three specific kinetic offensive patterns during an International Fencing camp. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a significant velocity multivariate effect in age competitive categories (Wilks Λ = 0.129, F = 2.112, p <0.01, n 2 = 0.060) gender (Wilks Λ = 0.103, F = 3.743, p < 0.05, n 2 = 0.103), competition levels (Wilks Λ = 0.863, F = 5.198, p <0.01, n 2 = 0.137) and discipline practiced (W...
European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 2021
The minimal power that elicits VO2max and the time to exhaustion (tlimit) at this workload appear... more The minimal power that elicits VO2max and the time to exhaustion (tlimit) at this workload appear to determine cyclists’ endurance capabilities, analyze performance and help coaches to design training. Data in the literature are limited so as to elucidate this. The aim of this study was to investigate the tlimit at the power output, which corresponds to 90 (tlimit 90) and 100% VO2max (tlimit 100) in elite endurance cyclists. The contribution of tlimit in 3 km indoor individual time trial was also studied. Subjects were eleven elite male road cyclists (age 17.7 0.5 years, body mass 66.8 4.9 kg, body height 176.3 7.4 cm, VO2max 69.77 2.58 ml.kg-1.min-1). Power output at 90 and 100% VO2max was determined by continuous incremental testing. This protocol had steps of 2 min and increments of 30 W. The exhaustive trials tlimit 90 or tlimit 100 were performed in random order at least five days apart. Five days after the last exhaustive trial, cyclists performed an individual 3 km ti...
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Papers by Giorgos Paradisis