We investigated the effect of Ramadan fasting on maximal aerobic velocity (MAV), time to exhaustion (t_lim100), performance in running 3000-m in runners who trained at 09:00, 14:00, and 22:00 h. Twenty-four middle- and long-distance runners (28.5 ± 10.6 years) were assigned to 3 groups of 8 participants: an afternoon group (AG) (who trained between 14:00 and 16:00 h), a morning group (MG) (who trained between 09:00 and 11:00 h), and an evening group (EG) (who trained between 22:00 and 24:00 h). Before, at mid-, and after Ramadan, MAV and maximal oxygen uptake ( ) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the AG and MG groups compared to the EG group. Before and after Ramadan, the times recorded for the 3000-m running exercise were significantly higher (p < 0.01) and t_lim100 was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the EG and MG groups compared to the AG groups. In conclusion, afternoon training during Ramadan might be more effective than morning or evening training for the enhancement of aerobic capacity.

Physical activity involves movements, which can be considered sources of kinetic energy, that are expected to be important during sports activities. Several transducers can transform this energy into electrical energy. Piezoelectric generators are widely used, and several applications highlight their relevance. However, the generated output power is location dependent, and the analysis of the placement of this kind of generator can be challenging. In order to assess the availability of kinetic energy sources, an acceleration data analysis method is presented. Temporal and harvester model-based studies, using data from 17 inertial measurement units (IMUs) located across the whole human body, were conducted. The results show that piezoelectric cantilever-beam harvesters can be very sensitive to impacts. Extremity segments, such as the feet or hands, can be considered as good energy sources. The most relevant features are proposed as criteria to easily evaluate the harvestable energy sources.

Hu, X, Boisbluche, S, Philippe, K, Maurelli, O, Li, S, Xu, B, and Prioux, J. Effects of tactical periodization on workload, physical fitness, and well-being in professional rugby union players during a preseason period. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 105–115, 2024—Tactical periodization (TP) emerged approximately 30 years ago and has recently gained considerable attention in rugby union (RU). It aims to develop specific physical fitness components with 3 acquisition days (strength, endurance, and speed). However, no study has investigated the effects of TP on workload, physical fitness, and well-being across an RU preseason. This study aimed to determine how RU players' workload response to TP focusing on positional differences, observe the influence of a TP preseason training program on aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance between positions, and analyze the variation of well-being reported by forwards and backs from the 3 acquisition days. Thirty-two male players completed a 6-week TP protocol. External and internal workload variables were recorded through global positioning systems and session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) separately. Fitness assessments included Bronco and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests. The sum of well-being indices was measured using the Hooper index. Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed that the highest values of PlayerLoad slow, PlayerLoad slow percentage, and s-RPE were found on endurance day and the lowest on speed day. Mann-Whitney U tests showed that 15 external workload parameters were higher in backs than forwards for each acquisition day. Small improvements were observed on the Bronco test. No differences were observed in CMJ performance during the preseason period and well-being values between acquisition days. This study provides unique insights into external and internal workload variables during each acquisition day. Furthermore, it highlights TP as an efficient theoretical concept to use in an RU context.