For male soccer players, the anthropometric profile and physical performance is already known but in women it is not well documented, the knowledge of these differences can qualify the training. Therefore, the aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to compare the anthropometric profile and physical fitness of Brazilian professional female and male soccer players; and (ii) analyze the relationships between anthropometric and physical fitness measures per sex. A cross-sectional study including 92 professional soccer players 44 women and 48 men was conducted. After one week of the end of the pre-season, the players from four different teams were assessed to anthropometric profile assessments and physical performance tests (e.g., jumping, linear sprint, change-of-direction and aerobic based test). Comparisons, correlation, and effect size analysis were performed between groups. Apart from the age and change-of-direction test, all other anthropometric and physical performance variables were significant different between women and men. Men were significantly faster than women in the 20 m linear sprint test (8.87%; p < .001; d = 2.382). The sum of skinfolds was correlated with some physical performance variables; however, body mass and body height were corrected with physical performance only for female soccer players. Thus, men performed better than women for most physical tests and presents differences in the anthropometric profile. Finally, coaches should consider that the anthropometric and performance profile are correlated differently between female and male soccer players. Thus, coaches should consider gender-specific parameters to create goals about the anthropometric and physical performance profile of players.

The objective of the present study was to describe the total and fragmented external loads, at different intensities, of soccer referees in European and South American competitions during official matches through a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. A systematic review was conducted in April, 2020. In all, 32 studies were included, incorporating 578 referees evaluated in 3170 games through video analysis or a global positioning system. Regarding external loads, it was observed that the total average distance covered by the referees was 10,461.74 m, with running speeds predominantly below 13 km.h^-1. The total distance covered by the referees in the European competitions was higher and more intense than that of the referees in the South American tournaments, being 11,187.02 m and 9319.61 m, respectively. We suggest that referees' training can be organized according to the distances found at different intensities, in which low-intensity races can be performed below 13 km.h-¹ with distances of approximately 4500 m, while high-intensity training can be developed with speeds from 18 to 24 km.h-¹ for approximately 800 m. In addition, planning must consider the competition characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Based on the need to investigate the demands imposed on referees in the current model of physical evaluation and during professional games, this study's objective was to compare these demands in the physical test versus the games. METHODS: Thus, it evaluated the heart rate, distance covered, time, and speed of all 14 referees in the physical test and during Brazil's first division state championship games using a Global Positioning System enabled heart rate monitor. RESULTS: The maximum heart rate (HRmax) and maximum speed were higher in the physical test (183.86 +/- 12.79 bpm) and (26.80 +/- 0.96 km/h), respectively, than in the games (170.25 +/- 17.71 bpm) (P=0.008) and (24.27 +/- 1.68 km/h) (P=0.001), respectively. In the HRmax zone 290 and <100%, the time and percentage distance were greater in the physical test (47.87 +/- 16.60% and 58.57 +/- 22.78%), respectively, than in the games (17.82 +/- 18.29% and 18.84 +/- 18.92%, respectively; P<0.001). However, in the speed zone <13 km/h, the time and the percentage distance were longer in the game (93.73 +/- 1.26% and 86.13 +/- 2.31%), respectively, than in the physical test (68.73 +/- 12.31% and 39.65 +/- 9.74%, respectively; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is concluded that the professional referees perform at greater intensities during the physical test than in the games. In contrast, the demands for intensities corresponding to aerobic metabolism are greater in games or equal to those in physical testing, depending on the intensity reference.

The regular practice of physical exercise, primarily aerobic, has been recommended as a component of the non-pharmacological treatment for dyslipidemias. However, there is a lack of studies in the literature comparing the acute effects of different aerobic exercise models (continuous and interval) on triglycerides concentrations. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the magnitude of change on triglycerides concentrations after a single session of interval and continuous exercise in persons with dyslipidemia. This study was a randomized crossover clinical trial. Fifteen volunteers performed two different aerobic sessions, a continuous and an interval session. The intensity of the continuous session was maintained between 85-90% of the heart rate at anaerobic threshold (HRAT). The interval session consisted of 9 sets of 4 minutes at 85-90%HRAT followed by one minute below 85%HRAT. Triglycerides concentrations were assessed before, immediately after and at the end of 30 minutes after all sessions. Both sessions models resulted in alterations in triglycerides concentrations immediately after exercise (p = 0.005), without difference between them (p = 0.446). Continuous session increased triglycerides concentrations by 34.9% from pre-exercise to immediately post-exercise and the interval session, by 7.9%. Thirty minutes after exercise, triglyceride concentrations showed no significant difference in relation to the pre-exercise and immediately after exercise moments in both session models. Therefore, it is concluded that aerobic exercise promotes responses in triglycerides concentrations of dyslipidemic patients, independently of the exercise method, either continuous or interval.

The objective of this study was to identify parameters that best discriminate between selected and non-selected players for the Brazilian under-19 men’s volleyball team and propose mathematical models to identify high-performance players. To this end, 18 selected (16.89±0.96 years) and 138 non-selected (16.91±0.74 years) players for the under-19 team were assessed for the training profile, anthropometric profile, and physical performance level. The discriminant function analysis was used to build the models, with a significance of α<0.05. The spike jump reach showed a greater correlation with the discriminant scores obtained in the two models (r=0.701; r=0.782). The 10 variables included in Model 1 helped identify 88.9% of the players selected in their group of origin; Model 2 – obtained by the spike jump reach and duration of playing experience – identified 83.3% of the players selected. Therefore, coaches should be aware that differences between the selected and non-selected players are multi-factorial, with the spike jump reach being the most relevant assessment factor. Furthermore, good players for the selection can be identified using the two models: Model 1 promises greater success with ten assessments, whereas Model 2 allows the identification of suitable players for the under-19 men’s volleyball team with only two simple assessments.