Knowledge of internal load is essential to understand the effect of training and competition on athletes. The aim of this study was to analyse the validity of the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale as an indicator of intensity in amateur female basketball players during a relegation play-off. The heart rate and RPE of 10 players (age: 21.30 ± 2.71 years, weight: 68.84 ± 11.21 kg, body fat: 20.74 ± 3.51%) from a Copa Catalunya team while competing over a 10-day period were analysed. The mean heart rate of each match was registered with the Suunto Team Pack™ heart rate monitors. The RPE values were obtained once the match ended, completing the original Borg scale. The mean RPE ranged from 15.20 ± 2.39 to 18.00 ± 1.07 AU, whereas the mean heart rate (MHR) ranged from 132.35 ± 12.37 to 147.33 ± 10.61 bpm. There was also an improvement in the statistical correlation between the two variables as the days progressed. Regression equations were calculated for the total number of registered matches and the last five matches, obtaining the following regression equations: MHR = 6.23 × RPE20 + 36.8 (R² = 0.56) for all games and MHR = 30.95 + 6.73 × RPE (R² = 0.73) for the last five games. The results suggest that RPE could be seen as an indicator of intensity in amateur basketball players during a relegation play-off, improving their relationship with MHR as the weeks went by, which could suggest a learning process.

Low back pain (LBP) is known to affect cyclists. This study aimed to describe perceived lumbar dysfunction and compare the pain sensation in recreational cyclists who practice road and mountain biking. Forty males were randomly assigned to carry out a 3-h road cycling (RC) and mountain biking (MTB) time trial (TT) at submaximal intensity. LBP and pain pressure threshold (PPT) were measured before and after the TT. A significant increment at the LBP was found after RC TT (p < 0.001; d = 2.61), similar to MTB TT (p < 0.001; d = 2.65). However, PPT decreased after completing the RC TT (p < 0.001; d = 1.73) and after MTB TT (p = 0.024; d = 0.77). There were no differences in the LBP evolution between both interventions (p > 0.01). Low back pain perception increases with cycling in recreational cyclists. Nevertheless, this increase appears to be more related to the traits of the cyclist than the modality practiced.

Handgrip strength is a marker of health and performance, with prospective associations with mortality. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training allows for the induction of adaptations with low mechanical stress; however, its added effect on isometric hand/forearm tasks is uncertain and may depend on load prescription. The study's objective was to evaluate the effects of a six-week isometric program with and without BFR on handgrip strength. A 6-week clinical trial (3 sessions/week) was conducted in 18 physically active males aged 20 to 40 years, assigned to training with BFR (n=10) and without BFR (n=8). Volume and effort were kept constant between groups. The dependent variable was maximal grip strength (dynamometry). Data were analysed using mixed linear models with group, time, and their interaction effects. The results showed that both groups improved after the intervention, with no evidence of additional benefit with BFR (group × time not significant; difference in differences = 0.56 kgf, 95% CI −2.09 to 3.21). Although the BFR group showed higher absolute values at Pre and Post-intervention (difference in Post-intervention 8.07 kgf; 95% CI 0.12–16.02), the change trajectories were parallel. The hand effect was small (~1.9 kgf) and not significant, with no interactions. Conclusion: In active males, a six-week isometric program improves handgrip, but adding BFR does not provide an additional gain with the exercise prescription used.