Training load characteristics and injury and illness risk identification in elite youth ski racing:A prospective study

Purpose:The study aimed to investigate the role of training load characteristics and injury and illness risk in youth ski racing.Methods:The training load characteristics as well as traumatic injuries,overuse injuries,and illnesses of 91 elite youth ski racers(age=12.1±1.3 years,mean±SD)were prospectively recorded over a period of 1 season by using a sport-specific online database.Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to monitor the influence of training load on injuries and illnesses.Differences in mean training load characteristics between preseason,in-season,and post-season were calculated using multivariate analyses of variance.Results:Differences were discovered in the number of weekly training sessions(p=0.005)between pre-season(4.97±1.57)and post-season(3.24±0.71),in the mean training volume(p=0.022)between in-season(865.8±197.8 min)and post-season(497.0±225.5 min)and in the mean weekly training intensity(Index)(p=0.012)between in-season(11.7±1.8)and post-season(8.9±1.7).A total of 185 medical problems were reported(41 traumatic injuries,12 overuse injuries,and 132 illnesses).The weekly training volume and training intensity was not a significant risk factor for injuries(p>0.05).Training intensity was found to be a significant risk factor for illnesses in the same week(β=0.348;p=0.044;R^(2)=0.121)and training volume represents a risk factor for illnesses in the following week(β=0.397;p=0.027;R^(2)=0.157).Conclusion:A higher training intensity and volume were associated with increased illnesses,but not with a higher risk of injury.Monitoring training and ensuring appropriate progression of training load between weeks may decrease incidents of illness in-season.

Mind the “Gap”: A Comparison of the Weekly Training Loads of English Premier League Academy Soccer Players in Under 23, Under 18 and Under 16 Age-Groups

Purpose The transition into full-time training represents a key period in the development of young soccer players.Here we compared the weekly training loads(matches,field-,and resistance-training)of English Premier-League Academy soccer players from under-16(U16),under-18(U18)and under-23(U23)age-groups during a training meso-cycle.Methods Forty players(U16 n=13,U18 n=15 and U23 n=12)were monitored using global navigation satellite systems and differential ratings of perceived exertion(dRPE).External load metrics were total distance,high-speed running distance,[absolute:≥19.8 km/h,relative:≥87%of 30-15 final-velocity(vIFT)],sprint distance(absolute:≥25.2 km/h,relative:≥80%maximal sprint speed),and dynamic stress load.Internal load metrics were dRPE training loads.Results Other than relative sprint distance,overall weekly external training loads were substantially greater for U18s and U23s when compared with U16s[effect size range:1.09-1.99(moderate to large);±90%confidence limits~0.45].When compared with U16s,overall internal loads were substantially greater for U18s[0.69-0.95(moderate);±~0.40],but not U23s.Differences in weekly training loads between U18s and U23s were inconclusive.Conclusions Substantial differences in training loads between elite U16 players and their older counterparts,indicates the need for planned increases in training loads in anticipation of the transition into full-time training.

Comparison of Cardiovascular Parameters and Internal Training Load of Different 1-h Training Sessions in Non-elite CrossFit^(®)Athletes

Purpose The fact that CrossFit^(®)is the best-known and rapidly growing concept for high-intensity interval training(HIIT)and high-intensity functional training(HIFT)results in a continuous increase of athletes performing CrossFit^(®).In the more than 15,000 CrossFit^(®)Affiliates worldwide,the training concept is usually offered in 1-h training sessions containing the CrossFit^(®)-related workout of the day(WOD),as well as a general warm-up,movement demonstrations,and skill training.Here,we report how physiological parameters measured by heart rate(HR)values vary during four different 1-h CrossFit^(®)training sessions of non-elite athletes(n=27)in a local affiliated training center and what influencing factors may exist.Methods The duration of the 1-h training sessions were divided into a warm-up part(WU-part),a skill development part combined with strength exercises(A-part),followed by the WOD part(B-part).Results Analysis of HR values shows high training intensity(≥91%HR_(max))not throughout the duration of each training session,only during B-part.The mean HR values in B-part differ significantly compared to the remaining training parts(P<0.001)for all four training sessions.Comparison of different CrossFit^(®)experience levels revealed no significant differ-ence in acute physiological demands and training load between beginner and experienced CrossFit^(®)athletes.Conclusion Our results may suggest that practicing CrossFit^(®)in 1-h training sessions combined anaerobic and aerobic exercise intensities,with the training concept allows beginners and experienced athletes to be trained with the same cardio-vascular responses and training intensities.

Non-enzymatic antioxidant blood plasma profile in the period of high training loads of elite speed skaters in the altitude

At the altitude,hypoxia and training load are key factors in the development of oxidative stress.Altitude-induced oxidative stress is developed due to the depletion of antioxidant potential.In the current study,we examined the non-enzymatic antioxidant profile of blood plasma in 7 males and 5 females specializing in speed skating at a 21-day training camp at 1850m above sea level.Training included:cycling,roller skating,ice skating,strength training,and special training.At the start point and the endpoint,total hemoglobin mass(tHb-mass),hemoglobin concentration,and circulating blood volume were determined.Antioxidant profiles,hypoxic doses,hypoxic impulses,and training impulses were assessed at 3,6,10,14,and 18 days.Antioxidant profiles consisting of“urate”and“thiol”parts were registered with chemiluminometry.In the training dynamics,antioxidant parameters changed individually,but in total there was a decrease in the“urate”capacity by a factor of 1.6(p=0.001)and an increase in the“thiol”capacity by a factor of 1.8(p=0.013).The changes in“urate”capacity positively correlated(r_(S)=0.40)and the changes in“thiol”capacity negatively correlated(r_(S)=−0.45)with changes in tHb-mass.Both exercise and hypoxic factors affect the antioxidant parameters bidirectionally.They correlated with a decrease in thiol capacity and with an increase in urate capacity.The assessment of the non-enzymatic antioxidant profile can be a simple and useful addition to screening the reactive oxygen species homeostasis and can help choose the personalized training schedule,individualize recovery and ergogenic support.

Dynamic soil arching in piled embankment under train load of high-speed railways

Piled embankments have many advantages that have been applied in high-speed railway construction engineering.However,the load transfer mechanism of piled embankments,such as soil arching and tension membranes,is still unclear,especially under dynamic loads.To investigate the soil arching and tension membrane under dynamic train loads on high-speed railways,a large-scale piled embankment model test with X-shaped piles as vertical reinforcement was performed,in which twenty-eight earth pressure cells were installed in the piled embankment and an M-shaped wave was adopted to simulate the high-speed railway train load.The results show that dynamic soil arching only occurs when two bogies of a carriage pass by and disappears at other times.The dynamic soil arching and membrane effect are the most significant under the concrete base.The arching height,stress concentration ratio and pile-soil load sharing ratio have a minimal value at 25 Hz.The dynamic soil arching degrades severely at 25 Hz,whose height at 25 Hz is only 0.35 times that at 5 Hz.The arching height fluctuates over a narrow range with increasing loading amplitude.The stress concentration ratio and the pile-soil load sharing ratio increase monotonically as the loading amplitude increases.

Numerical analysis of moving train induced vibrations on tunnel,surrounding ground and structure

This study is focused on the effect of vibration induced by moving trains in tunnels on the surrounding ground and structures.A three-dimensional finite element model is established for a one-track railway tunnel and an adjacent twelve-storey building frame by using commercial software Midas GTS-NX(2019)and Midas Gen.This study considered the moving load effect of a complete train,which varies with space as well as with time.The effect of factors such as train speed,overburden pressure on the tunnel and variation in soil properties are studied in the time domain.As a result,the variations in horizontal and vertical acceleration for two different sites,i.e.,the free ground surface(without structure)and the area containing the structure,are compared.Also,the displacement pattern of the raft foundation is plotted for different train velocities.At lower speeds,the heaving phenomenon is negligible,but as the speed increases,both the heaving and differential settlement increase in the foundation.This study demonstrates that the effect of moving train vibrations should be considered in the design of new nearby structures and proper ground improvement should be considered for existing structures.

Utility of the“RMSSD-Slope”to Assess the Internal Load in Different Sports Situations

The control of training load has become a very interesting field for investigation in sports, but few tools are used to assess internal training load (ITL). The aim of this study is to use a post-exercise analysis methodology in different athletes and situations to establish its utility and reliability as a measure of ITL. In a retrospective review, we analysed 112 measurements of 74 subjects (38 men and 36 women) grouped in: University students (UNI);national team (FUTSAL 1);university team (FUTSAL 2);athletes (ATL);badminton players (BADM). Measures of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were made with a Polar V800 with a thoracic band H10, during 5 minutes in a seated position after exercise. We calculated the Root Mean Square of the successive differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD) and its slope from exercise to recovery. Measurements from UNI, FUTSAL-2, ATL-M and ATL-F were grouped into three categories of intensity (60%, 75% and 100%). RMSSD-Slope values were lower as intensity increased but different for every subject. In the BADM and FUTSAL-1 groups, RMSSD-Slope was progressively lower after consecutive matches for every player. The RMSSD-Slope seems to be a very accurate method to assess ITL.

Dynamic analysis of slab track on multi-layered transversely isotropic saturated soils subjected to train loads

The dynamic responses of a slab track on transversely isotropic saturated soils subjected to moving train loads are investigated by a semi-analytical approach. The track model is described as an upper Euler beam to simulate the rails and a lower Euler beam to model the slab. Rail pads between the rails and slab are represented by a continuous layer of springs and dashpots. A series of point loads are formulated to describe the moving train loads. The governing equations of track-ground systems are solved using the double Fourier transform, and the dynamic responses in the time domain are obtained by the inverse Fourier transform. The results show that a train load with high velocity will generate a larger response in transversely isotropic saturated soil than the lower velocity load, and special attention should be paid on the pore pressure in the vicinity of the ground surface. The anisotropic parameters of a surface soil layer will have greater influence on the displacement and excess pore water pressure than those of the subsoil layer. The traditional design method taking ground soil as homogeneous isotropic soil is unsafe for the case of RE 〈 1 and RG 〈 1, so a transversely isotropic foundation model is of great significance to the design for high train velocities.

Model tests on XCC-piled embankment under dynamic train load of high-speed railways

Piled embankments,which offer many advantages,are increasingly popular in construction of high-speed railways in China.Although the performance of piled embankment under static loading is well-known,the behavior under the dynamic train load of a high-speed railway is not yet understood.In light of this,a heavily instrumented piled embankment model was set up,and a model test was carried out,in which a servo-hydraulic actuator outputting M-shaped waves was adopted to simulate the process of a running train.Earth pressure,settlement,strain in the geogrid and pile and excess pore water pressure were measured.The results show that the soil arching height under the dynamic train load of a high-speed railway is shorter than under static loading.The growth trend for accumulated settlement slowed down after long-term vibration although there was still a tendency for it to increase.Accumulated geogrid strain has an increasing tendency after long-term vibration.The closer the embankment edge,the greater the geogrid strain over the subsoil.Strains in the pile were smaller under dynamic train loads,and their distribution was different from that under static loading.At the same elevation,excess pore water pressure under the track slab was greater than that under the embankment shoulder.

Analysis of the Dynamic Response of a Shield Tunnel in Soft Soil Under a Metro-Train Vibrating Load

This paper concerns the impact of an operating metro train on the structure of a shield tunnel lining and its soft foundation. An elastoplastic 3D dynamic finite difference model was established by using the FLAC3D numerical soft- ware. By fully considering the joints, the A-B-K segments and the soft stratum, the dynamic response of the shield tunnel buried in thick, soft soil under the vibrating load induced by a metro train was numerically simulated. The simulation result, for which the joint was considered, was compared with the result when the joint was not considered. The results show that an operating metro train induces a significant dynamic response in the structure of the lining of the shield tunnel and its soft foundation. The severe dynamic response zones of the lining structure are largely distributed in the range of the lower half of the segment-ring and the nearer to the bottom of the segment-ring, the more severe the response. Of two horizontally symmetric, corresponding places on the segment lining, the one near the joint is more severe in its dynamic response than that of the one far from the joint; the nearer the zone of the foundation soil to the lower half of the seg- ment-ring, the more severe the dynamic response. The maximum shear strain of the foundation soil takes place near the joint between two normal segments at the bottom. The dynamic response influenced by joints is more severe than the response not influenced by joints, showing that the non-joint assumption is somewhat impractical.

Determination method of load balance ranges for train operation safety under strong wind

The aerodynamic performances of a passenger car and a box car with different heights of windbreak walls under strong wind were studied using the numerical simulations, and the changes of aerodynamic side force, lift force and overturning moment with different wind speeds and wall heights were calculated. According to the principle of static moment balance of vehicles, the overturning coefficients of trains with different wind speeds and wall heights were obtained. Based on the influence of wind speed and wall height on the aerodynamic performance and the overturning stability of trains, a method of determination of the load balance ranges for the train operation safety was proposed, which made the overturning coefficient have nearly closed interval. A min(|A1|+|A2|), s.t. |A1|→|A2|(A1 refers to the downwind overturning coefficient and A2 refers to the upwind overturning coefficient)was found. This minimum value helps to lower the wall height as much as possible, and meanwhile, guarantees the operation safety of various types of trains under strong wind. This method has been used for the construction and improvement of the windbreak walls along the Lanzhou–Xinjiang railway(from Lanzhou to Urumqi, China).

Dynamic load sharing behavior of transverse-torsional coupled planetary gear train with multiple clearances

A new nonlinear transverse-torsional coupled model with backlash and bearing clearance was proposed for planetary gear set. Meanwhile, sun gear and planet's eccentricity errors, static transmission error, and time-varying meshing stiffness were taken into consideration. The differential governing equations of motion were solved by employing variable step-size Rung-Kutta numerical integration method. The behavior of dynamic load sharing characteristics affected by the system parameters including input rate, sun gear's supporting stiffness and eccentricity error, planet's eccentricity error, sun gear's bearing clearance, backlashes of sun-planet and planet-ring meshes were investigated qualitatively and systematically. Some theoretical results are summarized at last which extend the current understanding of the dynamic load sharing behavior of planet gear train, enrich the related literature and provide references for the design of planetary gear train.

Experimental study on dynamic load magnification factor for ballastless track-subgrade of high-speed railway

The magnitude of dynamic load produced by high-speed trains depends on many factors,of which train speed is the most critical one.However,it is quite difficult to determine the effect of train speed on dynamic load using the theoretical methods due to the complexity of the interaction between vehicle and track-subgrade.Thus large-scale model test has gradually become an important approach for studying dynamic responses of ballastless track-subgrade of high-speed railway.In this study,a full-scale model of ballastless track-subgrade was constructed in accordance with the design and construction standards for Shanghai-Nanjing intercity high-speed railway line firstly.Then,the dynamic strain of slab and the dynamic earth pressure of subgrade were measured by conducting single wheel axle excitation test.In addition,the relationship between the dynamic load magnification factor（DLF） and the train speed was obtained.Finally,the DLF of track-subgrade under different train speeds was proposed,similar to that given by German Railway Standard.

Study on the subgrade deformation under high-speed train loading and water–soil interaction

It is important to study the subgrade characteristics of high-speed railways in consideration of the water–soil coupling dynamic problem,especially when high-speed trains operate in rainy regions.This study develops a nonlinear water–soil interaction dynamic model of slab track coupling with subgrade under high-speed train loading based on vehicle–track coupling dynamics.By using this model,the basic dynamic characteristics,including water–soil interaction and without water induced by the high-speed train loading,are studied.The main factors-the permeability coefficien and the porosity-influencin the subgrade deformation are investigated.The developed model can characterize the soil dynamic behaviour more realistically,especially when considering the influenc of water-rich soil.

Effects of Neo-Tethyan evolution on the petroleum system of Persian Gulf Superbasin

Considering the Neo-Tethyan tectonic process and the resulting environmental changes,a geodynamic model of“one-way train loading”is proposed to analyze the formation and evolution mechanism of the Persian Gulf Superbasin with the most abundant hydrocarbons in the world.The Persian Gulf Superbasin has long been in a passive continental margin setting since the Late Paleozoic in the process of unidirectional subduction,forming a superior regional space of hydrocarbon accu-mulation.During the Jurassic-Cretaceous,the Persian Gulf Superbasin drifted slowly at low latitudes,and developed multiple superimposed source-reservoir-caprock assemblages as a combined result of several global geological events such as the Hadley Cell,the Equatorial Upwelling Current,and the Jurassic True Polar Wander.The collision during the evolution of the foreland basin since the Cenozoic led to weak destruction,which was conducive to the preservation of oil and gas.Accordingly,it is be-lieved that the slow drifting and long retention in favorable climate zone of the continent are the critical factors for hydrocarbon enrichment.Moreover,the prospects of hydrocarbon potential in other continents in the Neo-Tethyan were proposed.

Influence of principal stress rotation of unequal tensile and compressive stress amplitudes on characteristics of soft clay

Soil behavior can reflect the characteristics of principal stress rotation under dynamic wave and traffic loads. Unequal amplitudes of tensile and compressive stresses applied to soils have complex effects on foundation soils in comparison with the pure principal stress rotation path. A series of undrained cyclic hollow torsional shear tests were performed on typical remolded soft clay from the Hexi area of Nanjing, China. The main control parameters were the tensile and compressive stress amplitude ratio(α) and the cyclic dynamic stress ratio(η). It was found that the critical η tended to remain constant at 0.13, when the value of the compressive stress amplitude was higher than the tensile stress amplitude. However, the influence of the tensile stress was limited by the dynamic stress level when α= 1.For obvious structural change in the soil, the corresponding numbers of cyclic vibration cycles were found to be independent of α at low stress levels and were only related to η. Finally, a new method for evaluating the failure of remolded soft clay was presented. It considers the influence of the tensile and compressive stresses which caused by complex stress paths of the principal stress rotation. This criterion can distinguish stable, critical, and destructive states based on the pore-water-pressure-strain coupling curve while also providing a range of failure strain and vibration cycles. These results provide the theoretical support for systematic studies of principal stress rotation using constitutive models.

Impact of extreme climate and train traffic loads on the performance of high-speed railway geotechnical infrastructures

High-speed railways are very important in global transportation.However,the railway subgrade is significantly affected by the environment due to its exposure to the atmosphere.At present,global warming is the primary trend in world climate change and seriously damages railway infrastructure.Owing to the coupling effect of extreme environmental and train loads,various subgrade problems tend to arise,such as settlement,ballast fouling,and mud pumping,thus inducing frequent railway accidents and reducing travel safety.Insights into the problems triggered by extreme climate and train loads are critical to the design and long-term operation of high-speed railway subgrades.This study therefore presents a detailed survey of recent advances in typical subgrade problems through analyzing the problem formation mechanisms and influences.Traditional and emerging detection/monitoring technologies in respect of subgrade problems are discussed in detail,as well as pre-accident and post-accident maintenance methods.Finally,according to the existing challenges in long-term subgrade shakedown assessment,an outlook on open opportunities is provided for future research.

A substructure approach for analyzing pile foundation and soil vibrations due to train running over viaduct and its validation

An efficient computational approach based on substructure methodology is proposed to analyze the viaduct-pile foundation-soil dynamic interaction under train loads.Thetrain-viaductsubsystemissolvedusingthe dynamic stiffness integration method,and its accuracy is verified by the existing analytical solution for a moving vehicle on a simply supported beam.For the pile foundation-soil subsystem,the geometric and material properties of piles and soils are assumed to be invariable along the azimuth direction.By introducing the equivalent stiffness of grouped piles,the governing equations of pile foundation-soil interaction are simplified based on Fourier decomposition method,so the three-dimensional problem is decomposedintoseveraltwo-dimensionalaxisymmetricfinite element models.The pile foundation-soil interaction model is verified by field measurements due to shaker loading at pile foundation top.In addition,these two substructures are coupled with the displacement compatibility condition at interface of pier bottom and pile foundation top.Finally,the proposed train-viaduct-pile foundation-soil interaction model was validated by field tests.The results show that the proposed model can predict vibrations of pile foundation and soil accurately,thereby providing a basis for the prediction of pile-soil foundation settlement.The frequency spectra of the vibration in Beijing-Tianjin high-speed railway demonstrated that the main frequencies of the pier top and ground surface are below 100 and 30 Hz,respectively.

Ground-borne vibrations due to dynamic loadings from moving trains in subway tunnels

In this study,ground vibrations due to dynamic loadings from trains moving in subway tunnels were investigated using a 2.5D finite element model of an underground tunnel and surrounding soil interactions.In our model,wave propagation in the infinitely extended ground is dealt with using a simple,yet efficient gradually damped artificial boundary.Based on the assumption of invariant geometry and material distribution in the tunnel's direction,the Fourier transform of the spatial dimension in this direction is applied to represent the waves in terms of the wave-number.Finite element discretization is employed in the cross-section perpendicular to the tunnel direction and the governing equations are solved for every discrete wave-number.The 3D ground responses are calculated from the wave-number expansion by employing the inverse Fourier transform.The accuracy of the proposed analysis method is verified by a semi-analytical solution of a rectangular load moving inside a soil stratum.A case study of subway train induced ground vibration is presented and the dependency of wave attenuation at the ground surface on the vibration frequency of the moving load is discussed.

Ground vibration analysis under combined seismic and high-speed train loads

The rise of high-speed railway induces an increased probability of serious derailment accidents of operating high-speed trains during earthquakes.A two-and-half-dimensional finite element model(2.5D FEM)was developed to investigate the ground vibration under combined seismic and high-speed train loads.Numerical examples were demonstrated and the proposed method was turned out to provide an effective means for estimating ground vibration caused by high-speed train load during earthquakes.The dynamic ground displacement caused by combined seismic and high-speed train loads increases with the increase of the train speed,and decreases with the increase of the stiffness of ground soil.Compared with the seismic load alone,the coupling effect of the seismic and high-speed train loads results in the low-frequency amplification of ground vibration.The moving train load dominants the medium–high frequency contents of the ground vibration induced by combined loads.It is observed that the coupling effects are significant as the train speed is higher than a critical speed.The critical train speed increases with the increase of the ground stiffness and the intensity of the input earthquake motion.