Search Results (1,948)

This study aimed to determine changes in defensive strategies over the past decade in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and identify the most crucial factors for winning games. The study analyzed all games where the 30 NBA teams played over 11 seasons (13,530 games) and created outcome statistics based on win–loss records. Five defensive variables (OREB [offensive rebound], DREB [defensive rebound], TREB [total rebound], ST [steal] and BLK [block]) were compared, revealing that OREB (p < 0.03), DREB (p < 0.001), TREB (p < 0.001), ST (p < 0.001) and BLK (p < 0.001) occur significantly in winning teams. Also, it has been observed that the changes over the years in the variables OREB (p < 0.01), DREB (p < 0.01), TREB (p < 0.01) and ST (p < 0.01) are statistically significant. However, there was no significant difference in the BLK variable over the years (p = 0.24). The impact of defensive variables on winning and their factor loadings are as follows: DREB (λ = 0.50), ST (λ = 0.15), TREB (λ = 0.10), BLK (λ = 0.08) and OREB (λ = 0.06). Coaches can use these findings on defensive variables to strategize and counter opponents during games. Full article

Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetry in vertical and horizontal jump tests (CMJ and HJ) and COD with lower limb performance variables in adolescent tennis players. Forty-five adolescent tennis players (age: 13.81 ± 1.08 years; height: 167.64 ± 9.9 cm; body mass: 57.48 ± 10.94 kg; body mass index: 20.27 ± 2.18 kg/m²) performed the CMJ test (unilateral and bilateral), horizontal jumps (unilateral and bilateral), 25 m sprint, and 180° COD test. The single-leg countermovement jump showed the greatest asymmetries among the different tests (6.62 ± 9.35%). Notable negative relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and COD asymmetry with unilateral horizontal jump variables (r = −0.30 to −0.53). In addition, CMJ asymmetry showed notable relationships with CMJR (r = 0.49) and COD180R (r = 0.29), whereas COD asymmetry showed a notable relationship with COD180L (r = 0.40). On the other hand, HJ asymmetry showed no notable relationships with any variable. The main findings of this study indicate that greater imbalances in the CMJ and COD tests are associated with a reduced capacity to perform unilateral horizontal jumps. These results suggest the incorporation of training protocols to reduce interlimb asymmetries in growing athletes to improve their performance. This practical application is important for coaches and physical trainers who aim to improve the physical performance of adolescent tennis players. Greater asymmetry results in a reduced ability to produce unilateral horizontal force. Full article

Wearable technologies have become increasingly popular in recent years, as athletes and coaches look for ways to gain a competitive edge. These devices can track a variety of metrics, including heart rate, sleep quality, and movement patterns. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and make small, incremental changes that can lead to significant gains in performance. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an integrative overview of the literature on the impact of wearable technologies on marginal gains in sports performance. The literature review was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, and a total of 55 papers were considered eligible. The results of the literature overview suggest that wearable devices can be classified into three main categories. (1) Location-based wearables (LBW) track an athlete’s location and movement, which can be used to analyze training patterns and identify potential injury risks. (2) Biometric wearables (BMW) track physiological data such as heart rate, sleep quality, and body temperature; these data can be used to monitor an athlete’s fitness levels and identify signs of overtraining. (3) Performance wearables (PMW) track performance metrics such as power output, speed, and distance; this information can be used to optimize training programs and track progress over time. For each category, this paper provides the five most important data points measured by each suggested device. Additionally, sport-specific examples are provided for each category based on the literature data. The limitations of wearable devices, such as accuracy, validity, reliability, interpretability, and cost, are also discussed. However, despite these limitations, the results of the literature review suggest that wearable technologies can be a valuable tool for athletes and coaches who are looking to improve performance. Ultimately, this technological evolution in sports science is likely to dramatically change the state of the art in athletic monitoring and sports analytics. Full article

Football players’ decision-making behaviours near the scoring target (finishing situations) emerge from the evolving spatiotemporal information directly perceived in the game’s landscape. In finishing situations, the ball carrier’s decision-making about shooting or passing is not an individual decision-making process, but a collective decision that is guided by players’ perceptions of match affordances. To sustain this idea, we collected spatiotemporal information and built a model to quantify the “Finishing Space Value” (FSV) that results from players’ perceived affordances about two main questions: (a) is the opponent’s target successfully reachable from a given pitch location?; and (b) from each given pitch location, the opposition context will allow enough space to shoot (low adversaries’ interference)? The FSV was calculated with positional data from high-performance football matches, combining information extracted from Voronoi diagrams (VD) with distances and angles to the goal line. FSV was tested using as a reference the opinion of a “panel of expert” (PE), composed by football coaches, about a questionnaire presenting 50 finishing situations. Results showed a strong association between the subjective perception scale used by the PE to assess how probable a shot made by the ball carrier could result in a goal and FSV calculated for that same situation ($R^2=0.6706$). Moreover, we demonstrate the accuracy of the FSV quantification model in predicting coaches’ opinions about what should be the “best option” to finish the play. Overall, results indicated that the FSV is a promising model to capture the affordances of the shooting circumstances for the ball carrier’s decision-making in high-performance football. FSV might be useful for more precise match analysis and informing coaches in the design of representative practice tasks. Full article

Background—The number of studies on padel has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the growing importance of the sport. However, more research is still needed on a comprehensive analysis of performance indicators. This study had a double objective: on the one hand, to analyze the probability of winning a point as a function of several variables and, on the other hand, to develop a match analysis. Methods—A total of 980 points from the Menorca 2020 World Padel Tour Master Final Men’s category were examined using observational methodology. The participants were the eight pairs who competed in the final rounds of the tournament. To obtain the results, various analytical techniques were used, such as descriptive analysis and the chi-square test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results—The results indicated that most points were initiated on the first serve (88.5%) and were most often won by the serving pair (59.3%). Short rallies predominated (42.2%), with the serving pair most likely to win the point (71%). As the rally became longer, the probability of winning the point decreased, reaching 57% for medium rallies and 47% for long rallies. Almost half of the points were completed in less than 10 s, with an average point duration of 15 s. Most points were finished from the middle area and near the net (41.4% and 36%, respectively), mainly by smashes (25.9%) or volleys (28.9%), with the cross-court trajectory being the most effective. Conclusions—Short rallies (0–6 shots) were the most common, with an average point duration of approximately 15 s. Most points ended with a shot from the middle of the court, using a volley or a smash with a cross-court trajectory. There is a clear relationship between proximity to the net on the final shot and an increased probability of winning the point. Full article

The objective was to compare simplified pressure insoles integrating different sensor numbers and to identify a promising range of sensor numbers for accurate center of pressure (CoP) measurement. Twelve participants wore a 99-sensor Pedar-X insole (100 Hz) during walking, jogging, and running. Eight simplified layouts were simulated, integrating 3–17 sensors. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) and root mean square errors (RMSE) between the original and simplified layouts were calculated for time-series mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) CoP. Differences between layouts and between gait types were assessed via ANOVA and Friedman test. Concordance between the original and simplified layouts varied across layouts and gaits (CCC: 0.43–0.98; ${\mathsf{\chi }}_{\left(7\right)}^2$ ≥ 34.94, p < 0.001). RMSE_ML and RMSE_AP [mm], respectively, were smaller in jogging (5 ± 2, 15 ± 9) than in walking (8 ± 2, 22 ± 4) and running (7 ± 4, 20 ± 7) (${\mathsf{\eta }}_p^2$: 0.70–0.83, p < 0.05). Only layouts with 11+ sensors achieved CCC ≥ 0.80 in all tests across gaits. The 13-sensor layout achieved CCC ≥ 0.95 with 95% confidence, representing the most promising compromise between sensor number and CoP accuracy. Future research may refine sensor placement, suggesting the use of 11–13 sensors. For coaches, therapists, and applied sports scientists, caution is recommended when using insoles with nine or fewer sensors. Consulting task-specific validation results for the intended products is advisable. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of an identity leadership-framed reflective practice intervention on perceptions of leadership, social identity, and psychological safety in cricket. Building on previous evidence, an eight-week design included three intervention group coaches and their athletes (n = 32) and three control group coaches and their athletes (n = 34). Measurements of perceived coach identity leadership, social identity, and psychological safety were completed by cricket athletes at week 0 and week 8 for both groups. Intervention group coaches completed three identity leadership-framed reflective tasks in weeks one, three, and five, while the control group coaches continued their regular practices. Controlling for baseline scores, our analysis indicated that compared to the control group, the intervention group athletes reported significantly greater coach identity leadership behaviours, social identity, and psychological safety following the intervention. Social validation data highlighted shared identity, relationships, and learning as potential mechanisms for the positive results seen. Full article

Caffeine and sodium bicarbonate are extensively researched ergogenic aids known for their potential to enhance exercise performance. The stimulant properties of caffeine on the central nervous system, coupled with the buffering capacity of sodium bicarbonate, have been associated with improved athletic performance. This has led to investigations of their combined effects on strength. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of isolated and combined caffeine and sodium bicarbonate consumption on strength using the isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP). Nineteen male college students (age 23.6 ± 1.6 years) participated in this crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They were exposed to the following conditions: control (no supplement), placebo (20 g maltodextrin), caffeine (6 mg/kg), sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg), and a combination of caffeine and sodium bicarbonate. Supplements and placebo were diluted in water and consumed 60 min prior to the IMTP tests. Two 5 s IMTP trials were performed at 40–60% and 60–80% of One Repetition of Maximum (1RM) with a 60 s rest between. Consumption of caffeine or Caf + NaHCO₃ did not significantly change peak IMTP strength values at any intensity (p = 0.110). The peak IMTP values did not show significant differences between conditions or from control condition values (1091 ± 100 N) to Caf (1224 ± 92 N), NaHCO₃ (1222 ± 74 N), and Caf ± NaHCO₃ (1152 ± 109 N). However, the test of the results of the ANOVA analysis of repeated measures of effect within the caffeine condition was significant for the increase in IMTP relative strength compared to control (p < 0.05). Thus, the IMTP force values increased significantly from control to Caf (p = 0.016) and from Pla to Caf (p = 0.008), but not for other comparisons (p > 0.05). In summary, caffeine supplementation alone, taken 60 min before exercise, positively affects submaximal strength performance. In contrast, sodium bicarbonate, whether taken alone or in combination with caffeine, does not enhance submaximal strength in the IMTP tests. Full article

Objective: To construct and validate a physical fitness evaluation index system for elite male singles badminton players. Methods: Utilizing the Delphi method to establish a comprehensive evaluation system, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to calculate the influence weights of various indicators. The validity of the comprehensive evaluation system was verified using testing methods. Results: After three rounds of expert selection, the physical fitness evaluation index system for elite male singles badminton players includes three primary indicators, nine secondary indicators, and twenty-one tertiary indicators. Among the primary indicators, specialized physical fitness holds a significant weight in the evaluation with a value of 0.651, whereas body morphology has a smaller weight of 0.077. Among the secondary indicators, specialized agility, strength, and endurance have higher weights of 0.223, 0.217, and 0.210, respectively. Among the tertiary indicators, four-corner ball touch, 400 m × 5 shuttle run, smash-and-rush, and vertical jump height hold higher weights of 0.119, 0.114, 0.104, and 0.096, respectively. The results after randomly selecting ten elite male singles badminton players and applying the evaluation index system demonstrated that this system has high feasibility and validity. It can not only comprehensively assess the physical fitness of athletes but also provide significant practical guidance for enhancing their competitive performance. Conclusions: The evaluation system and weight assignments constructed in this study can scientifically and comprehensively reflect the physical fitness status of athletes. It can guide coaches in formulating targeted training plans and optimizing training outcomes. Full article

Teaching practices are moving from decontextualised to more representative curricula. Although this is argued to be a positive step, low motor competence is a continual issue in primary-aged school children. One methodological approach to investigate ways to improve motor competence, eye tracking, is moving to more representative tasks. So far, eye-tracking research using static activities has demonstrated a positive association between motor competence and earlier fixation and longer duration. However, this research has been constrained to laboratory settings and tasks, or discrete activities (e.g., throw and catch). This study seeks to understand how to conduct more representative eye-tracking research in primary school-aged children. To this end, thirteen 10–11-year-old children were fitted with an eye-tracker during a typical football coaching session. Children were asked acceptability-based questions, and eye-gaze data were captured to illustrate what children attended to under a representative dynamic football-based activity. Based on the voices of children and captured eye-gaze data, six practical implications for research in this population are proposed: (1) conduct eye-tracking research indoors (where possible); (2) ensure long hair or fringes are secured so as not to obscure line of sight; (3) run the same activity to increase comparability across children wearing the eye-tracker; (4) use a properly fitted backpack (if a backpack is to be used); (5) assure children about the capability and hardiness of the eye-tracker, as they do not need to change the way they move; (6) explain there may be some discomfort with the nose clip, head strap, and battery weight and ensure that children wish to continue. Full article

Dexamethasone (Dex) is a widely used glucocorticoid in medical practice, with applications ranging from allergies and inflammation to cerebral edema and shock. Despite its therapeutic benefits, Dex is classified as a prohibited substance for athletes due to its potential performance-enhancing effects. Consequently, there is a critical need for a convenient and rapid detection platform to enable prompt and accurate testing of this drug. In this study, we propose a label-free Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) aptasensor platform for Dex detection utilizing conjugated polymers (CPs), cationic conjugated polymers (CCPs), and gene finder probes (GFs). The system operates by exploiting the electrostatic interactions between positively charged CCPs and negatively charged DNA, facilitating sensitive and specific Dex detection. The label-free FRET aptasensor platform demonstrated robust performance in detecting Dex, exhibiting high selectivity and sensitivity. The system effectively distinguished Dex from interfering molecules and achieved stable detection across a range of concentrations in a commonly used sports drink matrix. Overall, the label-free FRET Dex detection system offers a simple, cost-effective, and highly sensitive approach for detecting Dex in diverse sample matrices. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a promising tool for anti-doping efforts and other applications requiring rapid and accurate Dex detection. Full article

While there is clear evidence in the literature that the hematological parameters in athletes of different sports are affected by exercise and varying loads, to our knowledge, there are limited studies on the real impact of kickboxing matches on kickboxers’ hematological parameters. In this context, this cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the acute changes in the hematological parameters of kickboxers following K1 matches. With the participation of 10 kickboxing K1 athletes, the hematological parameters, including the WBC, Plt, Neut, Lymph, Mono, RBC, Hgb, Hct, CK, La, and glucose levels, were examined before and after matches. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare the pre-test and post-test hematological parameters of the participants. The findings indicated statistically significant differences in the post-match WBC, Plt, Neut, Lymph, CK, La, and glucose levels, while no statistically significant differences were observed in the RBC, Hct, Hgb, and CK levels (p < 0.05). These results not only emphasize the complexity of physiological changes in athletes, but also show consistency with various findings in the literature, while contradicting some. Therefore, it is highlighted that further research is needed to understand the effects of K1 matches on hematological parameters. Full article

Background: Repeated sprint ability (RSA) is defined as the ability to recover and maintain maximal effort during repeated sprints, recognised as a crucial performance component in team sports. The exercise mode used to test RSA may influence performance and the contributions of different energy systems. The primary aim of this study is to address the critical gap between traditional cycling-based anaerobic tests, such as the Wingate test, and the practical, sport-specific demands of running in field-based team sports. Methods: This study involved 32 professional soccer players (age: 21.2 ± 1.3 years; height: 177.8 ± 4.3 cm; and mass: 71.3 ± 6.4 kg). They performed cycling- and running-based repeated sprint tests, with similar total sprint numbers, durations, and recovery times, on different days. Contributions from adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr), glycolytic, and oxidative systems were estimated through body weight, oxygen uptake (VO₂), blood lactate (BLa), and the fast component of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). The VO₂ levels and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the rest (10 min), exercise, and recovery (15 min) phases in a breath-by-breath mode using a portable gas exchange system. BLa was measured before (at rest) and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 min after the running and cycling tests using a handheld portable analyser. A mono-exponential model estimated the ATP-PCr system contribution, calculated using the fast component of EPOC following the final sprint and the sum of the VO₂-time integral during rest intervals. Results: The cycling tests demonstrated significantly higher values for the peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (p < 0.05), while the heart rate peak and blood lactate responses were similar across all modalities. The fatigue index was notably higher in the running tests (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the running tests showed greater contributions in both the percentage and absolute terms from the adenosine triphosphate-phosphocreatine (ATP-PCr) system (p < 0.01), total energy demand (p < 0.05), and total energy expenditure (TEE) (p < 0.01). Notably, the running tests resulted in an increased phosphocreatine breakdown (p < 0.05) and rapid phosphocreatine replenishment (p < 0.01). A simple linear regression analysis highlighted a significant determination coefficient between these performance variables and the contributions of the energy systems, affirming the robustness of the results. The correlation heatmaps further illustrated these relationships, with higher correlations for the PP and MP across modalities (0.41), emphasising the moderate association between cycling and running tests in these metrics. Conclusions: This study elucidated the similarities and differences in energy system contributions and performance outcomes between a cycling and a running repeated sprint protocol, with a comparable total sprint time and work–rest ratio. The findings reveal that a running repeated sprint test elicits a higher energy demand and a higher contribution from the PCr energy system compared to cycling. Performance variables were not associated between running and cycling tests, suggesting those tests cannot be used interchangeably. Full article

Objective: High amounts of sedentary behavior increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of the RISE intervention to support community-dwelling people with stroke, who are highly sedentary, to reduce and interrupt sedentary time. Additionally, the added value of including participatory support was determined. Methods: A randomized, multiple-baseline study was conducted including 14 participants. All received the RISE intervention, a 15-week blended behavioral intervention in which a primary care physiotherapist provided personalized coaching in the home setting by using behavior-change techniques and the RISE eCoaching system, including an activity monitor and app to provide real time feedback. Half of the participants (randomly allocated) received participatory support from someone from their social network (e.g., partner or close friend) who joined them in the intervention. Preliminary effectiveness was determined with significant changes in total sedentary time and fragmentation (interruption) of sedentary time using a randomization test. Feasibility was assessed by adherence with the intervention protocol, safety, and satisfaction with the intervention. Results: Participants significantly reduced total sedentary time (p = 0.01) by 1.3 h on average and increased their fragmentation (p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed significant improvements in both outcomes only in the group with participatory support. Thirteen (92.9%) participants completed the intervention, no related adverse events occurred, and the reported participant satisfaction was sufficient. Conclusions: The RISE intervention appears promising to support people with stroke who are highly sedentary to reduce and interrupt their sedentary time. Participatory support appears to contribute to greater results. Trial registration: ISRCTN international trial registry, 10694741. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare swimming speed and speed fluctuations in front crawl between swimmers of different performance levels using discrete variables against statistical parametric mapping (SPM). The sample was composed of 34 male swimmers divided into three groups: (i) group #1—recreational swimmers; (ii) group #2—competitive swimmers aged 12 to 14 years; (iii) group #3—competitive swimmers aged 15 to 17 years. Swimming speed and speed fluctuations (calculated based on four different conditions) were used as discrete variables. Using these discrete variables, ANOVA one-way was used to verify differences between groups, and Bonferroni post-hoc correction for pairwise comparison whenever suitable. SPM (with similar statistical tests) was used to analyze the swimming speed and fluctuation as a continuous variable. Overall, both statistical approaches revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) in swimming speed and speed fluctuations. However, as discrete variables (in four different conditions), the speed fluctuation was not able to detect significant differences between groups #2 and #3. Conversely, SPM was more sensitive and did yield significant differences between these two groups. Therefore, researchers and coaches should be aware that the speed fluctuation as a discrete variable may not identify differences in swimming speed fluctuations when the average value between groups is marginal. On the other hand, SPM was more sensitive in analyzing all groups. Full article