Brais Gabin

Bio: Brais Gabin is an academic researcher from Polytechnic University of Catalonia. The author has contributed to research in topics: Software. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 248 citations.

The Specificity of Observational Studies in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences: Moving Forward in Mixed Methods Research and Proposals for Achieving Quantitative and Qualitative Symmetry.

Abstract: Mixed methods studies are been increasingly applied to a diversity of fields. In this paper, we discuss the growing use—and enormous potential—of mixed methods research in the field of sport and physical activity. A second aim is to contribute to strengthening the characteristics of mixed methods research by showing how systematic observation offers rigor within a flexible framework that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Observational methodology is characterized by high scientific rigor and flexibility throughout its different stages and allows the objective study of spontaneous behavior in natural settings, with no external influence. Mixed methods researchers need to take bold yet thoughtful decisions regarding both substantive and procedural issues. We present three fundamental and complementary ideas to guide researchers in this respect: we show why studies of sport and physical activity that use a mixed methods research approach should be included in the field of mixed methods research, we highlight the numerous possibilities offered by observational methodology in this field through the transformation of descriptive data into quantifiable code matrices, and we discuss possible solutions for achieving true integration of qualitative and quantitative findings.

Metodología observacional y psicología del deporte : estado de la cuestión

Abstract: En este trabajo se realiza un analisis en perspectiva de la trayectoria de la Metodologia Observacional en el devenir de la Psicologia del Deporte. La crisis de la Psicologia Social implica un cambio metodologico hacia la observacion, esta situacion es recogida por los trabajos pioneros de Martens y supone su consolidacion. En la ultima decada se ha producido un avance considerable, materializado y consolidado por un desarrollo emergente de diferentes aspectos procedimentales de la Metodologia Observacional (disenos, instrumentos de observacion, programas informaticos de registro, etc.) en Psicologia del Deporte, y en las mas diversas modalidades (futbol, balonmano, baloncesto, hockey, natacion, tenis, judo, actividad fisica, atletismo, etc.). Nos hallamos en la actualidad en un momento que consideramos crucial para que sigan fructificando los nuevos avances metodologicos, desde un planteamiento flexible y abierto, en la multiplicidad de perspectivas perceptibles que se plantean en la Psicologia del Deporte.

Position-Dependent Cardiovascular Response and Time-Motion Analysis During Training Drills and Friendly Matches in Elite Male Basketball Players.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to measure differences in the cardiovascular workload (heart rate [HR]) and time-motion demands between positional groups, during numerous basketball training drills, and compare the results with in-game competition demands. A convenience sample of 14 top-level professional basketball players from the same club (Spanish First Division, ACB) participated in the study. A total of 146 basketball exercises per player (performed over an 8-week period in 32 team training sessions throughout the competitive season) and 7 friendly matches (FM) played during the preparatory phase were analyzed. The results reveal that HRavg and HRpeak were the highest in FM (158 ± 10; 198 ± 9 b · min(-1), respectively). Time-motion analysis showed 1v1 to be the most demanding drill (53 ± 8 and 46 ± 12 movements per minute for full and half court, respectively). During FM, players performed 33 ± 7 movements per minute. Positional differences exist for both HR and time-motion demands, ranging from moderate to very large for all basketball drills compared with FM. Constraints such as number of players, court size, work-to-rest ratios, and coach intervention are key factors influencing cardiovascular responses and time-motion demands during basketball training sessions. These results demonstrate that systematic monitoring of the physical demands and physiological responses during training and competition can inform and potentially improve coaching strategy, basketball-specific training drills, and ultimately, match performance.

Programas informáticos de registro, control de calidad del dato, y análisis de datos

Abstract: At present, researchers who wish to apply computerized observational procedures within the context of the observational methodology face numerous difficulties. These difficulties stem from the versatility of the data, the recording of images, and the lack of immediate results. This paper takes both a retrospective and forward look at the field, discussing the interconnectivity that has been achieved through observational software developed in recent years. Specifically, it examines progress in the way in which levels of behaviour are selected, changed and suppressed (criteria and categories/codes), the import and export of data records from one programme to another, and the inclusion of calculation processes.

Guidelines for reporting evaluations based on observational methodology

Abstract: Background: Observational methodology is one of the most suitable research designs for evaluating fidelity of implementation, especially in complex interventions. However, the conduct and reporting of observational studies is hampered by the absence of specific guidelines, such as those that exist for other evaluation designs. This lack of specific guidance poses a threat to the quality and transparency of these studies and also constitutes a considerable publication hurdle. The aim of this study thus was to draw up a set of proposed guidelines for reporting evaluations based on observational methodology. Method: The guidelines were developed by triangulating three sources of information: observational studies performed in different fields by experts in observational methodology, reporting guidelines for general studies and studies with similar designs to observational studies, and proposals from experts in observational methodology at scientific meetings. Results: We produced a list of guidelines grouped into three domains: intervention and expected outcomes, methods, and results. Conclusions: The result is a useful, carefully crafted set of simple guidelines for conducting and reporting observational studies in the field of program evaluation.