Showing papers in "Journal of Human Sport and Exercise in 2020"

Sleep, physical activity and screens in 0-4 years Spanish children during the COVID-19 pandemic: Were the WHO recommendations met?

Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned in recent years about child physical inactivity The pandemic caused by COVID-19 meant in many countries the establishment of a period of confinement with the deprivation of movement of children The aim of this paper is to analyse whether, during the period of confinement, the WHO recommendations regarding sleep, physical activity and the use of technological devices in children under 5 years of age resident in Spain were met The sample was composed of 280 Spanish children The results confirm high values in the use of screens, especially television (M = 65 33), followed by tablets (M = 17 10) and mobile phones (M = 8 34) Physical activity levels were detected to be lower than recommended, with an average of 31 81 minutes versus the recommended 180 minutes As for sleep hours, the recommendations were minimally fulfilled (M = 10 73;SD = 1 72) It is concluded that the period of confinement may have been an obstacle to complying with WHO recommendations regarding the practice of physical activity and screens in children under 5 years of age, which may have further aggravated the health of children in relation to pathologies associated with sedentary life © 2020 All rights reserved

Gender differences in technical-tactical behaviour of La Liga Spanish football teams

Abstract: We gratefully acknowledge the support of Generalitat Valenciana proyect: Analisis observacional de la accion de juego en el futbol de elite (Conselleria d´Educacio, Investigacio, Cultura i Esport) during the period: 2017-2019 (GV2017/044). We also acknowledge the support of Universidad Catolica de Valencia “San Vicente Martir” project: Estudios en el deporte de elite desde los Mixed Methods: tecnicas de analisis de estudios comparativos, during the period 2018 [Grant UCV2017/230-002].

Gender differences in body image dissatisfaction: The role of physical education and sport

Abstract: Body image is a multidimensional construct encompassing how we perceive, think, feel, and act toward our bodies and lies on a continuum from healthy body perceptions to unhealthy body perceptions. Previous researches suggest that adolescent girls experience higher levels of body dissatisfaction than do their male counterparts. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate on gender differences concerning the perceived body dissatisfaction and uneasiness by adolescents and the role played by the physical education in the process of positive development of the mental representation of the corporeity. 100 students (14-15 years) participated voluntarily in the study and were assigned to trained group (n = 50; 25M, 25F) regularly practicing sports outside the school hours, or untrained group (n = 50; 25M, 25F) did not practice any extracurricular physical activity in the period before the study. After anthropometric measurements (BMI), two standardized psychological tests to assess the degree of personal satisfaction towards their body were administered (i.e., Body uneasiness test (BUT) and contour drawing rating scale (CDRS)). BUT and CDRS scores were significantly lower for total trained group and trained females (p < 0.05). Also, total trained group and males and females trained showed a significant lower BMI (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed between the untrained and trained males for BUT and CDRS. Findings showed a better body-size perception and a smaller body uneasiness by trained adolescents. Moreover, girls showed anyway a greater dissatisfaction and uneasiness with the external appearance compared to their male counterpart.

Teachers' perspectives about contents and learning aim of physical education in Italian primary school

Abstract: The physical education (PE) in the Italian primary school and its teaching and organizational issues have long been a key topic of the political and scientific debate, however the various actions carried out so far have not been enough to recognize contents and methods of physical and sports education correctly oriented in an educational way, often reducing the time of curricular PE or the project experiences of physical literacy and sport to mere physical-technical exercises. The aim of this work is to develop the essential didactic-methodological contents and to define a model of core curriculum of Sport and Exercise Sciences degrees for teaching of PE in primary school and for sport education in sports associations for leisure and recreational activities. To this end will be conducted an analysis of ministerial documents for the identification of the main educational aspects of the contents and learning outcomes of PE in primary school. Then discussion with primary school teachers has been realized, through focus groups content-focused on PE at school as provided by National Guidelines and on specific projects carried out in collaboration between Italian Ministry of Education and Italian Olympic Committee.

Design and teaching of physical education for children and youth

Abstract: The reduction of physical activity is a phenomenon that affects the world population at all ages (childhood and adolescence, adulthood and third age) whose effects do not only concern the predisposition to risk factors for health but also more generally well-being and good individual bio-psycho-social functioning. Sedentary lifestyle, unfortunately, no longer affects adults and the elderly, but it is an unhealthy habit that is grafted more and more precociously, also extending to children and adolescents. In fact, during the developmental age we observe alarming trends of involution of motor skills with a general trend of reduction in the quality and quantity of movements in both children and adolescents; over the last fifty years, unfortunately, the coordination of school-age children has regressed, manifesting itself with a significant delay in the development of coordination especially in urban populations, as well as being affected by a serious and widespread problem of overweight and obesity in age paediatric. This paper analyses some special educational needs of movement during childhood and adolescence, even in the presence of disabilities, and tracks the main teaching methods that enhance the body and movement and the sensory perceptive system.

The effects of Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) training on mindfulness, and flow in national competitive swimmers

Abstract: There are limited studies examining the effects of a mindfulness intervention for a specific sport population group. The aim of this applied study was to investigate the effects of a mindful sport performance enhancement (MSPE) program on the mindfulness and flow of adolescent swimmers. Sixteen competitive adolescent swimmers were split into MSPE (n = 9) and relaxation training (RT) (n = 7) groups for eight weeks. Participants completed measures of trait and state flow mindfulness pre and post intervention. Paired t test results revealed that the MSPE group improved trait flow characteristics and global trait flow. ANCOVA analysis also revealed significantly higher effects on global trait flow and the action-awareness merging and clear goals subscales for the MSPE group compared to the RT group. These results suggested that sport orientated mindfulness interventions can psychologically benefit competitive youth swimmers. The study indicates that further research could consider applied designs to investigate in more detail the experiences this population has with specific mindfulness exercises.

Prevalence of bullying and harassment in youth sport: The case of different types of sport and participant role

Abstract: Purpose: Studies on participation of various social groups in sports reveal not only positive but also negative impact of this activity on the person’s health, well-being and future. A particularly serious social problem in sport is the aggressive behaviour of all participants, which can also manifest itself as bullying and cause a number of negative consequences. The aim of the research is to identify the prevalence of bullying and harassment in organized sport in the case of individual, combat, team sports and participant roles. Methodology. A supplemented version of Bullying and harassment in sport questionnaire (BHISQ) was used to conduct the survey. The survey involved 1440 participants of organized sport. Findings: Almost one third of research participants in the team sports identified themselves as victims, which is significantly more than the sum of the results of two remaining groups. Comparing the percentages of victims’ and bystanders’ confessions, it has been found that bullying in individual sports can be significantly more active; i.e., the number of athletes who have seen bullying is significantly higher than the number of athletes who have named themselves as victims. The highest manifestation of bullying unfolds in team sports, where most – almost one fifth – of respondents attributed the role of the bully against their team member(s) to themselves, while the percentages of bullies against opponents in combat and team sports are similar. In combat and team sports, unlike in the individual sports, the roles of bullies against opponents, unfolding in bullying actions, are more frequently expressed.

Wearing a surgical mask does not affect the anaerobic threshold during pedaling exercise

Abstract: The effect of wearing a surgical mask on cardiopulmonary function and anaerobic threshold (AT) has not been reported. Thus, we aimed to determine whether cardiopulmonary function and AT vary while wearing surgical masks. Six healthy men were enrolled and underwent the cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) stress test under two different conditions (with and without a commercially available surgical mask) to evaluate their AT. To confirm that there was no breath leakage, a gas mask connected with a respiratory gas analyser was worn over the surgical mask when the participants performed the CPX. The AT was measured by the V-slope method. Moreover, the AT time, exercise load, oxygen consumption, and ventilation values after the CPX were determined. No significant differences were found between the two conditions. The number of complaints of respiratory distress, however, was significantly higher while wearing a surgical mask. The exercise intensity achieved by each participant was equivalent, irrespective of whether they wore the surgical mask; therefore, wearing a surgical mask does not affect cardiopulmonary function during vigorous exercise.

The influence of healthy habits acquired by school-age adolescents in relation to physical education classes

Abstract: The main aim of this research is to know the habits of our students due to our concern to educate students about the importance of caring for and improving their health. Students of the First Cycle of ESO of the Centres of the Cordoba regions of the south of the province have fulfilled a survey about their daily habits related to health; In addition, to know the thoughts, beliefs and knowledge of the Physical Education teachers of these students through the conduct of a Discussion Group, in order to learn more about this perspective in relation to Physical Education and Education for Health. Among other data from the analysis and taking into account the food pyramid for these ages, it can be deduced that the students eat few vegetables and that a percentage close to 25% of the students consumes sweets 3-4 days a week. It is noteworthy that 59.3% of boys and 24.1% of girls regularly do physical activity, apart from the Physical Education class. Regarding the teaching sector, teachers thinks that students are aware of what is advisable to take and what is not; since in schools the diet is changing towards healthier habits, however, the students sometimes eat food that is not conducive to them and they do not even eat. As for hygiene habits, the teachers say that they are consolidated, but the same does not happen with postural habits that they consider not to have correct habits.

Anthropometric profiles of elite athletes

Abstract: Quantifying body composition is central to monitoring performance and training in athletes, however limited sport-specific anthropometric reference data, assessed and reported in a standardised manner, is available. This study provides anthropometric profiles in elite male athletes from different sports. Elite male athletes (n = 73) from National squads of boxing (n = 10), cricket (n = 21), swimming (n = 23), hockey (n = 10) and eventing (n = 9) were assessed for body mass, height, eight skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, biceps, iliac crest, supraspinal, abdominal, thigh and medial calf), body circumferences (arm, waist, hip, thigh and calf) and muscle circumferences (arm, thigh, calf) using ISAK standardised guidelines. For all athletes, large variability exists for measures of skinfold thickness at each skinfold site. Swimming (64.6 ± 16.1 mm) and boxing (63.5 ± 16.1 mm) were similar for the sum of eight skinfolds (∑8SKF) but swimming had lower ∑8SKF compared to cricket (86.1 ± 21.3 mm; p = .011) and eventing (89.9 ± 30.7 mm; p = .028). Hockey (81.9 ± 26.3 mm) and eventing had the most varied ∑8SKF. Thigh body (p=.006) and muscle circumferences (p = .005) were significantly reduced in boxing compared to hockey. No differences were seen between sports for arm (p = .346; ES = .06) and calf (p = .382; ES = .06) muscle circumferences. The anthropometric profiles for elite athletes from various sports during pre-season training will be a useful resource for sports professionals when monitoring and interpreting body composition data. Large variation exists in anthropometric profiles between the different athletes and different sports, highlighting the necessity to have sport-specific normative ranges available to allow optimal monitoring of individual athletes particularly varying across sports as well as age, training status and position.

The educational value of the rules in volleyball

Abstract: The rules of team sports and the technical and tactical methods applicable to them are essential for competitive sports. The correct competition is triggered by the automatic mechanism of the sanction following the violation of a rule of the game which is also helped by the relational dynamics of the individual members of the group who demand the application of the rule to continue playing. The competition can also be self-regulated by the two groups that compete for the victory without even the direct action of the referee as always happens in training activities. This phenomenon can be found only in those contexts where the rule is necessary and alone sufficient to ensure the orderly development of the activities. The objective of the study is to identify in the individual team sports the significant elements of the rules of the game and the related technical and tactical behaviours and to identify an inventory of significant behaviours. The method is the documental archive research for the analysis of the rules of individual team sports, a subsequent comparative method between grids of indicators, descriptors and weights that classify rule, technique and tactics. The expected results will focus on the congruent presence of the significant elements and the commonality or discordance between team sports. The data is useful to measure the quantity of significant behaviours in order to qualitatively elaborate the value of each of them with respect to the other current behaviours of quantitative performance and to establish the connections. Subsequently, self-perception requests can be given to practitioners (athletes and students) on the specific connections between the need for the rule and its application in order to be able to play sportively at the highest levels with gratification and satisfaction. The results are useful for possible reflections and focus on the reproducibility of the investigated mechanism to other social activities through educational and formative action.

Tendinopathies of the hip and pelvis in athletes: A narrative review

Abstract: Tendon disorders represent some of the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints worldwide. In the athletic population, tendinopathy could affect different anatomical districts. Tendons surrounding hip and pelvis are frequently involved due to overuse and high functional demands in the athletes. These disorders negatively impact on sport performance, since they are a long-lasting clinical condition requiring a multimodal management. Great trochanter pain syndrome, proximal hamstring tendinopathy, insertional adductor tendinopathy and ileopsoas tendinopathy are the most common clinical conditions involving tendon structures of the hip and pelvis. Due to the anatomical complexity of the region, the relationship with pelvic organs, the demographic and anthropometric characteristics of the athletes, the differential diagnosis between these musculoskeletal disorders and other diseases is often difficult to conduct and some therapeutic options are challenging. Modification of risk factors, changes in training protocols, some specific therapeutic exercise programs and rehabilitation procedures have been proposed as an efficient conservative management strategy, guarantying a complete recovery of athletic function. Surgical approaches are required in a specific subset of patients. This narrative literature review aims to summarize current understanding and areas of ongoing research about the clinical features, diagnostic keys and therapeutic options of the main clinical tendinopathies surrounding hip and pelvis.

The analysis of the results of the Olympic free-style wrestling champions

Abstract: The successful and effective management of sports training is impossible without the justified forecasting. The retrospective analysis of the sport career of elite sportsmen allows to identify interconnections of the competitions – results on various stages of the sporting career. Analysis of papers showed, there are no researches which would analyse the highest-level sportsmen in wrestling – Olympic champions. Aim of the research – to analyse results of the Olympic champions in wrestling from 1996 to the present day and to discover the main trends and regularities. The analysis included 41 sport careers of winners in freestyle wrestling of the six Olympic Games from 1996 to 2016. The results of wrestlers on international competitions into the four age stages are analysed: the pre-junior age, junior age, senior until the victory at the Olympic Games and a time period after the victory. The majority of the sportsmen (90.3 %) win only once and participate in the OG only once or twice (90.2 %). The retrospective analysis has shown that 48.8 % of wrestlers-champions have performed at the international stage at the cadets age, and 85.4 % of sportsmen at the junior age, over 90 % of them have taken the winning places. Prior to the victory at the Olympic Games 87.8 % of the sportsmen take part at the continental championships, all of them have won medals. And 82.9 % have participated at the world championships, and 91.2 % of them have taken places from 1 to 3.

Personal characteristics supporting Paralympic athletes’ self-realization in sports

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the personal characteristics supporting Paralympic athletes’ self-realization in sports. The study involved 106 members of the Paralympic and Deaflympic teams of Ukraine (16-53 year-old, the average age of 28.3 ± 7.2 years; 84 men with the average age of 27.7 ± 6.7 years and 22 women with the average age 30.3 ± 8.3 years) in different sports (football, fencing, power-lifting, sitting volleyball, judo, canoeing in pairs, swimming). It is determined that the most important personal factor supporting Paralympic athletes’ self-realization in sports is their psychological hardiness. Their self-efficacy, capacity for self-organization of their activities and psychological well-being can also be considered as significant personal characteristic necessary for their self-realization in sports.

Validity and reliability of smartphone high-speed camera and Kinovea for velocity-based training measurement

Abstract: This study was supported by vice-rectorate program of research and knowledge transfer for the promotion of R+D+I at the University of Alicante (Ref. GRE18-19).

Testing motor skills, general and special coordinative, in young soccer

Abstract: There is need of improvement the quality of the play and the performances continually, above all the motor skills. The tests that have been made to the male young athletes, are easy to administer and are intended to investigate two different motor skills (general coordinative and specific coordinative). The purpose of this study is to monitor and to evaluate the improvement of the performance on a sample of fifteen male young soccer players of 12-13 years old. Method is experimental and has to carry out the usual parameters for monitoring the trainings. Data were collected during eight weeks. All data detected were expressed as average ± SD on: height (162.8 ± 3.45), Weight (54.6 ± 3.21), body mass index (20.6 ± 1.72) and using some field tests (Harre test, Precision shooting test and Control test of ball). Analysis of statistical data has been conducted with Test-t to check the differences between pre-test and post-test (at the beginning and at the end of a month of specific training). The significant differences have been fixed in p < .05. The results show that there is a significant difference between the performance pre and post training, in the three tests conducted. This study analyse and evaluate the reduction or the improvement of the performance, allowing at the coaches of monitor the training process.

Physical activities and enjoyment during the lockdown: Effect of home-based supervised training among children and adolescents

Abstract: Enjoyment during physical and sport activities is an essential and well recognized component that has been also related to motor ability in children. During the period of home confinement due to Covid-19 lockdown, the Italian version of the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-It) was used to evaluate the level of enjoyment in physical and sports activities. The beginning stem of the questionnaire was modified by asking subjects “During the lockdown, when I am physically active…”. Data were collected on a sample of 140 among children and adolescents (60 aged 6-11 and 80 aged 12-15, 66% males and 34% females). About 90% of subjects followed online school classes and 83% also received indications from their Sports Associations about physical home-exercises and other forms of guided distance learning. Results from PACES showed that subjects liked the home physical activities with a mean value of 65.2 ± 11.8 with higher values from those who received online support from their regular instructors; moreover, higher values from PACES were obtained by middle school children respect to primary school children and high school adolescents. Despite the mandatory confinement, a positive feedback regarding the enjoyment was reported by children and adolescents for the home distance modality.

The effect of contextual variables on the attacking style of play in professional soccer

Abstract: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of a Spanish government subproject Mixed method approach on performance analysis (in training and competition) in elite and academy sport [PGC2018-098742-B-C33] (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades, Programa Estatal de Generacion de Conocimiento y Fortalecimiento Cientifico y Tecnologico del Sistema I+D+i), that is part of the coordinated project New approach of research in physical activity and sport from mixed methods perspective (NARPAS_MM) [SPGC201800X098742CV0].

The effect of the crisis on the economic federative situation and evolution of sports results in Spain

Abstract: Sports federations are the great promoters of sport at the national level. Their public-private structure requires them to maintain a strong relationship with the public administration. That is why the economic situation of a country, as well as the sports support policy, significantly influence the structure, projects and sports results obtained. This work shows the evolution of public funding in the Spanish federative sport, as well as the evolution of the medals obtained in the Olympic Games held in the period 2008-2017.

Motor coordination and academic performance in primary school students

Abstract: Objective: There is interest in studying the relationship between cognition and motor skills for decades. However, there are few studies that provide scientific evidence on the relationship between motor coordination and academic performance. Therefore, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 163 Spanish schoolchildren aged 6-9 years. Motor coordination was measured with the GRAMI-2 Test. Academic performance was obtained through the average grades of the subjects of language, mathematics, natural science, social science, English and artistic. The variables were calculated: motor coordination index and overall academic performance. The results obtained showed that schoolchildren with a better motor coordination index had higher marks in language, mathematics, natural science and English (p between < .01 and < .05). Dividing the sample according to the global academic performance, those with a good academic performance showed a better coordination performance in lateral jumps (p = .021) and a better motor coordination index (p = .008). These results indicate the existence of a positive relationship between motor coordination and academic performance, which may be this bidirectional link. This study could have practical implications to be taken into account by physical education teachers, such as, the increase in opportunities for physical activity during school and after school hours through the development of programs based on coordinative exercise, and especially oriented towards those less competent at the motor level.

Analysis of motivation towards sports practice in students of Primary Education in Galicia. A descriptive study

Abstract: The current technological revolution has benefited the development of the human being. However, sedentary lifestyle has increased, and consequently, health problems, such as childhood obesity. The combination of physical activity with appropriate educational strategies are the most effective tools to fight against childhood obesity. But it is necessary to take into account the motivation towards the practice of physical exercise to generate the necessary adherence to generate healthy lifestyles and increase the effectiveness of the programs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the reasons for sports practice of students in grades 5 and 6 of Primary Education according to gender and age in 4 Galician schools. 163 students between 10 and 12 years old, of which 80 were boys (49.07%) and 83 girls (50.07%) covered the questionnaire of the Self-Report of Motives for the Practice of Physical Exercise (AMPEF) and the results obtained showed differences statistically significant in the gender factor in weight and body image (p = .022), competition (p < .001), muscular strength and endurance (p = .001) and health urgency (p = .037). Schoolchildren show a motivation for the practice of activity influenced by weight and body image, competition, muscular strength and endurance, these motivations being greater in boys, and the urgency of health in girls.

Effects of two different physical education teaching approaches on the levels of enjoyment in the Italian primary school students

Abstract: Physical education allows children to develop motor skills, but it has an impact on affective domain too. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of two different teaching approaches on the levels of enjoyment of 9-year-old pupils who attended the fourth grade of the primary school. A pre- post- repost design was used as a mean of a longitudinal study. The participants involved were divided into two groups: Teaching skill group (TS) and Teaching games group (TGM). The TS group followed a protocol using the traditional skill-based approach, while the TGM group followed the Tactical Game Model approach, highlighting tactical problems and awareness. The level of enjoyment was assessed by administering the PACES questionnaire. The results show no statistically significant difference, but it can be seen that the TGM group had a more positive trend in enjoyment levels than the TS group. Furthermore, carrying out an analysis by gender it was seen that the females of the TGM group had increases in the scores on the positive scale in the post intervention. In this respect, the physical education teacher has to account for affective learning outcomes when they identify the teaching methods for their courses.

Leadership, stress and burnout among basketball referees

Abstract: The study analyses leadership styles and their influence on burnout and stress among basketball referees, applying a non-probabilistic sampling, convenience sampling, to 61 referees, 85.2% men, 14.8% women. Descriptive analysis, correlations and hierarchical multiple regression models were performed. By applying the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire MLQ-5, Inventario de Burnout en deportistas Revisado IBD-R [Revised Athlete Burnout Inventory], and Escala de Estres en el Ambito Deportivo EEAD [Stress Scale for Sports]. Moderate stress level (26-50) as well as burnout (50-60). Transformational leadership is associated with low levels of stress (p=.003) and high levels of personal accomplishment (p= .026). The developer style, inverse and significant effect (p= .013) with stress. Corrective leadership is associated with low levels of stress (p=.005) and high personal accomplishment (p= .019) and emotional exhaustion (p= .006) of burnout. Passive leadership is associated with high levels of stress (p= .013) and low levels of personal accomplishment (p = .023). As a conclusion, referees mainly apply transformational leadership associated with low levels of stress and high levels of personal accomplishment. They have moderate level of stress and burnout, while there are differences between those at the national level and those at the local-regional level, in addition there are differences regarding the role played, in relation to stress.

Bibliometric analysis of scientific production in badminton

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to analyse the scientific production in the sport of badminton. Publications were collected from the main collection of “Web of Science” platform, specifically from Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Art & Humanities Citation Index (AH Asian and European countries have the highest productivity index, both continents with great trend in badminton, coinciding, in turn, with institutions and first authors; health and training are the most studied thematic areas, whose main disciplines are sports medicine and theory of sports training. This type of studies provides baseline information on future research directions in badminton.

The Orexin-A serum levels are strongly modulated by physical activity intervention in diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract: The Orexin-A (hypocretin-1) is a neuropeptide secreted by neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. This protein regulates physiological and behavioural processes that have an essential impact on energy balance and metabolic status, physical activity, blood glucose levels, and food intake. Furthermore, that orexin-A regulates insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure and metabolic rate and is involved in immune processes and then regulate inflammatory response, with an anti-inflammatory action. Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide health problem associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle. High glycaemic levels and lipid serum profile, low col-HDL, or hypertension and increased body mass index (BMI) are significantly associated with increased T2DM risk and with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in T2DM patients. For these reasons the aim of this study is to evaluate the biochemical and anthropometric parameters, orexin-A levels by ELISA test and western blotting analysis, and inflammatory cytokines levels such as TNF-a, IL-8 and IL-10 by ELISA test in subjects affected by diabetes mellitus following an accurate physical activity program at baseline, after 3 months and after 6 months. We found that there is a ameliorate of many anthropometric and biochemical parameters; furthermore, there is a statistical increase of orexin-A serum levels already after 3 months compared to baseline in T2DM subjects and also there is a strongly modulation in inflammatory cytokines expression. These found indicates that the physical activity has beneficial effects not only on anthropometric and biochemical parameters but also on orexin-A levels, and then on CNS.

Morphology, body composition and maturity status of young Colombian athletes from the Urabá subregion: A k-Medoids and hierarchical clustering analysis

Abstract: The Uraba subregion is one of the most prominent cradles of Colombian elite athletes and, therefore, highly recognized within the “Land of Athletes” framework of the Colombian Ministry of Sports. In order to contribute to the young talent identification and selection of sports specialization, the aim of this STROBE-based cross-sectional study was to determine the morphological characteristics (MC), body composition (BC) and maturity status (MS) of U16 athletes from this subregion (7 municipalities). Eighty-one young athletes (66 weightlifters, 15 boxers) with at least one regional-competition of experience participated (33F; 48M; 14.9 ± 1.4 years; 62.28 ± 16.6 kg; 162.8 ± 9.9 cm). After parental informed consent, ISAK-standardized anthropometric data were collected during a youth sports championship. Athletes were subdivided in clusters using the PAM (k-Medoids clustering) and the bottom-up agglomerative (hierarchical clustering) algorithms. Both clustering methods were based on 55 variables that encompassed MC (raw variables, indices, somatotype), BC (five-compartment model, %BF-equations, ΣS) and MS (maturity offset, PHV, inter alia). The number of clusters was predefined as k = 2 since was the best solution according to 18 criterion-algorithms (100 bootstrap simulations). Non-parametric tests showed significant differences between sex, sports, municipalities and clusters for certain analysed variables. Internal validity of the clustering showed that sport type might explain the variation in the data; thus, it is noteworthy reasonable to recommend the implementation of unsupervised machine learning strategies along with other supervised methodologies in the identification and characterization of young talents and early sports specialization in Colombian athletes with Olympic projection but further research and support is needed.

The educational value of rules in basketball

Abstract: The game rules of team sports and the technique and tactical methods applicable to them are indispensable for practicing competitive sports. The correct competition arose from the automatic mechanism of the sanction following the infringement of a game rule which is also aided by the individual members of the group who demand the application of the rule to continue playing. The competition can also be self-regulated by the two groups who compete without even the decisive action of the referee as happens in training activities. The aim of the study is to identify the significant elements of the game rules and the related technique and tactical behaviours in individual team sports and to identify an inventory of significant behaviours. The method is documentary archival research for the analysis of the rules of individual team sports, a subsequent comparative method between grids of indicators, descriptors and weights that classify rule, technique and tactics. The expected results will focus on the appropriate presence of the significant elements and the commonality or discrepancy between team sports. The data is useful for measuring the quantity of significant behaviours in order to qualitatively elaborate the value of each of them with respect to the other current behaviours of quantitative performance and establish the connections. Subsequently, requests for self-perception can be administered to practitioners (athletes and students) on the specific connections between the need for the rule and its application in order to play sports at the highest levels with gratification and satisfaction.

The educational value of the rules in handball

Abstract: The game rules of team sports and the technical and tactical methods applicable to them are indispensable for practicing competitive sports. The correct competition arose from the automatic mechanism of the sanction following the infringement of a game rule which is also aided by the relational dynamics of the individual members of the group who demand the application of the rule to continue playing. The competition can also be self-regulated by the two groups who compete for the victory without even the decisive action of the referee as always happens in training activities. This phenomenon is found only in those contexts where the rule is necessary and alone sufficient to ensure the orderly development of activities. The objective of the study is to identify the significant elements of the handball game rules, and the related technical and tactical behaviours, to identify an inventory of significant behaviours. The method is documentary archival research for the analysis of the game rules of the team sport in question, and a subsequent comparative method between grids of indicators, descriptors and weights that classify rule, technique and tactics. The expected results will focus on the appropriate presence of the significant elements and the commonality or discrepancy between team sports. The data is useful for measuring the quantity of significant behaviours in order to qualitatively elaborate the value of each of them with respect to the other current behaviours of quantitative performance and establish the connections.

Self-efficacy perception in elite water polo goalkeepers

Abstract: The sports in which there is the figure of goalkeeper, becomes relevant in order to obtain high performance, the perception of success that this participant is formed and that is configured as an expectation. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the association between perception of self-efficacy of two elite water polo goalkeepers and their coach and the observable performance in an international tournament. In order to measure the perception of behavioural success and their coach, it was used the Scale of achievement self-efficacy for water polo goalkeepers (Argudo, De la Vega, Tejero, & Ruiz, 2013). To measure the performance, were analysed all throwing`s received by the two goalkeepers in the XV Water polo World Championship. The results indicate that there are differences between the perception of the player, the coach and the observed behaviour, appreciating that the goalkeeper's perception of success is superior to what actually happens. While in the female case, player and coach perception is less than the observed behaviour.

Post activation potentiation (PAP) and its application in the development of speed and explosive strength in female soccer players: A review

Abstract: The presented review presents the results of current research on the use of PAP during resistance training of soccer players. Researchers who have examined the mechanism behind PAP following complex strength training, have established a relationship between post-activation potentiation and improvements in speed and explosive strength of athletes. Most of the presented papers in this review have confirmed the effectiveness of PAP in eliciting performance in tasks requiring speed, jumping ability and agility in soccer players. These studies were discussed in detail in terms of research groups, methods, training means and study results. Many of these publications have also considered the aspect of rest intervals between the conditioning exercise and the subsequent explosive activity. Most authors indicate the necessity to individualize the time of the rest interval, depending on the athletes training status, strength level and most of all on the intensity and volume of the conditioning exercise. Some scientists have also attempted to incorporate PAP into warm-up protocols, especially prior to speed and power training sessions. A two-way analysis of the impact of PAP, separately on sprint speed and power of the players. The focus was on demonstrating the positive or negative impact of activating exercises on the two variables discussed. The last part of the paper presents the conclusions drawn based on the results of the studies and suggests the objectives of future research. Most publications have documented the results for male participants, whereas little data is available regarding the use of PAP in female soccer players.