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The present paper is devoted to experimentally registered recordings of ECG signal and heart rate, using a textile-embedded online monitoring tool for recording heart activity. The experiment was conducted by surveying squash athletes during their training period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to emphasize the usefulness and efficiency of the use of the electronic training monitoring system SUUNTO, in evaluating the specific effort of training and competition in the test - Skeet 125 men's plates. Used for the first time in sports shooting in Romania, during the training of athlete Alin George Moldoveanu, Olympic champion London 2012, in the men's 10m compressed air rifle, in the competition year 2011-2012, the electronic monitoring system SUUNTO proved its usefulness practice, determining us to continue and extend our scientific approach to the level of another test specific to sports shooting. As a physical trainer of the athlete Ghetu Vlad, multiple national champion in this event, being currently a member of the Youth Olympic Team, with real chances of qualifying for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, we decided to implement this means of evaluation, in order to increase planning efficiency. and scheduling specific effort.Through the feedback it offers, translated into the values of the monitored internal parameters, respectively, heart rate, respiratory rate, the SUUNTO electronic system offers an objective image on the dynamics of the specific effort of the analyzed sample, constituting a solid benchmark in sports training according requirements imposed at the level of performance sports shooting. The information obtained from the monitoring can be viewed and downloaded through the website www.movescont.com, the data being analyzed and interpreted by both authors of this paper. The analysis of the results obtained in this research will be the basis for the realization of some physical training programs, adapted to the requirements of the training process, the competitive effort and, last but not least, to the particularities of the athlete involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENG) in field of wearable human motion sensors has shown significant potential in biomedical monitoring and athlete posture sensing which requires the proper power management circuit. Hence the idea of scavenging the biomechanical energy would minimise this issue thereby giving a new insight towards self-powered devices. We propose a flexible, wearable Kinesio tape based triboelectric nanogeneartor (KT-TENG) which converts the biomechanical energy of knee joints to electrical energy that is further programmed to monitor the athlete’s motion. This works on contact and separation mode where Ecoflex and copper are the negative and positive tribolelectric layers of KT-TENG which is fabricated using a cost-effective approach. The device generates a maximum voltage of ~5V and ~1μA of current respectively. The performance analysis proves that KT-TENG has the potential to contribute towards the energy conversion process providing original intended benefits to athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study are: to modify dysfunctional negative emotions during competition, by using mental training techniques. Improving behavior of athletes is possible by reducing stress and anxiety. Problem Statement: first testing took place during 05-06.02.2015, subjects aged between 12 ± 6 and 17 ± years, consisting of 15 athletes both in group I and the group II, mean age of 15.05 for subjects in group I and 15.49 for subjects in group II. Second testing took place in February 2016, same period. Purpose of Study: the experimental series comprised 20 skiers, from the club CSS Vatra - Dornei (SV) - control group and CSS Baia - Sprie (MM) - experimental group. General aims in conducting the research were to develop a strategy that can reduce stress and anxiety during competition. We worked with athletes that had to learn relaxation techniques, mental and physical. To determine mental training, we have applied specific techniques, that influence certain psychological factors to optimize performance in biathlon skiing. Methods: we used a device EmWave2, which is a biofeedback. It gives us information about physiological indicators such as heart rate. EmWave technology is based on the discovery of consistency. Coherence is a state of synchronization between the heart, brain and autonomic nervous system. By practicing condition of consistency throughout the body it can relieve stress, can heal emotional trauma, exaggerated worry and fear, and as it is practiced, there is an improvement in increasingly greater overall health. Findings and Results: using this tool we succeed in improving the general health of the athletes, we've optimized the performance capability by increasing the speed of learning and the power of concentration, achieving a higher level of emotional balance. To test the normal distribution the Shapiro-Wilk test was used. For data with normal distribution we have used the t test (Student) and to calculate uneven distribution or nonparametric ranks we used, Mann-Whitney (U) test for two unpaired samples or Wilcoxon for two pairs samples. For the analysis of three or more samples ANOVA test was used for normally distributed data or the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, in the case of an uneven distribution of values or rank. Statistical analysis values of EmWave2 test, considering the three levels of consistency was observed: in group I - statistically highly significant differences between at least two levels (p <0.01). In group II - intense statistically significant differences between at least two levels (p <0.001). In experimental group we have observed- statistically highly significant differences between the levels of LH, MH (p <0.01) and in control group - statistically highly significant differences between the levels of LH, MH (p <0.01). Conclusions and Recommendations: The comparative analysis of test scores applied to the studied groups and statistical significance we can say that by applying mental training it leads to lower anxiety technique issues. In statistical analysis of the EmWave2 test were not observed statistically significant differences between the two groups (p> 0.05). Concerning mean heart rate (FC average) recorded by EmWave2 test, statistical intensely significant differences were observed between the two groups (p <0.001). The statistical analysis of time values by using EmWave2 test, were highly significant, between the two groups (p <0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KinectX (KX) and KinectX Pro (KXP) are two specific applications for the training and evaluation of precision in body motion coordination. KinectX Pro was designed to provide an evaluation of efficiency of Ultra Slow Motion Intelligent Training (USMIT) for precision in motor coordination. KinectX was designed to provide direct feedback during the USMIT training in order to know the proper constant speed in ultra slow motions (10 mm/s). Material and method. 142 voluntary subjects participated in four sets of trials (a total of 657 tests): (1) preliminary tests (N=8); (2) motor coordination and psychological trait correlation tests (N=100); (3) precision progress in motor coordination tests (N=8); (4) motor coordination tests (N=27). Five advantages of KX and KXP were identified: (1) "no strings" movement; (2) "live" speed feedback; (3) trajectory feedback; (4) good sensor sensitivity (up to 30 evaluations per second); (5) easy relocation of KX and KXP systems. Two major disadvantages were identified and corrected during testing: (1) high sensitivityto light intensity variations; (2) high sensitivityto infrared radiations. One minor disadvantage: (1) variations inthe test results with variations in the subject's position vs. sensor. Results. A guide for the optimal use of both applications was completed, tested and used in the trials. A beta version was completed for both KX and KXP and successfully used in the trials andthe training of athletes, members of the Romanian Olympic Team 2018. Conclusion. KinectX and KinectX Pro are reliable instruments in the training and evaluation of precision in motor coordination, based on the USMIT program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anaerobic power is an important factor determining physical performance in competitive sports. The aim of this paper is to analyze the anaerobic power of athletes involved in various competitive sports which require different forms of training, and to describe the effect of each group's specialized training over a period of one year on the anaerobic indicators defined by the 30 second Wingate test. Method: The study involved 15 soccer players (SP), 12 practitioners of martial arts (MA), 15 weightlifters (WL), 12 athletics runners (AR), and 12 race walkers (RW). Each group of athletes was of a broadly similar age and level of accomplishment. Anaerobic power was determined using the 30 second Wingate test before and after the one-year period of specialized training. Results: The parameters of total external work (Wt) and mean power (Pmean) did not vary between the groups in a statistically significant way, while maximal power output (Pmax) and fatigue index FI differed. Pmax had increased in group AR and RW as the effect of one-year training. Conclusions: An almost identical level of development was found in anaerobic power but the causative factors were different in the various groups. Only to a limited extent was the one-year specialized training an adequate stimulus for the development of anaerobic power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high degree of applicability of various software in high performance athlete training, allows for a more detailed analysis of any technical aspects. It also underlines any deviations, thus improving execution through the addition of specific restructured means. Any trainer whom owns a current generation smart-phone or tablet may download an application known as Coach's Eye for a modest sum. Keeping in mind one must be able with one's fingers, the software may be employed in order to underline various flaws in technique that may appear throughout a certain event. These errors may be addressed at a later time by applying more or less conventional means. This paper contains a sequential technique analysis, accomplished with the Coach's Eye software, for one of the most highly rated javelin throwers of Romania. The athlete's level of performance (78.90m), requires specialized technique assistance which in turn means repeated video footage analysis. To this end several videos were created of events that occurred in the 2012 competitive period. With the help of the Coach's Eye software, various video frames of technical importance were acquired, of the moments prior and after release. The resulting biomechanical analysis of the athlete's movements covered the period prior to and after technical corrections were made during consecutive competitive years. The conclusion we reached was that in spite of existing software limitations, the use of various applications equates to a step forward concerning proper technique assimilation as early as the event specialization period. At the same time the use of such software is an important approach regarding high performance athlete training. While in the learning and consolidation period, observing and analysing video footage of various executed exercises allows us to track errors more efficiently and stop them before becoming an automatic feature for the athlete through careful application of corrective exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sports in general are conditioned by effort management during training. High performance athletics even more so. Certain means and trials that closely simulate event conditions are employed. This helps conserve the athlete's energy and speeds up healing implicitly. By using a data management program (SPSS - Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), we will be able to outline tendencies, generate charts and tabulated reports in order to achieve a better prediction for performance during events, based on relevant trials. The subjects of our research were 25 athletic throwers (javelin, shot put, discus), that were part of the group representing Romania. Events held about 3 weeks prior to any major competition were taken into account, and by using advanced analysis means, the SPSS application managed to calculate the correlation parameter between results achieved then and during the closest competition, while underlining the predictive value of such data. After data processing, statistical but not causal dependencies were found between certain trials and the throwing distance achieved during the closest competition, thus arguing the fact that some tests are simply not significant for the predictive pattern. In certain situations, the utility of the various preparation trials with regards to the athletic event is not more significant than correctly ascertaining the athlete's training level, state of being (fatigue or preparation), predicting the rate of progress for effort capacity, limiting in order to prevent injury as well as preparation to achieve a sportive form. In conclusion, the SPSS application, while underlining the usefulness of trials for a predictive pattern, may be considered a valid instrument for measuring future performance, only when the other factors are not detrimental to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proprioception and neuro-muscular coordination are treated as new trends in sport performance training process. The latest research shows that best efficiency in sport performance has the athletes that manage their body and segments in best coordinative circumstances even in different kind of stressfully environments. The aim of this material is explore the importance of proprioception and neuro-muscular coordination as a part of training sessions. We focused our research on the Handball players and Biathlon athletes. The selected drills has been developed using unstable surfaces devices such as Balance fit, Bossu, Therabands, Foam devices etc. Evaluation of the athletes' performances has been realized using tests from "Functional testing in Human Performance - 139 tests for sport, fitness, and occupational settings" by Michael P. Reiman and Robert C. Manske (Human Kinetics, 2009). For handball players tests has been developed in the sports hall they are training and for the biathlon athletes in their own specific training environment. The protocols to be followed have been detailed in accordance with the coaches and athletes. Some of the conclusion are still to come, taking in consider that our research is on running. At the same time we consider that the earlier we start with proprioceptive and neuro-muscular training, the safest and more efficient sport performances we '11 have. The results we obtained encourage us to develop further drills patterns to be followed by the coaches and athletes too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical education and the development of strength, speed, and coordination skills, represent the principal directions for obtaining technical and tactical training adapted to the competitive requirements . The analysis of strength and speed skills led to setting up specific patterns of preparation and of top athletes training. Introduction of modern methods of evaluation of the force and power curve, can significantly contribute to changing traditional methods of sports training, avoiding unnecessary consumption of resources and time in training. The results of the analysis and of the evaluation with the aid of a real time power curve, allow the athletes and coaches to adopt the most effective means and methods of training. The new methods of assessment, contribute decisively to the introduction of the modern principles of training, assisted by computer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, the specialists in sport area are very interested by the biomechanic tests in athletics. In this paper we are presented the Ergosim device, wich is able to analyse the movements at the certain speed, from each angle, in every direction, with ideal amplitude. Through the content of this research issues we are trying to introduce the modern techniques used to increase efficiency of triple jumpers training by optimizing the training process. Ergosim can be approached at any time and is even indicated by the junior age, making a gradual transition from specific means for children and juniors to the means for senior, in the meaning of the harmonious development of muscle groups and of the lack pressure on the spine and joints, which are very much required in working with dumbbell. The exercises can be performed with great amplitude, depending on the strength and the speed of the athlet, laying the basis for improving technique with an optimal speed. Ensuring superior techniques can be achieved by practicing as an optimal model, strictly individualized on Ergosim. Thus, it can be develop a very good proprioceptive memory, which will result in a relaxed rhythm and an optimal ratio of jumping phases, with positive effects of performance at major competitions. Ergosim is assisted by computer, adjusting the speed of execution desired, number of repetitions and brake components. The program has capacity for analysis and synthesis, allowing active recording time, the active work, the mechanical work, the active power, the active speed, guided by computer required speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In modern society and modern age the presence of mobile technology is everywhere around us. The main and most important aspect is the speed of online communication that we achieve with our peers, which generates a lower economic effort as well as efficiency and speed in sporting activities. The transfer of information through the use of mobile technology leads to less energy consumption, especially in the retrieval and rapid processing of information received. Mobile technology in sport is extremely different: the internet, mobile phones, camcorders, cameras, pulseoximeters, video software and IT equipment. Premise To observe what mobile technology is available to us, how much we can use it in adapted swimming. Results obtained through the use of modern technology: 1. Digital information of certain physiological parameters 2. Photographic information 3. Video information on http://www.facebook.com/pages/EUPOT- Targoviste-Romania. Activity analysis: www.kinovea.org Conclusion: Modern society has provided us with a host of modern technology, extremely advantageous for the efficiency of sport training. The great advantage of this technology is that we can use mobile technology at any time during the training, even right in the middle of certain activities and even in water, because of the independence of mobile technology. We mention that full advantage is taken of the facilities that the mobile technology offered us, because they act as extra sets of eyes present during the trainings, offering details that you can not always see. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using educational platforms in teacher training and professional improvement of the structures contained in the National Physical Education and Sport System, contribute significantly to the development of sport training. Data obtained from the studies on the quality and efficiency of educational programs (training) in the field of sport, at national and international level, reveal that the variety and complexity of managerial methods require the use of electronic training platforms. So, there are significant data concerning the amount of specific information in our field, the number of users training programs and evaluation of athletes and coaches. Electronic educational platforms, allow the fast and unlimited access to training resources, optimize system evaluation and training in the judo, representing the fundamental strategic direction for Romanian Judo Federation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-learning system tends to occupy an increasingly important place in the initial and continuous training of athletes. This system has several advantages. First are reduced geographical barriers, participants in this training system have access to e-learning program content wherever they are, they can work from the comfort of their own home, on holiday in their own work pace and style, any time they want. Information is always available, participants having more control over it than in mainstream education. E-learning programs contain a large variety of teaching methods, costs are reduced (office rent, utilities, etc..) and provides advanced capabilities for observing and recording the progress of participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

this article will stress how elite table tennis athletes in general have been well educated on the physical aspects of training but are often undereducated on the mental aspects. This imbalance has often resulted in some very frustrated athletes who, after devoting tremendous amounts of time physically training their bodies, achieve only mediocre results in competition. They are not obtaining their maximum potential because although they spent months or years physically training their bodies they devoted only seconds preparing the mental aspects in table tennis. It's ironic that many fail to see the inequity. Today sports psychologists, coaches, and athletes are realizing that training the mind and body together is essential for optimal results. It is imperative to emphasize that the athlete's mental state is just as adaptable to training as his or her physical skills. Utilizing both to maximal effectiveness will result in the highest level of performance. To achieve optimal results the emotional and mental skills must be trained and developed just as the physical skills. In the last analysis the will to win is just as crucial as the skill to win. To train or program the mind in athletics is a detailed variable process that must be learned and then faithfully followed. Athletes must practice mental training just as they practice physical skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

athletes often concentrate on their personal training, but typically lack information about career planning. After retiring, athletes usually do not know what job they want to do. The purpose of this research was to explore through questionnaires (285 valid questionnaires have been retrieved) division I university and college table tennis players' career planning, and the differences found in their career planning based on different background variances. The results were based on descriptive statistics and one-way MANOVA, which led to the following conclusions: I. Division I university and college table tennis players only realized better performances in their self-exploration. Since the athletes spent so much time in a closed training environment, they had fewer opportunities to expose themselves to outside experiences, and therefore the players realized a narrow living environment. This led to low performances in career exploration, along with career selection and career planning. II. Significant variances were found in players' career planning if they had different genders or grade levels, and whether or not they took educational courses or received corporate sponsorships also made a difference. Less significant variance was found if the players attended different schools or departments. The suggestions offered from this study are as follows: (1) to provide help for career planning; (2) to motivate athletes' career planning; (3) to increase opportunities for career exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of active or passive end-range determination on shoulder axial rotation is unclear on overhead-throwing athletes. Twenty-two healthy males were equally divided into athletes and non-athletes groups and their throwing arm was tested during internal and external arm rotation and on active and passive end-range determination conditions. The humeral and scapular 3D position were recorded at the shoulder rotational endrange and compared across groups using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. No differences were found between groups for all humeral and scapular variables. The active internal Thoracohumeral (TH) and Glenohumeral (GH) arches were significantly (p=0.00) higher than internal passive TH and GH. At the end-range of external rotation athletes showed a scapula less in protraction (p=0.027) and less in scapular posterior tilt (p=0.00). External passive TH and GH were significantly higher than external active TH and GH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect whole body vibration (WBV) on the dynamic stability of NCAA Division I women basketball players. Eleven subjects were evaluated in two test conditions including one with and one without WBV. After each condition, subjects were tested for time to stabilization (TTS) on a force platform during bilateral, right leg, and left leg countermovement jumps (CMJ). Results of the statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in TTS between the vibration and non-vibration conditions for the bilateral (p = 0.24) and right leg (p = 0.48) CMJ. A significant difference was found between the conditions demonstrating a shorter TTS in the non-vibration condition for the left leg CMJ (p = 0.04, d = 0.57, ηp2 = 0.36). Acute WBV has no effect on and in some cases impairs dynamic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to compare the velocity of the barbell with the criterion of the velocity of the center of gravity during the explosive bench press lift with different loads. Fifteen highly trained soccer players participated in this study. Three-dimensional upper extremities kinematic data during the bench press were collected. Participants lifted loads of 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with maximal velocity. All upper extremity segments and barbell were modeled as frustra of cones while the barbell was modeled as a cylinder. One way repeated ANOVA revealed that peak barbell velocity was significantly higher with 10, 30 and 50% and the mean barbell velocity was significantly higher with 10 and 30% of 1RM. Additionally, kinematic methods based on the barbell velocity measurement overestimate the velocity of the center of mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects performed drop jumps from 46 cm, a single leg jump, counter movement jump, and squat jump on a hard surface, wrestling mat and in water. Ground reaction force data obtained via a force platform were used to determine the time to takeoff, takeoff peak ground reaction force, power, jump height, and landing peak ground reaction force. A one way repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated differences between plyometic exercises assessed for all of the variables assessed (P ≤ 0.05), with post hoc analysis demonstrating the specific differences. Results indicate that the hard surface and mat conditions were similar for almost all of the plyometric exercises assessed for most outcome variables whereas the plyometric exercises performed in water were different than those performed on the hard surface or mat in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore how specific shoulder stabilizing exercises influenced the shoulder strength balance, incidence of practice time lost due to shoulder ailments and swim performance. Two US high school varsity swim teams participated in the study. The treatment team (N = 59) performed thrice weekly 20-minute dryland activities to improve shoulder and scapular stability, whereas the control team (N = 68) did not explicitly train their athletes in this manner. In addition to the shoulder ailment incidence and lost practice time, we also monitored changes in athletic performance. The results indicate that shoulder-stabilizing exercises reduce the incidence and duration of shoulder ailments in swimmers, without being detrimental to swim performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the load of elbow joint based on the kinetic analysis of the primary school dodgeball players' throwing motion. Four male primary school dodgeball players performed the overhand throwing motion while recorded by a Vicon three-dimensional motion analysis system. Changing patterns of elbow joint torques are similar to those for baseball pitching. The varus torque was the largest value among all elbow joint torques . The extension/flexion angle of elbow joint was -64.8° at peak varus torque. It is possible that the varus torque may lead to medial elbow injury, including ligament, muscle, joint surface and ulnar nerve damage. For healthy growth of children, it would be necessary to set some rules for preventing acute and chronic sports injuries, for example, the number of times of throwing in day should be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One potentially simple way to maximize jumping effort and thus intensity is to have athletes jump to and attempt to touch challenging overhead goals during training. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of jumping with and without the use of an overhead goal. Subjects performed 3 countermovement jumps in conditions with and without an overhead goal. Jump performance was evaluated using a force platform to determine peak ground reaction force, time to takeoff, power, and jump height. Data were evaluated with a two way ANOVA with results demonstrating no significant (p > 0.05) difference between goal conditions for any of the variables assessed and no interaction between goal condition and gender (p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of developing a cost-effective, automated performance feedback system to support sprint coaching. The proposed system is designed to deliver step length, step frequency, contact time and 10 m split time information of multiple athletes training on an indoor track. An integrated systems approach was chosen combining the novel Pisa Light-Gate (PLG) and Step Information Monitoring Systems (SIMS). Current results indicate data accuracy of RMS 1.662 cm for step length, RMS 0.977 ms for foot contact time and a split time detection accuracy of 8.45 ± 6.85 ms. These results suggest that the proposed integrated system, using off-the-shelf equipment, would go beyond currently available coaching tools by providing automated and highly accurate sprint performance information for multiple athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-intrusive ultrasonic detection scheme has been implemented to monitor and quantify the loading effect of training sessions on athletes. The detection is obtained along a line between two acoustic transducers with similar size and shape as stick-on electrodes. All the data is derived from the transmission time-of-flight of the ultrasonic chirp signal passing through the muscle and the ultrasonic force sensor. Muscle dynamics and force generated due to maximum isometric contraction was synchronously detected with the aid of an arbitrary function generator and a two channels transient recorder. At least 16 performance deciding parameters of athletes are quantified. The achieved spatial and temporal resolutions are ± 0.01 mm and 0.01 ms respectively. Detected movement reaction time could be used as a potential indicator to identify false-start in athletics, swimming and other necessary fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of the luge athletes strongly depend on the successful start. While number of methods successfully analysed movements around start handles, still there is lack of methods to monitor paddling strokes. Present paper demonstrates smart textile gloves, designed for such a purpose. Developed gloves allow to measure timing of the arms strokes as well as easily distinguish between good stroke, when athlete's palms are in full contact with ice, and insufficient one, when fingers just slide over ice without providing good push. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]