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A congested match and training schedule could alter internal load, and this could be reflected in biomarkers of stress and immunity in elite futsal players. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a congested match and training schedule on internal load and levels of total protein, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index, and the concentrations of salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in 17 professional players from the same Portuguese elite futsal club (age: 23.07 ± 6.76 years old; height: 1.75 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 75.47 ± 7.47 kg; experience in playing in elite: 5.38 ± 2.03 years) who performed 5 matches and 16 training sessions in a period of 27 days. The salivary content of total protein, TOS, TAC, oxidative stress index, and SIgA were calculated before and after the training sessions and the unofficial matches under study. Saliva sampling was conducted 10 min before each match or training session and 40 min after (post-match and post-training). The MANOVA of repeated measures showed a significant difference for total protein and SIgA (p < 0.01). Total protein (sphericity = 0.007; statistical power = 0.818) and SIgA (sphericity = 0.018; statistical power = 0.693) are highly correlated with the time factor. The main findings revealed several key points: (a) There was a significant increase in total protein, SIgA, and TAC during acute load (pre- vs. post-session) in both training and match contexts. Specifically, total protein and SIgA displayed notable increments in both training and match settings, while TAC exhibited significant increases exclusively during matches. (b) No changes in TOS and oxidative stress index were observed during acute load in either training or match contexts. (c) A positive trend was noted between the chronic load during a congested week of the precompetitive season and the decrease in total protein and SIgA levels. (d) Additionally, a positive correlation between internal training loads and oxidative/antioxidant responses was found, as expressed by the oxidative stress index, without significant differences (p-value > 0.05) in acute and chronic loads during congested matches and training schedules.

Beach variants of popular sports like soccer and handball have grown in participation over the last decade. However, the characterization of the workload demands in beach sports remains limited compared to their indoor equivalents. This systematic review aimed to: (1) characterize internal and external loads during beach invasion sports match-play; (2) identify technologies and metrics used for monitoring; (3) compare the demands of indoor sports; and (4) explore differences by competition level, age, sex, and beach sport. Fifteen studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria. The locomotive volumes averaged 929 ± 269 m (average) and 16.5 ± 3.3 km/h (peak) alongside 368 ± 103 accelerations and 8 ± 4 jumps per session. The impacts approached 700 per session. The heart rates reached 166–192 beats per minute (maximal) eliciting 60–95% intensity. The player load was 12.5 ± 2.9 to 125 ± 30 units. Males showed 10–15% higher external but equivalent internal loads versus females. Earlier studies relied solely on a time–motion analysis, while recent works integrate electronic performance and tracking systems, enabling a more holistic quantification. However, substantial metric intensity zone variability persists. Beach sports entail intermittent high-intensity activity with a lower-intensity recovery. Unstable surface likely explains the heightened internal strain despite moderately lower running volumes than indoor sports. The continued integration of technology together with the standardization of workload intensity zones is needed to inform a beach-specific training prescription.

Early childhood is a critical period for physical and motor development with implications for long-term health. This systematic review examined the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and measures of physical fitness and motor skills in preschool-aged children (typically 2–6 years). The search strategy was applied in four databases (PubMed, ProQuest Central, Scopus, and Web of Science) to find articles published before 11 April 2024. The results consistently demonstrated significant associations between anthropometric variables (height, weight, body mass index [BMI], body composition) and physical performance measures. Notably, height and mass were often better predictors of fitness status than BMI alone. Indicators of undernutrition (stunting, wasting) were negatively associated with motor development, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition. While some studies reported impaired fitness and motor skills among overweight/obese preschoolers compared to normal-weight peers, others found no differences based on weight status. Relationships between physical activity levels, anthropometrics, and motor outcomes were complex and inconsistent across studies. This review highlights key findings regarding the influence of anthropometric factors on physical capabilities in early childhood. Early identification of children with impaired growth or excessive adiposity may inform tailored interventions to promote optimal motor development and prevent issues like obesity. Creating supportive environments for healthy growth and age-appropriate physical activity opportunities is crucial during this critical developmental window.

Basketball involves frequent high-intensity movements requiring optimal aerobic power. Altitude training can enhance physiological adaptations, but research examining its effects in basketball is limited. This study aimed to characterize the internal/external workload of professional basketball players during preseason and evaluate the effects of altitude and playing position. Twelve top-tier professional male basketball players (Liga Endesa, ACB; guards: n = 3, forwards: n = 5, and centers: n = 4) participated in a crossover study design composed of two training camps with nine sessions over 6 days under two different conditions: high altitude (2320 m) and sea level (10 m). Internal loads (heart rate, %HRMAX) and external loads (total distances covered across speed thresholds, accelerations/decelerations, impacts, and jumps) were quantified via wearable tracking and heart rate telemetry. Repeated-measures MANOVA tested the altitude x playing position effects. Altitude increased the total distance (+10%), lower-speed running distances (+10–39%), accelerations/decelerations (+25–30%), average heart rate (+6%), time in higher-intensity HR zones (+23–63%), and jumps (+13%) across all positions (p < 0.05). Positional differences existed, with guards accruing more high-speed running and centers exhibiting greater cardiovascular demands (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 6-day altitude block effectively overloads training, providing a stimulus to enhance fitness capacities when structured appropriately. Monitoring workloads and individualizing training by playing position are important when implementing altitude training, given the varied responses.

The study aimed to calculate training intensity and load using muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) during two differentiated physical tasks. 29 university athletes participated in a 40-m Maximal Shuttle Run Test (MST, 10 × 40-m with 30 s recovery between sprints) and a 3000-m time trial run. Distance and time were used to calculate external load (EL). Internal load indicators were calculated based on percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRMAX) and SmO2 variables: muscle oxygen extraction (∇%SmO2) and the cardio-muscle oxygen index (CMOI) was also provided by relating ∇%SmO2 ÷ %HRMAX, and the training load were calculated as the product of speed (m/min × IL) and the efficiency index [Effindex (m/min ÷ IL)]. A student t test was applied based on Bayesian factor analysis. As expected, EL differed in the 40-m MST (331 ± 22.8) vs. 3000-m trials (222 ± 56.8) [BF10 = 6.25e+6; p = 10 = 1.70; p = 0.039]. Training load was greater in 40-m MST (85.77 ± 27.40) vs. 3000-m (15.55 ± 6.77) [(m/min × ∇%SmO2): BF10 = 12.5; p = 0.003] and 40-m MST (129.27 ± 49.44) vs. 3000-m (70.63 ± 32.98) [(m/min × CMOI): BF10 = 169.6; p = index was higher in 40-m MST (10.19 ± 4.17) vs. 3000-m (6.06 ± 2.21) [(m/min × ∇%SmO2): BF10 = 137.03; p = 10 = 1.86; p = 0.035]. This study demonstrates calculations of training intensity and load based on SmO2 as an internal load indicator along with speed as an external load indicator during two differentiated exercises.

As global aging rises, identifying strategies to mitigate age-related physical decline has become an urgent priority. Dance represents a promising exercise modality for older adults, yet few studies have quantified the external loads older dancers experience. This study aimed to characterize the impacts accumulated across lower limb and spinal locations in older adults during Latin dance. Thirty older Latin dancers (age = 66.56 ± 6.38 years; female = 93.3%) wore inertial sensors on the scapulae, lumbar spine, knees, and ankles during a 1 h class. A distal-to-proximal gradient emerged in the total impacts (F = 429.29; p < 0.01; ωp2 = 0.43) and per intensities (F = 103.94-to-665.55; p < 0.01; ωp2 = 0.07-to-0.54), with the highest impacts sustained in the ankles (≈9000 total impacts) from 2 g to >10 g (p < 0.01; d = 1.03-to-4.95; ankles > knees > lower back > scapulae) and knees (≈12,000 total impacts) when p < 0.01, d = 2.73-to-3.25; knees > ankles > lower back > scapulae). The majority of the impacts remained below 6 g across all anatomical locations (>94%). The impacts also increased in lower limb locations with faster tempos (r = 0.10-to-0.52; p < 0.01), while subtly accumulating over successive songs rather than indicating fatigue (r = 0.11-to-0.35; p < 0.01). The mild ankle and knee loads could strengthen the dancers’ lower extremity bones and muscles in a population vulnerable to sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and falls. Quantifying the workload via accelerometry enables creating personalized dance programs to empower healthy aging. With global aging rising, this work addresses a timely public health need regarding sustainable lifelong exercise for older people. Ranging from low to moderate, the measured impact magnitudes suggest that dance lessons may provide enough osteogenic stimulus without overloading structures.

The unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis severely disrupted global sports in 2020, prompting lengthy suspensions followed by resumed competitions under abnormal behind-closed-doors conditions without fans. These disruptions necessitated tactical adaptations by coaches and teams, attempting to still achieve successful outcomes. This study investigates the pandemic’s impacts on performance metrics and indicators within Spanish professional soccer. Utilizing systematic notational analysis, 760 match cases from the 2019–2020 La Liga season were examined, comprising 27 matchdays from the pre-COVID context and 11 after resumption. Multivariate tests identified significant pre/post differences and interactions for various technical indicators including shots, cards, corners, and offside calls. The pandemic was associated with a reduction from 12 to just 5 identifiable playing styles, suggestive of increased conservatism featuring more passive play, limited attacking depth, and horizontal ball movement. Such tactical changes appear provoked by condensed fixture scheduling post-lockdown, the lack of supportive crowds, and compromised player fitness/recovery. By quantifying these COVID-precipitated changes, the analysis provides tangible evidence for coaches to make informed adjustments in training and preparation for functioning effectively in disrupted environments. The findings emphasize that versatility and flexibility will be vital to optimize performance during times of unprecedented uncertainty.

Currently, basketball teams use inertial devices for monitoring external and internal workload demands during training and competitions. However, the intensity thresholds preset by device manufacturers are generic and not adapted for specific sports (e.g., basketball) and players’ positions (e.g., guards, forwards, and centers). Using universal intensity thresholds may lead to failure in accurately capturing the true external load faced by players in different positions. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify external load demands based on playing positions and establish different intensity thresholds based on match demands in order to have specific reference values for teams belonging to the highest competitive level of Spanish basketball. Professional male players (n = 68) from the Spanish ACB league were monitored during preseason official games. Three specific positions were used to group the players: guards, forwards, and centers. Speed, accelerations, decelerations, impacts/min, and player load/min were collected via inertial devices. Two-step clustering and k-means clustering categorized load metrics into intensity zones for guards, forwards, and centers. Guards covered more distance at high speeds (12.72–17.50 km/h) than forwards and centers (p < 0.001). Centers experienced the most impacts/min (p < 0.001). Guards exhibited greater accelerations/decelerations, albeit mostly low magnitude (p < 0.001). K-means clustering allowed the setting of five zones revealing additional thresholds. All positions showed differences in threshold values (p < 0.001). The findings provide insights into potential disparities in the external load during competition and help establish position-specific intensity thresholds for optimal monitoring in basketball. These data are highly applicable to the design of training tasks at the highest competitive level.

The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare match load demands through load indicators between starters and substitutes, and (2) analyze the degree of correlation in the variables analyzed in this investigation. Twenty-two semi-professional soccer players were analyzed during a full season’s 38 official matches. Participants were assigned to two different groups according to their participation in the game: (a) starting-up players (≥90 min played) vs. substitute players (≥45 min played in the second half). Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann–Whitney U test to conduct pairwise comparison and Spearman correlation to demands correlation in each group. Significant differences in both absolute and relative variables in player load (P, p < 0.01; p < 0.01), metabolic power (MP, p < 0.01; p = 0.15), equivalent distance index (EDI, p = 0.87; p < 0.01), dynamic stress load (DSI, p < 0.01; p = 0.977), energy expenditure (EE, p < 0.01; p < 0.01), high metabolic load events (HMLE, p < 0.01; p < 0.01), and high metabolic load distance (HMLD, p < 0.01; p = 0.09). Overall, high direct correlations in the starting-up group in absolute and relative demands of PL, PM, HMLD, EE, and DSL were found, as well as high inverse correlation in the substitute group in all variables, excluding DSL and HMLD. In conclusion, the absolute differences found suggested a different training load management during training sessions.

Background: Previous studies indicate that running at maximum speed on short or curved sections is slower than running on straight sections. This study aimed to analyse the external load symmetry in track running kinematics concerning body location (left vs. right, caudal vs. cephalic), track segment (straight vs. curved) and distance (150 m vs. 300 m). Methods: Twenty experienced athletes ran 150 m and 300 m on an official athletic track and were monitored by Magnetic, Angular Rate and Gravity sensors attached to six different body segments (thorax, lumbar, knees and malleolus). Player Load was quantified as a valid, effective and representative Accelerometery-based variable. Results: (1) Principal component analysis explained 62–93% of the total variance and clustered body locations relevance in curved (knees and malleolus) vs. straight (lumbar, knees, malleolus) running segments; (2) Player Load statistical differences by track segment (curved vs. straight) were found in all body locations; and (3) there were no differences in bilateral symmetries by distance or running segment. Conclusions: Track segment and body location directly impacted accelerometery-based load. Acceleration in straight segments was lower compared to that in curved segments in all the body locations (lumbar, knee and ankle), except in the thorax. Strength and conditioning programs should consider the singularity of curved sprinting (effects of centripetal–centrifugal force) for performance enhancement and injury prevention and focus on the knees and malleolus, as shown in the principal component analysis results.

The present study aimed to determine which of the neuromuscular status (NMS) monitoring tests (1: Counter-movement jump, CMJ; 2: back squat with additional load) is the most sensitive and effective for evaluating the state of fatigue in futsal players during the preseason. Seventeen professional futsal players were recruited for this study (age: 23.07 ± 6.76 years; height: 1.75 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 75.47 ± 7.47 kg; playing experience in elite: 5.38 ± 2.03 years). All of them were evaluated during the preseason phase in two tests (CMJ and back squat with additional load) before and after each training session (pre- vs. post-test). A jump platform was used to extract jump height during CMJ, while a linear position transducer was used to extract mean velocity (MV) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during the back squat exercise. Significant differences were obtained for intra-subject analysis for MV and MPV in loaded back squat exercise (p < 0.001), finding lower values during the post-test. In conclusion, the monitoring of NMS through the back squat provides greater sensitivity and objectivity in comparison with CMJ, due to a more direct neuromuscular extrapolation to the physical demands of futsal.

In previous studies found in the literature speed (SP), acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DEC), and impact (IMP) zones have been created according to arbitrary thresholds without considering the specific workload profile of the players (e.g., sex, competitive level, sport discipline). The use of statistical methods based on raw data could be considered as an alternative to be able to individualize these thresholds. The study purposes were to: (a) individualize SP, ACC, DEC, and IMP zones in two female professional basketball teams; (b) characterize the external workload profile of 5 vs. 5 during training sessions; and (c) compare the external workload according to the competitive level (first vs. second division). Two basketball teams were recorded during a 15-day preseason microcycle using inertial devices with ultra-wideband indoor tracking technology and microsensors. The zones of external workload variables (speed, acceleration, deceleration, impacts) were categorized through k-means clusters. Competitive level differences were analyzed with Mann–Whitney’s U test and with Cohen’s d effect size. Five zones were categorized in speed (2), deceleration (2), and impacts (p < 0.03; d = 0.21–0.56). In conclusion, k-means clustering can be considered as an optimal tool to categorize intensity zones in team sports. The individualization of external workload demands according to the competitive level is fundamental for designing training plans that optimize sports performance and reduce injury risk in sport.

Basketball is a sport in continuous evolution, being one of these key aspects of the players’ physical fitness that has an impact on the game. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize and identify the physical fitness level and profiles of basketball players according to sex. Total of 26 semi-professional basketball players were assessed (13 male, 13 female) through inertial devices in different previously validated fitness tests. T-test for independent samples and principal component analysis were used to analyze sex-related differences and to identify physical fitness profiles. The results showed differences according to sex in all physical fitness indexes (p < 0.01; d > 1.04) with higher values in males, except in accelerometer load during small-sided games (p = 0.17; d < 0.20). Four principal components were identified in male and female basketball players, being two common ([PC1] aerobic capacity and in-game physical conditioning, [PC4 male, PC3 female] unipodal jump performance) and two different profiles (male: [PC2] bipodal jump capacity and acceleration, [PC3] curvilinear displacement; female: [PC2] bipodal jump capacity and curvilinear displacement, [PC4] deceleration). In conclusion, training design must be different and individualized according to different variables, including physical fitness profiles between them. For practical applications, these results will allow knowing the advantages and weaknesses of each athlete to adapt training tasks and game systems based on the skills and capabilities of the players in basketball.

The external workload measured in one anatomical location does not determine the total load supported by the human body. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to characterize the multi-location external workload through PlayerLoadRT of 13 semi-professional women’s basketball players, as well as to analyze differences among anatomical locations (inter-scapulae line, lumbar region, 2× knee, 2× ankle) and laterality (left vs. right) during five tests that represent the most common movements in basketball—(a) linear locomotion, 30-15 IFT; (b) acceleration and deceleration, 16.25-m RSA (c) curvilinear locomotion, 6.75-m arc (d) jump, Abalakov test (e) small-sided game, 10’ 3 vs. 3 10 × 15-m. Statistical analysis was composed of a repeated-measures t-test and eta partial squared effect size. Regarding laterality, differences were found only in curvilinear locomotion, with a higher workload in the outer leg (p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.33–0.63). In the vertical profile, differences among anatomical locations were found in all tests (p < 0.01; ηp2 = 0.56–0.98). The nearer location to ground contact showed higher values except between the scapulae and lumbar region during jumps (p = 0.83; ηp2 = 0.00). In conclusion, the multi-location assessment of external workload through a previously validated test battery will make it possible to understand the individual effect of external workload in each anatomical location that depends on the type of locomotion. These results should be considered when designing specific strategies for training and injury prevention.

The present study analyzed the multi-location external workload profile in basketball players using a previously validated test battery and compared the demands among anatomical locations. A basketball team comprising 13 semi-professional male players was evaluated in five tests (abilities/skills/tests): (a) aerobic, linear movement, 30-15 IFT; (b) lactic anaerobic, acceleration and deceleration, 16.25 m RSA (c) alactic anaerobic, curvilinear movement, 6.75 m arc (d) elastic, jump, Abalakov test (e) physical-conditioning, small-sided game, 10’ 3 vs.3 10 × 15 m. PlayerLoadRT was evaluated at six anatomical locations simultaneously (interscapular line, lumbar region, knees and ankles) by six WIMU PROTM inertial devices attached to the player using an ad hoc integral suit. Statistical analysis was composed of an ANOVA of repeated measures and partial eta squared effect sizes. Significant differences among anatomical locations were found in all tests with higher values in the location nearer to ground contact (p < 0.01). However, differences between lower limb locations were only found in curvilinear movements, with a higher workload in the outside leg (p < 0.01). Additionally, high between-subject variability was found in team players, especially at lower limb locations. In conclusion, multi-location evaluation in sports movements will make it possible to establish an individual external workload profile and design specific strategies for training and injury prevention programs.