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Although the link between sleep and hematological parameters is well-described, it is unclear how this integration affects the swimmer’s performance. The parameters derived from the non-invasive critical velocity protocol have been extensively used to evaluate these athletes, especially the aerobic capacity (critical velocity—CV) and the anaerobic work capacity (AWC). Thus, this study applied the complex network model to verify the influence of sleep and hematological variables on the CV and AWC of young swimmers. Thirty-eight swimmers (male, n = 20; female, n = 18) completed five experimental evaluations. Initially, the athletes attended the laboratory facilities for venous blood collection, anthropometric measurements, and application of sleep questionnaires. Over the 4 subsequent days, athletes performed randomized maximal efforts on distances of 100, 200, 400, and 800-m. The aerobic and anerobic parameters were determined by linear function between distance vs. time, where CV relates to the slope of regression and AWC to y-intercept. Weighted but untargeted networks were generated based on significant (p < 0.05) correlations among variables regardless of the correlation coefficient. Betweenness and eigenvector metrics were used to highlight the more important nodes inside the complex network. Regardless of the centrality metric, basophils and red blood cells appeared as influential nodes in the networks with AWC or CV as targets. The role of other hematologic components was also revealed in these metrics, along with sleep total time. Overall, these results trigger new discussion on the influence of sleep and hematologic profile on the swimmer’s performance, and the relationships presented by this targeted complex network can be an important tool throughout the athlete’s development.

The present study aimed to investigate (i) differences in salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations before, during, and after simulated beach volleyball match, depending on match outcome (winning vs. losing); (ii) the relationship between technical-tactical performance indicators in beach volleyball and salivary hormonal concentrations (i.e., testosterone, cortisol). We hypothesized (i) salivary testosterone concentrations would be greater in winners and salivary cortisol would be lower; (ii) testosterone would associate with positive technical-tactical performance and cortisol would associate with negative technical-tactical performance. Sixteen athletes participated in the study and were grouped according to the result of a simulated game (winners: n = 8; losers: n = 8). Salivary hormone concentration of testosterone and cortisol were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pre-match, post first set, and post-match), and the coefficient of performance and efficiency were used as technical-tactical performance indicators. Regarding testosterone, there was a large effect size for match outcome after the first set (i.e., Winner vs. Losers) and a moderate effect size for the time in winners (pre-match vs. post-match). Regarding cortisol, there was a moderate effect size of time in losers only (pre-match vs. post-match). Moreover, cortisol pre-match was negatively correlated with the offensive performance (attack performance coefficient: r = −0.541; p = 0.030; attack efficiency: r = −0.568; p = 0.022). In conclusion, the effect of match outcome on testosterone and cortisol levels was moderate in winners and losers, respectively. Moreover, resting cortisol concentration appears to be related to a diminished attack technical-tactical performance. However, larger confirmatory studies are required to confirm these data to corroborate winning increases testosterone levels and/or reduces cortisol in a sporting setting.

BackgroundContemporary research has shown that only a small proportion of high achieving young athletes continue to become successful senior athletes. However, there is a lack of empirical literature tracking the success of senior male and female athletes who were considered high achieving as a youth.HypothesisAthletes of both sexes who are successful in youth categories (U18 and U20) are more likely to be successful senior athletes.ConclusionData from 67,600 athletes were collated from the tilastopaja.org platform. The inclusion criteria for both genders were determined by top-100 ranking in the U18 and U20 age groups and progression to the top-100 as a senior athlete. Only 23.5% of successful track and field athletes (ranked in top-100) at U18 became a successful senior athlete, while 35.4% were from the U20 group. Girls ranked in the top-100 U18 and U20 categories are significantly more likely to be ranked in the top-100 as a senior when compared to boys. Although, being ranked in the top-50 at U18 and U20 significantly increases the probability of becoming a successful senior athlete when compared with less successful athletes at these age groups (p < 0.001). Notably, the majority (68.5%) of the most successful senior athletes were not ranked in the top-100 when in the U18 or U20 age groups. Only a small group of track and field athletes that are successful at U18 and U20 become successful at senior level. The most successful track and field youth athletes are significantly more likely to succeed as a senior athlete than their less successful peers, while girls are more likely to be successful than boys.

Abstract This study aimed to assess (1) blood pressure between young, current athletes, and non‐athletes early in life; (2) hypertension prevalence between former athletes and the general population later in life; and (3) understand the mechanisms between exercise training and hypertension risks in the form of DNA methylation. Study 1: A total of 354 young male participants, including current athletes, underwent blood pressure assessment. Study 2: The prevalence of hypertension in 1269 male former athletes was compared with that in the Japanese general population. Current and former athletes were divided into three groups: endurance‐, mixed‐, and sprint/power‐group. Study 3: We analyzed the effect of aerobic‐ or resistance‐training on DNA methylation patterns using publicly available datasets to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. In young, current athletes, the mixed‐ and sprint/power‐group exhibited higher systolic blood pressure, and all groups exhibited higher pulse pressure than non‐athletes. In contrast, the prevalence of hypertension in former athletes was significantly lower in all groups than in the general population. Compared to endurance‐group (reference), adjusted‐hazard ratios for the incidence of hypertension among mixed‐ and sprint/power‐group were 1.24 (0.87–1.84) and 1.50 (1.04–2.23), respectively. Moreover, aerobic‐ and resistance‐training commonly modified over 3000 DNA methylation sites in skeletal muscle, and these were suggested to be associated with cardiovascular function‐related pathways. These findings suggest that the high blood pressure induced by exercise training at a young age does not influence the development of future hypertension. Furthermore, previous exercise training experiences at a young age could decrease the risk of future hypertension.

To investigate the effects of implementing low-load blood flow restriction exercises (LL-BFRE) instead of high-load exercises (HL-RE) in a contrast training program on strength and power performance of high-level young gymnasts. Fifteen high-level pre-pubescent trampoline gymnasts (national level, Tanner Stage II, intermediate experience in strength training) were divided into two groups to complete the same structure of a ten-week contrast strength training program differing only in the configuration of the first resistance exercise of the contrast sequence. The LL-BFRE group (n = 7, four girls, 13.9 ± 0.4 y) performed the first resistance exercise of the contrast with LL-BFRE (20%–30% 1RM, perceived pressure of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10). The HL-RE group (n = 8, four girls, 13.8 ± 0.5 y) trained the first resistance exercise of the contrast sequence with moderate-to-high load (60%–85% 1RM). Before and after the training period, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), and drop-jump (DJ) were performed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on strength and power capacities as primary outcomes. Changes in participants’ anthropometric measures, muscle mass, left and right thigh girth, IMTP relative to bodyweight (IMTP-R), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed as secondary outcomes. There was no significant interaction (p > 0.05) between group x time in any power and strength outcome, although SJ and EUR showed a trend to significant interaction (p = 0.06 and p = 0.065, respectively). There was an overall effect of time (p < 0.05) in all power and strength variables (CMJ, SJ, EUR, DJ, RSI, IMTP, and IMTP-R). There was a significant interaction in muscle mass (MM) [β = 0.57 kg, 95% CI = (0.15; 0.98), t13 = 2.67, p = 0.019], revealing that participants in LL-BFRE increased their muscle mass (6.6 ± 3.1%) compared to HL-RE (3.6 ± 2.0%). Anthropometric variables did not present any group or interaction effect. However, there was a time effect (p < 0.05). Implementing LL-BFRE in place of HL-RE as a conditioning activity in a contrast training sequence might be equally effective in improving lower-body strength and power in preadolescent trampoline gymnasts.

Assessing psychological indicators such as positive behavioral skills in the context of adolescent personality development during the pandemic era is highly relevant: the growing problem of peer disrespect among adolescents who participate in sports has recently become an undeniable scientific issue. This study aimed to analyze positive behavioral skills in the cadet (U16) and junior (U18) age groups of young basketball players during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were 378 male athletes (age 16.36 ± 1.15 years). Results revealed that U18 athletes are more capable of taking responsibility, positively evaluating themselves, behaving pro-socially with teammates, cooperating, demonstrating assertiveness, demonstrating self-control, and managing emotions than U16 adolescent athletes. When comparing the effect sizes in the current study during the pandemic with similar studies by other authors, the pandemic may have had a larger negative effect on some positive behavioral skills (ability to control emotions, social responsibility skills, cooperation skills) in U16 athletes than in U18 athletes, as the effect sizes were small before the pandemic and moderate during the pandemic in the current study. This study’s results may be useful for developing and implementing a young athletes’ education program based on a comprehensive model of positive behavioral skills that include the indicators analyzed.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of coaches' pleasant and unpleasant facial expressions on affects and team performance of young elite female synchronized ice-skaters. Initially, the coach provided a neutral explanation of the exercise, which was followed by the athletes' execution. The ice-skaters then received either pleasant or unpleasant feedback from the coach, completed two questionnaires, and performed the exercise again. The study involved two familiar and two unfamiliar coaches. Coaches' pleasant expressions increased athletes' arousal/hedonic tone and positive affect, while coaches' unpleasant expressions heightened athletes' negative affect. Moreover, participants significantly performed better after receiving an unpleasant facial expression by the coach. Receiving pleasant/unpleasant feedback from a familiar or unfamiliar coach did not have a significant impact on team pre- and post-feedback performance. The findings suggest that coaches' facial expressions impacted athletes' positive/negative affect, and that, under specific circumstances, receiving unpleasant feedback from the coach can improve team performance. • The impact of coaches' facial expressions on elite female ice-skaters was investigated. • Affect and team performance were assessed after the emotional feedbacks. • The impact of familiarity (or not) with the coach was also analyzed. • Coaches' facial expressions impacted athletes' affect. • Unpleasant feedbacks from the coach can be improving for team performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate clinical diagnoses, sports participation, and return to sport timeline associated with hallux sesamoid injuries with sex comparisons. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting: Sports medicine clinics at a tertiary-level pediatric medical center. Patients: Six hundred eighty-three young athletes (546 women and 137 men). Independent Variables: Sex (women vs men). Main Outcome Measures: Clinical diagnoses, participating sports, and injury timeline. Results: The most common diagnosis was sesamoiditis (62.6%). The top 3 primary sports were dance (34.6%), running (13.7%), and soccer (11.7%). When stratified by sex, dance (40.1%), running (13.6%), and soccer (10.7%) were the top primary sports for women while running (19.4%), soccer (18.5%), and basketball (11.3%) were the leading diagnoses for male athletes. The mean time between injury occurrence and first clinic visit was 135.5 ± 229.3 days. The mean time between the first clinic visit and return to sport was 104.3 ± 128.2 days. Comparison by sex showed that women had a longer mean time than men (women: 111.5 ± 132.5 days, men: 67.2 ± 96.3 days, P = 0.001). The mean time from injury occurrence to return to sport was 235.2 ± 281.0 days. Women showed a longer mean timeline for return to sport compared with men (women: 245.2 ± 288.2 days, men: 179.3 ± 231.9 days, P = 0.014). Conclusion: Sesamoiditis was the most common diagnosis, and dance, running, and soccer were top 3 sports. The most salient finding was that women taking almost twice as long to return the sport or activity compared with men, which likely stems from delay of reporting symptom onset to clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Madruga-Parera, M, Bishop, C, Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A, Beato, M, Gonzalo-Skok, O, and Romero-Rodríguez, D. Effects of 8-weeks of Isoinertial vs. Cable-resistance Training on Motor Skills Performance and Interlimb Asymmetries. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1200–1208, 2022—The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 8 weeks of isoinertial vs. cable-resistance training on motor skills performance and interlimb asymmetries in handball players. Thirty-four young male handball players (mean ± SD : age: 15.96 ± 1.39 years; height: 1.74 ± 0.73 m; body mass: 70.5 ± 13.3 kg) participated in a randomized trial. The players performed an isoinertial program using a portable flywheel device or a cable-resistance device. Performance variations and interlimb asymmetries in dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) limb means of the unilateral countermovement jump (UCMJ), the unilateral lateral jump (ULJ), the unilateral broad jump (UBJ), handball throwing (HT), change of direction speed (COD180), the linear sprint (S20), the V-CUT test, and the repeated change of direction (RCOD) were recorded. Significant interactions were shown in RCODD (p = 0.003, η p = 0.25), HT (p = 0.015, η p = 0.17) and UCMJASY (p = 0.037, η p = 0.13). Post-hoc testing revealed higher effect sizes in the isoinertial group (p < 0.05) for the performance improvements in RCODD (−1.35 large vs. −0.22, small) and HT (0.88, moderate vs. 0.00, trivial), in addition to interlimb asymmetry reductions in UCMJASY (−0.70 moderate vs. −0.32, small). Significant main effects of time in COD180, RCOD, UCMJ, and UBJ for both limbs (p < 0.05, from moderate to large effect size), and in ULJND (p < 0.001, large), UCMJASY (p < 0.001, moderate), V-CUT (p = 0.014, small), and HT (p = 0.015, large) were found. The effect sizes revealed greater magnitudes in the isoinertial group. In conclusion, although both resistance training programs improve players' to physical performance and reduce interlimb asymmetries, greater improvements were recorded with the isoinertial resistance training than with the cable-resistance methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this article is to expose a comprehensive overview of mental health concerns in young athletes while playing in competitions and to provide a list of new different initiatives to organize tournaments for 12&U, with the aim of finding higher satisfaction and fewer levels of stress while performing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Strategies to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young athletes have become topical worldwide and unrecognized cardiac pathology has been identified as a leading cause. Black ethnicity has been reported as an independent predictor of abnormal electrocardiography (ECG) findings among athletes and the frequency and significance of training-related ECG findings versus findings suggestive of an underlying pathology in the young African athletes is crucial. Methods This cross sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of ECG patterns in young athletes and controls. A total of 360 participants (180 athletes and 180 controls) were recruited from six secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria between November 2014 and July 2015. Evaluation included interviewer-administered questionnaires for relevant history, physical examination and resting 12 - lead ECG for each participant. Results Abnormal ECG patterns were found in 48.3% of athletes and 35.6% of controls. Training-related ECG findings occurred in 33.3% of athletes and 18.3% of controls. Athletes and controls had 7.7% prevalence of training un-related ECG patterns respectively. Left ventricular hypertrophy was the most common ECG finding among the athletes and male athletes had a higher prevalence of ECG abnormalities compared to females. Conclusion Adolescent athletes in Nigeria have a high prevalence of training-related ECG patterns and athletes and non-athletes alike have similar proportions of ECG findings suggestive of underlying structural heart disease. Cardiovascular evaluation including ECG should be performed for young athletes prior to competition at any level and should also be considered as part of pre-school entry assessment for all children.

Background: Chronic groin pain (CGP) is a syndrome characterized by pain in the pubic and inguinal-crural regions, resulting in a functional deficit that can lead to severe impairment of different motor tasks. Objective: The main objective of this study is to describe and analyze an algorithm used for the assessment and treatment of chronic groin pain in young sportsmen used for 10 years. Methods: Descriptive, observational, and retrospective study, adapted with recommendations of the STROBE Declaration (Strengthening Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) for its design. The study was carried out at an Hernia Pathology Center. It is a multidisciplinary team formed by surgeons, physiotherapists, orthopedists, and imaging specialists, with extensive experience in the research field. This team had developed an assessment, diagnosis, and treatment algorithm for CGP which was implemented for more than 15 years. Results: After clinical examination and complementary imaging, 3,858 patients were included to follow the algorithm. A total of 3,289 patients completed the sports physiotherapy and rehabilitation protocol. The most frequent clinical entities registered were tendinopathies: 1,649 iliopsoas-pectineus-related groin pain (42.7%) and 1,522 adductor-related groin pain (39.5%). A total of 569 patients with sportsman’s hernia diagnosis required surgical intervention. There were no intraoperative complications; furthermore, all patients discharging after 6 hours of hospital stay. Conclusions: The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment algorithm used by a multidisciplinary team to treat patients with chronic groin pain has proven to be safe and successful.

Abstract Background The Lower (YBT-LQ) and Upper (YBT-UQ) Quarter Y Balance Test have been widely used for the assessment of dynamic balance and shoulder mobility/stability, respectively. However, investigations on the validity of the two tests in youth are lacking. Therefore, we performed two studies to determine discriminative validity of the YBT-LQ (study 1) and the YBT-UQ (study 2) in healthy youth. Methods Sixty-nine male soccer players (age: 14.4 ± 1.9 yrs) and 69 age-matched untrained male subjects (14.3 ± 1.6 yrs) participated in study 1 and 37 young swimmers (age: 12.3 ± 2.1 yrs) as well as 37 age−/sex-matched individuals (age: 12.5 ± 2.0 yrs) took part in study 2. Absolute (cm) and relative (% leg/arm length) maximal reach distances per reach direction and the composite score of the YBT-LQ/UQ were used as outcome measures. One-way analysis of variance and the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis (i.e., calculating the area under the curve [AUC]) were conducted to assess discriminative validity. Results Concerning the relative values, youth athletes showed significantly better YBT-LQ (study 1: p

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare temporal indicators according to the type of set and final score difference. Twenty-five teams of male beach volleyball players (15 - 17 years old) competed in Brazilian School Championship, national stage. 21 matches, 42 sets, and 1374 rallies were observed. The variables analyzed were rally duration, rest time between rallies, total work time, total rest time, duration of the set, rest time : work time ratio, and the number of rallies. Time indicators were compared between the type of set (1st set Vs. 2nd set) and balance categories according to the difference in the final score (unbalanced, moderate balance, and balanced), using t-test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. No significant difference was found between the 1st and 2nd set, although a moderate effect was observed in total work time between sets. Moreover, the final score difference influences the duration of set, total work time, and total work-rest show a linear tendency between balanced levels. The temporal indicators do not seem to change concerning the type of set. However, there is a tendency for an increase in working time from the 1st to the 2nd set. Finally, the score influences the duration of the set, total work time, and total rest time, without modifying the effort : rest ratio.

Objectives: The primary purposes were (a) to estimate the pooled effects of injury prevention programs (IPPs) on reducing overall and some specific body regions (lower extremity, thigh, knee, and ankle) injury incidence rates (IIRs) and (b) to compare the effects of single- and multi-component IPPs on mitigating injury risk in youth team sport athletes. A secondary objective was to explore the individual effects of different components on these IIRs., Materials and Methods: Searches were performed up to 15 January 2024 in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library. Eligible criteria were: exercise-based interventions evaluated against a control group, overall IIRs were reported, and youth (≤19 years old) team sport players. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed trial quality using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale (PEDro), and a risk of bias tool (Cochrane Back and Neck Group). Pooled effects were calculated by Frequentist random effects pairwise and network meta-analyses., Results: Twenty-one studies were included. IPPs reduced overall, lower extremities, thigh, knee, and ankle IIRs by an average of approximately 35%. Most of the IPPs demonstrated statistically significant risk mitigation effects for overall and lower extremity injuries compared to control group. Interventions comprised exclusively of strength ([IRR = 0.3 [95%CI = 0.10-0.93]) and flexibility (IRR = 0.49 [95%CI = 0.36-0.68]), as well as those including stability exercises, were the most effective measures for reducing injuries in youth team sports., Conclusions: The implementation of current IPPs in training sessions for several weeks has shown to be an effective strategy for reducing the risk of injury in youth team sport athletes by one-third. Indirect evidence suggests that strength, flexibility, and stability might be exercise components with the highest risk mitigation effects; however, more research is crucial to confirm our estimates with direct evidence.

Problem Statement: The development of talent in endurance sports has been widely studied. However, parallel to this sport development, problems such as "burnout" or "dropout" appear as one of the main problems that arise in sports of lower categories. Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to analyse the triggering factors of dropout in endurance sports practised by school-age athletes and, due to its importance, to study the relationship between burnout syndrome and dropout. Methods: The present systematic review on dropout in endurance sports at school age is carried out with a search date of 31st January 2021, selecting and evaluating the most relevant research to reach valid and objective conclusions on what the scientific evidence indicates about this dropout and analyse a sample of both males and females in the nine articles included. Results: Nine articles related to sports dropout in young athletes who practice competitive sport were selected. The results are presented in three tables taking into account the main factors that can trigger this early dropout, intrinsic factors of the athlete, social factors and their relationship with the environment, and burnout. Conclusions: There is an evident dropout in young people in the 14-17 age group, which may be higher in the female category. Early specialisation and outstanding results at younger ages do not ensure future success. Favouring a close environment for the athlete and an empathic relationship with the coach are key factors to avoid dropout, as well as paying attention to factors such as physical and psychological exhaustion and a feeling of dissatisfaction towards sport are important to prevent burnout. Questionnaires such as ABQ, PSWQ or the PANAS scale could be a test to assess personal factors leading to dropout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare temporal indicators according to the type of set and final score difference. Twenty-five teams of male beach volleyball players (15 – 17 years old) competed in Brazilian School Championship, national stage. 21 matches, 42 sets, and 1374 rallies were observed. The variables analyzed were rally duration, rest time between rallies, total work time, total rest time, duration of the set, rest time : work time ratio, and the number of rallies. Time indicators were compared between the type of set (1st set Vs. 2nd set) and balance categories according to the difference in the final score (unbalanced, moderate balance, and balanced), using t-test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. No significant difference was found between the 1st and 2nd set, although a moderate effect was observed in total work time between sets. Moreover, the final score difference influences the duration of set, total work time, and total work-rest show a linear tendency between balanced levels. The temporal indicators do not seem to change concerning the type of set. However, there is a tendency for an increase in working time from the 1st to the 2nd set. Finally, the score influences the duration of the set, total work time, and total rest time, without modifying the effort : rest ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The main objective of this work is to know the interrelation between the perception of empowering and disempowering climates generated by coaches (team level) with basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration, and these in turn, with the intentions to continue and abandon sports practice (individual level) in young athletes. Method: 251 Mexican athletes participated (M = 13. 22, SD = 1.28) belonging to 19 teams. A battery of questionnaires was applied for data collection and a multilevel structured equation analysis was performed. Results: The structural equation model revealed positive associations between perceptions of empowering climates from a group perspective on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and of these on intentions to continue practicing sports from an individual perspective; as well as between perceptions of a disempowering climate on the frustration of basic psychological needs and of these on intentions to drop out. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest at an applied level that the empowering climate acts as a catalyst of psychological well-being and as a protector against the occurrence of frustration, while the disempowering climate facilitates the development of maladaptive psychological responses in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article analyzes the concept of mental toughness, models and their constituent components, revealing the mental toughness skills that can be the conceptual basis for mental toughness training programs for young athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. The problem of the development of motor coordination abilities in children 10–12 years old engaged in bullet shooting is considered. An experimental technique for the development of motor coordination abilities of children 10–12 years old involved in bullet shooting is presented. The assessment of the level of development of coordination abilities of boys 10–12 years old at the beginning and at the end of the experiment is carried out, the dynamics of development of coordination abilities in the process of the experiment is tracked. The shooting preparedness of those involved in shooting in the «Standing», «Sitting», «From the knee» positions before and after the experiment was evaluated. Research problem: what, from the point of view of efficiency, should be the motor-coordination training of athletes 10–12 years old engaged in bullet shooting? The purpose of the study was to develop a methodology for the development of motor coordination abilities in children 10-12 years old, engaged in bullet shooting at the initial training stage. Materials and research methods. The study was conducted from 2016 to 2019. in three stages. To conduct a pedagogical experiment, two control and experimental groups were created. Each group included 8 boys 10–12 years old, students of 4-6 classes involved in bullet shooting, the first year of study. The boys of the control group (CG) were engaged in the traditional program of sports training for the SDYUSSHOR for bullet shooting [4], which does not focus on the development of special coordination abilities of young athletes involved in bullet shooting, and the boys of the experimental group (EG) were engaged in the developed us methodology. Young athletes attended bullet shooting classes three times a week for two hours. The pedagogical experiment was carried out on the basis of the Olympia youth sports school for bullet shooting in Snezhinsk from September 2018 to May 2019. To solve the tasks, the following research methods were used: theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical testing; pedagogical experiment; methods of mathematical statistics. Results and its discussion. Positive changes were obtained in the level of development of the coordination abilities of boys 10–12 years old, engaged in experimental methods, which occurred during the pedagogical experiment. A significant influence of the experimental technique on the level of shooting preparedness of students was recorded. Conclusions. The experimental technique had a positive impact on the level of development of coordination abilities and shooting preparedness of young athletes 10–12 years old.

Purpose: to determine the effectiveness of using complexes of strength-oriented exercises in the basic mesocycle according to the special physical readiness of young weight-lifters of 14-15 years old, taking into account the phase of the ovarian-menstrual cycle. Material and methods: in accordance with the methodological approach to solving the problem and the set tasks, the research program included a set of methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, determination of special physical fitness with the help of pedagogical testing of young women weights, pedagogical observation of the training process and methods of mathematical statistics. Results: modern approaches are presented regarding the peculiarities of building the training process of young weight-lifters of 14-15 years old, a detailed structure of building a basic mesocycle according to SPP is presented, taking into account the differentiation of the load of special power-oriented complexes in different phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle. The experiment involved the control and experimental groups, in which they used different approaches to planning the training process and the peculiarity of which is that in the experimental group special complexes of strength preparedness were used, taking into account the efficiency in different phases of the CMC. Conclusions: the introduction of the methodology of the training process of young weightlifters of 14-15 years old in the basic mesocycle of the annual macrocycle, taking into account the phases of the ovarian-menstrual cycle, contributed to a significant increase in the indicators of general and special-auxiliary exercises in the experimental group in relation to the control one in the snatch of 8 kg kettlebells in 10 min ( t = 2.15; p

This research aimed to determine the differences between the junior (U20) water polo players of national teams of Montenegro and Serbia in the anthropometric characteristics and body composition. The first sub-sample of the subjects consisted of 15 water polo players of the Serbian national team, the vice-champions of the FINA World Men's Junior Water Polo Championship in Kuwait 2019, and the second sub-sample consisted of 18 water polo players of the Montenegrin national team, who occupied the sixth position on the championship. The players were tested at the final preparations just before the World Championship in Kuwait in 2019. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were evaluated using a battery of 11 variables: body height, body weight, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, skinfold of the back, abdominal skinfold, upper-leg skinfold, lower leg skinfold, body mass index, fat percentage, and muscle mass. Based on the results, it can be stated that the values of all the variables are highly similar to all of the water polo players of these two countries. The t-test found that the water polo players of the two national teams do not have statistically significant differences in the variables for assessing anthropometric characteristics and body composition. The results obtained in this research can serve as model parameters for the estimated variables for all water polo players (U20) in the World , because the players that have been analysed were the best and the most successful water polo players in their countries, and participants in the World Championship in Kuwait 2019.

Objective: to study the morphological and functional features of young athletes. Materials and methods: The study involved 102 young athletes aged 12 to 17. The control (0) group included 28 schoolchildren who were not involved in professional sport. The study group (1) included 35 children from a youth sport swimming school. The study group (2) included 47 young field hockey players. The study group (3) included 20 young athletes from the Republican Specialized Children and Youth Sports School of the Olympic Fencing Reserve of the Republic of Tatarstan. The examination of the children involved: anamnestic data, a survey, a general clinical examination, a blood pressure measurement, dynamometry, anthropometry (measurement of weight and height with body mass index calculation), body composition analysis with a TANITA analyzer. All the young athletes were examined by specialists: a cardiologist, a neurologist, a surgeon, an orthopedist, an ophthalmologist, an otorhinolaryngologist and a dentist. The laboratory and instrumental tests included: a clinical blood test, a general urine test, a resting ECG and a cardiac stress test, an echocardiogram, a respiratory function test, an ultrasound abdominal cavity and pelvic organs test. Results: the young athletes demonstrated higher physical development parameters than the average values in the control group. The percentage of the body fat in the boys and girls in the control group is significantly higher than that in the young athletes. At the same time, the muscle mass in boys not involved in sports is lower than the that in the groups of athletes. Findings: The study, the screening and the retrospective analysis revealed significant differences in the characteristics of the studied groups of children and adolescents, as well as the presence of individual conditions associated with sports.

Background. Modern sports practice, numerous scientific studies show that the world sports peaks can be conquered only by especially talented athletes who, firstly, have a pronounced natural inclination to achievements in a particular sport, and secondly, who managed to implement them in long-term improvement process. Materials and Methods. The number of respondents involved in the observational experiment stage was n = 130 players of 11–13 years old. The paper used professional scientific and methodological literature reviews, pedagogical observation; anthropometry, adolescent’s posture analysis was performed using "Torso" program, mathematical statistics methods. Results. The videometry results, which are confirmed by an orthopedist, established the dynamics of functional state deterioration of musculoskeletal system. The study that examined the body length parameters in young players with different posture types, determined that among athletes aged 11–12 years, the highest body length values were in players with scoliotic posture and round back. In athletes aged 12–13 years, the highest average body weight values were typical for players with round back posture type and the lowest for flat back players. Conclusions. Characteristic posture features of the studied contingent have been established: normal posture was observed in 50% of football players aged 11–12, and 42.85% of football players aged 12–13. The most common functional musculoskeletal system disorder in young athletes is scoliotic posture, which is found in 26.66% of 11–12 year old players and 28.57% of 12–13 year old players. The second in the number of detected functional musculoskeletal system disorders in young football players is a round back observed in 16.67% of 11–12 year olds and 17.15% in 12–13 year old athletes. The data obtained indicate that the problem of functional musculoskeletal system disorders in young athletes is more acute than ever.

Abstract Background Olympic handball is a sport mainly focused on executing throwing and passing techniques with the throwing arm. Functional specialization due to the unilateral characteristic and dominance of the throwing arm may lead to adapted control of shoulder stability and mobility. Thus, we examined side differences between the throwing and the non-throwing arm. Additionally, correlations between the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-UQ) and handball-specific performance measures were investigated. Methods All participants (F = 13 yrs., n = 14, training experience [te] 5.9 ± 1.3 yrs.; M = 14 yrs., n = 24, te 6.5 ± 2.5 yrs.; M = 15 yrs., n = 18, te 9.3 ± 2.2 yrs) were Olympic handball players of a regional youth selection team. YBT-UQ was executed assessing performance in medial, inferolateral and superolateral reach direction normalized to the upper limb length together with a composite score of the mean of all reach directions. A radar gun and a target net were used for the assessment of throwing velocity and throwing accuracy. The paired t-test was used to detect side differences in YBT-UQ performance. Pearson’s correlation analysis was calculated for associations between YBT-UQ and throwing velocity/accuracy. Results Significant differences between the throwing and non-throwing arm were only detected for the superolateral reach direction in the 14-year-old males. Small correlations between YBT-UQ performance and throwing velocity/accuracy (13-year-old females: − 0.01 ≤ r ≤ − 0.37 / 0.01 ≤ r ≤ 0.31; 14-year-old males: 0.10 ≤ r ≤ 0.45 / -0.01 ≤ r ≤ .-0.51; 15-year-old males: 0.06 ≤ r ≤ 0.34 / 0.01 ≤ r ≤ − 0.45) were observed, irrespective of age and sex category. Conclusions There was only a minimal difference in performance of the YBT-UQ between the throwing and non-throwing arm and only weak if any relationships between throwing performance and stability/mobility of the upper extremities in adolescent Olympic handball players existed. Further research is needed to investigate whether the YBT-UQ is a useful tool to detect training-related improvements in measures of shoulder stability/mobility and functional performance.

Abstract Background The incidence of melanoma increased rapidly throughout the last decades, with overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation being an established risk factor. Due to their intensive sun exposure, many student athletes (SAs) have an increased risk for skin cancer. The Clever in Sun and Shade Program (CSSP) aims at enforcing positive attitudes toward UV protection (UVP) and at supporting sports schools in establishing UVP strategies. Methods CSSP was developed in 2019 using participatory program planning (PPP) as well as following WHO recommendations for UVP at schools. After drafting first material, within a PPP groups were conducted at a partner school (convenience sample 1) with students (n = 20), teachers (n = 5), school administration (n = 2), and coaches (n = 5). Materials were then adapted. Program acceptance and feasibility were tested at two further schools (convenience sample 2) with PPP groups of students (n = 95) and school administration (n = 2). Content analyses and descriptive statistics were conducted. Results Less than 50% of SAs and coaches of sample 1 expressed positive attitudes toward UVP, less than 10% reported appropriate UVP behavior. By using PPP, program material was adapted to the target groups’ needs, i.e., by including specific barriers and solutions. Only the most accepted video drafts were produced. The majority of SAs of sample 2 (80-86%) used predominantly positive adjectives such as “important” and “positive” to describe the completed videos and the behavior self-check poster. Conclusions PPP process has greatly influenced concept and materials of CSSP for sports schools. Integration of future program participants has proven to be an important component in creating a fitting and feasible program. CSSP for sports schools is a program free of charge that enables sports schools to integrate UVP into their daily routine. It will be disseminated in cooperation with German Olympic Sports Confederation and German Cancer Aid in 2021.

Objective: researching of stabilometric parameters of primary school children, doing complex coordination types of sport and having the features of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD). Materials and methods: 36 children at the age from 7 to 11 years engaged in gymnastics and sports aerobics were examined. All athletes were divided into two groups, taking into account the presence or absence of UCTD signs based on results of a screening algorithm «Outward signs score of systemic involvement of connective tissue in children». Postural function assessment was carried out by the standard method (intermediate foot position) on the «Force plate ST-150». Results: athletes with UCTD were worse than their healthy peers across the majority of stabilometric indicators (p

Objective: to determine the dependence of heart rate recovery indexes from intensity of previous load in young athletes. Materials and methods: the study included 24 young athletes of 13-18 years old. Dynamics of heart rate during 3 minutes of recovery period was studied depending on the intensity of the preceding 4 minutes of bicycle intermittent load to failure. Load power and oxygen consumption were expressed in relative values (rPWCmx and rPomx) taking into account maximum achieved values. Following parameters were determined: 1. Values of pulse decrease in comparison with the end of the load after 0.5, 1 and 3 min; 2. Reaching time for 50% of recovery (t50%HRR); 3. Relation between indexes of heart rate and heart rate of loads end after 0.5, 1 and 3 min (rHR0.5, 1, 3). Results: with increasing of load intensity the heart rate recovery indexes changed differently. The most informative methods for evaluation of load intensity were rHR3/0.5, t50%HRR and heart rate reduction indexes after 0.5 and 1 min calculated on the potential possibility of heart rate recovery. Conclusions: the heart rate recovery indexes reflect the physical exertion of the organism from the maximum level. Multivariate equations to predict load intensity and aerobic capacity are developed.

Objective: to develop prognostic criteria for assessing the physical performance of children engaged in different sports, using the features of carnitine metabolism. Materials and methods: 94 young athletes and 37 students as a control group were included to the study. Indicators such as free and bound carnitine, maximum oxygen consumption (MOC) (as an indicator of physical performance), and the body composition were studied. Results: statistical analysis of the data indicated that the average amount of total carnitine in the group of children engaged in field hockey was lower (45.9±1.6 µmol/l) comparing with the group of representatives of cyclic sports (52.6±1.1 µmol/l) and with the group of control (46.3±1.0 µmol/l). The study of the level of MOC in the abovementioned groups revealed statistically significant differences. Thus, among the field hockey players the average level of absolute MOC was 2.2±0.1 lpm, swimmers – 3.8±0.2 lpm, in the control group – 2.7±0.1 lpm. The study showed significant positive correlation between the level of absolute MOC with total and free carnitine. The data obtained may indicate a greater aerobic performance in athletes with a higher content of free carnitine. Conclusions: thus, after studying the state of carnitine metabolism and maximum oxygen consumption, it becomes possible to predict the state of physical performance of children, which determines the measures to prevent health problems during intense physical activity.

Purpose: to determine the changes in the level of physical fitness of athletes 10-11 years old with hearing impairment under the influence of ju-jitsu classes. Material and methods: 12 young athletes with hearing impairments (10-11 years old) – representatives of the Poltava Regional Center for Physical Culture and Sports of Disabled People «Invasport» of the Poltava Regional Council took part in the study. The research was carried out on the basis of the sports hall of the Poltava Training Center from September 2019 to February 2020. To solve the set research tasks, the following complex of methods was used: analysis of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observation; pedagogical testing; methods of mathematical statistics. Determination of changes in the level of physical fitness of young athletes with hearing impairments, engaged in jujitsu, during the experiment, was carried out using a block of control tests. Results: using a comparative analysis of the average test indicators, a statistically significant increase in the results was revealed: speed-strength qualities («standing long jump», (t = 7.24) strength qualities («push ups»; t = 7.19, «pulling up»; t = 5.93) speed («30 m run»; t = 6.63) agility and coordination abilities («shuttle run 4x9 m»; t = 6.46) flexibility («Tilt of the trunk forward from a sitting position»; t = 5.00). Conclusions: the construction of the training sessions taking into account the specific characteristics of athletes with hearing impairment, namely the use of acrobatic exercises in the preparatory part of classes and the use of special means for correcting body functions, correcting and developing coordination abilities; balance function correction; correction of vestibular function, contributed to the creation of conditions for improving the physical fitness of children 10-11 years old, engaged in ju-jitsu. Keywords:

The incidence of autonomic disorders in athletes varies widely from 6.2 % to 36.5 %. With the improving sport qualification, the frequency and severity of autonomic dysfunction increase. Various ECG phenomena, including SEVR and “T-infantile” are associated with a type of autonomic tone. Moreover, ANS dysfunction does not determine the genesis, but only contributes to the manifestation of these syndromes signs. The association between the ECG phenomena and autonomic dysfunction nature, age and gender of athletes remains an open question. The purpose of this work was to study the incidence of juvenile T-wave and SEVR, their association with the autonomic regulation of heart rate in young athletes in the age range between 6 and 17 years. Materials and methods. An electrocardiographic study and 5-minute recordings of the heart rate variability were carried out in 3720 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 years, of them 74.6 % were boys (n = 2774) and 25.4 % were girls (n = 946), engaged in various sports. The study results. The “T-infantile” phenomenon was detected in 1.5 % (56/3720) of athletes, among them 1.07 % (40) were boys and 0.43 % (16) were girls. In five (12.5 %) athletes, “T-infantile” was combined with incomplete right bundle branch block, in 3 (7.5 %) – with short PQ syndrome, and in one (2.5 %) – with SEVR. In addition to the ECG signs of “T-infantile”, three (18.75 %) athletes additionally had incomplete RBBB, and also short PQ syndrome was detected in one athlete (6.25 %). A comparative analysis of HRV indices in boys and girls with the “T-infantile” phenomenon showed that in boys, the D value was significantly higher, reflecting the vagal regulation activity of the heart rhythm (0.403 ± 0.028 s versus 0.311 ± 0.025 s, P = 0.019). When assessing the autonomic state according to R. M. Baevsky, it was found that 40 % (n = 16) of male athletes with T-infantile ECG phenomenon had an increased parasympathetic nervous system tone, 50 % (n = 20) had normal ANS tone, and 10 % (n = 4) had an increased sympathetic nervous system tone. In girls, there were 31.25 % (n = 5) with increased PNS tone, 50 % (n = 8) with normal ANS tone and 18.75 % (n = 3) with increased SNS tone, respectively. Conclusions. Early repolarization syndrome and “T-infantile” are more common in case of increased parasympathetic nervous system tone rather than in other variants of autonomic tone. A combination of parasympathetic overactivity with these ECG phenomena is observed mainly in males. The phenomenon of “T-infantile” can be combined with incomplete right bundle branch block in young athletes of both sexes.

Limited data are available on athlete’s heart for rugby athletes. This study aimed to investigate cardiac structure and its relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness in young Japanese rugby athletes. A prospective cross-sectional study using echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was conducted on 114 male collegiate rugby players. There was a higher prevalence of increased left ventricular (LV), atrial, and aortic dimensions in the young athletes than that in previously published reports, whereas the wall thickness was within the normal range. Anthropometry and CPET analyses indicated that the forwards and backs presented muscular and endurance phenotypes, respectively. Indexed LV and aortic dimensions were significantly larger in the backs than in the forwards, and the dimensions significantly correlated with oxygen uptake measured by CPET. On the four-tiered classification for LV hypertrophy, abnormal LV geometry was found in 16% of the athletes. Notably, the resting systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in athletes with concentric abnormal geometry than in the other geometry groups, regardless of their field positions. Japanese young athletes may exhibit unique phenotypes of cardiac remodeling in association with their fitness characteristics. The four-tiered LV geometry classification potentially offers information regarding the subclinical cardiovascular risks of young athletes.

Purpose: to consider the question of building the training process of young weight lifters of 12–13 years during a one-year macrocycle, taking into account the peculiarities of a specific biological cycle. Material & Methods: the methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific information, system analysis are used in the work. Results: modern approaches to constructing the training process of young weight lifters of 12–13 years are presented, a detailed structure of the construction of a one-year macrocycle taking into account the CMC phases is presented. Conclusions: it was determined that for young athletes involved in kettlebell lifting, it is necessary to carry out a detailed load distribution in accordance with the phases of the CMC during a one-year macrocycle, and it is necessary to take into account loads in basic and competitive mesocycles.

Background: Women's artistic gymnastics (WAG) is a complex aesthetic sport in which athletes start at a young age and are exposed to high loads during their careers. Little is known about the external and internal training load characteristics among elite young gymnasts., Hypothesis: High training loads, with variations over the weeks, are expected. There is a relationship between external and internal load variables., Study Design: Cohort study., Level of Evidence: Level 3., Methods: Seven elite-level Brazilian youth artistic gymnasts (age, 11.3 ± 0.4 years; mass, 33.0 ± 7.0 kg; height, 137.7 ± 10.6 cm; experience, 4.0 ± 1.2 years) participated in this study. Five nonconsecutive microcycles were monitored. Both external and internal training loads were quantified by counting the number of elements in video recordings of training sessions and by the session rating of perceived exertion method., Results: A total of 168 individual training sessions were monitored. The microcycle that succeeded the main competition showed a significantly lower training load than ≥3 of the other 4 microcycles for all training load variables, except for vault elements, of which microcycle 4 was inferior only to the microcycle before the competition. Significant correlations were found between weekly internal training load and the total of elements and elements performed on uneven bars., Conclusion: Youth women's artistic gymnasts present fluctuations in external and internal training load variables over the weeks close to a major competition. Training load management in this sport must consider the specificity of each apparatus, as they have different demands and training load behaviors., Clinical Relevance: A better comprehension of external and internal training loads in youth WAG and its apparatuses can benefit coaches and support staff and provide more information to overcome the challenge of training load management in gymnastics., Competing Interests: The authors report no potential conflicts of interest in the development and publication of this article.

Background: Systematic doping programs like in the GDR were applied in adolescent competitive athletes to induce supramaximal athletic performance. The substances had adverse somatic and psychological effects. The psychological development of the young athletes was impaired and they suffered in adulthood from long-term effects and secondary diseases even years after the doping period., Method: The study compared three groups: competitive athletes with doping (I), competitive athletes without doping (II) and persons with no sports activities (III). Somatic and psychological diseases were analyzed to identify the adverse effects of doping in the most vulnerable phase of development in adolescence. Participants were asked to supply a patient history and completed a questionnaire with standardized psychological tests., Results: The doping cohort had a higher rate of somatic diseases, psychological disorders and social and professional difficulties. The differences were gender-specific with males more often having impaired liver function, depression, tumors and difficulties associated with the workplace . The doping group reported more emotional and physical neglect during childhood. They proved to be less optimistic but more pessimistic, to perceive less social support and to be more depressive. The study identified less extraversion and more neuroticism. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurred in a small number of participants in the doping group. Doping is associated with psychiatric variables. Predictors were the subscale identifying feelings of the Toronto alexithymia scale 20 (TAS-20), the sense of coherence and the Beck depression inventory 2 (BDI-II) and the Beck depression inventory (BDI)., Conclusion: Physical and psychosocial effects imply correlation with the application of doping substances but might not only be due to the side effects of these substances but also caused by the system, which exerts great psychological pressure and stress during adolescence, a highly vulnerable phase., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Despite improvements in training load and fatigue monitoring, fatigue status may adversely affect intrinsic risk factors, particularly in young footballers. This study aimed to better individualise the fatigue effects of a 75-min football training session in young elite male players. Eighteen players (15.6 ± 1.7 years) completed a test battery before and after a football training session. Assessments included capillary blood samples (HCO 3 - , lactate, pH), subjective ratings of muscle soreness and fatigue. Functional tests included 30 m field sprint, laboratory drop jump (DJ) and horizontal force-velocity (H-FvP). The k-means method was applied to the first two dimensions of principal component analysis of changes in the H-FvP and DJ tests. Football training resulted in significant physiological changes and functional impairments, in particular an increase in interlimb asymmetry in the DJ test. No significant fatigue effect was found on the H-FvP test data. However, confirming the interest of combining the two tests, cluster analysis revealed two subgroups: In the H-FvP test, Cluster 1 decreased in V ‾ 0 (p < 0.001) and P ‾ max (p < 0.01), while Cluster 2 decreased in F ‾ 0 (p < 0.001). In the DJ test, Cluster 1 decreased in mean velocity (p < 0.01), relative mean and maximum power (p < 0.01) during push-off, while Cluster 2 decreased in relative mean push-off force (p < 0.01) and increased in interlimb asymmetry during braking (p < 0.01). This study highlights the contribution and complementarity of the H-FvP and DJ tests to improve individual screening for fatigue-related functional changes in footballers. Extrapolated values from the H-FvP test led to the identification of two subgroups with opposite fatigue profiles. One subgroup showed increased interlimb asymmetry in DJ, indicating an increased risk of injury with fatigue. These findings highlight the need for individualised fatigue assessment in young footballers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to determine whether the anaerobic performance assessed by a modified Wingate test could account for the 1,500-m rowing ergometer performance in young competitive rowers. Method: Fourteen national-level adolescent rowers performed on a rowing ergometer i) a 30-s all-out exercise (i.e., modified Wingate test) and ii) a 1,500-m all-out exercise (i.e., rowing performance). For each of these two exercises, the mean power output was considered as the main performance criterion (PWIN and P1500, respectively). Results: PWIN was correlated to P1500 (r² = .83, p < .0001, β = 100%). Furthermore, the estimated total muscle mass was correlated to PWIN and P1500 (r² = .72 and r² = .83, p < .0001, (3 = 100%, respectively). The allometric scaling also indicated that total muscle mass accounts 62% for the relationship between PWIN and P1500. Conclusion : Our results highlight the importance of considering the contribution of total muscle mass and anaerobic energy pathways to 1,500-m rowing performance in competitive adolescent rowers. Therefore, the modified Wingate test could be used by rowing coaches to potentially identify talented young rowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of disordered eating among athlete populations is considerably higher than in the general population. Less well understood is the body image-related emotional processes that might lead to disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, specifically among aesthetic athletic girls. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the role that body image-related cognitive fusion plays in disordered eating, and the mediating role of body image-related perfectionist self-presentation on this relationship, in aesthetic athletic girls. This study comprised 142 young female athletes from aesthetic sports, who completed self-report measures. A path analysis was conducted to explore the proposed theoretical model, while controlling for age and zBMI. The path model revealed an excellent fit and explained 71% of the severity of disordered eating. Results showed that body image-related cognitive fusion influences disordered eating behaviours, through the mechanism of body image-related perfectionist self-presentation, even when controlling for age and zBMI. Findings suggested that, in aesthetic athletic girls, the entanglement in body image-related thoughts may be associated with the need to present a perfect body image to others, which may lead to disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, adopted as a means to control weight and body shape. The present study highlights the relevance of body image-related processes in disordered eating and suggests the importance of educational programmes that target the development of more adaptive emotion regulation strategies concerning body image in athletes, particularly from aesthetic sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the relationship between psychological strain, psychological adaptation, and coaches in young athletes. Using athletes and coaches from various local and provincial diving teams and among these, training dimensionality changes in the N-dimensional low group were significantly greater in the low and middle groups than in the middle and high groups. N-dimensional changes were significantly less in the low and middle groups than in the middle and high groups. There is a significant difference between athletes in the N-dimensional low group and those in the intermediate group on the social support dimension. The E-dimension high and low groupings, the changing pattern of movement, and the association between education and autocratic conduct vary significantly. When coaches enhance their social support behaviours, they can compensate for external problems such as losing satisfaction with the athlete's training game. For the low E-dimension group, the association between exercise and education is poorer if the authoritarian behavior is high. For the high E-dimension group, if the authoritarian conduct is high, the relationship between exercise and education is better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reliability of the MCKCUEST was good to excellent and clinically acceptable. • Weak correlation was found between the MCKCUEST power score and isometric strength. • The MCKCUEST enables to standardize the test to any adolescent population. Physical performance tests provide a more complete picture of the functional status of the athlete's upper extremity. The primary purpose was to evaluate the reliability of the Modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (MCKCUEST) in adolescent volleyball and basketball players. The secondary objective was to evaluate the relationship between the MCKCUEST and shoulder rotation isometric strength in this population. Seventy-three healthy basketball (n = 39) and volleyball (n = 34) players participated to establish the reliability and correlations of the MCKCUEST. We used a two-session measurement design to evaluate the reliability of the MCKCUEST. Shoulder rotation isometric strength was performed to determine relationships with the MCKCUEST. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 2,1) for intra-session reliability of the MCKCUEST ranged from 0.86 to 0.89, and the between days test–retest reliability (ICC 3,1) was 0.93. The standard error of measurement (1 touch) and the minimal detectable change (3 touches) showed clinically acceptable absolute reliability values. A weak correlation was found between the MCKCUEST power score and shoulder rotation isometric strength (r values between 0.3 and 0.4). Results demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability and clinically acceptable absolute reliability values for the MCKCUEST on adolescent basketball and volleyball athletes. Performances on the MCKCUEST were weakly associated with shoulder rotation strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify whether competitive rhythmic gymnasts feel body dissatisfaction and, if so, to analyze the factors related to its development and the implications for the gymnasts' health. We interviewed 28 female gymnasts, aged between 13 and 16 years, from three teams in one Brazilian state. Based on the thematic analysis, we present the following themes: "Body, Performance, and Misconceptions in Rhytmic Gymnastics (RG)" and "Body weight in RG: Belief vs. Science." Gymnasts' dissatisfaction with their bodies appears to be influenced by their coaches, judges, and other athletes, who reinforce the existence of an established "ideal" body type in this sport. The athletes seem to believe that this body ideal would help them in the movements execution in the judges' evaluation, and would, therefore, influence competitive performance. Their coaches used body mass measured on a set of scales as a reference for controlling and guiding weight loss. To lose weight at all costs, the gymnasts mentioned that they took laxatives and adhered to self-imposed calorie restriction. Excessive pressure to lose weight and obtain results could lead to or maintain body dissatisfaction and damage gymnasts' health. Thus, coaches must be careful when associating weight loss with better performance; they need to consider the individuality of gymnasts and should not generalize them. Moreover, professional monitoring should be adopted, as well as the use of reliable and justified body evaluation methods. Preventive measures and coach education should also be implemented, and official agencies should regulate and punish any excessive and abusive practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify whether competitive rhythmic gymnasts feel body dissatisfaction and, if so, to analyze the factors related to its development and the implications for the gymnasts’ health. We interviewed 28 female gymnasts, aged between 13 and 16 years, from three teams in one Brazilian state. Based on the thematic analysis, we present the following themes: “Body, Performance, and Misconceptions in Rhytmic Gymnastics (RG)” and “Body weight in RG: Belief vs. Science.” Gymnasts’ dissatisfaction with their bodies appears to be influenced by their coaches, judges, and other athletes, who reinforce the existence of an established “ideal” body type in this sport. The athletes seem to believe that this body ideal would help them in the movements execution in the judges’ evaluation, and would, therefore, influence competitive performance. Their coaches used body mass measured on a set of scales as a reference for controlling and guiding weight loss. To lose weight at all costs, the gymnasts mentioned that they took laxatives and adhered to self-imposed calorie restriction. Excessive pressure to lose weight and obtain results could lead to or maintain body dissatisfaction and damage gymnasts’ health. Thus, coaches must be careful when associating weight loss with better performance; they need to consider the individuality of gymnasts and should not generalize them. Moreover, professional monitoring should be adopted, as well as the use of reliable and justified body evaluation methods. Preventive measures and coach education should also be implemented, and official agencies should regulate and punish any excessive and abusive practices.

The aim was to assess the psychological approach of young athletes to sports services in terms of motivation, perceived quality and satisfaction. A total of 307 adolescents (55.7% male and 44.3% female) between 12 and 18 years old participated. Three questionnaires were applied: an ad hoc questionnaire, the Self-Report of Motivation to Practice Physical Exercise (AMPEF) and the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Sports Services (EPOD2). A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, applying regression analysis to determine the predictive nature of the factors in the questionnaires. Individual sports players and non-competitors rated the motivational factors lower than those who practised collective sports and competed, and the results were reversed with regard to the perceived quality of, satisfaction with and value of the service. They valued human and personal treatment more highly, correlating it moderately and positively with service value (r = 0.422 for the monitor and r = 0.442 for the organisation’s staff) and satisfaction (r = 0.43 for the monitor and r = 0.552 for the organisation’s staff). Satisfaction was a negative predictor of extrinsic motivation, and vice versa (β = −0.207 and β = −0.143). Young athletes, in general, have an orientation towards intrinsic motivation and therefore a low tendency towards sports dropout.

This study examined the effects of an 8-week plyometric training (PT) program on components of physical fitness in young female handball players. Twenty-one female adolescent handball players were assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 12; age = 15.9 ± 0.2 years) or an active control group (CG, n = 9, age = 15.9 ± 0.3 years). While EG performed plyometric exercises in replacement of some handball-specific drills, CG maintained the regular training schedule. Baseline and follow-up tests were performed for the assessment of linear speed (i.e., 5-, 10-, and 20-m time), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (i.e., T-test time), muscle power (i.e., countermovement jump [CMJ] height and reactive strength index [RSI]), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) (RSA total time [RSAtotal], RSA best time [RSAbest], and RSA fatigue index [RSAFI]). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Within-group analyses for the EG revealed moderate-to-large improvements for the 5-m (effect size [ES] = 0.81 [0.1-1.5]), 10-m sprint time (ES = 0.84 [0.1-1.5]), RSI (ES = 0.75 [0.1-1.4]), RSAFI (ES = 0.65 [0.0-1.3]), and T-test time (ES = 1.46 [0.7-2.2]). Trivial-to-small ES was observed for RSAbest (ES = 0.18 [-0.5 to 0.9]), RSAtotal (ES = 0.45 [-0.2 to 1.1]), 20-m sprint time (ES = 0.56 [-0.1 to 1.2]), and CMJ height (ES = 0.57 [-0.1 to 1.3]). For the CG, within-group analyses showed a moderate performance decline for T-test time (ES = -0.71 [-1.5 to 0.1]), small decreases for 5-m sprint time (ES = -0.46 [-1.2 to 0.3]), and a trivial decline for 10-m (ES = -0.10 [-0.9 to 0.7]) and 20-m sprint times (ES = -0.16 [-0.9 to 0.6]), RSAtotal (ES = 0.0 [-0.8 to 0.8]), and RSAbest (ES = -0.20 [-0.9 to 0.6]). The control group achieved trivial-to-small improvements for CMJ height (ES = 0.10 [-0.68 to 0.87]) and RSI (ES = 0.30 [-0.5 to 1.1]). In conclusion, a short-term in-season PT program, in replacement of handball-specific drills, is effective in improving measures of physical fitness (i.e., linear/CoD speed, jumping, and RSA) in young female handball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]