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El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación entre las capacidades físicas, el hábito de realizar actividad física y la capacidad de atención selectiva en una muestra de estudiantes de enseñanza secundaria. La muestra fue configurada por un total de 97 participantes, concretamente 51 estudiantes de género femenino (n= 51) y 46 de género masculino (n= 46) de Barcelona (Cataluña) con edades comprendidas entre los 13 y los 15 años (13,7 ± 1,17). Para analizar la capacidad de atención selectiva se utilizó el Test de Percepción de Semejanzas y Diferencias (CARAS-R). Referente a la condición física, se evaluó la velocidad lineal (30 metros lisos), la fuerza de tren inferior (test de salto horizontal), la agilidad (test de10x5 metros) y la resistencia aeróbica (test de Luc-Léger). Finalmente el hábito de realización de actividad física se calculó con el Cuestionario internacional de actividad física en su formato adaptado para adolescentes (IPAQ-A).Los resultados mostraron que los participantes con un mayor rendimiento en el test de Luc-Léger, obtuvieron mejores puntuaciones en el test CARAS-R. Asimismo se obtuvo una correlación alta entre los registros del test de Luc-Léger y el test CARAS-R tanto para el género masculino como el femenino y una correlación alta entre el cuestionario IPAQ-A y el test CARAS-R en el género masculino. Dichos hallazgos, ponen de manifiesto la relación entre la atención selectiva y el nivel de condición física en adolescentes. En este sentido, se refuerza la importancia depracticar actividad física a esta edad, sugiriendo que el incremento de la condición física puede tener implicaciones positiva sobre la atención selectiva. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between fitness, selective attention and the physical activity habit in high school students.The sample was configured by a total of 97 participants, 51 females (n= 51) and 46 males (n= 46)from Barcelona (Catalonia), aged between 13 and 15 years (13,7 ± 1,17). To analyze the selective attention capacity, it was used the Perception of Similarities and Differences Test (CARAS-R). Regarding physical fitness, linear velocity (30-meter dash test), lower body strength (board jump test), agility (10x5 meter test) and aerobic capacity (Luc-Léger test) were evaluated. Finally, the physical activity was calculated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire adapted for adolescents (IPAQ-A).The results showed that the subjects with higher performance in the Luc-Léger test obtained better scores in the CARAS-R test. A high correlation was also obtained between the records of the Luc-Léger test and the CARAS-R test in both boys and girls and ahigh correlation between the IPAQ-A questionnaire and the CARAS-R test in boys. These findings highlight the relationship between selective attention and the fitness level in adolescents. In this sense, the importance of practicing physical activity at this age is reinforced, suggesting that the increase of physical condition may have positive implications on selective attention. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a relação entre habilidades físicas, atenção seletiva e o hábito de praticar atividade físicanumaamostra de estudantes do ensino médio.A amostra foi composta por um total de 97 sujeitos, especificamente 51 estudantes do sexo feminino (n= 51) e 46 do sexo masculino (n= 46) de Barcelona (Catalunha) com idades entre 13 e 15 anos (13,7 ± 1,17). Para analisar a capacidade de atenção seletiva, foi utilizado o Teste de Percepção de Diferenças e Diferenças (CARAS-R). A condição física foi avaliada através do teste de 30 metros de velocidade suave (velocidade linear), do teste de salto horizontal (força do corpo inferior), do teste de 10x5 metros (agilidade) e do teste de Luc-Léger (resistência). Por fim, o hábito de realizar atividade física foi calculado com o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física, em formato adaptado para adolescentes (IPAQ-A).Os resultados mostraram que os sujeitos com maior desempenho no teste Luc-Léger obtiveram melhores pontuações no teste CARAS-R. Da mesma forma, foi obtida uma alta correlação entre os registros do teste Luc-Léger e o teste CARAS-R em meninos e meninas e uma alta correlação entre o questionário IPAQ-A e o teste CARAS-R em meninos. Os resultados revelam a relação entre a atenção seletiva e o nível de aptidão física em adolescentes. Nesse sentido, a importância da prática de atividade física nessa faixa etária é reforçada, sugerindo que o aumento da condição física pode ter implicações positivas na atenção seletiva

The main objective of the present study was to provide seasonal variation data for inter-limb asymmetry in youth elite team-sport athletes. Fifty-nine players performed the single leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) and the one leg hop for distance (OLHT) tests during pre-season, mid-season and end-season. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to determine magnitude differences in asymmetry scores between time points. Kappa coefficients (κ) were calculated to determine the levels of agreement for the direction of asymmetry. When comparing inter-limb asymmetry magnitudes across the season, the SLCMJ test showed significantly higher asymmetries at mid-season in comparison with pre-season and end-season (p

The direction of inter-limb asymmetries and the change of direction (COD) deficit are two aspects that have increased in recent years. The main objective of the present study was to assess the magnitude of neuromuscular asymmetries in an elite youth female team-sports sample and determine its directionality. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the relationship between COD deficit, linear speed and COD time performance. Elite female youth basketball and handball players (n = 33, age = 16 ± 1.17 y) performed the Single Leg Countermovement Jump in vertical (SLCJ-V), horizontal (SLCJ-H), and lateral (SLCJ-L) directions, the COD and the 10-m sprint. Results showed statistical differences between limbs in all the neuromuscular tests (p < 0.001). The Kappa coefficient showed poor to fair levels of agreement between tasks (K range = -0.087 to 0.233), indicating that asymmetries rarely favoured the same limb between skills. Additionally, small and non-significant correlations were found between the linear sprint capacity and the COD ability. The findings of the present study highlight the independent directionality of asymmetries across tests. The COD deficit does not appear to be much more advantageous than COD total time to measure asymmetry. Practitioners are encouraged to use a fitness testing battery to detect existing side differences and each ability should be specifically trained with functional tasks.

The main objective of this research was to analyse the match context variables’ influence on individual set-piece’s success in rink-hockey. A sample of 196 matches, including 621 free direct hits (...

The primary purpose of the present study was to compare the home advantage (HA) and the home team performance in the most relevant European rink hockey leagues (Spanish, Portuguese and Italian), considering the presence or absence of spectators in the competition venues due to the effect of COVID-19 restrictions. The sample was composed of 1665 rink hockey matches (654 from the Spanish league, 497 from the Portuguese league, and 514 from the Italian league) played between the 2018–2019 and 2020–2021 seasons. The HA and match variables comparisons were established using several negative binomial regression models. Results showed that the effect of HA did not disappear despite playing without spectators but decreased from 63.99% to 57.41% (p = 0.002). Moreover, the comparison of the match variables showed that playing with spectators benefited local teams’ performance, especially in the Portuguese and Italian leagues. Playing with spectators favoured local team performance in rink hockey matches, which is more evident in some analysed leagues. However, as HA does not disappear entirely without spectators, it is necessary to study other relevant performance factors that are not directly or indirectly attributable to crowd behaviour in rink hockey performance analyses. The study was supported and funded by the Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences and Sport Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain, grant number PIF20-21-GRIES

El propósito de este estudio fue cuantificar la ventaja de jugar en casa en las ligas de hockey sobre patines masculina y femenina de la Primera división profesional portuguesa, comparando los resultados obtenidos según el sexo de los participantes. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 2.080 partidos de hockey sobre patines (n = 1.632 en la Primera división masculina y n = 448 en la Primera división femenina) entre las temporadas 2009-2010 y 2016-17. Los goles marcados y recibidos también fueron analizados según la localización del partido. Los resultados mostraron la existencia de la ventaja de jugar en casa tanto en la liga masculina como femenina. Los valores de la ventaja de jugar en casa fueron superiores al 50% en ambas ligas, con valores significativamente más altos en la liga masculina (60,88% comparado con 54,33%). Además, los resultados indicaron que los equipos anotan un mayor porcentaje de goles cuando juegan en casa sin encontrar diferencias significativas entre los sexos. En cuanto al número de goles marcados por partido, los resultados mostraron una diferencia significativa entre las divisiones masculinas y femeninas, con valores más altos para las ligas masculinas. Los resultados en relación con el sexo de los participantes están en consonancia con estudios previos realizados en otros deportes colectivos como fútbol o waterpolo. El análisis de la ventaja de jugar en casa podría ser útil para ayudar a los entrenadores de hockey sobre patines a decidir las alineaciones y a planificar las cargas de entrenamiento según la localización del partido. The purpose of this study was to quantify the home advantage in both men’s and women’s Portuguese professional division roller hockey leagues comparing the results obtained according to the sex of participants. The sample was composed of 2,080 roller hockey games (n = 1,632 in First men’s division; and n = 448 in First women’s division) between the 2009-2010 and 2016-17 seasons. Goals scored and received were also analysed when teams play at home. The results showed the existence of home advantage in both men’s and women’s leagues. Home advantage values were higher than 50% in both leagues, with significantly higher values in the male league (60.88% compared to 54.33%). Moreover, the results indicated that teams score a higher percentage of goals when playing at home with non-significant differences between sexes. Regarding to the number of goals scored per match, the results showed a significant difference between the male and female divisions, with higher values for men’s leagues. The results in relation to sex of participants are consistent with previous studies in other sports like football or water polo. The analysis of the home advantage could be useful to help roller hockey coaches to design alignments for each match and to plan the training loads according the match localization. O propósito desse estudo foi quantificar a vantagem de jogar em casa nas ligas masculina e feminina de hóquei sobre patins da Primeira divisão profissional portuguesa, comparando os resultados obtidos dependendo do sexo dos participantes. A amostra foi composta por 2088 partidas de hóquei sobre patins (n= 1.632 na Primeira divisão masculina e n= 448 na Primeira divisão feminina) entre as temporadas 2009-2010 e 2016-17. Os goles marcados e recebidos também foram analisados conforme a localização do partido. Os resultados mostram a existência de vantagem de jogar em casa tanto na liga masculina como na feminina. Os valores da vantagem de jogar em casa são superiores ao 50% em ambas ligas, com valores significativamente maiores na liga masculina (60,88% comparado com os 54,33% da feminina). Por além disso, os resultados indicam que as equipas anotam uma maior percentagem de golos quando jogam em casa, sem encontrar diferenças significativas entre ambos sexos. Em quanto ao número de goles marcados por jogo, os resultados mostram uma diferença significativa entre as divisões masculina e feminina, com valores mais altos na liga masculina. Os resultados em relação ao sexo dos participantes estão em consonância com estudos prévios realizados noutros desportos coletivos como o futebol ou o pólo aquático. A análise da vantagem de jogar em casa poderia ser útil para ajudar aos técnicos de hóquei sobre patins no momento de decidir as alienações e de planificar as cargas dos treinamentos dependendo da localização do jogo.

The main objective of this study was to analyze the influence of individual set-pieces (Free Direct Hits and Penalties) in elite rink hockey match outcomes in different game situations. A sample of 161 matches played between high-standard teams during ten consecutive seasons (2009–2010 to 2018–2019) were analyzed using a binary logistic regression. The full evaluated model was composed of an explanatory variable (set-pieces scored) and five potential confounding and interaction variables (match location, match level, match importance, extra time, and balanced score). However, the final model only included one significant interaction variable (balanced score). The results showed that scoring more individual set-pieces than the opponent was associated with victory (OR = 6.1; 95% CI: 3.7, 10.0) and was more relevant in unbalanced matches (OR = 19.5; 95% CI: 8.6, 44.3) than in balanced matches (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.5). These findings indicate that individual set-pieces are strongly associated with match outcomes in matches played between high-standard teams. Therefore, it is important for teams to excel in this aspect, and it is suggested that these data can encourage coaches to reinforce the systematic practice of individual set-pieces in their training programs. Additionally, it is suggested that teams have specialist players in this kind of action to mainly participate in these specific match moments. The study was supported and funded by the Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences and Sport Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain, grant number PIF20-21-GRIES.

The main objective of this research was to analyze the individual set-pieces influence on the final season ranking in rink hockey. For this purpose, 6,920 individual set-pieces from 1,680 matches corresponding to free direct hits (n = 4,332) and penalty shots (n = 2,588) were analyzed during seven consecutive seasons (2012-13 to 2018-19) in the First Spanish League (Ok Liga). The variables recorded were the following for each team: total points, free direct hits attempted, free direct hits scored, penalties attempted, penalties scored, total goals scored during the season, free direct hits received, goals received from free direct hits, penalties received, goals received from penalties and total goals received in the season. Results showed that 21.08% of the goals were scored by free direct hits and penalty shots (11.58% and 9.49%, respectively). Likewise, teams ranked in a better position achieved higher effectiveness in individual set-pieces and their goalkeepers were more effective in defending the free direct hits and penalties. Furthermore, results showed significant correlations between team season points and better performance in individual set-pieces variables. Therefore, the results of this study demonstrated the importance of systematic practice of free direct hits and penalty shots for teams’ success in rink hockey. Additionally, it is suggested that teams possess special players to execute these particular elements of match play

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in a sample of primary-school children. Data of 116 sixth-grade primary-school students (68 girls, 48 boys) from Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) with a mean (SD) age of 11.4 years (0.4) was analyzed. To determine academic achievement, proficiency scores in the subjects Catalan language, Spanish language, English language, and Maths were derived from the Test de Compètencies Bàsiques. Physical fitness was assessed using the Cooper test (aerobic capacity), 20-m sprint test (linear velocity), and 4 × 10-m test (agility). The results showed that participants with a higher performance in the Cooper and 20-m sprint tests had significantly better academic achievement in the assessed subjects (p < 0.05; d range = 0.93 to −2.98). The findings of this investigation are interesting from a curricular perspective since a positive association between academic achievement and physical fitness indicates a strong reason to raise the physical education status in educational systems, a subject that has traditionally been considered less important by the educational community.

The study was supported and funded by the Faculty of Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences and Sport Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain, grant number PIF1920-PSITIC, Background/objectives: The potential advantages of wearing customized bite-aligning mouthguards on several performance parameters such as muscular strength, power and reaction time have been reported. Literature shows that the concurrent activation potentiation phenomenon, elicited by a powered and balanced jaw clenching, can provide athletes with several neuromuscular advantages. The aim of the present study was to investigate the acute effects of jaw clenching while wearing a customized bitealigning mouthguard on swimming start, countermovement jump and swim bench test, in contrast to two other conditions: non-jaw clenching and jaw clenching without mouthguard. Methods: A randomized, repeated measure within study designwas used to compare the condition effect on eight highly trained elite male and female swimmers. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in the countermovement jump height (p ¼ 0.041) when comparing the use of mouthguards with the non-jaw condition. In the swim bench, a significant greater time to peak force (p ¼ 0.049) was found when comparing the use of mouthguards with the jaw condition. Although, non-significant effects, small differences were found in the start reaction time and 15-m freestyle swimming when comparing the use of mouthguards with the non-jaw condition. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that wearing customized, bite-aligning mouthguards had an ergogenic effect on specific measures of vertical jump and swim bench test, whereas non-meaningful but small differences were found in swimming start., Faculty of Faculty of Psychology, Education Sciences and Sport Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain PIF1920-PSITIC

The magnitude of inter-limb asymmetries has been reported in several studies in different team sports but only some of them have analysed their effects on sports performance. The main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine inter-limb asymmetries and examine their relationship with different physical performance tests in rink hockey players. Nineteen rink hockey players (age: 23.37 &plusmn, 4.82 years, body height: 1.75 &plusmn, 0.06 cm, body mass: 73.16 &plusmn, 9.87 kg) performed a mid-season battery of fitness tests consisting of 30 m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), and half back squat. Inter-limb asymmetries were assessed using the single leg vertical countermovement jump test (SLCJ-V), single leg horizontal countermovement jump test (SLCJ-H), and 180&deg, change of direction test (COD). Results show a significant relationship between asymmetry in the SLCJ-H test, 30 m sprint (r = 0.63, p &lt, 0.01) and CMJ performances (r = &minus, 0.52, p &lt, 0.05). Additionally, asymmetry in the SLCJ-V showed a significant relationship with CMJ performance (r = &minus, 0.46, p &lt, 0.05). These findings suggest that training programs should aim to reduce the inter-limb asymmetries in rink hockey players to improve their performance. Practitioners and coaches can use this information to assess the potential impact of asymmetries on physical performance in rink hockey players.

This study aimed to understand the acute responses on the muscular activity of primary movers during the execution of a half-squat under different unstable devices. Fourteen male and female high-standard track and field athletes were voluntarily recruited. A repeated measures design was used to establish the differences between muscle activity of the primary movers, the body centre of mass acceleration and the OMNI-Perceived Exertion Scale for Resistance Exercise (OMNI-Res) in a half-squat under four different stability conditions (floor, foam, BOSU-up and BOSU-down). A significant correlation was found between the highest performance limb muscle activity and body centre of mass acceleration for half-squat floor (r = 0.446, p = 0.003), foam (r = 0.322, p = 0.038), BOSU-up (r = 0.500, p = 0.001), and BOSU-down (r = 0.495, p = 0.001) exercises. For the exercise condition, the half-squat BOSU-up and BOSU-down significantly increased the muscle activity compared to half-squat floor (vastus medialis: p = 0.020, d = 0.56, vastus lateralis: p = 0.006, d = 0.75, biceps femoris: p = 0.000&ndash, 0.006, d = 1.23&ndash, 1.00) and half-squat foam (vastus medialis: p = 0.005&ndash, 0.006, d = 0.60&ndash, 1.00, vastus lateralis: p = 0.014, d = 0.67, biceps femoris: p = 0.002, d = 1.00) activities. This study contributes to improving the understanding of instability training, providing data about the acute muscular responses that an athlete experiences under varied stability conditions. The perturbation offered by the two BOSU conditions was revealed as the most demanding for the sample of athletes, followed by foam and floor executions.

The effects of wearing an intra-oral device on several ventilatory and fatigue markers have been reported for a variety of sports. The quality of the figures performed in synchronized swimming is directly affected by fatigue, and can be monitored during training sessions (TS). The aim of the study was to investigate the acute effects of wearing customized intra-oral devices on heart rate variability, rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate accumulation, and salivary cortisol production during a competitive training session. Twelve highly trained elite female athletes (age: 21.0±3.6 years) participated in the study. Fatigue markers were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the 3rd and 5th afternoon TS for that week, once with and once without an intra-oral device, in random order. Salivary cortisol levels were higher in relation to the baseline in the intra-oral device condition (P

Actually, there is scarce literature looking for the relationship between inter-limb asymmetries and performance in youth elite team sports. The main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationships between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance in youth elite team-sports players. A secondary objective was to evaluate the presence of between-sexes differences in inter-limb asymmetries in elite youth team sports players. Eighty-one young elite team-sports athletes (age: u-14 to u-18) performed the star excursion balance test in the anterior direction (SEBT ANT), a single leg vertical countermovement jump test (SLCMJ), the one leg hop test for distance (OLHT), a 30 m sprint test, and the V-cut test. Inter-limb asymmetries were calculated for SEBT ANT, SLCMJ and OLHT. Pearson r was used to analyse the relationships between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance. Results showed significant (p < 0.05) but small (r = 0.26) relationships between SLCMJ asymmetries and 30 m sprint time for the total group. Significant negative correlations with small to moderate magnitude of correlation were also found between SLCMJ asymmetries and SLCMJ performance on the lowest performing limb for the total group (p < 0.05; r = -0.26), males (p < 0.01; r = -0.48) and females (p < 0.05; r = -0.30). Moreover, significant negative correlations with moderate and large magnitude were also present between OLHT asymmetries and OLHT performance on the lowest performing limb for the total group (p < 0.01; r = -0.44), males (p < 0.01; r = -0.56) and females (p < 0.01; r = -0.64). No correlations were observed between asymmetries and either the V-cut test or SEBT ANT performance. No correlation were observed between SEBT ANT asymmetries and physical performance. In addition, when comparing asymmetry values between sexes there were no significant differences in vertical (p = 0.06) and horizontal (p = 0.61) jumping tests. However, there were significant differences in asymmetry between sexes in the ANT SEBT (p = 0.04). In conclusion, the current study indicated that jumping asymmetries were associated with decrements in sprint speed and jumping performance. Therefore, assessing inter-limb asymmetries would be recommended to improve training interventions for youth elite team-sports athletes.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar y cuantificar las asimetrías neuromusculares entre las extremidades inferiores que presentan los jugadores de hockey sobre patines. Un objetivo secundario fue correlacionar el índice de asimetrías (ASI) entre las diferentes pruebas neuromusculares testadas. Un total de 27 jugadores de sexo masculino de hockey sobre patines (edad = 20,59 ± 3,81 años) realizaron diferentes pruebas neuromusculares de forma unilateral: 1) Test de salto vertical con contra-movimiento (SLCJ), 2) Batería de saltos horizontales (Hop test: single, triple y crossover hop test) y 3) Prueba de velocidad con cambio de dirección (COD test). Se observaron diferencias significativas (p 10% en el test de SLCJ, situación considerada como posible factor de riesgo de lesión. Solamente se obtuvo una correlación significativa entre el SLCJ y el COD test. En consecuencia, y con el objetivo de identificar las asimetrías entre miembros inferiores, es importante considerar la valoración de las diferencias capacidades neuromusculares. Abstract The aim of the current study was to compare and quantify the neuromuscular lower limb asymmetries present in roller hockey players and its link to high risk of injury. A secondary purpose was to correlate the index of asymmetries (ASI) between the different neuromuscular tests performed. 27 male roller hockey players (age = 20.59 ± 3.81 years) performed the single leg countermovement jump (SLCJ), the Hop Test battery (single hop test, triple hop test and crossover hop test) and the change of direction test (COD test). Significant differences were observed (p 10% in the SLCJ, a situation considered as an injury risk factor. Only a significant correlation was obtained between the SLCJ and the COD test. Consequently, it is suggested that the complete neuromuscular profile between lower limbs be evaluated with the different tests, for both in the conditioning programs and in the injury prevention and return-to- play.

In volleyball, attack coverage is one of the play actions most neglected in coaching and research. The purpose of this study was to find out which attack coverage systems are used by high-level men’s teams in different game situations and the characteristics of the most effective systems. We analysed 15 matches from the 2010 Men’s PanAmerican Volleyball Cup, with a total of 1,415 coverage actions. Chi-square tests for independence, adjusted residuals analysis and calculations of standardised mean difference were performed. The results show that high-level men’s volleyball uses many coverage systems other than the traditional 3-2-0 and 2-3-0. At this level of play, the most frequent systems were 1-3-1 and 1-2-2, which occurred significantly often at the culmination of a third-tempo attack at the wing. The most effective systems consisted of three coverage lines, with fewer than five players covering the spiker and at least one player in the first coverage line, in both the attack and counterattack phases. Given the large number of coverage systems identified in different game situations, we recommend flexible, loosely structured training in these systems, based on a set of guiding principles that all players on a team must internalise for the specific position they are playing. Regarding the systems’ efficacy, the main watchword is that on each coverage line there should always be at least one player, but the first line should not be exposed. This study was conducted with support and funding from the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC) and the Generalitat de Catalunya Research Group GRUP DE RECERCA I INNOVACIÓ EN DISSENYS (GRID). Tecnologia i aplicació multimedia i digital als dissenys observacionals [2014 SGR 971]. It also received support from two research projects of the Spanish government: (a) Avances metodológicos y tecnológicos en el estudio observacional del comportamiento deportivo [PSI2015-71947-REDT]; and (b) La actividad física y el deporte como potenciadores de estilo de vida saludable: evaluación del comportamiento deportivo desde metodologías no intrusivas [DEP2015-66069-P].

The purpose of the present systematic review was to determine the acute effects of wearing bite-aligning mouthguards on muscle strength, power, agility and quickness in athletes. A search of the current literature was performed using the electronic databases (until 1 May 2021) Web of Science, Scopus and Medline. The inclusion criteria were: (1) descriptive design studies; (2) with randomized clinical trials; (3) examining the within-subject acute effects of wearing mouthguards on functional and neuromuscular performance parameters; (4) in physical active, recreational or high-standard athletes. Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen reported positive effects in some of the variables assessed, two reported negative effects and the rest found no significant differences. Overall, the main findings described in the literature are inconclusive concerning the neuromuscular advantages of using mouthguards in muscle strength, power, agility and quickness. These discrepancies might be related to several factors such as differences in testing protocols, poor control of the jaw magnitude and improper mouthguard designs. Despite these differences, after conducting the present systematic review, the authors speculate that jaw clenching while wearing custom-made, bite-aligning oral devices might promote beneficial effects in lower limb power actions, especially in jump ability and knee extension movements. Thus, athletes might consider the use of mouthguards, not only for their protective role but also for the potential ergogenic effects in specific actions, mainly those for which lower limb muscular power are required.

PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY IS AN OVERUSE INJURY COMMONLY KNOWN AS “JUMPER'S KNEE” THAT CAUSES PAIN IN THE INFERIOR REGION OF THE PATELLA. THIS PATHOLOGY IS RECURRENT IN TEAM SPORTS AND HAS MORE IMPACT ON MALE ATHLETES. SOME ANATOMICAL INTRINSIC FACTORS AND SEVERAL EXTRINSIC FACTORS SEEM TO BE KEY IN TRIGGERING THIS CONDITION THAT IS ALSO INCREASINGLY APPEARING IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS. THE AIM OF THIS ARTICLE IS TO PROVIDE COACHES AND PRACTITIONERS WITH SOME USEFUL PRACTICE-BASED EXERCISES THAT CAN BE HELPFUL IN PREVENTING THESE DISABLING TENDON INJURIES IN SPORTS SUCH AS VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, SOCCER, AMERICAN FOOTBALL, AND TEAM HANDBALL.

Els avencos tecnologics aplicats al mon de l’esport han permes millorar les experiencies de practicants,entrenadors i espectadors. Les cameres d’alta velocitat i el video a camera lenta han permes estudiar, coneixer imillorar els processos d’aprenentatge i el rendiment en els esports, analitzant el moviment i valorant diversosfactors en aquests processos. Aixi, aquestes cameres han contribuit a millorar el feedback a les sessions d’entrenamenti d’aprenentatge. A mes, constitueixen una eina valuosa pels entrenadors i investigadors alhora de valorar el rendimenti quantificar la durada dels esdeveniments, les velocitats, les acceleracions i les forces que es generen en elmoviment huma. Aquest article analitza les diverses eines que hi ha al mercat, aixi com els telefons mobilsintel·ligents i les aplicacions basades en l’us de la camera, sovint d’alta velocitat. Tambe fa referencia als programarisper a l’analisi del moviment mes utilitzats. Finalment, presenta el ultims estudis en els quals s’ha utilitzataquesta tecnologia i suggerir aplicacions practiques, assequibles i valuoses per la millora dels processos de milloraa l’esport modern.

The forces exerted on a suspension device have been examined in the upper body exercises such as push-ups or inverted row. However, there is a lack of evidence with regard to the effects of a suspension device on force production in lower limb exercises. For this reason, this aim of this study was to determine the effects of body position, contraction patterns and pace on force production by the lower limb during the execution of suspended lunge exercises. Ten physically active male university students (n = 10, age = 23.70±2.83 years old) performed sixteen suspended lunges in four different positions and at three different paces (60, 70, and 80 beats per minute). A load cell was used to assess the forces exerted on the suspension device. Force data were analysed with factorial repeated measurements (ANOVA). Significant main effects for position in concentric force (p= .000), average force (p= .002), and for frequency in peak force (p= .004) were found. Peak force was significantly higher in all positions for dynamic contraction type than for isometric suspended lunge. In conclusion, a greater distance of the feet, frequencies around 70 beats per minute and the dynamic contraction type all contributed to enhancing the forces exerted on the suspension strap in the performance of the lunge exercise. Les forces exercides sobre un dispositiu de suspensió han estat examinades en exercicis com les flexions de braços o el rem invertit. No obstant això, hi ha una manca d’evidències investigant l’efecte dels dispositius de suspensió sobre la producció de força a l’extremitat inferior. Per aquesta raó, l’objectiu de l’estudi va ser determinar els efectes de la posició corporal, els règims de contracció i la velocitat d’execució sobre la producció de força de l’extremitat inferior durant l’exercici del lunge en suspensió. Es van reclutar joves universitaris físicament actius (n= 10, edat = 23.70±2.83 anys) per fer setze lunges en suspensió en quatre posicions i tres ritmes diferents (60, 70, i 80 batecs per minut). Es va utilitzar una cèl·lula de força per valorar les forces exercides sobre el dispositiu de suspensió. Les dades de força es van analitzar amb l’ANOVA factorial de mesures repetides. Es va obtenir un efecte principal per la posició en la força concèntrica (p= .000), força mitjana (p= .002), i per la freqüència en el pic de força (p= .004). El pic de força va ser significativament més alt durant la contracció dinàmic en comparació amb la isomètrica en totes les posicions. Les posicions amb amplituds més grans entre cames, freqüències al voltant dels 70 batecs per minut i el règim de contracció dinàmic milloren les forces exercides sobre el dispositiu de suspensió en l’exercici de lunge.

The acute effects of fatigue on serve speed, accuracy, and consistency were examined over consecutive days of prolonged tennis match play (2,3) or when a fatiguing exercise protocol was performed (1,4) in college or high-standard tennis players. However, these previous studies showed a lack of consensus in their results. For this reason, the aim of the study was to examine the effects of fatigue in the markers of serve performance in young tennis players after performing a fatiguing intermittent exercise protocol (FITEP).

Purpose: To determine whether heart-rate variability (HRV) was correlated with other training-load and training-tolerance markers for monitoring the effect of a training session on elite synchronized swimmers. Methods: The authors recorded the resting HRV of 12 elite swimmers (mean age = 21.5 [3.5] y) 3 times over 1 wk with a cadence of 48 h prior to the 2015 World Swimming Championships. They continuously monitored heart rate and obtained salivary cortisol (SC) samples before and after the last training session of the week. The authors measured capillary blood lactate (La) 2, 4, and 8 min after the last training session and monitored recovery HRV. They assessed rating of perceived exertion (RPE) over the entire session and tested the association between the highest La concentration (Lapeak), SC, and RPE and relative changes (Δ%) in the natural logarithm of the root-mean-square successive difference of intervals (LnRMSSD). The authors also calculated the smallest worthwhile change of the averaged pre and post LnRMSSD measurements. Results: There were periods of pronounced bradycardia (60.5 [16.7] beats/min) during training exercises corresponding to apneic exercise. The magnitude-based inferences showed nonclinically meaningful changes of LnRMSSD. Lapeak (6.8 [2.7] mmol/L) correlated positively with Δ%LnRMSSD and Δ%SC (r = .89, P = .001 and r = .61, P = .04, respectively). Conclusions: There was no change in LnRMSSD and Lapeak, Δ%SC, and RPE indicated reduced sympathetic activation and positive adaptation to the stress imposed by the session. Isolated HRV assessment may reveal a controversial interpretation of autonomic nervous system status or the training tolerance in elite synchronized swimming athletes due to the influence of the diving response.

The main objective of this research was to find associations between the outcome of a simulated CrossFit® competition, anthropometric measures, and standardized fitness tests. Ten experienced male CrossFit® athletes (age 28.8 ± 3.5 years, height 175 ± 10.0 cm, weight 80.3 ± 12.5 kg) participated in a simulated CrossFit® competition with three benchmark workouts (“Fran”, “Isabel”, and “Kelly”) and underwent fitness tests. Participants were tested for anthropometric measures, sit and reach, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and the load (LOAD) corresponding to the highest mean power value (POWER) in the snatch, bench press, and back squat exercises was determined using incremental tests. A bivariate correlation test and k-means cluster analysis to group individuals as either high-performance (HI) or low performance (LO) via Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were carried out. Pearson’s correlation coefficient two-tailed test showed that the only variable correlated with the final score was the snatch LOAD (p &lt, 0.05). Six performance variables (SJ, CMJ, RSI, snatch LOAD, bench press LOAD, and back squat LOAD) explained 74.72% of the variance in a k= 2 means cluster model. When CrossFit® performance groups HI and LO were compared to each other, t-test revealed no difference at a p ≤ 0.05 level. Snatch maximum power LOAD and the combination of six physical fitness tests partially explained the outcome of a simulated CrossFit competition. Coaches and practitioners can use these findings to achieve a better fit of the practices and workouts designed for their athletes.

Background Physical fitness is considered an important indicator of health in adolescents. However, in recent years several studies in the scientific literature have shown a considerable lower trend and an alarming worsening of the current adolescents’ physical condition when comparing with previous decades, especially in urban populations. The aim of the current study was to analyse the temporal trend in cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) in urban Catalan adolescents over a 20-year period (1999–2019). Methods A cross-sectional analysis study considering the 20-m Shuttle Run test (SRT) results obtained in the last 20 years was carried out. 1,701 adolescents between 15 and 16 years old (914 boys and 787 girls) were divided into four groups, corresponding to consecutive periods of five years (Group 1: 1999–2004; Group 2: 2005–2009; Group 3: 2010–2014 and Group 4: 2015–2019). ANOVA was used to test the period effect on CRE and post hoc Bonferroni analysis was performed to test pairwise differences between groups (p < 0.05). Results Results showed a significantly lower performance in CRE in both sexes. The percentual negative difference was 0.67%, 9.6% and 7% for boys and 5.06%, 14.97% and 9.41% for girls, when comparing the performance in 20-m Shuttle Run test for the first period, respectively. Conclusions Results suggest that the physical fitness of Catalan urban adolescents is lower in both sexes when comparing the different analysed periods of time. Therefore, CRE adolescents should be improved in order to help to protect against cardiovascular disease and other health risks in adulthood.

Recent studies have investigated the ergogenic effects of different types of mouthguards. There is evidence of the benefits of clenching customized mouthpieces on force and power development. The phenomenon called concurrent activation potentiation (CAP) promoted in jaw clenching seems to enhance the muscular strength and power in maximal isometric contractions and powerful actions in sport. Moreover, a bite-aligning mouthpiece may promote a more aligned and powerful clench. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of jaw clenching while wearing a customized bite-aligning mouthpiece (MP) on jump ability and isometric maximal strength tests in contrast to 2 other conditions: nonjaw clenching (NON-JAW) and jaw clenching without the mouthpiece (JAW). A within-subjects design was used to assess the jump performance and the maximal isometric force in 28 physically active male subjects. Statistical analyses revealed significantly higher performance in JAW and NON-JAW conditions for handgrip force (HG-peakforce) and all variables of the back-row exercise (BRW) and countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) (p ≤ 0.05). Significant differences between NON-JAW and JAW were found for HG-peakforce (p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that it is advisable to use a customized bite-aligning mouthpiece to improve strength and power performance.

Agility and quickness is required by the beach volleyball players, such as sudden falls, short sprints and jumps. The surface where the beach volleyball is played constitutes a different paradigm t...

This article reports data concerning the body centre of mass acceleration, muscle activity, and forces exerted during a suspended lunge under different stability conditions. Ten high-standard track and field athletes were recruited to perform one set of 5 repetitions of the following exercises: suspended lunge, suspended lunge-Foam (front leg on a foam balance-pad and the rear leg on the suspension cradles), a suspended lunge-BOSU up (dome side up), and a suspended lunge-BOSU down (dome side down). For each exercise trial, the acceleration of the body centre of mass (triaxial accelerometer BIOPAC), the muscle activity of the front leg (surface electromyography BIOPAC) and the force exerted on the suspension strap (load cell Phidgets) were measured. The data revealed that the intra-reliability of the data range from good (ICC: 0.821) to excellent (ICC: 0.970) in all dependent variables and exercise conditions. Besides, the Pearson correlation between muscle activity and the body centre of mass acceleration showed a significant positive correlation for all the exercises and analysed muscles (range from r ¼ 0.393 to r ¼ 0.826; p < 0.05) with moderate to very large effect, except for the rectus and biceps femoris. Moreover, the force exerted on the suspension strap significantly correlated with the body centre of mass acceleration in all the exercises (range from r ¼ 0.595 to r ¼ 0.797, p < 0.05) with a very large effect, except for the suspension lunge that registered a large effect.

Suspension training is an adjunct to traditional strength and conditioning. The effect of added instability on muscle activation during traditional exercises is unclear and depends on the exercise and type of instability. The purpose of this review was to compare the activations of different muscles in suspension training exercises and their traditional counterparts. A search of the current literature was performed without language restrictions using the electronic databases PubMed (1969-12 January 2017), SPORTDiscus (1969-12 January 2017) and Scopus (1969-12 January 2017). The inclusion criteria were: (1) descriptive studies; (2) physically active participants; and (3) studies that analysed muscle activation using normalised electromyographic signals during different suspension training exercises. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. For the push-up, inverted row, prone bridge and hamstring curl in suspension, the activation of upper-body and core muscles ranged between moderate (21-40% maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)) and very high (>60% MVIC). Muscle activation in these same muscle groups was greater with suspension exercises relative to comparable traditional exercises, except for the inverted row. Muscle activation in the upper extremity and core muscles varied greatly amongst studies.