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The literature has yielded promising data over the past decade regarding the use of inertial sensors for the analysis of occupational ergonomics. However, despite their significant advantages (e.g., portability, lightness, low cost, etc.), their widespread implementation in the actual workplace has not yet been realized, possibly due to their discomfort or potential alteration of the worker’s behaviour. This systematic review has two main objectives: (i) to synthesize and evaluate studies that have employed inertial sensors in ergonomic analysis based on the RULA method; and (ii) to propose an evaluation system for the transparency of this technology to the user as a potential factor that could influence the behaviour and/or movements of the worker. A search was conducted on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The studies were summarized and categorized based on the type of industry, objective, type and number of sensors used, body parts analysed, combination (or not) with other technologies, real or controlled environment, and transparency. A total of 17 studies were included in this review. The Xsens MVN system was the most widely used in this review, and the majority of studies were classified with a moderate level of transparency. It is noteworthy, however, that there is a limited and worrisome number of studies conducted in uncontrolled real environments.

(1) Background: Given the physiological characteristics of handball, players may require the use of certain sports supplements (SS). However, very few studies have investigated the consumption of SS in handball. The aims were to determine the number of handball players who consume SS, to analyze their SS consumption pattern according to gender and competitive level, and to assess whether the SS they consume are supported by scientific evidence, and to which group they belong according to the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). (2) Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was carried out on the habitual consumption of SS in 360 federated Spanish players by using a self-administered and validated questionnaire. (3) Results: These showed 65.8% of the sample consumed SS. According to the total number of participants, the most consumed supplements were from Group A: sports drinks (30.8%) and whey protein (30.4%). When analyzing the data by gender, the men’s consumption was significantly higher for whey protein (p < 0.001), caffeine (p = 0.009), and creatine monohydrate (p < 0.001). When analyzed by competitive level, the provincial category players group showed a significantly lower consumption than the rest of the groups for protein bars (p = 0.038), whey protein (p = 0.005) and creatine monohydrate (p < 0.001), while the honor division group showed a significantly higher intake of creatine monohydrate than the remaining groups (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The handball players showed a moderate consumption of SS, without using substances that were not supported by scientific evidence and opting in most cases for supplements belonging to group A from the AIS classification. Men tended to consume more SS, and SS consumption increased based on competitive level.

Highlighting the crucial role of monitoring and quantifying lumbopelvic rhythm for spinal curvature, the Ergotex IMU, a portable, lightweight, cost-effective, and energy-efficient technology, has been specifically designed for the pelvic and lumbar area. This study investigates the concurrent validity of the Ergotex device in measuring sagittal pelvic tilt angle. We utilized an observational, repeated measures design with healthy adult males (mean age: 39.3 ± 7.6 y, body mass: 82.2 ± 13.0 kg, body height: 179 ± 8 cm), comparing Ergotex with a 3D optical tracking system. Participants performed pelvic tilt movements in anterior, neutral, and posterior conditions. Statistical analysis included paired samples t-tests, Bland–Altman plots, and regression analysis. The findings show minimal systematic error (0.08° overall) and high agreement between the Ergotex and optical tracking, with most data points falling within limits of agreement of Bland–Altman plots (around ±2°). Significant differences were observed only in the anterior condition (0.35°, p < 0.05), with trivial effect sizes (ES = 0.08), indicating that these differences may not be clinically meaningful. The high Pearson’s correlation coefficients across conditions underscore a robust linear relationship between devices (r > 0.9 for all conditions). Regression analysis showed a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 1.1° with small effect (standardized SEE < 0.26 for all conditions), meaning that the expected average deviation from the true value is around 1°. These findings validate the Ergotex as an effective, portable, and cost-efficient tool for assessing sagittal pelvic tilt, with practical implications in clinical and sports settings where traditional methods might be impractical or costly.

The present study aimed to analyze the external load put on elite male handball players during the 2020 European Championship differentiated by playing positions. A system based on three phases was designed: 1) information capture of game events through sensor networks, LPS system and WebScraping techniques; 2) information processing based on Big Data Analytics; 3) extraction of results based on a descriptive analytics approach. Results showed that wings (Ws) and center backs (CBs) performed more accelerations and decelerations than the players in other positions in the entire match and attack. In defense, wings showed higher values than the rest of the players, followed by line players (LPs). In regard to body contacts, the positions that received more average number during the whole match were the CBs and LPs, with the CBs presenting the highest values in offense and the LPs in defense. Finally, backs were the ones performing more total jumps per game and in offense. In defense, LPs and left backs presented the highest values. It is necessary to monitor individual high intensity events to develop individual training programmes for different playing positions. High-intensity decelerations should be specially considered since they enlarge injury risks.

Handball is one of the most popular team sports and requires the correct analysis of players’ physical condition for its development, especially in women´s handball. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse for the first time the competitive demands of professional handball players during the EHF Championship 2020, using the innovative Local Positioning System (LPS) technology. In order to achieve this goal, 231 female players from 16 national teams were analysed during 47 matches using LPS and a specific handball analytic system developed for this purpose. Players covered more distance in the offensive phase (1205.6 ± 636.7 m) and in all locomotion categories, with the exception of high intensity running, than in the defensive phase (834.2 ± 471.5 m), with a similar average total time on court. The running pace was significantly higher in attack (56.0 ± 26.2 m/min) than in defence (39.2 ± 19.8 m/min). Regarding playing positions, wing players covered higher distances in the high intensity categories than the rest of the playing positions. It could be concluded that the training workload of elite handball players should be programmed according to specific positions.

The present study aimed to analyze the external load put on elite male handball players during the 2020 European Championship differentiated by playing positions. A system based on three phases was designed: 1) information capture of game events through sensor networks, LPS system and WebScraping techniques; 2) information processing based on Big Data Analytics; 3) extraction of results based on a descriptive analytics approach. Results showed that wings (Ws) and center backs (CBs) performed more accelerations and decelerations than the players in other positions in the entire match and attack. In defense, wings showed higher values than the rest of the players, followed by line players (LPs). In regard to body contacts, the positions that received more average number during the whole match were the CBs and LPs, with the CBs presenting the highest values in offense and the LPs in defense. Finally, backs were the ones performing more total jumps per game and in offense. In defense, LPs and left backs presented the highest values. It is necessary to monitor individual high intensity events to develop individual training programmes for different playing positions. High-intensity decelerations should be specially considered since they enlarge injury risks.

Purpose: To ascertain the typical metabolic power characteristics of elite handball players of different positions, and whether changes occur within matches. Methods: 414 elite male handball players were included. During all 65 matches of the EURO 2020, local positioning system data were collected, yielding 1853 datasets. Field players were categorised into six positional groups: centre backs (CB), left/right wings (LW/RW), left/right backs (LB/RB) and pivots (P). Metabolic power, total energy expenditure, high-power energy, and the equivalent distance index were calculated. We used linear mixed models with players as random and positions as fixed effects models. Intensity models adjusted for time-dependency by incorporating the duration of play. Results: LW/RW spent most time on the court, expanded most total energy, and most relative energy per kg body weight in the high-intensity categories. CB played at the highest mean metabolic power (7.85 W/kg; CI95% [7.67, 8.03]). Playing intensity decreased by 2.5% (0.2 kJ/kg/s; CI95% [0.17, 0.23]) per 10 min played. Conclusion: Positional differences in metabolic power parameters exist. In general, wing players had the highest volume and CB the highest intensity of match-play. Analysis of metabolic intensity in handball should take position and players’ time on the court into account.

The physical demands of intermittent sports require a preparation based, by definition, on high-intensity actions and variable recovery periods. Innovative local positioning systems make it possible to track players during matches and collect their distance, speed, and acceleration data. The purpose of this study was to describe the worst-case scenarios of high-performance handball players within 5-minute periods and per playing position. The sample was composed of 180 players (27 goalkeepers, 44 wings, 56 backs, 23 centre backs and 30 line players) belonging to the first eight highest ranked teams participating in the European Men’s Handball Championship held in January 2022. They were followed during the 28 matches they played through a local positioning system worn on their upper bodies. Total and high-speed distance covered (m), pace (m/min), player load (a.u.) and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (n) were recorded for the twelve 5-min periods of each match. Data on full-time player average and peak demands were included in the analysis according to each playing position. A systematic three-phase analysis process was designed: 1) information capture of match activities and context through sensor networks, the LPS system, and WebScraping techniques; 2) information processing based on big data analytics; 3) extraction of results based on a descriptive analytics approach. The descriptive cross-sectional study of worst-case scenarios revealed an ~17% increment in total distance covered and pace, with a distinct ~51% spike in high-intensity actions. Significant differences between playing positions were found, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to very large (0.7–5.1). Line players, in particular, showed a lower running pace peak (~10 m/min) and wings ran longer distances at high speed (> 4.4 m/s) than the rest of the field players (~76 m). The worst-case scenario assessment of handball player locomotion demands will help handball coaches and physi

The aim of this study was to investigate the on-court throwing activity in regards to playing positions, throwing zones on the court and throwing velocity category during the male European Championship 2020. A local positioning system with microsensors placed both in the shirts of the players and inside the ball itself was used. In total, 6568 throws were retrieved for analysis from the entire tournament. Results showed that first-line players (wings and line players) used their natural zone more to throw (65% left wing, 60% right wing, and 97% line player), showing higher effectiveness from there (p < 0.05). Second lines players distributed more of their throws (45% left back, 50% right back and 32% center back in their natural zones) giving priority to the throws in 6 m, where they showed higher effectiveness (p < 0.05), or between the lines. Considering all players, shots from nearby and intermediate areas corresponded to 83% of the shots showing higher efficiency (p < 0.05) than shots performed from the areas furthest from the goal (14.9%. from zones 6-7-8). Back players mainly performed the highest velocity throws (Category 4 > ~100 km/h) from these furthest areas. Throwing velocity and effectiveness by throwing zones and positions was not significantly modified over the three rounds of the tournament (p > 0.05), indicating no effect of possible fatigue. A higher team ranking was associated with higher throwing efficiency but only for wing players. The results of this research could help handball coaches to better adjust training programs for the improvement of throwing velocity and its transfer to the competition.

Resulta fundamental que el alumnado de la Educación Superior conozca las diferentes posibilidades laborales que el grado que cursan les ofrece. Sin embargo, la realidad evidencia que existe un gran desconocimiento sobre cómo orientar el grado para alcanzar determinados perfiles profesionales. Existen grados como el de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (CAFD) en los que existen ámbitos profesionales diferenciados. Por ello, se ha creado la CAFDISTENCIA como una propuesta de orientación académica en el grado de CAFD que ha consistido en la realización de jornadas impartidas por profesionales de los diferentes ámbitos que tiene como objetivo facilitar que el alumnado conozca dichos perfiles para orientar su formación académica. La propuesta se ha desarrollado durante el 2º semestre del curso 2021-2022 en la Universidad de Alicante y ha podido participar alumnado de los diferentes cursos del grado. Para conocer el grado de aceptación de la CAFDISTENCIA y el nivel de satisfacción del alumnado respecto a la orientación laboral recibida se llevaron a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los resultados evidencian el gran nivel de satisfacción del alumnado con la propuesta ya que entre otros aspectos consideran que la orientación recibida puede ser útil para su posterior inserción laboral.

El objetivo del proyecto cuya memoria se presenta ha consistido en la preparación, diseño y elaboración, de los materiales de la asignatura del tercer curso de Grado "Teoría y práctica del entrenamiento deportivo". Dichos materiales se utilizarán como documento base el próximo curso 2014/15. Hemos tomando como referencia un sistema basado en el crédito europeo y que supone un cambio radical, no solo a nivel estructural, sino también en relación con las metodologías docentes y la evaluación. En el ámbito del entrenamiento deportivo, el título de "Grado en ciencias de la actividad física y del deporte" distingue cinco asignaturas que abarcan un amplio abanico de contenidos. En su conjunto esta materia posee una gran carga en cuanto a número de créditos dentro del título, por lo que las competencias y contenidos deben definirse claramente. La asignatura "Teoría y práctica del entrenamiento deportivo" se imparte durante el primer cuatrimestre del tercer curso, por lo que es la base de todas las restantes asignaturas del ámbito del entrenamiento deportivo. El trabajo realizado ha tratado de conseguir, en un esfuerzo de coordinación docente, una metodología común adecuada para el desarrollo de los contenidos, la evaluación de los conocimientos y competencias adquiridos en esta asignatura

The aim of this study was to analyze time–motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in a European Championship. Players (n = 1865) covered significantly (p < 0.001; ES = 0.48) more total distance in offense (1217.48 ± 699.33 m) and in all locomotion categories (p < 0.001) than in defense (900.96 ± 538.95 m), with a similar average total time on court (13.40 ± 8.19 min in offense and 13.27 ± 8.59 min; p > 0.05). The running pace was significantly higher in offense 96.53 ± 22.57 m/min than in defense 82.72 ± 43.28 m/min (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47). By playing positions, the Left Wing players covered significantly (p < 0.001) higher distances (2547.14 ± 1309.52) and showed longer playing time (32.08 ± 17.01). Center Back was the playing position that showed the highest global running pace (98.34 m/min). Players with higher running pace in offense (p < 0.001) were Left Backs (105.95 ± 25.20) and the Center Backs in defense (95.76 ± 48.90). There were no significant differences between winners and losers or between top ranked and lower ranked teams in terms of time played, distance covered, and running pace. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance and minimize fatigue when performing in long tournaments.

HandBall Analytics v1.0 es una plataforma Cloud de analítica de datos procedente de partidos y torneos de balonmano. Se trata de una plataforma que recoge información de diferentes fuentes de datos, tanto plataformas externas como desde dispositivos IoT. HandBall Analytics v1.0 transforma y normaliza la información y la procesa convirtiéndola en información de valor añadido para el análisis del rendimiento deportivos en partidos de balonmano. Toda la información es presentada a los entrenadores y actores interesados a través de diferentes interfaces Web amigables que les permite revisar la información de interés con diferentes vistas. Ofrece diferentes capacidades de personalización de las vistas, así como estadísticas e información para la ayuda a la toma de decisiones.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the on-court demands of handball players during the European Handball Federation Champions League Final Four (VELUX EHF FINAL4) 2019 to define time–motion characteristics (played time; covered distances) both in offense and defense. Furthermore; we aimed to define position-specific demands and differences among them. Forty players from three teams were analyzed during the tournament using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in top handball. Players covered similar distances both in offense (1388.28 ± 2627.08 m), and in defense (1305.47 ± 5059.64 m) and remained on court for a similar average time (15.69 ± 8.02 min and 15.40 ± 8.94 min respectively). When locomotion activities were normalized according to the time they spent on court; significant differences were found for defense compared to offense in walking (+20%; p < 0.000; Cohen’s effect size (ES) = 1.01) and jogging (−29.6%; p = 0.000; ES = 0.90), as well as a tendency for high-intensity running (+ 25.2%; p = 0.077; ES = 0.31). Per playing position; center and left back (CB = 94.86 ± 10.98 m·min−1; LB = 96.55 ± 24.65 m·min−1) showed the highest running pace in offense and mid-left; front center defender and outside right for the defense (ML = 90.38 ± 30.16 m·min−1; FCD = 87.04 ± 14.94 m·min−1; OR = 89.64 ± 34.93 m·min−1). In conclusion; profile differences existed among players’ position activity; both in offense and defense; which should be taken into account when designing specific physical training programs.

AD is a complicated multi-systemic neurological disorder that involves different biological pathways. Several risk factors have been identified, including chronic stress. Chronic stress produces an alteration in the activity of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) system, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which over time increase the risk of AD and also the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity and type 2 diabetes, associated with cognitive impairment and AD. Considering the multi-factorial etiology of AD, understanding the complex interrelationships between different risk factors is of potential interest for designing adequate strategies for preventing, delaying the onset or slowing down the progression of this devastating disease. Thus, in this review we will explore the general mechanisms and evidence linking stress, cardiovascular disease and AD, and discuss the potential benefits of physical activity for AD by counteracting the negative effects of chronic stress, CVD and risk factors.

La evaluación inicial es necesaria para poder tener en cuenta el punto de partida del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de los estudiantes de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte y poder así adecuarlo a sus necesidades, en este caso técnicas y emocionales. El objetivo de este proyecto ha sido, analizar y valorar cómo el alumnado afronta emocionalmente dicha evaluación dentro del ámbito gimnástico. Este trabajo se desarrolla en un contexto descriptivo y con un enfoque cualitativo. La herramienta para la recogida de la información ha sido una encuesta abierta de identificación de emociones y para el procesamiento de los datos se ha utilizado el programa informático AQUAD 7. Los principales hallazgos muestran que el alumnado identifica en la evaluación inicial tanto emociones positivas asociadas al interés, entusiasmo y curiosidad, como emociones negativas de impotencia, inseguridad e insatisfacción. Poder reconocer en el primer contacto con las acrobacias, sensaciones satisfactorias podrá motivar a los estudiantes en su proceso de aprendizaje y por otro lado, reconocer percepciones menos placenteras podrá suponerles retos en cuanto a la superación de límites físicos y la superación de inseguridades y de ciertos miedos preconcebidos.

Las organizaciones internacionales recomiendan la realización de al menos dos días semanales de entrenamiento de fuerza durante la etapa pediátrica. Una estrategia para alcanzar este mínimo es incluirlo dentro de las sesiones de educación física (EF). El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar los efectos de un programa progresivo de entrenamiento neuromuscular integrativo (PENI) realizado durante las clases de EF sobre la composición corporal, la fuerza muscular y la motricidad. Un total de 45 niños y niñas de 1º y 2º de primaria fueron reclutados para llevar a cabo el programa PENI durante 24 semanas. Al final de cada sesión de EF el alumnado realizó 4 ejercicios que iban progresando en dificultad de una duración de entre 5 y 7 min. Fueron evaluadas la composición corporal, la fuerza de prensión manual, el salto horizontal a pies juntos, la capacidad de aceleración en 10 metros, el Bunkie test, y los movimientos de overhead squat y de in-line lunge. Los resultdos parecen mostrar mejoras significativas en masa ósea, bunkie test y en los movimientos de overhead squat y de in-line lunge, sugiriendo la inclusión de un programa PENI en las clases de EF.

The goalkeeper and defensive player’s degree of opposition could influence throwing velocity and thereby success of scoring goals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of opposition and contact on throwing velocity and effectiveness in elite team handball players from first and second offensive lines. Throwing velocity from 2893 throws carried out in 47 matches during the Men’s World Handball Championship were analysed. A higher throwing velocity was obtained with opposition and no contact situations. In the comparison between the first and second offensive line players, the same results were obtained in relation to the higher throw speed. Significant relationships were found between the attack effectiveness and the type of opposition and contact. Throws carried out with no opposition either with or without contact are those that more likely end in a goal, while opposition without and with contact decreases the effectiveness in scoring goals. Concerning playing positions, both first and second line showed this significant relationship between attack effectiveness and the type of opposition and contact. It was concluded that opposition and defensive contact have a negative and significant effect on the scoring efficacy. Defensive contact is a determining factor causing a significant decrease on throwing velocity.

El objetivo del proyecto cuya memoria se presenta ha consistido en la preparación, diseño y elaboración, de los materiales de la asignatura del tercer curso de Grado "Teoría y práctica del entrenamiento deportivo". Dichos materiales se utilizarán como documento base el próximo curso 2014/15. Hemos tomando como referencia un sistema basado en el crédito europeo y que supone un cambio radical, no solo a nivel estructural, sino también en relación con las metodologías docentes y la evaluación. En el ámbito del entrenamiento deportivo, el título de "Grado en ciencias de la actividad física y del deporte" distingue cinco asignaturas que abarcan un amplio abanico de contenidos. En su conjunto esta materia posee una gran carga en cuanto a número de créditos dentro del título, por lo que las competencias y contenidos deben definirse claramente. La asignatura "Teoría y práctica del entrenamiento deportivo" se imparte durante el primer cuatrimestre del tercer curso, por lo que es la base de todas las restantes asignaturas del ámbito del entrenamiento deportivo. El trabajo realizado ha tratado de conseguir, en un esfuerzo de coordinación docente, una metodología común adecuada para el desarrollo de los contenidos, la evaluación de los conocimientos y competencias adquiridos en esta asignatura

The aim of this study was to compare training-induced changes in selected physiological and physical team handball performance factors after 2 training periodization models: traditional periodization (TP) vs. block periodization (BP). Eleven female team handball players who played over 2 consecutive seasons for a Spanish first league team were assessed twice per season during a training cycle. On each occasion, participants completed anthropometric, maximal strength, and lower-body power assessments. In addition, incremental tests to determine maximum oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), sprint- and sport-specific throwing velocity tests were performed. Block periodization group experienced significantly greater improvements than TP on squat jump (5.97%; p < 0.001), countermovement jump (8.76%; p = 0.011), hand-grip strength (8.22%; p = 0.029), bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (5.14%; p = 0.049), 10-m sprint (−6.19%; p < 0.001), and 20-m sprint (2.95%; p = 0.008). Greater changes in BP group (p ≤ 0.05) were also found for the throwing velocities in sport-specific tests compared with the TP group. No significant difference between the groups were detected for the half-squat 1RM (p = 0.15) and the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (p = 0.44). These findings suggest that BP may be more effective than TP for improving important physiological and physical team handball performance factors in high level female handball players.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is important as adjuvant in the chronic low back pain (CLBP) treatment. Functional training could involve benefits for low back pain (LBP) patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week period of functional resistance training on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), disability, body pain, and physical fitness in CLBP females. METHODS: Nineteen females CLBP were recruited according to Paris Task Force on Back Pain criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG); and a control group (CG). Subjects were tested at baseline and at week 12 after 24 sessions, 2 days per week. Body pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS), disability with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and HRQOL with Short Form 36 questionnaire. Physical fitness was measured using: flamingo test, back endurance test, side bridge test, abdominal curl-up tests, and 60-s squat test. RESULTS: EG showed significant improvements in physical function (10%; p< 0.05), body pain (42%; p< 0.05), vitality (31%; p< 0.05), physical component scale (15%; p< 0.05), VAS (62.5%; p< 0.01), ODI (61.3%; p< 0.05), balance (58%; p< 0.05), curl-up (83%; p< 0.01), squat (22%; p< 0.01), static back (67%; p< 0.01), and side bridge (56%; p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: Periodized functional resistance training decreased pain and disability and improved HRQOL, balance and physical fitness in females with CLBP, and can thus be used safely in this population.

Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's disease as well as to improve cognition in healthy and cognitively impaired individuals. However, the mechanisms of these benefits are not well understood. The stress hypothesis suggests that the cognitive benefits attributed to exercise may partially be mediated by changes in the cortisol secretion pattern. Chronic stress may increase the risk of AD and exacerbate the cognitive deficits and brain pathology characteristic of the condition while physical activity has been shown to attenuate most of stress consequences and risk factors for AD. Initially, research on the effects of cortisol on cognition and physical activity focused on cortisol levels at one time point but the circadian pattern of cortisol secretion is complex and it is still unclear which aspects are most closely associated with cognitive function. Thus, the aim of this review was to analyze the exercise/stress/cognition hypothesis focusing on the effects of the diurnal cycle of cortisol on cognitive function and physical activity in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

The relationship between anthropometric and physical characteristics of female handball players and throwing velocity is considered an important factor in handball performance. The aim of this study was to examine key differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between top elite and elite female players competing in the first Spanish handball league. A total of 89 players from the first Spanish handball league were divided into two groups, top elite (38) and elite (51) players, and assessed for anthropometric and fitness characteristics (throwing velocity, vertical jump and hand grip strength). A Student’s t-test was used to determine whether a statistically significant difference between the two different levels of play occurred. Significant differences were found in age, body height, body mass, arm span, muscle mass, different girths (tensed and flexed arm, forearm, wrist, ankle), dominant hand width and length, different breadths (biacromial, bitrochanteric, bistyloid breadth and biepicondylar humerus) and fitness characteristics (hand grip strength and throwing velocity for different positions). Top elite players compared to elite players showed differences in anthropometric characteristics which were mainly located in the upper limbs and mostly were non-modifiable aspects by training. Furthermore, the best players were able to maintain a high throwing velocity in different tactical situations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was twofold: firstly, to identify the characteristics of water polo players that discriminate between women and men based on specific playing positions; and secondly to develop a predicting model to identify the characteristics that are best suited to a given playing position based on gender. METHODS: The study included 130 professional water polo players. Anthropometric characteristics and throwing velocity were analyzed in different situations: no defender or goalkeeper, goalkeeper only and the players made three rapid arm movements and then threw the ball at maximum speed without further feinting with goalkeeper. Measured variables were compared according to gender and player position using discriminant analysis. RESULTS: The predictive model accurately classifies 71.1% of the male players using three variables (arm span, muscle mass Lee and penalty without goalkeeper), and 64.7% of the female players using three variables (triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold and anteroposterior chest breadth). CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometric characteristics and throwing velocity play an important role in identifying the different specific positions in male and female water polo players. In female players, the variables that were determinant in the predictive model, were those associated with body composition.

El objetivo del proyecto cuya memoria se presenta ha consistido en la preparación, diseño y elaboración, por parte de profesores de las áreas de Didáctica de la expresión corporal y Educación física y deportiva, de las guías docentes correspondientes a las asignaturas de la materia de Entrenamiento deportivo que se impartirán en el tercer curso de los nuevos títulos de Grado; tomando como referencia un sistema basado en el crédito europeo y que supone un cambio radical, no solo a nivel estructural, sino también en relación con las metodologías docentes y la evaluación. En el ámbito del entrenamiento deportivo, el título de “Grado en ciencias de la actividad física y del deporte” distingue cinco asignaturas que abarcan un amplio abanico de contenidos. En su conjunto esta materia posee una gran carga en cuanto a número de créditos dentro del título, por lo que las competencias y contenidos deben definirse claramente. El trabajo desarrollado ha tratado de conseguir, en un esfuerzo de coordinación docente, una metodología común adecuada para la evaluación de los conocimientos y competencias adquiridos en esta materia.