Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance

Eccentrically overloaded bench press training

2025-06-10T13:30:20+02:00

This study examined the efficacy of a novel bench press pad (BPP) to improve 1-RM bench press strength during a 1-month eccentrically overloaded bench press regimen. Forty-two male participants with intermediate resistance training experience were randomized to novel bench press pad or traditional flat bench press (CON), with both groups making use of a novel connected adaptive resistance exercise machine to provide supramaximal eccentric overload. The groups completed identical, thrice weekly bench press training programs for one month (12 sessions). The observed increase in 1-RM between BPP and CON group was 7.3 kg (p < .001, g = 3.85), indicating a ~66% significantly greater increase in using the bench press pad. These results suggest that the use of a BPP on top of a conventional flat barbell bench press, as well as a CARE machine providing supramaximal eccentric overload, improve 1-RM bench press muscular strength in moderately trained, college-aged males.

Characteristics of countermovement pull-up

2025-06-10T13:30:17+02:00

Recent research on pull-ups has introduced training methods using velocity-based approaches and the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). However, the mechanical properties of countermovement pull-ups (CMP), which utilize SSC in upper-body movement only, remain underexplored. In this study, we compared CMP and pure concentric pull-ups (PCP) in trained collegiate athletes to examine the characteristics of the upward phase during CMP. This study included 36 collegiate athletes (swimmers and throwers) capable of performing at least ten consecutive pull-ups. Using a linear position transducer, peak velocity (Vmax), mean velocity (MV), mean power (MP), and time to peak velocity (Time to Vmax) were measured for both CMP and PCP, performed with upper-body movement only. The results showed that CMP had significantly higher MV (p < .05, d = 0.351) and shorter Time to Vmax (p < .01, r = 0.762) than PCP. These findings suggest that even without lower-limb involvement, CMP can enhance movement speed through SSC utilization and that countermovement can reduce Time to Vmax. The study findings contribute to understanding the role of SSC in upper-body training and offer practical insights for designing more effective pull-up training programs.

Effects of mini-band resistance training on linear speed and coordination ability in youth soccer players

2025-06-18T08:53:12+02:00

This study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week mini-band resistance training program on linear speed and coordination ability in U13 youth soccer players. Twenty U13 youth soccer players participated in this study. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group (10 players in each group). The experimental group performed resistance band training, while the control group followed conventional training. The 30-meter sprint test and the Akramov coordination test were applied. Independent and paired t-tests, along with two-way ANOVA, were used for statistical analysis. The results of this study showed significant improvements in both linear speed and coordination ability for both groups (p < .05; ES ranging from 0.568 to 3.531). Main time effects were also significant for both linear speed and coordination ability (p < .05; η² ranging from 0.385 to 0.935). However, coordination ability improved significantly more in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < .05; η² = 0.693).

Does employing a race strategy to increase running speeds in 200–300 m of the 400-m race improve personal best among male long sprinters and hurdlers?

2025-06-18T08:53:10+02:00

There is no research that has improved the record in the 400m race by changing the pace distribution. This study aimed to determine whether 400-m male sprinters and hurdlers could improve their personal best after the sprint training designed to modify their race strategy. Methods: Sixteen 400-m male sprinters and hurdlers (20.5 ± 1.5 years, 173.6 ± 6.2 cm, 65.7 ± 6.5 kg) participated in a 4-week sprint training program designed to change their race strategy, focusing on increasing their running speed over the 200–300-m segment with less speed gain in the first 200 m of the 400 m. Pacing development was based on the percentage of each 100-m split time to 400-m time of a world champion sprinter. After the 4-week sprint training, the personal best times of all participants shortened from 49.61 ± 2.35 s to 48.92 ± 1.97 s (−0.69 s) for 400-m sprinters and from 51.82 ± 1.03 s to 51.41 ± 1.01 s (−0.41 s) for 400-m hurdlers in official races. The findings indicate that for 400-m sprinters and hurdlers, a 4-week sprint training designed to modify their race strategy, that is, running at optimal running speed until 200 m and then accelerating from 200 to 300 m, may be effective in updating personal best time.

Comparison of goal-scoring patterns between the Euro and Copa América 2024 tournaments through a notational analysis

2025-06-18T08:53:08+02:00

This study aimed to analyse the goal-scoring patterns in the Euro and Copa America 2024 tournaments through notational methods. A total of 187 goals scored (117 in the Euro and 70 in the Copa America) were analysed. The goal-scoring categories include type of play, type of attack, interval time, starting zone of attack, finishing zone, previous action for scoring, and scoring technique. The results indicated that more goals came from organized attacks and throw-ins in the Euro, while free kicks were more effective in the Copa America. Quick attacks predominated in both tournaments; in Euro, most goals were scored between 16-30 minutes, and in Copa America, between 46-60 and 76-90 minutes. More goals originated from the own half, the right and central zones of the opponent's half in both tournaments, and they were finished in the central zone inside the penalty area, predominantly by shots. Semi-finalist teams in both tournaments scored more goals from deep passes and crosses. In the Copa America, attacks often start from the right zone of the opponent's half. In conclusion, similarities and differences in goal-scoring patterns were observed between the two tournaments. It is necessary to continue exploring associations between the sport performance and goal-scoring patterns.

Effects of high-intensity training on neuromuscular fatigue in early adolescent soccer players

2025-06-18T08:53:06+02:00

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the extent of neuromuscular fatigue in early adolescent soccer players following a high-intensity training session that combined Speed, Agility, and Quickness (SAQ) drills with small-sided game (SSG). Method: Fourteen youth soccer players participated in the study (year: 13.21 ± 0.69 years, height: 156.28 ± 3.95 cm, weight: 47.14 ± 10.77 kg). A within-subjects, repeated-measures design was used to evaluate the variations in neuromuscular fatigue, assessments were conducted immediately before the training session, immediately after, one hour post-session, 24 hours post-session, and 48 hours post-session. The study employed the 10-meter speed test and the Countermovement jump (CMJ) test, both recognized as valid and reliable indicators of neuromuscular fatigue. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences in CMJ test scores between the initial measurement (pre-session) and one hour post-training (p < .05), as well as 24 hours post-training (p < .05). Conclusion: The high-intensity training session for youth soccer players induced significant neuromuscular fatigue, persisting up to 24 hours. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring neuromuscular fatigue to optimize recovery and reduce the risk of overexertion and injuries in early adolescent soccer players.

Position specific technical actions within elite academy football across variety of small-sided games

2025-06-26T11:40:29+02:00

In football, each playing position is required to perform position specific technical actions as part of their role within the team. Whilst the position specific technical actions of senior players in the 11vs11 format have been researched previously, no research has investigated the position specific actions within youth football, and in particular the different small-sided game (SSG) formats utilised. This study aimed to investigate the technical actions of different playing positions in two SSG formats in each of the Under-9 and Under-11 age groups at a Category One Football Academy. Participants were video recorded playing forty minutes in each format commonly played in their age group, with nineteen technical actions observed and analysed. Eight significant differences were found between positions within the 5vs5 format for Under-9s, and seventeen in the 7vs7 format. Twenty-two significant differences were found between positions in the 7vs7 format for Under-11s, and forty-one in the 9vs9 format. The findings of this study suggest that SSG formats with decreased player numbers should be maintained for longer within the foundation phase of youth football, due to the skill acquisition and development opportunities children may miss out on through the more position/role specific nature of larger formats.

Effects of 8-week HIIT (Fartlek) combined with Change of Direction (COD) training on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in 18-year-old soccer players

2025-08-23T11:33:33+02:00

This study evaluated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) incorporating Fartlek and change-of-direction (COD) components on aerobic and anaerobic capacities in young soccer players. Fifteen 18-year-old male soccer players from a football academy participated in an 8-week intervention as a single test group. The training consisted of two weekly sessions, each involving two series of seven 200-m circuits (total distance: 2800 m per session), with varying running speeds and COD angles (45–90°). Each circuit was completed in 60 seconds, with segment distances and times as follows: 20 m in 2.6 s, 70 m in 20 s, 35 m in 7 s, and 75 m in 31.3 s. A 5-minute recovery period separated the two series (1400 m each). Aerobic capacity was assessed using the Astrand 6-minute cycle ergometer test (Monark 839), anaerobic capacity with the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST, 6 × 35 m), and endurance with the Cooper Test. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements. The Cooper Test showed a pre-test mean distance of 228.59 m, with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.79). The Astrand Test indicated a pre-test mean VO₂_max of 50.86 mL/kg/min and a post-test mean of 59.74 mL/kg/min, yielding a mean improvement of 8.88 mL/kg/min (17.46% increase), a 95% confidence interval of [7.63, 10.13], and a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 4.19). The RAST Test demonstrated a pre-test mean fatigue index of 4.33 and a post-test mean of 2.52, with a mean improvement of -1.81, a 95% confidence interval of [-2.65, -0.97], and a large effect size (Cohen’s d = -1.16). In conclusion, HIIT with Fartlek and COD significantly enhances VO_2max and anaerobic capacity in 18-year-old soccer players, offering a practical training strategy for improving performance in youth soccer.

Postural weakness test using activforce device for regional muscle force in young volleyball athletes

2025-08-23T11:33:28+02:00

Postural weakness measurements are evaluated with hand dynamometer postural muscle testing to assess regional force range of motion. The aim of the study is to determine the strength and range of motion of young volleyball players according to peak and average force and regional muscle activation tests of 24 upper and lower body muscle groups. Subjects mean age 16 year participated in this study. Methodology was conducted activforce isometric muscle activation on examiner stability and proper measurement techniques. One and last (after 6 month) measured general force characteristics to determine peak and average force. Body peak force characteristics resulted large effect size, however, EF, EP, WE, WABD, KE, and AE not significant effect size. Body average force characteristics resulted large effect size, however, EF, WE, KE, AE not significant effect size with outcomes correlated on upper and lower body regional muscle force relationship. In this results can provide full body range of motion force production on testing condition to sport specific tasks, force measurements, postural weakness detection.

The factors influencing the practices of elite camogie managers

2025-08-23T11:33:30+02:00

Management in sport involves multiple responsibilities, including player management, stakeholder communication, and integrating technical, tactical, and physical preparation. While coaching practices, beliefs and barriers have been reported across sports, no research has examined the factors influencing elite camogie managers’ practices. This investigation aimed to redress that gap. Six senior camogie managers participated in semi-structured interviews focused on session planning, player monitoring, and other emergent topics. A six-step thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three key themes emerged: Barriers impacting player preparation, coaching beliefs, and managers’ sport science knowledge. Managers reported funding and resource availability as significant constraints on player development and monitoring. Managers described using a traditional coaching approach, with fitness and skills developed in isolation before game-based activities, with their sport science knowledge impacting their practices. Ensuring best practice in camogie should be a priority, with greater funding and sport science integration required at the elite level.

Relationship between athletic coping skills and mental toughness among badminton players in Manipur

2025-08-23T11:33:34+02:00

The objective of the study was to explore whether there is any significant relationship between athletic coping skills and mental toughness among badminton players in Manipur, India. A Convenience sampling method was employed to select a total of 20 (Male = 16 and Female = 04) badminton players from the National Sports University of Manipur who had participated at the district level. They were aged between 18 and 25 years. Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28, developed by Smith et al. (1995) was used to assess athlete's psychological skills and the Mental Toughness Questionnaire-48, developed by Clough et al., (2002) was used for measuring Mental Toughness among athletes. From Pearson’s Correlation analysis, a significant negative correlation at p = .05 level was found between the subscale of Athletic Coping Skills Inventory namely coachability and confidence ability, a subscale of Mental Toughness with r = -.491*. The findings of the present study suggest that as the athletic coping skills namely coachability increase, there will be a decrease in the Subscale of Mental Toughness named confidence ability.

Analysis of elite football players serving in leagues from the perspective of squad-league networks

2025-08-23T11:33:29+02:00

This study introduces the "Squad-League Networks" (SLN) methodology to explore the globalization of elite football player mobility between national teams and domestic leagues from 1950 to 2022. By constructing longitudinal networks based on FIFA World Cup data, the research aims to uncover global trends and structural patterns in player movements, with a particular focus on recent decades. The dataset includes elite players who participated in each World Cup tournament, capturing their affiliations with both squads and leagues. The analysis reveals a growing trend of globalization, with player flows increasingly extending beyond traditional North-South routes to more diverse and multidirectional pathways. Notably, a Matthew effect emerges: leagues with higher initial attractiveness continue to draw more elite players, leading to concentrated mobility and reinforcing existing hierarchies. These findings highlight the dynamic and uneven nature of global football labour markets. The study offers new insights for sports managers and policymakers, suggesting that understanding these mobility patterns can help strengthen the competitiveness of domestic leagues and guide policy responses to the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization in football. By integrating network analysis with historical data, the SLN approach provides a novel lens for examining long-term transformations in elite player distribution worldwide.

Italian football as a vehicle of identity

2025-08-23T11:33:26+02:00

The historical evolution of football in Italy is deeply intertwined with the country’s socio-political and cultural dynamics, making it a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Initially an elite pastime among the northern urban aristocracy and bourgeoisie, football only became a popular sport after World War I, eventually serving as a propaganda tool under the Fascist regime. The choice of the term “calcio”, in contrast with the more widespread “football”, represents a symbolic case of constructing an autonomous linguistic and cultural identity. During the Fascist era, the sport was subject to a systematic ideological operation aimed at legitimizing Italian symbolic superiority and consolidating political consensus. Furthermore, football acquired a dimension of national cohesion while simultaneously expressing local identities, becoming a lens through which to interpret regional and social dynamics. In this essay, the author critically examines the historical trajectory of Italian football, its transformation into a mass phenomenon, and its role in shaping a collective imaginary, with particular focus on its political instrumentalization and the enduring significance of its symbolic meanings.

Bridging gaps, wearable tech, apps and physical activity in older adults

2025-06-10T13:30:18+02:00

The rapid advancement of wearable trackers and smart phone apps has introduced new avenues for promoting physical activity (PA) among older adults. This review examines efficacy, advantages and gaps associated with the adoption of and sustained utilization of these technologies in enhancing physical activity engagement. Findings showed that wearable trackers and smart phone apps proved significant advantages, such as real-time tracking of health indicators, motivation and early detection of health risks. However, gaps including technical literacy, data accuracy concerns, privacy issues, long-term adherence limit their full potential. This systematic review emphasizes the importance of customized training, intuitive interfaces, and health care integration to enhance adoption rates among older adults. The PrEAP model is proposed as a framework for enhancing preparation and readiness in the utilization of wearable technologies. Further studies ought to investigate tailored strategies and theories to bridge the gaps in technologies adoption among aging population.

Accuracy of body fat percentage measurements from a smartphone-based 3D application compared to a bioelectrical impedance analyser

2025-08-23T11:33:32+02:00

Conventional methods of assessing body composition are accurate but may not be accessible beyond clinical settings. While technological advances have led to the development of more convenient alternative measures, their accuracy has yet to be determined. The present investigation assessed the accuracy of a smartphone-based 3D application’s measurements of body fat percentage in comparison to a bioelectrical impedance analyser (BIA), a well-established criterion measure. Sixty-nine apparently healthy, college-aged adults had their body fat percentage measured with BIA followed by the smartphone-based application. Spearman’s rank correlation was calculated to be 0.98 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.99), indicating a very strong correlation between the two BF percentage measures. The bias observed between the two devices was low (0.2% [95% CI: -0.1, 0.5]) with limits of agreement spanning from -2.9% (95% CI: -3.4, -2.3) to 3.2% (95% CI: 2.7, 3.8). Given the strong overall agreement between the two modalities, this smartphone-based application may have the potential to make accurate body fat measurements more accessible. Further validation is needed in more diverse populations and against other criterion measures, such as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).