Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance

The impact of sport-specific achievement and affiliation motives on young athletes' dropout and persistence in elite sports

2024-07-19T11:21:59+02:00

This study aims to compare the sport specific achievement and affiliation motive structures of athletes who later decide to dropout or continue their elite sports career. In addition, groups of athletes were analyzed separately according to age, gender and type of sport in order to identify possible group differences. 146 young elite athletes were analyzed (64 girls, 82 boys, mean age: 13.55, SD = 1.14) and self reported about their motive structure. The data were collected using the German Achievement Motive Scale-Sport and the German Affiliation Motive Scale Sport. Significant differences were found between the athletes who dropped out from junior elite sports and athletes who continued in the fear of failure of the achievement motive. The analysis of gender differences shows that female athletes generally exhibited significantly higher levels of fear motives. We found no differences between female athletes who continue and discontinue the sport career. The male athletes who dropped out showed a higher level of the hope of affiliation und fear of rejection. When comparing the different age groups, it was found in the older age groups that the fear to fail motives differs significantly between the adherence and the dropout group. The results indicate that the fear of failure represents an unfavourable motivation profile for a long-term sporting career. Considering that the motivational structure has an impact on continuing a sports career the motivational profile has to be diagnosed at an early stage and then tackled accordingly in order to avoid an early dropout.

Social attitudes toward appearance, social physique anxiety and the use of social media before and after COVID-19 in young adults

2024-07-19T11:21:56+02:00

Body image and related issues are issues that have attracted research interest for many years before COVID-19 period. There are still many points that can be revealed. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether body image, social body anxiety, and social media use differed following the COVID-19 pandemic in young adults. In the present study participated 384 young adults with mean age 22.88 years (SD = 6.04). Before COVID-19 period participated 203 subjects (108 males and 95 females) after COVID-19 period participated 181 subjects (80 males and 101 females). They completed self-reported questionnaires examining sociocultural attitudes toward appearance (SATAQ-4), Social Physique Anxiety, the use of Social Media and personal demographic information. After COVID period internalization/ muscular and internalization/ thin decreased and men scored higher than women. On the other hand, pressure by media increased especially for women. There were no differences in pressure by others (family or peers). Before COVID period men and women hand similar levels of pressure for thin body, as they scored higher in the pressure by media, but after COVID period men and women reported different levels of pressure to be thin. In Social physique Anxiety women had higher levels than men and higher levels after COVID period than before. The prediction of SPA revealed significant differences before and after COVID-19 period. Studies should be conducted after the COVID -19 period in young adults, as body image and social media usage have changed.

Biomechanics of lateral movements

2024-07-12T09:30:41+02:00

Lateral displacements are part of the so-called unusual patterns of human locomotion, a motor activity of great interest for the sciences of human performance, rehabilitation, engineering, and biomechanics. Sagittal plane displacements, abundantly studied, present mechanical and energetic differences, but also very similar muscular structures and synergies. The mechanical, energetic behavior and muscular synergies of lateral displacements in humans, on the other hand, are less well known. Studies that incorporate mechanical work, energy cost and muscular synergies simultaneously, would be of great contribution to give an integral answer to this modality of human locomotion. Given the identification of the absence, through a previous systematic review, of approaches that simultaneously incorporate these variables, this article aims to present an argumentative review of the literature, focusing on the mechanical and energetic aspects and the mechanical models of lateral displacements as part of non-habitual patterns of human locomotion. A better understanding of the determinants and mechanical models of lateral displacements is relevant to generate advances in their application in areas such as clinical rehabilitation, injury prevention, robotics, expenditure activities and performance in different sports, among others.

Does chewing impact performance in sports activities?

2024-07-19T11:22:02+02:00

Chewing is a simple and effective method for managing psychological stress and maintaining optimal physical and mental health. This study aimed to systematically review the potential benefits and disadvantages of chewing in sports. We conducted a comprehensive literature search for all relevant articles sourced from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and PUBMED. We used “chewing OR mastication OR masticatory” and “sport OR sports OR training OR exercise OR physical fitness OR athletic OR athlete OR performance.” We adopted a three-step screening process for titles, abstracts, and full-texts to select eligible articles. After applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, we performed a full-text screening of 101 articles. The results showed that chewing could improve muscle activation, force production, muscle strength, and postural stability, positively affecting sports performance, especially in rugby, judo, kendo, and climbing. The beneficial effects of chewing on sports performance may be associated with the activation of central nervous system circuits, an increase in arousal level and alertness, and improvements in cognitive ability. In contrast, chewing gum poses a potential risk of laryngeal spasm during activities, such as swimming or cricket. Attention should be paid to chewing gum while engaging in sports.

The effect of a laser device on some biomechanical variables of the rotational phase in the achievement of 100 m freestyle swimming for the Iraqi team (16-18 years old)

2024-07-27T10:13:17+02:00

The researchers have discovered weaknesses in the rotational phase of the 100-meter freestyle event, including a lack of proper movement direction and control of biomechanical variables necessary for swimmers to achieve high rotational accuracy, which leads to outperforming competitors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of using a laser device on improving the performance of the rotational phase among swimmers on the Iraqi national team. The experimental approach was conducted on a sample of 6 swimmers, representing 100% of the target population. The researchers concluded that the utilization of a proposed laser device in the rotational phase resulted in positive differences in biomechanical variables, contributing to the enhancement of swimmers' performance and increasing the horizontal distance achieved. Consequently, the researchers recommend the implementation of a laser device during the rotational phase to detect weaknesses and enhance strengths, thereby facilitating coaches in the development of swimmers.

Striking with precision

2024-08-07T10:54:19+02:00

Taekwondo is a combat sport popular for its high-flying kicks and hard-hitting punches. Intrigued by the underlying techniques, this research aims to analyze and understand the intricate mechanics of flying front snap kicks, valued for their agility, and side punches, scrutinized for their effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Despite their distinctive potential efficacy, there is a lack of existing literature that delves into the details of these techniques, unlike roundhouse kicks and straight punches. In this study, a taekwondoin, Stephanie Kew Yen Nee, who achieved the remarkable feat of holding a black tip rank within a year, performed the kicks and punches. Every execution was captured in the form of three-dimensional (3D) data and examined through frame-by-frame analysis. The key findings demonstrated that the flying front snap kick necessitates well-coordinated body movements, including the lifting through contractions of the hip and leg muscles, which are vital for generating momentum. The side punch, on the other hand, predominantly depends on the right thoracic rotation and activation of the core muscles to exert force. Therefore, analyzing these mechanics can facilitate the tactical integration of these techniques into different facets of Taekwondo, including sparring and self-defense.

Exercise speed and workload effects on muscle hypoxia in vastus lateralis muscle during squatting exercises

2024-07-12T09:46:06+02:00

Background: The study aimed to examine the effects of varying exercise speed and joint motion range (opting for either full knee extension or sustained knee flexion) on the intramuscular hypoxic environment, a key factor in muscle hypertrophy, during squat exercises. Methods: The participants were 17 healthy male and female students from Kibi International University, without back or knee pain at the time of evaluation. Two squat variations were performed: squats with full knee extension (Locked group; L group) and squats without full knee extension (non-locked group; NL group). The exercises were conducted in the following sequence with intervals: 12 s of non-locking (NL12), 12 s of locking (L12), 8 s of non-locking (NL8), 8 s of locking (L8), 4 s of non-locking (NL4), and 4 s of locking (L4). Tissue Oxygen Saturation (StO₂) in the right vastus lateralis muscle, under blood flow restriction during squat exercises, was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: The minimum StO₂ for NL12 was significantly lower than the resting StO₂ values. Similarly, the minimum StO₂ values for L12 and L8 were also significantly lower than the resting StO₂ values. The minimum StO₂ value for 8 s was significantly lower than at rest only in group L. Conclusion: When performing squat exercises, it is beneficial to reduce the exercise speed and increase the knee joint’s range of motion. This adjustment enhances the work of the quadriceps muscles, thereby creating an intramuscular hypoxic environment and promoting muscle hypertrophy.

Analysis of goal situations at the World Floorball Championship 2022

2024-07-12T09:38:48+02:00

Floorball is a collective ball game that is rapidly spreading throughout the world. Just like in other sports, it is important to monitor match statistics for more effective management of the training process. The aim of this study is to analyze the goal and shooting situations of floorball matches at the 2022 Men's Floorball World Cup. The results showed that in 48 matches the players shot a total of 5186 and a total of 588 goals were scored. Furthermore, it was found that the most productive period in the tournament was the third (34.9 %). The most goals were scored in the last five minutes of the match (11.05 %). The team that scored the first goal in 66.67 % of the matches won. The most goals are scored from inside the goal area (34.9 %) and in front of the goal area (27.9 %). The practical implication of this study is that floorball coaches must teach the team to defend well in the area in front of the goal and to cope with the situation when the team receives the first goal.

Acute effect of injury-prevention-exercise-based warm-up vs. small-sided-game-based warm-up on speed performance in young amateur soccer players

2024-08-07T10:54:23+02:00

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an Injury-Prevention-Exercise (IPE)-based warm-up and a Small-Sided-Game (SSG)-based warm-up on subsequent speed performance in young soccer players. Method: Twelve male soccer players from the fourth division regional league in Algeria participated in the study. The participants completed both the IPE-based warm-up and the SSG-based warm-up in a counterbalanced order with a one-week interval between conditions. Linear and curved sprint performances, and change of direction (COD) speed, were assessed. Results: The results showed no significant differences between the two warm-up protocols in linear sprint performance (10m and 20m tests) or COD speed (zigzag test) (p > .05). However, in curved sprinting, the IPE-based warm-up demonstrated a significant improvement in the 8.5m curve sprint on the right side (p = .017, ES = -1.04). No significant differences were observed in the other curved sprint variables (17m on both sides and 8.5m on the left side). Conclusion: the findings suggest that the IPE-based warm-up may enhance speed performance in curved sprints. However, both warm-up protocols had similar effects on linear sprint performance and COD speed. Coaches and Strength and conditioning coaches should consider incorporating neuromuscular exercises in warm-ups to optimize curved sprint performance in young soccer players.

Repeated sprint training in hypoxia and repeated long sprint ability in highly trained sprint runners

2024-09-12T11:16:02+02:00

Repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) provides additional improvement in repeated “short” (<10-s) sprint ability compared to the same training in normoxia. Although team sports require to perform repeated “short” (<10-s) sprints during incomplete recovery situations, some sports (e.g., roadcycling) require repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprints during the race. However, evidence regarding the effect of RSH on repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprint ability is lacking. Ten highly trained sprint runners conducted six sessions of repeated sprint training (2-3 sets of 5 × 10-s cycle sprints) in hypoxia (HYP) or normoxia (NOR). Before (pre-) and after (post-) the training intervention, participants performed repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprint tests (5 × 100-m “all-out” sprints with 30-s recoveries) in normoxia. Running velocity and blood lactate concentrations were measured for repeated 100-m sprints. No significant difference was observed (p > .05) in repeated sprint ability between the pre- and posttests, independently training group. Blood lactate concentrations were significantly lower post-HYP than pre-HYP or post-NOR. This study revealed that RSH did not provide any additional training benefits for repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprints in highly trained participants compared to equivalent training in normoxia. However, RSH induced significantly lower blood lactate responses after repeated “longer” (>10-s) sprints.

Relative age effect in Mexican professional and youth soccer

2024-09-30T20:15:39+02:00

In youth football, categories are defined by the players’ year of birth. In one category, there can be an age difference of almost 12 months, which may manifest itself in considerable physical differences. The impact of this "relative age" is reflected in elite teams by an overrepresentation of players born in the first months of the year, called "Relative Age Effect" (RAE). In the present study, this bias was analyzed among the 4499 Mexican players (3531 men, 968 women), registered by the 18 professional clubs for the 2022 season in men’s First Division, their U20, U18, U17, U16, U14 categories, women's First Division, and their U17 categories. From every player were collected: birthday, playing position, minutes played for their teams, and their teams’ final rank in the National Championships. In all categories, except women's First Division, a statistically significant RAE was found, whose size was greater in the lower categories than in the major ones. The playing positions that presented a higher size of RAE were not the same in the different categories. A positive correlation was found between RAE and individual and team performances. These results indicate the need to take a deeper look at the selection and development processes of talented players in Mexico, because players initially favored by their greater relative age do not reach the professional soccer teams in the same proportion.

Ratio of accelerations to decelerations in Women’s division I lacrosse

2024-09-30T20:15:37+02:00

This study analyzed the differences by position in acceleration, deceleration, and the ratio of accelerations to decelerations in drills and quarters of games (Q1-Q4). Data were collected in 23 female collegiate lacrosse athletes (20.8 ± 1.5 years, 168.3 ± 6.1 cm), consisting of ten midfielders, five defenders, and eight attackers. Drills were categorized as: stickwork (SW), small-sided games (SSG), warm-up (WU), active recovery (AR), individual skills (IS), scrimmage, and conditioning. AR (0.31 ± 0.09 accelerations/min) and WU (0.47 ± 0.07 accelerations/min) showed the lowest number of accelerations, and conditioning and SW were the highest (>1.0 accelerations/min). Conditioning showed the highest demand for decelerations (0.37 ± 0.14 decelerations/min) and AR and WU had the fewest (0.10 ± 0.04 decelerations/min). AR, IS, SW, and WU all had higher acceleration/deceleration ratios (4:1 to 5.7:1) than the remaining drill types (p = .000 - .050, 3:1-4:1). Q1 had a higher acceleration demand (0.72 ± 0.52 accelerations/minute) than the remaining three quarters (0.57 - 0.67 accelerations/min). The game demand in decelerations was approximately 0.20 decelerations/minute across all quarters and the acceleration/deceleration ratio was approximately 4:1, with the exception of defenders in Q1 who had 6:1 ratio. There is a large demand for accelerations in field lacrosse with no positional differences, and training should be devoted towards this skill.