Scientific Journal of Sport and Performance

Comparative effects of motorized versus traditional sled training on speed, agility, and power in collegiate football athletes over eight weeks

Trent Yamamoto — 2025-03-25

Training utilizing a resistance sled has been shown to confer considerable improvements in athletic performance across speed, strength, and power metrics. However, most available training protocols only investigate sled pushing and/or pulling in isolation, with none incorporating lateral movement (i.e., multiplanar movements). The objective of the present study is to determine the efficacy of a novel sled utilizing motorized resistance to improve performance measures while using a comprehensive training program using multiplanar exercises. Forty-eight healthy collegiate male football players were recruited for this 8-week, randomized control trial with three weekly training sessions. Participants were randomized into one of two training groups utilizing either a motorized resistance sled training apparatus (MRS) or a traditional resistance sled training apparatus (CONT). Improvements in countermovement jump height, peak power, 20-meter sprint, and 5-10-5 Pro Agility Test performance were significantly greater in MRS compared to CON (p < .003, d = 1.1; p < .002, d = 1.0; p < .001, d = 1.9; p < .001; d = 1.9; p < .005; d = 0.9, respectively). These findings are the first to demonstrate the efficacy of a novel motorized resistance sled with a training protocol encompassing a variety of multiplanar movements to improve performance measures related to American football

Technical actions of English academy football players within variety of small-sided games

Kieron Conway — 2025-03-25

In English professional football academies, each club assigns a specific game format to each age group’s fixtures. However, there is uncertainty about how these formats impact technical actions and skill development in youth academies. This study aimed to examine the frequency of technical actions in an elite football academy across two common game formats used in the Foundation Phase age-groups (Under-9 to Under-11). The research focused on both small-sided games (SSGs) and regular-sided games (RSGs) within a Category One Football Academy. Participants were video recorded playing forty minutes each in their designated SSG and RSG formats, with nineteen technical actions observed and analysed. The results showed a statistically significant difference in fifteen technical actions between the two formats, with an increase in all these actions during SSGs. Notable technical actions such as one-touch shots, receiving a pass under pressure, and players beaten through a dribble significantly increased in SSGs. Another action, players beaten through a forward pass (packing score), saw a rise in RSGs, though this was not statistically significant. These findings suggest SSGs are beneficial for enhancing technical skills such as shooting, receiving under pressure, and dribbling, while RSGs may better develop forward passing abilities.

Effect of interval training on performance in long-distance runners affiliated with Japanese companies

Nobuaki Nagai — 2025-03-25

The company-organized sports system in Japan employs athletes as regular staff, allowing them to balance work and sports. This system presents challenges, particularly in terms of limited training time. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which delivers high training loads in short periods, is essential for these athletes. This study examined the impact of HIIT on the physical and psychological performance of a male long-distance runner, who was an Olympic representative, affiliated with a company. Over a 92-day period, the athlete’s performance was assessed through Training Achievement Scores, Physical Conditioning Scores, and Mental Conditioning Scores. Results indicated fluctuations in training and physical conditioning scores, highlighting the need for objective condition assessments and tailored mental conditioning strategies. Enhancing support systems and incorporating HIIT are crucial for athletes to be able to compete at international levels while managing injury risks and environmental stresses.

Characteristics and determinants of repeated change of direction ability at multiple angles

Seita Kuki — 2025-03-25

This study examined repeated change of direction (RCOD) performance across three angles (45º, 90º, and 180º) and its relationship with physical fitness indicators. Seventeen male collegiate handball players performed RCOD tests involving 10 sprints, with mean time and percentage decrement score (Sdec) used as performance metrics. Physical fitness tests included one repetition maximum (1RM) squat, Yo-Yo IR1 test, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), and 40 m sprint. Results showed that mean time was slower and Sdec was larger at 180º, indicating greater physiological and mechanical demands compared to smaller angles. A significant correlation was found between mean time and Sdec only at 180º, highlighting its sensitivity to fatigue development. Furthermore, mean time correlated with Yo-Yo IR1 performance at all angles, but no significant associations were observed between Sdec and other fitness indicators. These findings suggest that the 180º RCOD test could be used to impose higher physical demands on athletes, while the Yo-Yo IR1 test can be altered with RCOD tests to assess aerobic ability more in line with sport-specific movements. Coaches and athletes can use this information to tailor training programs based on sport-specific demands, optimizing RCOD angles to enhance performance and manage athlete fatigue effectively.

Grunting increases power production and vertical jump height in experienced martial artists

Jason Sawyer — 2025-03-25

Muscular power is a critical determinant of performance in athletic competitions and thus identifying methods to maximize this attribute is imperative. Grunting (GR) may be an effective way to increase power during high-velocity, explosive movements. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the effects of GR on muscular power output. Twenty-four subjects were recruited from a local martial arts academy. Each subject had a minimum of 2 years of martial arts experience. The performance measures included five maximal cross punches (CR) and roundhouse kicks (RH) to determine peak power output and three countermovement vertical jumps (CMJ) and seated landmine throws (SLT). In randomized order, subjects performed these tests under three breathing conditions which included held breath (HB), audible exhale (AE), and GR. When compared to AE and HB conditions, GR increased CR and RH power output and CMJ height but not SLT. Grunting is effective at increasing force production during striking in experienced martial artists.

High intensity intermittent vs race pace 200-m swimming

Nikolaos Beidaris — 2025-03-25

This study aimed to investigate the physiological responses and performance characteristics of high intensity intermittent swimming with different resting intervals, compared to high intensity race pace continuous swimming. Twelve young male competitive swimmers (aged: 15.46 ± 1.45 years) were tested in 4 exercise conditions: in a continuous maximum 200-m freestyle swim and in 4x50-m freestyle with 5, 10 and 20s rest intervals between splits. In all conditions, oxygen consumption, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, performance characteristics, and ratings of perceived exertion were measured.Blood lactate concentration and oxygen uptake were no different between conditions (p = .98 and p = .39). Overall performance time of the 200-m swimming was faster with the 20s rest intervals (137.12 ± 7.78 vs 149.33 ± 9.27 sec, p = .004), and a heart rate was higher (195.38 ± 11.87 vs 184.23 ± 5.26 beat·min^-1, p = .01) than in 200-m continuous swimming. The velocity and the number of strokes remained constant between every 50-m split of the 4x50-m swim with 20s rest interval, as opposed to the decreasing velocity in the continuous high intensity race pace 200-m condition (p < .05). Differences in the intermittent conditions of shorter rest interval (5 and 10-sec) were limited only to decrements of speed between the splits (p < .05). Despite the similar lactate and VO₂ responses between all conditions, swimmers were swimming at a higher intensity and a constant velocity in the 4x50-m trial with 20s rest interval, while the conditions with 5 and 10-sec rest intervals matched the performance characteristics of the 200-m continuous swim.

Assessing the accuracy of large language models in extracting latest cricket information

Indika Wickramasinghe — 2025-03-25

The development of large language models (LLMs) is making waves across various fields, bringing numerous benefits and innovations. At the same time, cricket is growing rapidly in popularity worldwide. Given this context, it's a great moment to explore how well LLMs can keep up with the latest cricket knowledge. This study evaluates the performance of three LLMs Co-Pilot, ChatGPT, and Liner in generating accurate summaries of bilateral Test and One Day Internationals (ODI) cricket series played in 2024. The evaluation focused on three main tasks: reporting series results, identifying the top three batsmen with their scores, and listing the top three bowlers with their wickets. Among the models, Co-Pilot stood out, consistently delivering the highest accuracy across all tasks and formats, especially for matches involving Australia, India, and South Africa. ChatGPT showed mixed results, excelling in some areas but struggling with task-specific accuracy. Liner, on the other hand, had the lowest accuracy and faced significant challenges in providing relevant detailed cricket-related information. The study also noted instances where the models generated unrelated or incorrect outputs, highlighting the need to validate LLM-generated cricket data to ensure it is reliable and correct.

Influence of WB-EMS on strength endurance parameters and subjectively perceived back pain

Joshua Berger — 2025-03-25

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) has become a time-efficient train-ing method with positive effects on maximum strength, back pain and strength endurance of the lower extremities. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of a WB-EMS intervention on strength endurance parameters and subjectively perceived back pain in a multicentric implementation. 148 participants (35.2 ± 12.5years, 173.3 ± 9.4cm, 76.6 ± 15.9kg, BMI 25.4 ± 4.6) were divided into an intervention group with a 6-week WB-EMS in-tervention (EMS, n = 81) and an inactive control group (CON, n = 67). Primary outcome measure was strength endurance of the trunk, secondary outcome measures were subjectively perceived back pain and strength endurance of the plan. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures (2 groups x 2 times) was applied for all var-iables. Statistical analysis revealed a significant main effect of time (p < .001, ηp² = .490) and time x group (p < .001, ηp² = .614). Furthermore, significant time effects were detected for VAS24 (p < .001), VAS7 (p < .001), lateral flexion of the right side (p < .001), left side (p < .001), trunk flexion (p < .001), -extension (p < .001) and plank position (p < .001) with significant group differences. WB-EMS leads to significant changes in parameters of strength endurance and subjectively perceived backpain after a 6-week intervention in commercial WB-EMS facilities.

The role of positive and negative reinforcement by coaches in the acquisition of new motor skills depending on the present sport motive

Sebastian Schröder — 2025-01-03

The results of this pilot study should allow conclusions to be drawn about the influence of the trainer's approach and the motor learning behaviour depending on the existing motive structure. To this end, two groups were randomly formed, each of which watched a learning video in which six steps for learning to juggle were shown. The two groups were randomly given either a positively or negatively reinforced speech in sound and text. The 27 participants (8 girls, 19 boys, mean age: 17.74, SD = 0.86) are sports students supported by the Olympic training centre. The results showed a dependence of motor learning performance on trainer response (mean_pos = 4.93, mean_neg = 4.27, p = .030 (one-sided), d = -0.74). In the present study, the mean differences between the hope- and fear-motivated groups show large differences in this respect, but these are not significant, certainly due to the small sample size (mean_fear= 4.2, mean_hope = 5.0, p = .103). It was interesting to note that the fear-motivated athletes in particular benefited from receiving positive coaching instructions. The calculation of the effect size confirms this assumption (d = .366). The covariance analysis also indicate that the motor learning performance depends on the positive or negative trainer instruction when these are adjusted for the respective co-variables skin conductivity, blood volume pulse and present motive structure (partial η² = 0.128-0.139). The results show that the positive influence of the coach's approach in the context of motor learning is of great importance.

Gender and age differences in emotional management among elite taekwondo coaches

Guillermo Andrés Sáez Abello — 2025-03-25

Emotional management is a psychological aspect that has been widely researched in the sports context; however, most of these studies have focused on evaluating athletes, overlooking other key figures such as coaches. To identify gender and age differences in the emotional management of elite taekwondo coaches. This is a quantitative, descriptive study with a non-experimental design to describe and identify differences within a sample of 20 elite taekwondo coaches. Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). Welch's t-test and ANOVA were conducted to determine differences by gender and age groups among the coaches. Significant differences were found in emotional intelligence between men and women (p < .065) and in emotion perception, where women scored higher than men (p < .012). No significant differences were found between men and women in self-emotion management, managing others' emotions, and emotion utilization. Regarding age groups, no significant differences were observed in emotional intelligence, emotion perception, self-emotion management, and emotion utilization. However, a marginally significant difference was found in managing others' emotions (p < .051), suggesting a possible age influence on this variable. The study revealed that female taekwondo coaches have significantly higher emotional intelligence and emotion perception than their male counterparts. No significant differences were found in other areas of emotional management between genders. However, a positive influence of age on managing others' emotions was observed. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender and age in the training of taekwondo coaches and the need for further research in these areas.

The importance of social support in enhancing performance and well-being of Malaysia's Paralympic athletes

Khyairany Nur Erma Md Azmi — 2025-03-25

This study aims to study the experiences of elite wheelchair basketball players in Malaysia in regard to the social support that they have received and its effect on performance and well-being. The approach of use was qualitative, which adopted ethnographic methods, including observations and in-depth interviews with five elite athletes from a Paralympic Sports Excellence Centre located in Kg Pandan. The research revealed four primary types of social support obtained by athletes: These types of support vary along emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal dimensions. Additionally, this study pointed to teammates, coaches, family, and sports organizations and preceded the important role they play in protecting mental stability and athletic achievement; however, it highlighted problems such as the lack of continuity in the care after the post-program. Enhancing social support systems through comprehensive post-program activities and higher levels of logistical subsidies is needed to achieve the long-term development of Paralympic athletes, according to this study. Theory is enriched, policy is informed, and social awareness of the importance of social support within Paralympic sports is increased with these findings.

Does the level of anxiety affect process of learning judo throws?

Ivan Segedi — 2025-03-25

Background and study aim – Relation between anxiety and sport performance presents important topic in sport psychology. Studies prove that elevated anxiety may improve motor learning due to maximum allocation of all physical and mental resources in mastering a motor task. The main goal of this paper is to identify differences in anxiety and self-confidence before and after the process of learning a new motor task. Material and Methods - The level of anxiety during the learning process of 12 judo throwing techniques (side, leg, hand, sacrificial throws) was measured with a questionnaire CSAI-2C on 130 subjects. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the learning process. Results – The results of this study showed that throwing techniques can be classified into three groups: 1.) there is no decrease or increase of anxiety and self – confidence (Tsuri-goshi, Osoto-gari, Tai-otoshi, Ippon-seoi-nage, Morote-seoi-nage and Okuri-ashi-harai); 2.) increase of anxiety and decrease in self – confidence (Harai-goshi); 3.) decrease of anxiety and increase of self – confidence (Ouchi-gari, Koshi-guruma, Uki-waza, Soto-makikomi and Tomoe-nage). Conclusions - The obtained results indicate the need for a different approach in teaching of throwing techniques to maximize the effectiveness of the learning process. Teacher or coach will have the biggest role in managing this perception of difficulty with use of proper teaching methods. Teaching of techniques should be based on difficulty and not only based on group of techniques they belong to.

Global trends in throwing techniques and performance in women's shot put

Satoshi Hatase — 2025-03-25

The aim of this study was to investigate global trends in throwing techniques and performance in women’s shot put to provide useful data for future advancements. The study focused on the period from 2008 to 2024, analyzing records and trends of athletes placing in the top-eight at the World Championships and the Olympics. Additionally, the study examined characteristics of the top-eight finishers who adopted the rotational technique after its introduction to the sport in 2015. The primary source of data used for this analysis was World Athletics (https://worldathletics.org/). The results showed that there was no statistically significant change in the performance level for top-eight finishers in the World Championships and Olympics since 2008. Significant (p = .002) differences were observed between Group G (33.00 [28.50–34.50]) and Group R (27.00 [24.75–29.00]) in terms of their age. These findings suggest that the rotational throw technique has not yet contributed to improving performance at the competition level in women’s shot put. However, given the younger age of rotational throwers, further improvements in performance are expected in the future.

Utilizing GPS technology to identify and manage hamstring injuries during high-speed running

Ernest Miller — 2025-03-25

Purpose: Hamstring injuries are among the most prevalent injuries in elite sport with high rates of recurrence. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has been widely implemented to measure the movement of athletes. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine how GPS technology is used to manage hamstring injuries during high-speed running. Methods: A scoping review was conducted within Embase, CINAHLComplete, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus. Studies were included if they used objective GPS metrics and investigated their relationship to hamstring injuries or risk factors. Studies were excluded if they did not report hamstring injuries separately. Results: 3950 articles were reviewed and 15 met inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted with elite male soccer players. The most common GPS metrics reported included total distance traveled, high speed running distance over 24 km/hour, the acute to chronic workload ratio, and efforts exceeding 80% of maximum speed. Clinical relevance: The current literature on GPS monitoring for hamstring injury management focuses on elite male soccer players, with limitations due to varying injury definitions and a lack of prospective trials. Clinicians may consider managing high-speed running loads above 24 km/h and 80% of maximum speed to modify hamstring injury risk in elite male soccer players.

Reliability and various of isometric force production on regional upper body arm muscle-joint complex

Yeliz Kahraman — 2025-03-25

The various variations of isometric force promote on regional muscles peak and average force. Considered hypothesis and aim approaches of study were for investigate of Hill model (1938) upper body muscle force to the indicating muscle-tendon joint sections. Based on isometric force measurements, dynamic indicators were measured to time dependent peak and average force. New handheld dynamometer measurements were tested on 14 region arm muscle and joint line for; the twenty-six women age 16 to 18, with Activforce methods (Activforce 2, Australia) used in upper body range of motion applied isometric muscle force activations. It that concluded on maximal isometric test protocols tested on peak (long time) and average (short time) force. The various regional activities showed that very good reliability indicators and extremely strong effect size. Peak and average force test protocols reported on low risk ratio of the coefficient variance on peak force; CV (0.21-0.37) – effect size (d = 2.67-4.59), average force; CV (0.22-0.35) – effect size (d = 2.79-4.39) (p < .05). Different joint range of motion arm movements were produced isometric peak and average of maximal torque using of time dependent handheld dynamometer indicators indicated potential isometric force. Avaible study noted Activforce handheld dynamometer currently used for this study and research investigate, therefore, isometric force measurements are popular method must be used in peak and average force detection to promote reliable force and exercise condition.