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Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Whole-body vibration (WBV) systems are increasingly used among athletes, yet the literature lacks input on differences in impact following high or low amplitudes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 4-week WBV training at high or low amplitudes, with external loads, on maximal isometric strength, muscular endurance, and different performances of vertical jump. In all, 24 physical education undergraduate students were randomly allocated to a high (4 mm amplitude) or low (2 mm amplitude) vibration group. The study included pretest assessments, 4‑week intervention phase with three weekly training sessions, and posttest assessments. During the 12 intervention sessions, participants performed six sets of 30 s leg-dynamic back squats with external load of 40% of one repetition maximum. Assessments included maximal isometric muscle strength, muscular endurance, squat jump, counter-movement jump, and drop jump. Statistical analysis was done using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with group × time (2 × 2) as a model factor. The results revealed no significant groups × time interactions in any test. However, significant improvements were found in all measures among the high amplitude vibration group: maximal isometric muscle strength (p < 0.05), squat jump (p < 0.01), counter-movement jump (p < 0.01), drop jump (p < 0.01), and muscular endurance (p < 0.01), following the intervention, yet in only three variables: squat jump (p < 0.01), counter-movement jump (p < 0.01), and drop jump (p < 0.05) among the low amplitude vibration group. Based on the current results, we conclude that while high amplitude WBV training in physical education students could enhance muscular strength and endurance as well as jumping performances, low amplitude WBV protocols may improve only jumping performances. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: Creative actions are considered decisive in team sports. In most empirical studies on the topic so far, creativity has been understood as a player’s divergent thinking (DT) ability. Sport-specific DT has been assessed by the number, variety and originality of ideas a player is able to generate in response to game situations. Numerous studies indicate that DT can be improved with training. However, the fundamental assumption that enhanced DT transfers to creative on-field actions has yet to be examined. Alternatively, we argue that players’ potential to perform creative actions is foremost rooted in their motor-skill repertoire rather than in DT. In a field-based experiment, predictions deduced from both explanations were put to test. Elite youth football players participated in training interventions to enhance either football-specific DT (DT group) or their motor-skill repertoire (functional skills; FS group). Before and after the interventions, we assessed players’ football-specific DT as well as the functionality and creativity of actions performed on-field using expert ratings. As expected, in DT, the DT group improved more than the FS group. On the field, however, improvements in DT did not manifest in more creative actions. Rather, the FS group showed more pronounced improvements not only in the functionality but also in the creativity of on-field actions. This pattern of results challenges the so far predominant theoretical framework for creativity in sports. For sports practice, our findings suggest that on-field creativity is better fostered by enhancing players’ motor skills—and thus expanding their own action repertoire—than by improving DT. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: The task of the judge of difficulty in trampoline gymnastics is to check the elements and difficulty values entered on the competition cards and the difficulty of each element according to a numeric system. To do this, the judge must count all somersaults and twists for each jump during a routine and thus record the difficulty of the routine. This assessment can be automated with the help of inertial measurement units (IMUs) and facilitate the judges’ task during the competition. Currently, there is no known reliable method for the automated detection and recognition of the various elements to determine the difficulty of an exercise in trampoline gymnastics. Accordingly, a total of 2076 jumps and 50 different jump types were recorded over the course of several training sessions. In the first instance, 10 different jump types were used to train different machine learning (ML) models. Eight ML models were used for the automatic jump classification. Supervised learning approaches include a naive classifier, deep feedforward neural network, convolutional neural network, k‑nearest neighbors, Gaussian naive Bayes, support-vector classification, gradient boosting classifier, and stochastic gradient descent. When all classifiers were compared for accuracy, i.e., how many jumps were correctly detected by the ML model, the deep feedforward neural network and the convolutional neural network provided the best matches with 96.4 and 96.1%, respectively. The findings of this study will help to develop the automated classification of sensor-based data to support the judge and, simultaneously, for automated training logging. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: The so-called “stretch-induced force deficit” is known from a large amount of research. There are many theories trying to explain the stretch-induced force deficit and increases in the range of motion (ROM) which all offer a stretch training-specific explanation. However, when performing a commonly used strength training session, a reduced maximum strength (MSt) capacity can be assumed as well. Based on this, the aim of the study is to investigate the tension-induced force deficit due to a suprathreshold strength or stretching training stimulus. Therefore, 71 participants (age: 24.1 ± 4.2 years, height: 176.3 ± 5.7 cm, weight: 74.1 ± 7.5 kg) were divided into three groups: static stretching group (SST), strength training group (STR), and control group (CG). To investigate possible mechanical tension-induced force deficits, SST performed a long-lasting static stretching intervention for 1 h using an orthosis, while STR executed a common strength training intervention (5 × 12 repetition) for the plantar flexors. The results show a significant reduction of measured MSt as well as increased ROM for both SST and STR following the interventions. Consequently, we found similar acute effects of stretching and strength training regarding MSt and flexibility. We conclude that the decreased MSt capacities can possibly be attributed to mechanical tension-induced damage of the muscle that is not linked to a specific training method. The improvements in flexibility found in both intervention groups might be attributed to warm up effects when inducing high mechanical tension to large ankle joint angles. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: Dynamic postural control is one of the essential factors in situations where non-contact injuries mainly occur, i.e., landing, cutting, or stopping. Therefore, testing of dynamic postural control should be implemented in injury risk assessment. Moreover, non-contact injuries mainly occur under loaded conditions when the athlete is physically stressed. Therefore, risk factors and mechanisms of these injuries should also be regarded under loading conditions and not only when the athlete is recovered. Current studies examining the influence of physical load on risk factors, such as dynamic postural control, often use cycling protocols to stress the participants. Nevertheless, most types of sports require running as a central element and the induced internal load after cycling might not be the same after running. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the influence of a running and a cycling protocol on dynamic postural control and to determine the potential injury risk under representative conditions. In total, 128 sport students (64 males and 64 females, age: 23.64 ± 2.44, height: 176.54 ± 8.96 cm, weight: 68.85 ± 10.98 kg) participated in the study. They were tested with the Y Balance Test before and after one loading protocol. A total of 64 participants completed a protocol on a cycle ergometer and the other 64 on a treadmill. A mixed ANOVA showed significant interactions of time and load type. Dynamic postural control was reduced immediately after cycling but did not change after running. These findings indicate a load type dependence of dynamic postural control that must be considered while assessing an athlete’s potential injury risk and they support the need for more representative designs. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: Vertical jumping performance is of high importance for various individual and team sports. Movement patterns utilizing a stretch shortening cycle are of particular interest. Despite their involvement in every vertical jump variation, the importance of the plantar flexors’ dynamic maximum strength for jumping performance has not been investigated yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the relationship between plantar flexion strength and different vertical jump variations. The present study examines the correlation of maximum strength in the standing calf raise and in the squat with performance in the vertical jumping forms squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ) from different heights in 56 physical education students. The one-repetition maximum (1 RM) in the standing calf raise shows moderate to high (p < 0.01) correlations for SJ and CMJ (r = 0.575–0.659, and r = 0.565–0.708, respectively). The DJ revealed weak to medium correlations (p < 0.01) with the dynamic maximum strength of the plantar flexors (r = 0.362–0.573). A comparison of the strongest and weakest subjects revealed significant differences between groups with the stronger participants displaying greater jumping performance in all tests. In addition, squat 1 RM was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with DJ performance. It can be concluded that the strength of the plantar flexors displays a relevant factor for vertical jumping performance in SJ, CMJ, and DJ that supports the main propulsive mechanisms. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: Background There is solid evidence about the impact of interval training on glycemic control and related risk factors. However, the optimum form and intensity of this interval training, best fitting with the individual needs of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), needs more research and investigation. Purpose The objective of this study was to compare the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) on functional capacity (as a cardiorespiratory parameter) glucose control, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (as metabolic parameters) in T2D patients, and to test exercise acceptability in these patients. Methods In all, 60 participants had been recruited for this study. Their ages ranged from 40–65 years. They were randomly divided into two equal groups: the HIIT group, who participated in the HIIT program, and the MIIT group, who engaged in the MIIT program. Both groups received 12 weeks of training. Outcomes included 6‑min walking distance (6MWD), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and HbA1c levels before and after the study, with the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES), which was completed by the patients by the end of the study, testing the exercises’ enjoyment. Results In the HIIT and MIIT groups, there was a significant reduction of FBG (17.6%, 14.1%) and HbA1c (21.3%, 13.6%) and an increased 6MWD (10.3%, 6.4%) and PACES score (93.4 ± 14.5, 55.7 ± 13.6), respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion HIIT could be implemented as an effective, enjoyable, time-efficient, and acceptable exercise intervention in T2D. It is more effective at both the physical and perceptual levels than the MIIT. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: Introduction Prolonged time trials proved capable of precisely estimating anaerobic threshold. However, time trial studies in recreational cyclists are missing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate accuracy and viability of constant power threshold, which is the highest power output constantly maintainable over time, for estimating maximal lactate steady state in recreational athletes. Methods A total of 25 recreational athletes participated in the study of whom 22 (11 female, 11 male) conducted all constant load time trials required for determining constant power threshold 30 min and 45 min, which is the highest power output constantly maintainable over 30 min and 45 min, respectively. Maximal lactate steady state was assessed subsequently from blood samples taken every 5 min during the time trials. Results Constant power threshold over 45 min (175.5 ± 49.6 W) almost matched power output at maximal lactate steady state (176.4 ± 50.5 W), whereas constant power threshold over 30 min (181.4 ± 51.4 W) was marginally higher (P = 0.007, d = 0.74). Interrelations between maximal lactate steady state and constant power threshold 30 min and constant power threshold 45 min were very close (R2 = 0.99, SEE = 8.9 W, Percentage SEE (%SEE) = 5.1%, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.99, SEE = 10.0 W, %SEE = 5.7%, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Determination of constant power threshold is a straining but viable and precise alternative for recreational cyclists to estimate power output at maximal lactate steady state and thus maximal sustainable oxidative metabolic rate. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: Introduction Due to the controversy regarding bone health in swimmers compared to weight-bearing athletes, the aim of this work was to comprehensively analyze the effect of swimming on bone mass, cortical geometry, and trabecular microarchitecture as well as to assess the methodological quality of the available evidence. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus following the PICOS (Participants, Interventions, Comparators, Outcome and Study) strategy and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Forty-one studies were included and screened with Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies for determining their quality of evidence. Results Swimmers’ bone mass tended to be lower compared to athletes engaged in high-impact sports, but similar compared to moderate- and non-impact sports as well as non-athletes, independently of gender and anatomical region assessed. Swimmers’ cortical geometry and trabecular microarchitecture tended to be similar to that of both athletes, independently of their impact loading profile, and non-athletes. Results were, nevertheless, based on studies with only a poor to fair quality of evidence, with most of them displaying a serious risk of bias. Conclusions No high-quality evidence was found suggesting that swimmers could be a population at risk of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis later in life. There is no evidence that swimming negatively compromises bone mass accrual, cortical bone geometry, or trabecular microarchitecture. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: In sport games, perceptual–cognitive skills are discussed as a decisive aspect of players’ expertise. However, an understanding of the relationship between these skills and actual game performance is limited, particularly, regarding the role of pattern identification and situational-probability estimation in performance. The present study thus aimed to examine how identification of teammates’ defensive qualities relates to decision-making performance in a 3:3 virtual-reality defensive task. Examining data collected in two previously published studies, we analyzed the relationship between explicit pattern detection and response correctness, and also as a function of players’ experience. Experience was operationalized as either expertise level (Experiment 1) or task-specific experience (Experiment 2). As expected, the explicit detection of a game-specific pattern was found to be facilitated by experience. However, the results imply that it is accumulated experience that enhances decision-making performance rather than the degree of self-generated explicit knowledge. This finding supports the notion of “representational redescription” as introduced by Karmiloff-Smith (1994). For sports practice, this suggests that the pattern identification demonstrated by skilled athletes should not be overestimated as a predictor of game performance, while the explicit provision of knowledge might be beneficial for less-skilled athletes, particularly in situations of high uncertainty. PubDate: 2023-06-01
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Abstract: Considering the positive health effects of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), youth is an important life stage to promote lifelong LTPA. However, the stability of LTPA over the life course is low, and specific predictors of LTPA in youth for lifelong activity have some shortcomings, e.g. neglecting the interacting factors of LTPA within individuals. Therefore, from a person-oriented approach, patterns of LTPA behaviour in youth considering time- and context-related aspects and their relationships with lifelong LTPA were investigated. Life course data from n = 1519 Swiss inhabitants aged between 25 and 76 years were recorded retrospectively using a validated questionnaire (CATI method). Latent profile analyses were used to find the optimal profile solution and for the association with lifelong LTPA auxiliary conditional effect models (controlled for age) were applied. Six distinct patterns emerged. Overall, mostly inactive youth are also the least active in adulthood, whereas several other patterns are associated with a mainly continuous LTPA throughout adulthood. More precisely, multiple constellations in youth occurred to be physically active in at least 80% of the years in adulthood: (1) early starters regarding LTPA in a rather self-organised setting but not with many different LTPAs; (2) late entrants with a variety of different activities and organisational settings; or (3) a high expression in every variable investigated. Consequently, there is not just one type of LTPA behaviour in youth linked to lifelong activity, which indicates that certain aspects of LTPA in youth can be compensated by each other. Implications for LTPA promotion can be derived. PubDate: 2023-05-26
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Abstract: The current study examined the association between executive functions and the performance of high-level football players. Participants of the study (N = 176) were male football players of the same club, who played in the teams of the U12 up to the U23. Executive functions, consisting of the subcomponents cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and working memory, were assessed with the Determination Test, the Response Inhibition task, and multiple-object tracking, respectively. Football performance was operationalized through a subjective performance rating by three independent raters and an objective Footbonaut score. The Footbonaut (C-Goal GmbH, Berlin, Germany) is a football training machine which passes balls to players who then have to control the ball and pass it through highlighted squares. Using two multiple regressions—for subjective and objective performance ratings, respectively—the separate associations of the three subcomponents of the executive functions with football performance were examined. Only the score of the Determination Test (as a measure of cognitive flexibility) was significantly associated with football performance (for both the subjective and objective measures). When controlling for age, cognitive flexibility was no longer a significant predictor for athletic performance. Further research is needed to determine whether the training of cognitive flexibility in addition to physical skills might be a possible approach to further increase performance and to improve talent development in youth athletes. PubDate: 2023-05-22
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Abstract: To counteract low physical activity levels in children and adolescents, it is crucial to understand the relevant psychological processes that can promote physical activity in this age group. The Weiss-Harter model focuses on self-esteem as a central construct for physical activity promotion in youth, which mediates the effects of perceived competence and perceived social support on enjoyment and physical activity. However, in two cross-sectional studies, an adapted model was found to have a better model fit in which perceived social support has additional direct effects on physical activity and enjoyment. The purpose of the present study was to compare the original Weiss-Harter model and the adapted model in a prospective study design. Data were based on two assessment waves of the German Motorik-Modul-Study involving 1107 participants (603 female) with a mean age of 13.98 years (SD = 2.03). Participants filled out questionnaires on perceived competence, perceived social support, self-esteem, enjoyment, and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the first assessment. MVPA was again assessed about five years later allowing to test whether the models could predict (1) future MVPA and (2) the difference of MVPA from the first to the second assessment. For both research questions, the original Weiss-Harter model (Model 1a: χ2 = 812.44; df = 95; p < 0.01; CFI = 0.905; RMSEA = 0.083; Model 2a: χ2 = 755.29; df = 95; p < 0.01; CFI = 0.910; RMSEA = 0.079) had a worse fit than the adapted model (Model 1b: χ2 = 512.19; df = 93; p < 0.01; CFI = 0.943; RMSEA = 0.065; Model 2b: χ2 = 513.25; df = 93; p < 0.01; CFI = 0.943; RMSEA = 0.064). The results of this study highlight the role of perceived social support for youth MVPA. PubDate: 2023-04-29
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Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an increase of digitally supported home-based sport and exercise activities. This paper asks how these digital sport and exercise (DSE) offers are experienced by consumers and compares the experiential value of DSE activities with similar on-site, offline sport and exercise (OSE) activities. The paper is based on cross-sectional online survey data from active members of two university sports centers in Germany. Findings reveal that a relative strength of DSE compared to similar OSE offers is the higher degree of autonomy experienced by users. However, this comes at the expense of the social, physical, affective, competence, and motivational experience. DSE courses are somewhat better rated by self-disciplined and healthy individuals, but lower rated by participants with a high motor competence. Overall, data lend support to the notion that DSE was just a stopgap for many during the lockdowns. For becoming a real alternative to on-site sports, DSE offers should be developed further in such a way that emotional and social experiences are enhanced. PubDate: 2023-04-25
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Abstract: Aim To evaluate the effects of a multicomponent exercise program in the circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial damage among adults with cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and methods Eleven adults with cardiovascular risk factors underwent an 18-week light-to-moderate intensity multicomponent exercise training program. Participants performed two 45 min supervised sessions per week. Blood samples were collected before and after the exercise program, and the levels of EPCs and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) were quantified by flow cytometry. Results The circulating levels of EPCs increased by 5.0 ± 3.3% (5.0 × 10−3 ± 1.6 × 10−3% to 10.0 × 10−3 ± 2.5 × 10−3%, P < 0.001) after the exercise training, whereas no change was observed in CEC count (4.9 × 10−3 ± 2.6 × 10−3% to 6.2 × 10−3 ± 1.5 × 10−3%, P = 0.23). Conclusions A multicomponent exercise training program improves endothelial integrity, as reflected by the increased levels of EPCs without changes in endothelial damage. These findings provide evidence to support the use of multicomponent exercise to modulate vascular competence and improve endothelial health among adults with cardiovascular risk factors. PubDate: 2023-04-05
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Abstract: The simultaneous pursuit of success in elite sport and the highest school qualification is considered to be one of the challenges for adolescents who are sporting talents. Dual career assistance programmes (DCAPs) for student-athletes are designed to help master this challenge in the best possible way. This study focusses on the upper secondary school performance of 200 student-athletes from an elite sports school. First, the school performance of student-athletes enrolled in two different DCAPs was compared. In addition to the educational services in DCAP‑1, DCAP‑2 includes a 1-year extension of the school period and the option of spreading the final exam phase out over several school years. Second, the school performance of student-athletes was compared with the performance of the entire student population. The analyses yielded the following findings: 1) student-athletes’ school performance is well above the average of the entire student population. 2) Although, DCAP‑2 users are much more involved in elite sport, their school performance and performance development do not differ from DCAP‑1 users. These results do not provide any indication of a systematic neglect of student-athletes’ academic career in favour of their athletic career. DCAPs appear to ensure the success of student-athletes’ academic careers effectively. PubDate: 2023-03-30
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Abstract: Volleyball is a sport that requires high levels of maximal strength, reactive strength, and power at the elite level. Various training methods exist to maximize these physical qualities. The purpose of the triphasic training method is to maximize sport performance by enhancing all three muscle actions to create a strong link between eccentric, isometric, and concentric phases. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a 6-week (three times per week) triphasic resistance training program during the preseason period in professional male volleyball athletes. Fourteen male elite volleyball players (mean [± standard deviation] age: 28.88 ± 5.59 years; height: 192 ± 10 cm; body mass: 88.00 ± 14.54 kg) completed several body composition assessments and physical tests. Squat jump performance (p = 0.02, d = 0.27, 3.16%) and both lower (p < 0.001, d = 0.71, 16.56%) and upper body (p = 0.002, d = 0.45, 7.98%) maximal strength significantly increased from pre to post intervention. Strength and conditioning professionals should consider this type of training if they seek to improve maximal strength and concentric power. However, if the goals are to improve reactive strength and change-of-direction speed, then coaches must shift towards a power-type training to improve these stretch-shortening cycle activities. PubDate: 2023-03-02 DOI: 10.1007/s12662-023-00877-8
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