Biological maturation influences selection process in youth elite soccer players.

This study examined the influence of birth date, salivary testosterone [sT] concentration, sexual maturity status, and general strength on the selection process of an elite Brazilian soccer club during a 12-month period, which was a 2nd phase of a 24-month selection process. The stature, body mass, sT, sexual maturity status [Tanner scale], and hand grip strength were assessed for 143 players during 2 weeks. From these 143 players, 100 players were dismissed [DIS] and 43 players were selected to integrate the club's under-14 squad. Following 1-year training period, the under-14 team was assembled with 9 players designated as starters [STA], and then, comparisons were conducted taking into account a group of non-starters (selected; SEL = 34 players) and STA (n = 09). The DIS, SEL, STA players, and reference population, were compared for birth distribution. A greater proportion of players was born in the first trimester in the STA [75.0%], SEL [57.1%] and DIS [50.0%] groups compared to the reference population [25.8%]. One-way ANOVA showed a higher sT for STA group [516.0 ± 129.9 pmol·L-1], compared to SEL [415.5 ± 117.9 pmol·L-1] and DIS groups [390.9 ± 84.9 pmol·L-1; p = 0.003), and Kruskall-Wallis test showed a higher gonadal development for STA compared to DIS [p = 0.001]. The current findings suggest a strong influence of birth date and biological maturation on young soccer players selection process. Soccer coaches should consider these influences when making decisions about player selection of elite youth players.

Can Individuals Poststroke Improve Their Performance in Reaction and Movement Times in a Nonimmersive Serious Game with Practice? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To verify if individuals' poststroke and healthy controls would improve their performance in reaction and movement times practicing a serious game task using the upper limb movements. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 30 individuals poststroke and 30 healthy controls, matched for age and sex. We used the "Association Game for Rehabilitation" (AGaR) where participants played by matching a pair of images whose meanings were similar. Hand movements were captured by a Kinect system and poststroke participants used their nonparetic upper limb. Reaction time and movement times (time to select an image and movement time to the target) were measured. Data were analyzed using multiple analysis of variance. Results: Performance improved for both groups across all variables with better performance in movement times than reaction time only for poststroke individuals. Conclusions: Upper limb movements using nonimmersive serious games enhanced motor performance in reaction and movement times for healthy controls and individuals poststroke. ReBEC Trial Registration: RBR-4m4pk; Registeted on 08/24/2018.

Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Subjects with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) during an Upper Limb Virtual Reality Task: A Prospective Control Trial.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease. As a result of the rapid progression and severity of the disease, people with ALS experience loss of functionality and independence. Furthermore, it has already been described presence of autonomic dysfunction. Despite the increasing use of virtual reality (VR) in the treatment of different diseases, the use of virtual reality environment as an intervention program for ALS patients is innovative. The benefits and limitations have not yet been proven. Our objective was to evaluate the autonomic function of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis throughout the virtual reality task. The analysis of autonomic function was completed before, during, and after the virtual reality task using the upper limbs; also, all steps lasted ten minutes in a sitting position. Heart rate variability (HRV) was taken via the Polar® RS800CX cardiofrequencymeter. The following questionnaire was enforced: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Different types of HRV were revealed for the groups, indicating that the ALS group has reduced HRV, with most of the representative indices of the sympathetic nervous system. Besides, the physiological process of reducing parasympathetic activity from rest to VR activity (vagal withdrawal), with reduction in HF (ms2) and an increase in HR from rest to activity, and a further increase throughout recovery, with withdrawal of sympathetic nervous system, occurs just for the control group (CG), with no alterations between rest, activity, and recovery in individuals with ALS. We could conclude that patients with ALS have the reduction of HRV with the sympathetic predominance when equated to the healthy CG. Besides that, the ALS individuals have no capability to adapt the autonomic nervous system when likened to the CG during therapy based on VR and their recovery.

Resistance Exercise Intensity Does Not Influence Neurotrophic Factors Response in Equated Volume Schemes.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 2 different intensities of resistance training (RT) bouts, performed with the equated total load lifted (TLL), on the acute responses of neurotrophic factors (NFs) (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]; and nerve growth factor [NGF]), as well as on metabolic (lactate concentration) and hormonal (salivary cortisol concentration) responses. Thirty participants (males, 22.8 ± 2.3 years old, 177 ± 6.8 cm, 75.5 ± 7.9 kg, n = 15; and females, 22.2 ± 1.7 years, 163.7 ± 6.5 cm, 57 ± 7.6 kg, n = 15) performed 2 separate acute RT bouts with one week between trials. One bout consisted of 4 sets of 5 submaximal repetitions at 70% of 1RM and the other of 4 sets of 10 submaximal repetitions at 35% of 1RM for each exercise. Both RT bouts were conducted using the bench press and squat exercises. The TLL in each bout (determined by sets x repetitions x load [kg]) was equated. Serum BDNF, serum NGF, salivary cortisol, and blood lactate concentration were determined pre- and post-RT. No significant pre- to post-exercise increase in neurotrophic factors (p > 0.05; BDNF; effect size = 0.46 and NGF; effect size = 0.48) was observed for either of the RT bouts. A similar increase in blood lactate concentration was observed pre- to post-exercise for both RT bouts (p < 0.05). Cortisol increased similarly for both RT bouts, when compared to the resting day condition (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that, despite differences in RT schemes, a similar acute neurotrophic, metabolic and hormonal response was observed when the TLL is equated.

O efeito da idade relativa nas delegações olímpicas brasileiras / The relative age effect on the olympic brazilian delegations

Estudos prévios sugerem que jovens atletas nascidos nos primeiros meses do ano podem ser beneficiados no processo de seleção e formação quando comparados a atletas de mesma idade nascidos nos últimos meses do ano. Esse fenômeno é descrito na literatura como o efeito da idade relativa (EIR). O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o EIR nas delegações brasileiras participantes dos Jogos Olímpicos de Atenas 2004, Pequim 2008 e Londres 2012. Para esta investigação, a amostra foi composta por 543 atletas olímpicos (masculino e feminino). O teste Qui-Quadrado (x 2 ) foi adotado para a comparação entre a distribuição esperada e a distribuição observada. O nível de significância adotado foi de p<0,05. Os resultados do presente estudo não indicam diferença significante para distribuição de nascimentos entre os quartis do ano para a amostra investigada (p>0,05). Considerando que a análise principal foi realizada com agrupamentos das modalidades, é possível especular que esse resultado pode ser atribuído a diversos fatores, como: i) menor demanda por uma vaga nas categorias de base em determinadas modalidades esportivas, ii) divisões por categorias competitivas que além da idade também levam em consideração outras variáveis, iii) adoção de diferentes abordagens de formação de jovens atletas.(AU)

Previous studies suggest that young athletes born in the first months of the year may have an advantage during selection and development process compared to athletes of the same age born in the last months of the year. This phenomenon is described in the literature as the relative age effect (RAE). The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of RAE in participants of Brazilian delegations of the Olympic Games Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. For this study, the sample consisted of 543 Olympic athletes (male and female). The chi-square (x 2 ) was adopted to compare the expected distribution and the observed distribution. The significance level was set at p <0.05. The results of this study do not indicate significant difference in the birth distribution among quarters of the year for the population investigated (p> 0.05). Considering that the main analysis was conducted by pooled data, it is reasonable to speculate this outcome might be due to multiple factors such: i) lower demand for a place in the early categories in some sports, ii) rating for competitive categories beyond age also take into account other variables such as weight and height iii) the adoption of different long-term youth training approaches.(AU)

Centesimal Age and Relative Age Effect in Elite Futsal Players.

To investigate centesimal age (CA) and relative age effect (RAE) in elite male futsal players their date of birth and court-position were accessed through the official FIFA website. The absolute and relative frequency distributions of player births were quantified by quartiles and semesters. The two-way ANOVA and the Chi-Square analysis were applied to check for possible differences. The results showed a mean CA of 27.76 ± 4.11 years with no differences for both playing positions and competitions. In addition, no significant differences were found between quartiles or between semesters. The results suggest that elite male futsal athletes reach optimal competitive performance close to 27 years. Neither playing position nor geographical location may affect RAE, which seems to not affect the competitive performance (ranking) of elite male futsal players. These findings may help practitioners to understand the RAE phenomenon in futsal. In conclusion, being born in the early months of the year appears not to be important to successful performances in futsal. Overall, futsal athletes take about two decades to achieve their best performance. Coaches and researchers should consider the implementation of long-term training strategies (≈ 20 years) to progressively and effectively develop young futsal players.

Sodium citrate supplementation enhances tennis skill performance: a crossover, placebo-controlled, double blind study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of sodium citrate supplementation (SC) in exercise performance is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SC on skilled tennis performance. METHODS: Ten Brazilian nationally-ranked young male tennis players (age: 17 ± 1 yrs.; stature: 176.7 ± 5.2 cm; body mass: 68.4 ± 7.9 kg) participated in this crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Upon arrival, at baseline, in both experimental sessions blood was collected, then subjects ingested either sodium citrate (SC - 0.5 g.kg-1BM in capsules of 500 mg) or a placebo (PLA). Two hours later, pre-match blood was collected then skills tests (skill tennis performance test - STPT, repeated-sprint ability shuttle test - RSA) were performed followed by a 1-h simulated match. Immediately following the match, blood was again collected, and STPT, and RSA were administered. RESULTS: All metabolic parameters (i.e. base excess, pH, bicarbonate, and blood lactate) increased (p < 0.001) from baseline to pre-match and post-match in SC condition. Each metabolic parameter was greater (p < 0.001) in SC compared to PLA condition at both pre- and post-match. The SC condition elicited a greater (p < 0.01) shot consistency at post-match in the STPT vs. PLA condition (SC: 58.5 ± 14.8% vs. PLA: 40.4 ± 10.4%). A greater (p < 0.001) amount of games won was observed in the simulated match for SC condition vs. PLA condition (SC: 8.0 ± 1.6 vs. PLA: 6.0 ± 1.7). Additionally, the games won during the simulated match in SC condition was positively correlated with percentage shot consistency (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that SC supplementation is an effective ergogenic aid to enhance skilled tennis performance.

Efeito da idade relativa no Rugby brasileiro / Relative age effect in brazilian Rugby

Estudos prévios sugerem que jovens atletas nascidos nos primeiros meses do ano tendem a possuir vantagem no processo de seleção e promoção de talentos quando comparados a atletas de mesma idade nascidos nos últimos meses do ano. Esse fenômeno é descrito na literatura como o efeito da idade relativa. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o efeito da idade relativa em atletas federados na Confederação Brasileira de Rugby. Os dados dos atletas federados foram coletados junto a esta Confederação. O teste do Qui-Quadrado (Χ² ) foi adotado para a comparação entre a distribuição esperada e a distribuição observada. O nível de significância adotado foi de P<0,05. Os resultados do presente estudo não indicaram diferença significante para a distribuição de nascimentos entre os quartis do ano (P>0,05). Não foi observada a ocorrência do efeito da idade relativa nos atletas federados na Confederação Brasileira de Rugby. É possível inferir que esse resultado se deve a diversos fatores, como: (i) menor valorização social do Rugby no Brasil, (ii) menor concorrência por uma vaga nas categorias de base, (iii) menor grau de popularização e desenvolvimento do Rugby no Brasil, iv) o relativo efeito do treinamento em longo prazo e da promoção do talento esportivo, que ainda durante o processo de treinamento em longo prazo pode gradualmente eliminar sujeitos nascidos nos primeiros trimestres do ano que não apresentaram a evolução esperada, bem como (v) a presença de trabalhos adequados de treinamento em longo prazo, que tendem a favorecer a formação de atletas sem que o EIR possa interferir de maneira negativa na evolução das futuras gerações de atletas de alto rendimento. Provavelmente, devido a esses fatores acima descritos, o efeito da idade relativa no Rugby brasileiro não foi evidenciado....(AU)

Previous studies suggest that young athletes that were born in the first months of the year tend to have a better chance in the process of talent selection and development when compared to athletes that were born in the last months of the same year. This phenomenon is described as the relative age effect. The aim of this study was to analyze the relative age effect among federated athletes from the Brazilian Rugby Confederation. The data of the federated athletes were collected with this Confederation. The Chi-Square Test (Χ²) was used to compare the expected and the observed distribution. The level of significance used was P<0,05. The results of the present study did not show significant difference on the distribution of births among the quartiles of the year (P>0,05). Therefore, it was concluded that there was no relative age effect among the federated athletes at Brazilian Rugby Confederation. It is possible to attribute these results to several factors: (i) the lack of attention that is given to Rugby in Brazil, (ii) less competition for a spot on training academy squads, (iii) low popularity and development of Rugby in Brazil, iv) the relative effect of long-term athlete development program and the promotion of sports talent, which gradually eliminate subjects born in the first quarters of the year who did not show the expected improvement, v) suitable long-term athlete development program tending to favor the formation of athletes without the relative age effect interfering in a negative way in the improvement of future generations of high- performance athletes. Probably, due to these factors, the effect of relative age on Brazilian Rugby was not found....(AU)

Is the technical performance of young soccer players influenced by hormonal status, sexual maturity, anthropometric profile, and physical performance?

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of hormonal status, anthropometric profile, sexual maturity level, and physical performance on the technical abilities of 40 young male soccer players during small-sided games (SSGs). Anthropometric profiling, saliva sampling, sexual maturity assessment (Tanner scale), and physical performance tests (Yo-Yo and vertical jumps) were conducted two weeks prior to the SSGs. Salivary testosterone was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Technical performance was determined by the frequency of actions during SSGs. Principal component analyses identified four technical actions of importance: total number of passes, effectiveness, goal attempts, and total tackles. A multivariate canonical correlation analysis was then employed to verify the prediction of a multiple dependent variables set (composed of four technical actions) from an independent set of variables, composed of testosterone concentration, stage of pubic hair and genitalia development, vertical jumps and Yo-Yo performance. A moderate-to-large relationship between the technical performance set and the independent set was observed. The canonical correlation was 0.75 with a canonical R2 of 0.45. The highest structure coefficient in the technical performance set was observed for tackles (0.77), while testosterone presented the highest structure coefficient (0.75) for the variables of the independent set. The current data suggest that the selected independent set of variables might be useful in predicting SSG performance in young soccer players. Coaches should be aware that physical development plays a key role in technical performance to avoid decision-making mistakes during the selection of young players.

Efeito da preparação integrada sobre a aptidão aeróbia, a potência e a velocidade de jovens futebolistas / Effect of integrated training on aerobic fitness, muscular power and speed of young footballers

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do modelo integrado de preparação física, adotada pela equipe campeã da Copa Independência Bicentenário em 2010, sobre a aptidão aeróbia, a potência e a velocidade de jovens atletas. Dezesseis jogadores de futebol (17,2±0,7 anos; 179,6±4,2 cm; massa corporal 74,6±5,8 kg) da categoria sub-17 foram submetidos a 11 semanas de preparação, incluindo a competição (11a semana), as quais incluíram sessões de treinamento técnico-tático, jogos reduzidos, treinamentos "coletivos", jogos amistosos e jogos oficiais. Foram realizados testes para a avaliação da aptidão aeróbia, potência de membros inferiores e velocidade. Foi observado incremento significante da potência aeróbia (p<0,05) do momento pré para o momento pós-treinamento. Nenhuma alteração significante foi detectada para a potência e a velocidade (p>0,05). Estes resultados sugerem que a estratégia de preparação física, com ênfase na integração entre o componente físico e o componente técnico-tático, promoveu incremento da aptidão aeróbia de jovens futebolistas; entretanto, o desenvolvimento da potência e velocidade não apresentou alteração.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of integrated training strategy, adopted by the team who won the "2010 Independência Bicentenário Cup", on aerobic fitness, muscular power and speed of young players. Sixteen soccer players (age 17.2±0.7 years; 179.6±4.2 cm; body mass 74.6±5.8 kg; category under-17) underwent 11 weeks of preparation, including the competition (11th week). The training program included sessions for technical and tactical training, small-sided games, simulated training matches, friendly matches, and competitive matches. Assessments of aerobic fitness, lower limb power and speed were performed. A significant increase aerobic performance was observed after the training period (p<0.05). No significant change was detected for muscular power and speed (p>0.05). These results suggest that the training strategy adopted, with emphasis on integration between the physical component and the technical-tactical component, evoked a positive adaptation in aerobic fitness of young soccer players. However, the development of muscular power and speed seems to be compromised.(AU)

The relative age effect in soccer: a case study of the São Paulo Football Club / Efeito da idade relativa no Futebol: o estudo de caso do São Paulo Futebol Clube

The aim of this study was to compare the birth-date distribution of youth athletes of a high-level Brazilian soccer club with the general population of the same age group. In a cross-sectional study, the birth date of 341 youth athletes (under 10-20) was compared with a reference population (live births that occurred in São Paulo state in the same age group; n = 5,480,868). The subjects were divided into quarters of birth: 1st = January-March; 2nd = April-June; 3rd = July-September; 4th = October-December. The chi-square test (χ2) was used to compare the expected (reference population) and observed (athletes) distributions. It was detected a significant difference between the expected distribution and observed distribution (χ2= 29.53; p<0.0001), with a higher percentage of athletes born in the 1st quarter (47.5%) and a lower percentage in the 4th quarter (8.8%). The present results confirm the occurrence of the relative age effect (RAE) during the player selection process in a top-level Brazilian soccer club. The occurrence of this phenomenon during the selection and development of young athletes needs to be taken into account and should be analyzed carefully in order to minimize the loss of potential youth soccer talent. Further studies are required to identify the determinants of RAE and to establish preventive strategies that ensure a more efficient selection process of young soccer players.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a distribuição das datas de nascimento dos atletas das categorias de base de um clube da elite do futebol brasileiro com a população do estado de São Paulo da mesma faixa etária. Por meio de estudo transversal, as datas de nascimento de 341 atletas das categorias de base de um clube de São Paulo (sub 10-20) foram comparadas com uma população de referência (nascidos vivos do Estado de São Paulo da mesma faixa etária; n = 5.480.868). Os indivíduos foram distribuídos por trimestre de nascimento: 1° = Janeiro a Março; 2° = Abril a Junho; 3° = Julho a Setembro; 4° = Outubro a Dezembro. Para análise comparativa entre a distribuição esperada (população de referência) e a distribuição observada (atletas), foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado (χ2). Foi detectada diferença significante entre a distribuição esperada e a distribuição observada (χ2= 29,53; p<0,0001), com maior concentração de atletas nascidos no 1° trimestre (47,5%) e menor no 4° trimestre (8,8%). Os resultados do presente estudo confirmam a existência do "efeito da idade relativa" (EIR) no processo de seleção de atletas em um clube de elite do futebol brasileiro. A ocorrência deste fenômeno durante o processo de seleção e formação de jovens atletas precisa ser considerada e analisada cuidadosamente, a fim de minimizar a exclusão de jovens atletas de futebol potencialmente talentosos. Estudos adicionais são necessários para identificar os fatores determinantes do EIR e promover estratégias preventivas que tornem o processo de seleção e formação de jovens futebolistas mais eficiente.

Iniciação esportiva, tempo de prática e desenvolvimento de judocas olímpicos brasileiros / Sports initiation and pratice time of Brazilian judo athletes: under the light of long term training and the talent development process / Iniciación deportiva y tiempo de practica de luchadores olímpicos de judo brasileños: la luz del entrenamiento a largo plazo y del proceso del desarollo de talentos

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a idade de iniciação esportiva, o processo de iniciação na modalidade judô, e o tempo de prática de judocas olímpicos brasileiros. Foi utilizada uma amostra de seis judocas, pertencentes à seleção brasileira nos Jogos Olímpicos de Atenas, 2004. A pesquisa utilizou como instrumento uma entrevista composta por duas perguntas abertas. Os discursos indicaram que o início precoce do treinamento é um dos fatores mais relevantes para a aquisição de um alto nível de desempenho posterior, ao tempo que a idade média de iniciação na modalidade ocorreu por volta dos 6,2±1,3 anos. Não só o apoio familiar, associado a um microssistema de desenvolvimento de atletas, forma um ambiente capaz de gerar judocas de nível internacional.

The objective of this study was to analyze the age of sports initiation, the initiation process in judo and practice time of Brazilian judo Olympic players. For this, we used a sample of 6 judokas belonging to the Brazilian team at the Olympic Games of Athens 2004. The research used an interview tool that consists in 2 open questions. The speeches indicated that early training is one of the most relevant factors for the acquisition of a high level of performance subsequent to the time that the average age of initiation into the sport occurred at around 6.2 ± 1.3 years. Family support combined with a microsystem development of athletes, form an environment capable of generating international level judo athletes.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analisar la edad de iniciación deportiva, el proceso de iniciación en la modalidad judo, y el tiempo de practica de los luchadores olímpicos brasileños. Fue utilizada una muestra de 6 luchadores de la selección brasileña de los Juegos Olímpicos de Atenas, 2004. La pesquisa utilizó como herramienta una entrevista compuesta por 2 preguntas abiertas. Los discursos indicaron que la iniciación temprana del entrenamiento es uno de los factores más relevantes para la adquisición de un alto nivel de desempeño posterior, al tiempo que la edad mediana de la iniciación en la modalidad ocurrió por vuelta de los 6,2±1,3 años. Además, el apoyo familiar, asociado a un microsistema de desarrollo de los atletas forman un ambiente capaz de generar atletas.

Efeito da idade relativa no Tênis / The relative age effect in Tennis

Estudos anteriores demonstraram que a distribuição de datas de nascimento dos atletas envolvidosnos esportes, como Handebol, Hóquei no Gelo, eo futebol é desequilibrada, com uma maior participaçãode indivíduos nascidos no início do ano de seleção. Este fenómeno tem sido descrito como oefeito da idade relativa (RAE). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência da RAE emTénis, mais especificamente nas seguintes categorias: menores de 12 anos, menores de 14 anos, menores de 16 anos, e sob18. Para este estudo, a amostra foi constituída por 700 jogadores de ténis masculino jovens (entre os classificados100 melhores jogadores de suas respectivas categorias) e os 100 melhores jogadores profissionais. A fim decomparar as datas de nascimento de nascimento, foram realizados o teste do qui-quadrado (x2) e correção de Bonferroni.O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido em p <0,05. Os resultados deste estudo apontam para aocorrência da RAE em todas as categorias de base. Foi observado que a maioria destes atletas(65,2%) nasceu no primeiro semestre. Além disso, uma diferença significativa foi detectada entrea distribuição esperada de nascidos vivos (população de referência; n = 1.433.945) eo observadodistribuição de nascidos vivos (tenistas jovens; n = 700) (p <0,05). Entre o profissionalatletas (n = 100), a distribuição de nascimentos em todo os quadrantes foi equilibrada. considerando-se oincidência de RAE, é imperativo que os treinadores de tênis planejar e implementar estratégias para a seleçãoe desenvolvimento de talentos esportivos, a fim de oferecer oportunidades semelhantes a todos os jovens atletas.

Previous studies have shown that the distribution of birth dates of athletes engaged in sports, such as Handball, Ice Hockey, and Soccer is unbalanced, with greater participation of individuals born early in the year of selection. This phenomenon has been described as the relative age effect (RAE). The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of the RAE in Tennis, more specifically in the following categories: under 12, under 14, under 16, and under 18. For this study, the sample consisted of 700 young male Tennis players (ranked among the top 100 players for their respective categories) and the top 100 professional players. In order to compare birth dates of birth, the Chi-square test (x2) and Bonferroni correction were performed. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results of this study indicate the occurrence of the RAE in all youth categories. It was observed that the majority of these athletes (65.2 %) was born in the first semester. In addition, a significant difference was detected between the expected distribution of live births (reference population; n =1,433,945) and the observed distribution of live births (young tennis players; n = 700) (p < 0.05). Among the professional athletes (n=100), the distribution of births across the quarters was balanced. Considering the incidence of RAE, it is imperative that Tennis coaches plan and implement strategies for selection and development of sport talents in order to provide similar opportunities to all young athletes.

Métodos de fracionamento da cortada do voleibol sob a perspectiva de professores de educação física / Part and whole techniques for the volleyball spike from the perspective of Physical Education teachers

Pelo fato de o fracionamento da prática da cortada ser um tema polêmico que tem gerado inconsistências teóricas e práticas, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar quais métodos de fracionamento da cortada são utilizados por professores de Educação Física em diferentes fases profissionais no processo ensino ­aprendizagem da cortada. Além disso, pretendeu-­se descrever as justificativas dos professores para a escolha dos métodos. A amostra foi composta por 36 professores de Educação Física com níveis distintos de experiência na área, os quais responderam a um questionário sobre o uso de métodos de ensino relativos ao fracionamento da cortada do voleibol. As maiores frequências de respostas favoráveis ao fracionamento foram fornecidas por professores em estágios iniciais da carreira, os quais alegaram que a complexidade da cortada é o motivo principal para o uso de tal procedimento...

Given that the use of part and whole techniques for the volleyball spike has generated a great deal of theoretical and practical debate, the purpose of the present study was to investigate which methods Physical Education teachers use in different professional phases in order to teach the volleyball spike. Moreover, this study was aimed at describing the reasons why these methods were chosen. Thirty six Physical Education teachers with different career levels responded to a questionnaire on the use of teaching methods regarding part and whole techniques for teaching the spike. Higher frequencies of responses for part techniques were detected in teachers at the beginning of their careers, who claimed that task complexity was the main reason for doing so...

Debido a que la práctica de remate de voleibol con el fraccionamiento ser un tema controvertido y ha generado muchas las inconsistencias teóricas y prácticas, el propósito de este estudio fue investigar cuales dos métodos de fraccionamiento del remate son utilizadas por los profesores de Educación Física en las diferentes etapas profesionales en el proceso de enseñanza y el aprendizaje del remate. Además, hemos tratado de describir la justificación de docentes para selección de uno de los métodos. La muestra se compone de 36 profesores de educación física con los niveles de experiencia diferente, que responderán a un cuestionario sobre el uso de métodos de enseñanza para el fraccionamiento del remate de voleibol. Las frecuencias más altas de respuestas favorables a el fraccionamiento fueran dadas por los profesores en niveles iniciales de la carrera, que justificaram la complejidad del movimiento como la razón principal para el empleo de tal procedimiento...

Processo de formação de tenistas talentosos / Formation process of talented tennis players

O objetivo do presente estudo foi obter informações a respeito do processo de formação de tenistas talentosos e os consequentes fatores que contribuíram para o alcance do profissionalismo. Para tanto, se utilizou uma amostra de cinco tenistas brasileiros profissionais, caracterizados por terem pontos na ATP (Associação dos Tenistas Profissionais). A pesquisa foi constituída através de um delineamento qualitativo, que utilizou como instrumento uma entrevista composta por três perguntas abertas, elaboradas para explorar o contexto de formação do talento. Para a análise dos resultados foi utilizado o "Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo". De acordo com os resultados, pode-se observar a importância que os professores tiveram no desenvolvimento destes tenistas talentosos, tanto na iniciação como no treinamento. No que se diz respeito ao planejamento dos treinos, o presente estudo demonstra a falta de profissionalismo nas fases iniciais do processo de formação, e a posterior preocupação apenas quando este atleta demonstra possuir algum potencial para seguir carreira profissional.

The objective of this study was to obtain information about the formation process of talented players and the factors that contributed to their professionalism. We used a sample of five Brazilian professional tennis players, with significant scores earned at the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals). The study was conducted using a qualitative research design, which used as an instrument interview consisting of three open-ended questions designed to explore the context of training talent in tennis. For the analysis of the results we used the "Collective Subject Discourse." According to the results, we observed the importance instructors have in developing these talented players during the early and the later training process. With regard to the planning of the training sessions, this study demonstrates the lack of professionalism in the early stages of the training process and the primary concern with the athlete's professional career potential.

Judocas olímpicos Brasileiros: fatores de apoio psicossocial para o desenvolvimento do talento esportivo / Olympic judo athletes: psychosocial support elements to sports talent development

Embora no Brasil o judô possua tradição olímpica, pouco se conhece sobre os aspectos que contribuem para o desenvolvimento do talento no cenário nacional. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os fatores de apoio psicossocial presentes no desenvolvimento de judocas brasileiros talentosos do sexo masculino. Para tanto, se utilizou uma amostra de seis judocas, pertencentes à seleção brasileira nos Jogos Olímpicos de Atenas, 2004. A pesquisa foi constituída através de um delineamento qualitativo, que utilizou como instrumento uma entrevista composta por três perguntas abertas. Para a análise dos resultados foi utilizado o "Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo". Os discursos indicaram a importância dos fatores relacionados : a) ao apoio da família; b) ao prazer pela prática; e c) a determinação dos judocas, corroborando com a literatura internacional no que tange a relevância dos fatores psicossociais para o desenvolvimento do talento em diferentes domínios do conhecimento.

Although judo is a traditional Olympic Sport in Brazil, little is known regarding the key aspects to develop talents at the national scenario. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychosocial supporting factors that are seen in the development of talented male Brazilian Judo athletes. A sample of 6 athletes that were in the Athens Olympic Games of 2004 was studied. Research was designed on qualitative basis and used a three open questions interview as investigative tool. Results were analyzed using the discourse of the collective subject. Discourses indicated as important, factors related to: a) family support; b) pleasure in practice; and c) athletes determination, reinforcing the international scientific literature regarding the importance of psychosocial factors to talent development in several knowledge domains.

Desempenho esportivo no judô olímpico brasileiro: o talento é precoce? / Performance in the olympic brazilian judo: is talent too young?

O judô brasileiro é uma modalidade que possui tradição olímpica. Entretanto, sobre o processo de formação de judocas brasileiros, não se conhece o momento em que o talento se manifesta na modalidade. Tal problemática não é exclusiva do judô e se estende ao contexto popular, no qual ainda é comum a crença de que o talento pode ser observado precocemente numa criança. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a manifestação do talento em judocas olímpicos brasileiros. Para tanto, se utilizou uma amostra de seis judocas, pertencentes a seleção brasileira olímpica nos Jogos Olímpicos de Atenas, 2004. A pesquisa foi constituída através de um delineamento qualitativo, que utilizou como instrumento uma entrevista composta por uma pergunta aberta, elaborada para explorar o contexto de iniciação esportiva no judô. Para a análise dos resultados foi utilizado o “Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo”. Os discursos indicaram que a maioria dos judocas olímpicos brasileiros analisados (83,3%) não foram talentos precoces, fortalecendo a idéia de que não há, em regra, uma relação de estabilidade entre o desempenho inicial e o desempenho futuro. Em outras palavras, selecionar precocemente com base no desempenho inicial é um risco para o processo de promoção de talentos.

Brazilian Judo is a Sport that has Olympic tradition. Nevertheless, the talent blooming timing is not known. This is not a Judo problem only, since it’s a popular costume to look for talent even in very young athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze talent blooming in Olympic Judo Brazilian athletes. Six athletes from the Olympic team that went to Athens, 2004 were studied. Research was qualitative and the instrument used was a open question interview that was designed to investigate the initiation process in Judo. Results were analyzed using the “Collective subject speech”. Speeches analyzed showed that most of the athletes analyzed (83.3%) weren´t young talents, reinforcing the idea that there is no warranty of a good performance in the future, because the athlete performs well when he´s young. In other words, selecting athletes precociously is a risk to the talent development process.

Seleção de tenistas brasileiros talentosos / Selection of Brazilian talented tennis players

Caracterizado como esporte de alto rendimento, o tênis vive uma fase em que há um notável aumento de tenistas juvenis competitivos. Todavia, não se conhecem os fatores que contribuem para o desenvolvimento do talento na modalidade até o profissionalismo. Assim sendo, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar e analisar o processo de iniciação esportiva de tenistas brasileiros talentosos e os consequentes fatores que contribuíram para o alcance do profissionalismo e obter informações a respeito das atribuições ao talento “tenístico” e o início de seu destaque no circuito. Para tanto se utilizou uma amostra de cinco tenistas brasileiros profissionais, caracterizados por terem pontos na ATP (Associação dos Tenistas Profissionais). A pesquisa foi constituída através de um delineamento qualitativo, que utilizou como instrumento uma entrevista composta por quatro perguntas abertas, elaboradas para explorar o contexto de desenvolvimento do talento no tênis. Para a análise dos resultados foi utilizado o “Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo”. Ao analisar as respostas atribuídas para cada questão, pode-se observar a ausência de programas nacionais de desenvolvimento esportivo. Contudo, foi possível verificar que os clubes aparecem como microssistemas capazes de gerar um ambiente favorável para o desenvolvimento do talento no tênis. No que se diz respeito aos aspectos psicossociais, o presente estudo corrobora com a literatura, no qual fatores como o apoio da família, o gosto pela prática e a determinação dos tenistas exerceram papel fundamental no processo de desenvolvimento do tenista brasileiro talentoso.

Defined as a high performance Sport, tennis is in a stage in which there is a considerable increase of the competitive young tennis players. However, it is not known the facts which contribute for the talent development in the modality as far as its professionalism. Therefore, the aim of this present study is to verify and analyze the process of the sporting initiation of talented Brazilians tennis players and the consequent factors that contributed for the professionalism achievement and to obtain information about the attributions for the tennis talent and the beginning of its distinction in the circuit. For the development of this study a sample of five professional Brazilian tennis players was used and they all have point in ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals). The research was done through a qualitative outline which used a four-open-question interview as a tool. The questions were elaborated to explore the context of the talent development in tennis. The “Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo” was used for the analysis of the results. Through the analysis of the given answers for each question, it was possible to observe the lack of national programs in sport development. However, it was possible to verify that the clubs appear as Microsystems and they are able to generate a favorable environment for the talent development in tennis. Concerning the psychosocial aspects, the present study confirms the literature in which facts like family support, practice liking and the determination of the tennis player carry out a fundamental role in the process of the talented Brazilian tennis player development.

Características discriminantes de jovens atletas de handebol do sexo masculino / Discriminant features of young male handball players

O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar quais as variáveis, isoladas ou em combinação, diferenciam jovens atletas de handebol de dois níveis competitivos. A amostra foi composta por 48 atletas do sexo masculino, com idade entre 13 e 14 anos, de dois níveis competitivos diferentes, sendo 18 escolares e 30 federados. Foram realizadas medidas antropométricas, de aptidão física e de nível de conhecimento tático. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se a estatística descritiva e a regressão logística (backward), considerando-se como variável dependente o nível competitivo e como independentes as variáveis cineantropométricas e o nível de conhecimento tático. A combinação de estatura, salto vertical, agilidade e força de arremesso obteve um índice de classificação correta em 88,6% dos indivíduos. A estatura isoladamente foi a variável que melhor discriminou os grupos, porém acredita-se na necessidade de considerar a mesma combinada os fatores de aptidão física.

The aim of this study was to assess which variables, in isolation or in combination, differentiate between young handball players at two different competitive levels. The sample was composed of 48 male athletes aged between 13 and 14 years old, 18 of whom played at school level and 30 of whom were league players. Anthropometric measurements, physical fitness and level of tactical knowledge were all evaluated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression (backward), with competitive level as the dependent variable and tactical knowledge and kinanthropometric parameters as the independent variables. A combination of height, vertical jump, agility and throwing strength achieved an 88.6% rate of correct classification of the individuals tested. Taken in isolation, height was the variable that best differentiated between the groups, but it is believed that it is necessary to combine this with physical fitness variables.

A utilizaçäo de variáveis cineantropométricas no processo de detecççäo, seleçäo e promoçäo de talentos do voleibol / The utilization of the anthropometrical and physical fitness in process of detection, seletion and promotion of volleyball talents

O treinamemto a longo prazo, realizado de forma planejada e sistemática, contribui para a formaçäo de esportistas de diversas modalidades