A Global Positioning System Used to Monitor the Physical Performance of Elite Beach Handball Referees in a Spanish Championship.

Beach handball is a fully developed sporting discipline on all five continents which has attracted the attention of researchers in the last decade, resulting in a proliferation of different studies focusing on players but not on referees. The main objective of this cross-sectional research was to determine the physical demands on elite male beach handball referees in four different competitions: U18 male; U18 female; senior male; and senior female. Twelve elite federated male referees (age: 30.86 ± 8 years; body height: 175.72 ± 4.51 cm; body weight: 80.18 ± 17.99 kg; fat percentage: 20.1 ± 4.41%; national or international experience) belonging to the Technical Committee of the Royal Spanish Handball Federation were recruited for this the study. The physical demands required of referees in official matches were measured by installing a GPS device. The sampling frequency used to record their speed and distance was 15 Hz. A triaxial accelerometer (100 Hz) was used to determine their acceleration. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) between competitions with post hoc comparisons using the Bonferroni adjustment was used to compare among categories. A higher distance covered in zone 1 and speeds of 0 to 6 km-h-1 were recorded. Most accelerations and decelerations occurred in zones 0 and 1 (zone 0: 0 to 1 m·s-2; zone 1: 1 to 2 m·s-2). The lack of differences (p > 0.05) between most analysed variables suggest quite similar physical demands of the four analysed competitions. These results provide relevant information to design optimal training plans oriented to the real physical demands on referees in an official competition.

Global Positioning System Analysis of Physical Demands in Elite Women's Beach Handball Players in an Official Spanish Championship.

This cross-sectional study aims to analyze the physical demands of elite beach handball players during an official competition. Nine elite female (mean age: 24.6 ± 4.0 years; body weight: 62.4 ± 4.6 kg; body height: 1.68 ± 0.059 m; training experience: 5 years; training: 6 h/week) beach handball players of the Spanish National Team were recruited for this study. A Global Positioning System was incorporated on each player's back to analyze their movement patterns. Speed and distance were recorded at a sampling frequency of 15 Hz, whereas acceleration was recorded at 100 Hz by means of a built-in triaxial accelerometer. The main finding of the study is that 53% of the distance travelled is done at speeds between 1.5 and 5 km/h and 30% of the distance is between 9 and 13 km/h (83% of the total distance covered), which shows the intermittent efforts that beach handball involves at high intensity, as reflected in the analysis of the internal load with 62.82 ± 14.73% of the game time above 80% of the maximum heart rate. These data help to orientate training objectives to the physical demands required by the competition in order to optimize the players' performance.

Study the Effect of an Innovative Educational Program Promoting Healthy Food Habits on Eating Disorders, Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Body Composition in University Students.

The university stage is a good time to promote healthy eating strategies. The sociological and cultural changes experienced by students lead them to skip meals, increase their intake of fast food and energy-dense foods, decreasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). Professionals related to food such as nutritionists and dietitians are also considered a population at risk of developing eating disorders due to the extensive knowledge they possess, which can be used for both good and bad practice. The objective was to analyze the impact of a 4-month educational program promoting the Mediterranean diet on risky eating behaviors, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and body composition in nutrition and dietetics students, studying the differences according to the group investigated (control group and educated group). The context of the research was 196 students (49 males and 147 females) from two consecutive years. The control group did not receive any type of intervention, while with the control group (educated) an educational program was carried out. Results showed that women with greater control over energy intake, carbohydrates, and sugar had a lower percentage of fat mass, while in men, the relationship was established with weight. Regarding adherence to the Mediterranean diet, at post, it is adequate in both men (8.25 ± 2.87) and women (7.90 ± 2.89), with no significant differences between the intervention groups.

Professional Male Beach Handball Players Performance Profile.

Beach handball is a sport that has seen an increase in the number of players in the last decade. The aim of the study was to evaluate the basic measures of body composition, maturation, performance outcomes and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of professional beach handball players, as a function of category (junior vs. senior) and playing positions. Thirty-six professional beach handball players participated in the study: 18 seniors (age: 25.0 ± 5.19) and 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.46); Each player's body composition and different sports performance variables were analysed using the CMJ test, the Abalakov test, the Yo-Yo Test IR1 and the handgrip test. The Mediterranean diet Adherence was analysed using the KIDMED questionnaire. Significant differences are observed for all performance variables, with the values of senior players being higher in all cases (p < 0.005). Moreover, the adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate. Positive correlations were observed between the CMJ and weight (p = 0.012) and the CMJ and the BMI (p = 0.003). The same was observed for the Abalakov test, with p = 0.004 for weight and p = 0.001 for the BMI. Regarding the dynamometry, it positively correlates with the height (p = 0.002), the sitting height (p = 0.008), wingspan (p < 0.001) and weight (p = 0.011). The opposite occurred with the Yo-Yo Test and the KIDMED variables. Conclusions: One aspect to improve, as a key performance factor, would be the adherence to the Mediterranean diet for both categories. Players with a better adherence, achieved better results in the performance tests.

Quantitative Diet, Body Composition and Sprint Performance in Female Professional Beach Handball Players.

Women's elite sports have experienced an exponential increase in the last decade, as has beach handball (BH). The high demands of this sport mean that athletes need to be in superior physical condition, so nutrition and body composition are determining factors in their sporting performance. For this reason, the aim of this study was to analyze, compare and correlate the most relevant variables of food intake (quantitative), body composition (focus on the bone mass characteristics) and sprint performance in female professional BH players. Thirty-three women from the National Spanish Team participated in this study. Dietary assessment, anthropometric measurements and sprint tests were performed. In general, the players had a low carbohydrate intake and adequate protein intake, with no significant differences depending on the category and playing position. For senior players, positive correlations were found between protein intake and bone mass (r = 0.584, p = 0.022), polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and muscle mass (r = 0.387, p = 0.026) and finally between fat mass and animal protein intake (r = 0.569, p = 0.027). Body composition was similar in both categories; however, goalkeepers had the highest fat (22.6 ± 3.86%, 16.2 ± 4.84 kg) component (vs. wings: 17.4 ± 3.53%, p = 0.031/vs. specialists: 11.1 ± 1.91 kg, p = 0.034), and senior players had higher muscle mass (kilograms). It is worth noting the finding that players with a greater trochanter height had significantly lower sprint times (p = 0.014 and p = 0.048 for 5 and 10 m, respectively). Certain bone characteristics, such as iliospinale height, biacromial and bimalleolar diameters, mesosternal perimeter and biceps skinfold, differ depending on the position. In addition, the greater speed of the senior players may be due to the greater specialization, number of training sessions performed and specific bone characteristics, such as trochanter height. In this regard, the data provided in this study will assist with establishing criteria for the selection of talent for this sporting discipline.

Eating Disorders in Top Elite Beach Handball Players: Cross Sectional Study.

(1) Background: The preoccupation with the increasing appearance of eating disorders (ED) in athletes continues to grow, especially in athletes who practice team sports. ED severely affects the eating habits of the athletes, who tend to use unhealthy approaches to control their body weight. The development of nutritional education and early interventions by training staff is essential, and these factors are widely perceived as beneficial in sports medicine. This study evaluates the frequency at which beach handball (BH) players develop ED, also comparing the differences by sex and age (junior: adolescents vs. senior: young adults). In addition, the relation between body composition variables and ED was studied. (2) Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 69 top elite handball players (36 males and 33 females) from the Spanish National BH Team; who were separated by age (junior: adolescents and senior: young adults). The athletes completed the Eating Attitudes Test in its 26 item version (EAT-26). (3) Results: The prevalence of ED indicated that 11% of females had a high possibility of developing an ED, and 3% of males. Regarding the EAT-26 total score and subscales, no significant differences were found between female and male participants, or between the junior and senior categories. The correlations showed an association between body composition, in terms of body mass index, and the EAT-26 total score in both males and females. In the case of males, the correlation was negative. (4) Conclusions: Although there are no significant differences between sex or categories, it has been found that elite athletes are a population that is at high risk of developing ED.

Anthropometric Dimensions and Bone Quality in International Male Beach Handball Players: Junior vs. Senior Comparison.

BACKGROUND: Beach handball is a recent team sport characterized by defensive and offensive actions on a sand surface. Scientific evidence has shown that body composition is fundamental in sports performance. The main objective of this study was to know the body composition, anthropometric characteristics, and bone mineral density of elite beach handball players. Furthermore, another purpose was to analyze the differences between categories (junior and senior) and playing position. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 36 male players (18 juniors and 18 seniors) of the Spanish National Beach Handball Team was conducted. Full profile anthropometry and calcaneal ultrasound measurements were used. Results: Significant differences between categories (p < 0.05) were found in: height, body mass, arm span, BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, bone mass, skinfolds, and body perimeters. The somatotype changes depending on the playing position. Bone mineral density of the players was adequate. No significant differences were found by playing position. Conclusions: Senior players had a better body composition due to the presence of less fat mass than junior players. This study provides reference values of elite junior and senior beach handball players and by playing positions. This data is useful for the identification of talents and players who should be trained to improve their body composition.

Study of Physical Fitness, Bone Quality, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Professional Female Beach Handball Players: Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Beach handball is a relatively new type of sport, derived from team handball. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical fitness of elite players of this sport by studying some variables of sports performance, including strength, endurance and power, and dietary habits, and to assess bone ultrasonographic variables. (2) Methods: 33 beach handball players have participated in this research; 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.50) and 15 seniors (age: 24.8 ± 4.71). The athletes' strength was evaluated using the Handgrip Test on the dominant hand, the height of jump was evaluated by a counter-jump on a contact platform, and velocity, agility, and resistance by the Yo-Yo test. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the sound of speed (SOS) through the calcaneus were also measured. The Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations were made between the study variables. (3) Results: Both in the case of the dynamometric hand strength test (p < 0.05) and in the lower extremity power test (p < 0.01), senior players presented significantly higher values compared to junior players (35.1 ± 3.84 vs. 31.8 ± 3.37 and 35.1 ± 6.89 vs. 28.5 ± 5.69 with the dynamometry and Abalakov tests, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the variables by playing position. Significant correlations between different variables have been established, highlighting negative correlations between BMI and weight with the Abalakov Jump Test and positive correlations between Yo-Yo and BUA, and, between BMI and BUA. (4) Conclusions: Older and trained players are in better physical fitness; high weight and BMI have a negative influence on power, agility, speed, and endurance. In general, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate and it seems evident that there is a beneficial influence of beach handball on bone condition, as measured by ultrasound. However future research should be carried on, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments and food intake registers for a whole week.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Composition and Performance in Beach Handball Players: A Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Beach handball (BH) is a sport in which sporting performance is influenced, together with team interaction, by individual performance in terms of strength. Body composition is one of the main factors for sports performance and eating habits can condition this variable. The Mediterranean diet (MD) can significantly reduce the risk of mortality or cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment carries out different campaigns to promote it among young athletes, establishing it as a suitable diet for sports. OBJECTIVES: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity and adherence to the MD of beach handball players. It also aims to evaluate age group differences in male and female players, as well as studying the possible relationship between MD, body composition and performance variables. METHODS: A total of 59 Spanish BH players were recruited in the national championship of BH in the province of Alicante. Thirty-eight male (14 junior; 17.0 ± 0.1 years and 24 seniors; 25.5 ± 4.7 years) and twenty-one female (7 junior; 16.1 ± 1.46 years and 14 seniors; 23.2 ± 2.0 years) BH players participated in this study. The questionnaire to evaluate eating habits was Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). Body composition was measured with electrical bioimpedance. Strength was evaluated by means of a maximum isometric handgrip test of the dominant hand with handgrip and height of jump by counter-jump on contact platform. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations between the study variables were made. RESULTS: In females, when the adherence to the MD is lower, the weight is higher, the lean body mass is lower and worse results are observed in performance tests. As for males, there are differences in weight and lean body mass according to category. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate eating habits are related to the weight of beach handball athletes. In addition, specifically with junior players, it has been observed that adherence to the MD correlates with weight.

Measuring Residents' Perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility at Small- and Medium-Sized Sports Events.

Due to the increase of sports events in local communities, it has become essential to organize such events in a socially responsible way at the environmental, social, and economic levels. The aim of this research was to develop a measurement tool to help determine the degree of social responsibility perceived by residents at small-medium scale sports events, to guide sports managers towards the design of socially responsible sports events. From the elaboration of a questionnaire developed ad-hoc, the perception of the residents was analyzed (n = 516). The psychometric properties of the tool, composed of 35 items, were analyzed by means of an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. As main conclusions, we were able to contrast the validity and reliability of the questionnaire on the perception of corporate social responsibility in small-scale sports events, around the dimensions of Sustainable Sports Activity, Social Cohesion, and Well-Being. As a consequence, it allowed us to identify three strategic management areas towards which the organizers of these events should focus special attention if they want to progress towards the achievement of socially responsible sports events.

Influence of the structural components of artificial turf systems on impact attenuation in amateur football players.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of the structural components of different 3rd generation artificial turf football field systems on the biomechanical response of impact attenuation in amateur football players. A total of 12 amateur football players (24.3 ± 3.7 years, 73.5 ± 5.5 kg, 178.3 ± 4.1 cm and 13.7 ± 4.3 years of sport experience) were evaluated on three third generation artificial turf systems (ATS) with different structural components. ATS were composed of asphalt sub-base and 45 mm of fibre height with (ATS1) and without (ATS2) elastic layer or compacted granular sub-base, 60 mm of fibre height without elastic layer (ATS3). Two triaxial accelerometers were firmly taped to the forehead and the distal end of the right tibia of each individual. The results reveal a higher force reduction on ATS3 in comparison to ATS1 (+6.24%, CI95%: 1.67 to 10.92, ES: 1.07; p < 0.05) and ATS2 (+21.08%, CI95%: 16.51 to 25.66, ES: 2.98; p < 0.05) elastic layer. Tibia acceleration rate was lower on ATS3 than ATS1 (-0.32, CI95%: -0.60 to -0.03, ES: 4.23; p < 0.05) and ATS2 (-0.35, CI95%: -0.64 to -0.06; ES: 4.69; p < 0.05) at 3.3 m/s. A very large correlation (r = 0.7 to 0.9; p < 0.05) was found between energy restitution and fibre height in both head and tibial peak acceleration and stride time. In conclusion, structural components (fibre height, infill, sub-base and elastic layer) determine the mechanical properties of artificial turf fields. A higher force reduction and lower energy restitution diminished the impact received by the player which could protect against injuries associated with impacts compared to harder artificial turf surfaces.