RESUMEN
Introduction: There has been growth in research in the sport of curling over the past few decades. The need for a scoping review is warranted. This study's purpose was to identify and synthesize research evidence regarding quantitative variables for a series of components within the sport of curling. Methods: A scoping review of studies published and established within four databases was performed. One independent reviewer selected studies based on a systematic procedure. Inclusion criteria for studies were: (1) interventions that focused on the sport of curling; (2) quantitative in nature; (3) written in English; and (4) published within a peer-reviewed journal, a conference presentation, or a published thesis. Results: Searching identified 8,467 articles and 94 met the inclusion criteria. Data were organized and synthesized based on the devised research variables from the sport of curling: The curl mechanism of the curling stone; the impact of sweeping on stone trajectory; curling delivery mechanics; wheelchair curling; technology analysis; strategy and tactics; psychological factors; injury occurrences; facility and arena infrastructure; and assessment of curling training and ability. The findings confirm the strong knowledge base that exists across game variables and unveil controversy between the underlying physics that produces curl, as well as the mechanisms of sweeping responsible for manipulating the stone trajectory. Conclusions: Knowledge derived from this review can assist researchers, coaches, and curlers in addressing the specific variables of the sport that influence stone trajectory and game results. Such awareness will expose gaps in the current understanding and foster new research endeavors to further the knowledge of the sport.
RESUMEN
SUMMARY: Few international studies have analyzed the characteristics of elite wheelchair curlers competing on the international stage. This study aims to investigate the physical fitness parameters of elite Chinese wheelchair curlers and explore the corresponding training enlightenment. Sixteen wheelchair curlers from the Chinese national team, including six male and two female Winter Paralympic gold medalists, were selected as research participants. The following parameters were measured: age, training age, height, weight, body fat percentage, grip strength, absolute bench press strength, and 5-km wheelchair push-timing test. Compared with ordinary curlers of the Chinese wheelchair curling team, elite curlers were older in age and training age; male curlers were shorter, whereas female curlers were taller. However, their weight and body fat percentage were lower, and their grip strength, absolute strength in the bench press, and 5-k wheelchair push-timing test were better. From an athlete development and physical training perspective, wheelchair curlers should increase training years in order to accumulate competition experience. Additionally, these athletes should manage their body weight and fat percentage, and improve their upper limb strength and aerobic capacity.
Pocos estudios internacionales han analizado las características de los curlers en silla de ruedas de élite que compiten en el escenario internacional. Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar los parámetros de aptitud física de los bigudíes chinos en silla de ruedas de élite y explorar la iluminación del entrenamiento correspondiente. Se seleccionaron como participantes de la investigación dieciséis curlers en silla de ruedas del equipo nacional chino, incluidos seis medallistas de oro masculinos y dos femeninos de los Juegos Paralímpicos de Invierno. Se midieron los siguientes parámetros: edad, edad de entrenamiento, altura, peso, porcentaje de grasa corporal, fuerza de agarre, fuerza absoluta en press de banca y prueba de sincronización de empuje en silla de ruedas de 5 km. En comparación con los curlers ordinarios del equipo chino de curling en silla de ruedas, los curlers de élite eran mayores en edad y tiempo de entrenamiento; Los curlers masculinos eran más bajos, mientras que las mujeres eran más altas. Sin embargo, su peso y porcentaje de grasa corporal fueron menores, y su fuerza de agarre, fuerza absoluta en press de banca y prueba de sincronización de empuje en silla de ruedas de 5-k fueron mejores. Desde la perspectiva del desarrollo del atleta y del entrenamiento físico, los curlers en silla de ruedas deberían aumentar los años de entrenamiento para acumular experiencia en competencia. Además, estos deportistas deben controlar su peso corporal y porcentaje de grasa, y mejorar la fuerza de sus miembros superiores y su capacidad aeróbica.