Growth patterns and population dynamics of Chiton articulatus (Mollusca: Polyplacophora): A multi-decade study.

The edible chiton Chiton articulatus is a commercially important mollusk found in the rocky intertidal zones of the Mexican tropical Pacific. Despite the intense harvesting in Acapulco Bay, Mexico, knowledge of its growth patterns is limited, hindering the development of effective management strategies. This study investigated the growth dynamics of C. articulatus using a multi-model inference approach based on size structure data collected in four sampling periods covering four decades. Results revealed continuous recruitment throughout the year, contributing to population resilience. The species exhibited growth plasticity, highlighting its adaptive potential. We found complex temporal patterns influenced mainly by climatic events. The El Niño event sowed higher growth rates and lower asymptotic length, while La Niña events showed the opposite pattern. This research provides insights into the growth dynamics of C. articulatus, highlighting the need for holistic management strategies for this commercially important species in the face of environmental change.

Examining the Effects of Altitude on Workload Demands in Professional Basketball Players during the Preseason Phase.

Basketball involves frequent high-intensity movements requiring optimal aerobic power. Altitude training can enhance physiological adaptations, but research examining its effects in basketball is limited. This study aimed to characterize the internal/external workload of professional basketball players during preseason and evaluate the effects of altitude and playing position. Twelve top-tier professional male basketball players (Liga Endesa, ACB; guards: n = 3, forwards: n = 5, and centers: n = 4) participated in a crossover study design composed of two training camps with nine sessions over 6 days under two different conditions: high altitude (2320 m) and sea level (10 m). Internal loads (heart rate, %HRMAX) and external loads (total distances covered across speed thresholds, accelerations/decelerations, impacts, and jumps) were quantified via wearable tracking and heart rate telemetry. Repeated-measures MANOVA tested the altitude x playing position effects. Altitude increased the total distance (+10%), lower-speed running distances (+10-39%), accelerations/decelerations (+25-30%), average heart rate (+6%), time in higher-intensity HR zones (+23-63%), and jumps (+13%) across all positions (p < 0.05). Positional differences existed, with guards accruing more high-speed running and centers exhibiting greater cardiovascular demands (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 6-day altitude block effectively overloads training, providing a stimulus to enhance fitness capacities when structured appropriately. Monitoring workloads and individualizing training by playing position are important when implementing altitude training, given the varied responses.

Effect of COVID-19 on Key Performance Indicators of Spanish Professional Soccer League.

The unprecedented COVID-19 health crisis severely disrupted global sports in 2020, prompting lengthy suspensions followed by resumed competitions under abnormal behind-closed-doors conditions without fans. These disruptions necessitated tactical adaptations by coaches and teams, attempting to still achieve successful outcomes. This study investigates the pandemic's impacts on performance metrics and indicators within Spanish professional soccer. Utilizing systematic notational analysis, 760 match cases from the 2019-2020 La Liga season were examined, comprising 27 matchdays from the pre-COVID context and 11 after resumption. Multivariate tests identified significant pre/post differences and interactions for various technical indicators including shots, cards, corners, and offside calls. The pandemic was associated with a reduction from 12 to just 5 identifiable playing styles, suggestive of increased conservatism featuring more passive play, limited attacking depth, and horizontal ball movement. Such tactical changes appear provoked by condensed fixture scheduling post-lockdown, the lack of supportive crowds, and compromised player fitness/recovery. By quantifying these COVID-precipitated changes, the analysis provides tangible evidence for coaches to make informed adjustments in training and preparation for functioning effectively in disrupted environments. The findings emphasize that versatility and flexibility will be vital to optimize performance during times of unprecedented uncertainty.

Intensity Thresholds for External Workload Demands in Basketball: Is Individualization Based on Playing Positions Necessary?

Currently, basketball teams use inertial devices for monitoring external and internal workload demands during training and competitions. However, the intensity thresholds preset by device manufacturers are generic and not adapted for specific sports (e.g., basketball) and players' positions (e.g., guards, forwards, and centers). Using universal intensity thresholds may lead to failure in accurately capturing the true external load faced by players in different positions. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify external load demands based on playing positions and establish different intensity thresholds based on match demands in order to have specific reference values for teams belonging to the highest competitive level of Spanish basketball. Professional male players (n = 68) from the Spanish ACB league were monitored during preseason official games. Three specific positions were used to group the players: guards, forwards, and centers. Speed, accelerations, decelerations, impacts/min, and player load/min were collected via inertial devices. Two-step clustering and k-means clustering categorized load metrics into intensity zones for guards, forwards, and centers. Guards covered more distance at high speeds (12.72-17.50 km/h) than forwards and centers (p < 0.001). Centers experienced the most impacts/min (p < 0.001). Guards exhibited greater accelerations/decelerations, albeit mostly low magnitude (p < 0.001). K-means clustering allowed the setting of five zones revealing additional thresholds. All positions showed differences in threshold values (p < 0.001). The findings provide insights into potential disparities in the external load during competition and help establish position-specific intensity thresholds for optimal monitoring in basketball. These data are highly applicable to the design of training tasks at the highest competitive level.

Remote Sensing Evaluation Drone Herbicide Application Effectiveness for Controlling Echinochloa spp. in Rice Crop in Valencia (Spain).

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple cereal in the diet of more than half of the world's population. Within the European Union, Spain is a leader in rice production due to its climate and tradition, accounting for 26% of total EU production in 2020. The Valencian rice area covers around 15,000 hectares and is strongly influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. An important biotic factor affecting rice production is weeds, which compete with rice for sunlight, water and nutrients. The dominant weed in Spain is Echinochloa spp., although wild rice is becoming increasingly important. Rice cultivation in Valencia takes place in the area of L'Albufera de Valencia, which is a natural park, i.e., a special protection area. In this natural area, the use of phytosanitary products is limited, so it is necessary to use the minimum amount possible. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the possibility of using remote sensing effectively to determine the effectiveness of the application of the herbicide cyhalofop-butyl by drone for the control of Echinochloa spp. in rice crops in Valencia. The results will be compared with those obtained by using sterilisation machines (electric backpack sprayers) to apply the herbicide. To evaluate the effectiveness of the application, the reflectance obtained by the satellite sensors in the red and near infrared (NIR) wavelengths, as well as the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), were used. The remote sensing results were analysed and complemented by the number of rice plants and weeds per area, plant dry weight, leaf area, BBCH phenological state, SPAD index values, chlorophyll content and relative growth rate. Remote sensing is validated as an effective tool for determining the efficacy of an herbicide in controlling weeds applied by both the drone and the electric backpack sprayer. The weeds slowed down their development after the treatment. Depending on the phenological state of the crop and the active ingredient of the herbicide, these results are applicable to other areas with different climatic and environmental conditions.

Leadership training as a career differential: football coaches' perceptions / El entrenamiento del liderazgo como elemento diferenciador de la carrera profesional: percepciones de los entrenadores de fútbol / Formação em Liderança como diferencial na carreira: perceção de treinadores de futebol

El liderazgo ha sido estudiado como una de las principales variables para el buen rendimiento deportivo de los equipos de fútbol. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el impacto de la formación obtenida a través de la capacitación oficial de entrenadores de fútbol, en los conocimientos y habilidades de liderazgo de los respectivos entrenadores. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 211 entrenadores portugueses, titulados como entrenadores de fútbol, independientemente de su nivel formativo. Se utilizó un cuestionario con 32 ítems divididos en cuatro dimensiones: i) habilidades de gestión/supervisión, ii) liderazgo organizacional, iii) dominio personal y iv) gestión de recursos. Se utilizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM-PLS) para validar las hipótesis. Los resultados indican que la formación tiene un impacto positivo y estadísticamente significativo en las competencias de liderazgo. También se pudo comprobar un efecto significativo de la formación sobre las competencias de liderazgo. En cuanto al impacto de la formación sobre las competencias de liderazgo mediadas por el conocimiento, se comprobó que no existe un impacto estadísticamente significativo. Los resultados también muestran una autopercepción positiva de los formadores respecto a sus competencias de liderazgo. Los entrenadores reconocen que es necesario seguir formándose en el ámbito del liderazgo, muestran ser conscientes de la importancia del desarrollo profesional y continuo en este tema. Como implicaciones prácticas, el estudio sugiere una reflexión sobre el contenido y la estructura pedagógica del proceso de formación, formal e informal, de los cursos oficiales para entrenadores de fútbol sobre este contenido. (AU)

Leadership has been studied as one of the main variables for football clubs’ good sporting performance. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the impact of football coaches’ official training on these coaches’ knowledge of leadership and competences. The sample includes 211 qualified Portuguese football coaches, irrespective of their level. A questionnaire was used, with 32 items divided in 4 dimensions: management/supervisory skills, organisational leadership, personal domain, and resource management. To validate the hypotheses, structural equation modelling (SEM-PLS) was used. The results indicate that training has a positive and statistically significant impact on leadership skills. A statistically significant effect of training on leadership knowledge was also found. Concerning the impact of training on leadership skills mediated by knowledge, there was no statistically significant impact. The results also show coaches’ positive self-perception of their leadership skills. However, recognising the need for more thorough training in the field of leadership, they are aware of the importance of continued professional development in the topic. As practical implications, the study suggests reflection on the pedagogical content and structure of the training process, whether formal or informal, of official football coach courses. (AU)

A liderança tem vindo a ser estudada com uma das principais variáveis para o bom desempenho desportivo dos clubes de futebol. Deste modo, o objetivo do presente estudo é o de analisar o impacto da formação obtida por via da formação oficial de treinadores de futebol, no conhecimento ecompetências de liderança dos respetivos treinadores. A amostra incluiu 211 treinadores portugueses, habilitados para a atividade de treinador de futebol, independente do grau. Foi utilizado um questionário com 32 itens divididos em 4 dimensões: competências de gestão/supervisão, liderança organizacional, domínio pessoal, e gestão de recursos. Para a validação das hipóteses foi utilizado um modelo de equações estruturais (SEM-PLS). Os resultados indicam que a formação tem um impacto positivo e estatisticamente significativo nas competências de liderança. Foi ainda possível verificar um efeito com significância estatística da formação nos conhecimentos de liderança. Já no que diz respeito ao impacto da formação nas competências de liderança mediada pelo conhecimento, constatou-se que não existe um impacto com significância estatística. Os resultados evidenciam ainda uma autoperceção positiva dos treinadores referente às suas competências de liderança. Ainda que reconheçam que exista a necessidade de formação mais aprofundada no âmbito da liderança, mostram a sua consciência sobre a importância para o desenvolvimento profissional e contínuo sobre este tema. Como implicações práticas, o estudo sugere uma reflexão sobre o conteúdo e estrutura pedagógica do processo formativo seja ele formal ou informal dos cursos oficiais de treinadores de futebol. (AU)

Analysis of the External and Internal Load in Professional Basketball Players.

The quantification of the external load and internal load of professional players is of vital importance since it provides a great deal of information on the state of the physical condition of athletes during competition and training. The aim of the present study was to quantify the external load and internal load of the players of a first level team of the Spanish basketball league for two weeks corresponding to the pre-season 2022/2023. Seventeen load variables were analyzed and organized into kinematics external load, neuromuscular external load, and internal load. All variables were normalized to the same time unit (minute). For this purpose, all training sessions were monitored using inertial devices. The results show significant differences in the external load and internal load variables depending on the task performed and the specific position. Each type of task provokes different responses in the players, with Full Game situations producing the highest values in the kinematic external load variables (p < 0.05). The selection of each type of task must be adjusted to the physical and technical-tactical objective to be developed. Despite the general work carried out in the pre-season, the centers are the players who bear the greatest internal load in this period. For this reason, it is necessary to individualize the training processes from the pre-season.

Importance of Maintaining Net Position in Men's and Women's Professional Padel.

The objective of this research was to analyze the importance of maintaining the net position in men's and women's professional padel. The data sample was drawn from 2,756 padel rallies (n = 1,434 men's and n = 1,322 women's) in matches played during the 2021 season of the World Padel Tour circuit. The results showed that there was no net exchange in 50.7% of the women's rallies, while in 65.9% of men's rallies, the servers kept the net. Due to their physical advantages, men servers had more opportunities to finish the rally at the net than women servers, giving them more opportunities to win the rally. However, when either men or women receivers finished the rally at the net, they had more opportunities to win the rally. In addition, both men and women tended to end the rallies with a winner when they were in the net zone and with an error when they were at the back of the court. These findings suggest that wins in padel are closely related to time spent at the net.

The Reliability of the Wall Drop Punt Kick and Catch Test.

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of a manipulative eye-segmental (hand and foot) coordination task, namely the Wall Drop Punt Kick and Catch test (WDPK&C), over two weeks. Forty-one children and adolescents (18 boys, 23 girls) with a mean age of 10.2 (SD = 1.62) years old were recruited for assessment. Subjects had 30 s to perform as many ball impacts as possible on a wall two meters away, following a drop punt kick, rebound on the wall, and catch sequence. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC = 0.896) for unique measures, Cronbach Alpha (α = 0.945), and Lin's Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC = 0.896) provide evidence of reliability considering two consecutive measurements. These results further support the reliability of the WDPK&C test in a sample of Portuguese children and adolescents. Thus, the WDPK&C test can be applied to Portuguese boy and girl children and adolescents. Forthcoming studies should test the reliability of this test across different age groups since it is intended to be a test with a wide lifespan coverage.

Análisis de la situación de juego en el diseño de tareas en baloncesto formativo / Analysis of Game Situations in the Design of Tasks in Training Basketball / Análise da situação do jogo na concepção de tarefas no basquetebol formativo

Resumen: Introducción: el conocimiento de los entrenamientos es fundamental para optimizar la formación de los jugadores; por ello, una de las estrategias más empleadas por los entrenadores para optimizar el proceso de entrenamiento es modificar el número de jugadores (Situación de Juego). Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue analizar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de un entrenador de baloncesto en edad escolar, así como conocer la asociación de la Situación de Juego y las variables pedagógicas, de carga externa y organizativa empleadas que influyen en el diseño de las tareas. Método: para ello, se analizaron un total de 20 sesiones de entrenamiento formadas por 100 tareas, registradas a través del Sistema integral para el análisis de las tareas de entrenamiento. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo e inferencial entre las variables planteadas en la investigación con relación a la Situación de Juego. Resultados: los resultados demostraron la relación significativa de las variables analizadas con la Situación de Juego. La forma de agrupar los jugadores durante el desarrollo de las tareas de entrenamiento condiciona los resultados del resto de las variables que definen una tarea de entrenamiento, tanto en el nivel pedagógico, organizativo, como de carga externa. Conclusión: estas evidencias revindican la importancia de conocer los factores que influyen en las tareas de entrenamiento. Además, los resultados muestran que existen diferencias en el empleo de las Situaciones de Juego en función del resto de variables empleadas.

Abstract: Introduction: Currently, Knowledge of training is essential to optimize player training. Therefore, one of the strategies most used by coaches to optimize the training process is to modify the number of players (Game Situation). Purpose: The objective of the study was to analyze the teaching-learning process of a school-age basketball coach, as well as to know the association of the Game Situation and the Pedagogical, External Load and Organizational variables used that influence the design of the tasks. Method: For this, a total of 20 training sessions consisting of 100 tasks, recorded through the Comprehensive System for the Analysis of Training Tasks, were analyzed. A descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out between the variables raised in the research in relation to the Game Situation. Results: The results demonstrated the significant relationship of the variables analyzed with the Game Situation. The way the players are grouped during the development of the training tasks conditions the results of the rest of the variables that define a training task, both at a pedagogical, organizational, and external load level. Conclusion: These evidences vindicate the importance of knowing the factors that influence training tasks. In addition, the results show that there are differences in the use of Game Situations depending on the rest of the variables used.

Resumo: Introdução: O conhecimento do treinamento é fundamental para otimizar o processo de formação dos jogadores. Portanto, uma das estratégias mais utilizadas pelos treinadores para otimizar o processo de treinamento é modificar o número de jogadores (Situação do jogo). Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem de um treinador de basquetebol em idade escolar, e também descobrir a associação entre a Situação do Jogo e as variáveis Pedagógicas, de Carga Externa e Organizacionais utilizadas que influenciam o desenho das tarefas. Método: Para este fim, foram analisadas 20 sessões de treinamento compostas de 100 tarefas, registradas através do Sistema Integral de Análise de Tarefas de Treinamento. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva e inferencial entre as variáveis levantadas na pesquisa em relação à situação do jogo. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram uma relação significativa entre as variáveis analisadas e a situação do jogo. A forma de agrupar os jogadores durante o desenvolvimento das tarefas de treinamento condiciona os resultados das demais variáveis que definem uma tarefa de treinamento, tanto ao nível pedagógico, organizacional e de carga externa. Conclusão: Estas evidências reafirmam a importância de conhecer os fatores que influenciam as tarefas de treinamento. Além disso, os resultados mostram que existem diferenças no uso de Situações de Jogo dependendo do resto das variáveis utilizadas.

Influence of Menstrual Cycle on Internal and External Load in Professional Women Basketball Players.

The menstrual cycle can be seen as a potential determinant of performance. This study aims to analyze the influence of the menstrual cycle in women on sports performance, more specifically on the internal and external load of professional women basketball players. The sample consisted of 16 women players and 14 training sessions were recorded. A descriptive analysis of the mean and standard deviation of the variables according to the different phases of the menstrual cycle was performed, as well as an ANCOVA, partial Eta2 effect size criteria, and Bonferroni's Post Hoc test to identify differences among phases. The results establish that ovulation is the phase in which higher values of external load are recorded and, therefore, the late follicular phase is the time of the cycle where a greater intensity in explosive distance, accelerations and decelerations are recorded. Considering women's hormonal cycles, understanding their function and the individual characteristics of each athlete is essential since it allows for the development of specific training, the prevention of injuries and therefore positively affects the performance of women players. To this end, individual training profiles should be created in specific contexts, not following general rules. In addition, psychological factors and the specific position of the athletes should be monitored.

Physical Fitness as a Predictor of Performance during Competition in Professional Women's Basketball Players.

The evaluation of physical fitness in team sports is enjoying greater importance in the training of professional teams. The objectives of this research were to characterize physical fitness and game indicators based on the game position. This is an empirical study, with a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional methodology. In addition, different relationships between the level of physical fitness and the game indicators during the competition were determined. Finally, a predictive analysis of the selected variables was carried out in order to know the importance of the variables in the performance and at what time of the season they had the greatest impact. For this, a professional female basketball team (n = 12) with a mean age of 25.25 ± 7.617 years, height 178.25 ± 9.206 cm and a body mass of 72.33 ± 11.657 kg was analyzed. Each player was equipped with a WIMUPRO inertial device, and all competition statistics were analyzed. The results obtained show that there were no differences among all the skills evaluated and game indicators depending on the game position. Likewise, a relationship was determined between the level of physical fitness and the technical-tactical contribution, being different between different times of the season. Moreover, physical fitness only predicted the player's final performance in the competition for female player centers in the first and second rounds of the championship, and for forwards in the first round. Four physical-physiological profiles with contributions to the different ones during the competition were also determined. Finally, three groups of female players by playing position were identified according to their sport performance, namely PIR, high, medium and low ratings, associated with physical performances. In all groups, there were significant differences between playing positions, PIR and physical performances.

Effectiveness of Nitrate Intake on Recovery from Exercise-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Recovery between efforts is critical to achieving optimal physical and sports performance. In this sense, many nutritional supplements that have been proven to improve recovery and physical and physiological performance are widely used. Supplements such as nitrates (NO3-), including organic foods such as beets, promote muscle recovery and relieve fatigue. This study aimed to comprehensively summarise the available literature on the effect of NO3- consumption on exercise-related fatigue and muscle damage. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) using electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). From a total of 1634 studies identified, 15 studies were included in this review. RESULTS: Based on the review, NO3- intake provokes physiological and metabolic responses that could potentially boost exercise-related recovery. NO3- could improve recovery indicators related to strength, pain, inflammation, and muscle damage. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the relative proven effectiveness of NO3- on recovery after aerobic and anaerobic efforts, based on the heterogeneity of the procedures (e.g., dosage, chronic vs. acute intake, participants' characteristics, variables and outcomes), it could be premature to suggest its extended use in sports.

Adaptation and Validation of the Constructivist Teaching Practices Inventory in Elementary Physical Education (CTPI-EPE) for Brazilian Physical Education Pre-Service Teachers.

Constructivism is used as a powerful theoretical outlook to support teaching, learning, and curriculum in physical education and sport. The Constructivist Teaching Practices Inventory in Elementary Physical Education (CTPI-EPE) is a valid instrument for assessing in-service teachers. However, there is a need to translate constructivist teaching practices for PE into other languages. This study examined the validity of the Portuguese version of the adapted CTPI-EPE for Brazilian physical education preservice teachers (PST). The sample comprised of 869 physical education PSTs from Brazil. Data were collected through an online form. Aiken's V was used to examine content validity, and Bayesian methods used for exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed adequate content and internal structure of the translated and adapted questionnaire. This study highlighted the validity of the Portuguese version of the CTPI-EPE, which could be considered an important instrument for self-reflection by PSTs, and provide information for improved training in higher education toward constructivist teaching.

Daily and weekly external loads in the microcycle: Characterization and comparison between playing positions on amateur soccer.

Ensuring adequate levels of training and recovery to maximize player performance is critical; however, there are methodological challenges in designing a periodized training program for soccer teams. This study aims to describe and characterize the daily and weekly external load in an amateur soccer team and based on the weighting factors determined by the match reference, compare the external loads between playing positions. Twenty-four amateur soccer players (22.3 ± 1.7 years) were monitored using a global positioning system. Data collected comprises 19 competitive microcycles with a standard structure composed of 3 training sessions (matchday-5, matchday-3, and matchday-2) and one match. Match-reference values were calculated as the mean of the five best values recorded during official matches. The results show, on matchday-5 session, the existence of significant differences between playing positions to relative total distance covered (p = 0.050), relative sprint distance (p = 0.001), relative moderate-intensity accelerations (p < 0.001), relative high-intensity accelerations (p = 0.003), relative moderate-intensity decelerations (p < 0.001), and relative high-intensity decelerations (p = 0.017). On matchday-3 session, there are significant differences to relative very high-speed running distance (p = 0.017) and relative moderate-intensity decelerations (p = 0.014). On matchday-2 session, there are significant differences to relative high-speed running distance (p = 0.025), relative very high-speed running distance (p = 0.008), and relative moderate-intensity decelerations (p < 0.001). Weekly significant differences are observed between the playing positions to relative moderate-intensity accelerations (p = 0.002), relative high-intensity accelerations (p < 0.001), and relative moderate-intensity decelerations (p < 0.001). The weekly load is characterized by a greater weighting on accelerations and decelerations, compared to distances at very-high speed and sprint. The training loads must respect a standard training model that contemplates the individualization of the physical demands of the match, for each playing position, as for each individual.

From Junior to Elite in Soccer: Exploring the Relative Age Effect and Talent Selection in Spanish Youth National Teams.

The implications of relative age grouping in sport are known as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). This study has the twofold purpose of analyzing RAE in Spanish youth national soccer teams and examining the prediction value of being selected for national youth teams to be a professional. The sample was composed of 548 players divided into five groups. A descriptive analysis of distribution and participation, frequencies, mean and standard deviation, crosstabs, Sankey charts, coefficient correlation and Cohen's effect size criteria and two regression analyses were performed. Results established that the RAE is present in U'17 to U'21 Spanish youth national teams. Talent detection and selection programs are more reliable the closer they are to adulthood, reaching a success rate of almost 100% at the U'21 stage. The selection of players for such programs should be delayed as much as possible, thus, preventing younger players from dropping out and those selected from thinking they have already reached their goal. To this end, they should focus on long-term improvement, not short-term performance. In addition, factors such as the RAE or the maturity level of the athletes should be monitored.

Determinant Factors of Achievement Motivation in School Physical Education.

Today, it is important for physical education teachers to know students' motivation profiles for learning. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze achievement motivation according to four variables: students' sex, the taught sport modality, students' experience and teaching methodology. Likewise, the effects of students' sex and experience on the methodologies applied were analyzed. A total of 108 primary education students (10.95 ± 0.48 years), 54 boys and 54 girls, from three state schools participated in the study. The students answered the Achievement Motivation in Physical Education test (Spanish version) after participating in soccer and basketball programs based on different methodologies. Each class-group received a different educational program (soccer or basketball). The differences between the categories of the variables analyzed were calculated for each dimension of the motivational test through the Mann−Whitney U and Kruskal−Wallis H tests. The effects of students' sex and experience on the teaching methodologies applied were analyzed using the univariate General Linear Model test. In soccer and basketball, boys perceived being more motor competent (U = 732.00; p < 0.05; r = 0.43) than girls. In addition, experienced students in both sports perceived being more motor competent (U = 695.50; p < 0.05; r = 0.27) than inexperienced students. In turn, they indicated feeling less failure anxiety and stress (U = 780.00; p < 0.05; r = 0.22). All of the students who played soccer reported more commitment (learning dedication) (U = 1051.50; p < 0.05; r = 0.20) and perceived motor competence (U = 972.00; p < 0.05; r = 0.24) than students who played basketball. Considering the effects of students' sex and experience on the methodologies (perceived motor competence dimension), there were significant differences (F = 7.68; p < 0.05; ηp2 = 0.07) in favor of experienced boys who played soccer and basketball using the Tactical Games Approach methodology. Soccer was practiced more in school and out of school. This made students feel greater commitment (learning dedication) and perceived motor competence towards this invasion sport in physical education. In addition, it was shown that teachers should take into account students' sex and experience because they are two factors that influence the teaching of sports and achievement motivation.

Does the Physiological Response of a Triathlete Change in the Use or Absence of Drafting?

BACKGROUND: Currently, tactics play an important and decisive role in sprint distance triathlons. One of the most decisive tactical elements is drafting in the cycling sector, depending on whether or not it is allowed by the test regulations. The objective was to analyze the physiological responses in running, in relation to drafting in the cycling sector, according to level and sex. METHODS: To do this, a total of n = 44 subjects were divided into two levels (elite: they got a podium in the national championship, 15.68 ± 0.82 years; amateurs: they compete at the regional level, 15.68 ± 1.62 and 37.9 ± 1.74 years), undergoing two training sessions of four cycling-running multitransitions with variability in the permissibility of drafting were analyzed. A descriptive analysis of the variables was carried out, together with an inferential analysis to know the relationships and associations between the dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: The results showed significant differences in the parameters, as related to running technique, heart rate, speed, and displacement (both between levels and sex). CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that drafting in the cycling sector generates decisive physiological responses for the running sector.

Applying Different Strategies of Task Constraint Manipulation in Small-Sided and Conditioned Games: How Do They Impact Physical and Tactical Demands?

This study aimed to investigate how different strategies of task constraint manipulation impact physical and tactical demands in small-sided and conditioned games (SSCG). Ten recreational U-17 soccer players participated in this study (16.89 ± 0.11 years). We used different strategies of task manipulation to design two 4 vs. 4 SSCG: Structural SSCG and Functional SSCG. In Structural SSCG, pitch format and goal sizes were manipulated, while in Functional SSCG, players were allowed to kick the ball twice and at least 5 passes to shoot at the opponent's goal. Players participated in four Structural and Functional SSCG, of five minutes duration with a two-minute interval in between. Players' physical performance and tactical behavior were assessed using the WIMU PROTM inertial device. Structural SSCG stimulated players to cover more distance in sprinting (p = 0.003) and high-speed running (p < 0.001). Regarding tactical behavior, Structural SSCG stimulated players to explore game space better (p < 0.001). Moreover, Functional SSCG stimulated players to be closer to the ball, decreasing the effective playing space (p = 0.008). We conclude that these strategies of task constraint manipulation impact physical and tactical demands of the game.