Detecção de talentos no voleibol: uma modelagem estatística baseada na estatura adulta prevista de escolares / Talent identification for volleyball: a statistical modeling based on the students' predicted adult height

RESUMO Saber a estatura que um jovem irá atingir na idade adulta pode auxiliar os treinadores e gestores na detecção de talentos para o voleibol no contexto escolar. O objetivo do estudo foi criar uma modelagem estatística para detecção de talentos no voleibol, baseada na estatura adulta prevista (EAP) e descrever a proporção de alunos com potencial de estatura compatível com atletas de voleibol de elite. A amostra foi composta por 1060 escolares de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 12 e 16 anos, e por atletas de voleibol que disputaram a Superliga A de Voleibol Masculino e Feminino 2018-2019. A estimativa da EAP foi feita pelo método Kamis-Roche. A modelagem estatística foi realizada a partir da Estratégia Z-Celafiscs. Verificou-se que 4,3% dos meninos e 2,2% das meninas apresentaram um potencial de estatura adulta compatível com a estatura de atletas de voleibol de elite (≥1,90 m para os meninos; ≥1,78 m para as meninas), variando de acordo com a posição de jogo. Conclui-se que a estatura adulta prevista pode ser útil na detecção de potencias talentos para o voleibol no contexto escolar, identificando precocemente aqueles que terão elevada estatura na idade adulta.

ABSTRACT Knowing the stature that a young person will reach in adulthood can help coaches and sport managers in identifying talents for volleyball in a school scenario. The aim of the present study was to develop a statistical modeling to identify talents from volleyball players based on predicted adult height (PAH), and to show the proportion of students with potential body height compatible with the average height of high-level volleyball athletes. The study sample included 1060 students, wherein both masculine and feminine volleyball players, with the age ranging from 12-16 years, and volleyball players from the Brazilian Men's and Women's Volleyball Super League A competition (in Portuguese, Superliga A de Voleibol do Brasil). PAH estimation was calculated using the Kamis-Roche method. Statistical modeling was based on the Z-Celafiscs Strategy. 4.3% of boys and 2.2% of girls were found to have a potential adult height compatible with the average height of high-level volleyball athletes (≥1.90m for boys; ≥1.78m for girls), ranging according to each player game position. In conclusion, the expected adult height can be useful to identify potential talents for volleyball in a school scenario, by early identifying players who will have taller stature in adulthood.

Multidimensional characteristics of young Brazilian volleyball players: A Bayesian multilevel analysis.

Brazil has been the benchmark for volleyball performance for at least two decades, providing a unique context to examine expertise development. This study examined the variation in body size, functional capacities, motivation for achievement, competitiveness, and deliberate practice of youth volleyball players associated with differences in biological maturity status, chronological age, and accumulated deliberate volleyball practice, adopting a Bayesian multilevel modeling approach. We considered 68 female and 94 male adolescent players (14.2 years, 90% confidence interval: 12.7 to 16.0). Players were grouped by the onset of deliberate volleyball practice as related to biologic maturation milestones [pre-puberty deliberate practice onset (12% of the sample), mid-puberty deliberate practice onset (51% of the sample), and late-puberty deliberate practice onset (37% of the sample). There was substantial variation in body dimensions and functional performance by gender. There was no variation by gender for motivation for deliberate practice and motivation for achievement and competitiveness. The young volleyball players appeared to be highly motivated and committed to deliberate practice, achievement, and competitiveness. Alignment of chronological age, biological maturation, and accumulated training experience allow more in-depth insights into young volleyball players' development, providing sounder support for coaches´ decisions.

Quantifying the Activity Profile of Female Beach Volleyball Tournament Match-Play.

Effective time-motion analysis can provide information directly applicable to the design of physical conditioning and testing programmes. The aim of the present study was to determine the external output of female beach volleyball players during tournament match-play and to assess the effect of competition level, margin of score differential and alterations of external output within matches. The external output profile of ten adult level (age 27 ± 3 y) and ten under 23 ('U23'; age 19 ± 2 y) female beach volleyball players were determined using GPS technology (10 Hz) during 60 matches (n = 50 first and second sets and 20 third sets files) played during their respective Australian Beach Volleyball Championship tournaments. Comparisons between groups and the influence of contextual factors on the external output within matches were analysed using linear mixed models. Adult beach volleyball players covered a greater relative distance (i.e., m·min-1) in speed zone 2 (1.0-1.99 m·s-1; 42.0% of total relative distance) and zone 3 (≥2.0 m·s-1; 10.9% of total relative distance) compared to U23 players. Relative distance, mean acceleration/deceleration and the relative distance covered in acceleration zone 2 and deceleration zone 2 and 3 was greater in set 1 compared to set 2. Sets that were decided by smaller score margins (<6-point score differential) were comprised of a greater relative distance, peak speed, greater mean acceleration and deceleration output and a greater relative distance in speed zone 1 and 3 compared to sets decided by larger score margins (>5-point score differential). The findings from this study suggest that there are contextual factors that influence the speed and acceleration/deceleration profile of female beach volleyball players such as tournament level, score margin and set-to-set variations that may have implications for the physiological and mechanical requirements of female players preparing for competition.

Epidemiology and risk factors for heat illness: 11 years of Heat Stress Monitoring Programme data from the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse 11 years of FIVB heat stress-monitoring data to determine the relative influence of the different environmental parameters in increasing the likelihood of a heat-related medical time-out (MTOheat). METHODS: A total of 8530 matches were recorded. The referee measured air temperature, black globe temperature, relative humidity and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) before the matches, and registered the MTOheat. The absolute humidity was computed at posteriori. RESULTS: There were 20 MTOheat cases, but only 3 resulted in forfeiting the match. MTOheat incidence was not statistically impacted by sex (p=0.59). MTOheat cases were more prevalent during the games played in Asia during the 4th quarter of the year (p<0.001). Two cases of MTOheat experienced diarrhoea or gastroenteritis during the 5 preceding days; both of them forfeited the match. A principal component analysis showed a specific environmental profile for the matches with MTOheat. They occurred at higher WBGT, temperatures and absolute humidity (p<0.001), but with a lower relative humidity (p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: The current data showed that an increase in ambient or black globe temperature, but not relative humidity, increased the risk of a MTOheat; but that the absolute risk remained low in elite beach volleyball players. However, suffering or recovering from a recent illness may represent a risk factor for a MTOheat to lead to player forfeit.

Physical function characteristics in Japanese high school volleyball players with low back pain: A case-controlled study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a typical symptom in volleyball players, yet associated physical function factors have not been identified. This study purpose is to determine the relationship between LBP and physical function factors in order to identify potential factors for the management of LBP.Participants were 123 male and female volleyball players of 15- to 17-year-olds who, completed a questionnaire regarding demographic details, presence of LBP, and years of volleyball experience. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of current LBP and evaluated on physical function tests. The results of the questionnaire response and physical function test were compared between the 2 groups. Data were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis with presence and absence of current LBP as the explanatory variable.11.4% of all participants reported current LBP. Physical function factors associated with current LBP were a positive modified Thomas test, years of volleyball experience and reduced range of motion of shoulder horizontal abduction on the dominant hand side.The associations between physical function factors and LBP found in this survey suggest that attention should be given to more experienced players with decreased flexibility of hip and shoulder flexors on the dominant side in order to manage LBP in high school volleyball players.

Psychometric Properties and Reliability of the Referee Self-Efficacy Scale (REFS) in Volleyball Referees.

BACKGROUND: Volleyball officials require a combination of qualities, e.g., confidence, decisiveness, courage and mental toughness as very important attributes for their performance. Measurement of the self-efficacy of volleyball referees has not been studied with large samples; therefore, the aim of this study was to fill this gap in the research. METHODS: Four-hundred and forty-five international volleyball referees participated in the study fulfilling the referee self-efficacy scale in the English version. RESULTS: The confirmatory analysis verified the four-factor structure of the scale and its reliability in this specific sample of international volleyball referees. ANCOVA revealed a significant effect of the covariate "level of education" for all four dimensions of referees' self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Although English was not the mother tongue for most of the subjects in the sample, the scale was statistically reliable, and the items were easy to understand, thus making the tool very suitable to use for further studies on multilingual referees. The study also suggests enhancing the level of education of the officials because of its significant effect on the perceived self-efficacy during refereeing.

Analysis of jump load during a volleyball season in terms of player role.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the jump load performed by top-level volleyball players during an entire training season in terms of the player role, training period, type of daily training, and quality of opposition in the subsequent match. DESIGN: Longitudinal panel observational study. METHODS: The total number of jumps performed by players was recorded through 174 training days distributed in 32 weeks during the 2016/2017 season (pre-season, 5 weeks; in-season, 27 weeks). The players role were classified as middle-blocker, outside-hitter, opposite and setter (the libero was omitted). A generalized mixed linear model was performed (with Bonferroni post hoc test at p<0.05) to assess the effect of training variables and the repeated-measures data of players' jumps along various training days. Additionally, the effect sizes at 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare the jump load between players' role and training variables. RESULTS: The results showed a significant and moderate higher amount of jumps performed by middle-blockers regardless the type of macro- or micro-cycle, the micro-cycle phase, the type of training and the quality of match opposition. Contrarily, the setter performs the least jump load in all variables analyzed. Only the players' role, macro-cycle and micro-cycle phase had significant effects on the player's jump load variation along the season. CONCLUSIONS: This information could be useful to guide the monitoring and preparation process for coaches and physical trainers. These values allow differentiating between players' role and could be used as references values in order to avoid injuries whereas performance increase along the season.

Autoconfianza y su relación con el rendimiento, procedencia, logros y edad en jugadoras de voleibol peruanas en categoría de formación / Self-confidence and its relation to the performance, place of origin, achievements and age in Peruvian volleyball players in training category

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación de la autoconfianza con el rendimiento, procedencia, logros y edad en voleibolistas peruanas en categoría de formación. El estudio es de naturaleza no experimental, transeccional correlacional. Se estudió a 86 voleibolistas, de edades entre 12 y 16 años (M=15.59-DT=0.74), a quienes se les aplicó el inventario de confianza deportiva (reproductividad de .992). Los resultados demuestran que existe una correlación positiva, estadísticamente significativa, entre falta de confianza y rendimiento (r = .310; p < .01), falta de confianza y procedencia (r = .280; p < .01); confianza y edad (r = .244; p < .05); exceso de confianza y logros (r = .235; p < .05); nivel de autoconfianza y edad (r = .236; p < .05). Por otro, que existe una correlación negativa, también estadísticamente significativa, entre confianza y procedencia (r = -.342; p < .01); exceso de confianza y rendimiento (r = -.399; p < .01); nivel de autoconfianza y procedencia (r = -.387; p < .01). Se concluye que la autoconfianza en gran medida se asocia con el rendimiento deportivo, región geográfica de donde provienen y edad que presentan las voleibolistas, excepto con los logros deportivos obtenidos en categoría de formación

The objective of the present research was to determine the relation between the selfconfidence and the performance, place of origin, achievements and age of Peruvian volleyball players players in training category. This is a non-experimental, correlational, cross-sectional study. A total of 86 volleyball players, between 12 and 16 years old (age M=15.59-TD=0.74) were studied. The sports confidence inventory was applied to these volleyball players (reproducibility of .992). The results show that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between lack of confidence and performance (r = .310; p < .01), lack of confidence and provenance (r = .280; p < .01); confidence and age (r = .244; p < .05); overconfidence and achievements (r = .235; p < .05); level of self-confidence and age (r = .236; p < .05). On the other hand, there is a negative correlation, also statistically significant, between confidence and provenance (r = -.342; p < .01); overconfidence and yield (r = -.399; p < .01); self-confidence level and provenance (r = -.387; p < .01). It is concluded that selfconfidence is to a large extent associated with sports performance, the geographical region from which they come and the age of the volleyball players, except with the sports achievements obtained in training category

Jumper's Knee: A Prospective Evaluation of Risk Factors in Volleyball Players Using a Novel Measure of Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To examine potential intrinsic risk factors that may contribute to the onset of jumper's knee in elite level-male volleyball players. DESIGN: Prospective Cohort Study. SETTING: Varsity and National team volleyball gymnasiums. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty elite adult male volleyball players from Canada. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: Players completed a series of risk factor assessments at the commencement of their seasons, including vertical jump (cm), ankle dorsiflexion range (degrees), dynamic balance (normalized distance reached; cm), dynamic knee alignment (degrees), and landing mechanics (degrees). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-reported knee problems, captured via short message service. RESULTS: Knee problem prevalence was 75% [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 62.2-84.6] and the incidence rate for substantial injuries over the study period was 30 injuries/100 players/season (95% CI: 19.5-43.1). No risk factor was found to significantly predict the future occurrence of developing jumper's knee. The odds ratios were close to unity (range: 0.94-1.07) with narrow confidence intervals and P > 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: A more sensitive capture of overuse knee problems did not result in the identification of distinct risk factors for the development of jumper's knee. These findings highlight a lack of available methodology to accurately assess risk factors for overuse injuries.

Evaluation of Strength and Conditioning Measures With Game Success in Division I Collegiate Volleyball: A Retrospective Study.

Bunn, JA, Ryan, GA, Button, GR, and, and Zhang, S. Evaluation of strength and conditioning measures with game success in Division I collegiate volleyball: A retrospective study. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 183-191, 2020-The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess relationships between strength and conditioning (SC) measures and game performance in Division I volleyball. Five years of SC and game data were collected from 1 women's Division I collegiate team, n = 76. Strength and conditioning measures included T-drill, 18.3 m sprint, back squat, hang clean, vertical jump, and broad jump. All game and SC stats were normalized to Z-scores. Analyses included assessing SC differences by position and multiple stepwise regression to assess relationships between game and SC stats. There was a significant difference by position for broad jump (p = 0.002), 18.3 m sprint (p = 0.036), vertical (p ≤ 0.001), and total strength (p = 0.019). Overall, game performance and SC measures were significantly correlated (r = 0.439, p ≤ 0.001). Multiple regression analyses indicated significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) between SC measures and game success by position as follows: defensive specialist stats with squat and total strength; setters game stats with hang cleans, T-drill, and broad jump; pin hitter game stats with vertical, squat, and total strength; middle blockers game stats with broad jump. These data indicate that SC measures correlate well with game performance and are specific by position. These data could help SC coaches create a more precise training approach to focus on improving specific measures by position, which could then translate to improved game performance. These data could also help coaches with talent identification to determine playing time and rotations to maximize player ability and achieve success.

Comparação da carga de treinamento de atletas profissionais entre modos de treinos especificos do voleibol e de força / Comparison of the training load of professional athletes between modes of volleyball specific drills and strength conditioning

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a carga de treinamento em três tipos de treinamentos de uma equipe de voleibol profissional.. Participaram do estudo 28 jogadores (26,6 ± 4,7 anos; 91,5 ± 8,5 Kg; 194,1 ± 6,0 cm). Foi realizada uma análise descritiva de 29 sessões de treino técnico, 84 tecnico-tático e 75 de musculação e isoladamente das variáveis que compõem a carga de treinamento, PSE e o tempo de duração da sessão, posteriormente sendo reunidos em média e desvio padrão de acordo com tipo de treino. Para análise dos dados foi adotado o teste de Shapiro-Wilk e em seguida aplicou-se o teste Anova Two-Way com o Post Hoc de Tamhane e também foi utilizado o tamanho do efeito para análise das comparações. Os resultados demonstraram respostas significativas e grande tamanho de efeitos quando comparados técnico e técnico-tático com a musculação na carga interna de treinamento TxM (TE=1,2: grande; p= 0,002); TTxM (TE=1,3: grande; p= 0,001) e no tempo de duração da sessão TxM (TE=1,7: grande; p= 0,001); TTxM (TE=2,0: grande; p= 0,001), já a PSE da sessão apresentou apenas uma diferença sigifcativa TTxM (TE= 0,8: moderado; p= 0,001). Os estímulos de treinamentos específicos de quadra como técnico e técnico-tático promoveram maior carga interna nos atletas do que o treino de força, através principalmente pela influencia da variável tempo de duração da sessão que refletiu a carga externa.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the training load in three types of training of a professional volleyball team. Participants were 28 players (26.6 ± 4.7 years, 91.5 ± 8.5 kg; 194.1 ± 6.0 cm). A descriptive analysis of 29 technical training sessions, 84 technical-tactical training sessions and 75 training sessions, and of the variables that compose the training load, PSE and the duration of the session were performed, and were then collected on average and standard deviation according to with type of training. To analyze the data, the Shapiro-Wilk test was adopted, and then the Anova Two-Way test was applied with Tamhane's Post Hoc and the effect size was also used for analysis of the comparisons. The results demonstrated significant responses and a large effect size when compared to technical and tactical-to- strength training (T = 1.2: large; p = 0.002); TTxM (TE = 1.3: large, p = 0.001) and the duration of the session / external load in the TxM training (TE = 1.7: large; p = 0.001); TTxM (TE = 2.0: large, p = 0.001), whereas the PSE of the session showed only a sigifcant difference TTxM (TE = 0.8: moderate; p = 0.001). The stimuli of specific training of court as technician and technician-tactician promoted greater internal load in the athletes than the strength training, mainly through the influence of the variable time of the session that reflected to external load.

Incidencia y etiología de las lesiones deportivas en jugadores de voleibol / Sports injury incidence and etiology in volleyball players / Incidência e etiologia de lesões esportivas em jogadores de vôlei

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica de la incidencia de lesiones derivadas de la práctica del voleibol y su relación con variables sociodemográficas y de entrenamiento. Se analizaron veinte artículos, en español o en inglés, derivados de la búsqueda en PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge y SportDiscus. Se encontró que las lesiones son de carácter predominantemente agudo, destacando el esguince del ligamento peroneo-astragalino anterior; la rotura del ligamento cruzado anterior; y las luxaciones, esguinces y fracturas de los dedos y la muñeca. En las lesiones por sobreuso, destacó la tendinosis e inestabilidad de hombro; espondilólisis de la zona lumbar; y tendinopatía rotuliana. Se produjeron más lesiones en competición, de carácter leve o moderado, en las posiciones más cercanas a la red. En conclusión, en voleibol existe una incidencia destacada en las lesiones de tobillo, rodilla, hombro y dedos. Se ha encontrado una estrecha relación entre estas lesiones, la posición del jugador y las acciones de juego realizadas

The aim of the study was to do a bibliographic review about the incidence of volleyball related injuries and its relation with sociodemographic and training variables. Twenty papers written in Spanish or English were analyzed, searched in PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and SportDiscus. It was found that injuries are predominantly acute, highlighting lateral ankle sprains; anterior cruciate ligament injuries; dislocations, sprains and fractures of the fingers and wrist. Overuse injuries are related to shoulder tendinitis and instability; lumbar spondylolysis; and patellar tendinopathy. Most injuries occur during competition, in the front row positions. In conclusion, it has been observed that there is a highlighted incidence of ankle, knee, shoulder and finger injuries in volleyball. It has been found a relationship between these injuries, the specific position on the court and the game actions performed

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a incidência de lesões decorrentes da prática do voleibol, bem como sua relação com variáveis sociodemográficas e de treinamento. Foram analisados 20 artigos, em espanhol ou inglês, derivados da pesquisa no PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge e SportDiscus. Constatou-se que as lesões são predominantemente agudas, destacando-se a entorse do ligamento talofibular anterior; a ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior; e luxações, entorses e fraturas dos dedos e punho. Em lesões por excesso de uso, ele destacou a tendinose e a instabilidade do ombro; espondilólise da região lombar; e tendinopatia patelar. Houve mais lesões na competição, principalmente leve ou moderada, com as posições mais prejudiciais sendo aquelas próximas à rede. Em conclusão, no voleibol há uma incidência significativa em lesões no tornozelo, joelho, ombro e dedos. Uma relação próxima foi encontrada entre essas lesões, a posição do jogador e as ações do jogo realizadas

Which sports are more at risk of physical exercise addiction: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive physical exercise may evolve into physical exercise addiction, a recently identified entity with many yet unclear aspects, such as global prevalence and variability according to different types of physical exercise. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the current literature up to June 2018 to collect all studies screening exercise addiction with two of the most frequently used screening scales: the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) and the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS). RESULTS: We detected forty-eight studies (20 using the EAI, 26 the EDS, and 2 both scales) reporting variable point prevalence of exercise addiction risk, depending on the target population and the investigated sport. The EAI identifies a higher proportion of people at risk for physical exercise addiction among endurance athletes (14,2%) followed by ball games (10,4%), fitness centre attendees (8,2%) and power disciplines (6,4%), while a frequency of 3,0% was reported in the general population. Studies using the EDS found discrepant results. DISCUSSION: This systematic review suggests that sport disciplines are associated with different vulnerability for physical exercise addiction. Besides the different addictive potential of each sport, the heterogeneity of results may be also due to socio-demographic and cultural characteristics of the target populations. The EAI and the EDS identify different proportions of individuals at risk for exercise addiction both in general population and in specific sport categories. As the EAI screens a higher proportion of subjects at risk, especially in endurance disciplines, it could be more appropriate for early detection of at-risk subjects and/or disciplines. CONCLUSION: Tailored prevention strategies for each discipline could help better preserving benefits of sports. More precision in research methods and the use of the most appropriate scale are required to allow a better comparability of prevalence among physical exercise disciplines and in general population.

Psychological Profile, Competitive Anxiety, Moods and Self-Efficacy in Beach Handball Players.

The first objective of this research was to analyze the relationships between the sports psychological profile, competitive anxiety, mood and self-efficacy in beach handball players. The second objective was to determine the predictive capacity of the psychological profile on competitive anxiety, moods and self-efficacy, which was assessed by linear regression analysis. One hundred and eighty-one beach handball players participated in this research (age: M = 25.68; SD = 5.95), of which 52.49% were male (n = 95) and 47.51% were female (n = 86). The Psychological Sports Execution Inventory (SPPI), the Competition Anxiety State Inventory 2 (CSAI-2), the Mood Profile (POMS) questionnaire and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used to obtain the data. Correlation and linear regression analyses reveal statistically significant associations between the constructs studied, both for the total sample and by gender. Specifically, they highlight the relationships between the different measures of the sports psychological profile with self-confidence (p < 0.001), as well as those established between negative coping control with competitive anxiety (p < 0.001), moods (p < 0.05) and general self-efficacy (p < 0.001).

Interaction network analysis of the six game complexes in high-level volleyball through the use of Eigenvector Centrality.

Social Network Analysis establishes a network system and provides information about the relationships (edges) between system components (nodes). Although nodes usually correspond to actors within the network (e.g., the players), it is possible to stipulate game actions as nodes, thus creating a network of the flow of game actions. In this study, Eigenvector Centrality (a form of weighted centrality that considers n-order connections) was used to identify differences in the centrality of distinct game actions within each of the six game complexes of volleyball. Thirteen matches (46 sets, 2,049 rallies) of the final round of the 2015 FIVB's World Grand Prix (Women) were analyzed. Results showed that analyzing actions as actors (i.e., nodes) offers a clear and comprehensive understanding of game flow and poses an interesting alternative to mainstream research where players are considered nodes. Functional differences between the six game complexes were highlighted, denoting the validity of such division. Out-of-system playing (i.e., having to set the attack under non-ideal conditions, e.g., in KI, KII, KIII and KIV), emerged as a regularity of the game and should be translated into the training process.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury profile in Italian Serie A1-A2 women's volleyball league.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess how anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures with subsequent surgery reconstruction impact on the professional career of A1-A2 Italian women's volleyball league players. METHODS: Using an observational study with a retrospective case-series design for ACL ruptures, 125 teams with 1488 players were monitored. Subjects had to report level, role, injury modality, lower limb injured, laterality, period of the season and age. RESULTS: A total of 34 ACL ruptures were reported. Thirty-three (97%) were non-contact and 1 (3%) with contact. Twenty-one (61.7%) occurred in landing from a jump attack, 3 (8.8%) in landing from wall jump, 1 (3%) with apparent contact and 9 (26.5%) in other landing conditions. The most injured knee was the left limb (22, 64.7%) respect to the right limb (12, 35.3%). Fourteen (41.2%) ruptures occurred in spikers, 10 (29.4%) in middle blockers, 6 (17.6%) in setters, 3 (8.8%) in liberos and 1 (3%) in opposite hitters. Nine (26.5%) occurred in pre-season period, 16 (47%) in the first round, 4 (11.8%) in the second round, and 5 (14.7%) during play-off. The average age of the first ACL rupture was 23±3 years. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that female volleyball players of A1-A2 Italian volleyball league occurred mostly in a left non-contact ACL rupture during a landing condition and the spikers were the players most at risk. Therefore, it is desirable that coaches teach players variations of landing in order to avoid possible chronic overloading of ACL.

Game-specific characteristics of sport-related concussions.

BACKGROUND: Concussions are common incidences in sports. However, game-specific characteristics such as tactics, field positions, etc. might positively/negatively contribute to the occurrence of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in various sports such as soccer, volleyball, handball, or basketball. Thus, the intention of this study was to analyze game-specific characteristics of concussive incidents in active players from the perspective of different sportive disciplines. METHODS: Four sport-specific questionnaires for soccer, handball, volleyball and basketball were established using an online survey tool. RESULTS: A total of 3001 participants completed the questionnaires. 18% of the participants answered that they had experienced a concussion which significantly differed depending on the sport practiced (χ2(3)=56.868, P<0.001; soccer 25%, handball 24%, volleyball 13%, basketball 15%). Whereas handball and soccer players experienced most concussions on the amateur level, volleyball players experienced most on the professional level and basketball players during leisure play (χ2(9)=112.667, P<0.001). Soccer players experienced most concussions by a collision with another player, volleyball players instead experienced most concussions by hits from the ball (χ2(6)=211.260, P<0.001). In soccer, goalkeepers and defensive midfield players showed most concussive incidences (χ2(7)=19.638, P<0.01); in volleyball, the libero position and outside positions showed to be significantly affected from sport-related concussions (χ2(6)=13.617, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results showed that factors critically contributing to the occurrence of concussions are sport-specific and particularly concern amateurs. This indicates that most concussions in ball games appear in situations, where medical care units are not necessarily present. Preventive measures should therefore especially address amateurs in ball sports.

Combined osteopathy and exercise management of Achilles tendinopathy in an athlete.

Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury in sporting populations. There is conflicting evidence about the best approach to conservative management. This report focuses on the rehabilitation of an Achilles tendinopathy utilizing osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) and a structured exercise program in a semi-professional volleyballer. The patient presented with a 4-month history of right mid-portion Achilles tendon pain that began after a lateral inversion sprain of the right ankle. The primary complaint was pain impacting the patients vertical jump performance. The patient complained of pain that was greatest in the morning and at the beginning of a training session prior to warming up. The inventory therapy was a combination of OMT. The manual therapy was complemented with a rehabilitation program. Outcomes were assessed with the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment - Achilles (VISA-A), visual analogue scales (VAS), painful arc, London Hospital Test, soleus lunge test and maximum vertical jump. This case presented many challenging management options including a resolving right ankle lateral inversion sprain, a past history of contralateral Achilles tendinopathy and a high training load. The case demonstrated the importance of patient-centered practice. It was integral that the patient's role as a semi-professional athlete on the volleyball court was analyzed closely in order to replicate different facets of his game, so that the rehabilitation program could support a return to performance at the highest level. Once the initial deficits in mobility and strength were addressed, the rehabilitation program focus moved to injury prevention.

Caracterización cinemática 3D del gesto técnico del remate en jugadoras de voleibol / Caracterização cinemática tridimensional do gesto técnico do ataque em jogadores de voleibol / Tridimensional kinematic characterization of female volleyball spike

Objetivo. Caracterizar cinemáticamente el gesto técnico del remate en voleibol en un grupo de jugadoras experimentadas de categoría sénior utilizando un sistema de captura y análisis del movimiento tridimensionalmente. Método. Se utilizó un sistema de captura de movimiento con cinco cámaras de alta velocidad (100Hz). Se definió un modelo de marcadores de 27 marcas reflectantes. Resultados. Se analizaron 38 parámetros cinemáticos, entre ellos: tiempos entre eventos, posición del centro de masas, velocidades y altura del remate. Se describieron parámetros como tiempo de vuelo, velocidad de impulsión vertical, salida del balón y rango de movimientos en brazo ejecutor, entre otros, con valores cercanos a los publicados por otros autores. Conclusiones. El presente estudio ha permitido definir un protocolo y modelo de informe como herramienta para el entrenamiento personalizado en función de las deficiencias observadas y para prevenir posibles lesiones a medio/largo plazo (AU)

Objetivo. Caracterizar cinematicamente o gesto técnico do ataque em voleibol em um grupo de jogadoras experientes de categoria sênior utilizando um sistema de captura e análise do sistema de movimento tridimensional. Método. Foi utilizado um sistema de movimento com cinco câmeras de alta velocidade (100Hz). Foi definido um modelo de marcadores reflexivos com 27 marcadores definido. Resultados. Foram analisados 38 parâmetros cinemáticos, entre eles: tempos entre eventos, posição do centro de massas, velocidade e altura do ataque. Foram descritos parâmetros como o tempo de vôo, velocidade de impulsão vertical, saída da bola e amplitude de movimento do braço executor, entre outros, com valores próximos aos publicados por outros autores. Conclusão. O presente estudo permitiu definir um modelo de protocolo e relatório como uma ferramenta para treinamento personalizado em função das deficiências observadas e para prevenir possíveis lesões a médio/longo prazo (AU)

Objective. Characterize the kinematic parameters in a group of experienced women senior class volleyball players using a 3D motion capture and analysis system. Method. A motion capture system connected to five high-speed cameras (100Hz) was used. A marker set was defined using 27 reflective marks. Results. Thirty eight kinematic parameters were analyzed: time between events, centre of mass, speed, height of spike. Many parameters were described as flight time, vertical impulsion speed, ball speed after spiking and range of movement in executor arm, among others, with similar values to those published by other authors. Conclusions. This study has defined a protocol and a custom report as tool for personalized training according to deficiencies detected and to prevent injuries at medium/long term (AU)

How players exploit variability and regularity of game actions in female volleyball teams.

Variability analysis has been used to understand how competitive constraints shape different behaviours in team sports. In this study, we analysed and compared variability of tactical performance indices in players within complex I at two different competitive levels in volleyball. We also examined whether variability was influenced by set type and period. Eight matches from the 2012 Olympics competition and from the Portuguese national league in the 2014-2015 season were analysed (1496 rallies). Variability of setting conditions, attack zone, attack tempo and block opposition was assessed using Shannon entropy measures. Magnitude-based inferences were used to analyse the practical significance of compared values of selected variables. Results showed differences between elite and national teams for all variables, which were co-adapted to the competitive constraints of set type and set periods. Elite teams exploited system stability in setting conditions and block opposition, but greater unpredictability in zone and tempo of attack. These findings suggest that uncertainty in attacking actions was a key factor that could only be achieved with greater performance stability in other game actions. Data suggested how coaches could help setters develop the capacity to play at faster tempos, diversifying attack zones, especially at critical moments in competition.