Intraseason Changes in Vertical Jumps of Male Professional Basketball Players.

This study aimed to analyze basketball players' jumping bhavior in the Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), and Free Arm Swing CMJ (CMJ Free) during a professional basketball season and check if it is modulated by the players' specific playing position, the time played on court, and the different leagues. Fifty-three male professional basketball players were assessed in three different moments of the season through SJ, CMJ, and CMJ Free. Between the beginning of pre-season (1st assessment) and the second round of the season (3rd assessment), there was a strong increase in performance in the three jumps (SJ Height: 5.6%, η2P = 0.234, p = 0.007; CMJ Height: 5.1%, η2P = 0.177, p = 0.007; CMJ Free height: 4.11%, η2P = 0.142, p = 0.01). There was also a significantly large increase in SJ and CMJ between the 2nd and 3rd assessments and in the CMJ Free between the 1st and 2nd assessments. No significant interactions were found between jumping performance and the group factors (players' specific playing position, time played on court, and league). In conclusion, SJ, CMJ, and CMJ Free performance strongly increases between 1st and 3rd assessment, without being influenced by the specific playing position or the minutes played per game.

Individualized Analysis of Lateral Asymmetry Using Hip-Knee Angular Measures in Soccer Players: A New Methodological Perspective of Assessment for Lower Limb Asymmetry.

This study aimed to: (1) determine the magnitude and direction of lateral asymmetry in well-trained soccer players using hip and knee ROM tests; (2) inquire if asymmetry relies on the ROM test performed and/or gender; and (3) establish asymmetry thresholds for each ROM test to individualize lower-limbs asymmetry. One hundred amateur soccer players were assessed using hip-knee ROM tests: Straight Leg Raise, modified Thomas Test, hip internal rotation and external rotation, hip abduction (ABD) and adduction (ADD), Nachlas Test and Rigde Test. There are significant differences between tests when determining the magnitude of lateral asymmetry (F = 3.451; p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.031) without significant differences between gender (F = 0.204; p = 0.651; ηp2 = 0.001). Asymmetry threshold results differ significantly between using a fixed or a specific threshold (F = 65.966; p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.985). All tests indicate that the direction of asymmetry is towards the dominant limb. In conclusion, the ROM test used determines the magnitude and direction of the lateral asymmetry of the amateur soccer players. The ABD and ADD are the ROM tests that showed higher percentages of asymmetry, without differences between female and male soccer players. Using a specific asymmetry threshold formula can classify more players as asymmetrical than with a fixed threshold.

Baseline Mechanical and Neuromuscular Profile of Knee Extensor and Flexor Muscles in Professional Soccer Players at the Start of the Pre-Season.

The aim of the study was to determine the mechanical and neuromuscular profile of knee extensor and flexor muscles in professional soccer players at the start of the pre-season, and to calculate percentages for symmetry, as well as examine differences according to the player's positional role. The vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of 16 professional soccer players were evaluated by means of tensiomyography (TMG) on the first day of the pre-season. A paired-samples t test (p < .05) was used to compare the dominant and non-dominant lower limb. One-way ANOVA was applied, with the positional role as an independent factor. No differences were observed between the dominant and non-dominant leg. The highest degree of symmetry corresponded to the VM (92.5 ± 2.7%), and the lowest to the BF (80.7 ± 10.9%). The positional role was associated with significant differences in some of the variables for the BF, RF and VM, although only the half-relaxation time in the BF and the time to sustain force in the VM differed across all the playing positions considered. TMG was shown to be a useful way of evaluating the neuromuscular characteristics of soccer players at the start of the pre-season, and of establishing baseline values for individual players.

Influencia del nivel de competición en las acciones técnicas de punto realizadas en Shiai Kumite femenino de karate. Análisis de coordenadas polares / Influenciar o nível de concorrência em acções técnicas realizadas ponto fêmea Shiai Kumite -karate / Influence the level of competition in technical actions performed point female Shiai Kumite -karate

El objetivo es identificar las acciones técnicas de las karatekas que consiguen puntuar en competición y explorar si el comportamiento técnico puede discriminar entre diferentes niveles competitivos. Se ha registrado el comportamiento técnico de 35 karatekas, modalidad de kumite femenino, en un total de 40 combates (18 de nivel regional/nacional y 22 de nivel internacional). Se ha utilizado un diseño observacional situado en el cuarto de cuadrante de carácter nomotético y de seguimiento multidimensional. El registro se ha realizado con el programa Lince y una herramienta de observación 'ad hoc' formada por un sistema mixto de formatos de campo y un sistema de categorías denominado FCSCSHIAIKUMITE. Se ha utilizado la prueba de Chi-cuadrado (p≤ 0,05) y se ha realizado un análisis de coordenadas polares, escogiendo como conductas focales aquellas relativas a la puntuación y como conductas condicionadas todas aquellas relativas a los demás criterios. Los resultados muestran que solo el criterio puntuación discrimina entre ambos niveles de rendimiento, sumando 152 puntos en nivel internacional frente a 78 en nivel nacional (p= 0,002). El Yuko es la forma de obtener punto más frecuentada en ambos niveles (76,4% vs 86,8%), no obstante, el Ippon es eficiente y frecuentado a nivel internacional (21,7%), y solo representa un 4,4% en combates de nivel nacional. En conclusión, hay dos aspectos que podrían ser de especial atención, el perfeccionamiento de las acciones técnicas de punto más habituales y de las acciones defensivas a esas técnicas, así como la eficacia para obtener más puntuación al utilizarlas (AU)

O objectivo é identificar as acções técnicas das karatekas que conseguem puntuar em competição e explorar se o comportamento técnico pode discriminar entre diferentes níveis competitivos. Registou-se o comportamento técnico de 35 karatekas, modalidade de kumite feminino, num total de 40 combates (18 de nível regional/nacional e 22 de nível internacional). Utilizou-se um desenho observacional situado no quarto de quadrante de carácter nomotético e de rastreamento multidimensional. O registro realizou-se com o programa Lince e uma ferramenta de observação 'ad hoc' formada por um sistema misto de formatos de campo e um sistema de categorias denominado FCSCSHIAIKUMITE. Utilizou-se a prova de Chi-quadrado (p=0,05) e realizou-se uma análise de coordenadas polares, escolhendo como condutas focais aquelas relativas à pontuação e como condutas condicionadas todas aquelas relativas aos demais critérios. Os resultados mostram que só o critério pontuação discrimina entre ambos níveis de rendimento, somando 152 pontos em nível internacional em frente a 78 em nível nacional (p= 0,002). O Yuko é a forma de obter ponto mais frequentada em ambos níveis (76,4% vs 86,8%), não obstante, o Ippon é eficiente e frequentado a nível internacional (21,7%), e só representa um 4,4% em combates de nível nacional. Em conclusão, há dois aspectos que poderiam ser de especial atenção, o aperfeiçoamento das acções técnicas de ponto mais habituais e das acções defensivas a essas técnicas, bem como a eficácia para obter mais pontuação ao as utilizar (AU)

The aim is to identify the technical actions of the karatekas that achieve to mark in competition and explore if the technical behaviour can discriminate between different competitive levels. It has registered the technical behaviour of 35 karatekas, modality of kumite feminine, in a total of 40 fights (18 of national regional/level and 22 of international level). It has used an observational design situated in the chamber of quadrant of nomothetical character and of multidimensional follow-up. The register has made with the program Lince and a tool of observation 'Ad hoc' formed by a mixed system of formats of field and a system of categories designated FCSCSHIAIKUMITE. It has used the proof of Chi-square (p≤ 0,05) and it has made an analysis of polar coordinates, choosing like focal behaviours those relative to the punctuation and like behaviours conditioned all those relative to the other criteria. The results show that only the criterion punctuation discriminates between both levels of performance, adding 152 points in international level in front of 78 in national level (p= 0,002). The Yuko is the form to obtain point more frequented in both levels (76,4% vs 86,8%), nevertheless, the Ippon is efficient and frequented to international level (21,7%), and only represents 4,4% in fights of national level. In conclusion, there are two appearances that could be of special attention, the improvement of the technical actions of point more usual and of the defensive actions to these technicians, as well as the efficiency to obtain more punctuation when using them (AU)

Assessment of the in-season changes in mechanical and neuromuscular characteristics in professional soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to monitor in-season changes in the mechanical and neuromuscular characteristics of knee extensor and flexor muscles in professional soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-one professional soccer players (soccer group, or SG) and sixteen non-soccer playing males (non-soccer group, or NSG) were assessed by tensiomyography on two occasions: just after the start of the competitive season and 10 weeks later. During this time the soccer players' training sessions were built mainly on speed and strength drills. Mixed-design factorial analysis of variance was conducted and effect sizes were calculated. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction between time (assessment points) x group (SG vs. NSG) x muscle for contraction time (Tc), maximum radial muscle displacement (Dm), and delay time (Td). In the case of the knee extensors, after 10 weeks, there was a 17.7%-22.7% decrease in Tc, an 8.7%-9.9% decrease in Td, and a 12.2%-14.2% decrease in Dm knee extensor in the SG (P<0.01), with a large effect size. In the case of the knee flexors, by contrast, there was an 11.9% increase in Td and a 24.5% increase in Dm (P<0.01), with a moderate to large effect size. The findings confirm that mechanical and neuromuscular characteristics change over time and also vary according to the characteristics of the athlete (SG vs. NSG) and the muscle analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, soccer coaches could use Tc, Td, and Dm data to individualize work load and intensity and control the effects of neuromuscular training throughout the season using a portable, non-invasive technique that, unlike stress tests, does not cause fatigue and therefore does not interfere with training periodization.

Aplicación de la teoría generalizabilidad a un análisis de tensiomiografía en ciclistas profesionales de ruta / Application of the generalizability theory of tensiomyography analysis of professional road cyclists

El objetivo del trabajo es determinar la fiabilidad y generalizabilidad de la estructura de datos procedentes de la evaluación, a través de tensiomiografía (TMG), de los parámetros tiempo de contracción muscular (TC) y máximo desplazamiento radial del vientre muscular (DM) de los músculos vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris y bíceps femoris de 10 ciclistas profesionales de fondo en carretera. Las mediciones de TMG tuvieron lugar durante el periodo preparatorio y el periodo competitivo. Se realizó un análisis de componentes de varianza por procedimiento de mínimos cuadrados y de máxima verosimilitud (<.0001), y un análisis de generalizabilidad. Los resultados indican que los valores de error del análisis de componentes de varianza por procedimiento de mínimos cuadrados y de máxima verosimilitud son idénticos para las variables TC y DM, lo que permite considerar la muestra como normal, lineal y homocedástica. El modelo de precisión de la variable TC presenta un adecuado nivel de fiabilidad y de generalizabilidad (e2 = .89 Φ = .83). El modelo con la variable DM presenta un adecuado nivel de fiabilidad y una generalizabilidad cercana a la adecuada (e2 = .82 Φ = .78). La optimización de la estructura de diseño con la variable TC consiguió unos excelentes niveles de fiabilidad (e2 = .94) y de generalizabilidad (Φ = .90), al igual que la variable DM (e2 = .92 Φ = .90). La importancia de este trabajo radica en la utilización de la TMG como técnica de intervención primaria en la prevención de lesiones musculares a través del cálculo de simetrías y su compensación con garantías de fiabilidad, precisión y validez (AU)

The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and generalizability of the data structure from the assessment, through tensiomyography (TMG), the parameters of muscle time contraction (TC) and maximum radial displacement of the muscle belly (DM) of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris muscles of 10 professional road cyclists. TMG measurements took place during the preparatory period and the competitive period. An analysis of variance components by least-squares procedure and maximum likelihood (<.0001), and an analysis of generalizability was performed. The results indicate that the values of error of the variance components analysis by least-squares procedure and maximum likelihood are identical for TC and DM variables, which enables us to consider the sample as normal, linear and homoscedastic. The precision model of the TC variable shows a suitable level of reliability and generalizability (e2 = .89 Φ = .83). The model of DM variable shows a suitable level of reliability and a generalizability close to the proper one (e2 = .826 Φ = .785). The optimization of the design with the variable TC achieved excellent levels of reliability e2 = .94) and generalizability (Φ = .90), as well as the variable DM (e2 = .92 Φ = .90). The importance of this work lies in the use of TMG as a primary intervention technique in the prevention of muscle injuries through the calculation of symmetries and their compensation with guaranteed reliability, accuracy and validity (AU)

QGOLF-9: Escala para la evaluación de la calidad percibida en los clubes de golf / QGOLF-9: a scale to assess perceived quality in golf clubs

La evaluación de la calidad percibida ha cobrado una gran importancia en la gestión de las organizaciones de prestación de servicios. El objetivo de este trabajo es desarrollar una escala con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas, breve y de fácil aplicación que permita incorporar las percepciones de los usuarios a la gestión de los clubes de golf. Fueron entrevistados 403 usuarios de 4 clubes de golf con campos de 9 hoyos ubicados en Galicia (316 hombres y 87 mujeres), con edades comprendidas entre los 16 y 75 años (Media = 47.19; DE = 13.91). Para la recogida de datos se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado ad hoc que contaba con 25 elementos agrupados en 4 dimensiones. Fruto de un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio inicial y de un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio posterior, ha sido posible obtener una escala final compuesta por tan solo 15 ítems agrupados en tres dimensiones. Dicha escala, además de ser breve y de fácil aplicación, posee un alto grado de validez de criterio (ya que explica el 72% del desempeño percibido del club) y una elevada consistencia interna (con un α global de .91), lo que la convierte en una herramienta de notable interés aplicado (AU)

The assessment of perceived quality has become important in the management of service providing organizations. The aim of this paper is to develop a brief, easy-to-apply scale with appropriate psychometric properties, which allows the incorporation of users’ perceptions of the management of golf clubs. We interviewed 403 users of four 9-hole course golf clubs located in Galicia (316 males and 87 females) aged between 16 and 75 years (Mean = 47.19; SD = 13.91). For data collection, an ad hoc structured questionnaire which had 25 items grouped into 4 dimensions was used. As a result of Exploratory Factor Analysis and a subsequent Confirmatory Factor Analysis, it was possible to obtain a final scale made up of only 15 items, grouped into three dimensions. This scale, as well as being brief and easy-to-apply, has a high degree of validity (as it explains 72% of the perceived performance) and internal consistency (overall α of .91), thus making it a tool of considerable applied interest (AU)

Differences in the contractile properties of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in professional road cyclists during the season.

The purpose of this study was to establish reference values of tensiomyography (TMG) in professional road cyclists and to examine how the planned periods of the Season produce differences in the muscles: vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF), and to determine how these differences may depend on each cyclist, the assessed muscle, and the side of the body. Ten professional road cyclists (27.5 ± 5.5 years; 178.2 ± 7.8 cm; 65.6 ± 5.46 kg; 72.1 ± 3.7 ml·kg·min V[Combining Dot Above]O2; 6 ± 0.4 W·kg) were assessed by TMG, in microcycle recovery, at 2 moments of periods during the season: preparation period (PP) and competition period (CP). Student's t contrast for paired groups, Cohen's d effect sizes, and a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. We did not find significant differences (p < 0.01) between the lower limbs. The results showed a significantly large increment between the time contraction (TC) values of the PP and CP in the muscles VM (28.7 ± 5.5 vs. 40.6 ± 14.4 milliseconds; 41.4%, p < 0.05, d = 1.1), VL (28.3 ± 4.9 vs. 40.6 ± 10.2 milliseconds; 43.4%, p < 0.05, d = 1.53), and RF (35.9 ± 6.9 vs. 45.9 ± 16.2 milliseconds; 27.8%, p < 0.05, d = 0.8). Nevertheless, TC of the BF presents a significantly large decrease in the CP (35.9 ± 9.9 vs. 28.2 ± 5.2 milliseconds; -21.4%, p < 0.05, d = 0.97). Radial muscle displacement (DM) values are slightly lower during the CP, but the difference is not significant. ANOVA confirmed that these differences depend on the evaluated muscles (TC p = 0.02; DM p = 0.001) and on the cyclists (TC p = 0.001; DM p = 0.001) and does not depend on the side of the body. In conclusion, the TC values during the Season show marked differences between the knee extensors (large increased) and the knee flexor (large decreased). The DM has not changed significantly, keeping the muscular and tendon stiffness.

Tensiomiografía. Un método para evaluar las propiedades contráctiles de los músculos. Evaluación de los flexores y extensores del tronco en mujeres jóvenes / Tensiomyograph. A method for assess The contractile properties of muscles. Evaluation of the trunk flexors and extensors in young women

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar las propiedades contráctiles de los músculos erector spinae (extensor del tronco), rectus abdominis, y obliques externus (flexor del tronco) en mujeres jóvenes físicamente activas, utilizando una técnica novedosa como es la tensiomiografía (TMG). La muestra estuvo compuesta de 5 mujeres jóvenes, físicamente activas y en un estado saludable. Se ha realizado un análisis descriptivo, una comparación de medias, mediante la prueba de Wilcoxon, y el test de Kruskal-Wallis. Los resultados muestran que existen diferencias significativas entre los tres músculos evaluados, pero no se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre los lados derecho e izquierdo, ni entre las participantes de este estudio. En conclusión, la TMG permite obtener un patrón de respuesta muscular para cada uno de los músculos evaluados (AU)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the contractile properties of erector spinae muscles (extensor of the trunk), rectus abdominis and obliques externus (flexor of the trunk) in physically active young women, using an innovative technique such as the tensiomyography (TMG). The sample consisted of 5 young women, physically active and in a healthy condition. It was carried out a descriptive analysis, a comparison of averages by means of Wilcoxon test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The results show significant differences among the three muscles tested, but it wasn´t found significant differences among left and right sides or among the participants in this study. In conclusion, the TMG allows obtaining a muscular response pattern for each of the muscles evaluated (AU)

Nordic walking y salud: Una revisión descriptiva / Nordic walking and health: a descriptive review

Este artículo hace una breve revisión descriptiva de 30 estudios publicados en revistas indexadas sobre los efectos de la práctica del Nordic Walking o Marcha Nórdica con Bastones sobre diferentes perfiles de usuarios (sujetos sedentarios, mayores y/o con diagnóstico de enfermedad) desde una perspectiva de salud. El análisis retrospectivo de la literatura revela que se trata de un área de investigación emergente que ha ido incrementando la cantidad y calidad de la evidencia disponible (AU)

This article gives a brief descriptive review of 30 studies published in peer-reviewed journals on the effects of the practice of Nordic Walking or Nordic Walking with poles on different user profiles (sedentary, elderly and / or diagnosis of disease) from a perspective health. Retrospective analysis of the literature reveals that this is an emerging research area that has increased the quantity and quality of evidence available (AU)

El perfil del usuario en clubes de golf sociales mixtos con campos de 9 hoyos en Galicia: Un intento de segmentación desde la perspectiva de género / The user's profile in mixed-social golf clubs with 9-holes courses in Galicia: An attempt of segmentation from the gender perspective

El objetivo es conocer el perfil global de los usuarios de golf en clubes sociales- mixtos (modelo de explotación híbrida entre club privado y comercial) con campos de 9 hoyos en Galicia, comprobando en qué medida existen diferentes tipos de usuarios caracterizados en base a variables socio-demográficas, actitudinales, motivacionales y de la propia práctica del golf. Además, se analizarán las posibles diferencias de género, identificando sus necesidades concretas. Fueron entrevistados mediante un cuestionario ad hoc 321 usuarios de 5 clubes. Los análisis muestran la existencia de diferentes perfiles, con actitudes y motivaciones diferentes. Los resultados revelan una idiosincrasia particular del segmento femenino en la práctica del golf, con motivaciones y necesidades específicas. Este tipo de datos ilustran con claridad la necesidad de una organización y gestión más personalizada de los clubes de golf actuales (AU)

The aim is to know the golf users´ global profile in mixed-social clubs (model of hybrid operation between private and business club) with 9-holes courses in Galicia, checking in what extent there are different types of users characterized on the basis of social demographic, attitudinal and motivational variables and related to the own practice of golf. Moreover, it will be analyzed the possible differences of gender, identifying their specific necessities. A total of 321 users of five golf clubs were interviewed by means of an ad hoc questionnaire. The findings show the existence of different profiles, with different attitudes and motivations. The results reveal a particular idiosyncrasy of the female segment in golf practice, with specific motivations and necessities. This type of data illustrates clearly the necessity for a more personalized organization and management of the current golf clubs (AU)