Mobile application interventions to increase physical activity and their effect on kinanthropometrics, body composition and fitness variables in adolescent aged 12-16 years old: An umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present umbrella review were (a) to summarize the available evidence on the effectiveness of mobile applications aimed at increasing physical activity; (b) to analyse the effect of an increase in physical activity on kinanthropometric variables, body composition and physical fitness of adolescents aged 12-16 years old; and (c) to determine the strengths and limitations of the interventions carried out with adolescents aged 12-16 years old through the use of mobile applications, to provide recommendations for future research. METHODS: The most relevant inclusion criteria were (a) adolescents aged 12-16 years old; (b) interventions carried out only with mobile apps; (c) pre-post measurements; (d) participants without illnesses or injuries; and (e) interventions lasting more than 8 weeks. The databases used to identify the systematic reviews were the Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus. Two reviewers independently used the AMSTAR-2 scale to measure the methodological quality of the included reviews and also carried out an analysis of external validity, with a third reviewer participating in the cases in which consensus was not reached. RESULTS: A total of 12 systematic reviews were included (these included a total of 273 articles that used electronic devices, of which 22 studies exclusively used mobile applications with adolescents aged 12-16). Regarding physical activity and its effect on body composition, kinanthropometric variables and physical fitness, no significant differences were found for any of the variables analysed, and the results were not sufficiently consistent to determine the influence of these interventions. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to highlight that the scientific research conducted so far showed that mobile applications were not effective in increasing physical activity and changing the kinanthropometric variables, body composition or physical fitness of adolescents. Thus, future research with stronger methodological rigour and larger samples is needed to provide stronger evidence.

Importance of training volume through the use of step trackers apps promoted from the subject of physical education to change body composition, physical fitness and physical activity in adolescents and the influence of gender✰,✰✰.

The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in physical activity level (PA), kinanthropometric and derived variables, and physical fitness in adolescents, as a result of an out-of-school intervention with mobile step tracker apps promoted from the field of physical education, according to the volume of training completed and gender. A randomized controlled trial was carried out with 400 adolescents (210 males and 190 females) aged 12 to 16 years old (mean age: 13.96 ± 1.21 years-old). Adolescents were divided into experimental group (EG) (n = 240) and control group (CG) (n = 160). Two measurements were carried out, separated by a 10-week intervention, and PA, kinanthropometric variables and physical condition were measured. During the intervention, EG must use Strava (n = 74); Pokémon Go (n = 59); Pacer (n = 60); and MapMyWalk (n = 47) a minimum of 3 times per week, covering an incremental distance from 7,000 steps per day (week 1) to 12,500 steps per day (week 10). After that, EG were divided in quartile according to the volume of training completed. The results obtained showed a significant increase between pre-and post in PA (p = 0.009-0.044) and curl-up (p < 0.001-0.040) in EG regardless the quartile of compliance, and a reduction in fat variables (p < 0.001) and an increase in CMJ in 75-100 % compliance group (p = 0.005). The introduction of the covariate gender did not introduce changes in the intra-group evolution. On inter-group differences, differences were only found for the post-test values between 0-25 % Vs 25-50 % and between 50-75 % Vs 75-100 % with the group that completed a longer distance being the one that showed the lowest values in the post-test in both cases. When including the covariate gender, no significant differences were found for either the pre-test or the post-test on either variable. To conclude, a higher training volume with mobile apps seems to be relevant in the increase PA and strength and decrease of fat mass. The gender factor is not influential in the intra-group changes, but it is influential in the inter-group differences.

The impact of videogames on the mood of amateur youth players during consecutive games.

Introduction: Esports have experienced tremendous growth in recent years. In the scientific field, previous research has shown the determining role of psychology in competitive performance, but little is known about the factors that may be more determinant. In addition, in the amateur field, where fun and enjoyment are the most important factors, it has been observed that players can see their psychological state altered due to different factors, but it is not known if the outcome of the game (win or lose) can be influential. For this reason, the aim of the present investigation was to analyze changes in players' mood between three consecutive games as a function of the outcome of each game. Methods: A total of 14 amateur players participated in the research, all of them with previous experience and being regular League of Legends players. The participants completed the POMS questionnaire before the start of each game and the outcome of each game was recorded at the end. Results: The results showed that no significant pre-game differences were found in any of the games, regardless of winning or losing. Significant differences were found in the pre-game mood between the first and second game, according to the outcome of the first game, and between the second and third game, according to the outcome of the second game. Between the first and second games, there was a significant increase in depression (p = 0.038) and anger (p = 0.003) when the first game was lost; and between the second and third games, there was a decrease in tension (p = 0.003) and anger (p = 0.022) when the second game was won. In addition, it should be noted that fatigue increased significantly after each game, regardless of the outcome, and with respect to the change in mood, this was more noticeable when the first game was lost and the second was won, as significant changes were observed in tension (p = 0.028), depression (p = 0.030) and anger (p = 0.006). Conclusion: Pre-match mood does not influence post-match performance, but mood changes do occur between successive matches depending on the outcome of the match.

Influence of Pokémon Go Playing Style on Physical Activity and Its Effect on Kinanthropometry Variables and Body Composition in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Pokémon Go is a mobile app that offers both continuous and intermittent (gamified) gameplay, but no previous research in adolescents is known to have addressed changes in physical activity and body composition according to playing style. For this reason, the aims of the present investigation were (1) to establish the differences in the level of physical activity, and its influence on the kinanthropometric and body composition, of the adolescent population, considering their Pokémon Go playing style; and (2) to analyze whether the practice of previous physical activity has an influence on the effects of the use of Pokémon Go on the level of physical activity and changes in kinanthropometric and body composition variables. METHODS: A total of 94 adolescents (50 males and 44 females; mean age: 13.66 [1.17] years-old; mean body mass index: 20.82 [4.03] kg/m2) whose physical activity level and body composition were measured, participated in the investigation. Two groups of adolescents completed a 10-week intervention using Pokémon Go continuously (n = 30) or intermittently (n = 31), while the control group (n = 33) did not use any after-school app. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), a multivariate analysis of variance, and 2 repeated-measures ANOVA were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Inactive adolescents in the continuous use group increased their physical activity between the pretest and posttest (P = .038), but this did not occur in the active group. Regarding body composition variables, the increase in body mass (P < .001) and body mass index (P = .006) in the control group was significantly higher than in the continuous use group of adolescents who were inactive, but not in the active group, while the decrease in fat mass (P < .001-.036) and sum of 3 skinfolds (P < .001-.003) was significantly higher in both Pokémon Go use groups as compared to the control group, regardless of the previous physical activity level. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous style of play seems to be more effective in increasing physical activity in adolescents, but the changes in body composition and kinanthropometric variables occur similarly with continuous and intermittent gameplay. Therefore, the playful use of Pokémon Go can be used in educational and health fields to produce changes in body composition in this population.

The Role of Basic Psychological Needs in the Adoption of Healthy Habits by Adolescents.

Previous research in this field has not examined the significance of each of the basic psychological needs (BPNs) on changes in the physical activity level, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD), kinanthropometric and derived variables, and the physical fitness of adolescents. Therefore, the purpose of this study was (a) to examine the variances in physical activity, AMD, and kinanthropometric and derived variables, as well as fitness levels, among adolescents with varying degrees of satisfaction regarding each of the BPNs and (b) to assess the differences in the study variables among adolescents based on whether the BPNs are satisfied individually or jointly. The sample consisted of 791 adolescents (404 males and 387 females; average age: 14.39 ± 1.26 years old). The findings indicated that adolescents in the highest percentiles (75-100) of competence, autonomy, or relatedness showed higher scores in physical activity and AMD and better kinanthropometric and physical fitness variables than adolescents in the lowest percentiles (0-25). Adolescents who showed joint satisfaction of all BPNs showed the best results on all variables analyzed. In addition, it should be noted that competence played the most relevant role.

Influence of Exogenous Factors Related to Nutritional and Hydration Strategies and Environmental Conditions on Fatigue in Endurance Sports: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to examine the influence of exogenous factors related to nutritional and hydration strategies and environmental conditions, as modulators of fatigue, including factors associated with performance fatigability and perceived fatigability, in endurance tests lasting 45 min to 3 h. A search was carried out using four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and EBSCO. A total of 5103 articles were screened, with 34 included in the meta-analysis. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022327203) and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. The study quality was evaluated according to the PEDro score and assessed using Rosenthal's fail-safe N. Carbohydrate (CHO) intake increased the time to exhaustion (p < 0.001) and decreased the heart rate (HR) during the test (p = 0.018). Carbohydrate with protein intake (CHO + PROT) increased lactate during the test (p = 0.039). With respect to hydration, dehydrated individuals showed a higher rate of perceived exertion (RPE) (p = 0.016) and had a higher body mass loss (p = 0.018). In hot conditions, athletes showed significant increases in RPE (p < 0.001), HR (p < 0.001), and skin temperature (p = 0.002), and a decrease in the temperature gradient (p < 0.001) after the test. No differences were found when athletes were subjected to altitude or cold conditions. In conclusion, the results revealed that exogenous factors, such as nutritional and hydration strategies, as well as environmental conditions, affected fatigue in endurance sports, including factors associated with performance fatigability and perceived fatigability.

The Degree of Problematic Technology Use Negatively Affects Physical Activity Level, Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Psychological State of Adolescents.

The previous scientific literature has shown how detrimental addictive internet and mobile phone use can be for the adolescent population. However, little is known about their influence on the physical activity, kinanthropometry and body composition, nutrition patterns, psychological state, and physical fitness of this population. For this reason, the objectives of this research were (a) to determine the differences in the physical activity level, kinanthropometric and body composition variables, adherence to Mediterranean diet (AMD), psychological state, and physical fitness according to gender and different levels of problematic use of the internet and mobile phones; and (b) to establish the differences in the physical activity level, kinanthropometric and body composition variables, AMD, psychological state, and physical fitness among adolescents when considering problematic use of the internet and mobile phones in combination. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent males and females between 12 and 16 years of age (1st to 4th course) from four compulsory secondary schools (404 males and 387 females; mean age: 14.39 ± 1.26 years-old; mean height: 163.47 ± 8.94 cm; mean body mass: 57.32 ± 13.35 kg; mean BMI: 21.36 ± 3.96 kg/m2). The physical activity level (baseline score: 2.64 ± 0.67), kinanthropometric variables and body composition, AMD (baseline score: 6.48 ± 2.48), psychological state (baseline life satisfaction: 17.73 ± 4.83; competence: 26.48 ± 7.54; autonomy: 25.37 ± 6.73; relatedness: 24.45 ± 6.54), and physical condition variables were measured. The results showed that adolescent males and females with problematic internet and/or mobile phone use presented a worse psychological state, but it is especially relevant to highlight that females also had a lower level of physical activity and AMD, with problematic mobile phone use being especially relevant, mainly in the psychological state of adolescents. In conclusion, problematic use of the internet and mobile phones can have detrimental effects on the level of physical activity, AMD, and psychological state of adolescents, with the differences found in females being particularly relevant.

Exploring the perception of barriers to a dual career by student-athletes with/out disabilities.

In recent years, there has been an increase in knowledge about the barriers experienced by people with disabilities in the education system or sports. However, no studies have analyzed the barriers for those who try to succeed in both disciplines (dual career). The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers faced by student-athletes with/out disability to a dual career combining studies and sport. Two groups were involved in the study (n = 162): student-athletes with disabilities (n = 79) and student-athletes without disabilities (n = 83). Data collected included: (a) socio-demographic aspects; and (b) barriers towards achieving a good balance between sport and academics during the dual career, through the "Perceptions of dual career student-athletes" (ESTPORT) questionnaire. The results showed that student-athletes with disabilities were more likely to perceive in a greater extent the barriers, the university is far from my home (p = 0.007) and the university is far from my training site (p = 0.006), I find myself unable to balance study and training time (p = 0.030), I have to take care of my family (p<0.001), and my current job does not allow me to study enough (p<0.001). The MANOVA analysis showed that the factors gender, competitive level, and employment status had an influence on the perception of some barriers between groups. In conclusion, student-athletes with disabilities perceived barriers more strongly than those without disabilities, and measures are needed to ensure their inclusion in the education system.

Differences in Psychological Variables and the Performance of Female Futsal Players according to Playing Position, Match Result and Menstruation.

Futsal performance has been extensively investigated in previous studies, demonstrating that the psychological state of the players or the playing position condition performance. However, research with female indoor soccer players is scarce; therefore, menstruation has not been considered as a determinant aspect for performance in females. Previous research has shown the influence of menstruation on the psychological state and performance of players of different sports; however, there is no known research on female futsal players. For this reason, the aims of the present research were to establish the differences in pre-match psychological variables and offensive performance as a function of playing position, match result and menstruation. A total of 132 s division Spanish players participated in the research. All participants completed the Questionnaire of Psychological Needs of the Athlete-15, and their regular league matches were recorded and subsequently analyzed to determine their offensive performance. The results showed differences according to playing position: pivots and closers showed greater motivation than wings, while the pivots showed greater activation and shots on goal than the wings and closers. Regarding match results, pivots demonstrated more shots on goals than closers only when the match was lost. In addition, the motivation and activation of the pivots, as well as the number of shots on goal, were higher than that of the wings and closers only when they were not menstruating.

Differences in Kinanthropometric Variables and Physical Fitness of Adolescents with Different Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Weight Status: "Fat but Healthy Diet" Paradigm.

The present investigation provides a new paradigm, the fat but healthy diet, through which to analyze the importance of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) in the adolescent population. To this end, the objectives were to analyze the existing differences in physical fitness, level of physical activity, and kinanthropometric variables in males and females with different AMD and to determine the existing differences in physical fitness, level of physical activity, and kinanthropometric variables in adolescents with different body mass index and AMD. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent males and females whose AMD, level of physical activity, kinanthropometric variables, and physical condition were measured. The results showed that when analyzing the whole sample, the differences were only significant in the level of physical activity among adolescents with different AMD. However, when considering the gender of the adolescents, the males also showed differences in the kinanthropometric variables, while the females did so in the fitness variables. In addition, when considering gender and body mass index, the results showed that overweight males with better AMD showed less physical activity and higher body mass, sum of three skinfolds, and waist circumference, and females did not show differences in any variable. Therefore, the benefits of AMD in anthropometric variables and physical fitness of adolescents are questioned, and the fat but healthy diet paradigm cannot be confirmed in the present research.

Mandatory after-school use of step tracker apps improves physical activity, body composition and fitness of adolescents.

Previous scientific research on the use of mobile applications to increase physical activity level and improve health among adolescents does not provide conclusive results, one of the main reasons being the lack of adherence to the intervention after the first weeks. For this reason, the main objectives of the research were to determine the changes produced by a compulsory ten-week period of after-school intervention with mobile step-tracking applications on adolescents' health; and the final objective to compare the benefits obtained by each of the mobile applications. To meet the objectives, a longitudinal study with non-probability convenience sampling was proposed. The sample consisted of 400 adolescents from two public compulsory secondary schools in the Region of Murcia, Spain, whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. The SPSS statistical software was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that adolescents in the experimental group showed a higher level of physical activity and better body composition and physical fitness variables after the intervention compared to the control group, with differences between the different applications used. In conclusion, this research shows the usefulness of mobile applications if they are used in a compulsory way after school hours. The relevance of these results for policymakers lies in the fact that they provide statistical data on the usefulness of mobile applications as an educational resource, being an option to make up for the lack of sufficient physical education teaching hours to meet global physical activity recommendations.

The Importance of Healthy Habits to Compensate for Differences between Adolescent Males and Females in Anthropometric, Psychological and Physical Fitness Variables.

Adolescence is a crucial stage in human development, and differences in psychological, physical and body composition variables between males and females have been amply demonstrated. However, the role played by certain healthy habits, such as the practice of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) or the maintenance of an adequate weight status, in compensating for the differences found between males and females in these variables, is not well known. For this reason, the study aimed to analyze whether the practice of physical activity, optimal AMD, and adequate weight status can compensate for the differences between adolescent males and females in anthropometric variables, psychological state, and physical fitness. The sample was composed of 791 adolescents (404 males and 387 females) aged twelve to sixteen years old, whose anthropometric, psychological (autonomy, competence, relatedness, and life satisfaction), and physical fitness variables (cardiorespiratory fitness, upper strength and explosive lower limb power, hamstring and lower back flexibility, and speed) were measured. All measurements were carried out in a single day using the sports pavilion of the four participating schools. The most novel results of this research show that the practice of physical activity was determinant mainly in females, as it reduced the differences found in comparison with males in psychological (p < 0.001−0.045) and anthropometric variables (p < 0.001). Regarding weight status and AMD, these were still relevant for the adolescent population, mainly the achievement of optimal AMD, but males continued to present higher values in physical fitness tests (p < 0.001) and lower values in fat accumulation (p < 0.001), regardless of weight status or AMD. Thus, physical activity seems to be the most determining factor that compensates for the differences between adolescent boys and girls.

Psychological readiness to return to sports practice and risk of recurrence: Case studies.

Returning to sport after the sports injury is a difficult decision because it's multicausal and the fact that a rash decision can result in numerous negative consequences. Given the importance of psychological variables for the correct rehabilitation of the injured athlete and his or her optimal return to sports practice, there seems to be little information on this subject. In this sense, the objective is to determine the relationship between the subjective psychological disposition of the athlete in the process of Return to Play (RTP) with the type of mood profile and his mental health. This is based on the fact that each athlete evaluates his or her recovery differently and has different levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. For this purpose, four athletes participated in the study. Two males and two females from the sports of indoor soccer and soccer, who had just returned to sports after a moderate or severe injury. The average age was 24.25 years. Various measurements were taken after practices and after matches, to assess mood, psychological readiness, anxiety, stress, and depression. The results confirm Morgan's iceberg profile and the influence that subjective psychological perceptions and assessed emotional states have on athletes' incorporation into their sports practice with a guarantee of success.

Physical, Psychological, and Body Composition Differences between Active and Sedentary Adolescents According to the "Fat but Fit" Paradigm.

The practice of physical activity during adolescence is essential for the proper development of the population. In recent decades, the relevance of physical activity has been increasing, due to the development of the "fat but fit" paradigm. This paradigm shows that adolescents with a high level of physical fitness are healthier than adolescents with poorer physical fitness, regardless of their weight, giving importance to sports practice over other aspects. However, few previous studies have analyzed the differences in physical and body composition between active and sedentary adolescents in this paradigm. For this reason, the objectives of the present study were to establish the differences in body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet between active and sedentary adolescents; and to analyze the differences between active and sedentary adolescents according to the "fat but fit" paradigm. The sample consisted of 791 adolescent whose body composition, level of physical activity, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and physical fitness were measured. It was found significant between active and sedentary adolescents in most of the anthropometric, AMD, and physical fitness variables, with a significant effect of the covariates gender, age, BMI, and biological maturation on the model. The binary logistic regression analysis performed shows that anthropometric variables, AMD, and VO2 max can be considered as primary outcomes to distinguish between active and sedentary groups of adolescents. Furthermore, the results showed that the active adolescents, regardless of their weight status, had lower fat mass and greater muscle mass, as well as a higher performance in the physical fitness tests, and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet than the sedentary adolescents. To conclude, the practice of physical activity is a determinant for the improvement of body composition, physical performance, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the adolescent population, regardless of their gender, age, weight, or maturity status.

Spanish Pre-Olympic Athletes' Motivations and Barriers to Pursuing Dual Career as a Function of Sociodemographic, Sport and Academic Variables.

The dual career allows elite athletes to attain their maximum competitive and academic performance, but the COVID-19 pandemic hindered their development and changed their perception of the importance given to the sporting and educational environment. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to determine the differences in the motivations and perceived barriers, the importance given to academic qualifications, and the perception of the dual career from a multifactorial perspective, of elite athletes according to sex, type of sport practiced, job performance, time of sports career, type of athlete, and type of scholarship received. A total of 100 student-athletes participated in the research study by completing the "Perceptions of dual career student-athletes" questionnaire. The results showed that athletes from individual modalities (p = 0.012) and those who did not receive any scholarships described more barriers (p < 0.001). In addition, women studied more because they enjoyed it (p = 0.007); athletes from individual modalities studied to work later (p = 0.008); athletes who do not work perceived a greater influence between study and sports performance (p = 0.029); at the beginning and at the best stage of their sports career, a greater influence of academics on performance was perceived (p = 0.016); and athletes who considered themselves professionals, and athletes who did not receive any scholarships (p = 0.025), reported that the conciliation between sports and academic life was difficult (p = 0.034). The results obtained point to the importance of dual career scholarships for student-athletes, as well as the need for the programs implemented for these athletes to consider sex, sport modality or type of scholarship granted.

Differences in Physical Fitness and Body Composition Between Active and Sedentary Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Previous research analyzing the differences in physical fitness and body composition between active and sedentary adolescents aged 12-16 has not provided conclusive results. For this reason, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to provide an overview of the results obtained to date. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to investigate the differences in the physical fitness and body composition of adolescents who engaged in daily physical activity and those who were inactive. A search in PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Sciences databases was performed. A total of 13,884 articles were reviewed and 11 were included in the meta-analysis. In the physical fitness performance, significantly higher values in cardiorespiratory fitness, hamstring and lower back flexibility, sit-ups and upper limb resistance were found in active compared to the inactive participants. In body composition, the inactive group showed significantly higher values in variables related to body fat, mainly in body fat percentage, fat mass and fat mass index compared to the active group. The results revealed that maintaining an active lifestyle through physical activity is a determining factor in improving the physical fitness and body composition of adolescents aged 12-16 years. The study design of the systematic review was previously registered in PROSPERO with code CRD42021241975. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=241975 .

Gender Stereotypes among Teachers and Trainers Working with Adolescents.

Previous scientific literature has not determined the influence exerted by trainers and teachers of adolescents on the development of gender stereotypes in sport. For this reason, the aims of the present research were to establish differences in gender stereotypes in sport among teachers and trainers as a function of profession and sex and to analyze the influence of age and years of experience of male and female trainers and teachers on the gender stereotypes in sport. For this purpose, 127 teachers and trainers completed the questionnaire "gender beliefs and stereotypes towards physical activity and sport". The results showed a significantly higher score of the teachers in "beliefs about physical activity and gender" (p = 0.048) and of the trainers in "physical education classes and gender" (p = 0.006). Concerning sex, women showed higher scores in "sport and gender" (p = 0.005), and men in "beliefs about physical activity and gender" (p = 0.045). Regarding covariates, age showed significant differences in "sport and gender" (p = 0.029), with female teachers showing higher values with respect to female trainers and male teachers, while years of experience showed differences in "beliefs about sport and gender" (p = 0.044), with male teachers showing higher values than male trainers and female teachers.

Performance of high-level Spanish athletes in the Olympic Games according to gender.

No studies have been found that analyzed the probabilities of high-level athletes according to gender for accessing programs that promote the professionalization of sports, and participation and success in the OG in Spain. This could explain the gender differences in these parameters and the trend towards more egalitarian data in recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze the probabilities of Spanish high-level athletes for participating and achieving sporting success in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games (OG). Data relating to a sample of 3757 high-level Spanish athletes (2398 men and 1359 women) between 2005 and 2016 were examined. The variables of gender, having obtained a scholarship from the Association of Olympic Athletes (ADO) program, training in a High Performance Center (CAR), participation and performance in the OG were analyzed. It was found that high-level female athletes were more likely than male athletes to belong to the ADO program (χ2 = 26,151; r* = 0.083; p = 0,000) and CAR (χ2 = 13,847; r* = 0.061; p = 0,000), and to qualify for an OG (χ2 = 22,838; r* = 0,078; p = 0,000), the same trend was found in the three Olympic cycles analyzed. With respect to the results in the OG, in general, no differences were found according to gender, although women were more likely to be finalists (χ2 = 4,406; r* = 0.071; p = 0,036), and more prominently in the 2016 OG (16.118; r* = 0.228; p = 0.000). The same applies to winning a medal (χ2 = 5.939; r* = 0.145; p = 0.015), more specifically bronze at the 2012 OG (χ2 = 6.215; r* = 0.149; p = 0.013). In conclusion, high-level female athletes in Spain have a higher percentage of access to high-level athlete support programs such as ADO and CAR, as well as participation in OG.

Psychological Profile in Female Cyclists and Its Relationship with Age, Training Parameters, Sport Performance, and Injury Incidence.

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of psychology on sports performance and its relationship with the incidence of sport injuries. The objectives of the present investigation were: (1) to analyze the psychological profile of female cyclists as a function of age, training parameters, sport performance, and injuries suffered and (2) to design a model to predict their psychological profile. Sixty-one female cyclists participated in the study. Differences were found as a function of a competitive category for team cohesion (F = 5.035; p = 0.002), sport level effect on performance evaluation (F = 5.030; p = 0.004) and team cohesion (F = 64.706; p = 0.000), the effect of having reached the podium in the last competition on performance evaluation (t = 2.087; p = 0.041) and motivation (t = 4.035; p = 0.000), and injury severity on stress management (F = 6.204; p = 0.008). The factors that affected the psychological profile of the female cyclists the most, in addition to the independent psychological parameters, were the number of podiums in the last year and the years of cycling experience. In conclusion, there is an interaction between the psychological profile, sociodemographic variables, training, performance, and injuries suffered in female cyclists.