Sports-related factors predicting maintained participation and dropout in organized sports in emerging adulthood: A four-year follow-up study.

This study explored sports-related factors predicting organized sports participation in emerging adulthood. In the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study, 354 sports club participants aged 15 at baseline reported their main sport, onset age, training volume, current competitive level, and future competitive orientation and participated in the follow-up study at age 19. There were differences in the proportions of maintainers and dropouts in a few sports: football (maintainers 58.6%), and among females, skating (maintainers 60.7%), and swimming (dropouts 80.0%). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that those who had started their main sport by school age (females OR 3.05/95% CI 1.34, 6.98; males OR 3.97/95% CI 1.48, 10.64) and had competed at national top level plus had aimed at success at the adult level competitions in future (females OR 3.42/95% CI 1.16, 10.09; males OR 3.58/95% CI 1.12, 11.41; among females, also had competed at national top level plus had aimed at success at junior level competitions [OR 3.42/95% CI 1.20, 9.78]) were more likely maintainers than dropouts. Early onset in the main sport and competitiveness were related to maintained sports participation while the opposites were related to dropouts in the current organized sports system.

Quantification of training load across two competitive seasons in elite senior and youth male soccer players from an English Premiership club.

This study aimed to compare the daily training load (TL) in first-team and U-18 soccer players from an English Premiership club. 36 first-team (age 23.2 ± 5.9 years, weight 75.2 ± 8.1 kg, height 1.83 ± 0.06 m), and 22 U-18 players (age 17.5 ± 1.1 years, weight 71.1 ± 8.2 kg, height 1.78 ± 0.08 m) participated. GPS metrics were measured during all pitch training sessions throughout the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Linear mixed-effect model analyses revealed that, irrespective of training day, U-18 players covered greater total and explosive distance than first-team players, and performed a higher number of accelerations and decelerations, whereas first-team players covered greater sprint distance. Irrespective of the team, all examined variables were greater at match-day (MD)-3, while the number of accelerations and decelerations were higher at MD-4. Significant team-by-training day interactions revealed that U-18 players covered greater total and high-intensity distances than first-team players at MD-4, MD-2, and MD-1, whereas first-team players covered greater total and high-intensity distances at MD-3. Sprint distance was greater for first-team players at MD-3 and MD-4, while explosive distance was greater for U-18 players at MD-2. Also, U-18 players performed a higher number of accelerations than first-team players at MD-3 and MD-2, and a higher number of decelerations at MD-4. The present results provide novel information on TL patterns in English Premiership soccer and contribute to understanding how training methods to physically develop players are implemented in different countries and leagues.

Mind-over-body beliefs in sport and exercise: A driving force for training volume and performance, but with risks for exercise addiction.

We assume that athletic success is associated with certain beliefs that on the one hand promote performance-enhancing behavior (training volume), but on the other hand can also be detrimental to health (sports addiction). These beliefs are succinctly characterized by the title of the 9-item "Mind-over-Body" scale presented here. They are the three beliefs that 1) athletic performance requires a high level of effort, 2) that willpower plays an important role in athletic success, and 3) that athletic success requires pain tolerance. A total of six web-survey-based studies with a total of 1121 participants (approximately gender parity), including individuals with different levels of athletic performance (no competition; amateur sport; regional, national, or international competition), examined the psychometric network and construct and criterion validity of the MoB scale. Exploratory graph analyses, which included the studies with the largest sample sizes, showed that the three belief components (effort, willpower, pain) form separable communities within the MoB network and that the MoB items form communities distinct from self-control and self-efficacy. Meta-analyzed correlations across all six studies showed low positive correlations with self-control and self-efficacy. In terms of criterion validity, MoB beliefs were positively correlated with training volume and exercise addiction. We discuss MoBs as "on the edge of unhealthy" and place MOBs within a framework of related but distinct concepts.

Bilateral Humeral Retrotorsion Angle Measured Using an Ultrasound-Assisted Technique in Asian Baseball Players.

Background: Repetitive pitching is thought to restrict the physiological derotation process of the humeral head. Some studies have reported that side-to-side differences in the humeral retrotorsion angle (ΔHRA) occur between the ages of 9 and 11 years in baseball players. However, it remains unclear whether the ΔHRA in Asian baseball players depends on pitching skill or competitive level. Purpose: To evaluate the ΔHRA in Asian collegiate and professional baseball players and to determine the effects of pitching activity on the physiological derotation process of the humeral head. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We evaluated 128 shoulders in 64 Asian baseball players who were stratified into 4 groups as follows: 13 professional pitchers; 9 professional fielders; 8 collegiate pitchers; and 34 collegiate fielders. The throwing and nonthrowing side HRA was assessed using an ultrasound-assisted technique, and the ΔHRA was compared among the 4 groups. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between ΔHRA and glenohumeral range of motion, baseball starting age, and fastball velocity in pitchers. Results: The HRA was significantly greater in the throwing arm than in the nonthrowing arm in each group, with no significant differences among the groups. There was no correlation between ΔHRA and range of motion or fastball velocity. There was a significant negative correlation between baseball starting age and ΔHRA in professional fielders (r = -0.633; P = .036). Conclusion: The findings of the present study provide evidence that in Asian baseball players, the HRA was significantly greater in the throwing arm than in the nonthrowing arm. There were no clear associations between HRA and pitching ability or competitive level.

The Physical Demands of Match-Play in Academy and Senior Soccer Players from the Scottish Premiership.

The present study aimed to assess the physical match performance among senior and youth soccer players from an elite Scottish Premiership club during the 2021/2022 season. Twenty-two first team (25.9 ± 4.5 years, 78.3 ± 8.2 kg, 1.82 ± 0.07 cm) and 16 youth players (16.8 ± 0.9 years, 70.1 ± 6.8 kg, 177 ± 5.8 cm) were examined. A selection of physical match performance variables were measured using a global positioning system. Linear mixed-effect regressions revealed for all examined variables no significant differences between first team and U-18 players and no significant differences between playing level by position interaction. Across both teams, Centre Backs compared to Wing Backs, showed a 295 m (p < 0.01) lower high-intensity distance, and performed on average 36 fewer very-high intensity decelerations (p = 0.03). Comparing to Wide Midfielders, Centre Backs showed lower total (1297 m, p = 0.01), high-intensity (350 m, p = 0.01), and sprint (167 m, p < 0.01) distances. Sprint distance was also lower in Centre Backs vs. Strikers (118 m, p = 0.03), and in Central Midfielders vs. both Strikers (104 m, p = 0.03) and Wide Midfielders (154 m, p = 0.01). The present findings highlight the physical match performance of elite Scottish players and provide useful information within the context of understanding how methods of physical development of youth soccer are implemented in different countries.

Adaptation to stress in football athletes: The importance of cognitive appraisal.

This study analysed the adaptation of football athletes to competitive stressors regarding the upcoming match. For that, the study adopted a cross-sectional methodology using a critical incident approach. The participants were 352 young male football athletes, aged between 15 and 19 years (M = 16.91, SD = 0.99), who were competing in the national football championship. The results indicated that cognitive appraisal partially mediated the relationship between competitive stressors and emotions: athletes who perceived stressors as a challenge, tended to feel more control over the situation and more resourceful (coping perception), leading to a more positive emotional experience, while those perceiving the stressors as a threat were more prone to experience less control and more negative emotions. This mediation model was moderated by athletes' competitive level (U17 or U19), as the role of challenge perception was more pronounced in the U19 team, while the relationship between threat perception and less control was only observed for the U17 team. In sum, the data reveals the importance of cognitive appraisal in young football athletes' adaptation to competitive stressors, bolstering the theoretical models in this area and the importance of psychologists to consider these variables during intervention, particularly cognitive appraisal.

A multi-club analysis of the locomotor training characteristics of elite female soccer players.

OBJECTIVE: Quantifying differences in locomotor characteristics of training between two competition levels and between training days within elite female soccer players. METHODS: Foot-mounted inertial measurement unit (Playermaker) data were collected from 293 players from three Women's Super League (WSL; n = 76) and eight Women's Championship (WC; n = 217) teams over a 28-week period. Data were analysed using partial least squares correlation analysis to identify relative variable importance and linear mixed effects models to identify magnitude of effects. RESULTS: WSL players performed more high-speed running distance (HSR; >5.29 m∙s-1), sprint distance (SpD; >6.26 m∙s-1), acceleration (ACC; >3 m∙s-2) and deceleration (DEC; <-3 m∙s-2) distance than WC players. The largest difference between WSL and WC in HSR and HSR per minute occurred on MD-4, (354.7 vs. 190.29 m and 2.8 vs. 1.7 m∙min-1). On MD-2, WSL players also covered greater SpD (44.66 vs. 12.42 m), SpD per minute (0.38 vs. 0.11 m∙min-1) and HSR per minute (1.67 vs. 0.93 m∙min-1). Between training days both WSL and WC teams reduced HSR and SpD but not ACC and DEC distance from MD-4 to MD-2, with MD-4 the highest training day of the week. CONCLUSION: MD-4 is a key training day discriminating between competitive level. HSR and SpD volume and intensity is tapered in WSL and WC players, however there is less clear taper of ACC or DEC. As such, WC teams could increase the volume and intensity of HSR on MD-4 to mimic locomotor activities of those at a higher standard.

Relação entre os estados de humor e a síndrome de overtraining em jovens atletas / Relación entre estados de ánimo y síndrome de overtraining en jóvenes deportistas / Relationship between mood states and overtraining syndrome in young athletes

O presente estudo analisou a associação entre estados humor e Síndrome de Overtraining (SOT) em jovens atletas e as possíveis diferenças nos estados de humor e na SOT em função do nível competitivo e em função das idades. Métodos: No total, 219 jovens atletas, com idades compreendidas entre os 13 e os 17 anos (M = 14.81; DP = 1.35), foram considerados para análise deste estudo. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que existe uma relação positiva e significativa entre a depressão, o desajuste ao treino, a confusão (negativo) e a tensão com a SOT. Foram, também, encontradas diferenças significativas nos estados de humor hostilidade e depressão em função do nível competitivo e nos estados de humor confusão (positivo) e hostilidade em função da idade. Conclusão Estes dados indicam, não só, que existe uma associação positiva entre estados de humor negativos e a SOT, como a existência de diferenças entre níveis competitivos e entre idades, sendo, por isso, necessário ter em conta essas variáveis. (AU)

Este estudio analizó la asociación entre los estados de ánimo y el Síndrome de Overtraining (SOT) en deportistas jóvenes y las posibles diferencias en los estados de ánimo y en SOT considerando el nivel competitivo y los grupos de edad. Métodos: En total, 219 atletas jóvenes, con edades entre 13 y 17 años (M = 14.81; DT = 1.35), fueron considerados para el análisis en este estudio. Resultados: Los resultados demuestran que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre depresión, inadaptación al entrenamiento, confusión (negativa) y tensión con SOT. También se encontraron diferencias significativas en los estados de ánimo, ira y depresión a nivel competitivo, y en confusión (positiva) e ira según la edad. Conclusiones: Estos datos indican, no solo, que existe una asociación positiva entre estados de ánimo negativos y SOT, así como la existencia de diferencias entre niveles competitivos y entre grupos de edad, por lo que es necesario tener en cuenta estas variables. (AU)

This study analyzed the association between mood states and Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) in young athletes and the possible differences in mood states and in OTS considering the competitive level and age groups. Methods: In total, 219 young athletes, aged between 13 and 17 years old (M = 14.81; SD = 1.35), were considered for analysis in this study. Results: The results demonstrate that there is a positive and significant relationship between depression, maladjustment to training, confusion (negative) and tension with OTS. Significant differences were also found in the mood states, anger and depression at the competitive level, and in confusion (positive) and anger according to age. Conclusions: These data indicate, not only, that there is a positive association between negative mood states and OTS, as well as the existence of differences between competitive levels and between age groups, therefore, it is necessary to take these variables into account. (AU)

Demandas físicas de jugadores profesionales costarricenses de fútbol: Influencia de la posición de juego y nivel competitivo / Physical Demands of Costa Rican Professional Soccer Players: Influence of the Playing Position and the Competitive Level

Resumen La monitorización de las demandas físicas durante partidos de fútbol con tecnologías GPS proporciona información valiosa que puede ser utilizada para potenciar el rendimiento deportivo. Por tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue conocer las demandas físicas de jugadores profesionales costarricenses de fútbol, así como analizar la influencia de la posición de juego y el nivel competitivo durante partidos. Sesenta futbolistas masculinos, 50 de la primera división del fútbol costarricense y 10 de una selección nacional absoluta de CONCACAF (SAC), fueron monitoreados con un Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS) para cuantificar variables cinemáticas como la distancia recorrida (m), total y a diferentes intensidades (Z 1-5), velocidad máxima (km/h), impactos totales (g), aceleraciones (m/s) y desaceleraciones (m/s). Las posiciones de juego se categorizaron en: defensas (Def), mediocampistas (Med) y delanteros (Del), y el nivel competitivo en: a) SAC, b) Equipos de nivel élite (ENE) y c) Equipos de nivel sub-élite (ENS). Los resultados reflejaron diferencias significativas respecto al nivel competitivo en la distancia recorrida a diferentes intensidades Z1 (SAC >ENS >ENE), Z2 (ENE >SAC >ENS) y Z4 (ENE >SAC >ENS), aceleraciones (SAC >ENE >ENS) y en desaceleraciones (SAC >ENS >ENE). Por posiciones de juego, las diferencias estuvieron en la distancia total (Med >Def >Del), en la distancia recorrida en Z2 (Med >Def >Del) y Z3 (Med >Def >Del), así como en impactos totales (Med >Def >Del). Se concluye que el nivel competitivo influye sobre las demandas físicas. SAC registró más aceleraciones y desaceleraciones y, ENE recorrió mayor distancia a esfuerzos moderados e intensos. Existen diferencias en las posiciones de juego, los mediocampistas recorrieron mayores distancias y registraron más impactos.

Abstract Monitoring physical demands during soccer matches with GPS technologies provides valuable information that can be used to enhance sports performance. Therefore, this study aimed to know Costa Rican professional soccer players' physical demands and analyze the influence of the playing position and the competitive level during matches. Sixty male soccer players, 50 from the first division of Costa Rican soccer and 10 from an absolute national CONCACAF (SAC) team were monitored with a Global Positioning System (GPS) to quantify kinematic variables such as distance traveled (m), total and different intensities (Z 1-5), maximum speed (km/h), total impacts (g), accelerations (m / s) and decelerations (m/s). The game positions were categorized into defenses (Def), midfielders (Mid) and forward (For), and the competitive level in a) SAC, b) Elite level teams (ENE), and c) Sub-elite level teams (ENS). The results reflected significant differences regarding the competitive level in the distance traveled at different intensities Z1 (SAC >ENS >ENE), Z2 (ENE >SAC >ENS) and Z4 (ENE >SAC >ENS), in accelerations (SAC >ENE >ENS), and in decelerations (SAC >ENS >ENE). By game positions, the differences were in the total distance (Mid >Def >For), in the distance traveled in Z2 (Mid >Def >For) and Z3 (Mid >Def >For), as well as in total impacts (Mid >Def >For). It is concluded that the competitive level influences the physical demands. SAC registered more accelerations and decelerations, and ENE traveled a greater distance with moderate and intense efforts. There were differences between playing positions; midfielder traveled longer distances and recorded more impacts.

Resumo O monitoramento das demandas físicas durante partidas de futebol com tecnologias GPS fornece informações valiosas que podem ser usadas para aprimorar o desempenho atlético. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as demandas físicas dos jogadores de futebol profissional da Costa Rica, bem como analisar a influência da posição de jogo e do nível competitivo durante os jogos. Sessenta jogadores de futebol masculino, 50 da primeira divisão do futebol costarriquenho e 10 da seleção nacional absoluta da CONCACAF (SAC), foram monitorados com um Sistema de Posicionamento Global (GPS) para quantificar variáveis cinemáticas como distância percorrida (m), total já diferentes intensidades (Z 1-5), velocidade máxima (km / h), impactos totais (g), acelerações (m / s) e desacelerações (m / s). As posições de jogo foram categorizadas em: defensores (Def), meio-campistas (Med) e atacantes (Del), e o nível competitivo em: a) SAC, b) Times de elite (ENE) e c) times de nível pré-elite (ENS). Os resultados refletiram diferenças significativas em relação ao nível competitivo na distância percorrida em diferentes intensidades Z1 (SAC> ENS> ENE), Z2 (ENE> SAC> ENS) e Z4 (ENE> SAC> ENS), acelerações (SAC> ENE> ENS) e em desacelerações (SAC> ENS> ENE). Por posições de jogo, as diferenças foram na distância total (Med> Def> Del), na distância percorrida em Z2 (Med> Def> Del) e Z3 (Med> Def> Del), bem como nos impactos totais (Med > Def> Del). Conclui-se que o nível competitivo influencia as demandas físicas. O SAC registrou mais acelerações e desacelerações, e a ENE percorreu uma distância maior com esforços moderados e intensos. Existem diferenças nas posições de jogo, os meio-campistas percorreram distâncias maiores e registraram mais impactos.

Assessment of Body Composition, Lower Limbs Power, and Anaerobic Power of Senior Soccer Players in Portugal: Differences According to the Competitive Level.

BACKGROUND: During a soccer game, the most diversified stimuli occur all the time, the physical condition level plays a determinant role, and there may be variations according to the competitive level. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify differences in body composition, lower limbs power, and anaerobic power, comparing senior soccer players of different competitive levels. METHODS: Participants were 81 players belonging to six soccer teams, aged between 18 and 35 years, with a mean age of 23.14 ± 4.23 years, who were divided into three distinct competitive levels: Elite, Sub-Elite and Non-Elite. The players performed bioimpedance evaluations on a tetrapolarInbody270 scale (body composition), the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) through the ChronoJump (lower limbs power), and Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) (anaerobic power). RESULTS: Based on the competitive level analysis, we verified that the players present body composition values similar to each other regardless of the competitive level in which they play. Concerning the performance evaluations, we verified that the elite players present higher values of highest jump (p = 0.012; d = 0.76, moderate; and p = 0.022; d = 0.71, moderate) and maximum force produced (p = 0.05; d = 0.64, moderate; and p = 0.002; d = 1.00, moderate), together with higher values of anaerobic power (p < 0.001; d = 2.43, very large; and p < 0.001; d = 2.22, very large), compared to the others. CONCLUSIONS: We can thus conclude that there is a homogeneity regarding the body composition of soccer players, regardless of their competitive level; in turn, elite players show better performance indicators in all variables.

A Survey on Stretching Practices in Women and Men from Various Sports or Physical Activity Programs.

Recommendations for prescribing stretching exercises are regularly updated. It appears that coaches progressively follow the published guidelines, but the real stretching practices of athletes are unknown. The present study aimed to investigate stretching practices in individuals from various sports or physical activity programs. A survey was completed online to determine some general aspects of stretching practices. The survey consisted of 32 multiple-choice or open-ended questions to illustrate the general practices of stretching, experiences and reasons for stretching. In total, 3546 questionnaires were analyzed (47.3% women and 52.7% men). Respondents practiced at the national/international level (25.2%), regional level (29.8%), or recreationally (44.9%). Most respondents (89.3%) used stretching for recovery (74.9%) or gains of flexibility (57.2%). Stretching was generally performed after training (72.4%). The respondents also indicated they performed stretching as a pre-exercise routine (for warm-up: 49.9%). Static stretching was primarily used (88.2%) but when applied for warm-up reasons, respondents mostly indicated performing dynamic stretching (86.2%). Only 37.1% of the respondents indicated being supervised. Finally, some gender and practice level differences were noticed. The present survey revealed that the stretching practices were only partly in agreement with recent evidence-based recommendations. The present survey also pointed out the need to improve the supervision of stretching exercises.

Bilateral asymmetry of running gait in competitive, recreational and novice runners at different speeds.

The mechanisms and underlying causes of bilateral asymmetry among healthy runners of different levels remain unclear. This cross-sectional laboratory study aimed to investigate the effects of running speed and running experience or competitive level on bilateral symmetry during running. Eleven competitive runners, 9 recreational runners and 11 novice runners were recruited in this study. They ran on an instrumented treadmill for 3 min at each of 5 fixed speeds (8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 km/h) in a randomized order. Bilateral asymmetry was evaluated and quantified using symmetry index (SI) of temporal and kinetic parameters. Overall, SI ranged between 0.8% for stride time and 21.4% for vertical average loading rate. Significant speed effects were observed on SI of flight time (p = .012), which was significantly higher at 8 km/h than that of the other 4 speeds (p = .023, 0.005, 0.023 and 0.028, respectively). Group-by-speed interactions were detected on SI in time to peak vertical ground reaction force (p = .032) and vertical average loading rate (p = .002). The competitive runners presented linear reduction in the SI with increasing speed from 8 to 12 km/h (R2 > 0.94); for the recreational runners, SI changed nonlinearly and presented a roughly U-shaped trend across speeds (R2 > 0.88); and for the novice runners, changes of SI across speed were inconsistent and dependent on parameters of interest (R2 > 0.64). Bilateral asymmetry was affected by both running speed and runners' running experience or competitive level. The competitive runners were found to run with a more symmetrical manner with a greater running speed, the recreational runners demonstrated the most symmetrical pattern at the critical speed, whereas the novice runners showed inconsistent trends.

Peripheral Muscle Function During Repeated Changes of Direction in Basketball.

Purpose: To examine differences between adult male basketball players of different competitive levels (study 1) and changes over a basketball season (study 2) of knee-extensor peripheral muscle function during multistage change-of-direction exercise (MCODE). Methods: In study 1, 111 players from 4 different divisions completed the MCODE during the regular season. In study 2, the MCODE was performed before (T1) and after (T2) the preparation period and during the competitive season (T3) by 32 players from divisions I, II, and III. The MCODE comprised 4 levels of increasing intensity for each player. The twitch peak torque (PT) of knee extensors was measured after each level. PTmax (the highest value of PT) and fatigue were calculated. Results: In study 1, the authors found possibly small differences (effect size [ES] [90% confidence interval] -0.24 [0.39]) in fatigue between divisions I and II. Division I was characterized by likely (ES 0.30-0.65) and very likely to almost certain (ES 0.74-1.41) better PTmax and fatigue levels than divisions III and VI, respectively. In study 2, fatigue was very likely reduced (ES -0.91 to -0.51) among all divisions from T1 to T2, whereas PTmax was likely to very likely reduced (ES -0.51 to -0.39) in divisions II and III. Conclusions: Professional basketball players are characterized by a better peripheral muscle function during MCODE. Most of the seasonal changes in peripheral muscle function occurred after the preparation period. These findings inform practitioners on the development of training programs to enhance the ability to sustain repeated change-of-direction efforts.

The physical profile of adult male basketball players: Differences between competitive levels and playing positions.

This study examined the physical differences in adult male basketball players of different competitive level and playing position using a large cohort. In the middle of the regular season, 129 players from four different Divisions completed a Yo-YoIR1 and, after 3-to-8 days, they performed a 6-min continuous running test (Mognoni's test), a counter-movement jump (CMJ) test and a 5-min High-intensity Intermittent running test (HIT). Magnitude-based inferences revealed that differences in HIT were very likely moderate between Division I and II and likely small between Division II and III. The differences in absolute peak power and force produced during CMJs between Division I and II and between Division II and III were possibly small. Differences in Yo-YoIR1 and Mognoni's test were very likely-to-almost certain moderate/large between Division III and VI. We observed possibly-to-likely small differences in HIT and Mognoni's test between guards and forwards and almost certainly moderate differences in absolute peak power and force during CMJs between guards and centres. The ability to sustain high-intensity intermittent efforts (i.e. HIT) and strength/power characteristics can differentiate between competitive level, while strength/power characteristics discriminate guards from forwards/centres. These findings inform practitioners on the development of identification programs and training activities in basketball.

The Preparation Period in Basketball: Training Load and Neuromuscular Adaptations.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the preparation period on neuromuscular characteristics of 12 professional (PRO) and 16 semiprofessional (SEMIPRO) basketball players and relationships between training-load indices and changes in neuromuscular physical performance. METHODS: Before and after the preparation period, players underwent a countermovement jump (CMJ) test followed by a repeated change-of-direction (COD) test consisting of 4 levels with increasing intensities. The peripheral neuromuscular functions of the knee extensors (peak torque [PT]) were measured using electrical stimulations after each level (PT1, PT2, PT3, and PT4). Furthermore, PT Max (the highest value of PT) and PT Dec (PT decrement from PT Max to PT4) were calculated. RESULTS: Trivial to small (effect size [ES] = -0.17 to 0.46) improvements were found in CMJ variables, regardless of competitive level. After the preparation period, peripheral fatigue induced by a COD test was similarly reduced in both PRO (PT Dec: from 27.8% [21.3%] to 11.4% [13.7%]; ES = -0.71; 90% confidence interval [CI], ±0.30) and SEMIPRO (PT Dec: from 26.1% [21.9%] to 10.2% [8.2%]; ES = -0.69; 90% CI, ±0.32). Moderate to large relationships were found between session rating of perceived exertion training load and changes in peak power output (PPO) measured during the CMJs (rs [90% confidence interval]: PPOabs, -.46 [±.26]; PPOrel, -.53 [±.23]) and in some PTs measured during the COD test (PT1, -.45 [±.26]; PT2, -.44 [±.26]; PT3, -.40 [±.27]; and PT Max, -.38 [±.28]). CONCLUSIONS: The preparation period induced minimal changes in the CMJ, while the ability to sustain repeated COD efforts was improved. Reaching high session rating of perceived exertion training loads might partially and negatively affect the ability to produce strength and power.

Abnormal electrocardiographic findings in athletes: Correlation with intensity of sport and level of competition.

INTRODUCTION: Athletes can exhibit abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) phenotypes that require further evaluation prior to competition. These are apparently more prevalent in high-intensity endurance sports. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between ECG findings in athletes and intensity of sport and level of competition. METHODS: A cohort of 3423 competitive athletes had their ECGs assessed according to the Seattle criteria (SC). The presence of abnormal ECGs was correlated with: (1) intensity of sport (low/moderate vs. at least one high static or dynamic component); (2) competitive level (regional vs. national/international); (3) training volume (≤20 vs. >20 hours/week); (4) type of sport (high dynamic vs. high static component). The same endpoints were studied according to the 'Refined Criteria' (RC). RESULTS: Abnormal ECGs according to the SC were present in 225 (6.6%) athletes, more frequently in those involved in high-intensity sports (8.0% vs. 5.4%; p=0.002), particularly in dynamic sports, and competing at national/international level (7.1% vs. 4.9%; p=0.028). Training volume was not significantly associated with abnormal ECGs. By multivariate analysis, high-intensity sport (OR 1.55, 1.18-2.03; p=0.002) and national/international level (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04-2.14; p=0.027) were independent predictors of abnormal ECGs, and these variables, when combined, doubled the prevalence of this finding. According to the RC, abnormal ECGs decreased to 103 (3.0%), but were also more frequent in high-intensity sports (4.2% vs. 2.0%; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between higher intensity of sports and increased prevalence of ECG abnormalities. This relationship persists with the use of more restrictive criteria for ECG interpretation, although the number of abnormal ECGs is lower.

The application of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance level 2 test to elite female soccer populations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2) to elite female soccer populations. Elite senior (n = 92), youth (n = 42), domestic (n = 46) and sub-elite female soccer players (n = 19) carried out the Yo-Yo IE2 test on numerous occasions across the season. Test-retest coefficient of variation (CV) in Yo-Yo IE2 test performance in domestic female players was 4.5%. Elite senior female players' Yo-Yo IE2 test performances were better (P < 0.01) than elite youth, domestic and sub-elite players (mean ± standard deviation; 1774 ± 532 vs 1490 ± 447, 1261 ± 449, and 994 ± 373 m). For elite senior female players, wide midfielders (2057 ± 550 m) had a higher Yo-Yo IE2 test performance (P < 0.05) than central defenders (1588 ± 534 m) and attackers (1516 ± 401 m), but not central midfielders (1764 ± 473 m) or full-backs (1964 ± 522 m). Large correlations were observed between Yo-Yo IE2 test performance and the total and high-intensity distance covered (r = 0.55; P < 0.05) during elite senior soccer matches (r = 0.70; P < 0.01). A large correlation was also obtained between Yo-Yo IE2 test performance and (r = 0.68; P < 0.01). Performances in the Yo-Yo IE2 test were greater (P < 0.05) in the middle and the end of the season compared with the preparation period for elite youth female players (1767 ± 539 and 1742 ± 503 vs 1564 ± 504 m) and in elite senior female players, Yo-Yo IE2 test performance increased by 14% (P < 0.01) after completing 4 weeks of intense training prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Finals (2049 ± 283 vs 1803 ± 342 m). The data demonstrate that the Yo-Yo IE2 test is reproducible and is an indicator of the match-specific physical capacity of female soccer players. Furthermore, the Yo-Yo IE2 test illustrates sensitivity by differentiating intermittent exercise performance of female players in various competitive levels, stages of the season and playing positions.

Iniciação desportiva, actividades prévias e especialização no treino de futsal em Portugal / Sport initiation, early sport involvement and specialization in futsal training in Portugal

O presente estudo pretende analisar e caracterizar a preparação desportiva em longo prazo dos melhores jogadores de futsal portugueses. Para alcançar este objetivo foram realizados dois estudos distintos. O estudo 1 permitiu averiguar o percurso desportivo de jogadores séniores proveniente de diferentes níveis competitivos, elite (n=60), intermédio (n=160) e regional (151). Por sua vez, o estudo 2 comparou o envolvimento desportivo inicial dos melhores jogadores portugueses (n=24), com aquele desenvolvido por jogadores mais jovens, selecionados para representar as equipas distritais (n=270) e contemplou, adicionalmente, uma análise entre sexos. Todos os participantes preencheram um questionário previamente validado, que fornece informações de carácter retrospectivo sobre as atividades desportivas experiências ao longo da sua carreira. Os resultados demonstraram que os melhores jogadores se distinguem dos jogadores de níveis competitivos inferiores pela dedicação mais precoce ao treino desportivo e especificamente ao futsal, facto que é reforçado tanto pelo acréscimo progressivo do volume de treino semanal como na duração das épocas desportivas. Estes aspectos emergem como fatores discriminantes neste processo, não deixando de referenciar o contributo da prática diversificada no percurso dos melhores jogadores portugueses de futsal.

The present study aimed to analyze and characterize the long-term athlete development in the elite Portuguese futsal players. There were performed two different studies to achieve this goal. The first one allowed to ascertain the route of seniors sports players from different competitive levels, elite (n=60), medium (N=160) and regional (n=151). The second study has compared the early involvement of the elite senior Portuguese players (n=24), with the study developed with young players, selected to represent the district teams (n=270) and also included a comparison between genders. All the participants completed a previous validated questionnaire, which provides retrospective information about the sport activities experienced throughout his career. The results showed that the elite players are distinguished from lower level competitive players for their earlier dedication to the sports training and specifically to futsal, which is reinforced by the progressive increase in volume of weekly training as in the durations of seasons. These aspects emerge as discriminating factors in this process, whilst the early practice diversifications contribution to the course of the elite Portuguese futsal players.

Injuries in amateur soccer players on artificial turf: a one-season prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies in soccer are important for injury prevention. However, most of the available information is limited to elite players. OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiology of injuries in amateur soccer players on artificial turf. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study during one competitive season (2010-2011). SETTING: Amateur soccer players. PARTICIPANTS: 231 players (aged 24.7; range: 18-38 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Injury incidence was recorded prospectively according to the consensus statement for soccer. RESULTS: 213 injuries were recorded; 57% of the players suffered injuries. Injury incidence was 5.1 (95% CI: 4.3-5.9) injuries/1000 h exposure. Injury incidence was higher in matches than in training (32.2 [95% CI: 23.1-41.3] vs. 2.4 [95% CI: 1.8-3.0] injuries/1000 h; p < 0.001). The thigh (22.1%), knee (20.2%), and ankle (19.2%) were the most affected regions. The most frequent diagnoses were thigh strain/muscle rupture (18.3%), and ankle and knee strain/ligament injury (17.3% and 11.3%, respectively). Time-loss due to injury was 20.3 (95% CI: 16.8-23.73) days. Most injuries (79%) were traumatic; 21% were overuse injuries. Re-injuries accounted for 10% of all injuries sustained during the season. CONCLUSIONS: Injury incidence in amateur soccer players is higher during matches played on artificial turf than during training sessions.

Análise das atribuições causais do sucesso e do insucesso na competição, em função do nível competitivo dos futebolistas portugueses / Analysis of causal attributions of success and failure in competitions regarding Portuguese soccer players' competition level

Tendo como referência o modelo atribuicional da motivação e emoção de Weiner (1979), pretendeu-se avaliar as atribuições causais, em situações de sucesso e insucesso desportivo, em função da influência dos diferentes níveis competitivos dos futebolistas portugueses. Analisando uma amostra que integrou 125 futebolistas, que participaram em três níveis competitivos do futebol português (II Divisão; III Divisão; I Divisão Distrital), este estudo apresenta resultados quanto aos mecanismos de perceção de causalidade revelados pelos atletas em função dos diferentes níveis competitivos onde estão inseridos. Os resultados evidenciaram diferenças significativas, nomeadamente no que concerne às dimensões causais referente ao locus de causalidade e controle externo (em situações de sucesso) e locus de causalidade e nível de estabilidade (no caso dos insucessos).

Having as a reference Weiner's attributional model of motivation and emotion (1979), this work intended to evaluate the causal attributions, in sport situations of success and failure, in relation to Portuguese soccer players' competitive levels. Studying a sample of 125 soccer players, who compete in three competitive levels (II League; III League; I District League), this study presents results about the mechanisms of causality perception, revealed by the athletes in these 3 different competitive levels. The results had evidenced significant differences between the causal dimensions of locus of causality and external control (success situations) and the locus of causality and level of stability (failure situations).