European Journal of Human Movement

Positional differences in match running performance of professional national-level women soccer players

2023-11-22T09:22:26+01:00

This study aimed to identify positional differences in the running performance (RP) of professional women soccer players. Seventy match performances were observed during the official matches (n = 13) over the course of half of a season at the highest level of national soccer competition in Slovenia. Players’ RP were obtained using global positioning system technology and were classified into five playing positions: central defender (CD; n = 11), fullback (FB; n = 15), central midfielder (CM; n = 9), winger (WM; n = 25) and forward (FW; n = 10). RP variables included total distance, high-intensity running, high-metabolic load distance, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, and maximal running speed. Univariate and multivariate differences in RP among playing positions were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and discriminate canonical analysis, respectively. Significant univariate differences were found for all RP variables (f = 3.77 – 8.68, µ = 0.19 – 0.33). Specifically, WMs, FBs, and CMs covered more total distance than CDs or FWs. High-intensity running, high metabolic load distance, high-intensity accelerations, and decelerations were greater for FBs or WMs compared to the players in all other playing positions. Analysis of multivariate differences showed significant differentiation between FBs and CMs, CDs, and FWs in high-intensity running distance, high-metabolic load distance, and high-intensity decelerations (CanR= 0.4 – 0.77, all p < 0.01), respectively, with higher occurrence in FBs. These findings demonstrated the differing physical demands placed on national-level women's soccer players in different playing positions, offering valuable insights for their preparation.

Effects of direction change in running with and without the ball and performance level on metabolic demands in young basketball players.

2023-11-22T10:23:46+01:00

Studying several types of running conditions with different tasks is useful to understand how metabolic demands change considering the complexity of the task performed (running with and without the ball). The hypothesis formulated is the following: the strength of the lower limbs may decrease more in the running with ball and between two groups (élite and sub-élite); while the energy expenditure should be different in four running conditions. The sample of subjects included twenty-four young male basketball players between 19±1 years old, divided in two groups (élite n=12 and sub-élite n=12). The aim of this study is to estimate the expenditure metabolic and the level of decreasing strength of the lower limb at different running conditions (two linear running and two shuttle running). The experimental approach required a portable Metabolimeter to assess the metabolic expenditures, Squat Jump (Optojump) to assess the strength of the lower limbs before and after each test. The T-test for independent sample was used and two-way repeated measures ANOVA to assess the significant differences for each running conditions. This study has showed a different metabolic expenditure between two groups: energy consumption is increased when running with the ball compared to when running without the ball and also when changing direction compared to linear running. The results could be useful to coaches to optimize the training load of young basketball players and to improve the motor learning.

Factors Influencing Motives for Sport Participation of People with Physical Disabilities in Madrid: Reflections to Promote an Active Living

2023-11-10T17:00:43+01:00

People with disabilities (PWD) present a much lower physical activity (PA) and sport practice rate than those who do not present this condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the reasons for physical sport practice in a sample of residents of the community of Madrid with physical disabilities in order to provide suggestion to promote active living from results. Participants were 117 physical activity practitioners (33% women and 67% men) between 15 and 74 years old with certified physical disability greater than 33%. The Motives for Physical Activity Measure - Revised questionnaire (MPAM-R) was administered online through disability service providers’ collaboration. “Fitness” and “enjoyment” reasons were the dimensions that scored the highest, while the “appearance” and “disability” dimensions were the least valued. Mostly no significant differences were found regarding gender, age, education level, percentage of disability or possession of a sport license. However, when significant differences were found the mostly depended on the practice of sports and PA and interest in sports and PA, followed by the possession of a sports license, with occasional differences by the educational level of respondents, their age or their gender. Understanding (physical) disability from and individual/personal level, but also from a social/contextual perspective makes necessary to further research why people engage in PA and sport, especially in the case for PWD as barriers to actively engage in active lifestyles are predominant nowadays still.

Muscle Strength Differences of Hamstring and Quadriceps Ratio in Para-Footballers with Cerebral Palsy

2023-11-13T16:45:56+01:00

The aims of this study were 1) to examine differences in knee flexor and knee extensor muscle strength between lower limbs and 2) to compare the hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) muscle strength ratio and asymmetries, considering more and less affected legs in para-footballers with cerebral palsy (CP) and unilateral spasticity impairment profile. This cross-sectional design study included nine male para-footballers with CP who participated in this study. Participants performed an isometric knee extension and flexion for 5 seconds, and the force was registered with a load cell. The maximum peak force for the hamstring and quadriceps was registered for the more and less affected leg. The difference between legs, between muscle groups, and the hamstring and quadriceps ratio (H/Q ratio) was calculated. The knee extension of the less affected leg showed significantly greater strength than the more affected leg (p = 0.014, d = 0.63), but there were no differences between knee flexors (p = 0.35, d = 0.13). The H/Q ratio was significantly lower in the less affected leg than in the more affected leg (p = 0.03, d = -0.75). The majority of participants (77%) showed asymmetry in lower limb strength levels by more than 10%. Para-footballers with CP showed asymmetries and strength deficits which could be related to a higher prevalence of injury risk factors. The characteristics of this population should be taken into account, and this type of test should be implemented in order to design appropriate training programs to counteract the neuromuscular consequences of CP and improve physical performance.

Effects of a postural education program on backpack use habits in schoolchildren: The PEPE Study.

2023-05-31T20:08:00+02:00

One of the concerns of educational and health authorities, parents, and professionals from different sectors is the incorrect use of the school backpack and its repercussions on the musculoskeletal system, especially on the back. Health Literacy education programs have been carried out in the primary and secondary education system with the aim of preventing musculoskeletal disorders in children and adolescents and initiatives are being taken to reduce the weight that students carry in their backpacks. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of a postural education program on backpack use habits related to LBP in schoolchildren aged 10-12 years. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out in Majorca (Spain), with 224 primary schoolchildren aged 10 to 12. The sample was selected from different clusters (schools) using convenience sampling and randomly distributed into an experimental group (5 schools) or a control group (5 schools). A 16-week intervention program was implemented, which was carried out telematically because it was in times of COVID-19. Three structured and self-administered questionnaires were used to examine the prevalence of low back pain and backpack use habits. Results showed how backpack habits and single questions related to the use of backpack did not improve after the intervention in the experimental group, and in the control group also. The main conclusion is that no improvements were observed in the intervention group attributable to the effect of the intervention.

Physical and cognitive cycling performance wearing a training mask

2023-12-01T08:46:14+01:00

Training mask is a respiratory muscle training device, although it was initially advertised as altitude simulators. The aim of the study was to assess the acute effects of wearing a training masks on physical and cognitive performance in cyclists. Twenty physically active subjects performed two graded exercise tests (GXT) until exhaustion, wearing and not wearing a mask, in counterbalanced order. Immediately after the GXT, they performed a cognitive task on a computer. Power, heart rate, lactate, Rating of Perceived Effort (RPE), peripheral oxygen saturation, lung capacity and cognitive variables (reaction time and response accuracy) were measured. Final power was 14.5 % lower when wearing a mask (p < 0.001; ES = 1.515). Heart rate (p = 0.002; ES = 0.790), lactate (p = 0.002; ES = 0.870), and RPE (p = 0.008; ES = 0.879) were also lower at the end of the mask test. However, in the intermediate stages of the test, at the same intensity, there was no difference in heart rate, while RPE was higher with mask. There were no differences between conditions in peripheral oxygen saturation or cognitive variables. In conclusion, the use of a training mask limits maximal aerobic performance, but there are no differences in cognitive variables or physiological parameters at the same intensity.

Comparison of Daily Life Physical Activity Between Trained and Non-Trained Individuals with Down Syndrome

2023-11-22T11:02:48+01:00

Physical activity and sports practice plays an important role in maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life. As related concepts, those are not well studied in persons with disabilities, particularly with intellectual disability or Down syndrome. This study aimed to assess the daily life physical activity levels of competitive persons with Down syndrome and to compare those with active and untrained individuals with the same condition. Twenty participants were allocated to international competitive (N=8; 25.8±7.4 years), recreational (N=6; 22.0±4.3 years) and untrained (N=6; 24.0±7.4 years) groups. The daily physical activity was assessed with a CE Mark class I electronic medical device (WalkinSense®), designed to monitor dynamics of human lower limbs’. Time spending in sports practice was not accounted for this analysis. Differences were found between the competitive and the recreational groups in the number of training hours per week and walking distance. Similarly, the competitive group showed differences with the two other groups in weight, body mass index, training hours per week, steps/day and walking distance. Our findings suggest that individuals with Down syndrome engaged in competitive training are more active persons behind their sport comparing to their non-competitive peers, but remain far from the 10 000 steps/day that is the recommended guideline for healthier adults without any disability.

Attentional focus instruction on the hands during bimanual coordination in children with probable developmental coordination disorder

2023-12-16T09:42:08+01:00

Directing attention to one aspect of the bimanual coordination task improves performance. Few studies investigated the effect of attention on the coordination patterns of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Aims: To investigate the effect of attentional focus instructions on the hand on stabilizing bimanual coordination in children with probable DCD. Method: Twenty-eight 9-10 years old children participated in two groups matched by age and gender, based on the results of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children: probable DCD (pDCD) [n=14] and typically developing (TD). Children couple the horizontal movements of the hands in an in-phase coordination pattern, with the attentional focus instruction on the preferred hand, non-preferred hand, and free. Variability of the coupling between the hands and motor control variables were used to assess stability and control strategies adopted by children. Results: Both groups showed more variability concerning in-phase patterns when the attentional focus instruction was on the preferred hand than in other conditions. pDCD showed more variability than TD when the attentional focus instruction was on the non-preferred hand. pDCD performed faster, shorter movements and with more pressure than TD. Conclusion: Attentional focus affected the bimanual coordination patterns of groups, but children with pDCD use different control strategies than TD children. Practical applications: Attentional focus instruction strategies for performing motor tasks, especially tasks that are unfavorable to children with DCD, could help during the motor intervention of this population.

Acute fatigue in endurance athletes: The association between countermovement jump variables and creatine kinase response.

2023-11-22T10:30:51+01:00

The purpose of this study was to determine the variables of acute neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) and its correlation with the serum concentration of creatine kinase (CK) pre- and post-training through performance analysis counter movement jump (CMJ). Methods: Eight male endurance performance athletes performed 3 trials CMJ in force platform before and after fatigue protocol high intensity intermittent running (PFAI) (fatiguing to the maximum possible rate of work for each repetition Protocol). A total of 8 variables were analyzed through CMJ and the biomarker CK before and after fatigue protocol. Results: No significant differences for the variables of mean force MF (P = 0,62. d = 0,03), time to peak force TTPF (P = 0,46. d = 0,43), jump height JH (P = 0,19. d = 0,65), flight time FT (P = 0,26. d = 0,58), relation flight time: contraction time FT: CT (P = 0,74. d = 0,59) and CK (P = 0,79. d = 0,31). Significant differences in variables of peak power (p = 0.008. d = 1,37) and contraction time (p = 0.01. d = 0,76) were found. Finally, Spearman’s correlation (Spearman’s Rho) for non-parametric tests was performed between peak power (PP) (p = 0.002) (r = 0.92) and contraction time (CT) (p = 0.001) (r = 0.97). Conclusions: There is a neuromuscular fatigue state in the acute phase determined of CMJ variables, independent of lineal relation CK production. Likewise, it is highlighted a major parameter the reduction of peak power and increment of contraction time in the neuromuscular performance.

Motivation and likes of high school students towards physical education class.

2023-11-14T12:28:27+01:00

The experience and knowledge that students have about the teaching process, interaction in the class, and their motivation toward physical education influence their attitude and learning at school. This study investigated the likes, motivation, and attitudes of students toward physical education and the practice of sports outside class. A mixed method research was used to conduct the study, which included qualitative and quantitative techniques. We worked with a sample of 2550 students from ninth and tenth grades of public schools in the nine subregions of the Department of Antioquia (Colombia). The qualitative data were analyzed through open coding using ATLAS.ti, and the quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS. The results showed that 83.5% of the respondents really liked physical education. They like the class because of the practice and learning of sports, the possibility of improving their physical condition, the games, the break from other school subjects, the learning of values, and the attitude of the teachers. On the other hand, 88.4% of the respondents said that they play sports outside class.

“You cannot be serious”. The translation of sport science research to the tennis court.

2023-12-31T10:03:12+01:00