20-m Sprint Test Research Articles

Application of the Force-velocity-power Concept to the 3-min all-out Running Test.

Force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling offers insights related to key factors that may enhance or hinder sprinting performances. Whether the same FVP principles could be applied to the sprinting portion of the 3-minute all-out test for running (3MT) has not been previously investigated. Twenty moderately trained participants volunteered for the study (age: 24.75 ± 3.58 yrs; height: 1.69±0.11 m; mass: 73.74±12.26 kg). After familiarization of all testing procedures, participants completed: (i) a 40-m all-out sprint test, and (ii) a 3MT. Theoretical maximal force and power, but not velocity, were significantly higher for the 40-m sprint test. Most FVP variables from the two tests were weakly to moderately correlated, with the exception of maximal velocity. Finally, maximal velocity and relative peak power were predictive of D', explaining approximately 51% of the variance in D'. Although similar maximal velocities are attained during both the 40-m sprint and the 3MT, the underlying mechanisms are markedly different. The FVP parameters obtained from either test are likely not interchangeable but do provide valuable insights regarding the potential mechanisms by which D' may be improved.

The effects of small-sided games versus traditional training on physical fitness and skills among Under-12 hockey players

Background and Study Aim. Despite many evidences showed the effectiveness of small sided games (SSG) to be included in sport training programs, majority of the study was done in soccer, while is very limited in hockey. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the effects of small sided games and traditional training on physical fitness components (cardiovascular endurance, power, speed) and skills (dribbling, hitting, passing) among Under-12 hockey players.
 Material and Methods. A total of 36 primary schools’ male students aged below 12 that represent their district were randomly divided into three groups; i) 3x3, ii) 4x4 and iii) traditional training (TT). The yo-yo test (cardiovascular endurance), standing long jump test (power) and 30m sprint test (speed) were conducted to measure level of physical fitness performance while the skills of the players was tested based on the skills of dribbling, hitting and passing. Pre- and post-tests were conducted on all fitness and skill level before and after 8 week intervention period. Mixed between within analysis of variances (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences in physical fitness and skills performance between and within the three groups.
 Results. The results of this study showed all groups managed to improve their physical fitness and skills in the post test. However, the 3x3 and 4x4 SSG have better improvement compared to TT in physical fitness while no significant differences were found in skills tests.
 Conclusions. In conclusion, SSG interventions were found to be more effective in improving physical fitness but not in terms of skills. Coaches are encouraging to implement SSG in their training program in order to improve both physical and skills among hockey players.

Leg dominance and performance in change of directions tests in young soccer players

The present study aimed to examine the influence of leg dominance on the change of direction (COD) performance. In this study participated 94 healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging from two categories (n = 27 vs. n = 67; 14.81 ± 0.40 vs. 16.64 ± 1.25 years of age; 170.61 ± 5.61 vs. 173.73 ± 7.19 cm of height; 64.74 ± 8.44 vs. 66.70 ± 7.95 kg of weight, for U16 and U18, respectively). Fitness assessments were performed two times in a period of three months, and included: (1) anthropometry measures, (2) 30–15 IFT, (3) 10-m sprint test, (4) 505-COD test, 90° COD test and cross-over hop test. A paired sample t-test was performed to evaluate the asymmetries at the intragroup level in each of the COD’s tests. A symmetry index was used to analyse the asymmetries between categories, and an independent sample t-test was used to compare the variability between the two categories in each of the three tests performed. The effect size was also evaluated. Analysis demonstrated that evidence a trend for a better performance with the preferred leg in the cross-over hop and 505-COD tests, and with the non-dominant leg in the 90° COD. However, in the intragroup analysis, only the 505-COD test registered differences, and no differences were notice din the intergroup comparison. Only in the 505-COD test the percentage of variability (CV) was statistically significant (7.03 ± 4.18% vs. 4.03 ± 2.02% from U16 and U18, respectively). In sum, bilateral differences were noticed in the intragroup comparison, although only in 505-COD test the leg dominance showed to influence performance. In the intergroup analysis any difference was noticed between age categories.

Physiological and locomotor demands during small-sided games are related to match demands and physical fitness? A study conducted on youth soccer players

AimThe purpose of the study was: (i) to analyze the relationships of physiological and locomotor demands between small-sided games (3v3 and 5v5) and official matches (11v11); (ii) to analyze the relationships between small-sided games demands and the physical fitness of youth soccer players.MethodsThe observational study lasted three weeks. In the first week participants performed the 5v5 (50 × 31 and 40 × 25 m) repeatedly over four days. In the third week they repeatedly performed the 3v3 (39 × 24 and 32 × 19 m) over four consecutive days. Twenty youth soccer players (age: 16.8 ± 0.41) were tested twice for their final velocity at 30–15 Intermittent Fitness test (VIFT), peak speed attained at 30-m sprint test (peak speed), and anaerobic speed reserve (ASR). The heart rate responses and locomotor demands were monitored in the SSGs (3v3 and 5v5) and matches (11v11) occurring once a week. The Polar Team Pro was used as the instrument to monitor heart rate and locomotor demands. Three official matches were also monitored during the period.ResultsResults revealed no significant correlations (p > 0.05) between small-sided games and match physiological or locomotor demands. However, VIFT and ASR were significantly correlated with distance covered at 5v5 (r = 0.483; p = 0.031; and r = − 0.474; p = 0.035, respectively), average speed (r = 0.474; p = 0.035; and r = − 0.453; p = 0.045, respectively), while VIFT was also significantly correlated with distance covered at Z2 intensity (r = 0.510; p = 0.022).ConclusionsThe results suggest that the physiological and locomotor demands occurring in small-sided games are significantly different from those occurring in official matches. Thus, physiological and locomotor similarities between small-sided games and official matches are scarce. Considering the second purpose of this study, the results suggest that VIFT and ASR are important physical fitness parameters to modulate the amount of distance covered by the players in 5v5, the average pace, and also the distance covered at high intensities.

Relationship between sprint, jump, dynamic balance with the change of direction on young soccer players' performance

The aim of the present paper was to determine the relationship between linear sprinting and jump performance, dynamic balance and change of direction on young soccer players. Ninety-four healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging to the same high-performance academy agreed to participate in the study [twenty-seven soccer players U16 (14.8 ± 0.4 years; height: 170.6 ± 5.6 cm; body mass 64.7 ± 8.4 kg)] and [sixty-seven soccer players U19 (16.6 ± 1.3 years; height: 173.7 ± 7.2 cm; body mass 66.7 ± 8.0 kg)]. Participants completed 3 testing sessions, 7 days apart. Data from a CMJ, Crossover Hop Test, 10-m sprint test, 505 COD tests and the 90° COD test were collected. Moderate correlations were found in some of the cases (r values were between 0.2 and 0.5 in all cases, being p < 0.05), indicating that linear sprinting, jumping performance and dynamic balance are influential factors in agility but are not the main limiting factor. The highest correlation was found between the cross-over hop test and the 505 COD test (r = 0.44; p < 0.001). The main evidence from the current study suggested that linear sprinting, jumping performance and dynamics balance are determinants of COD, namely explaining the variations in such a skill. The current study revealed that short-distance sprint and jumping performance significantly explain the variations of COD performance on young soccer players.

Higher Running Speed and Cardiovascular Endurance Are Associated with Greater Level of Academic Achievement in Urban Catalan Primary School Children

The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in a sample of primary-school children. Data of 116 sixth-grade primary-school students (68 girls, 48 boys) from Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) with a mean (SD) age of 11.4 years (0.4) was analyzed. To determine academic achievement, proficiency scores in the subjects Catalan language, Spanish language, English language, and Maths were derived from the Test de Compètencies Bàsiques. Physical fitness was assessed using the Cooper test (aerobic capacity), 20-m sprint test (linear velocity), and 4 × 10-m test (agility). The results showed that participants with a higher performance in the Cooper and 20-m sprint tests had significantly better academic achievement in the assessed subjects (p &lt; 0.05; d range = 0.93 to −2.98). The findings of this investigation are interesting from a curricular perspective since a positive association between academic achievement and physical fitness indicates a strong reason to raise the physical education status in educational systems, a subject that has traditionally been considered less important by the educational community.

Cognitive and Physical Effects of Warm-Up on Young Soccer Players.

This study analyzed the effects of with (WC) or without conducting a warm up on youth soccer players immediately before performing physical and cognitive tests. Fourteen youth soccer player (age 11.64 ± 0.50) participated in a counterbalanced cross-sectional study in which three conditions were tested: (a)basal lineal condition; (b)WC (immediately before the physical and cognitive tests); and (c)without WC (passive resting for 15min between the warm-up and physical and cognitive tests). A 30-m sprint test, countermovement jump, and psychomotor vigilance task were also applied. The WC revealed significant improvements in countermovement jump (p < .05), 30-m sprint test performance (p < .05), and reaction time in psychomotor vigilance task (p < .05) in comparison to basal lineal condition and without WC. A 15-min rest after a warm-up has a meaningfully decremental effect on the physical and cognitive readiness of youth soccer players, in comparison with when they warm-up immediately before the demands are imposed.

Immediate and Acute Effect of Self Myofascial Release vs Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Flexibility, Strength and Sport-Specific Performance in Young Male Soccer Players

Background: Regular exercise and performance can result in microtrau-ma, which is minor damage to the muscle. The resulting inflammatory response may lead to fascia scar tissue over time, which in turn may lead to muscular dysfunction. Purpose: The purpose of our study was to compare the immediate and acute effects of SMR and IASTM on flexibility, strength and sport-specific performance in young male soccer players. Method: Twenty-seven young male soccer players were randomly assigned to receive either SMR via plain foam roller or IASTM via M2T blade. To compare the effect of interventions, subjects were assessed on measures of flexibility via sit and reach test, power through vertical jump test, agility by Illinois agility test, 20m sprint test and strength test by a dynamometer. Results: A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze differences. To test for the difference between interventions and across 3 assessments, a 3X3 split plot ANOVA with a group (control, SMR, IASTM), time (0 min, 10 mins, 20 mins) and interaction effect (Group X Time) was employed. There was a significant difference in strength during performance without intervention vs. immediately after SMR and IASTM (p=0.03). Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that SMR and IASTM did not improve physical performance in young male soccer players, but they did not hinder performance either. Even if performance does not improve, there does not seem to be any adverse effect by using either SMR or IASTM before physical activity, athletes need not be discouraged from using these tools.

Exergaming During Ramadan Intermittent Fasting Improve Body Composition as Well as Physiological and Psychological Responses to Physical Exercise in Adolescents With Obesity.

The effects of exergaming on biochemical responses has been investigated; however, no data is available for this effect during Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF). RIF is a daily fasting characterized by abstaining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset for 29–30 days. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exergaming during RIF on body composition, physical performance and hematological parameters in overweight and adolescents with obesity. Twenty-four adolescents with obesity were divided into two groups [control group (CG), n = 12, or cooperative sport exergaming group (EG), n = 12: 45 min per session during five days per week)]. Participants completed a 6-min walking test (6MWT), a squat jump test and a 10 and a 30m sprint tests in four different occasions: before Ramadan (T0), the second week of Ramadan (T1), the fourth week of Ramadan (T2), and after Ramadan (T3). Blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), body composition, central obesity index, dietary intake and profile of mood states (POMS) were, also, assessed over the four periods. The results showed that body weight, body mass index and body fat percentage were significantly lower at T2 compared to T0 and T1 in the EG. After RIF, body composition returned to the values recorded before RIF. The POMS score was significantly lower during T2 compared to T0, T1 and T3 in the EG. The vertical jump and the 6MWT distance were significantly higher (i) at T2 compared to T0, T1 and T3 in the EG and (ii) in EG compared to CG at T2. RPE was significantly lower (i) at T2 compared to T0, T1 and T3 in the EG and (ii) in EG compared to CG at T2. Blood pressure was lower during T2 compared to the other periods in EG. The EG experienced significant decreases in total cholesterol and triglycerides during T2. However, no significant changes between groups and periods was reported for all the other parameters. In conclusion, exergaming during RIF has a positive effect on body composition and physiological and psychological responses in adolescents with obesity.

The Effect of a Repeated Sprint Training Session on Neuromuscular Acute Fatigue

The performance in countermovement jump (CMJ) may represent a practical and noninvasive way to control the effects imposed by loads of a training session on fatigue. The present study aimed to investigate the acute influence of repeated sprint training (RST) protocol on neuromuscular performance, measured with countermovement jump (CMJ) and a 40m sprint test, at different moments - during and post training; and to check if the sprint decrement obtained throughout the RST protocol would be related to the acute decrement in CMJ. The sample was composed of 11 male university-level team-sport athletes (22.66±1.97 years, 75.68±7.84 kg, 1.78±2.06 m). After the familiarization process, the volunteers participated in the CMJ baseline test, RST training session, CMJ test during the RST training, CMJ test after RST training (2h, 24h and 48h). The minimal individual difference (MID) was used to identify actual individual changes in CMJ and sprint performance. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, with 95% percentile bootstrap confidence intervals, was used to identify the relationship between CMJ and sprint performance. The RST training protocol was able to induce real CMJ and sprint performance changes. The CMJ performance returned to initial values 24 and 48 hours after RST training. The sprint performance remained altered during the RST, which was expected. However, performance remained below MID at 2h, 24h and 48h after the training protocol. The performance at CMJ and sprint showed a positive and significant correlation. A multi-parameter approach should be adopted to monitor the status of neuromuscular fatigue.

Association Between Hamstrings Eccentric Strength and Sprint Performance in Football Players

Sprint is essential for successful sport performance. Acceleration is necessary for every position in football. The ability to successfully accelerate is also an important determinant for more carried gaming activities. The eccen- tric strength of the hamstrings is an important task in sprint. The aim of our study was to test the correlation between the 30 m sprint and the eccentric strength of the hamstring by NordBord. The sample consisted of 48 professional football players (23.15±4.78 yr.; 180.5±5.42 cm; 76.5±7.94 kg) of the highest Slovak football league. The correlation between 30 m performance and average eccentric hamstring strength has been -0.0826. The correlation suggests that the sprint speed and eccentric strength of the hamstrings have not been associated 0 (t=-0.5619; df=46; p=0.5769). Correlation between 30 m performance and AVG/kg was -0.1317, indicating that the correlation between average weight and speed was not been significant. The eccentric strength has not been associated with a higher speed in the 30-m sprint test. However, more intervention studies are warranted.

Ability of functional performance assessments to discriminate athletes with and without chronic ankle instability : a case-control study.

BackgroundThe decline in motor function associated with chronic ankle instability (CAI) can be assessed using Functional Performance tests. Ankle muscular strength, endurance and range of motion (ROM) has been assessed in previous studies but functional activities such as sprinting and change of direction are less well studied in athletes with CAI. Hence the aim of this study was to determine how sprint, change of direction, ankle isometric strength, endurance and ROM measures may be associated with discriminate athletes with and without CAI.MethodsOne hundred and six participants (CAI: n = 53 or no CAI: n = 53) provided informed consent to participate in this study. Participants performed three functional performance tests, (30-m sprint test, Modified Illinois change of direction test (MICODT)) and change of direction test. Range of motion for dorsiflexion was measured using weight bearing lunge test and inversion, eversion and plantarflexion using Saunders® digital inclinometer. Strength was assessed using Baseline® hand-held dynamometer for plantarflexors, dorsiflexors, invertors and evertors. Muscular endurance was assessed by single heel raise test and Modified single heel raise test. Between-group comparisons utilised Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-tests, with a number of unique variable and multivariable binomial logistic regression performed to determine which performance measures may discriminate participants with CAI.ResultsThe CAI participants performed significantly worse in the three functional performance tests as well as multiple measures of ankle ROM, isometric strength and muscular endurance (p < 0.008). While several measures of ROM (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion), strength (inversion and eversion) and both muscular endurance tests were significantly associated with CAI in the univariable analysis, the strongest association was the functional performance tests, especially MICDOT time (odds ratio (95% CI): 0.06 [0.02–0.17], sensitivity 94.3%, specificity 88.7%). Multivariable regression analyses indicated that performance across the functional performance tests were more strongly associated with CAI than any ankle ROM, muscular strength or endurance test. Further, the inclusion of the best ankle range of motion, strength or muscular endurance tests did not significantly improve upon the association of the MICDOT with CAI.ConclusionsChronic ankle instability in athletic populations appears to be highly associated with declines in functional performance and to a somewhat lesser extent, ankle range of motion, strength and muscle endurance measures. This may suggest that optimal rehabilitation for athletes with CAI may require a greater focus on improving sprinting speed and change of direction ability in the mid to latter stages of rehabilitation, with regular assessments of these functional performance tests necessary to guide the progression and overload of this training.

EFFECTS OF FIFA 11+ PROGRAM ON SPEED, AGILITY, POWER AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CRICKET PLAYERS

Background: The FIFA 11+ program is established protocol in the training of football players. Speed agility and power are also the crucial component of cricket performance. FIFA 11+ program may be the choice of training among cricketers. Objective: To determine the effects of FIFA 11+ program on speed, agility, power and quality of life among cricket players. Methods: A single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted on n= 50 cricket players were recruited through non-probability convenient sampling technique from Pakistan sports board and coaching centre Lahore. The inclusion criteria were cricketers having age between 14 to 35 years and those never participated in FIFA 11+ program was enrolled in study. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups receiving six (6) sessions of Injury prevention program FIFA 11+ (Group A) and conventional stretching (Group B) respectively. The outcome measures were 30m sprint test for speed, T-drill test for agility, 5 jumps test for power and athlete Life Quality Scale. As the data was not normally distributed non-parametric tests were applied for with-in and between the group comparisons. Results: The mean age of participants was 20.19 + 2.796 years. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement (p&lt;0.001) in speed, agility, power, and quality of life. While comparing the groups, there was no significant difference (p=0.264) was observed in speed. But FIFA 11+ program showed more significant improvement in agility, power and quality of life as compare to conventional dynamic stretching group (p&lt;0.05) after 3 weeks of intervention. Conclusion: FIFA 11+ program can be recommended as an effective approach towards improving the agility, power, and quality of life of in cricket players. Key words: Agility, Dynamic stretching program, FIFA 11+, Power, Speed, athlete, cricket

Association between match physical activity and neuromuscular characteristics in youth football.

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between maximal and submaximal neuromuscular field tests, match physical activity levels and biological maturation in youth football players. Sixty-four football players from under 14 to under 17 age groups were assessed. Players performed a repeated-sprint ability test, counter movement jump, 10-m, and 30-m sprint test, as well as an assessment of peripheral muscle function following a multi-stage incremental (i.e., four intensity levels) change of direction test (COD). Knee extensors peak-torque (PTmax) and the decrement of torque values (dec) were considered as COD outcomes. Physical match activities were tracked by GPS technology, while rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed using the CR10 Börg Scale. Pearson's correlations (90% confidence interval) were used to examine the relationships. Small associations were found between field tests and match activities. The relationships increased from small to moderate for some tests when match data with RPE>5 were considered. The largest associations were found between distance covered <-2.5m·s-2 and both COD PTmax and dec when RPE>5. The results of the present study provide further evidence of a small-to-moderate association between muscular performance and match work-rate in young football players. Although physical and physiological evaluations fail to precisely estimate the quantity of physical activities performed during matches, it is suggested that they can be utilized to monitor the training effect over time in young football players.

Analysis of physical performance during follicular phase vs luteal phase of menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic and young women

Background: Over the decade there has been increases in the number of women participating in exercise, physical and recreational activities. This active participation of women attributes to increase demand of physical performance. It has been seen that these performances have been affect over the different phases of menstrual cycle. Fluctuation of hormones in different phases can affect the performance in different ways. Aim: The present study aims to assess and compare the physical performance during follicular phase and luteal phase of menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic and young women. Methodology: After the study design was formulated, ethical clearance was taken from IEC. The study was a comparative type where the physical performance was compared in follicular phase and luteal phase. The study involved 40 regularly menstruating women between the age group 18-24 years. The participants were assessed for functional and sprint performance. The comparison of mean and standard deviation of follicular phase and luteal phase was done. Outcome Measures: Functional performance was measured by single hop test and sprint performance was measured with 30m sprint test. Results: The functional performance of follicular phase showed 120.7±13.35cm on left side and 125.4±12.27cm on right side whereas for luteal phase it was 124.1±12.73cm on left side and 127.8±11.83cm on right side. The sprint performance of follicular phase showed 7.75±0.54sec whereas luteal phase showed 7±0.6sec. Conclusion: The study concluded that eumenorrheic women showed better physical performance in luteal phase when compared to follicular phase.

Strength Deficit in Elite Young Rugby Players: Differences Between Playing Positions and Associations With Sprint and Jump Performance.

Zabaloy, S, Giráldez, J, Fink, B, Alcaraz, PE, Pereira, LA, Freitas, TT, and Loturco, I. Strength deficit in elite young rugby players: Differences between playing positions and associations with sprint and jump performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 920-926, 2022-The aims of this study were twofold: to compare the strength-related performance between young forwards and backs rugby players and to examine the correlations between strength deficit (SDef), strength parameters, and sprint and jump performance. Fifty-seven male rugby players (mean ± SD: age, 17.4 ± 1.3 years) performed anthropometric and body composition assessments, vertical jumps, 30-m sprint, and squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) 1-repetition maximum tests (1RM SQ and BP). The differences in the tested variables between positions were analyzed through an independent t-test. A Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationships among the variables. Significant differences were observed for anthropometric and body composition measures and jump and sprint performance between positions (p < 0.05; effect size [ES]: 0.60-1.34), except for 5-m velocity (p = 0.080; ES: 0.57). Backs demonstrated higher relative 1RM than forwards in both exercises (p = 0.009 and p = 0.008; ES = 0.88 and 0.91, for SQ and BP, respectively). In addition, backs demonstrated lower SDef from 70 to 90% 1RM (p < 0.048) but small-to-moderate nonsignificant lower SDef against lighter loads compared with forwards (50-60% 1RM). Overall, SDef across all loads (r: -0.378 to -0.529) and 1RM SQ (r: 0.504 to -0.590) were significantly related to sprint performance. Therefore, young rugby players who present lower magnitudes of SDef and superior 1RM SQ performance tend to be faster in linear sprints.

Effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training Combined With Regular Tennis Training Program on Sprint and Change of Direction of Children.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (NMT) on sprint and the ability to change direction for children who are between the ages of 7 and 8 and beginning to play tennis.MethodsThirty-two participants were randomized into a training group (TG; n = 16) and a control group (CG; n = 16). All participants attended tennis classes twice a week for a continuous 8 weeks. In addition, the TG received NMT (e.g., 20-m sprints, running at four corners, rope ladder drills, etc.), which progressed in difficulty every 2 weeks. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measurements, including a 30-m sprint test, a 5–10–5 test, and a 3 × 10 m shuttle run test, were assessed by a Smartspeed laser timing gate system, while the spider agility test was evaluated with a stopwatch.ResultsTwo-way repeated measures ANOVA found significant differences in the interaction between time and group among variables measured. Results were as follows: time in the 30 m sprint (F = 13.467, 95% CI = 7.163–7.506, p = 0.001, η2p = 0.310, Δ = 0.42 s); 5–10–5 test (F = 13.975, 95% CI = 8.696–9.017, p = 0.001, η2p = 0.318, Δ = 0.78 s); 3 × 10 m shuttle run (F = 7.605, 95% CI = 11.213–11.642, p = 0.01, η2p = 0.202, Δ = 0.77 s); and spider agility test (F = 34.555, 95% CI = 28.258–29.670, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.535, Δ = 3.96 s). The results demonstrated a greater decrease in sprint and change of direction (COD) time among the TG than the CG from pre-intervention to post-intervention.ConclusionA regular tennis training combined with NMT program could produce greater improvement in a player’s sprint and ability to change direction when introduced to childhood tennis beginners in a sensitive period, compared to tennis class intervention only.

Impact of hamstring flexibility on functional performance of collegiate football players

Introduction: Football is the most popular high-intensity intermittent team sport that requires speed, strength, agility, and endurance. During official matches, elite football players perform 150–250 short-lasting, energy-demanding intense actions interspersed with periods of low-intensity jogging or running. Collegiate football programs place great importance on controlling player's body weight, body composition, muscle strength, and length. Of all the muscle strains associated with competitive sport, hamstring strains are the most common and problematic. Objectives: To determine the correlation between hamstring flexibility and functional performance of collegiate football players.Methods: 100 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Once the baseline data was collected the subject's hamstring flexibility was assessed by the Active knee extension test (AKE) and limb length was measured. Subjects were then asked to perform Illinois Agility Test, 30m Sprint Test and Wall Mount test, and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Three trials of each test were performed, and the mean was taken for statistical evaluation. Result: There exists weak correlation between sprint, agility, SEBT, and hamstrings length; however, results indicate a moderate correlation between posterolateral reach distance and hamstring flexibility and a statistically significant relationship between hamstring length and vertical height of jump with p< 0.05.Conclusion: Hamstring flexibility has a weak correlation with functional performance of collegiate football players. However, it has positive correlation with vertical jump height and posterolateral reach distance of SEBT.

Povezanost fizičkih sposobnosti učenika osmog razreda osnovne škole sa sportsko-specifičnim veštinama u nastavi fizičkog vaspitanja

In order to achieve higher-quality physical education, students should be involved in a wide range of sports activities that improve the level of their physical abilities and basic motor skills, in view of the fact that there is a positive transfer between sport-specific and basic motor skills, whose development depends to a significant extent on the level of physical abilities. Our study sought to establish the relationship between physical abilities and sport-specific skills in eighth-grade primary school students. Moreover, it aimed to identify sex-dependent differences in the observed variables. Sixty eighth-grade students participated in the study (boys n=28, girls n=32). Students' physical ability levels were assessed with a battery of tests (modified agility T-test, Illinois agility run test, 20m sprint test, medicine ball chest throw from a kneeling position, 10x5m sprint run), while for sport-specific skills a circuit of sports games was used (technical elements of football and basketball). In addition to descriptive statistics, a unifactorial analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of sex on the results for physical abilities and sport-specific motor skills, as well as the Pearson correlation coefficient for the relationship between physical abilities and sport-specific skills observed across the entire sample as well as according to sex. Results suggest a significant correlation between the areas of physical abilities and sport-specific skills in eighth-grade primary school students. As regards differences in results according to sex, they are significant across all variables.

Association of shorter and longer distance sprint running to change of direction speed in police students

Background. Law enforcement officers may experience unique physical demands while on duty, including pursuing a suspect on foot, clearing obstacles, rapidly moving between covers, and engaging in physical confrontations with violent offenders. Several different change of direction speed (CODS) assessments are routinely used to simulate these demands. However, the relationship between these assessments has not been fully explored. Thus, this study investigated the association of shorter and longer distance sprint running with CODS performance. Methods. 15 police students ran the 20-m sprint test, 300-yard shuttle run, and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). Correlation and regression analyses were used to investigate associations. The effect size analysis provided the magnitude of associations. Results. Correlation analysis determined moderate association between 0-10 m, 10-20 m, and 0-20 m sprint performance with the IAT. The regression analysis determined strong linear association of IAT with sprint 0-10 m (R 2 = 0.488, F = 12.385, p = 0.004), sprint 10-20 m (R 2 = 0.496, F = 12.775, p = 0.003), sprint 0-20 m (R 2 = 0.573, F = 17.468, p = 0.001), and no linear association with the 300-yard shuttle run. Conclusions. The current study found a significant positive association between short sprints and IAT performance, suggesting that linear sprinting speed determines a significant proportion of CODS performance. Therefore, police students and officers should include sprint training in their physical fitness routine.