20-m Sprint Test Research Articles

Investigation of the Effects Of ACE Gene Polymorphism on Athletic Performance in Active Adult Males

Studying genes associated with exercise-related physiological systems and metabolic pathways has proven to be an effective method for identifying genetic markers associated with enhanced athletic performance. One of the extensively studied genes in genetics is "Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)" which has a significant role in regulating blood pressure, plasma volume, and the development of cardiac and skeletal muscle. The objective of this study was to determine the different results and genetic variations in the effects of ACE gene polymorphisms on the performance of the 30m sprint test and the arrowhead agility drill test in active adult males after a 6-week training program. Following the manufacturer's instructions, genomic DNA was extracted from participant mouth swab samples using the Buccalyse DNA Extraction Kit from Isohelix. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25 application was used to perform statistical analysis on the research data. The findings indicate that 45.7% of the participants possess the I/D genotype, 31.4% possess the I/I genotype, and 22.9% possess the D/D genotype. There was no notable disparity in the performance of the arrowhead agility test and the 30 m sprint test among the different genotype groups (p<0.05). Our analysis revealed a lack of association between genetic variants and the values obtained from performance measurements in the test outcomes. Due to the involvement of various genes and variables, further research is needed to improve the predictability of approaches to ACE gene variations, considering their performance-enhancing benefits.

Physical Performance Changes in Season are Associated with GPS Data in Soccer Players.

This study investigated the associations between pre-season and in-season performance with external workload in professional soccer players. Twenty-one players completed hamstring strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests before (pre-season) and after 8 weeks (in-season). External workload (total distance, high-intensity running distance, number of sprints, and power plays) was quantified during this period, and used to divide the average above and below subgroups outcome by outcome for further analyses. Significance was accepted when P≤0.05. Hamstring strength declined from pre- to in-season [- 6%; p=0.014; effect size (ES): - 0.41], while Yo-Yo performance improved (46%; p=0.001; ES: 1.31). When divided by high-intensity running distance, only the below-average subgroup improved CMJ performance (5%; p=0.030). For minutes played, the above-average subgroup improved Yo-Yo performance (41%; p<0.001), but not the below-average subgroup. Furthermore, playing time correlated with improved Yo-Yo performance (p=0.040; r=0.534). Improved 20-m sprint performance associated with more sprints performed (p=0.045; r=- 0.453). Physical capabilities changed over a competitive season and were related to, and differentiated by, external workload. Because hamstring strength decreased and CMJ only improved in players exposed to less high-intensity external load, practitioners should individualize approaches to counteract these conditions when high external workload is performed over the season.

Effectiveness of Non-Elastic Rigid Tape Application on Static and Dynamic Balance in Players with Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain- A Pilot Study

Background – Chronic Repetitive Inversion Ankle Sprain is one of the common injuries that occurs in contact as well as non-contact sports especially combat and jumping sports. As this injury is directly related to the ligament, proprioceptive deficit is observed in such players. The effect of taping on functional performance is still a topic of discussion. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate whether players with chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain have any functional deficit and whether taping with non-stretchable athletic tape improves speed and agility. Methods - Players playing contact sports between the age of 18-24 years were included in the study after the initial screening for chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain using IdFAI index and history of their injury. Speed was assessed using 10-m Sprint test while Agility was assessed using T-test for Agility. Post-application of the tape, data was collected on three time-intervals, i.e. immediate post-application of tape, post-3 days and post-14 days of application of tape. Results - Collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and the result showed statistically non-significant results in speed and agility, i.e. p=0.954 &amp; p=0.999 respectively. These results suggest that there is statistically non-significant improvement in speed and agility post-application of the tape but comparing with the means of pre-test measures, there is an improvement in speed and agility after the application of the tape.

Seasonal Variations in Performance and Asymmetry Data for Jump and Change of Direction Abilities in Female Soccer Players.

Mainer-Pardos, E, Bishop, C, and Gonzalo-Skok, O. Seasonal variations in performance and asymmetry data for jump and change of direction abilities in female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The study aimed to evaluate the progression of the percentage-based change of direction (COD) deficit (%CODD) over a competitive season, along with its correlation with performance tests and to examine the impact of the magnitude and direction of asymmetry at 4 stages of the season. Forty-seven (U-16, U-18, and U-20), highly trained, female soccer players performed unilateral vertical jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ]) and horizontal jumping (HJ), 10-m sprint, and 180° change of direction (COD180) tests. The %CODD was also calculated. Significant group and time effects (p < 0.05) were observed in CMJ, HJ, 10-m sprint, and COD180 tests, with U-20 players generally outperforming the U-18 and U-16 groups. Nonsignificant differences were reported in the %CODD between any time point or groups throughout the season. Moderate or large significant (r = 0.44-0.64; p < 0.05) relationships were found between %CODD and 10 m. The direction of asymmetry within and between tests at all time points was slight to moderate (k = -0.29 to 0.57). Notwithstanding, 51% of the players showed the best performance in the horizontal jump with the same leg throughout the season, whereas only 36% in %CODD. This study highlights the importance of developing strategies to improve %CODD depending on the player's position demands. Finally, individually monitoring the magnitude and direction of asymmetry can help practitioners monitor the effects of training and competition throughout the season.

The effects of cold water immersion and partial body cryotherapy on subsequent exercise performance and thermoregulatory responses in hot conditions

This study investigated the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) and partial body cryotherapy (PBC) applied within a 15-min post-exercise recovery period on thermoregulatory responses, subjective perceptions, and exercise performance under hot conditions (39 °C). Twelve male soccer players participated in team-sports-specific assessments, including Agility T-test (T-test), 20-m sprint test (20M-ST), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test Level 1 (YY-T), during two exercise bouts (1st bout and 2nd bout) with a 15-min post-exercise recovery period. Within the recovery period, a 3-min of PBC at −110 °C or CWI at 15 °C or a seated rest (CON) was performed. Mean skin temperature (Tskin) decreased by 4.3 ± 1.08°C (p < 0.001) immediately after PBC, while CWI induced a reduction of 2.5 ± 0.21°C (p < 0.01). Furthermore, PBC and CWI consistently reduced Tskin for 15 and 33 min, respectively (p < 0.05). During the 2nd bout, core temperature (Tcore) was significantly lower in PBC compared to CON (p < 0.05). Heart rate (HR) was significantly lower in CWI compared to CON and PBC during the intervention period. Thermal sensation (TS) was significantly greater in PBC compared to CON and CWI (p < 0.05). Compared to the 1st bout, PBC alleviated the declines in T-test (p < 0.05) and 20M-ST (p < 0.05), while CWI alleviated the decreases in T-test (p < 0.05) and YY-T (p < 0.05), concurrently significantly enhancing 20M-ST (p < 0.05). 20M-ST and YY-T was greater from PBC (p < 0.05) and CWI (p < 0.05) compared with CON in 2nd bout. Additionally, the T-test in CWI was significantly greater than CON (p < 0.05). These results indicate that both PBC and CWI, performed between two exercise bouts, have the potential to improve thermoregulatory strain, reduce thermal perceptual load, and thereby attenuate the subsequent decline in exercise performance.

A 10-week play-based after-school program to improve coordinative abilities and physical fitness capabilities among adolescents: a randomized trial

The average levels of physical activity in children are below the ideal, which may influence children's health and motor competence levels. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of a 10-week play-based after-school program on 50 twelve-year-old students’ anthropometric characteristics (body height and body weight), coordinative abilities (flamingo balance test and T-test agility), and physical fitness (sit and reach, 20-m sprint test, SLJ, CMJ, and handgrip). After baseline assessments, the students were randomly divided into two groups: one participating in a play-based after-school program (experimental group) and the other attending regular PE classes (control group). No differences were noted between the sexes. Analysis revealed baseline differences between groups in body weight, agility T-test, and right-handgrip, with no significant sex differences. Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated improvements in the 20-m sprint test (F(1,46) = 11.03, p < 0.01), flamingo balance test (F(1,46) = 9.16, p = 0.004), SLJ (F(1,46) = 5.30, p = 0.03), agility T-test (F(1,46) = 28.30, p < 0.01), and right-handgrip (F(1,46) = 6.59, p < 0.01). In summary, the results suggested that a 10-week play-based after-school program enhances coordinative abilities and physical fitness in 12-year-old children. This underscores the potential advantages of integrating play-based physical activities into schools to promote holistic health and fitness in children.

Can The Pitch Dimension Influence the Physical Fitness Adaptations Induced by Small-Sided Training Programs Added to Regular In-Field Training? A Randomized Controlled Study in Youth Soccer Players.

Small-sided games (SSGs) are frequently utilized in training settings to elicit specific stimuli that can promote physical fitness adaptations over time. However, various task constraints, such as pitch dimensions, can significantly influence both the acute external and internal load responses. Thus, understanding the impact of different pitch dimensions on physical fitness adaptations is crucial. This study sought to compare the physical adaptations induced by an SSG-based program utilizing more elongated pitches (SSGlw2; length-to-width ratio: 2.0) versus less elongated pitches (SSGwl1; length-to-width ratio: 1.0) on the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIRT), and 30-meter sprint. This study employed a randomized controlled design. Forty-eight male soccer players (16.4 ± 0.6 years) participated. These players were randomly allocated to two experimental groups (N = 16, SSGlw1; N = 16, SSGlw2) and underwent two weekly additional training sessions over an 8-week period, while a group of 16 players continued with their regular in-field sessions as a control group. Evaluations were conducted before and after the intervention period. Significant interactions time u group were observed in regards YYIRT (F = 15.857; p < 0.001; = 0.413) and 30-m sprint test (p < 0.001). Between-group differences on YYIRT were found in post-intervention (p < 0.001), on which SSGlw2 (p < 0.001) and SSGlw1 (p < 0.001) were significantly greater in comparison to control group. Additionally, between-group differences on 30-m sprint were found in post-intervention (p < 0.001), on which SSGlw2 was significantly better than SSGlw1 (p < 0.001) and control group (p < 0.001). Coaches are advised to prioritize the use of more elongated pitch sizes to promote adaptations in sprint performance, while still acknowledging that aerobic capacity improvements remain significant compared to other pitch shapes.

Sequencing Effects of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on Selected Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Male Soccer Players: A Randomized Matched-Pairs Trial

BackgroundVarious physical fitness qualities such as muscle strength, speed and endurance are related to soccer performance. Accordingly, the combination of strength and endurance training (i.e., concurrent training [CT]) is an often-encountered training regimen in soccer. Less is known about the effects of CT sequencing on performance in young soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the sequencing effects of strength and intermittent endurance training applied within the same training session (intrasession) on measures of physical fitness and soccer performance in young soccer players.MethodsFifty male adolescent soccer players volunteered to participate in this study which was conducted in the Netherlands in 2019. Players were randomly assigned to a strength-endurance (SE) or an endurance-strength (ES) group in matched pairs based on their countermovement jump (CMJ) performance at baseline. Both groups completed a 12-weeks in-season training program with two weekly CT sessions. Training sessions consisted of 15 min plyometric exercises and 15 min soccer-specific intermittent endurance training. Both groups performed the same training volumes and the only difference between the groups was the CT intrasession sequencing scheme (SE vs. ES). Pre and post intervention, proxies of muscle power (CMJ, squat jump [SJ]), linear sprint speed (30-m sprint test), agility (Illinois test with / without ball), and soccer performance (ball kicking velocity) were tested.ResultsData from 38 players aged 14.8 ± 1.0 years (body height 172.9 ± 8.1 cm, body mass: 57.0 ± 7.2 kg, soccer experience: 8.8 ± 2.8 years, age from peak-height-velocity [PHV]: +1.2 ± 1.0 years) were included. Significant main time effects were found for CMJ (p = 0.002, d = 0.55), SJ (p = 0.004, d = 0.51), the Illinois agility test with ball (p = 0.016, d = 0.51), and ball kicking velocity (p = 0.016, d = 0.51). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for 30-m linear sprint speed (p < 0.001, d = 0.76) with ES showing greater improvements (p = 0.006, d = 0.85, Δ-5%).ConclusionsBoth CT-sequencing types improved performance in the tests administered. The intrasession CT sequencing (SE vs. ES) appears not to have a major impact on physical fitness adaptations, except for linear sprint speed which was in favor of ES.

Effects of mid-season camp period loading on sports injury anxiety and physical performance of professional male soccer players

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of 3-week mid-season camp period loading on sports injury anxiety level and physical performances of professional male soccer players. MethodsThirty-four male soccer players [mean age 21.76 (3.42) y] were included in the study. Sports injury anxiety level with the Sports Injury Anxiety Scale, quadriceps muscle strength was assessed with the digital hand dynamometer, flexibility was assessed with the sit-and-reach test, dynamic balance was assessed with the Y balance test, power was assessed with the single-leg jump test, agility was assessed with the t-test, and sprint was assessed with the 20-m sprint test. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the pretest and posttest values of Sport Injury Anxiety Scale scores (p = 0.657). A significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest values of quadriceps muscle strength and dynamic balance (p = 0.040, p = 0.048, respectively). There was no significant difference between the pretest and posttest values of flexibility, single-leg jump, agility, and sprint (p = 0.289, p = 0.128, p = 0.064, p = 0.471, respectively). ConclusionThe 3-week mid-season camp period loading improved quadriceps muscle strength and dynamic balance, but did not affect the sports injury anxiety level, flexibility, jumping performance, agility, and sprint. The results should be considered by sports professionals. It is recommended that further studies be conducted on the effects of different camp period contents, durations and loads in regions with different physical conditions (sea level, high altitude, etc.).

Effects of vertical and horizontal plyometric training on jump performances and sprint force-velocity profile in young elite soccer players.

During a soccer match, horizontal acceleration ability during short sprints is determinant for performance. Development of sprint force and velocity qualites have been reported after plyometric training. However, orientation of plyometric training exercises can influence the functional performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the horizontal and vertical orientation of plyometric training on explosiveness performances and sprint force-velocity profile in young soccer players. Twenty-eight soccer players were recruited and divided in two groups: vertical (VG, n = 14) and horizontal (HG, n = 14) groups. Tests including jumps and sprint performances were conducted before and after the 8week training period. Sprint force-velocity profile (FVP) was evaluated during a 30m sprint test. The results demonstrated significant improvements in both VG and HG for jump performances (from + 4.9% to + 9.0%), sprint times (from -5.5% to -8.7%) and FVP parameters. Higher relative changes for the HG than for the VG were observed in 5m and 15m sprint times, horizontal jump lengths, and also in FVP parameters, especially improvements in maximal power (VG: + 16.4% vs. HG: + 28.1%) and inthe decrease rate of horizontal orientation of force with increasing speed (HG: + 22.9%) during the 30m sprint. Both horizontal and vertical plyometric training can be either used in young soccer players to improve vertical and horizontal performances in jump and sprint. However, horizontal plyometric training may result in a greater improvement in horizontal ballistic actions while similarly developing vertical jump qualities compared to vertical plyometric training in young soccer players.

Effect of HIIT on Motor Performance in Female Handball Players

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of interval training at four different intensities in addition to handball training for 8 weeks on aerobic-anaerobic, speed and agility pa-rameters in female handball players. Twenty female handball players (experimental group: 10; control group: 10) voluntarily participated in the studyThe experimental group trained in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 3 days a week for 8 weeks in addition to handball training, while the control group was allowed to continue their standard training program. The anaerobic capacity, speed, and agility of the experimental and control groups were measured twice before and after an 8-week training program. The HIIT training program for the experimental group was adapted to the movements most commonly used in handball. The values of the data obtained from the handball players were analyzed. ANOVA for mixed measures was applied to determine the difference between the pre-test and post-test values of the experimental and control groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the pre and post-test values of the 20-m sprint test of the experimental and control groups of HIIT training for handball players, while there was no statistically significant difference between the pre and post-test values of the anaerobic capacity and agility test of HIIT training. In conclusion, it is recommended to include HIIT training in the training periodization of handball players during the season, and it is believed that it will have a positive effect on players' speed performance.

The Relationship Between Maximum Lower Limb Strength &amp; Power, and GPS Acceleration Speed in Elite U20 Gaelic Football Athletes

Previous research indicates positive relationships between high levels of lower limb strength and power, and acceleration sprint velocity in team sport athletes. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between lower limb absolute and relative strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and Global Positioning System (GPS) recorded 20m acceleration sprint velocity in elite male U-20 Gaelic football athletes. Nineteen athletes (19.0 ± 0.5 years; 81.1 ± 5.5 kg; 182 ± 6.2 cm) from the same elite U-20 squad participated in this study during an in-season period. Subjects performed a &gt;95% 1RM box squat, a 20m sprint test, and a CMJ test. Relative maximum lower limb strength (r = 0.54, 95% CI [0.11 to 0.8]; p &lt; 0.05) and CMJ height (r = 0.66, 95% CI [0.29 to 0.86]; p &lt; 0.001) showed strong correlations with 20m sprint velocity. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that lower limb maximum relative strength and CMJ height significantly predicted 20m sprint velocity (Adjusted R2 = 0.51, F (2, 16) = 6.29, p &lt; 0.05). These findings provide evidence for the importance of elite under-age Gaelic football athletes acquiring high levels of lower limb strength and power characteristics to enhance acceleration sprint performance.

Effects of Nordic versus Sprint Exercise Program in Prevention of Hamstring Injuries in Football Players

Background: Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are frequent in football and other high-speed running sports. Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has been found to increase eccentric hamstring strength and decrease the risk of hamstring strain injury (HSI). Sprint exercise, which includes maximal eccentric contractions, is supposed to engage the hamstrings and prevent HSI. Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the effectiveness of Nordic and sprint exercise programs in preventing hamstring injuries in football players. Methods: The study involved 26 male football players aged 18-25 years, who exercised regularly for 2-3 times a week in the preceding 3 months. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group received Nordic exercise and conventional treatment, while the other group received sprint training exercises and conventional treatment. The duration of the program was 6 weeks, with two 30-minute sessions per week. The evaluation was based on the 40m sprint test and active knee extension test, which were measured using a goniometer. The 40m sprint was timed, and the active knee extension test measured the range of motion. The results were analyzed based on these measurements. Results: The participants' average ages, heights, and weights were respectively 21.1538 1.91191, 1.74 0.029, and 74.8462 4.18275. Shapiro-Wilk test was applied showed data to be non-parametric distributed (P &lt; 0.05). Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney tests were used to analyze the difference between pre- and post-treatment scores in the experimental and control groups. which were found to significanlty improved in experimental group, while both groups found to be improved significantly in a pre-post analysis, p value &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: Both Nordic and sprint exercise programs were effective in reducing the risk of hamstring injuries. However, the Nordic exercise program showed significantly greater improvement in preventing HSI in football players.

The Effectiveness of Physical Education Classes Through Collaborative Learning Methods for the Physical Development of 11th-Grade Students in Vietnam

Abstract Introduction. Collaborative Learning (CL) is a group learning method that involves mutual support and assistance among individual students to achieve learning goals. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a 14-week Physical Education (PE) class using the CL method in enhancing the physical development of 11th-grade students. Material and Methods. Eighty healthy students were randomly selected and divided into two groups: the experimental group with 40 students applying the CL method in PE classes, and the control group with 40 students studying PE using conventional methods. In this study, five fitness tests were used such as a 30-s sit-up test, a 30-m sprint test, a 4 × 10-m shuttle run test, a standing long jump test, and a 5-min running field test. Results. After 14 weeks of experimentation, independent t-test results indicated a significant difference in the mean values between the experimental and control groups at the threshold of p &lt; 0.05. Paired t-test results for the mean values before and after the experiment in both groups also showed a difference, with the physical fitness growth rate of the experimental group being higher than that of the control group. Particularly, the control group exhibited a post-experiment value that had a negative significance. Conclusions. This demonstrates that the experimental results serve as an illustration, confirming the effectiveness of the CL method in high school PE classes. Teachers should enhance the use of CL in the future to achieve higher learning goals.

THE EFFECT OF LEG STIFFNESS ON REACTIVE AGILITY, JUMPING AND SPEED IN GYMNASTICS ATHLETES

In reviewing the literature, it was decided to conduct this study due to the lack of studies investigating the influence of leg stiffness on performance parameters such as reactive agility, jumping power and speed in gymnasts. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gymnasts' leg stiffness on performance parameters such as reactive agility, jump and speed. For this purpose, 65 gymnastics athletes aged 12-22 years were included in the study. The drop jump test (with Optojump measuring device) was used to evaluate the jump, and the vertical jump test (Optojump measuring device) for the evaluation of leg stiffness, while the 20m sprint test (with Witty measuring device) was made for speed evaluation. The measurements of reactive agility were performed with the SpeedCourt™. As a result of our study, we found a moderate positive correlation between the leg stiffness values and the reactive strength index (RSI) values obtained from the gymnastics athletes' jump tests. In addition, we found a negative relationship at a low level between speed and agility with leg stiffness values. It can be concluded that increasing gymnasts' leg stiffness contributes positively to jumping power, speed and reactive agility. In this case, it is recommended to include plyometric exercises in the training programs to improve the leg stiffness of trampoline gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts and artistic gymnasts who focus on jumping.

Efficacy of FIFA 11+ Training Program on Performance and Functional Movement in Collegiate Football Players

Background: Football is the most common sport played around the world with 300 million registered players.To decrease injury rates and promote fair play in football, the FIFA-Medical and Assessment Research Centredesigned the FIFA 11+ training program.Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FIFA 11+ training program on functional performanceand functional movement in collegiate football players.Materials and Methods: A total of thirty subjects were chosen. Fifteen adult male football players were randomlyassigned into one of two groups: Group A (traditional training) or Group B (FIFA 11+ training). Both the groupsreceived the training for six weeks. And to check the performance speed was calculated using a 20m sprint test andaerobic capacity was measured using treadmill test. To check the functional movement FMS score was measured.Results:A Pearson correlation test shows a positive correlation (r = 0.208) but the weaker relationship between thevariables. Paired t test analysis shows a significant improvement after the treatment in terms of Gluteus Maximusmuscle activity, Hamstring muscle length and pain reduction with a P value &lt; 0.001.Conclusion: This study concluded that FIFA 11+ training programs were better than the conventional trainingprogram in terms of functional performance, functional movement, and injury prevention. This was attributed tothe effect of the program on stability, muscle strength, proprioception, and postural alignment, which makes it abetter training program for preventing injuries.

Are Young Female Basketball Players Adequately Prepared for a Force-Velocity Jumping and Sprinting Assessment?

The aim of this study was to explore the interday reliability of mechanical variables obtained from the horizontal and vertical force-velocity (FV) profiles in adolescent female basketball players. If found to be reliable, the associations between FV parameters (theoretical maximal force, velocity, and power), squat jump (SJ) height, 30-m sprint, and change of direction (COD) times were evaluated. After familiarization, SJ against incremental loads, 30-m sprint, and 505-COD tests were obtained twice in 36 adolescent female basketball players (age = 15.4 [1.2]y). Reliability for vertical FV parameters was unacceptable, whereas 505-COD times and FV horizontal parameters (except for theoretical maximal power) showed a moderate to high reliability. 505-COD time was correlated with FV horizontal parameters (range: r = -.821, -.451), and a large association was observed with both SJ height (r = -.678, -.600) and 30-m sprint time (r = .813, .858). Due to low levels of strength, our athletes were not adequately prepared to obtain a reliable vertical FV profile. Practitioners can expect acceptable reliability of the horizontal FV profile. Given the association between COD performance and SJ height and 30-m sprint time, we encouraged practitioners with limited equipment at their disposal to use COD and/or 30-m sprint tests.

Comparison of Ladder Training Versus Plyometric Training on Agility &amp; Speed among Vadodara Cricket Players: An Experimental Study

Background: Cricket is the second most popular sport in the world, right behind football, and it is played between 105 nations that are members of the ICC. In cricket, speed plays an essential role as the faster the speed generation the more the number of singles taken &amp; saved during fielding. Agility is required in the infield of cricket because fielders are closer to the batsmen and have less time to react.Ladder drills improve footwork &amp; coordination in players performance level which makes players easy to catch, strike or block or tackle. In Agility Ladder, jumps are performed without obstacles &amp; in multidirectional ways with fast ground contact time. Aim: To compare the effect of Ladder Training versus Plyometric Training on agility &amp; speed among cricket players. Method: 38 male cricket players (under -19) were selected by convenient sampling. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Ladder Training group and Plyometric Training group. Baseline data was collected by Illinois agility test &amp; 40m Sprint test. The training duration was 3 sessions/week for 6 weeks. Results:The data was analyzed using paired – t test for within group and Unpaired – t test for between group. Results showed that both the training methods produced significant improvement in agility &amp; speed performance but ladder training method showed statistically significant difference in agility (p&lt;0.0001) &amp; speed (p&lt;0.0002) than plyometric training. Conclusion: The present study concludes that Ladder training has an added advantageous effect for improving speed and agility in cricket players over plyometric training.

Exploring associations between sprinting mechanical capabilities, anaerobic capacity, and repeated-sprint ability of adolescent ice hockey players.

Sprinting ability and anaerobic capacities are the determinant variables of the performance of ice hockey players. Recent research in sprinting showed the existence of distinct force-velocity (F-V) profiles, but the link between these profiles and anaerobic capacities remains unclear. This study explores the associations between F-V variables and anaerobic capacities among cohorts of highly trained adolescent ice hockey players. Data from 36 men (age, 15.1 ± 0.2 years) and 34 women (age, 16.5 ± 0.7 years) were collected during off-season camps. All athletes completed a 30-m sprint test, a Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), and a repeated-sprint anaerobic (RSA) test. F-V variables were calculated from the 30-m sprint test. Partial Pearson correlation coefficients for pooled data and Pearson correlation coefficients for individual male and female datasets were calculated. Among the F-V variables, maximal theoretical velocity and power were moderately to largely associated with WAnT and RSA performance (|r| = 0.30-0.70). Maximal theoretical force was moderately associated with the RSA (r = -0.32 to -0.33). The results indicate the importance for highly trained adolescent players to be able to apply force at high velocities to maximize anaerobic capacities. Important differences between male and female players suggest training priorities may differ according to sex.

Different effects of four rest periods after the last weekly training session on young male professional soccer players’ physical performance

The main aim of this study was to analyze the optimal pre-competitive recovery period for young male professional soccer players to be in the best conditions to achieve a higher physical performance. Seventeen young male professional soccer players (age: 20.7 ± 1.0 years) who participated in the Tunisian soccer league participated in this study. Players underwent a fitness test battery after four different recovery periods: 12, 24, 36, and 48h following their last training session. The battery fitness test included a linear sprint test (i.e., 5 and 20m distances), squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), ball shooting test, a Yo-yo endurance intermittent test (YYIRT-1) and a 15-m ball dribbling agility test (Ag). The main findings indicated that the 12h recovery period resulted in better performance in the 5m sprint test compared to 36h, as well as in the SJs and CMJs as compared to the 48h recovery period. Additionally, the 24h recovery period showed significantly better results in the 20-m sprint test compared to all other recovery periods, as well as in the SJ and Ag tests compared to the 48h recovery period. In practical terms, these findings suggest that coaches should consider scheduling the last training session for soccer players 12-24h before the match to enhance their physical performance, particularly in linear sprinting, vertical jumps, and agility variables. However, in situations where it is not possible to adjust the timing of the last training session, an alternative approach is to incorporate "priming-day" exercises on the match day, around 6-8h prior to the competition.