Agility T-test Research Articles

The Effect of a 12-Week Physical Functional Training-Based Physical Education Intervention on Students’ Physical Fitness—A Quasi-Experimental Study

Children have received much attention in recent years, as many studies have shown that their physical fitness level is on the decline. Physical education, as a compulsory curriculum, can play a monumental role in contributing to students' participation in physical activities and the enhancement of their physical fitness. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a 12-week physical functional training intervention program on students' physical fitness. A total of 180 primary school students (7-12 years) were invited to participate in this study, 90 of whom participated in physical education classes that included 10 min of physical functional training, and the remaining 90 were in a control group that participated in traditional physical education classes. After 12 weeks, the 50-m sprint (F = 18.05, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.09), timed rope skipping (F = 27.87, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.14), agility T-test (F = 26.01, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.13), and standing long jump (F = 16.43, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.08) were all improved, but not the sit-and-reach (F = 0.70, p = 0.405). The results showed that physical education incorporating physical functional training can effectively promote some parameters of students' physical fitness, while at the same time providing a new and alternative idea for improving students' physical fitness in physical education.

High-intensity interval training method in karate athletes: Can it improve power, agility, and endurance in the Kumite category?

During a special period, physical exercise for Kumite athletes is targeted at developing the dominant physical condition. Arm muscular power, leg muscle power, agility, and anaerobic endurance are the dominant physical conditions in Kumite. The high-intensity interval training (HIIT) technique of physical exercise is in agreement with the characteristics of the energy system in Kumite. However, there are issues and contradictions in past research on its implementation. As a result, the purpose of this research was to put the HIIT training method to the test to develop muscle power in the arms and legs, agility, and anaerobic endurance in karate athletes in the Kumite category during the special preparatory periodization stage. This study employed an experiment using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample included 15 male and female Kumite athletes aged 20–25 years, weighing 50–80 kg, and standing 155–180 cm tall. Standing broad jump, two-handed medicine ball put, agility t-test, and running anaerobic sprint test were the instruments used. Interviews, questionnaires, and field tests were utilized to collect data. The data analysis technique employed descriptive analysis and the Wilcoxon nonparametric test. The overall value of Asymp.sig (2-tailed) was 0.001 to 0.009, according to the study's findings. The HIIT training method was found to have a significant effect on improving arm muscle strength, leg muscle power, agility, and anaerobic endurance in karate athletes in the Kumite category. Research has contributed to the sport of karate in the Kumite category through the application of training programs and models that correspond to the characteristics of the specific periodization. Subsequent research, of course, does not only focus on the special periods because other periods are also important.

Effects of Exercise Frequency with Complex Contrast Training on Measures of Physical Fitness in Active Adult Males.

Complex contrast training (CCT) is an exercise modality that utilizes both high-load resistance activity and low-load plyometric activity in a set-by-set fashion within a single exercise session. Such a combination of exercises targets multiple aspects of the force−velocity curve and may thus lead to improvement of various components of physical fitness. However, no previous study has attempted to compare the effects of load-equated two vs. three CCT sessions per week on measures of physical fitness. Forty-five male participants aged 21.4 ± 2.0 years were randomly assigned to either two weekly CCT sessions (CCT-2; n = 15), three weekly CCT sessions (CCT-3; n = 15), or an active control group (CG; n = 15). Selected measures of physical fitness were assessed pre- and post-six weeks of training. The tests included the assessment of 15 and 30 m linear sprint speeds, upper (medicine ball throw) and lower limb muscle power (standing long jump and countermovement jump with arm thrust), muscle strength (isokinetic peak knee extensor/flexor torque), and change-of-direction speed (modified agility T-test (MAT)). Significant group−time interactions were observed for all dependent variables (all p < 0.001, ɳp2 = 0.51−0.78) using ANOVA. Post hoc tests indicated significant performance improvements for the CCT-2 and CCT3 groups for all dependent variables (Hedge’s g = 0.28−3.26, %Δ = 2.4−16.7), including the 15 and 30 m linear sprint speeds (p < 0.001), medicine ball throw (p < 0.001), standing long jump (p < 0.001), countermovement jump with arm thrust (p < 0.001), right leg knee extensor (p < 0.001) and flexor peak torque (p < 0.001), left leg knee extensor (p < 0.001) and flexor peak torque (p < 0.001), and change-of-direction speed (p < 0.001). The CCT-3 group showed greater improvements in MAT compared to the CCT-2 group (g = 3.26 vs. 0.70, p < 0.001). In conclusion, compared to active controls, the load-equated CCT-2 and CCT-3 programs provided similar effects on measures of physical fitness in active adult males. However, an athlete’s goal is to improve their MAT score, the CCT-3 program may elicit greater improvements compared with the CCT-2 program.

Effects of agility, coordination, and flexibility on dribbling skills in senior high school female field hockey players

Physical condition is an important factor affecting dribbling skills in field hockeys. In this regard, agility, hand-eye coordination, and waist flexibility have not been investigated simultaneously in field hockey players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of agility, hand-eye coordination, and waist flexibility on dribbling skills in senior high school female field hockey players. Thirty female senior high school students in Indonesia were recruited as the research sample. The participants were female students involved in coaching field hockey extracurricular activities at school, average age 17.90 ± 0.80 yrs, height 159.17 ± 1.82 cm, body weight 53.60 ± 3.51 kg, and BMI 21.16 ± 2.89. Data were collected using the agility t-test, throw catch test tennis ball, sit and reach test, and Schmithals-French hockey test. They were then analyzed using correlation and regression. The results showed that agility, hand-eye coordination, and waist flexibility had a significant effect on dribbling skills (p &lt; 0.05). Partially, the effects of agility, hand-eye coordination is 37.40%, and waist flexibility were 76.30 %, 37.40 %, 46.20%, and 84.00%, respectively. Of these three components, agility is the most influential component of dribbling skills, without neglecting hand-eye coordination or waist flexibility. In conclusion, the level of agility, hand-eye coordination, and waist flexibility have a significant impact on dribbling skills in senior high school female field hockey players. Coaches should prepare and develop appropriate training programs for these three components to improve hockey dribbling skills. Future studies are needed to incorporate the physical component and other factors related to field hockey dribbling skills, as well as diversity, and a wider sample size.

Acute Effects of Fitlight Training on Cognitive-Motor Processes in Young Basketball Players.

Cognitive-motor training could be used to improve open-skill sport performances, increasing cognitive demands to stimulate executive function (EF) development. Nevertheless, a distributed training proposal for the improvement of EFs is increasingly difficult to combine with seasonal sport commitments. This study aimed to investigate whether a massed basketball training program enriched with Fitlight training can improve EFs and motor performance. Forty-nine players (age = 15.0 ± 1.5 yrs) were assigned to the control and Fitlight-trained (FITL) groups, which performed 3 weeks of massed basketball practice, including 25 min per day of shooting sessions or Fitlight training, respectively. All athletes were tested in cognitive tasks (Flanker/Reverse Flanker; Digit Span) and fitness tests (Agility T-test; Yo-Yo IR1). During the intervention, exercise/session perceived effort (eRPE/sRPE) and enjoyment were collected. RM-ANOVA showed significant EFs scores increased in both groups over time, without differences between the groups. Moreover, an increased sRPE and eRPE appeared in the FITL group (p = 0.0001; p = 0.01), with no group differences in activity enjoyment and fitness tests. Three weeks of massed basketball training improved EFs and motor performance in young players. The additional Fitlight training increased the perceived cognitive effort without decreasing enjoyment, even if it seems unable to induce additional improvements in EFs.

Correlation between Clark angle and Performances in Icelandic Female Basketball Players

Basketball is a highly anaerobic game, that consists of high-intensity efforts followed by lower-intensity efforts. Postural deformities can be a limiting factor in achieving maximal performances in basketball. Flat feet are one of the most common deformities and they can lead to discomfort and pain. In this research we made an attempt to link the degree of feet flatness with sports performances in elite Icelandic female basketball players. A sample of 15 basketball players was tested on a podoscope to establish the degree of feet flatness and all participants performed drop jump, countermovement jump, 20m sprint and agility t-test. No significant correlation was observed, which means that feet flatness was not a limiting factor. However, we state that only strong and healthy feet might lead to excellent performance.

Acute effects of caffeinated chewing gum on basketball performance in elite female players

Background: To date, no study has investigated the effects of acute intake of caffeinated chewing gum in female basketball players. Methods: Nine elite female basketball players participated in a randomized crossover placebo-controlled double-blind experiment. All athletes participated in two identical experimental trials 15 minutes after ingestion of (i) chewing gum containing 150 mg of caffeine (i.e.~2.3 0.2 mg/kg of caffeine) or (ii) non-caffeinated chewing gum with an inert substance to produce a placebo. After the ingestion of the gum, the athletes performed the following tests: (i) a sprint test (0-20 m), (ii) agility T-test, (iii) isometric handgrip strength test, (iv) countermovement jump test, (v) free throw test, and (vi) three-point shot test. Results: No significant differences were observed in any physical or skill-based tests (p &gt; 0.05 for all). However, the effect size in the sprint and agility T-Test, jump height test, and free-throw test was higher in the caffeine conditions, with effect sizes of small or moderate magnitude (ES = 0.31 – 0.64) over the placebo. Conclusion: From a practical perspective, the benefits of caffeinated chewing gum are minor, at least in elite athletes with a mild level of caffeine consumption.

The Effect of Using Reactive Agility Exercises with the FITLIGHT Training System on the Speed of Visual Reaction Time and Dribbling Skill of Basketball Players.

The study aimed to determine the effect of reactive agility with the FITLIGHT training system on the speed of the visual reaction time and dribbling skill of basketball players. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 10; age, 14.80 ± 0.79 years; height, 163.80 ± 3.46 cm; weight, 55.90 ± 0.99 kg; training, 4.50 ± 0.53 years) and a control group (n = 10; age, 14.60 ± 0.70 years; height, 163.30 ± 3.47 cm; weight, 56.10 ± 0.74 kg; training, 4.30 ± 0.48 years). Reactive agility was assessed through a modified t-test, visual reaction time was assessed using the Li Lafayette instrument Visual Reaction Time Apparatus 63014 response panel, and dribbling skills were assessed through dribbling testing. The results showed improved agility through the modified agility t-test (11%; p = 0.001), an increased speed of visual reaction time for both the right and left hands (23-31%), and improved dribbling skills (19%; p = 0.001) for the experimental group using the FITLIGHT reactive agility software. The results also showed increased skills of the experimental group when compared to the control group. Differences in variability emerged between 6 and 14.1% in favor of the experimental group. Therefore, the researchers recommended that attention should be paid to activating the role of the FITLIGHT reactive agility training to improve and develop the physical, visual, and skill capabilities of basketball players. The researchers propose that FITLIGHT can be effectively used in the basketball training process.

Influence of Beetroot Juice Ingestion on Neuromuscular Performance on Semi-Professional Female Rugby Players: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Beetroot juice (BRJ) is considered an ergogenic aid with good to strong evidence for improving human performance in sport modalities with similar demands to rugby. However, most of the studies were realized in male athletes with limited evidence in female athletes. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the acute ingestion of BRJ in female rugby players. Fourteen semi-professional female rugby players (25.0 ± 3.7 years) belonging to a team from the First Spanish Female Rugby Division participated in this study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups that realized a neuromuscular battery after BRJ (140mL, 12.8 mmol NO3-) or placebo (PLAC, 140 mL, 0.08 mmol NO3-) ingestion on two different days separated by one week between protocols. The neuromuscular test battery consisted of a countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric handgrip strength (i.e., dominant), 10-m and 30-m sprint, agility t-test and Bronco test. Afterwards, participants reported a rate of perception scale (6-20 points) and side effects questionnaire associated with BRJ or PLAC ingestion. Statistically significant improvements were observed in CMJ (7.7%; p = 0.029; ES = 0.62), while no differences were reported in dominant isometric handgrip strength (-1.7%; p = 0.274; ES = -0.20); 10-m and 30-m sprint (0.5-0.8%; p = 0.441-0.588; ES = 0.03-0.18); modified agility t-test (-0.6%; p = 0.503; ES = -0.12) and Bronco test (1.94%; p = 0.459; ES = 0.16). BRJ ingestion could improve neuromuscular performance in the CMJ test, while no differences in sprint (10-m and 30-m sprint test), agility, isometric handgrip strength and endurance performance (i.e., Bronco test) were reported.

Effect of hip adductor strengthening on performance in young male cricket players

Cricket is a dynamic sport in which muscle strength, agility and aerobic capacity play vital role in sports performance. Weak hip adductor muscles are an intrinsic risk factor for groin injuries so this study evaluated effect of hip adductor strengthening on performance in cricketers.Methodology: 30 Young male cricketers included in the study. Group A and Group B was given routine cricket training programme and Group A was given additionally hip adductor strengthening programme. Results: Intragroup comparison showed statistically significant improvements in Vertical jump, Agility T-Test and 20-m Multistage shuttle run test in the both groups (p

Comparison of the Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Responses of the High-Intensity Interval (HIIT) and Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training Programs in Young Elite Soccer Players.

We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval (HIIT) and small-sided games (SSG) training programs on physiological and psychological responses in young soccer players. Twenty-four male soccer players (age 16.7 ± 0.9 years) were divided into two groups (HIIT and SSG) and completed a 6-week training programs consisting of two training sessions a week. HIIT consisted of intermittent runs lasting 15 s at the 110% maximum aerobic speed followed by a passive recovery lasting 15 s; SSG was instead structured in a 4 versus 4 players games on a playing field of 25 × 35 m. The muscular power of the lower body was assessed before and after each training session using the 5-jump test to leg length, and two incremental field tests (VAMEVAL test and modified agility t-test). Our results show that HIIT and SSG have similar beneficial effects on the variables connected to the soccer-specific performance and the endurance with little influence on neuromuscular performances. Psychological responses were assessed using the "physical activity enjoyment scale", the Hooper index and the POMS variables. Results showed that SSG offers greater perceived enjoyment than what can be achieved with HIIT. In conclusion, SSG can be considered an effective, more motivating, and fun soccer-specific training that brings about physiological responses and neuromuscular adjustments in young soccer players.

EFFECTS OF DOSE-RESPONSE OF NORDIC HAMSTRING EXERCISE ON MUSCLE PERFORMANCE IN ATHLETES, A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background: The Nordic Hamstring muscle training is effective for eccentric strengthening of the hamstring in a sports population. Due to its high volume, its compliance is low and researchers are working to find out its lowest effective dose. Objectives: To determine the effects of dose-response of Nordic hamstring exercise on hamstring muscle performance. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from August to November 2020 and comprised of athletes of both genders who were randomized into high (3 times/week, 4 weeks) and low volume (1 time/week, 4weeks) Nordic hamstring exercise groups. The Outcome measures were taken using the single leg hamstring bridge test for hamstring strength, 30-m speed test, agility T-test, anthropometric measurement at 5cm, 10cm, 15cm above the patella. The assessments were taken at baseline, 2nd and 4th weeks. The data were analysed using SPSS 23. Results: There were 30(88.2%) males and 4(11.8%) females with a mean age of 23.41±3.67years and a mean BMI of 18.6±3.16. A significant difference (p&lt;0.001) was observed between both groups for all outcome variables post-exercise protocol at 2nd and 4th week. Conclusion: The Nordic hamstring exercise was effective in improving hamstring muscle performance. The higher dose of Nordic Hamstring Exercise was more effective than the lower dose in improvement in muscle size, strength, speed and agility of the participants after 4 weeks of training. Keywords: Agility, athletes, hamstring injuries, muscle strength, nordic hamstring exercises, speed

Comparative Effects of Dynamic Stretching and Ice Bag Application On the Physical Performance in Recreational Basketball Players: A Randomized Crossover Study

Introduction: Researchers found that cryotherapy at the ankle joint heightened adjacent muscle activity and reflex amplitude, which facilitated greater force production at the ankle complex. Furthermore, cryotherapy appears to increase musculoarticular stiffness, which has been associated with heightened muscular performance at a joint. Aim and objective: the aim of the study is to examine the influence of dynamic stretching and IBA technique on the physical performance. Methodology: Total 20 healthy male basketball athletes encompassing two groups participated in the current study. The study consisted of two groups, Group A (ice bag application) and Group B (dynamic stretching). Cold compress was applied over the anterior thigh, posterior thigh, and calf. Subjects were assigned to Group A, and Group B, using Convenience sampling method. Each candidate performed the 5 minutes of jogging before taking intervention. All subjects performed three functional performance tests: Vertical Jump Test, Agility T-test &amp; 20-meter sprint. Each participant attended an orientation session to become familiar with the testing procedures. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups and exposed to a crossover study design. The experiment was performed on two separate occasions whereby one group received the dynamic stretching in the first session, while the other group uses the cryotherapy first. After 48 hours, (cooling session) on the next occasion, the groups were changed and the second group receives the cryotherapy, while the first group performs dynamic stretching. On both occasions, the dynamic stretching and cryotherapy interventions were the same. Between the sessions, the subjects will not allow to participate in any kind of vigorous physical activity. Results: The present study showed an increase in performance of recreational Basketball players by the combination of 5 minutes of warm up plus 6 min of dynamic stretching on the vertical jump height and 20-meter sprint.

Improving Special Ability Performance of Badminton Players through a Visual Reaction Training System.

This study investigates the effects of a visual reaction training system (VRTS) in improving the footwork of badminton players. The participants comprised 20 high school male badminton players (mean age, 17.83 ± 1.57 years; mean height, 171.4 ± 11.52 cm; mean weight, 58.76 ± 9.32 kg) who first underwent a badminton footwork agility training program and subsequently, a fixed or random six-point footwork test and an agility t-test. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was performed to identify differences in terms of response time, movement time, and total shift time. The results measured at midtest and posttest after the training intervention revealed significant improvements in reaction (p ≤ 0.01) and movement (p ≤ 0.05) time for the fixed six-point footwork test (p ≤ 0.01). The total time results for the fixed or random six-point footwork test and agility t-test at midtest and posttest after the training intervention revealed significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05). Badminton footwork agility training conducted through the VRTS enhances the ability and agility of badminton players. Therefore, researchers and coaches should evaluate the footwork of badminton players by precisely measuring and quantify their ability.

Assessment And Comparison of Agility in Cricketers Depending on Their Playing Position - An Observational Pilot Study

Background: Cricket is a widely played sport and has been evolved over the years. Agility being the key component of cricket is a collective coordinative ability that includes speed, balance and coordination and plays an important role in determining a player’s performance. The agility of players differs on the basis of their anthropometric measurements, position, training period and type of innings played. Improved agility enhances neuromuscular coordination thereby reducing the risk of injuries to the players. Cricketers require different types of agility training to meet their role in a match. Limited literature is available evaluating agility of cricket players. Hence, a need arises to conduct this study. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the agility of players depending on their positions. Objective: To evaluate and compare the agility of cricket players depending on their playing position using Agility T-test. Method: Institutional ethical clearance and consent from the players were sought. An observational pilot study was conducted on 30 players and were divided into 3 groups- batsmen, bowler and wicketkeepers Agility-T test was used to measure agility. Data was analysed using the software Graph Pad Prism, normality of the data was calculated using the Shapiro Wilk Test and comparison between the groups was done using One way ANOVA test. Results: The agility differed significantly (p value&lt;0.05). From the study it was revealed that the agility timing scores of cricket players varied according to their position. Batsmen recorded the lowest time followed by wicketkeeper whereas bowlers recorded the highest timings. Conclusions: A significant difference was found in the 3 groups of cricketers. Differences in current finding will help in formulating a structured agility training protocol depending on cricketers’ position. Keywords: [cricketers, cricket, agility, playing position, Agility T-test].

The Effect of Sportsmetrics on the Performance and Knee Valgus During Landing of Female Soccer Players

Purpose: Dynamic knee valgus and poor technique during landing are not only key risk factors for lower extremity injuries especially knee injury, but also can reduce the performance of athletes in the field. Sportsmetrics soccer training is one of the successful knee injury prevention and enhancement performance protocols for female soccer players. Because the effect of sportsmetrics soccer training has not been investigated on the performance and knee valgus during landing in female soccer players, we aimed to investigate this subject. Methods: The current field-trial study was conducted on 24 female soccer players with dynamic knee valgus that were randomly divided into two groups: the training group (TG) and the control group (CG). The assessment tests were the agility t-test, 40-yard test, vertical jump test, double leg squat test, and valgus landing error scoring system test (LESS). The TG group participated in sportsmetrics soccer training regularly for 6 weeks, three 90-min sessions a week. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the obtained data (P&lt;0.05). Results: Six weeks of sportsmetrics soccer training in the TG group not only reduced dynamic knee valgus during landing (51% reduction, F=171.8, P=0.01) but also improved performance factors significantly: agility (0.50 s reduction, F=23.29, P=0.01), power (2.50 cm increase, F=13.20, P=0.01) and speed (0.30 s reduction, F=23.66, P=0.01). Conclusion: Sportsmetrics soccer training is strongly suggested for soccer players exposed to knee injuries due to dynamic knee valgus during landing.

Effects of 5-Week of FIFA 11+ Warm-Up Program on Explosive Strength, Speed, and Perception of Physical Exertion in Elite Female Futsal Athletes.

Futsal is a sport that originates from soccer and is increasingly practiced all over the world. Since training and warm-up protocols should be sport-specific in order to reduce injuries and maximize performance, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program on explosive strength, speed, and perception of physical exertion in elite female futsal athletes. Twenty-nine elite female futsal athletes participating in the Italian national championships were divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG) underwent 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program, and the control group (CG) underwent 5 weeks of a dynamic warm-up. We evaluated any effect on explosive strength (by Squat Jump test), speed (by Agility T-test), and perception of physical exertion (by Borg CR-10 scale). All measurements were carried out by a technician of the Italian Football Federation before (T0), at the middle (T1), and at the end (T2) of the protocol. The EG showed significant improvements on performances between T0 vs. T1 and T0 vs. T2 both in the Squat Jump test (p = 0.0057 and p = 0.0030, respectively) and in the Agility T-test (p = 0.0075 and p = 0.0122). No significant differences were found in the Squat Jump test performances in the CG, while significant improvements were detected in the Agility T-test performances (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0053, T0 vs. T1 and T0 vs. T2, respectively). As for the Borg CR-10 scale, we found a significant difference between T0 and T2 in the EG (p = 0.017) and no differences in the CG. This study showed that 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program improves the jumping performance of female futsal athletes without adversely affecting speed. These findings can be useful for coaches and athletic trainers in order to consider FIFA 11+ warm-up program also in female futsal athletes.

The Relationship between Respiratory Muscle Strength and Physical Performance in College Volleyball Players

Physical performance and respiratory muscle strength are the effective factors that influence sport competence. This study aimed to determine the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and leg strength, power, speed, and agility in college volleyball players. Twenty-eight college volleyball players (age: 20.79±1.71 years; body mass index: 23.22±3.48 kg/m2; sport experience: 4.68±2.21 years; training frequency: 4.43±1.26 days/week) were included into the study. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP) tests were performed using a mouth pressure meter for respiratory muscle strength assessment. Leg muscle strength and power were measured using a back and leg dynamometer and a Yardstick device, respectively. The 10-meter sprint test was performed to assess speed performance. Agility was measured by the agility T-test. MIP was positively correlated with leg strength (r=0.406; p=0.032), while it was negatively correlated with speed, and agility (r=-0.416; p=0.028, r=-0.469; p=0.012, respectively). There was no relationship between MIP and power (p=0.197). For MEP, it was negatively correlated with speed (r=-0.392; p=0.039). Other parameters of physical performance were not significantly correlated with MEP (p&gt;0.05). In the light of the results, muscle strength, speed, and agility of college volleyball players develop parallel to respiratory muscle strength, particularly inspiratory muscle. Thus, it is believed that inspiratory muscle training should be added to exercise training programs for enhancing players’ physical performance.

Impact of time-of-day and chronotype on neuromuscular performance in semi-professional female volleyball players

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine if time-of-day could influence physical volleyball performance in females and to explore the relationship between chronotype and volleyball-specific performance. Fifteen young female athletes participated in a randomized counterbalanced trial, performing a neuromuscular test battery in the morning (9:00 h) and the evening (19:00 h) that consisted of volleyball standing spike, straight leg raise, dynamic balance, vertical jump, modified agility T-test and isometric handgrip tests. Chronotype was determined by the morningness-eveningness questionnaire. Compared to the morning, an increased performance was found in the standing spike (4.5%, p = .002, ES = 0.59), straight leg raise test (dominant-limb) (6.5%, p = .012, ES = 0.40), dynamic balance (non-dominant-limb) (5.0%, p = .010, ES = 0.57) and modified T-test (2.1%, p = .049, ES = 0.45) performance in the evening; while no statistical differences were reported in vertical jump tests or isometric handgrip strength. Moreover, no associations were found between chronotype and neuromuscular performance (r = −0.368–0.435, p = .052–0.439). Time-of-day affected spike ball velocity, flexibility in the dominant-limb, dynamic balance in the non-dominant-limb and agility tests. However, no association was reported among these improvements and the chronotype. Therefore, although the chronotype may not play critical role in volleyball-specific performance, evening training/matches schedules could benefit performance in semi-professional female volleyball players.

The influence of recovery period following a pre-load stimulus on physical performance measures in handball players.

The purpose of this research was to establish the optimal recovery duration following a pre-load stimulus on performance measures related to handball players. Seventeen senior male University handball players (mean ± SD: age 23.6 ± 2.3 yrs., height 1.79 ± 0.06 m and body mass 72.5 ± 10.7 kg) performed three experimental sessions. All sessions consisted of a standardised warm-up followed by a pre-load stimulus (HSR) back squats followed by a passive rest for either 4-min (PAP4), 8-min (PAP8), or 12-min (PAP12). Following the completion of the passive recovery, players then performed a countermovement jump (CMJ), a 20-m linear sprint and a modified agility t-test. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. There was a significant main effect of passive rest duration after the pre-load stimulus. The PAP12 condition improved CMJ scores (2.3–2.6%; effect size = small), 20-m linear sprint times (3.3–3.7%; effect size = small to moderate) and agility times (1.6–1.9%; effect size = trivial) compared to PAP4 and PAP8 conditions (P < 0.0005). Values of heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were also significantly lower during the PAP12 condition compared to the PAP4 and PAP8 conditions (P < 0.0005). A positive Pearson correlation was established between agility and CMJ for all conditions (P < 0.001). The findings provide novel data observing that a pre-load stimulus, followed by 12-min of recovery, results in greater maximal jump, sprint and agility measures when compared with a 4-min or 8-min recovery in male handball players.