Athletic Training Research Articles

Optimizing the Speed and Explosive Power Performance of Football Players: The Effect of a Six-Week Neuromuscular Training

Background. Football players require high levels of speed and explosive power to perform effectively on the field, making these physical attributes critical for success. Neuromuscular training has been proposed as a method to enhance these performance metrics. Objectives. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of neuromuscular training on the speed and explosive power performance of football players. Materials and methods. A total of thirty male football players (aged 20 to 26 years) from Imphal West District, Imphal, Manipur, India, who had participated in national-level competitions, were selected for the study. The subjects were randomly assigned into two equal groups: an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). Both groups were assessed before the intervention for speed and explosive power performance using the 50 m dash speed test and the standing broad jump test to determine the baseline significance of the selected variables. Following the initial assessments, the experimental group underwent a supervised neuromuscular training program, while the control groupreceived no special training. The neuromuscular training was conducted over a period of six weeks, with sessions held five days a week (Monday to Friday), each lasting 60 minutes. Results. The experimental group confirmed significant improvements in both speed and explosive power compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean and standard deviation of speed for the experimental group were 7.15 ± 0.71 in the pre-test and 6.54 ± 0.61 in the post-test. For explosive power, the values were 2.36 ± 0.32 in the pre-test and 2.55 ± 0.39 in the post-test. The notable enhancements in speed and explosive power performance in the experimental group are likely attributed to the six-week neuromuscular training program, which facilitated rapid physical adaptation among the football players. Conclusions. Implementing the six-week neuromuscular training program effectively enhanced the speed and explosive power performance of football players. This type of training has been demonstrated to be highly effective for optimizing these performance metrics in football players.

Design, Calibration and Morphological Characterization of a Flexible Sensor with Adjustable Chemical Sensitivity and Possible Applications to Sports Medicine.

Active life monitoring via chemosensitive sensors could hold promise for enhancing athlete monitoring, training optimization, and performance in athletes. The present work investigates a resistive flex sensor (RFS) in the guise of a chemical sensor. Its carbon 'texture' has shown to be sensitive to CO2, O2, and RH changes; moreover, different bending conditions can modulate its sensitivity and selectivity for these gases and vapors. A three-step feasibility study is presented including: design and fabrication of the electronic read-out and control; calibration of the sensors to CO2, O2 and RH; and a morphological study of the material when interacting with the gas and vapor molecules. The 0.1 mm-1 curvature performs best among the tested configurations. It shows a linear response curve for each gas, the ranges of concentrations are adequate, and the sensitivity is good for all gases. The curvature can be modulated during data acquisition to tailor the sensitivity and selectivity for a specific gas. In particular, good results have been obtained with a curvature of 0.1 mm-1. For O2 in the range of 20-70%, the sensor has a sensitivity of 0.7 mV/%. For CO2 in the range of 4-80%, the sensitivity is 3.7 mV/%, and for RH the sensitivity is 33 mV/%. Additionally, a working principle, based on observation via scanning electron microscopy, has been proposed to explain the chemical sensing potential of this sensor. Bending seems to enlarge the cracks present in the RFS coverage; this change accounts for the altered selectivity depending on the sensor's curvature. Further studies are needed to confirm result's reliability and the correctness of the interpretation.

Applied aspects of functional training of athletes

Applied aspects of functional training of athletes

Effects of 4 weeks of device-induced normobaric intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia training on the performance of elite cyclists: A pilot study

Introduction & Purpose Classic altitude training and other forms of hypoxia are regularly used in endurance training (Mujika et al., 2019). Due to corona exit restrictions in 2019-2020, device-induced normobaric hypoxia/hyperoxia was suggested as an alternative to classic altitude training. Intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia training (IHHT) has been studied and used in various forms since the 1940s (Serebrovskaya, 2002) with the advantage to be used at the athlete’s training site (Burtscher, 2005). The aim of this pilot study was to test the effects of a IHHT intervention on aerobic performance, hematological parameters and hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α). Method A total of 11 athletes (2 women) from the U23 and elite national squads of the Austrian Cycling Federation completed 16 IHHT units in addition to their normal training program over a period of 4 weeks as part of a randomized cross over intervention study (control – IHHT, IHHT – control). The IHHT units were carried out on a Cellgym CellAir® Gecko Plus device at rest without exercise following a predetermined protocol (Sessions 1-8: 5 min of hypoxia (12.0% oxygen) followed by 3 min of hyperoxia (34.0% oxygen) repeated five times. Sessions 9-16): 6 min of hypoxia (11.0% oxygen) followed by 3 min of hyperoxia (34.0% oxygen). During the 4 weeks of control period, participants should maintain their training schedule. Aerobic performance was determined before and after the intervention by spiroergometry. As secondary outcomes, changes in hematological parameters and protein levels of HIF-1α were determined from venous blood which was processed immediately after collection. Serum was stored at -80 °C until HIF-1 α determination by ELISA technique. Results Eleven out of 13 athletes took part in the pre – post IHHT measurements, but only three of them managed to participate in the measurements planned for the control period, making it impossible to compare the two conditions. Replacement was not possible due to the availability of candidates and the ongoing preparation for the season. After 4 weeks of intervention with 16 IHHT training sessions, no significant changes were observed in performance parameters such as VO2peak, relative VO2max, maximum power (watts) or threshold values (p > 0.05). There were also no significant changes in blood enzymes, lipid and iron metabolism (p > 0.05). However, a tendency towards increased values of haemoglobin (z = 1.738; p = 0.082) and a significant increase of erythrocyte counts (z = 2.193; p = 0.028) were detected. Other haematological parameters and HIF-1α did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Discussion & Conclusion In summary, four weeks of device-induced normobaric IHHT had a modest effect on haematological parameters, but with no detectable transfer to maximal or submaximal endurance performance in highly trained athletes. Although various studies have shown that the difference between normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia exposure is not limited to the partial pressure of oxygen, but Mounier and Brugniaux state that the physiological responses are in fact equivalent (Mounier & Brugniaux, 2012). However, due to the limitations of the competitive setting and the low sample size, the final interpretation of the study remains difficult. References Burtscher, M. (2005). Intermittierende Hypoxie: Höhenvorbereitung, Training, Therapie [Intermittent hypoxia: altitude preparation, training, therapy]. Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin und Sporttraumatologie, 53(2), 61-67. Serebrovskaya, T. V. (2002). Intermittent hypoxia research in the former Soviet Union and the commonwealth of independent states: History and review of the concept and selected applications. High Altitude Medicine & Biology, 3(2), 205-221. https://doi.org/10.1089/15270290260131939 Mounier, R., & Brugniaux, J. V. (2012). Counterpoint: Hypobaric hypoxia does not induce different responses from normobaric hypoxia. Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(10), 1784-1786. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00067.2012a Mujika, I., Sharma, A. P., & Stellingwerff, T. (2019). Contemporary periodization of altitude training for elite endurance athletes: A narrative review. Sports Medicine, 49, 1651-1669. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01165-y

Correlation properties of heart rate variability for exercise prescription during prolonged running at constant speeds: A randomized cross-over trial.

The study explores the validity of the nonlinear index alpha 1 of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFAa1) of heart rate (HR) variability for exercise prescription in prolonged constant load running bouts of different intensities. 21 trained endurance athletes (9w and 12m) performed a ramp test for ventilatory threshold (vVT1 and vVT2) and DFAa1-based (vDFAa1-1 at 0.75 and vDFAa1-2 at 0.5) running speed detection as well as two 20-min running bouts at vDFAa1-1 and vDFAa1-2 (20-vDFAa1-1 and 20-vDFAa1-2), in which HR, oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory frequency (RF), DFAa1, and blood lactate concentration [La-] were assessed. 20-vDFAa1-2 could not be finished by all participants (finisher group (FG), n=15 versus exhaustion group (EG), n=6). Despite similar mean external loads of vDFAa1-1 (10.6±1.9km/h) and vDFAa1-2 (13.1±2.4km/h) for all participants compared to vVT1 (10.8±1.7km/h) and vVT2 (13.2±1.9km/h), considerable differences were present for 20-vDFAa1-2 in EG (15.2±2.4km/h). 20-vDFAa1-1 and 20-DFAa1-2 yielded significant differences in FG for HR (76.2±5.7 vs. 86.4±5.9 %HRPEAK), VO2 (62.1±5.0 vs. 77.5±8.6 %VO2PEAK), RF (40.6±11.3 vs. 46.1±9.8bpm), DFA-a1 (0.86±0.23 vs. 0.60±0.15), and [La-] (1.41±0.45 vs. 3.34±2.24mmol/L). Regarding alterations during 20-vDFAa1-1, all parameters showed small changes for all participants, while during 20-vDFAa1-2 RF and DFAa1 showed substantial alterations in FG (RF: 15.6% and DFAa1: -12.8%) and more pronounced in EG (RF: 20.1% and DFAa1: -35.9%). DFAa1-based exercise prescription from incremental testing could be useful for most participants in prolonged running bouts, at least in the moderate to heavy intensity domain. In addition, an individually different increased risk of overloading may occur in the heavy to severe exercise domains and should be further elucidated in the light of durability and decoupling assessment.

External Mechanical Work Versus Energy Expenditure During on-Court Tennis Drills in Elite Adolescent Tennis Players

Abstract Purpose Tennis demands exceptional technical skills, speed, strength and endurance. Previous studies have highlighted the high energy expenditure during tennis drills due to constant directional changes. While metabolic monitoring and player tracking have been used to quantify exercise intensity and movements, mechanical efficiency (ME) in tennis remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate ME in tennis by combining metabolic and mechanical measurements during on-court drills. Methods Ten elite adolescent tennis players (males n = 5, females n = 5) performed a VO2max test on a treadmill and participated in three standard tennis drills, Spanish cross, lateral and inside out. During the tennis drill, full-body kinematics were captured, and energy expenditure was measured using a portable breath-by-breath gas analysis. ME was calculated for each drill, and individual differences were examined. Results Results revealed significant differences in energy expenditure and mechanical work between drills. ME was not associated with VO2max or running speed. highlighting the need to focus on other factors like strength, footwork technique, and neuromuscular training to enhance ME. Conclusion This study underscores the complexity of ME in tennis, with individual variations and where factors like footwork technique, muscular strength and motor abilities might influence ME.

Changes in strength performance of highly trained athletes after COVID-19

Introduction This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on strength performance in highly trained athletes. Method A force plate was employed to measure squat jump height (SJH), counter-movement jump height (CMJH), and drop jump reactive strength index (DJRSI) in 27 highly trained athletes before infection, and at one week, two weeks, and four weeks post-recovery. Additionally, an Isometric Mid-thigh Pull (IMTP) test was conducted to record maximum isometric strength (MIS) and the rate of force development of the initial phase (RFD 0–50; RFD 0–100). Repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to compare variations in these indicators across different time points. Results One week post-recovery, SJH (-7.71%, P = 0.005), CMJH (-9.08%, P < 0.001), DJRSI (-28.88%, P < 0.001), MIS (-18.95%, P < 0.001), RFD 0–50 (-64.98%, P < 0.001), and RFD 0–100 (-53.65%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower than pre-infection levels. Four weeks post-recovery, SJH (-2.08%, P = 0.236), CMJH (-3.28%, P = 0.277), and MIS (-3.32%, P = 0.174) did not differ significantly from pre-infection levels. However, DJRSI (-11.24%, P = 0.013), RFD 0–50 (-31.37%, P = 0.002), and RFD 0–100 (-18.99%, P = 0.001) remained significantly lower than pre-infection levels. Conclusion After COVID-19, highly trained athletes exhibited a significant reduction in maximum strength, explosive strength, reactive strength, and initial phase force generation capability. By four weeks post-recovery, their maximum and explosive strength had returned to near pre-infection levels, yet their reactive strength and initial phase force generation capability remained significantly impaired.

Optimisation of the hammer throw using parameterised synthetic motion kinematics in a multi‐body simulation

AbstractHammer throwing is a motorically demanding sport in which the execution of the movement significantly influences the result, that is the throwing distance. There are many approaches for supporting technical training that are based on measurement technology and image capturing. The accelerations and locus curves of the athlete and hammer are recorded and compared. In this article, these methods are supplemented by a multi‐body simulation (MBS) of the hammer throw. The kinematics of the hand movement is described using a parameterized synthetic trajectory. Scalar parameters in the approach allow the trajectory to be modified. With a MBS model of the wire cable and the hammer, the movement of the hammer can be determined by numerical time integration from the hand's trajectory. As a result the final throwing distance after free flight phase can be analyzed. Due to the complex spatial motion of the hammer during the acceleration phase only heuristic methods can be used to optimize the maximum throwing distance. In a final step the optimized movement can be used to improve the athlete's training.

Data base of Cognitive functions and their relation to balance and agility in athletes from differents sports branches

Successful performance in each sport requires high ability in various features, including motor and perceptual-cognitive skills. This study aimed to compare the balance and agility in athletes from several sports branches to find out how cognitive functions relate to these parameters. Seventy-three individuals aged 18-30 were included in this prospective-descriptive study. In the assessment of cognition, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, d2 Test of Attention, and a Bassin Anticipation Timer Device were used. While Prokin-TecnoBody was used to measure the balance skills, Illinois Agility Test (IAT) was used for agility. IAT times showed positive weak correlations with both the absolute error-score (AES) at 8mph (r=0.260, p=0.040) and mediolateral balance score (ML)(r=0.255, p=0.043). While there was a negative weak correlation between AES at 3mph and anteroposterior score of balance (r=-0.267, p=0.035), we found positive weak correlation between AES at 8mph and ML of balance (r=0.253, p=0.046). It was found that the IAT scores of the sedentary group were significantly lower than athletes (p=0.000). According to AES at 3mph, there were significant differences between tennis players and both sedentary and volleyball players (p=0.008, p=0.002, respectively). When the AES at 8mph compared, the only statistically significant difference was between tennis players and sedentary (p=0.008). In conclusion, this study shows how cognitive functions, particularly coincidence anticipation timing (CAT), correlate with essential physical performance factors like agility and balance across different sport branches, suggesting that improving cognitive skills could enhance overall athletic performance and inform mental training strategies in sports. It is recommended that future sports science research focus on enhancing CAT through targeted training programs.

Cognitive functions and their relation to balance and agility in athletes from different sports branches

Successful performance in each sport requires high ability in various features, including motor and perceptual-cognitive skills. This study aimed to compare the balance and agility in athletes from several sports branches to find out how cognitive functions relate to these parameters. Seventy-three individuals aged 18-30 were included in this prospective-descriptive study. In the assessment of cognition, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, d2 Test of Attention, and a Bassin Anticipation Timer Device were used. While Prokin-TecnoBody was used to measure the balance skills, Illinois Agility Test (IAT) was used for agility. IAT times showed positive weak correlations with both the absolute error-score (AES) at 8mph (r=0.260, p=0.040) and mediolateral balance score (ML)(r=0.255, p=0.043). While there was a negative weak correlation between AES at 3mph and anteroposterior score of balance (r=-0.267, p=0.035), we found positive weak correlation between AES at 8mph and ML of balance (r=0.253, p=0.046). It was found that the IAT scores of the sedentary group were significantly lower than athletes (p=0.000). According to AES at 3mph, there were significant differences between tennis players and both sedentary and volleyball players (p=0.008, p=0.002, respectively). When the AES at 8mph compared, the only statistically significant difference was between tennis players and sedentary (p=0.008). In conclusion, this study shows how cognitive functions, particularly coincidence anticipation timing (CAT), correlate with essential physical performance factors like agility and balance across different sport branches, suggesting that improving cognitive skills could enhance overall athletic performance and inform mental training strategies in sports. It is recommended that future sports science research focus on enhancing CAT through targeted training programs.

Usefulness of the cortisol:testosterone ratio in assessing the catabolic and anabolic balance of athletes

Introduction and purpose: The balance between catabolic and anabolic processes is crucial for achieving optimal athletic performance and maintaining the health of athletes. The cortisol-to-testosterone ratio (C/T) is a commonly used indicator to assess this balance, as it allows for monitoring the equilibrium between these two hormones. This literature review aims to evaluate the utility of T/C ratio in monitoring this balance, providing insights into its relevance for athletic training and performance. The paper is based on a relevant review of literature about the practical aspects of measuring the C/T ratio and its correlation with athletic performance, recovery, overtraining, and training adaptation were analyzed. Description of the state of knowledge: The cortisol-to-testosterone ratio is a useful indicator for evaluating between catabolic and anabolic states in athletes. It can be practically applied to fine-tune training regimens and help prevent overtraining.However, its effectiveness is dependent on various factors, including individual variability and the influence of external factors such as sleep. Summary:The C/T ratio remains a valuable tool for assessing the metabolic-anabolic balance in athletes. Practical aspects of measurement and interpretation are essential for its effective application. Continued research is needed to refine the use of this biomarker across different sports and training contexts.

The applied study to improve the treatment of knee sports injuries in ultimate frisbee players based on personalized exercise prescription: a randomized controlled trial.

Ultimate frisbee can lead to severe sports injuries, especially joint injuries in the lower limbs, such as knee meniscus injuries. This study examines the impact of personalized exercise therapy on knee meniscus injuries in ultimate frisbee players in the Lingnan region of China. Seventy-six patients with confirmed meniscal injuries participated in the study, divided into an intervention group (n = 38) and a control group (n = 38). The control group received standard treatment, including drug therapy and physical therapy. The intervention group received standard treatment plus a personalized exercise regimen based on FITT-VP (frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression) principles, incorporating strength training, aerobic exercise, flexibility training, neuromuscular training, and aquatic exercise. This program was monitored and adjusted over a six-month period through both online and offline methods. The primary outcomes were joint range of motion (ROM), thigh circumference atrophy index (TCAI), Lysholm Rating Scale (LRS) scores, and visual analog scores (VAS). The secondary outcome was the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score. Data were collected before the intervention, and at 1 month and 6 months after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0 and GraphPad 10.0, with a significance level set at α = 0.05. After 1 month, the intervention group showed significantly better results in ROM (116.67 ± 9.063), LRS score (86.316 ± 3.750), and IKDC score (80.473 ± 5.421) compared to the control group (111.784 ± 4.778, 82.579 ± 3.818, and 77.684 ± 4.430, respectively) (p < 0.05). The TCAI (3.219 ± 1.889) and VAS score (1.921 ± 0.673) in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (5.228 ± 2.131 and 2.710 ± 1.112, respectively) (p < 0.01). After 6 months, the differences in LRS and VAS scores between the groups were not significant. However, the intervention group continued to show significant improvements in ROM (134.934 ± 3.011), TCAI (1.107 ± 1.158), and IKDC score (93.315 ± 1.847) compared to the control group (125.395 ± 18.554, 4.574 ± 1.109, and 87.789 ± 4.437, respectively) (p < 0.05). Personalized exercise prescriptions offer significant therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits for ultimate frisbee players with knee meniscus injuries. This approach helps to reduce symptoms, alleviate pain, and improve joint function, muscle strength, and athletic performance after sports-related injuries.

Analysis of the diet, weight-loss behavior, and nutritional knowledge of athletes and coaches in weightclass sports: influence of a coach's nutritional knowledge on athletes.

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional knowledge of elite athletes undergoing weight loss and to identify differences in weight-loss strategies according to nutritional knowledge. The participants included 22 coaches and 88 elite athletes registered under the same affiliation. The survey involved translating the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), and interviews were used to confirm the diet and weight loss patterns of the athletes. The coaches and athletes were divided into high-rank (12 coaches and 57 athletes) and low-rank (10 coaches and 31 athletes) groups based on GNKQ scores. Paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were performed. GNKQ results showed significant differences between high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference in nutrition knowledge scores was also noticed between athletes with high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between the GNKQ scores of coaches and athletes (r = 0.369; p < 0.001). The nutritional knowledge of coaches was also correlated with weight-loss strategies (weight loss attempt frequency; r = -0.235; p = 0.027; weight loss duration; r = -0.268; p = 0.012). Additionally, differences were observed in the intake of all nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fat) in the diets of athletes (p < 0.001). Our study suggests that the nutritional knowledge of coaches indirectly affects athletes. Coaches have significant influence over athletes and possess experience with diet and weight-loss patterns. This insight should be effectively utilized to enhance the training and performance of athletes and coaches.

Engaging athletes as research participants. A document analysis of published sport science literature.

Sport science practitioners utilise findings from peer reviewed research to inform practice. Fewer studies are conducted with high performance athletes, however, than those involving recreationally active participants. Noting that research findings from recreational athletes may not be generalisable to the elite, there is a need to engage the latter cohort in research with better potential to influence health and performance. This study identified methods used to engage and recruit highly trained, elite and world class athletes as research participants. A document analysis was conducted using a purposive sample of peer-reviewed sport science literature. All articles published in 2022 from 18 highly ranked sport science journals were screened for inclusion. Studies investigating athletes ranked as highly trained/national level or above were included. All details related to participant recruitment were extracted from included articles, with the content being coded and thematically analysed using an interpretivist approach. A total of 439 studies from the 2356 screened were included in the analysis. Five primary themes of recruitment strategies were identified, beneath an overarching strategy of purposeful, convenience sampling. Recruitment themes related to the use of a gatekeeper, the research environment providing convenient access to athletes, promoting the study electronically, utilising professional networks and recruiting at training or competition. Engaging athletes through a gatekeeper is a prominent strategy to involve elite athletes in research. It is suggested that researchers work collaboratively with team or organisation personnel to promote recruitment, creating co-designed approaches that address issues most relevant to athletes and staff.

Low back pain or injury before collegiate athletics, a potential risk factor for non-contact athletic injuries.

Majority of research surrounding the predictive value of clinical measurements and assessments for future athletic injury does not differentiate between contact and non-contact injuries. We assessed the association between clinical measures and questionnaire data collected prior to sport participation and the incidence of non-contact lower extremity (LE) injuries among Division III collegiate athletes. Prospective cohort study. University setting, NCAA Division III. 488 Division III freshmen athletes were recruited to participate in the study during their preseason physical examinations. 10,983 public schools. Prospective incidence of non-contact Lower extremity Injury. Athletes completed questionnaires to collect demographics and musculoskeletal pain history. Clinical tests, performed by trained examiners, included hip provocative tests, visual appraisal of a single leg squat to identify dynamic knee valgus, and hip range of motion (ROM). Injury surveillance for each athlete's collegiate career was performed. The athletic training department documented each athlete-reported, new onset injury and documented the injury location, type, and outcome (days lost, surgery performed). Univariable Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were used to analyze the relationship between each clinical measure and the first occurrence of non-contact LE injury. An exchangeable correlation structure was used to account for repeated measurements within athletes (right and left limbs). Of the 488 athletes, 369 athletes (75%) were included in the final analysis. 69 non-contact LE injuries were reported. Responding "Yes" to "Have you ever had pain or an injury to your low back" was associated with an increased risk of non-contact LE, odds ratio = 1.59 (95%CI 1.03- 2.45, p=.04). No other clinical measures were associated with increased injury risk. A history of prior low back pain or injury was associated with an increased risk of sustaining a non-contact LE injury while participating in NCAA Division III athletics.

A new patient-reported outcome measure for the evaluation of ankle instability: description of the development process and validation protocol

BackgroundAcute ankle sprains represent one of the most common traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Many individuals with these injuries experience unresolved symptoms such as instability and recurrent sprains, leading to chronic ankle instability (CAI), which affects their ability to maintain an active lifestyle. While rehabilitation programs focusing on sensorimotor, neuromuscular, strength and balance training are primary treatments, some patients require surgery when rehabilitation fails. A critical analysis of the patient-reported outcome tools (PROs) used to assess CAI surgical outcomes raises some concerns about their measurement properties in CAI patients, which may ultimately affect the quality of evidence supporting current surgical practice. The aim of this research is to develop and validate a new PRO for the assessment of ankle instability and CAI treatment outcomes, following recent methodological guidelines, with the implicit aim of contributing to the generation of scientifically meaningful evidence for clinical practice in patients with ankle instability.MethodsFollowing the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN), an Ankle Instability Treatment Index (AITI) will be developed and validated. The process begins with qualitative research based on face‒to‒face interviews with CAI individuals to explore the subjective experience of living with ankle instability. The data from the interviews will be coded following an inductive approach and used to develop the AITI content. The preliminary version of the scale will be refined through an additional round of face‒to‒face interviews with a new set of CAI subjects to define the AITI content coverage, relevance and clarity. Once content validity has been examined, the AITI will be subjected to quantitative analysis of different measurement properties: construct validity, reliability and responsiveness.DiscussionThe development of AITI aims to address the limitations of existing instruments for evaluating surgical outcomes in patients with CAI. By incorporating patient input and adhering to contemporary standards for validity and reliability, this tool seeks to provide a reliable and meaningful assessment of treatment effects.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Особливості психологічної підготовки спортсменів у передзмагальний період

The training process is a constantly developing system that needs constant improvement. The effectiveness of the training process depends on many factors, such as: the athlete's psychological preparation, the trainer's qualifications, the athlete's motivation, training conditions, and material and technical support. Psychological preparation of athletes for competitions is a component of general training. It is aimed at the formation and development of psychological qualities necessary for achieving high results in sports activities. Training of professional sportsmen is carried out on the basis of a system of principles: focus on achieving the maximum result; in-depth specialization and taking into account the individual characteristics of the athlete; unity of general and special training; continuity of the training process; the unity of the gradual and maximal increase of training loads; undulation of load dynamics; cyclical training process; unity of physical, technical, tactical, psychological and theoretical training; scientific and methodological support of the training process; control and correction of the training process. The components of the training process are proposed: physical training, technical training, tactical training, psychological training, theoretical training. The study of individual psychological characteristics of the training process, which allow to understand the psychological characteristics of athletes, is of great importance; make it possible to develop effective methods of psychological training of athletes; contribute to improving the performance of athletes. Failure to take into account individual psychological features during the training process of athletes can lead to a decrease in motivation, loss of self-confidence, increased anxiety, loss of concentration and reduced stress resistance. The psychological features of a football player’s/football player’s training activities include: the formation of the player’s confidence in his own abilities, which is formed under the influence of successful and unsuccessful match results, the direct actions of the player or the player in the match, perception and understanding of the situation (game pattern) during the match, logical thinking under the time of a football match, sudden decision-making on a situation that arose during the game, correct understanding of the task set before the player, and the ways and considerations of the solution, the attitude of the coach to the football player, the level of development of cognitive abilities (introspection, planning, goal setting). The psychological features of the training activity of the male and female players depends on the correctness and accuracy of the tasks during training (in the pre-competition period) and their implementation (application, skillful use/application of the coach's instructions/instructions) directly during the football match. The emotional state of a football player can be positively influenced by external factors - the advice of an experienced coach or sports psychologist. In the professional activity of a sports psychologist, there are methods of multi-stage training correction of the athlete's pre-start emotional states, methods of instructions that take into account the trends of modern sports, correction of emotional states by the method of sports coaching, etc. Peculiarities of psychological training of professional soccer players include: mental training, stress management, motivation to achieve sports results, communication interaction. Psychological preparation helps professional football players to optimize their level of preparation for competitions and achieve better results.

Exercise for patients with arthritis

Background: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are major causes of pain and disability globally, and exercise is known to be effective at alleviating symptoms and improving physical function.Current Concepts: Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease, and comprehensive clinical practice guidelines have been established. Most studies strongly recommend appropriate weight management combined with exercise therapy. Aerobic, strength, resistance, isometric, neuromuscular, and balance training have been used. However, the current evidence is insufficient to recommend specific prescriptions regarding the exercise type and dose. Many guidelines group knee and hip osteoarthritis together for exercise recommendations. Evidence supporting the use of exercise for hand osteoarthritis is relatively scarce, and reports on its adverse effects are rare. Weight loss is not recommended for hand osteoarthritis, because its effectiveness has not yet been established. For patients with polyarticular osteoarthritis, exercise is recommended as a core treatment, with systematic land-based exercises being particularly advised. For rheumatoid arthritis, both general exercises and hydrotherapy are recommended to improve joint flexibility, muscle strength, and functional outcomes.Discussion and Conclusion: Exercise is a powerful treatment tool for various types of arthritis. However, further research is required to develop more specific exercise intervention protocols.

Effects of coaches' authentic leadership on athletes' training competition satisfaction: The mediating roles of psychological ownership and athlete engagement

Coaching leadership greatly impacts athletes’ mental health and wellbeing. Although research shows a positive link between authentic leadership and athlete satisfaction, studies on specific subdimensions are limited. This study examines the influence of authentic leadership on athlete engagement and performance, utilizing a conditional process model to explore the mediating effects of psychological ownership and athlete engagement. A survey of 381 athletes (274 male, 107 female; Mage = 19.98; SD = 2.48) from team and individual sports found that perceived authentic leadership positively correlates with training competition satisfaction, psychological ownership, and athlete engagement. Structural equation modeling revealed that psychological ownership and athlete engagement significantly mediate this relationship. Thus, authentic leadership directly and indirectly enhances athletes’ satisfaction.

Random measurement and prediction errors limit the practical relevance of two velocity sensors to estimate the 1RM back squat.

While maximum strength diagnostics are applied in several sports and rehabilitative settings, dynamic strength capacity has been determined via the one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing for decades. Because the literature concerned several limitations, such as injury risk and limited practical applicability in large populations (e.g., athletic training groups), the strength prediction via the velocity profile has received increasing attention recently. Referring to relative reliability coefficients and inappropriate interpretation of agreement statistics, several previous recommendations neglected systematic and random measurement bias. This article explored the random measurement error arising from repeated testing (repeatability) and the agreement between two common sensors (vMaxPro and TENDO) within one repetition, using minimal velocity thresholds as well as the velocity = 0m/s method. Furthermore, agreement analyses were applied to the estimated and measured 1RM in 25 young elite male soccer athletes. The results reported repeatability values with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.66-0.80, which was accompanied by mean absolute (percentage) errors (MAE and MAPE) of up to 0.04-0.22m/s and ≤7.5%. Agreement between the two sensors within one repetition showed a systematic lower velocity for the vMaxPro device than the Tendo, with ICCs ranging from 0.28 to 0.88, which were accompanied by an MAE/MAPE of ≤0.13m/s (11%). Almost all estimations systematically over/ underestimated the measured 1RM, with a random scattering between 4.12% and 71.6%, depending on the velocity threshold used. In agreement with most actual reviews, the presented results call for caution when using velocity profiles to estimate strength. Further approaches must be explored to minimize especially the random scattering.