Field Athletes Research Articles

Implementing machine learning algorithms to optimize sprint performance and biomechanical analysis of track and field athletes

Sprint performance is a crucial component of athletic performance, especially in sports like track and field, football, and rugby, which require quick bursts of peak effort over short durations. Understanding the biomechanics of sprinting is essential for enhancing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and creating effective training plans. Traditional research on sprint evaluation often focuses on discrete measures while neglecting the intricate interactions between variables that evolve throughout the sprint. This study addresses these challenges by applying a machine learning (ML) algorithm, specifically the Polar Bear-tuned Multi-Source Kernel Support Vector Machine (PB-MKSVM), to predict and optimize the sprint performance of track and field athletes. The system analyzes essential biomechanical characteristics such as muscle activation patterns, joint angles, ground reaction forces, and stride length. Data were collected using wearable sensors and motion capture systems during standardized sprint trials, during which various biomechanical parameters were recorded. Standard preprocessing steps including noise removal and outlier detection were applied to the data. Power Spectral Density (PSD) was employed to extract features from the preprocessed data. The results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms traditional algorithms in predicting sprinting efficiency and identifies complex, phase-specific changes in movement patterns. The model effectively analyzes the intricate biomechanics of sprinters’ movements to differentiate between various skill levels. Using Python software, the model achieved impressive performance metrics, including accuracy (94.5%), precision (92.7%), recall (93.6%), F1-score (92.1%), R 2 (0.92), and AUC (0.91), highlighting its robust predictive ability. This study illustrates how machine learning models can advance research in sprinting mechanics and provide insightful information to athletes and coaches seeking to improve performance.

Influence of foot posture on pelvic inclination in collegiate track and field athletes: An observational study

Background Track and field athletes engage in high-impact sports and their feet are subjected to a significant amount of force during jumping and sprinting; thus, there have been a greater number of foot posture deviations seen in these athletes. These forces have been revealed to contribute to musculoskeletal alterations and lower extremity malalignment up to the pelvis, which consequently causes uneven strains on the joints, inefficient muscle function, and impaired lower limb proprioception in the kinetic chain. Objective To find the influence of foot posture on pelvic inclination in collegiate track and field athletes using Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) and smartphone inclinometer. Furthermore, the study also aimed to compare the foot posture types among track and field athletes. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 track and field athletes within the age group 18–25 years from various colleges in Belagavi city. They were assessed using Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) to determine foot posture type, and smartphone inclinometer to determine the pelvic inclination. Results The results revealed a strong positive correlation between foot posture and pelvic inclination of the left side (r = 0.62) and right side (r = 0.70). Furthermore, higher FPI scores have been significantly correlated with higher degrees of pelvic inclination in these athletes. Conclusion The study concluded that there is an influence of foot posture on pelvic inclination in collegiate track and field athletes. Additionally, our study suggested that pronated feet have been associated with a higher pelvic inclination angle due to the existence of the kinetic chain.

Analysis of the physical performance of national team athletic athletes in preparation for international competitions: A multidimensional approach

This study examines the impact of anthropometry, premeter tests, and general physical condition on the performance of athletic athletes at the national training center in Jakarta. Using a quantitative survey approach, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the PLS method was employed to analyze relationships between variables. The study involved 15 athletes, consisting of 7 track athletes and 8 field athletes. Data were processed using SPSS 25 and Smart PLS-SEM.The results indicate that anthropometry has a small positive effect on athletic performance, with an original sample value of 0.15, a t-statistic of 1.96, and a P-value of 0.66 (>0.05). The premeter test significantly influences performance, with a positive original sample value of 0.44, a t-statistic of 3.40 (>1.96), and a P-value of 0.000 (<0.05). General physical condition quality significantly affects achievement, with an original sample value of 0.49, a t-statistic of 2.15 (>1.96), and a P-value of 0.007 (<0.05). These findings highlight the importance of general physical condition and premeter testing in enhancing athlete performance, while anthropometry has a limited impact. This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing performance in athletics.

Features of the organization and holding of the European Sports Olympiads of the Union of Ukrainian Youth

The article analyzes the activities of the Union of Ukrainian Youth. It is established that in 2025 the Union of Ukrainian Youth will celebrate 100 years of existence. During this time, various spheres of society have been relevant areas of activity of the Union of Ukrainian Youth both in Ukraine and abroad. A special role in the daily work of activists of the Union of Ukrainian Youth is occupied by physical education, sports and Olympic traditions. The Union of Ukrainian Youth in the diaspora has developed lively sports activities in France, Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia and other countries. Sports centers, clubs, teams in various sports were created: football, volleyball, track and field athletics, hockey, etc. It is found that in Europe the activities of the Union of Ukrainian Youth were holistic, organized and large-scale. A special area of work of the Union of Ukrainian Youth was sports and Olympic competitions. It was revealed that since 1974, the Ukrainian Youth Union has been holding the European Sports Olympiads. They were held in Germany, France, and Great Britain. Several facts testify to the popularity of these competitions: the number of participants, an interesting program of competitions, annual holding, attention from the media, support from various Ukrainian diaspora organizations, unity with Olympic traditions, etc. The features of the preparation, organization, and holding of the European Sports Olympiads of the Ukrainian Youth Union as a phenomenon of the unity of Ukrainians from all over the world in the struggle for the freedom of enslaved Ukraine are analyzed.

Association between prolactin and history of stress fracture in elite sprinters and jumpers

ABSTRACT To investigate the risk factor for stress fractures and the characteristics of the laboratory data in eumenorrheic female track and field athletes competing at an elite level. Elite eumenorrheic sprinters and jumpers were recruited. Bone mineral density, bone metabolism markers, 25-OH Vitamin D, and hormones, including prolactin and free testosterone were measured. Total of 84 high school and collegiate athletes were enrolled in the study and among them, 33 athletes had a history of stress fractures during or after high school. Their personal background, bone mineral density, bone metabolism markers, 25-OH Vitamin D, and free testosterone were not different between the group with a history of stress fracture and without a history of stress fracture. Prolactin levels were higher in athletes with stress fractures compared to those without (15.70 ± 10.59 ng/mL vs. 11.59 ± 5.06 ng/mL, p = 0.081), although this difference was not statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis revealed that prolactin was a significant predictive factor for stress fractures (odds ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.20; p = 0.023). Prolactin may be linked to stress fractures in eumenorrheic sprinters and jumpers, and further research is needed to confirm its role as a predictive factor.

Superiority and characteristics of visual motion discriminability in collegiate table tennis players

Table tennis (TT) players, through repetitive exposure to visual motion, may develop enhanced visual motion discriminability due to perceptual learning. This study compared visual motion direction discrimination (MDD) abilities among TT, soccer (SC) players, and track and field (TF) athletes using random dot kinematogram tests. Participants discriminated the direction of coherently moving dots with and without surrounding dots randomly moving (background noise). TT and SC players significantly outperformed TF athletes in MDD tasks at specific visual field eccentricities. TT players showed superior discriminability in near-peripheral vision, likely due to the frequent need to track a ball in this area during play. In contrast, SC players excelled in far-peripheral vision, reflecting their experience monitoring a broader visual field. This advantage was pronounced in conditions with background noise, emphasizing the importance of figure-ground segregation for extracting the motion specific to the athlete’s behavioral decision from various surrounding motions. We conclude that the sport-specific visual experiences of TT and SC players, particularly their repeated exposure to unique visual motion environments, lead to enhanced motion discriminability that is finely tuned to their respective sport’s demands. This improvement supports superior visuomotor performance and underscores perceptual learning’s adaptability to the distinct challenges in different sports.

British junior elite track and field athletes’ experience of maltreatment, psychological safety, and subjective vitality

ABSTRACT In this study, we examined 1) the prevalence of maltreatment in British junior elite track and field athletes, 2) relationships between maltreatment, psychological safety, and subjective vitality, and 3) whether maltreatment is indirectly related to subjective vitality via psychological safety. Using a cross-sectional design, British junior elite track and field athletes (N = 254) completed measures of maltreatment (physical, psychological, non-contact sexual and neglect), psychological safety and subjective vitality. Results showed that nearly three-quarters experienced maltreatment in sport (74.4%). Psychological maltreatment was most frequently reported (70.5%), followed by neglect (50.8%), physical (31.5%) and non-contact sexual (24.0%). Psychological and physical maltreatment, and neglect were indirectly related to subjective vitality via psychological safety (effect size range = −0.27 to −0.11), whereas no relationship was shown between non-contact sexual maltreatment and psychological safety. In conclusion, maltreatment is prevalent in British junior elite track and field athletes and that those who experience physical and psychological maltreatment, as well as neglect, are more likely to report lower psychological safety, and in turn, lower subjective vitality. International and national organisations aiming to protect athlete well-being should target psychological safety in their safeguarding interventions by supporting and encouraging athletes to speak out about their concerns.

Sleep, Musculoskeletal Injuries, and Hormonal Status in Different Training Stages in Adolescent Athletes.

Sleep, Musculoskeletal Injuries, and Hormonal Status in Different Training Stages in Adolescent Athletes.

The Role of Social Support in Concussion Rehabilitation: A Prospective Mixed Methods Study of Canadian University Athletes' Return to Sport.

Social support is an important consideration during athletes' rehabilitation following a concussion. Yet, its influence during the return-to-sport (RTS) strategy has been underexplored. Concussed athletes' experiences with social support during RTS were explored prospectively using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. University rugby, basketball, and track and field athletes (N = 8) from a single Canadian institution, 19-23years of age (mean = 20.63, SD = 1.51), completed concentric circles maps, the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, and 2 semistructured interviews during their RTS. We analyzed concentric circles maps and questionnaire data descriptively and interview data using codebook thematic analysis. Athletes identified 16 different social support agents. The 5 most important agents during RTS were athletic therapists, student therapists, head coaches, significant others, and teammates/friends. Significant others provided the most emotional (mean = 2.82, SD = 1.85) and esteem (mean = 2.63, SD = 1.85) support, and the athletic therapist (mean = 1.82, SD = 1.35) and head coaches (mean = 0.93, SD = 1.19) provided the most informational and tangible support. We generated 4 themes from athletes' interviews: social support behaviors, contextual factors, concussion and RTS factors, and psychological readiness factors. The number of social support agents present, frequency of support types, and demonstration of support behaviors decreased across the concussion RTS strategy. Contextual (ie,toughness), concussion (ie,visibility), and RTS (ie,prognosis uncertainty) factors influenced athletes'perceptions of social support agents' support behaviors. Results add to our limited understanding of athletes' social support during RTS following a concussion and suggest exploring the integration of behavior-specific (eg,checking in, providing reassurance, and demonstrating compassion) social support strategies to promote concussion rehabilitation and readiness to RTS.

Risk of Low Energy Availability, Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, and Bone Stress Injuries in United States Female Track and Field

Introduction: Female track and field athletes have increased risk of low energy availability (LEA), disordered eating (DE), and eating disorders (ED), which are associated with health and performance consequences. This study explored LEA, DE, and ED risk among United States female track and field athletes and assessed differences in proportions between risk and competition level and bone stress injury (BSI) risk. Methods: Female track and field athletes (n = 392, aged 18-68 years) completed an online survey including the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and Female Athlete Screening Tool (FAST), and self-reported BSIs. Chi-square tests of homogeneity assessed differences in proportions between competition level and BSI and LEA, DE, and ED risk. Results: 49%, 48%, and 22% of participants had high risk for LEA, DE, and ED, respectively; and concurrent risk of LEA, DE, and ED was 27%. There was a significant difference in proportions between competition level and LEA risk (X2 (3, 387) = 11.93, p = 0.008, Φ= 0.176) and ED/DE risk (X2 (3, 387) = 11.65, p = 0.007, Φ= 0.213); and BSI and LEA risk (X2 (2, 392) = 8.58, p = 0.014, Φ= 0.148). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a considerable portion of US female track and field athletes had high risk of LEA, DE, and ED.

Thin-Slice Accuracy Depends on the Wisdom of Crowds: Aggregate Judgments Outperform Individual Judgments when Inferring Athletic Performance Based on Nonverbal Behavior

Abstract The present paper aims to resolve ambiguous findings on the accuracy or inaccuracy of human judgments based on sparse information by arguing that accurate thin-slice judgments can be understood as driven by the wisdom of the crowd. To test this hypothesis, participants estimated the performance of track and field athletes in different competitions based on thin slices of pre- and post-performance nonverbal behavior. Results suggest that averaged judgments based on thin slices of athletes’ nonverbal behavior (NVB) are correlated with actual performance and that averaged judgments are better than individual judgments, thus validating the wisdom of the crowd hypothesis. Taken together, the present paper suggests that understanding thin-slice judgments from a wisdom of the crowd perspective has the potential to resolve the apparent contradiction regarding the accuracy or inaccuracy of human judgments. Furthermore, the paper highlights the potential of averaged thin-slice judgments of naturally occurring NVB as an addition to resource consuming coding procedures.

Muscle strength and functional performance tests as indicators of safe return to sports activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in track and field athletes

Introduction: Despite modern surgical techniques that allow the knee to return to its normal position before the injury, returning to sports activities at a level similar to what the player was in is still a major challenge. Objective The purpose of this paper is to set numerical limits based on standardized tests for athletes to return to sports safely after surgery. Methodology: The sample’s study consisted of (20) injured athletes who underwent surgery for the anterior cruciate ligament and underwent rehabilitation at the specialized center for physical therapy and physical rehabilitation for a full year regularly and without interruption. Results: The current study showed through the results achieved that the difference in the means between the two legs (the injured leg with the healthy leg) is very small, in addition to the torsion coefficient being limited between (±1) and Levene's coefficient being greater than the significance level (0.05), which means that there are no significant differences between the two legs (injured and uninjured). Discussion: The results of the research should be contrasted with those of other research found in the literature. Conclusions: The researchers concluded that there is high reliability for the tests used when evaluating the injured after cruciate ligament reconstruction because the results obtained indicated that the injured limbs were similar to the healthy limbs, which enables coaches and sports rehabilitation specialists to rely on these tests as an indicator to judge the return of injured players to sports safely after surgery.

Motion analysis and training optimization for track and field athletes based on machine vision

Athletics is a highly technical and comprehensive sport that requires not only the technical ability of athletes but also strong physical fitness. The traditional training method mainly relies on the experience and observation of coaches, lacking objective and quantitative analysis. On this basis, this article proposed an EfficientPose model based on mobile neural networks and combined it with the RANSAC matching algorithm to achieve real-time analysis and optimization of the process of track and field sports. The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance athletic performance through advanced motion analysis. The purpose of the study was to develop a method for real-time analysis and optimization of athlete movements. Firstly, motion data was collected through a camera during the movement process. Secondly, the EfficientPose model was used to locate key moving points in real-time. Targeted training plans were then proposed to improve and optimize movements. The research results indicated that the EfficientPose model could effectively analyze and optimize athlete movements during training.

The effects of a nutritional intervention on the sports nutrition knowledge and nutritional status of track and field athletes: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSports nutrition plays a crucial role in providing the fuel to meet the energy demands of athletes’ training programmes, enhancing adaptations associated with training, and ensuring rapid recovery between workouts. However, evidence suggests that the dietary habits of many athletes are unsatisfactory when compared to sport-specific nutrition recommendations. This discrepancy is mainly due to a lack of up-to-date, evidence-based nutritional knowledge. Hence, this parallel-group, randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 16-week evidence-based, culturally appropriate, personalized sports nutrition intervention on the sports nutrition knowledge and nutritional status of track and field athletes in Sri Lanka, in comparison to a control group that does not receive this intervention.MethodsElite and highly trained track and field athletes, competing at the national level and/or representing Sri Lanka in international competitions, will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group (IG) (n = 15) or the control group (CG) (n = 15). Participants in the IG will receive an evidence-based, culturally acceptable, personalized sports nutrition intervention from the principal investigator through one-to-one consultations at three-time points (zeroth, fourth, and eighth weeks), while participants in the CG will be followed up throughout the period without receiving the intervention. The primary outcome measure is the number of participants who achieve at least a 10% increase in mean sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) score at the end of the 16th week, compared to the CG. Secondary outcomes include nutrition status and sports performance-related measures at the beginning and end of the intervention.DiscussionWhile the primary objective is to enhance SNK, it is anticipated that improvements in nutritional status and overall health may significantly impact sports performance and career longevity of the athletes.Trial registrationSri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry, SLCTR/2024/013. Registered on 10th April 2024. Universal Trial Number (UTN), U1111-1304–8890.

Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and electrotherapy in medial tibial stress syndrome: a randomised study

Objective: Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a sports injury characterized by pain in the middle and lower parts of the tibia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) combined with exercise, compared to electrotherapy combined with exercise, in track and field athletes with MTSS. Materials and Methods: Track and field athletes diagnosed with MTSS were divided into two groups. The first group received ESWT, while the second group underwent electrotherapy. Both groups followed the same exercise program. Outcome measures, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Score, Disablement in the Physically Active Scale Short Form-10 (DPA-SF-10), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, and obstacle course completion times, were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results: Fifty-six participants were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 23.2 ± 4.8 years (range: 18-40) and a mean BMI of 23.2 ± 2.9 (range: 19-35). Both treatment approaches resulted in statistically significant improvements in participants' symptoms. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups when comparing outcomes before and after treatment. Conclusion: ESWT and electrotherapy combined with exercise were found to be similarly effective in the treatment of MTSS.

Muscle-to-bone and soft tissue-to-bone ratios in track and field athletes.

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle-to-bone (MBR) and soft tissue-to-bone ratios (SBR) of 459 track and field athletes across event groups to identify differences in MBR and SBR. Dual X-ray absorptiometry provided total and regional (i.e., arm, leg, trunk) lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), and bone mineral content (BMC). MBR was calculated by dividing LM by BMC. The SBR was calculated by dividing LM+FM by BMC. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare ratios across event groups. Dunn's post-hoc tests were utilized to adjust for multiple comparisons. Total MBR for females was higher in the throwers compared to the multievent athletes (p=0.02). For the males, total MBR was lower in jumpers compared to all events except pole vaulters (PV) (p<0.05). Trunk MBR was higher in the long-distance runners (LD) compared to jumpers, PV, and throwers (p<0.05). The throwers had higher total, arm, and leg SBRs compared to the jumpers, LD, middle distance, PV, and sprint groups (p<0.05). Significant differences in total and regional MBR and SBR were identified across event groups for both sexes, and may indicate event-specific adaptations impacting the balance between soft tissue and bone.

Enhancing Jumping Performance in Track and Field Athletes: The Impact of Weighted Vest Training

Enhancing Jumping Performance in Track and Field Athletes: The Impact of Weighted Vest Training

PAIN AND CATASTROPHIZING LEVELS IN TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES ACCORDING TO THEIR EVENT SPECIALIZATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

This study examined pain and catastrophizing in 124 track and field athletes, considering training characteristics and sex. Due to high physical demands, athletes often cope with pain, though its impact on performance was previously unexamined. During the preseason, 124 athletes responded an anonymous questionnaire to collect information about their socio-demographic (sex, age) and sports characteristics (volume training, event specialization, sport experience). Also, they informed about current pain (from 0 to 10 level, and location), and replied to the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Injuries from the previous season were also collected. From all participants, 35 athletes (28.2%) had current pain, mainly in the knee (18.6%) and ankle (16.3%), with higher prevalence in explosive event athletes (p = 0.041). Athletes with pain had higher training volumes (p = 0.007) and PCS values (p &lt; 0.001). The average catastrophizing level was 14.52 ± 9.85 points, correlating with pain (r = 0.36, p &lt; 0.001) and age (r = 0.25, p = 0.006). Female athletes reported higher helplessness scores than males (p = 0.011). In conclusion, one third of athletes affirmed to have pain, mainly in knee and ankle. Athletes specialized in explosive events seems to experience more current pain than endurance. Furthermore, volume of training could facilitate pain existence. Catastrophizing was related with age and pain, regardless the athletic event. Also, female athletes had higher values of helplessness than male athletes.

Data mining for psychological profiling of track and field athletes and runners.

Psychological factors in sports have been widely studied in scientific literature. However, only a few studies have used data mining techniques for athletic profile analysis. The main goal of this study was to analyze motivation, self-confidence, flow, and psychological skills in athletics to build differentiated profiles through clustering techniques. The sample size was 470 participants (ages 14-70 years old; M = 32.1; SD = 13.5). The Sports Motivation Scale (SMS), Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), Self-confidence in Sport Questionnaire (CACD), Flow Dispositional Scale-2 (FDS-2), and Psychological Inventory of Sport Performance (IPED) were used to analyze the psychological profile of the sample. A data clustering analysis was carried out to check the study's purpose. Results show different behavior patterns according to specific profiles. Similarly, there have been differences between men and women, online and face-to-face participants, federated athletes and runners, categories, or sports disciplines. In conclusion, the understanding of each athlete's psychological profile is essential to improve his/her performance. The results of this study could be used to implement changes and adjustments in athlete psychological training to run several intervention programs that focus on each group's needs.

РЕАЛІЗАЦІЯ ФІТНЕС-ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ У ТРЕНУВАЛЬНОМУ ПРОЦЕСІ БАР’ЄРИСТІВ-ЮНАКІВ

The relevance of the research topic. Over the past two decades, interest in the organization and construction of the training process of hurdlers of different ages and different skill levels has increased significantly, which due to the growth of results abroad. This determines the study of the features of of the content of the training process of hurdlers at the stage of preliminary basic preparation. A number of authors substantiated the ways of improvement of the educational and training process of track and field athletes, studied the rhythmic and temporal structure of the running. The most effective modern means of training athletes are fitness technologies, as indicated by recent scientific publications. Varieties of fitness are a universal training tool that can be modified and adapted to the needs of any athlete in any training period. The purpose of the research is to substantiate the ways of realization of fitness technologies in the training process of young men hurdlers. Materials and methods of the research. The study was conducted on the basis of the Children and Youth Sports School No. 1 in Vinnytsia. The study involved boys aged 13-14 years old who specialize in 110-meter hurdles. Results. During the analysis of sources of literature it was established that the structure of an annual cycle of preparation of hurdlers can change as the level of physical abilities, physical fitness of an athlete is unstable. The content and structure of training loads change in relation to periods and stages of the annual cycle. In the training of athletes of different levels, different sports the following types of fitness are mainly used: strength training, stretching, functional training, callanetics, step aerobics. Conclusions. The absence of the use of modern training means in training of hurdlers is revealed, that leads to the decrease of indicators of physical fitness of athletes. The prospect of the further researches consists in the study of indicators of fitness of juniors who are engaged in barrier running.