Field Athletes Research Articles

The influence of school location, enrolment and socio-economic status on participation and success in inter-school swimming and track and field athletics competitions

The influence of school location, enrolment and socio-economic status on participation and success in inter-school swimming and track and field athletics competitions

Sex Differences Exist in the Relationship Between Vertical Jump Performance Biomechanical Parameters and Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio in Adolescent U18 Track and Field Athletes

Isokinetic metrics are suggested to be related to vertical jump performance, but little is known about the possible sex differences in this relationship in adolescent track and field athletes. The aim of the study was to examine the possible sex differences in the strength of the relationship between the kinetic parameters of the vertical squat jump with arms akimbo, the countermovement jump with arms akimbo, and the countermovement jump with free arm swing with the isokinetic parameters of the knee extensor and flexor muscles (angular velocities: 60°/s and 300°/s). In total, 35 (males: 21, females: 14) U18 track and field athletes were examined. The results revealed that the Men U18 group had higher vertical jump performance, higher values in the kinetic parameters of the vertical jump tests, higher knee extensor torque, and higher knee flexor torque in the non-dominant leg compared to the Women U18 group. Significant (p < 0.05) sex differences were observed in the relationship between the isokinetic parameters and the vertical jump performance metrics, as the Women U18 athletes relied more on the knee flexor torque than Men U18 athletes, and demonstrated a stronger negative relationship between selected isokinetic metrics and the pre-stretch gain in the vertical jump tests. In conclusion, it is recommended that young female track and field athletes minimize interlimb asymmetry and improve the convention ratio in their non-dominant leg to optimize vertical jump performance.

An online workshop to raise awareness of pelvic floor in track and field female athletes: a quasi-experimental study.

Track and field is a high-impact sport that may facilitate pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) of females. Although increasing the information may reduce deleterious habits, the traditional workshops to date did not motivate and engage the female athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online educational workshop about pelvic floor awareness on knowledge and habits of track and field female athletes. A total of 49 track and field athletes participated in this quasi-experimental study: 38 attended an educational workshop and 11 did not. The workshop included innovative resources, such as 3D anatomic models, practical proprioceptive exercises guided by physiotherapists, and an anonymous questions and answers section. Before and 1month later, all the athletes fulfilled an anonymous questionnaire to assess their knowledge about urinary incontinence (UI), ano-rectal incontinence (ARI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD), as well as toileting and sports habits. After attending the workshop, athletes obtained higher scores in knowledge about ARI (p = 0.019), POP (p < 0.001), and FSD (p = 0.018) compared to baseline and athletes who did not attend it. No improvements were observed in habits and knowledge about UI (p > 0.05). The athletes who reached 70% of correct responses about POP had greater number of healthy habits than the rest of the athletes. An innovative educational workshop about pelvic floor increases knowledge of track and field female athletes but is insufficient to modify their habits. Sports and health professionals should design educational strategies to manage the most unknown topics about pelvic floor care, considering that the proposed methodology and innovative resources are effective to increase knowledge.

Higher, Faster, Further: Performance Heterogeneity and Social Facilitation in Professional Track and Field

To explore the effects of COVID-19-related spectator variations on elite track and field athletes, the current article measures individual outcomes according to World Athletics Scores and then leverages these measures in fixed effects regression models to gauge athletes’ performance. Using a dataset of 5284 observations over 6 years and controlling for athlete, venue, and discipline fixed effects, as well as competition characteristics, we address task complexity and task experience. Thereby, we establish that field (in more complex tasks) but not track athletes (in simpler tasks) benefit from spectator exclusion. Furthermore, younger rather than older (more experienced) track athletes benefit from the lack of spectators, implying that experienced athletes handle social pressure better.

A Study on Socioeconomic Support Systems and Success Rate of Track and Field Athletes in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

This study investigates the correlation between socioeconomic support systems and the success rates of track and field athletes in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Utilizing both primary and secondary data, the research explores the role of governmental programs, educational institutions, family and community support, and financial aid in shaping athletic performance. The findings reveal a strong correlation between robust socioeconomic support and higher athletic success, with significant disparities observed between regions with varying levels of resources. The study identifies key challenges, including inadequate funding and uneven resource distribution, and proposes opportunities for improvement through increased investment, stakeholder partnerships, and enhanced community involvement. Recommendations are made to guide policy and practice towards more equitable support systems, aiming to nurture athletic talent across all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Experimental verification of multifunctional biomechanical models effectiveness regarding main elements of technical actions, applied by track and field athletes specialized in sports walking, in the process of their technical training

Current training system for track and field athletes specialized in sports walking requires application of the latest technologies for modelling athletes’ technical actions. The approach suggested by the authors presupposes the use of multifunctional biomechanical models of the main elements of the technical actions by track and field athletes, who specialize in sports walking, as far as it has a beneficial effect on athletes’ chances to achieve high sports results. The authors suggest improving the process of technical training of track and field athletes based on the use of multifunctional biomechanical models of the main elements of the athletes' technical actions. The study contributes to the improvement of the process of technical training of track and field athletes who specialize in sports walking. The developed approach regarding use of multifunctional biomechanical models of the main technique elements within athletic walking in the process of track and field athletes’ technical training has proven its effectiveness in terms of a favourable effect on the level of technical preparation and sports results. In the main group, at the end of the experiment, there was an improvement of sports results from 1:27:18 (S = 0:01:41) to 1:23:44 (S = 0:02:07), which comprised 4.3% with statistically significant differences being p&lt;0.05, while relatively to statistics (p&lt;0.05) almost all informative biomechanical indicators of the technique have also improved. At the end of the experiment, the athletes of the control group also improved their sports results from 1:27:45 (S = 0:02:02) to 1:27:32 (S = 0:03:48), which represented 0.3% of statistically significant difference (p &gt; 0.05). Almost all informative biomechanical indicators of the technique have also improved, however, statistically significant differences were not found (p &gt; 0.05).

Validation of a sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire for Sri Lankan track and field athletes

BackgroundWhile several validated sports nutrition knowledge questionnaires exist, none are specifically designed to assess the sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) of Sri Lankan track and field athletes. This study aims to validate the Sri Lankan Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SLn-SNKQ), tailored for this athlete group, to provide more accurate and meaningful insights for research and practice. This will enable health professionals and coaches to confidently assess athletes’ nutrition knowledge, which directly influences their food choices.MethodsThe validity of the questionnaire was established through a multi-step approach. Content validity was achieved via ratings from nutrition experts, all of whom had specialized training in human nutrition and experience of working with athletes. Face validity was evaluated through in-depth telephone interviews with elite or highly trained athletes, using a retrospective think-out-loud protocol to gather feedback on the clarity and relevance of the questions. Construct validity involved nutrition-trained doctors (NTG), non-nutrition-trained professionals (NNTG), and elite-level athletes’ groups (AG). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated.ResultsThe final tool comprised 123 individual statements or prompts (items) that were organized into 32 broader questions, spanning 12 sub-sections. Content validity was confirmed by fully integrating 49 out of 70 comments and partially integrating four comments received from nutrition experts for each sub-section. Face validity was established by fully integrating 33 out of 40 comments received from 16 elite and highly trained athletes. Construct validity was confirmed, indicating significant differences in the total scores achieved as a percentage of the SLn-SNKQ among the NTG (462.5, 92.5%), NNTG (223.5, 44.7%), and AG (235, 47.0%; p < 0.001). Reproducibility was established by strong test-retest reliability between individuals’ scores on two test attempts, three weeks apart (spearman’s correlation; ρ = 0.99, p < 0.05). Internal reliability for each sub-section met psychometric reliability requirements (Cronbach’s α > 0.7).ConclusionsThe SLn-SNKQ has been validated and demonstrates robust psychometric properties, offering a reliable tool for assessing SNK among Sri Lankan track and field athletes.

HEART RATE VARIABILITY IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS AND TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES

Objective of the study: To investigate the state of the autonomic nervous system in athletes based on heart rate variability indicators. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 142 male athletes (67 football players and 75 track and field athletes) aged 17-20 years, with an average age of 18.5±1.5 years. Depending on the type of higher nervous activity, athletes were divided into 4 groups: sanguine (41.55%), choleric (28.87%), phlegmatic (19.01%), and melancholic (10.56%). Heart rate variability (HRV) was studied using the "BioMouse" system. A t-test for independent samples (Welch's t-test) was used to analyze the significance of differences between the groups. Results of the study: It was found that the highest adaptive capabilities were observed in phlegmatic athletes, who demonstrated high SDNN and HF values, as well as a low tension index (IN). Their calm temperament allows for better adaptation to physical exertion and maintaining a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The lowest adaptive capabilities were observed in melancholics, who showed high IN and LF values, as well as low SDNN and HF, indicating an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system and lower resilience to physical stress. Overall, beginner athletes tended to have slightly higher heart rates and lower HRV indicators (SDNN), LF, and HF compared to more experienced athletes of the 2nd-3rd ranks. This is due to the fact that first-year athletes have not yet fully adapted to physical loads, leading to more pronounced dominance of the sympathetic nervous system and less parasympathetic activity. KEYWORDS: variability, heart rate, athletes, football players, track and field athletes, autonomic nervous system, physical exertion

Elite track and field athletes’ perspective and experiences of osteopathic treatments: A descriptive phenomenological study

Background and objectivesDespite widespread osteopathic intervention, elite athletes' preferences for osteopathic care remain unclear, with limited evidence on musculoskeletal management. This study aimed to investigate elite track and field athletes’ perspectives on their experiences of osteopathic treatment to inform the development of integrated models of care. MethodsPurposive sampling was used during the enrolment phase. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to obtain data, and they were first piloted on two participants. A descriptive phenomenological method was used to undertake an inductive analysis of the interviews. Three following interviews were carried out to confirm data saturation. ResultsData saturation was reached with 13 participants (female = 6; male = 7). Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 36 years old. The analysis showed 1 overarching theme, “Elite athletes look for a trusted specialised osteopath in their team to enhance their awareness and pursuit of specific goals,” 3 themes, and 17 categories. Themes were: “Elite athletes perceive the need to build a helping relationship with the osteopath based on trust”, “Elite athletes expect that the increase in body awareness influences the outcome of the osteopathic treatment leading to performance enhancement, injury prevention and biomechanical adjustments” and “Elite athletes are satisfied and feel more self-confident when they have consistent access to a specifically trained osteopath who works in an interdisciplinary team”. ConclusionResults from the present study can lead to quantitative experimental designs for efficacy studies and integrated models of care that take into account, not just organisational and social factors but also technical factors.

Sex Differences In Proportional Numbers Of Top Performances Within Elite Youth Track And Field Athletes

Sex Differences In Proportional Numbers Of Top Performances Within Elite Youth Track And Field Athletes

The Relationship Between Athleticism And Cognitive Ability In Junior Track And Field Athletes

The Relationship Between Athleticism And Cognitive Ability In Junior Track And Field Athletes

The Association Of Low Energy Availability Knowledge And Risk In Female Track And Field Athletes

The Association Of Low Energy Availability Knowledge And Risk In Female Track And Field Athletes

Analyzing the Interplay Between Competition State Anxiety, Motor Motivation, and Coping Styles Among Adolescent Track and Field Athletes

The relationship between competition state anxiety, motor motivation and coping styles of adolescent track and field athletes in China was investigated using interview and questionnaire research methods. The results showed that the mean scores of cognitive state anxiety and somatic state anxiety were lower in junior track and field athletes who had entered the echelon for a short period of time than in older athletes, and the opposite was true for state self-confidence; there were highly significant differences and significant differences in the identity regulation and introjection regulation dimensions of motor motivation; and there were significant differences in the focused problem-solving coping dimension of coping style. This paper proposes an algorithm for classifying athletic visual mirrors based on sequential model mining. This paper focuses on two issues – feature extraction and definition of semantic rules. In the feature extraction stage, the track and field video footage is automatically segmented into a series of identifiable sequences of athletic events, and then each type of behavioral event is identified using a mechanically learned algorithm. There were no significant differences between the three age groups in terms of race state anxiety, identity regulation and introjection regulation, and no significant differences in coping styles. There were no significant differences in the anxiety of competition status, motivation and coping styles among youth athletes of different sport levels. The results showed the effectiveness of the present algorithm for classifying track and field video cameras.

A comparative analysis of resistance band versus dumbbell training on explosive strength performance of male track &amp; field athletes

A comparative analysis of resistance band versus dumbbell training on explosive strength performance of male track &amp; field athletes

Preliminary Evaluation of Self-Reported Training Volume as an Adjunct Measure of Female Athlete Triad Risk in Division 1 Collegiate Female Runners.

Background/Objectives: This study tested whether self-reported training volume is predictive of female athlete triad risk collected using an established twelve-question triad screening tool in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) collegiate female runners. Methods: A total of 319 institutions were initially contacted, seven of which agreed to distribute surveys to their female cross-country and track and field athletes. A total of 41 of 149 respondents completed the survey and met all inclusion criteria. Linear and binomial logistic regressions examined the relationships between self-reported training volumes and estimated triad risk. Independent samples t-tests were also used to compare training volumes across the high (> 50th percentile for risk factor counts) vs. low-risk groups. Results: Total weekly competition and conditioning resistance training hours were associated with the total number of triad risk factors (p = 0.044) and were also predictive of the triad risk group (p = 0.037). Likewise, both competition and conditioning resistance training hours (p = 0.034) were higher in the high-risk group versus the low-risk group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that self-reported resistance training volume is predictive of triad risk, but additional research is required to determine if monitoring training volume can provide valuable, real-time assessments of triad risk in DI collegiate female runners.

The Effect of Water Sports on the Performance of Adolescent Boys

In our education system sports has given the importance at school and college levels. Even though enriching athletic performance is a real problem in our country. Many rural students are up to the mark and willing for hardworking but due to lack of facilities they are lagging behind. Consequently, the participation of students in track and field athletics in Indian schools is also amazingly very less. They prefer major games because maximum incentives and importance are given by the sports world. Out media highlights mostly the sports starts of cricket, football, hockey, badminton, tennis, etc. but rarely gives importance to track and field athletes. Presently the status of 100 meters sprint event especially for boys have enriched as a competitive sports. The excitement and thrill provided by this particular event has won the heart of common man. After the pretest, with 100 meters sprint, the experimental group underwent a training programme of aqua exercises and control group did not participate in any training programme but they were following their daily routine in the school. The training program has been conducted three days in a week alternatively, for total period of 12 weeks. The training schedule prepared by the investigator was applied to the experimental group. The mid test of both the groups administered after every two weeks. A total five mid tests were administered and post test was administered after 12 week training program. The 100 meter sprint performance was considered as the main dependent variable as selected in this study and the training intervention (i. e. aqua exercises) was considered as independent variable. And finally it help to conclude that through the aqua exercise training program module there was gradual and useful improvement in performance ability of 100 meter sprint of school going boys.

A multi-sample examination of the relationship between athlete burnout and sport performance

Athlete burnout potentially has negative consequences for sport performance. However, to the best of our knowledge, empirical studies have yet to examine the relationship between athlete burnout and objective sport performance. Consequently, we aimed to provide a first such examination. To do so, we recruited three samples. We used Sample 1 (n = 106: track and field athletes) to examine the predictive utility of athlete burnout on a single performance, Sample 2 (n = 181: swimmers) to examine whether the findings from Sample 1 can be replicated in a different sport, and Sample 3 (n = 169: track and field athletes) to examine the predictive utility of athlete burnout on peak performance in a three-month period. Finally, having captured three samples each assessing the athlete burnout-performance relationship, we also sought to quantify the combined effect across these samples using a relatively new analytical technique – mini meta-analysis. Results from regression analyses showed that in at least two of the three samples total burnout, reduced sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation each negatively predicted performance, whereas emotional and physical exhaustion was unrelated to performance. When we combined the samples, mini meta-analysis showed that total burnout, reduced sense of accomplishment, and sport devaluation each displayed a small-to-medium negative and significant meta-correlation with performance. The findings suggest that certain athlete burnout symptoms may indeed have negative consequences for sport performance, and that this is the case when considering a single performance and peak performance.

Epidemiology of injuries in united states high school track and field jumping events from 2008 – 2019

ABSTRACT Objectives Reports of injury characteristics of high school track and field athletes participating in jumping events in the United States are limited. In this descriptive epidemiological study, we report injury rates and patterns in these athletes. Methods Injuries and athletic exposures (AE) from the National High School Sports Related Injury Surveillance System, and High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) from 2008-2019 were analyzed. Jumping events included high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault. Injury rate ratios (IRR) and injury proportion ratios (IPR) were examined by sex. Results A total of 727 injuries related to jumping events during 5,486,279 AEs occurred with the highest frequency at the thigh (20.3%) followed by the ankle (18.2%), knee (16.1%), and lower leg (11.0%). The most common types of injuries were muscle strain (29.0%) and ligament sprain (21.2%). Most athletes returned to sport within 1 week (43.1%, n = 312) or 3 weeks (34.7%, n = 243). Few jumping-related injuries resulted in surgery (4.9%, n = 35) or medical disqualification (4.4%, n = 31). The jumping-related injury rate was 1.33 injuries/10,000 AEs from 2008 to 2019. The rate of jumping-related injuries was higher in competition than in practice (IRR = 2.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25–3.06). Injury rates were significantly higher in practice for female athletes than for males (IRR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.23–1.86). Compared to male athletes, female athletes sustained a higher proportion of ankle injuries (IPR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.15–2.32) and ligament sprains (IPR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.16–2.09). Conclusions This study describes injury characteristics of high school track and field jumping athletes from 2008 to 2019. We found an overall injury rate of 1.33 injuries per 10,000 AEs. Higher overall rates of jumping-related injuries occurred during competitions than in practice, and female athletes displayed a significantly higher rate of injuries during practices compared to male athletes.

Environment as a vulnerability factor for doping: a qualitative examination of Indian track and field athletes’ hurdles to compete clean

ABSTRACT India has one of the highest rates of doping, without accompanying international sporting success. Research on doping and developing countries has been sparse, and cases, such as India, warrant exploration. One approach to examining such a phenomenon is to move beyond interpersonal explanations and explore the athletes’ environment. Although environmental influence on athletes’ doping has been underscored, previous research in this regard has been limited. Hence this study explored the factors that contribute to Indian athletes’ vulnerability to doping by accounting for situational and systematic factors in the environment. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-one elite Indian track and field athletes of which seven admitted using prohibited substances. Athletes discussed factors that influence their vulnerability to doping. Through data analysis, the following four themes were developed: (a) Coaching Structure and Deference, (b) Obligations, (c) Limited Oversight and Enforcement, and (d) Doping Reinforcement. Together, these themes highlight that the distinct cultural nuances within Indian society, pressure from, and interactions among influential others, the lack of coach development, added incentives, coupled with limited trust in anti-doping organizations engender a system where doping is openly witnessed. Moreover, the results demonstrate the interactions among environmental levels, illustrative of a complex system where doping is an emergent product. This study provides insights into the challenges of managing dopin in a developing country and highlights the need for research in the Global South and for structural interventions to effectively prevent doping rather than just focus on the individual athlete level.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and track and field jump performance across different specialties: Sex differences and electrode configuration.

The assessment of athletic performance using non-invasive methods has been a significant focus in research aimed at measuring physiological parameters. This study explores the application of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) among track and field athletes, with a focus on sex differences, electrode configuration, and the correlation between BIVA parameters and jump performances. This cross-sectional study involved 61 Italian track and field athletes: 31 females and 30 males (age: 21.4 ± 3.8; 21.1 ± 2.6 years; stature: 166.1 ± 6.1; 180.1 ± 5.0 cm; body mass: 57.4 ± 9.7; 72.5 ± 10.5 kg, respectively). Anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and athletic jump performance were conducted. The RXc graph, two-sample Hotelling's T2 test for BIVA, and one-way ANOVA for specialty comparisons were employed. Pearson and Spearman's tests evaluated the correlations between BIVA parameters and jump performance. Differences in bioimpedance values were observed between athlete groups. Lateral asymmetries were more pronounced in females. Correlations between BIVA and jump performance also varied by sex and electrode configuration, ranging from r = -0.072, p = 0.699-r = 0.555, p = 0.001 in females, and from r = 0.204, p = 0.281-r = 0.691, p = 0.001 in males. This study highlights the utility of BIVA in providing rapid and non-invasive assessments of body composition and its relationship with jump performance, considering variations in athlete sex and electrode configuration.