Junior Athletes Research Articles

Proprioception Testing in Junior Athletes Training using the “Gyko” Sensor

Proprioceptive training is crucial for enhancing coordination, balance, and injury prevention in athletes, especially in their developmental stages. This study investigates the application of the Gyko sensor for testing proprioceptive abilities in junior athletes. The Gyko sensor, a portable motion analysis device, provides real-time data on movement and postural control. The study assesses the effectiveness of proprioceptive training by analyzing parameters such as balance, stability, and joint positioning accuracy in young athletes. Results highlight the sensor's potential in monitoring improvements and tailoring individualized training programs to optimize athletic performance and reduce injury risk.

Study on the Development of Explosive Force in Athletic Jumping through Plyometrics Exercises at the Level of Junior Athletes

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the importance of implementing plyometric exercises especially in the case of students in vocational mainstream education for improving relaxation and implicitly sports performance. The present paper highlights a study based on a theoretical and practical approach to the notion of plyometrics by applying a specific program based on plyometric exercises for the development of explosive force in advanced groups, compared to subjects carrying out a regular training program. By implementing this type of exercise at the level of all students, regardless of the way in which they practice athletics, benefits are brought both in terms of sports performance and health.

An investigation of coach autonomy support, life skills acquisition, and the five Cs among junior and senior secondary school athletes in Botswana

ABSTRACT Guided by models of positive youth development (PYD), this study examined the associations among perceived coach autonomy support, life skills acquisition, and the Five Cs of PYD. Cross-sectional data were collected from a purposive sample of 300 youth athletes (M age = 17.16, SD = 1.28, male = 53.5%) recruited from public junior and secondary schools in Botswana. Participants completed measures of coach autonomy support, life skills acquisition, and the Five Cs. Results from regression analyses indicated that perceived coach autonomy support was significantly associated with the perceived acquisition of eight life skills through sport (e.g., teamwork, goal setting), as well as character (B = .10, p = .001), connection (B = .15, p < .001), and caring/compassion (B = .10, p = .006) dimensions of PYD. Of the eight sport-specific life skills examined, perceived acquisition of teamwork was significantly related to athletes’ perceptions of competence (B = 0.21, p = .023), confidence (B = 0.14, p = .009), and connection (B = 0.16, p = .012), while perceived acquisition of social skills was significantly related to athletes’ perception of character (B = 0.11, p = .022). These findings highlight perceived coach autonomy support as important to life skills acquisition and positive developmental outcomes among Botswana youth athletes. Importantly, in this African context, sport appears to be a compelling pathway through which youth can attain valuable competencies, such as teamwork and social skills, that promote positive personal (i.e., competence, confidence, character) and social outcomes (i.e., connection) external to sport.

The comparison of the effects of percussive massage therapy, foam rolling and hamstring stretching on flexibility, knee range of motion, and jumping performance in junior athlete: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBefore every sporting event, almost all athletes engage in a routine practice of warming up to prepare the body for peak performance. There has been a surge in popularity within the athletic world around the use of percussive massage therapy (PMT).ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to see if using percussive massage therapy, foam rolling (FR), and hamstring stretching (HStr) as part of a warm-up routine had any acute effects on flexibility, jumping performance, and range of motion in junior athletes, and if so, whether there was a significant difference in the acute effects of these treatment methods.MethodsThirty-nine junior athletes with at least 3 years of experience, male gender, age range above 17, seated flexion test < 40 cm, and a willingness to participate were all considered for admittance. Participants were randomly divided into three groups. Before and after the treatment, the seated flexion test, vertical jump test, active SLR, and active knee extension were measured.ResultsThe study found significant improvement in all three groups when comparing them within the groups in the sit and reach test (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.002, and HStr p = 0.001), active SLR (PMT p < 0.001, FR p < 0.001, and HStr p = 0.001), active knee extension (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.002, and HStr p = 0.004), and vertical jump test (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.011, and HStr (p < 0.001). Comparisons between groups showed significant differences among PMT vs. FR (p = 0.041) in vertical jump height and PMT vs. HStr (p = 0.034) in active SLR.ConclusionWe detected a notable disparity in hamstring flexibility between the PMT and FR groups, as well as in vertical jump height between the PMT and HStr groups. However, there was no apparent alteration in active knee extension in all three groups.

Relationship of Physical Factors to the Occurrence of Injuries in Young Gymnasts.

There is a large population of young athletes who participate in gymnastics, and the prevention of injury in junior athletes is considered important. However, few studies have prospectively investigated the relationship between physical factors and the occurrence of injury. To investigate the physical characteristics that are factors in the injury occurrence in elementary and junior high school gymnasts. Prospective observational study. A total of 36 healthy young gymnasts (at national competition level) were enrolled in the study. Once a week for 23 weeks, injuries were prospectively investigated using self-report questionnaires under the supervision of a research staff. Joint range of motion (hip, ankle, shoulder, and wrist), tightness (Thomas test, Ely test, straight leg raise [SLR], triceps surae, combined abduction test [CAT], horizontal flexion test [HFT]), and muscle elasticity (multifidus) were assessed to compare differences in physical function between injured and non-injured participants. Injuries occurred most commonly in the wrist (42.1%), lower back (30.2%), and foot (9.5%) among males, whereas heel (22.2%), knee (16.0%), and lower back (12.8%) were the most common injury sites among females. Wrist injuries in male athletes showed decreased shoulder joint range of motion, and lower back injuries showed decreased hip and shoulder joint range of motion. Lower back injuries in female athletes showed decreased hip extension mobility. Heel and knee joint injuries in females also showed increased range of motion and decreased tightness. The results of this study indicate that the factors related to flexibility differ according to injury location. Further studies are required to clarify the physical factors that influence injury occurrence by examining the effects of the gymnasts' muscle strength, age, individual factors, and left-right differences. 3.

Can Brain Endurance Training Stimulate Cognitive Fatigue to Affect Tennis Match Performance in Elite Australian Junior Athletes

Can Brain Endurance Training Stimulate Cognitive Fatigue to Affect Tennis Match Performance in Elite Australian Junior Athletes

Lifestyle Measurement of Junior Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study of Food, Cigarette, and Alcohol Consumption in Sumedang, West Java

Sedentary lifestyles, such as consuming foods high in energy, protein, carbohydrates, and fat, sleeping less than 8 hours, smoking and drink an alcohol can approximately double the risk of obesity and hypertension. These factors can affect nutritional status and impact physical fitness and achievement in junior athletes. This study aims to identify the lifestyle and nutritional status of junior athletes aged 11-24 years during the match preparation period. The sample consisted of 110 junior athletes in Sumedang, West Java. This research using a cross-sectional approach. Results showed that the average athlete in Sumedang Regency consumed 2,035 Kcal daily, with male athletes consuming 2,218.8 Kcal and female athletes consuming 1,797.7 Kcal. More than half of the male athletes (64.5%) are smoked but did not consume an alcohol (95.2%). On other hand, most of female athletes neither smoke (85.4%) nor consume an alcohol. The data also shows there is a significant (p-value &amp;lt; 0.05) consumption among male and female athletes on cigarette consumption. Findings indicate that athletes did not meet the nutritional intake adequate even for normal individuals, while athletes require a higher nutritional adequacy due to their intensive training regimens. Athletes in Sumedang Regency are not meeting their nutritional needs and engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, which may affect their physical fitness and performance. These lifestyle factors need to be addressed to improve their nutritional status and overall athletic performance.

Junior athletes' nutritional demands: a narrative review of consumption and prevalence of eating disorders.

Information regarding the dietary requirements and consumption of young athletes is limited. Hence, the aim of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive combination of research and review papers on the nutritional status of young athletes aged 5-18 years old, as well as quantitative, qualitative, wholesome foods, food choices, and eating disordered data concerning the dietary requirements for growing young athletes. This study involved systematic searches of electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. The specific criteria for identifying research papers published in English from July 1980 until May 2024 were included. Only 48 studies out of 1,262 were included in this narrative review. The findings of this study suggest that, compared with adults, junior athletes need a unique approach to meet their dietary needs. Growth, development, and general athletic performance depend on macronutrients, as they are vital nutrients for young active athletes. However, research on enhancing junior athletes' performance is still in progress, and studies on hydration status, and eating disorders are limited.

Improvement of Jet Lag and Travel Fatigue Symptoms and Their Association with Prior International Travel Experience in Junior Athletes.

Jet lag and travel fatigue can occur after crossing multiple time zones in a short period of time, possibly affecting various aspects of an athlete's behavior. However, there are few studies regarding this issue, particularly considering junior athletes. This study aimed to investigate and quantify the symptoms of jet lag and travel fatigue and the factors impacting these conditions. A survey was completed by 41 Japanese junior athletes (21 men and 20 women), competing at an international game in Finland, to assess their performance, sleeping habits, digestion, fatigue, and jet lag on the first day of arrival and on the opening day of the competition. Although athletes awoke less often during sleep on the opening day of the competition compared with the first day, sleep time, ease of falling asleep, and sleep quality decreased significantly. Prior experience traveling abroad for international competitions was positively associated with improvements regarding ease of falling asleep (coefficient = 2.22, p = 0.01), quality of sleep (coefficient = 2.16, p = 0.02), and alertness after waking up (coefficient = 1.85, p = 0.05) by the opening day of the competition when compared with the results for athletes who had no such prior experiences. Junior athletes experience symptoms of jet lag and travel fatigue that may persist until the day of competition, and prior experience traveling abroad may help in alleviating their symptoms.

Motivation factors for 12-15 year old junior athletes to engage in dance sports

Motivation factors for 12-15 year old junior athletes to engage in dance sports

The relationship between asymmetry changes in the slope frequency of bioelectrical activity of the gluteus maximus muscles and experience in short track speed skating athletics

BACKGROUND: In short track speed skating, there is asymmetric fatigue of the gluteus maximus (GM) muscle resulting from the technique of skating. Scientific reports confirm the relationship between muscle fatigue and its change in the slope frequency of bioelectrical activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether athletic experience in elite short track speed skating can distinguish the asymmetry change in slope frequency of the raw electromyographic signal (EMG) of the GM muscle, influenced by the disparity in experience between junior and senior athletes. METHODS: In the research, an elite group of short track speed skating national team athletes Junior and Senior, participated. Isometric tension GM muscle was tested using the Biering-Sorensen test. RESULTS: The study confirmed differences in the asymmetry of slope frequences EMG signal in GM muscle between juniors and seniors in short track speed skating (p⩽ 0.001). Senior athletes showed greater slope frequences in the right GM muscle (p⩽ 0.002), while juniors showed greater in the left GM muscle (p⩽ 0.008). Intergroup analysis revealed significantly meaningful differences (p⩽ 0.001) in the level of slope frequences of the right GM muscle (juniors vs. seniors), highlighting the asymmetry resulting from experience. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences in the level of slope frequences of the right gluteus maximus muscle juniors vs. seniors were demonstrated, suggesting asymmetry due to experience and skating technique.

Relationship between Tilt Sensation Ability and Lower Limb Injuries in Junior Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to devise a tilt sensation measurement method to evaluate ankle proprioception and to examine its reliability. It was also used to determine the relationship among tilt sensation abilities, physical development, and lower limb injuries in junior athletes. In this study, a step platform created tilt angles. Participants with eye masks answered "yes" or "no" to sensing a tilt, evaluated over nine or seven trials. Experiment 1 involved 22 university students (20.6 ± 0.9 years). The minimum angle at which a tilt could be sensed while standing on both feet was determined, and measurements were taken again to examine reliability. Experiment 2 involved 40 junior athletes (12.3 ± 2.0 years), where the minimum angle for tilt sensation was obtained, and medical checks were conducted to assess injuries in the knee, lower leg, and foot. Reliability studies showed a moderately significant correlation between the first and second sessions (r = 0.504, p = 0.017), suggesting the reliability of the experimental method. The proportion capable of sensing a tilt of 1.1° and 1.6° was significantly higher in junior high school students than in elementary school students (1.1°; χ2 = 8.839, p = 0.003. 1.6°; χ2 = 4.038, p = 0.044). The group unable to sense a tilt of 1.6° and 2.1° had a significantly higher positive rate of knee injuries compared to the sensed group among junior high school students (1.6°; χ2 = 4.622, p = 0.032. 2.1°; χ2 = 4.622, p = 0.032). Our findings suggested that a reduced tilt sensation ability was associated with knee injuries in junior high school students. Utilizing our devised tilt sensation assessment could play a crucial role in preventing and detecting early injuries in junior high school students.

Career trajectories of junior athletes in Latin America and the Caribbean and their relationship with mental health

ABSTRACT Career trajectories can impact athletes’ mental health. There is a lack of research focusing on athletes from Latin America and the Caribbean compared to other contexts such as North America and Europe. Our study aims to characterise the career trajectories of junior athletes in Latin America and the Caribbean and examines their relationship with mental health. We recruited 236 junior high-performance athletes between 14 and 23 years (44.5% female) from Latin America and the Caribbean regions, and collected information on their career trajectories for the athlete’s tendency to prioritise a given life-sphere and their mental health using the General Health Questionnaire-12, which includes indicators of social functioning, anxiety and depression, and loss of confidence and self-esteem. Through cluster analysis, we identified distinct trajectory clusters: Sport priority (33.3%) where athletes solely prioritise sport, Dual career priority (28.9%) where athletes prioritise both sport and studies, No clear priority (9.9%) indicating no apparent priority domain, and Triple career priority (28.0%) where athletes prioritise all three life spheres. Altogether, only 56.9% of the athletes actually prioritised one or more life spheres outside of sport. When comparing mental health levels across the groups, the Dual career priority group showed a tendency for better mental health in all subscales, with significant differences compared to the Triple career priority group. These results highlight the existence of a trajectory with the triple combination of sport-studies-work, which appears to be associated with poorer mental health. Our results suggest that athletes pursuing a dual career show better mental health levels.

The Effect of Groundstroke Forehand Exercise on Speed and Agility in 14 to 16-year-old Tennis Athletes

This research addresses gaps by developing a holistic training model that integrates essential elements for optimal tennis performance. The study explores how physical conditioning can enhance agility, speed, and overall performance of junior athletes aged 14 to 16, focusing on forehand drive. The aim is to provide insights for coaches and players by integrating physical and technical training to improve performance. The scope includes evaluating the effectiveness of a forehand drive training program supplemented with speed and agility exercises for junior tennis players. An experimental one-group pre-test-post-test design was employed. Eleven tennis athletes from the Nusalima Tennis Academy participated. Speed was measured using a 20-meter sprint, and agility was calculated using the 505 Agility Test. The training program spanned 12 sessions over four weeks. Statistical analysis included mean, standard deviation, normality tests, and t-tests. Pre-test and post-test results showed significant improvements in speed and agility. The t-test values indicated statistical significance, confirming the effectiveness of the forehand drive training model. Players demonstrated enhanced neuromuscular adaptation, muscle strength, coordination, and reaction time. The study concludes that the forehand drive training model significantly improves speed and agility in junior tennis players. The findings support the theory that focused and structured training enhances physical abilities and performance. Additionally, the research highlights the long-term health benefits of intensive tennis training, such as improved cardiovascular health and overall fitness. The training model can be widely applied to develop well-rounded athletes in tennis programs.

A STUDY ON SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS OF MALE ATHLETES AND BASKETBALL PLAYERS OF AMRAVATI UNIVERSITY

The study was conducted to investigate the socioeconomic status of junior athletes and basketball players of SGB Amravati University. For the present study, 100 athletes and 100 basketball players were selected who participated at intercollegiate tournament. The socio economic status questionnaire prepared and validated by Kuppuswany was used for the purpose of data collection to find out the significant effect of socio economic status of athletes and basketball players. Mean, standard deviation, t-value and co-relation were computed. Result of the study positively co0relate and it clearly indicate that the parents of basketball players are partially positioned in their respective education when compared with the parents of athletes.

Badminton smashing punch training method junior high school athletes eternal badminton association

Badminton is a sport that requires a high level of technical and strategic expertise. Correct positioning allows the player to have an optimal viewing angle of the game and makes it easy to respond to the movement of the shuttlecock. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of smash precision training methods on junior badminton players in the Eternal Badminton Union. This study adopts a quantitative approach by using experimental methods pretest-post-test design of one group. This experiment will be conducted for six weeks with a training frequency of four sessions per week. The population and subjects were junior athletes of the Eternal Badminton Union, which numbered 15 people, namely nine male athletes and six female athletes. The data analysis using SPSS statistical software 20. The research instrument used questionnaires, smash accuracy tests before and after training, and field observations to evaluate the effectiveness of smash precision training methods in junior badminton athletes. The results showed that the drill method can improve the accuracy of badminton strokes of junior athletes from the Badminton Association of PB Abadi. Further research can develop different training methods by combining different training methods. This will help to better identify the factors that can improve the smash badminton results of junior athletes.

THE INFLUENCE OF SPEED ENDURENCE, LEG LENGTH, AND ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF INDONESIAN JUNIOR TAEKWONDO ATHLETES IN 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine and reveal whether or not there is an influence between speed endurance, leg length, and achievement motivation on the achievement of Indonesian taekwondo junior athletes in 2023. This research was carried out using a quantitative approach using the survey method with path analysis techniques. The population in this study were all Indonesian taekwondo junior athletes. By taking the sample using the total sampling technique where the sample used is all of the population, namely all members of Indonesian junior taekwondo athletes because in the research that will be carried out because the population is considered smaller or less than 100. Based on the results of data analysis and hypothesis testing from research data variable speed endurance, leg length, motivation and achievement results of Indonesian taekwondo junior athletes, the following conclusions can be drawn: There is an effect of speed endurance on motivation with a direct influence percentage of 49.3%. There is an effect of leg length on motivation with a direct influence percentage of 39.5%. There is an effect of speed endurance on the achievement results of Indonesian junior taekwondo athletes with a direct influence percentage of 21.3%. There is an effect of leg length on the achievement of Indonesian junior taekwondo athletes with a direct influence percentage of 19.9%. There is a motivational influence on the achievement of Indonesian junior taekwondo athletes with a direct influence percentage of 58%. There is an indirect effect between speed endurance on the achievement results of Indonesian junior taekwondo athletes through motivation with a significance value of 0.468. There is an indirect effect between leg length on the achievement of Indonesian junior taekwondo athletes through motivation with a significance value of 0.428.

The Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation in Junior Athletes.

Sports injuries have historically been addressed and treated from a purely physical perspective. Nevertheless, like in many other aspects of sports, it has become evident during the last decades that psychological considerations and consequent interventions are both vital and inevitable in the work with athletes, particularly in the work with junior athletes. Especially in the domains of sports injury prevention and rehabilitation, psychological measures can yield significant benefits for junior athletes. Stress management techniques, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, motor imagery, or seeking social support have been demonstrated as being highly effective. These techniques, many of them originally intended by sport psychologists to optimize performance, now aid junior athletes in performing at their best while also preventing injury and facilitating a safe return to competition after injury. During injury rehabilitation, sport psychological measures play an important role as well. The purpose of this review is firstly to provide an overview of the psychological factors that significantly support both injury prevention and rehabilitation. We subsequently elaborate on the identification and optimization of these factors by presenting evidence-based psychological interventions and training programs. In addition, we provide science-informed fundamentals that may serve as a basis for the adaptation and/or development of novel psychological measures to support junior athletes during injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Innovation in physical testing equipment for karate junior kumite category

Background Problems: The lack of instruments suited to the unique needs of karate athletes in the junior Kumite category poses a significant challenge. Research Objectives: This study aims to develop a physical testing tool specifically designed to measure the physical abilities of junior athletes in the Kumite category. Methods: The research method used developmental research to test the effectiveness of the product in the form of a karate physical test instrument. The data analysis was obtained from the results of interviews, observations, field notes, and describes the percentage of success of the trial product both in terms of process and research results starting from the planning, implementation, reflection, evaluation stages in the form of psychomotor, affective, cognitive data, and physical test results. Furthermore, the data from the physical test results were analysed using SPSS version 23 statistical techniques to identify the relationship between physical test results and performance in Kumite. Findings and Results: The results of this study indicated that the newly developed physical test instrument can provide a more specific measurement of the physical abilities of junior karate athletes in the Kumite category. In addition, the results also provided greater insight into the physical factors that influence performance in Kumite matches. By providing a more effective tool and increasing the understanding of the relationship between physical attributes and competitive performance. Conclusion: The implication of this study is that a scientific approach using physical measures provides a valuable contribution to the development of a selection system and the coaching of junior karate athletes. Thus, this study makes an important contribution to the development of the performance of junior karate athletes and improves the efficiency of their selection and coaching processes.

Body morphology and handgrip strength parameters of the female canoe slalom paddlers.

Introduction: Canoe slalom is a physically very demanding discipline, in which body constitution, body composition, and relative strength are significant factors in high performance. Although anthropometric and strength parameters are relatively well-studied in male athletes, there is a lack of evidence for any conclusions in women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the morphology and upper-limb strength parameters of female canoe slalom paddlers and identify whether morphological differences exist between performance groups. Methods: Altogether, 63 female competitors of the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup (n = 29) and 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking Competition (n = 34) in Prague (Czech Republic) were examined with a battery of anthropometric tests, segmental bioimpedance analysis, and handgrip strength test. The athletes were divided into groups according to age and performance: elite athletes belonging to the world top 10 according to the ICF World Ranking (WORLD, n = 7), international-level athletes competing during the World Cup (ELITE, n = 22), international-level junior athletes competing in the World Ranking Race (JUNIOR, n = 17), and other lower performance-level athletes competing in the World Ranking Race (REST, n = 17). Results: Female slalom paddlers are, in general, of average body height (∼165cm), lower body mass (∼60kg), BMI (∼22kg/m2), and body fat (∼20%) and without exceptional anthropometric dimensions and proportions. However, differences were detected when performance was factored in. Female paddlers belonging to the world TOP 10 have the largest circumferences of arms and forearms, and their somatotype is more mesomorphic, with a lower proportion of total body fat and a higher proportion of muscle mass. In addition, the WORLD group differs significantly in upper-limb strength. Discussion: The results shows the significance of muscular strength and power for canoe slalom athletes and the importance of well-developed musculature in operating the boat in the unstable environment. Being a successful female canoe slalom athlete requires a well-developed musculature, maximizing strength capabilities while maintaining a low body weight through limited hypertrophy of the lower limbs and a low level of body fat.