Medicine Ball Throw Research Articles

Association Between Performance in Muscle Fitness Field Tests and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Soldiers.

Muscle strength and muscle endurance are important fitness components related to safe and efficient execution of physically demanding military work. In soldiers, these components are traditionally measured from simple field tests like push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. However, the validity of such muscle fitness field tests is questioned due to reports of low association between test performance and the ability to conduct strength demanding military work (eg, lift and carry tasks). It is therefore necessary to study, develop, and implement more valid field tests, which are still feasible for mass testing in the military. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is an important physiological component related to maximal muscle force generation (strength). Thus, an alternative way of validating muscle fitness field tests is by comparisons against SMM. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between SMM and performance in five muscle fitness field tests. A total of 275 military cadets (including 27 women) participated in this method comparison study. The field tests included push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups (vertical for men, horizontal for women), standing medicine ball throw, and Sargent jump (peak power and jump height). SMM was estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis and expressed in absolute values (kg) or relative to body mass. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to investigate associations between SMM and performance in the five field tests. The study was submitted to the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics prior to startup, and the Committee considered the study to be exempted from notification. The study was reviewed and approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. In men, the highest correlation against absolute SMM was found for the Sargent jump (peak power) and the medicine ball throw (r=0.71 and 0.54, respectively). The same trend was evident for women (r=0.85 and 0.61, respectively) and for the two genders combined (r=0.85 and 0.79, respectively). All these r-values were significant (P<0.001). In men, the highest r against relative SMM was found for pull-ups (r=0.50, P<0.001). The same pattern was found in women, but the association was not significant (r=0.36, P=0.07). The sit-ups test demonstrated low or nonsignificant associations with both absolute and relative SMM. Among the five muscle fitness field tests investigated, the Sargent jump (peak power) and the medicine ball throw demonstrated the strongest correlation coefficients against absolute SMM. Thus, these two tests should be better alternatives for assessing relevant upper and lower body strength and power in soldiers compared with push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. Pull-ups generally demonstrated the strongest correlation against relative SMM. Sit-ups demonstrated low or nonsignificant associations with both absolute and relative SMM. Consequently, the test should be considered for removal from military fitness test batteries or replaced by alternative abdominal tests that are more valid.

Influence of technique on upper body force and power production during medicine ball throws

ABSTRACTThis project examined the interrelationships between power production and upper body kinematics during a series of medicine ball push-press (MBP-P) throws. Twenty-five regular weight trainers (body mass = 86 ± 10 kg) performed a series of ballistic vertical MBP-P throws at loads representing 5% and 10% of their assessed 5RM bench press. Throws were performed lying supine on a force platform (1 kHz) with upper body kinematics assessed using standard infra-red motion capture techniques (0.5 kHz). Gross measures of performance and power production such as peak vertical ball velocity (Velpeak), peak force (Fpeak) and power (Ppeak) were recorded during the propulsive phase of the movement. Comparative analyses indicated that despite significant reductions in Velpeak from the 5% to 10% loads (P < 0.001), Fpeak remained largely unchanged (P = 0.167). Analysis of inter-trial variability showed that the gross measures of performance and power were relatively stable (Coefficient of Variation [CV%] <13%), while most upper limb segmental kinematics varied considerably between trials (CV% up to 70%). This project highlights the complexity of the relationships between power production and upper body kinematics during light load ballistic MBP-P throwing. Additionally, it shows how trained athletes can achieve similar outcomes during ballistic movements using a variety of movement strategies.

Field-Based Tests for the Assessment of Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents Practicing Sport: A Systematic Review within the ESA Program

High levels of physical fitness (PF) can positively affect both health and cognitive function, thus monitoring its levels in youth can help increase health and quality of life in adult populations later on. This systematic review aims to identify PF field-based tests used in young European populations practicing sport to find tools that are adequate for the considered target involving a new battery within the Enriched Sport Activities (ESA) project. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. In the 83 identified articles, the main tests used were: vertical/horizontal jumps (for muscular strength/power); push-ups, running at maximum effort, sit-ups (for muscular strength/endurance); multistage non-intermittent and intermittent tests (for aerobic endurance); sit and reach (for flexibility); sprinting and agility T-tests (for speed and agility, respectively); 10 × 5 m shuttle run (SR) (for both speed and agility). Few studies assessed coordination, reaction time, power, and balance. Although the selected tests are widely used and validated, they do not determine all PF aspects and do not reflect sport-specific features. A final decision was made for the inclusion of the following tests: standing broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, 20 m SR test, 30 m sprint, Illinois test, and a new test, i.e., the crunning test, to assess different skill-related components at once. The use of this combination of tests allows for the assessment of all PF components and can help planning effective training programs and cultivate sporting talent.

INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN MOTOR ABILITIES ON BALL THROWING VELOCITY IN GOALBALL: A PILOT STUDY

The aim of the research was to determine the influence of sprint performance and explosive strength on ball throwing velocity in Goalball. The sample of participants consisted of 12 nationally and internationally ranked Goalball players, with an average age of (25.17±8.03). To evaluate sprint performance, the 5 and 10 meter sprint tests were used. To evaluate explosive strength, the standing long jump and seated medicine ball throw were used. The results of the regression analysis have indicated that the entire system of applied variables is statistically significantly connected and influences ball throwing velocity. At the same time, we evaluated the statistically significant influence of the seated medicine ball throw variable. We can conclude that as part of the fitness training of Goalball players, it is necessary to work on improving sprint performance and explosive strength due to the ability of rapid transition of the players from the defensive phase to the attack phase. It is especially important to develop upper-body explosive strength in order to increase ball throwing velocity and create the possibility for greater effectiveness of Goalball players.

In-Season Weightlifting Training Exercise in Healthy Male Handball Players: Effects on Body Composition, Muscle Volume, Maximal Strength, and Ball-Throwing Velocity.

This study assessed the impact of 8 weeks biweekly in-season weightlifting training on the strength, throwing ability, and body composition of healthy male handball players. Twenty players (age: 21.2 ± 0.7 years, height: 1.83 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 83.3 ± 7.5 kg, body fat: 13.2 ± 1.4%, upper limb muscle volume: 3.16 ± 0.16 L) were randomly allocated between experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups. Measures of one-repetition maximal strength included bench press, pull-over, snatch, and clean and jerk. Throwing velocity was investigated by standing, running, and jump throws, and the power of the upper limbs was estimated from the total distance of a 3-kg medicine ball overhead throw. Muscle volumes were estimated anthropometrically. Training sessions comprised 3–4 sets of explosive weightlifting exercise at 75%–90% of 1RM (repetition maximum). Significant interaction effects (time x group) were found for all strength and throwing variables, ranging from ηp2 = 0.595 (pull-over) to ηp2 = 0.887 (medicine ball throw), with the largest between-group difference (more than 40%, Δd = 6.65) and effect size (d = 6.44) for the medicine ball throw, and the smallest (about 23%, Δd = 1.61) for the standing shot performance. Significant interaction effects were also detected for all anthropometric parameters (body mass: ηp2 = 0.433; body fat: ηp2 = 0.391; upper limb muscle volume: ηp2 = 0.920, with an almost 20% gain of muscle volume). It can be concluded that 8 weeks of biweekly in-season weightlifting training yielded substantial increases of muscle volume, maximal strength of the upper limbs, and ball throwing velocity in healthy handball players relative to their standard training program.

Effect of the French Contrast Method on Explosive Strength and Kinematic Parameters of the Triple Jump Among Female College Athletes.

There are resistance training methods that result in strength, others that enhance hypertrophy and others that stimulate power. The training modality of contrast provides all of these benefits in one session. The concept of French Contrast training is based on a combination of complex and contrast methods. The idea is to use four exercises to induce physiological responses of the athlete and train along the force-speed curve. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the French Contrast Method on explosive strength and kinematic parameters of the triple jump among female college athletes. Ten female college athletes from the Helwan University’s track and field team participated in this study. Participants were assessed before and after an 8-week training program for upper and lower body explosive strength. No significant differences were observed in anthropometric characteristics. Explosive strength variables (Sargent jump test, countermovement jump, and seated medicine ball throw) increased significantly and kinematic parameters of the triple jump improved. The results indicated that eight weeks of the French Contrast training can improve both explosive strength and kinematic parameters of the triple jump.

Upper and Lower Body Power Are Strong Predictors for Selection of Male Junior National Volleyball Team Players.

Tsoukos, A, Drikos, S, Brown, LE, Sotiropoulos, K, Veligekas, P, and Bogdanis, GC. Upper and lower body power are strong predictors for selection of male junior National volleyball team players. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2760-2767, 2019-The purpose of this study was to determine whether a battery of anthropometric and lower and upper body strength and speed and power tests predicted selection of young volleyball players for a Junior National Team by expert coaches. Fifty-two male junior volleyball players (14.8 ± 0.5 years, height: 1.84 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 72.5 ± 7.1 kg) took part in a training camp and underwent a selection procedure by expert coaches' of the junior national team. Anthropometric data and fitness tests results were obtained and players were graded on a scale from 0 to 100 on the basis of their performance in a volleyball tournament. Selected players were superior in the majority of measured variables (p ≤ 0.017) and had higher grading scores compared with nonselected players (85.3 ± 4.1 vs. 70.5 ± 5.6, respectively, p < 0.01). The combination of spike jump and reach (SJR) test and 3-kg medicine ball throw (MB3) velocity explained 63.5% of the variance in expert coaches' grading (p < 0.001). A multivariate discriminant analysis yielded a significant discriminant function (Wilk's lambda = 0.55, χ = 29.324, p < 0.001, η = 0.82). Spike jump and reach and MB3 were the only variables that contributed to the discriminant function (standardized function coefficients: SJR = 0.68, MB3 = 0.67). Cross-validation results showed that selection was correctly predicted in 14 of the 16 selected players (predictive accuracy: 87.5%) and in 32 of the 36 nonselected players (predictive accuracy: 88.9%). The SJR and MB3 fitness tests can predict a large portion of the variance of expert coaches' grading and successfully discriminate elite young male volleyball players for selection vs. nonselection for a junior national team. This result is very important as performance testing during a selection process may be reduced to only 2 measurements.

The Reliability of the Seated Medicine Ball Throw for Distance

Measuring distance thrown during the Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT) has been used frequently within the literature to quantify upper body explosiveness, due to the test being easy to learn, low-risk, and requiring minimal equipment. The reliability of distance thrown in the SMBT has not been broadly reported, nor have familiarization protocols been thoroughly documented. The purpose of this study is to assess the reliability of distance thrown during the SMBT as a representative measurement for upper body explosiveness in active, recreationally trained adults. Before testing, 20 subjects completed a dynamic warm-up. After learning proper technique, subjects were familiarized with the exercise by completing continuous trials using a 10 lb medicine ball, with 1 minute of rest between trials, until three consecutive throws within 0.25 m were achieved. Subjects rested 20 minutes, repeated the warm-up, and then completed 6 trials of the SMBT where distance of each throw was measured. Any trial in which technique deviated significantly from the instructions was repeated. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess reliability between trials. Distances thrown for trials 1-6 were as follows: 3.43±0.99 m, 3.41±0.95 m, 3.48±1.00 m, 3.48±1.00 m, 3.46±1.03 m, and 3.54±1.05 m respectively. ICCs for consecutive trial pairs ranged from 0.97-0.99. These findings suggest that distance thrown is a reliable representative measure of upper body explosiveness in recreationally trained adults. The familiarization protocol used was sufficient for producing consistent performance.

Minimal detectable change in six-minute walk test in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Purpose To provide test-retest reliability for the 6-min walk test and the physiological variables obtained during the test, and to establish the minimal detectable change for the distance walked in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Methods 40 patients performed two 6-min walk tests on the same day (separated by 30-min of rest). The perceived breathlessness and fatigue in the legs were assessed with the modified Borg scale. The peripheral muscle strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer device, the medicine ball throw test and the horizontal jump test. Results The test-retest reliability of the distance walked, dyspnea and fatigue in the legs were good for children (minimal detectable change90–95: 59.39–70.55 m) and for adolescents (minimal detectable change90–95: 47.81–56.8 m) with cystic fibrosis. Exercise tolerance is more related to 6-min walk work (distance walked x body weight) than to the distance walked alone and showed a positive association with peripheral muscle strength and forced vital capacity. Conclusions The 6-min walk test is a reproducible and reliable tool to measure exercise tolerance for children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The minimal detectable changes reported for the distances achieved by these patients will be useful to identify the effectiveness of therapies aimed at alleviating or improving impaired physical capacity. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The 6-min walk test could be used to measure exercise tolerance for children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis, as it is a reliable test over time. An increase in the distance covered in the 6-min walk test that exceeds the minimum detectable change is recommended to determine improved exercise tolerance for children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. The use of the 6-min walk work (distance walked x body weight) is recommended because it correlates better with exercise tolerance than the distance alone in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis.

Waist Circumference and Waist-to-Hip Ratio in Law Enforcement Agency Recruits: Relationship to Performance in Physical Fitness Tests.

Lockie, RG, Ruvalcaba, TR, Stierli, M, Dulla, JM, Dawes, JJ, and Orr, RM. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in law enforcement agency recruits: relationship to performance in physical fitness tests. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1666-1675, 2020-Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) use tests to assess recruit physical fitness. Body fat can influence test performance but is difficult to measure during academy because of time, equipment constraints, and instructor knowledge. This study examined relationships between waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), practical measures of fat distribution, and fitness test performance. Retrospective analysis of 267 LEA recruits (age: ∼28 years; height: ∼1.73 m; and body mass: ∼80 kg; 219 males and 48 females) was conducted. The tests included: WC and WHR; grip strength; push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions in 60 seconds; vertical jump (VJ); medicine ball throw; 75-yd pursuit run (75PR); and multistage fitness test (MSFT) shuttles. Partial correlations, controlling for sex, calculated relationships between WC, WHR, and the fitness tests. Recruits were split into quartile groups (based on the sample size) for WC and WHR (group 1 had the lowest WC and WHR; and group 4 the highest). A 1-way multivariate analysis of variance, with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni post hoc, compared between-group test performance. A greater WC related to lesser push-up, sit-up, VJ, 75PR, and MSFT performance (p ≤ 0.024). When recruits were split into WC groups, group 4 had lesser performance in push-ups, sit-ups, VJ, and the 75PR compared with all groups (p ≤ 0.038). When split into WHR groups, group 4 performed less push-ups than group 1, less MSFT shuttles than group 3, and had a lower VJ compared with all groups (p ≤ 0.042). Recruits with a greater WC tended to have poorer fitness test performance.

Field Tests of Performance and Their Relationship to Age and Anthropometric Parameters in Adolescent Handball Players.

Handball performance is influenced by age, anthropometric characteristics, technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical abilities. The aims of this study were (i) to determine differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical performance between adolescent handball players across age categories, and (ii) to determine which anthropometric and maturity variables have the greatest relative importance in fitness for this sport. Seventy-nine male handball players drawn from a team in the elite Tunisian Handball league [U18 (n = 10); U17 (n = 12); U16 (n = 17); U15 (n = 18); and U14 (n = 22)] volunteered for the investigation. Assessments included sprint performances; change in direction tests (T-half test and Illinois modified test); jumping tests (squat jump; counter movement jump; countermovement jump with aimed arms; five-jump test); medicine ball throwing; handgrip force; back extensor force and selected anthropometric measurements. The individual’s age category affected all measurements, with U17 and U18 players showing larger body measurements and significantly better absolute results on all physical tests than U14, U15 and U16 contestants. Scores for the majority of physical performance tests were closely inter-correlated. We conclude that U17 and U18 players show significantly better absolute results than the younger players on all physical tests. Multiple linear regressions, using block-wise entry, indicate that age is the strongest predictor of jump and sprint performances. Several anthropometric characteristics, including body mass, standing height and lower limb length were closely correlated with performance test scores, but after allowing for age only body mass added to the prediction of jumping ability.

Age and sex-related upper body performance differences in competitive young tennis players.

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to analyze the shoulder functional profile of young male and female tennis players and to establish the relationship among physical variables and serve speed.MethodsA total of 128 Spanish tennis players (Under-13 (n = 32/32 males/females) and Under-15 (n = 36/28 males/females), were tested during National training camps. Tests included passive shoulder range of motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, medicine ball throws (MBT), and serve speed. Age and sex pairwise comparisons were carried using the Hedges’ g index (dg).ResultsResults showed age and sex effects on serve speed and all MBT, with males showing greater changes (1.51≤dg≤1.98) with age than females (0.92≤dg≤1.35; p<0.05). U15 males showed higher (p<0.05) absolute shoulder IR and ER strength than U13, with only significant differences between males and females in the U15. Regarding ROM, U15 males showed a decreased IR ROM compared to U13 (dg = -0.84; p<0.05) and higher significant IR bilateral deficit (dg = 0.51; p<0.05). The distances obtained in the different MBT were the variables more correlated to serve speed.ConclusionThe present results suggest that shoulder strength, medicine ball throws and serve speed increased along with age in young elite tennis players of both sexes. However, a decreased range of motion and bilateral deficit for glenohumeral internal rotation is evident in male under-15 tennis players. Muscle strength, power and shoulder range of motion are key factors for serve speed in young tennis players.

The Discriminant Validity of a Standardized Testing Battery and Its Ability to Differentiate Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics Between Youth, Academy, and Senior Professional Rugby League Players.

To assess whether a standardized testing battery can differentiate anthropometric and physical qualities between youth, academy, and senior rugby league players and determine the discriminant validity of the battery. A total of 729 rugby league players from multiple clubs in England categorized as youth (n = 235), academy (n = 362), and senior (n = 132) players completed a standardized testing battery that included the assessment of anthropometric and physical characteristics during preseason. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences and discriminant analysis. Academy players were most likely taller and heavier than youth players (effect size [ES] = 0.64-1.21), with possibly to most likely superior countermovement jump, medicine-ball throw, and prone Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) performance (ES = 0.23-1.00). Senior players were likely to most likely taller and heavier (ES = 0.32-1.84), with possibly to most likely superior 10- and 20-m sprint times, countermovement jump, change of direction, medicine-ball throw, and prone Yo-Yo IR1 than youth and academy players (ES = -0.60 to 2.06). The magnitude of difference appeared to be influenced by playing position. For the most part, the battery possessed discriminant validity with an accuracy of 72.2%. The standardized testing battery differentiates anthropometric and physical qualities of youth, academy, and senior players as a group and, in most instances, within positional groups. Furthermore, the battery is able to discriminate between playing standards with good accuracy and might be included in future assessments and rugby league talent identification.

Comparison of a Combined Strength and Handball-Specific Training vs. Isolated Strength Training in Handball Players Studying Physical Education.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of combined resistance training including handball-specific drill (CRT) with resistance training excluding handball-specific drill training (NSDT). Twenty-two male handball players who studied physical education were randomly assigned to two groups: CRT (combined resistance training with sport-specific drill; n = 12) and NSDT (resistance training without any sport-specific drill training; n = 10). Over a 10-week period during the competitive season, the players performed a specific training program twice per week, which replaced their normal team handball training. The CRT regimen consisted of a combined (associated) resistance training and handball-specific drill, whereas the NSDT program consisted of a resistance training without handball-specific drill (dissociated). Pre- and post-test measures included squat jump and countermovement jumps, bench press, back half squats, throwing velocity during a 3-step jump throw, and a jump shot, repeated-sprint ability (six 2 × 15-m shuttle sprints) (RSA), medicine ball throw and anthropometric measurements. In both groups, significant intervention effects (d ≥ 1.0) were seen for all sprint (3/3), throwing (3/3) and jump (2/2) measures. Regarding maximal strength parameters, an effect size lower than 0.5 was only detected in the NSDT group for half back squats (d = 0.48). The largest effects were observed in the NSDT group for squat jump (d = 6.20) and medicine ball throw (d = 6.07). Interaction effects (group × time) were found for 50 % (5/10) of parameters. The greatest difference between groups regarding performance development over time was detected for jump shot (interaction effect: η² = 0.748). In contrast, there was no difference in performance development in both groups over time for RSAbest (interaction effect: η² = 0.025). The current findings suggest that during the competitive season, 10 weeks of CRT with only two training sessions per week improved numerous measures of athletic performance in handball students of physical education. Such conditioning should be highly recommended as part of the annual training program of handball players.

Factors Affecting the Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics of Elite Academy Rugby League Players: A Multiclub Study.

To investigate the factors affecting the anthropometric and physical characteristics of elite academy rugby league players. One hundred ninety-seven elite academy rugby league players (age = 17.3 [1.0]y) from 5 Super League clubs completed measures of anthropometric and physical characteristics during a competitive season. The interaction between and influence of contextual factors on characteristics was assessed using linear mixed modeling. All physical characteristics improved during preseason and continued to improve until midseason, whereafter 10-m sprint (η2 = .20 cf .25), countermovement jump (CMJ) (η2 = .28 cf .30), and prone Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery (Yo-Yo IR) test (η2 = .22 cf .54) performance declined. Second (η2 = .17) and third (η2 = .16) -year players were heavier than first-years, whereas third-years had slower 10-m sprint times (η2 = .22). Large positional variability was observed for body mass, 20-m sprint time, medicine-ball throw, CMJ, and prone Yo-Yo IR1. Compared with bottom-ranked teams, top-ranked teams demonstrated superior 20-m (η2 = -.22) and prone Yo-Yo IR1 (η2 = .26) performance, whereas middle-ranked teams reported higher CMJ height (η2 = .26) and prone Yo-Yo IR1 distance (η2 = .20) but slower 20-m sprint times (η2 = .20). These findings offer practitioners who design training programs for academy rugby league players insight into the relationships between anthropometric and physical characteristics and how they are influenced by playing year, league ranking, position, and season phase.

Effects of a Combined Upper- and Lower-Limb Plyometric Training Program on High-Intensity Actions in Female U14 Handball Players

To analyze the effects of a 9-week plyometric training program on the sprint times (5, 10, 20, and 30m), change-of-direction speed (modified T test and modified Illinois test), jumping (squat jump, countermovement jump, countermovement jump with arms, and horizontal 5-jump test), upper-body strength (right and left handgrip, back extensor strength, and medicine ball throw), and balance (Y and stork balance tests) of female handball players. Athletes were randomly divided into experimental (n = 21; age = 13.5 [0.3]y) and control (n = 20; age = 13.3 [0.3] y) groups. Training exercises and matches were performed together, but the experimental group replaced a part of their normal regimen by biweekly upper- and lower-limb plyometric training. Both groups improved performance, but to a greater extent in the experimental group compared with controls for 20- and 30-m sprint times (Δ% = 9.6, P < .05, d = 0.557 and Δ% = 20.9, P < .001, d = 1.07, respectively), change of direction (T test: P < .01, Δ% = 14.5, d = 0.993 and Illinois test: P < .01, Δ% = 7.9, d = 0.769), vertical and horizontal jumping (P < .05), all measures of upper-limb strength (P < .001), and left-leg stork balance (P < .001, Δ% = 49.9, d = 1.07). A plyometric training program allows female junior handball players to improve important components of their physical performance.

The Influence of Maturity Offset, Strength, and Movement Competency on Motor Skill Performance in Adolescent Males.

This study aimed to examine the extent to which maturity offset, strength, and movement competency influences motor skill performance in adolescent boys. One hundred and eight secondary school boys completed anthropometric and physical testing on two non-consecutive days for the following variables: Maturity offset, isometric mid-thigh pull absolute (IMTPABS) and relative (IMTPREL) peak force, resistance training skills quotient, 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump height, horizontal jump distance, anaerobic endurance performance, and seated medicine ball throw (SMBT). The IMTPREL displayed significant small to large correlations with all performance variables (r = 0.27–0.61), whereas maturity offset was significantly correlated with IMTPABS (r = 0.69), sprint (r = 0.29–0.33), jump (r = 0.23–0.34), and SMBT (r = 0.32). Absolute and relative strength were the strongest predictors of all performance variables and combined with maturity to explain 21%–76% of the variance. Low and average relative strength boys were nearly eight times (odds ratio: 7.80, confidence interval: 1.48–41.12, p < 0.05) and nearly four times (odds ratio: 3.86, confidence interval: 0.95–15.59, p < 0.05) more likely to be classified as lower competency compared to high relative strength boys. Relative strength has more influence on motor skill performance than maturity when compared with movement competency.

Morphological and Physical Fitness Profile of Young Female Sprint Kayakers.

López-Plaza, D, Alacid, F, Rubio, JÁ, López-Miñarro, PÁ, Muyor, JM, and Manonelles, P. Morphological and physical fitness profile of young female sprint kayakers. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1963-1970, 2019-Traditionally, physical and anthropometrical profiles of the most successful kayak athletes have been identified in male kayakers. This study attempted to identify the differences in morphology and fitness level of 2 performance-based groups of young elite female paddlers. Eighty-six female kayakers, aged 13.62 ± 0.57 years (mean ± SD), were allocated in 2 groups (Top-10 and Rest) depending on their ranking in the 3 Olympic distances (200, 500, and 1,000 m). All subjects underwent a battery of anthropometrical (heights, mass, girths, and sum of skinfolds), physical fitness (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test, and 20-m multistage shuttle run test), and specific performance assessments (200, 500, and 1,000 m). Best paddlers presented significantly greater anthropometrical values in muscle mass percentage, maturity status, and chronological age (p ≤ 0.05), whereas physical fitness comparison only revealed significant differences in countermovement jump (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, aerobic power and muscle mass percentage seem to be crucial in achieving optimal performances at long (1,000 m) and short duration races (200 and 500 m). These findings confirm the importance of a larger and compact morphology, as well as superior fitness level, for success in female kayakers. The current results not only identify the weak areas on body composition and physical fitness depending on the maturity status but also the development of specific training programs for females.

Comparison of Some Coordinative Abilities in Terms of Team and Individual Sports

The purpose of this research is to compare some coordinative abilities in terms of team and individual sports. A total of 112 athletes were included in the research, of which 60 athletes were from individual sports (Athletics=20, Archery=20, Karate=20) with mean age of 15.02±0.813 years, mean body height of 1.64±0.88 meters and mean body weight of 54.80±11.196 kilograms and 52 athletes were from team sports (Football Player=32, Basketball Player=20) with mean age of 14.98±0.727 years, mean body height of 1.67±0.90 meters and mean body weight of 58.10±9.770 kilograms. Numbered medicine ball run test, backward medicine ball throw test and sprint at the given rhythm test were used to evaluate performances related to coordinative abilities. When our results are examined, it is seen that averages of the participants in team sports category in terms of rhythm, orientation and differentiation abilities are at better level than averages of the participants in individual sports category. It has been seen that individuals in team sports category have significantly better performance than athletes in individual sports in terms of their orientation and differentiation abilities. On the other hand, no significant difference was found for rhythm ability. Consequently, results of the study confirm our pre-research expectations. On the other hand, when literature is examined, it is significant that results obtained from other studies examining coordinative abilities of the athletes in individual sports and team sports categories are similar to our results. It has been seen in the studies in the literature that some results are not similar. It can be thought that different results are caused by age differences and differences in types and branches of sports in which athletes participate.

Comparison of Coordinative Abilities of Child Wrestlers and Judokas

The aim of this research is to compare the coordinative abilities of child wrestlers and judokas. Totally 52 athletes were included into the research by taking consent from their families; 26 judoka children whose age average is 13.45±0.506 years, height average is 1.52±0.090 mt and body weight average is 47.52±13.193 kg and 26 judoka whose age average is 14.75±0.639 years, height average is 1.59±0.064 mt and body weight average is 49.85±8.786 kg. All risks and benefits pertaining to the research were explained to the parents of athletes and they were asked to sign the university confirmed voluntary permission form. Numbered medicine ball running test, Backward Medicine Ball Throw Test and sprint test to the given rhythm were used for the purpose for determining the orientation, differentiation and rhythm performances in regard to coordinative abilities of the individuals participating into the research. SPSS 22 program was used for the analysis of the data obtained. It was found out according to the result of One Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test performed that data related with rhythm times exhibited normal distribution, data related with orientation times and differentiation scores did not exhibit normal distribution. For this reason, while Independent Samples T test was used in comparison of data related with rhythm times by the type of sports, Mann Whitney U test was used in comparison of data related with orientation times and differentiation scores by the type of sports. Once the results related with research were examined, while it was seen that the rhythm times and orientation times of wrestlers were significantly better than those of judoka, it was concluded that any significant difference was not available for the differentiation ability.In conclusion, the findings of the study do not confirm our pre-research expectations. Once the related literature is examined, it is seen that there are many various results related with the coordinative abilities pertaining to different sports branches.