Medicine Ball Throw Research Articles

A Reliable Testing Battery for Assessing Physical Qualities of Elite Academy Rugby League Players.

Dobbin, N, Hunwicks, R, Highton, J, and Twist, C. A reliable testing battery for assessing physical qualities of elite academy rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3232-3238, 2018-This study assessed the interday reliability of a testing battery for the assessment of physical qualities of rugby league players. Fifty players (age 17.1 ± 1.1 years; stature 181.3 ± 6.3 cm; and body mass 89.0 ± 11.6 kg) from 3 Super League academies participated in this study. Tests of countermovement jump performance, 10- and 20-m sprint performance, change of direction, medicine ball throw, and a modified Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (prone Yo-Yo IR1) were completed on 3 separate occasions. Between-day intraclass correlation coefficient, typical error (TE), coefficient of variation, and the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) were calculated to determine the reliability and sensitivity of each measure. Individual tests (except medicine ball throw) were not systematically different between trials (p > 0.05), with an interday variability that was <10%. In all instances, the TE was larger than the calculated SWC change, although variability was less than that typically observed after a training intervention or specific training period (i.e. preseason). Using a magnitude-based inference approach, we present the required change for all performance tests to be 75% confident and the change is beneficial. This simple and time efficient testing battery is sufficiently reliable to detect previously observed changes in a range of physical qualities of rugby league players.

Characteristics of Muscle Power and Agility in Top-Level Junior Soft Tennis Players

This study examined the characteristics, such as muscle power and agility, of top-level junior soft tennis players. 36Japanese top-level junior (under-14) boys soft tennis players (age 13.4 ± 0.8 years，height 165.0 ± 9.7cm，andweight 53.9 ± 11.1 kg) with experience in international meet participation and 25 junior boys soft tennis players(age 13.1 ± 0.7 years，height 158.2 ± 9.5cm，weight 47.0 ± 8.2 kg) with experience in prefectural meetparticipation were the subjects of this study. Medicine ball (2 kg) throws to the right or left by trunk rotation andforward and backward by trunk extension (exercises recommended by Japan’s soft tennis association) were selectedto evaluate the muscle power of the subjects. Side step, spider, and front–back shuttle run tests (used by an Americantennis association) were selected to test the agility of the subjects. The top-level athletes were significantly superiorto the other junior players in the forward medicine ball throw, side step, and spider tests. These results suggest thatmuscle power in the forward direction and agility when moving to the right, left or diagonal direction are moredeveloped in top-level soft tennis players than in other players.

Acute Oral Ingestion of a Multi-ingredient Preworkout Supplement Increases Exercise Performance and Alters Postexercise Hormone Responses: A Randomized Crossover, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Multi-ingredient preworkout supplements (MIPS) are marketed as a means to increase exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a single serving of Bang Pre-Workout Master Blaster (BMB) on upper- and lower-body power output and local muscular endurance. Ten resistance-trained males participated in two exercise testing sessions consisting of the vertical jump (VJ), seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), and local muscular endurance tests for the bench press (BP) and leg extension (LE) exercises at 70% of one-repetition maximum. Participants consumed placebo (PLA) or BMB 30 minutes prior to each exercise session. No difference between trials was observed for SMBT distance or BP repetitions. Vertical jump (p = .006) and LE repetitions (p = .014) were greater for the BMB trial compared with placebo. A significant interaction between trial and time was observed for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1; p = .044). Serum IGF-1 was significantly increased at both 30 PS (p = .004) and 30PX (p = .038) compared with BL for the BMB trial only. In conclusion, acute ingestion of BMB increased lower-body power and endurance as measured by the VJ and LE repetition tests, respectively, without altering hemodynamics. Furthermore, serum IGF-1 increased in response to acute exercise with BMB supplementation, but not with PLA. No differences in human growth hormone (HGH) or serum cortisol responses were observed between trials.

Talent Classification of Motoric Parameters with Support Vector Machine

Aim: In recent years, the methods of analysis of data science have started to be used frequently in talent selection in sports and the evaluation of athletes. Based on the motor and physical measurements of the future athletes, determining which sports branch they are prone to is important in terms of training and resource planning. Within the scope of this study, it was aimed to propose a classification system to determine which sports branches the participants are suitable for, based on motor and physical measurements. Material and Methods: Measurements of height, arm span, body weight, 20-meter sprint test, vertical jump height, 1 kg medicine ball throw, back strength, hand grip strength, flexibility test and standing long jump values [mk1] were recorded with the contribution of 1240 participants who are 9 years old. Afterwards, grouping procedures were carried out with classification methods based on Support Vector Machines (SVM). Radial based functions are used as kernel functions of SVM. The results of evaluations made by consulting expert opinion beforehand were accepted as actual values, compared with the classification results and the performances of the classifiers were calculated. Within the scope of this study, participants were classified into four as rapidity branch (E), strength branch (F), height branch (G) and other group (H). Results: The accuracy values of classification of support vector machines were found ranging from 96% to 100% in each class, and 98% in average. Minimum value of sensitivity was found to be 93% while it was 99% in maximum. On the other hand , precision varied between 92% and 100%. Conclusion: In the light of the information provided, successful classification of the test dataset using the model that is formed by the training dataset, points out a possible high classification accuracy of big test datasets even in the use of a small dataset in the training phase.

MOTOR AND POSTURAL EFFECTS OF BODY MASS DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS IN POLAND.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate physical fitness and body posture in underweight children aged 6 years. &#x0D; Methods: The study examined 883 children aged six years, including 438 girls and 445 boys. The BMI values were used to divide the study group into two subgroups of participants, with normal weight and those underweight. Physical fitness was evaluated using a test made of 5 tests. Body posture was examined using a visual assessment method for selected parameters of body posture. &#x0D; Results: Compared to peers with normal BMI, underweight children obtained significantly poorer results in the following physical fitness tests: sit-and-reach (boys), standing long jump (boys), medicine ball throw (boys, girls). In terms of body posture, significant differences between the subgroups with reduced height-to-weight ratio were observed in shoulder and scapulae positions in the sagittal plane (girls and boys), degree of thoracic kyphosis (girls) and shape of cervical-acromial angles and waist triangles (boys) in the frontal plane. Furthermore, underweight children obtained significantly better results in convexity of abdominal wall and the axis of lower limbs (girls and boys). &#x0D; Conclusions: Some positive and negative motor and postural effects of body weight deficiency were observed in children aged 6 years.

Correlation Between Upper Body Balance, Muscle Strength, and Power in Cricketers Belonging to Different Age Groups

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess correlation between variables of upper body balance, muscular strength, and power in cricketers belonging to different age groups. MethodsForty-eight healthy male cricketers (26 adolescents aged 14-17 years and 22 adults aged 18-25 years) were recruited from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. After a warm-up, the participants underwent Upper Quarter Y Balance Test, backward overhead medicine ball throw test, and back-strength testing in a random order. ResultsValues of the Pearson correlation coefficient for muscle strength and upper body power were found to be 0.397 and 0.499 for adolescent and adult cricketers, respectively. Correlation coefficient values for upper body balance and strength range from -0.008 to 0.05 and 0.325 to 0.414 and for upper body balance and power range from 0.059 to 0.062 and 0.133 to 0.153 for adolescent and adult cricketers, respectively. ConclusionStatistically significant, moderate-sized correlations were demonstrated between muscular strength and upper body power in adolescent and adult cricketers. However, no correlations existed between upper body balance and power and upper body balance and muscular strength in these athletes.

Does stroke performance in amateur tennis players depend on functional power generating capacity?

Physical preparation is becoming more important in amateur tennis player training programs. Yet, when studying stroke performance in these players, there is a lack of evidence on the role of functional power generating capacity. The aim of the study was therefore to determine whether functional power generating capacity correlates with speed and accuracy of forehand and backhand groundstrokes in amateur players. We also studied the correlation with handgrip strength as a more classical measurement of general muscle strength. A total of 21 male amateur players, aged 33.7±4.6 with 17.1±6.7 years of play, were tested. They performed a medicine ball side throw test, a handgrip dynamometer test, and a stroke performance test. Distance of the medicine ball throw on the dominant side positively correlated to the speed of the fastest forehand (r=0.52; P=0.017) and backhand accuracy (r=0.49; P=0.024). There was also a correlation between the handgrip strength on the dominant side and the speed of the fastest forehand (r=0.52, P=0.019). We concluded that groundstroke performance in amateur tennis players depends on functional power generating capacity, but that it is not the principal contributing factor.

RELATIONSHIP AMONG HEIGHT, EXPLOSIVE POWER AND SHOULDER STRENGTH ON SMASHING ACCURACY IN MALE BADMINTON PLAYERS

Background: Badminton is one of the most popular racquet sports in the world. Into badminton, there are six basic strokes. Among these strokes, the most classical and powerful offending badminton technique used by the player to defeat the opponent is smashing. The Increase in height cans increments the number of positions in which an aggressive shot can be used. In badminton leg explosive power is a significant component and it results in the athlete being capable of moving instantly and constantly towards various directions of the shuttle and helping in lifting off the floor to play overhead strokes and Shoulder strength is a muscle’s capacity to bury the resistant to execute a shoot. So higher the shoulder strength greater the velocity of smash, also the strength of the stroke could affect its path. The smashing is quite dependent on height, explosive power and shoulder strength. The relationship between these predictors and criterion variable are highly related and should be analyzed. Objective: Find out Relationship among Height, Explosive Power and Shoulder Strength on Smashing Accuracy in Male Badminton Players. Methods: This was a correlational study. Total 60 athletes were selected for the study. Three main predictor variables were measured – Height was measured by Stadiometer, Explosive power was measured by vertical jump and shoulder strength was measured by overhead medicine ball throw. Criterion variable – smashing accuracy, was measured by taking six consecutive smashes on a marked badminton court. Result: Analysis of the data showed that height was statistically significantly correlated with smashing accuracy at a significant level, but explosive power and shoulder strength not significantly correlated.(p < 0.05) Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that there exists a correlation between height and smashing accuracy in male Badminton players. Therefore, while selecting badminton players for the team during competitive events, Height would also be taken into consideration along with the sporting technique. Article visualizations:

Improved Functional Power Over a 5-Week Period: Comparison of Combined Weight Training to Flexible Barbell Training.

Caterisano, A, Hutchison, R, Parker, C, James, S, and Opskar, S. Improved functional power over a 5-week period: Comparison of combined weight training with flexible barbell training. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2109-2115, 2018-Previous studies demonstrated increased power development with various resistance-training modes over short training periods of 4-7 weeks through neuromuscular adaptations. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 different power-training regimens over a 5-week period: combined weight training program (CT) using speed-lifts and plyometrics vs. flexible barbell (FB) training. College football players (n = 28) were randomly assigned to either FB or CT training groups. The CT group followed a combined weight training program using 45-65% of 1 repetition maximum, and the FB group used an FB with a fixed mass of 56.82 kg for all lifts. Both groups performed similar lifts 4 days per week in a split routine, alternating muscle groups. Subjects were tested before and after the training period by the vertical jump (VJ), long jump, medicine ball (MB) throw, and Margaria-Kalamen stair power test. Pre- to post-tests, both groups experienced significant increases in VJ (CT: 57.9 ± 8.9 to 64.5 ± 7.9 cm, FB: 68.1 ± 6.9 to 74.9 ± 6.6 cm) and MB (CT: 513.3 ± 69.3 to 594.9 ± 78.2 cm, FB: 510.0 ± 41.4 to 613.9 ± 52.6 cm) that were not significantly different between training modes. Long jump improved significantly only in FB (248.4 ± 23.1 to 254.3 ± 24.6 cm) and not in CT. The Margaria-Kalamen stair power test result improved in both groups but FB improved at a significantly higher level than CT (CT: 40.6 ± 2.3 to 44.3 ± 2.2 W, FB: 41.0 ± 1.7 to 48.8 ± 1.8 W). The results suggest that both FB and CT training improved power over a 5-week training period, but that FB training may be more effective than CT in lower-body power development.

Analysis of the Effects of Sex and Age on Upper- and Lower-Body Power for Law Enforcement Agency Recruits Before Academy Training.

Lockie, RG, Dawes, JJ, Orr, RM, Stierli, M, Dulla, JM, and Orjalo, AJ. Analysis of the effects of sex and age on upper- and lower-body power for law enforcement agency recruits before academy training. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1968-1974, 2018-Power is an important characteristic for law enforcement officers. Tasks such as carrying or dragging a civilian to safety, jumping or vaulting, and suspect restraint and pursuit require power to be effective. Certain recruits may be lacking in these qualities even if they have been accepted to a law enforcement agency (LEA). This study investigated upper- and lower-body power in male and female LEA recruits, and recruits of different ages, before academy training. Retrospective analysis of recruit data from one LEA was conducted. The measurements were: vertical jump (VJ) height; peak anaerobic power calculated by the Sayers equation; power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM); seated medicine ball throw (MBT) distance; and MBT distance relative to body mass. Independent-sample t-tests were used to compare the sexes, whereas a 1-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc compared the pooled data for recruits across different age groups (20-24; 25-29; 30-34; and 35+ years). The male recruits demonstrated superior performance across all power tests compared with the female recruits (p < 0.001). Regarding age, the 35+ year group performed less than optimally in the VJ and P:BM compared with the 20-24 and 24-29 years groups, and in the relative MBT compared with the 20-24 and 30-34 years groups (p = 0.003-0.037). Despite being accepted to a LEA, female recruits and recruits aged 35+ years of age may be lacking in upper- and lower-body power. Female and older recruits should participate in strength and power training before academy attendance to maintain or enhance these qualities.

NORMS CONSTRUCTION AND GRADING FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST ITEMS

The present study was conducted to construct norms for selected physical fitness test items of handball players. For the purpose of the present study, fourty eight (N=48), male Handball players of Panjab University, Chandigarh between the age group of 18-25 years were selected as subjects. The Muscular Strength was measured by Handgrip Strength Test, Muscular Power was measured by Vertical Jump Test, Muscular Endurance was measured by Pull-Up Test, Running Speed was measured by 20-Meter Dash, Running Agility was measured by Illinois Agility Test, Jumping Ability was measured by Standing Long Jump Test, Throwing Ability was measured by Overhead Medicine Ball Throw Test, Flexibility was measured by Sit and Reach Flexibility Test and Balance was measured by Stork Balance Stand Test. The data, which was collected by administering tests, was statistically treated to develop for all the test items. In order to construct the norms, Percentile Scale was used. Further, the scores were classified into five grades i.e., very good, good, average, poor and very poor. In Muscular Strength, the mean score was 49.562 and standard deviation score was 3.679. In Muscular Power, the mean score was 48.062 and standard deviation score was 2.276. In Muscular Endurance, the mean score was 6.958 and standard deviation score was 1.098. In Running Speed, the mean score was 4.6354 and standard deviation score was 0.143. In Running Agility, the mean score was 17.606 and standard deviation was 0.834. In Jumping Ability, the mean score was 2.7260 and standard deviation was 0.415. In Throwing Ability, the mean score was 13.562 and standard deviation score was 0.976. In Flexibility, the mean score was 4.625 and standard deviation score was 0.832. In Balance, the mean score was 46.354 and standard deviation score was 1.561of Panjab University, Chandigarh. Article visualizations:

Obesity and physical fitness indices of children aged 5-12 years living on remote and isolated islands.

Obesity has become one of the major health risks in childhood, significantly affecting children's health and physical fitness. Although the marked increase of obesity in urban areas is well established, evidence is limited in remote and isolated areas with adverse socioeconomic features. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of obesity and its association with physical performance indices in young school-aged children living in 18 remote and isolated Greek islands. Four hundred and sixty-three children (244 boys, 219 girls), aged 5-12 years underwent a series of physical fitness tests including 20 m sprint, standing long jump, 1 kg medicine ball throw, agility T-test and sit-and-reach test. Age and gender BMI cut-off points were determined according to World Health Organisation (WHO) norms. The prevalence of obesity was 23.8% and 13.2% for boys and girls, respectively. A negative body mass index (BMI) main effect was observed for weight-bearing activities, such as 20 m sprint (F=6.21, p=0.000, &eta;2=0.041) and standing long jump (F=11.369, p=0.000, &eta;2=0.074), while medicine ball throw was positively correlated with BMI in children aged 9-12 years. The results of this study confirmed previous findings on obesity prevalence in Greece. A negative association was also found between BMI and physical fitness indices and, in particular, in weight-bearing activities. It is critical to establish physical education interventions and physical fitness programs at schools, aiming to increase motivation for physical activity participation.

BIOLOGICAL MATURATION AND MUSCULAR STRENGTH: MEDIATION ANALYSIS IN PREPUBESCENT GIRLS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Biological maturation has been related to the level of physical activity and motor competence of children. Objectives: This study aimed to: 1) analyze the association between biological maturation and performance in muscular strength tests and 2) examine whether the relationship between maturation and performance in physical tests is mediated by anthropometric variables. Method: The sample was composed of 71 eight-year-old Brazilian girls. Anthropometry considered stature, body mass, waist circumference, estimated fat mass and fat-free mass. Biological maturation was assessed based on the percentage of predicted adult stature. The physical tests consisted of 2-kg medicine ball throw, handgrip strength, sit-ups and standing long jump. Pearson’s correlation test was conducted between the study variables and the last stage consisted of a causal mediation analysis. Results: Biological maturation was significantly associated with the 2-kg medicine ball throw (r=0.52) and handgrip strength (r=0.42) tests. In the 2-kg medicine ball throw, the relationship with maturation was mediated by body mass (total mediation, Sobel’s Test = 2.214, p&lt;0.05) and by estimated lean mass (total mediation; Sobel’s Test = 3.146, p&lt;0.001). In the handgrip strength test, body mass was the only mediating variable (total mediation; Sobel’s Test = 2.251, p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Advanced maturational status appears to contribute to the performance of prepubescent girls in muscular strength tests in which there is no translocation of total or partial body mass. It is recommended that studies be conducted in other age groups. Level of Evidence III; Study of nonconsecutive patients; without consistently applied reference ‘‘gold’’ standard.

Performance Factors Related to Throwing Distance in Collegiate Track Athletes

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify potential correlations between upper and lower body power, balance, flexibility, and body composition in relation to actual throwing performance in collegiate throwers. METHODS: 12 collegiate throwers (8 male, 4 female; minimum of 4 years of experience) performed a series of functional tests and a competition level throw. Participants performed a brief warm up prior to each test. Upper body power was determined using a seated medicine ball throw (9kg male, 6kg female) performed laying on a bench at a 45° incline. Lower body power and reaction time were measured using a vertical jump mat (Probotics Inc, Hunstville, AL) which provided jump height, ground reaction time, and an overall power factor (OPF). Balance was assessed during single leg trials for each leg on a Biodex balance system (Biodex Medical Systems Inc., Shirley, NY). Flexibility was assessed by sit and reach. Body composition was measured by means of air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod; Cosmed USA Inc. Concord, CA). Functional testing results were compared to actual competition throws, which took place at a sanctioned meet within 3 days of testing. Comparisons between functional tests and competition throws were made using Pearson’s R (linear) and Spearman’s Rho (nonlinear) tests to identify correlations. RESULTS: Nonlinear correlations were found between throwing distance and body fat percentage (rho=-0.699; p=0.011), and OPF (rho=0.609; p=0.047). Linear correlations were found between throwing distance and overall lead leg stability (r=0.701; p=0.011), and lead leg medial/lateral stability (r=0.688; p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that body fat percentage, lower body power, and lead leg stability are each correlated with throwing distance. Improvements in these areas could lead to improvements in overall throwing distances in collegiate throwers.

The Effects of 10-week Integrated Neuromuscular Training on Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Self-efficacy in 6-7-Year-Old Children.

Duncan, MJ, Eyre, ELJ, and Oxford, SW. The effects of 10-week integrated neuromuscular training on fundamental movement skills and physical self-efficacy in 6-7-year-old children. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3348-3356, 2018-Integrated neuromuscular training (INT) has been suggested as an effective means to enhance athletic potential in children. However, few studies have reported the effects of school-based INT programs. This study examined the effect of INT on process and product fundamental movement skill measures and physical self-efficacy in 6-7-year-old children. Ninety-four children from 2 primary schools were randomized into either a 10-week INT program or a control group (CON) (n = 41). Results indicated significantly greater increases in process fundamental movement skill (FMS) scores in INT vs. CON (p = 0.001). For product measures of FMS, 10-m sprint time, counter movement jump, seated medicine ball throw and standing long jump (all p = 0.001), all significantly increased to a greater extent in the INT group vs. CON. A significant group (INT vs. CON) × time (pre vs. post) × gender interaction for physical self-efficacy revealed increased physical self-efficacy pre to post INT, compared with CON but only for boys (p = 0.001). For girls, physical self-efficacy was not significantly different before to after the 10-week period for INT and CON groups. The results of this study suggest that replacing 1 of the 2 weekly statutory physical education (PE) lessons with an INT program over a 10-week period results in positive improvements in fundamental movement skill quality and outcomes in 6-7-year-old children. Integrated neuromuscular training also appears to increase physical self-esteem to a greater extent than statutory PE but only in boys.

Upper-Extremity Functional Performance Tests: Reference Values for Overhead Athletes.

This study aimed to provide an age, gender and sport-based normative database for three functional shoulder tests: Y Balance Test - Upper Quarter (YBT-UQ), Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), and Seated Medicine Ball Throw (SMBT). A second aim was to discuss gender, age and sports differences. Finally, correlation between tests was evaluated. Overhead athletes (106 male, 100 female) between 18 and 50 years old and from three different sports (volleyball, tennis, handball) performed all functional tests. A linear mixed or regression model was applied to determine significant differences in test scores between gender, age and sports. Pearson correlation coefficients were analyzed to determine the relationship between tests. Normative values were established and divided by gender, sports and age. Results showed significant gender and age differences for all tests. For YBT-UQ, also significant side and sports differences were recorded. CKCUEST is moderately correlated with SMBT and YBT-UQ. Weak correlation was found between SMBT and YBT-UQ. In conclusion, this study provides normative data for YBT-UQ, CKCUEST and SMBT, which is clinically relevant for functionally screening overhead athletes and benchmark their performance to others from the same gender, age and sports. A combination of included tests is recommended.

Sequencing Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Fitness in Youth Elite Tennis Players.

Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Granacher, U, Sanz-Rivas, D, Sarabia Marín, JM, Hernandez-Davo, JL, and Moya, M. Sequencing effects of neuromuscular training on physical fitness in youth elite tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 849-856, 2018-The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 5-week neuromuscular training (NMT) implemented before or after a tennis session in prepubertal players on selected components of physical fitness. Sixteen high-level tennis players with a mean age of 12.9 ± 0.4 years participated in this study, and were assigned to either a training group performing NMT before tennis-specific training (BT; n = 8) or a group that conducted NMT after tennis-specific training (AT; n = 8). Pretest and posttest included: speed (5, 10, and 20 m); modified 5-0-5 agility test; countermovement jump (CMJ); overhead medicine ball throw (MBT); and serve velocity (SV). Results showed that the BT group achieved positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in speed (d = 0.52, 0.32, and 1.08 for 5, 10, and 20 m respectively), 5-0-5 (d = 0.22), CMJ (d = 0.29), MBT (d = 0.51), and SV (d = 0.32), whereas trivial (10 m, 20 m, CMJ, SV, and MBT) or negative effects (d = -0.19 and -0.24 for 5 m and 5-0-5, respectively) were reported for the AT group. The inclusion of an NMT session before the regular tennis training led to positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in performance-related variables (i.e., jump, sprint, change of direction capacity, as well as upper-body power), whereas conducting the same exercise sessions after the regular tennis training was not accompanied by the same improvements.

NORMS AND GRADES UNDER NORMAL DISTRIBUTION FOR BASIC MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF FREESTYLE WRESTLING PLAYER

The aim of this study was to construct norms for Basic Movement Patterns of Freestyle Wrestling Player. Fifty five, male Freestyle Wrestling Player of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar between the age group of 19-25 years volunteered to participate in the study. The 20 Meter Dash Test was used to measure Running Speed, Illinois Agility Test was used to measure Running Agility, Standing Long Jump Test was used to measure Jumping Ability and Overhead Medicine Ball Throw Test was used to measure Throwing Ability. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows version 16.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). In order to construct the norms, Percentile Scale was used. Further, the scores were classified into five grades (i.e., very good, good, average, poor and very poor). In Running Speed, the scores below 5.149 are considered very poor, from about 4.837-5.49 is considered poor, 4.213-4.837 is considered average, 4.213-3.901 is considered good and the scores above 3.901 are considered very good. In Running Agility, the scores below 17.54 are considered very poor, from about 16.896-17.54 is considered poor, 15.608-16.896 is considered average, 15.608-14.964 is considered good and the scores above 14.964 are considered very good. In Jumping Ability, the scores below 218 are considered very poor, from about 224.409-218 is considered poor, 224.409-237.227 is considered average, 237.227-243.636 is considered good and the scores above 243.636 are considered very good. In Throwing Ability, the scores below 8.983 are considered very poor, from about 10.582-8.983 is considered poor, 10.582-13.78 is considered average, 13.78-15.379 is considered good and the scores above 15.379 are considered very good. Article visualizations:

Construct validity of the resistance training skills battery in children aged 7-10 years

ABSTRACTThe current study sought to examine the construct validity of the Resistance Training Skills Battery for Children (RTSBc), a movement screen purported to assess resistance training skill in children. Children aged 7–10 years (n = 27, 21 males, 6 females) undertook measures of resistance training skill via the RTSBc, motor competence and muscular fitness. Using a median split for RTSBc scores, children were categorised as high or low resistance training competence. Univariate ANCOVAs, controlling for maturation, were used to examine whether measures of muscular fitness and motor competence scores differed as a function of RTSBc competence. Children who were classified as high for resistance training competence had significantly better motor competence (P = .001) and significantly faster 10 m sprint speed (P = .001). However, medicine ball throw and standing long jump scores as well as peak and average isokinetic muscle strength did not differ as a function of RTSBc (P > 0.05). In all cases maturation was significant as a covariate. This study is the first to demonstrate construct validity of the RTSBc as a measure of general motor competence and sprint speed, but not strength, in children aged 7–10 years.

Self-Perceived and Actual Motor Competence in Young British Children.

Children's perception of their own motor competence is an important correlate of their actual motor competence. The current study is the first to examine this association in British children and the first to use both product and process measures of actual motor competence. A total of 258 children (139 boys and 119 girls; aged 4 to 7 years, Mean = 5.6, SD = .96) completed measures of self-perceived motor competence using the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Competence in Young Children. Children were classified as "Low," "Medium," or "High" perceived competence based on tertile analysis. Actual motor competence was assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (a process measure) and a composite of 10-m sprint run time, standing long jump distance, and 1-kg seated medicine ball throw (collectively, a product measure). Data for process and product measures were analyzed using a 2 (sex) × 3 (high, medium, low perceived competence) analysis of covariance, with body mass index, calculated from height and mass, and age controlled. Boys obtained significantly higher scores than girls for both the process ( p = .044) and product ( p = .001) measures of actual motor competence. Boys had significantly ( p = .04) higher scores for perceived competence compared to girls. Compared to children classified as medium and high self-perceived competence, children classified as low self-perceived competence had lower process ( p = .001) and product scores (i.e., medium, p = .009 and high, p = .0001) of actual motor competence. Age ( p = .0001) and body mass index ( p = .0001) were significantly associated with product motor competence. Strategies to enhance actual motor competence may benefit children's self-perceived motor competence.