Men's Water Polo Research Articles

The impact of prior upper-extremity surgery on orthopedic injury and surgery in collegiate athletes

The influence of prior upper-extremity (UE) surgery on a collegiate athletic career is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of prior UE surgery on participation, injury, and surgery rates in collegiate athletes. Division I athletes who commenced collegiate athletics from 2003-2009 were retrospectively identified. Pre-participation evaluation forms were queried for the history of pre-collegiate UE surgery. Data on sport played, seasons played, injuries, days missed, and orthopedic imaging and surgical procedures were collected through athletic and medical records and compared with those of athletes without prior UE surgery. Subgroup analysis was performed for shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, and wrist and/or hand surgery. Between 2003 and 2009, 1145 athletes completed pre-participation evaluations. Of these athletes, 77 (6.7%) underwent at least 1 pre-collegiate UE surgical procedure. Prior UE surgery was most common in men's water polo (15.0%), baseball (14.9%), and football (12.6%). The UE surgery group had a higher rate of collegiate UE injury (hazard ratio, 4.127; P < .01) and missed more days per season because of UE injury (16.5 days vs. 6.7 days, P = .03) than controls. Athletes with prior shoulder surgery (n = 20) also experienced more UE injuries compared with controls (hazard ratio, 15,083; P = .02). They missed more days per season (77.5 days vs. 29.8 days, P < .01), underwent more magnetic resonance imaging scans (0.96 vs. 0.40, P < .01), and underwent more orthopedic surgical procedures per season (0.23 vs. 0.08, P < .01). The elbow subgroup and wrist and/or hand subgroup were comparable with controls on all measures. Collegiate athletes with prior shoulder surgery missed more days and underwent more magnetic resonance imaging scans and surgical procedures in college, whereas those with prior elbow surgical procedures and wrist and/or hand surgical procedures were comparable with controls.

An analysis of the diet of members of the Russian national men's water polo team during the sports training camps

Increasing the adaptive capacity of professional athletes depends on proper nutrition, especially in training and competitions' period. In this regard, it is relevant to study the actual nutrition and assess its compliance with the energy expenditure of athletes. The aim - to study the actual nutrition and energy expenditure of athletes from male water polo national team of the Russian Federation in the competitive period. Material and methods. In March 2018, 15 highly skilled sportsmen-men engaged in water polo were examined; qualification - 11 masters of sports, 4 candidates for the master of sports; Slavic ethnos. The average age was 23.1±0.6 years. The actual nutrition was studied by a 24-hour food record method and by the frequency method. The anthropometric examination was carried out according to a unified method using standard medical scales, a medical height meter and a rubberized measuring tape. Measurement of energy expenditure and heart rate at rest and under load was performed on a bicycle ergometer using an wireless ergospirometer and a chest pulse meter. Results and discussion. The determination of daily energy expenditure in athletes of the men's Russian national water polo team showed that the average value was 4350±129 kcal. А peculiar feature of the diet of water polo players is its high caloric value (5165±539 kcal/day), caused by energy expenditure during physical exertion and additional thermogenesis in conditions of long training in water. Excessive (1.5 times in comparison with the recommended values) consumption of fats, including saturated fatty acids by 1.3 times, added sugar and added salt is a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, diseases of digestive organs, endocrine system, including type 2 diabetes. Low values of consumption of vegetables and fruits, dairy products, fish products and high levels of sugar and confectionery have been established. Conclusion. The imbalance of diets on two basic nutrients (fats, carbohydrates) has been revealed. The data obtained were the basis for the formation of individual recommendations on nutrition for each athlete, taking into account athletes' metabolic parameters and the level of physical activity. It is necessary to continue studies of anthropometric indices in dynamics for the most adequate assessment of the compliance of actual nutrition with energy consumption, and further correction of the diet in order to improve athletes' performance.

Effects of Rule Changes on Game-Related Statistics in Men's Water Polo Matches.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rule changes on game-related statistics in men’s water polo matches. A total of 856 men’s matches played in all Olympic Games and World Championship since 1936 was analysed. The game-related statistics considered were: total goals, winners’ goals, losers’ goals, goals per minute, goals difference, relationship difference goals and total goals, and relationship difference goals and winners’ goals. The rule changes were grouped by structural (game and period) and functional changes (possession time, exclusion time, timing, minimum distance to take a direct shot). Differences between rule changes were determined using a one-way ANOVA. In general, the changes in water polo rules were shown to have an effect on the final result of the matches. There were differences in each rule change of duration (increased total goals and winners’ goals), period (increased total goals and winners’ goals), possession time (increased losers’ goals), timing (increased total, winners’, losers’, and decreased % goals and total goals) and fouls (increased total goals and losers’ goals). The analysis in game-related statistics through the rule changes could be used to evaluate their effects and/or justify future modifications.

Effects of Game Location, Quality of Opposition, and Starting Quarter Score in the Outcome of Elite Water Polo Quarters.

The notational analysis is used to investigate teams' performance in water polo, especially focused on the determinants of success. Recently, a new topic has emerged "the situational variables," which includes the game conditions that may influence the performance at a behavioral level. The aim of this study was to identify the interactive effects of starting quarter score (SQS) (i.e., score difference at the beginning of each quarter and at the final score) and game location (GL) (i.e., home and away teams) in relation to quality of opposition (i.e., positions of difference between opposing teams at the end-of-season rankings) in elite men's water polo games. Data comprised 528 games (n = 2,112 quarters) from the first Spanish water polo division. A linear regression analysis was applied to show the impact of SQS and GL in relation to quality of opposition (unbalanced and balanced) for quarter (all quarters, and second, third, and fourth quarters). Results showed that SQS has an important effect for all quarters (0.16) and for the second (0.14) and third (0.14) quarters in balanced games (whereas the fourth quarter has an unpredictable outcome), and for each quarter (all quarters: 0.33; second quarter: 0.55; third quarter: 0.44; fourth quarter: 0.26) in unbalanced games. In addition, GL effects emerged for balanced (0.31) and unbalanced (0.45) games for all quarters and specifically for the second quarter of the unbalanced games. Therefore, this study showed that the elite water polo game dynamics, indirectly providing a reference for coaches (i.e., effective tactical approach) and physical trainers (i.e., high performance intensities), plans to improve their players' performance.

The Impact of Prior Upper Extremity Surgery on Orthopaedic Injury and Surgery in Collegiate Athletes

Objectives:Upper extremity injuries are common in youth, collegiate, and professional athletics, and may require operative management. The influence of a prior upper extremity surgery on subsequent athletic participation, injury, and surgery in college is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of prior upper extremity surgery in Division I collegiate athletes on participation, injury rates, and surgery rates in college.Methods:Division I athletes who began participation in collegiate athletics from 2003 - 2009 were retrospectively identified. These athletes represented 21 sports teams at a single institution. Athletes with prior upper extremity orthopaedic surgery, including shoulder, elbow, and wrist/hand surgery, were identified through preparticipation evaluation forms. Sport, seasons played, injuries sustained during college, days missed, and college orthopaedic surgeries and diagnostic imaging were collected through sports archives, medical records, and the Sports Injury Monitoring System (SIMS) and compared to athletes with no prior history of upper extremity surgery. Subgroup analysis was performed for athletes with a history of shoulder, elbow, and wrist/hand surgeries.Results:Between 2003 and 2009, 1,145 athletes completed pre-participation evaluation forms. In total, 77 athletes (6.7%) had a history of one or more upper extremity surgeries prior to collegiate athletics. History of upper extremity surgery was most common in incoming men's water polo (15.0%), baseball (14.9%), and football (12.6%) athletes. Athletes with a prior upper extremity surgery had a higher rate of upper extremity injury in college compared to controls (Hazard Ratio = 4.127, p <0.01), and missed more days for upper extremity injuries per season (16.5 days vs. 6.7 days, p = 0.03). Athletes with a prior shoulder surgery (n=20) also had a higher rate of upper extremity injury in college compared to controls (Hazard Ratio= 15,083, p=0.02). They missed more total athletic days per season (77.5 days vs. 29.8 days, p <0.01), had more MRIs (0.96 vs. 0.40, p <0.01), and underwent more total orthopaedic surgeries per season in college compared to controls (0.23 vs. 0.08, p <0.01). Career length was not significantly different between athletes with a history of upper extremity surgery and control athletes.Conclusion:Collegiate athletes who had an upper extremity surgery prior to college had increased rates of upper extremity injury and missed more days due to upper extremity injury in college. Those with prior shoulder surgery additionally had more diagnostic imaging and orthopaedic surgery in college. Careful consideration of these athletes, particularly those who have had prior shoulder surgery, may be beneficial in the recruitment process. Moreover, athletes and athletic trainers should be made aware of the increased injury rates in this population, so that appropriate counseling and rehabilitation may be provided.

Effects of competition level on the centre forward role of men's water polo

This study aimed to compare specific technical and tactical indicators of the team and centre forward role of Euro League, and Italian Serie A1, Serie A2, and Serie B men's water polo club competitions. A notational analysis was performed on 21 water polo matches to evaluate the occurrence of technical and tactical team and centre forward indicators, highlighting differences among championships according to chi-square analyses. Differences emerged for Counterattack (P < 0.001) and Power-Play (P < 0.001) possessions, Even (P < 0.001; Euro League: 3 ± 1, Serie A1: 3 ± 2, Serie A2: 3 ± 2, Serie B: 6 ± 4) and Power-Play (P = 0.001) goals, and exclusions and penalties (P = 0.008) of the team during Even possessions. Relatively to the role analyses, effects emerged for perimeter players playing events (P = 0.049), as well as for centre forwards' goals (P = 0.007) and exclusions and penalties (P < 0.001; Euro League: 8 ± 1, Serie A1: 6 ± 2, Serie A2: 6 ± 2, Serie B: 3 ± 2) occurring at the end of Even possessions. Therefore, in Euro League, and Italian Serie A1 and Serie A2, teams perform a high occurrence of Power-Play possessions following up an exclusion, especially achieved by the centre forward during Even possessions, while, in Italian Serie B, goals were mostly scored during Even possessions, with a relevant contribution from the centre forward role.

Notational Analysis of American Women's Collegiate Water Polo Matches

Women's water polo is a relatively recent addition to the program of the Olympic Games, making its debut in 2000. Although technical and tactical aspects of men's water polo performance have been studied, there is a paucity of information on the women's competition. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the technical and tactical aspects of 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women's water polo matches in relation to 3 playing situations (Even, Counterattack, Power Play) and match outcome (winning and losing teams). The notational analysis included the following indicators: frequency of occurrence of the offensive actions, duration, players, passes, turnovers, exclusion and penalty achievement, goal, and origin and type of shot. Differences between winning and losing teams emerged for duration of actions (p = 0.024), number of players (p = 0.033), passes (p < 0.0001), exclusions and penalties achieved (p = 0.026), shots originating inside (p = 0.002) and outside (p = 0.002) the 5-m area, and occurrence of goals (p < 0.0001) during the Even situation; exclusions and penalties achieved (p = 0.029), shots following up fake (p = 0.049), and goals (p = 0.021) during the Counterattacks; and passes (p = 0.02), and goals (p = 0.003) during the Power-Play actions. In conclusion, winners showed a better ability to perform faster actions, with more effective passes leading to goals. Thus, women's water polo NCAA coaches and conditioners are encouraged to evaluate the studied technical and tactical parameters when analyzing game performances of their teams.

Notational Analysis of Elite and Sub-Elite Water Polo Matches

This study aimed at comparing elite (i.e., Euro League and Italian "Serie A1") and sub-elite (Italian "Serie B") matches. A notational analysis was performed on 17 men's water polo matches during the 2005-2006 season to evaluate the following technical and tactical parameters of the offensive play: frequency of occurrence of the actions; mean clock-time duration; mean number of players involved and passes; frequency of occurrence of the turnovers; and frequency of occurrence of the number, outcome, position, and type of the shots. All the indicators were analyzed in relation to even (i.e., equal number of offensive and defensive players), counterattack (i.e., higher number of offensive players than that of the defense), and power play (i.e., a team defending for 20 seconds without a player because of an exclusion foul) situations. A multivariate approach (multivariate analysis of variance) was applied to the playing situations (even, counterattack, and power play) as dependent variables and competition levels (Final Four of Euro League Championship, Serie A1 Championship, and Serie B Championship) as between factor (p < 0.05). Significant differences among competition levels emerged in (a) the frequency of occurrence of counterattack and power play actions, (b) the duration of even situations, (c) the mean number of players directly involved during power play actions, (d) the mean number of the passes during even and power play actions, (e) the frequency of occurrence of the shots during counterattack and power play actions, (f) the frequency of occurrence of goals during even actions, (g) the frequency of occurrence of shots originating from different zones of the court, and (h) the type of shots performed. The present results showed that the competition level has a relevant impact on the occurrence of technical and tactical indicators especially in relation to even, counterattack, and power play situations. Thus, notational analysis proved to be a valuable tool for better coaching through the interpretation of technical and tactical aspects of water polo in relation to its competition level.

Ocular Injury Rates in College Sports

To determine the rate of eye injury sustained in 12 college sports in order to assess whether there is a high risk of ocular eye injury in some sports. From the fall of 1990 through the spring of 2006 at an NCAA Division III college, all ocular injuries that occurred while participating in a varsity sport and reported to the training room were retrospectively analyzed to obtain an ocular injury rate per sport. This study included 5921 participants during a 16-yr period. During this time, 10 ocular injuries were sustained in five different sports. Five (50%) occurred while playing men's basketball, one (10%) in women's basketball, two (20%) in men's water polo, one (10%) in baseball, and one (10%) while playing women's soccer. The rate of ocular injury as a result of participation in baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, water polo, softball, or volleyball is very low. Hence, any discussion with athletes regarding the utility of eye protection while participating in any of these sports should focus on the athlete's past ocular history instead of the sport to be played.

Analysis of Performance for the Japan Men's Water Polo Team in the World Championships by Factor Analysis

The purposes of this study are to extract factors which compose a water polo team's performance and to determine the factors on the improvement of the Japanese men's water polo team. The posted results of 156 water polo games from 2001, 2003 and 2005 World Championships are analyzed. Factor analysis was carried out on various data including: the shots classified by attack patterns, the exclusions, the saves by goal keeper and the defense in 156 games which were released to web site. As a result, there exist seven factors representing dimensions of team performance. They are named as follows:”F1: defense ability in extra-man situations””F2: counter attack shot ability””F3: ability of center forward to force defender exclusions””F4: ability of center forward to get shots off””F5: outside shooting and drive shooting ability””F6: ability of field players to force exclusions””F7: saving ability of goal keeper”The analysis of these factors suggested that the improvement of Japan's team performance from 2001 to 2005 was a result of the center forward and goal keeper ability (F3 and F7) and the extra-man offense ability (F3) improving to a high level world standard.

Promoting Water Polo in Greece: Applying Marketing Theories and Techniques to Sport

The purpose of this paper is to present the theoretical conceptualisation that led to the communication improvements needed for water polo in Greece. The paper also studies the implementation process. The proposed improvements were: (a) arrangement of symbols on the Players' caps; (b) addition of team logo and name on players' caps; (c) redesign of players' caps; (d) addition of colour to players' caps; and (e) introduction of a full-body swimsuit. The result was that all but one (e) of the proposed modifications was implemented and adopted during the 1996-2000 National League periods of the Greek men's water polo Division A1.

Three-dimensional cinematographic analysis of water polo throwing in elite performers.

Thirteen members of the United States Men's Water Polo Team were filmed using two synchronized cameras while shooting at a goal. Three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of the throwers' shoulder, elbow, wrist, and the ball were used to estimate elbow angle, elbow angular velocity, and ball velocity at release. Ball release velocities ranged from 14.5 to 25.8 m/sec, with peak elbow angular velocities averaging 1137 degrees/sec. Peak elbow angular velocity typically was reached just prior (x = 28 msec) to release as the elbow approached full extension. Results are significant in establishing the efficacy of 3D techniques in evaluating throwing mechanics and may prove useful in: identifying characteristics of superior performers, assessing differences in throwing technique between injured and non-injured populations, and providing a kinematic data base for further studies of throwing kinetics and potential injury mechanisms.