Athletic Training Research Articles

Comparisons of tactical and technical performance factors between winners and non-winners in Para Taekwondo: A comprehensive analysis of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyse the differences in tactical and technical elements between winners and non-winners and identify key strategic and technical elements contributing to performance in Para Taekwondo. Notational analysis was used to achieve these objectives, and 78 Para Taekwondo matches (36 men’s matches and 42 women’s matches) from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics were analysed. The recorded videos were analysed using Adobe Premiere Pro software (version 24.2) with a frame-by-frame analysis of 0.033 seconds. The main results are: a) winners had significantly higher kick-to-score ratios compared to non-winners (male: 38.3 ± 17.37% vs. 19.4 ± 11.95%, p < .001; female: 32.7 ± 18.17% vs. 11.0 ± 7.72%, p < .001); b) winners had fewer attack attempts but higher scoring efficiency; c) non-winners used the front leg more frequently (male: 43.2% vs. 39.7%, p < .05; female: 47.5% vs. 42.7%, p < .001); d) logistic regression analysis showed that kick-to-score ratio significantly impacted match outcomes for both male (OR = 1.10, p < .001) and female athletes (OR = 1.19, p < .001), while offensive frequency negatively impacted female athletes’ match outcomes (OR = 0.89, p = .002). This study emphasizes the importance of scoring efficiency and strategic defensive actions, consistent with patterns in Olympic Taekwondo. It provides insights for enhancing athlete training and match strategy in combat sports, enriching the understanding of Para Taekwondo.

Ventricular arrhythmias in association with athletic cardiac remodelling.

Athletes are predisposed to atrial arrhythmias but the association between intense endurance exercise training, ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death is less well established. Thus, it is unclear whether the 'athlete's heart' promotes specific arrhythmias or whether it represents a more general pro-arrhythmogenic phenotype. Whilst direct causality has not been established, it appears possible that repeated exposure to high-intensity endurance exercise in some athletes contributes to formation of pro-arrhythmic cardiac phenotypes that underlie VAs. Theories regarding potential mechanisms for exercise-induced VAs include repeated bouts of myocardial inflammation and stretch-induced cellular remodelling. Small animal models provide some insights, but larger animal and human data are sparse. The current clinical approach to VAs in athletes is to differentiate those with and without structural or electrical heart disease. However, if the athlete's heart involves a degree of pro-arrhythmogenic remodelling, then this may not be such a simple dichotomy. Questions are posed by athletes with VAs in combination with extreme remodelling. Some markers, such as scar on magnetic resonance imaging, may point toward a less benign phenotype but are also quite common in ostensibly healthy athletes. Other clinical and invasive electrophysiology features may be helpful in identifying the at-risk athlete. This review seeks to discuss the association between athletic training and VAs. We will discuss the potential mechanisms, clinical significance and approach to the management of athletes with VAs.

Pre-exercise ingestion of a low glycaemic index rice-based mixed meal increases fat oxidation and endurance running performance in a hot-humid environment.

Relative to exercise in a thermoneutral environment, there is only limited evidence demonstrating that a low glycaemic index (LGI) pre-exercise meal can enhance endurance exercise performance in a hot-humid (HH) condition. Also, previous studies predominantly utilised Western-based and single food items, with minimal focus on Asian-based mixed meals. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-exercise LGI and high glycaemic index (HGI) rice-based mixed meals on endurance performance among acclimatised trained athletes in HH condition (32°C, 65% relative humidity). Twelve native-born endurance-trained male runners (age 22.0 ± 5.8 years; peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak) 64.2 ± 5.5 mL.kg-1.min-1) completed two trials consisting of 45-min steady-state (SS) run at 70% V̇O2peak followed by 10 km performance run (TT10km). Three hours before exercise, participants consumed an isocaloric rice-based mixed meals containing either LGI (GI=47) or HGI (GI=80), providing 1.3 g of carbohydrate (CHO) per kg of body mass. Participants ran faster during TT10km after consuming the LGI meal compared to the HGI meal (LGI: 55.18 ± 1.22 vs. HGI: 57.03 ± 2.25 min, p = 0.010). End rectal temperature did not significantly differ between trials (LGI: 39.16 ± 0.74 vs. HGI: 38.95 ± 0.46°C, p = 0.352). Fat oxidation was higher during the SS run in the LGI compared to the HGI trial (LGI: 0.19 ± 0.05 vs. HGI: 0.13 ± 0.19 g.min-1, p = 0.001). This study demonstrated that, relative to HGI, consuming a pre-exercise LGI rice-based mixed meal enhanced endurance performance in HH environment among acclimatised trained male athletes.

Research on motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image analysis

Muscle training is an important part of athletes’ physical training. Its goal is to keep athletes in high intensity and improve sports performance in physical training. With the continuous improvement of the level of competitive sports, there are still many problems in the training of competitive athletes. The research on the control strategies of some technical movements in the process of athletes’ muscle development would help to improve the efficiency and effect of athletes’ training. By analyzing and quant description of muscle movement control process based on blockchain and visual image processing technology, the muscle movement control rule is discussed and then a complete movement database is constructed. At the same time, combined with the sports experiment method and cognitive behavioral theory, this paper analyzed the exercise load, exercise time allocation, muscle training time allocation methods and the corresponding muscle training strategy selection methods under different muscle states, providing theoretical basis for athletes to conduct muscle strength training scientifically and efficiently. This paper first analyzed the importance of athletes’ muscle training action control. After that, the research was mainly carried out from the following two aspects. The first is to analyze the motion control strategy of athlete muscle training based on blockchain and visual image, and summarize its characteristics. The second is to use electronic imaging technology to analyze the data related to posture control in athletes’ muscle training, and explore the characteristics and changes of muscle posture. At last, this paper put forward relevant algorithms about visual images and conducted experimental research on athletes’ physical indicators and performance under different muscle training according to the research in this paper. It was concluded that the score ratio of athletes’ performance after muscle training action control was 7.39% higher than that of general muscle training. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the research of movement technology in muscle training and analyze the influence of some training control strategies on the development of athletes’ muscles in training.

Research on the Development Dilemma and Path of the Commercial Operation Mode of High-Level Sports Events in China under the Background of New Quality Productivity

This paper deeply discusses the development dilemma and the potential breakthrough path encountered by the commercial operation mode of high-level sports events in China under the background of the emerging concept of new quality productivity. Through detailed analysis of the core essence of new productivity and its diversified application in the sports industry, such as information technology in live broadcast and data analysis, biotechnology in the scientific application of athletes training and recovery, and new material technology in sports equipment innovation, this paper comprehensively examines the present situation of high level sports commercial operation in China. On this basis, the paper further analyzes the current challenges in policy environment, management experience, product development and profit distribution, and at the same time also reveals the new opportunities brought by new quality productivity for the commercialization of sports events. Finally, in view of the above difficulties, this paper puts forward a series of forward-looking and operable optimization paths, aiming to promote the commercial operation mode of high-level sports events in China to a more mature and efficient direction.

Implementation of innovative technologies in the training process of martial artists

Purpose: to establish leading directions for the implementation of innovative technologies in the practical activities of coaches and athletes in martial arts. Material and methods. A systematic review of scientific publications for the period from 2020 to 2024 related to the application of innovations in the sports field was carried out. The search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases using the following keywords: «innovative technologies», «digital technologies», «sports», «training», «martial arts». The search was conducted by article titles. Full-text articles of a practical or review nature were analyzed. Results: it was established that the use of innovative technologies in the training of martial artists is an important component of the modernization of the training process. It contributes to improving the organization and control of training, increasing their effectiveness, forming training programs using remote technologies. This helps to create flexible training programs and predict their effectiveness. As a result of the bibliographic analysis of relevant studies, it was established that the key directions of the introduction of innovative technologies in the process of training martial artists are: digitization of individual components of training activities of athletes; introduction of technologies based on artificial intelligence; use of virtual and augmented reality technologies; systematic use of mobile applications and personal trackers in the training of athletes; the use of distance learning technologies in the organization of training activities. Along with the established advantages of using innovations in martial arts training, the problems of their implementation in the process of training athletes were identified, which consists in: limited availability of modern technologies to athletes and martial arts coaches; the need to develop programs for the use of technologies by participants in the training process. Conclusions. The use of innovative technologies is an important factor in the modernization of the training process of martial arts athletes. They are aimed at optimizing the training of martial arts athletes, reducing the risk of injuries and increasing the level of individualization of training. Despite the identified potential, the number of studies devoted to the practical implementation of innovations in sports training of martial artists is insufficient. This is due to the complexity of the wide application of technologies and the rapid pace of their modernization, which makes it difficult to assess their long-term effectiveness in various types of martial arts. In general, the findings of this study confirm that innovative technologies are a key driver of qualitative changes in the process of training martial arts athletes. Further research will focus on the development of comprehensive programs using digital technologies at the initial stage of multi-year martial arts training.

Інноваційні методологічні підходи до оцінки психофізичних здібностей гандболістів на етапі попередньої базової підготовки

The article deals with the psychophysical abilities of young handball players at the stage of preliminary basic training. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the level of formation of such abilities as reaction speed, coordination of movements, concentration of attention and the ability to make decisions in stressful situations. The scientific relevance of the study is due to the need to improve training methods aimed at increasing the effectiveness of athletes' preparation for competitions. The purpose of the study is to analyze and evaluate the psychophysical abilities of young handball players, which will help to determine the effectiveness of the applied training methods and contribute to the development of new approaches to the training of athletes. Material and methods of research. Handball players at the stage of preliminary basic training (103 people) at the age of 15-16 years old, involved in the championship of Ukraine among boys, took part in the pedagogical experiment. To implement the goals and objectives of the study used a set of methods: theoretical analysis, synthesis and generalization; pedagogical observation; pedagogical testing; mathematical and statistical data processing. Research Results. It was found that the psychophysical abilities of young handball players who are at the stage of preliminary basic training correspond to a satisfactory level. However, in order to achieve high results in the future it is necessary to improve training programs taking into account the individual characteristics of each athlete. Analysis of the test results showed that the majority of handball players, both from the experimental and control groups, demonstrate similar results on the complex index of psychophysical abilities, which allowed us to conclude that there were no significant differences in the levels of development of psychophysical abilities between the groups at the beginning of the study. It was revealed that the average characteristics of different psychophysical tests in the majority of athletes correspond to a satisfactory level. For example, the speed of reaction to visual stimuli, reaction speed in game conditions, as well as the results of specialized handball tests showed that the level of formation of these abilities is sufficient for participation in competitions, but requires improvement to achieve high results. It is important to note that the highest average values of complex indicators of psychophysical abilities were observed in point guard players, which corresponds to the average level of formation. Line players also showed the results corresponding to the average level, while half-middle and edge players showed slightly lower values corresponding to the satisfactory level. Conclusions. The conducted study showed that at the stage of preliminary basic training most young handball players have a satisfactory level of development of psychophysical abilities, which indicates that there is a potential to improve their sports training by improving training methods. Given that different players demonstrate different levels of development of psychophysical abilities, especially among midfield and edge players, it is necessary to develop and implement individual training programs, which will optimize the training of each player in accordance with his individual characteristics and increase the overall effectiveness of the team.

The Relationship between Beighton Score and Biomechanical Risk Factors among Adolescent, Female Volleyball Players

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between Beighton score and biomechanical risk factors, such as knee valgus, in female, adolescent volleyball players. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingBiomechanics laboratory. Participants25 adolescent, club-level female volleyball athletes (14.5 ± 1.8 years) were tested between 9/2021 – 11/2021. Main outcome measuresParticipants were asked to perform a double-leg vertical jump (DLVJ), a single-leg squat (SLS), and a single-leg drop landing (SLDL). Peak coronal plane angles during the DLVJ, SLS, and SLDL were computed. Spearman correlations were performed to identify significant relationships between Beighton score and biomechanical variables. ResultsPeak knee valgus was found to be moderately correlated to Beighton score during the DLVJ-Land (r = 0.487, p = 0.014), SLDL (r = 0.478, p = 0.016), and SLS (r = 0.439, p = 0.028) tasks. ConclusionsOverall, adolescent volleyball players with higher Beighton scores tended to exhibit a greater peak knee valgus, suggesting that such athletes could benefit from a targeted neuromuscular training or injury prevention program.

Advanced Neuromuscular Training Differentially Changes Performance on Visuomotor Reaction Tests and Single-leg Hop Tests in Patients with ACL Reconstruction.

Advanced neuromuscular training prepares patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for sport participation. Return-to-sport testing often includes single-leg hop tests, yet combining motor and cognitive tasks (i.e., dual-task) might reveal neurocognitive reliance. This study examined changes in performance on visuomotor reactions tests and single-leg hop tests following advanced neuromuscular training in patients with ACLR. The hypothesis was that performance would improve less on reaction tests than on single-leg hop tests. Quasi experimental, Pretest-Posttest. Twenty-five patients with ACLR (11 males) completed 10 sessions of advanced neuromuscular training and pre-and post-training testing. Reaction tests outcomes were from a platform and visual display. The double-leg reaction test involved touching target dots with either leg for 20 seconds; correct touches and errors were recorded. The single-leg reaction test involved hopping on the test leg to 10 target dots; hop time and errors were recorded. Single-leg hop tests included forward, triple, crossover triple, and timed hop; limb symmetry index was recorded. Effect sizes were calculated for corrected touches on the double-leg reaction test, surgical side hop time on the single-leg reaction test, and surgical side hop distance or time on single-leg hop tests. Correct touches on the double-leg reaction test significantly increased from pre- to post-training (20.4 +/- 4.3 vs.23.9 +/- 2.8, p<0.001). Hop time on the single-leg reaction test significantly decreased from pre- to post-training (Surgical leg 13.2 vs.12.3 seconds, non-surgical leg 13.0 vs.12.1 seconds, p=0.003). Mean errors did not significantly change on either reaction test (p> 0.05). Cohens d effect sizes in descending order was single-leg hop tests (d=0.9 to 1.3), double-leg reaction test (d=0.9), and single-leg reaction test (d=0.5). Motor performance improved after advanced neuromuscular training, but the effect size was less on visuomotor reaction tests than single-leg hop tests. The results suggest persistence of neurocognitive reliance after ACLR and a need for more dual-task challenges in training. 3.

Influence of Prophylactic Ankle Bracing on Knee Joint Moments and Ground Reaction Forces during Side-step Cutting Tasks

OBJECTIVES Prophylactic ankle bracing is widely used to prevent ankle sprains, but its effects on knee joint mechanics, particularly regarding ACL injury risk, are less understood. This study aimed to investigate the influence of ankle bracing on knee joint kinetics and ground reaction forces (GRFs) during a 90° side-step cutting task.METHODS Thirty physically active participants (15 males, 15 females) performed cutting trials under braced and unbraced conditions. Knee flexion, abduction, and internal rotation moments, along with mediolateral, anteroposterior, and vertical GRFs, were measured using a motion analysis system and a force plate. Paired t tests were conducted to compare the knee joint moments and GRFs between the two conditions.RESULTS The results showed that while ankle bracing did not significantly affect GRFs, it significantly increased knee internal rotation moment (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in knee flexion or abduction moments.CONCLUSIONS Ankle bracing, though beneficial for ankle stability, may elevate the risk of ACL injuries during dynamic activities like cutting by increasing knee internal rotation moments. Clinicians and coaches should weigh the benefits of ankle bracing against potential risks to knee health and consider alternative injury prevention strategies focused on neuromuscular control and strength training.

Exploring mindfulness interventions across cultures: a comparative meta-analysis of mindfulness interventions for athletes in Western and Eastern contexts

ObjectiveApplying mindfulness training across cultures can be challenging because its internal motivation depends on values, but there are differences between Western and Eastern contexts. This meta-analysis examines the comparative impacts of the Western Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach and the culturally-adapted Chinese Mindfulness-Acceptance-Insight-Commitment (MAIC) mindfulness training for athletes, to explore the importance of cultural adaptation in cross-cultural psychology to psychological skills training.MethodsThis meta-analysis was registered with Prospero (ID: CRD42023474474) and adhered to the PRISMA principles. The PICO search methodology was employed to identify pertinent Chinese and English literature across six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP) from 2003 to 2023. The evidence originated from randomized controlled trials. Effect sizes were evaluated across three primary domains: athletic performance, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility, and heterogeneity and publication bias.ResultsBoth MAC and MAIC demonstrated positive effects across all outcome categories in 18 studies. MAIC exhibited substantially larger effect sizes compared to MAC. In mindfulness (MAIC: g = 1.273, p &amp;lt; 0.001; MAC: g = 0.521, p = 0.001), sports performance (MAIC: g = 0.945, p = 0.015; MAC: g = 0.550, p &amp;lt; 0.001), MAC did not provide evidence of improved psychological flexibility (g = 0.076, p = 0.747), while MAIC demonstrated significant benefits (g = 0.964, p &amp;lt; 0.001).DiscussionWhile MAIC is based on MAC, it yields more significant outcomes. This may be the “Insight” component introduced by MAIC, which skillfully integrates Eastern context. The MAIC strategy not only becomes more appropriate for local athletes but also indirectly enhances their mindfulness, athletic performance, and psychological flexibility, resulting from cultural adaptation. The new idea not only solves the culture shock caused by the direct application of Western MAC approach on Chinese athletes, but also provides a new solution to the problem that there is insufficient evidence to support the effect of the MAC approach on “psychological flexibility.” Investigating differential effects between MAC and MAIC contributes to understanding the significance of culturally adapting mindfulness training and transnational movement of practices. The findings will assist practitioners in selecting evidence-based protocols tailored to athlete needs and cultural contexts.Systematic review registrationProspero (ID: CRD42023474474).

КОНДИЦІЙНЕ ТРЕНУВАННЯ КІБЕРСПОРТСМЕНІВ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ МОБІЛЬНИХ ДОДАТКІВ

The issue of insufficient physical activity among computer game players remains relevant. This study proposes a solution based on the comprehensive use of gaming-oriented mobile applications for the conditioning training of esports athletes. A sequential pedagogical experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of esports athletes applying an aerobic-focused conditioning training program (slow running). The program’s unique feature is its implementation in a remote format using mobile applications for planning, execution, control, and performance evaluation. It is based on an original concept of implementing running training in the form of a mobile running application (the so-called “exergame”) with a game-like nature (“Zombies, Run!”). The program was designed for a six-week implementation. Its effectiveness was determined by evaluating the dynamics of indicators: 1600 m run time; calculated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max); and heart rate (HR). Subjective attitudes towards the program’s physical loads were assessed using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale and the Physical Activity Satisfaction Needs scale. It was found that esports athletes significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved their 1600 m run time, VO2 max, and HR indicators under the influence of the slow running program. Along with the volume and intensity increase of the running load, a decrease in RPE scale indicators was observed. The obtained data confirmed the advantages of the comprehensive use of mobile applications for normalizing the motor activity of esports athletes in the form of conditioning training. Both the remote format of planning and accounting and the game format of activities contributed to increasing the engagement of esports athletes in physical activity. The effectiveness of the slow running training program for esports athletes using mobile applications was established in terms of increasing physical activity (regular, organized physical activity), improving physical fitness (duration and volume of slow running), enhancing physical condition (VO2 max, HR), and interest in physical activity (adherence).

OPTIMISING EFFORT CAPACITY IN TRIATHLON

Background. My personal triathlon practice inspired the creation of a specialized training regimen to improve triathlon training in Romania. This program aims to enhance performance, well-being, and injury prevention for athletes. At the INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CENTRE (CCI) “Dr. Alexandru Partheniu” of UNEFS, we used AEROSCAN technology to assess exercise capacity, measuring heart and breathing rates with the Bruce Protocol for precise physiological monitoring. Objectives. This research demonstrates that tailored training cycles for swimming, cycling, and running can significantly enhance triathlon performance. The goal was to create a customizable, comprehensive training program to maximize the overall training process and provide a scientific foundation for triathlon training in Romania. This research aims to demonstrate that tailored training cycles can significantly enhance triathlon performance. Methods. We used observation, experimental, statistical-mathematical, and bibliographic study methods to interpret the experiment's outcomes. The bibliographic study provided the theoretical basis, while observation and experimental methods enabled real-time data collection. Statistical analysis was crucial for interpreting the data. Results. Using AEROSCAN and the Polar system, we evaluated exercise capacity and tracked heart rate. The Bruce protocol was applied for both initial and final tests. The data showed significant improvements in endurance, speed, and overall performance, supported by statistical analysis, after implementing the customized training program. Conclusion: Our research indicates that tailored athletic training regimens for each triathlon discipline can significantly enhance performance and promote athletes' health and longevity. The results highlight the importance of individualized training plans and suggest potential improvements in Romanian triathlon training practices. Individualized training programs lead to notable improvements in performance and athlete well-being.

Impact of three weeks of integrative neuromuscular training on the athletic performance of elite female boxers.

To investigate the effects of integrative neuromuscular training (INT) on the athletic performance of elite female boxers. A before-and-after controlled experiment was conducted on 37 elite Chinese female boxers (Age: 26.00±3.11 years). All included athletes have competed at the international level. The INT intervention was administered 11 times per week for 3 weeks. This training includes strength training, explosive training, core stability, agility exercises, high intensity intervals and sprint intervals. Basic physical fitness tests, including the deep squat and bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM), vertical long jump, 30 m sprint run, 400 m run, 3,000 m run, 1-minute hexagonal jump, and 3-minute double shake; as well as specialized striking ability tests, including single-punch striking and 10-second, 30-second, and 3-minute continuous punching, were conducted before and after the intervention. Compared with pre-intervention baseline data, significant differences were found in the athletes' post-intervention baseline physical fitness, including squat and beach press (1RM), vertical jump, 30 m sprint run, 400 m run, 3,000 m run, 1-minute hexagonal jump, and 3-minute double shake (p<0.05). Additionally, 10-second, 30-second, and 3-minute continuous punching were significantly different compared with pre-intervention (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in single punch power (p>0.05). The 3-week INT can significantly improve the maximum strength, vertical explosive power, linear acceleration, agility, and continuous punching abilities of Chinese elite female boxers. The use of INT in physical training may enhance their athletic performance.

The role of sport psychology in improving the performance of badminton athletes: a systematic review

Abstract. Sports psychology plays a vital role in improving the performance of badminton athletes. Psychological factors such as motivation, competitive anxiety, concentration, and mental resilience have been identified as critical influences on athlete performance. This study aims to systematically review the existing literature to identify and analyze the role of sports psychology in improving badminton athlete performance. The researcher searched for journal articles, books, and research reports relevant to sports psychology and badminton from various electronic databases through a systematic literature review approach. Specific inclusion criteria were applied to select studies that explicitly addressed the effect of psychological interventions on the performance of badminton athletes. Data analysis was conducted qualitatively to synthesize findings from the literature chosen. The literature review revealed that psychological techniques, including goal setting, relaxation techniques, visualization, and mental toughness coaching, positively impact the performance of badminton athletes. Findings suggest that psychological training integrated into athlete training programs can increase motivation, reduce competitive anxiety, strengthen concentration, and build mental resilience, all critical factors in athletic achievement. Sports psychology is a critical element in the training of badminton athletes, with significant potential to improve athlete performance. Psychological interventions tailored to the individual needs of athletes hold promise in optimizing athletic potential and achieving competitive success. Future research is needed to understand better how to best integrate these psychological techniques into the training of badminton athletes and to design more effective training programs that take full advantage of the role of sports psychology.

The effect of variability knee tuck jump training and box jump training on the explosive capabilities of legs muscles

The problem in this research is the low jumping ability of male volleyball athletes which effect on the decreased performance. The aim of this research is to know the effect of knee tuck training and box jump training on the explosive capability of the legs muscles of volleyball athletes. The type of the research is quasi-experiment with the research population is all male volleyball athletes at SMK 1 Solok Selatan which totally 24 athletes aged 17 years. The technique of sampling which is used is total sampling with a sample is 24 athlete. The instrument in this research is to use Vertical Jump to measure the explosive power of leg muscles. Before giving a treatment, an initial test (pte-test) is carried out to see the explosive power of leg muscles. The testees used as a samples are drawn into two groups. The group 1 is given the Knee Tuck Jump training treatment and the group 2 is given Box Jump Training treatment. This treatment is given 16 times (8 weeks), then the final test will be given. The data analysis technique which is used to test the hypothesis is t analysis at the significance level of 5%. Based on the data analysis in this study, 1) the Knee Tuck Jump get an average increase of (7.703) and was marked by getting t count (10.631)&gt; t table(1.796). It means that the application of Knee Tuck Jump can increase the explosive power capability of leg muscles, 2) the Box Jump training get an average increase (2.456) and was marked by getting t count (9.240)&gt; t table (1.769), it means that the application of the Box Jump training can increase the explosive power of leg muscles, 3) there was an influence training. Where in Knee Tuck Jump is getting the average increase is (7.703) while the box jump training is (2.456) and is indicated by getting t count (2.05)&gt;t table (1.796). It means that the application of Knee Tuck Jump training and Box jump training could increase the explosive power capability of the leg muscles, where the Knee Tuck Jump training shows better results in increasing the explosive power of the leg muscles. Coaches apply knee tuck jump training at the right age level to achieve maximum results according to the athlete's training capacity.

Multi-Activity Step Counting Algorithm Using Deep Learning Foot Flat Detection with an IMU Inside the Sole of a Shoe

Step counting devices were previously shown to be efficient in a variety of applications such as athletic training or patient’s care programs. Various sensor placements and algorithms were previously experimented, with a best mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) close to 1% in simple mono-activity walking conditions. In this study, an existing running shoe was first instrumented with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and used in the context of multi-activity trials, at various speeds, and including several transition phases. A total of 21 participants with diverse profiles (gender, age, BMI, activity style) completed the trial. The data recorded was used to develop a step counting algorithm based on a deep learning approach, and further validated against a k-fold cross validation process. The results revealed that the step counts were highly correlated to gyroscopes and accelerometers norms, and secondarily to vertical acceleration. Reducing input data to only those three vectors showed a very small decrease in the prediction performance. After the fine-tuning of the algorithm, a MAPE of 0.75% was obtained. Our results show that such very high performances can be expected even in multi-activity conditions and with low computational resource needs making this approach suitable for embedded devices.

COMPREHENSIVE INJURY PREVENTION STRATEGIES FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Injury prevention in football is a critical issue for athletes, coaches, and health professionals, given the sport's dynamic movements that elevate the risk of muscle and joint injuries. Effective strategies should incorporate specialized physical training and physiotherapeutic interventions to optimize player protection and performance. Preventive training programs, emphasizing muscle strengthening and proprioception, are essential for reducing injury risks. Specific exercises targeting the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and core enhance joint stability and mitigate overload injuries. Neuromuscular training, which includes balance exercises and plyometrics, improves proprioception and helps prevent falls and twists. Flexibility through regular stretching and dynamic warm-ups, such as the FIFA 11+, is crucial for preparing players physically and lowering injury incidence. Additionally, physiotherapists play a vital role in injury prevention through functional assessments to identify muscle imbalances and develop corrective exercise programs. Manual therapy techniques, joint stabilization exercises, and preventive rehabilitation further contribute to maintaining soft tissue quality and preventing muscle strains. Monitoring training load is another fundamental aspect of injury prevention, as abrupt changes in training intensity can lead to injuries. Using tracking technologies allows for better control of players' physical efforts. Studies indicate that implementing structured injury prevention programs significantly reduces injury rates and enhances athletic performance. Research highlights the importance of a multicomponent approach, individualized training, and load management to lower hamstring injuries. Collaboration among athletes, coaches, and health professionals is crucial to create a safe training environment. As football evolves, prioritizing injury prevention is essential for players' health, success, and career longevity.

Balancing Athletic and Academic Excellence: A Quantitative Study of Student-Athletes' Time Management Strategies

This study focuses on the unique challenges faced by student-athletes and explores how they find a balance between competitive sports and academic pursuits. Through a one-year longitudinal study of 360 college athletes from a variety of sports and academic backgrounds, we deeply analyzed the relationship between time management strategies and academic achievement, athletic performance, and psychological health. The study used quantitative research methods to analyze the data and revealed several key time management strategies that were associated with significant improvements in academic and athletic performance. In particular, we discovered a novel "flexible focus" strategy that enabled students to quickly switch their attention between learning and training while maintaining high efficiency. In addition, the study found the moderating effects of social media use, sleep patterns, and nutritional intake on time management effects. Based on these findings, we proposed a comprehensive "dual-track development model" to provide a practical guidance framework for student-athletes, coaches, and educators. This model is not only applicable to traditional college sports programs, but also considers the emerging field of e-sports, providing a new perspective for understanding and supporting the comprehensive development of student-athletes in the 21st century. The results of this study have important implications for higher education policy, athletic training program design, and the development of student support services, providing an empirical basis for promoting the comprehensive development of student-athletes.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance to differentiate veteran athlete's heart with cavity dilatation and mild dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Introduction Endurance athletic training may lead to left ventricular (LV) dilatation and mildly reduced resting LV function which can be difficult to differentiate from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Myocardial fibrosis is increasingly recognised in lifelong athletes and is also prevalent in DCM where it confers adverse prognosis.(1,2) However, it is unknown whether the pattern and prevalence of fibrosis in athletes with cavity dilatation differs from DCM. In this study, we compared the CMR fibrosis distribution and tissue characteristics between athletic LV dilatation and mild DCM patients. Methods We prospectively recruited 113 males; 64 endurance athletes and 49 mild DCM patients. Inclusion criteria Age 50-80 years, LVEF 45-54% and LV end-diastolic volume indexed to body surface area (LVEDVi)≥110ml/m2. Athletes trained≥10 weekly hrs for≥15 yrs. Exclusion criteria; Chest pain, prior coronary revascularisation, severe valvular disease, myocarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, inducible ischaemia or myocardial infarction on CMR. CMR protocol included volumetric assessment, T1 mapping, quantitative stress perfusion and quantitative late gadolinium enhancement. Statistical analysis between groups was performed using unpaired t-test and receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis. Results LVEDVi was not significantly different between athletes and mild DCM patients (123.3±12.6 vs 129.8±23.1ml/m2, P=0.057). However, LVEF (52.0±6.1 vs 47.6±5.2%, P&amp;lt;0.001) and right ventricular (RV) EDVi (121.0±14.3 vs 97.6±25.2ml/m2, P&amp;lt;0.001) were both greater in athletes. There was no difference in non-ischaemic fibrosis prevalence between both groups (50.0 vs 49.0%, P=0.915) nor the burden of fibrosis (3.5±2.9 vs 7.4±12.0g, P=0.087). However, the distribution of fibrosis varied with a significantly greater prevalence of basal mid-myocardial inferolateral fibrosis amongst athletes (87.5 vs 50.0%, P=0.002) whereas basal mid-myocardial inferoseptal fibrosis was significantly more common in mild DCM (45.8 vs 9.4%, P=0.002). Native T1 (1249.0±38.1 vs 1308.3±47.1ms, P&amp;lt;0.001) and extracellular volume (ECV) (22.0±2.1 vs 25.9±3.5%, P&amp;lt;0.001) were both lower in athletes than mild DCM patients. Furthermore, athletes had higher myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) (3.65±1.30 vs 2.76±0.92, P&amp;lt;0.001) and stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) (2.09±0.70 vs 1.62±0.66, P&amp;lt;0.001). On ROC analysis, native T1 (area under curve (AUC) 0.89, P&amp;lt;0.001), ECV (AUC 0.85, P&amp;lt;0.001) and stress MBF (AUC 0.68, P&amp;lt;0.001) were able to differentiate athletes and mild DCM. Native T1 and ECV were significantly better at discriminating than MPR (P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Myocardial fibrosis was highly prevalent in both veteran endurance athlete's heart and mild DCM whilst its distribution was distinctive between the groups. Native T1 and ECV were the best discriminators. Recognition of fibrosis patterns and associated tissue characteristics may be clinically useful to differentiate these two overlapping phenotypes.Figure 1; LGE distribution in athletes cFigure 2; CMR tissue characteristics to