Older Players Research Articles

Comparison in some kinematic variables of layup basketball of older and young players

Basketball is a game that requires being fast in either attack and defense with a precision in tactical and technical preparation. Recently in many countries in the world basketball is the second most popular game with its vision attracting techniques. The Research problem was determination of the effect of layup techniques on the score of the basketball games of university players in Mosul, this require proper training methods in which players can practice the best techniques based on the outcomes of analyses. The population of this study was undergraduate male basketball players of the University of Mosul -Iraq, for the academic year 2012-2013, each sample included (6) male basketball players; young players=(176.7 cm tall), (18,3 years age) older player =(179.6 cm tall), (23,3 years age). The older players were better in all tested variables (horzontal and vertical distance, Hips Displacement for jumping, Height of palm, distance of take-off from basket ball).

Relationship of body mass status with running and jumping performances in young basketball players.

the main purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of body mass (BM) status with running and jumping performances in young male basketball players. basketball players (n=72, age 12.9±2.8 yrs), who were grouped into U-12 (9-12 yrs), U-15 (12-15 yrs) and U-18 (15-18 yrs), performed a battery of anthropometric, running and jumping tests. We examined differences among age groups, and between normal weight and overweight players. the results indicated significant and large differences among age groups in BM, height, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, speed, endurance, standing long jump, countermovement jump (CMJ), mean power in 30 s jumping test (Pmean) (p<0.001, η(2)≥0.23) with older players presenting higher values. Within each age group, overweight players had higher BM, BMI, body fat percentage and FM (p<0.05) than their normal weight counterparts. Overweight players had worst performance in running (sprint and endurance) and jumping (CMJ and Pmean) in U-12, and worst endurance in U-18 (p<0.05, |d|≥0.82) than normal-weight players, whereas there was no difference in U-15. it was concluded that the relationship of BMI with running and jumping performances varied according to age. Based on these findings, trainers and coaches should focus on special intervention exercise and nutrition programs targeting optimal body mass especially in young basketball players, where the excess of body mass seemed to have the most detrimental effect on running and jumping performances.

Designing for Movement Quality in Exergames: Lessons Learned from Observing Senior Citizens Playing Stepping Games

Background: Exergames are increasingly used as an exercise intervention to reduce fall risk in elderly. However, few exergames have been designed specifically for elderly, and we lack knowledge about the characteristics of the movements elicited by exergames and thereby about their potential to train functions important for fall risk reduction. Objective: This study investigates game elements and older players' movement characteristics during stepping exergames in order to inform exergame design for movement quality in the context of fall preventive exercise. Methods: Fourteen senior citizens (mean age 73 years ± 5.7, range 65 - 85) played 3 stepping exergames in a laboratory. Each of the exergames was described with respect to 7 game elements (physical space, sensing hardware technology, game graphics and sound, model of user, avatar/mapping of movements, game mechanism and game narrative). Five movement characteristics (weight shift; variation in step length, speed, and movement direction; visual independency) were scored on a 5-point Likert scale based on video observations of each player and each game. Disagreement between raters was resolved by agreement. Differences in scores for the 3 exergames were analyzed with a multivariate one-way ANOVA. Results: The Mole received the highest sum score and the best score on each of the 5 movement characteristics (all p values <0.0005). LightRace scored the lowest of the 3 exergames on weight shift and variation in movement direction (both p values <0.0005), while DanceDanceRevolution scored lowest on step length variation and visual independency (p < 0.03 and p < 0.0005, respectively), and lower than The Mole on speed variation (p < 0.05). The physical space players used when exergaming and the on-screen representation of the player, affected movement quality positively as indexed by multiple weight shifts and variation in stepping size, direction, and speed. Furthermore, players' movements improved when playing speed-affected game progression and when the game narrative was related to a natural context. Conclusion: Comparing differences in game elements with associated differences in game movement requirements provides valuable insights about how to design for movement quality in exergames. This provided important lessons for the design of exergames for fall-preventive exercise in senior citizens and illustrates the value of including analyses of movement characteristics when designing such exergames.

Efecto de la edad sobre la percepción de los factores de riesgo de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en jugadoras senior profesionales de voleibol

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la percepción de las jugadoras profesionales de voleibol en relación al control del peso, nutrición, y riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en función de su edad. La muestra objeto de estudio estuvo compuesta por 41 deportistas de siete equipos de voleibol de categoría senior (primera división nacional). Se realizó un diseño selectivo, descriptivo, y transversal. La muestra fue dividida en dos grupos en función de su edad, jóvenes y mayores, para su análisis. Se empleó un cuestionario para obtener la información. La percepción de las deportistas en relación al control del peso, nutrición, y riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en función de la edad de las jugadoras senior profesionales no varía en función de su edad. Los resultados muestran que el rol del entrenador como fuente de información para las jugadoras ha cambiado con respecto a las de menor edad. El trabajo plantea la necesidad de adoptar planes de actuación pro-activos para minimizar el riesgo de TCA en el deporte del voleibol.

Normative adductor squeeze tests scores in rugby

BackgroundGroin pain is a common problem. Adductor squeeze tests are used to diagnose, monitor and prophylactically determine the risk of developing groin pain. This study defines normative adductor squeeze scores in professional rugby that will facilitate strength monitoring during screening. MethodsUsing a sphygnamometer, squeeze scores were collected, at one professional rugby club as part of the pre-season screening for two seasons. Scores were collected in four positions. For all positions mean strength and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. ResultsData were collected for 81 athletes. Mean strength for adduction at 60° was 220.1 (212.2–228.1); 0° 211.1 (201.7–220.5); 90°90° 198.8 (190.0–207.7); 90°90° supported 224.9 (214.9–234.9). Backs had lower squeeze scores than forwards for 0°, 90°:90° and 90°:90° supported (p > 0.05 for all four tests); older players had lower scores, as did shorter and lighter players (p > 0.05 except for height with test 60° p = 0.048 and test 90°:90° supported p = 0.035). ConclusionThis study establishes references ranges for adductor squeeze tests for normative pre-season data in non-injured rugby players. This information will enable evaluation and inform return to play judgements following adductor related injury.

The relative age effect has no influence on match outcome in youth soccer

PurposeIn age-restricted youth sport, the over-selection of athletes born in the first quarter of the year and under-selection of athletes born in the last quarter of the year has been called the relative age effect (RAE). Its existence in youth sports like soccer is well established. Why it occurs has not been identified, however, one thought is that older players, generally taller and heavier, are thought to improve the team's chances of winning. To test this assumption, birth dates and match outcome were correlated to see if teams with the oldest mean age had a systematic advantage against teams with younger mean ages. MethodsPlayer birth dates and team records (n = 5943 players on 371 teams; both genders; U11–U16) were obtained from the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association for the highest level of statewide youth competition. ResultsThe presence of an RAE was demonstrated with significant oversampling from players born in the 1st vs. the 4th quarter (overall: 29.6% vs. 20.9% respectively, p < 0.0001). Mean team age was regressed on match outcomes (winning %, points/match, points/goal, and goals for, against, and goal difference), but there was no evidence of any systematic influence of mean team age and match outcomes, except possibly in U11 males. ConclusionSelecting players based on physical maturity (and subsequently, on age) does not appear to have any systematic influence on match outcome or season record in youth soccer suggesting that the selection process should be focused on player ability and not on physical maturation.

Youth ice hockey injuries over 16 years at a pediatric trauma center.

Youth ice hockey is an exciting sport with growing participation in the United States. Updated assessment of injury patterns is needed to determine risk factors for severe injury and develop preventive efforts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience as a level 1 pediatric trauma center in Minnesota treating injured youth ice hockey players. Children #18 years old who presented to our institution from July 1997 to July 2013 with an injury sustained while participating in ice hockey were identified. Patient demographic information, injury characteristics, and outcomes including use of computed tomography, hospital admission, and procedures were obtained. Age and gender-specific patterns were determined for injuries and outcomes. Over 16 years, 168 injuries in 155 children occurred, including 26 (15.5%) injuries in girls. Extremity injuries were most common, followed by traumatic brain injury. Injuries to the spine, face, and trunk were less common. Traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spine were most common in younger children (#14 years old) and girls, whereas injuries to the face were most common in older players ($15 years old). Most injuries resulted from intentional contact. Admission to the hospital was needed in 65 patients, including 14 (8.3%) who needed intensive care. A major procedure was needed by 23.2% of patients because of their injuries. Youth ice hockey trauma can be severe, necessitating a thorough evaluation of injured children. Injury patterns are influenced by age and gender, providing an opportunity for targeted preventive efforts.

Relationships between functional movement screen scores, maturation and physical performance in young soccer players

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between functional movement screen scores, maturation and physical performance in young soccer players. Thirty males (11–16 years) were assessed for maturation, functional movement screen scores and a range of physical performance tests (squat jump, reactive strength index protocol and reactive agility cut). Older players significantly outperformed younger participants in all tests (P < 0.05; effect sizes = 1.25–3.40). Deep overhead squat, in-line lunge, active straight leg raise and rotary stability test were significantly correlated to all performance tests. In-line lunge performance explained the greatest variance in reactive strength index (adjusted R2 = 47%) and reactive agility cut (adjusted R2 = 38%) performance, whilst maturation was the strongest predictor of squat jump performance (adjusted R2 = 46%). This study demonstrated that variation of physical performance in youth soccer players could be explained by a combination of both functional movement screen scores and maturation.

L'effet d'âge relatif

Les effets d’âge relatif ( relative age effects, rae ) font référence à l’avantage qu’ont les individus nés plus tôt au sein d’une cohorte. En économie de l’éducation, le rae montre que les enfants nés tôt dans l’année obtiennent de meilleurs résultats scolaires que les autres. C’est également vrai dans le cas du sport dans le cadre duquel les enfants sont regroupés par classe d’âge lors de leur formation. Parce que la date délimitant les catégories ne change jamais au niveau scolaire (l’année civile), il est difficile d’identifier parfaitement l’effet causal. Nous pouvons identifier cet effet car la Fédération française de football a changé la date limite des catégories de jeunes pendant la saison 1995-1996. Ainsi cette expérience naturelle montre que : (1) la date-limite des catégories crée le rae ; (2) les effets continuent d’exister pour les footballeurs les plus âgés ; (3) il existe des différences de développement physique entre les joueurs nés juste avant et juste après la date limite.

Factors influencing visor use among players in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Eye, orbital, and facial injuries are significant risks to National Hockey League (NHL) players, and can be mitigated by the use of a partial visor – currently optional for all non-rookie players. The goal of the current study was to determine the overall use of visors among non-rookie NHL players in the 2013–2014 season and assess factors influencing their uptake. This was an observational, cross-sectional study using active NHL rosters and demographic information obtained from the official NHL website. Visor use was determined based on in-game video or images at two different time points in the 2013–2014 season. The use of visors during the 2013–2014 season was 75.2% among non-rookie players. When rookies were included, the overall use of visors was 77.8%. Compared to Canadian-born players, European players were significantly more likely to choose to wear a visor (odds ratio [OR] 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96–6.17). Players in the younger age-groups, particularly those younger than 24 years (OR 5.67, 95% CI 2.52–5.76) and those between 24 and 28 years (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.23–3.87), were more likely to wear a visor compared to older players. Overall, visor use continues to grow in the NHL independently of new legislation, and is more likely in younger players and those of European origin.

THE IMPACT OF INJURY IN WELSH PROFESSIONAL RUGBY

BackgroundA detailed understanding of injury types and rates is needed to inform effective injury prevention and management. This is the first comprehensive injury surveillance report across the four Welsh Rugby...

Effects of age and starting age upon side asymmetry in the arms of veteran tennis players: a cross-sectional study

While tennis playing results in large bone strength benefits in the racquet arm of young players, the effects of tennis playing in old players have not been investigated. Large side asymmetries in bone strength were found in veteran players, which were more pronounced in men, younger players and childhood starters. Regular tennis results in large racquet arm bone and muscle strength advantages; however, these effects have not been studied in old players. The non-racquet arm can act as an internal control for the exercising racquet arm without confounding factors, e.g. genotype. Therefore, veteran tennis player side asymmetries were examined to investigate age, sex and starting age effects on bone exercise benefits. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans were taken at the radius, ulna and humerus mid-shaft and distal radius in both arms of 88 tennis players (51 males, 37 females; mean age 63.8 ± 11.8 years). Thirty-two players began playing in adulthood, thereby termed 'old starters'; players were otherwise termed 'young starters'. Muscle size and bone strength were greater in the racquet arm; notably, distal radius bone mineral content (BMC) was 13 ± 10% higher and humeral bone area 23 ± 12% larger (both P < 0.001). Epiphyseal BMC asymmetry was not affected by age (P = 0.863) or sex (P = 0.954), but diaphyseal asymmetries were less pronounced in older players and women, particularly in the humerus where BMC, area and moment of resistance asymmetries were 28-34 % less in women (P < 0.01). Bone area and periosteal circumference asymmetries were smaller in old starters (all P < 0.01); most notably, no distal radius asymmetry was found in this group (0.4 ± 3.4%). Tennis participation is associated with large side asymmetries in muscle and bone strength in old age. Larger relative side asymmetries in men, younger players and young starters suggest a greater potential for exercise benefits to bone in these groups.

Relative age effects in Australian Football League National Draftees

This study examined the birth distribution for adolescent (i.e. <20 years) and mature age players (i.e. ≥20 years) selected in the Australian Football League (AFL) National Draft between 2001 and 2012. Birth-date information was accessed for all first time AFL national draftees and players were then classified as either adolescent (N = 736) or mature age (N = 70) draftees. Chi-squared analysis showed a clear bias in the birth distribution of adolescent draftees towards players born in the first part of the classification period for both quartile (P < 0.001) and half-year (P < 0.001) compared to the Australian national population. There was a reverse relative age effect (RAE) for mature age draftees, with a significant bias towards players born in the latter part of the selection period for both quartile (P = 0.047) and half-year (P = 0.028) compared to the Australian national population. The selection bias towards relatively older players in adolescent AFL draftees may be related to advanced physical and psychological maturity, and exposure to higher-level coaching compared to their younger counterparts. The reverse RAE in mature age draftees is a novel finding and supports the need for strategies to encourage continued participation pathways for talented Australian football players born later in the selection year.

All-Star or Benchwarmer? Relative Age, Cohort Size and Career Success in the NHL

We analyze the performance outcomes of National Hockey League (NHL) players over 18 seasons (1990-1991 to 2007-2008) as a function of the demographic conditions into which they were born. We have three main findings. First, larger birth cohorts substantially affect careers. A player born into a large birth cohort can expect an earnings loss of roughly 18 percent over the course of an average career as compared to a small birth cohort counterpart. The loss in earnings is driven chiefly by supply-side factors in the form of excess cohort competition and not quality differences since the performance of players (as measured by point totals for non-goalies) is actually significantly greater for players born into large birth cohorts. Performance-adjusted wage losses for those born in large birth cohorts are therefore greater than the raw estimates would suggest. Second, career effects differ by relative age. Those born in early calendar months (January to April) are more likely to make it into the NHL, but display significantly lower performance across all birth cohorts than later calendar births. In short, those in the top echelon of NHL achievement are drawn from fatter cohorts and later relative age categories, consistent with the need to be of greater relative talent in order to overcome significant early barriers (biases) in achievement. We find league expansions increase entry level salaries including the salaries of those born into larger birth cohorts, but they do not affect salaries of older players. Finally we find that the 2004-05 lockout appears to have muted the differentials in pay for large birth cohort players relative to their smaller birth cohort counterparts.

The Impacts of Video Games on Successful Aging

Aging has become a worldwide issue. Researchers have gradually realized the positive impacts of video games on older people as the considerable development of digital technology and the rapid popularization of video games. In the gaming, cognitive functioning can be trained, which may delay cognitive aging; mental health can be improved by experiencing positive emotions and interacting with others. Online video games can also enhance social functioning and capability of older people by increasing social interaction and expanding social network. Moreover, interactive video games can also provide older people more chances for their physical exercises. On this basis, future research should further explore the following issues: more comprehensive impacts that video games bring to successful aging; gender differences of older players in video gaming; the Chinese cultural context should also be taken into consideration in the research. Our research should also provide advices for the video game design particularly suitable for older users.

Improving the Value of Fitness Testing for Football

One of the challenges for sports scientists working in football is to balance the needs for routine fitness testing with daily fatigue and well-being monitoring to best manage the physical preparation of players. In this commentary, the authors examine contemporary issues of fitness testing in football to identify ways of improving the value of routine testing and monitoring. A testing program must be well planned and organized to ensure that the results are useful. Different tests can be employed for younger and older players. A rigorous approach to analysis and interpretation of results is desirable, and database management must address both short- and long-term requirements of players, staff, and programs.

Relationship between the relative age effect and anthropometry, maturity and performance in young soccer players

The presence of the relative age effect (RAE) has been widely reported; however, its underlying causes have not yet been determined. With this in mind, the present study examined if anthropometry and performance were different amongst older and younger soccer players born in the same year. Eighty-eight young soccer players participated in the study (age 9.75 ± 0.30). Anthropometric measurements, physical tests (sprint, agility, endurance test, jump and hand dynamometry) and the estimation of the maturity status were carried out. Most players (65.9%) were born in the first half of the year. Older players were taller (P < 0.05), had longer legs (P < 0.01) and a larger fat-free mass (P < 0.05). Maturity offset was smaller in the older boys (P < 0.05); however, age at peak height velocity was similar. Older boys performed better in velocity and agility (P < 0.05) and particularly in the overall score of performance (P < 0.01). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that chronological age was the most important variable in the agility test and the overall score, after the skinfolds (negative effect). We report differences in anthropometry and physical performance amongst older and younger pre-pubertal soccer players. These differences may underlie the RAE.

Head Impact Exposure in Youth Football: Elementary School Ages 9–12 Years and the Effect of Practice Structure

Head impact exposure in youth football has not been well-documented, despite children under the age of 14 accounting for 70% of all football players in the United States. The objective of this study was to quantify the head impact exposure of youth football players, age 9–12, for all practices and games over the course of single season. A total of 50 players (age = 11.0 ± 1.1 years) on three teams were equipped with helmet mounted accelerometer arrays, which monitored each impact players sustained during practices and games. During the season, 11,978 impacts were recorded for this age group. Players averaged 240 ± 147 impacts for the season with linear and rotational 95th percentile magnitudes of 43 ± 7 g and 2034 ± 361 rad/s2. Overall, practice and game sessions involved similar impact frequencies and magnitudes. One of the three teams however, had substantially fewer impacts per practice and lower 95th percentile magnitudes in practices due to a concerted effort to limit contact in practices. The same team also participated in fewer practices, further reducing the number of impacts each player experienced in practice. Head impact exposures in games showed no statistical difference. While the acceleration magnitudes among 9–12 year old players tended to be lower than those reported for older players, some recorded high magnitude impacts were similar to those seen at the high school and college level. Head impact exposure in youth football may be appreciably reduced by limiting contact in practices. Further research is required to assess whether such a reduction in head impact exposure will result in a reduction in concussion incidence.

Incidence of Sports-Related Concussion among Youth Football Players Aged 8-12 Years

To determine the risk of concussion among youth football players (ages 8-12 years). Participants included 468 male youth football players in western Pennsylvania during the 2011 youth football season. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence density ratios (IDRs) of concussion were calculated for games and practices and for age groups. There was a total of 11,338 (8415 practice and 2923 game) athletic exposures (AEs) in the study period, during which 20 medically diagnosed concussions occurred. A majority of concussions were the result of head-to-head (45%) contact. The combined concussion IR for practices and games was 1.76 per 1000 AEs (95% CI 0.99-2.54). The concussion IR was 0.24 per 1000 AEs (95% CI 0.04-0.79) in practices and 6.16 per 1000 AEs (95% CI 3.76-9.54) in games. The IDR for concussions in games to practices was 25.91 (95% CI 6.01-111.70). The IDR of concussions for youth aged 11-12 years compared with youth aged 8-10 years was 2.72 (95% CI 0.66-4.78). The overall IR for concussion in youth football players aged 8-12 years was comparable with that reported previously for high school and collegiate samples. However, participation in games was associated with an increase in risk of concussion compared with practices, which was higher than rates previously reported for high school and collegiate athletes. Younger players were slightly less likely to incur a concussion than were older players.

Recurrence of Achilles tendon injuries in elite male football players is more common after early return to play: an 11-year follow-up of the UEFA Champions League injury study

BackgroundThere is limited information about Achilles tendon disorders in professional football.AimsTo investigate the incidence, injury circumstances, lay-off times and reinjury rates of Achilles tendon disorders in male professional football.MethodsA total...