Performance In Young Athletes Research Articles

The effects of dumbbell versus TRX suspension training on shoulder strength, vertical jump, and spike speed in volleyball players

BACKGROUND: Limited research exists on how various resistance training methods, such as TRX and dumbbells, impact sport-specific technical skills and muscle performance in young athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of 8-week Total-Body Resistance Exercise (TRX) suspension training and Traditional Dumbbell Training (TDT) on shoulder muscle strength, leg power, and spike speed in young male volleyball players. METHODS: Twenty-five male volleyball players were randomly assigned to either the TRX suspension group (n= 13) or the TDT group (n= 12). Anthropometric measures, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, spike speed, and shoulder joint isokinetic strength tests were conducted pre- and post-intervention. Both groups continued their volleyball training (5 days/week) and added TRX or TDT sessions for 2 months (60–90 minutes/day, 3 times/week), including 8 multi-joint exercises (1–3 sets/12 reps, 60 min rest). Statistical analysis involved Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests, with effect size calculations. RESULTS: Compared to the TDT group, the TRX group showed significant improvements in CMJ height (+12.17% vs. +0.83%; p= 0.001), CMJ power (+9.55% vs. -0.24 %; p= 0.01), and spike speed (+11.49% vs. +6.82%; p= 0.03) with a small to moderate effect size. CONCLUSIONS: In young male volleyball players, TRX suspension training may be more effective than dumbbell training in enhancing jump performance and spike speed.

Investigating the interrelationships among food habits, sports nutrition knowledge, and perceived barriers to healthy eating: a study of adolescent swimmers.

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the relationships between food habits, perceived barriers to healthy eating, and sports nutrition knowledge among adolescent swimmers. The study focuses on understanding how these factors interact and influence dietary choices in young athletes. A cohort of 52 adolescent swimmers aged 12-18 from Al Hussein Youth Club in Al-Hussein Sport City participated in the study. Data were collected through surveys assessing food habits, perceived barriers to healthy eating, and sports nutrition knowledge. Pearson Correlation analysis was employed to examine associations between variables, and stepwise regression analysis was used to identify predictors of food habits. The analysis revealed a significant positive association between food habits and sports nutrition knowledge (r = 0.393, p = 0.004). Knowledge emerged as a significant positive predictor of food habits (β = 0.393, p = 0.004), highlighting the influential role of sports nutrition knowledge in shaping the dietary choices of adolescent swimmers. However, the introduction of Barriers lacked significance, and individual predictors did not reach statistical significance. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing nutritional education among adolescent swimmers. Understanding the interplay between knowledge, barriers, and food habits provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that influence the dietary choices of young athletes. Addressing these factors through tailored educational programs can promote healthier eating habits and optimize performance among adolescent swimmers. This study highlights the critical role of sports nutrition knowledge in shaping the dietary behaviors of adolescent swimmers. By addressing knowledge gaps and overcoming perceived barriers, targeted interventions can help improve food habits and enhance the overall health and performance of young athletes.

“Mindset: performing under pressure” – a multimodal cognitive-behavioural intervention to enhance the well-being and performance of young athletes

Young athletes experience stress daily and coping adaptively with these stressful situations is an important determinant of their well-being and performance. Rather than seeking to change the often-unavoidable stressful situations, it is possible to change the way in which young athletes think about the situations. The present study aimed to investigate whether a multimodal cognitive-behavioral intervention could enhance young athletes’ psychological well-being and performance. Delivered toward the end of the competitive season when there is often more at stake, the intervention employed a combination of education and reappraisal delivered in 6 × 1-hour group workshops. Content included stress mindset, irrational beliefs, self-compassion, and imagery. We hypothesized that the intervention would enhance stress mindset and reduce irrational beliefs, and in turn, this would enhance the psychological well-being and performance of young athletes. Ninety-four footballers and swimmers (n = 48 females, n = 46 males, Mage = 17.49 years, SD = 3.53) completed measures in stress mindset, perceived performance, irrational beliefs, anxiety and negative affect at baseline and post-intervention. Participants were allocated to an experimental (n = 49) or control condition (n = 45). Results from the mixed model ANOVAs demonstrate that the intervention was successful at enhancing stress mindset and reducing negative affect in the experimental condition, compared to those in the control condition. There were no significant changes in performance, irrational beliefs, or anxiety. Findings offer support for targeting stress mindset to enhance young athletes’ well-being. To reduce irrational beliefs, a more specific approach to the individual may be required. Lay summary: Young athletes experience a range of daily stressors, so exploring ways to enhance their well-being and performance in stressful situations is of importance. Altering their trait beliefs about stress and promoting perceptions of control over their thoughts are useful methods of enhancing their stress mindset and reducing negative affect.

The Impact of Competitive Sports on Oral Health: Exploring Their Relationship with Salivary Oxidative Stress in Children.

This article explores the correlation between salivary biomarkers, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and their association with oral health for children in competitive sports. Saliva has emerged as a valuable resource for evaluating physiological and pathological conditions due to its non-invasive collection method and easy storage. This study examines the potential of GPX, TAC, and SOD as salivary biomarkers for assessing the impact of competitive sports on children's oral health. It discusses the potential implications of increased oxidative stress due to intense physical activity and the role of antioxidant defense mechanisms in maintaining oral health. In total, 173 children aged between 6 and 17 were divided into three groups, 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 in the control group, and examined to assess their oral hygiene and dental and periodontal health. Saliva was collected, centrifuged, and the supernatant was analyzed for the relevant biomarkers. The findings seem to suggest that salivary biomarkers, like GPX, TAC, and SOD, might serve as indicators of the physiological response to competitive sports in children, as well as indicators of oral health, especially dental cavities, and periodontal disease. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups, with better values for athletes, regardless of age, sex, or activity type. Understanding the relationship between salivary biomarkers and competitive sports in children can have significant implications for monitoring and optimizing the health and performance of young athletes. Further research is needed to establish the specific associations between these biomarkers and the effects of several types and intensities of sports activities on oral health in children.

The relationship between sleep, perfectionistic strivings, perfectionistic concerns, and academic and sports performance in young athletes

ABSTRACT Perfectionism is associated with sleep as well as with academic and sports performance. Given the importance of sleep for performance and the sleep changes that occur during adolescence, the present study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep, two dimensions of perfectionism (perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns), with academic and sports performance in young athletes. The occurrence of perfectionistic strivings was identified as a tendency to set high personal standards for oneself, while the occurrence of perfectionistic concerns was identified as a tendency to feel pressure to be perfect and have concerns about imperfections. A total of 32 athletes aged 13 to 16 years old participated in this study. Perfectionism, sleep, and course grades were measured at the end of the school year. Sleep was measured by actigraphy, and sports performance improvement was obtained by comparing individual performance at the beginning and the end of the school year. The moderating effect of both dimensions of perfectionism on the relationships between sleep and academic and sports performance improvement was measured. First, results showed no significant relationship between sleep and academic/sports performance. Further analyses revealed that perfectionistic strivings moderated the relationship between certain aspects of sleep with academic and sports performance improvement. Delayed and suboptimal sleep habits were associated with lower academic and sports performance improvement when low levels of perfectionistic strivings were present. Results with perfectionistic concerns showed that this dimension did not moderate the relationship between sleep and academic and sports performance improvement. This study supports the notion that high levels of perfectionistic strivings in young athletes may mitigate the adverse effects of poor sleep habits in young athletes.

The Influence of Team Invasion Sports’ Participation in the Phase Angle of Youth Athletes

Team invasion sports are characterized as ball games, played by two opponents, aiming to score points or goals. The aim intended to verify which team invasion sport presents a greater probability to obtain a higher phase angle (PhA) value, considering the age, time of practice, vertical jump tests and handgrip strength of young athletes. A total of 248 young athletes were evaluated. After performing the correlations between the PhA and categorical variables (sport and sex) and covariables (age, time of practice- t, squat jump- SJ, countermovement jump- CMJ, and handgrip strength left or right- HGSl or HGSr), we developed an equation from a logistic regression model, aiming to better interpret the probability to obtain a higher PhA. Our findings showed a significant correlation (p< 0.05) ranging from weak to moderate between the PhA and age (r=0.268), t (r =0.206), SJ (r=0.330), CMJ (r= 0.277), HGSr (r=0.537), and HGSl (r=0.523). Considering the median value of the PhA (7.7o) as a cut-off point, youth soccer players were the most likely to have 2.2 more chances to reach a higher PhA, followed by Futsal (2.13), and Rugby (2.01) players. Considering our equation, we suggested that higher PhA values predisposed the Soccer, Futsal and Rugby players to express greater jumping capacity or handgrip tests. Considering the advantage of using PhA as a marker of a healthy body composition profile, the magnitude of these probabilities to reach higher values of strength performance in young athletes may depend on the sport practiced and their exposure to specific training.

Investigating the impact of inter-limb asymmetry in hamstring strength on jump, sprint, and strength performance in young athletes: comparing the role of gross force.

The main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the impact of the inter-limb asymmetry of hamstring strength on jump, sprint and strength performance and to compare the effects of inter-limb asymmetry of hamstring strength with gross force (GF) of the hamstring on these physical qualities in youth volleyball athletes. Eighty-one youth volleyball players (age: 16.6 ± 1.9years; training experience: 3.0 ± 0.9years; height: 191.4 ± 7.1cm; body mass: 78.5 ± 12.9kg; lean body mass: 63.5 ± 10.5kg; body fat rate: 18.6% ± 6.1%) performed a mid-season battery of tests consisting of morphological test, depth jump (DJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), 10m sprint, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and hamstring strength test. All tests reported good to excellent reliability (ICC range = 0.815-0.996) and acceptable variability (CV range = 3.26-7.84%). Results show a significant negative relationship between inter-limb asymmetry of hamstring strength and all physical qualities (r = -0.271 to -0.445; p < 0.05), and a significant positive relationship between GF of hamstring and all physical qualities (r = 0.303 to 0.664; p < 0.05). Additionally, GF of hamstring was more relevant to IMTP-PF (peak force) (r = 0.664) and inter-limb asymmetry of hamstring strength was more relevant to 10m sprint (r = -0.445). The findings from this study indicate that, for youth athletes, the GF of the hamstring is crucial for overall lower limb strength performance, and the importance of inter-limb symmetry of hamstring strength increases with the complexity of the task.

What could explain the psychological well-being and performance of young athletes? The role of social safeness and self-criticism

Literature has highlighted that it is important to explore factors that may contribute to athletes’ well-being and also to sports performance, especially in young athletes. This study aimed to test a model that hypothesized that athlete-related social safeness (feelings of belonging to the team) has an effect on the psychological well-being and performance through self-criticism.This study sample comprised 164 Portuguese adolescent athletes of both genders, who practiced different sports.The path analysis results confirmed the proposed model’s adequacy, which explained 52% and 28% of the variance of the psychological well-being and performance, respectively. Results demonstrated that athletes who presented higher social safeness levels tend to reveal higher levels of psychological well-being and perceived performance through lower levels of self-criticism.These novel findings suggest the importance of adopting supportive and safe relationships between teammates due to their positive association with athletes’ mental health and performance.

Contribution of biological maturation and power of upper and lower limbs to crawl swim performance in adolescent athletes

PurposeThere is no consensus in literature data about the influence of biological maturation (BM) on swim performance in young athletes. We analysed the relationship of BM, upper-limb power (ULP), and lower-limb power (LLP) with adolescent athletes’ performance in crawl swim.MethodsThis observational study determined the BM of 16 competitive swimmers (50% males and 50% females; 12.90 ± 0.88 years) by a mathematical model based on bone age and anthropometric measures. ULP and LLP were established by the horizontal launch test and the vertical and countermovement jump tests on a force platform, respectively. Swim performance was evaluated by the average speed in a 100-m crawl sprint.ResultsBM was related to ULP (males: &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.76, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001; females: &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.39, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.02), LLP (males: vertical jump &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.80, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.02, countermovement jump &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.48, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.02; females: vertical jump &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.30, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.04, countermovement jump &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.80, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.01), and crawl swim performance (males: &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = –0.91, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001; females: &lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = –0.72, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.04). BM had a 87% contribution to crawl swim performance in males and a 66% contribution in females. ULP and LLP showed &lt; 50% contribution to crawl swim performance in both females and males.ConclusionsBM was associated with crawl swim performance of adolescent athletes of both sexes. BM exhibited a stronger contribution to crawl swim performance than ULP and LLP in adolescent swimmers at the puberty window.

Normative values for heart rate response to exercise in young athletes at 10–18 years old

ABSTRACT The assessment of the chronotropic response during acute physical exertion can allow the discovery of many cardiovascular diseases even at a young age. However, the increase in heart rate (HR) depends on the age and sex of the subject and the modality of the graded exercise test. This study aims to provide sex- and age-related normative values for heart rate performance in young athletes aged 10–18. A retrospective study was carried out on 7896 young athletes (5356 males and 2540 females) aged between 10 and 18 who underwent pre-participation screening to obtain eligibility for competitive sport. First, anthropometric parameters, performance data, and HR are reported. Thus, each age calculated third, tenth, twenty-fifth, fiftieth, seventy-fifth, ninetieth, and ninety-seventh percentiles for the stage-by-stage HR response, according to sex and graded exercise test modality category. Young female athletes of all ages showed lower performance with fewer stages performed on the cycle ergometer and the treadmill. Young male athletes on treadmill and cycle ergometers show lower HR values at submaximal intensities. The treadmill allows a longer duration than the cycle ergometer for males and females. Sex, age, and the specificity of the movement performed must be considered in assessing the chronotropic response in the young population, particularly for those who carry out a training program. In addition, providing reference values of HR response to acute physical exertion may allow for a better functional assessment of the young athletes. Highlights Growth and physical training induce continuous changes in the cardiovascular system. However, each young athlete shows individual features. The chronotropic response to incremental load is a common method for assessing health and fitness. Comparing the heart rate data obtained from the incremental effort with the reference percentiles can provide information in a short time in the evaluation of young athletes and the general youth population. Therefore, this methodology is regularly performed in the evaluation of anthropometric growth. In evaluating the chronotropic response to physical exertion, in addition to age and sex, should take the specificity of the movement performed during the test into account.

Efficacy of Different Cold-Water Immersion Temperatures on Neuromotor Performance in Young Athletes.

Cold-Water-Immersion (CWI) has been frequently used to accelerate muscle recovery and to improve performance after fatigue onset. In the present study, the aim was to investigate the effects of different CWI temperatures on neuromuscular activity on quadriceps after acute fatigue protocol. Thirty-six young athletes (16.9 ± 1.4 years-old; 72.1 ± 13.8 kg; 178.4 ± 7.2 cm) were divided into three groups: passive recovery group (PRG); CWI at 5 °C group (5G); and CWI at 10 °C group (10G). All participants performed a fatigue exercise protocol; afterwards, PRG performed a passive recovery (rest), while 5G and 10G were submitted to CWI by means of 5 °C and 10 °C temperatures during 10 min, respectively. Fatigue protocol was performed by knee extension at 40% of isometric peak force from maximal isometric voluntary contraction. Electromyography was used to evaluate neuromuscular performance. The passive recovery and CWI at 5 °C were associated with normalized isometric force and quadriceps activation amplitude from 15 until 120 min after exercise-induced fatigue (F = 7.169, p < 0.001). CWI at 5 °C and 10 °C showed higher muscle activation (F = 6.850, p < 0.001) and lower median frequency (MF) than passive recovery after 15 and 30 min of fatigue (F = 5.386, p < 0.001). For neuromuscular efficiency (NME) recovery, while PRG normalized NME values after 15 min, 5G and 10G exhibited these responses after 60 and 30 min (F = 4.330, p < 0.01), respectively. Passive recovery and CWI at 5 °C and 10 °C revealed similar effects in terms of recovery of muscle strength and NME, but ice interventions resulted in higher quadriceps activation recovery.

Usability of classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis in measuring body composition of children

In this study, we aimed to analyse the relationship between body composition and bioelectrical variables in children and adolescents. The sample was composed of 6801 individuals (4035 males; 2766 females) aged 8-20 years included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 1999-2004. Classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) were applied and compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the evaluation of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM), and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) for the evaluation of intra-cellular water (ICW), extra-cellular water (ECW), and total body water (TBW). Fat-free mass index (FFMI) was calculated. Spearman's correlation, regression, and depth-depth analyses were applied. The evaluation of body composition with BIVA agreed well with that of DXA or BIS, independently of sex, age, and ethnicity: classic BIVA was mostly sensitive to differences in TBW, ECW/ICW, whereas specific BIVA to differences in %FM, FFMI, and ECW/ICW. The depth-depth analysis confirmed the associations of classic BIVA (coeff. 0.500, p<0.001), and specific BIVA (coeff. 0.512, p<0.001), also considering the significant effect of age (p<0.001). In classic BIVA the association was slightly stronger in females (by 0.03, p=0.042) and among Blacks (0.06, p=0.002), whereas in specific BIVA it was stronger by 0.06 (p<0.001) in females and similar among ethnic groups. The combined use of the two BIVA approaches represents a valuable tool for complete evaluation of body composition in growth studies, for the prevention and monitoring of malnutrition, and the monitoring of the performance in young athletes.

Effect of Concomitant Meniscal Tear on Strength and Functional Performance in Young Athletes 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Autograft.

Background:The effect of concomitant meniscal tears, and their associated treatment, on strength and functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has not been adequately investigated in young populations.Hypothesis:Concomitant meniscal tears, treated with or without repair, would not adversely affect strength, balance, or functional hop test performance at 6 months postoperatively.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The authors retrospectively analyzed return-to-sports (RTS) assessments prospectively collected 6 months after ACLR with hamstring autograft in 165 patients ≤25 years of age. Descriptive, surgical, and RTS testing data were analyzed, and subgroups were compared using analysis of covariance models designed to assess the effects of sex, meniscal tear, and meniscal repair on RTS performance.Results:Included were 115 female (70%) and 50 male (30%) patients with a mean age of 16.4 years (range, 12.3-25 years). Of these patients, 58% had concomitant meniscal tears (59% lateral, 27% medial, 14% lateral + medial), comprising 53% of the female and 70% of the male patients. The authors treated 61% of the tears with repair, with range of motion (ROM) and weightbearing limitations imposed within the first 6 weeks postoperatively, whereas 39% were treated with partial meniscectomy, rasping, or trephination (no ROM or weightbearing restrictions). The mean deficit in hamstring strength at 6 months postoperatively was significantly greater in the meniscal tear group than in those without a tear (32.3% vs 24.6%; P = .028). The meniscal repair group had greater hamstring strength deficits than the group with meniscectomy, rasping or trephination (34.3% vs 26.2%; P = .023). Performance on dynamic balance and functional hop tests was similar among all meniscus subgroups. There were no sex-based effects on any subgroup comparisons.Conclusion:At 6 months postoperatively, both young male and young female patients who underwent ACLR with hamstring autograft demonstrated significant hamstring strength deficits compared with their nonoperative leg. The presence of a meniscal tear and subsequent repair, or its related rehabilitation restrictions, appears to have adverse effects on the postoperative recovery of hamstring strength.

Impact of Psychiatric Illnesses and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Medications on Baseline Neurocognitive Testing.

Neurocognitive tests are an integral component of sport-related concussion (SRC) workup. A history of psychiatric illness (HPI) is common among young athletes. Investigations of factors that influence athletes' baseline neurocognitive function are crucial for an accurate assessment of SRC. In this study, we aim to elucidate the effect of HPI and selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication use on baseline neurocognitive performance in young athletes. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing assessments. A total of 268 athletes with HPI and a control group of 6,364 athletes were included. The outcomes were total symptom score based on post-concussion symptom scale, verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor, reaction time, and impulse control scores with self-reported HPI status and SSRI use. Athletes with HPI had an elevated symptom score in both univariate analysis (p < .0001) and multivariate analysis (p < .0001). HPI influence on visual memory score was not robust to multivariate analysis (p = .24). Athletes with HPI who reported SSRI medication use had the same baseline neurocognitive performance as other athletes with HPI. HPI influences athletes' baseline neurocognitive performance by elevating symptom scores. HPI does not alter any of the objective neurocognitive composite scores in contrast to previous work. Clinicians should consider the impact of HPI on baseline neurocognitive performance during the assessment of a suspected SRC. Additional research is required to bolster our findings on SSRI use and ascertain the effects of other drug classes on baseline neurocognitive performance.

Analysis of the associations between variables derived throughout velocity-based training device and jumping performances in youth soccer players: Multiple regression study

Background: It has been suggested that velocity-based training (VBT) improves real-life performance in sports, such as jumping, but studies rarely examined the associations between variables derived during VBT (VBT-variables) and jumping performances. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between VBT-variables derived during deadlift exercise executed at different loads and anthropometric variables, and vertical and horizontal jump performance in young athletes. Methods: Seventeen youth soccer players (16-18 years old) were included. Predictors were body height, body mass, body fat percentage, and VBT-variables (force, power, and velocity) measured at different loads (45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85%, and 95%) of a one-repetition maximum deadlift (1RM). Criteria included tests of vertical and horizontal jumping performance. Results: The VBT-variables are more strongly correlated with horizontal jumps (Pearson's r up to .81) than vertical jumps (Pearson's r up to .75). The VBT-variables for the deadlift recorded at lower loads stronger correlated with jumping performance than the VBT-variables recorded at higher loads. Conclusions: Results of the study suggest that light-to-moderate loads (45%-65% of 1RM) maximize power output and are therefore more strongly related to jumping performance in youth athletes. Further intervention studies aimed at the improvement of jumping performances using the VBT are warranted.

The relationship between the digit ratio (2D:4D) and vertical jump performance in young athletes.

Digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker of prenatal testosterone, is a negative correlate of sports, athletic, and fitness performance. To describe the relationship between 2D:4D and vertical jump performance in athletes. Sixty-one Division I American Football players from a Midwestern U.S. university had their 2D:4D measured digitally and their vertical jump performance measured using jump mechanography. The primary outcome was jump height, with secondary outcomes depicting jump execution also recorded. Linear relationships between 2D:4D and vertical jump performance were quantified using partial correlations adjusted for age, height, mass, and ethnicity. 2D:4D was a statistically significant weak negative correlate of jump height (partial r [95% confidence interval]: -0.26 [-0.48, -0.01]), indicating that athletes with lower 2D:4Ds (i.e., relatively longer 4th digits) jumped higher. Relationships with jump execution variables were negligible to weak and negative, but not statistically significant. The significant relationship between 2D:4D and jump height probably reflects both the long-term organizational and short-term activational benefits of testosterone. Therefore, 2D:4D may be a useful indicator of explosive strength among young athletes.

Observational vs coaching feedback on non-dominant whole-body motor skill performance - application to technique training.

We studied the effect of peer- and self-observational feedback versus coaching feedback during technique training on performance in competitive adolescent cross-country skiers. Fifty-four skiers (14.3±0.6years) were divided into a control group and three intervention groups (dyad practice, video, or coaching feedback), which practiced in the asymmetrical uphill sub-technique G2 on one side (non-dominant side), but not the other (dominant side) for 6×30min over a 5weeks period, on roller skis outdoors. High-speed performance and skiing economy were assessed on a roller ski treadmill before and after the intervention, and a questionnaire was answered post-intervention. The video feedback (p=.025, d=.65) and coaching feedback (p=.007, d=.89) groups improved high-speed performance during the intervention and an ANCOVA showed a tendency for different change scores between interventions (F3,49 =2.5, p=.068, =.134), with a difference between the coaching feedback and dyad practice (p=.05). No change was seen in skiing economy in any group. Coaching feedback ranked higher on enjoyment compared with dyad practice (p<.001) and led to higher self-perception of improved technique compared with the control group (p=.038). Overall, feedback from a competent coach seems better than observation for improving performance in young athletes, although self-observation through video with attentional cues seems a promising tool for increasing individual feedback when coaching large groups.

An empirical study of social phobia among young athletes

Social phobia is due to stress, strain, frustration and anxiety among young athletes since their performance is evaluated by the audience domain while playing. No doubt, athletes of today possess very high potential, health, knowledge and will power to excel, but are deprived of showcasing their potential in a social setting because of fear and anxiety they undergo. Hence, it is felt that there is an urgent need to study the causes of social phobia empirically. Thus, in the present article an attempt has been made to critically review the research studies conducted on social phobia in India and abroad. The review of research have revealed the common types of fears associated with social phobia. In the research studies these are these are classified into: fears associated with performance situations and interaction situation. For instance, public speaking, eating in front of others, writing in front of others, speaking in a group, drinking before others, entering a room while others are sitting, using public wash rooms are some of the situation which creates fear associated with social phobia. On the other hand, interacting with others, conversation with others on phone, speaking with strangers, interacting with the opposite gender, attending athletic meet, dealing with authorities, moving closely with opposite sex athlete are some of the interaction situations which results in creating common types of fear resulting in social phobia among young athletes as per the research studies conducted in India and abroad. This lowers the self-esteem of athletes to a great extent as well as hinders the self-actualization process among young athletes. Thus, the research studies conducted both in India and abroad have clearly revealed that ‘social phobia’ has a negative impact on performance of young athletes.

Sport Contact Level Affects Post-Concussion Neurocognitive Performance in Young Athletes.

Contact level affects the incidence of sports-related concussion. However, the effects of contact level on injury severity and recovery are less clear and are the focus of this study. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) for athletes aged 12-22 was performed at baseline (n=10,907 for 7,058 athletes), after suspected concussion determined by physicians or athletic trainers (n=5,062 for 4,419 athletes), and during follow-up visits (n=3,264 for 2,098 athletes). Athletes played contact/collision (CC), limited contact (LC), and noncontact (NC) sports. Injury incidence, severity, and recovery were measured using raw and change from baseline neurocognitive test scores. Comparisons between groups used univariate analysis and multivariable regression controlling for demographic variables. Compared to CC athletes, LC and NC athletes showed decreased suspected concussion incidence. At initial post-injury testing, all neurocognitive test scores were similar between groups except changes from baseline for processing speed were improved for LC compared to CC athletes. Upon follow-up testing, raw neurocognitive scores were better for NC compared to the contact collision athletes in verbal memory, processing speed, total symptom score, migraine cluster, cognitive cluster, and neuropsychiatric cluster scores. For change from baseline scores, LC athletes exhibited better performance on verbal memory, processing speed, and reaction time but also showed higher neuropsychiatric scores than CC athletes. Neurocognitive scores between contact levels were similar at the first post-injury test. However, follow up showed many improved scores and symptoms for limited and NC sports compared to CC sports, which may indicate faster recovery.

Prediction of Simulated 1,000 m Kayak Ergometer Performance in Young Athletes.

This study aimed to develop a predictive explanatory model for the 1,000-m time-trial (TT) performance in young national-level kayakers, from biomechanical and physiological parameters assessed in a maximal graded exercise test (GXT). Twelve young male flat-water kayakers (age 16.1 ± 1.1 years) participated in the study. The design consisted of 2 exercise protocols, separated by 48 h, on a kayak ergometer. The first protocol consisted of a GXT starting at 8 km.h−1 with increments in speed of 1 km.h−1 at each 2-min interval until exhaustion. The second protocol comprised the 1,000-m TT.Results: In the GXT, they reached an absolute O2max of 3.5 ± 0.7 (L.min−1), a maximum aerobic power (MAP) of 138.5 ± 24.5 watts (W) and a maximum aerobic speed (MAS) of 12.8 ± 0.5 km/h. The TT had a mean duration of 292.3 ± 15 s, a power output of 132.6 ± 22.0 W and a O2max of 3.5 ± 0.6 (L.min−1). The regression model [TT (s) = 413.378–0.433 × (MAP)−0.554 × (stroke rate at MAP)] presented an R2 = 84.5%.Conclusion: It was found that O2max, stroke distance and stroke rate during the GXT were not different from the corresponding variables (O2peak, stroke distance and stroke rate) observed during the TT. The MAP and the corresponding stroke rate were strong predicting factors of 1,000 m TT performance. In conclusion, the TT can be useful for quantifying biomechanical parameters (stroke distance and stroke rate) and to monitor training induced changes in the cardiorespiratory fitness (O2max).