Performance In Young Athletes Research Articles

Differences in Athletic Performance Between Sportsmen With Symptomatic Femoroacetabular Impingement and Healthy Controls.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a commonly recognized condition in athletes characterized by activity-related hip pain and stiffness, which if left untreated can progress to hip osteoarthritis. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of symptomatic FAI on performance in young athletes based on the hypothesis that athletes with FAI would show deficits in performance compared with healthy controls. The functional performance of a cohort of preoperative, competitive sportsmen with symptomatic FAI (FAI group, n = 54), was compared with that of a group of age, sex and activity-level matched controls (n = 66). Participants performed functional tests including a 10-m sprint, a modified agility T-test, a maximal deep squat test and a single-leg drop jump (reactive strength index). Hip range of motion was assessed by measuring maximal hip flexion, abduction, and internal rotation (at 90 degree hip flexion). The FAI group was significantly slower during the 10-m sprint (3%, P = 0.002) and agility T-test (8%, P < 0.001); flexion, abduction, and internal rotation values for the FAI group were reduced compared with controls (P < 0.001). No significant differences between groups were identified for squat depth or reactive strength index. The FAI group also reported higher levels of anterior groin pain during the 10-m sprint, modified agility T-test, and while squatting. Many sportsmen with confirmed FAI continue sports participation up to and after diagnosis, despite issues with activity-related pain and stiffness. This study highlights the functional limitations in speed, agility, and flexibility that are likely to be present in this group of FAI patients.

Fluid Intake Pattern, Dehydration, And Performance In Young Athletes During A Triathlon In Tropical Climate

Fluid Intake Pattern, Dehydration, And Performance In Young Athletes During A Triathlon In Tropical Climate

Sport-Specific Assessment of the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training in Young Athletes.

Neuromuscular training in young athletes improves performance and decreases the risk of injuries during sports activities. These effects are primarily ascribed to the enhancement of muscle strength and power but also balance, speed and agility. However, most studies have failed to demonstrate significant improvement in these abilities. This is probably due to the fact that traditional tests do not reflect training methods (e.g., plyometric training vs. isometric or isokinetic strength testing, dynamic balance training vs. static balance testing). The protocols utilized in laboratories only partially fulfill the current needs for testing under sport-specific conditions. Moreover, laboratory testing usually requires skilled staff and a well equipped and costly infrastructure. Nevertheless, experience demonstrates that high-technology and expensive testing is not the only way to proceed. A number of physical fitness field tests are available today. However, the low reliability and limited number of parameters retrieved from simple equipment used also limit their application in competitive sports. Thus, there is a need to develop and validate a functional assessment platform based on portable computerized systems. Variables obtained should be directly linked to specific features of particular sports and capture their complexity. This is essential for revealing weak and strong components of athlete performance and design of individually-tailored exercise programs. Therefore, identifying the drawbacks associated with the assessment of athlete performance under sport-specific conditions would provide a basis for the formation of an innovative approach to their long-term systematic testing. This study aims (i) to review the testing methods used for the evaluation of the effect of neuromuscular training on sport-specific performance in young athletes, (ii) to introduce stages within the Sport Longlife Diagnostic Model, and (iii) to propose future research in this topic. Analysis of the literature identified gaps in the current standard testing methods in terms of their low sensitivity in discriminating between athletes of varied ages and performance levels, insufficent tailoring to athlete performance level and individual needs, a lack of specificity to the requirements of particular sports and also in revealing the effect of training. In order to partly fill in these gaps, the Sport Longlife Diagnostic Model was proposed.

Postactivation Potentiation of the Plantar Flexors Does Not Directly Translate to Jump Performance in Female Elite Young Soccer Players

High-intensity muscle actions have the potential to temporarily improve muscle contractile properties (i.e., postactivation potentiation, PAP) thereby inducing acute performance enhancements. There is evidence that balance training can improve performance during strength exercises. Taking these findings together, the purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of a combined balance and strength (B+S) exercise vs. a strength only (S) exercise on twitch contractile properties, maximum voluntary strength, and jump performance in young athletes. Female elite young soccer players (N = 12) aged 14–15 years conducted three experimental conditions in randomized order: S included 3 sets of 8–10 dynamic leg extensions at 80% of the 1-repetition maximum, B+S consisted of 3 sets of 40 s double-leg stances on a balance board prior to leg extensions (same as S), and a resting control period. Before and 7 min after exercise, participants were tested for their electrically-evoked isometric twitches (i.e., twitch peak torque, twitch rate of torque development) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque of the plantar flexor muscles. Additionally, countermovement (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) performances (i.e., CMJ/DJ height, DJ ground contact time) were assessed. Significant effects of condition on twitch contractile properties (p < 0.05, d = 1.1) and jump performance outputs (p < 0.05, 1.1 ≤ d ≤ 1.2) were found. Post-hoc tests revealed that S compared to control produced larger PAP for twitch peak torques by trend (p = 0.07, d = 1.8, 33 vs. 21%) and significantly larger PAP for twitch rate of torque development (p < 0.05, d = 2.4, 55 vs. 43%). Following B+S compared to control, significant improvements in CMJ height (p < 0.01, d = 1.9, 3%) and DJ contact time were found (p < 0.01, d = 2.0, 10%). This study revealed protocol-specific acute performance improvements. While S resulted in significant increases in twitch contractile properties, B+S produced significant enhancements in jump performance. It is concluded that PAP effects in the plantar flexors may not directly translate to improved jump performance in female elite young soccer players. Therefore, the observed gains in jump performance following B+S are most likely related to neuromuscular changes (e.g., intramuscular coordination) rather than improved contractile properties.

Substantial injuries influence ranking position in young elite athletes of athletics, cross-country skiing and orienteering.

The relationship between injury and performance in young athletes is scarcely studied. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the association between injury prevalence and ranking position among adolescent elite athletes. One hundred and sixty-two male and female adolescent elite athletes (age range 15-19), competing in athletics (n=59), cross-country skiing (n=66), and orienteering (n=37), were monitored weekly over 22-47weeks using a web-based injury questionnaire. Ranking lists were collected. A significant (P=.003) difference was found in the seasonal substantial injury prevalence across the ranked athletes over the season, where the top-ranked (median 3.6%, 25-75th percentiles 0%-14.3%) and middle-ranked athletes (median 2.3%, 25-75th percentiles 0%-10.0%) had a lower substantial injury prevalence compared to the low-ranked athletes (median 11.3%, 25-75th percentiles 2.5%-27.1%), during both preseason (P=.002) and competitive season (P=.031). Athletes who improved their ranking position (51%, n=51) reported a lower substantial injury prevalence (median 0%, 25-75th percentiles 0%-10.0%) compared to those who decreased (49%, n=49) their ranking position (md 6.7%, 25-75th percentiles 0%-22.5%). In the top-ranked group, no athlete reported substantial injury more than 40% of all data collection time points compared to 9.6% (n=5) in the middle-ranked, and 17.3% (n=9) in the low-ranked group. Our results provide supporting evidence that substantial injuries, such as acute and overuse injuries leading to moderate or severe reductions in training or sports performance, influence ranking position in adolescent elite athletes. The findings are crucial to stakeholders involved in adolescent elite sports and support the value of designing effective preventive interventions for substantial injuries.

Mental Fatigue Impairs Physical Performance in Young Swimmers.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of mental fatigue on heart rate variability, subjective measures of fatigue, and swimming performance in young athletes. Sixteen swimmers [15.45 (0.51) y old, 7.35 (2.20) y of swimming experience] performeda 1500-m time trial on 2 occasions separated by an interval of at least 72hours. The 1500-m swimming was preceded by a 30-minute treatment that consisted of performing the Stroop Color and Word test to induce mental fatigue (experimental trial) or watching an emotionally neutral video (control trial). Participants reported higher ratings of mental fatigue and mental effort following the Stroop test when compared with the control trial, but no differences in motivation were observed. The induction of mental fatigue impaired swimming performance, as evidenced by a slower time (1.2%) to complete the 1500-m trial. No intertrial differences were identified for rating of perceived exertion during the swimming test or in heart rate variability after the Stroop and swimming tests. The results indicate that induction of mental fatigue impairs 1500-m swimming performance without changing heart rate variability.

The relationships between gross motor coordination and sport-specific skills in adolescent non-athletes

PurposeWhile the usefulness of gross motor coordination score as predictor of sports performance in young athletes has been demonstrated, practical applications in the settings where the focus is not on elite performance is limited. Further, little is known about the extent to which gross motor coordination score is associated with sport-specific skills among adolescent non-athletes. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the degree of gross motor coordination and execution in specific volleyball tests among adolescent non-athletes.MethodsThe total of 34 students (27 females and 7 males) aged 13–14 years who regularly participated in volleyball during physical education classes were randomly recruited. Gross motor coordination was assessed with the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder. Motor performance on volley-specific skills was indicated by two product-oriented tasks: volleyball under service and service reception. Correlation and linear regression analyses were applied to examine the associations between motor coordination scores and motor performance in volley-specific skills.ResultsMotor coordination score was positively correlated with motor performance on specific skills (&lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.503, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.02). Linear regression analysis revealed that motor coordination score accounted for 23% of the variance in the motor performance on volleyball skills (&lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; = 0.253, &lt;i&gt;R&lt;/i&gt;&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; adjusted = 0.230, &lt;i&gt;F&lt;/i&gt; = 10.836, p = 0.02).ConclusionsThe degree of gross motor coordination seems to play a significant role in the execution of specific volleyball tasks.

Effects of a low-volume plyometric training in anaerobic performance of adolescent athletes.

Parameters related to the anaerobic capacity and power may be important for the performance of many sports whose skills are related to high-intensity and short-duration efforts. Although plyometric training (PT) has been widely used in the regular strength and conditioning programs of young athletes, its effects on anaerobic performance are still controversial. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of PT in anaerobic performance in young athletes. Twenty-nine adolescent athletes participated in this 10-week study. Baseline and post intervention testing included Flying Start 30 m Sprint Test (F30), 1600 m, and Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST). Subjects were divided in two groups: one completed only their regular training sessions, thus serving as the control (CON, N.=15), whereas the other performed the regular training plus twice-weekly low-volume plyometric training (PLYO, N.=14). PLYO groups had significant increases in all variables analyzed. The novel findings were the increase in F30 performance (4.22% for PLYO vs. 1.08% for CON), the decreases in Fatigue Index (9.9% for PLYO vs. 1.53% for CON), and increases in minimum (19.41% for PLYO vs. 0.29 for CON), mean (14.7% for PLYO vs. 0.16% for CON) and peak power (10.88% for PLYO vs. 0.81% for CON) during the RAST Test. Considering that anaerobic performance is an important feature in many sports, our results suggests that coaches involved with strength and conditioning of youth athletes should consider the inclusion PT in their training periodization.

Resistance Exercise and Youth: Survival of the Strongest.

Research evidence continues to define the unique health- and performance-related benefits of resistance exercise for children and adolescents. While the effectiveness of resistance exercise in increasing muscle strength and motor skill performance has been demonstrated repeatedly, current scientific evidence indicates that the right "dose" of resistance exercise can enhance physical performance in young athletes and reduce the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease. The papers discussed in this commentary add to our understanding of the potential benefits of youth resistance exercise by defining dose-response relationships for key training variables, exploring sex-specific adaptations to this type of training, and examining the relationship between muscular strength early in life and cardiometabolic risk later in life. Noteworthy is the identification of unique, sex-specific thresholds for normalized strength to detect high risk cardiometabolic phenotypes in youth. New insights indicate that stronger boys and girls will be better prepared for sport and for life.

The Effect of Steroid Hormones on the Physical Performance of Boys and Girls During an Olympic Weightlifting Competition.

To examine the steroid hormone effect on the physical performance of young athletes during an Olympic weightlifting competition. 26 boys and 26 girls were monitored across 2 weightlifting competitions. Pre- and post-competition testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-s) were measured in blood, with pre-event free T (FT) and the free androgen index (FAI) calculated. Body mass (BM) and weightlifting performance were recorded. The boys had a larger BM, superior performance with more T, FT and a higher FAI than girls (p < .01). Although C (32%) and DHEA-s (8%) levels were elevated across competition, no sex differences in hormone reactivity were seen. In boys, DHEA-s correlated with performance (r = .46), but not after controlling for BM (r = .14). For girls, T correlated with performance (r = -0.51) after BM was controlled. The sex differences that emerge during puberty were observable, whereby the boys were larger and stronger with a more anabolic profile than girls. Individual DHEA-s (boys) and T (girls) levels were related to performance, but BM appeared to be acting as a mediating (boys) or suppressing (girls) variable. This adds new insight regarding the hormonal contribution to competitive performance in young athletes.

Examining age and gender effects in physical performance in young athletes aged 12–16 years

The aims of the present study were to determine anthropometric and physical characteristics according to age and gender of young athletes, and to quantify the relationships among these characteristics. Sixty-four young high-level runners were divided into two groups according to their age: U14 = under 14 year’s athletes; U16 = under 16 year’s athletes. The U16 group presented higher values of the sprint 15 m (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.14) and modified agility test (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.66) than the U14 group. However, the boys group presented higher values in the 505 agility test (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.63), modified agility test (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.26), horizontal countermovement jump (p &lt; 0.05, d = 0.56), vertical countermovement jump (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.61) and arm swim vertical countermovement jump (p &lt; 0.01, d = 0.63) than the girls group.

Relación entre la capacidad de aceleración, cambio de dirección y salto horizontal en atletas jóvenes

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la asociación existente entre la capacidad de aceleración en línea recta, la capacidad de cambiar de dirección (CODA) y la capacidad de salto horizontal (SH) en jóvenes atletas. En este estudio participaron un total de 264 jóvenes atletas de entre 8 y 16 años (10,2 ± 2,6 años; 37,5 ± 11,7 kg; 1,4 ± 0,1 m, 17,7 ± 2,4 kg·m-2). Se evaluó la capacidad de aceleración en línea recta en los test de 5 y 15 m, la CODA en el test 505 (505) y en el modified agility test (MAT) y la capacidad de SH con contra movimiento (HCMJ) y manos libres (HCMJAS). La asociación entre la capacidad de aceleración en 5 m y los test de CODA (505: r = 0,54, p &lt; 0,01 y MAT: r = 0,62, p &lt; 0,01) o salto horizontal (HCMJ: r = -0,64, p &lt; 0,01 y HCMJAS: r = -0,67, p &gt; 0,05) fue más consistente que la asociación entre la aceleración en 15 m y los test de CODA o SH. La asociación entre el test MAT y el SH (HCMJ: r = -0,73, p &lt; 0,01 y HCMJAS: r = -0,74, p &lt; 0,01) fue mayor que la relación observada entre el 505 y el HCMJ (r = -0,63, p &lt; 0,01) o el HCMJAS (r = -0,61, p &lt; 0,01). El tipo, la duración y la naturaleza de los test de campo utilizados, condicionan las asociaciones observadas entre las distintas habilidades motoras.

Interrelations of Imagery Use, Imagery Ability, and Performance in Young Athletes

The present study aimed to provide a better understanding of the relationship between imagery use, imagery ability, the interrelation between these two constructs, and athletic performance for young athletes. Participants were 80 gymnasts between 7 and 16 years of age. We assessed 5 different functions of imagery use and imagery ability regarding cognitive and motivational imagery. Cognitive specific imagery use, motivational general-mastery imagery use, and goal imagery ability significantly predicted performance at competition, independent of the athletes’ age. Consequently, it is useful to support young athletes’ imagery use and imagery ability systematically in order to improve their learning processes and sports performance.

Changes in Endurance Performance in Young Athletes During Two Training Seasons.

The aim of the study was to assess changes in endurance performance in young runners (females and males) during two training seasons. It involved 19 male and 16 female athletes aged 15–17 specializing in track-and-field middle and long distances runs. The following parameters were measured three times during the training season: maximal oxygen uptake, running economy, and the level of the second ventilatory threshold. Training volume and intensity during each season were analyzed within an 8-week period prior to the exercise tests. The volume and intensity of training at various stages of preparation in both seasons were similar. During the first year of observation, significant improvements in relative volume of maximal oxygen uptake were reported both in female and male athletes. During the second training season, it was found that running economy improved both in women and men, with no changes in maximal oxygen uptake. The same (in terms of volume and intensity) endurance training carried out with young runners during two consecutive training seasons can result in different training effects.

Динамика физической работоспособности у юных спортсменов на фоне саунотерапии и йодобромных ванн

Динамика физической работоспособности у юных спортсменов на фоне саунотерапии и йодобромных ванн

Relationship between strength qualities and short track speed skating performance in young athletes.

This study analyzed the relationships between isometric as well as concentric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) strength of the leg muscles and the times as well as speeds over different distances in 17 young short track speed skaters. Isometric as well as concentric single-joint MVC strength and multi-joint MVC strength in a stable (without skates) and unstable (with skates) condition were tested. Furthermore, time during maximum skating performances on ice was measured. Results indicate that maximum torques during eversion and dorsal flexion have a significant influence on skating speed. Concentric MVC strength of the knee extensors was higher correlated with times as well as speeds over the different distances than isometric MVC strength. Multi-joint MVC testing revealed that the force loss between measurements without and with skates amounts to 25%, while biceps femoris and soleus showed decreased muscle activity and peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, as well as rectus femoris exhibited increased muscle activity. The results of this study depict evidence that the skating times and speeds are primarily influenced by concentric MVC strength of the leg extensors. To be able to transfer the strength onto ice in an optimal way, it is necessary to stabilize the knee and ankle joints.

Effect of Plyometric Training on Young Athlete’s Performance According to Body Corpulence and Dropping Height

Effect of Plyometric Training on Young Athlete’s Performance According to Body Corpulence and Dropping Height Background: Short-term plyometric training might enhance a wide range of athletic performance in young athletes. Aim: To examine the effect of three-plyometric training protocols including a drop jump (DJ) from 3-different heights (i.e., 30, 40, and 50 cm) according to the athlete’s body corpulence. Methods: Thirty-six young athletes (age 15.41 ± 1.23 years; body height 169.5 ± 6.7 cm; body mass 54.1 ± 8.3 kg and body mass index (BMI) 18.8 ± 2.1 kg/m²) participated in this study. They were divided into three homogeneous groups (12 athletes in each group: 6 are healthy-weight and 6 underweight) classified on the basis of their BMI. The first group followed a DJ training protocol below 30 cm of height (DJ30), the second one 40 cm (DJ40) and the third one 50cm (DJ50). All groups trained for 8-weeks, for two session’s per-week. Results: Plyometric training had a beneficial impact on muscle explosive power and jumping performance for all participants regardless of the dropping height. All parameters studied in the squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) showed a significant increase (p<0.05). When considering drop jump (DJ), data analysis showed that DJ40 and DJ50 groups significantly improved their performance except ground contact time, which remain almost constant. However, DJ30 group did not improve his performance in DJ. Moreover, between-groups analysis revealed no significant difference between the three groups in regards to the dropping height. Delta-percentage analysis depending on the body corpulence showed that the underweight young athletes following DJ50 recorded better performance enhancement in CMJ height and in DJ power compared to DJ40 and DJ30 groups. Conclusions: The main results of this study revealed that the DJ40 and DJ50 plyometric training program might improve performance for underweight 15-16 years old athletes.

Nutritional Considerations for Performance in Young Athletes.

Nutrition is an integral component to any athletes training and performance program. In adults the balance between energy intake and energy demands is crucial in training, recovery, and performance. In young athletes the demands for training and performance remain but should be a secondary focus behind the demands associated with maintaining the proper growth and maturation. Research interventions imposing significant physiological loads and diet manipulation are limited in youth due to the ethical considerations related to potential negative impacts on the growth and maturation processes associated with younger individuals. This necessary limitation results in practitioners providing nutritional guidance to young athletes to rely on exercise nutrition recommendations intended for adults. While many of the recommendations can appropriately be repurposed for the younger athlete attention needs to be taken towards the differences in metabolic needs and physiological differences.

Оценка функционального состояния сердечно-сосудистой системы и свободнорадикального окисления у юных спортсменов

Oxidative stress underlies the formation of the pathology of cardiovascular system in young athletes. Its potential role in the pathogenesis of myocardial remodeling in young athletes has been discussed. The paper is devoted to the study of the changes of free radical oxidation in the body by the method of chemiluminescence and antioxidant effect on the functional state of the cardiovascular system. The results of clinical studies on the antioxidant effect of polydihidroxyphenilenthiosulfonate sodium («Hypoxen») in vitro, namely the addition of a substance in a simple model systems that mimic the most common reactions of free radical oxidation in the organism, such as formation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. It has been found in this study that concentration of free radicals in the blood in athletes with physiological manifestations of athlete´s heart and signs of stress cardiomyopathy has been increased. After administration of Hypoxen in vivo the concentration of free radicals in the athlete’s blood has been found to be reduced. In assessing the functional state of the cardiovascular system administration of Hypoxen resulted in the improved physical performance in young athletes. Maintaining of free radical oxidation processes at the optimal levels contributes to timely prevention of stress cardiomyopathy.

Effects of respiratory sinus arrhythmia biofeedback training on alpha EEG activity, heart rate variability, postural control and shooting performance in young athletes

Effects of respiratory sinus arrhythmia biofeedback training on alpha EEG activity, heart rate variability, postural control and shooting performance in young athletes