Physical Performance Research Articles

The Ultimate 14-Day Challenge: The Journey to Becoming an Indonesian U23 National Football Team Player

Abstract This study explores the 14-day selection process for the U23 national football team. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, with data collected through observations and interviews with coaches and athletes involved in the selection program. The findings reveal that the selection process evaluates a wide range of attributes, including physical abilities, technical skills, tactical understanding, mental resilience, and strategic decision-making, all of which influence the final decision. This process not only focuses on physical performance but also highlights the critical role of psychological and tactical aspects in player evaluation. The comprehensive selection approach contributes to forming a more prepared and competitive team for international competitions. The study suggests that a holistic approach to athlete evaluation, covering physical, psychological, and strategic components, leads to better outcomes in terms of team readiness and competitiveness. It is concluded that such a thorough assessment of athletes results in a more prepared and competitive team for international competitions. Keywords: selection, player, football

Predictors of Quality of Life among Older Residents in Rural and Urban Areas in Indonesia: An Approach Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding health and quality of life (QoL) in older adults in both rural and urban settings, each presenting unique advantages and challenges. This study aimed to explore the relationship between factors based on the ICF model and QoL among older residents of these areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 286 older adults aged 60 years or older from rural and urban areas of Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. The WHOQoL-BREF was utilized to assess QoL. The co-factors included personal factors, impairments, and activity limitations. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that lower limb muscle strength was the most significant factor associated with QoL in older adults in rural areas (B=0.681, standard error [SE]=0.301, p=0.026), followed by static balance (B=0.085, SE=0.034, p=0.014). In urban areas, gender emerged as the most significant factor influencing QoL (B=-13.643, SE=2.499, p<0.001), followed by hemoglobin level (B=-1.847, SE=0.760, p=0.017), age (B=-0.935, SE=0.246, p<0.001), and cognitive function (B=0.493, SE=0.179, p=0.007). Efforts to improve QoL for older adults in rural areas should focus on enhance physical performance through exercise. In urban areas, the maintenance of QoL is influenced by personal factors. It is crucial to address physical performance through exercise to enhance QoL in rural settings. Meanwhile, focusing on mental health, financial security, and social connections is recommended to improve QoL for older adults in urban areas.

Aerobic performance in rats subjected to incremental-speed running exercise: a multiple regression analysis study emphasizing thermoregulation-related variables.

Single-variable analyses have limited ability to explain complex phenomena such as the regulation of prolonged physical (aerobic) performance. Our study aimed to identify predictors of performance in rats subjected to incremental-speed running exercise. Notably, most variables assessed were associated with rats’ thermoregulation. We extracted data from 355 records obtained in 216 adult Wistar rats. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictive power of eight variables. The distance traveled, a performance index, was the dependent variable. The independent variables included body mass, biological sex, body core temperature (TCORE) measurement site, and the following thermoregulation-related variables: ambient temperature (TAMB), initial TCORE, exercise-induced change in TCORE (ΔTCORE), ΔTCORE from 0 to 10 min (ΔTCORE 0-10; when TCORE increase is fastest), and heat loss index (HLI). This analysis with eight variables revealed an adjusted R2 of 0.495; TAMB, ΔTCORE, body mass, and ΔTCORE 0-10 had the highest predictive powers (β values: -0.700, 0.463, -0.353, and -0.130, respectively). Additional analyses consisted of separate regressions for each TCORE index measured: abdominal (TABD), brain (TBRAIN), and colonic (TCOL) temperature. These analyses yielded adjusted R2 values of 0.608 (TABD), 0.550 (TBRAIN), and 0.437 (TCOL). Again, the distance traveled was primarily predicted by body mass and thermoregulation-related variables (TAMB, ΔTCORE, and ΔTCORE 0-10). Among these four variables, ΔTCORE was the only one with a positive β value (directly predicted performance), while the others had negative values. Collectively, these findings advance our understanding of performance regulation in rats, especially regarding the role of thermoregulation-related variables.

Patterning Composites Made of Rodlike and Bent-Core Molecules for Electric Applications.

Soft materials are ideal candidates for creating tunable, self-assembled architectures. Composite materials are elaborately designed with an unusual physical performance that combines solid nanostructures and orientationally ordered soft matter. Such composites can not only inherit properties of their constituents but also exhibit excellent conductivity. Herein, we demonstrate a dewetting method to pattern binary mixtures composed of rod-like (R) 8OCB and bent-core (BC) OXD-7 molecules. By confining the R-BC composite in a geometric sandwich system with a surface-modified surface, we were able to generate R-BC microstripes that were not only nearly uniform in size but also highly ordered in alignment. It was found that these composite microstripes formed donor-acceptor systems that enhance the conductivity of the soft system while not altering the coexisting smectic phase of 8OCB and B6 phase of OXD-7.

The effects of whole-body vibration exercises with and without conventional physical therapy modalities in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A prospective, randomized-controlled study

Objectives: This study aims to examine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy + home-based exercise (HBE) therapy; physical therapy modalities (PTMs)+HBE; and WBV+PTM+HBE on pain severity, physical performance, and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: This single-center, single-blind, three-armed, prospective, randomized-controlled study included a total of 65 patients (3 males, 62 females; mean age: 56.0±6.3 years; range, 45 to 70 years) who were diagnosed with knee OA between February 2014 and July 2014. The participants were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=22) received WBV+HBE, Group 2 (n=22) received WBV+PTM+HBE, and Group 3 (n=21) received PTM+HBE alone. The primary outcome measure was functional physical performance, while the secondary outcome measures were pain intensity and functional status. All the measurements were evaluated by a single blinded investigator before and after treatment. Results: All the functional physical performance tests (p&lt;0.01), pain intensity (p&lt;0.01), and functional status (p&lt;0.01) showed statistically significant effects in terms of time and group × time interaction, but no significant difference was observed among the groups (p&gt;0.05). We observed statistically and clinically significant improvement in all of the functional physical performance tests, pain, and functional status for Group 2. There was a statistically and clinically significant improvement only in the functional physical performance tests for Group 1. In Group 3, no clinical or statistical significance was achieved in any outcome measurements. Conclusion: Treatment program consisting of WBV+PTM+HBE can yield clinically and statistically favorable results by improving all of the pain, functional status and physical performance parameters of the patients with knee OA, while WBV+HBE can be clinically and statistically effective only in the physical performance parameters of the patients.

Influence of Body Composition and Muscle Power Performance on Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test in Taekwondo Athletes

The Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKTmult) is used to investigate which characteristics are necessary for, contribute to, or limit the ability to repeat high-intensity intermittent efforts in taekwondo. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between anthropometric and body composition characteristics, muscle power performance, and sport-specific anaerobic performance. Nineteen black belt taekwondo athletes (mean ± SD age: 17.2 ± 2.4 years) volunteered to participate. Anthropometric and body composition characteristics (i.e., body height (BH), body mass (BM), fat mass (FM), body fat (BF%), and muscle mass (MM)) and physical performance (squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, and FSKTmult) were assessed. Data were analyzed with correlation coefficients and simple linear regression. The statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. The total number of kicks in FSKTmult (FSKTtotal) was significantly and positively correlated with MM (r = 0.521, R2 = 0.27, p &lt; 0.05) and negatively with BF% (r = −0.499, R2 = 0.25, p &lt; 0.05). The FSKTtotal was significantly and positively correlated with SJ (r = 0.520, R2 = 0.27, p &lt; 0.05) and CMJ (r = 0.508, R2 = 0.26, p &lt; 0.05) performance. Body composition optimization, with appropriate physical training and dietary planning, is relevant in taekwondo as the improvement in the ability to repeat high-intensity intermittent efforts depends on MM, and its worsening on BF%. Lower limb muscle power positively influences the ability to repeat high-intensity intermittent efforts. Therefore, training programs should emphasize ballistic and plyometric exercises.

Exploring Biomarkers for Excess Extracellular Fluid in the Context of Physical Function in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background/Objectives: Fluid overload is an important risk factor for protein-energy wasting, which could lead to poor outcomes, such as higher morbidity and mortality, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to validate the possible myokine as a biomarker of volume status in patients with non-dialysis CKD. Methods: In total, 151 patients with CKD were enrolled from a single medical center. Demographic data were collected via medical record review. Bioimpedance analysis was performed to measure body composition, and physical performance was assessed by measuring hand grip strength. Results: The physical performance of hand grip strength (21.9 ± 8.7 vs. 19.0 ± 10.1 kg, p = 0.233) and walking speed (1.05 ± 0.29 vs. 0.86 ± 0.52 m/s, p = 0.192) was higher in the low extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) ratio group. Although higher, the median value of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was not significant in the low ECW/TBW ratio group. Despite that, it had significant negative correlations with the ECW/TBW ratio in Pearson’s correlation analyses (r = −0.329, p &lt; 0.001; r = −0.287, p &lt; 0.001; and r = −0.238, p = 0.003). Linear regression analysis showed that the BDNF level had a significant negative relationship with the ECW/TBW ratio and significant associations even after multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Among myokines, BDNF had a significant negative relationship with the ECW/TBW ratio, suggesting that BDNF could be a possible biomarker for volume status in patients with non-dialysis CKD.

Sex-specific poor physical performance in Korean community-dwelling older adults

BackgroundPoor physical performance appears to be different across age and sex. The aim of this study was to examine changes in physical performance across age groups by sex. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 292 community-dwelling older adults (144 males, 148 females; age: 74.7 ± 5.2 years, body mass index: 23.8 ± 2.7 kg/m2). Physical performance tests included (i) strength (handgrip, knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, ankle plantarflexion, and toe grip), (ii) functional mobility (5 sit-to-stand, 4-m gait speed, and 4-m fast gait speed), and (iii) postural control (timed single-leg stance). Physical performance was compared across four different age groups by sex using ANOVA tests, T-score, and linear regression analysis. All statistical analysis was set at 0.05. ResultsANOVA showed a significant age effect (p < 0.05) on physical performance measures with only exception for ankle muscle strength. T-score and linear regression analyses revealed sex-specific trends. In males, postural control showed the most significant poor performance, followed by strength. In females, the most notable poor performance was also observed in postural control, followed by functional mobility. ConclusionsMost main outcome measures in physical performance worsened over time across age groups while poor performance pattern was different between older males (strength) and females (functional mobility). We highlighted the importance of assessing strength, functional mobility, and postural control in older adults. Based on observed poor performance patterns across age groups by sex, sex-specific interventions should be implemented.

Effects of 12 weeks of futsal training on the body composition and physical performance in students-athletes

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of futsal training on variables related to body composition and physical performance in student-athletes. This longitudinal study was based on a 12-week training program, and the sample consisted of 34 futsal players in the U17 and U19 categories, competing in a regional championship 2023-2024. The players trained for 240 minutes a week, divided into three training sessions. Body composition (BC) was assessed by measuring skinfolds using an adipometer, and the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) was applied. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used, and the pre- and post-intervention values were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The differences were classified according to the effect size for the Wilcoxon test (r). In terms of body composition, height showed a significant increase with a large effect (p&lt;0.01) after the 12 weeks of training, as did body mass (p&lt;0.01) and lean mass (p&lt;0.01). On the other hand, fat mass showed a significant and large-effect reduction in both absolute (p&lt;0.01) and relative (p&lt;0.01) measures. Regarding physical performance, peak velocity showed a significant increase with a large effect (p&lt;0.01), and the FIET distance showed the same tendency (p&lt;0.01). The findings of the present study indicate significant and beneficial changes in both anthropometric measures and physical performance parameters in U17 and U19 athletes after a 12-week futsal training program.

Investigation of Physical Performance of Young Elite Football Players: "Positional Comparison"

This study aims to compare the positional physical performances of young elite A league football players. A total of 38 players from MKE Ankaragücü's U17 and U19 categories, competing in the young elite league during the 2023-2024 season, participated in the research. A Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied to the data obtained in the study, and based on the results of the normality test, the Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine the differences between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to define these differences. Additionally, Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the participants' physical performance data. When the vertical jump variable was examined, it was found that defenders performed better than goalkeepers in vertical jump (p&amp;lt;0.05), midfielders performed better than goalkeepers (p&amp;lt;0.01), and forwards also performed better than goalkeepers (p&amp;lt;0.05). Regarding the long jump variable, it was found that midfielders performed better in vertical jump than goalkeepers (p&amp;lt;0.01). When the 20-meter sprint variable was examined, it was found that defenders performed better than goalkeepers in the 20m sprint (p&amp;lt;0.01), midfielders performed better than goalkeepers (p&amp;lt;0.01), and forwards also performed better than goalkeepers (p&amp;lt;0.05). For the 40m sprint performance variable, it was found that defenders performed better than goalkeepers in the 40m sprint (p&amp;lt;0.05), midfielders performed better than goalkeepers (p&amp;lt;0.01), and forwards also performed better than goalkeepers (p&amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, the findings of the study reveal that defenders, midfielders, and forwards exhibit significant superiority in vertical jump, long jump, and sprint performances compared to goalkeepers.

Tracking Changes in Physical Performance and Match Outputs in Elite Female Field Hockey Players Over an Olympic Cycle: A Follow-Up Study

This research aimed to analyse the physical performance and game-related statistics of 17 international female hockey players across an Olympic cycle, exploring whether these metrics changed synchronously. Data from 24 physical performance tests and 102 matches, monitored with 10 Hz GPS units, were evaluated. Minimal variability was observed in the 30 m sprint performance (Coefficient of Variation, CV = 2.3 ± 0.8%), while the greatest variability was found in pull-up tests (CV = 35.8 ± 12.1%). Significant temporal improvements were noted in the YoYo test (p &lt; 0.001), and sprint times for 10m and 30m distances (p &lt; 0.001 for both). Strength, muscular endurance, and neuromuscular metrics also enhanced significantly over time (p &lt; 0.008). Reactive Strength Index (RSI), improved over time (p &lt; 0.008), but none of the values differed significantly from the first test. On average, players covered 5469 ± 1159 m per match, with no significant change in high-speed running distance (637 ± 246 m) across the five years. However, the average running speed did increase (114 ± 13 m.min−1 ;p&lt; 0.001). The findings elucidate the performance benchmarks for elite female hockey players and suggest that advancements in individual performance tests do not necessarily correlate with match statistics, underscoring the complexity of athletic progression and its implications for player management.

Coffee&amp;apos;s Health Benefits for Human Diet

Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world and the most consumed caffeinated beverage after water and tea. It contains a combination of several chemical components that, with the health benefits, most consumers start the day with at least one cup of coffee after eating and end the working day with coffee. It is considered an important part of modern-day life because it has an alarming effect on the human brain. In contrast, different groups report. They face unequal health risks and are therefore reluctant to drink coffee, suggesting individual differences in coffee intolerance. The purpose of this study was to briefly summarize the health benefits and risks of coffee consumption. Most informative reports suggest that long-term consumption of coffee and decaffeinated coffee can reduce the risk of many diseases. Among them, it is used to improve our physical performance, burn fat, reduce the risk of stroke, liver, prostate and colorectal cancer by 20%, the risk of Parkinson&amp;apos;s disease by 25%. the risk of dementia and protect our mind, brighten our mood, help fight depression and minimize the risk of suicide by 50%. In addition, coffee drinkers have a lower risk of heart disease, with highly integrated DNA. It has also been reported that coffee consumption naturally lengthens sleep latency, decreases total sleep duration and efficiency, and worsens putative sleep functions. However, from the positive health perspective of coffee consumption, a recent study reveals that coffee consumption does not always provide protective benefits, since excessive consumption is associated with a negative impact or risk to our health. Some negative effects of coffee consumption on our health: reduces appetite, affects pregnant women, people with cholesterol, causes insomnia and restlessness, breast tissue cysts in women, digestive disorders related to incontinence and risk of headache In addition, it reduces the likelihood of fertility in women and men, causes allergies and abortions, violent heart contractions, anxiety, depression and the need for anti-anxiety drugs, inhibits the production of collagen in human skin, improves the hearing loss. it does not help with prolonged sleep deprivation, it interferes with ossification and may even lead to an increased risk of bone fracture. Finally, more recent studies have reported that the consumption of coffee is beneficial for our health when it is optimal, about four glasses on average. Further research will be crucial to clarify the health benefits and risks of coffee consumption.

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Virtually Delivered Exercise and Stress Management Program to Improve Physical Performance of Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Survivors.

Because of advances in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), meeting the long-term health needs of increasing numbers of HCT survivors remains challenging. This multicenter trial aimed to assess the short- and long-term effects of an exercise and mindfulness intervention delivered by telehealth. One hundred thirty-nine participants >6 months post-HCT were randomly assigned 1:1 to a 6-week personalized exercise and mindfulness training with three motivation sessions at 3-6 months via an online meeting platform or usual care. Physical and quality-of-life (QOL) assessments were conducted online for 12 months. The primary end point was the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) at 3 months. The median time post-HCT was 21 months (range, 7-67 months). Improvement in mean difference of 6-MWT was found in the intervention group compared with control (intention-to-treat) at 3 months (51.4 m [95% CI, 27.3 to 75.5]; P < .001; effect size [ES], 0.52) and was maintained at 12 months (59.3 m, P = .003; ES, 0.60). Sustained improvements in mean difference for sit-to-stand (STS) at 3 and 12 months were seen. There were no significant changes in hand grip strength or QOL outcomes between groups. A significant difference in serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) concentration was observed between the intervention and control groups in the exploratory study. No intervention adverse events were found. The supervised multimodal telehealth intervention provided clinically meaningful and durable improvement of physical capacity in HCT survivors. This home-based program has the potential to provide an unmet need for HCT survivors. Similar programs may benefit survivors of other cancers, organ transplants, and chronic disorders.

Examination of Gender Performance in Physics in Mankranso Senior High School

Despite ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity in science education, the persistent gender gap in physics remains a pressing concern. This study investigated potential gender differences in physics performance among senior high school students at Mankranso Senior High School in Ghana. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing student physics test scores from a stratified random sample (N = 111; 79 males, 32 females) from a population of 184 students. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests were used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics revealed a slightly higher mean score for females (M = 43.65, SD = 21.78) compared to males (M = 39.39, SD = 21.15). However, a two-sample t- test (t = - 0.721, df = 56, p = 0.474) showed no statistically significant difference in mean physics test scores between male and female students. Levene’s test for equality of variances (F = 0.210, p = 0.649) confirmed that the variability of scores was not significantly different between genders. The following conclusion was made, while females have a slightly higher average score (42.31) compared to males (41.29), the difference is not statistically significant. The study emphasizes the importance of creating equitable learning environments, focusing on individual student needs, and promoting inclusive practices that encourage all students to thrive in STEM fields. The following recommendations was made; be aware of potential unconscious biases that might impact how you interact with or perceive students of different genders. Offer students opportunities for enrichment, advanced coursework, or participation in science competitions. Further investigation and consideration of other potential factors influencing performance is recommended to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

One-pot synthesis of crystalline polycarbonate-block-polyesters.

We herein describe a simple and efficient one-pot synthesis approach to prepare crystalline polycarbonate-polyester diblock copolymers by copolymerizing tetrachlorophthalic anhydride, CO2, and ethylene oxide using a metal-free catalyst. The block copolymers possess a melting point as high as 169 °C and two distinct glass transition temperatures. It is also possible to control the length and composition of the copolymers, thereby customizing their crystallinity and physical performance.

An auxiliary diagnostic approach based on traditional Chinese medicine constitutions for older patients with frailty

AbstractIntroductionAs global population ages, frailty has surfaced as a major public health challenge. Given the heterogeneity of frailty in the clinical presentation, it is imperative to develop personalised diagnostic and treatment strategies. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution offers notable advantages in discerning individual differences. This study aims to elucidate the association between TCM constitutions and frailty, providing insights into the application of TCM for the frailty management.MethodsAn observational study was conducted at Huadong hospital from July 2022 to November 2023. A total of 241 older patients were recruited. Each patient underwent assessments for the TCM constitution and frailty status. Comprehensive data collection encompassed medical history, biochemical indicators, bone mineral density (BMD), body composition and physical performance metrics. Plasma samples were also collected to detect levels of inflammatory factors and lymphogenesis‐related factors, including IL‐1β, TNF‐α, VEGF‐C, ANGPTL4 and ACV‐A. Multi‐level statistical analysis was used to establish the relationship of TCM constitutions with frailty.ResultsAmongst all participants, 54 individuals were classified as non‐frail, 90 individuals as pre‐frail and 97 individuals as frail. Regression analysis indicated that frailty was closely associated with four imbalanced TCM constitutions: Qi deficiency, phlegm dampness, blood stasis and Qi depression. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that Qi deficiency was associated with decreased BMD, phlegm dampness with elevated high‐density lipoprotein levels, Blood stasis with elevated blood glucose levels, and Qi depression with both decreased BMD and elevated low‐density lipoprotein levels. Furthermore, individuals characterised by imbalanced TCM constitutions exhibited inferior handgrip strength, walking pace, lower limb strength and higher levels of inflammatory factors and lymphogenesis‐related factors compared to those with balanced TCM constitution.ConclusionFrailty is independently associated with Qi deficiency, phlegm dampness, blood stasis and Qi depression. Personalised diagnostic approaches based on the TCM constitution may offer valuable insights for directing treatment for older patients with frailty.

Fluid balance of female para hockey players during simulated competition.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the hydration habits and fluid balance of female para-ice hockey players. Fifteen players [5 defense (D), 8 forwards (F), and 2 goalies (G)] volunteered to participate in the study (age: 26.3 ± 10.9 y; ht:155 ± 11 cm; arm length: 65 ± 8 cm; leg length: 88 ± 11 cm; trunk length: 66 ± 14 cm). Players were weighed pre- and postgame, while fluid intake and individual playing time (PT) was monitored throughout the game. On average, athletes arrived hydrated to the game (USG 1.019 ± 0.006) with 40% of players arriving dehydrated (USG >1.020). Mean playing time for forwards was 11:47-28:49 min:s (18:52 ± 5:48 min:s) and for defence 13:10-18:24 min:s (15:10 ± 2.05 min:s). Sweat loss was 0.96 ± 0.64 L (0.10-2.50 L) which exceeded net fluid intake (0.61 ± 0.37 L). Mean BM loss was 0.44 ± 0.9% (-2.1 to +0.9%) with 4 of 15 players (2 D, 1 F, 1 G) losing between 1.4 and 2.1% BM. Players preferred to drink water during the game compared to a carbohydrate electrolyte solution. 60% of athletes arrived hydrated to the game and drank enough fluid to prevent a BM loss <1%. Of note is that 40% of players arrived at the arena mildly dehydrated based on USG, and despite abundant opportunities to drink fluid during the game, 25% of players lost >1.3% BM due to sweat loss which may compromise physical and cognitive performance.

Quantification of workload and characterisation of key performance factors in elite adolescent female volleyball players using machine learning

ABSTRACT This study investigates key performance indicators (KPIs) influencing physical jumping performance in elite-level female volleyball players. This study aims to investigate three hypotheses: (1) the quantification of training load with “Stress Training Response” score is better in explaining and predicting jump performance than classic quantification methods such as mean or sum, (2) high intense exercises stand as primary variables explaining jump performance, and (3) non-linear models are better than linear models to explain and predict jump performance. Nineteen elite-level female volleyball players were monitored over a 190-day season. Various training-related parameters, including workload (external and internal) quantification, player positions, and menstrual cycle data, were collected. Machine learning techniques were employed to analyse and predict jump performance based on these variables. The Random Forest model outperformed other models in describing jump performance (R-squared = 0.64). Key performance indicators identified included workload dynamics, age, and the percentage of intense jumps made during the season. Prediction on a new dataset demonstrated promising results (Mean Absolute Error (MAE) = 4.95 cm (Confidence Interval (CI) 4.56 cm and 5.42 cm), R-squared = 0.55 (CI 0.45 and 0.62)). Findings suggest that intense training prior to performance enhances jump performance, with older players exhibiting superior jumping performance.

UG0712, A Ginsenoside Complex, Improved Endurance Performance and Changed Hepatic and Muscular Transcriptomic Signatures in C57BL/6N Male Mice.

Ginsenosides, active compounds derived from Panax ginseng, exhibit promising potential in enhancing physical performance. This study investigates the impact of UG0712 (UG), a novel ginsenoside compound, on endurance capacity, body weight, organ weights, blood parameters, and specific transcriptomic changes in liver and muscle tissues using a C57BL/6N mouse model. The mice received UGs orally at three doses: UG50 (50 mg/kg), UG100 (100 mg/kg), and UG200 (200 mg/kg) for a specified duration. Endurance capacity, physiological parameters, and transcriptome signatures in liver and muscle tissues were assessed. UG administration significantly improved time to exhaustion, with UG50 and UG200 showing substantial enhancements. Body and organ weights exhibited no notable differences, suggesting a lack of adverse effects. Biochemical markers, except for decreased creatine kinase levels in the UG100 group, showed no significant variations. Transcriptome analysis revealed limited group separation and dose-dependent patterns. The UG100 group displayed significant enrichment in lipid metabolism and muscle-related terms. Identified dose-dependent improvements in endurance capacity highlight UGs' potential as supplements. The absence of adverse effects on body and organ weights, along with positive effects on biochemical markers, supports their safety. Despite limited dose-dependent patterns in transcriptomic analyses, the UG100 group showcased significant enrichment in pathways related to muscle and lipid metabolism. These findings offer valuable insights for athletes and aging individuals seeking to enhance physical performance, warranting further exploration into UG effects' on molecular mechanisms.

Percentile Values of Specific Physical Performances in Tunisian Basketball Players Aged 9 to 21: Considering Maturity Status

Background: Success in basketball is influenced by various factors, including biological maturation. Peak height velocity (PHV) is a key indicator of maturation, playing an important role in assessing the performance of basketball players. This study aimed to analyze the effects of maturational status, chronological age, and gender on anthropometric characteristics and physical performance parameters in Tunisian basketball players and to establish local percentile reference values for physical performance. Methods: A total of 470 basketball players (240 males and 230 females) were categorized into three maturity status groups: pre-PHV (n = 111), circa-PHV (n = 170), and post-PHV (n = 189). Anthropometric and physical fitness parameters were assessed to provide percentile reference values. Results: Our findings revealed significantly higher anthropometric and physical performance values in the post-PHV athletes compared to those in the pre- and circa-PHV groups. Additionally, male athletes outperformed females in most measured variables. Basketball-specific skills appeared to be more dependent on chronological age than on pubertal status. Conclusions: Percentile values were established for both boys and girls, offering valuable references for trainers to quantify and individualize training programs. These findings may assist practitioners in identifying potentially talented basketball players based on their maturation status.