Profile Of Players Research Articles

Anthropometric and Physical Attribute Profile for Elite Female Ice Hockey Players in China

The performance of ice hockey players is greatly influenced by their physical fitness and strength. This study set out to use various parameters to measure the physical strength of a player. The parameters include body mass (kilograms), height (centimeters), 30 m sprinting, vertical jump (centimeters), standing long jump (centimeters), 1 RM back squat (kilograms), 1 RM bench press (kilograms), pull-ups, 3 km running and body composition. The performance of a sample of 31 ice hockey players from China on the mentioned parameters was compared to the world’s top performers in ice hockey games, USA, and it was realized that players with generally lower scores on the factors tend to perform dismally in the game. China has been behind the USA in the world’s rankings, and their performances were generally lower compared to their US counterparts. Data was collected by trained experts and analyzed through Microsoft Excel software. The information from this research is basically an eye-opener to the Chinese female ice hockey stakeholders, including players, coaches, and medical personnel, on the areas that need attention to maintain world-class performances.

Kinanthropometry and Anatomical Body Composition of Elite Soccer Players in Argentina: The FUTREF Project

Introduction: Anthropometric references for sports enable researchers and sports nutrition professionals to accurately assess body composition in an economical and efficient manner. The objective of this study was to provide an extensive anthropometric profile of elite soccer players divided by playing position. Seven hundred fifty-two players (age 24.0 ± 4.4 years) from 18 different Argentine teams were involved in the FUTREF project and measured according to the protocol defined by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Methods: Raw anthropometric parameters were reported and used to calculate somatotype and body mass components according to molecular (two-components) and anatomical (five-components) models. Results: Statistically significant differences (p>0.01) were identified for anthropometric parameters among different playing positions and between players selected and not selected for the senior national team. The 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles for the muscle-to-bone ratio were provided. Furthermore, the use of different equations showed different outputs in predicting body composition. Conclusion: This study provides anthropometric reference data for evaluating body composition in elite soccer players.

Influence of Kinanthopometric Profile of National Level Male Judo Players of Tamil Nadu on Performance

Introduction: Anthropometric Aspects and Body composition are the crucial factors in explaining human physical status. Anthropometric advantage, a non-modifiable factor, significantly contributed to athletes' success in sports. The present study was studied to find out the relationship between the Kinanthopometric profiles and performance level of National-level male Judo players from Tamil Nadu, India. Method: 30 male Judo players were measured for their anthropometric parameters. Height, weight, circumferences, and skinfold thickness at various sites were measured. Body density was calculated, and body fat % was determined using Siri's Equation. A special Judo fitness test involved throwing partners using the ippon-seoi-nage technique in three periods with heart rate checks, and an index was calculated based on total throws and heart rate values. Results: An average height of 158.1 (± 8.5) cm was observed in the present study whereas that of weight was 63.7 (± 7.3) kg. Judo players were categorized into Endomorphic (30%), Mesomorphic (36.7 %) and Ectomorphic (33.4 %) body type. Mesomorphic players showed good performance, Ectomorphic players showed average performance, and Endomorphic players displayed poor performance when performances were analyzed using the Special Judo Fitness Test. This underscored a potential link between body type and Judo performance. Conclusion: The study concluded that body composition has a high impact on physical fitness and sports performance.

Improving the Accuracy of Recognition and Evaluation of Technical Movements of Basketball Players Using Deep Learning Algorithms

Deep learning algorithms are revolutionizing the analysis of technical movements in basketball players by extracting intricate patterns and insights from vast amounts of video data. By training neural networks on annotated video sequences of basketball games, these algorithms can automatically detect and classify various technical movements such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and defensive maneuvers. The use of deep learning enables the identification of subtle nuances in player movements, facilitating more accurate performance assessment and actionable feedback for athletes and coaches. This paper introduces a novel approach for analyzing basketball player movements utilizing Anthropometrical Variable Assessment Deep Learning (AVADL). By integrating anthropometric variables with deep learning algorithms, AVADL offers a comprehensive framework for accurately recognizing and evaluating technical movements on the basketball court. We present experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness of AVADL across various dataset sizes and player profiles, showcasing high accuracy and performance metrics. The incorporation of anthropometric measurements provides valuable context into the diverse physical attributes of basketball players, enhancing our understanding of their playing style and performance. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of AVADL across various dataset sizes and player profiles, with training accuracies ranging from 90% to 97% and testing accuracies from 85% to 92%. Precision, recall, and F1-Score metrics consistently show values above 0.80, indicating the robustness of the approach. The incorporation of anthropometric measurements provides valuable context into the diverse physical attributes of basketball players, enhancing our understanding of their playing style and performance.

Esports for development? Exploring esports player profiles and their development and well-being outcomes

PurposeThis study aimed to identify subgroups of esports players based on their gaming behavior patterns across game genres and compare self-efficacy, social efficacy, loneliness and three dimensions of quality of life between these subgroups.Design/methodology/approach324 participants were recruited from prolific academic to complete an online survey. We employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subgroups of esports players based on their behavioral patterns across genres. Additionally, a one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to test the association between cluster memberships and development and well-being outcomes, controlling for age and gender as covariates.FindingsLPA analysis identified five clusters (two single-genre gamer groups, two multigenre gamer groups and one all-genre gamer group). Univariate analyses indicated the significant effect of the clusters on social efficacy, psychological health and social health. Pairwise comparisons highlighted the salience of the physical enactment-plus-sport simulation genre group in these outcomes.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the understanding of the development and well-being benefits experienced by various esports consumers, as well as the role of specific gameplay in facilitating targeted outcomes among these consumer groups.

Assessing the Somatotype Profile of Gorkha Soccer Players

Many factors influence the Somatotype of the human body. In addition to genetics, there are also environmental factors and cultural differences. This study aimed to find out the somatotype Profile of Gorkha soccer players based on their playing position and also to determine which anthropometric type is the most distinctive. The study sample consisted of 30 National-level Soccer players from different academies or clubs who participated in the National Level Championships Tournament will be selected purposively as subjects and aged 18-25 years, including Striker (N=10), Midfielder (N=10) and Defender (N=10). Heath and Carter’s (1990) equations for decimal anthropometry (ISAK) measurements were used. Body density percentage was calculated according to the equation of Durnin and Womersley (1974). Then, the amount of body fat was determined using the Siri (1956) equation. The results indicated that most of the players showed a body type that was ectomorphic mesomorph, which is the most important component in all positions. Therefore, the study concluded that a body type with a strong ectomorph and slight mesomorph advantage would benefit soccer players at the elite level.

Effects of the Surface Type on the Sprint Force–Velocity–Power Profile of Female Beach Handball Top-Level Players

Beach handball (BH) is characterized by high-intensity actions, such as accelerations and short rest times, in combination with long periods of low-intensity activity during a match. The purpose of this study was to establish a comparative analysis between the effect of a hard surface vs. sandy surface on the properties of the sprint Force–Velocity–Power Profile (FVP) of female beach handball top-level players. Fourteen female BH players participated in this research. A cross-sectional investigation was performed in order to evaluate the determining variables of the FVP profile for different surfaces. After a specific warm-up, two maximal 20–30 m sprints (4 min resting between trials) were performed in two conditions (hard surface and sand) within 10 min. The female BH players showed higher mean values for all the FVP profile variables (p < 0.001) on the hard surface compared to sand, in addition to lower values for the 5 m (ES = 2.29 to 3.89) and 20 m sprinting times (ES = 2.39 to 3.99) (p < 0.001). However, the decrease in the ratio of force over acceleration was not discriminant between the surfaces. Positive correlations were found for the speed variables (0.691–0.807, p < 0.01), as well as the Pmax (0.520, p = 0.035), between the surfaces. A prior knowledge of the FVP profile for hard–sandy surfaces could offer an important reference value about the sprint properties of this population, and be useful for evaluating the efficiency, as well as the effect on the sprint and gaming performance, of specifically oriented training programs based on those reference values.

Analysis of the differences in body composition and physiological profiles of professional female sub-junior soccer players of Manipur: An observational study

Background: This study aimed to analyze body composition and certain physiological profiles in professional women sub-junior soccer players of Manipur during their playing season. Method and Materials: Twenty-seven players from the Manipur sub-junior soccer team playing in local league games participated in this study. They were assessed using the variables body fat mass (BFM), soft lean mass (SLM), fat-free mass (FFM), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW) through the sophisticated state of the art impedance bioanalyzer (Chorder, USA) and also cholesterol and lactate threshold. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences (p<0.05) in anthropometric indicators and body composition parameters (Glycogen mass, Muscle mass, BCM, BCM/FFM%, Total Mineral Mass, TBW, ICW, ICW%, ICW/FFM%), body-fat percentage, relative V̇O2max, cholesterol and lactate levels and fat mass with respect to field positions. Results: There were no significant differences between playing positions in the variables of body weight, height, age, or professional experience (P>0.05). However, forward-position players showed lower values of fat-free mass in relation to other playing positions, and they are lower and lighter with regard to the goalkeepers (P<0.05). There are qualitative and quantitative alterations between assessed positions and the correct use of these individual differences on behalf of the team can contribute to the sportive success. Relative BCM, ECM/BCM, BCM/FFM, cholesterol, lactate threshold, and BCMI need wide-scale application in team sports. Conclusion: It can be concluded that size and body composition are important when analyzing soccer players according to their position, despite the appearance of only minor differences between them.

Sport, migration and national identity in contemporary Irish media

ABSTRACT Taking a “cultural studies” approach that focuses on the ways in which media negotiate the intersections of nation, race and ethnicity, this article examines Irish print and broadcast media discourses of migration surrounding the Irish national soccer team and Gaelic games following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. It argues that the focus on the Irish soccer team’s “home-grown” diversity has superficially celebrated a developing national cosmopolitanism and embrace of migration, but against the backdrop of declining national team fortunes and recruits from the emigrant descendant “diaspora” in Britain. Profiles of immigrant players in Gaelic games have engaged critically, to a degree, with nativism and racism, but offer a benign and future-orientated representation of these games. While significant, both are limited as vehicles for collective national retrospection and introspection with regard to racism in Irish sport and society.

Abstract 3797: Unveiling the spatial dynamics of the tumor microenvironment: Integrated RNA and protein profiling on the same slide through automated spatial multiomics analysis

Abstract Spatial biology techniques have revolutionized our approach towards the study of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its complex cellular interplay. On the one hand, multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) methods have enabled a precise profiling of immune cells and other key cellular players of the TME while uncovering their spatial distribution and interactions. On the other hand, in situ hybridization (ISH) technologies have shown to provide complementary information to protein profiling such as the mapping of cytokine- and chemokine-expressing cells, essential for comprehending signaling networks and immune activation statuses. Here, we made use of a novel multiomics approach that combines these two biological inputs by integrating RNAscope™ and sequential immunofluorescence (seqIF™) protocols to achieve same-slide co-detection of RNA and protein targets. The combined workflow is automated on COMET™, an advanced tissue staining and imaging platform. Through precise control over temperature and reagent distribution, the instrument ensures maximum efficiency and reproducibility of the assays. The integrated multiomics protocol allows for up to three RNAscope™ detection cycles combined with twelve seqIF™ cycles, for a final 12-plex RNA + 24-plex protein panel. We first showed the capacity of COMET™ platform to fully automate the RNAscope™ protocol and demonstrated its sensitivity and specificity with the analysis of positive and negative control genes on HeLa cell pellets, highlighting the flexibility of sample selection. To illustrate the potential multiomics in unravelling the complexity of the TME, we designed a panel of 12-RNA-targeting probes for key biomarkers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and their activation status, including multiple secreted molecules (e.g., cytokines and proteases). This was combined with a 24-antibody panel for the detection of protein biomarkers, selected to enable the single-cell profiling of different players within the TME. We applied this panel to characterize different human FFPE tumor tissues and showed that the co-detection of RNA and protein biomarkers on the same slide allows a better characterization of key cellular components involved in tumor progression and immune response. Our results highlight the potential of spatial multiomics technologies in enhancing the efficiency of investigations of immune cell behavior and generally the understanding of cellular interplay in the TME. Their full automation on a platform like COMET™ will accelerate analysis and increase robustness by minimizing user intervention, and ultimately helping in the development of prognostic and predictive biomarkers, in the refinement of cancer diagnoses, and in the selection of new personalized therapies. Citation Format: Paula Juricic, Arec Manoukian, Alice Comberlato, Pino Bordignon, Alix Failletaz, Anushka Dikshit, Emerald Doolittle, Rose Delvillar, Steve Zhou, Ching-wei Chang, Li-chong Wang, Saska Brajkovic, Maithreyan Srinivasan, Diego Dupouy. Unveiling the spatial dynamics of the tumor microenvironment: Integrated RNA and protein profiling on the same slide through automated spatial multiomics analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3797.

Variation in Psychological Profiles of Young Tennis Players, Boys, and Girls Aged 11–14

Variation in Psychological Profiles of Young Tennis Players, Boys, and Girls Aged 11–14

Development and validation of an interview guide for examining the effects of sports careers on the quality of life of retired Portuguese football players.

Considering the importance of assessing the impacts resulting from a sport career, this study aimed at developing and validating a semi-structure interview guide suitable for quantifying the sociodemographic and epidemiological profile of former professional football players. Based on the theoretical frameworks and several methodological procedures, an interview guide was developed, consisting of 3 areas of conceptual organization (A1. Biographical data; A2. Professional Career; and A3. Post-Career Transition) and 8 data collection categories (C1. Personal data; C2. Professional data; C3. Sociodemographic background; C4. Epidemiological pathway; C5. Moment of career retirement (career transition); C6. Post-career sociodemographic pathway; C7. Post-career epidemiological pathway; and C8. Perceptions of post-career planning). Thus, in procedural terms, four stages were considered for the construction and validation of the interview guide, namely the Ad hoc construction of the interview guide (i), the review of the in-terview guide by a panel of experts (ii), definition of procedures and protocol for the application of the interview (iii), and the application of the pilot study for the face validation of the interview guide (iv). The sample consisted of two former Portuguese professional players. To analyze and discuss the data, a content analysis was carried out on all the answers given to each question in the script by the interviewees. From them, matrices were created with the response references to each subcategory. In this way, it was possible to analyse the type of answers given by the interviewees and relate them to the theoretical perspectives of the topic being investigated. The results showed that the interview guide for the study of the impacts of the sports careers on the quality of life of Portuguese former football players shows reliability for the collection of qualitative and quantitative information from the respective content analysis. The use of the interview guide characterizes the path of former player, providing information and knowledge on the sociodemographic and epidemiological impact factors resulting from their post-career.

A System for Orchestrating Multiple Procedurally Generated Content for Different Player Profiles

We propose a system able to orchestrate the procedural generation of three creative facets (levels, narrative, and rules), using quality-diversity algorithms to promote diversity while converging to the desired solutions and able to satisfy different player's profiles. We aim to facilitate the project's reproducibility and extension by presenting the system's architecture and high-level design decisions and showcasing how we decoupled it enough to change algorithms. Our generation starts with a grammar-based quest generator that works as a frame for two quality-diversity algorithms: a level generator, which also creates locked-door puzzles, and an enemy generator, which selects their visuals based on their weapons. A rule-based profile analysis uses a pre-test questionnaire to classify the player into four profiles, and the quest generator creates different content for each of them. We use a game prototype to test our system with over 83 players, playing over 204 levels and answering a post-test questionnaire after each. Results show the game and contents were well-received, and there was a difference in perception between profiles. Players who played content based on their profile enjoyed it more than those playing content from another profile.

Engineering Features from Raw Sensor Data to Analyse Player Movements during Competition.

Research in field sports often involves analysis of running performance profiles of players during competitive games with individual, per-position, and time-related descriptive statistics. Data are acquired through wearable technologies, which generally capture simple data points, which in the case of many team-based sports are times, latitudes, and longitudes. While the data capture is simple and in relatively high volumes, the raw data are unsuited to any form of analysis or machine learning functions. The main goal of this research is to develop a multistep feature engineering framework that delivers the transformation of sequential data into feature sets more suited to machine learning applications.

Internal and external load profiles of male basketball players during training

Traditionally in basketball, five specific positions have been distinguished, often due to the anthropometric characteristics of the players. In recent years, different research has emerged that tries to break with this paradigm, giving rise to different classifications of players based on other characteristics that are more closely related to the actual game of basketball. The aim of this research was to determine the load profiles of players according to internal and external load values. An observational design was used, in which 12 professional players from the Spanish Men’s First Division Basketball (ACB league) team participated, obtaining data from all the training sessions carried out over two microcycles. All players were equipped with WIMUPRO™ inertial devices, using a UWB system for the players’ positioning in indoor spaces. A principal component analysis with varimax rotation was performed to group the variables and determine the profiles. The results showed four different player profiles: versatile, explosive, dynamic, and fast players. Within these load profiles are included players from the five specific positions according to the traditional basketball classification, possessing distinct anthropometric characteristics among themselves. These results allow strength and conditioning coaches to train players physically in a more efficient way, using small-sided games in mid court, or games in full court more adequately, and achieving greater specificity and applicability in their exercises and tasks.

A Decrease in Branched-Chain Amino Acids after a Competitive Male Professional Volleyball Game-A Metabolomic-Based Approach.

A competitive volleyball game is a highly metabolic and physically demanding event for professional players. This study aimed to investigate whether a single game at the end of a preseason promotes changes in the biochemical markers of physical exercise responses and the metabolomic profile of professional volleyball players. This cross-sectional study included 13 male Brazilian professional volleyball players. Food intake, body composition, heart rate, physical movement variables, and blood biochemical indicators were evaluated. For non-target metabolomic analysis, serum samples were subjected to 500 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Data analysis showed no significant difference in the biochemical indicators after the game (p > 0.05). The level of metabolites present in the groups of the main components (β-hydroxybutyrate, arginine/lysine, isoleucine, leucine, and valine) had decreased after the game. However, formic acid and histidine levels increased. Among the compounds not part of the main components, hypoxanthine and tyrosine increased, whereas low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein levels decreased. After the game, the metabolomic profiles of players showed significant negative variations in essential amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine). These decreases might be influenced by athlete diet and reduced glycogen storage due to lower carbohydrate intake, potentially impacting serum-essential amino acid levels via oxidation in skeletal muscle. The study provides insights for developing metabolic compensation strategies in athletes.

Trends in anthropometric and somatotype profiles of Brazilian female futsal players: a 20 year study.

This study describes the anthropometric measurements and somatotype of the elite female futsal players from Brazil in 2021 and analyse the changes and trends over time in these physical characteristics. Data were collected from the 396 female futsal players, of whom; 169 players were assessed in 2021 then compared to those assessed in 2001 (n=112) and 2011 (n-115). Anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height, breadths, girths, and skinfolds were assessed. The somatotype was calculated and graphically represented. The changes between 2021 and the previous years were analysed using ANOVA and multiple linear regression. A jointpoint regression was performed to verify the annual percentage change. The comparison between 2021 data versus the other time points showed a higher age and lower fat content (2001: 22.7 ± 5.1 BF%; 2011: 22.2 ± 5.2 BF%; 2021: 19.0 ± 5.1 BF%). Players from 2021 had higher tensed arm and relaxed calf girths. All the positions, excluding pivots, significantly decreased their body fat units between 2021 and 2001 (goalkeeper: b=-4.49; defender: b=-2.78; winger: b=-4.48). Over the last 20 years, body fat reduced, and tensed arm and relaxed calf girths increased, suggesting an increase in fat-free mass content from the limbs.

Cross-Sectional Study of the Anthropometric Profile and Nutrient Status of Elite Female Ice Hockey Players: Differences by Play Position.

Both the characteristics of ice hockey and the environmental conditions in which it is played affect the maintenance of the player's nutritional status and, therefore, their state of health and performance. The primary aim of this work was to examine the anthropometric profile, estimated energy expenditure, and macronutrient and micronutrient dietary intake of elite female ice hockey players by play position. As a secondary aim, their dietary intakes were compared with the recommendations. Hypotheses suggest variations in body composition based on ice hockey players' positions, with the expectation that these athletes may not align with energy and nutrient recommendations. Fifteen elite female ice hockey players were anthropometrically measured, basal metabolic rate and total energy expenditure were estimated, a 3-day, 24 h recall questionnaire was registered, and the results were compared with the recommended dietary intake for the Spanish population. Each player's position on the field requires an individualized physical and nutritional approach. There are no significant imbalances (p > 0.05) between energy and nutrient intake in relation to the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI); however, increasing the consumption of vegetables and seafood while reducing meat and fat intake would assist these athletes in maintaining a healthier energy balance, optimizing body composition, and aligning with nutritional parameters that are better suited to enhance physical performance.

Comparison of Physiological Profiles among Collegiate Volleyball Players- With and Without Musculoskeletal Pain: A Case Controlled Study

Background: The success of athletes is greatly influenced by their morphological and anthropometric traits.Numerous studies have examined how often volleyball players experience musculoskeletal pain, which is typicallylocated in the upper and lower back. The present study was to compare the physiological profiles with or withoutmusculoskeletal pain in volleyball players.Purpose: To compare the difference in the physiological profiles of volleyball players with or withoutmusculoskeletal pain.Materials and methods: The subjects were collegiate volleyball players selected based on inclusion criteria. Theyexplained about the study. Volleyball players were allocated into two groups of total 83 containing group A(n=23) with musculoskeletal pain and group B without musculoskeletal pain. The pro agility shuttle, verticaljump, standing broad jump, 40-yard test, three cone drill were assessed and the body composition was assessedusing skinfold caliper. The entire process was performed from February 2023 to June 2023.Result: From the statistical analysis made with quantitative data revealed no statistical difference between groupA and group BConclusion: The present study shows there was no significant difference in the physiological profiles of volleyballplayers with or without musculoskeletal pain.

Dynamic Adaptive Gamification Framework to Improve User Gamification Experience for Online Training

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the utilization of gamification for online training. Following the “one-fits-all” approach to designing a gamification experience for all participating users can be a significant disadvantage as all users are given the same experience. Previous approaches commonly used the static player profile that was obtained at the very beginning or initial stage of the user experience and presented the user with the gamification experience according to the fixed player type. This motivates the need for an adaptive gamification environment in online training. A dynamic adaptive gamification framework is proposed to introduce a gamification framework consisting of a method to correlate player types and game elements. The correlation is aimed at identifying the evolvement of players through interaction with game elements and observing how these player profiles are motivated to change over time. The study also presents an evaluation method to measure motivation in adoption and engagement in online training to reduce boredom and improve the overall user experience of the player.