Status Of Players Research Articles

Player and match characteristics associated with head acceleration events in elite-level men’s and women’s rugby union matches

ObjectiveTo examine the likelihood of head acceleration events (HAEs) as a function of previously identified risk factors: match time, player status (starter or substitute) and pitch location in elite-level men’s...

Examining the Hydration Status and Pulse/Oxygen Saturation of Underwater Hockey Players

Objectives: This study was planned to determine the hydration status and tissue oxygen saturation of underwater hockey players during exercise. Materials and Methods: Hydration status (fluid intake/loss amounts, repeatedly weight measurements) and tissue oxygen saturation measurements of 14 underwater hockey players were performed before and after the land/water training, separately. Hydration status was assessed by monitoring weight and urine specific gravity (USG) measurements, whereas tissue oxygen saturation was measured by using finger-type pulse oximeter. Results: The study was completed with14 elite players (age=19.4±6.2 years, female=4(29%), and male=10(71%)). The body fat percentage was calculated to be male:14.2±9.4%; female: 18.8±4.0%. The mean USG of athletes was determined to be 1020.1±5.6 g/cm3. During the water training, only 5 athletes consumed water (680±383.4 mL). All the athletes (except for 1 athlete [7.1%]) completed the training with loss of body fluid. Mean loss of water was 310±213.2 mL after land training and 723.1±501.9 mL after water training. Dehydration ratio was measured 0.97±0.64% after trainings. The first oxygen saturation was measured 96.1±1.6, that was decreased after water training (94.6±2.2; p=0.044, p=0.049). Pulse increased after water training in reverse proportion to oxygen saturation (p=0.004), but there was no difference between before and after land training (p=0.132). Conclusion: It was found that several Underwater hockey players began training dehydrated and loss of water continued since they didn’t consume enough water during training. Oxygen saturation significantly decreased after water training. Fluid consumption of underwater hockey players, especially during water training, should be monitored and adequate fluid consumption should be ensured.

Health status of senior netball players, their medication use and attitudes towards doping.

Limited research exists on the health and injuries of South African senior netball players. Senior netball players may be at greater risk of injuries and chronic disease due to their age. To treat these conditions, they may use prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and, therefore, may be more vulnerable to unintentional doping. The primary aim of this study was to determine the health status, medication use and attitudes towards doping of South African senior netball players. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed to collect data by means of an online survey. The validated 8-item Performance Enhancement Attitudes Scale (PEAS) was used to gather information on the netball player's attitudes towards doping. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data using proportions (categorical), means (normally distributed, continuous) and medians (non-normal distributed, continuous). Doping prevalence and accompanying 95% confidence interval were calculated. Sixty senior netball players consented and completed the self-report questionnaire. The prevalence of chronic disease was 11.67%. Asthma and other conditions such as depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) had the highest prevalence of 3.33%. The prevalence of chronic prescription medication use was 8.33% and 66.67% of the netball players reported receiving prescription injections, medications or utilizing OTC medications for treating injury or illness suffered 1-6 weeks before or during competition. The netball players do not have a lenient attitude towards doping. The prescription and OTC medication use could put this cohort of netball players at risk of unintentional doping. Anti-doping education aimed at senior athletes may be beneficial to reduce the risk of unintentional doping due to prescription and OTC medication use for injury or illness.

Hydration status of esports players in a live competition

Objectives: esports are an increasingly popular activity that involves professional players. Dehydration hinders cognitive performance, on which these competitors rely heavily. This observational study assessed the hydration state of esports players on a competition day and its possible associations with esports and lifestyle-related features.Methods: The hydration status of esports players was assessed on a tournament day through urine-specific gravity and by comparison with the Armstrong urine color chart. Binary logistic regression and univariate analysis of variance were applied to assess the relationships between urine-specific gravity and age, BMI, hours of sleep per day, hours of video game play per day, esports title, physical activity level, and professionalism level.Results: Ninety-eight esports players participated in this study. The average urine-specific gravity, assessed through refractometry, was 1.020 (SD = 0.007) g/cm³. 10.2% were classified as well hydrated, 25.5% with minimal dehydration, 60.2% with significant dehydration, and 4.1% with serious dehydration. Considering the eight-color urine chart method, 16.3% were classified with minimal dehydration, 65.3% with significant dehydration, and 18.4% as serious dehydration. There were no significant associations between hydration status and lifestyle-related variables (p > 0.05). The results of the two methods of assessing hydration status presented a positive, moderate, and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.711, p < 0.001). The agreement between the two classifications was 56.1%, with Cohen’s kappa showing a weak agreement (k = 0.213, p < 0.001) even if with linear (k = 0.330, p < 0.001) or quadratic (k = 0.471, p < 0.001) weighting.

Comparison of physical fitness status of Ethiopian youth football players trained by coaches from formal and informal coach learning systems

Comparison of physical fitness status of Ethiopian youth football players trained by coaches from formal and informal coach learning systems

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Penalty Kicks in the UEFA Champions League: Optimal Techniques and Directions for Scoring Success

This study examined the strategic execution of penalty kicks in professional soccer, focusing on the high-stakes environment of the UEFA Champions League. Utilizing a dataset of 243 penalty kicks from five seasons (2018/2019–2022/2023), sourced from YouTube and cross-referenced with Transfermarkt, we employed a detailed nine-zone goal classification system to analyze shot distribution and success rates. We investigated various factors influencing penalty outcomes, including match stage, home-field advantage, minute of the match, current score, player status, previous score, footedness, and rebound goals. Findings indicated that shots aimed at the center and upper areas of the goal have the highest success rates. It was also found that home advantage considerably enhances scoring chances in both group and knockout stages. This research fills a gap in the literature by providing insights into penalty kick strategies in the UEFA Champions League, offering valuable implications for coaching practices, player training, and analytical frameworks in high-pressure scenarios.

Relationship of Vitamin D Status with Biomarkers of Muscle Damage and Body Composition in Spanish Elite Female Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Recently, there has been a growing interest in relation to the female athlete, especially in widespread disciplines such as football. Concerns about vitamin D deficiency status have recently been considered due to its effects on the performance and health status of female footballers. However, its relationship to body composition and muscle damage in female football athletes remains unclear to date. The purpose of the present study was to analyse the association of the vitamin D status of Spanish elite female football players with anthropometric variables and markers of muscle damage. Ethical consent was obtained from a total of 21 players from a Spanish elite women’s football team (20–33 years). Anthropometric analysis was carried out according to the standardised protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry (ISAK). The clinical analyses, based on urine and blood samples, were carried out by the club’s medical staff at the start of the season in the early morning in a fasting state. The athletes were also asked about the regularity of their menstrual cycle and some dietary habits. Thirty-three percent of the female athletes had vitamin D levels below the reference values. Significantly higher FM values were observed in athletes with low vitamin D status (p &lt; 0.05), as well as statistically significant negative correlations between vitamin D levels and FM (p &lt; 0.05) in the group of female players with vitamin D levels below the baseline values. No significant associations were observed between markers of muscle damage and the other variables. Complementing an assessment of body composition with a biochemical analysis of vitamin D levels may be an interesting strategy in the process of monitoring the elite female football player throughout the season.

Dietary Supplementation Strategies for Improving Training Adaptations, Antioxidant Status and Performance of Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review

Dietary Supplementation Strategies for Improving Training Adaptations, Antioxidant Status and Performance of Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review

A STUDY ON SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS OF MALE ATHLETES AND BASKETBALL PLAYERS OF AMRAVATI UNIVERSITY

The study was conducted to investigate the socioeconomic status of junior athletes and basketball players of SGB Amravati University. For the present study, 100 athletes and 100 basketball players were selected who participated at intercollegiate tournament. The socio economic status questionnaire prepared and validated by Kuppuswany was used for the purpose of data collection to find out the significant effect of socio economic status of athletes and basketball players. Mean, standard deviation, t-value and co-relation were computed. Result of the study positively co0relate and it clearly indicate that the parents of basketball players are partially positioned in their respective education when compared with the parents of athletes.

Predicting Soccer Players' Fitness Status Through a Machine-Learning Approach.

The study had 3 purposes: (1)to develop an index using machine-learning techniques to predict the fitness status of soccer players, (2)to explore the index's validity and its relationship with a submaximal run test (SMFT), and (3)to analyze the impact of weekly training load on the index and SMFT outcomes. The study involved 50 players from an Italian professional soccer club. External and internal loads were collected during training sessions. Various machine-learning algorithms were assessed for their ability to predict heart-rate responses during the training drills based on external load data. The fitness index, calculated as the difference between actual and predicted heart rates, was correlated with SMFT outcomes. Random forest regression (mean absolute error = 3.8 [0.05]) outperformed the other machine-learning algorithms (extreme gradient boosting and linear regression). Average speed, minutes from the start of the training session, and the work:rest ratio were identified as the most important features. The fitness index displayed a very large correlation (r = .70) with SMFT outcomes, with the highest result observed during possession games and physical conditioning exercises. The study revealed that heart-rate responses from SMFT and the fitness index could diverge throughout the season, suggesting different aspects of fitness. This study introduces an "invisible monitoring" approach to assess soccer player fitness in the training environment. The developed fitness index, in conjunction with traditional fitness tests, provides a comprehensive understanding of player readiness. This research paves the way for practical applications in soccer, enabling personalized training adjustments and injury prevention.

Enhancing the Adaptative Gamification Process Through User Behavior and Context

This article presents an innovative approach to developing a strategy for situational awareness in an adaptive gamification framework within the context of Collaborative location-based collecting systems (CLCS). The proposed approach involves incorporating five key factors that represent user behavior and context in the adaptive gamification process for CLCS. These factors include player preferences, player status, gamified activities, groupware activities, and project goal status. Each factor is crucial in describing various aspects of the framework and groupware interaction that players should be aware of during their game experience. By acquiring knowledge about these five axes, users can analyze and react appropriately to various situations. This modeling approach enables the early development of awareness and facilitates decision-making. Ultimately, this article serves as a useful guide for improving existing frameworks and enhancing the overall user experience through situational awareness.

In-Season Training Load Variation - Heart Rate Recovery, Perceived Recovery Status, and Performance in Elite Male Water Polo Players: A Pilot Study.

Increased training and competition demands of the in-season period may disturb athlete fatigue and recovery balance. The aim of this study was to describe the training load distribution applied in a competitive period and the training adaptations and fatigue/recovery status of elite water polo players. Effective workload management during tapering (TAP) would restore player recovery and enhance performance. Case series. Level 4. Training load, perceived recovery, maximal speed in 100- and 200-meter swim, heart rate (HR) during submaximal swimming (HRsubmax) and HR recovery (HRR) were assessed in 7 outfield water polo players a week before starting a normal training microcycle (NM), after NM, and after congested (CON) and TAP training blocks in the lead-up to the Final Eight of the European Champions League. Training load was higher in NM compared with CON and TAP by 28.9 ± 2.6% and 42.8 ± 2.1% (P < 0.01, d = 11.54, and d = 13.45, respectively) and higher in CON than TAP by 19.4 ± 4.2% (P < 0.01, d = 3.78). Perceived recovery was lower in CON compared with NM and TAP (P < 0.01, d = 1.26 and d = 3.11, respectively) but not different between NM and TAP (P = 0.13, d = 0.62). Both 100- and 200-meter swim performance was improved in TAP compared with baseline (P < 0.01, d = 1.34 and d = 1.12, respectively). No differences were detected among other training blocks. HRsubmax and most HRR were similar among the training periods. Effective management of training load at TAP can restore recovery and improve swimming performance without affecting HR responses. Despite lower workloads, CON training impairs perceived recovery without affecting performance; however, a short-term training load reduction after a CON fixture restores recovery and improves performance.

Building and codifying a special composite test for advanced football skills

The research aimed to build and codify a special composite test to evaluate the skill status of advanced soccer players, and to find standard scores and levels for a special composite test to evaluate the skill status of advanced soccer players. The research community was deliberately identified and represented by football players applying in the Iraqi Premier League for Baghdad Governorate, who numbered nine clubs, with (27) players for each team. The research population, which represents the total population, was dealt with as a stratified sample and was divided randomly so that each group was an independent sample from the other, with a procedure separate from the other research procedures. Therefore, the sample consisted of (180) players, with a percentage of (70.6%), distributed among the nine clubs, and it was divided the main sample consists of three exploratory samples, a test construction sample, and a test application sample. The type of samples was divided according to scientific principles that suit the research problem in order to be consistent with the phenomenon studied. The study was completed by developing a particular composite skill test to assess the skill level of advanced soccer players. Developing standard scores and levels for the special composite skill test to assess the skill level of advanced soccer players. Furthermore, the applicability and validity of the specific composite skill test to assess the skill level of advanced soccer players.

BODY HYDRATION OF FEMALE HANDBALL PLAYERS DURING THE GAME STATUS

The purpose of this study was to determine the hydration status of women's handball players on game day. Thirteen female handball players (age = 16.7 ± 0.7, height = 167.7 ± 6.8, sports age= 3.7 ± 1) voluntarily participated in the study. Hydration status of athletes in the morning of the match, before and after the game measured, body weight and fluid intake were observed. Athletes' USG changes were tested with Repeated Measure ANOVA, and athletes' body weights before and after the game were compared with a paired samples t test. Relationship between fluid intake and changes in ultrasound and body weight It was evaluated by Pearson's correlation test. In the morning measurement, 10 of the athletes were dehydrated and 3 were dehydrated. In the pre-game measurement, the results were the same as in the first measurement, after the game, all athletes were hydrated.

Effects of padel activity and proprioception training on soccer players in an off-season period.

Off-season periods imply considerable changes in the fitness status of soccer players. So far, no studies evaluated the effects of proprioception-focused training during soccer off-season periods. In this work, we assessed how much some players' abilities (static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills) were affected by proprioception training and padel activity during an off-season period of 12 weeks. Twenty-eight non-professional adult male soccer players were organized into three groups: a group carried out regular padel activity, ~2 h once a week. Another group underwent a regular proprioception training program, ~ 20 min, twice a week. The third group did not perform any specific activity (control). Static and dynamic balance, reaction times, quickness, strength, and technical skills were evaluated at three time-points: before starting, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. Both padel activity and specific proprioception training carried out for 12 weeks significantly improved players' monopodalic static balance with eyes open and dynamic balance. No significant effects of these training regimens were found on monopodalic static balance with eyes closed, visual and acoustic reaction times, acyclic quickness, and strength. Furthermore, proprioception training considerably improved technical skills. Coaches may use padel activity and proprioception exercises for off-season programs featured by ease of execution, low training volume, and high compliance.

Критерии теплосетевых организаций: проблемы правоспособности

Amendments to the heat supply laws came into force over a year ago, providing criteria for acquiring the status of a heat network company. The purpose of these innovations was to bring order to the heat market and maintain competent professional players. It aimed at consolidating network assets in the last resort heat supplier, the unified heat distribution company, and depriving enterprises that lack the necessary material, labor, and technical resources for proper maintenance and repair of heat networks of the status of a heat network company. The intermediate results of the reform suggest now that the legislator’s expectations were not fully met. While disclosing the historical peculiarities of heat industry development in the pre-reform period, this article examines the factors that first led to the emergence of multiple heat network companies in the heat supply market and then prompted the legislator to take measures to optimize the number of regulated organizations. To simulate the potential effects of legal regulation, the author examines the electric power industry, which is related to heat supply. The legislator had already established criteria for local grid organizations in this industry several years before the reform of heat network companies. However, the legal position of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation prevented the legislator’s efforts from being fully implemented. To address the problem at hand, the author suggests transitioning from quantitative to qualitative criteria for evaluating an entity’s compliance with the status of a heat network company. This approach will prioritize the reliability of heat supply over using compliance as a formal basis for depriving bona fide enterprises of the status of a professional player in the heat market.

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.

A Critical Review of the FIFA’s Release of the Football Players from Ukraine under Annex 7 to Regulations on Status and Transfer of Players

Following Russia&amp;rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine, FIFA has issued several regulations addressing the new reality for Ukrainian football. One of those regulations, known as Annex 7 to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) 2022, suspended the contracts of foreign players and coaches with Ukrainian clubs. A measure to protect the players, Annex 7 nevertheless was created and delivered without prior consulting with the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) or its clubs. This paper takes a socio-legal approach to critically review Annex 7 through the lens of the existing regulations and applicable laws while also considering such important sports objectives as fairness, competitiveness, and contractual stability. The paper concludes that with Annex 7, FIFA failed to recognize the needs of UAF-affiliated clubs, increased uncertainty, and could have created an undesirable precedent for future conflicts with European football clubs. Several recommendations concerning Annex 7 specifically and the regulatory procedures for FIFA, in general, are made to address these issues.

Nutritional Status, Hemoglobin Levels, and Cardiorespiratory Endurance of Male Football Players in Ghana

Abstract BACKGROUND: Soccer is a team sport with a high energy and aerobic capacity requirement to sustain alertness and stamina within the stipulated period of play and training. The study aimed at examining the effect of nutrient intake, nutritional status, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels on the cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) of footballers in the Volta Region of Ghana. METHODS: Male soccer players (n = 194) from clubs in the Volta Region of Ghana were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was determined using multiple 24-h recall, Hb levels by use of HemoCue, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) by Cooper test 12 min run. Descriptive, multiple regression, Pearson’s correlation, and independent samples t-test were performed on the data obtained using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Football players of mean age 18.6 ± 4.9 years had an average energy intake of 1374.9 ± 532.6 kcal/day with a deficit of about 1481 kcal/day. Anemia prevalence was 13.5%, and there was a positive correlation (r = 0.411, P &lt; 0.001) between dietary iron and CRE. Calories consumed significantly predicted the VO2 max (F [1, 74] =16.360, P &lt; 0.001) of football players. There was no significant difference in the VO2 max values among the various age groups. About 65% of players had a “very low” to “fair” VO2 max, and 30.4% and 3.8% of the players had “good” and “excellent” levels of VO2 max, respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall energy intake of football players in Ghana was associated with dietary iron intake, Hb levels, and CRE, but not enough to meet dietary requirements, support optimal health, and enhance athletic performance.

Biological maturity vs. relative age: Independent impact on physical performance in male and female youth handball players.

Maturity status and relative age are two of the determining factors in talent development. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of biological maturity status and relative age on physical performance in young male and female handball players. The sample included 48 males (14.11 ± 1.17 years) and 41 females (14.25 ± 1.64 years) players from one Spanish professional handball academy. Anthropometric data (height, sitting height, body mass and self-reported biological parent heights) and physical performance data (CMJ, DJ, 20 m speed, T-test and throwing velocity) were collected. Biological maturity status was determined as the percentage of predicted adult height, while relative age was estimated in birth quartiles based on biennial age grouping (Q1-Q8). The results showed a positive correlation between maturity status and CMJ in male players (p < 0.01). Differences in CMJ performance according to maturity status were identified (p < 0.05), with higher jump heights being recorded especially in early maturing boys (p < 0.01) and first lines and wings (p < 0.05). The variance in CMJ test scores could be explained by the maturity status by 42.90% in U-15 (p < 0.05) and 72.60% in U-16 male players (p < 0.001). By contrast, no differences were found in girls (p > 0.05). Moreover, no relationships were found between relative age and indices of physical performance (p > 0.05). Overall, maturity status had greater impacts on the tests of physical performance than relative age. Stakeholders should monitor the maturity status of young handball players to avoid physical performance biases that do not allow them to develop their sporting potential.