Player Height Research Articles

Facial trauma in the major league baseball

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to identify and describe significant facial trauma present in the Major League Baseball (MLB) that resulted in players missing games or in the injury reserve list. Study designThis a retrospective cohort study. The predictor variables were player's age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), position, team conference and if played games were playoffs. The outcome variables were injury location (upper, middle, and lower facial third) and type of injury (soft tissue, fracture). Chi square and logistic regression were computed to determine associations between predictor and outcome variables. ResultsA total of 109 players missed games due to facial injuries, and a total of 115 injuries were identified. Of the 115 injuries, none occurred in the upper facial third, 96 (83%) were in the middle third, and 19 (17%) in the lower third. Most fractures occurred in fielders (45%); and most soft tissue injuries in basemen (40%). ConclusionSignificant facial trauma in the MLB has risen in recent years. The player's height, conference and playoff games were the most associated factors. Most injuries occurred in the periorbital area, a recommendation towards the use of protection goggles can be made to prevent them.

On the evolution of athlete anthropometric measurements: racial integration, expansion, and steroids

We examine the temporal movements in three anthropometric measurements of a professional sport’s athlete population. Specifically, we examine unit root test results, traditional, nonlinear, and those that allow of possible structural breaks, for average player height, weight, and body mass index for the population of Major League Baseball athletes over the period 1901–2019. These anthropometric measures are likely associated with the athletes’ level of productivity. In the end, we find that the average values for the measures of players’ body mass index and weight are found to be nonstationary, while the average values of players’ height are stationary around a nonlinear trend. We further find that these series have been subject to a number of structural shocks. These shocks correspond to well-known events in Major League Baseball history, such as its ‘Deadball’ era, racial integration, periods of Major League Baseball expansion, innovations with respect to player management, the advent of free agency, and the so-called Steroid Era.

Impact of Anthropometric Factor on Serve Velocities Evaluation Tennis Match at The 2019 US Open Grandslam Tournament

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to analyze (a) anthropometric factor as multivariant regression model to predict the serves velocities of elite tennis player that compete in Roland Garros 2017. The athropometric factor was describe as, player height, player weight, age, and the Body Mass Index (BMI) of player. (b) this study also determind the significant level from the model to predict the serves speed. The data were collected from MATCH DETAILS BY IBM SLAMTRACKER. Results show that correlation between each independent variable (i.e, age, height, weight, BMI) to serves speed of the player respectively are -0.0094, 0.7457, 0.7135, and 0.1944. The data show us that variable Height and Weight have the most correlated predictors of tennis serves speed. More over the correlation level (R2) from the model was 0.5767 or 57.67 % it indicate that the model can predict 57.67% the dependent variable, i.e serve speed and the other 42.33% was determind by the other factor not included in model. The present finding underline the importance of player height and weight to determind the serves speed of the players that play in Roland Garros 2017.

Body Height of Elite Basketball Players: Do Taller Basketball Teams Rank Better at the FIBA World Cup?

Body height is among the most important attributes of basketball players. Whether it differs among the basketball players who compete at the world basketball championship (FIBA-WC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between the basketball players from the teams ranked 1–16 and those ranked below 16th place. The body heights of all players from the last three FIBA-WCs were collected and allocated according to the ranking at the FIBA-WC and analyzed by position in team. An independent sample t-test was conducted to analyze the difference in body height of players ranked 1–16 and players who ranked below 16th place. The players from the first 16 teams were significantly taller at three positions: point guards (Difference = 2.92 cm, p < 0.05), shooting guards (Difference = 2.16 cm, p < 0.05), and small forwards (Difference = 2.49 cm, p < 0.01). Body height seems to be an important factor for the performance of the basketball team at the FIBA-WC. Considering that all players at the FIBA-WC went through rigorous selection process to be in their national teams, body height of the higher-ranked players could be used as a reference value.

The influence of player height on service performance in professional female tennis

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of female player height on service related parameters. Statistics on service performance and height of female players were gathered from the second round onwards in all Grand Slam tournaments. Findings showed that the taller the player, the higher the serve average speed, serve maximum speed in, number of aces and number of points won with the first service (%), however, the number of double faults will increase as well. The Wimbledon surface (grass, fast court) favours taller players, who win a higher percentage of points with their first services here when compared to other surfaces. The findings of this study help to recognize the influence of height in female tennis in service related parameters, as well as the differences between the surfaces.

Performance-level indicators of male elite handball teams

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to identify the most relevant variables to characterise the performance level of the teams through Men’s World Championships (2007–2019). Forty-seven attributes from match-related statistics and characteristics of players were analysed in 168 participant teams. Descriptive discriminant analysis classified correctly 69.6% of the cases and selected the height of players, 9-m efficiency, international matches disputed, wing efficiency, blocked shots, 7-m goalkeeper efficiency and 2-min suspensions which were the most relevant indicators. Top-Elite was significantly different (one-way ANOVA) from Middle- and Low-Elite in all variables selected, except for 7-m goalkeeper efficiency. Linear regression shows that wing efficiency and blocked shots were the only variables with a tendency of changes through seven editions. The best teams have the tallest players and with more international matches disputed, were most efficient in 9-m and wing finalisations and block more shots in defence. These findings may guide scientists and sports trainers to select players, prescribe training procedures, analyse opponents and establish match strategies with special attention to these variables.

Relationship Between Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit and Medial Elbow Torque in High School Baseball Pitchers

Background: Alterations in throwing mechanics have been identified as a risk factor for overuse injuries in baseball players. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) has been found to adversely affect throwing mechanics, but the effect of GIRD on medial elbow torque is unclear. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between GIRD and medial elbow torque in high school–aged baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: High school baseball pitchers (14-18 years old) were recruited for participation in this study. Players’ height, weight, body mass index, and arm measurements were recorded as well as shoulder and elbow range of motion measurements. GIRD was calculated from the difference between dominant and nondominant shoulder internal rotation. Participants then pitched 5 fastballs at maximum effort while wearing a wireless sensor that recorded elbow torque, arm slot, arm speed, shoulder rotation, and ball velocity. Principal component analysis was performed to determine which variables were associated with elbow torque or ball velocity. Results: Twenty-three high school pitchers participated in this study; 35% (n = 8) of participants exhibited GIRD of at least 20°. The mean GIRD was 15.3°± 11.2° and was not a predictor of medial elbow torque (P = .205) or ball velocity (P = .333). Ball velocity, age, and height were predictors of medial elbow torque (P = .012, P = .003, and P = .024, respectively). Conclusion: In high school baseball pitchers, GIRD was not associated with medial elbow torque during the pitching motion. Instead, ball velocity, player age, and player height carried greater significance. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that high school pitchers with GIRD do not have an inherently greater risk for increased medial elbow torque during the throwing motion. It is recommended that pitchers instead assess their ball velocity to evaluate for relative differences in medial elbow torque.

The Effect of Plyometric Trainings on Vertical-Horizontal Jump and Some Motor Skills in U13 Basketball Players

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Plyometric training on vertical-horizontal jump and some motor skills for children aged 13 years who play basketball. In this study voluntary 20 male athletes playing at 23 Nisan Sports Club as aged 13 basketball team whose ages are 13,00 ± 0 (year), body weight 53,86 ± 9,31 (kg), the average size of 162,5 ± 9,68 (cm) and body indexes of 20,34 ± 2,77 kg / m2 participated. All athletes were tested on the first measurements, after randomly divided into control (n=7) and experimental (n=7) groups. 2 days/week during 8 weeks, while the control group was doing basketball training only; the experimental group performed plyometric jump work in addition to basketball technique - tactical training, in the last 15 minutes of the training. All players height, body weight, vertical jump, horizontal jump, hand grip performance and elasticity performance tests were obtained at the beginning and end of the study; by these data using SPSS 18,0 programme with 0,05 significance level, Wilcoxon within group and Mann Withney-U statistical analysis was performed. There was no statistically significant difference in all the variables p&gt; 0.05 level between first and last measurements of the control and experimental groups. In this study, it was understood that the effect of 15-minute plyometric program in basketball technique-tactical training for 2 days/week for 8 weeks in 13 years age group basketball players, vertical-horizontal jumping, hand grip, seated reach&amp; extended flexibility test measurements has no effects.

Changes in northern hemisphere male international rugby union players’ body mass and height between 1955 and 2015

ObjectivesWe sought to establish the effects of professionalism, which officially began in 1995, on the body mass and height of northern hemisphere male international rugby union (RU) players. We hypothesised...

Relationship between Sports Experience and Anthropometric Indices and Sport Performance in World Women’s Handball Championship’2009

Research background and hypothesis. The increasing demand for ever higher top level has meant greater interest and research into the factors which influence performance and sporting achievements. Handball is a complex sport whereby performance can be analyzed and presented in a variety of ways. We hypothesized that teams with players with higher anthropometric indices and greater sporting experience had better possibilities in winning a match-play. Research aim was to assess the interaction between players’ height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), age, sports experience and sport performance in the World Women’s Handball Championship’2009 (WWHC’2009). Research methods. The data sets were collected from the IHF website (http//www.ihf.info). We analyzed the height, body mass, body mass index (BMI), sporting experience (international matches played and goals scored) of 390 players as well as their influence on winning points (Pearson’s correlation) and final ranking position (Spearman’s Correlation) of WWHC’2009.Research results. Champions from Russia, the first four seat players and European women players were greater in body size (height, body mass), and sports experience. Discussion and conclusions. Teams composed of players with greater experience had more possibilities to win (r = 0.719; p &lt; 0.001; Y = 0.1571x + 4.9104; r² = 0.5183), but body mass had negative influence (r = 0.317; Y = 0.5353x – 25.598; r² = 0.1008) as well as BMI (r = –0.3300.; Y = –2.0762x + 57.273; r² = 0.1089). The height of players had moderate influence (r = 0.551; p &lt; 0.001) on wining a match-play. It should be noted that the players in the last elite-level competition (European Women’s Handball Championship’2010) showed the same tendency and were taller and heavier than the players of WWHC’2009.Keywords: Women’s Handball, body mass, height.

Exposing forgeries in soccer images using geometric clues

In this study, new algorithms are proposed for exposing forgeries in soccer images. We propose a new and automatic algorithm to extract the soccer field, field side and the lines of field in order to generate an image of real lines for forensic analysis. By comparing the image of real lines and the lines in the input image, the forensic analyzer can easily detect line displacements of the soccer field. To expose forgery in the location of a player, we measure the height of the player using the geometric information in the soccer image and use the inconsistency of the measured height with the true height of the player as a clue for detecting the displacement of the player. In this study, two novel approaches are proposed to measure the height of a player. In the first approach, the intersections of white lines in the soccer field are employed for automatic calibration of the camera. We derive a closed-form solution to calculate different camera parameters. Then the calculated parameters of the camera are used to measure the height of a player using an interactive approach. In the second approach, the geometry of vanishing lines and the dimensions of soccer gate are used to measure a player height. Various experiments using real and synthetic soccer images show the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.

Trunk Side Strain Has a High Incidence in First-Class Cricket Fast Bowlers in Australia and England.

To investigate the past incidence of side strain injury and its associated factors in first-class cricket fast bowlers in Australia and England. Retrospective case series. Professional cricket. Cricket fast bowlers who were professionally contracted full time at first-class level in Australia and England in 2011. All bowlers were male and aged 18 or older. A bowler was defined as a fast bowler if the wicketkeeper would take their stance back from the stumps. There were 207 participants. Not applicable. The association between bowling arm, player height, active trunk lateral flexion range of motion, side bridge endurance, volume of first-class cricket played, and the history of injury was determined. Over half of the bowlers had sustained at least 1 side strain in their career. Seventy-seven percent of primary injuries occurred in bowlers aged 24 or under. A higher proportion of injured bowlers had reached first-class volume in their career. Recurrence occurred in 30% of bowlers, with over 30% of these bowlers sustaining at least 1 further recurrence. Nearly half of all recurrences occurred within 2 years with a further quarter in the next year. The injury was not associated with any measured factors. Side strain is a common injury among first-class cricket fast bowlers, especially at younger ages. It was associated with the volume of first-class cricket played. Recurrence was common and occurred most frequently in the first 2 years after primary injury.

Physical and Functional Differences in Youth Baseball Players With and Without Throwing-Related Pain.

Background:Identifying risk factors that contribute to shoulder and elbow pain within youth baseball players is important for improving injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.Hypothesis:Differences will exist between youth baseball players with and without a history of upper extremity pain on measures related to growth, shoulder performance, and baseball exposure.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 84 youth baseball players were divided into 2 groups based on self-reported history of throwing-related arm pain. Group differences for growth-related, shoulder performance, and baseball exposure variables were analyzed by use of parametric and nonparametric tests, as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess variables most predictive of pain.Results:The group of athletes with pain (n = 16) were taller and heavier, played more baseball per year, and had greater pitching velocity. Athletes with pain also had greater loss of internal rotation range of motion and greater side-to-side asymmetry in humeral retrotorsion (HRT), attributable to lower degrees of HRT within the nondominant humerus. Multivariate analysis revealed that player height was most predictive of pain, with a 1-inch increase in height resulting in a 77% increased risk of pain.Conclusion:Vertical growth that accompanies adolescence increases the risk of experiencing throwing-related pain in youth baseball players. Players who are taller, particularly those with faster pitching velocities, are at the greatest risk for developing pain and should be more carefully monitored for resultant injury. The degree of nondominant HRT may have a relationship to the development of pain, but further research is required to better understand the implications of this observation.

Importance of team height to winning games in the National Basketball Association

A recent trend in the National Basketball Association, so-called “small-ball,” questions the importance of height in basketball. The present study examined the association of team height, defined as an average height of players weighted by playing time, to team performance in the 2006–2007 through 2015–2016 National Basketball Association seasons. Relationships of team height to winning games, to offensive and defensive ratings, and to four factors were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine the association of team height to winning games, separately for the Eastern and Western Conferences, while using performance variables above as covariates. Team height had significant positive correlations with offensive and defensive rebounds, and had a significant inverse relationship with the opponent’s turnovers ( p &lt; 0.05). After adjusting for the team performance variables, team height was found to be an insignificant predictor of winning games in the regular seasons ( p &gt; 0.05). In the playoffs, the interaction between team height and offensive rating was significant ( p &lt; 0.05). A follow-up analysis revealed that teams in the Eastern Conference had higher winning percentages with smaller lineups, whereas those in the Western Conference performed better with bigger lineups. A significant interaction was also found between team height and effective field goal percentage or free throw rate in the Eastern Conference playoffs ( p &lt; 0.05). Specifically, bigger lineups were associated with higher winning percentages for teams with lower effective field goal percentages and higher free throw rates. These results may suggest that team height is important in winning games in the playoffs.

Vitamin D Deficiency Among Professional Basketball Players.

Background:Vitamin D plays an important role in several systems of the human body. Various studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to stress and insufficiency fractures, muscle recovery and function, and athletic performance. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the elite athletic population has not been extensively studied, and very few reports exist among professional athletes.Hypothesis:There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency among players attending the National Basketball Association (NBA) Combine.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This is a retrospective review of data previously collected as part of the routine medical evaluation of players in the NBA Combines from 2009 through 2013. Player parameters evaluated were height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and vitamin D level. Statistical analysis using t tests and analysis of variance was used to detect any correlation between the player parameters and vitamin D level. Vitamin D levels were categorized as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20-32 ng/mL), and sufficient (>32 ng/mL).Results:After institutional review board approval was submitted to the NBA, the NBA released deidentified data on 279 players who participated in the combines from 2009 through 2013. There were 90 players (32.3%) who were deficient, 131 players (47.0%) who were insufficient, and 58 players (20.8%) who were sufficient. A total of 221 players (79.3%) were either vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Among all players included, the average vitamin D level was 25.6 ± 10.2 ng/mL. Among the players who were deficient, insufficient, and sufficient, the average vitamin D levels were 16.1 ± 2.1 ng/mL, 25.0 ± 3.4 ng/mL, and 41.6 ± 8.6 ng/mL, respectively. Player height and weight were significantly increased in vitamin D–sufficient players compared with players who were not sufficient (P = .0008 and .009, respectively). Player age and BMI did not significantly differ depending on vitamin D status (P = .15 and .77, respectively).Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency among participants in the NBA Combines. As a result, there should be a high suspicion for this metabolic abnormality among elite basketball players.Clinical Relevance:Vitamin D level has been linked to bone health, muscle recovery and function, and athletic performance. Because of the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the NBA Combines, clinicians should maintain a high suspicion for vitamin D abnormalities among elite basketball players.

Surveillance of Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Anthropometric Variables among Four International Cricket Teams Competed in ACC Premier League Malaysia 2014

&lt;strong&gt;Background and Purpose:&lt;/strong&gt; Chronic musculoskeletal injuries are more common in cricket players. Acute problems may be due to trauma or injuries during sporting. The musculoskeletal system includes muscles, joints, bones, cartilage, ligaments, fascia, nerves and other associated soft tissues. Whatever the mode of injury, it causes pain, movement restriction, muscle weakness, and ultimately loss of functions. Anthropometric variables of each player in cricket will also influence the occurrence of problems. The current study focused on identifying the most common site involved in musculoskeletal problems and to explore possible variations in anthropometric characteristics. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; This study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where Asian Cricket Council Premier League 2014 was conducted. Permission to approach the players was taken from the council members and all the players were assured that the information collected from them will be kept confidential and all were explained about the objective study. Modified Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire was distributed to the players and instructions were given about how to fill the questionnaire. Their anthropometric characteristics, experience and time of training sessions were collected by a blinded assessor. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Player's height (p = 0.003), weight (p = 0.050), experience (p = 0.001) and practicing hours per week (0.002) were analyzed. There is a statistically significant difference in these characteristics was observed. Occurrence of acute troubles (within 7 days) of upper back and elbow region were found different in four teams with a P value of 0.007 and 0.022 respectively. Persistence of neck, shoulder and lower back troubles in the last one year has a significant difference between the groups with a P value of 0.014, 0.003 and 0.021 respectively. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; This study can conclude that the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries is more in cricket. Especially shoulder, neck, lower limbs and lower back. The incidence of acute problems is more in elbow and upper back regions. This may be acute injuries but not due to chronic over use. The anthropometric variations between groups participated in ACC premier league, Malaysia 2014 was also significantly differing from each other.

Injury Risk in International Rugby Union

Background:Within international Rugby Union, only injury rates during the Rugby World Cup have been reported. Therefore, injury rates and types during other international tournaments are unknown.Purpose:To assess the 3-year incidence, severity, nature, and causes of match and training injuries sustained during different international tournaments played by the Welsh national Rugby Union team.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Injury data for all players (n = 78) selected for 1 national Rugby Union team over a 3-year period were analyzed using the international consensus statement methods. Player height (cm) and mass (kg) were recorded. Tournaments were grouped for comparisons as: autumn tournaments (2012 and 2013), Rugby World Cup (RWC; 2011), Six Nations (2012, 2013, and 2014), and summer tournaments (2012, 2013, and 2014). Injury incidence (injuries/1000 hours), prevalence (% of players unavailable), and severity (days lost) were calculated for each tournament. Injury location, type, and cause of match and training injuries were analyzed.Results:Match injury incidence was highest during autumn tournaments (262.5/1000 match-hours) and lowest during the RWC (178.6/1000 match-hours). Summer tournaments had the highest training incidence (5.5 injuries/1000 training-hours). Mild injuries were most likely during the RWC (risk ratio [RR], 2.02; 95% CI, 1.26-3.24), while severe injuries were most likely during autumn tournaments (RR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.70-6.29). Quadriceps hematomas (18.8/1000 match-hours; 95% CI, 11.3-31.1) and concussions (13.8/1000 match-hours; 95% CI, 7.6-24.8) were the most common match injuries, with shoulder dislocations being the most severe (111 mean days lost per injury).Conclusion:Injury rates were considerably higher than those previously reported for multiple teams during RWC tournaments. Further investigation of injury rates and risk factors is recommended to accurately gauge their impact within international Rugby Union, particularly with regard to lower limb hematoma, concussion, and shoulder injuries.

Standard Rate for Some Basic Stances in Karate

The most fundamental postures in karate are (Zenkutsu Dachi and Kokutsu Dachi and Kiba Dachi) but karate references are almost devoid of the basis of a clear and unified model for these postures in line with all the players with their various physical variables, and all the trainers during their teaching these postures to novices they teach it depending on their background and the general specifications of the posture and that may take long time in teaching as well as player errors and the time spent in correction. researcher found that these three postures involved in having a horizontal and vertical specific distance varies according to each postures and that determines its features and specifications, hence, appeared the idea of determining the vertical and horizontal distance for a specific posture of world champion and with knowledge of player height we can divide the player height on both vertical and horizontal distance which gives us two ratios that being considered as a sincere standard for a posture.

Study of Game-Related Statistics Which Discriminate Between Winning and Losing Basketball Junior Teams U-17 in World Championship

The Aims of the research was to identify the game-related statistics which discriminate between winning and losing Basketball teams in FIBA U-17 World Championship for Men, Lithuania, 2012, also Identify the game-related statistics for losing Egyptian Basketball team in the World championship. The researcher used descriptive survey curriculum. The Sample was (40) Games, (8) teams, (4) winning and (4) losing. The researcher used FIBA official Game-related statistics variables to achieve the aims of the research, in addition to the following variable; The Effective Field Goal Percentage, Offensive Rebounds Efficiency Percentage, Defensive Rebounds Efficiency Percentage, Ball possessions and Efficiency. The results allowed understanding the discriminatory power of game-related statistics and allow Basketball coaches to understand that winning team depends on certain variables as it appears in the research. These variables will help coaches to prepare practices according to this specificity and to be ready to control these variables in competition for players under 17, also results allowed coaches to be aware that dominating the following variables will increase the probability to win the games for Junior teams under 17 as: Height of players, Defensive Rebounds Efficiency Percentage, Free-Throws Made, Field-Goal Made, Field-Goal Attempted, The effective field goal percentage and 2 Points Attempted. The most effective statistics variables for losing Egyptian Basketball were height of players, Field-Goal Attempted, 3 Points Made, 3 Points Attempted, Assists, Turnovers and Ball possessions.

TO IDENTIFY INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS FOR GROIN/HIP INJURIES AMONG ACADEMY LEVEL RUGBY UNION PLAYERS: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

BackgroundGroin/Hip injuries are among the top 6 most commonly cited injuries in Rugby Union (RU). These injuries have increased significantly since 2002 moving from 16th to 4th place in the...