Level Of Play Research Articles

Validation of Impact Forces Estimated by Wearable Device VERT in Volleyball.

De Bleecker, C, Vermeulen, S, Willems, T, Segers, V, Spanhove, V, Leys, R, Vanrenterghem, J, and De Ridder, R. Validation of impact forces estimated by wearable device VERT in volleyball validation impact forces VERT. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-As volleyball players are exposed to high volumes of forceful jump-landing actions, the risk of injuries is increased. Wearable technology such as the VERT device offers a promising avenue for load monitoring of volleyball players, potentially allowing better control of intensity of training and matches to minimize the likelihood of injuries. Although validity of jump counts and jump height is well investigated, studies validating impact forces estimated by VERT device referenced to force plate data are scarce. The objective of this study was to validate the use of VERT for the estimation of impact forces during volleyball. Twenty-one volleyball players of different levels performed countermovement jumps (CMJ), block jumps, spike jumps, and a set with a combination of several volleyball jump-landing tasks. Impact forces estimated by VERT were compared with resultant force values measured using a force plate. A total of 221 spike jumps, 286 block jumps, and 203 CMJ were analyzed. Given the identified proportional bias and heteroscedasticity, an adapted Bland-Altman plot featuring the line of best fit and V-shaped 95% confidence intervals instead of classic limits of agreement was created. Furthermore, our results suggest a proportional bias between the 2 measurements, with the VERT sensor tending to overestimate impact forces compared with the force plate, increasingly at higher mean values. Therefore, the VERT algorithm has not been proven valid for quantifying impact forces. However, a correction factor is proposed to obtain better results for impact forces estimated by VERT, making it suitable for implementation in sport contexts.

Інноваційні методологічні підходи до оцінки психофізичних здібностей гандболістів на етапі попередньої базової підготовки

The article deals with the psychophysical abilities of young handball players at the stage of preliminary basic training. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the level of formation of such abilities as reaction speed, coordination of movements, concentration of attention and the ability to make decisions in stressful situations. The scientific relevance of the study is due to the need to improve training methods aimed at increasing the effectiveness of athletes' preparation for competitions. The purpose of the study is to analyze and evaluate the psychophysical abilities of young handball players, which will help to determine the effectiveness of the applied training methods and contribute to the development of new approaches to the training of athletes. Material and methods of research. Handball players at the stage of preliminary basic training (103 people) at the age of 15-16 years old, involved in the championship of Ukraine among boys, took part in the pedagogical experiment. To implement the goals and objectives of the study used a set of methods: theoretical analysis, synthesis and generalization; pedagogical observation; pedagogical testing; mathematical and statistical data processing. Research Results. It was found that the psychophysical abilities of young handball players who are at the stage of preliminary basic training correspond to a satisfactory level. However, in order to achieve high results in the future it is necessary to improve training programs taking into account the individual characteristics of each athlete. Analysis of the test results showed that the majority of handball players, both from the experimental and control groups, demonstrate similar results on the complex index of psychophysical abilities, which allowed us to conclude that there were no significant differences in the levels of development of psychophysical abilities between the groups at the beginning of the study. It was revealed that the average characteristics of different psychophysical tests in the majority of athletes correspond to a satisfactory level. For example, the speed of reaction to visual stimuli, reaction speed in game conditions, as well as the results of specialized handball tests showed that the level of formation of these abilities is sufficient for participation in competitions, but requires improvement to achieve high results. It is important to note that the highest average values of complex indicators of psychophysical abilities were observed in point guard players, which corresponds to the average level of formation. Line players also showed the results corresponding to the average level, while half-middle and edge players showed slightly lower values corresponding to the satisfactory level. Conclusions. The conducted study showed that at the stage of preliminary basic training most young handball players have a satisfactory level of development of psychophysical abilities, which indicates that there is a potential to improve their sports training by improving training methods. Given that different players demonstrate different levels of development of psychophysical abilities, especially among midfield and edge players, it is necessary to develop and implement individual training programs, which will optimize the training of each player in accordance with his individual characteristics and increase the overall effectiveness of the team.

Kinematic characterization of backhand stroke accuracy in squash based on kinematic variables between two different skill levels-a preliminary cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to compare differences in shot placement and accuracy between national and international level squash players. Squash is a technically demanding sport and understanding the biomechanical characteristics of athletes at different levels is important for developing effective training strategies. The study used a three-dimensional motion analysis system, a high-speed video camera, and a professional tee for biomechanical testing. Participants included national and international level squash players. The kinematic characteristics of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints of the upper extremity for backhand strokes, as well as the accuracy of the strokes, were analyzed to compare the differences between the two groups of athletes in terms of stroke posture and accuracy. The kinematic analysis of the backward backhand stroke revealed that national squash players showed significant differences compared to international players in several key parameters. Specifically, national players had significantly greater trunk flexion (P=0.018) and less shoulder medial rotation (P=0.027). They also had lower racket velocity in the X-direction (P=0.043). However, there were no significant differences in trunk lateral flexion (P=0.487), trunk rotation (P=0.293), shoulder extension/flexion (P=0.396), elbow flexion/extension (P=0.818), wrist flexion/extension (P=0.177), wrist rotation (P=0.476), racket pitch (P=0.112), racket velocity in the Y-direction (P=0.587), or racket velocity in the Z-direction (P=0.327). Additionally, data for racket yaw, racket roll, and racket Vx were not provided with significant values, indicating that these parameters do not show significant differences. International level players outperformed national level players in squash stroke accuracy and control. Key kinematic factors influencing accuracy include trunk forward flexion, shoulder abduction, shoulder internal rotation, and racket angles. The study recommends that coaches design training to enhance technical details and positional control to improve squash performance.

Isokinetic assessment of the female’s soccer player’s knee. A systematic review of outcomes measures

BackgroundIsokinetic normative data in females’ soccer players is scarce in comparison to males. Furthermore, evaluation protocols employed to obtain those data in female’s studies, strongly differ from each other, using different ranges of speeds and movement patterns, thus producing different output data. Thus, it is difficult for the researcher and the clinician to choose a correct protocol for knee isokinetic test in female soccer players. Aim of this paper is to review the literature to provide updated information on how to interpret a knee isokinetic testing in healthy females.MethodsGoogle Scholar, PubMed, Sport Discus, and Psych info databases were queried, and 17 papers were selected. Following PRISMA methodology and PEDro scale, we classified the retrieved papers and assessed the quality.ResultsIn this review some common features of isokinetic testing in female soccer players of various levels of qualification are highlighted. The isokinetic performance indexes widely accepted are the hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio and dominant/non-dominant (D/ND) ratio. It also emerges that, 3 reps at the speed of 60°/sec in knee flexion/extension are preferable due to the higher reliability and that the optimal H/Q ratio in healthy female soccer players of different level of qualification and age is 50%, while the interlimb differences (D/ND) should be below 10%.ConclusionsNormative data and methodologies reviewed can be useful for the isokinetic test of female soccer players. It emerges that simplifying test procedures limiting at few testing speed and considering selected H/Q and D/ND gives all the necessary relevant informations.

Physical fitness, psychological characteristics, and game performance in youth male soccer players of different levels of competition

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examined the differences and associations regarding physical fitness, psychological characteristics, and game performance between elite (n = 64), sub-elite (n = 82), and non-elite (n = 97) youth male soccer players aged 16.2 ± 0.5 years. Physical fitness parameters were assessed using field tests, psychological characteristics were evaluated using validated questionnaires and technical – tactical data were recorded during a competitive soccer match using a multicamera, semiautomatic optical tracking system. Elite players demonstrated superior performance in cardiorespiratory fitness, countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 m sprint, and agility, compared to the sub-elite and the non-elite players. Also, the elite and sub-elite players had faster 40 m sprints than the non-elite players. Game performance was significantly better in the elite group than the other groups and was associated with coping with the adversity and coachability, tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, and fatigue-inertia subscales. Among the physical fitness parameters examined, only agility and CMJ were associated with game performance. In conclusion, elite youth soccer players performed significantly better in various physical fitness and psychological parameters and demonstrated a higher game performance indicator score compared to their sub-elite and non-elite peers. Results suggested that physical fitness and psychological parameters are essential predictors of game performance.

Shot performance characteristics of badminton players of different skill levels

Shot performance characteristics of badminton players of different skill levels

Immediate Effects of Different Physiotherapy Intervention in Reducing Doms Induced Biochemical Markers Among College Level Players

Immediate Effects of Different Physiotherapy Intervention in Reducing Doms Induced Biochemical Markers Among College Level Players

Self-Regulated Learning Assessment in Young Soccer Players: Beyond Competitive Levels.

Trecroci, A, Cavaggioni, L, Rossi, A, Bongiovanni, T, Invernizzi, PL, Formenti, D, and Longo, S. Self-regulated learning assessment in young soccer players: beyond competitive levels. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study explores self-regulated learning (SRL) among young soccer players, transcending the traditional focus on competitive levels. One hundred twenty-four soccer players of regional and provincial levels from under 14 to under 17 age groups voluntarily participated in the study and were combined into a single group. A median-split method based on total time performance was used to separate players into low performers (LPs) and high performers (HPs) from a 90° change of direction dribbling test. The self-regulation of learning-self-report scale for sport practice (SRL-SRS-SP) with a 5-factor solution (planning, reflection, effort, self-efficacy, and self-supervision) and 31 items was used. The score was based on a 1-5 Likert scale. The level of significance was set at p -value < 0.05. The SRL-SRS-SP total score by HP players differed significantly from that of LP players ( p = 0.015). Regarding each subscale, HP players showed significantly higher scores than LP players ( p = 0.011) for planning, whereas no differences were observed for the remaining factors ( p ≥ 0.05). The main observation of this study revealed that HP soccer players had a greater level of engagement in the learning process with a remarkable ability to plan for specific improvement than LP peers. This suggests that the competitive level might not be the sole determinant of differences in SRL. Therefore, strength and conditioning coaches should emphasize metacognitive and motivational components because of their crucial role in enhancing technical and physical performance.

Defining elite esports athletes: a scoping review

ABSTRACT In this scoping review, we aimed to (1) provide clarity on terms used to describe elite esport samples, (2) identify the indicators used to describe elite esport samples, (3) collate rationales provided for defining esports samples as elite, and (4) draw conclusions on how to define elite esport samples. Electronic database and manual searches conducted for the final time in March 2024 yielded 7,802 records. Sixty-three studies published since 2012, with 1,768 e’athletes, satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, 71% of the studies did not define ‘elite’ when classifying their samples. In the remaining studies, elite esport samples were defined through four categories: (1) highest level of competition, (2) professional status, (3) in-game achievement, and (4) domain experience. Of the 63 studies, 29 classified their samples as elite through one category, and 34 included justifications incorporating two or more categories. We propose a 2-step working elite classification system for esports samples that considers a player's highest level of competition and success at that level. Furthermore, we propose a set of reporting guidelines for elite e'athletes, which encourages researchers to unpack: (1) the success of the e’athletes, and (2) the prominence of the esport. HIGHLIGHTS There was a significant incongruity in the terminology used to classify high-level esports samples and inconsistent justifications for why the sample was elite. A 2-step elite classification system for esports samples that considers the player's highest level of competition and success at that level is proposed to help researchers classify their samples. We propose a set of reporting guidelines for elite esport athletes, which advises researchers to unpack: (1) the success of the athletes, and (2) the prominence of the esports.

Descriptive Analysis of Foot Morphological Characteristics among Inter-university Level Players of Different Sports

Descriptive Analysis of Foot Morphological Characteristics among Inter-university Level Players of Different Sports

High Prevalence of Varus Knee Malalignment in Adolescent Football Players-Clinical Lower Leg Axis Measurements of Male Junior Football Players Aged 7 to 18 Years.

Football, as the most popular sport worldwide, has long been under suspicion of causing varus knee alignment as early as adolescence. However, no causal relationship has yet been found. The first step to do so would be to determine the prevalence of lower leg malalignment among male junior football players depending on age, performance level and the number of active seasons played. Leg axis alignment in frontal plane was determined in male junior football players of different age levels between 7 and 18 years by measuring the intercondylar/intermalleolar distance (ICD/IMD) in an upright position. In addition to anthropometric data, multiple sport-specific data such as the start of their football career or training time per week were collected by means of questionnaires (clinical trial registration number: DRKS00020446). 207 male junior football players were included in this survey. The mean age was 12.8 years. Within the group of 15 to 18 year olds, the prevalence of varus knee malalignment was highest at just under a third (32.1%). In the subpopulation that played actively for more than ten seasons, 28.9% showed varus leg axis. Regarding performance level, the highest IMD/ICD values and highest prevalence of varus alignment were found among football players who play on a semi-professional level (16.7%), compared to amateur (11.4%) and high-performance levels (2.8%). Further research is necessary to investigate if this high prevalence of varus knee in children of a higher age and higher playing levels is due to the selection bias of football players with varus knee or a real development of varus knee in individuals.

Football Player Analysis for Identifying Best Team using Machine Learning

In the game of football (soccer), the evaluation of players for transfer, scouting, squad formation and strategic planning is important. However, due to the vast pool of grassroots level player, short career span, differing performance throughout the individual’s career, differing play conditions, positions and varying club budgets, it becomes difficult to identify the individual player's performance value altogether. The Player Performance Prediction system aims at solving this complex problem analytically and involves learning from various attributes and skills of a football player. It considers the skill set values of the football player and predicts the performance value, which depicts the scope of improvement and the capability of the player. The objective of this project is to help the coaches and team management at the grassroots as well as higher levels to identify the future prospects in the game of football without being biased to subjective conditions like club budget, competitiveness in the league, and importance of the player in the team or region. The system is based on a data-driven approach and we train our models to generate an appropriate holistic relationship between the players’ attributes values, market value and performance value to be predicted. These values are dependent on the position that the football player plays in and the skills they possess. In This project best player is predicted by algorithms namely Naïve Bayes (NB) as proposed and K Nearest Neighbor (KNN) as existing system and compared in terms of Accuracy. From the results obtained its proved that proposed NB works better than existing KNN..

Dual-Tasks in Soccer: Effects of Players' Experience and Task Condition on Physical Performance.

In this study, we examined whether experience level and various dual motor and cognitive or single tasks influenced young soccer players' physical performance during small-sided games. Participants were 72 players from U-13 (n = 36) and U-17 (n = 36) groups who participated in 3-to-a-side small-sided games under four experimental conditions: control, a secondary motor task, an additional related secondary cognitive task, and an additional secondary non-specific task. We used GPS devices to measure physical performance in terms of distances covered and accelerations at different thresholds. We found no significant interaction effect between player experience and task condition (p = .540), meaning that dual tasks had comparable effects on players of different experience levels. There were significant main effects of both experience level (p < .001) and condition (p < .001) on most physically related variables. Older players outperformed younger ones, particularly in high-intensity actions. While secondary motor tasks decreased physical performance, secondary cognitive tasks, irrespective of specificity, did not impair players' performances. In conclusion, experience level did not influence the players' physical response to dual tasks, and a secondary motor task was more disruptive to physical performance than either of two types of secondary cognitive tasks. Cognitive tasks can be incorporated into soccer training without compromising physical performance.

Enhancing technical proficiency through small-sided basketball games: A strategic approach for students athletes

Background Problems: Due to the intricate nature of the game and the requirement for proficiency in core skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and defensive positioning, basketball players frequently have difficulties developing their technical abilities. Traditional training approaches may not focus enough on these skills, leaving room for growth. Research Objective: This study investigates how well basketball players' technical skills may be improved through game-based instruction, particularly small-sided basketball games. The study aims to address the need for a more focused approach to technical elements by highlighting the value of focused practice in pertinent game scenarios. Methods: The type of research used was quantitative research with a sample of 12 amateur athletes. The instrument used is the game performance evaluation tool (GPET). Quantitative data from pre- and post-assessments were examined using the appropriate statistical techniques, such as paired t-tests or analysis of variance (ANOVA). For the study, basketball players with various skill levels were listed. Small groups of participants received specialised training to develop their technical abilities. Findings and Results: Participants' technical proficiency significantly improved after strategically focused practice using small-sided basketball games. The outcomes show that this game-based method works well for improving basic abilities, including passing, dribbling, shooting, and positioning defensively. The results highlight how effective it is to use small-sided games to help basketball players enhance their skills. Conclusion: The study concludes that small-sided basketball games are an effective strategy for improving basketball players' technical proficiency. Notwithstanding several constraints, such as a comparatively limited sample size and consistency in participant skill levels, the findings indicate that focused practice in pertinent gaming environments produces notable enhancements. To better understand the potential of this strategy for players of different skill levels, future studies should include additional variables like training amounts and differences in small-sided game structures.

Psychological Impact and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries in Baseball Players.

Significant psychological impact and prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been well documented in patients sustaining anterior cruciate ligament injury. To examine PTSD symptomatology in baseball players after sustaining elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Male baseball players of various competition levels (high school through Minor League Baseball [MiLB]) who underwent surgery for a UCL injury between April 2019 and June 2022 participated in the study. Before surgery, patients completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) to assess PTSD symptomatology. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to level of play and player position. A total of 104 male baseball players with a mean age of 19.4 years (range, 15-29 years) were included in the study; 32 players (30.8%) were in high school, 65 (62.5%) were in college, and 7 (6.7%) were in MiLB. There were 64 (61.5%) pitchers, 18 (17.3%) position players, and 22 (21.2%) 2-way players (both pitching and playing on the field). A total of 30 (28.8%) patients scored high enough on the IES-R to support PTSD as a probable diagnosis, and another 22 patients (21.2%) scored high enough to support PTSD as a clinical concern. Nineteen patients (18.3%) had potentially severe PTSD. Only 4 players (3.8%) were completely asymptomatic. Subgroup analysis revealed college players as significantly more symptomatic than high school players (P = .02), and 2-way players were found to be significantly less susceptible to developing symptoms of PTSD compared with pitchers (P = .04). Nearly 30% of baseball players who sustained a UCL injury qualified for a probable diagnosis of PTSD based on the IES-R. Pitchers and college athletes were at increased risk for PTSD after UCL injury compared with 2-way players and high school athletes, respectively.

An Analysis of How First-Person Shooting Games Retain Players of All Skill Levels

In the context of computer games, especially FPS games, which are popular in the world today, famous FPS games, such as Apex, give people a lot of fun, and at the same time, the popularity of the game also brings good economic profits to the game company. The most critical condition for a game to be loved is that the game design is reasonable; this design will cover all aspects of the game and ultimately win the recognition of players. On this premise, it's important to explore the design of FPS games and how they can be enjoyed by players of all levels. This paper analyzes the influence of various design factors in FPS games on players of different levels. The paper demonstrates the pros and cons behind the game's gameplay, character or weapon design through a horizontal comparison, and combines it with relevant literature to prove this point. It may help games analyze the elements and design strategies that make it easier to retain players of all levels. The conclusion is that gameplay design, character characterization, and skill &amp; weapon design are all important factors that influence players, while balance is also important.

Music-driven generative dance movement teaching game based on a multi-feature fusion strategy

The study aims to develop a music-driven dance teaching game that enhances players' dance learning. By utilizing a multi-feature fusion strategy, the game creates dance movements inspired by music. The model effectively combines music and dance features to generate various dance sequences. In performance tests, the research model successfully matches the tempo and intensity of the music with the generated dance. Overall, this approach improves players' dance movement learning ability. The teaching effectiveness of the research method is significantly superior, with an average value of 95.23 points in the teaching evaluation. In terms of running time, for simple dances, the average generation time is 10 s; for ordinary categories of dances, the average generation time is 15 s; for complex dances, the average generation time is 17 s. The fluency of the generated dances is 97.21 %. The study's findings confirm the effectiveness of the research method. The game's use of multi-feature fusion algorithms allows for adaptive adjustments in difficulty and complexity based on the player's learning situation and ability level. This provides a more diverse and immersive gaming experience, while also presenting innovative ideas for future game development and teaching design.

SURVEI KEMAMPUAN SERVIS DALAM PERMAINAN BOLA VOLI KLUB TANGGO RAJO

Abstract&#x0D; &#x0D; This research was motivated by not knowing whether the service technique used was correct or not, and not knowing the player's level of ability regarding basic volleyball techniques. This study aims to determine the level of upper serve and lower serve abilities of volleyball players at the Tanggo Rajo club, Kab. Tebo. This research uses quantitative descriptive methods. The population is all volleyball players at the Tanggo Rajo club, Kab. Tebo, numbering 15 people. The sampling technique used total sampling with a research sample of 15 players. Data collection techniques using tests. The instrument used is the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (AAHPER) serving accuracy test. The analysis technique used is to put the frequency into percentage form. The results of this research indicate that the level of service ability of volleyball players at Tanggo Rajo Club, Kab. Tebo is sufficient considering the highest frequency, namely the sufficient category with 7 people, namely 47%. Level of service ability of Tanggo Rajo Club volleyball players, Kab. Tebo was categorized as very good at 13%, good at 13%, fair at 47%, poor at 20%, very poor at 7%. Meanwhile, the lower level of service ability of the Tanggo Rajo Club volleyball players, Kab. Tebo is sufficient considering the highest frequency, namely the sufficient category with 6 people, namely 40%. Level of lower service ability of Tanggo Rajo Club volleyball players, Kab. Tebo was categorized as very good at 7%, good at 20%, fair at 40%, poor at 33%, very poor at 0%..&#x0D; Keywords : Ability, Upper Serve, Lower Serve

A model of a two-level hierarchical system with cooperative behavior of lower-level elements

One of the possible generalizations to the case of many persons of the classical hierarchical Germeier game is investigated. It is assumed that the lower level players choose one of the weakly efficient points. The maximal guaranteed result of the top-level player is calculated. Two variants of formulation of the problems are considered: games with and ithoutfeedback.

Implementation of artificial intelligence in "ToqyzQumalaq" mobile logic game

This research paper delves into the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the mobile logic game "ToqyzQumalaq," focusing on incorporating advanced algorithmic strategies to improve gameplay. The game's complexity and strategic depth present unique challenges in AI development, addressed through the integration of algorithms like Minimax, Alpha-Beta Pruning, Greedy, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The study emphasizes the creation of evaluation functions for these algorithms, ensuring AI efficiency and human-like decision-making. This aspect is vital for maintaining the strategic unpredictability essential to "ToqyzQumalaq." Extensive experimental testing against human players of various skill levels demonstrates the algorithms' effectiveness. These tests reveal the strengths and limitations of each algorithm, providing insights into their application in the game. This paper contributes to AI in gaming, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in developing AI for complex games. Its findings are relevant not only to game developers but also serve as an educational tool, showcasing the practical application of AI and algorithmic strategies.