Performance Of Players Research Articles

Effects of Adversities in the Well-Being of University Players in Wuhan, China

This study determined the effects of the recent adversities in the physical, mental, social and academic well- being among 100 university basketball players affecting their sports performance in selected government universities in Wuhan Province. Using a descriptive-comparative research design, the study employed student basketball players from Wuhan, China. Results show that based on demographic profile, majority of the student respondents are male, more than 20 years old, and from University A. The overall mean of 2.82 shows that the respondents are positively affected on their physical well-being which can potentially have positive effects on the student’s performance in the schools. Age factor does affect the assessment of the respondents on their physical well-being, mental well-being and social well-being, while sex and their type of university did not. However, the type of university of the students affects their assessment on academic well-being. This goes to show that adversities can influence the performance of university players both academically and athletically. While some individuals may thrive under pressure, others may experience a decline in performance.

The effect of fatiguing muscle contractions on kicking performance in experienced soccer players

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of fatiguing muscle contractions of the m. quadriceps femoris on kicking abilities of experienced soccer players. 16 male professional (n = 5) and amateur players (n = 11) performed kicking tests in two conditions (fatigue and control) on separate days in a randomised crossover design. The fatiguing protocol performed with the kicking leg consisted of 5 sets of 10 maximal voluntary concentric and eccentric knee extensions. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction force (MVIC), 15 hz/50 hz stimulation force ratio (force ratio), and kicking abilities were assessed before and after completion of the fatiguing protocol or rest (control). The fatiguing protocol successfully induced fatigue of 14.0 ± 2.7% (mean ± SE) reduced MVIC and 14.0 ± 3.7% reduced force ratio while no reductions occurred in the control condition. Between group difference showed ball speed declined 2.1 ± 0.95% more following the fatigue protocol compared to control condition. On the control day shooting accuracy improved by 13.3 ± 5.6% and was numerically impaired on the intervention day by 1.0 ± 9.2%. Despite this, no significant between group difference was observed in shooting accuracy (p = 0.18). The study demonstrated that fatigue induced by prior muscle contractions impairs maximal shooting speed, but we observed no significant impairment of shooting accuracy.

MEASURING UMKM SALES PERFORMANCE THROUGH COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALIZATION USE IN MEDAN CITY

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on many industries, including the economy. Indonesia's economic and business sectors have been hit hard by the Covid-19 outbreak. Many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are confused because their companies are blocked and cannot even develop. Globally, supply chains have weakened due to the impact of Covid-19, commodity prices have plummeted, and the possibility of a global economic crisis is increasing. The widespread spread of the corona virus or Covid-19 is starting to impact more than half of the cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises in North Sumatra. There are around 2.8 million MSMEs in northern Sumatra, but no more than 20% of those who have permits or licenses at the Cooperative Office are around, 380,000. The position of MSMEs is considered very significant because this sector is not only a source of livelihood, but also provides direct and indirect employment opportunities to people with relatively low levels of knowledge and skills. The payment system industry developed the Quick Response Code Indonesia Standard (QRIS) together with Bank Indonesia (BI) to make processing transactions using QR codes easier, faster and more efficient. Based on the existing conditions, the aim of this research is to improve the digital payment system to improve the sales performance of MSMEs in the city of Medan. The aim of this research is to measure and examine the ability of the variables usage of e-commerce, usage of QRIS, digitalization transformation in increasing competitive advantage and ultimately increasing the sales performance of MSME players in the city of Medan. The research results conclude that usage of e-commerce, usage of qris, digital transformation positively and significantly predict competitive advantage. Apart from that, this research also confirms that digital transformation positively and significantly predicts sales performance.

On the efficiency of trading intangible fixed assets in Major League Baseball

Abstract This paper proposes novel approaches to measuring team productivity and evaluating trading efficiency in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1995 to 2021 through an application of portfolio theory. The performance of individual players is measured using a structural approach relating player outcomes to team runs developed by Lindsey (1963. An investigation of strategies in baseball. Oper. Res. 11: 477–501). Using a portfolio theory framework, we treat MLB teams as a portfolio of players (assets), each of which can be defined by an expected contribution of runs per game and the variance of this measure. It is found that both the expected value and variance have a positive impact on team runs scored. Given our definition of teams characterized by their expected values and variances, we evaluate trading efficiency between teams given their pre-trade expected values and variances and the acquired player’s pre-trade expected value and variance. We find that trade efficiency has improved over our timeframe, consistent with the growth in data-driven decision making used in MLB front offices.

Performance and physical activity. How playful activities implemented into training in Danish esports clubs influence players' performance experience.

Over the past few years, attention has focused on how physical activity can enhance esports players' performance. For example, complementing esports training with physical activities has been explored. However, most of these activities are based on traditional strength or endurance-related exercises, which do not align with the interests of children attending organized esports clubs. In this study, we investigate playful physical activities. Our research is based on qualitative pilot studies, where we observed and interviewed players (N = 77) and coaches (N = 12) from nine organized esports clubs for two to four months per club. We explored their experiences with playful physical activities implemented during esports training. Using a reflexive thematic analytical approach, we revisited and analyzed the data. The results are presented in this paper as three nonfictional short stories, creatively describing the lived experiences of the players and coaches. We emphasize patterns of shared meaning and identify the "What's" and "How's" associated with esports training when playful physical activities are incorporated. Despite differences in form, duration, and intensity compared to activities referenced in the literature on esports and performance, our results demonstrate that playful activities positively influence esports players' skills and performance. Furthermore, our findings suggest that playful physical activities, as opposed to traditional strength and endurance exercises, often associated with physical activity, are acceptable for esports coaches. However, for maximum impact, these activities must be relevant and directly related to the games played in the esports clubs. Based on our research, we recommend implementing playful physical activities that align with the actual esports training to support developing and optimizing players' esports skills and performance.

Technical Decisions Influences on Dynamics and Results in Football: An Analytical Approach Based-On Graph Theory

Soccer players are meticulously and continuously observed and evaluated during games based on their roles, positions, and characteristics. In a scenario of great tactical complexity, it becomes essential to identify variations in athletes' performance, a dynamic that directly impacts the quality of the team during each competition. In this context, relevant challenges emerge and require meticulous analysis of the teams and their behavior during the game. Among these challenges, evaluating the player's performance is an important aspect that is deeply influenced by the strategic approach adopted by the coach. In this paper, we explore the issue of individual player performance, given the different philosophies and strategies that coaches use during each match. In this context, we introduced an analysis approach based on graph theory, aiming to evaluate the relationships between players, the quality of assistance in the match, and the coaches' strategies to develop a model capable of identifying the different impacts of strategic composition in individual gameplay. The results show that training strategies adopted can considerably influence gameplay quality and, consequently, the player's performance during a match.

Active primitive reflexes obstruct tactical and technical skills in football players

ABSTRACT Primitive reflexes (PRs) are involuntary motor responses present at birth, typically replaced by voluntary motor control during development. If PRs remain active beyond infancy, they can impair motor and cognitive abilities. This study investigated the correlation between active PRs and Tactical (TaS) and Technical Skills (TeS) in professional football matches. Fifty-eight male football players (17.5 ± 1.4 years) from a French academy were assessed for PR activity, categorized into inactive or active PR groups. Assessed PRs included asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR), tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR), and Moro reflex (MR). Analysis of twenty matches showed players with active PRs had significantly lower success rates in TaS and TeS, including 15.5% and 31.8% lower pass success in imbalance and finishing zones (p < 0.01). Players with active PRs also performed worse in defensive actions and duels (p < 0.01). The findings highlight that active PRs hinder football performance, especially in challenging match situations like duels and crowded zones. This suggests the need for training programs to address PR effects and enhance player performance. Further research should refine methods for integrating these RPs.

Risk and Prognosis of Hamstring Injuries in the National Football League: A 12-Year Review.

Hamstring injuries can have a significant burden on a professional football player's career and performance. One in 4 players will suffer a lower extremity strain in their career, with the hamstring being the most common. These injuries are often fraught with extended periods of recovery and reinjury rates varying between 16% and 38%. To determine the progression and duration of hamstring injury as well as risk factors and probability of reinjury in the National Football League (NFL). Descriptive epidemiology study. Data were extracted from the official publicly accessible NFL database of injuries. NFL players suffering a hamstring injury during the study period of 2008-2020 were identified. Injuries were reported weekly as mandated by the NFL. Players were deemed cleared from injury when no longer listed in the injury report (IR). Reinjury was defined as any subsequent hamstring injury after a player's initial injury. The duration of injury and factors associated with injury were analyzed. Secondary objectives included team-specific injury rates and timing of injury. A total of 2101 hamstring injuries occurred among 1354 players. The mean duration of the IR was 2.4 ± 2.1 weeks. A total of 442 (33%) players suffered subsequent reinjury, 27% of which occurred during the same season. The mean duration on the IR for reinjury was 2.4 ± 1.8 weeks, with no significant difference in duration compared with initial injury (2.4 ± 1.8 vs 2.2 ± 1.7; P = .138). Defensive skill players were most frequently injured (50.4%) followed by offensive skill players (37.7%). Of the 4812 total IR listings, 1806 (38%) did not participate in practice. A total of 1590 (33.5%) had limited participation in practice, and 1353 (28.5%) had full participation in practice. Injury rates among teams varied and ranged from 0.6% (Baltimore Ravens) to 5.7% (Houston Texans), with a median of 3.1% (P < .0001). Hamstring injuries can have a lasting impact on a player's career with more than a third of players suffering subsequent reinjury. Although suffering a hamstring injury predisposes a player to reinjury, previous injury was not associated with longer recovery times. Rates of injury among organizational teams vary; thus, further research to understand the difference in preventive measures and treatment protocols may be warranted.

Women's rugby as a catalyst for advancing female-specific science and safety in sport.

Women's rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth and professionalisation, yet the research underpinning player welfare and performance remains significantly underdeveloped. This special issue of the European Journal of Sport Science addresses the critical need for evidence-based practices tailored to female rugby players. Current literature is predominantly male-focused, despite known sex differences impacting training, injury mechanisms and health outcomes. In particular, the underrepresentation of female-specific studies presents risks to player safety and performance optimisation. This issue presents cutting-edge research, from world-leading interdisciplinary experts and applied practitioners, on three main themes: female-specific injury and illness surveillance and education, tackle safety and performance, and intersectional research agendas. Contributions include insights into female-specific health domains, such as breast and pelvic floor health, emphasising the need for tailored care pathways and interventions. Additionally, the importance of gender-responsive coaching and tackle skill acquisition is highlighted, advocating for progressive, context-specific training frameworks. Moreover, an intersectional approach to research is proposed, to address the broader social and material contexts affecting marginalised women and girls in rugby. These findings aim to drive interdisciplinary, inclusive research, ensuring that the professionalisation of women's rugby is matched by advancements in scientific understanding and applied practice. This special issue not only celebrates the progress made, but also calls for ongoing efforts to bridge the knowledge gap, ensuring holistic support for female rugby players from participation, through to retirement and beyond.

Elastic Bands During Half-Squats as A Re-Warm-Up Strategy for Youth Soccer Players' Performance.

The study aimed to assess the immediate effects of re-warm-up strategies using half-squats with elastic looped bands on the performance of youth soccer players. A cross-over study design with repeated measures was implemented in field youth male soccer players (n = 20, age 15.7 ± 0.8 years). Following the first 45-min of match play, players were subjected to one of four re-warm-up (Re-w) interventions of equal duration: no Re-w (PAS), half-squat without elastic looped bands (SQ), half-squat with bands placed on the thighs (SQT), and half-squat with bands placed on the lower legs (SQL). These interventions were compared against a control condition (CON). The Re-w protocols were initiated 10-min after half-time, and players' performance was evaluated through vertical and horizontal jump tests, 20-m linear sprint, and T-agility test. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed that the SQT and SQL interventions significantly improved (p < 0.001) several performance metrics compared to the PAS and SQ conditions. These improvements were observed in squat jumps, unilateral squat jumps (both dominant and non-dominant legs), countermovement jumps, horizontal jumps, triple horizontal jumps, the 20-m linear sprint, and T-agility performance. In conclusion, SQT and SQL are equally effective to enhance performance as Re-w strategies after the 1st-half of a soccer match. However, the lack of physiological data and 2nd-half assessments suggests the need for further research to confirm the persistence of these effects.

Effects of Two In-Season Short High-Intensity Interval Training Formats on Aerobic and Neuromuscular Performance in Young Soccer Players.

Supplementary high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs, focusing on different aspects of fitness, are commonly used in soccer practice. This study examined the impact of two different HIIT formats applied during the competitive season on aerobic and neuromuscular performance. Twenty-six young players from two youth amateur soccer teams (aged 18.1 ± 0.7 and 18.7 ± 1.1 years) participated. In a randomized design, Team A served as an experimental group, performing either a 10s/10s linear running HIIT or a 15s/15s HIIT with changes of direction, both at 100% of maximum aerobic speed, twice per week for six weeks. In that period, team B acted as a control group, maintaining their usual training soccer regimen. Following two weeks of lower volume and frequency training, team B added the two HIIT formats in their training for six weeks, while team A acted as control. Before and after each 6-weeks period, aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance was evaluated by the countermovement jump (CMJ). The 3-way ANOVA showed that both HIIT formats significantly enhanced Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-YO IR1) performance compared to the respective control periods. However, the main finding was that the 10s/10s compared with the 15s/15s HIIT format induced 45-50% greater improvements in Yo-YO IR1 (total distance: 18.5 ± 11.7% vs. 9.0 ± 8.5%, V̇O2max: 5.6 ± 3.2% vs. 3.0 ± 2.7%, and vV̇O2max: (3.3 ± 1.9% vs. 1.8 ± 1.7%, all p = 0.39, d = 0.85). Countermovement jump performance remained unchanged across both groups (p > 0.68). During HIIT rating of perceived exertion was higher in the 15s/15s vs. the 10s/10s format (6.4 ± 0.5 vs. 4.7 ± 1.2 a.u., p < 0.001). These findings suggest that while both HIIT formats effectively enhance aerobic performance during the season, the 10s/10s format offers superior benefits with less perceived exertion, while the 15s/15s format induces higher internal load.

A Descriptive Comparison of Oral Cavity Movements Between Brass Instrumentalists Performing Large Interval Slurs.

We have previously described patterns of oral cavity movement in advanced French horn players during the performance of large interval slurs. The current study expands upon that work by reporting comparisons between horn, trumpet, and trombone players performing similar large interval exercises. Real-time MRI (RT-MRI) films at 20 msec resolution were simultaneously obtained in the sagittal and coronal planes in 10 trumpet players, 9 horn players, and 10 trombone players as they performed 2 repetitions each of slur sequences spanning 1 octave and 1 octave + 3rd (interval of a tenth) at a mezzo forte dynamic level. Nine profile lines were overlaid on the sagittal images allowing the measurement of dorsal tongue edge movement using a customized MATLAB toolkit. Image J (FIJI) was utilized to measure the cross-sectional area formed between the dorsal edge of the tongue and the hard palate as depicted in coronal images. In horn and trumpet players, but not in trombone players, sagittal and coronal views demonstrate patterned tongue movements that narrow and widen the air channel during ascending and descending slurs, respectively. The magnitude of these movements is greater during larger intervals, though not perfectly consistent within each slur sequence. The sagittal views revealed these patterns to be most prominent in the anterior oral cavity rather than the middle and posterior oral cavity across all instruments. Conformational changes of the oral cavity (vocal-tract tuning) during large interval slurs in the upper register may assist performance in trumpet and horn players. Trombone players may also employ these strategies when the extreme upper register is involved, but future study must verify this.

Effects of Unilateral, Bilateral and Combined Plyometric Jump Training on Asymmetry of Muscular Strength and Power, and Change-of-Direction in Youth Male Basketball Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of unilateral (UT), bilateral (BT), and combined (UBT) plyometric training on muscular strength, power, and change-of-direction performance in youth male basketball players. Sixty-six male youth basketball players (age: 16.1 ± 0.8 years) participated in this randomized experimental study, which lasted 8 weeks with a training frequency of 2 sessions per week. The UT group performed only single-leg plyometric exercises, while the BT group conducted similar plyometric drills using both feet. The UBT group combined both approaches, performing one session of UT and one session of BT each week. The players were evaluated at baseline and after the 8-week period using a force platform for the unilateral countermovement jump test (UCMJ), isometric squat test (IST), isometric knee flexor strength test (KFS), leg land and hold test (LHT), and 5-0-5 tests. The asymmetry between legs per outcome was measured using the symmetry angle. The UT, BT, and UBT all significantly improved outcomes in the IST, UCMJ, KFS, LHT, and 5-0-5 tests (p < 0.05) following the intervention, with no significant differences among the three methods. However, while UT and UBT significantly reduced asymmetries in the tests (p < 0.05), BT increased asymmetries. Only, the UT group showed significant improvements over the control group in asymmetry measures: IST asymmetry (mean difference: 1.2%, p = 0.049), KFS asymmetry (mean difference: 2.5%, p < 0.001), and LHT asymmetry (mean difference: 1.1%, p = 0.013). While there are no substantial differences among UT, BT, and UBT in terms of improvements in unilateral tests and symmetry levels, UT stands out for its effectiveness in enhancing neuromuscular performance and reducing asymmetries among basketball players compared to the control condition. UT was the only method that showed significant benefits in this context. Strength and conditioning coaches might consider incorporating UT, either alone or alongside BT, to optimize individual limb strength and coordination.

A six-week force-velocity profile based training is effective to optimize jump and change of direction performance in elite table tennis players

A six-week force-velocity profile based training is effective to optimize jump and change of direction performance in elite table tennis players

The impact of concurrent training in team sports and soccer.

Team sports players are frequently required to integrate multiple physical components, including strength and endurance capacity, to maximize their performance during both training and competitions. The combination of strength and endurance within a periodized program is known as concurrent training. Recently, concurrent training has emerged as an innovative method to enhance both muscular strength and aerobic performance, tailored to the specific requirements and diverse nature of each sport. However, concurrent training may induce excessive fatigue and compromise performance potentiation, depending on training prescription parameters. This distinction between the interference effect and performance enhancement presents a complex challenge for any team sports system. Consequently, the objective of this review was to scrutinize the efficacy, practical application, and methodological aspects of concurrent training. Additionally, it aims to elucidate strategies to mitigate the complexities associated with the interference effect, thereby optimizing the benefits of concurrent training modality for team sports, emphasizing soccer. The major findings indicate that concurrent training can improve strength and endurance qualities in athletes, but under certain conditions, it can also interfere with adaptations. Appropriate programming strategies, such as proper sequencing, scheduling, volume, intensity, and recovery, can help mitigate these negative effects. Additionally, whereas more experienced athletes display greater proficiency in executing concurrent training programs, younger players, particularly those under 14, tend to experience minimal interference effects from this training approach, making it well-suited for their development. Overall, concurrent training has been demonstrated as an effective and efficient method for improving strength and endurance performance in team sports players.

Impact of lateral ankle sprains on physical function, range of motion, isometric strength and balance in professional soccer players

ObjectiveLateral ankle sprains (LASs) are prevalent in soccer and can affect long-term performance, injury recurrence and risk for chronic ankle instability. This case–control study examined functional impairments associated with LAS...

Relationship Between Supporting Leg Stiffness and Trunk Kinematics of the Kicking Leg During Soccer Kicking.

The stiffness of the supporting leg may alter the energy transfer to the trunk and lower extremities of the kicking leg, which may affect kick performance. This study aimed to clarify whether the stiffness of the supporting leg affects the trunk kinematics during kicking and kicking performance in soccer players. Twenty-two male collegiate soccer players participated in the study. The data for the stiffness properties of the supporting leg and trunk kinematics were obtained and calculated using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The results showed that a greater leg stiffness of the supporting leg was associated with a lower trunk rotation angle during kicking. There were no significant correlations between the maximum swing speed and the stiffness of the supporting leg (P < .05). These results suggest that stiffness of the supporting leg may restrain trunk rotation during the kicking motion. However, the lack of a relationship with swing speed indicates the need for further investigation into its effects on kicking performance.

Predicting Wargame Outcomes and Evaluating Player Performance From an Integrated Strategic and Operational Perspective

Predicting Wargame Outcomes and Evaluating Player Performance From an Integrated Strategic and Operational Perspective

대학축구선수의 성별에 따른 기능적 움직임 검사, Y-균형능력검 사 및 근본적 역량검사 간 상관관계 분석

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the factors of the Functional Movement Screen(FMS), Y-Balance Test(YBT), and Fundamental Capacity Screen(FCS) according to gender in collegiate soccer players registered with the Korea Football Association. To achieve the purpose of the study, FMS, YBT, and FCS were measured. The data were derived through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS 28.0 and the statistical significance level was set at 0.05. The results analyzed in this study are as follows. First, male soccer players had higher levels of stability and symmetry in the FCS Single Leg Jump than female in the FMS total score. And, the level of symmetry in Single Leg Jump of FCS was also higher in men. Second, FMS Total Score and Stability Part showed correlations in most factors of YBT and FCS. Third, all of the YBT values showed correlations in most factors of the FCS. This result means that gender should be considered when seeking strategies to improve the performance of soccer players. It is also expected that it will be used as valuable data to understand the transferability of exercise effects of step-by-step training programs.

Prospective heat stress risk assessment for professional soccer players in the context of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

This study investigates the risk of severe heat stress and associated potential water losses in professional soccer players, considering as well the oxygen content of the inhaled air in the context of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the 16 stadiums, hourly values of biometeorological indices (adjusted Universal Thermal Climate Index – UTCI, Water loss – SW and Oxygen volume - Ov) were calculated. UTCI adjustments included modifications to activity levels, movement speeds and clothing configurations to better reflect the level of thermal stress on soccer player during a match. Ten out of the sixteen sites of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are at very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions. The highest risk of uncompensable thermal stress due to very high average hourly UTCI values above 49.5 °C and excessive water loss (> 1.5 kg/h) occur in the afternoon in stadiums located in Arlington, Houston (USA) and in Monterrey (Mexico). The results of this study will enable optimization of match schedules at individual venues, taking into account the health risks associated with extreme heat stress, but also the physiological reactions to heat potentially affecting the performance of players on the pitch.