Senior Category Research Articles

Relationships between morphological features and physical performance depend on sex and age groups: a cross-sectional study among Brazilian beach volleyball players.

Understanding the evolution of morphological features and their relationship with physical performance may assist coaches and institutions in developing the next generation of beach volleyball (BV) athletes for senior-level competition. Thus, this study analyzed the morphological features of Brazilian BV athletes by sex among age groups, and their relationship with physical performance. A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate Brazilian BV players of both sexes in the U15 (11-14 years old, N.=21), U18 (15-17 years old, N.=21) and Senior (≥18 years old, N.=19) categories. The players underwent a series of kinanthropometric tests, including morphological (anthropometry, body composition and somatotype), neuromuscular (flexibility, handgrip strength, vertical jump [VJ], agility, and 5-m and 10-m maximum-speed sprints), and metabolic (VO<inf>2max</inf>) measurements. Welch analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the categories and the relationship between morphological and physical performance features was analyzed using Pearson's coefficient (r). Significant differences were found among the categories for female (body mass, skeletal muscle mass, hamstring flexibility, handgrip strength [HGS]) and male (body mass, height, BMI, skeletal muscle mass, flexibility, HGS, vertical jump, agility, maximum-speed sprints, and VO<inf>2max</inf>) players. Moreover, moderate, and strong correlations were identified between morphological features and physical performance (-0.90≤r≤0.89). The morphological and physical performance features of BV athletes varied among the U15, U18, and Senior categories, as expected due to their physical training process. Additionally, there are several morphological features that are correlated with physical performance, but the magnitude seems to depend on sex and category.

Comparison of Sports Aggression among Cricket Players of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh

This study was conducted to Compare the Sports Aggression level Among the National LevelCricket Players of Kerala And Madhya Pradesh. In this study as the subject’s Under- 16, Under-19 Seniorcricket players of Madhya Pradesh Kerala were chosen as the subjects. 120 cricket players from Keralaand Madhya Pradesh who had represented their state team in various National tournaments were selectedfor this study. A total of 60 among the whole sample consist of Kerala Players (U-16 – 20, U-19 - 20 Senior- 20) and the remaining 60 are from Madhya Pradesh. For comparing the Sports Aggression levelamong the cricket players of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh - Sports Aggression Inventory was used. It wasconstructed and standardized by Anand Kumar and Prem Shankar Shukla. The questionnaire was filledby the players of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. For the evaluation of the questionnaires Two-way ANOVAwas employed and findings revealed that, both the states have significant influence on SportsAggression. The players of Under-16, Under-19 and Senior category of Madhya Pradesh has less SportsAggression in comparison with the players of Kerala players. When we see within the state of MP theAggression level of the Under-16, Under-19 Senior players possess almost same level. But theAggression level of the Senior Players from Kerala were significantly different than the other categoryplayers. By the help of Sports Psychology, and the assessment of Aggression level of players orindividuals’ performance in cricket not only demands systematic training to develop physical andphysiological variables but also demands training and considerations of psychological characteristics forthe success in this field.

Vitamin D levels and bone mineral density of middle-aged premenopausal female football and volleyball players in Japan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe number of football teams in senior categories has increased. As outdoor sports entail players being exposed to sunlight, playing football may contribute to maintaining vitamin D stores and body mineral density while preventing osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the bone mineral density and vitamin D levels in middle-aged premenopausal female football players.MethodsParticipants were premenopausal females in their 40s. We evaluated bone mineral density of the second to the fourth lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) levels, which is an indicator of vitamin D stores, and body composition. In addition, we administered a questionnaire survey on exercise habits and lifestyle. Ninety-two participants were categorised into three groups: the football group (n = 27), volleyball group (n = 40), and non-exercise group (n = 25).ResultsBone mineral density was higher in the football and volleyball groups than in the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). The volleyball group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck than the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). The football group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the femoral neck than the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). Although the football group had played fewer years than the volleyball group (P < 0.01), serum 25-OHD levels were the highest in the football group and were significantly higher than those in the volleyball and non-exercise groups (P < 0.01).ConclusionsMiddle-aged premenopausal football players had higher body vitamin D levels and bone mineral densities than non-active females. These results suggest that playing football may contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis.Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000054235. 2024/04/23. Retrospectively registered.

Performance pathways in elite middle- and long-distance track and field athletes: The influence of a successful youth

ObjectivesThere is limited information on the performance progression of athletics endurance athletes from junior-to-senior status and the determinants of success in adulthood. This study aimed to quantify the youth-to-senior transition rate, the likelihood of success and the relationship between youth and senior performance amongst world-class athletes competing in middle- and long-distance disciplines. DesignRetrospective design examining public data between 2000 and 2019. MethodsThe performances of 4678 international athletes (45.3 % female) were analysed. World's all-time top 50 athletes were identified for U18 and Senior categories (age ≥ 20 years). Youth-to-senior transition rate and transition probabilities were calculated. Correlations between best U18 and Senior performances were determined to assess the stability of the performance. ResultsThe youth-to-senior transition rate for top U18 athletes was low for males and females (~19 % and 21 %). Nevertheless, the probability of transition to a top senior was ~7 times higher for top U18 athletes than for non-top U18 athletes. The correlations between youth and senior best performances were low-to-high. ConclusionsFew top U18 athletes maintained top world ranking status during their senior careers. Still, they are more likely to become top senior athletes than those who did not perform at the top level in U18. The association between youth and senior performance is stronger when comparing the same discipline or when athletes competed over longer distances in their senior compared to U18 career. Being a successful youth athlete may represent a small advantage for future success, however, it does not guarantee advancement to the senior top level.

Somatotipo de Judo Argentino de Elite

Introduction: The objective of the study was to determine the somatotype of the Argentine judokas of the senior category, who took part at the Argentine national championship of 2021, and to compare them between groups of body weight division. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 91 judokas participating in the national championship (24 women and 67 men). The somatotype was calculated using the Heath-Carter method. Results: The mean value of the female somatotype was 4.24-5.75-1.05 for the endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic components, respectively. The mean male somatotype value was 2.44-5.1-1.7. Each group was divided into 4 categories: light, medium, heavy, and weightless. The somatotype values of the women's lightweight category were 2.9-4.5-2.2, women's medium 4.1-5.2-1.5, women's heavy 4.8-5.8-0.6 and, women's free weight 6.8-10.1--2.3. For males, the values were: light 1.7-4.2-3, medium 2.4-5.2-1.4, heavy 4.5-6.8--0.2 and free weight 7.8-10.7--2.5. Conclusion: Differentiation by division of body weight makes it necessary to classify the somatotype more specifically since differences are found between the groups. The highest value of the endomorphic component was found in the weight-free categories, for both sexes. The highest ectomorphy scores were given in both lightweight categories. There is a coincidence of the mesomorphic component of the medium-weight group for both sexes. The data presented constitute a specific reference useful for evaluating and monitoring elite national judokas. It is considered relevant to link the somatotype with body composition, specific physical tests, and, sports results, to establish a better profile of the Argentine judoka.

The influence of job category (rank) in the occurrence of infectious diseases among police personnel in south eastern Nigeria from 2012 to 2021

The occurrence of infectious diseases among police officers is one of the neglected areas in health and scientific research. The aim of this study is to ascertain and assess the influence of job category (rank) in the occurrence of infectious diseases among police personnel in south eastern Nigeria from 2012 to 2021. The study was designed as a retrospective study using data from the central police clinics/hospitals for the period of ten years covering 2012 – 2021. The study population comprised all the recorded infectious disease data in the three police clinics/hospitals of study for police personnel documented from January 2011 to December 2021. Occurrences of infectious diseases were analysed through descriptive techniques such as construction of the frequency distribution and distribution charts. Chi-square test was performed to test for associating variables of interest in the study. The probability value (P) was used to interpret the significance level at 5% and P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study found the overall rate of occurrence infectious diseases among police officers as 21.1% in the study area. Significant associating factors of infectious diseases occurrence among police personnel found in the study for job category is (P &lt; 0.0001, χ2=74.91, df = 1). Police officers at junior category were the most affected (24.1%) compared to the officers at senior category (11.9%). the rate of occurrence of infectious diseases is significant among junior category (rank) police personnel in the South Eastern Nigeria.

Evaluation of University Students' Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS

Aim: The purpose of this study was to ascertain how college students felt about people who were HIV/AIDS positive. Method: The study is cross-sectional and descriptive in nature. The data of the study were collected from 367 university students through an online questionnaire. The Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) Scale for University Students and the participants' personal data identification form were utilized as data collection instruments. The statistical program IBM SPSS 26.0 was utilized to analyze the data. Results: It was discovered that the participants' mean age was 21.60±2.50, with 77.1% of them being female and 39.2% belonging to the senior category. The middle level scale had a mean overall score of 58.28±11.72. Gender and the overall Attitudes Toward Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS Scale score showed a significant correlation (p&amp;lt;0.05). It was discovered that women exhibited more empathy and had more favorable views toward those who were HIV/AIDS positive. Grade level and the sub-dimensions of acceptance, relationship, and empathy on the Attitudes Towards Individuals Living with HIV/AIDS Scale were found to be significantly correlated (p&amp;lt;0.05) when the association between the two variables was evaluated. Conclusion: In conclusion, sexually transmitted illnesses should be taught to university students who fall into the high-risk category for HIV/AIDS. Higher knowledge level university students will also have positive attitudes toward those living with HIV/AIDS. Nurses have a great role in informing and educating these individuals. Nurses should make interventions especially for adolescents with the role of educator and counselor. In addition, courses on infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases should be included in the curriculum of university students.

Relationship of selected conditioning parameters and sport performance indicators in karate.

The variables of aerobic performance and aerobic capacity are of significant importance in maintaining intensity during a fight and also contribute to faster recovery between rounds in sports fighting in karate. Anaerobic performance is crucial for the execution of the techniques during high-intensity offensive or defensive actions that determine the outcome of a fight. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between selected performance indicators of aerobic and anaerobic capacity to sports performance in karate. The study included six male karate athletes (age 28 ± 3 years, body mass 85.10 kg; height 185.5 cm), medalists from European and World championship, events in senior categories. The selection criteria included training experience and sports level. The Karate specific aerobic test (KSAT) was use in conjunction with heart rate monitoring and changes in blood lactate levels to diagnose special aerobic endurance parameters. To determine the level of anaerobic performance the Wingate test were choosed. Technical and tactical indicators (efficiency, effectiveness and activeness of the attack) were used to assess the sports skill level during competition. Based on the Spearman correlation coefficient results demonstrated statistically significant differences (rs = -0.81) with large effect size index between efficiency of the attack and average heart rate achieved in the test KSAT. Additionally statistically significant differences (rs = 0.81) with large effect size were demonstrated between the fatigue index and efficiency of the attack Furthermore, the selected indicators of special aerobic endurance parameters and anaerobic performance demonstrated a high degree of predictive validity in relation to the efficiency (rp = 0.960) and activity (rp = 0.927) of attacks. The high level of predictive validity confirmed the importance of a high level of anaerobic conditions for performance in karate. The low values of the average heart rate in relation to the efficiency of the attack confirm the high performance level of karate athletes in relation to special aerobic performance parameters. It was found that the effectiveness of the attack had no relation to the monitored parameters.

Relationships between selected performance parameters and body composition in karate

Introduction: Studying the somatic characteristics of karate athletes can provide specific details on the morphological and functional factors best suited for this combat sport. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between selected aerobic and anaerobic parameters and the body composition of karate athletes. Materials and Methods: The study included 6 male karate athletes, medalists from European and world championships in senior categories, with a mean age of 28 3 years. The inclusion criteria were training experience and sports skill level. Body composition was assessed using bioimpedance analysis. To evaluate special aerobic endurance parameters, a specific karatespecific aerobic test was used, along with monitoring of heart rate and changes in blood lactate levels. The Wingate test was chosen to determine the level of anaerobic performance. Results: The findings of the present study indicate that body composition is correlated with aerobic and anaerobic variables of karate athletes. Conclusions: These results indicate that karate athletes with a lower body fat mass perform techniques during the fight with higher intensity but with less power. On the contrary, those with a higher percentage of body fat perform techniques with less intensity but they use more power to perform a punch or kick. A low percentage of body fat and body fat mass have a positive effect on the level of anaerobic capacity, which increases with decreasing percentage and amount of body fat.

Prospective and Retrospective Analysis of the Sporting Success of Elite Spanish High and Long Jumpers.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the sporting progression from U14 to senior categories of elite Spanish high and long jumpers. For prospective analysis, 300 athletes ranked top 20 at U14 were analyzed (153 female and 147 male). For retrospective analysis, 64 athletes ranked in the top 20 in the senior category were included (21 female and 43 male). Ranking positions were registered in each of the seasons where they presented records. Only 6.3% (19) of athletes who reached the top 20 at U14 became successful senior athletes [4.7% (14) of athletes maintained top 20 status throughout their sporting careers from U14 to senior]. The transition rate from U14 to U16 (35.7%) was the most severe drop down in consecutive categories (after this, it ranged from 47.8 to 66.7%). Of the senior top 20 athletes (64), most of them were already ranked top 20 at U16 (59.4%, 38), at U18 (62.5%, 40), at U20 (70.3%, 45) and at U23 (78.1%, 50). Nevertheless, only 34.4% (22) were top 20 when they were U14 athletes. Transition rates in the top 20 senior athletes ranged from 86.7 to 95.5%. Around one out of four (26.6%, 17) of the top 20 senior athletes maintained top 20 status throughout their sporting careers from U14 to the senior category. Although early success is not a good predictor of senior success, successful senior athletes excelled early on and were able to remain in top rankings throughout their sporting careers of national elite jumpers.

Dietary Habits of Elite Soccer Players: Variations According to Competitive Level, Playing Position and Sex.

Soccer is a sport practiced worldwide by both men and women, where nutrition plays a fundamental role in the performance of soccer players, providing them with the nutrients necessary for energy, muscle recovery and injury prevention. The aim of this study is to describe the dietary habits in elite soccer players and their association with their competitive level, playing position and sex. A descriptive and non-experimental comparative study was conducted during the 2021-2022 competitive season. A total of 105 players belonging to a Spanish elite soccer team completed a food frequency questionnaire (FCFQ). It was observed that male players presented a higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods (p < 0.05), fermented foods (p = 0.014), frozen foods (p = 0.049) and red meat (p = 0.012) compared to female players, with the exception of lean meats, which were higher in females (p = 0.012). Furthermore, the U16-15 categories stand out for consuming carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta (p = 0.000), bread (p = 0.004) and sweets (p = 0.046), as well as frozen foods (p = 0.002). Finally, alcohol consumption is higher in the senior categories (42.9%), where men are more likely to drink mixed drinks (6.2%), and beer and wine by women (10.7%). Practically no differences were found between the playing positions. In conclusion, differences were found in FCFQ according to competitive level and sex.

Age-associated changes in intestinal health biomarkers in dogs.

The gut microbiome is critical for maintaining host health. In healthy humans, the aging process is one of the main factors modulating the changes in the intestinal microbiota. However, little is known about the relationship between gut health, microbiota, and the aging process in dogs. The present study aims to explore the differences in the intestinal microbiota and intestinal health based on fecal biomarkers in a population of dogs of different ages. The study involved 106 dogs of different breeds aged between 0.2 and 15 years categorized as senior (>7 years; n = 40), adult (2-7 years; n = 50), and junior (< 2 years; n = 16). Fecal samples were collected during the same period at the same facilities. The analysis included the following gut health indicators: 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the differences in the fecal microbiota; qPCR to determine the dysbiosis index; fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations; fecal calprotectin; and immunoglobulin A. Beta diversity analysis revealed a significant difference with a small effect size (p = 0.003; R = 0.087) among age categories based on the unweighted UniFrac metric, but no significance was observed based on the weighted UniFrac metric or Bray-Curtis distances. There were no significant differences in the alpha diversity measures or the fecal dysbiosis index among age categories. Senior dogs had significantly higher relative abundance proportions in phyla Bacteroidota and Pseudomonadota and the genus Faecalibacterium, but not on qPCR analysis. At the family level, Ruminococcaceae, Uncl. Clostridiales.1, Veillonellaceae, Prevotellaceae, Succinivibrionaceae, and Bacteroidaceae abundances were higher in the senior category than in the adult and/or junior categories. Relative proportions, but not concentrations of fecal acetate, were higher in the senior category, while butyrate, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid were lower. The valeric acid concentration was significantly lower in the senior category than in the adult category. Calprotectin and immunoglobulin A levels did not differ significantly across groups. In conclusion, this study observed multiple minor changes in the fecal microbiota composition and the relative amount of short-chain fatty acids in dogs among different age groups, but studies in larger populations representative of all ages are warranted to refine the present results.

Early Success is not a Prerequisite for Success at the Adult Age in Spanish Sprinters.

The aim of the study was to describe the relationship between success in junior and senior categories in sprint events. An observational and longitudinal analysis was carried out using rankings of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation database. We analysed 547 sprinters (238 women and 309 men) from their U14 to senior stage who ranked in top-20 on at least one occasion during the period 2004 to 2021. The first entry in top-20 occurred mostly in U14 (44.4%, 243), and the frequency was progressively lower: 26.7% (146) in U16; 20.8% (114) in U18; 5.1% (28) in U20; 2% (11) in U23; and 0.9% (5) in the senior category. A similar tendency was observed in male and female athletes. Only 3.8% (9) of top-20 U14 athletes reached the senior elite stage, increasing this percentage in subsequent categories: 7.4% (15) in U16; 10.6% (24) in U18; 20.9% (32) in U20, and 31.4% (32) from U23 to the senior category. Data from female athletes showed higher maintenance of top-20 status from early categories to senior age. We conclude that even though the first entry into the national top-20 in sprint events occurs early in most cases, success in these initial stages is not a prerequisite for reaching top-20 positions in the senior category.

Development of Discriminant Model for Classifying Sprinters and Throwers on the Basis of Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Variables

In the present study, 100 athletes who competed at the state level was constitute up the sample; only male athletes from Madhya Pradesh in the senior category was included. During the morning and evening sessions, the necessary information on the subject was gathered using the random sampling method. before the National camps and practicing at TT Nagar Stadium Bhopal. The data were collected on anthropometric variables i.e. height, weight, sitting height, (leg, arm, hand) length, shoulder width, (chest, hip, thigh, calf) circumference, (back, shoulder, grip and leg explosive) strength. The anthropometric variables were measured by using selected standardized instruments and measuring tapes. Data collected was analysed at 0.05 level of significance, descriptive statistics and multiple discriminant analysis was applied to classify and predict group membership of the throwers into the sprinters and Throwers. The results showed that 100.0% of original grouped cases were correctly classified.

Development of Cycling Performance Variables and Durability in Female and Male National Team Cyclists: From Junior to Senior.

This study investigated the development of power profiles and performance-related measures from the junior level (<19 yr) via U23 (19-23 yr) to senior level (>23 yr) in 19 female and 100 male Norwegian national team cyclists. A total of 285 tests were performed in a 3-d laboratory-standardized testing regime. The tests included power profiles with shorter duration (6-60 s) and longer durations (12-30 min) together with performance-related measures: critical power (CP), work capacity above CP (W'), power output at 4 and 2 mmol·L -1 [BLa - ] (L 4 and L 2 ), maximal aerobic power (W max ), and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2max ), gross efficiency (GE), and pedaling efficiency. Females and males evolve similarly when maturing from junior via U23 to senior categories (all P > 0.07), except for V̇O 2max , which increased in females (but not males) from junior to senior level (534 ± 436 mL·min -1 , P = 0.013). In general, only performances of longer durations improved with age (12 and 30 min, P = 0.028 and P = 0.042, respectively). Performance-related measures like W max , V̇O 2max , CP, L 4 , L 2 , and pedaling efficiency in the fresh state improved with age (all P ≤ 0.025). Importantly, performance in the semifatigued state during a 5-min maximal test was also improved with age ( P = 0.045) despite a higher external energy expenditure before the test ( P = 0.026). Junior cyclists show highly developed sprint abilities, and the primary improvements of absolute power outputs and performance-related measures are seen for durations >60 s when maturing to U23 and senior categories. However, the durability, i.e., the capacity to maintain performance in a semifatigued state, is improved with age.

Relative age effect reversal on the junior-to-senior transition in world-class athletics

ABSTRACT The relative age effect (RAE) is a selection bias resulting from the interaction between the selected dates and birthdates. Nevertheless, the impact of birthdate on the junior-to-senior transition in international track and field is unclear. This study aimed to quantify the RAE’s magnitude and test if birthdate affects the junior-to-senior transition rate. The birthdate and performances of 5,766 sprinters (female: 51.0%) and 5,863 jumpers (female: 45.9%) were collected. Elite athletes (operationally defined as the World’s all-time Top 200, 100 and 50 athletes) were identified according to Under 18 and Senior categories. Skewed quartile distributions were observed in the Under 18 (effect size ranged = 0.15–0.10) but not in the Senior category. RAE magnitude increased according to performance level (i.e., from Top 200 to Top 50) and was higher in males than females. Relatively younger athletes showed significantly higher transition rates with a higher chance of maintaining top level in the senior category (odds ratio (OR) ~ 1.64). The probability of maintaining success was lower for sprinters than jumpers (OR ~ 0.70), influenced by decade of birth and continental place but similar for male and female athletes. Data corroborate that relatively younger athletes are disadvantaged in the junior category but advantaged when transitioning to the senior category.

Transformation and communication in sports events in the context of COVID-19

ABSTRACT Purpose This research analyzes how the Spanish Sports Federations have adapted their communications and events during the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020–March 2022). Methods The Communication Managers of these organizations have been contacted (N = 65), initially using surveys (n1 = 45), and later using semi-structured interviews (n2 = 9). Findings The results show that, after the cancelation of all events in the Spring of 2020, virtual or hybrid events were adopted (39.1% in 2021). When the health situation improved, the first face-to-face events prioritized absolute and senior categories, in “bubbles” and without public attendance. 2022 has meant returning to face-to-face formats (with only 10.9% of hybrid events), limiting the virtual events to training sessions. The Federations’ communication strategy also changed during the pandemic: 41.3% switched channels (more streaming, their own channels and social channels), and focused on new techniques and content including more athletes’ personal stories. Practical Implications and Research Contribution The results provide insights into how sports organizations can communicate and organize sports events in future scenarios where face-to-face interactions are not possible.

Cadet and Junior Performance Is Associated With Senior’s World Championship and Olympics Achievement in Judo

ABSTRACT Purpose: We determined whether cadet and junior Judo World Championship participation and medal achievement would predict senior performance at World Championship (WC) and Olympic Games (OG). Methods: We analyzed retrospectively a total of 7780 athletes who competed at the OG and WC in the cadet, junior, and senior between 2009 and 2021. Results: There was an increase in the probability of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG, and only WC) ranged from 4.3 to 4.5 for medal-winning cadets compared to non-medalists and this probability remained around 3.3–3.8 for medalists in the male and 5.3–5.4 for the female medalists in cadet WC. Moreover, the chance of winning a medal in the senior category (WC and OG) was 8.1–8.5 times greater for medalists when compared to non-medalists in the junior WC. In turn, the probability of winning a medal in the senior (WC) was 1.5–1.7 times greater for athletes who did not compete in the junior WC. In the OG, the probability of winning a medal was 3.5 greater times for medalists when compared to non-medalists at cadet and junior WC. Conclusion: Thus, being a cadet or junior WC medalist increases the probability of winning a senior WC or an Olympic medal.

Performance factors that negatively influence shooting efficiency in women's basketball.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of selected factors (possession duration, game quarter, defensive pressure, shooting distance from the basket, and heart rate level) on shooting efficiency on Under-19 (U19) and senior level of women's basketball competition (second division). The analysis procedures included five U19 and six senior-level games, containing 224 and 252 shooting attempts, respectively. Binary logistic regression identified the opponent's defensive pressure and shooting distance from the basket as significant predictors of shooting efficiency in both categories. When defensive pressure was high, the chance for the missed shot was 3.5 (95% CI; 1.43-8.52) and 3.19 (95% CI; 1.4-7.26) times more likely than it was under the minimum defensive pressure for U19 and senior category, respectively. Shooting efficiency significantly decreased when the horizontal distance from the basket increased. In U19, a chance for a missed shot was 4.63 (95% CI; 2-10.712) and 5.15 (95% CI; 1.91-13.86) times higher for medium and long-distance (respectively), compared to short-range shooting. In the senior category, the chance for the missed shot was 3.9 (95% CI; 1.83-8.31) and 3.27 (95% CI; 1.43-7.52) times higher for medium and long-distance (respectively) when compared to a short distance. The possession duration, game quarter, and heart rate level were identified as insignificant predictors. Therefore, the aforementioned findings suggest that basketball players and coaches may benefit from designing training sessions where the defender puts pressure on the shooting player as in a real game situation and balanced the frequency of shooting from different distances from the basket.

Performance of Paralympic Powerlifting Records Holders: An Analysis Considering Origin of Impairment, Sex, and Competitive Level.

This study was conducted to investigate the performance difference for current World (Junior and Senior) and Paralympic (Senior) record holders according to origin of impairment (acquired or congenital), level of competition, and sex and to describe the performance progression of Paralympic Powerlifting records holders. This retrospective cohort study involving 60 current world (20 Junior and 20 Senior) and Paralympic (20 Senior) Para powerlifting record holders with 15 males congenital impairment and 14 acquired impairment, while 18 females were acquired impairment and 9 congenital impairments. The origin of impairment did not influence the absolute and relative load of male and female recordists. However, for males, acquired athletes were older and heavier when compared with congenital athletes, but without differences for females. The absolute load of Junior World recordists was lower in relation to Senior World and Paralympic recordists independently of the sex. Congenital athletes more often reached the world record in the Junior category, while the acquired athletes were the ones who obtained most of the records in senior categories. Our results show that origin of impairment did not influence the absolute and relative load of current World (Junior and Senior) and Paralympic (Senior) recordists.