Sport Science Research Articles

Electrocardiographic findings in a group of physically active young adults who reside at 2,600 meters above the sea level: an exploratory study

Purpose: The physiological adaptations to regular physical activity and hypobaric hypoxia associated with high-altitude residence are related to a series of cardiovascular adaptations that can generate electrocardiographic modifications. This study aimed to describe the principal findings and determine the mean values of the electrocardiographic parameters in a group of physically active young adults who reside at a high altitude. Methods: 49 young, physically active subjects (11 women) in a Sports Sciences program participated in the study. Each participant was subjected to a medical interview, a physical examination, and a resting electrocardiogram. Two physicians analyzed the electrocardiogram, searching for criteria of anatomical or physiological abnormalities; a descriptive analysis of the duration of waves and intervals and the amplitude of the T and P waves was also carried out. Results: The mean values of the electrocardiographic parameters were between the expected values. The principal findings involve sinus bradycardia and changes associated with the right side of the heart: incomplete right bundle branch block, right QRS axis deviation, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions: The findings of this study are related to other studies that describe changes in the right side of the heart in inhabitants of high altitude and sinus bradycardia in physically active subjects and, in some cases, in high-altitude residents. Every young dweller of the altitude who engages in physical activity should be submitted to a resting ECG, considering there is a high probability of finding asymptomatic changes in the ECG that could require further exploration. Keywords: Electrocardiogram, high altitude, hypoxia, exercise

The impact of the generative learning methodology on teaching artistic Gymnastics Law to fourth-year Female Students

Evaluate the effectiveness of the generative learning model in teaching artistic gymnastics law to female fourth-stage students at the University of Babylon's College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. To determine the variations in cognitive accomplishment between the control and experimental study groups after teaching the artistic gymnastics law. The research hypotheses are that fourth-stage female students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Babylon, have significantly higher cognitive achievement of the artistic gymnastics law after post-testing. The researcher utilized an experimental approach. The fourth-year female students at the University of Babylon's College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences deliberated on the research community for the academic year 2022-2023. One of the reasons for this decision is that the topic (artistic gymnastics) is presented at this level. This is one of the subjects in the first semester. At present, there are 40 female students in the research sample, which was randomly divided into 20 students in the experimental group and 20 students in the control group. The researcher's conclusion was as follows: The strategy used, and the generative learning model, increased cognitive success when teaching artistic gymnastics law. In post-tests, the generative learning model beat the previously used strategy regarding cognitive accomplishment. The researcher recommended the following: 1. Implementing this concept to include additional sports activities in other cognitive and practical curricula.2. Instructing faculty members in the department to use this paradigm in general and practical curricula.3. Conducting scientific studies using current techniques or tactics and comparing results of this model to assess its efficacy in the educational process.

Comparative Analysis of Adaptations Progress in VO2max, Leg Power, and Agility among Male and Female Sports Science Students

The strength and conditioning program has emerged as a widely adopted, structured exercise intervention aimed at enhancing muscle strength, endurance, speed, power, flexibility, and physical function, all while mitigating the risk of injuries. Several studies, however, have assessed strength and conditioning interventions in general for sports science students at the university. Objectives: Therefore, this study aims to explore the differential effects of a strength and conditioning program incorporating a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max, leg power, and agility applied to male and female sports science students. Material and Methods: Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest setup spanning from July to October 2022, the study consisted of 8 microcycles (8 weeks) comprising 24 sessions, where each microcycle included 2 active rest days (recovery run). A total of 63 students with bachelor’s degrees in sports science who have recently enrolled as freshmen in the Faculty of Sports Science (n = 39 men; n = 24 women; aged = 18-20 years; mass (kg) man and women = 60 ± 7 and 51 ± 6, Height (cm) men and women = 172 ± 4 and 158 ± 3, and not trained athletes) were selected through purposive sampling and provided informed consent in the present study. Pre- and post-measurements were conducted using the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT), standing broad jump test, and the Illinois agility run test. Descriptive and inferential data analyses (differential pre and post-test using the Wilcoxon test) were performed using SPSS 25 software. Results: Our findings reveal significant improvements in VO2max and leg power following the implementation of a strength and conditioning program that combines circuit training with continuous running for males (from 35.76±5.94 to 41.99±5.35 and 2.175±0.23 to 2.30±0.25, respectively: P<0.05). Meanwhile, for females, (25.97 ± 2.78 to 31.10 ± 3.09; 1.66±0.24 to 1.72±0.17; P<0.05). However, the study does not identify a significant improvement in agility for both male and female participants (17.90±0.95 to 17.69±0.87; P>0.05 and 20.13 ± 1.17 to 19.89 ± 1.19; P>0.05). Conclusions: This investigation provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of an integrated strength and conditioning program using a combination of Continuous Run (CR) and Circuit Training (CT) methods on VO2max and Leg power, for both males and females. Although there were no significant improvements in agility for either males or females, there was an increase in overall averages. The results offer implications for optimizing physical performance and refining training protocols. Therefore, the combination of Continuous Run (CR), circuit training (CT), and Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) has proven to be a practical strategy for enhancing VO2max and leg power. This is particularly relevant for coaches seeking to diversify exercise variations that can be applied to sports science students in the future Keywords: Strength and Conditioning, Circuit Training, Continuous Run, VO2max, Leg Power, Agility, Sports Science Students

18th Asian Federation of Sports Medicine Congress cum 8th ISN international Sports Medicine & Sports Science Conference: Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 26-28 April 2024.

18th Asian Federation of Sports Medicine Congress cum 8th ISN international Sports Medicine & Sports Science Conference: Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, 26-28 April 2024.

Modeling Entrepreneurial Intention Based On The Climate of Sports Science Faculties And Students' Entrepreneurial Skills

Modeling Entrepreneurial Intention Based On The Climate of Sports Science Faculties And Students' Entrepreneurial Skills

Identifying and Analyzing Factors and Obstacles Affecting Sustainable Employment Iranian Sports Science Graduates

Identifying and Analyzing Factors and Obstacles Affecting Sustainable Employment Iranian Sports Science Graduates

Narrative literature review: Effect of Branched-chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) on muscle hypertrophy and athletic performance

Background and Study Aim. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have received considerable attention in sports science due to their potential benefits in improving athletic performance and promoting muscle recovery. BCAAs including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are essential amino acids that are important for muscle protein physiology. To date, studies have shown positive effects of BCAA supplementation on muscle recovery, muscle soreness, and cognitive function. Hence, with the growing popularity of using dietary supplements for optimal athletic performance, this narrative literature review aims to investigate the role and potential of BCAA supplementation to influence muscle function and improve physical performance, while highlighting the potential benefits and side effects associated with their supplementation. Material and Methods. The current review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis) guidelines. Electronic databases including Web of Science (all databases), PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, were explored on June 11, 2022. Results. Based on recent evidence, BCAAs have been shown to reduce muscle damage, improve muscle recovery and repair, increase muscle protein synthesis, and maintain muscle mass during periods of energy restriction, however may also have some potential side effects such as liver damage, kidney dysfunction and negative effects on glucose metabolism. Conclusion. In conclusion, studies investigating the potential benefits of BCAAs obtained from supplementation and diet to improve athletic performance are promising due to their demonstrated effects in increasing muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle soreness, and improving cognitive function under stress. Nevertheless, excessive supplementation should be avoided due to the potential risk of toxicity and side effects.

Evaluation of Probiotic Food Knowledge and Consumption Status of Sports Science Faculty Students

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge levels and consumption habits regarding probiotic foods among students of the Faculty of Sport Sciences. The study included 217 male and 173 female university students enrolled in the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Balıkesir University. A five-question survey was developed by reviewing the scientific literature relevant to the study's objectives for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS program. The distribution of responses to the survey questions was examined through frequency and percentage analysis, and the relationships between the responses were assessed using chi-square analysis. No significant differences were found between participants' knowledge levels and consumption of probiotic-enriched foods concerning variables such as gender, type of sport, department, year of study, and national status (p>0.05). However, when the perceived benefits of probiotic foods were examined, a significant difference was observed in favor of individual athletes according to the variable of sports discipline (p<0.05). In conclusion, while no general differences were found in the knowledge and consumption habits regarding probiotic foods among the participants, the perceived benefits were associated with the type of sport, particularly favoring individual athletes.

Do Fair Play Behaviors Reduce Aggression and Anger in Sport?

The sample group of the study, which examined the relationship between the fair play behaviors of student athletes and their levels of aggression and anger in sports, consisted of a total of 333 student athletes, 140 female and 193 male, studying at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Faculty of Sports Sciences in the 2021-2022 academic year. The aim of the study, in which both screening (descriptive) and correlational models were used, was to examine the relationship between student athletes' fair play behaviors and their levels of aggression and anger in sports. The Multidimensional Scale of Sportsmanship Orientation (MSOS-25) and the Scale of Aggression and Anger in Sport (CAAS) were used to collect data. The data were collected from the participants through face-to-face forms in April 2022. In the analysis of the data obtained in the study, Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient was calculated to examine the internal consistency of the measurement tools. According to the various demographic characteristics of the participants, t-test and ANOVA tests were applied to evaluate the levels of the Multidimensional Sportsmanship Orientation Scale and the Aggression and Anger in Sport Scale. In addition, the level of relationship between the scales was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Whether the data met the prerequisites of parametric tests was decided by examining the Skewness and Kurtosis (normal distribution of data) values and Levene (equality of variance) test results. As a result of the research, it was seen that there was a significant negative relationship between the Multidimensional Sportsmanship Orientation levels of student athletes and the levels of Aggression and Anger in Sports. Accordingly, it can be said that as the fair play behaviors of student athletes increase, their levels of aggression and anger in sports decrease.

A Bibliometric Analysis Study on Sport Sciences: Trends and Recommendation for Athletes’ Performance

Background: Sports science is responsible for locating, approving, developing, and perfecting various strategies to improve athletic performance. New methods for assessing an athlete’s technical and physical prowess are being created daily, and fresh training concepts are evolving impressively swiftly. If coaches had access to the most up-to-date techniques and knowledge to create the most effective training plans, athletes would gain significantly. This study aims to find patterns and make recommendations to stakeholders to enhance athlete performance. Method: A literature review of documents was conducted from 2018 to 2022, specifically focusing on “sports science” in 2023. 408 English-language documents in the area of medicine were identified using the Scopus database. Scopus search analysis and VOSviewer software were employed to analyze the bibliometric data. Result: The top three keywords’ trends found in this study were health (1.41%), physical (1.15%), and sports (0.89%). The top results revealed a positive correlation between overall sports sciences scores on physical and activity (Pearson correlation score ± 0.74 - 0.73, P0.50). Sports injury, types of sport, physical, epidemiology, basic science study, and physiotherapy are the six clusters our study on sports sciences has discovered. The trends analyzed in this study were sports sciences, sports performance, and sports injury. This study recommends enhancing the physical training performance of athletes for the sports they are playing. Conclusion: A sports science approach to evidence-based practice could effectively prevent athlete injuries and physiotherapy management. The coaches should be concerned about the health and safety of their athletes. The practice of sports medicine can improve sports science and athlete performance.

The Impact of Wearable Technologies on Marginal Gains in Sports Performance: An Integrative Overview on Advances in Sports, Exercise, and Health

Wearable technologies have become increasingly popular in recent years, as athletes and coaches look for ways to gain a competitive edge. These devices can track a variety of metrics, including heart rate, sleep quality, and movement patterns. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and make small, incremental changes that can lead to significant gains in performance. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an integrative overview of the literature on the impact of wearable technologies on marginal gains in sports performance. The literature review was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, and a total of 55 papers were considered eligible. The results of the literature overview suggest that wearable devices can be classified into three main categories. (1) Location-based wearables (LBW) track an athlete’s location and movement, which can be used to analyze training patterns and identify potential injury risks. (2) Biometric wearables (BMW) track physiological data such as heart rate, sleep quality, and body temperature; these data can be used to monitor an athlete’s fitness levels and identify signs of overtraining. (3) Performance wearables (PMW) track performance metrics such as power output, speed, and distance; this information can be used to optimize training programs and track progress over time. For each category, this paper provides the five most important data points measured by each suggested device. Additionally, sport-specific examples are provided for each category based on the literature data. The limitations of wearable devices, such as accuracy, validity, reliability, interpretability, and cost, are also discussed. However, despite these limitations, the results of the literature review suggest that wearable technologies can be a valuable tool for athletes and coaches who are looking to improve performance. Ultimately, this technological evolution in sports science is likely to dramatically change the state of the art in athletic monitoring and sports analytics.

Impact of french contrast training on field hockey players’ biomotor and physiological parameters: a pretest-posttest study

Field hockey requires a diverse skill set that includes strength, speed, anaerobic power, and endurance due to current advancements in sports science, plyometric and strength activities for enhancing players' performance. As a result, field hockey players and coaches are in constant need of new training interventions which could be most effective for improving the required parameters. Therefore, the current study investigates the influence of French contrast training (FCT) on selected biomotor and physiological variables in field hockey players. A total of thirty (N=30) male field hockey players were purposively selected from Union Christian College, Aluva, India. They were randomized into two groups: a treatment group (TG) that underwent twelve weeks of FCT and a control group (CG) that performed their daily usual activities. The selected biomotor outcome parameters were muscular strength (MS) and speed (S), while the physiological parameters were anaerobic power (AP), resting heart rate (RHR), and vital capacity (VC). The pre and post-test mean differences were analysed using paired-sample t-test and the level significance was fixed at 0.05 across all cases. The results revealed that there were significant enhancements in MS (p<0.01), S (p<0.01), AP (p<0.01), and VC (p<0.01) in the TG after twelve weeks of FCT, while the CG did not show any significant differences. Exceptionally, RHR did not show any significant difference in both TG and CG. Conclusion: The study suggests that FCT can be an effective method to improve selected biomotor and physiological parameters, except RHR in male college-level hockey players. Keywords: French contrast training, muscular strength, speed, anaerobic power, resting heart rate, vital capacity.

Global research trends in skiing from 1974 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis

This study analyzes 1643 documents related to skiing from 1974 to 2023 using the Web of Science Core Collection database, employing CiteSpace and VOSviewer for quantitative analysis. Findings reveal a growing literature output, with the past five years contributing to 36.2 % of publications. Norway leads in total publications and collaboration intensity, with the University of Salzburg and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology as prominent institutions. The research spans a wide range of disciplines such as Sport Sciences, Physiology, etc., and interdisciplinary intersections with engineering, computer science, etc. have become a future research trend. The research focuses on the analysis of skiers' sports performance, the analysis of skiing-induced sports injuries, the biomechanical analysis of skiers' postures, and the analysis of skiing-induced respiratory diseases. The study highlights the evolution of research focus from skiing injuries to injury prevention and sports performance enhancement. This comprehensive overview aids scholars in understanding skiing research hotspots and future trends efficiently.

Female Tendons are from Venus and Male Tendons are from Mars, But Does it Matter for Tendon Health?

Tendons play fundamental roles in the execution of human movement and therefore understanding tendon function, health and disease is important for everyday living and sports performance. The acute mechanical behavioural and physiological responses to short-term loading of tendons, as well as more chronic morphological and mechanical adaptations to longer term loading, differ between sexes. This has led some researchers to speculate that there may be a sex-specific injury risk in tendons. However, the link between anatomical, physiological and biomechanical sex-specific differences in tendons and their contributory role in the development of tendon disease injuries has not been critically evaluated. This review outlines the evidence surrounding the sex-specific physiological and biomechanical responses and adaptations to loading and discusses how this evidence compares to clinical evidence on tendon injuries and rehabilitation in the Achilles and patellar tendons in humans. Using the evidence available in both sports science and medicine, this may provide a more holistic understanding to improve our ability to enhance human tendon health and performance in both sexes.

Impact of social media on violence reduction in sports stadiums

This study aimed to identify the role of sports media based on social media in reducing the phenomenon of violence in stadiums from the viewpoint of Sports Science Faculty students at the University of Jordan. A descriptive method was employed, and a sample of 190 students (120 males and 70 females) participated. A comprehensive review of relevant research and collection of pertinent information led to the development of a tailored questionnaire. The instrument consisted of four axes and 24 items, answered using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical data processing was conducted using the SPSS program. The results indicated that, from the students' perspective, the role of sports media based on social media in reducing violence was moderate. Additionally, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found according to gender across all study axes, where males achieved higher arithmetic averages. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also observed according to academic year in the axis of professional commitment to sports media, with second-year students showing higher arithmetic averages. The researchers recommend that sports media based on social media adopt a balanced language when describing matches.

Center of Pressure Measurement Accuracy via Insoles with a Reduced Pressure Sensor Number during Gaits.

The objective was to compare simplified pressure insoles integrating different sensor numbers and to identify a promising range of sensor numbers for accurate center of pressure (CoP) measurement. Twelve participants wore a 99-sensor Pedar-X insole (100 Hz) during walking, jogging, and running. Eight simplified layouts were simulated, integrating 3-17 sensors. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) and root mean square errors (RMSE) between the original and simplified layouts were calculated for time-series mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) CoP. Differences between layouts and between gait types were assessed via ANOVA and Friedman test. Concordance between the original and simplified layouts varied across layouts and gaits (CCC: 0.43-0.98; χ(7)2 ≥ 34.94, p < 0.001). RMSEML and RMSEAP [mm], respectively, were smaller in jogging (5 ± 2, 15 ± 9) than in walking (8 ± 2, 22 ± 4) and running (7 ± 4, 20 ± 7) (ηp2: 0.70-0.83, p < 0.05). Only layouts with 11+ sensors achieved CCC ≥ 0.80 in all tests across gaits. The 13-sensor layout achieved CCC ≥ 0.95 with 95% confidence, representing the most promising compromise between sensor number and CoP accuracy. Future research may refine sensor placement, suggesting the use of 11-13 sensors. For coaches, therapists, and applied sports scientists, caution is recommended when using insoles with nine or fewer sensors. Consulting task-specific validation results for the intended products is advisable.

Analysis of the fastest backstroke age group swimmers competing in the World Masters Championships 1986–2024

Backstroke has been thoroughly investigated in the context of sports science. However, we have no knowledge about the nationalities of the fastest age group backstroke swimmers. Therefore, the present study intended to investigate the nationalities of the fastest backstroke swimmers. For all World Masters Championships held between 1986 and 2024, the year of competition, the first and last name, the age, and the age group, and both the stroke and the distance were recorded for each swimmer. Descriptive data were presented using mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum values, and confidence intervals. The top ten race times for each swimming distance and sex were identified for descriptive purposes. Nationalities were then grouped into six categories: the top five nationalities with the most appearances in the backstroke swimming top ten times by distance each year and one group consisting of all other nationalities. The Kruskal–Wallis test compared nationality differences, followed by Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons to identify specific distinctions. Between 1986 and 2024, most age group backstroke swimmers (39.6%) competed in the 50 m event (11,964, 6206 women, and 5,758 men), followed by the 100 m event (32.3%, n = 9764, 5157 women, and 4607 men), and the 200 m event (28.1%, n = 8483, 4511 women, and 3,972 men). Germany had the highest number of top ten female swimmers in the 50 m backstroke distance. Brazil had the highest number of top ten male swimmers in the same distance. The USA had the highest number of female and male swimmers among the top ten in the 100 m and 200 m backstroke distances. Germany and Great Britain were the only countries with swimmers in the top ten for all female backstroke distances. Brazil, the USA, Italy, and Germany were the countries that had swimmers in the top ten for all male backstroke distances. In summary, the fastest backstroke age group swimmers originated from Germany, Brazil, USA, Great Britain, and Italy, where differences between the sexes and race distances exist.

Fabrication and application of wearable ionic polymer metal composite sensors for sports science

Ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) sensors were fabricated and investigated for quantifying impact energy in sports applications. Nafion membranes were roughened and electroless plated with gold-platinum electrodes to form IPMCs. When subjected to impacts of varying energies, the IPMCs generated transient voltage spikes whose peak amplitudes and slopes showed exponential relationships with the impact energies. Empirical models were developed correlating the IPMC voltage response features to the impact energies, achieving measurement accuracy within ±10 % RMS error over the tested dynamic range from 0.005 J to 1 J. The IPMC voltage profile was found to depend primarily on the impact energy and resultant strain rate, rather than impactor properties or contact geometry. Proper calibration procedures for each IPMC sensor before deployment were required to account for device-to-device variations. The results demonstrate the potential of IPMC sensors for continuous monitoring of athletes' impacts during sports activities. Further optimization is needed to improve the robustness, repeatability, and stability of the IPMC sensors under realistic sports conditions for reliable field performance.

The Preventive Efficacy of Selenium Supplements on Muscle Soreness Post Heavy Eccentric Exercise

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is the muscle pain and stiffness following unaccustomed or strenuous physical activity that initially appears 8 – 20 h after exercise, peaks at 24 – 48 h after exercise and persists for several days and affect performance. The aim of the present study was to examine the physiological effects of selenium supplementation on delayed-onset muscle soreness and muscle damage. Thirty-two recreational male students of Sports Science Department, Universitas Negeri Surabaya were randomly and double-blindly assigned to either a selenium supplementation group (n=16) or a Placebo group (n=16) and were directed to take either a selenium capsule or a placebo for a period of 3-weeks. Following the 3-weeks supplementation period, both groups underwent a 10-set x 10-rep countermovement jump (1-min recovery between sets) as an eccentric exercise protocol. Pain of DOMS and CK level were measured prior to the eccentric exercise 1-hr before, 24-hr and 48-hr after eccentric exercise. the result of this study showed that both groups experienced Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and increased total CK serum within 24 to 48 hours post heavy eccentric exercise. The results indicated that the selenium-supplemented group had a significantly greater reduction in plasma DOMS and total CK serum compared to the Placebo group (p&amp;lt;0.05). In summary, selenium supplementation might lower the risk of muscle injury after heavy eccentric exercise, as it effectively reduces plasma DOMS and CK levels in the bloodstream

Obstacles to Scientific Research from the Point of View of Graduate Students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Tripoli

This research aimed to identify the obstacles to scientific research from the point of view of graduate students at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at Tripoli University related to faculty members, related to graduate students, and related to the administrative side and supervision, the researcher used the descriptive method by survey method due to its suitability to the nature of this research, the research sample was selected randomly, where the total number of the sample amounted to (77) students with a percentage of (48%), and the most important findings of this research were that the responses of the sample members towards the dimensions of The most important findings of this research were that the responses of the sample members towards the dimensions of the axis of obstacles to scientific research from their point of view were realistic and were not due to chance, and the results of the responses of the research sample towards the stability coefficients of the axis of obstacles to scientific research ranged from (73% to 83%), and that the overall stability scores for the axis as a whole amounted to (84%), which are high stability scores.