Sport Science Research Articles

Curbing the Continued Dominance of Five European Countries under the Presidency of FIFA and the Absence of International Law and the Rights of the Sports Scientific Standard under Various Pretexts

Curbing the Continued Dominance of Five European Countries under the Presidency of FIFA and the Absence of International Law and the Rights of the Sports Scientific Standard under Various Pretexts

A Comprehensive Review of Electromyography in Rehabilitation: Detecting Interrupted Wrist and Hand Movements with a Robotic Arm Approach

Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic technique that measures the electrical activity generated by skeletal muscles. Utilizing electrodes placed either on the skin (surface EMG) or inserted directly into the muscle(intramuscular EMG), it detects electrical signals produced during muscle contractions. EMG is widely employed in clinical and research settings to assess muscle function, diagnose neuromuscular disorders,and guide rehabilitation therapy. Over the years, EMG has evolved from a basic measurement tool into an essential technology within clinical and research environments, propelled by advances in recording techniques and digital innovations. The integration of wearable technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly expanded its applications, particularly in rehabilitation and sports science. By capturing muscle electrical activity through surface or intramuscular electrodes, EMG benefits from enhanced signal processing that improves accuracy and data analysis. Despite challenges such as signal interference and the complexities of movement patterns—especially in wrist and hand rehabilitation—EMG combined with robotic systems offers real-time feedback for precise and personalized therapy. However, obstacles like cost, complexity, and variability among patients still remain. Future advancements aim to make EMG more accessible and to integrate AI for tailored rehabilitation strategies, alongside improvements in sensors and wireless communication to enhance reliability and performance. This review explores various facets of EMG,from its fundamental principles to its application in detecting disrupted wrist and hand movements through robotic approaches. It provides a comprehensive analysis of EMG’s historical and technological evolution, recent innovations like AI and wearable devices, and its extensive applications in rehabilitation and sports science. Detailed case studies illustrate its effectiveness in areas such as stroke recovery and spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Additionally, the review addresses challenges like technical limitations and patient variability while emphasizing the integration of EMG with robotic systems for personalized therapy. It also discusses the significance of real-time feedback, future enhancements in AI and sensor technology, and the pressing need for more affordable, user-friendly solutions to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Exploring the research trend and development of sports science technology in the last 4 decades: systematic review

This study systematically reviews the trends and developments in sports science technology over the past four decades. Utilizing a comprehensive systematic review analysis of 1,127 articles from the SCOPUS database, we aimed to identify key subject areas, contributing countries, and prevailing keyword patterns in the field. The analysis highlights a significant increase in publications and citations, indicating the growing importance and recognition of sports science technology. Japan leads in contributions with the highest number of publications and citations, followed by the United States and China. Medicine and engineering emerged as the most influential subject areas, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of the research. Keyword analysis revealed a strong emphasis on human studies, sports, and the integration of science and technology, reflecting the field's evolving landscape. Findings show that technological advancements such as sensor technology, big data analytics, and virtual reality have revolutionized sports science by enhancing performance monitoring, injury prevention, and rehabilitation processes. The study identifies critical trends and provides insights into future research directions, advocating for continued interdisciplinary collaboration and global cooperation to further advance the field. These insights offer a comprehensive overview of the historical and current state of sports science technology, serving as a roadmap for future innovations and applications. By understanding the development and current trends in sports science technology, researchers and practitioners can better plan and implement effective strategies for improving athletic performance and health, ultimately contributing to the broader field of sports science and technology. Keywords: technological advancements, sensor technology, big data analytics, virtual reality in sports

Health-Related Quality of Life in Rugby Athletes: The Role of Dietary Supplements and Their Consumption.

This study investigates dietary supplement use among rugby players and their general health, focusing on prevalence and underlying motivations. Involving 92 athletes, it examines the relationship between supplement usage, motivations, and health outcomes using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and a 24-item ad hoc questionnaire. Findings reveal a high frequency of supplement usage, motivated by desires to enhance performance, appearance, and mood. Significant differences in health-related quality of life are found between users and non-users, particularly in mental health, social functioning, and emotional stability. Motivations like performance enhancement and body shape manipulation were linked to altered health perceptions, indicating the psychosocial impacts of supplementation. This study emphasizes the need to consider the holistic effects of supplements on athlete well-being, advocating for a balanced approach prioritizing both physical and mental health. It calls for increased awareness among athletes, coaches, and sports professionals about the potential risks and benefits of supplement use and the importance of informed decision-making. Additionally, it highlights the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of supplement use and its impact on athlete health, aiming to enhance sports science and promote overall athlete well-being in competitive environments.

Towards Automatic Object Detection and Activity Recognition in Indoor Climbing

Rock climbing has propelled from niche sport to mainstream free-time activity and Olympic sport. Moreover, climbing can be studied as an example of a high-stakes perception-action task. However, understanding what constitutes an expert climber is not simple or straightforward. As a dynamic and high-risk activity, climbing requires a precise interplay between cognition, perception, and precise action execution. While prior research has predominantly focused on the movement aspect of climbing (i.e., skeletal posture and individual limb movements), recent studies have also examined the climber’s visual attention and its links to their performance. To associate the climber’s attention with their actions, however, has traditionally required frame-by-frame manual coding of the recorded eye-tracking videos. To overcome this challenge and automatically contextualize the analysis of eye movements in indoor climbing, we present deep learning-driven (YOLOv5) hold detection that facilitates automatic grasp recognition. To demonstrate the framework, we examined the expert climber’s eye movements and egocentric perspective acquired from eye-tracking glasses (SMI and Tobii Glasses 2). Using the framework, we observed that the expert climber’s grasping duration was positively correlated with total fixation duration (r = 0.807) and fixation count (r = 0.864); however, it was negatively correlated with the fixation rate (r = −0.402) and saccade rate (r = −0.344). The findings indicate the moments of cognitive processing and visual search that occurred during decision making and route prospecting. Our work contributes to research on eye–body performance and coordination in high-stakes contexts, and informs the sport science and expands the applications, e.g., in training optimization, injury prevention, and coaching.

The Physiological Mechanisms of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Motor Performance: A Narrative Review.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that applies a stable, low-intensity (1-2 mA) direct current to modulate neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex. This technique is effective, simple to operate, affordable, and widely employed across various fields. tDCS has been extensively used in clinical and translational research, with growing applications in military and competitive sports domains. In recent years, the use of tDCS in sports science has garnered significant attention from researchers. Numerous studies have demonstrated that tDCS can enhance muscle strength, explosive power, and aerobic metabolism, reduce fatigue, and improve cognition, thereby serving as a valuable tool for enhancing athletic performance. Additionally, recent research has shed light on the physiological mechanisms underlying tDCS, including its modulation of neuronal resting membrane potential to alter cortical excitability, enhancement of synaptic plasticity to regulate long-term potentiation, modulation of neurovascular coupling to improve regional cerebral blood flow, and improvement of cerebral network functional connectivity, which activates and reinforces specific brain regions. tDCS also enhances the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, further regulating brain function. This article, after outlining the role of tDCS in improving physical performance, delves into its mechanisms of action to provide a deeper understanding of how tDCS enhances athletic performance and offers novel approaches and perspectives for physical performance enhancement.

Engineering ergonomic risk assessment of karate choku zuki straight punch

This study utilizes the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique to evaluate suggested improvements aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of the Choku Zuki (Straight Punch), a high-risk karate exercise. The primary objective is to identify and address potential musculoskeletal issues associated with this technique. Given the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in sports, particularly in activities with high intensity like karate, the need for reliable ergonomic risk assessment tools such as RULA is paramount. By applying RULA to analyze the ergonomic aspects of the Choku Zuki punch, this study provides crucial insights into potential areas of concern. It identifies specific postures and movements that may predispose practitioners to injury, allowing for the development of targeted interventions to mitigate risks and enhance safety. Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of integrating ergonomic considerations into sports training regimens to optimize performance and minimize injury risks. Beyond its implications for karate training, the study emphasizes the broader significance of ergonomic assessments in sports science and engineering. It showcases how engineering methodologies can be leveraged to improve the safety, efficiency, and overall performance of sporting activities, fostering collaboration between sports scientists, engineers, athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals to advance sports performance and safety standards.lities.

Determining the respiratory functions and isometric strength differences among recreational athletes and non-athletes: a cross-sectional analysis

Understanding the differences in respiratory functions and isometric strength between recreational athletes and non-athletes has a significant importance in the fields of Sports science, exercise physiology, and performance enhancement. The purpose of this study was to determine the respiratory functions and isometric strength differences among recreational athletes and non-athletes. A cross-sectional design was selected for this research with 16 recreational athletes and 16 non-athletes. Respiratory functions were assessed using spirometry tests, measuring parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Isometric strength was measured by a handheld dynamometer for dominant and non-dominant hands. The results of the study showed a significant difference between recreational athletes and non-athletes for respiratory function parameters (FVC = t-3.00, p-.006 & FEV1= t-2.221, p-.011), whereas PEFR is insignificant (t-218, p-.219). The isometric strength is also significant between recreational athletes and non-athletes (Dominant arm = t—3.039, p-.005 & non-dominant arm= t-.255, p-.001). The study findings revealed significant differences in respiratory functions and isometric strength between recreational athletes and non-athletes, and there was a significant relationship between parameters. Athletes typically exhibit remarkable isometric strength due to their consistent engagement in activities designed to enhance muscle function. Future research should give priority to conducting long term studies that directly compare the effects of different sports disciplines on respiratory functions and isometric strength. Keywords: Isometric Strength, Pulmonary Functions, Forced Vital Capacity, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate, FEV1, Recreational Athletes.

Assessing peer teamwork competence: adapting and validating the comprehensive assessment of team member effectiveness–short in university students

IntroductionThe Bologna Plan has promoted competency-based training in European higher education, which requires developing accurate, appropriate assessment tools for its measurement and evaluation.MethodThis study adapted and validated the Comprehensive Assessment of Team Member Effectiveness questionnaire on teamwork competence in a university population in the Basque Country, Spain. The questionnaire was first back-translated and adapted by two experts in educational research and then completed by 642 students pursuing baccalaureate degrees in primary education and physical activity and sport sciences at the University of Deusto [215 women, 426 men; ages: 17–25 years (M = 21.5; SD = 1.3)].Results and discussionA confirmatory factor analysis yielded adequate goodness-of-fit indices, confirming the validity of the instrument’s measurement model and indicating that it may be an appropriate tool for assessing teamwork competence among peers for university students in the Basque Country.

Geriatric medicine and Olympic elite sports-parallels and philosophies.

The 30th Olympiad took place in July 2024. At first glance, sports science and training of elite athletes may appear to be of little relevance to geriatric medicine. However, there are important parallels between the practice of geriatric medicine and elite sports and lessons that we can learn from our sports science colleagues. Elite athletes and older people are operating at the margins of physiological capacity. Both benefit from tailored, scientifically informed training programmes delivered and monitored by a multidisciplinary team. There are parallels between the comprehensive geriatric assessment and the philosophy of marginal gains pioneered by British Cycling. Insights into the biology of skeletal muscle function are beginning to translate into the development of clinical interventions and substances that offer an unfair advantage in sport by improving muscle strength and physical performance may be of therapeutic benefit in sarcopenia. The 2024 Olympics provide an opportunity for us to learn lessons for excellence in our research and provide an opportunity to promote exercise across the life course-important for healthy ageing.

Peaking for the Olympic Games. An Integrated Approach Developed With the French National Swimming Team for Paris 2024.

Bosquet, L, Bretonneau, Q, Pla, R, Vachon, A, and Morales-Artacho, A. Peaking for the Olympic games: an integrated approach developed with the French national swimming team for Paris 2024. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-In energy-dominant disciplines, such as swimming, performance depends largely on the difference between the levels of fatigue and physical fitness: the greater this difference, the higher the probability of reaching a peak performance. The main challenge before major events such as the Olympic games is therefore in identifying the most efficient strategies to reduce the fatigue accumulated during previous mesocycles, while maintaining, or even improving the level of physical fitness. The most widespread strategy relies in the manipulation of training load parameters. This is the taper period, which has been shown to improve performance by ≈2% in elite athletes. However, tapering may not be sufficient for the most tired athletes. In this case, the strategy commonly used consists in combining the manipulation of training load with the implementation of recovery methods. Regardless of the strategy, we perceive that the challenge for athletes, coaches, and sport scientists is to estimate the level of cumulative fatigue as precisely as possible to individualize the recommendations. This relies not only on the identification of valid markers but also on the ability to interpret their variations over time. The objective of this article is to present the method initially developed in a European champion professional rugby team and now implemented with the French swimming team as part of its preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. More specifically, this article provides some details about the conception of the monitoring dashboard, and the method used to interpret changes over time to categorize the level of fatigue.

A brief review of the History of Computational Intelligence, Bio-Inspired Computing and Scientific Computing

The use of computational tools to solve real problems of different industries has been in increased significantly. Software is used to solve problems of the air, sea, ground, pipes, and aerospace transportation planning; problems related to the science of sport, chemistry, medicine, nursing, mechatronics, robotics; business problems related to minimize costs and maximize profits, problems of management of small, medium and large companies; agro-industrial problems, environment, among many others. To solve real problems using scientific computation, Bio-inspired and computational intelligence. This paper aims to present a review of the history of Computational Intelligence Bio-Inspired Computing and scientific computing.

Centering the female athlete voice in a sports science research agenda: a modified Delphi survey with Team USA athletes

ObjectivesTo co-construct a sports medicine and exercise science research and translational agenda with Team USA elite female athletes serving as the experts on their health, performance and well-being.Methods40 Team USA...

Stress Drives Soccer Athletes'Wellness and Movement: Using Convergent Cross-Mapping to Identify Causal Relationships in a Dynamic Environment.

Prediction of athlete wellness is difficult-or, many sports-medicine practitioners and scientists would argue, impossible. Instead, one settles for correlational relationships of variables gathered at fixed moments in time. The issue may be an inherent mismatch between usual methods of data collection and analysis and the complex nature of the variables governing athlete wellness. Variables such as external load, stress, muscle soreness, and sleep quality may affect each other and wellness in a dynamic, nonlinear, way over time. In such an environment, traditional data-collection methods and statistics will fail to capture causal effects. If we are to move this area of sport science forward, a different approach is required. We analyzed data from 2 different soccer teams that showed no significance between player load and wellness or among individual measures of wellness. Our analysis used methods of attractor reconstruction to examine possible causal relationships between GPS/accelerometer-measured external training load and wellness variables. Our analysis showed that player self-rated stress, a component of wellness, seems a fundamental driving variable. The influence of stress is so great that stress can predict other components of athlete wellness, and, in turn, self-rated stress can be predicted by observing a player's load data. We demonstrate the ability of nonlinear methods to identify interactions between and among variables to predict future athlete stress. These relationships are indicative of the causal relationships playing out in athlete wellness over the course of a soccer season.

Centralizing an ecological sport psychology through science-practice dialectics

There has been considerable discussion for more than 50 years of how scientists and practitioners in elite level sport can work collaboratively to ensure that evidence-based practice augments the sport performance and human development of elite amateur and professional athletes. The bridging of these two, often disparate competencies, science and practice, though considered at the conceptual level, continues to be scarcely evidenced within the international sport science community. Much of the research that frames the experiences of elite athletes and their consequent needs, is heavily influenced by scientists, often without direct reciprocity to bridge science, theory, and applied context. The knowledge influencing these interventions has derived from qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews, surveys, and focus groups, as well as a breadth of psychometric assessments. Though these approaches to gathering robust data are a necessary part of inquiry, they often produce decontextualized data collection strategies and results, which can lead to generalized, ineffective practices in sport performance environments. Within this submission, the first author cooperated with an international team of scientist-practitioners who are well versed in elite sport to delineate ecologically sound science-practice reciprocity. The authors consider the strengths and weaknesses of conventional qualitative research strategies in terms of their utility and the parlance of evidence into intervention and world-class performance. Two emerging, context driven approaches to inquiry are proposed; arts-based methods and an idiosyncratic approach to ethnography to encourage the reader toward an expanded selection of inquiry approaches from which better understanding and intervention can be generated. This contribution conclude with summary points to open further possibilities for innovative science to practice approaches.

The Role of Exercise in Lymphedema Management: A Bibliometric Analysis

Lymphedema is a lifelong chronic health issue, and exercise approaches are considered one of the gold standards in lymphedema treatment. Numerous articles have been published on exercise approaches in lymphedema. In this study, we aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies related to exercise in lymphedema. For this purpose, a search was conducted in the Scopus database on October 24, 2023, using the keywords “lymphedema and exercise’’ and 869 documents were examined. Data were downloaded from the relevant search engine. These data were analyzed using the Vosviewer and Biblioshiny package programs. Publication dates ranged from 1957 to 2023. According to the analysis results, while the United States is the leading contributor in terms of article publications (n=979), Austria leads in terms of international collaboration (n=401). The most cited publication using the keywords lymphedema and exercise is the article by Campbell et al. (2019) titled “Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable,’’ published in the “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise’’ journal with 1101 citations. “Lymphatic Research and Biology”, “Lymphology”, and “Supportive Care in Cancer” are the top three journals with the most citations in this field. Particularly, the University of Pennsylvania stands out as the most prolific institution contributing to this area with productive research output. The most prolific author with 29 articles is Kathryn H. Schmitz. The most frequently used keywords include “lymphedema”, “breast cancer”, and “lymphedema, quality of life”. The findings of this study are valuable not only for researchers and practitioners interested in lymphedema and exercise but also for anyone interested in practical applications and potential future developments. Ultimately, this comprehensive information guide could serve as an important resource and roadmap for future studies.

Asymmetry in strength training: Investigating the Impact of offset training on the deep stabilisation system, strength/performance, and maximal power in Female Softball Players

PurposeThis study aims to fill a significant gap in sports science research by examining the underexplored effects of asymmetric load training on the deep stabilisation system (DSS), strength, and maximal power in female softball players.MethodsFourteen participants were divided into two groups: a control group (CON), which exercised with a symmetrically weighted bar, and an experimental group (EXP), which used a bar with asymmetrically distributed weight. The asymmetric load with a distribution of weight that was gradually increased during the 8-week intervention program. The assessment included a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test for deadlift, flat bench press, front squat, and 4RM tests for single-leg leg press for both legs, along with evaluations of DSS and strength/performance, before and after a resistance training program. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare pre- and post-intervention performance on the DSS and 1RM strength tests.ResultsThe results showed significant improvements in all 1RM and 4RM tests for both groups in all exercises (<i>p</i> > 0.001), with no significant differences between the groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, a dependent <i>t</i>-test in the EXP group revealed significant improvements in DSS strength/performance from pre- to post-measurements in all tests, with large effect sizes. In contrast, the CON group showed significant improvements only in trunk extension, side plank, and prone tests.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that asymmetric training may provide superior benefits in strengthening the DSS, while still achieving comparable gains in maximal strength.

Development of Flipbook-Based E-Module to Improve Students’ Learning Outcomes in Basketball Course

Limited learning resources for integrating theory and practice in e-module-based physical education, particularly in basketball, present challenges in enhancing student learning outcomes. This study addresses the development and assessment of multimedia-based basketball teaching materials aimed at improving students' understanding and performance in sports education. This research employed a Research and Development (RD) approach with a quantitative design. The developed multimedia basketball game application was evaluated by experts, including basketball coaches and university lecturers from Medan State University, to assess its suitability as a teaching resource. The evaluation process involved both content and media experts. The assessment by basketball learning material experts yielded a score of 87.52%, indicating the application is highly suitable for use in educational settings. Media experts provided a score of 89.70%, further affirming the multimedia basketball application’s effectiveness as a teaching tool. Both evaluations reflect the application’s potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice in basketball education. The findings suggest that the multimedia basketball game application is a viable tool for enhancing basketball education. Its implementation can improve the quality of teaching, support lecturers in delivering complex content, and ultimately enhance students' learning outcomes in sports science. The development of a multimedia-based e-module for basketball is a significant step towards improving the resources available for physical education. The application has been validated by experts and can be effectively integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning in basketball courses.

The Impact of the Guidance Technique of Stopping Negative Thinking on reducing Psychological Reluctance in Swimming Lessons among Female Students of Physical Education and Sports Science

The significance of the current research lies in studying the impact of the Guidance Technique (Stopping Negative Thinking) to reduce psychological reluctance in swimming lessons among female students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences highlighting the concept of psychological reluctance and how to confront it in the swimming lessons. The research provides a comprehensive and integrated theoretical framework that benefits the guiding process, contributing to the development of guiding programs that help reduce or eliminate psychological reluctance. Additionally, this research offers a psychological reluctance scale, aiding in the evaluation and diagnosis of students for the purpose of guiding them. The research addressed an important segment represented by female students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, so the aim of the current research is to identify the impact of the guidance program according to the method (stopping negative thinking) to reduce psychological reluctance in the swimming lesson among female students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, and achieving the research goal required the construction of two tools, namely: Firstly, a psychological reluctance scale in swimming lessons for female students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. Secondly, a guiding program using the (Stopping Negative Thinking) method, consisting of 12 guiding sessions for female students of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Baghdad, who exhibited high scores on the psychological reluctance scale in swimming lessons. To achieve this objective, the researchers employed the descriptive survey approach in developing the psychological reluctance scale and used the experimental method, with a pre-test and post-test design, for both the experimental and control groups, aligning with the research problem. The results indicated that the guiding method (Stopping Negative Thinking) had a significant effect in reducing psychological reluctance among female students of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, with a statistically significant difference compared to the control group.

Gingival pigmentation in relation to anti-inflammatory salivary interleukin 10, a comparative study.

To assess gingival pigmentation prevalence among students, and its relationship with anti-inflammatory salivary interleukin-10. The observational, cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted at the College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Diyala University, Iraq, from December 2021 to March 2022, and comprised students of either gender aged 19-22 years. Students with pigmented gingiva were in group A, while those having no gingival pigmentation were in group B. The level of interleukin-10 was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both groups, and values were compared using the gingival pigmentation index. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 1,295 students assessed, 1,044(80.62%) were males and 251(19.38%) were females. Pigmented gingiva was found in 118(9.11%), and these students represented group A, while as many subjects were enrolled in controlled group B. Pigmented gingiva was more common among males 81(68.64%) than females 37(31.36%). Salivary interleukin-10 level was significantly increased in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in mean value of salivary interlukin-10 with respect to severity in group A (p>0.05). Pigmentation was beneficial in terms of gingival protection.