Sport Science Research Articles

The Battle of the Equations: A Systematic Review of Jump Height Calculations Using Force Platforms.

Vertical jump height measures our ability to oppose gravity and lower body neuromuscular function in athletes and various clinical populations. Vertical jump tests are principally simple, time-efficient, and extensively used for assessing athletes and generally in sport science research. Using the force platform for jump height estimates is increasingly popular owing to technological advancements and its relative ease of use in diverse settings. However, ground reaction force data can be analyzed in multiple ways to estimate jump height, leading to distinct outcome values from the same jump. In the literature, four equations have been commonly described for estimating jump height using the force platform, where jump height can vary by up to 15cm when these equations are used on the same jump. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of the equations according to the intended use. Considerations of (i) the jump type, (ii) the reason for testing, and (iii) the definition of jump height should ideally determine which equation to apply. The different jump height equations can lead to confusion and inappropriate comparisons of jump heights. Considering the popularity of reporting jump height results, both in the literature and in practice, there is a significant need to understand how the different mathematical approaches influence jump height. This review aims to investigate how different equations affect the assessment of jump height using force platforms across various jump types, such as countermovement jumps, squat jumps, drop jumps, and loaded jumps.

Assessment on the Basketball Teaching Approach: Basis for the Development of Basketball Curriculum in College Department

This study investigates the effectiveness of various teaching approaches in basketball education on student learning outcomes. A total of 150 students participated in the research, which utilized pre-tests, post-tests, and Likert-scale surveys to evaluate the impact of instructional methods such as sports science integration, technology use, mental skills training, and evidence-based practices. Significant positive correlations were found between sports science integration and learning in basketball theory and tactics, as well as between technology use and skill development. However, no significant correlations were identified in areas related to physical conditioning and competition readiness. The findings suggest that while sports science and technology are effective for specific learning outcomes, further improvements are needed in other areas to fully enhance basketball education.

Comparative Study on Physical Education Learning Quality of Junior High School Students based on Biosensor Network

A biosensor is an innovative analytical detecting instrument utilized across many sectors due to its sensitiveness, precision, ease of use, and capability for in vivo surveillance via the internet. Biosensors provide extensive applicability in sports science, facilitating rapid physical activity tracking. This will emerge as a significant approach and technology for sports teaching and scientific study in sports. This study aims to evaluate the variations in bodily schooling mastering exceptional junior center college students underneath exceptional rearing modes and to use the specialist gadget primarily based on the synthetic neural community for analysis. The contrast index of gaining knowledge first-rate is an index gadget composed of numerous one-of-a-kind parameters. It is tough to be particular and has apparent fuzziness due to its giant variety and complicated content. There are many obstacles in fixing the contrast hassle using the skill of frequently used assessment methods. This paper proposes an assessment mannequin of junior excessive college students' bodily schooling mastering excellent primarily based on a synthetic neural community specialist system. The purpose of this method is to put processed records in a community and generate results by computation, other than by manual computing. It decreases the number of people in the comparative procedure, enhances the credibility of the assessment, and makes the comparative result more enormous and objective. However, the neural community additionally has some limitations. It can obtain international optimization by continuously editing the connection weights between neurons; however, making the community fall into neighborhood minima is convenient.

Transitions to university from vocational and academic colleges: exploring alignment and discontinuity

ABSTRACT The rise in students entering higher education in England with vocational qualifications, or a blend of academic and vocational qualifications, has sparked debate about the correlation between qualifications and degree outcomes. Focusing on Sport and Exercise Science students and mobilising Bourdieu’s theory of practice, this paper explores ‘misrecognition’ of the problem alongside intersectional explanations of differential attainment. Students’ concerns about independent study and levels of support, different modes of delivery, and assessment types, exemplify misalignment between their cultural capital and habitus and the tacit demands of the university. Yet these misalignments are not explained merely by the Level 3 qualification they studied. We argue that the institutional culture (habitus) of sixth form colleges is better aligned with universities than is the culture of Further Education colleges. This alignment facilitates a smoother transition and leads to improved degree outcomes. So, it is partly the context in which students study, and not simply the qualification type, that matters. This problem of variable alignment of learning cultures at the transition to university is more relevant that ever given the introduction of T-Levels and the proposed Advanced British Standard.

Research on Quantifying and Evaluating Tennis Match Momentum Based on Comprehensive Analytical Methods

Momentum is crucial in tennis matches, influencing player performance and match outcomes. However, quantifying and evaluating momentum has long been a challenge in sports science research. This study aims to quantify momentum in tennis matches by establishing a hierarchical analysis-based model for momentum flow. The model analyzes factors affecting momentum through five criteria: Service Level, Catch Level, Competition Result, Finishing Ability, and Winning Streak, with respective weights of approximately (0.1, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.2). Subsequently, the study assigns scores to these criteria based on different actions within a match. By multiplying the weights and scores, the momentum of each player is quantified, and the ratio of the two players' momentum provides a measure of momentum flow during the match. To assess the impact of momentum on match outcomes, the study employs k-means++ clustering analysis, violin plot analysis, and point-biserial correlation analysis. The point-biserial correlation analysis reveals a positive correlation coefficient of 0.66 between a player's momentum and their victory. Similar results are derived from the violin plot and clustering analysis. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a significant association between the direction of momentum flow and a player's success in a match.

Comparative Analysis of Linear and Nonlinear sEMG Methods for Detecting Muscle Fatigue During Dynamic Biceps Curls

Muscle fatigue, a key concern in sports science, rehabilitation, and occupational health, influences performance, injury risk, and provides insights into muscle functionality and endurance. Surface electromyography (sEMG) has emerged as a vital tool for non-invasively tracking muscle electrical activity and gauging health. As its application for muscle fatigue assessment grows, identifying the most accurate analytical methods is essential. Current sEMG analyses employ both linear and nonlinear metrics to measure fatigue onset and progression, yet research is ongoing to determine which method is most effective in the context of dynamic contractions. The study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of established linear and nonlinear methods in measuring muscle fatigue caused by dynamic contractions through surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. A group of twelve healthy individuals completed biceps curls at a consistent pace of one repetition per four seconds, which constituted 75% of their 10-repetition maximum. Concurrently, sEMG signals were captured from the biceps brachii muscle at 1000 Hz. To assess the sEMG signals during the initial, middle, and final sets of 10 repetitions, three linear metrics—mean frequency, median frequency, and spectral moment ratio (SMR)—along with two nonlinear approaches, namely sample entropy and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), were utilized. The study's outcomes indicated notable shifts in the SMR values and the two DFA-derived scaling exponents across the exercise sets. These results indicated that SMR, sample entropy, and DFA are effective in gauging muscle fatigue, with sample entropy and DFA demonstrating heightened sensitivity to the fatigue levels when compared to the linear metrics.

The application of improved DTW algorithm in sports posture recognition

Sports posture recognition plays a crucial role in modern sports science and training. Posture recognition and analysis plays a positive role in improving sports quality and ensuring sports safety. However, existing recognition technologies still have poor recognition and accuracy in large amounts of posture data. Therefore, to further improve the performance of the existing posture recognition techniques, this study assumes that postures during movement can be effectively represented through the time series of skeletal key points, and the local similarity of these postures can be captured through the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm. Based on this assumption, the existing DTW algorithm is improved by introducing the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm and combining it with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for feature dimensionality reduction. A novel algorithmic model for postures recognition is proposed. The experimental results showed that the improved algorithm performed well in postures recognition rate and accuracy. Especially, when the k value was 5, the recognition rate reached up to 89%, and the accuracy reached 87%. Compared with the existing algorithm, the improved KNN-DTW algorithm has significant improvement in accuracy and computational efficiency. In summary, the new algorithm shows significant advantages in terms of accuracy and stability, providing a powerful tool for the analysis of athletic postures in the field of sports. Meanwhile, this research result has important application prospects in fields such as sports training, sports medicine, and virtual reality.

Physical Education, Sports and Educational Reforms: The Assistance Agreement Between the Argentine Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany (1961–1980)

Between 1961 and 1980, a group of bilateral actions were developed jointly the Argentine Republic (AR) and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) regarding physical education and sports. Based on these agreements, training and advice were provided for the reform of physical education teachers’ training and school physical education, the construction of infrastructure was encouraged, and sports medicine was promoted. This paper analyzes how the relationship between the FRG and the AR for the promotion of ‘sports science’ was shaped. The aim is to delve into the temporalities of the different topics and their processes of translation and approval by local actors. The analysis shows that the construction of this bilateral agenda took place in the interaction of the policies for physical education and sport of the AR and the FRG, resulting in translations and re-appropriations of the proposed programmes. In addition, the agenda was also structured by the relationship networks built for almost two decades. Understanding such nuances makes it possible to point out how these exchanges took place.

قياس سرعة أداء بعض المهارات الهجومية لدى ناشئات رياضة التايكواندو

Taekwondo is one of the individual competitive sports with multiple and complex motor skills at the same time. The abundance of correct and effective kicks of all kinds in Taekwondo fights constitutes one of the basic pillars of the game, which will lead to deciding the outcome of the fight and its success when the fight ends with points. Tests and measurements in physical education and sports science are among the important factors that aim to establish the principles of programmed scientific planning based on the essence of modern scientific theories to reach the highest athletic levels in any game or sporting event. Taekwondo enjoys a prominent position among sporting events due to the beauty of its movements and art, in addition to its position in the Olympic and World Games. Perhaps one of its most prominent features is that it is an Olympic sport among other combat sports. The aim of the study is to identify tests measuring the speed of performance of some offensive skills among young women in Taekwondo. The researcher used the descriptive method using the survey method, and determined the research sample intentionally, which included the female junior team, whose number reached (12). Emerging, with a rate of (6) emerging, and their percentage constituted (50%) of the original population. After obtaining the raw results from the tests, they were processed statistically. Based on the researcher's conclusion of the devices used, we can follow the development of skill performance over time. Accordingly, the researcher recommended the necessity of using the devices in conjunction with other skills.

أثر منهج تعليمي باستخدام أسلوب التمرين العشوائي والمتسلسل مع التغذية الراجعة الآنية في تعلم أهم المهارات الاساسية بالتنس الأرضي والاحتفاظ بها

The problem of research was summarized with the lack of interest in the use of various methods to teach the basic skills in the game of ground tennis and the lack of knowledge of the best methods to teach them, as well as the misuse of the types of feedback during the application of performance and the failure to determine the appropriate timing to present them to learners by the teacher or teacher in proportion to the stages of learning the skill from the beginning to the end. Hence the idea of this research came in making an educational curriculum and choosing a method of one of the methods to schedule the exercise in motor learning, which is the method (random exercise and sequential exercise) to know its impact on the research community The research sample and its chosen sample. The research aims to identify the impact of the educational curriculum in the method of random and sequential exercise with real-time feedback and to identify the best practice method with feedback in learning the most important skills of ground tennis. As for the research duties, they were summarized by the existence of statistically significant differences between the tribal and remote tests, and there are statistically significant differences between the dimensionsal tests between the two styles using random and sequential exercise with real-time feedback in learning and retaining the most important ground tennis skills. The researcher used the experimental approach to design the two equivalent sets with tribal and post-test and retention to suit the nature of the problem to achieve the research objectives. As for the research community and its sample, it included the students of the third stage (evening study) in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences / Wasit University, numbering (40 students). His most important conclusions were that learning in the way to schedule the exercise in the random and sequential exercise method had a positive impact in learning to perform the most important tennis skills of the two experimental groups, but there was an advantage in learning and in favor of the sequential exercise method. The educational curriculum in the random and sequential exercise method and the role of the effective teacher by giving immediate feedback had a positive role and effect in learning the tennis skills under research, but there was an advantage for the experimental group that used the sequential exercise method; because it took into account individual differences and provided greater opportunities and sufficient time to learn and practice skills by students in a new, fun and interesting way. As for the most important recommendations, it was the need to use educational curricula by scheduling exercise methods with other methods in learning to perform other tennis skills, and the need to conduct research and other studies to identify the impact of educational curricula and other educational methods in learning to perform basic skills, whether in individual or group games and other games in the colleges of physical education, clubs, sports forums and all ages because of their positive impact on learning. Keywords: The random and sequential exercise method, Immediate feedback.

The Race Within a Race: Starting Together, Finishing Apart

Every four years the world’s best athletes come together to compete in the Olympic games, electrifying audiences with incredible feats of speed, strength, endurance and skill as personal best performances and new records are set. However, the exceptional talent that underpin such performances is incomprehensible to most casual observers who often cannot appreciate how unique these athletes are. In this regard, endurance running, specifically the marathon, a 42.195 km foot race, provides one of the few occasions in sport outside of Olympic, world and national competitions, that permits sport scientists and fans alike to directly compare differences in the physiology between recreational and elite competitors. While these individuals may all cover the same distance, on the same course, on the same day – their experience and the physiological and psychological demands placed upon them are vastly different. There is, in effect, a “race within a race”. In the current review we highlight the superior physiology of the elite endurance athlete, emphasizing the gap between elite competitors and well-trained, but less genetically endowed athletes. We draw attention to a range of inconsistencies in how current sports science practices are understood, implemented, and communicated in terms of the elite and not-so-elite endurance athlete.

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

The impact of cooperative-style exercises on students' learning of basic tennis abilities

The aim of the research is to identify the impact of exercises based on the cooperative method on students' learning of some basic skills in tennis. The researchers used the experimental method with a design of two equivalent groups with pre-tests and post-tests. This design was appropriate for the nature of the research problem. The research community was defined as third-year students in the Physical Education and Sports Science Department at Al-Safwa University, totalling 96 students divided into three sections. A random sample, represented by Section A, was selected. The sample consisted of 31 students, accounting for 32.291% of the research community. They were subsequently divided into control and experimental groups, with 12 students in each group, excluding 7 students due to injury and irregular attendance. The researchers, relying on sources and scientific studies, prepared educational exercises. Below are some clarifications on the exercises used in the study. The duration of the educational exercises was 10 weeks, with a total of 10 educational units in the curriculum. The duration of each educational unit was 90 minutes. One of the most important conclusions reached by the researchers is that the exercises based on the cooperative learning method positively impacted the development of basic tennis skills for students. The cooperative learning method can be effectively used to teach basic tennis skills to students.

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.