Track Athletes Research Articles

The Role of Social Support in Concussion Rehabilitation: A Prospective Mixed Methods Study of Canadian University Athletes’ Return to Sport

Context: Social support is an important consideration during athletes’ rehabilitation following a concussion. Yet, its influence during the return-to-sport (RTS) strategy has been underexplored. Design: Concussed athletes’ experiences with social support during RTS were explored prospectively using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Methods: University rugby, basketball, and track and field athletes (N = 8) from a single Canadian institution, 19–23 years of age (mean = 20.63, SD = 1.51), completed concentric circles maps, the Perceived Available Support in Sport Questionnaire, and 2 semistructured interviews during their RTS. We analyzed concentric circles maps and questionnaire data descriptively and interview data using codebook thematic analysis. Results: Athletes identified 16 different social support agents. The 5 most important agents during RTS were athletic therapists, student therapists, head coaches, significant others, and teammates/friends. Significant others provided the most emotional (mean = 2.82, SD = 1.85) and esteem (mean = 2.63, SD = 1.85) support, and the athletic therapist (mean = 1.82, SD = 1.35) and head coaches (mean = 0.93, SD = 1.19) provided the most informational and tangible support. We generated 4 themes from athletes’ interviews: social support behaviors, contextual factors, concussion and RTS factors, and psychological readiness factors. Conclusions: The number of social support agents present, frequency of support types, and demonstration of support behaviors decreased across the concussion RTS strategy. Contextual (ie, toughness), concussion (ie, visibility), and RTS (ie, prognosis uncertainty) factors influenced athletes’ perceptions of social support agents’ support behaviors. Results add to our limited understanding of athletes’ social support during RTS following a concussion and suggest exploring the integration of behavior-specific (eg, checking in, providing reassurance, and demonstrating compassion) social support strategies to promote concussion rehabilitation and readiness to RTS.

Optimal Support for Elite Sprinters Using a Minimal, Adequate, and Accurate Approach.

In high-performance sport, the support provided by sport scientists and other staff can be a valuable resource for coaches and athletes. We propose and detail here the approach of "minimal, adequate, and accurate" sport-science support to ensure that programs of work and solutions are both economical and effective. Our support provision advocates for utilization of "minimal" resources (employing the least amount of time, tools, and funding) necessary to achieve the desired outcomes. We strive for "adequate" information that fulfills specific objectives without excess and with the requirement that methods and data used are "accurate" (valid and reliable). To illustrate the principles of this approach, we outline a real-world example of supporting 100-m track (athletics) sprinters preparing and competing in an international competition. The provision of performance support emphasizes an integrated approach, combining knowledge and insights from multiple sport-science disciplines. The key facets managed under this approach are (1)neuromuscular readiness, (2)wellness monitoring, (3)movement observation, (4)motivation, (5)biomechanics and performance analysis, and (6)qualitative feedback. These facets are based on the specific performance determinants and influencing factors of an event (100-m dash). Application of this quantitative and qualitative approach can enhance the ability to make informed decisions. Nevertheless, the approach must be planned, evaluated, and refined on a regular basis to enable effective decision making in sport-science support. The 3-element approach of "minimal, adequate, and accurate" should be codesigned and supported by the athletes, coaches, and staff to ensure successful implementation.

Understanding the first injury in athletics and its effect on dropout from sport: an online survey on 544 high-level youth and junior athletics (track and field) athletes

ObjectiveTo describe the first injury and to investigate whether it plays a role in altering athletics’ sustainable practice.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using an exploratory survey on the first injury...

Exploring mental toughness and anxiety levels across various track and field athletes

Exploring mental toughness and anxiety levels across various track and field athletes

A study on the optimization of track and field training strategies under the integration of sports science and information technology

Abstract With the development of sports science and information technology, how to use mining technology to analyze the correlation between various track and field training programs plays an important role in the improvement of track and field training. A decision support system for track and field training is constructed using the Apriori algorithm and decision tree ID3 algorithm. By mining and analyzing different sports data of track and field athletes, the system blends scientific training theory and advanced training methods to create a set of reasonable track and field training programs for athletes. Through empirical research, after the optimization of the track and field training decision support system, 72.2% of the athletes whose physical fitness test 30-meter run scores were between 80 and 100 had bar pull-up scores between 0 and 55. The average performance of students’ 3000-meter run improved by 81.35s.

Functional Response of the Cardiovascular System of Young Track and Field Athletes to Vestibular Stimulation

Functional Response of the Cardiovascular System of Young Track and Field Athletes to Vestibular Stimulation

Study of the functional state of the cardiovascular system in athletes of cyclic and acyclic kinds of sports

The study was aimed at investigating the influence of sports physical activity on the state of the cardiovascular system in students of cyclic (athletics) and acyclic (judoka) sports. Analysis of heart rhythm has revealed the economization of cardiovascular system functions at rest in the majority of qualified athletes. Heart rhythm control was balanced and regulated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic sections of the autonomic nervous system. Athletes under the influence of cyclic sports physical loads had an increase in the activity of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system and a moderate level of sympathetic and humoral-metabolic influences on the heart rhythm in comparison with non-athletes. Activation of the autonomic nervous system activity on heart rate in track and field athletes and judokas at rest reflects a significant adaptation of the cardiovascular system to physical activity in athletes. The increase in the activity of the autonomous circuit of heart rhythm regulation in track and field athletes and judoists in resting conditions was an indicator of a significant adaptive potential of the cardiovascular system.

Prevalence of self-reported lower limb overuse problems in highly trained track and field athletes during 12 weeks of pre-season training

Prevalence of self-reported lower limb overuse problems in highly trained track and field athletes during 12 weeks of pre-season training

Study of short-term visual memory of athletes in cyclic sports, martial arts and esports

Background and Study Aim. To carry out a comparative analysis of indicators of short-term visual memory in athletes of cyclic sports (short track), martial arts (karate, taekwondo) and esports (CS:GO). Material and Methods. The study involved athletes of percussion martial arts (n=13, age 18.8±0.52, experienced athletes), elite players of semi-professional CS:GO teams (n=10, age 19.2±0.50), short track speed skaters (n=12, age 19.1±0.25, experienced athletes). Short-term visual memory was determined using a special program for tablet computers running iOS. Results. Certain trends have been established regarding the characteristics of the state of the body of elite athletes in martial arts, short track and esports in terms of averaged indicators. In terms of the short-term visual memory coefficient and the average percentage of errors, martial arts athletes showed the best result, and short trackers showed the worst result. The shortest average test duration was recorded for short trackers. At certain stages of the test, they dominated athletes of other specializations in terms of reaction time. However, the trend towards faster response was associated with a decrease in the accuracy of the selection, that is, a greater percentage of errors. Cyberathletes and martial arts athletes were characterized by better adaptive abilities than short track athletes. Conclusions. The specificity of sports activities of cyberathletes determined the best results of the most difficult stage of the test both in terms of speed and accuracy. This criterion can be recommended for esports selection and prediction. The control of the cognitive functions of athletes is expedient in the course of monitoring their physical condition and is a promising direction for predicting the reliability and success of competitive activity.

Effects of Different Resistance Training Methods on Agility Performance of Male Athletes

Strength and conditioning coaches frequently concentrate on developing athletes' force capability,essential for agility. Agility is a multifaceted quality that includes reflexes, strength, endurance, balance, coordination, speed, and the capacity to accelerate and decelerate. This study compares resistance band training versus resistance training using dumbbells on the agility performance of male track and field athletes. A randomized controlled trial design was used, having n=60 in three groups, i.e. one control and two experimental groups. The participants' agility performance was measured using the Quick Feet test.Both the resistance band group and the dumbbells group had a substantial increase in agility (p < 0.001) from the pre-test (3.45 ± 0.23) to the post-test (3.08 ± 0.24) (p = 0.009). The results validate the effectiveness of resistance training in improving male athletes' agility performance. Coaches should incorporate resistance training into their programs to develop athletic performance.

8. CHANGES IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION DURING TRAINING OF ATHLETIC ATHLETES AND SWIMMERS

Objective: Assess the total energy needs during the general and professional preparation phases (total energy consumption) for national athletic athletes and swimmers. 
 Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with analysis. This research evaluates the Total Energy Expenditure (TTEE) in track and field athletes participating in sprints, jumps, and throw events (2 men, 3 women), as well as swimmers specializing in sprint and medium-length events (3 men, 2 women) in Ho Chi Minh City National Sports Training Center in February 2023. Heart rate monitoring devices were employed to assess the Exercise Energy Expenditure (ExEE) during professional training. Additionally, the study employed methods to calculate Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Physical Activity Level (PAL). Energy consumption was calculated during the first 10 days of both the general and specific preparation phase. 
 Results: In the athletics team, there was a significant increase in ExEE from 684.46 kcal (SD = 324.5) during the general preparation phase to 936.12 kcal (SD = 636.3) in the specific preparation phase (Sig = 0.007*). TTEE also rose from 2795.7 kcal (SD = 494.5) to 3062.66 kcal (SD = 802.1) (Sig = 0.005*). In contrast, swimmers displayed a slight but statistically insignificant rise in ExEE from 2981.08 kcal (SD = 843.45) to 3237.88 kcal (SD = 751.9) and TTEE from 4811.86 kcal (SD = 941.5) to 5068.34 kcal (SD = 864.6) (Sig = 0.094). 
 Conclusion: The swimming team required greater energy for their training process compared to the track and field athletes.

Amenorrhea and Stress Fractures in Female New Jersey Division III Collegiate Runners: An Opportunity for Increased Health Education

BACKGROUND: In the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), 9.1% of the injuries reported by women’s cross-country athletes between 2014-2019 were fractures. Both history of amenorrhea and prior stress fractures have been found to predict incidence of subsequent bone stress injuries among female athletes. Although excessive exercise is a major contributor to the development of amenorrhea, there are currently no studies on the association between amenorrhea and stress fractures in New Jersey (NJ) National NCAA Division III Women’s cross country or track athletes. This study aims to determine if there is an association between incidence of amenorrhea and subsequent occurrence of stress fractures among this population, and to identify a possible area for increased reproductive health education. METHODS: This is a survey-based study. Participants were female athletes over the age of 18 who currently participate in collegiate cross country or track running at a NJ Division III school. Coaches of the Division III cross country and track teams in NJ distributed a survey to their female athletes to gain participants for this study. Survey data included information on participant menstrual history, stress fracture history, and athletic involvement. Participants also indicated if their school’s staff had ever educated them on the importance of menstrual regularity and athletics. Descriptive statistics and comparison between groups were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 68 survey responses were collected. Survey respondents included female NJ cross country and track athletes ages 18-23, from a total of eight institutions. During training or competition, 58.8% of the study participants missed at least one menstrual cycle and 45.6% experienced a stress fracture. There is a significant association between having missed at least one menstrual cycle during training or competition and the number of stress fractures experienced by the athlete (p = 0.044). Only 30.9% of respondents indicated that someone from their school’s staff spoke to them about the importance of maintaining regular menstruation during training. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that both amenorrhea and stress fractures are commonly seen among NJ NCAA Division III female cross country and track athletes. Our data also highlights a need for increased education of NJ Division III female athletes regarding the importance of maintaining regular menstruation as a means of stress fracture prevention. Further investigation of the role of amenorrhea on the incidence of stress fractures may shine light on an important area for prevention and increased health education.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic isolation on the performance of track and field athletes: A comparative study of 100m sprint

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the suspension of schools and sports-related activities, leading to a disruption in athletes' engagement with sports training and subsequent negative effects on their performance. This research employs an experimental approach to investigate the influence of pandemic-induced isolation on the performance of track and field athletes in the 100m sprint. The study focuses on a sample of 60 athletes from elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels in Albay, Philippines. To assess performance, coaches provided data on the athletes' best time in the 100m sprint from 2019. Additionally, two sprint tests were conducted with the assistance of coaches to determine the current best time, with the lowest time recorded. Paired sample t-tests were employed to analyze the variation in 100m sprint times across different age groups, and sex comparing pre-pandemic and post-pandemic isolation periods. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two performance measures, as indicated by computed p-values consistently below the predetermined significance level of 0.05. To counteract this decline, the implementation of intensive and safe training environments is recommended, which would facilitate the gradual restoration of athletes' performance without compromising their health and well-being.

Physical fitness and motor competence performance characteristics of Chinese elite youth athletes from four track and field throwing disciplines-a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: For systematic athletic training and targeted talent development, it is essential to know the physical fitness and motor competencies of top athletes in detail. However, it can be difficult to identify differences in performance requirements and thus to provide adequate support, especially for sports that at first glance appear to have similar demands-such as track and field throwing disciplines. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the physical fitness and motor competence of top athletes from different throwing disciplines and to check whether the athletes' performance parameters match the specific requirements of the respective sport. Methods: The study involved 289 male youth athletes (aged 14-18years) across four distinct throwing disciplines: shot put (n = 101), hammer throw (n = 16), discus throw (n = 63), and javelin throw (n = 109). The performance evaluation comprised three anthropometric measurements and twelve motor performance prerequisites applicable to the throwing disciplines. Discriminant analysis and neural networks (Multilayer Perceptron) were implemented to determine the possibility of distinguishing among athletes from the four sports. Results: The study's findings indicate that in male throwing athletes, disparities in general physical fitness and motor proficiency assessments discern the majority of talented young athletes based on their specific sport (discriminant analysis: 68.2%; multilayer perceptron analysis: 72.2%). This remains applicable irrespective of the classification method employed. Discus throwers possessed a height advantage, while shot putters and hammer throwers exhibited superior arm strength. Javelin throwers displayed better explosive strength and sprinting speed. Except for the hammer throwers, all events demonstrated a high level of explosive power in the medicine ball forward or backward throw test, which was especially crucial for shot put and discus athletes. Conclusion: The significance of physical fitness and motor competence tests in identifying and transferring talented athletes in track and field throwing disciplines has been affirmed. Using linear and non-linear classification methods, most athletes could be assigned to their correct sport. However, this also shows that slightly different training and talent identification is required for each of these sports. Furthermore, non-linear analysis methods can provide useful support for the development processes in junior competitive sports.

Complex use of cycleand power-ergometry in determining the physical working capacity of young athletes

The aim of this study is to scientifically substantiate the possibilities of complex use of cycle- and power-ergometry in determining aerobic and anaerobic-aerobic performance of power nature.
 Materials and methods. Young athletes (boys) aged 15–16 (n = 91) of the Brovary Higher School of Physical Education (Kyiv region) (experimental group), who participated in the study, were divided into two groups. Group А (n = 47) – speed-power sports (boxing, freestyle wrestling); group B (n = 44) – endurance sports (track and field athletics: 800, 1500, 3000 and 5000-meters race, bicycle racing 50 and 75 km). Sports experience was 3–5 years and more. The control group (group К) consisted of students aged 15–16, who did not play sports (n = 25). Physical working capacity was determined using two methods: submaximal cycle ergometric test PWC170 and submaximal power ergometric test PWC170. Method of power ergometry (patent of Ukraine No 49417) has no analogues in countries of near and far abroad.
 Results. The fact of the specific influence of different kinds of dosed physical exercises (strength and power exercises) on PWC170 indicators was established. Thus, no probable differences in aerobic performance indicators were found in wrestlers and boxers during the cycle ergometric test. And conversely, under the conditions of power ergometric testing, we find a significant increase in their PWC170 indicators in relation to athletes of endurance sports. The opposite character of changes was observed when testing the track and field athletes and bike riders. According to the results of the conducted cycle ergometry, these athletes had a significant increase in aerobic performance indicators in comparison with the athletes of speed-power sports. However, the changes of anaerobic-aerobic performance were not significant. It was observed that the adolescents, who did not play sports, had statistically insignificant changes in PWC170 indicators both in the conditions of cycle ergometric and power ergometric testing.
 Conclusions. The fact of specific influence of different types of training exercises on the body functions of adolescents was confirmed. The possibility of introducing the methods of complex use of aerobic (cycle ergometry) and anaerobic-aerobic loads (power-ergometry) into the practice of medico-biological control of young athletes is shown. Diagnostics of various types of physical working capacity (PWC170) will provide the coach with operational information about the functional state of the athletes’ body, which will allow to effectively manage a training process.

Energy transfer in reactive movements as a function of individual stretch load

Background: By directly recording electromyographic activity profiles and muscle-tendon interaction, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms why well-trained track and field athletes (experts) are able to outperform untrained individuals without former systematic experience in reactive jump training (novices). In particular, reactive power output and the elastic recoil properties of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) were of special interest. For this purpose, stiffness regulation on muscle and joint level, energy management in terms of storing or dissipating elastic energy were compared between experts and novices during various stretch loads.Methods: Experts were compared with novices during reactive drop jumps (DJs) from drop heights ranging between 25 and 61 cm. Delta kinetic energy (Ekin) was calculated as the difference between the Ekin at take-off and ground contact (GC) to determine energy management. By recording electromyography of the lower limb muscles, in vivo fascicle dynamics (gastrocnemius medialis) and by combining kinematics and kinetics in a 3D inverse dynamics approach to compute ankle and knee joint kinetics, this study aimed to compare reactive jump performance, the neuromuscular activity and muscle-tendon interaction between experts and novices among the tested stretch loads.Results: Experts demonstrated significantly higher power output during DJs. Among all drop heights experts realized higher delta Ekin compared to novices. Consequently, higher reactive jump performance shown for experts was characterized by shorter GC time (GCT), higher jump heights and higher neuromuscular activity before and during the GC phase compared to novices. Concomitantly, experts were able to realize highest leg stiffness and delta Ekin in the lowest stretch load; however, both groups compensated the highest stretch load by prolonged GCT and greater joint flexion. On muscle level, experts work quasi-isometrically in the highest stretch load, while in novices GM fascicles were forcefully stretched.Conclusion: Group-specific stiffness regulation and elastic recoil properties are primarily influenced by the neuromuscular system. Due to their higher neuromuscular activity prior and during the GC phase, experts demonstrate higher force generating capacity. A functionally stiffer myotendinous system through enhanced neuromuscular input enables the experts loading their elastic recoil system more efficiently, thus realizing higher reactive power output and allowing a higher amount of energy storage and return. This mechanism is regulated in a stretch load dependent manner.

Is There a Relative Age Effect among the Most Successful Track and Field Athletes?

The prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) was studied among medalists from the World Athletics Championships at U18, U20 and Senior age groups and from the Olympic Games from 2000 to 2022. The specific events examined were the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000/5000 m, the long jump, the triple jump, the high jump and the pole vault. Dates of birth from 1,858 outdoor track and field athletes were analysed and further divided into four groups according to the quartile of birth. The RAE was found to be widespread among athletes of both sexes in U18 and U20 age groups in all examined disciplines. There was no difference between the most successful U18 and U20 athletes (p = 0.52). Among senior athletes of both sexes, this effect was not detected and the number of "late-born" athletes in this age group was higher than athletes born in the first three quarters. The prevalence of the RAE across the four groups of events was found in U18 and U20 age groups. Additionally, within each age group, the difference among events was statistically significant. In most successful track and field athletes, the RAE is only significant in U18 and U20 age groups. In senior athletes, the number of "late-born" athletes is significant while RAE disappears. These data may be considered when assessing the athletic potential of an individual athlete.

Determinant biomechanical variables for each sprint phase performance in track and field: A systematic review

Sprint studies present several variables and methodologies for biomechanical analysis in different phases of running. The variability in the analysis of the sample and distance covered may impede the application of the results in track and field athletes. The objective of this systematic review was to characterize the determinant biomechanical variables analyzed in the literature in each sprint phase. Four electronic databases were used (MEDLINE, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and Scopus). Only biomechanical studies with track and field athletes were selected. After the identification, screening, and eligibility process, 109 studies were included for qualitative synthesis and analyzed by the risk of bias assessment. The studies were classified in different sprint phases, according to the sprint task described by the authors (sprint start = 27, acceleration = 32, constant speed = 8, deceleration = 4, and not specified = 38). Factors such as the center of mass position, contact time, force applied on the rear block, and athletes’ ability to generate high amounts of force in the shortest possible time influence the sprint start performance. The acceleration phase is characterized by step frequency and step length transition, propulsive force, and minimization of braking force. Consequently, directing the resulting force as vertically as possible in the braking phase and as horizontally as possible in the anterior direction during the propulsive phase is important during the constant speed phase. In the deceleration phase, the decrease in step frequency and the increase in contact time may influence speed maintenance and, consequently, the result.

Differences in Sports Injury Characteristics of Track and Field Athletes at the PASI Papua Athletics Invitational Towards PON XXI

Differences in Sports Injury Characteristics of Track and Field Athletes at the PASI Papua Athletics Invitational Towards PON XXI

Microcomputer-Based Assistive Device for Visually Impaired Athletes in Track and Field Events

The purpose of this research was to develop an innovative device as a replacement for a guide runner for visually impaired runners. The method used was Research and Development (RD) method with the ADDIE model. The samples of this research were selected through purposive sampling. The sample consisted of visually impaired athletes participating in national sprinting events. The population of this research consisted of three individuals. Data collection techniques involved interviews with athletes and coaches and speed measurements before and after using the microcomputer-based device. The results of the implementation of this activity showed that, by using the microcomputer-based device, athletes could adapt more quickly compared to adapt with a guide runner. The running speed of athletes using the microcomputer-based device indicates faster times compared to running with a guide runner. As a result, the microcomputer-based device can assist visually impaired athletes in running independently without a guide runner.