Track Athletes Research Articles

Perfectionism and performance in sport: Exploring non-linear relationships with track and field athletes

The relationship between perfectionism – perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns – and athletic performance is contested and inconsistent. The present study explored the possibility that one explanation for this inconsistency is the assumption that the relationship is linear. In two samples, we tested alternative non-linear relationships between perfectionism and real-world competitive athletic performance. Sample one comprised 165 Swedish track and field athletes (57 % competing in female category, 42 % in male category; Mage = 16.93 years) and sample two comprised 157 British track and field athletes (55 % competing in female category, 43 % in male category; Mage = 18.42 years). Testing for linear and non-linear relationships, we found a quadratic effect whereby higher perfectionistic strivings had both positive increasing (i.e., U-shape; sample 1) and positive decreasing (i.e., inverted U-shape; sample 2) relationships with performance. We conclude that there may be circumstances when perfectionistic strivings contribute to better and worse sport performance, and that this relationship can be curvilinear.

Analysis of Power Output During the Countermovement and Split-Squat Jump Across Loads and High-Volume Repetitions in Elite Athletes

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the rate of peak power (PP) loss during the countermovement jump (CMJ) and split-squat jump (SSJ) across various loads within a set of high repetitions. Eleven collegiate track and field athletes who had several years of resistance training experience and were trained in the two types of jumps completed the study. The participants completed a familiarization session and 2 data collection sessions. The CMJ and SSJ were completed in random order during session 1 and 2 separated by a minimum of 72 hours. Three loads using dumbbells took place in random order with each session including body weight only (BW0), body weight plus 15% (BW15) and body weight plus 30% BW(30) for the SSJ and BW(0), BW(25), and BW(50) for the CMJ. PP was determined using the PUSH 2.0 3D accelerometer worn at the waist, which was connected to an ipad app using Bluetooth. The participants completed 14 repetitions each set with 8 min rest between sets. Repetition 3 demonstrated the highest mean PP (PPmax) within the set. No significant decrease in PP was observed until repetition 6 (3.6% below PPmax) during the SSJ and repetition 8 (5.2% below PPmax) during the CMJ. These data indicate that 5 or less repetitions should be completed during the CMJ and 7 or less for the SSJ when training for PP. Using 10% reduction in PP as an effective level to train for power endurance, we recommend completing a minimum of 12 repetitions during the CMJ and a minimum of 10 repetitions for the SSJ.

Retracted: Content System of Physical Fitness Training for Track and Field Athletes and Evaluation Criteria of Some Indicators Based on Artificial Neural Network

Retracted: Content System of Physical Fitness Training for Track and Field Athletes and Evaluation Criteria of Some Indicators Based on Artificial Neural Network

The Development of Track and Field Learning Management Model for High-Performance Athletics in Guangzhou

Background and Aim: In the construction of a sports powerhouse, the government has paid more and more attention to the training of track and field athletics, and learning management is one of the important components of the management of track and field athletics. The deviation of cultural achievements of Universities Track and Field Athletes exposes the inadequacy of the learning management model, optimizing the learning management model is an effective measure to improve the comprehensive quality of track and field athletics. This study was to construct a model of learning management of Universities Track and Field Athletes in Guangzhou. Materials and Methods: This study employs the methods of in-depth interviews, questionnaire surveys, the Delphi method, and mathematical statistics. Based on the POLC theory, this article analyzes the current situation of learning management modes for college track and field athletes in terms of enrollment management, program management, major management, learning process management, assessment and ranking management, and graduation management. To this end, the article summarizes the influencing factors through expert evaluations and constructs a new learning management mode. l. Results: after analysis was found as follows： (1) Planning: implement strict enrollment management, and improve the cultural foundation of track and field athletes from the source. (2) Organization is the main structure for learning and management of college track and field athletes in Guangzhou including five parts: government, schools, academic teachers, coaches, and high-level athletes themselves. (3) Leading has established a governance system that promotes multi-party co-governance, mutual benefit, and mutual promotion establishes a unified national enrollment deadline, and postpones professional exams. And (4) Controlling reforms should be implemented in various aspects such as the recruitment of high-level athletes, professional settings, and training time for track and field athletes. The training time for athletes should not exceed 4 hours per day, ensuring that they have sufficient time for academic studies. Academic performance should be linked to training and qualification for competitions. Conclusion: On the whole, the learning management model of university track and field athletes in Guangzhou presents the characteristics of "wide entry and wide exit", which reduces the admission requirements for cultural achievements to recruit athletes, exchange credits through sports training and competition results, implements incentive measures, and reduces course assessment requirements, etc. Ensuring that they complete cultural studies and can complete the required credits to meet graduation requirements, this "leisure" policy results in their academic level being lower than that of ordinary students.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF CONFIDENCE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE ON TRACK AND FIELD STUDENT-ATHLETES

Psychological performance is a crucial ingredient for athletes’ success in sport. In many research reviews, researchers have found that low level of self-confidence can have deteriorating effect on athletes’ performance. However, to date there has been very limited research to examine self confidence level and psychological performance according to the levels of skills, especially on track and field athletes. The main aim of the study was to compare and correlate the self-confidence and psychological performance level among track and field athletes who represent national, state, district and university level during Sport between Universities event. Data was collected from 77 student-athletes, using Self Confidence and Psychological Performance Inventory (PPI). The results showed that national level athletes obtained the highest score on self-confidence, F (3, 77) = 15.212, and psychological sport performance F (3, 77) = 13.442. Positive correlation (r=0.007) existed between self-confidence and psychological performance. Based on the current results, it is recommended that sport psychologists, sport counsellors and coaches in Malaysia use the findings to design appropriate training programs to help athletes acquire higher level of self-confidence to enhance athletes’ psychological performance in sports.

Sex differences regarding the effects of arm swing on ground reaction force and trunk movements between track and field athletes

The purpose of this study was to clarify the sex difference in the effects of arm swing movements of track and field athletes on ground reaction force and trunk movement. Seven male and nine female athletes belonging to a university track and field team were asked to perform arm swings for 10 seconds each under three different conditions (longitudinal, lateral, and original) while in the standing position. Three-dimensional coordinate data for each experimental trial was collected using an automatic optical motion analyser, and ground reaction forces were measured using a force plate. Under the longitudinal condition, the mean acceleration force was greater for males than for females (p < .05), and the operating range of trunk twist angle was significantly greater for females than for males (p < .05). However, under the original condition, there were no significant differences between the sexes in mean acceleration force, but there were significant differences in maximum twist angle and minimum and maximum shoulder abduction angles (p < .05). These results indicate that there are sex differences in trunk movement and ground reaction force depending on the direction of arm swing.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TRAINING PROCESS OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED ATHLETES IN ATHLETICS UNDER QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS

to find new approaches to the organization of the training process of highly qualified track and field athletes, to develop new forms, methods of training in various types of track and field.The purpose of this study: to determine the peculiarities of the organization of the training process of highly qualified track and field athletes, which will allow to maintain or increase the level of physical fitness of highly qualified track and field athletes, specializing in speed and strength types of track and field, in the conditions of the СОVID–19 pandemic.Methodology. To achieve the goal, a number of theoretical methods were used, namely: generalization and systematization of scientific sources to substantiate the relevance of the research problem; content analysis of Internet sources to study the practical state of development of the problem; pedagogical experiment, testing.The scientific novelty consists in providing recommendations regarding the organization of the training process of highly qualified track and field athletes in the conditions of the COVID–19 pandemic based on the approved methodical recommendations of the FAU and the recommendations of leading coaches who work with highly qualified track and field athletes.Conclusions: the obtained above-mentioned increase in the competitive result is a fairly significant indicator of the improvement of the results and indicates that the developed method of organizing the training process of highly qualified track and field athletes helped the experimental group to maintain the level of preparedness in quarantine conditions and to show decent results in the future.

The relationship of testosterone levels with sprint performance in young professional track and field athletes

Evidence suggests that higher testosterone levels may provide an athletic advantage. Therefore, it is of practical interest to examine the association between testosterone levels and power- and strength-related traits in young professional track and field athletes, and to consider the factors that determine testosterone levels. The study involved 68 young professional athletes (45 females, 17.3 ± 2.6 years; 23 males, 18.2 ± 1.9 years). Testosterone levels were assessed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. All subjects performed two 20 m and two 30 m sprint trials, and countermovement jump without arm-swing. A bioimpedance analysis of body composition was carried out and biological maturity was examined using the Khamis-Roche method. The average testosterone levels were 26.4 ± 9.6 nmol/l and 1.5 ± 0.7 nmol/l in males and females, respectively. In female athletes, testosterone levels did not correlate with any of traits. Males with the highest testosterone levels were significantly faster in the 20 m (p = 0.033) and 30 m (p = 0.014) sprint trials compared to males with lower testosterone levels. Testosterone levels in males were positively associated with fat mass (p = 0.027), and degree of biological maturation (p = 0.003). In conclusion, we found a positive relationship between testosterone levels and sprint performance in young male athletes.

Body Mass Index Is Associated With Bone Mineral Density In Pubescent Track And Field Athletes

Body Mass Index Is Associated With Bone Mineral Density In Pubescent Track And Field Athletes

The Influence Of Event Designation On Bone Health In Division I Track And Field Athletes

The Influence Of Event Designation On Bone Health In Division I Track And Field Athletes

Sex Differences In Performance Of Elite Youth Track And Field Athletes

Sex Differences In Performance Of Elite Youth Track And Field Athletes

Cross-validation Of Session Ratings Of Perceived Exertion For Different Intensity Strength Training Among Chinese Adolescent Track And Field Athletes

Cross-validation Of Session Ratings Of Perceived Exertion For Different Intensity Strength Training Among Chinese Adolescent Track And Field Athletes

Comparative analysis of motor functional asymmetry indicators in athletes of cyclic sports, martial arts, and esports

Background and Study Aim. Understanding and assessing functional asymmetry among athletes is pivotal, as it has the potential to reveal hidden strengths and weaknesses that can profoundly influence competitive performance. Study Aim: to perform a comparative analysis of functional asymmetry indicators among athletes in cyclic sports (short track), martial arts (karate, taekwondo), and esports (CS:GO). Material and Methods. The study involved athletes of martial arts (n=10, age 18.9±0.12, experienced athletes), elite players of semi-professional CS:GO teams (n=10, age 19.2±0.50), and short track athletes (n=10, age 19±0.09, experienced athletes). The functional asymmetry was determined using a specialized program for iOS tablets. Results. Esports athletes a higher number of taps during the test within a given unit of time. They also exhibit shorter reaction times and have briefer tap durations using both their right and left hands, in comparison to athletes specializing in other disciplines. Across all three specializations, athletes display minimal disparities between their right and left hands regarding tap count, reaction time, and tap duration at each of the six test stages. The variance in tap count ranges from 0 to 1.40 times, while reaction time differs by 0 to 2.33 milliseconds, and tap duration varies between 1.53 to 8.69 milliseconds. Conclusions. The exploration of motor functional asymmetry holds significant importance in analyzing the motor skills and perceptual-motor capabilities of athletes across diverse sports and proficiency levels. A comparison of functional asymmetry metrics among athletes from three distinct specializations affirmed the similarity in outcomes across all measures. This suggests that elite athletes possess a heightened level of movement coordination and symmetry in their execution between their right and left hands. The advanced level of sports training contributes to the balanced enhancement of intermuscular coordination, further positively impacting visual-motor reaction times.

A Novel Inexpensive Camera-Based Photoelectric Barrier System for Accurate Flying Sprint Time Measurement.

This paper introduces a novel approach to addressing the challenge of accurately timing short distance runs, a critical aspect in the assessment of athletic performance. Electronic photoelectric barriers, although recognized for their dependability and accuracy, have remained largely inaccessible to non-professional athletes and smaller sport clubs due to their high costs. A comprehensive review of existing timing systems reveals that claimed accuracies beyond 30 ms lack experimental validation across most available systems. To bridge this gap, a mobile, camera-based timing system is proposed, capitalizing on consumer-grade electronics and smartphones to provide an affordable and easily accessible alternative. By leveraging readily available hardware components, the construction of the proposed system is detailed, ensuring its cost-effectiveness and simplicity. Experiments involving track and field athletes demonstrate the proficiency of the proposed system in accurately timing short distance sprints. Comparative assessments against a professional photoelectric cells timing system reveal a remarkable accuracy of 62 ms, firmly establishing the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed system. This finding places the camera-based approach on par with existing commercial systems, thereby offering non-professional athletes and smaller sport clubs an affordable means to achieve accurate timing. In an effort to foster further research and development, open access to the device's schematics and software is provided. This accessibility encourages collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of enhanced performance assessment tools for athletes.

The influence of anthropometric parameters in track and field curve sprint.

Poor information is available regarding real field data on the different factors that could have an influence on curve sprint and its association with anthropometric and strength parameters. We designed a crossover pilot-study that enrolled 14 track and field athletes of 200 and 400 m (8/14 men, age: 20.5±2.3 years, height: 1.73±0.06 m; body mass: 60.5±6.2 kg) that performed randomly in two different days assessment of anthropometric parameters, jump test by squat jump (SJ) and triple hop distance (THD), performance during a 20-m curve sprint (day 1), and assessment of 1RM for right and left limb on Bulgarian split squat (BSS) (day 2). The unpaired t test and Pearson's correlation were used for data analysis. No statistical differences for anthropometric and strength parametric parameters between right and left lower limbs were observed. Twenty-meter curve sprints were negatively associated with body mass (P=0.0059, R=-0.7) and Body Mass Index (BMI; P=0.032, R=0.6). Moreover, a negative association was observed with SJ height (P=0.0025, R=-0.7), speed (P=0.0028; R=-0.7), strength (P=0.009, R=-0.7) and power (P=0.009, R=-0.7). Finally, 20-m curve sprint negatively correlated with right (P=0.0021, R=-0.7) and left (P<0.0001, R=-0.9) THD and 1 RM right (P=0.025, R=-0.6;) and left (P=0.0049, R=-0.7) BSS, respectively. This pilot study demonstrated that 20-m curve sprint was negatively associated with body mass, BMI, vertical jump performance, THD and 1RM BSS. This information could be useful to coaches and sport scientists as a reference value to improve athlete performance for 200- and 400-m athletes.

The Genetic Basis of Decathlon Performance: An Exploratory Study.

Remmel, L, Ben-Zaken, S, Meckel, Y, Nemet, D, Eliakim, A, and Jürimäe, J. The genetic basis of decathlon performance: an exploratory study. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1660-1666, 2023-Decathlon is a combined track and field competition consisting of 10 different events, most of which are anaerobic-type events. Therefore, it is assumed that an anaerobic genetic predisposition might be prevalent among decathletes. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, the genetic basis of decathlon performance had not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence genetic polymorphisms associated with power performance (AGT, rs699, Met235Thr T/C), speed (ACTN3, rs1815739 C1747T), aerobic endurance (PPARD, rs2016520 T294C), and lactate clearance (MCT1, rs1049434 A1470T) among decathletes. One hundred thirty-seven male track and field athletes (51 sprinters and jumpers, 59 long distance runners, and 27 decathletes) participated in the study. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells. Genotypes were determined using the Taqman allelic discrimination assay. Decathletes had a higher prevalence of the ACTN3 RR genotype, which is associated with speed ability, and a lower prevalence of the PPARD CC genotype, which is associated with endurance performance compared with long-distance runners. Decathletes had a higher prevalence of the AGT CC genotype associated with strength performance and a higher prevalence of the MCT1 TT genotype, which is associated with improved lactate transport compared with both sprinters and jumpers and long-distance runners. The results suggest that a favorable genetic polymorphism for strength-related capability might be advantageous for decathletes, whereas a genetic makeup favoring aerobic performance is not necessary.

Epidemiology of Injury Complaints in Elite Sprinting Athletes in Athletics (Track and Field)

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of injury complaints related to the athletics activity in elite athletics (track and field) athletes practicing disciplines with sprints (i.e., sprints, hurdles, combined events, long jump, and triple jump). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on elite sprinting athletes licensed with the French Federation of Athletics with retrospective data collection of injury complaints related to the athletics activity that occurred during their lifetime athletics activity, allowing the reporting of the injury complaints during the one-year period before the survey and at the time of the survey, using a self-reported online survey system. We calculated the (i) lifetime, (ii) 1 year, and (iii) point (at the time of the survey) prevalence proportion, and we descriptively analyzed the injury complaint characteristics. Results: A total of 302 injury complaints related to the athletics activity were reported by 64 athletes of the 68 included athletes. The lifetime prevalence proportion was 95.6% (95% CI: 90.7 to 100.5%). The 1-year prevalence proportion was 61.8% (95% CI: 50.2 to 73.3%). The point prevalence proportion (at the time of the survey) was 16.2% (95% CI: 7.4 to 24.9%). Almost all injury complaints were located in the lower limb (92.7%) and especially involved the hamstrings (33.4%); the main type involved was the muscle (49.0%), and injury complaints mainly occurred during training and with a sudden mode of onset. The most frequent diagnosis was hamstring muscle injury (31.1%). Conclusions: This study provides new insights specifically in elite sprinting athletes, confirming the injury risk in this population and that the main injury diagnosis was the hamstring muscle injury. Efforts should thus continue to monitor injuries in this population and to develop athletics- and sprinting-specific injury risk reduction strategies.

The Impact of Sport-discipline and Sex on Physical Fitness and Bone Markers in Athletes.

This study was performed to determine the impact of sex and sport-discipline on physical fitness and bone markers in young sub-elite track and field athletes. One hundred and forty-four track and field sub-elite athletes (78 males aged 17.8±1.6 years; 66 females aged 17.2±1.9 years) volunteered to participate in this study and were categorized according to their disciplines in endurance (EG: n=67) or power athletes (PG: n=77). A significant main effect of sex was observed for C-telopeptide type I collagen (CTx) (F=11.37; p<0.001; η2=0.10, moderate), for osteocalcin (OC) (F=8.58; p<0.004; η2=0.09, moderate) and for N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PINP) (F=7.96; p<0.05; η2=0.07, moderate). The average CTx, OC and P1NP levels were significantly higher in males compared with females (0.05<p<0.001; η2= 0.07 to 0.10, moderate). In addition, a significant main effect of sport-discipline was observed only for P1NP values (F=10.16; p<0.002; η2=0.09, moderate) with EG showing higher levels than PG. For jumping and sprinting tests, the PG performed better than the EG. For the endurance test, EG had better performance than PG. Endurance and power exercise practices can increase bone formation markers (P1NP, OC), but only anaerobic training (PG group) appears to positively impact on male track and field athletes.

Speed Matters in Nordic Hamstring Exercise: Higher Peak Knee Flexor Force during Fast Stretch-Shortening Variant Compared to Standard Slow Eccentric Execution in Elite Athletes.

Hamstring strain injuries are prevalent in many sports. Research has demonstrated that the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE), a knee-dominant exercise addressing the posterior chain muscles, can aid in reducing the risk of hamstring injuries in athletes. However, most research on hamstring injury prevention has focused on performing the eccentric version of the NHE (NHEECC). In contrast, in sports, it is quite frequent for athletes to use an eccentric-concentric version of the NHE. Additionally, eccentric NHE is typically performed using a slow, controlled tempo. The effect of a fast stretch-shortening cycle NHE (NHESSC) compared to standard slow NHEECC on peak knee flexor force has not been investigated. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate fast NHESSC vs. standard slow NHEECC. Our hypothesis posited that peak knee flexor force would be greater for fast NHESSC compared with standard slow NHEECC. The study involved 22 elite athletes (actively competing in both national and international events) consisting of female (n = 10) and male (n = 7) track and field athletes and male football players (n = 5), aged 17-31 years. The participants performed maximum trials of slow NHEECC and fast NHESSC repetitions in which measurement of bilateral peak knee flexor force was conducted at the ankle with the use of a load cell. During the NHEs, a linear encoder was used to measure both the position where the peak knee flexor force was recorded and the average eccentric velocity. SSC contributed to an enhanced NHE performance, where bilateral absolute peak knee flexor force was 13% higher for fast NHESSC vs. standard slow NHEECC (822 vs. 726 N, p < 0.01, ES = 0.54). Participants achieved a 32% greater forward distance at the breakpoint stage during NHEECC compared to the coupling phase for NHESSC (54 vs. 41 cm, p < 0.001, ES = 1.37). Eccentric average velocity was more than three times higher for NHESSC compared with NHEECC (0.38 vs. 0.12 m/s, p < 0.001, ES = 3.25). The key findings of this study were that SSC contributed to an enhanced NHE performance, where absolute peak knee flexor force was 13% greater for fast NHESSC compared to standard slow NHEECC. The fast NHESSC could therefore be an interesting alternative to the standard slow NHEECC execution, as it may offer potential advantages for sprint performance, as well as hamstring injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Performance Development Span and Psychological Experience by Stages of Track and Field Athletes

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to section the stages of performance development based on the track and field athletes' performance records, derive the performance development span, which was a continuum of the development stages, and extract the psychological experience of the performance development span.METHODS In this study, 56 retired track and field athletes were provided with competition records, and 10 athletes participated in in-depth interviews. With the stage of performance development partitioned using long and short-term moving averages and regression slope in PRR, a continuous of performance development span was derived. To extract psychological experiences in the performance development span, a subject analysis was conducted after an in-depth interview.RESULTS First, the track and field athletes' performance development stage calculated short and long-term moving averages in the PRR. Based on the average difference in the regression slope of the initial 20% CPR in which the long-term moving average was not calculated, it was divided into beginning, rising, peak, and decline periods. Second, the performance development span was a continuum of the stage was of performance development, and the beginning period was 0 &lt; PRR ≤ 7, it was a time when the competition record rises sharply. The rising period was 7 &lt; PRR ≤ 60, which was a virtuous cycle time of growth athlete. The peak period was 60 &lt; PRR ≤ 74, which was a time when the peak record was maintained. The decline period was 74 &lt; PRR ≤ 100, which was a time when the competition record was downward. Third, throughout the performance development span physical intelligence of track and field athletes was based on their natural physical superiority, the technical skills rises and remains at its peak and then enters a downward trend. Competitional Intelligence aims to become personalization as it matures gradually while its competition management capability and game knowledge are immature. Psychological intelligence overcomes the initial psychological atrophy to form confidence, and after experiencing psychological burden at the peak, confidence decreases. In the environmental context, the competition record rises in the early stages, continues to rise, peaks, and enters a downward trend.CONCLUSIONS Track and field athletes' performance development span was implemented as a continuum of beginning, rising, peak, and decline periods, and the psychological experience of the performance development span formed a span of physical intelligence, competitional intelligence, psychological intelligence, and environmental context.