Training Camp Research Articles

Establishing a Reference Database for Select Clinical Measures in National Basketball Association Players.

Musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent in the NBA and are associated with a significant number of games missed. There is a lack of reference data for clinical measures in NBA players, making it difficult for sports medicine professionals to set goals and develop programs. Values for clinical measures in NBA players will differ from those of the general population but will not differ between dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) limbs. Descriptive laboratory study. Level 3. Clinical measures were taken on 325 players invited to NBA training camp (2008-2022). Measures included range of motion for great toe extension, hip rotation, weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion, flexibility, arch height (AH) indices, and tibial varum. Clinical values for NBA players differ from reference norms of the general population. Results for NBA players include great toe extension (D, 40.4°; ND, 39.3°), 90/90 hamstring (D, 41.5°; ND, 40.9°), hip internal rotation (D, 29.0°; ND, 28.8°), hip external rotation (D, 29.7°; ND, 30.9°), total hip rotation (D, 60.2°; ND, 60.4°), Ely (D, 109.9°; ND, 108.8°), AH difference (D, 0.5 mm; ND, 0.5 mm), AH index (D, 0.310; ND, 0.307), arch stiffness (D, 0.024; ND, 0.024), arch rigidity (D, 0.924; ND, 0.925), tibial varum (D, 4.6°; ND, 4.5°), and weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion (D, 35.4°; ND, 35.6°). Descriptive statistics are presented; 2-tailed paired t tests show that, whereas most measures demonstrated differences between sides, the results were not statistically significant. Clinical measures of NBA players differ from those reported for the general population and athletes of other sports although there were no statistically significant differences between D and ND limbs. Establishing a reference database may help clinicians develop more sensitive and more effective preseason and return-to-play screening processes, aiding the management of player orthopaedic care and reducing injury risk.

The Temporal Effects of Altitude and Low Energy Availability Manipulation on Resting Metabolic Rate in Female Race Walkers.

To investigate the temporal effects of ~1,800 m altitude exposure and energy availability (EA) manipulation on resting metabolic rate (RMR). Twenty elite female race walkers underwent a 3-week training camp at an altitude of ~1,800 m. During the first two weeks, athletes consumed a high EA (HEA) diet of 45 kcal·kg fat free mass (FFM) -1 ·day -1 . During the final week, half the athletes consumed a low EA (LEA) diet of 15 kcal·kg FFM -1 ·day -1 while the others continued on a HEA diet. Athletes followed individualized training plans throughout the study. To assess the effect of altitude on RMR, athletes in the HEA group had RMR measured at baseline (~580 m) prior to altitude exposure (Pre-alt), at 36-hours (36 h-alt), 2 weeks (Wk2-alt) and 3 weeks into altitude exposure (Wk3-alt), and at 36 hours post-altitude exposure at ~580 m (36 h-post). To assess the effect of LEA exposure on RMR while at altitude, athletes in the LEA group underwent RMR measurements at Pre-alt and before (Wk2-alt) and after the 7-days of LEA (Wk3-alt). Compared to Pre-alt, the RMR of HEA athletes was increased at 36 h-alt (+5.3 ± 3.1%; p = 0.026) and Wk2-alt (+4.9 ± 4.9%; p = 0.049), but was no longer elevated at Wk3-alt (+1.7 ± 4.2%; p = 0.850). The RMR of HEA athletes at 36 h-post was lower than all timepoints at altitude (p < 0.05) but was not different from Pre-alt (-3.9 ± 7.2%; p = 0.124). The 7-day period of LEA exposure at altitude did not affect RMR (p = 0.347). RMR was transiently increased with ~1,800 m altitude exposure in female athletes and was unaffected by short-term LEA. However, the altitude-induced increase was small (~25-75 kcal/day) and was unlikely to have clinically significant implications for daily energy requirements.

Heat Suit Training Preserves the Increased Hemoglobin Mass Following Altitude Camp in Elite Cyclists.

Altitude training is a common strategy used with the intent to increase hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) in athletes. However, if the Hbmass is increased during altitude camps it seems to decline rapidly upon returning to sea level. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of three weekly heat training sessions over a 3.5-week period following a 3-week altitude camp, on the maintenance of Hbmass in elite cyclists. Eighteen male cyclists (maximal oxygen consumption: 76 ± 5 mL·min-1·kg-1) underwent a 3-week altitude training camp at ~2100 m above sea level. After the camp, participants were divided into one group performing three weekly heat sessions that was subtracted from their usual training (HEAT) while the other continuing usual training (CON). Training characteristics were recorded during the intervention, while hematological measurements were recorded before the camp as well as two days and 3.5-weeks after the altitude camp. The 3-week altitude camp led to an overall increase in total Hbmass of 4.1%. Afterwards, HEAT maintained Hbmass (0.2%, p = 0.738), while CON group experienced a significant reduction (-3.3%, p < 0.001) (ΔHEAT vs. ΔCON, p < 0.001). Moreover, HEAT increased plasma volume (PV) by 11.6% (p = 0.007) and blood volume (BV) by 5.8% (p = 0.007), whereas CON only showed an increase in PV (5.5%, p = 0.041). Exercise intensity and training load were not different between groups during the maintenance period. This study suggests that incorporating three weekly heat training sessions into the usual training routine preserves a moderately increased Hbmass in elite cyclists following an altitude camp.

Restoration of the upper limbs of athletes in the Caucasian Mineral Waters resort using the combined application of electro- and peloidotherapy to the cervical– collar area

Objective. Of the work was to develop a method for restoring the upper limbs of athletes in the Caucasian Mineral Waters resort based on the combined use of electro- and peloid therapy on the cervical-collar area. Material and methods.Was carried out among highly qualified athletes during their stay at training camps in Kislovodsk. 30 athletes took part in the study (23 athletes — the main group and 7 athletes (CG). Before and after the application of the technique, the athletes were examined: the initial level and dynamics of the functional state of the upper extremities (according to electroneuromyography (ENMG) and rheography), as well as hemodynamics of cerebral vessels (according to rheoencephalography). The results of the study showed that a single and course application of electro- and peloid therapy procedures on the cervical-collar area contributes to a significant relaxing effect on the upper limbs of athletes. As a result, a decrease in neuromuscular activity and normalization of excessively increased blood flow, improvement of venous outflow. Conclusion. A method for restoring the upper extremities of athletes has been developed and scientifically substantiated, which is recommended for use especially for relaxation after a training day and during the transition (recovery) period of the training process in sanatorium-resort conditions.

Combined intermittent hypoxic exposure at rest and continuous hypoxic training can maintain elevated hemoglobin mass after a hypoxic camp.

Athletes use hypoxic living and training to increase hemoglobin mass (Hbmass), but Hbmass declines rapidly upon return to sea level. We investigated whether intermittent hypoxic exposure (IHE) + continuous hypoxic training (CHT) after return to sea level maintained elevated Hbmass, and if changes in Hbmass were transferred to changes in maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and exercise performance. Hbmass was measured in 58 endurance athletes before (PRE), after (POST1), and 30 days after (POST2) a 27 ± 4-day training camp in hypoxia (n = 44, HYP) or at sea level (n = 14, SL). After returning to sea level, 22 athletes included IHE (2 h rest) + CHT (1 h training) in their training every third day for 1 mo (HYPIHE + CHT), whereas the other 22 HYP athletes were not exposed to IHE or CHT (HYPSL). Hbmass increased from PRE to POST1 in both HYPIHE + CHT (4.4 ± 0.7%, means ± SE) and HYPSL (4.1 ± 0.6%) (both P < 0.001). Compared with PRE, Hbmass at POST2 remained 4.2 ± 0.8% higher in HYPIHE + CHT (P < 0.001) and 1.9 ± 0.5% higher in HYPSL (P = 0.023), indicating a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.002). In SL, no significant changes were observed in Hbmass with mean alterations between -0.5% and 0.4%. V̇o2max and time to exhaustion during an incremental treadmill test (n = 35) were elevated from PRE to POST2 only in HYPIHE + CHT (5.8 ± 1.2% and 5.4 ± 1.4%, respectively, both P < 0.001). IHE + CHT possesses the potential to mitigate the typical decline in Hbmass commonly observed during the initial weeks after return to sea level.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sets of 2-h intermittent hypoxic exposure + 1-h continuous hypoxic training, every third day, possess the potential to mitigate the typical decline in Hbmass that is commonly observed during the initial weeks after return to sea level from an altitude camp. Inclusion of IHE + CHT in the training regimen was also accompanied by improvements in V̇o2max and exercise performance in most but not all Tier 3-Tier 5 level endurance athletes during the training season.

Libya – South Africa: Training Camp Arrests

Libya – South Africa: Training Camp Arrests

Peningkatan Literasi Digital Generasi Z di Era Society 5.0 Melalui Pelatihan Patitech Academy Genz Techno Camp

Generation Z is a generation born in 1997-2012. This generation grew up and developed in the digital era, so they are very familiar with technology. However, the digital literacy of generation Z still needs to be improved, especially in terms of technical and creative skills. On December 25-30, 2023, Patitech Academy held a Genz Techno Camp training. This training was attended by 15 participants, consisting of 7 college students, 6 high school/vocational school/Islamic high school students, and 2 junior high school students. The purpose of this activity is to improve the digital literacy of generation Z, especially in terms of technical and creative skills. This activity also aims to prevent generation Z from falling into negative things during the holidays. The training materials provided include: IoT (Internet of Things), Design graphics, Web programming, Content creator, Digital marketing. This training uses a participatory learning method. Training participants are invited to actively discuss and practice. This training is also supported by competent teaching staff in their fields. The results of the training showed that participants showed an increase in technical and creative skills. They can understand the basic concepts of IoT, graphic design, web programming, content creators, and digital marketing. Training participants can also apply these skills in creating digital products, such as applications, websites, graphic designs, and digital content. The Genz Techno Camp training activity has succeeded in increasing the digital literacy of generation Z. This activity can be an example for various parties to improve the digital literacy of generation Z in a sustainable manner.

Endurance training for judo athletes: Improving anaerobic and aerobic capacity in the high altitude

Background Problems: Judo is a sport that requires aerobic and anaerobic abilities. This is because the scoring in judo matches is different from other martial arts, where athletes will look for absolute 'ippon' points in one match. Therefore, training is needed that can support increasing aerobic and anaerobic capacity in judo athletes. Endurance training at high altitudes is a training method that is believed to have benefits for athletes' aerobic and aerobic capacity. Research Objectives: The study aims to examine the effect of endurance training on increasing the anaerobic and aerobic capacity of judo athletes based on the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), which is a specific test for the sport of judo that can describe anaerobic and aerobic fitness according to the needs of judo. Methods: This research was conducted in the Puncak area of West Java, which is included in the highlands. An experimental method was used in this research on twenty-four Indonesian elite judo athletes who are carrying out training camps to face the SEA Games in Vietnam in 2021. The t test using SPSS Version 24 was used for data analysis in this study. Findings and Results: The results showed that there was a significant increase in anaerobic and aerobic capacity at high altitudes in judo athletes, as seen from the SJFT. Conclusion: This study concluded that endurance training could increase the anaerobic and aerobic capacity of judo athletes in the highlands. Endurance training at high altitudes for judo athletes is highly recommended because it has been proven to have a significant effect on increasing anaerobic and aerobic capacity. We recommend that judo coaches carry out training at high altitudes because it has been proven to improve the aerobic and anaerobic abilities of judo athletes.

Contribution of Physical Characteristics to Game Performance in Male Wheelchair Basketball Athletes at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Snyder, L, Goods, PSR, Peeling, P, Balloch, A, Peiffer, JJ, Binnie, MJ, and Scott, BR. Contribution of physical characteristics to game performance in male wheelchair basketball athletes at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This investigation explored the physical characteristics of elite male wheelchair basketball (WCB) athletes and their association with game performance during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Sixteen male athletes from the Australian national WCB squad were assessed for anthropometrics, speed, change of direction, aerobic power, and upper-body power during a training camp before the 2020 Paralympic Games. Athletes were grouped according to the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation disability classification system (1.0-4.5) as low- (≤2.5, more severe impairments) or high-point (≥3.0, less severe impairments) athletes. Physical and performance characteristics between groups were compared using independent-samples t-tests, and their relationship to game statistics (points, rebounds, assists, and steals) per minute played was explored through stepwise regression. High-point athletes were 13% taller (p = 0.001), 4-9% faster (p < 0.001-0.017), and demonstrated superior change of direction ability (15%, p < 0.001) compared with low-point athletes. Approximately 74% of the variance in points scored per minute was accounted for by athlete classification, whereas the most important modifiable physical characteristic was speed, which contributed significantly to steals (54% of variance) and assists (96% of variance when arm span and sitting reach height were also considered). Low-point athletes with spinal cord injuries generally have impaired trunk control, which is a likely explanation for performance differences between groups. A range of nonmodifiable (classification, sitting reach height, and arm span) and modifiable (speed) physical characteristics contribute to game performance outcomes and should therefore be considered when identifying, developing, and selecting WCB athletes for elite competition.

Develop a Model of Perfectionism for Abnormal Personality Traits

Introduction: Perfectionism is a psychological issue that psychologists have studied extensively. Research shows that perfectionism can either enhance or hinder performance. Aim: The purpose of this research was to develop a model of perfectionism for abnormal personality traits. Method: This study utilized a mixed exploratory approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative phase involved 20 university experts knowledgeable about perfectionism in sports, with the sample size reaching theoretical saturation. The quantitative phase included 232 players from the national team's training camps, selected through convenience sampling. Using the onion research method, a model of perfectionism for abnormal personality traits in national team players was developed based on interviews and expert input. A 10-component questionnaire was created from this model. Structural equation modeling and Smart PLS software were used to test relationships within the model. Results: The research yielded a model of perfectionism for abnormal personality traits in national team players, consisting of components such as negativity, expectations of others, coach criticism, self-control, individual standards, positivism, striving for excellence, fear of failure, and performance doubts. Conclusion: The results suggest that perfectionism significantly influences players' attitudes and behaviors, particularly in relation to abnormal personality traits.

Preventing Sports Injuries in Korean National Badminton Team Candidates: A Field Investigation of Exercise-Related Injuries, Focused on National Team Candidate Training Camps

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of sports injuries among badminton national team candidates during training camps and to identify appropriate measures for players to effectively manage and respond to such injuries in the future.METHODS The participants consisted of 123 individuals who took part in national team candidate training camps for badminton in 2022 and 2023. Record sheets were utilized to document the athletes' thoughts and opinions related to exercise injuries during the training period.RESULTS Badminton national team candidates experienced exercise-related injuries in various areas, including the ankles, thighs, knees, hips, shoulders, and back. Female players had a higher incidence of lower body injuries compared to their male counterparts. Through interviews with players about these injuries, individualized approaches involving appropriate rest and training adjustments were found to be necessary; additionally, educating the players about rehabilitation strategies for exercise injuries is essential.CONCLUSIONS When conducting recreational training activities, it is important to avoid fostering excessive competitive attitudes. Additionally, if potential risks are present within the exercise environment, it is crucial to assess and address these with the utmost caution.

Effect of Body Composition on Aerobic Capacity Level and Post-Workout Restitution during the Training Camp Preparing for the European Wrestling Cadet Men’s Championships

Background: The cognitive objective of the study was to determine the relationship between body composition and aerobic capacity levels at the beginning and end of the training camp and to demonstrate the relationship between body fat levels, free-fat mass levels, and total body water levels and the change in post-workout restitution during the training camp period in preparation for an international wrestling championship competition. Methods: Athletes of the Polish National Team in classical-style wrestling (n = 16) during a training camp before the European Cadet Men’s Championships. Aerobic capacity was analyzed using the Maximal Multistage 20 m Shuttle Run Test (Beep-Test). Post-workout restitution was calculated using the Klonowicz coefficient of restitution. Body composition was analyzed using the electrical bioimpedance method. Results: Significant associations were found between body composition and aerobic capacity and between body composition and post-workout restitution changes during the grouping period. Conclusions: It is necessary to regularly monitor the process of puberty, body composition, and co-occurring adaptive relationships during the period of direct preparation for championship competitions in wrestlers in the cadet age group.

Upper-Limb Muscle Fatigability in Para-Athletes Quantified as the Rate of Force Development in Rapid Contractions of Submaximal Amplitude.

This study aimed to compare neuromuscular fatigability of the elbow flexors and extensors between athletes with amputation (AMP) and athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) for maximum voluntary force (MVF) and rate of force development (RFD). We recruited 20 para-athletes among those participating at two training camps (2022) for Italian Paralympic veterans. Ten athletes with SCI (two with tetraplegia and eight with paraplegia) were compared to 10 athletes with amputation (above the knee, N = 3; below the knee, N = 6; forearm, N = 1). We quantified MVF, RFD at 50, 100, and 150 ms, and maximal RFD (RFDpeak) of elbow flexors and extensors before and after an incremental arm cranking to voluntary fatigue. We also measured the RFD scaling factor (RFD-SF), which is the linear relationship between peak force and peak RFD quantified in a series of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude. SCI showed lower levels of MVF and RFD in both muscle groups (all p values ≤ 0.045). Despite this, the decrease in MVF (Cohen's d = 0.425, p < 0.001) and RFDpeak (d = 0.424, p = 0.003) after the incremental test did not show any difference between pathological conditions. Overall, RFD at 50 ms showed the greatest decrease (d = 0.741, p < 0.001), RFD at 100 ms showed a small decrease (d = 0.382, p = 0.020), and RFD at 150 ms did not decrease (p = 0.272). The RFD-SF decreased more in SCI than AMP (p < 0.0001). Muscle fatigability impacted not only maximal force expressions but also the quickness of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude, particularly in SCI. This may affect various sports and daily living activities of wheelchair users. Early RFD (i.e., ≤50 ms) was notably affected by muscle fatigability.

Therapeutic Recreation Support Practice: Children Saving Dormitory Camps

Therapeutic recreation is a process that supports individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social limitations to increase their skills, knowledge, and behaviors through participation in recreational activities. This process provides opportunities to engage in recreational activities and is seen as a field that makes the lives of children facing difficulties and limitations meaningful. This research aims to examine the institutional structure of the Children's Saving Dormitory Camps (CSDC), which operated in Istanbul between 1933 and 1938, and to reveal the content of therapeutic recreation practices in organized nature camps. The document analysis technique, a qualitative research data collection method, was used in this study. The data in this study were obtained through text-based documents such as state archives, newspapers, and a comprehensive literature review. According to the research findings, the CSDC, established in 1933, aimed to help street children adapt to social life and become beneficial individuals for society. In this context, vocational and academic education, physical activities, and nature camps were organized for the children. The camps organized within the framework of CSDC included therapeutic recreation practices consisting of various physical activities such as swimming, hiking, and camping to support the rehabilitation process of street children. As a result, the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of street children is supported through camps, physical activities, and therapeutic recreation practices consisting of various games.

Examining the Effects of Altitude on Workload Demands in Professional Basketball Players during the Preseason Phase.

Basketball involves frequent high-intensity movements requiring optimal aerobic power. Altitude training can enhance physiological adaptations, but research examining its effects in basketball is limited. This study aimed to characterize the internal/external workload of professional basketball players during preseason and evaluate the effects of altitude and playing position. Twelve top-tier professional male basketball players (Liga Endesa, ACB; guards: n = 3, forwards: n = 5, and centers: n = 4) participated in a crossover study design composed of two training camps with nine sessions over 6 days under two different conditions: high altitude (2320 m) and sea level (10 m). Internal loads (heart rate, %HRMAX) and external loads (total distances covered across speed thresholds, accelerations/decelerations, impacts, and jumps) were quantified via wearable tracking and heart rate telemetry. Repeated-measures MANOVA tested the altitude x playing position effects. Altitude increased the total distance (+10%), lower-speed running distances (+10-39%), accelerations/decelerations (+25-30%), average heart rate (+6%), time in higher-intensity HR zones (+23-63%), and jumps (+13%) across all positions (p < 0.05). Positional differences existed, with guards accruing more high-speed running and centers exhibiting greater cardiovascular demands (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 6-day altitude block effectively overloads training, providing a stimulus to enhance fitness capacities when structured appropriately. Monitoring workloads and individualizing training by playing position are important when implementing altitude training, given the varied responses.

EFFECTS OF A SINGLE HEART RATE-CLAMPED CYCLING SESSION UNDER SYSTEMIC HYPOXIA ON RECOVERY OF PHYSICAL AND PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES FROM EXERCISE-INDUCED FATIGUE

AIMS We investigated whether a single heart-rate clamped cycling session under systemic hypoxia affects the recovery of physical and psycho-physiological responses from residual fatigue compared to normoxia. METHODS On separate occasions, twelve trained males had countermovement jump height, leg stiffness, and perceptual fatigue assessed daily during a 3-d acute training camp scenario. On days 1 and 3, participants cycled for 60 min at a constant heart rate (80% of ventilatory threshold). On day 2, fatigue was induced through a simulated team game circuit (STGC), followed by a 60-min heart rate clamped cycling bout in either normoxia, hypoxia (simulated altitude ∼3500 m), or no cycling. RESULTS Compared to baseline, jump height decreased at all timepoints following the STGC (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Leg stiffness and cycling power output only decreased immediately following the STGC, with a 48% further decrease in cycling power output in hypoxia compared to normoxia (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The well-being questionnaire showed that perceived fatigue, decreased sleep quality, and increased muscle soreness responses occurred on day 3 (p&amp;lt; 0.05). CONCLUSION In a pre-fatigued state, a single heart rate-clamped cycling session in hypoxia reduced mechanical output without affecting recovery of physical performance and perceptual measures from residual fatigue induced through team sport activity.

A Roadmap for Sustainable Community-Engaged Partnerships in Athletic Training and Using a Traveling Athletic Training Camp as an Implementation Strategy.

Improving access to athletic trainers and increasing diversity in the profession have been major goals of the Strategic Alliance, with a particular interest in the secondary school setting. Within many marginalized communities, individuals are often faced with a lack of resources, high rates of poverty, and limited access to health care. This social and economic climate often extends to inequitable athletic training services and patterns of disparate health. Widely used and recognized strategies to cultivate diversity and address health inequities include community-engaged partnerships; however, these approaches are not well implemented across the athletic training discipline. Successful community-engaged partnerships link communities and universities, and they are rooted in intentionality to address intermediate and long-term health equity outcomes. Athletic training professionals and scholars frequently encounter gaps in resources and process-oriented methods to participate in community-engaged efforts that could include a roadmap or pathway to follow. To bridge this gap, our aims were 2-fold: (1) to disseminate a roadmap for building sustainable community-engaged partnerships in athletic training with the intent of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice across athletic training education, research, and professional service and (2) to demonstrate how the roadmap can be implemented using a community-based athletic training education camp as an example. Implementation of the athletic training camp using the roadmap took place at secondary schools where community-engaged partnerships have been established throughout a geographic region known as the Alabama Black Belt, a region burdened with poor health outcomes, limited athletic trainer presence, and lower quality of life, exacerbated by racial and socioeconomic inequalities. Implementing this roadmap as a strategy to build sustainable community-engaged partnerships offers an innovative, interactive, and effective approach to addressing community needs by exposing secondary school students to the athletic training profession, advancing equitable athletic training research practices, and upholding and promoting the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in athletic training education.

DOES N-ACETYLCYSTEINE SUPPLEMENTATION DURING AN ALTITUDE TRAINING CAMP ENABLE TRAINING QUALITY AND SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES? A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Elite athletes regularly incorporate training at altitude into their programs to enhance performance. However, the additional stress of exposure to a hypoxic environment needs to be carefully managed by coaches and sport scientists. Supplementation with antioxidants, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may support the athlete’s immune system to cope with this stress. Preliminary evidence also suggests NAC may further promote haematological adaptations to hypoxia. Combined, the potential health and adaptive benefits of NAC warrant further investigation. Conducting ecologically valid and scientifically robust research in an elite sporting setting can be challenging due to small sample sizes, an inability to experimentally manipulate training, and the inherent complexity of the training environment. To account for these challenges, a comparative case study approach was used. METHODS Thirteen swimmers completed a three-week ‘Live-High, Train-High’ camp in Flagstaff, USA (elevation 2,100m). Beginning four days prior to the camp commencing, swimmers where randomly assigned in matched groups to consume NAC (1,200mg per day; n = 6) or a placebo supplement (n = 7) for 14 days. With each athlete defined as a case, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis was used to examine the configurational effects of attributes (i.e., antioxidant support, sufficient ferritin, maintained body mass) previously associated with successful altitude training camps on physiological and performance outcomes. RESULTS NAC was not a solely sufficient or necessary attribute for increased haemoglobin mass. Higher consistency in haemoglobin mass was observed with high training quality. NAC and high training quality contributed to performance improvements. CONCLUSION Swimmer responses were highly individual with successful physiological and performance outcomes achieved by some, irrespective of having attributes that can impair adaptation to altitude training. Subjective training quality provided important contextual information. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis is a novel approach in sports science to evaluate the interrelationship of attributes that can impact performance.

Christian Final Year College Student: Preparedness and Consciousness in Adopting Biblical Principles to Survive and Thrive in Exile During the One-Year NYSC Program

This research aims to investigate the level of awareness and readiness of final year Christian students in adopting a biblical-based exile lifestyle model. Two research questions and two hypotheses were proposed to guide this study. A descriptive survey research design was employed. The sampling technique used proportional multistage stratified random sampling method to obtain a sample size of 340 final year Christian students in State-owned colleges in Imo Province. The researcher-developed assessment scale titled "Christian Students' Awareness and Readiness Scale for Facing Life Challenges in Exile (CAPLCERS)" was utilized for data collection. This assessment scale comprises two clusters, A and B, with internal consistency reliabilities measured using Cronbach's Alpha of 0.78 and 0.82 respectively. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while z-test was employed to test hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The research findings indicate that the level of awareness among final year Christian students regarding life challenges in exile during the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program is significantly below the expected average. Meanwhile, their readiness level to adopt biblical models for survival and growth in exile is significantly above the expected average. Based on these findings, the research recommends several actions: college authorities need to equip final year students with awareness of potential life challenges they may face during the one-year NYSC program; campus Christian fellowships also need to help prepare their members with biblical models and principles that can assist Christians in surviving and thriving in exile situations; and Christian fellowships or organizations in NYSC training camps need to assist Christian Corps members in integrating and striving for welfare in their placement areas while learning to love and contribute to the growth of communities that may differ in beliefs and cultures.

Research on the Promotion Mechanism of Sports Participation in Children and Adolescents Based on Social Cognitive Theory

This study aims to explore the promotion mechanism of children and adolescents' sports participation, based on social cognitive theory. By analyzing the theoretical framework of social cognitive theory, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the internal mechanisms of children and adolescents' participation in sports, and provide theoretical support for promoting their physical and mental health development. The study adopted various research methods, including literature review, expert interviews, observation, and teaching experiments, to systematically analyze the elements and promotion mechanisms of children and adolescents' participation in sports. The research results show that social cognitive theory plays a crucial role in interpreting children and adolescents' sports participation behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional experiences. In terms of practice, research has proposed multiple strategies, including innovating the teaching mode of physical education for children and adolescents, integrating sports training camps with social cognitive theory, and designing intervention programs for children and adolescents in sports participation based on social cognitive theory. Future research directions include providing diverse role models, encouraging diverse ways of social participation, and establishing a positive sense of social identity to further promote the practice and development of sports participation among children and adolescents.