Trained Players Research Articles

Systematic training of table tennis players' physical performance based on artificial intelligence technology and data fusion of sensing devices

This research emphasises the value of physical training for table tennis players, particularly as ball speed and spin rate decline and emphasises how important intensity quality is to the game. Chinese table tennis players' dual identities place greater demands on the general growth of their learning and training as a crucial component of talent development preparation. Athletes' general quality, competitive level, and ability to avoid sports injuries are all improved by scientific and focused physical training. In order to achieve the functions of intelligent camera, multi-angle broadcasting, and 3D scene reproduction, this study combines the physical training model of artificial intelligence. This gives the audience a more engaging and in-depth viewing experience. More feature extraction of the match footage is made possible by deep learning and convolutional neural networks when combined with large-scale video data, greatly enhancing the match information for viewers. The experimental findings demonstrate that the accuracy of table tennis human technical movement recognition reaches 98.88 % based on the enhanced AM-Softmax classification algorithm.

Development of Upper-Extremity Morphological Asymmetries in Male and Female Elite Youth Tennis Players: A Longitudinal Study.

This 2-year longitudinal study examined the development of upper-extremity bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and lean mass (LM) asymmetry magnitudes in male and female youth tennis players. Dominant and nondominant upper-extremity BMD, BMC, and LM values of 49 male and 31 female players were measured yearly using dual X-ray absorptiometry. From these values, asymmetry magnitudes were calculated and expressed as a percentage. Maturity offset was estimated using anthropometric measurements. Linear mixed effect models examined the development of BMD, BMC, and LM asymmetry magnitudes according to players' maturity offset, sex, and training volume. Adjusted for sex and training volume, a 1-year increment in maturity offset was associated with a significant increase in BMD (1.3% [2.2%]; P < .001) and BMC (0.6% [2.4%]; P = .011) asymmetry magnitudes. Male players displayed significantly higher LM asymmetry magnitudes (Δ3.2% [8.4%]; P = .002) compared with their female counterparts. Training volume was not significantly associated with asymmetry magnitude development. In contrast to LM, male and female youth tennis players' upper-extremity bones are still responsive to mechanical loading with a significant increase in BMD and BMC asymmetry magnitudes according to maturity offset.

The Impact of Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Parameters on Match Running Performance (MRP) in National-Level Football Players: A Multiple Regression Analysis

The aim of the study was to examine the association between cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters and match running performance (MRP) in highly trained football players. The sample of participants consisted of 41 national-level football players (aged 23.20 ± 3.40 years, body height 182.00 ± 5.15 cm, and body mass 76.86 ± 6.06 kg) from the Serbian Super league. For the purposes of this research, the following measurements were applied. A maximal multistage progressive treadmill test, with a direct measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (using Fitmate MED, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) was conducted, alongside continuous heart rate monitoring. Capillary blood samples were taken from the hyperemic area using specific test strips, and, after sample collection, lactate concentration was immediately determined using a lactate analyzer. MRP variables were analyzed according to the BioIRC model of motion structure analysis, based on existing standards for profiling movement intensity. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated an association between cardiac parameters and total distance (R2 = 54.3%, p = 0.000), high-speed running (R2 = 46.4%, p = 0.000), and jogging (R2 = 33.6%, p = 0.004). Regression analysis revealed an association between cardiorespiratory parameters and total distance (R2 = 24.8%, p = 0.014), and high-speed running (R2 = 20%, p = 0.039). Meanwhile, no association was found between lactate concentration and running performance. The explanation for these regression analysis results is based on the observation that functional abilities represent significant potential for expressing movement performance, a crucial condition for success in football.

Caffeinated Chewing Gum Improves Basketball Shooting Accuracy and Physical Performance Indicators of Trained Basketball Players: A Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

(1) Background: This study investigated the effects of caffeinated chewing gum on the basketball-specific performance of trained basketball players. A double-blind, randomized crossover design was employed. (2) Methods: Fifteen participants (age: 20.9 ± 1.0 years; height: 180.9 ± 5.4 cm; mass: 77.2 ± 7.5 kg; training age: 8.2 ± 0.3 years) were recruited and divided into a caffeine trial (CAF) and placebo trial (PL). The participants in the CAF trial chewed gum containing 3 mg/kg of caffeine for 10 min, while those in the PL trial chewed a placebo gum without caffeine. Following a 15 min rest, all the participants completed basketball-specific performance tests. (3) Results: The free throw accuracy for the CAF trial was significantly higher than that for the PL trial (CAF: 79.0 ± 4.31%; PL: 73.0 ± 9.16%; p = 0.012; Cohen's d = 0.94). Additionally, the CAF trial demonstrated significantly better performance in the 20 m segmented dash (CAF: 2.94 ± 1.12 s; PL: 3.13 ± 0.10 s; p < 0.001; Cohen's d =1.8) and squats (p < 0.05), and exhibited lower fatigue indexes (CAF: 3.6 ± 1.6%; PL: 5.2 ± 1.6%; p = 0.009; Cohen's d =1.0). (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that chewing gum containing 3 mg/kg of caffeine offers moderate-to-large improvements in key performance aspects relevant to professionally trained basketball players.

A global survey exploring tackle training knowledge, attitudes and practices of women's rugby union coaches

The coaching and performance context in women's rugby is not well understood, despite growing popularity worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes and tackle training practices of women's rugby coaches in relation to tackle safety and performance. A globally distributed online survey exploring coaches’ knowledge, attitudes and practices towards tackling women's rugby was completed by 357 coaches (mean age 41 ± 0.6 years) from 58 countries. The cross-sectional survey was distributed from March 2023 to June 2023. Survey development was guided by the Health Action Process Approach and informed by coaching experts, research evidence synthesis, and guidelines for international tackle safety programmes. Coaches believed that the risk of tackle injury in women's rugby is high and that proper tackle technique for safety is very important. More than 75% of coaches had never completed a tackle-specific training course, with only 39% aware of the availability of such courses. Time spent on controlled-contact and full-contact activities varied from 0 to 40+ min per week, averaging 10–20 min for both types of training. Barriers to the effectiveness of tackle training related to sociocultural factors, coach knowledge gaps, training environments, and player training considerations. Coach education, improved infrastructures, and physical development were ranked the highest priorities for improving tackle safety and performance. These findings inform future implementation strategies for tackle safety and performance in the context of women's rugby, highlighting the need to involve coaches in providing practical solutions, and the role of education and institutional/organisational support in facilitating such improvements.

Effects of vertical and horizontal plyometric training on jump performances and sprint force-velocity profile in young elite soccer players.

During a soccer match, horizontal acceleration ability during short sprints is determinant for performance. Development of sprint force and velocity qualites have been reported after plyometric training. However, orientation of plyometric training exercises can influence the functional performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the horizontal and vertical orientation of plyometric training on explosiveness performances and sprint force-velocity profile in young soccer players. Twenty-eight soccer players were recruited and divided in two groups: vertical (VG, n = 14) and horizontal (HG, n = 14) groups. Tests including jumps and sprint performances were conducted before and after the 8week training period. Sprint force-velocity profile (FVP) was evaluated during a 30m sprint test. The results demonstrated significant improvements in both VG and HG for jump performances (from + 4.9% to + 9.0%), sprint times (from -5.5% to -8.7%) and FVP parameters. Higher relative changes for the HG than for the VG were observed in 5m and 15m sprint times, horizontal jump lengths, and also in FVP parameters, especially improvements in maximal power (VG: + 16.4% vs. HG: + 28.1%) and inthe decrease rate of horizontal orientation of force with increasing speed (HG: + 22.9%) during the 30m sprint. Both horizontal and vertical plyometric training can be either used in young soccer players to improve vertical and horizontal performances in jump and sprint. However, horizontal plyometric training may result in a greater improvement in horizontal ballistic actions while similarly developing vertical jump qualities compared to vertical plyometric training in young soccer players.

Influence of Vertical-Oriented vs. Horizontal-Oriented Combined Strength Training in Young Basketball Players.

Sánchez-Sabaté, J, Gutiérrez, H, Marco-Contreras, LA, Younes-Egana, O, Gonzalo-Skok, O, and Piedrafita, E. Influence of vertical-oriented vs. horizontal-oriented combined strength training in young basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1280-1287, 2024-This study aimed to compare the effects of 8-week combined vertical-oriented vs. horizontal-oriented training interventions in basketball athletes. Eighteen highly trained U-16 basketball players participated in this study and were randomly assigned to either a combined vertical-oriented training group (CVG, n = 9) or a combined horizontal-oriented training group (CHG, n = 9). Bilateral and unilateral vertical jump height, unilateral horizontal jump distance, 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m sprint times, change-of-direction sprint times, and a limb symmetry index were among the measured performance variables. Combined strength training was performed twice a week for 8 weeks. CVG was compounded by the squat exercise (3 sets of 6-8 R at 30-45% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), jump squats (2 sets of 6 R, at 5-12.5% body mass [BM]), and vertical jumps (3-4 sets × 6 R). CHG included the hip thrust exercise (3 sets of 6-8 R at 30-45% 1RM), sled towing sprints (2-3 R, at 5-12.5% BM), and sprints (3-4 R of 20-m). Within-group differences showed significant ( p < 0.05 and statistical power >80%) improvements in unilateral vertical jumping with the right leg after both training interventions. By contrast, only CHG improved 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m sprint times ( p < 0.05 and statistical power >80%). Significant effects were observed for CHG compared with CVG in 5-m, 10-m, and 20-m sprint times ( p < 0.05 and statistical power >80%). This study reinforces the importance of oriented-combined training based on force-vector specificity target, mainly in horizontal-oriented actions.

Influence of Functional Training on Special Technical Movement Ability and Athletic Performance of Male Basketball Players

Functional training, since Beijing Olympic Games, from field of medical rehabilitation to field of competitive sports, advanced scientific training concepts and training methods have gradually been recognized by domestic competitive sports workers and coaches. Therefore, functional training should be developed to grass-roots team to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development of competitive sports in our country. In this paper, a complete set of functional physical training program is designed by using methods of literature, expert interviews, experiments, mathematical statistics, and logical analysis. Finally, it is found that functional training can improve physical coordination of men's basketball. And symmetry, flexibility of athletes' ankle joints, thoracic spine, shoulder joints and stability of knee joints and cores have been improved, reducing probability of sports injuries, providing a theoretical basis for innovative scientific training of male basketball players in my country.

The effect of special exercises using the visual stimuli device on the speed of motor response, visual tracking, the skills of cutting and dispersing the ball, and various defensive movements for young handball players

The research is significant because it aims to improve the speed of motor response and visual tracking through targeted exercises using the visual stimuli device that the two researchers created as part of the training program for the sample. This program also supports the individual defensive movements of the players, which are exemplified by the skills of cutting and dispersing the ball and other defensive movements for young handball players. Regarding the research issue, the researchers observed a deficiency in the players' defensive performance, which manifests as slow movement and reaction to the ball's movement. This deficiency could be attributed to a lack of interest in handball player training programs as well as a weakness in visual abilities and motor response speed to the attacker's and the ball's movement. Preparing unique workouts with visual stimuli to enhance young handball players' motor reaction speed, visual tracking abilities, ball-cutting and ball-dispersing capabilities, and defensive maneuvers is one of the research's goals. The research population was purposefully selected and sampled; specifically, the goalkeepers, who numbered two, were omitted, and the youth players of the Diyala Handball Club for the 2022–2023 sports season, numbered eighteen. As a result, the sample size increased to sixteen participants, who were split into eight players, representing the experimental group, and eight players, representing the control group, at random (even and odd numbers). After conducting an exploratory experiment on two handball players, the researchers came to the conclusion that the experimental study sample's development of visual tracking and motor reaction speed was positively impacted by workouts on the visual stimulus device. The researchers suggest that in order to improve handball players' efficiency, it is imperative to engage in visual stimulus workouts that enhance skill performance and physical and visual capacities.

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Basic Resistance Training Versus Plyometric Training in High School Football Players

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Basic Resistance Training Versus Plyometric Training in High School Football Players

Evaluation of Orexin-A Salivary Levels and its Correlation with Attention After Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Female Volleyball Players

BackgroundThe capacity to change attention from one area to another depending on the many environmental circumstances present is a crucial aspect of selective attention and is strictly correlated to reaction time. The cholinergic system of the basal forebrain is crucial for attentive abilities. Several inputs, particularly orexin neurons, whose cell bodies are found in the postero-lateral hypothalamus, can activate the cholinergic system. The aim of this study was to investigate if high frequencies rTMS at dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in highly trained volleyball players can change Orexin-A levels, attention and reaction time. This study was a double-blinded (participant and evaluator) matched-pair experimental design. Twenty right-handed female volleyball players were recruited for the study (age 24.6 ± 2.7 years; height 177.0 ± 5.5 cm; body mass 67.5 ± 6.5 kg; BMI 21.5 ± 1.2).ResultsThe main finding of this study was that 10 Hz rTMS to the DLPFC seems to increase Orexin-A salivary levels and the percentage of correct answers, while decreasing RT. After rTMS, the athletes show an increase in the percentage of correct answers immediately after the end of stimulation, and also after 15 and 30 min. Moreover, the athletes show decreases in reaction time after the end of stimulation and after 15 and 30 min to the end of stimulation, while no differences were found at the end of stimulation. Finally, the athletes show significant increases in Orexin-A salivary levels after stimulation with a peak after 30’ of the end.ConclusionThe results of our study seem to indicate that there is a relationship between salivary Orexin-A levels and RT. These results could provide useful tools for modulating sports training; in fact, if confirmed, they could lead coaches to offer their athletes rTMS sessions appropriately integrated with training. In fact, alternating attention is a mental flexibility that enables people to change their point of focus and switch between tasks requiring various levels of cognition.

Analysing the Influence of Speed and Jumping Performance Metrics on the Percentage Change of Direction Deficit in Adolescent Female Soccer Players.

Studies show that although female soccer players often have shorter change of direction (COD) deficits than males, indicating different biomechanical profiles, there is a lack of research on the impact of physical metrics on COD performance in females. The purpose of this work was to analyse whether performance metrics based on speed and jumping could explain the variation in %CODD in young female soccer players. Thirty-three highly trained adolescent female soccer players with an age of 16 ± 0.95 years, a body mass of 55.7 ± 7.22 kg, and a height of 160.4 ± 5.22 cm performed COD180 tests, 10 m and 30 m sprint tests, single-leg countermovement, and horizontal jumps. Acceleration in the first 10 m of a sprint was identified as a significant predictor of COD180 performance (R2 = 28%), (R2 = 50%), (p < 0.01), indicating that early sprint performance may largely determine an individual's ability to change direction. However, no predictors were found for %CODD. Significant correlations were observed between COD180 performance and %CODD, acceleration, linear speed, and horizontal jump performance (r = -0.59 to 0.70; p < 0.05). The study suggests that specific physical performance metrics, particularly early acceleration, are crucial for enhancing COD skills in female soccer players, emphasizing the need for targeted training interventions.

PELATIHAN PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN DAN PROMOSI DIGITAL UNTUK UMKM

Small and medium businesses are increasingly developing along with advances in industrial technology and tourism in Lombok. Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency, the city of Mataram ranks first in the number of MSMEs in NTB with a total of 22,473 as of July 2021. MSME problems in the city of Mataram are still constrained by capital, licensing, raw materials, product marketing, financial management and innovation. Findings from research conducted by the Bumigora University Community Service Team, from a total of 100 MSMEs that have been surveyed, state that capital is the biggest obstacle for MSME players in developing business with a percentage of 37%, financial management 30%, promotion 17%, raw materials 15 %, and others 11%. Based on observation data, action is needed to overcome MSME problems and help develop the businesses of MSME actors in Mataram City. The Bumigora University Community Service Team tries to facilitate MSMEs in facing challenges, especially those related to financial management and promotion by conducting training for MSME players. MSME training is packaged in the form of workshops accompanied by practice in making financial reports and carrying out digital promotions as a follow-up to this training.

Developing a 3D Virus Attack Simulation in Unity: A Case Study for Healthcare Education

Virus Attack 3D is a 3D platformer game that visualizes humans running to avoid Coronavirus attacks encountered on a path with increasing speed at each level. The player's character dies upon collision, but the game continues with increasing score and level if the player successfully avoids the viruses. This research aims to design Virus Attack 3D, incorporating health-themed education. The application is built using the C# programming language in the Unity application for a more strategic experience. Virus Attack 3D is a platformer game that serves as the research output. The entertaining Virus Attack application offers a game enjoyable for all ages, training players' spontaneous response and dexterity in overcoming challenges while providing entertainment on desktops in single-player mode.

Peak fat oxidation, peak oxygen uptake, and running performance increase during pre-season in sub-elite male football players.

In Football, the high-intensity running bouts during matches are considered decisive. Interestingly, recent studies showed that peak fat oxidation rates (PFO) are higher in football players than other athletes. This study aimed to investigate whether PFO increases following a pre-season. Secondarily, and due to COVID-19, we investigated whether PFO is related to the physical performance in a subgroup of semi-professional male football players. Before and after 8 weeks of pre-season training, 42 sub-elite male football players (18 semi-professionals and 24 non-professionals) had a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill for the determination of PFO, the exercise intensity eliciting PFO (Fatmax) and peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak). Additionally, the semi-professional players performed a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 2 (YYIR2) before and after pre-season training to determine football-specific running performance. PFO increased by 11 ± 10% (mean ± 95% CI), p = 0.031, and V̇O2peak increased by 5 ± 1%, p < 0.001, whereas Fatmax was unchanged (+12 ± 9%, p = 0.057), following pre-season training. PFO increments were not associated with increments in V̇O2peak (Pearson's r2 = 0.00, p = 0.948) or fat-free mass (FFM) (r2 = 0.00, p = 0.969). Concomitantly, YYIR2 performance increased in the semi-professional players by 39 ± 17%, p < 0.001, which was associated with changes in V̇O2peak (r2 = 0.35, p = 0.034) but not PFO (r2 = 0.13, p = 0.244). PFO, V̇O2peak, and FFM increased following pre-season training in sub-elite football players. However, in a subgroup of semi-professional players, increments in PFO were not associated with improvements in YYIR2 performance nor with increments in V̇O2peak and FFM.

Ffsgc-Based Classification of Environmental Factors in IOT Sports Education Data during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to sports education, requiring the implementation of rigorous measures to ensure the safety of athletes and staff. In this context, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, deep learning image processing, and sustainable optimization The Fruitfly Statistical Gradient Classifier (FfSGC) is a novel algorithm developed to address the challenges of classification tasks in the context of IoT sports education data during the COVID-19 pandemic. This algorithm combines fuzzy set theory and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) to effectively handle the uncertainty and imprecision inherent in the dataset. The FfSGC algorithm incorporates feature selection and extraction techniques, such as Fruitfly optimization and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to identify the most relevant features for classification. By considering the impact of COVID-19 on player performance, environmental factors, injury risk, and training load, the algorithm enables accurate and robust classification. Simulation experiments were conducted using different datasets related to player performance, environmental factors, injury risk, and training load. The results showed that the FfSGC algorithm consistently achieved high accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and mean squared error across the datasets. Compared to existing classification algorithms like SVM and Random Forest, FfSGC demonstrated superior performance in terms of classification metrics. The FfSGC algorithm has significant implications for the sports education domain during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides valuable insights for decision-making processes related to COVID-19 prevention and control strategies in sports settings.

Effect of HIIT on Motor Performance in Female Handball Players

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of interval training at four different intensities in addition to handball training for 8 weeks on aerobic-anaerobic, speed and agility pa-rameters in female handball players. Twenty female handball players (experimental group: 10; control group: 10) voluntarily participated in the studyThe experimental group trained in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 3 days a week for 8 weeks in addition to handball training, while the control group was allowed to continue their standard training program. The anaerobic capacity, speed, and agility of the experimental and control groups were measured twice before and after an 8-week training program. The HIIT training program for the experimental group was adapted to the movements most commonly used in handball. The values of the data obtained from the handball players were analyzed. ANOVA for mixed measures was applied to determine the difference between the pre-test and post-test values of the experimental and control groups. There was a statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the pre and post-test values of the 20-m sprint test of the experimental and control groups of HIIT training for handball players, while there was no statistically significant difference between the pre and post-test values of the anaerobic capacity and agility test of HIIT training. In conclusion, it is recommended to include HIIT training in the training periodization of handball players during the season, and it is believed that it will have a positive effect on players' speed performance.

Computer Vision-based Basketball Player Training System

Computer Vision-based Basketball Player Training System

Спортивна підготовка юних спортсменів з настільного тенісу в Україні, Канаді та Польщі

Relevance of the research topic: Sports training is one of the components of success in achieving high results in table tennis. Analyzing the experience of advanced countries of the world is always a good practice to identify positive aspects and introduce them into the Ukrainian system of sports training of young table tennis players. The need to find new approaches that would contribute to the qualitative renewal of means and methods of improving sportsmanship in table tennis strengthens the relevance and timeliness of the research in this field. Purpose and methods of the study: The purpose of the study was to reveal the step-by-step sports training in table tennis in the countries of the world (in particular, Canada and Poland) and in Ukraine. To achieve the goal, a complex of general scientific research methods was used: the observation method to carry out a versatile characterization of a wide range of issues; the method of critical analysis for the study of various sources of information; analysis, synthesis, systematization, generalization. Results of the work and key conclusions: During the study, it was concluded that in Ukraine the process of teaching children to play table tennis begins at school age, on the other hand, in Canada and other countries that use models of Long Term Athlete Development, familiarization, encouragement and the first basic training takes place at preschool age multi-sport skills. In Poland, phasing is similar to Ukraine, and it is assumed that at this stage of learning table tennis, children should develop an interest in table tennis, and the coach’s task is to develop internal motivation and training discipline. Taking into account the results of the comparison and analysis, it is proposed to review the process of teaching table tennis in Ukraine and add a starting stage, which will involve teaching basic motor skills and be carried out in preschool educational institutions in the form of a game in a safe, stimulating and fun environment. In the future, this will facilitate the selection to the initial groups for teaching table tennis and will form the sports interest of children in this sport.

Validation of assessments to accurately analyze the body composition of highly trained sitting volleyball players: A pilot study

Body composition is a fundamental component of physical fitness related to the performance of Sitting volleyball (SV) players. Also, establishing the best method for evaluating the body composition of these para-athletes would be highly necessary for this field. The purpose of this study was (1) to describe the body composition of male and female highly trained SV players, (2) to compare the values obtained from this population by two different methods and (3) to establish validity on one of these methods. Thirteen Brazilian SV national team players (five males and eight females) participated in this study. The air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) method as the criterion assessment and the skinfolds (SF) method were conducted for each player. Results showed that there were no significant differences between the values of all players, which ADP and SF measured for body fat percentage (BF%) and body density (BD) (p > 0.05). We found significantly different values between male and female players for BF% by SF (p = 0.04) and BD by SF (p = 0.04). A high degree of reliability was found between ADP and SF measures for BF% and BD. There were statistically significant positive correlations between BF% and BD in all values for both methods (p < 0.01). This pilot study suggests that considering the magnitude of space, expense, and other limitations related to the ADP method against the SF method, we recommend using the SF method, which is a valid, viable and reliable method for measuring body composition in elite SV players.