Water Polo Research Articles

Aqua polo: Preliminary feasibility and efficacy study of a programme of adapted, supervised water polo to reduce fatigue and improve women's psychological and social recovery after breast cancer treatment: A mixed-methods design

Physical activity has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and improving psychological and physical recovery from breast cancer. Some authors have shown the benefits of aquatic practice, while others have detailed the benefits of group and supervised practice. We hypothesize that an innovative sports coaching proposal could allow a significant adherence of patients and contribute to their health improvement. The main objective is to study the feasibility of an adapted water polo programme (aqua polo) for women after breast cancer. Secondarily we will analyse the effect of such a practice on patients' recovery and study the relationship between coaches and participants. The use of mixed methods will allow us to question the underlying processes precisely. This is a prospective, non-randomized, monocentric study with a sample of 24 breast cancer patients after treatment. The intervention is a 20 week programme (1 session per week) of aqua polo in a swim club facility, supervised by professional water-polo coaches. The variables measured are patient participation, quality of life (QLQ BR23), CRF (R–PFS) and post-traumatic growth (PTG-I) as well as different variables to observe physical capacity (strength with dynamometer, step-test and arm amplitude). The quality of the coach-patient relationship will be evaluated (CART-Q) to explore its dynamics. Participatory observations and interviews will be carried out to report on the interactions between the coach and the participants during the sessions. Registration number and name of trial registryNo. EudraCT or ID-RCB: 2019-A03003-54 and NCT: NCT04235946

Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ perceptions of the Canadian sport environment and mental health

ABSTRACT While athletes can experience poor mental health, researchers often focuses on the personal factors that impact an athlete’s mental health. Such a narrow focus neglects the broader contextual factors, such as involvement within sport systems, that can impact athlete mental health. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to understand how elite sport training environments in Canada impact the mental health of athletes. Methods: Team Canada Olympic and Paralympic athletes (n = 32) from team and individual sports (water polo, basketball, rowing, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and field hockey) each participated in one semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Athletes identified environmental features that supported and detracted from their mental health, including: the provision of resources, social support, performance pressure, communication, language, and coaching. These features impacted athletes’ mental health experiences by influencing their perceptions of stigma, their perceptions of mental health as an organisational priority, their help-seeking behaviours, and the minimisation of their personal experiences. Discussion: Uncertainty and a lack of control were common features of the environment contributing to athletes’ perceptions of stress and negatively impacted their wellbeing, as did a lack of trust in support providers and negative coaching practices. While some environmental features impacted athletes’ mental health directly, many had an indirect impact on athletes’ mental health (e.g. led to the minimisation of personal mental health challenges). Identifying ways to enhance athlete autonomy and educate coaches about mental health and supportive coaching practices are important directions for future research and practice.

Abstract P6-05-40: Aqua polo: Preliminary feasibility and efficacy study of a programme of adapted, supervised water polo to reduce fatigue and improve women’s psychological and social recovery after breast cancer treatment. A mixed-method design

Abstract Introduction : Physical activity has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and improving psychological and physical recovery from breast cancer. Some authors have shown the benefits of aquatic practice, while others have detailed the benefits of group and supervised practice. We hypothesise that an innovative sports coaching proposal could allow a significant adherence of patients and contribute to their health improvement. The main objective is to study the feasibility of an adapted water polo programme (aqua polo) for women after breast cancer. Secondary we will analyse the effect of such a practice on patients’ recovery and to study the relationship between coaches and participants. The use of mixed methods will allow to question precisely the underlying processes. Methods and analysis : This is a prospective, non-randomised, monocentric study with a sample of 24 breast cancer patients after treatment. The intervention is a 20 week programme (1 session per week) of aqua polo in a real sports setting. The variables measured are patient participation, quality of life (QLQ BR23), CRF (R-PFS) and post-traumatic growth (PTG-I) as well as different variables to observe physical capacity (strength with dynamometer, step-test and arm amplitude). The quality of the coach-patient relationship will be evaluated (CART-Q) to explore its dynamics. Participatory observations and interviews will be carried out to report on the interactions between the coach and the participants during the sessions. Ethics and dissemination : Study procedures have been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Institute (IPC 2019-028) and the National Ethics Committee (SI:20.01.20.54741). Consent is given in person to each participant. The information collected on the participants contain only a non-identifiable study identifier. The results of this protocol will be published in a scientific paper and communicated to the medical staff of the medical center. Trial registration number ID-RCB: 2019-A03003-54 Keywords: Quality of the relationship, Aquatic exercise, Quality of life, Sport Citation Format: Sarah Cuvelier, Charlène Goetgheluck-Villaron, Monique Cohen, Agnès Tallet, Leonor Lopez Almeida, Jean-Marie Boher, Sophia Jowett, Sébastien Justafré, Pierre Dantin, Patrice Viens, Sarah Calvin. Aqua polo: Preliminary feasibility and efficacy study of a programme of adapted, supervised water polo to reduce fatigue and improve women’s psychological and social recovery after breast cancer treatment. A mixed-method design. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-40.

The Comparison of Physical Fitness Factors between Korea Water Polo National-team and Reserve-team Athletes

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate isokinetic muscle strength (IMS), anaerobic power, basic physical fitness, and body composition of Korean water polo athletes in the national team (NT) and reserve team (RT).METHODS: Twenty-nine male water polo athletes (aged 22.2±1.9 years) including 14 NT and 15 RT athletes participated in this study. The participants were evaluated for physiological parameters such as body composition, physical fitness, IMS, and anaerobic power. The IMS of the knees and shoulders (60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s, indicating maximal muscle strength, muscle power, and muscle endurance, respectively) and trunk (30°/s and 120°/s) were measured using a dynamometer (NORM, CSMI, USA). Anaerobic parameters were also measured using the 30-s maximal ergometer cycling Wingate test (Monark, Sweden).RESULTS: No significant differences in the IMS of the knee were found between two groups. Although the IMSs of shoulder flexion at 180º/s and 60°/s were not significantly different between the two groups, the IMSs of shoulder extension at 180º/sec and 60°/s in NT athletes were higher than those in RT athletes (<i>p</i><.05, <i>p</i><.01). There were no significant differences between the NT and RT (NS) groups in the left and right knee flexion/extension ratios (H/Q ratio, 60º/sec, 180º/sec). However, a significant difference was found in the right shoulder extension/flexion ratio (E/F ratio) between the two groups. Although height, muscle mass, fat mass, and Wingate anaerobic power were not significantly different between the two groups, the FEV1 and FVC of NT athletes were higher than those of RT athletes, respectively (<i>p</i><.05, <i>p</i><.01).CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the athletic characteristics of water polo players who pass and shoot and make swimming movements. The difference in the shoulder extensor muscle strength was one of the determining factors for the performance of water polo athletes.

Intensified Olympic Preparation: Sleep and Training-Related Hormonal and Immune Responses in Water Polo.

To investigate whether sleeping activity, hormonal responses, and wellness are altered in elite water polo players during their preparation toward the Tokyo Olympics. Eight elite-level water polo players participated in 3 consecutive training phases: (1)before the commencement of a residential-based conditioning camp (PRE-CAMP; 3d), (2)residential-based conditioning camp (5d), and (3)a congested period of training and competition (POST-CAMP; 8d). Nocturnal sleep was monitored for 14 consecutive days in PRE-CAMP (2d), CAMP (5d), and POST-CAMP (7d). Postawakening salivary cortisol, immunoglobulin-A, and subjective wellness were measured during PRE-CAMP, CAMP, and POST-CAMP, and internal training/match load (ITL) was calculated daily. The averaged values for dependent variables were compared among training phases and analyzed using linear mixed models. At CAMP compared with PRE-CAMP, ITL was higher (P < .01), and sleep onset and offset were earlier (P < .01). At this period, sleep interruptions and salivary cortisol were higher (P < .01, d = 1.6, d = 1.9, respectively), and subjective wellness was worsened (P < .01, d = 1.3). At POST-CAMP, the reduction of workload was followed by increased sleep efficiency, reduced sleep interruptions, and moderately affected salivary cortisol, yet overall wellness remained unaltered. In POST-CAMP, 2 of the players demonstrated severe symptoms of illness. At the highest level of the sport and prior to the Olympics, large increments in workload during a training campinduced meaningful sleep interruptions and salivary cortisol increases, both of which were reversed at POST-CAMP. We suggest that the increased workload alongside the inadequate recovery affects sleep patterns and may increase the risk of infection.

Beneficial Performance Effects of Training Load Intensification Can Be Abolished by Functional Overreaching: Lessons From a Water Polo Study in Female Athletes.

Brisola, GMP, Dutra, YM, Murias, JM, and Zagatto, AM. Beneficial performance effects of training load intensification can be abolished by functional overreaching: Lessons from a water polo study in female athletes. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): e391-e402, 2023-The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes from 2 weeks of training load intensification strategy in female water polo players diagnosed with functional overreaching (F-OR) with no F-OR players (acute fatigue) on the performance outcomes and hormonal, immunological, and cardiac autonomic nervous system responses. Twenty-two female water polo players were allocated into control and intensification group during 7 weeks. The swimming performance, biochemical parameters, heart rate variability, profile of mood states, and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms were assessed twice before and twice after 2 weeks of intensification period. F-OR showed a worsening in total time of the repeated sprint ability (RSA) test compared with the control group and the acute fatigue group after intensification ( p ≤ 0.035). Furthermore, after the tapering period, the F-OR group maintained worse total time of the RSA test than the acute fatigue group ( p = 0.029). In addition, the acute fatigue group showed improvement in total time of the RSA test after intensification compared with the control group ( p < 0.001). No significant interactions were found for the other parameters. Therefore, periods of intensification without the F-OR development can promote higher gains in the total time of the RSA test after intensification and tapering period.

Effects of Playing Position and Contextual Factors on Internal Match Loads, Post-Match Recovery and Well-Being Responses of Elite Male Water Polo Players.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of playing position and contextual factors (match outcome, final score difference, match location, travel duration, number of scored and conceded goals) on the internal match load, players' perceived recovery and players' well-being. The session-RPE (s-RPE), Perceived Recovery Scale (PRS) and Hooper Index (HI) of 17 male elite water polo players were monitored during all matches (regular season and play-out) of the 2021/22 Italian Serie A1 championship. Three separate, mixed linear models for repeated measures showed significant main effects: drawn compared to won matches led to higher s-RPE values (mean ± SE = 277 ± 17.6 vs. 237.3 ± 20.6), while longer travel duration (estimate = -0.148) and goals scored (estimate = -3.598) led to lower s-RPE values; balanced compared to unbalanced matches led to higher PRS values (mean ± SE = 6.8 ± 0.3 vs. 5.1 ± 0.4), while playing time (estimate = -0.041) and goals scored (estimate = -0.180) led to lower PRS values; higher scores of the HI were registered for regular season compared to the play-out (mean ± SE = 15.6 ± 0.9 vs. 13.5 ± 0.8). This study marks the importance of ecological and non-invasive monitoring tools to assess internal match load, recovery and the well-being of elite water polo players.

The effects of handball and waterpolo training on blood nitric oxide and oxidative stress levels

Objective: Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas that has vasodilatory, antioxidant and metabolic regulatory properties. Both NO and oxidative stress (OS) are risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS). These properties of NO, therefore play a critical role in training adaptations. Handball and water polo are team sports requiring aerobic and anaerobic energy. However, since they are practised in different environments, their effects on blood NO and OS levels may be different. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of these two team sports on blood NO and OS levels. Material and Methods: Male handball players (HG, n=14), water polo players (WPG, n=12) and a control group (CG, n=13) of sedentary players participated in this study. Physical and physiological measurements, including critical velocity of the participants were made. The participants' fasting serum NO and OS indicators, and total antioxidant/oxidant status (TAS/TOS) were determined. Results: TAS levels of HG and WPG were significantly lower than those of the control group (p&lt;0.05, p&lt;0.01), whereas their NO levels were higher than those of CG (19.5% and 25.7% respectively, p&gt;0.05). No significant difference was present for NO between HG and WPG. A significant negative correlation was present between CV and serum NO level, and there was a positive correlation between maximal 1500 m running time and NO for handball players. Conclusions: The findings of the study reveal that although training caused a significant decrease in antioxidant capacity in two team sports athletes, serum NO levels improved, thereby contributing to cardiovascular health. NO may harm aerobic endurance performance, but it had a beneficial effect on anaerobic power in the handball group, and none for water polo players.

Analysis of expert’s opinion of optimal beginning age for learning technical skills in water polo

Purpose: Optimizing the training process of young water polo players according to children's developmental characteristics and didactic principles is of pivotal importance; however, there is a lack of research in the area. Therefore, we sought to determine and explain the appropriate age for beginning of learning technical elements in water polo according to water polo experts’ coaches’ opinion. Methods: In accordance with the objective, 27 expert water polo coaches completed the newly constructed questionnaire designed for this study. Reliability of the measuring instrument was examined using test-retest method on the entire sample and it was found to be satisfactory (r ranged from 0.85 to 1.00 with P&lt; .05 for all variables). Exploratory strategy of factor analysis together with Guttman-Kaiser criterion and varimax raw rotation were used to reduce dimensionality of the data. Results: The results indicate the existence of four real life existing factors: (1) Basic ball manipulation, basic shots and explosive movements; (2) Basic water polo movements and shots from the central forward position; (3) Complex movements, ball manipulation and shots; (4) Activity for the preparation and execution of the most demanding backhand shots 31%, 17%, 15%, 9% of the variability of manifest space, respectively. Conclusions: These results yield hitherto unseen insight into experts’ opinion on optimal age for beginning to learn complex water polo movements and can provide important guidance for trainers in structuring curriculum of the training process for all young water polo players. Keywords: water polo experts, technical elements, new teaching methodology, didactic principles, early specialization

Survey on coaching philosophies and training methodologies of water polo head coaches from three different european national schools

The ability to change swimming styles and body positions, involving continuous shifting from horizontal to vertical posture and performing jumps, as well as technical skills play a fundamental role in water polo performance. To face with these demands, the coaching staff of elite and sub-elite water polo clubs might adopt a variety of training methods, also based on their specific coaching philosophies. This point has led to an enlargement of the staff, with higher head coaches’ responsibilities, who may interpret their professional activity according to their own coaching philosophy, education, and their respective national water polo schools. In fact, based on their international sports achievements, some countries can be identified as recognised water polo national schools. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to survey 40 head coaches of three important national water polo schools (Italy, Greece, and Serbia) to identify and compare their coaching philosophies and training methodologies. The survey was based on five sections (Technical staff composition, Team roster, Weekly periodization, Testing and monitoring, Tactics and strategies). Furthermore, using a detailed descriptive statistic, the current study gives interesting information on how 40 high-ranking elite and sub-elite teams of different national championships organize their training during a typical week of the competitive season. A further improvement of this research line could include more national schools, expanding the sample to more countries from all over the world.

HEREDITY AND ENVIRONMENT AS DETERMINING FACTORS IN THE GAME OF WATER POLO

Heredity is the biological attribute specific to the human being, in conjunction with the environment, be it internal or external, but also with other dependent or independent factors of society such as family, education, political system, and religion. The literature review highlights two elementary stages, one during puberty when the family environment and its influences are more relevant and easier to observe (internal environment), and the second when the individual begins to absorb information from the external environment, thus creating a mixture between the family environment and the one encompassing the information acquired from the outside. From a genetic point of view, the human being inherits certain sets of predispositions or potentialities that are closely related to the environment in which the person lives and which can enhance them or not, depending on education. In the present paper, we aim to emphasise the importance of heredity and environment in the game of water polo correlated with other sports disciplines, as well as the importance of environmental factors and their significance in developing a culture of the game of water polo at the national level. Our analysis includes world-class water polo players and specialists whose activity is correlated with the water polo activity in Romania, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity. The conclusions drawn from the analysis show that Romania really has biological and environmental potential, but it can reach the world podium in the game of water polo only through a scientific development that takes into account all the factors presented above.

Injuries and Illness during the 2019 Gwangju FINA and Masters World Championships in Elite and Amateur Athletes.

Comparative analysis of injury and illness prevalence in elite and amateur athletes provides the basis for the development of tailored prevention programs. The authors analyzed the differences in frequency and characteristics of injuries and illnesses which occurred in elite and amateur athletes during the 2019 Gwangju Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) and Masters World Championships. The 2019 FINA World Championships hosted 3095 athletes in the disciplines of swimming, diving, high diving, artistic swimming, water polo, and open water swimming. While the 2019 Masters World Championships hosted 4032 athletes in swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo, and open water swimming. All medical records were electrically recorded in every venue as well as the central medical center located at the athlete's village. More elite athletes visited clinics than amateur athletes during the events (15.0 vs 8.6%, p<0.05) despite the ages of amateur athletes being higher than elite athletes (41.0±15.0 vs 22.4±5.6 years, p<0.01). Elite athletes complained mainly of musculoskeletal problems (69%), while amateur athletes complained of both musculoskeletal (38%) and cardiovascular (8%) problems. The most frequent injury in elite athletes was due to overuse in the shoulder joints, while that of amateur athletes was traumatic injuries involving feet and hands. The most common illness was respiratory infection in both elite and amateur athletes, while cardiovascular events occured only in amateur athletes. As the risk of injury varies in elite and amateur athletes, tailored preventive measures should be prepared. Furthermore, preventive measures of cardiovascular events should focus on amateur sports events.

Urinary incontinence and risk factors among Croatian female athletes - a pilot cross-sectional observational study

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) in female athletes (FA) is a globally concerning but neglected topic in Croatia. The purpose was to examine the occurrence and severity of UI in Croatian FA and occurrence-associated factors. Methods: In May 2022, an anonymous online survey collecting general sports characteristics and the Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) were sent to individual FA. Obtained data were analysed with the PSPP program: chi-square test, t-test and analysis of variance with a defined significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results: The presence of UI in the total sample of 70 FA competing in 12 different sports is 24.3 %: 8 (29.6 %) handball players, 3 (42.9 %) tennis players, 2 (40 %) water polo players, one (14.3 %) synchronised swimmer, seven soccer players (14.3 %), one weightlifter (50 %) and the only swimmer (100 %). According to ICIQ-UI SF, in 70.59 % of FA with UI, a small amount of urine leaks approximately once a week or less often, mainly after urination and dressing up (35.29 %). The UI interference with quality of life is mild (70.59 %) and moderately severe (29.41 %), and the UI severity is slight (47 %) to moderate (53 %). Smokers report UI to a greater extent (χ2(1, n = 70) = 4.666, p &lt; 0.05), while other sports and FA characteristics did not yield significant findings. Conclusions: UI is present in a quarter of examined Croatian FA, with mild to moderate severity. It mildly interferes with the quality of life and seems to be associated with smoking. Our findings contribute to preserving women's health in sports and apply to UI assessment in FA and counselling on smoking cessation as a proven UI risk.

Study on the Construction of Water Polo Introductory Course for Ordinary College Students in Chinese Universities

Study on the Construction of Water Polo Introductory Course for Ordinary College Students in Chinese Universities

Retracted: Comparison of the Metabolites of Water Polo Players before and after Competition by the Metabolomic Approach.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/7600835.].

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF INTRODUCING CANOE POLO IN THE SPORT SYSTEM OF WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES

The International Canoe Federation includes 10 forms of kayaking and canoeing and recognizes 4 additional disciplines. One of the most popular is canoe polo. Canoe polo is a team sport that belongs to the family of sports games. Two teams of five players each fight to score more goals, with a water polo ball, in a pool of specific dimensions. Canoe polo developed in parallel in three similar variants of the rules, as an alternative to paddling during windy and cold winter days. Canoe polo contains the largest number of different techniques in relation to all paddling sports, while ball handling is done with a mixture of water polo, handball, basketball, and volleyball techniques. Simultaneous handling of the ball, with an overview of the game and interfering with the opponent is a very demanding coordination activity that does not exist in paddling in nature with different obstacles, both in terms of content and dynamics. Today, canoe polo is played in about 40 countries. Wild and flat water kayak and canoe disciplines have existed in the countries of the Western Balkans outside the European Union for many years, while canoe polo activities, clubs and competitions do not exist at all. The introduction of canoe polo in the sports systems of the West Balkan countries outside of European Union can be used as a means to popularize canoeing, as well as to raise the quality of canoeists by applying situational and super-situational training methods. Very demanding activities during more diverting trainings, with a greater opportunity to compete, as well as with a longer and more meaningful competition calendar, can significantly improve the skills needed for kayaking and canoeing in all its manifestations. In addition, the economic effect of development through sports facilities, infrastructure and boats with protective equipment should not be neglected, which at some point may become the basis for the organization of domestic and international competitions.

Growth Hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Testosterone and Cortisol Responses to a Single Bout of Agility Ladder Exercise (ALE) in Water Polo Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Field Trial

Growth Hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1, Testosterone and Cortisol Responses to a Single Bout of Agility Ladder Exercise (ALE) in Water Polo Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Field Trial

The effect of a training program using total body resistance training T.R.X on some physical variables of the water polo goalkeepe

The effect of a training program using total body resistance training T.R.X on some physical variables of the water polo goalkeepe

The effect of a training program using total body resistance training T.R.X on some physical variables of the water polo goalkeeper

The effect of a training program using total body resistance training T.R.X on some physical variables of the water polo goalkeeper

A comparative analysis of sport and economic success through the example of top- and mid-ranking Hungarian water polo clubs

Abstract The biggest question of professional sports is how to compete successfully in the global economic framework, simultaneously in terms of the sport and in economic terms. As a result, in addition to indicators measuring sports-related effectiveness, the need for an economic analysis of sport has also emerged. Most academic research into the economic aspects of sports are related to the analysis of North American major league sports, as well as to European football. Water polo is also a spectator team sport, yet its economic analysis is almost entirely missing. In this article, we present an economic analysis of the operation of five men’s water polo teams – the top four teams in terms of the sports results and one from the mid-range – competing in the highest-level national championship in Hungary. Our aim is to determine, on the basis of the analysis of the data, the relationship between effectiveness in sports and the economic background of the teams. It can undoubtedly be concluded that, in addition to appropriate professional decisions, it is the economic situation of a club that has a clear impact on their effectiveness; in other words, up to a certain point, the more disposable funds and wider range of assets a sports company has, the more effectively it can prepare and the better results it will have in the various domestic and international championships and tournaments. CIT (corporate income tax benefits, “TAO” in Hungarian) support is fundamentally important in the field of youth sports development. While professional sports in Hungary are built on the development of junior players, there is still no clear link between the successfulness of the adult and the junior teams. The first-division teams of the clubs providing the best junior players are frequently in the mid-range or occasionally among the weakest teams in the national championship. Our research has shown that apart from the fact that some teams are extremely successful in the water polo championship, the outcome of many matches becomes quite predictable. Based on these, the uncertainty of the outcome is compromised, and the championship becomes less exciting and also loses some of its audience.