Yo-Yo IR1 Research Articles

Using Principal Component Analysis to Compare the Physical Qualities Between Academy and International Youth Rugby League Players.

To compare the physical qualities between academy and international youth rugby league (RL) players using principal component analysis. Six hundred fifty-four males (age = 16.7 [1.4]y; height = 178.4 [13.3]cm; body mass = 82.2 [14.5]kg) from 11 English RL academies participated in this study. Participants completed anthropometric, power (countermovement jump), strength (isometric midthigh pull; IMTP), speed (10 and 40m speed), and aerobic endurance (prone Yo-Yo IR1) assessments. Principal component analysis was conducted on all physical quality measures. A 1-way analysis of variance with effect sizes was performed on 2 principal components (PCs) to identify differences between academy and international backs, forwards, and pivots at under 16 and 18 age groups. Physical quality measures were reduced to 2 PCs explaining 69.4% of variance. The first PC (35.3%) was influenced by maximum and 10-m momentum, absolute IMTP, and body mass. Ten and forty-meter speed, body mass and fat, prone Yo-Yo, IMTP relative, maximum speed, and countermovement jump contributed to PC2 (34.1%). Significant differences (P < .05, effect size = -1.83) were identified between U18 academy and international backs within PC1. Running momentum, absolute IMTP, and body mass contributed to PC1, while numerous qualities influenced PC2. The physical qualities of academy and international youth RL players are similar, excluding U18 backs. Principal component analysis can reduce the dimensionality of a data set and help identify overall differences between playing levels. Findings suggest that RL practitioners should measure multiple physical qualities when assessing physical performance.

Running Performance and Hormonal, Maturity and Physical Variables in Starting and Non-Starting Elite U14 Soccer Players During a Congested Match Schedule.

This study examined changes in match running performance (MRP) in Under-14 soccer players (13.5 ± 0.7 yrs) during a congested match schedule (CMS) (4 matches played within a 5-day period). It also examined the difference in salivary testosterone (sT) concentration, somatic maturation, jumping tests, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) between the players selected to play (SLG; group who participated in all matches) and players non-selected to play (NSG). A significant difference was observed for the frequency of decelerations (DEC) across matches (match 4 vs. matches 1, 2 and 3; p = 0.05; partial ƞ2 = 0.20). No difference between matches was observed for total running distance (TRD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), and frequency of accelerations (ACC) (p > 0.05). A wide range for within-player coefficient of variation (CV) values was observed for all MRP variables (range: 10.5 = TRD to 30.6 = HSRD). No difference between SLG and NSG for any of the assessed variables was observed (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that DEC was the most pertinent variable for monitoring changes in MRP during the CMS. In addition, at an elite youth soccer level, the biological maturity and fitness might not influence selection to play.

Relationship between body composition, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test and vertical jump test in elite young soccer players

Objective: The aim of this study is to find out the relationships among body composition, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (IR) test and vertical jump test in elite young soccer players. Material and Methods: Eighteen healthy young male soccer players (Age: 16.5±0.3 years, height: 178.0±5.9 cm, body weight: 65.9±7.9kg,) voluntarily participated in the study. Total and regional body composition parameters of the soccer players were examined through a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method. Vertical jump performance tests were squat jump (SJ) and active jump (AJ), and endurance performances were determined by the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test (Yo-Yo IR1). Relationships among body composition, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test and vertical jump test were analyzed with Pearson Correlation coefficient. Significance level was taken as ≤0.05. Results: A statistically significant negative correlation was found between squat jump and countermovement jump (r=-0.588, r=-0.573, p&lt;0.05), and the leg fat rate. However, there were no statistically significant relationship among squat jump, Yo-Yo IR1 and countermovement jump and other whole/regional body composition (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Changes in body composition are important issues for the physical performance level of young soccer players, as local excess body fat may cause deterioration, especially in jumping performance.

The physical characteristics of elite camogie players.

The aim of the current investigation was to establish the positional physical characteristics of elite intercounty camogie players and compare them to current female field sport athlete norms. Forty-five elite intercounty camogie players (age: 23.31±3.47 years; height: 168.97±5.60 cm; body mass: 68.37±7.44 kg) completed preseason physical performance testing. Physical characteristics including isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force, IMTP relative peak force, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, 10 to 5 repeated jump test Reactive Strength Index (RSI), 5-, 10- and 20-m sprint times and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) accumulated distance were assessed. All players were subdivided into their playing positions (defenders, mid-fielders, forwards) by self-reported means, to investigate if any positional differences existed. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed no significant positional difference for any physical tests (P>0.05). Moderate main effects for RSI between mid-fielders and forwards (ES=0.64) and for 20-m sprint time between defenders and midfielders (ES=0.63) were noted. Trivial to small main positional effects were evident for all other tests (ES=0.03-0.60). The relative homogeneity of results across performance measures indicates no obvious position specific characteristics within this cohort. This data will provide normative values for coaches to better inform training and return to play practices in camogie.

Sprint mechanical properties of professional rugby league players according to playing standard, age and position, and the association with key physical characteristics.

This study determined the influence of playing standard, age, and position on the horizontal force-velocity (FV) properties of rugby league players, and the association with other physical characteristics. This observational study used a cross-sectional study design with a range of physical characteristics recorded from 132 players from 5 Super League clubs. Sprint data was used to derived theoretical maximal force (F<inf>0</inf>) and velocity (V<inf>0</inf>), power (P<inf>max</inf>), maximal rate of force (RF<inf>max</inf>) and the rate of decrease in RF<inf>max</inf> (D<inf>RF</inf>). Differences between playing standard, age groups and playing positions were determined (P value and standardized mean difference [SMD]) along with correlational analysis to assess the relationship between FV properties and key physical characteristics. Senior players reported lower split times (SMD=-0.26-0.59, P=0.002-0.017), and higher absolute F<inf>0</inf>, P<inf>max</inf> and V<inf>0</inf> (SMD=0.47-0.78, P<0.001-0.010). Players aged <21 years reported higher split times and lower absolute F<inf>0</inf> compared to 21-26 years (SMD=-0.84-0.56, P<0.001-0.04) and a lower V<inf>0</inf> than >26 years (SMD=-0.40, P=0.002). Hit-up forwards were slower than outside backs (SMD=-0.30-0.89, P<0.001-0.042), though produced the highest absolute F<inf>0</inf> and P<inf>max</inf>. Sprit times, F<inf>0</inf>, V<inf>0</inf>, P<inf>max</inf> and RF<inf>max</inf> were associated with change of direction and countermovement jump performance, whilst FV<inf>slope</inf> and D<inf>RF</inf> were associated with countermovement jump performance only. F<inf>0</inf> and P<inf>max</inf> were associated with medicine ball throw distance (r=0.302-0371, P≤0.001). There was no association with prone Yo-Yo IR1 distance (r=-0.16-0.09, P=0.060-0.615). These results provide insight into the horizontal FV properties with reference to key subgroups and highlights several associations with other characteristics across large sample of rugby league players. The result of this study should be used when interpreting the sprint ability of rugby league players, planning the long-term development of youth players, and inform program design for all.

Class Year Differences in Anthropometric and Fitness Measures in Division I Field Hockey Athletes Pre and Post Season

The purpose of this study was to investigate the way in which anthropometric and fitness measures vary by class year before and after a Division I female field hockey competitive season. Anthropometric (mass and percent body fat) and fitness measures (vertical jump and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) distance) were collected on 16 athletes (mean ± SD: age = 19.5 ± 0.9 years) before and after a competitive season. Class year, based on the athlete’s year in college, was used to group athletes in the study. Body mass, vertical jump height, and Yo-Yo IR1 distance all increased pre to post season (p &lt; 0.05). First-year athletes had a significantly lower body mass, vertical jump height and Yo-Yo IR1 distance compared to other class years across the testing period (p &lt; 0.05). Post season levels for first-years were lower than both pre and post season levels for sophomore or junior athletes. Team mean vertical jump increased 8.9%, with all but two athletes improving. Team mean Yo-Yo IR1 distance increased 16.4%. Athlete training over the course of the study was designed to improve on field playing performance and training was not directly select to improve measures in the study; therefore, the potential success of integrating fitness, speed, and strength development into technical training sessions is indicated. Coaches should be aware that first-year athletes may not be at the same level of conditioning as sophomores and juniors. Coaches should work specifically with the first-year athletes during the season to monitor their fitness levels.

The Team Handball Game-Based Performance Test Is Better than the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to Measure Match-Related Activities in Female Adult Top-Elite Field Team Handball Players

In team handball, suitable tests determining the match-related physical performance are essential for the planning of optimal physical training regimens. Thus, the aims of the present study were (a) to determine the relationships between the physical and physiological test results from a team handball game-based performance test (GBPT), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1 test) and a separate linear 30-m single sprint performance test (SSPT) in female adult top-elite field team handball players, in order to establish the significance (validity) of tests for measuring relevant elements for team handball match-play; and (b) to compare and evaluate the results from the aforementioned tests for the same players in relation to the different playing positions. Twenty-three female adult top-elite field team handball players from the Danish Premier Female Team Handball League performed the GBPT, the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT test on separate days. As main findings, significant correlations between the GBPT and the Yo-Yo IR1 test in about 1/3 of the variables were found, indicating that the Yo-Yo IR1 test is reflecting most of the locomotive match activities in female adult top-elite team handball. However, the Yo-Yo IR1 test results were not correlated to the GBPT in any of the match-related activities in the team handball GBPT that included technical playing actions such as tackles, passes, jumping and shooting during specialized movements in offence and defence. Overall, the results revealed that the GBPT is better than the Yo-Yo IR1 test to evaluate female adult top-elite field team handball players’ ability to perform physical match-related activities including both locomotive and technical playing actions executed as during competitive match-play. Similar to the Yo-Yo IR1 test, the 30-m SSPT was not correlated to any of the team handball GBPT activities, which included technical playing actions. These data suggest that the SSPT only to a certain extent can measure the individual sprint capacity of elite team handball players. In addition, unexpectedly no significant differences between the various playing positions were found neither for the GBPT, the SSPT nor the Yo-Yo IR1 test. However, several effects sizes indicated that the lack of positional differences primarily was due to the relatively small sample size in each playing position and the composition of the specific group of players. In conclusion, this study clearly indicated that team handball specific physical performance, as measured by the GBPT, and general physical performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT, are different components. This must be taken in consideration when using physical test results for the planning of optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball.

Differences in physical performance between Olympic and non-Olympic female rugby sevens players.

This study compared the physical performance of National female rugby sevens players selected or not selected to form the Brazilian National Olympic team. Thirty women rugby sevens players from the Brazilian National team (15 Olympic and 15 non-Olympic athletes) participated in this study. Tests were performed on consecutive days, in the following order: day 1) standing long jump (SLJ); squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ); and one-repetition maximum test in the bench-press, prone-row, and parallel squat exercises; day 2) 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility and L-drill change of direction tests; and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (IR1). The differences between groups in all variables examined were analyzed using the independent t test and effect sizes (ES). Greater jump performances were noticed for the Olympic players in all jump tests compared to the non-Olympics (ES=0.95, ES=1.05, and ES=0.93, for SLJ, SJ, and CMJ, respectively; P<0.05). Olympics revealed shorter sprint times than non-Olympics in 40-m distance (ES=0.88; P<0.05). Higher one-repetition maximum in the bench-press and Yo-Yo IR1 distance were also observed for the Olympics in comparison to non-Olympic players (ES=0.65 and 0.93, respectively; P<0.05). Lower-body power, upper-body strength, maximal sprint velocity and aerobic fitness were found to be important for distinguishing between Olympic and non-Olympic female rugby sevens players. Coaches and practitioners should prioritize the development of these physical qualities in these team-sport athletes.

Differences in Fitness and Academic Attainment between Obese, and Non Obese School-Age Adolescent Handball Players: An Explorative, Cross-Sectional Study

This study investigated differences in physical fitness and academic attainment in obese and non-obese adolescent handball players. A total of 31 males (age: 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass: 77.8 ± 17.7 kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.10 m; body mass index (BMI): 26.8 ± 6.9 kg/m2; body fat: 26.4 ± 6.34%) from the Qatar handball first division participated and were divided into two body fat percentage (%BF) groups (i.e., obese or non-obese). Anthropometrics (height, mass, BMI, and %BF) and physical performance testing ability (T-half test for change-of-direction (COD); squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10 and 15 m sprints; medicine ball throw (MBT), and aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)) were determined. Academic attainment was determined through grade point averages (GPA). Non-obese participants had superior performances in mathematics (p &lt; 0.001) and science (p = 0.013), agility T-half test (p = 0.001), CMJ (p &lt; 0.001), and 15 m sprint (p = 0.019). Correlations were found between T-half test and mathematics (r = 0.500) and science (r = 0.484). To conclude, obese school-age handball players have poorer fitness and academic performances than normal body weight adolescents.

A Syrup–Water Mixture Increases Performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test after a Soccer-Specific Preload in the Hoff Test: A Double-Blind Crossover Study

Background: The positive effect of carbohydrates from commercial beverages on soccer-specific exercise has been clearly demonstrated. However, no study is available that uses a home-mixed beverage in a test where technical skills were required. Methods: Nine subjects participated voluntarily in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. On three testing days, the subjects performed six Hoff tests with a 3-min active break as a preload and then the Yo-Yo Intermittent Running Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) until exhaustion. On test days 2 and 3, the subjects received either a 69 g carbohydrate-containing drink (syrup–water mixture) or a carbohydrate-free drink (aromatic water). Beverages were given in several doses of 250 mL each: 30 min before and immediately before the exercise and after 18 and 39 min of exercise. The primary target parameters were the running performance in the Hoff test and Yo-Yo IR1, body mass and heart rate. Statistical differences between the variables of both conditions were analyzed using paired samples t-tests. Results: The maximum heart rate in Yo-Yo IR1 showed significant differences (syrup: 191.1 ± 6.2 bpm; placebo: 188.0 ± 6.89 bpm; t(6) = −2.556; p = 0.043; dz = 0.97). The running performance in Yo-Yo IR1 under the condition syrup significantly increased by 93.33 ± 84.85 m (0–240 m) on average (p = 0.011). Conclusions: The intake of a syrup–water mixture with a total of 69 g carbohydrates leads to an increase in high-intensive running performance after soccer specific loads. Therefore, the intake of carbohydrate solutions is recommended for intermittent loads and should be increasingly considered by coaches and players.

Fitness and Performance Testing of Male and Female Beach Soccer Players-A Preliminary Investigation.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare performance on sand and a firm surface and to describe the physical capacity of male and female beach soccer players.Methods: Sixty-six male and 29 female competitive beach soccer players voluntarily participated in this study. Firstly, within-subjects test scores were compared to scores on a firm surface (criterion validity; n = 15 men) and reconducted on a second occasion (reliability; n = 51 men). Secondly, the best score on sand was retained to compare test performance between ages (classified as below 20, 20–30, and above 30 years) and sexes. Performance assessments included sprint time over 5 and 15 m (once on a firm surface and twice on sand), standing long jump (SLJ, once on a firm surface and twice on sand) and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1, once on a firm surface and once on sand; only data for men were available).Results: Five-m sprint and Yo-Yo IR1 performance on sand were not correlated to performance on a firm surface (P > 0.05). Test-retest reliability was acceptable for the 15-m sprint and SLJ tests (ICC > 0.90; CV < 5%). Performance in 15-m sprint and maximal sprinting speed were moderately lower in male players aged above 30 years. compared to players aged below 30 years (d = 0.35–0.42; P < 0.05). Irrespective of the age group, weight-bearing power-based performance mass was moderately to very largely higher in male players than in female players (d = 0.42–0.88; P < 0.05).Conclusions: The lack of a consistent relationship between performance on sand and on a firm surface might indicate the need to develop specific test batteries for sand-based athletes. Age-related differences in physical performance were evident only in sprint capacity. Further studies are warranted to elucidate our preliminary findings and to develop the sand specific tests.

The Associations Between Physical Performance and Anthropometric Characteristics in Obese and Non-obese Schoolchild Handball Players.

This study investigated the relationship of body fat and fitness measures in schoolchild handball players. Twenty-eight young male handball players from handball first youth league volunteered for the present investigation (age: 10.9 ± 0.72 years; body mass: 54.8 ± 22.9 kg; height: 1.48 ± 0.10 m; body fat: 27.6 ± 9.23%). Measures included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), jumping ability [squat and counter-movement jumps (SJ, CMJ)], and sprint tests (10 m, 15 m). Anthropometry was assessed by body mass, body mass index (BMI), and fat percentage (%BF). The power of the upper limb was measured as the total distance thrown overhead using a 2 kg medicine ball. Intrarater reliability for all parameters showed a coefficient of variation (CV) below 10% and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) above 0.75. All ICC were excellent (ICC ≥ 0.96). Reliability as shown by the CV differed between 1.0 (sprint 15 m) and 5.6 (sprint 10 m). With the exception of medicine ball throw, we found significant differences between non-obese and obese in all performance parameters. The differences ranged from ηp2 = 0.47 (sprint 10 m) to ηp2 = 0.09 (medicine ball throw). The two-step-linear regression analysis using the predictors body height and body weight (step 1) and body fat (step 2) showed a marked increase of explained variance by adding body fat. The largest r2 changes were calculated for sprint 10 m (0.54), CMJ (0.49), and sprint 15 m (0.42). The lowest influence of the predictors was observed for medicine ball throw (step 1: r2 = 0.03, step 2: r2 = 0.07). With the exception of sprint parameters (β-coefficient sprint 10 m: -0.74; β-coefficient sprint 20: -0.66), a decrease of %BF leads to a higher performance in all parameters. %BF in youth handball players should be an important concern for practitioners working in this team sport in contrast to the frequently used BMI. It seems sensible and appropriate to engage very young children in physical activities such as team handball in order to improve their physical fitness. Decrease in% body fat could be considered both as a training and nutritional target to enhance and optimize sport performance-related outcomes.

Physical Fitness and Academic Performance in Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Schoolchild Handball Players in Qatar: A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between physical fitness and academic performance in youth handball players of different BMI classifications. Thirty-three male handball players (age: 10.3 ± 0.61 years; body mass: 47.1 ± 12.1 kg; height: 1.43 ± 0.09 m; BMI: 23.1 ± 4.37 kg/m2; body fat: 20.6 ± 6.27%) were recruited from the Qatar handball first league and were assigned to their BMI age-adjusted groups (i.e., normal weight, overweight, and obese). Measurements included anthropometric data (height, mass, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF), and physical performance tests: agility T-half test; squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 and 15 m sprint; medicine ball throw (MBT). Aerobic capacity was evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Academic achievement was assessed through school records of grades point average (GPA) of Mathematics, Science and Arabic. None academic performance parameter and four physical performance parameters (agility T-half: p = 0.035; CMJ: p = 0.001; SJ: p = 0.007; sprint 10 m: p = 0.028) were different between BMI related groups. In 43% (3/7) of performance parameters and all academic parameters, the normal weight group showed the highest performance level, whereas the overweight group had the best performance in both sprint tests. The obese group was only superior in the medicine ball throw, but not at the p < 0.05 level. A relevant relationship (r > 0.5) between academic and physical performance parameters was only found between Yo-Yo IR 1 and science (r = 0.548). A relevant correlation were found between CMJ and BMI (r = −0.569). The agility T-half test was correlated with CMJ (r = −0.614) and 10 m sprint (r = 0.523). These findings suggest being overweight or obese are related to science academic performance among schoolchildren athletes in Qatar. Possibly, a normal BMI could positively influence academic performance. Physical education teachers, staff, and administrators should be cognizant that health promotion interventions improving composition may have the additional potential to improve dimensions of academic performance.

The effect of isolated or combined small-sided games and speed endurance training on physical performance parameters in young soccer players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of six weeks of small-sided games (SSG), speed endurance (SER) and combined SSG and SER (CT) training programs on sprint, repeated sprint, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) performance in young soccer players. Forty-one elite young soccer players (body height: 174.0 ± 7.5 cm, body weight: 59.7 ± 9.5 kg, age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years, training age: 7.4 ± 0.6 years) underwent anthropometric measurements before performing 10m and 30m sprint tests, repeated sprint tests, and Yo-Yo IR1 and Yo-Yo IR2. The players were then divided into four groups: the SSG group (SSG; n=11), the SER group (SER; n=10), the CT group (CT; n=11), and the control group (CG; n=9). All groups performed training for six weeks on two days out of the five training days the participants were undertaking. There was a statistically significant increase in the Yo-Yo IR1 and Yo-Yo IR2 test performances of players in SSG, SER and CT groups (p&amp;lt;.05). In addition, players in these groups showed significantly higher percentage increases in Yo-Yo IR2 test performance compared to the CG. The CT group also had a statistically significant increase in Yo-Yo IR1 test performance compared to the CG (p&amp;lt;.05). In conclusion, while this study shows that SSG and SER training can be used for physical performance development in isolation or in combination, coaches and sports scientists are advised to choose combined training to use training time more efficiently.

Do heart rate variability is relationed to endurance performance in female futsal players?

abstract The study aimed to verify the correlation between resting heart rate variability (HRVrest) and endurance performance in female futsal players, as well as to evaluate the reliability of this parasympathetic autonomic marker. A total of 16 female futsal players (age: 22 ± 3 years; VO2max: 42.3 ± 2.0 ml.kg-1.min-1) were evaluated during the first week of preseason training. Vagal modulation was evaluated from the HRVrest (i.e., log-transformed root mean square of successive R-R interval differences - Ln-RMSSD) for two consecutive days, while endurance performance was evaluated by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the variables. Strong correlation between the HRVrest index and endurance performance (r = 0.643; p = 0.007). Reliability was tested through the intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation (CV), and Bland-Altman analysis of the agreement. Furthermore, acceptable repeatability of HRVrest, but with great inter-subject variability (ICC = 0.670, 95%CI = 0.056-0.885, CV = 15.8%). The current study demonstrated a strong correlation between Ln-RMSSD and endurance performance, and despite the acceptable values of intrasubject reliability, HRVrest presented high inter-individual variability in female futsal players.

ANTHROPOMETRIC, PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The objective of this study was to analyse anthropometric, physical fitness and psychological parameters in women basketball players according to their age group. Ninety-seven women basketball players (16.7±2.9 years in age) from national teams participated in the study. The players belonged to the A-team, Under-20s, Under-18s, Under-16s, and Under-15s national teams. All were assessed using basic anthropometry (height, weight and body mass index), physical fitness tests (countermovement jump with and without upper limb movement, chest-pass, 10 m and 15 m sprints, T-test, line-drill, and yo-yo IR2 test), psychological parameters (psychological skills in practice and competition, mental toughness, and competition anxiety). A one-way analysis of variance was used to establish the differences between the teams, applying a Bonferroni post hoc test. The results showed that in the anthropometric parameters there were only differences in weight, with the Under-15s being lighter than the rest of the teams (F = 4.808, p = 0.001). In the physical fitness parameters, the A-teams scored higher in chest-pass than the rest of the teams (F = 15.320, p &lt;0.001), the Under-15s were faster than the Under-18s in 10 m sprint (F = 2.914, p = 0.026) and than the rest of the teams in 15 m sprint (F = 40.407, p &lt;0.001), and the Under-18s scored better on the yo-yo IR2 test than the Under-16s (F = 2.157, p = 0.041). In the psychological parameters, differences were only found between the Under-16s and Under-18s in negative thinking in competition (F = 3.517, p = 0.001). Coaches should focus on the physical condition training load, and try to improve it as age increases. The lack of differences in the psychological parameters seems to indicate that these depend more on the individual than on age.

The Effect of Eight-Week Sprint Interval Training on Aerobic Performance of Elite Badminton Players.

This study was aimed to: (1) investigate the effects of physiological functions of sprint interval training (SIT) on the aerobic capacity of elite badminton players; and (2) explore the potential mechanisms of oxygen uptake, transport and recovery within the process. Thirty-two elite badminton players volunteered to participate and were randomly divided into experimental (Male-SIT and Female-SIT group) and control groups (Male-CON and Female-CON) within each gender. During a total of eight weeks, SIT group performed three times of SIT training per week, including two power bike trainings and one multi-ball training, while the CON group undertook two Fartlek runs and one regular multi-ball training. The distance of YO-YO IR2 test (which evaluates player’s ability to recover between high intensity intermittent exercises) for Male-SIT and Female-SIT groups increased from 1083.0 ± 205.8 m to 1217.5 ± 190.5 m, and from 725 ± 132.9 m to 840 ± 126.5 m (p < 0.05), respectively, which were significantly higher than both CON groups (p < 0.05). For the Male-SIT group, the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and ventilatory anaerobic threshold in percentage of VO2max significantly increased from 3088.4 ± 450.9 mL/min to 3665.3 ± 263.5 mL/min (p < 0.05),and from 74 ± 10% to 85 ± 3% (p < 0.05) after the intervention, and the increases were significantly higher than the Male-CON group (p < 0.05); for the Female-SIT group, the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and ventilatory anaerobic threshold in percentage of VO2max were significantly elevated from 1940.1 ± 112.8 mL/min to 2176.9 ± 78.6 mL/min, and from 75 ± 4% to 82 ± 4% (p < 0.05) after the intervention, which also were significantly higher than those of the Female-CON group (p < 0.05). Finally, the lactate clearance rate was raised from 13 ± 3% to 21 ± 4% (p < 0.05) and from 21 ± 5% to 27 ± 4% for both Male-SIT and Female-SIT groups when compared to the pre-test, and this increase was significantly higher than the control groups (p < 0.05). As a training method, SIT could substantially improve maximum aerobic capacity and aerobic recovery ability by improving the oxygen uptake and delivery, thus enhancing their rapid repeated sprinting ability.

Differences in Body Fat, Body Mass Index, and Physical Performance of Specific Field Tests in 10-to-12-Year-Old School-Aged Team Handball Players

This study aimed to compare 10-to-12-year-old Qatari male athletes and assess body fat, body mass index, and physical fitness, as well as the difference of these measures between ages. Thirty-five youth handball players volunteered for the investigation and were divided into three groups: 12-year-old players (U12; n = 12), 11-year-old players (U11; n = 11), 10-year-old players (U10; n = 12). Anthropometry was assessed by body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Measurements included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ, respectively)), and sprint tests (10 and 15 m). The power of the upper extremity was measured by a 2-kg overhead medicine ball throw for distance. Except for %BF (p = 0.387) and BMI (p = 0.070), all anthropometric and demographic parameters were different between age groups. The largest differences were found for body mass (p = 0.007) and body height (p = 0.008). Regarding fitness parameters, only the medicine ball throw (p = 0.022) was different between age groups (U10 vs. U12: p = 0.009; U11 vs. U12: p = 0.048). There was no difference between groups for jumping (CMJ: p = 0.586; SJ: p = 0.377), sprinting (10 m: p = 0.211; 15 m: p = 0.194) and Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.228). Body fat was the anthropometric parameter with the strongest relationship with physical performance in that lower body fat was related to superior jumping performance and sprint performance. In conclusion, except for %BF and BMI, all anthropometric parameters were different between U10, U11, and U12 handball players. For physical parameters, jumping, sprinting, and endurance performance were not different between age groups. From a practical perspective, coaches can use these findings as reference for the evaluation of their school-aged handball players, as well as for establishing performance goals.

The effect of mental fatigue on the performance of Australian football specific skills amongst amateur athletes

ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of induced mental fatigue on the performance of Australian football (AF) specific skills amongst amateur AF players. DesignRandomised cross over trial. MethodsTwenty-five amateur AF players performed a series of standardised tests from the Australian Football League (AFL) Draft Combine after completing a 30-min Stroop test (mental fatigue condition) or 30-min control condition. The AFL Draft Combine tests included the standing vertical jump test, running vertical jump test, agility test, 20m sprint, Matthew Lloyd clean hands test, Brad Johnson goal kicking test and a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test. ResultsThe Stroop test score decreased during the Stroop test (first five trials: mean=84.7, SD=3.5; last five trials: mean=82.2, SD=5.0, p=0.03). The Yo-Yo IR1 test (mental fatigue: median=920m, IQR=400; control: median=1040m, IQR=760; p=0.03) and Brad Johnson goalkicking test (mental fatigue: median=19.0, IQR=5.0; control: median=25.0, IQR=10.0, p=0.048) were negatively affected by mental fatigue. No other Draft Combine tests demonstrated a negative affect from mental fatigue. ConclusionsMental fatigue had a detrimental influence on the performance of AF specific skills. The findings may have implications for AF players who are required to sustain attention and concentration for prolonged periods before and during matches.

Does Oral Hygiene Influence Salivary pH, Lactate, and IL-1&amp;#946; of Basketball Players During Intense Exercise?

This study examined the salivary pH, salivary lactate, and salivary IL-1 β responses from a high-intensity intermittent running test, and the influence of hygiene oral status on these biomarkers in elite adolescent basketball players. Forty-six adolescent players participated. Saliva sampling was taken before and 3 min after a high-intensity exercise (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; Yo-Yo IR1). In order to quantify and classify the oral hygiene level, the athletes were submitted to a dental examination, and an adapted Simplified Oral Hygiene Index was applied. After the dental examination, the whole group was divided into good oral hygiene group (GHG) and poor oral hygiene group (PHG). The results of a two- way analysis of variance showed a significant interaction effect (P = 0.0003), group effect (P < 0.0001), and time effect (pre to post Yo-yo IR1; P < 0.0001) for salivary pH and for salivary lactate (interaction effect, P = 0.008; group effect, P < 0.000 1; time effect, P < 0.0001) with a lower salivary pH and a higher salivary lactate at pre and post-Yo-Yo IR1 for PHG, but no difference was observed for IL-1β. The data demonstrated that the high-intensity exercise led to a significant change in salivary pH and salivary lactate concentration of the basketball players, and that the oral hygiene status influenced these responses, with a greater change for those players showing a poor oral hygiene.