Young Adult Players Research Articles

Acute Effects of Padel Match Play on Circulating Substrates, Metabolites, Energy Balance Enzymes, and Muscle Damage Biomarkers: Sex Differences

This study aimed to analyze the effects of padel match play on circulating substrates, metabolites, energy balance enzymes, and muscle damage biomarkers and evaluate possible sex-related differences. Twenty-two trained padel players (13 female and 9 male young-adult players) were recruited for this study in which simulated padel matches were analyzed. Circulating levels of substrates (glucose -BG- and triglycerides -TGs-), metabolites (creatinine -Cr- and urea), energy balance enzymes (lipoprotein lipase -LPL-), and muscle damage biomarkers (creatine kinase -CK-, lactate dehydrogenase -LDH-, and fatty acid-binding protein 3 -FABP-3-) were assessed both pre- and post-padel competition. Time analysis of padel matches reported a real time–total time ratio of 0.4. Moreover, players’ mean heart rate during padel matches represented around 75% of their individual maximum value. Unaltered BG levels and a slight decrease in TGs were observed post-exercise. Cr, urea, LPL, CK, LDH, and FABP-3 levels increased after padel matches when total group was considered. Moreover, sex-related differences in Cr, CK, and LDH blood concentrations were found in both pre- and post-padel competition. According to our results, the padel competition could be defined as a low- or moderate-impact sport in which aerobic energy system contribution is prevalent although anaerobic metabolism also plays a key role in performing padel shots and other explosive actions. Considering that male and female players exercised at the same relative intensity during padel matches, sex differences found in muscle damage biomarkers could be due to the greater muscle mass in males.

Influence of agility and core endurance on visual reaction time in amateur male badminton players

BACKGROUND: Badminton depends on key factors like reaction time, agility and core endurance to deliver a powerful and precise stroke. The purpose of this study is to explore the associations between agility and core endurance on visual reaction time among adult male amateur badminton players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amateur male badminton players between 12–25 years were recruited and assessed on visual reaction time, agility and core endurance using deary liewald reaction time software, T test and prone bridge test respectively. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the data for correlation while Mann Whitney U test was used to find the difference, if any, between the adolescent and adult players in terms of reaction time, agility and core endurance. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 23. RESULT: Ninety amateur male badminton players in the age group of 12–25 years were included in the study. Data analysis was done for adolescent players (n = 45 of 12–17 years) and young adult players (n = 45 of 17–25 years). A positive correlation was obtained between reaction time and agility in both adolescents’ and young adults and the entire population with r value 0.413, 0.082, and 0.244 respectively. A negative correlation was seen between reaction time and core endurance in adolescents, young adults and whole group with r value –0.283, –0.267, –0.272 respectively. CONCLUSION: Amateur badminton players who had good agility displayed faster reaction time while those having poor core endurance showed slower reaction time.

Repetitive soccer heading adversely impacts short-term learning among adult women.

To determine the impact of 12-month heading exposure on short-term learning. A total of 105 active amateur soccer players, 45 women and 60 men, were administered an EMA-based test of working memory, a version of the two-back, once daily for 14 days. Heading exposure of the participants was assessed using "HeadCount", a validated structured questionnaire at the baseline visits. The short-term rate of learning of each individual is quantified by first fitting a quadratic model to the daily performance on the two-back test over a two-week period, then taking the instantaneous rate of the quadratic function at the 7th test. A linear regression model was used to test the association of heading exposure with rates of learning, including age, sex, years of education and history of concussion as covariates, as well as variables describing soccer play and heading within the two-week period. Sensitivity analyses were performed using different methods for quantifying the learning effects and different transformations on 12-month heading exposure. Greater 12-month heading was associated with lower rates of learning among women (p = 0.008) but not among men (p = 0.74). We have identified evidence for an adverse, albeit subclinical, effect of soccer heading on brain function among young adult players, which selectively affects women in our sample.

Players’ Reflections on Digital Games as a Medium for Education: Results from a Qualitative Study

The use of digital game potential for education has been investigated extensively. However, little is known about how players themselves perceive educational possibilities of the entertainment games they play in their free time. This knowledge gap is problematic because players’ own assumptions about learning with digital games will influence the acceptance and the outcome of any game-related educational intervention. Based on a qualitative content analysis of interviews with 19 adolescent and young adult players of five simulation games (Age of Empires, Cities Skylines, Civilization 6, Eco, and Tropico 6), this study investigates how players perceive digital entertainment games as a medium for (geography) education. While a few interviewees dismiss the potential of digital (entertainment) games, predominantly based on the games’ contents instead of medial particularities, others embrace the educational possibilities of the medium wholeheartedly, based on its attractiveness and unique characteristics, including didactical features. A third group of respondents provided mixed reviews of (entertainment) games’ educational potential by referring to advantages and disadvantages of the medium’s characteristics, as well as the challenges of a simplified and/or inaccurate representation of content. Interviewees from all three groups underestimated the value of digital games for (geography) education beyond subject matter expertise. By solely framing (geography) education as the transfer of correct and politically neutral specialized knowledge, they failed to recognize games’ possibilities in terms of achieving additional learning goals of contemporary (geography) education, such as critical reflection skills, argumentation skills, and the formation of opinion. Overall, many players rightly assume that a successful implementation into the geography classroom strongly depends on context variables, such as the selected game, target group, learning goals, and pedagogical concept. Above all, they stress the importance of briefing and debriefing by an educator. Finally, the players’ levels of reflection and depth of argumentation varied significantly – presumably depending on their age, educational level, and the games they refer to.

Compare Heart Rate Recovery and Cardiopulmonary Endurance of Badminton and Squash Player

Background: Cardiopulmonary endurance is the ability to pump blood rich with oxygen to working muscles and this oxygen during exercise works and enhance period of activity. Regular aerobic exercises and sports can enhance cardiovascular endurance. Previous work in the field of physical science reveals that physical activity manage to advance and sustain higher levels of physical as well as cardiovascular fitness. Objectives: The main objectives of study were to compare heart rate recovery in badminton and squash healthy young adult players and to compare cardiopulmonary endurance among badminton and squash players. Methodology: 20 players with the age of 20-40 years playing badminton and squash for more than a yearfrom Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex, Rawalpindi were selected for this study. Subjects performed two tests for cardiopulmonary fitness testing i.e. Rockport walk test and 3 minutes step test. Subjects then played their regular game for 10 minutes. Heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2 were measured before the start of game, immediately after play and 5 minutes after cessation of game and heart rate recovery was calculated. Independent T test and Chi square test were applied to analyze the data. Results: When comparing heart rate recovery, results showed that people who were playing regular badminton showed faster heart rate recovery as compared to those individuals who were playing squash regularly. According to results of cardiopulmonary fitness test badminton players showed better result than squash players. Conclusion: Playing regular badminton for fitness purposes showed better results in cardiovascular health and heart rate recovery than playing squash Keywords: Badminton, Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Cardiopulmonary, Endurance, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Recovery, RatePerceived Exertion.

Heading Exposure in Elite Football (Soccer): A Study in Adolescent, Young Adult, and Adult Male and Female Players.

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study aims to quantify heading exposure in real-life elite football at the level of individual male and female adolescents, young adults, and adults.MethodsHeading exposure was determined by video analysis in combination with a structured electronic registration tool and observation training, to comprehensively register heading characteristics. Characteristics of heading events were registered in 116 official matches (96 male, 20 female) of Dutch national teams.ResultsMean exposure for male players based on full match participation was 4.2 headers, with maximum heading exposure at 10.6 headers. Mean heading exposure was higher in adult than adolescent players (P = 0.049), whereas maximum heading exposure was higher for adult than for young adult players (P = 0.045). Maximum heading exposure was higher in male than in female players (P = 0.015). Defenders had the greatest mean and maximum heading exposure (P < 0.001). Longer flight courses of the ball had greater contribution to mean and maximum heading exposure than shorter courses (P < 0.01). Frontal headers had greater contribution to exposure than other points of contact on player’s head (P < 0.001), whereas linear headers had greater contribution than rotational headers (P = 0.016). Defensive headers had greater contribution to exposure than other heading types (P < 0.014). Unintentional head contacts in elite football players were, in most cases (80%), not related to heading situations.ConclusionsThis study provides real-life quantifications of mean and maximum heading exposure in elite football, with strong relevance for policy makers and researchers. The results highlight the roles of player and heading characteristics in heading exposure, informing current discussions on the role of heading in football.

The Relationship between On-Ice and Off-Ice Performance in Elite Male Adolescent Ice Hockey Players—An Observation Study

In elite adolescence ice hockey players, overall skating performance is an essential performance factor and should be measured adequately, whereas the relationship between on-ice and off-ice performance is not well known. Consequently, the aim of the study was to analyze (1) the differences in on-ice and off-ice performance in elite adolescent ice hockey players, and (2) the relationship between on-ice and off-ice performance in general separated into different age groups. Thirteen under-15, 18 under-17, and 19 under-20 elite male ice hockey players performed the specific overall skating performance test for ice hockey players (SOSPT). Additional tests included 30 m on-ice skating, off-ice skating and off-ice sprinting tests, the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the standing long jump test, the single-leg lateral jump test, and the single-leg lateral skating simulation jump test (Skate SIM). Significant differences (employing one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test) between under-15, under-17, and under-20 players were found in body mass, height, leg length, CMJ height, standing long jump distance, single-leg lateral jumps from the left and right legs, Skate SIM time, off-ice sprinting time (0–6 m and 0–30 m), off-ice inline skating time (0–30 m), on-ice skating time (0–6 m and 0–30 m), and SOSPT time. Pearson Product-Moment correlation analysis revealed stronger correlations between SOSPT time and on-ice skating, off-ice skating, and off-ice sprinting and jump tests in the under-15 players compared to the under-17 and under-20 players. As expected with increasing age, elite male ice hockey players performed better in on-ice and off-ice performance tests. The stronger relationship between SOSPT performance and on-ice and off-ice performance in the younger compared to the older players revealed that general physical performance determined specific overall skating performance more often in youth players, whereas in junior und young adult players, an optimal skating technique is more important. These results should be considered in the selection process for young ice hockey players.

Validation and Implementation of a Direct RT-qPCR Method for Rapid Screening of SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Using Non-Invasive Saliva Samples

Background: There is an urgent need to curb COVID-19 pandemic through early identification of asymptomatic but infectious cases. We aimed to validate and implement an optimized screening method for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA combining use of self-collected raw saliva samples, single-step heat-treated virus inactivation and RNA extraction, and direct RT-qPCR.Methods: The study was conducted in Sant Joan de Déu University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain), including: i) method analytical validation against standard RT-qPCR in saliva samples; ii) method diagnostic validation against standard RT-qPCR in nasopharyngeal samples using a prospective cohort of asymptomatic teenagers and young adult players and staff in a youth sports academy; and iii) method implementation through pilot screening of asymptomatic health workers, students, and aid volunteers in the study site.Findings: The direct method had comparable performance to standard RT-qPCR in saliva and high intra- and inter-assay precision. Diagnostic validation included saliva and nasopharyngeal samples serially obtained from 173 participants during 9-12 weeks. At week 0, all saliva and nasopharyngeal samples were negative. In the following weeks, standard RT-qPCR yielded 23 positive results in nasopharyngeal samples. Paired saliva specimens yielded 22 (95·7%) positive and one inconclusive result. A total of 2,709 participants engaged in the pilot screening, with a high rate of participation (83·4% among health workers). Only 17 (0·6%) of saliva samples self-collected by participants were invalid. Saliva was positive in 24 (0·9%) out of 2,692 valid specimens and inconclusive in 27 (1·0%). All 24 saliva-positive and 4 saliva-inconclusive participants were positive by standard RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal samples. Use of a high throughput system allowed fast screening workflow (up to 384 samples in Interpretation: Direct RT-qPCT on self-collected raw saliva is a simple, rapid, and accurate method with potential to be scaled up for enhanced SARS-CoV-2 community-wide screening.Funding:This work was supported by the Kids Corona Project promoted by SJDH, which received donations from Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Banco Santander.Declaration of Interests: CMA reports past grants to her organization from BioMèrieux, Roche Diagnostics, Qiagen, BioFire Diagnostics, Alere, and Genomica, outside the submitted work and personal fees from BioMèrieux, Roche Diagnostics, and Qiagen for presentations in satellite symposiums outside the submitted work. PB reports personal fees from Roche Diagnostics for a presentation in a satellite symposium outside the submitted work. The rest of authors declare no conflicts of interest.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Ethics Commitee of SJDH prior to the beginning of activities (ref. PIC-240-20). Use of samples collected from participants in the “Kids Corona Study of SARS-CoV-2 transmission at Football Club Barcelona Academy “La Masia” for the present and future studies was covered in the informed consent process and approval of that study (ref. PIC-200-20).

Limits on Training Inhibitory Control with a Focused Video Game

Gwakkamole is a focused video game designed to train the executive function skill of inhibition in young adolescents and has been shown to be enjoyable and challenging for them. This study examined whether the game was also enjoyable and challenging as well as effective for a different age cohort (i.e., young adults). According to the cognitive theory of game-based training, two essential features of effective games are enjoyment and challenge. Across two experiments, young adults took a battery of executive function tests, played Gwakkamole or a control game for 2 h spread over four sessions within 9 days, and retook the battery of executive function tests along with a self-report survey. Across two experiments, the Gwakkamole group reported lower ratings than the control group on liking the game, exerting effort during playing, feeling motivated during playing, feeling challenged during playing, and wanting to play again; and the groups did not differ significantly on post-test inhibition score (with pre-test inhibition score included as a covariate). Gwakkamole appears to lack the necessary level of challenge and enjoyment for young adult players, which are two essential features for effective games based on the cognitive theory of game-based training.

A preliminary cross-cultural study of Hikikomori and Internet Gaming Disorder: The moderating effects of game-playing time and living with parents

BackgroundInternet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and Hikikomori (an extreme form of social real-life withdrawal, where individuals isolate themselves from society) have both been suggested as mental disorders that require further clinical research, particularly among young adult populations. ObjectiveTo add to the extant literature, the present study used a cross-cultural, cross-sectional design to investigate the association between Hikikomori and IGD, and the potential moderating effects of reported game-playing time and living with parents. MethodTwo online samples of 153 Australian and 457 U.S.-North American young adult players of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games were collected. The nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGDS-SF9), and the Hikikomori Social Withdrawal Scale were administered to dimensionally assess IGD and Hikikomori, respectively. ResultsLinear regression analyses confirmed that Hikikomori symptoms are associated with IGD. Additionally, moderation analyses indicated that the association was exacerbated by longer game playing time across both populations. Gamers living with their parents was a significant moderator of the relationship for the Australian sample. ConclusionsExtreme real-life social withdrawal and IGD are related, and this association is exacerbated for those who spend more time playing MMOs per day, and, for Australian participants, living with their parents.

The (Not So) Evil Within? Agency in Video Game Choice and the Impact of Violent Content

Background. The degree to which violent video games do, or do not contribute to aggressive behavior and hostility remains controversial in the scientific community, with scholars not yet having come to a consensus about effects. Recent studies have examined whether other issues such as frustration or competition might explain some video game influences that were previously thought to be due to violent content. Aim. The current study examines whether player agency in determining choice of game played influences aggressive outcomes. Methods. Young adult players were randomized either to play a violent game, a non-violent game, or to be given the choice between several violent and non-violent games. Players were examined for subsequent aggressive behavior using the ice water task as well as for stress levels and hostility. Results. Game condition did not influence hostility, stress, or aggressive behavior, whether with randomized or chosen games. Conclusion. The present study provided no evidence that violent video games contribute to aggressive behavior. Lack of influence for agency in game choice can be understood given the lack of any aggression effect for violent game exposure.

The effect of age on elbow range of motion in pitchers

BackgroundAlteration of elbow range of motion (ROM) has been observed in baseball pitchers. This study aims to compare dominant elbow ROM between early-puberty, late-puberty, and young–adult pitchers. MethodsWe recruited 62 pitchers, consisting of 17 early-puberty (mean age 13.1 years old), 22 late-puberty (mean age 17.7 years old), and 23 young–adult players (mean age 19.4 years old). Dominant elbow ROMs was measured. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences in elbow ROM variables between 3 groups. ResultsLate-puberty pitchers exhibited a significantly lower elbow hyperextension and flexion than early-puberty or young–adult pitchers (P < .05). Valgus angle was significantly lower in young–adult (7.7°±5.5°) versus early-puberty (12.1°±2.3°) and late-puberty pitchers (13.0°±4.1°; P < .05). Young–adult pitchers had the largest forearm supination range (101.2°±18.1°), followed by early-puberty (82.5°±6.5°; P < .05) and late-puberty pitchers (70.6°±15.8°). Elbow flexion-hyperextension total range was smallest in late-puberty pitchers (130.3°±7.4°), followed by young–adult (142.6°±9.3°) and early-puberty pitchers (144.6°±8.3°; P < .05). Forearm pronation–supination total range was also smallest in late-puberty pitchers (142.0°±20.3°), followed by early-puberty (159.8°±9.5°) and young–adult pitchers (177.2°±20.8°; P < .05). ConclusionsThese results indicate that careful monitoring of the elbow and forearm range of motion should be undertaken in adolescent baseball pitchers to prevent and or minimize injury risk.

When Losing Means Winning: The Impact of Conflict in a Digital Game on Young Adults' Intentions to Get Protected from Cancer.

Despite the improved survival rate for patients with cancer in the United States, there is a need for successful intervention programs that can raise awareness about cancer risks among healthy young adults. This research experimentally examines how conflict in a digital game called "Re-Mission™" (HopeLab, Redwood City, CA) may influence young adults' perception of cancer risk, their motivation to get protected from cancer, and their intention to seek cancer-related information from their doctors. "Re-Mission" is a game in which players control a nanorobot that goes inside patients' virtual bodies to fight cancer cells. Two days after completing a baseline survey, participants (n=48) played "Re-Mission" at either low or high conflict (i.e., low or high level of obstacles and challenges in the game). Then, participants completed a post-experience survey. Participants in the high conflict condition experienced an increase in perceived susceptibility to and severity of cancer. They also increased their intentions to seek information by talking with a physician. Conflict also blocked any decrease in protective motivation. This study suggests that by virtually experiencing the consequences of cancer cell behavior, young adult players of "Re-Mission" increased in perception of cancer risks, protective motivation, and intentions to seek cancer-related information. In practice, health interventions should not only disseminate visual information about cancer, but also give the public the opportunity to virtually experience the consequences of cancer in order to understand the risks and become motivated to get protected. Implications for future research are also discussed.

Psychological needs, purpose in life, and problem video game playing among Chinese young adults

The negative impacts of excessive and problematic video game playing on both children and adults are attracting increasing concern. Based on self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2000), this study hypothesized that the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness are positively associated with purpose in life, which in turn acts as a protective factor against problem video game playing among Chinese young adult players. Through a questionnaire survey with a sample of 165 Chinese adults aged between 18 and 30 years (mean age = 22.7 years), we found that perceived autonomy, competence, relatedness, and purpose in life were all negatively correlated with problem game playing. The demographic and psychological factors explained 38% of the variances of problem game playing. Specifically, gender, perceived relatedness, and purpose in life emerged as the three most salient predictors of problem game playing among the Chinese young adults. The mediating role of purpose in life was evidenced and it was found that purpose in life mediated the influences of the psychological needs proposed by SDT on problem game playing. Moreover, young men were significantly more susceptible to problem game playing than their female counterparts. To conclude, psychological needs and purpose in life influenced Chinese young adults' vulnerability to problem game playing directly or indirectly. Intervention programs that encourage social involvement and voluntary work, as well as counseling service that helps clients to search for life purpose, are suggested for intervening in problem game playing among Chinese young adults.

Progressive Dehydration Causes a Progressive Decline in Basketball Performance in 17-22 Year Old Men

Dehydration has been implicated in impaired athletic performance during relatively short duration high-intensity intermittent activities; however, no study to date has investigated the effect of progressive levels of dehydration on basketball performance in skilled college-aged players. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of 1, 2, 3, and 4% dehydration (DEH) compared to euhydration with water (EUH) on basketball performance in young-adult players. METHODS: Eight 17–22 yr old highly-skilled male basketball players completed 3 hrs of interval treadmill walking (50% VO2max) at 40°C and 20% rh with or without water replacement. Each subject completed 5 trials in random order: 1) EUH, 2) 1% DEH, 3) 2% DEH, 4) 3% DEH, and 5) 4% DEH. After 1 hr of recovery, subjects performed a series of basketball drills designed to simulate a fast-paced game. Performance measures included: average time to complete on-court sprinting drills and average number of shots made per drill. RESULTS: On-court sprinting and shooting performance progressively declined as % dehydration increased. Figure 1 shows the difference in performance from baseline EUH in on- court sprinting (1 %: ±2 ± 1; 2%: ±3 ± 1; 3%: ±5 ±2; 4%: ±10 ± 2 s (P <0.05 at 4%)) and shots made (1%: −0.4 ± 0.6; 2%: −0.4 ±0.5; 3%:−0.7 ±0.5; 4%:−1.4 ±0.3 shots made (P <0.01 at 4%)).FigureCONCLUSION: Basketball players experience a progressive deterioration in performance compared to EUH as DEH progresses from 1 to 4%.

Cognitive Aging in a Precision Sport Context

Highly skilled miniature golf players were examined in a series of field and laboratory studies. The principal finding from these studies is that young and young adult players (range = 15-38 years) score equally well or better in competition than in training whereas older adult players (range = 46-73 years) perform worse in competitive events than under training conditions. It was also found that the impairment in motor performance on the part of the older players is associated with age-related deficits in basic cognitive abilities, such as memory and attention. These results support the hypothesis that older players may be able to compensate for age-related deficits under relaxed conditions, but not under conditions of high arousal. The possibility of improving the performance of the older players in stressful situations by means of various intervention programs is discussed.

Attention and Performance in Miniature Golf Across the Life Span

Highly skilled adolescent (15-19 years), young (25-35 years), middle-aged (50-57 years), and older (58-73 years) miniature golf players were examined in training and competitive conditions. Number of shots, heart rate, ratings of anxiety, and concentration time were registered. IN addition, two attentional subscales from the Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style (TAIS) inventory (Nideffer, 1976) were administered. Results indicated (a) parallel increases of heart rate and rated anxiety in competition for all age groups, (b) improvement of motor performance in competition for adolescent and young-adult players, and deterioration of motor performance in competition for middle-aged and older players, and (c) increased concentration time for the two younger samples, and decreased concentration time for the two older samples in competition. As well, the TAIS data indicated greater self-perceived external and internal distractability in the two older, compared to the two younger samples. This age-related vulnerability to distractions was shown to partly mediate age differences in competitive motor performance. The overall pattern of outcome is discussed relative to the view that the adult aging process is associated with a deficit in the ability to handle situations of high arousal due to age-related deficits in a variety of basic cognitive capacities.