Young Female Athletes Research Articles

Correlation between serum and saliva sex hormones in young female athletes.

Saliva sampling provides a practical noninvasive way for biological monitoring of steroid hormones but few studies have focused on saliva sex hormones in female athletes, and it is still unknown whether salivary concentrations are an accurate reflection of blood concentrations in this population. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the correlation between serum and saliva estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PG) in 10 young female athletes with normal menstrual cycle. Thirty blood and saliva samples were taken at rest in a fasting state in order to analyze E2 and PG concentrations, during 3 different hormonal periods: Status 1: low E2 and low PG (end luteal/early follicular); Status 2: high E2 and low PG (end follicular/peri-ovulatory); Status 3: high PG (mid-luteal). A strong correlation was found between serum and saliva PG (r=0.914, P<0.01), whereas a weaker but still significant relationship was observed between serum and saliva E2 (r=0.755, P<0.01). The most significant correlations obtained for E2 were during Status 2 (r=0.941, P<0.01) and during Status 3 for PG (r=0.817, P<0.01). Although it remains challenging to produce precise identification with only saliva samples for each menstrual cycle phase, results seem to show that saliva can provide a convenient substitute to serum for sex hormones in female athletes during longitudinal monitoring. This is of particular interest in this population, with the number of female athletes suffering from an altered menstrual cycle, sometimes even during regular menstruation.

Sex Differences Exist in the Relationship Between Vertical Jump Performance Biomechanical Parameters and Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratio in Adolescent U18 Track and Field Athletes

Isokinetic metrics are suggested to be related to vertical jump performance, but little is known about the possible sex differences in this relationship in adolescent track and field athletes. The aim of the study was to examine the possible sex differences in the strength of the relationship between the kinetic parameters of the vertical squat jump with arms akimbo, the countermovement jump with arms akimbo, and the countermovement jump with free arm swing with the isokinetic parameters of the knee extensor and flexor muscles (angular velocities: 60°/s and 300°/s). In total, 35 (males: 21, females: 14) U18 track and field athletes were examined. The results revealed that the Men U18 group had higher vertical jump performance, higher values in the kinetic parameters of the vertical jump tests, higher knee extensor torque, and higher knee flexor torque in the non-dominant leg compared to the Women U18 group. Significant (p &lt; 0.05) sex differences were observed in the relationship between the isokinetic parameters and the vertical jump performance metrics, as the Women U18 athletes relied more on the knee flexor torque than Men U18 athletes, and demonstrated a stronger negative relationship between selected isokinetic metrics and the pre-stretch gain in the vertical jump tests. In conclusion, it is recommended that young female track and field athletes minimize interlimb asymmetry and improve the convention ratio in their non-dominant leg to optimize vertical jump performance.

Triad of female athletes

The female sports triad is a spectrum of dysfunctions related to energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Energy availability is considered the trigger for the triad. Scientists have proven that women who do sports consume approximately 30% less energy and carbohydrates in relation to their body weight. Sufficient energy availability ensures the presence of a menstrual cycle, directly affects the stimulation of the production of female sex hormones (estrogen in particular). Thus, it prevents resorption of bone tissue. When energy availability is too low, a physiological mechanism reduces the amount of energy used for cell maintenance, thermoregulation, growth, and reproductive function. This compensation tends to restore energy balance and promotes survival, but impairs health. Low body weight in women of reproductive age, particularly in adolescence and the first reproductive age, is a biological marker of somatic and reproductive dysfunction. Osteoporosis in young female athletes is manifested by fractures unusual for young women or by frequent and multiple bone fractures during an athletic career. In this review article, an analytical review of literary and informational sources regarding the history of research on the problem of the triad of female athletes is carried out. The specifics of the negative impact of the athlete triad on the female body, the components of the athlete triad (amenorrhea, eating disorders, and osteoporosis) are examined in detail. The article focuses on its main cause - energy imbalance. The impact of the triad of female athletes on the psyche and behavior is considered. The question of its consequences for health both in the short-term and in the long-term perspective is considered. The prevention of RED-S syndrome was also investigated. The purpose of the study: Systematization of current knowledge about the triad of female athletes (relative energy deficiency syndrome (RED-S)). Research methods. Theoretical analysis of literary sources, systematization, generalization of scientific-methodical and special literature.

Comparative Analysis of Motor Skills and Morphological Characteristic of the Young Female Athletes

Handball and volleyball are quite different sports. Thus, this research was inspired by these differences, by similar previous research, and the aspire to see if there are differences between the performances of young female athletes that play handball and volleyball. The aim of this research is to perform a comparative analysis of motor skills and morphological characteristics of young female athletes, handball and volleyball players. The complete sample consisted of 50 female athletes. One study group is composed of 25 female handball players, who are members of the womenʼs handball club „Niksic“. And the second study group is composed of 25 female volleyball players, who are members of the womenʼs volleyball club „Volley Star“. All female athletes are aged 12 to 14 and they have been training handball or volleyball for at least 2 years. In order to assess morphological characteristics and motor abilities, fourteen measures were applied to the sample. A t-test was used to determine statistically significant differences between study groups. In conclusion, there are statistically significant differences in terms of motor skills and morphological characteristics between young female handball and volleyball players.

Microinstability of Major Joints in Movement Disorders: The Hidden Challenge.

Microinstability, characterized by subtle and often painful disturbances in joint stability, significantly impacts individuals engaged in activities requiring extensive ranges of motion, such as dancing or gymnastics, and is particularly prevalent in young female athletes. This condition, resulting from progressive microtrauma, architectural and functional abnormalities, or iatrogenic factors, is challenging to diagnose and often underreported. Understanding the biomechanical nuances of microinstability is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Upper limb joints, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, each exhibit unique anatomical and functional characteristics that contribute to their susceptibility to microinstability. Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and cerebral palsy, exacerbate joint instability due to impaired proprioception, altered muscle tone, and uncoordinated muscle contractions. Effective diagnosis involves physical examination techniques and advanced imaging modalities. Therapeutic interventions encompass physical therapy, pharmacological treatments, surgical procedures, and assistive devices, tailored to enhance joint stability and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

The effect of classical music on balance, emotional state, and perceived effort in precompetitive artistic gymnasts and trampoline athletes

PurposeIn artistic gymnastics (AG) and trampoline (TR ), athletes must be able to combine strength, flexibility, and artistry. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of classical music on balance, emotional state, and perceived effort in precompetitive AG and TR athletes after a 6-week intervention training program.MethodsThe sample consisted of 36 athletes (20 AG and 16 TR athletes) who were randomly divided into two equal groups: experimental (with music) and control (without music). Balance ability was assessed with the Balance Error Scoring System (static balance) and the Y-balance test (dynamic balance). Before and after the intervention, participants completed the RPE-FS questionnaire which included a perceived fatigue scale (PFS) and an emotion scale (ES) to assess perceived fatigue (PF) and emotional state. The total sample followed a 6-week intervention training program, twice per week. TR athletes performed all exercises on a TR , whereas AG athletes performed their exercises on the floor. During the 6 weeks, the athletes completed the questionnaire before and after each training session.ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic balance in female athletes of both sports (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05), with the percentage of improvement in AG athletes being comparatively higher than that of TR athletes. There were also significant differences in individual measures of emotional state and perceived fatigue in the examined sample.ConclusionsClassical music differentiates the rate of performance improvement in precompetitive young female athletes in these two sports.

Individual Factors in Young Female Athletes' Bladder Health (the Y-FAB Study).

Bladder health in high school and collegiate females is not well understood. The objective of this study was to compare toileting behaviors, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), and fluid intake in female athletes and nonathletes. English-speaking nulliparous females aged 13-23 years were recruited. Participants completed the Toileting Behaviors: Women's Elimination Behaviors Scale, Bristol Female LUTS Questionnaire, and Beverage Questionnaire. Statistical analysis included univariable analyses and multivariable comparisons of athletes to nonathletes adjusting for age and fluid intake. One hundred athletes and 98 nonathletes participated (mean age 20 ± 2, mean body mass index 23 ± 4). Athletes' sports were predominantly high impact. Dysmenorrhea and anxiety were higher in nonathletes (P < 0.01) versus more stress fractures in athletes (P < 0.001). Problematic toileting behaviors were prevalent regardless of athletic status; nonathletes were more likely to hold urine until home and empty away from home without the urge (both P = 0.04). Lower urinary tract symptoms were prevalent regardless of athletic status, including frequency (34.2%), hesitancy (33.3%), urgency (32.8%), stress incontinence (15.3%), and urgency incontinence (11.8%). Athletes had significantly more stress incontinence and urgency and higher incontinence subscores on univariable analysis, although the difference was attenuated after multivariable adjustment. Athletes consumed lower total fluids (P = 0.03). Problematic toileting behaviors and LUTSs were prevalent in high school and collegiate females, regardless of athletic status. Athletes had higher stress urinary incontinence and urgency and lower fluid intake. These findings support future work toward enhancing early bladder health interventions (screening, education, and LUTS prevention) among high school and collegiate females.

Shoulder Injury Incidence and Epidemiology in Youth, High School, and Collegiate Fastpitch Softball Players: A Systematic Review and Future Research Perspectives.

Fastpitch softball is one of the most popular sports in the United States among young female athletes. Softball players regularly subject their shoulders to extreme range of motion and high velocity movements. To date, no systematic review has reported on the epidemiology and incidence of shoulder injuries in softball players. To describe the incidence and epidemiology of softball-related shoulder injuries in youth, high school, and collegiate female softball players. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for relevant English language articles from 1980 to 2023. Studies selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Studies were required to be available full text, in English. Systematic review. Level 4. A preliminary screening was performed based on study title and abstract. In the subsequent screening, the full text versions of the remaining articles were evaluated by 2 reviewers for the fulfillment of the inclusion criteria. A total of 7 articles met criteria for inclusion. All studies evaluated injuries among softball players for at least 1 season. In total, there were 1107 softball-related shoulder injuries reported in the 7 studies included in this systematic review. Of the 3 studies that included a shoulder injury rate, a mean rate of 4.01 shoulder injuries per 10,000 athlete-exposures was calculated. The 2 most common shoulder injuries were shoulder muscle-tendon strains (297) and shoulder/biceps tendinitis (220). High-level prospective studies reporting injury incidence and risk factors among female softball players are extremely limited. Only 2 studies eligible for inclusion in this systematic review were prospective in nature, with neither of these reporting the specific injury rate for shoulder injuries among softball players.

Differential neural mechanisms for movement adaptations following neuromuscular training in young female athletes with a history of sports-related concussion

Sports-related concussion (SRC) in adolescent athletes is associated with an increased risk of subsequent lower extremity injury. Neuromuscular training (NMT) has shown promise for reducing lower extremity injuries following SRC, however, neural adaptations in response to changes in lower extremity biomechanics following NMT in athletes with a history of SRC (HxSRC) remains poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify changes in neural activity associated with lower extremity movement adaptations following a six-week NMT intervention in athletes with a HxSRC. Thirty-two right-hand/foot-dominant female adolescent athletes (16 with self-reported HxSRC, 16 age- and anthropometrically-matched controls) completed a bilateral leg press task with 3D motion analysis during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Movement adaptations were defined as a change in frontal and sagittal plane range of motion (ROM) during the fMRI bilateral leg press task. Significant pre- to post-NMT reductions were observed in the non-dominant (left) mean frontal plane ROM. Whole-brain neural correlate analysis revealed that increased cerebellar activity was significantly associated with reduced mean left-knee frontal ROM for matched controls. Exploratory within group analyses identified neural correlates in the postcentral gyrus for the HxSRC group which was associated with reduced mean left-knee frontal plane ROM. These distinct longitudinal changes provide preliminary evidence of differential neural activity associated with NMT to support knee frontal plane control in athletes with and without a HxSRC.

Cross-sectional size, shape, and estimated strength of the tibia, fibula and second metatarsal in female collegiate-level cross-country runners and soccer players

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) frequently occur in the leg and foot long bones of female distance runners. A potential means of preventing BSIs is to participate in multidirectional sports when younger to build a more robust skeleton. The current cross-sectional study compared differences in tibia, fibula, and second metatarsal diaphysis size, shape, and strength between female collegiate-level athletes specialized in cross-country running (RUN, n = 16) and soccer (SOC, n = 16). Assessments were performed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and outcomes corrected for measures at the radius diaphysis to control for selection bias and systemic differences between groups. The tibia in SOC had a 7.5 % larger total area than RUN, with a 29.4 % greater minimum second moment of area (IMIN) and 8.2 % greater estimated failure load (all p ≤ 0.02). Tibial values in SOC exceeded reference data indicating positive adaptation. In contrast, values in RUN were similar to reference data suggesting running induced limited tibial adaptation. RUN did have a larger ratio between their maximum second moment of area (IMAX) and IMIN than both SOC and reference values. This suggests the unidirectional loading associated with running altered tibial shape with material distributed more in the anteroposterior (IMAX) direction as opposed to the mediolateral (IMIN) direction. Comparatively, SOC had a similar IMAX/IMIN ratio to reference data suggesting the larger tibia in SOC resulted from multiplane adaptation. In addition to enhanced size and strength of their tibia, SOC had enhanced structure and strength of their fibula and second metatarsal. At both sites, polar moment of inertia was approximately 25 % larger in SOC compared to RUN (all p = 0.03). These data support calls for young female athletes to delay specialization in running and participate in multidirectional sports, like soccer, to build a more robust skeleton that is potentially more protected against BSIs.

Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Sleep and Physical Fitness among Young Female Handball Players.

This study examines the potential impact of Ramadan fasting on sleep patterns and physical fitness in under 14 (U14) and under 17 (U17) female handball players. For this study, sixty-five female handball players' (U14, n = 33 and U17, n = 32) sleep habits were assessed before (BR) and during the first (R1) and last weeks (R4) of Ramadan using: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Physical ability tests including balance and jumps were conducted throughout these periods.; Results: During Ramadan, both groups noted significant increases in PSQI and ISI scores during R1 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and R4 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared to before Ramadan (BR). For the U14 group, a significant increase occurred in ESS scores during R1 (p < 0.01) and R4 (p < 0.05), whereas for the U17 group, this increase was limited over the R1 period (p < 0.05). In contrast, for all physical ability parameters, both groups showed no significant difference during R1 and R4; Conclusions: During adolescence, Ramadan fasting may alter sleep patterns in young female athletes but appears to have no effect on their performance in short-duration exercises.

Global longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED): age and sex differences between young and veteran athletes

BackgroundGlobal longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED) is an innovative method for assessing myocardial function and quantifies the work performed per unit volume of the left ventricular myocardium. The GLASED, measured using MRI, is the best prognostic marker currently available. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of measuring the GLASED using echocardiography and to investigate potential differences in the GLASED among athletes based on age and sex.MethodsAn echocardiographic study was conducted with male controls, male and female young athletes, and male and female veteran athletes. GLASED was calculated from the myocardial stress and strain.ResultsThe mean age (in years) of the young athletes was 21.6 for males and 21.4 for females, while the mean age of the veteran athletes was 53.5 for males and 54.2 for females. GLASED was found to be highest in young male athletes (2.40 kJ/m3) and lowest in female veterans (1.96 kJ/m3). Veteran males exhibited lower values (1.96 kJ/m3) than young male athletes did (P < 0.001). Young females demonstrated greater GLASED (2.28 kJ/m3) than did veteran females (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in the GLASED was observed between male and female veterans.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated the feasibility of measuring GLASED using echocardiography. GLASED values were greater in young male athletes than in female athletes and decreased with age, suggesting possible physiological differences in their myocardium. The sex-related differences observed in GLASED values among young athletes were no longer present in veteran athletes. We postulate that measuring the GLASED may serve as a useful additional screening tool for cardiac diseases in athletes, particularly for those with borderline phenotypes of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.

Trunk and shoulder strength and mobility in young female volleyball and handball athletes

IntroductionVolleyball and handball have typical overhead throwing motion that can generate adaptations in the athlete's kinetic chain predisposing to injuries and pain. Considering the importance of the trunk and shoulder in overhead throwing motion and the particularities of these action in different sports, this study aimed to compare the trunk and shoulder muscle strength and mobility in young female volleyball and handball athletes. DesignCross-sectional study with 70 female volleyball and handball athletes between 13 and 18 years old. MethodsShoulder rotators, trunk extension and flexion with rotation strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET 2, Hoogan Health Industries, West Jordan, UT, USA). Shoulder and trunk range of motion was measured with a digital inclinometer (Acummar – model ACU001). Total range of motion deficit (TROM deficit), glenohumeral internal and external rotation of dominant (DOM) and non-dominant (NDOM) shoulder were also calculated. ResultsHandball athletes presented greater muscle strength of trunk flexors/rotators (DOM: 24.96%, effect size: 0.687; NDOM, 31.83%, effect size: 0.798) and dominant shoulder internal rotators (16.65%, effect size: 0.619). The groups showed no difference for trunk and shoulder range of motion and external rotators strength. A TROM (volleyball: 48%, handball: 35%) and a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (volleyball: 28%, handball: 29%) was found in both groups. ConclusionsYoung female handball athletes have greater strength of trunk flexors/rotators and dominant shoulder internal rotators compared to volleyball athletes. These differences may be related to the different demands required in the movement of these sports.

Prevalence, Bother, and Risk Factors Associated With Occurrence of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions in Young Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Purpose: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) have been increasingly reported in young female athletes, but it is likely that young women, not specific to athletes, might also experience symptoms of PFD. This study investigated the occurrence of PFD symptoms in young women from the general population, their degree of bother and functional and clinical factors associated with these occurrences. Methods: Online survey was conducted with young women from the general population, not specific to athletes. Sociodemographic and clinical data, symptoms of urinary (UI) and anal incontinence (AI), pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain, and functional constipation, as well as their degree of bother were collected using validated questionnaires. Fisher exact and χ2 tests, Student t tests, and logistic regression models were applied (α = .05). Results: A total of 337 women aged 18 to 25 years were investigated. The overall occurrence of PFD was 60.0%. Dyspareunia was the most prevalent symptom (49.2%), followed by UI (44.2%) and constipation (21.7%). Higher degree of bother was reported for UI, AI, and chronic pelvic pain, respectively. Constipation (P &lt; .001) and anxiety (P = .004) were associated with occurrence of PFD, increasing the chances of PFD by 4 and 2 times, respectively. Discussion: The high occurrence, co-occurrence, and bother of PFD in young women suggest impairments in pelvic floor muscle functions that should be investigated by physical therapists. Educational programs including preventive strategies and the role of physical therapists in the treatment of PFD should be provided from early ages.

Physical performance in young female football athletes: a systematic review

The objective was to analyze the physical performance in female soccer players. A systematic review was performed by searching MedLine (PubMed), SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Lilacs (BVS) and SciELO databases for observational studies performed on female soccer players under 18 years of age, who underwent neuromuscular and/or cardiorespiratory physical testing. Of the 934 studies found, 19 were included. The sample size in the studies ranged from 11 to 499 players, with total of 1879 athletes, aged between 9 and 17 years. Neuromuscular tests were more used than cardiorespiratory ones. In conclusion, jumps, linear velocity and change of direction were more used in the context of soccer played by women to determine performance in young athletes. However, cardiorespiratory capacity tests were used to a lesser extent, with a predominance of the level 1 yo-yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1).

The impact of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on psychomotor and cognitive skills in adolescent athletes.

Intermittent fasting (IF) represents a dietary intervention similar to caloric restriction, characterized by the strategic limitation of food consumption. Among the diverse array of practices for IF, Ramadan IF (RIF), a religious observance in Islam, mandates that healthy adult Muslims abstain from both food and drinks during daylight hours. In sports, researchers have extensively studied IF effects on health, including sleep and physical performance, but its impact on cognitive functions during RIF remains understudied. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influence of RIF on psychomotor and cognitive performance among young female athletes. To achieve this purpose, a cohort of 23 female handball players, aged 17.2 ± 0.5 years, participated in a series of six testing sessions: one conducted prior to Ramadan (R0), and others during the first (R1), second (R2), third (R3), and fourth (R4) weeks of Ramadan, followed by a session in the week after Ramadan (R5). Each session involved assessments using a Simple Reaction Time Test (SRT), Choice Reaction Time Test (CRT), Vigilance Test (VT), and Mental Rotation Test (MRT). Additionally, dietary intake, body composition, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were evaluated during these periods. The obtained data illustrated that there was a decrease in SRT, CRT, VT, and MRT performances during R1 in comparison to R0 (all p < .001). This reduction was also observed in R2, R3, R4, and R5. Notably, during the fourth week of Ramadan (R4), these cognitive and psychomotor parameters were significantly lower than during the earlier weeks (R1, R2, R3; all p < .001). Furthermore, a gradual decrease in total PSQI scores, sleep quality, and sleep duration was observed throughout the Ramadan period, reaching the lowest levels during R4. These findings illustrate that RIF has a significantly detrimental impact on neuromuscular and cognitive abilities as well as sleep quality in young female athletes. The study also highlights a fluctuating pattern in cognitive function across the four weeks of Ramadan, with the most pronounced decline observed during the final week of fasting illustrating the importance of conducting similar studies on normal individuals from both genders with larger sample size.

Physiological and Locomotor Profiling Enables to Differentiate Between Sprinters, 400-m Runners, and Middle-Distance Runners.

Thron, M, Woll, A, Doller, L, Quittmann, OJ, Härtel, S, Ruf, L, and Altmann, S. Physiological and locomotor profiling enables to differentiate between sprinters, 400-m runners, and middle-distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1419-1427, 2024-Different approaches exist for characterizing athletes, e.g., physiological and locomotor profiling. The aims of this study were to generate and compare physiological and locomotor profiles of male and female runners and to evaluate relationships between the different approaches. Thirty-four highly trained adolescent and young adult female and male athletes ( n = 11 sprinters; n = 11,400-m runners; n = 12 middle-distance runners) performed two 100-m sprints on a running track to determine maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and maximal lactate accumulation rate (ċLa max ). A cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed on a treadmill to determine maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o2 max). Anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) was calculated as the difference between MSS and MAS. Group comparisons were conducted with a 2-way ANOVA (discipline × sex; p < 0.05) and Bonferroni post hoc tests and Cohen's d as effect size. Parameters were correlated by Pearson's correlation coefficients. Maximal aerobic speed and V̇ o2 max were higher in 400-m and middle-distance runners compared with sprinters ( p ≤ 0.02; -2.24 ≤ d ≤ -1.29). Maximal sprinting speed and ċLa max were higher in sprinters and 400-m runners compared with middle-distance runners (0.03 ≤ p ≤ 0.28; 0.73 ≤ d ≤ 1.23). Anaerobic speed reserve was highest in sprinters and lowest in middle-distance runners ( p ≤ 0.03; 1.24 ≤ d ≤ 2.79). High correlations were found between ASR and MAS, MSS, and ċLa max ( p < 0.01; -0.55 ≤ r ≤ 0.91) and between ċLa max and MSS ( p < 0.01; r = 0.74). Our results indicate that athletes of different sprinting and running disciplines show differing physiological and locomotor profiles, and that the parameters of these approaches are related to each other. This can be of interest for assessing strengths and weaknesses (e.g., for talent identification) or training prescription in these disciplines.

The effect of six-week bodyweight high-intensity interval training on the performance of young female athletes

This study aimed to assess the impact of high-intensity interval training with bodyweight on the physical performance of young female athletes. Thirteen young female athletes participated in the study. Participants performed HIIT with bodyweight three times a week for six weeks, following five months of standardized training. The study examined participants' aerobic and anaerobic performance, including their countermovement jump (CMJ), 30-meter sprint, change of direction (COD), flexibility, weight, and body mass index (BMI). The study was designed as a single-blind, posttest-only, single-group repeated measurement study. All analyses were conducted with a 95% confidence interval, and a significance level was accepted as α = 0.05. The effect size (ES) was calculated according to Cohen's effect size. The study revealed statistically significant differences in all outputs except for BMI (p &lt; 0.05). Bodyweight HIIT had a large to small effect on the following parameters: VO2max (d = 1.48), Illinois COD test (d = 0.93), 30-meter sprint (d = 0.78), CMJ (d = 0.75), flexibility (d = 0.63), BMI (d = 0.62), peak power (d = 0.61), weight loss (d = 0.58), mean power (d = 0.55). The study results indicated that HIIT with bodyweight could improve the performance of young female athletes.

Pengaruh Variasi Latihan Smash Bola Gantung Terhadap Ketepatan Smash Bola Voli Pada Atlet Remaja Putri Klub Poncogati Kabupaten Blitar

Volleyball is a fun and easy game to play together in a team. In the game of volleyball, players must understand four basic techniques: serve, passing, block, and smash. A very important basic technique in earning or scoring points is smash. This study aims to determine the effect of smash training using hanging balls on smash accuracy in female athletes at the Poncogati Club, Blitar Regency. The method used in this study is a quantitative method of experimentation with One Group Pretest-Posttest Design research design. The population and sample in this study were 21 junior high school students using the purposive sampling method, which means the entire population is taken randomly according to certain criteria. The data analysis techniques applied are descriptive analysis tests, hypothesis tests, and normality tests. The results of this study showed that the Sig.(2-tailed) value of 0.00 in the T test could be concluded that there was a significant influence between the variation of smash training using hanging balls on the accuracy of smashes in young female volleyball athletes of the Poncogati club.

Longitudinal Meta-Analysis of Peak Height Velocity in Young Female Athletes.

Growth patterns and biological milestones in youth sports are key to interpreting the development of young athletes. However, there is no analysis of longitudinal meta-analysis describing the growth of young female athletes. This longitudinal meta-analysis estimated growth curves and age at peak height velocity (PHV) in young female athletes based on anthropometric data from longitudinal studies found in the literature. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, studies with repeated measurements in young female athletes were identified from searches of four databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) without date restrictions through August 2023. We adapted our bias assessment criteria using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials as a reference. Bayesian multilevel modeling was used to perform a longitudinal meta-analysis to extract stature growth curves and age at PHV. Fourteen studies met our eligibility criteria. Twenty-one independent samples could be included in the analysis. Conditional on the data and models, the predicted mean age at PHV for female athletes was 11.18 years (90% CI: 8.62; 12.94). When studies were aggregated by sport in the models, the models could not capture sport-specific growth curves for stature and estimate a corresponding age at PHV. We provide the first longitudinal meta-analytic summary of pubertal growth and derive age at PHV in young female athletes. The meta-analysis predicted that age at PHV occurs at similar ages to those in the general pediatric population. The data pool was limited in sports and geographic distribution, emphasizing the need to promote longitudinal research in females across different youth sports contexts.