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New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Sport and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (13 April 2023) | Viewed by 44216

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jose Manuel Jimenez-Olmedo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Physical Education and Sport Area, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
Interests: sport technology; validity; reliability; performance analysis; sport training; sport biomechanics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity and sport bring many benefits to public health from physiological to psychological perspectives. To that end, innovative training methodologies must be administered to different age populations, competitive levels, and specific characteristics of participants. Formally, the goal is to optimize training, so that it includes the planning, design, execution, and monitoring of training tasks in a given environment. In order to know if training objectives have been accomplished, proper assessment of physical activity and movement is needed. Such an assessment works to help the development of preventive training plans, rehabilitation of injuries, or improvement of sports technique. The measurement process of physical activity and sport involves the use of accurate instruments for conducting a range of measurements, such as kinetic, kinematic, physiological variables and the like. In this context, instrument validity and reliability is of paramount importance as new technological devices emerging every year aim at producing meaningful outcomes which are consistent and show agreement with the true measured value. The common denominator of these topics in sports performance is sporting success. Sports performance analysis is an observational task involving the extraction of valid, accurate, and reliable data to the delivery of relevant feedback to coaches, players, and any other relevant parties concerned in the pursuit of success.

This Special Issue aims to collect practical papers that help to establish new advances in the study of physical activity and sport.

Dr. Jose Manuel Jimenez-Olmedo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sport performance analysis
  • instrument validity and reliability
  • assessment of physical activity and movement
  • innovative training methodologies
  • exercise testing
  • biomechanics
  • notational analysis
  • training methods

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1012 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Pacing Behaviors on Mass Start Speed Skating
by Qian Peng, Feng Li, Hui Liu and Miguel-Angel Gomez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10830; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191710830 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1198
Abstract
The mass start speed skating (MSSS) is a new event for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Considering that the event rankings were based on points gained on laps, it is worthwhile to investigate the pacing behaviors on each lap that directly influence [...] Read more.
The mass start speed skating (MSSS) is a new event for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. Considering that the event rankings were based on points gained on laps, it is worthwhile to investigate the pacing behaviors on each lap that directly influence the skater’s ranking at the end of the race. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the pacing behavior on the MSSS. The aim of this study was to analyze the pacing behaviors and performance on MSSS regarding skaters’ level (SL), competition stage (semi-final/final) (CS), and gender (G). All the male and female races in the World Cup and World Championships were analyzed during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons. As a result, a total of 601 skaters (male = 350 and female = 251) from 36 games (male = 21 and female = 15) were observed. The one-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used to compare skaters’ pacing behavior on each lap, and the three-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used to identify the influence of SL, CS, and G on skaters’ pacing behaviors and total time spent. In general, the results showed that the pacing behaviors from fast to slow were group one (laps 4, 8, 12, 15, 16), group two (laps 5, 9, 13, 14), group three (laps 3, 6, 7, 10, 11), and group four (laps 1 and 2) (p ≤ 0.001 for all groups). For CS, the total time spent in the final was less than the semi-final (p ≤ 0.001). For SL, top-level skaters spent less total time than the middle-level and low-level skaters (p ≤ 0.002), while there was no significant difference between the middle and low levels (p = 0.214). For G, the male skaters spent less total time than females on all laps (p ≤ 0.048). Current findings could help coaching staff to better understand the pacing behaviors regarding SL, CS, and G. In particular, the identified performance trends may allow controlling for pacing strategy and decision making before and during the race. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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12 pages, 1873 KiB  
Article
Reliability of My Jump 2 Derived from Crouching and Standing Observation Heights
by Jose M. Jimenez-Olmedo, Basilio Pueo, Jose M. Mossi and Lamberto Villalon-Gasch
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9854; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19169854 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1817
Abstract
The crouching or prone-on-the-ground observation heights suggested by the My Jump app are not practical in some settings, so users usually hold smartphones in a standing posture. This study aimed to analyze the reliability of My Jump 2 from the standardized and standing [...] Read more.
The crouching or prone-on-the-ground observation heights suggested by the My Jump app are not practical in some settings, so users usually hold smartphones in a standing posture. This study aimed to analyze the reliability of My Jump 2 from the standardized and standing positions. Two identical smartphones recorded 195 countermovement jump executions from 39 active adult athletes at heights 30 and 90 cm, which were randomly assessed by three experienced observers. The between-observer reliability was high for both observation heights separately (ICC~0.99; SEM~0.6 cm; CV~1.3%) with low systematic (0.1 cm) and random (±1.7 cm) errors. The within-observer reliability for the three observers comparing the standardized and standing positions was high (ICC~0.99; SEM~0.7 cm; CV~1.4%), showing errors of 0.3 ± 1.9 cm. Observer 2 was the least accurate out of the three, although reliability remained similar to the levels of agreement found in the literature. The reliability of the mean observations in each height also revealed high reliability (ICC = 0.993; SEM = 0.51 cm; CV = 1.05%, error 0.32 ± 1.4 cm). Therefore, the reliability in the standing position did not change with respect to the standardized position, so it can be regarded as an alternative method to using My Jump 2 with practical added benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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13 pages, 1922 KiB  
Article
Validity and Reliability of the Leomo Motion-Tracking Device Based on Inertial Measurement Unit with an Optoelectronic Camera System for Cycling Pedaling Evaluation
by José Manuel Plaza-Bravo, Manuel Mateo-March, Roberto Sanchis-Sanchis, Pedro Pérez-Soriano, Mikel Zabala and Alberto Encarnación-Martínez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8375; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19148375 - 08 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2159
Abstract
Background: The use of inertial measurement sensors (IMUs), in the search for a more ecological measure, is spreading among sports professionals with the aim of improving the sports performance of cyclists. The kinematic evaluation using the Leomo system (TYPE-R, Leomo, Boulder, CO, USA) [...] Read more.
Background: The use of inertial measurement sensors (IMUs), in the search for a more ecological measure, is spreading among sports professionals with the aim of improving the sports performance of cyclists. The kinematic evaluation using the Leomo system (TYPE-R, Leomo, Boulder, CO, USA) has become popular. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Leomo system by measuring the angular kinematics of the lower extremities in the sagittal plane during pedaling at different intensities compared to a gold-standard motion capture camera system (OptiTrack, Natural Point, Inc., Corvallis, OR, USA). Methods: Twenty-four elite cyclists recruited from national and international cycling teams performed two 6-min cycles of cycling on a cycle ergometer at two different intensities (first ventilatory threshold (VT1) and second ventilatory threshold (VT2)) in random order, with a 5 min rest between intensity conditions. The reliability and validity of the Leomo system versus the motion capture system were evaluated. Results: Both systems showed high validity and were consistently excellent in foot angular range Q1 (FAR (Q1)) and foot angular range (FAR) (ICC-VT1 between 0.91 and 0.95 and ICC-VT2 between 0.88 and 0.97), while the variables leg angular range (LAR) and pelvic angle showed a modest validity (ICC-VT1 from 0.52 to 0.71 and ICC-VT2 between 0.61 and 0.67). Compared with Optitrack, Leomo overestimated all the variables, especially the LAR and pelvic angle values, in a range between 12 and 15°. Conclusions: Leomo is a reliable and valid tool for analyzing the ranges of motion of the cyclist’s lower limbs in the sagittal plane, especially for the variables FAR (Q1) and FAR. However, its systematic error for FAR and Pelvic Angle values must be considered in sports performance analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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11 pages, 1274 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Short-Term Slackline Training Program on Energy Expenditure and Balance in Healthy Young Adults: A Preliminary Report of a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Sebastian Rutkowski, Adam Wrzeciono, Oliver Czech, Anna Rutkowska and Jan Szczegielniak
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4830; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19084830 - 15 Apr 2022
Viewed by 1829
Abstract
The development of technology and a fast-paced lifestyle has caused a significant decrease in physical activity, especially among young people. These worrying trends can be countered by the use of attractive forms of physical recreation, including the increasingly popular slackline. The aim of [...] Read more.
The development of technology and a fast-paced lifestyle has caused a significant decrease in physical activity, especially among young people. These worrying trends can be countered by the use of attractive forms of physical recreation, including the increasingly popular slackline. The aim of this study was to evaluate energy expenditure during slackline training and to analyze changes in dynamic and static balance parameters after supervised slackline training sessions. The study enrolled 28 healthy volunteers (14 men and 14 women aged 21–25) who were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and passive control. The energy expenditure level was the primary outcome and was assessed using the SenseWear Armband. Each participant underwent an initial and final balance assessment using two selected protocols on the Balance Master platform. The intervention lasted 5 days, with 15 min of supervised training per day. The average energy expenditure expressed in MET was 6.0 (±0.7) MET per training session. An analysis of the results regarding static and dynamic balance showed that the group participating in slackline training significantly improved stability on foam surfaces with their eyes open (p < 0.003), as well as tandem walk speeds (p < 0.05), both with small effect sizes. The results suggested that slackline training has the potential to produce significant positive effects on general health statuses following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on physical activity. The significant improvement in task-specific balance suggests that slackline training could become an important element of the prevention and rehabilitation of many injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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12 pages, 344 KiB  
Article
Adaptation and Validation of the Lithuanian-Language Version of the Olympic Value Scale (OVS)
by Saulius Sukys, Daiva Majauskiene, Diana Karanauskiene and Ilona Tilindiene
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4360; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19074360 - 05 Apr 2022
Viewed by 1423
Abstract
Background: The Olympic Games is one of the biggest sports events which should express and promote Olympic ideals. Aiming to generate more insights on the expression of Olympic Values, the Olympic Value Scale (OVS) was developed to assess how people perceive values in [...] Read more.
Background: The Olympic Games is one of the biggest sports events which should express and promote Olympic ideals. Aiming to generate more insights on the expression of Olympic Values, the Olympic Value Scale (OVS) was developed to assess how people perceive values in relation to the Olympic Games. The aim of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Lithuanian version of OVS (LT-OVS). Methods: The scale construct validity and reliability was tested using a sample of 365 university students (mean age 22.02, SD = 6.58; 49.9% male). After the evaluation of the scale structure, convergent and discriminant validity as well as reliability of the scale were evaluated by assessing composite reliability and average variance extracted (AVE), examining the square root of the AVE. For further validity analysis, associations between the LT-OVS factors and other variables were examined. Results: The original OVS captures three dimensions, which are appreciation of diversity, friendly relations with others, and achievement in competition. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the original three-factor structure of the OVS. The internal consistency values for all three subscales of the LT-OVS were 0.80 and higher. Convergent and discriminant validity criterions were met. Relations between the LT-OVS dimensions and attitudes towards fair play and Olympic Games were also revealed and discussed. Conclusions: This study makes a contribution by confirming the validity of the LT-OVS and encouraging future adaptation of it into other cultures and research on Olympic Values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
13 pages, 342 KiB  
Article
Planned Physical Workload in Young Tennis Players Induces Changes in Iron Indicator Levels but Does Not Cause Overreaching
by Piotr Żurek, Patrycja Lipińska, Jędrzej Antosiewicz, Aleksandra Durzynska, Jacek Zieliński, Krzysztof Kusy and Ewa Ziemann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3486; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19063486 - 15 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1723
Abstract
The current study aimed to examine the impact of the training load of two different training camps on the immunological response in tennis players, including their iron metabolism. Highly ranked Polish tennis players, between the ages of 12 and 14 years, participated in [...] Read more.
The current study aimed to examine the impact of the training load of two different training camps on the immunological response in tennis players, including their iron metabolism. Highly ranked Polish tennis players, between the ages of 12 and 14 years, participated in two training camps that were aimed at physical conditioning and at improving technical skills. At baseline and after each camp, blood samples were analyzed, and the fatigue was assessed. The levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory indicators, iron, and hepcidin were determined. The levels of the heat shock proteins, (Hsp) 27 and 70, were also measured. All the effects were evaluated using magnitude-based inference. Although the training camps had different objectives, the physiological responses of the participants were similar. The applied programs induced a significant drop in the iron and hepcidin levels (a small-to-very-large effect) and enhanced the anti-inflammatory response. The tumor necrosis factor α levels were elevated at the beginning of each camp but were decreased towards the end, despite the training intensity being medium/high. The changes were more pronounced in the female players compared to the male players. Altogether, the results suggest that low-grade inflammation in young tennis athletes may be attenuated in response to adequately designed training. To this end, the applied physical workload with a controlled diet and rest-controlled serum iron levels could be the marker of well-designed training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
13 pages, 1189 KiB  
Article
Effects of Direction-Specific Training Interventions on Physical Performance and Inter-Limb Asymmetries
by Oliver Gonzalo-Skok, Jorge Sánchez-Sabaté, Julio Tous-Fajardo, Alberto Mendez-Villanueva, Chris Bishop and Eduardo Piedrafita
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1029; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031029 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2357
Abstract
This study analyzed the effects of two different training programs on functional performance and inter-limb asymmetries in basketball players. Twenty-four elite youth basketball players were randomly assigned to a training program including variable unilateral horizontal movements (VUH, n = 12) or unilateral lateral [...] Read more.
This study analyzed the effects of two different training programs on functional performance and inter-limb asymmetries in basketball players. Twenty-four elite youth basketball players were randomly assigned to a training program including variable unilateral horizontal movements (VUH, n = 12) or unilateral lateral movements (VUL, n = 12). Eccentric-overload training (EOT) was performed twice a week for a six-week period. Functional performance assessment included a countermovement jump test, unilateral multidirectional jumping tests (i.e., lateral, horizontal, and vertical), a rebound jump test, a limb symmetry index, a 25 m linear sprint test, and several change of direction (COD) tests. Within-group analysis showed substantial improvements in almost all functional tests in both groups (ES = 0.35–0.89). Furthermore, almost all jumping asymmetries were improved in both groups (ES = 0.38–0.69) except for vertical jumping asymmetry in VUL (ES = −0.04). Between-group analyses showed a substantial and possibly better performance in vertical jumping asymmetry and 5 m in VUH compared to that of VUL, respectively. In contrast, lateral jumping with left (ES = 1.22) and right leg (ES = 0.49) were substantially greater in VUL than in VUH. Specific force-vector training programs induced substantial improvements in both functional performance tests and inter-limb asymmetries, although greater improvements of lateral and horizontal variables may depend on the specific force vector targeted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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10 pages, 1379 KiB  
Article
Valid and Reliable Barbell Velocity Estimation Using an Inertial Measurement Unit
by Steffen Held, Ludwig Rappelt, Jan-Philip Deutsch and Lars Donath
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9170; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18179170 - 31 Aug 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3187
Abstract
The accurate assessment of the mean concentric barbell velocity (MCV) and its displacement are crucial aspects of resistance training. Therefore, the validity and reliability indicators of an easy-to-use inertial measurement unit (VmaxPro®) were examined. Nineteen trained males (23.1 ± 3.2 years, [...] Read more.
The accurate assessment of the mean concentric barbell velocity (MCV) and its displacement are crucial aspects of resistance training. Therefore, the validity and reliability indicators of an easy-to-use inertial measurement unit (VmaxPro®) were examined. Nineteen trained males (23.1 ± 3.2 years, 1.78 ± 0.08 m, 75.8 ± 9.8 kg; Squat 1-Repetition maximum (1RM): 114.8 ± 24.5 kg) performed squats and hip thrusts (3–5 sets, 30 repetitions total, 75% 1RM) on two separate days. The MCV and displacement were simultaneously measured using VmaxPro® and a linear position transducer (Speed4Lift®). Good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (0.91 < ICC < 0.96) with a small systematic bias (p < 0.001; ηp2 < 0.50) for squats (0.01 ± 0.04 m·s−1) and hip thrusts (0.01 ± 0.05 m·s−1) and a low limit of agreement (LoA < 0.12 m·s−1) indicated an acceptable validity. The within- and between-day reliability of the MCV revealed good ICCs (0.55 < ICC < 0.91) and a low LoA (<0.16 m·s−1). Although the displacement revealed a systematic bias during squats (p < 0.001; ηp2 < 0.10; 3.4 ± 3.4 cm), no bias was detectable during hip thrusts (p = 0.784; ηp2 < 0.001; 0.3 ± 3.3 cm). The displacement showed moderate to good ICCs (0.43 to 0.95) but a high LoA (7.8 to 10.7 cm) for the validity and (within- and between-day) reliability of squats and hip thrusts. The VmaxPro® is considered to be a valid and reliable tool for the MCV assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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11 pages, 1247 KiB  
Article
Contribution of Segments to Overall Result in Elite Triathletes: Sprint Distance
by Javier Olaya, José Fernández-Sáez, Ove Østerlie and Alberto Ferriz-Valero
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8422; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18168422 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1930
Abstract
As an alternative to analysing the contribution of performance in specific segments of a triathlon to the overall result as measured in terms of time or position, which has several limitations, previous studies have instead analysed the performance indicator in triathlon. Therefore, the [...] Read more.
As an alternative to analysing the contribution of performance in specific segments of a triathlon to the overall result as measured in terms of time or position, which has several limitations, previous studies have instead analysed the performance indicator in triathlon. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to analyse the relationship between performance in specific segments and overall performance in terms of sprint distance in elite triathletes through the triathlon performance indicator, instead of using time or position. The official sprint distance results from World Triathlon Series elite events from 2012 to 2019 were examined. In total, 2144 entries were considered, 1143 of which were men and 1001 were women. Performance in the cycling segment presents the best concordance with the overall performance for both elite men (ICCa = 0.871, IC95% = (0.711–0.927)) and elite women (ICCa = 0.907, IC95% = (0.875–0.929)). Although the performance in the running segment does not show the best concordance with the overall performance, the position in this segment does better explain the overall position, especially in elite men and in draft-legal races. These results can support coaches and athletes to identify a specific profile of the strengths and weaknesses of triathletes in competitions, in comparison to their rivals, over a specific distance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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10 pages, 940 KiB  
Article
Treadmill and Running Speed Effects on Acceleration Impacts: Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill vs. Conventional Motorized Treadmill
by Alberto Encarnación-Martínez, Ignacio Catalá-Vilaplana, Rafael Berenguer-Vidal, Roberto Sanchis-Sanchis, Borja Ochoa-Puig and Pedro Pérez-Soriano
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5475; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18105475 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3122
Abstract
An increase in the popularity of running can be seen over the last decades, with a large number of injuries on it. Most of the running injuries are related to impact accelerations and are due to overuse. In order to reduce the risk [...] Read more.
An increase in the popularity of running can be seen over the last decades, with a large number of injuries on it. Most of the running injuries are related to impact accelerations and are due to overuse. In order to reduce the risk of injury or to improve performance and health new treadmill designs have been created, as it can be the curved non-motorized treadmill. The aim of this study was to analyse impact accelerations, spatio-temporal parameters and perceptual differences while running on curved non-motorized treadmill (cNMT) compared to motorized treadmill (MT) at different speeds. Therefore, 27 recreational runners completed two tests consisting of 10 min warm-up and three bouts of 8 min running at 2.77 m/s, 3.33 m/s and self-selected speed on cNMT and MT, previously randomised. Although the surface did not influence spatio-temporal parameters, a reduction in impact accelerations, head acceleration rate (mean effect size [ES] = 0.86), tibia peak (mean ES = 0.45) and tibia magnitude (mean ES = 0.55), was observed while running on cNMT in comparison with running on MT. Moreover, higher heart rate (HR) (mean ES = 0.51) and rating of perceived effort (RPE) (mean ES = 0.34) were found while running on cNMT. These findings demonstrated that higher intensity training and lower impact accelerations are experimented on cNMT, what can be used by trainers and athletes while planning training sessions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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15 pages, 3909 KiB  
Article
Validity, Reliability and Reproducibility of OctoBalance Test as Tool to Measure the Upper Limb Compared to Modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test
by Álvaro Velarde-Sotres, Antonio Bores-Cerezal, Marcos Mecías-Calvo, Stefanía Carvajal-Altamiranda and Julio Calleja-González
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5057; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18105057 - 11 May 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2793
Abstract
The articular evaluation of range of motion (ROM) is currently used to observe imbalance or limitations as possible risk factors or predispositions to suffer future injures. The main aim of this study is to verify the concurrent validity, reliability and reproducibility of the [...] Read more.
The articular evaluation of range of motion (ROM) is currently used to observe imbalance or limitations as possible risk factors or predispositions to suffer future injures. The main aim of this study is to verify the concurrent validity, reliability and reproducibility of the OctoBalance Test (OB) as a valid and reliable tool to measure articular ROM of the upper limb compared to the modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (mUQYBT). The twenty-five participants were male athletes. All of them were assessed with OB and mUQYBT in medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions in both right and left arms with a three-minute break during these attempts. The process was repeated a second time with a week gap between measurements. Pearson correlation and linear logarithmic regression were used to examine the relationship between scores obtained with OB and mUQYBT. In order to verify the reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used (3.1). Concordance and reproducibility were assessed using Bland–Altman’s graph. A perfect correlation and an almost linear logarithmic regression (R2 = 0.97) were observed between both measurement systems, with values of 73.531 ± 21.226 cm in mUQYBT and 69.541 ± 16.330 cm in OB. The differences were minimal between week one and week two. The assessment with Bland’s graph showed the concordance and reproducibility of scores, showing the dispersion and the upper and lower limits. OB is shown as valid in comparison to the other test as a reliable and reproducible tool for the assessment of the articular ROM in the upper limb, and it could be used for the evaluation of injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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12 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
Socio-Emotional Skills in Adolescence. Influence of Personal and Extracurricular Variables
by Iago Portela-Pino, Myriam Alvariñas-Villaverde and Margarita Pino-Juste
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4811; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18094811 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5540
Abstract
Social-emotional skills have been an important object of study in recent years due to their relationship with academic, personal and professional success. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between these skills and different influential variables. The participants had a [...] Read more.
Social-emotional skills have been an important object of study in recent years due to their relationship with academic, personal and professional success. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between these skills and different influential variables. The participants had a mean age of 14.18 years. The instruments used were the Social Emotional Competence Questionnaire (SECQ) and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PACQ-A). Generally, the results indicated gender differences and no influence of age. Those who engaged in after-school activities scored higher on social awareness. In addition, artistic and musical extracurricular activities were associated with social-emotional skills, whereas sports activities were not. It was also found that the physical activity index was not related to socioemotional factors, except in self-awareness and in a negative way. It is necessary to analyse the quality of the extracurricular programmes offered and the training of the professionals in charge of their development. It also seems important to take into account the gender perspective in competence work, increasing self-management in girls and relationship management in boys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
20 pages, 404 KiB  
Article
Reliability, Validity, and Gender Invariance of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale: An Emerging Evidence for a More Concise Research Tool
by Stefan Koehn and Farzad Amirabdollahian
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3516; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18073516 - 29 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4313
Abstract
The Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) research instrument has been extensively used to investigate the perceived benefits and barriers of exercise in a range of settings. In order to examine theoretical contentions and translate the findings, it is imperative to implement measurement tools that [...] Read more.
The Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) research instrument has been extensively used to investigate the perceived benefits and barriers of exercise in a range of settings. In order to examine theoretical contentions and translate the findings, it is imperative to implement measurement tools that operationalize the constructs in an accurate and reliable way. The original validation of the EBBS proposed a nine-factor structure for the research tool, examined the EBBS factor structure, and suggested that various factors are important for the testing of the perception of exercise benefits and barriers, whereas a few items and factors may not be vital. The current study conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using hierarchical testing in 565 participants from the northwest region of the United Kingdom, the results of which provided evidence for a four-factor structure of the benefits measure, with the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.943, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.933, and root means square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.051, namely life enhancement, physical performance, psychological outlook, and social interaction, as well as a two-factor structure of the barrier measures, with the CFI = 0.953, TLI = 0.931, and RMSEA = 0.063, including exercise milieu and time expenditure. Our findings showed that for a six-factor correlated model, the CFI = 0.930, TLI = 0.919, and RMSEA = 0.046. The multi-group CFA provided support for gender invariance. The results indicated that after three decades of the original validation of the EBBS, many of the core factors and items are still relevant for the assessment of higher-order factors; however, the 26-item concise tool proposed in the current study displays a better parsimony in comparison with the original 43-item questionnaire. Overall, the current study provides support for a reliable, cross-culturally valid EBBS within the UK adult population, however, it proposes a shorter and more concise version compared with the original tool, and gives direction for future research to focus on the content validity for assessing the perception of the barriers to physical activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
11 pages, 4183 KiB  
Article
What Are Kinematic and Kinetic Differences between Short and Parallel Turn in Alpine Skiing?
by Ivan Bon, Mateja Očić, Vjekoslav Cigrovski, Tomislav Rupčić and Damir Knjaz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3029; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18063029 - 16 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3087
Abstract
There are numerous programs worldwide adapted for alpine ski beginners and they all share the same primary goal—inclusion of skiing beginners in alpine ski schools. The final elements of ski school taught in the parallel skiing technique are parallel turn and short turn. [...] Read more.
There are numerous programs worldwide adapted for alpine ski beginners and they all share the same primary goal—inclusion of skiing beginners in alpine ski schools. The final elements of ski school taught in the parallel skiing technique are parallel turn and short turn. Synchronized analysis of kinetic and kinematic parameters of the parallel turn (PT) and short turn (ST) was conducted to determine the main biomechanical differences from a standpoint of foot pressure and lower limb angles. Both elements were performed by nine male ski instructors (age 33.4 ± 8.62, height 179.52 ± 5.98 cm, weight 78.6 ± 8.88 kg). Kinetic and kinematic analysis was conducted on 180 turns, 90 for each element. Differences in kinetic and kinematic parameters between parallel and short turns were tested by a paired t-test. The main findings of our study are determined differences in the ratio of pressure distribution on the inside and the outside foot and differences in kinematic parameters of the outside leg between elements. The mentioned analysis can provide an objective insight into the complexity of each element and provide guidelines for teaching process of those elements. This study determined the reasons for higher complexity of ST compared to PT based on the objective evaluation of biomechanical factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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15 pages, 1349 KiB  
Article
Time–Motion Analysis by Playing Positions of Male Handball Players during the European Championship 2020
by Carmen Manchado, Basilio Pueo, Luis Javier Chirosa-Rios and Juan Tortosa-Martínez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2787; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18062787 - 10 Mar 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3422
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze time–motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to analyze time–motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in a European Championship. Players (n = 1865) covered significantly (p < 0.001; ES = 0.48) more total distance in offense (1217.48 ± 699.33 m) and in all locomotion categories (p < 0.001) than in defense (900.96 ± 538.95 m), with a similar average total time on court (13.40 ± 8.19 min in offense and 13.27 ± 8.59 min; p > 0.05). The running pace was significantly higher in offense 96.53 ± 22.57 m/min than in defense 82.72 ± 43.28 m/min (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47). By playing positions, the Left Wing players covered significantly (p < 0.001) higher distances (2547.14 ± 1309.52) and showed longer playing time (32.08 ± 17.01). Center Back was the playing position that showed the highest global running pace (98.34 m/min). Players with higher running pace in offense (p < 0.001) were Left Backs (105.95 ± 25.20) and the Center Backs in defense (95.76 ± 48.90). There were no significant differences between winners and losers or between top ranked and lower ranked teams in terms of time played, distance covered, and running pace. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance and minimize fatigue when performing in long tournaments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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8 pages, 1589 KiB  
Article
A Training Proposal to Improve Multidirectional Running Technique in Male and Female Handball Players: A Pilot Study
by Carmen Ferragut, Román Pedreira, José Julio Espina and Helena Vila
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 2056; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18042056 - 20 Feb 2021
Viewed by 2137
Abstract
Multidirectional running has been described as an important factor in team sports performance. The aim of the present study was to determine changes in T-test, 505 time, 10 m sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump right leg (CMJRL), and countermovement [...] Read more.
Multidirectional running has been described as an important factor in team sports performance. The aim of the present study was to determine changes in T-test, 505 time, 10 m sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump right leg (CMJRL), and countermovement jump left leg (CMJLL) following exposure to 12 sessions over 4 weeks of a multidirectional running sprint training intervention in male and female handball players. A total of 31 handball players (15 male and 16 female) were recruited for this study and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). Male EG players showed improvements in 505 Preferred Side (PS) (p ≤ 0.05), 505 Non-Preferred Side (NPS) (p ≤ 0.05), and 10 m sprint (p ≤ 0.05), while female EG players presented statistically significant improvements between pre- and post-test for the T-test (p ≤ 0.05), 505 PS (p ≤ 0.05), 505 NPS (p ≤ 0.05), and 10 m sprint (p ≤ 0.05). No statistically significant pre- and post-test differences were observed in CG (all p ≥ 0.05) or between male and female players. We found an improvement in handball players’ agility and speed of movement following the intervention protocol, suggesting the need to introduce this program into our training sessions. It may also be necessary to select and develop more specific tests in order to evaluate multidirectional work in handball players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Physical Activity and Sport)
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