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Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition
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Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Athletic Training and Human Performance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 51544

Special Issue Editor

Dr. William Guyton Hornsby

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Office, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
Interests: sport science; athlete monitoring; weightlifting; force plate assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Applied research aimed at better understanding the training process and/or underlying aspects of sport performance can be invaluable to coaches and sport scientists. Competitive athletes can respond differently than untrained or recreationally trained individuals to the same training stimuli. Additionally, the physiological makeup of more advanced athletes has been shown to favor certain “profiles” (e.g., anthropometrics, muscle fiber type) depending on the sport. This general area of research is often challenging for many reasons, e.g., small sample sizes, lack of true control group, well past initial adaptation period. This Special Issue will welcome research on trained athletes and can include cross-sectional research (e.g., relationships), longitudinal studies (e.g., training studies), and review articles. Of particular interest is research conducted in an ecologically valid manner and for studies that involve a training intervention; detailed reporting of the training prescription.

Dr. William Guyton Hornsby III
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. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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 science
  • athlete monitoring
  • training studies
  • training prescription

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

8 pages, 386 KiB  
Editorial
“Are You Doing Any Sport Science?” A Brief Editorial
by W. G. Hornsby, B. H. Gleason, M. DeLong and M. H. Stone
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(3), 69; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk7030069 - 08 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3837
Abstract
This brief opinion-based editorial addresses what the authors perceive to be a fundamental issue in the application of sport science, and these issues are reflected by the question “Are you doing any sport science?” As sport science has grown within the United States, [...] Read more.
This brief opinion-based editorial addresses what the authors perceive to be a fundamental issue in the application of sport science, and these issues are reflected by the question “Are you doing any sport science?” As sport science has grown within the United States, organizational sport science budgets have grown, with increasing interest in developing various sport science initiatives. While it is indeed an exciting time for sport science, the authors suggest that, too often, sport science pursuits are driven by commercially available technologies and viewed as an “add-on” instead of pursuing an integrated systematic approach to informing the training process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

10 pages, 297 KiB  
Article
Investigating External and Internal Loads in Male Older Adult Basketball Players during Official Games
by Daniele Conte, Federico Palumbo, Flavia Guidotti, Kestutis Matulaitis, Laura Capranica and Antonio Tessitore
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(4), 111; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk7040111 - 07 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1590
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the external [Player Load (PL), acceleration (ACC), changes of direction (COD), JUMP, and their relative values (PL/min; ACC/min; COD/min and JUMP/min)] and internal [percentage of the peak heart rate (%HRpeak) and the training load calculated with [...] Read more.
This study aimed at assessing the external [Player Load (PL), acceleration (ACC), changes of direction (COD), JUMP, and their relative values (PL/min; ACC/min; COD/min and JUMP/min)] and internal [percentage of the peak heart rate (%HRpeak) and the training load calculated with the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) method (sRPE-load)] loads of masters (senior citizen) basketball players during official games. Thirteen male basketball masters players (age: 66.6 ± 2.1 years; body mass: 89.9 ± 8.7 kg; stature: 183.7 ± 4.6 cm) were monitored during an official Lietuvos Krepsinio Veteranu Lyga (LKVL) 65-year game. Beside descriptive analysis, a chi-square goodness of fit test was adopted to assess the differences in the distribution within JUMP, ACC and COD classes of intensities (i.e., low, medium and high). The results revealed PL = 269.9 ± 83.3 AU and PL/min = 6.54 ± 1.29 AU/min. Moreover, significant differences (p < 0.001) in the distribution of the intensity classes were found for JUMP, ACC, and COD, with the lowest intensities as the most frequent. Finally, HRpeak = 81.7 ± 8.1% and sRPE-load = 148.9 ± 69.7 AU were found, with sRPE = ~3 AU. In conclusion, a low external load during an official basketball game was found compared to other basketball populations. Moreover, a high objective internal load did not correspond to a low perceived demand, which might increase the training adherence and motivation during long-term studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
7 pages, 1216 KiB  
Article
How to Form a Successful Team for the Novel Olympic Triathlon Discipline: The Mixed-Team-Relay
by Claudio Quagliarotti, Daniele Gaiola, Luca Bianchini, Veronica Vleck and Maria Francesca Piacentini
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(2), 46; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk7020046 - 02 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2287
Abstract
The triathlon Mixed-Team-Relay (MTR) is a new race format present for the first time at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. The results of the ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championship from 2014 to 2019 were collected to provide practical suggestions for forming [...] Read more.
The triathlon Mixed-Team-Relay (MTR) is a new race format present for the first time at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. The results of the ITU Triathlon Mixed Relay World Championship from 2014 to 2019 were collected to provide practical suggestions for forming a successful MTR, such as the importance of each leg and discipline on MTR and Super-Sprint performance. The total relay time (Trelay), the time of each team member (leg-from 1 to 4) (Tleg), and the time of each single discipline (swim, T1, cycle, T2, run) were collected from the official website. Inferential analysis was performed to assess prediction and differences between variables. Leg 3 was shown to be the most important to predict Trelay (0.41), which is also the slower. For both Trelay and Tleg, cycling resulted as the most important (>0.60) and longer (~52%) portion, followed by running and swimming. However, higher importance in swimming was found in successful teams compared to running. For a successful MTR, we suggest: (a) use short-distance specialized triathletes; (b) strengthen cycling and swimming; (c) position in legs 1 and 2 athletes capable of racing in a group; in legs 3 and 4 athletes capable of racing in a non-drafting situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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8 pages, 2667 KiB  
Article
Frequency Shifts in Muscle Activation during Static Strength Elements on the Rings before and after an Eccentric Training Intervention in Male Gymnasts
by Beat Göpfert, Christoph Schärer, Lisa Tacchelli, Micah Gross, Fabian Lüthy and Klaus Hübner
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(1), 28; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk7010028 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2764
Abstract
During ring performance in men’s gymnastics, static strength elements require a high level of maximal muscular strength. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a four-week eccentric–isokinetic training intervention in the frequency spectra of the wavelet-transformed electromyogram (EMG) during [...] Read more.
During ring performance in men’s gymnastics, static strength elements require a high level of maximal muscular strength. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of a four-week eccentric–isokinetic training intervention in the frequency spectra of the wavelet-transformed electromyogram (EMG) during the two static strength elements, the swallow and support scale, in different time intervals during the performance. The gymnasts performed an instrumented movement analysis on the rings, once before the intervention and twice after. For both elements, the results showed a lower congruence in the correlation of the frequency spectra between the first and the last 0.5 s interval than between the first and second 0.5 s intervals, which was indicated by a shift toward the predominant frequency around the wavelet with a center frequency of 62 Hz (Wavelet W10). Furthermore, in both elements, there was a significant increase in the congruence of the frequency spectra after the intervention between the first and second 0.5 s intervals, but not between the first and last ones. In conclusion, the EMG wavelet spectra presented changes corresponding to the performance gain with the eccentric training intervention, and showed the frequency shift toward a predominant frequency due to acute muscular fatigue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 2495 KiB  
Article
Recovery Strategies in Endurance Athletes
by Robyn Braun-Trocchio, Austin J. Graybeal, Andreas Kreutzer, Elizabeth Warfield, Jessica Renteria, Kaitlyn Harrison, Ashlynn Williams, Kamiah Moss and Meena Shah
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2022, 7(1), 22; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk7010022 - 13 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8256
Abstract
In order to achieve optimal performance, endurance athletes need to implement a variety of recovery strategies that are specific to their training and competition. Recovery is a multidimensional process involving physiological, psychological, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects. The purpose of the study was [...] Read more.
In order to achieve optimal performance, endurance athletes need to implement a variety of recovery strategies that are specific to their training and competition. Recovery is a multidimensional process involving physiological, psychological, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects. The purpose of the study was to examine current implementation, beliefs, and sources of information associated with recovery strategies in endurance athletes. Participants included 264 self-identified endurance athletes (male = 122, female = 139) across 11 different sports including placing top three overall in competition (n = 55) and placing in the top three in their age group or division (n = 113) during the past year. Endurance athletes in the current study preferred hydration, nutrition, sleep, and rest in terms of use, belief, and effectiveness of the recovery strategy. Female endurance athletes use more recovery strategies for training than males (p = 0.043, d = 0.25), but not in competition (p = 0.137, d = 0.19). For training, top three finishers overall (p < 0.001, d = 0.61) and by division (p < 0.001, d = 0.57), used more recovery strategies than those placing outside the top three. Similar findings were reported for competition in top three finishers overall (p = 0.008, d = 0.41) and by division (p < 0.001, d = 0.45). These athletes are relying on the people around them such as coaches (48.3%) and fellow athletes (47.5%) along with websites (32.7%) for information and recommendations. Endurance athletes should be educated on other strategies to address the multidimensionality of recovery. These findings will be useful for healthcare professionals, practitioners, and coaches in understanding recovery strategies with endurance athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 1080 KiB  
Article
Age and Not the Preferred Limb Influences the Kinematic Structure of Pointing Movements
by Kurt W. Kornatz, Brach Poston and George E. Stelmach
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk6040100 - 08 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1896
Abstract
In goal-directed movements, effective open-loop control reduces the need for feedback-based corrective submovements. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hand preference and aging on submovements during single- and two-joint pointing movements. A total of 12 young and 12 [...] Read more.
In goal-directed movements, effective open-loop control reduces the need for feedback-based corrective submovements. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hand preference and aging on submovements during single- and two-joint pointing movements. A total of 12 young and 12 older right-handed participants performed pointing movements that involved either elbow extension or a combination of elbow extension and horizontal shoulder flexion with their right and left arms to a target. Kinematics were used to separate the movements into their primary and secondary submovements. The older adults exhibited slower movements, used secondary submovements more often, and produced relatively shorter primary submovements. However, there were no interlimb differences for either age group or for the single- and two-joint movements. These findings indicate that open-loop control is similar between arms but compromised in older compared to younger adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 1885 KiB  
Article
Can We Improve the Functional Threshold Power Test by Adding High-Intensity Priming Arm-Crank?
by Dmitri Valiulin, Priit Purge, Peter Hofmann, Jarek Mäestu and Jaak Jürimäe
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(4), 88; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6040088 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2146
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of arm-crank induced priming on subsequent 20 min Functional Threshold Power Test among 11 well-trained male cyclists (18.8 ± 0.9 years; 182 ± 5 cm; 73.0 ± 6.6 kg; V˙O2max [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of arm-crank induced priming on subsequent 20 min Functional Threshold Power Test among 11 well-trained male cyclists (18.8 ± 0.9 years; 182 ± 5 cm; 73.0 ± 6.6 kg; V˙O2max 67.9 ± 5.1 mL·kg−1·min−1). Participants completed an incremental test and two maximal performance tests (MPTs) in a randomized order. Warm-up prior to MPTlow consisted of 20 min aerobic exercise and 25 s high-intensity all-out arm crank effort was added to warm-up in MPThigh. Constant intensities for the first 17 min of MPT were targeting to achieve a similar relative fatigue according to participants’ physiological capacity before the last 3 min all-out spurt. Final 3 min all-out spurt power was 4.94 ± 0.27 W·kg−1 and 4.85 ± 0.39 W·kg−1 in MPTlow and MPThigh, respectively (not statistically different: p = 0.116; d = 0.5). Blood lactate [La] levels just before the start were higher (p < 0.001; d = 2.6) in MPThigh (5.6 ± 0.5 mmol·L−1) compared to MPTlow (1.1 ± 0.1 mmol·L−1). According to V˙CO2 and net [La] data, significantly higher anaerobic energy production was detected among MPTlow condition. In conclusion, priming significantly reduced anaerobic energy contribution but did neither improve nor decrease group mean performance although effects were variable. We suggest priming to have beneficial effects based on previous studies; however, the effects are individual and additional studies are needed to distinguish such detailed effects in single athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 2493 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of On-Court Resistive Warm-Ups on Change of Direction Speed and Smash Velocity during a Simulated Badminton Match Play in Well-Trained Players
by Man Tong Chua, Kin Ming Chow, Danny Lum, Andrew Wei Han Tay, Wan Xiu Goh, Mohammed Ihsan and Abdul Rashid Aziz
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(4), 81; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6040081 - 27 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4109
Abstract
In badminton, power production can be enhanced through the fundamental practice of a dynamic warm-up with resistance conditioning activity to induce a post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect. The use of heavy resistance exercise in the form of heavy weights to induce PAPE during [...] Read more.
In badminton, power production can be enhanced through the fundamental practice of a dynamic warm-up with resistance conditioning activity to induce a post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect. The use of heavy resistance exercise in the form of heavy weights to induce PAPE during competition is not logistically practical in the badminton arena. Thus, there is a need to investigate the use of easily available alternative preconditioning stimuli to induce a similar potentiating effect in badminton-specific performance. This study adopted a repeated-measures design of three warm-up conditions: control (CON), weighted wearable resistance (WWR), and resistance band variable resistance (BVR). Fourteen badminton players from the national training squad (11 males, 3 females, age 18 ± 1 y) completed the experimental sessions in random order. Change of direction speed (CODS) and smash velocity (SV) tests were performed at five timepoints—baseline test after the warm-up and at the end of each of the four exercise blocks of a simulated match play protocol. CODS was significantly faster under the two resistance warm-up conditions (WWR and BVR) compared to the CON condition at baseline (−0.2 s ± 0.39 and −0.2 s ± 0.46, p = 0.001 and 0.03, g = 0.47 and 0.40, respectively), but there were no differences at the other timepoints (all p > 0.05). SV was significantly faster for all the four exercise blocks than at baseline under all three warm-up conditions (p = 0.02), but there were no differences in SV between the three warm-up conditions across all the five measured timepoints (p = 0.15). In conclusion, implementing resistance (~10% body weight) in sport-specific plyometric exercises using WWR or BVR during warm-up routines may induce PAPE effects on the change of direction speed but not smash velocity, in well-trained badminton players, as compared with the same warm-up exercises using bodyweight (i.e., CON condition). The positive effects of CODS were, however, observed only at the start of the match and possibly lasted for up to between 5 and 10 min of match play. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 12547 KiB  
Article
The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise on Skeletal Muscle and Cerebral Oxygenation during Cycling and Isokinetic Concentric and Eccentric Exercise
by Panagiotis A. Perentis, Evgenia D. Cherouveim, Vassiliki J. Malliou, Nikos V. Margaritelis, Panagiotis N. Chatzinikolaou, Panayiotis Koulouvaris, Charilaos Tsolakis, Michalis G. Nikolaidis, Nickos D. Geladas and Vassilis Paschalis
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(3), 62; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6030062 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2560
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to study the effects of cycling and pure concentric and pure eccentric high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on skeletal muscle (i.e., vastus lateralis) and cerebral oxygenation. Twelve healthy males (n = 12, age 26 ± 1 yr, [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to study the effects of cycling and pure concentric and pure eccentric high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on skeletal muscle (i.e., vastus lateralis) and cerebral oxygenation. Twelve healthy males (n = 12, age 26 ± 1 yr, body mass 78 ± 2 kg, height 176 ± 2 cm, body fat 17 ± 1% of body mass) performed, in a random order, cycling exercise and isokinetic concentric and eccentric exercise. The isokinetic exercises were performed on each randomly selected leg. The muscle and the cerebral oxygenation were assessed by measuring oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, total hemoglobin, and tissue saturation index. During the cycling exercise, participants performed seven sets of seven seconds maximal intensity using a load equal to 7.5% of their body mass while, during isokinetic concentric and eccentric exercise, they were performed seven sets of five maximal muscle contractions. In all conditions, a 15 s rest was adopted between sets. The cycling HIIE caused greater fatigue (i.e., greater decline in fatigue index) compared to pure concentric and pure eccentric isokinetic exercise. Muscle oxygenation was significantly reduced during HIIE in the three exercise modes, with no difference between them. Cerebral oxygenation was affected only marginally during cycling exercise, while no difference was observed between conditions. It is concluded that a greater volume of either concentric or eccentric isokinetic maximal intensity exercise is needed to cause exhaustion which, in turn, may cause greater alterations in skeletal muscle and cerebral oxygenation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 573 KiB  
Article
Performance Comparisons of Youth Weightlifters as a Function of Age Group and Sex
by Satoshi Mizuguchi, Aaron J. Cunanan, Dylan G. Suarez, William E. Cedar, Mark A. South, Daniel Gahreman, William G. Hornsby and Michael H. Stone
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(3), 57; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6030057 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2296
Abstract
This study was designed to provide an overview of weightlifting performance as a function of age group and sex and evaluate the potential of countermovement jump height (CMJH) as a tool to gauge performance potential. Data from 130 youth athletes (female, n = [...] Read more.
This study was designed to provide an overview of weightlifting performance as a function of age group and sex and evaluate the potential of countermovement jump height (CMJH) as a tool to gauge performance potential. Data from 130 youth athletes (female, n = 65 & male, n = 65) were used to examine progression of performance (Total and Sinclair total) and the relationship between CMJH and Sinclair total while considering interactions between CMJH and age and/or sex. ANOVAs with post hoc analyses revealed that both totals had a statistical first-order polynomial interaction effect between age group and sex and the difference between age groups of 12–13 and 14–15 years old was statistically greater for male than female. A linear model, developed to examine the relationship, revealed that CMJH and CMJH x sex x age rejected the null hypothesis. Our primary findings are that male youth weightlifters have a higher rate of performance progression, possibly owing to puberty, and CMJH may be a better gauging tool for older male youth weightlifters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Periodized Programming May Improve Strength, Power, Jump Kinetics, and Sprint Efficiency in Soccer
by Ai Ishida, S. Kyle Travis and Michael H. Stone
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(2), 45; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6020045 - 24 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3285
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine if short-term periodized programming may improve strength, power, jump kinetics, and sprint efficiency in soccer. Seventeen players (19.6 ± 1.6 yrs; 73.8 ± 8.2 kg; 1.77 ± 0.6 m) were divided into two groups based [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to examine if short-term periodized programming may improve strength, power, jump kinetics, and sprint efficiency in soccer. Seventeen players (19.6 ± 1.6 yrs; 73.8 ± 8.2 kg; 1.77 ± 0.6 m) were divided into two groups based on mean isometric midthigh pull peak force (IPF) (stronger and weaker) and squat jump (SJ) peak power (PP) (higher power and lower power). Eight weaker players were included in the lower power group, while six stronger players were included in the higher power group. Block periodization was adopted to design strength training consisting of 3-week strength endurance and 4-week maximum strength blocks. Performance data included SJ with polyvinyl chloride pipe (SJ0), 20 kgs bar (SJ20), and 40 kgs (SJ40) bar and 20 m sprint across three time points (baseline: TB; post-block 1: T1; post-block 2: T2). Stronger group showed significant increases from TB to T2 in SJ20 peak power (PP), net impulse, and allometrically-scaled PP (p = 0.005 to 0.01, ES = 0.32 to 0.49). Weaker group demonstrated moderate to large increases from TB to T2 in SJ20, allometrically-scaled peak force (PF), PP, and allometrically-scaled PP (p = <0.001 to 0.04, ES = 1.41 to 1.74). Lower power group showed significant increases from TB to T2 in SJ20 allometrically-scaled PF, net impulse, PP, and allometrically-scaled PP (p = <0.001 to 0.026, ES = 1.06 to 2.01). Weaker and less powerful soccer players can benefit from strength-focused training to improve loaded SJ kinetics associating with force production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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7 pages, 249 KiB  
Article
The Reliability and Sensitivity of Change of Direction Deficit and Its Association with Linear Sprint Speed in Prepubertal Male Soccer Players
by Senda Sammoud, Raja Bouguezzi, Yassine Negra and Helmi Chaabene
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(2), 41; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6020041 - 08 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1894
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the reliability and sensitivity of a change of direction deficit (CoDD) and to establish its relationship with linear sprint speed. Methods: In total, 89 prepubertal male soccer players participated in this study (age = 11.7 ± 1.2 [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to examine the reliability and sensitivity of a change of direction deficit (CoDD) and to establish its relationship with linear sprint speed. Methods: In total, 89 prepubertal male soccer players participated in this study (age = 11.7 ± 1.2 years, maturity offset = −2.4 ± 1.0). Participants performed the 505 CoD speed test and the 20 m linear sprint speed test with a split interval at 5 m and 10 m. The CoDD was calculated as the mean 505 CoD time—the mean 10 to 20 m time interval. To evaluate the reliability of CoDD, the 505 CoD speed test, and 20 m linear sprint speed were performed twice, one week apart. The sensitivity of CoDD was identified by comparing the values of the typical error of measurement (TEM) and smallest worthwhile change (SWC). Results: Results of the reliability analysis indicated an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3.1) < 0.50 (0.47) and a TEM expressed as the coefficient of variation > 5% (10.55%). The sensitivity analysis showed that the ability of the CoDD measure to detect small performance changes is “marginal” (TEM (0.12) > SWC0.2 (0.04)). However, good absolute and relative reliability were observed for the 505 CoD speed test (ICC3.1 = 0.75; TEM < 5%). Alike CoDD, the ability of the 505 CoD speed test to detect small performance changes was rated as “marginal” (TEM (0.07 s) > SWC0.2 (0.04 s)). The CoDD revealed a large association with the 505 CoD speed test (r = 0.71). However, non-significant associations were detected between the CoDD and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m linear sprint speed intervals (r = 0.10 to 0.16, all p > 0.05). Likewise, non-significant correlations between the 505 CoD speed test and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m linear sprint speed intervals were observed (r = 0.14 to 0.20, all p > 0.05). Conclusions: The CoDD displayed poor reliability and limited ability to detect small changes in performance in prepubertal male soccer players. Due to its limited practical utility, practitioners are advised not to consider CoDD scores during the assessment of prepubertal male soccer players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
17 pages, 787 KiB  
Article
Strength, Endocrine, and Body Composition Alterations across Four Blocks of Training in an Elite 400 m Sprinter
by Amit Batra, Alex B. Wetmore, W. Guy. Hornsby, Patrycja Lipinska, Zbigniew Staniak, Olga Surala and Michael H. Stone
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(1), 25; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6010025 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4897
Abstract
The ability to produce force rapidly has the potential to directly influence sprinting performance through changes in stride length and stride frequency. This ability is commonly referred to as the rate of force development (RFD). For this reason, many elite sprinters follow a [...] Read more.
The ability to produce force rapidly has the potential to directly influence sprinting performance through changes in stride length and stride frequency. This ability is commonly referred to as the rate of force development (RFD). For this reason, many elite sprinters follow a combined program consisting of resistance training and sprint training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the strength, endocrine and body composition adaptations that occur during distinct phases of a block periodized training cycle in a 400 m Olympic level sprinter. The athlete is an elite level 400 m male sprinter (age 31 years, body mass: 74 kg, years of training: 15 and Personal Best (PB): 45.65 s). This athlete completed four distinct training phases of a block periodized training program (16 weeks) with five testing sessions consisting of testosterone:cortisol (T/C) profiles, body composition, vertical jump, and maximum strength testing. Large fluctuations in T/C were found following high volume training and the taper. Minor changes in body mass were observed with an abrupt decrease following the taper which coincided with a small increase in fat mass percentage. Jump height (5.7%), concentric impulse (9.4%), eccentric impulse (3.4%) and power ratio (18.7%) all increased substantially from T1 to T5. Relative strength increased 6.04% from T1 to T5. Lastly, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of a competitive taper in increasing physiological markers for performance as well as dynamic performance variables. Block periodization training was effective in raising the physical capabilities of an Olympic level 400 m runner which have been shown to directly transfer to sprinting performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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Review

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22 pages, 1281 KiB  
Review
Biological Determinants of Track and Field Throwing Performance
by Nikolaos Zaras, Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki and Gerasimos Terzis
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(2), 40; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6020040 - 07 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4828
Abstract
Track and field throwing performance is determined by a number of biomechanical and biological factors which are affected by long-term training. Although much of the research has focused on the role of biomechanical factors on track and field throwing performance, only a small [...] Read more.
Track and field throwing performance is determined by a number of biomechanical and biological factors which are affected by long-term training. Although much of the research has focused on the role of biomechanical factors on track and field throwing performance, only a small body of scientific literature has focused on the connection of biological factors with competitive track and field throwing performance. The aim of this review was to accumulate and present the current literature connecting the performance in track and field throwing events with specific biological factors, including the anthropometric characteristics, the body composition, the neural activation, the fiber type composition and the muscle architecture characteristics. While there is little published information to develop statistical results, the results from the current review suggest that major biological determinants of track and field throwing performance are the size of lean body mass, the neural activation of the protagonist muscles during the throw and the percentage of type II muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Long-term training may enhance these biological factors and possibly lead to a higher track and field throwing performance. Consequently, coaches and athletes should aim at monitoring and enhancing these parameters in order to increase track and field throwing performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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Other

5 pages, 1740 KiB  
Case Report
A Competitive Sprinter’s Resting Blood Lactate Levels Fluctuate with a One-Year Training Cycle: Case Reports
by Ryotaro Kano and Kohei Sato
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2021, 6(4), 95; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/jfmk6040095 - 22 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3408
Abstract
It has been reported that the variability of resting blood lactate concentration (BLa) is related to metabolic capacity. However, it is unclear whether the resting BLa of athletes can be utilized as a metabolic biomarker. This longitudinal case study tested the hypothesis that [...] Read more.
It has been reported that the variability of resting blood lactate concentration (BLa) is related to metabolic capacity. However, it is unclear whether the resting BLa of athletes can be utilized as a metabolic biomarker. This longitudinal case study tested the hypothesis that resting BLa levels in the morning fluctuate with a 1-year training cycle. The subject was an adult male sprinter, and BLa and blood glucose at the time of waking were measured every day for 1 year. The training cycles were divided into five phases: 1. Basic training: high-intensity and high-volume load; 2. Condition and speed training: high-intensity and low-volume load; 3. Competition training I: track race and high-intensity load; 4. Conditioning for injury; 5. Competition training II. The mean BLa levels in the basic training (1.10 ± 0.32 mmol/L and competition training I (1.06 ± 0.28 mmol/L) phases were significantly lower than in the condition and speed training (1.26 ± 0.40 mmol/L) and conditioning injury (1.37 ± 0.34 mmol/L) phases. The clarified training cycle dependence of resting BLa is suggested to be related to the ability to utilize lactate as an energy substrate with fluctuations in oxidative metabolic capacity. This case report supports the tentative hypothesis that resting BLa may be a biomarker index linked to the metabolic capacity according to the training cycle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sport Physiology and Performance—2nd Edition)
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