This study aimed to examine: (i) the level of physical activity (PA), obesity indices and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) among boys and girls in primary school, and (ii) to determine the association ...of obesity indices and PA with CRF for the total number of participants, and then separately for boys and girls. 753 sixth to ninth grade girls and boys aged 10-14 years took part in this cross-sectional study. The PA was assessed by the "Physical Activity Questionnaire - Children" and CRF was assessed by the Maximal multistage a 20 m shuttle run test. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC), and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were considered as obesity indices. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore correlates of CRF. The results obtained showed the prevalence of general overweight and obesity was 25.5% in our sample which was lower than that in the regional estimate (e.g., ∼28%) for Eastern Europe. Among all participants, CRF was associated with male sex, older age, a lower WC percentile, higher WHtR, and higher level of PA. The model accounted for 24% of the variance. CRF was associated with older age and higher level of PA among girls and boys. Lower WC percentile was a significant determinant of CRF among boys. In conclusion, general overweight/obesity was not independently associated with CRF. Those with better CRF were more likely to be male and older, had a higher level of PA and lower central adiposity. These findings emphasize the importance of supporting school age children to take a part in programmed physical activity regardless of their body composition.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing implemented shortly after influence physical activity levels (PALs). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in PAL and factors ...associated with PALs among Croatian adolescents while considering the impact of community (urban vs. rural living environment). The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline (from October 2019 to March 2020; before COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia) and follow-up (in April 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed rules of social distancing). Baseline testing included anthropometrics, physical fitness status, and evaluation of PALs, while follow-up included only PALs (evaluated by a standardized questionnaire through an internet application). The results showed a significant influence of the living environment on the decrease of PAL, with a larger decrease in urban adolescents. Logistic regression showed a higher likelihood for normal PALs at baseline in adolescents who had better fitness status, with no strong confounding effect of the urban/rural environment. The fitness status of urban adolescents predicted their PALs at follow-up. The differences between urban and rural adolescents with regard to the established changes in PALs and relationships between the predictors and PALs are explained by the characteristics of the living communities (lack of organized sports in rural areas), and the level of social distancing in the studied period and region/country.
ABSTRACTPojskic, H, Sisic, N, Separovic, V, and Sekulic, D. Association between conditioning capacities and shooting performance in professional basketball playersan analysis of stationary and ...dynamic shooting skills. J Strength Cond Res 32(7)1981–1992, 2018—Little is known about the influence of conditioning capacities on shooting performance in basketball. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between different conditioning capacities and shooting performance in professional basketball players. In this investigation, we examined 38 males (all perimeter players; height185.5 ± 6.73 cm; mass78.66 ± 10.35 kg). Conditioning capacities were evaluated by tests of muscular strength, aerobic endurance, jumping and throwing capacities, sprinting speed, preplanned agility, anaerobic endurance, and fatigue resistance. Shooting performance was evaluated using game statistics, as well as 6 tests of shooting performance performed in controlled settings(a) 3 tests of static (i.e., nonfatigued) shooting performance (standardized execution of 1- S1, 2- S2 and 3-point shots S3 in stationary conditions), and (b) 3 tests of dynamic (i.e., fatigued) shooting performance (standardized execution of 1- D1, 2- (D2), and 3-point shots D3 in dynamic conditions). All 3 dynamic shooting tests and the S1 test were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) correlated with corresponding game statistics. Multiple regression indicated that conditioning capacities were significantly related to D1 (R = 0.36; p = 0.03), D2 (R = 0.44; p = 0.03), S3 (R = 0.41; p = 0.02), and D3 (R = 0.39; p = 0.03) tests. Players with a higher fatigue resistance achieved better results on the D1 test (β = −0.37, p = 0.03). Preplanned agility (β = −0.33, p = 0.04), countermovement jump (β = 0.42, p = 0.03), and fatigue resistance (β = −0.37, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of D2 performance. The countermovement jump (β = 0.39, p = 0.04), medicine ball toss (β = 0.34, p = 0.04), and anaerobic endurance (β = 0.46, p = 0.04) predicted the results of D3 performance. Jumping, throwing, and anaerobic endurance capacities were good determinants of the skill of dynamic shooting over a long distance. These findings emphasize the importance of explosive power and anaerobic capacity as determinants of shooting performance in high-level basketball players.
Agility is a significant determinant of success in soccer; however, studies have rarely presented and evaluated soccer-specific tests of reactive agility (S_RAG) and non-reactive agility (change of ...direction speed - S_CODS) or their applicability in this sport. The aim of this study was to define the reliability and validity of newly developed tests of the S_RAG and S_CODS to discriminate between the performance levels of junior soccer players. The study consisted of 20 players who were involved at the highest national competitive rank (all males; age: 17.0 ± 0.9 years), divided into three playing positions (defenders, midfielders, and forwards) and two performance levels (U17 and U19). Variables included body mass (BM), body height, body fat percentage, 20-m sprint, squat jump, countermovement jump, reactive-strength-index, unilateral jump, 1RM-back-squat, S_CODS, and three protocols of S_RAG. The reliabilities of the S_RAG and S_CODS were appropriate to high (ICC: 0.70 to 0.92), with the strongest reliability evidenced for the S_CODS. The S_CODS and S_RAG shared 25-40% of the common variance. Playing positions significantly differed in BM (large effect-size differences ES; midfielders were lightest) and 1RM-back-squat (large ES; lowest results in midfielders). The performance levels significantly differed in age and experience in soccer; U19 achieved better results in the S_CODS (
-test: 3.61,
< 0.05, large ES) and two S_RAG protocols (
-test: 2.14 and 2.41,
< 0.05, moderate ES). Newly developed tests of soccer-specific agility are applicable to differentiate U17 and U19 players. Coaches who work with young soccer athletes should be informed that the development of soccer-specific CODS and RAG in this age is mostly dependent on training of the specific motor proficiency.
There is no research examining female bandy players, which creates a gap of knowledge of female skating performance and its determinants with male skating performance, not only in bandy but also in ...exercise science in general. Therefore, the aim of this explorative study was to investigate position and playing-level differences in the sprint skating performance and anthropometrics of 74 elite female bandy players (age: 18.9 ± 4.1 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 63.2 ± 7.4 kg). Participants were categorised according to playing level (26 elite and 48 junior elite players) and position (22 defenders, 35 midfielders, and 17 forwards). They were tested on their anthropometric characteristics and sprint linear skating profile over 80 m with the split times measured at 10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 m to calculate the average velocities between these different 10 m intervals. Results revealed that elite players had more training experience, were heavier, could accelerate faster, and reached a higher maximal velocity than the junior elite players (9.52 ± 0.37 vs 8.84 ± 0.40 m/s, respectively). In general, defenders were heavier than forwards, and the elite forwards accelerated faster in the first 10 m than the midfielders (
= 0.041). In summary, playing level and position, body mass, and training experience modulated skating sprint performance. The findings suggest that female junior-level players should spend more time developing skating sprint and acceleration abilities to meet the specific demands of playing at the elite level. Moreover, the coaches and professionals who work with female bandy players should be aware that the development of acceleration ability is more important for forwards.
This study aimed to compare sprint skating profile characteristics of the different playing positions of junior and senior bandy players. In total, 111 male national-level bandy players (age: 20.7 ± ...5.0 years, height: 1.80 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 76.4 ± 0.4 kg, training experience: 13.8 ± 5.0 yrs) were tested on their sprint skating profile over 80 m. The main findings were that no differences between positions were found in sprint skating performance (speed and acceleration), but that elite players were in general heavier (
< 0.05) than junior players (80.0 ± 7.1 vs. 73.1 ± 8.1 kg), they could accelerate faster (2.96 ± 0.22 vs. 2.81 ± 0.28 m/s
), and they reached a higher velocity (10.83 ± 0.37 vs. 10.24 ± 0.42 m/s) earlier over 80 m than the junior players. This implies that junior level players should spend more time in power and sprint training to meet the specific demands of playing at a higher, elite level.
Although previous research found that small-sided game (SSG) training was more enjoyable than high-intensity interval training (HIT) in various sports, no data were provided during longer training ...period in basketball. Furthermore, the comparison of internal loads between the two training approaches needs to be further examined. Thus, this study aimed to examine the acute physiological, perceived exertion and enjoyment responses during 4-week progressive basketball SSG or HIT programs.
Nineteen female collegiate basketball players were randomly assigned to two groups that performed either HIT (
= 10) or SSG (
= 9) 3 times per week for 4 continuous weeks. Average and percentage of maximal heart rate (HR
and %HR
), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and physical activity enjoyment (PACES) were determined during each training session.
There was a main group effect in PACES (
< 0.001;
= 0.44, moderate), and SSG had higher PACES than HIT in each week (
< 0.05). There were no significant interactions or main group effects in HR
, %HR
or RPE, but a main time effect was found in HR
(
= 0.004;
= 0.16, minimum), %HR
(
< 0.001;
= 0.25, minimum), and RPE (
< 0.001;
= 0.31, moderate), respectively. In the SSG group, although no significant differences were found in HR responses, %HR
was below 90% in week 1 and week 2. Accompanied with changes in %HR
, RPE in week 1 and week 2 was lower than that in week 3 and week 4 (
< 0.05).
Our findings suggest that SSG and HIT elicit similar acute HR response and RPE level, but SSG is perceived as more enjoyable and therefore it is more likely to increase exercise motivation and adherence comparing to HIT. Moreover, it seems that half-court, 2 vs. 2 SS Gtraining format with modified rules and lasting ≥ 7.5 min should be prescribed as an enjoyable training alternative to provide optimal cardiovascular stimuli (> 90% of HR
) for female basketball players.
There is an evident lack of studies examining the pursuit of excellence in futsal. The aims of this study were to evaluate anthropometric and physiological variables that may contribute to ...distinguishing among performance levels in professional futsal players and to evaluate correlates of those variables. The participants were 75 male professionals (age = 25.1 ± 5.1 years, body height = 182.3 ± 6.2 cm, body mass = 80.8 ± 10.4 kg), who were divided into performance levels using two criteria: (i) starters (first teams) vs. non-starters (substitutes) and (ii) top-level players (members of the national team and players who participated in top-level team competition in Europe) vs. high-level players (team players competing at the highest national competitive rank). Variables included anthropometrics (body height and mass, BMI, body fat percentage), generic tests of physiological capacities 5- and 10-m sprints, countermovement jump, broad jump, 20-yard test, reactive strength index (RSI), and futsal-specific fitness tests kicking speed by dominant and non-dominant leg, futsal-specific tests of change of direction speed, and reactive agility (FSRAG) involving/not involving dribbling the ball. Top-level players outperformed high-level players in RSI, broad jump, kicking speed, and FSRAG involving dribbling. Starters achieved better results than non-starters in fewer variables, including kicking speed and RSI. Body fat percentage negatively influenced FSRAG involving dribbling, and RSI. FSRAG, RSI, and kicking speed were significantly correlated, indicating the similar physiological background of these capacities. The findings suggest that enhanced reactive strength and the ability to rapidly change direction speed in response to external stimulus while executing futsal-specific motor tasks (e.g., dribbling), along with players' ability to kick the ball speedily, can be considered essential qualities required for advanced performance in futsal. Consequently, futsal strength and conditioning training should be targeted toward lowering relative body fat, maximizing lower-body reactive strength and including futsal-specific skills (e.g., dribbling, shooting) in reactive agility drills.
Complex training (CT) is a strength training intervention performed by completing all the sets of a resistance exercise followed by a series of high-velocity/plyometric exercise/s. The purpose of ...this novel study was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of CT on vertical jump (VJ) performance. Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to CT and the VJ. Studies needed to include randomized trials comparing CT with traditional resistance training (RT)/plyometric training (PLYO)/control (CON) lasting ≥ 4 weeks and the VJ as a dependent variable. Seven studies qualified for the meta-analysis with two studies differentiating VJ performance from CT and RT, two studies comparing VJ performance of CT and PLYO, and two studies establishing the difference in VJ performance between CT and CON. Results indicated similar improvement in VJ performance from CT and RT (p = 0.88). On the other hand, greater VJ performance in CT than PLYO was identified (ES = 0.86; 95% CI 0.24, 1.47; p = 0.01). CT also showed significantly greater enhancement in VJ compared to CON (ES = 1.14; 95% CI 0.60, 1.68; p < 0.01). In conclusion, CT can serve as alternative training from RT in improving VJ performance. On the other hand, CT is a better option in VJ enhancement than PLYO and CON.
This study aimed to investigate the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of spatiotemporal parameters, during sprint skating, of bandy players. Thirty-two well-trained male bandy players (age: 17.8 ...± 1.2 years; height: 1.80 ± 0.06 m; body mass: 75.7 ± 1.2 kg) participated in this study. They performed two 80 m linear skating sprints. To calculate the velocities and obtain glide-by-glide spatiotemporal variables, nine timing gates and two skate-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) were synchronized and used. The spatiotemporal variables at each step included the glide time, glide length, double support time, double support length, step length, and step frequency. All the spatiotemporal variables were analyzed separately: averaged over 80 m, during the acceleration, and the maximal steady-state phases. The relative and absolute reliability of the spatiotemporal parameters were good (ICC > 0.70; CV < 10%), except for the step frequency during the steady-state phase. The spatiotemporal parameters showed “good” to “satisfactory” sensitivity during the acceleration phase and whole sprint, and “marginal” sensitivity during the steady-state phase. Content validity was confirmed by a low percentage of the shared variance (17.9–34.3%) between the spatiotemporal parameters obtained during the acceleration and steady-state phases. A “stepwise” regression significantly predicted the steady-state skating velocity from the spatiotemporal metrics obtained during the acceleration F(5,26) = 8.34, p < 0.001, adj. R2 = 0.62 and steady-state phases F(5,26) = 13.6, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.67. Only the step frequency obtained in the acceleration phase significantly predicted the maximal skating velocity (p < 0.01), while the glide length and step frequency derived during the steady-state phase significantly added to the prediction (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the spatiotemporal parameters, obtained by two skate-mounted IMUs, were shown to be reliable and sensitive measures of sprint skating, and they could be used to provide independent information for the different skating phases. The maximal skating velocity could be predicted from the spatiotemporal parameters, with longer gliding and more frequent steps as the most significant determinants.
PDF
