Frontiers in Sports and Active Living最新文献

Introduction: Increased muscle stiffness in the upper trapezius has been suggested to be associated with cervical myofascial pain and myofascial trigger points (MTrP). Recently, efforts have been made to objectively detect MTrP using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). However, there is no consensus on the relationship between muscle stiffness assessed by SWE and MTrP. This may be due to the possibility that muscle stiffness is not uniform even in the asymptomatic trapezius. The present study aimed to characterize passive muscle stiffness at the proximal, central, and distal sites of the anterior and posterior parts of the upper trapezius.

Methods: Seventeen healthy young males without neck pain participated in the study. The upper trapezius was divided into anterior and posterior parts based on anatomical landmarks: the line between C6 and the lateral end of the clavicle was defined as the anterior part, while the line between C7 and the acromion angle was defined as the posterior part. Shear wave speed (SWS; an index of stiffness) was measured using ultrasound SWE at six sites in the anterior and posterior parts of the upper trapezius, at 25% (proximal), 50% (central), and 75% (distal) of the muscle belly length.

Results: SWS in the anterior part was significantly higher at the proximal (p < 0.001) and distal (p < 0.001) sites than at the central site. In the posterior part, there was no significant difference in SWS between the proximal, central, and distal sites. Comparisons between the anterior and posterior parts showed no significant differences in SWS at the proximal (p = 0.147), central (p = 0.339), and distal sites (p = 0.051).

Conclusions: The characteristics of passive stiffness distribution in the anterior and posterior parts of the upper trapezius have important implications with respect to the optimal location of the control point during MTrP detection. In particular, it may be preferable to set the control point for detecting MTrP in the transverse direction rather than in the fascicle direction, that is, to compare passive muscle stiffness at the same levels between the anterior and posterior parts.

Introduction: This study was planned to assess the association between serve efficacy and match outcome, and to investigate which factors are associated with serve efficacy in high-level male and female Sitting Volleyball players.

Methods: The study sample was comprised of a total of 3,664 serving actions, performed during the 2020 Paralympic Games and the 2022 Sitting Volleyball World Championship. For each serving action, we considered serve efficacy (i.e., Point lost, Negative Serve, Positive serve and Point won), serve zone, type of serve technique, target zone of the serve, type of reception, receiving player and match outcome (i.e., match won, or match lost).

Results: The Mixed-effects logistic regression model showed that serve efficacy is significantly associated with the match outcome, increasing serve efficacy being associated with increased chances of winning the game. The ratio between the probability of winning and losing the game started at 0.86 for a Point lost and increased to 1.67 for a Point won. Compared to Negative serves, Positive serves were associated with a higher probability that the opponent team would use a low reception rather than a high reception. In turn, a low reception was associated with a higher chance (from 45.1% to 58.3%) of the receiving team committing an error in the side-out phase.

Discussion: Based on these results, it is recommended that high-level coaches focus on improving their players' serve efficacy by instructing them on managing risk, avoiding serves to the front zone, and reducing the likelihood of overhead receptions.

Purpose: This study investigated the evolution of neuromotor control during a typical short sport-specific rehabilitation program (SSR) in professional soccer players who had incurred a major lower-limb injury (n = 15, chondral and muscle injuries, ACL-reconstruction).

Methods: All injured participants (n = 15) were in the on-field rehabilitation phase of their specific sport rehabilitation process, prior to return to play. An experimental group (EG, chondral and muscle injuries, ACL-reconstruction) followed a 3-week SSR-program composed of muscular and core strengthening (weightlifting, functional stability, explosivity and mobility exercises), running and cycling, neuromotor reprogramming, cognitive development and specific soccer on-field rehabilitation (acceleration, braking, cutting, dual-contact, high-speed-running, sprint, jump, drills with ball). Neuromotor control via analysis of movement kinematics, muscle activation and kinetic parameters was evaluated using a single-leg Countermovement-Jump, pre- and post- rehabilitation program. A control group (n = 22) of healthy soccer players of similar standards performed the same single-leg Countermovement-Jump to provide reference values regarding the level to be attained by the injured players for return to play.

Results: In the experimental group, almost all kinetic analyses values progressed during the program and significantly for concentric Rate-of-Force-Development (p < 0.05), height jump (p < 0.001) and Reactive-Strength-Index Modified (p < 0.001) but remained lower than control group values for RSI-Mod (p < 0.05) and RFDconcentricLate (p < 0.001). Activation changed (p < 0.05) for all muscles except for rectus femoris and medial gastrocnemius in the pushing phase and rectus femoris during landing in the EG. Activation of all muscles decreased for EG, except for semitendinous which increased. Regarding kinematic analyses during the landing phase, there were a significant decrease in peak trunk flexion (p < 0.001) and lateroflexion (p < 0.001) and an increase in peak knee flexion (p < 0.001) for both legs. Trunk flexion (p < 0.001) and lateroflexion (p < 0.001) values were again higher for EG while knee flexion remained significantly lower than the CG (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The SSR generally improved neuromotor control suggesting that the present specific sport rehabilitation program, albeit of only three weeks duration, was effective in aiding elite footballers recover their neuromotor qualities although this was potentially insufficient to return to the values observed in healthy players.

Resistance exercise (RE) has been demonstrated to result in a myriad of benefits for individuals treated for cancer, including improvements in muscle mass, strength, physical function, and quality of life. Though this has resulted in the development of recommendations for RE in cancer management from various international governing bodies, there is also increasing recognition of the need to improve the design of RE interventions in oncology. The design and execution of RE trials are notoriously complex, attempting to account for numerous cancer/treatment related symptoms/side effects. Further, the design of exercise trials in oncology also present numerous logistical challenges, particularly those that are scaled for effectiveness, where multi-site trials with numerous exercise facilities are almost a necessity. As such, this review paper highlights these considerations, and takes evidence from relevant areas (RE trials/recommendations in oncology, older adults, and other clinical populations), and provide a practical framework for consideration in the design and delivery of RE trials. Ultimately, the purpose of this framework is to provide suggestions for researchers on how to design/conduct RE trials for individuals with cancer, rather than synthesizing evidence for guidelines/recommendations on the optimal RE dose/program.

Introduction: This study investigates the impact of mobile-assisted swimming applications on intrinsic motivation and fear reduction in aquatic environments among students enrolled in a swimming course. While technological tools are increasingly integrated into physical education settings, their effects on motivation and psychological barriers such as fear of water remain underexplored.

Methods: A total of 69 male and female students enrolled in the "Swimming Education and Training" course participated in the study. The Intrinsic Motivation Scale (IMS) and the Water Fear Assessment Questionnaire (WFAQ) were used to measure intrinsic motivation and water-related fear, respectively, before and after using a mobile-assisted swimming application. Data were analyzed to assess changes in motivation and fear, and potential relationships with demographic variables (gender, academic year, parental swimming experience, and university GPA) were explored.

Results: The study found no statistically significant differences in intrinsic motivation levels before and after the use of the mobile-assisted swimming application. However, a statistically significant reduction in water fear was observed following the intervention. No significant relationships were found between demographic factors and either motivation or fear reduction.

Discussion: The results suggest that while the mobile-assisted swimming application did not significantly impact intrinsic motivation, it was effective in reducing fear of water among students. This highlights the potential of mobile applications in addressing psychological barriers in aquatic environments, supporting skill acquisition, and enhancing the overall learning experience in swimming courses. The absence of demographic influences suggests that the application's benefits may be broadly applicable across different student groups.

Introduction: This study examines inmates' perspectives on the effectiveness of sports coaches in prison. According to the integrative definition of effective coaching, coaches require professional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal knowledge to enhance athletes' outcomes within a specific context.

Methods: Five male inmates of a German prison were interviewed after they participated in sports programs. The data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results: The inmates recognized professional knowledge in coaches who demonstrated clear training structures and spoke in an educated manner. Interpersonal knowledge was highly valued, with inmates expressing a preference for coaches who showed closeness, truthfulness, and responsiveness, while intrapersonal knowledge was attributed through coaches' adaptability. Inmates identified all four possible outcomes and emphasized that sensitivity, authenticity, energetic demeanor, physical appearance, and athletic skills are crucial qualities for an effective coach in a prison.

Discussion: The balance between an authentic and energetic demeanor, including a certain degree of strictness, emerges as a key factor in effective coaching within the prison context.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining inspiratory muscle resistance with strength training on lung function and aerobic capacity in artistic swimmers.

Methods: This research constitutes a placebo-controlled randomized trial, involving a five-week walking program conducted twice a week. Fourteen female artistic swimmers were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (TG group, n = 7) or the control group (CG group, n = 7). Both groups underwent the same strength training program. The TG group performed inspiratory muscle strengthening at 50% of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) during strength training, whereas the CG group engaged in strength training with 15% MIP inspiratory muscle training twice a week. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included an incremental stress test, pulmonary function test, inspiratory muscle strength test, and a specialized performance test.

Results: Following the 5-week intervention, within-group comparisons revealed that the inspiratory muscle strength index, vital capacity, and forced vital capacity significantly increased in both the CG and TG groups (P < 0.01). The TG group exhibited a significant increase in minute ventilation (P < 0.05), while the CG group showed a significant increase in tidal volume (P < 0.05). Additionally, the TG group demonstrated a significant improvement in running speed at the ventilation threshold and maximum oxygen uptake (P < 0.05), along with a significant increase in tidal volume (P < 0.01). Both the CG and TG groups showed significant increases in the scores for the 50-meter diving and 25-meter torpedo (P < 0.05). Between-group comparisons showed that the TG group experienced significant improvements in the inspiratory muscle strength index, minute ventilation, running speed corresponding to maximum oxygen uptake, and 25-meter torpedo performance (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that a 5-week program combining inspiratory muscle resistance with strength training can effectively enhance the aerobic exercise capacity of artistic swimmers. Moreover, high-intensity inspiratory muscle resistance combined with strength training can improve the muscle's ability to utilize oxygen during exercise.

Trial registration: Beijing Research Institute of Sports Science (TKSLL202201); China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300072833, 26/06/2023.

Objective: To determine the relationship between success at peak performance age and quantity of within-sport distance variety and compare the dose-time-effect between swimming and track running by determining probability of becoming an international-class female athlete based on the number of different race distances the athletes compete in each year throughout their development process.

Methods: Race times of female Tier 2 to Tier 5 freestyle pool swimmers (n = 2,778) and track runners (n = 9,945) were included in the present study. All athletes were ranked according to their personal best at peak performance age. Subsequently, number of different race distances during each year were retrospectively extracted from peak performance to early junior age. Personal best performance points at peak performance age were correlated with the number of different race distances across the various age categories. Poisson distribution determined the dose-time-effect of becoming an international-class athlete based on the number of different swimming strokes.

Results: At peak performance age, correlation analysis showed a larger within-sport distance variety for higher ranked athletes, particularly for track runners (r ≤ 0.35, P < 0.001). Despite reaching statistical significance, the effects were small to moderate. While swimmers showed a generally larger within-sport distance variety than track runners, Poisson distribution revealed a dose-time-effect for the probability of becoming an international-class swimmer. Sprint and middle-distance swimmers benefit from competing in three race distances during junior age and a transition to two race distances at 17-18, 18-19, 20-21 and 25-26 years of age for 50 m, 100 m, 200 m and 400 m races, respectively. Long-distance swimmers should maintain three different race distances throughout peak performance age. Probability analysis showed a consistent benefit of competing in one or two race distances for 100 m, 200 m, 400 m and 800 m track runners.

Conclusion: Within-sport distance variety is not a continuum but an ever-evolving process throughout the athletes' careers. While swimmers generally show larger variety than track runners, the progressive specialization towards peak performance age improves success chances to become an international-class swimmer.

Introduction: Women are underrepresented in volunteer non-player roles in community sporting clubs, particularly in traditionally male sports such as football (soccer), where participation rates for men and boys remain higher than women and girls. Experiences of women volunteering in community sporting clubs are not well-represented in research literature. By exploring women's experiences volunteering in community Australian Football clubs, the present research aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of women's participation in volunteer non-player community sport club roles. Our intention is that our findings will provide empirical basis for the design of efficacious evidence-based interventions and initiatives to help close the gender gap of volunteerism rates and experiences, thus facilitating equal opportunities for women to access associated individual social, physical, and mental health benefits of sports volunteering.

Method: We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with six women from four Australian Football clubs, to determine barriers and facilitators to volunteering.

Results: Reflexive thematic analysis of barriers generated six themes: high expectations of self, intersectionality (of gender with motherhood or race), constrained resources, interpersonal disconnection, lack of organisational support and structure, and gender role assumptions and stereotypes. Analysis of facilitators produced six themes: having or building confidence, positive reinforcement, social connection, deliberate efforts to engage women, role autonomy and shaping, and supportive culture within a club or governing body.

Discussion: Findings revealed that impacts on women's development in non-player roles exist at the individual level, including the interaction of gender, race, and parental status, but also extend beyond this to personal, interpersonal, organisational, and sociocultural factors. Given our research findings we make seven recommendations for governing bodies and community football clubs to enhance volunteering gender equity: 1. Establish support for women by dividing work evenly among volunteers; 2. Provide clear descriptions of non-player roles; 3. Match the skill sets of new women volunteers to suitable roles; 4. Implement mentorship programs to aid collaboration among women who volunteer; 5. Educate communities about gender biases and assumptions; 6. Monitor and seek feedback on gendered task allocation to ensure women's unpaid labour is not disproportionate to men's; and 7. Promote and publicise women in non-player roles to enhance women's visibility and acceptance in community football clubs.

Introduction: Over the past few years, attention has focused on how physical activity can enhance esports players' performance. For example, complementing esports training with physical activities has been explored. However, most of these activities are based on traditional strength or endurance-related exercises, which do not align with the interests of children attending organized esports clubs.

Methods: In this study, we investigate playful physical activities. Our research is based on qualitative pilot studies, where we observed and interviewed players (N = 77) and coaches (N = 12) from nine organized esports clubs for two to four months per club. We explored their experiences with playful physical activities implemented during esports training. Using a reflexive thematic analytical approach, we revisited and analyzed the data.

Results: The results are presented in this paper as three nonfictional short stories, creatively describing the lived experiences of the players and coaches. We emphasize patterns of shared meaning and identify the "What's" and "How's" associated with esports training when playful physical activities are incorporated. Despite differences in form, duration, and intensity compared to activities referenced in the literature on esports and performance, our results demonstrate that playful activities positively influence esports players' skills and performance.

Discussion: Furthermore, our findings suggest that playful physical activities, as opposed to traditional strength and endurance exercises, often associated with physical activity, are acceptable for esports coaches. However, for maximum impact, these activities must be relevant and directly related to the games played in the esports clubs. Based on our research, we recommend implementing playful physical activities that align with the actual esports training to support developing and optimizing players' esports skills and performance.