Biology of Sport最新文献

This study aimed to investigate technical-tactical differences between main draw vs. qualifying draw matches in male and female professional padel players. Through systematic observation, data were collected from 39 matches (4,585 points) of the professional male qualifying draw (n = 9) and main draw (n = 13), and female qualifying draw (n = 8) and main draw (n = 9) during the 2023 World Padel Tour Finland Padel Open tournament. Using chi-square analysis and corrected standardized residuals (CSR), the results showed significant differences between draws for final shot relative to the side of the play, serving efficiency and the type of final shot. Left side male players made more forced errors (CSR = 2.8) and fewer unforced errors (CSR = 3.2) in main draw compared to qualifying draw matches. While players were in the return game, both male and female players made a higher proportion of forced errors (CSR = 3.3; CSR = 2.7) and a lower proportion of unforced errors (CSR = 3.3; CSR = 2.3) in main draw compared to qualifying draw matches. Specific shot-type analysis revealed that male and female players made varying numbers of winners, forced errors and unforced errors with certain types of shots in the main vs. qualifying draw matches. These findings provide valuable insights for players and coaches to optimize their technical-tactical strategies based on the competition draw and match context.

The aim of this study was to examine the worst-case scenarios (WCS) produced during the week in training sessions and compare them with the physical demands of the matches. A total of 194 training sessions and 42 matches were analysed during the 2020/2021 season in the Second Spanish Football League. Data were collected using Global Positioning System devices. Players were grouped according to their playing positions into central defenders, wide players, midfielders (MID), and forwards. The variables analysed were distance, HSR distance, sprint distance, high acceleration, high deceleration, and high metabolic load distance. The most demanding passages were analysed in 1-minute periods using the rolling average method. The most significant differences were found in the HSR distance (p < 0.001; ƞp² = 0.854), sprint distance (p < 0.001; ƞp² = 0.882) and high metabolic load distance (p < 0.001; ƞp² = 0.899) variables on the day furthest from the match day. No significant differences were found in the data analysed for MID in any training session of the week compared with the match, nor in the variables of high acceleration and high deceleration. Knowledge about the worst-case scenario during a competitive microcycle can help understand the physical level and individual requirements that our players need to perform at a high level on the match day, as well as preventing possible injuries or fatigue.

This study aimed to evaluate the time-course of the recovery of force-generating capacity in young adult soccer players post-match. Seventy-three Under-19 and Under-23 soccer players were assessed using the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test. Measurements were taken during a baseline session (under non-fatigued conditions) and at 48 h and 72 h post-match. External and internal load metrics were recorded on match day and training days using a Global Positioning System and the session session-rating of perceived exertion, respectively. For each game, players' observations were divided into experimental and control conditions, reflecting playing more than 60 minutes and 0 minutes of match participation, respectively. Within-subject correlations between selected external match load metrics and internal load, and changes in IMTP peak force (PF), were analyzed for players in the experimental condition. The results demonstrated that, in the experimental condition, the IMTP PF was impaired by 8.1% at 48 h post-match (p < 0.001, d = 0.72) and 6.2% at 72 h post-match (p < 0.001, d = 0.68), with no significant differences between 48 h and 72 h post-match (p > 0.05). However, no correlations were observed between changes in IMTP PF at 48 h and 72 h post-match and either external or internal load. Moreover, an 8.2% reduction in IMTP peak force from baseline to 72 h post-match (1603N vs 1471N, p = 0.01, d = 0.46) was observed in the control condition, which can be attributed to the load on MD+2. This finding suggests that the IMTP is a sensitive test for detecting fluctuations in the recovery of force-generating capacity, further highlighting that soccer players do not achieve full recovery in this test within the specified time frame.

This systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of plyometric training (PT) performed on different surfaces and with different types of footwear on the neuromuscular performance of team-sport athletes, and to properly delineate the role of these specific factors (i.e., surface type and footwear) on PT outcomes. A systematic search was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and metaanalyses guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published before May 2024. From the total of 2832 articles, 35 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. The results indicate that sand surfaces seem to be more effective than other surfaces in increasing neuromuscular performance. Specifically, studies that investigated the intervention process found significant improvements in performance metrics after plyometric sand training. In terms of acute effects, the results were diverse and inconclusive, with no clear pattern of evidence. Despite presenting lower improvements overall, rigid surfaces required a lower number of contacts compared to other types of surfaces to achieve similar performance gains. PT in water is also recommended to promote neuromuscular adaptations. Regarding footwear, minimalist and rigid options were found to lead to higher improvements in various neuromuscular performance variables, likely due to enhanced energy efficiency and stability during PT sessions. The included studies indicated that PT on sand is highly effective for improving neuromuscular adaptations. However, training on rigid surfaces is more time-efficient, while aquatic surfaces are also recommended. Additionally, minimalist or rigid footwear acutely improves various athletic performance variables. Overall, when designing a PT program, it is crucial to consider both the surface and footwear to maximize neuromuscular adaptations.

This study aimed to compare accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC) when in- (_IP) and outof-possession (_OP) during official English Premier League (EPL) match-play over three consecutive seasons considering playing position, match location and opponent ranking. Match data from 31 male professional soccer players was obtained via an optical tracking system. Playing position significantly influenced ACC_IP, DEC_IP, and DEC_OP. Ranking difference and match location were significant predictors for DEC_IP, ACC_OP, and DEC_OP. An increase in ranking difference was associated with higher DEC_IP. Conversely, in the out-of-possession phase (ACC_OP and DEC_OP), a decrease in these parameters with increasing ranking difference was observed. Regarding match location, positive β coefficients suggested that DEC_IP, ACC_OP, and DEC_OP values were significantly higher during away matches compared to home matches. A significant interaction (playing position × ranking difference) was reported for DEC_OP (β = 0.035, p = 0.013). Interestingly, DEC_OP actions decreased with increasing ranking difference across all playing positions except for wingers. In conclusion, these findings highlight that distinct contextual factors influence ACC and DEC performance during in- and out-of-possession phases of EPL match-play.

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) shows promise as a tool for tracking stress, recovery, and fatigue, although questions around CAR stability in elite sport exist. A functional cortisol link to testosterone and its awakening response (TAR) could also affect the CAR and endpoint outcomes, with stress as a moderating factor. To help resolve these issues, we investigated the day-to-day dynamics of the CAR and TAR in elite athletes and controls. Saliva samples (i.e., waking, waking+30 minutes) were taken from 29 male rugby players (mean age 26.4 years) on four consecutive days and 42 male controls (age 31.0 years) on two consecutive or non-consecutive days. Relative CAR_∆30 and TAR_∆30 were computed as a reactive change score. All of the hormonal variables showed poor short-term stability in elite athletes, with only slight improvements among controls. On average, a significant and similar rising CAR_∆30 was seen in athletes (42.0%) and controls (27.0%), whilst the TAR_∆30 declined similarly in both cohorts by -11.0% and -15.5%, respectively. In elite athletes only, the CAR_∆30 and TAR_∆30 were significantly and positively related, likewise for all other cortisol-to-testosterone variable comparisons (partial r = 0.19-0.45). In summary, substantial daily variation emerged in the relative CAR and TAR, especially in elite male athletes. However, only elite athletes presented positive CAR and TAR relationships that extended to their constituent components. These signals could represent a coordinated system to prepare for and respond to daily stressors in elite sport, which also offers a complex regulatory mechanism for controlling the CAR.

Knee injuries remain a significant challenge in competitive sports, impacting athletic performance, long-term joint health, and healthcare resource utilization. Traditional prevention strategies often focused primarily on strengthening the knee itself. However, emerging evidence supports a joint-by-joint training approach (JBJTA), emphasizing the interconnected kinetic chain, particularly the trunk, hips, ankles, and feet. This commentary explores the potential of JBJTA in knee injury prevention by enhancing hip and ankle mobility, trunk and foot stability, and proprioception. The JBJTA posits that optimal joint function and adaptability across the kinetic chain contribute to reduced knee stress and improved dynamic stability. Limited hip range of motion (ROM) and ankle dorsiflexion are associated with altered mechanics, such as increased knee valgus, which increases the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Additionally, foot stability and proprioception are crucial for dynamic balance and neuromuscular control, further mitigating knee injury risk. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of the JBJTA for biomechanical knee load redistribution, optimizing force distribution throughout the lower limb to alleviate knee stress. The approach enhances lower limb alignment, shock absorption, and efficient force transfer, contributing to reduced knee valgus and overall injury risk. The JBJTA offers a comprehensive strategy for knee injury prevention by addressing the interdependence of the kinetic chain. This paradigm shift from isolated knee strengthening to a holistic approach promises improved performance and long-term musculoskeletal health for athletes. We call for future research to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of this approach in diverse athletic populations.

There is little evidence about how physical exercise affects the gut microbiota since studies in the field are relatively recent. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the main effects of regular physical exercise on the intestinal integrity and microbiota composition in animal models, discuss the mechanisms involved, and indicate future directions. Searches for original articles were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. A total of 18 studies were selected. These studies suggest that physical exercise has a significant impact on the gut microbiota. Voluntary running increased the thickness of duodenal villi and microbiota diversity but reduced its richness. Low-intensity treadmill running increased the abundance of the phylum Actinobacteria and the family Bifidobacteriaceae, while that of moderate-intensity reduced the Bacteroides/Prevotella ratio. High-intensity swimming and treadmill running altered the gut microbiota, evidenced by β-diversity, and increased the Shannon and Chao indices but reduced short-chain fatty acids. Resistance exercise increased the Chao index and altered the functionality of the gut microbiota, increasing carbohydrate metabolism and reducing lipid and amino acid metabolism. Thus, regular physical exercise of different intensities and types can modify the gut microbiota, and the exercise benefits appear to be positively associated with training intensity.

Using information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, this study intends to investigate the connection between apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) and leisure-time aerobic physical activity (LTAPA) time. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the NHANES data from 2007 to 2018. LTAPA time was used as the independent variable, and aTRH was used as the dependent variable. Participants' baseline characteristics were collected and analyzed based on whether they had aTRH. A weighted regression model was used to analyze association of LTAPA time with aTRH, and a stratified analysis was conducted. In addition, the relationship between LTAPA and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with aTRH was assessed and survival curves were plotted. 6,705 hypertensive patients were included, with 6,292 in non-aTRH group and 413 in aTRH group. Baseline results presented significant differences in age, race, povertyto-income ratio (PIR), body mass index (BMI), number of cases of diabetes mellitus, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values between two groups (p < 0.05). Weekly LTAPA time was significantly lower in aTRH group than in non-aTRH patients (76.15 vs. 103.16, p = 0.016). Weighted logistic regression modeling showed that an increase in LTAPA time was associated with a reduced risk of developing aTRH (OR = 0.939, 95%CI [0.884,0.999], p = 0.045), especially among female patients who did not drink alcohol. Weighted Cox regression analysis showed a significant negative association between LTAPA time and risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.900, 95%CI [0.831,0.976], p = 0.010). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis also showed that an increase in LTAPA time significantly prolonged the survival time of aTRH patients (Log-rank p < 0.001). Increasing LTAPA time among American adults was associated with the reduced incidence and mortality of aTRH, especially in women who do not drink alcohol. In the future, gender-specific exercise strategies could be considered, along with drug therapy and other non-pharmacological interventions, to develop targeted treatment strategies for hypertensive patients to reduce the incidence and mortality of aTRH.

This study aimed to examine the Most Demanding Scenarios (MDS) in elite youth basketball players, focusing on position-specific differences across various time windows. Data were collected from 31 players (20 males, 11 females) across two seasons during 40 official games using a 20-Hz Local Positioning System and 100-Hz accelerometer. Metrics included total distance, high-speed running distance, accelerations, decelerations, jumps, and changes of direction. Peak Demands (PD), High-Intensity Periods (HIP), and Very High-Intensity Periods (VHIP) were calculated using rolling averages over 10, 30, 60, and 120-second windows. Mixed linear models compared PD across time intervals and between playing positions (frontcourt vs. backcourt). Shorter time windows showed higher relative peak values for both males and females. Relative distances declined with longer intervals, from 251.34 ± 23.46 m · min^-1 (10 s) to 113.61 ± 13.52 m · min^-1 (120 s) for males (p < 0.001; d = 7.20, nearly perfect effect), and from 237.37 ± 24.16 m · min^-1 to 114.52 ± 11.7 m · min^-1 for females (p < 0.001; d = 6.47, nearly perfect effect). Male backcourt players (BC) had higher PD than frontcourt players (FC) across most variables and windows, except for changes of direction. Female BC showed significantly higher PD in acceleration (10.26 ± 2.28 m vs. 9.07 ± 2.83 m; p = 0.04; d = -0.45, small effect) and deceleration distance (11.9 ± 2.39 m vs. 10.12 ± 3.9 m; p = 0.02; d = -0.53, small effect) over 120 s. Additionally, male FC were more frequently exposed to HIP over 10 s (p = 0.011; d = 0.20, trivial effect) and VHIP over 30 s (p = 0.001; d = 0.26, small effect) for distance covered, whereas female BC consistently demonstrated more frequent passages in VHIP for sprint durations across all time windows. These findings highlight significant position-specific differences in the MDS of elite youth basketball players. Understanding these demands emphasizes the need for tailored, position-specific training and conditioning programs to optimize performance.