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Robles-Palazón FJ, McMahon JJ, Ayala F, Comfort P. Things to keep in mind when selecting physical assessments in youth soccer: Correlations between test performances, interlimb asymmetries, and effects of maturation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305570. [PMID: 38905234 PMCID: PMC11192305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A range of field-based tests have been proposed for inclusion in physical performance assessment batteries. However, there are obvious time and human resources constraints in applied settings. The knowledge of potential relationships between tests on performance, asymmetries, as well as maturation-induced changes, may help select the most informative and least time-consuming testing battery. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine correlations in performance between different field-based tests, in interlimb asymmetry between those unilateral tests, and between asymmetry scores and test performances, and (2) to determine the influence of players' maturity status on test performances and asymmetries. A total of 309 male youth soccer players completed a nine-test battery including y-balance test, drop vertical jump, countermovement jump, single leg countermovement jump, standing long jump, single leg hop for distance, Illinois agility test, 10 m sprint, and 20 m sprint. The results revealed moderate-to-very large relationships between jump, sprint, and agility performances (r = 0.43-0.94), but weak-to-moderate correlations between these tests and balance scores (r ≤ 0.38). No relevant relationship (r ≤ 0.32) for asymmetries detected through different unilateral tests was found, nor between asymmetries and performance scores (r < 0.29). While maturity status clearly influenced players' performance, a limited impact on asymmetries was evident. Despite the mentioned relationships, the low shared variance between tests indicates that they should not be used interchangeably, and coaches should select those with the greatest specificity for the sport. Asymmetries do not influence performance, but their prevalence and unchanging nature with maturation can be seen as an opportunity for the identification of highly asymmetrical players and the application of interventions to improve the weaker limb, irrespective of the athlete's stage of development. To this end, the single leg countermovement jump might be viewed as an appropriate test in male youth soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Robles-Palazón
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Centre for Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - John J. McMahon
- Centre for Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco Ayala
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Comfort
- Centre for Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
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Bańkosz Z, Hawrylak A, Kołodziej M, Murinova L, Barczyk-Pawelec K. Interlimb and trunk asymmetry in the frontal plane of table tennis female players. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17526. [PMID: 38915380 PMCID: PMC11195546 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background An interesting and little-reported problem in the literature is the scale of asymmetry in table tennis players, the magnitude of which should perhaps be treated as a risk for injury. Determining the degree of asymmetry in table tennis players can indicate the need to appropriately manage the training process, including compensatory or corrective exercises in the training program, especially since recent studies confirm that training interventions can reduce sporting asymmetries and improve performance. This study aimed to assess the amount of asymmetry in the trunk regarding the frontal plane and the difference between limb circumferences in female table tennis players compared to the control group (non-athletes). Methods Twenty-two women took part in the study. Ten of them were table tennis professionals with an average training experience of 7 ± 4.3 years (the exclusion criterion of the study was a minimum of 3 years of training experience). As a comparison group, the study included 12 female students who did not participate in competitive sports. Body posture was assessed in all subjects using equipment for computer analysis of asymmetry in the torso using the photogrammetric method. Additionally, all the subjects had their upper and lower limb circumferences measured. Results The results of the conducted research showed asymmetry in the frontal plane in the table tennis player group. As many as six parameters-regarding the pelvic rotation angle, angle of trunk inclination, the height of the angles of the lower shoulder blades and their distance from the spine, as well as the waist triangles, difference in the width and height of the waist triangles and the angle of trunk inclination-indicated asymmetry in this group but significantly differed from the control group (p ≤ 0.05) only in the first parameter given above. The calculated differences in circumference between the right and left sides in the individual groups were statistically different in several cases (p ≤ 0.05). This concerned the circumferences of the arms, forearms, elbows, and knees of table tennis players. Conclusions The research carried out in this study allowed us to determine the occurrence of asymmetry in the frontal plane of the trunk and between the limbs of table tennis players. According to some studies, this may be a risk factor for injury. However, despite the lack of uniform views in the literature on the importance and threats resulting from asymmetries, it appears that, if only for aesthetic reasons, table tennis would require compensatory or corrective training aimed at developing symmetry of the body structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziemowit Bańkosz
- Department of Biomechanics, Wrocław University of Sport and Health Science, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Arletta Hawrylak
- Department of Kinesiology, Wrocław University of Sport and Health Science, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kołodziej
- Department of Biomechanics, Wrocław University of Sport and Health Science, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Lenka Murinova
- Department of Natural Sciences in Kinanthropology, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Paravlic AH, Abazovic E, Milanović Z, Vučković G, Spudić D, Hadzic V, Pajek M, Vodičar J. The association between unilateral and bilateral performance-related measures in elite female soccer players: a multifaceted investigation. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1298159. [PMID: 38952868 PMCID: PMC11215189 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1298159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study aimed to investigate a) the associations between bilateral performance utilizing countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), speed and unilateral CMJ, isokinetic peak torque in knee extension and flexion with angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s and tensiomyography (TMG) parameters; b) whether the asymmetries derived from unilateral tests are associated with bilateral CMJ, SJ and speed in elite female soccer players. Methods Thirty-five elite female soccer players (average age: 20 ± 5 years) completed CMJ, SJ, speed, isokinetic muscle strength and TMG tests. Results Compared to the non-dominant leg, the dominant leg demonstrated greater peak torque output in both knee flexion (7.4%) and knee extension (5.6%) isokinetic tasks, as well as m. vastus medialis contraction time (7.6%), and soccer-specific agility test (4.1%). Conversely, the hamstring to quadriceps peak torque ratio at 180°/s (8.5%) was significantly greater in the non-dominant leg. The associations between CMJ, SJ and speed performance were positive and ranged from weak (r = 0.350) to high (r = 0.710). For speed and TMG-derived variables, correlations were negative and ranged from weak (r = -0.345, p = 0.042, for vastus medialis contraction time) to moderate (r = -0.530, p = 0.001, for biceps femoris contraction time). Furthermore, both bilateral CMJ and SJ negatively correlated with TMG-derived variables, ranging from weak (r = -0.350, p = 0.039, for vastus lateralis contraction time) to moderate (r = -0.537, p = 0.003, for rectus femoris contraction time). Conclusion The overall significant, albeit inconsistent, correlations between the diverse performance scores obtained highlight the necessity for a multifaceted and thorough diagnostic strategy in female soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Huso Paravlic
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ensar Abazovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zoran Milanović
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | - Goran Vučković
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darjan Spudić
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vedran Hadzic
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Pajek
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Vodičar
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Arboix-Alió J, Buscà B, Miró A, Bishop C, Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe A. Ground Reaction Forces, Asymmetries and Performance of Change of Direction Tasks in Youth Elite Female Basketball Players. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:21. [PMID: 38251295 PMCID: PMC10819480 DOI: 10.3390/sports12010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in a change of direction (COD) have increased interest in scientific research in recent years. This present study aimed to investigate the magnitude of asymmetries in an elite youth female basketball sample (n = 18, age = 17.79 ± 0.67 y) and determine its directionality using force platform technology. Participants performed 70° and 180° COD tests analyzing the following variables: time, ground contact time (GCT) and ground reaction forces (GRF) along the anterior-posterior, mediolateral, and vertical axes. Inter-limb asymmetries were evident in both COD tests, with substantial differences observed between limbs (p < 0.01). The asymmetry values ranged from 3.02% to 24.31% in COD 180° and from 1.99% to 21.70% in COD 70°, with anterior-posterior GRF consistently exhibiting the highest asymmetry magnitude. Additionally, the directionality exhibited variability between the tests, indicating poor agreement and suggesting the independent directionality of asymmetries across tasks. Moreover, players required more time to complete the COD 180°, the GCT was noticeably longer for the COD 180° than for the COD 70°, and GRF varied across the axis, suggesting that players adapt uniquely to the specific demands of each task. The utilization of force platforms presents a comprehensive approach to assess asymmetries and COD variables performance variables which are "angle-dependent", which could have important implications for COD screening and effective training interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Arboix-Alió
- Department of Sports Science, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (B.B.); (A.M.); (A.F.-V.)
- School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
- F.C. Barcelona, Sport Performance Area, 08970 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Buscà
- Department of Sports Science, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (B.B.); (A.M.); (A.F.-V.)
| | - Adrià Miró
- Department of Sports Science, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (B.B.); (A.M.); (A.F.-V.)
| | - Chris Bishop
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London NW4 4BT, UK;
| | - Azahara Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe
- Department of Sports Science, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain; (B.B.); (A.M.); (A.F.-V.)
- School of Health Sciences, Ramon Llull University, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
- Segle XXI Female Basketball Team, Catalan Federation of Basketball, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
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Santos LCV, Aidar FJ, Villar R, Greco G, de Santana JL, Marçal AC, de Almeida-Neto PF, de Araújo Tinoco Cabral BG, Badicu G, Nobari H, de Souza RF, da Silva Júnior WM. Evaluation of the Training Session in Elite Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes Based on Biomechanical and Thermal Indicators. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:151. [PMID: 37624131 PMCID: PMC10459933 DOI: 10.3390/sports11080151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paralympic powerlifting (PP) is performed on a bench press, aiming to lift as much weight as possible in a single repetition. PURPOSE To evaluate thermal asymmetry and dynamic force parameters with 45 and 80% 1 Repetition Maximum (1 RM) in PP athletes. METHODS Twelve elite PP male athletes were evaluated before and after a training session regarding skin temperature (thermography) and dynamic force indicators (Average Propulsive Velocity-MPV, Maximum Velocity-VMax, and Power). The training consisted of five series of five repetitions (5 × 5) with 80% 1 RM. The force indicators and dynamics before and after (45% 1 RM) were evaluated in series "1" and "5" with 80% 1 RM. RESULTS The temperature did not present asymmetry, and there were differences between the moment before and after. In MPV, Vmax, and Power, with 45% 1 RM, there were differences both in asymmetry and in moments (p < 0.005). With 80% 1 RM, asymmetry was observed, but no differences between moments (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION No thermal asymmetry was observed. There were reductions in MVP and VMax at 45 and 80% 1 RM but without significant differences between time points (before and after). However, there was asymmetry in the moments before and after within a safety standard, where Paralympic powerlifting was safe in terms of asymmetries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Christine Vieira Santos
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil; (L.C.V.S.); (A.C.M.); (R.F.d.S.); (W.M.d.S.J.)
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports (GEPEPS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe J. Aidar
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil; (L.C.V.S.); (A.C.M.); (R.F.d.S.); (W.M.d.S.J.)
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports (GEPEPS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Physiological Science, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
- Cardiorespiratory & Physiology of Exercise Research Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (R.V.); (J.L.d.S.)
| | - Rodrigo Villar
- Cardiorespiratory & Physiology of Exercise Research Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (R.V.); (J.L.d.S.)
| | - Gianpiero Greco
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Study of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Jefferson Lima de Santana
- Cardiorespiratory & Physiology of Exercise Research Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (R.V.); (J.L.d.S.)
| | - Anderson Carlos Marçal
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil; (L.C.V.S.); (A.C.M.); (R.F.d.S.); (W.M.d.S.J.)
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports (GEPEPS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Paulo Francisco de Almeida-Neto
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, Brazil; (P.F.d.A.-N.); (B.G.d.A.T.C.)
| | | | - Georgian Badicu
- Department of Physical Education and Special Motricity, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500068 Brasov, Romania;
| | - Hadi Nobari
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain;
| | - Raphael Frabrício de Souza
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil; (L.C.V.S.); (A.C.M.); (R.F.d.S.); (W.M.d.S.J.)
- Group of Studies and Research of Performance, Sport, Health and Paralympic Sports (GEPEPS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Walderi Monteiro da Silva Júnior
- Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil; (L.C.V.S.); (A.C.M.); (R.F.d.S.); (W.M.d.S.J.)
- Graduate Program of Health Science, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), São Cristovão 49100-000, Brazil
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