Advances in Sports Performance Analysis and Applied Technologies

Background: Flywheel devices have found extensive use as a resistance training method. Performance monitoring during functional exercises can be achieved through a coupled rotary axis encoder. However, the reliability of a rotary axis encoder-flywheel system remains underexplored for isolated movements. This study aims to assess test-retest and inter-rater reliability of a rotary axis encoder-flywheel system for assessing hip rotation movements. Methods: Twenty-nine physically active participants were included. The Conic Power Move^® flywheel was used to perform hip internal and external rotation exercises. Mean and peak values for velocity, force, and power were collected using a Chronojump rotary axis encoder and the Chronojump software v.2.2.1. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess relative and absolute reliability, respectively. Standard error of measurement and minimum detectable changes were also calculated. Results: Good to excellent ICCs (0.85–0.98) were achieved for test-retest and inter-rater reliability in all outcomes for both hip internal and external rotation exercises. There was acceptable test-retest absolute reliability (CV < 10%) for mean and peak velocity, and mean force of hip internal and external rotation (CV = 4.7–7%). Inter-rater absolute reliability was acceptable for mean and peak velocity, mean power, and mean force (CV = 4.7–9.8%). Conclusion: The rotational encoder-flywheel system demonstrated good to excellent relative reliability for assessing hip rotation exercises. Peak force and power values exhibit absolute reliability >10%, so the use of mean and peak velocity, mean force, and mean power seems more adequate for measurements with the rotary axis encoder-flywheel system. Full article

The basic technical element that is a direct response to the opponent’s attack is the block. Blocking is related to setting the starting position of the player and choosing the most effective way to move. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time of movement in the block depending on the difficulty of the task determined by a response to light signals. The study included 14 players (17.36 ± 1.18 years). Eight discs of the FITLIGHT Trainer^TM device placed at different heights near the center of the volleyball court were used for the measurements. The player’s task was to move as quickly as possible in a block after recognizing a light signal to take a specific action. Three types of tasks with different levels of difficulty were defined: reaction to the light signal on the player’s side (S1), reaction to the light signal of the upper or lower discs placed vertically over the net (S2), and reaction to the color of the light signal of the upper or lower discs placed vertically over the net (S3). The following time measurements were analyzed: indirect time (TI), time of movement to the jumping point (TJP), and total time (TT) on the right and left sides. In all measurements (TI, TJP, TT), the differences in the times obtained in tasks S1 and S2 and tasks S1 and S3 were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) for both the right and left sides. The comparison of the task performance times for S2 and S3 showed a difference only in the TJP measurement for the left side. An analysis of the results indicates a significant role of signal recognition and decision-making process in the player’s movement during blocking. The FITLIGHT Trainer^TM device can be a useful tool for this purpose in coaching. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether the elite handball (HB) athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) present differences in the mechanical properties in the teres major muscle, and strength and extensibility of the posterior shoulder tissues of the throwing shoulder (TS) compared to the non-throwing (non-TS) and non-HB athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, with sixty male participants: 30 HB athletes with GIRD and 30 age-matched healthy non-HB athletes. Mechanical properties of the teres major muscle were measured with MyotonPRO; also, extensibility of the posterior shoulder tissues and maximum isometric internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength were recorded. Results: The teres major muscle of the TS in the HB group achieved a higher tone (Δ 0.34; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.53) and stiffness (Δ 30.86; 95% CI: 23.04,38.68), and a lower relaxation time compared to the non-TS of the same group (Δ −0.69; 95% CI: −1.15, −0.24;) and to the TS of the control group for the tone (Δ 0.36; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.70) and for the stiffness (Δ 27.03; 95% CI: 15.24, 38.83). The extensibility of the TS of the HB group presented a statistically significant decrease compared to the control group (Δ −7.83; 95% CI: −12.42, 3.23). A between-groups ER/IR ratio imbalance was found for the TS (Δ −12.18; 95% CI: −25.59, −1.23) and the non-TS (Δ −13.01; 95% CI: −25.79, −0.25). Conclusions: HB athletes with GIRD present a higher tone and stiffness of the teres major muscle and lack of extensibility of the tissues of the posterior part of the shoulder compared to the non-TS and to healthy non-HB athletes. Full article

Small-sided and conditioned games (SSGs) are pedagogical tools that help in soccer training, being used to solve tactical problems with the specific demands of the game. In this context, this study aimed to compare physical, physiological, and tactical responses in elite women’s soccer in SSGs with numerical equality (3-a-side) and superiority (3-a-side + 1) in the offensive phase. The sample consisted of 16 female athletes participating in official national competitions. Two consecutive days of data collection were conducted, and a 4 min duration series was carried out. The variables analysed were the total distance covered, the distance covered at different speeds, maximum heart rate (HRmáx), mean heart rate, the spatial exploration index, the stretching index, length, width, and LpWratio. The results showed an increase in distance covered at speeds of 7.20–14.29 km/h (m) (effect size: medium) and a decrease in HRmáx (effect size: small) in the numerical superiority. Regarding tactical response, there was a decrease in the spatial exploration index (effect size: large), length (effect size: medium), and stretching index (effect size: large) for games played in the numerical superiority. Thus, it was observed that SSGs with numerical superiority in women’s soccer suggest more clustered, less exploratory, and more positional behaviour of the athletes. Full article

Soccer is dominated by game indicators that can influence the performance of teams and their players. Therefore, this study analyzed the influence of game indicators on the partial and final ranking of Spanish LaLiga teams, independently for the pre-COVID-19, COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. In addition, the statistical differences between the pandemic periods were identified. A total of 2660 Spanish LaLiga matches played over seven seasons (from the 2014–2015 to the 2020–2021 season) were analyzed. The game indicators analyzed were the yellow cards, red cards, ball possession, total shots, shots on goal, shots off goal, free kicks, corners, offsides, goalkeeper saves, fouls committed, attacks, dangerous attacks, total passes, and tackles. Data were collected from the official Spanish LaLiga website, and recorded on a post hoc observation sheet. The intra-observer concordance was almost perfect (Cohen’s kappa values > 0.83). In each pandemic period, the findings indicated that the statistically significant game indicators had a greater influence on the final ranking, with an intermediate and large effect (η² ≥ 0.060), than on the partial ranking (little or no effect). In this regard, the LaLiga teams ranked in a European competition position (final ranking) reported a higher ball possession (p < 0.001) and total passes (p < 0.001). A higher ball possession allowed them to take more shots (offensive actions), and therefore to have a better chance of winning. Similarly, these game indicators were higher post-COVID-19, compared to pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19. This is interesting information for the preparation and management of matches. Full article

Mental fatigue can significantly impair physical performance during sports practice. However, previous studies have not analyzed the impact of combining High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with a cognitive task on physical performance. In this line, we developed the present research to investigate the specific aspects of mental and physical fatigue as well as the potential impact of combining HIIT with a cognitive task. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare mental and physical fatigue indicators between single HIIT and an incongruent Stroop task added to the HIIT protocol. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 32 tennis players (25 men and 7 women, mean age = 21.40). Two HIIT sessions were performed: (1) one with the incongruent Stroop task presented during rests, and (2) another without the Stroop task during rests. Mental fatigue, mental load, and wellness were measured. Additionally, mean and maximum heart rate, mean and peak speed, and heart rate variability through RMSSD were recorded using a heart rate monitor. Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon tests were performed to explore differences between during-session loads and pre- and post-HIITs. The results showed that mixed HIIT with the incongruent Stroop task caused higher increases in mental fatigue (p = 0.04) and the ratio of perceived exertion (p = 0.001) from pre- to post-HIIT. However, no significant differences in external (speed) and internal (heart rate) factors were observed between the protocols. This suggests that subjective feelings of physical exertion increased significantly due to mental fatigue. However, it did not decrease the physical workload during HIIT for tennis players. Therefore, incorporating short periods of the incongruent Stroop task during HIIT could be used to develop tolerance to mental fatigue without a decrease in the workload. Full article

Goals scored are the most important performance indicator and may be a good tool to analyze game style predominance within different leagues. The aims of this study are to describe how goals are scored in the two major soccer leagues in the season of 2020/21, and to compare both leagues to watch possible differences in the offensive sequences that lead to goal-scoring. The aims of this study were: to evaluate goal scoring trends among two main soccer leagues and to compare the two leagues. A total of 1409 goals were observed using notational analysis. The total results show a dominance of positional play/fast attack (n = 38%), followed by set pieces as the second means to score (n = 32%) with corner kicks having a great impact (n = 36%) within set pieces goals. The most goals were scored by short possessions (n = 50%) with short passes number (n = 57%), with the recovery of the ball in the offensive third (n = 47%) and the huge dominance of finalization in central areas inside the box (n = 78%). Spanish La Liga scored more by positional play/fast attack, with most of the possessions starting in the medium third and using more the “central wing goal area” and “between wings left in the box” end zones when compared with English Premier League. The latter has more goals from counterattacks and corner kicks with very long possessions. Most of the possessions start in the offensive third and more goals are scored in “central wing between penalty and goal area” in comparison with Spanish La Liga. Coaches must be aware of the trends of the game and of the differences across leagues to prepare themselves when working in different countries to each specific characteristic. Full article

Maintaining the state achieved after the warm-up in modern soccer represents a significant problem. The main goal of this research was to determine the influence of a regular tracksuit on skin temperature and running speed during the pre-game routine. This study included 36 youth soccer players (15.61 ± 0.68 years, 175.16 ± 4.21 cm) divided into two groups. A two-way ANOVA was used with the level of significance set at <0.05. The main findings of this research indicated that skin temperature is reduced after the WU and is slower to be restored when players wear tracksuits. In addition, the results showed a significant treatment × time-point interaction effect for 10 [p = 0.015, η_p² = 0.16], 20 [p = 0.001, η_p² = 0.26], and 30 [p = 0.005, η_p² = 0.20] meter sprint tests. A significant treatment (experimental vs. control) main effect was observed for 10 m [p = 0.042, η_p² = 0.35], 20 m [p = 0.020, η_p² = 0.55], and 30 m [p = 0.005, η_p² = 0.58] sprint tests. Moreover, a significant sequence-trial interaction effect for 10 m (p = 0.002), 20 m (p < 0.001), and 30 m (p < 0.001) sprints was observed. However, the main effects of the sequence or trial factors alone were insignificant. It is concluded that regular tracksuits may have a beneficial influence on Ts loss and running speed. This research’s most significant practical application is that it lasts for a short period of time and that it requires no extra effort. Full article

The purpose of this study was to compare changes in muscle pre-activation and short-latency responses in the lower limbs during drop jumps performed on different common soft and hard surfaces and at various platform heights. The study aimed to collect electromyography data from the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus of the dominant leg during drop jumps on sand, turf, polyurethane, and wood surfaces from platform heights of 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm. Muscle pre-activation refers to muscle activity 100 ms before ground contact during a drop jump, while short-latency responses refer to muscle activation occurring 30–60 ms after ground contact. These definitions were used to measure and analyze neuromuscular responses in the lower limb muscles during drop jumps using various surfaces and platform heights. Sand as a ground material and platform heights of 50 and 60 cm significantly enhanced pre-activation and activation in short-latency responses of the lower limb muscles (all p < 0.01). The difficulty of the drop jump task can enhance pre-activation and activation in the latency responses of lower limb muscles. It is recommended that athletes perform drop jumps on sandy surfaces or from platforms higher than 50 cm to induce muscle pre-activation of the lower limbs and to improve muscle activation levels in the latency responses after landing. Full article

The main aim of this research is to analyse the kinematic model of two different variations of executing the jump shot, one performed after one step in the preparation phase and the other performed after a three-step preparation phase (run-up). Respondents (N = 27) are female Croatian national handball team players (U17 and U19). After basic anthropometric and morphological measurements, along with the warmup, respondents proceeded to shoot with one- and three-step shots directed at targets in the upper and lower opposite corner of the goal. A significant difference was found in all measured kinematic parameters between one- and three-step jump shots: hand velocity (p < 0.001 for the upper opposite (UO) and p < 0.001 for the lower opposite target (LO)); hand height reached (p < 0.05 UO and p < 0.01 LO); jump height (p < 0.001 UO and p < 0.001 LO); shoulder velocity (p < 0.001 UO and p < 0.001 LO); and ball velocity (p < 0.05 UO and p < 0.01 LO). Coaches should incorporate specific jump shots after one step to automate this movement and produce the best shooting technique, which will allow them to have smaller differences or no differences between techniques with three-steps and one-step jump shots. Consequently, this will lead to better performance indicators which consist of shooting on target from various positions in the field. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of psychological skills training on the brain quotient and perceived performance of high school rapid-fire pistol athletes and to provide basic data to overcome the psychological difficulties experienced in practice and competition situations. Using the non-probability sampling method, four rapid-fire pistol athletes were selected as subjects for the study. To verify the effects of the psychological skills training program (10 weeks), data collected through electroencephalography and a survey were analyzed. First, through psychological skills training, the psychological tension and physical stress of the left brain among the players’ brain function index significantly improved. Furthermore, the perceived performance of the study participants improved. Therefore, it was confirmed that through psychological technology training, participants increased their faith and confidence in shooting skills; thus, the level of perceived performance also increased. In addition, if the effectiveness of the psychological skills training conducted in this study is developed with a wider range of sports or athletes, this study will be valuable for athletes who always have to demonstrate outstanding performance. Full article

This study aims to identify an overall keyword network by drawing on core keywords in Paralympic studies and analyzing the relationships. It also aims to provide information on the changes in Paralympic study trends through a time series analysis to understand change, according to the application of a new classification (evidence-based classification). This study made a bibliographic list of 1613 studies by collecting studies published between 2003 and 2022 using keyword network analysis (KNA). By refining to exclude unsuitable studies, 1404 studies and 6414 keywords were used for the analysis. As a result of analyzing entire Paralympic studies performed between 2003 and 2022, Paralympic studies were revealed to be on the rise. The entire Paralympic studies ascertained that the areas of study were mainstream and centered on the top three keywords: athlete; performance; and classification. Secondly, as a result of analyzing Paralympic study trends in a time series manner, based on 2017 when a new classification was applied, studies related to physical impairment centered on the top two keywords, athlete and performance, were mainstream in Section 1 (2003–2016). Olympic Games, performance, and wheelchairs formed detailed study areas. In the Paralympic studies in Section 2 (2017–2022), the relevant studies centered on the top two keywords, athletes and performance, were mainstream. Parasport, disability, and classification were ascertained to form detailed study areas. Through all this, the changed trend in the keyword Paralympics was confirmed. The results of this study are meaningful in that they can contribute to the expansion of the Paralympic areas of study and invigoration by exploring core keywords and providing relevant information based on the significant change point in time, including entire Paralympic study trends. Full article

The main objective of this research was to establish the evolution of badminton players’ ages in the modalities of men’s, women’s and mixed doubles in the top-100 of the World Ranking (WR) from 1994 to 2020. Data were obtained from the Badminton World Federation website (7200 entries: 3304 players) from 1994 to 2020. The highest-ranking position and the mean age of the top-100 WR badminton players were analyzed for each modality. In the men’s doubles (MD) and mixed doubles (XD) modalities, a progressive increase of mean age was observed from 1994 to 2020 (MD: 1994 = 23.91 ± 3.93 years vs. 2020 = 25.55 ± 4.40 years; p < 0.001 and XD: 1994 = 24.06 ± 3.99 years vs. 2020 = 25.34 ± 4.77 years; p = 0.004). In contrast, the women’s doubles modality did not present any change in mean age from 1994 to 2020 (~24 years; p = 0.317). In addition, women’s doubles players reached their highest ranking at an earlier age (~23 years) than men’s and mixed doubles players (~25 years). In conclusion, as often happens in other sports, elite women badminton doubles players are younger and reach their peak performance at a younger age than their male counterparts. These data could help coaches, trainers and selectors to plan the sports career of their elite players. Full article

This study aims to explore the winning and losing factors of Para Ice Hockey (PIH) games using a data mining-based decision tree analysis targeting the PIH games in international competitions organized by World Para Ice Hockey (WPIH). To achieve the study purpose and data collection, 66 games among the nations participating in the four international competitions for the last two years organized by WPIH, were selected as study subjects. The 3432 game records provided by WPIH were collected as study variables. The results of this study are as follows: First, the winning teams recorded 5.79 goals, 24.05 total shots on goal (SOG), 57.79% face-off winning percentage, 7.62 total saves (SVS), 0.24 total power play goals (PPGs), and 0.39 penalty-killing goals (PKGs) per game were recorded. The losing teams recorded 0.89 goals, 8.52 SOG, 42.21% face-off winning percentage, 18.26 SVS, 0.82 PPG, and 0.05 PKG and showed significant differences. When looking at game records by period, significant differences were revealed in the goals, SOG, and PPG except in the third period, and total shorthanded goals (SHGs) and SVS except in the second period. The winning teams showed the highest goals and SOG in the first, second, and third periods, while the losing teams showed the reverse order. Second, (1) according to the exploration result of winning and losing factors, excluding total goal-related variables, the probability of winning was 82.8% if the goal was 1 or more in the first period. The critical winning and losing factors were revealed as a goal in the first period and SOG in the second period in that order. (2) According to the exploration result of the winning and losing factors, excluding each period’s goal-related variables, the probability of winning was 81.4% if the SOG was 5 or more in the first period. As the essential winning and losing factors, SOG in the first period, SOG in the second period, and time on power play (TPP) in the third period were revealed. (3) The exploration result of winning and losing factors, excluding goals and shots-related variables, the probability of winning was 70.9% if the total face-off winning percentage was 46.23% or more. As the essential winning and losing factors, the total face-off winning percentage and SVS in the second period are shown in order. Full article

The aims of this study were (i) to examine gender differences between the Molten H3X5000 ball and the resin-free Molten d60 ball with regard to throwing velocity and accuracy according to two conditions, throwing situation and instruction received, and (ii) to analyse the player’s subjective perception on throwing velocity according to ball types. The sample comprised 29 handball players (18 men and 11 women), who carried out a throwing protocol to measure velocity, accuracy, and subjective perception. The main results found significant throwing velocity differences between the new balls and traditional balls with resin in short-distance actions (7 m). Specifically, males did not perceive a loss of throwing velocity with the new ball. For target accuracy, men showed higher velocities with the traditional balls with resin and new balls than with the traditional balls with no resin. Women reached higher velocities with the new balls and the traditional balls with resin than with the traditional balls with no resin. Furthermore, throwing accuracy and effectiveness were not influenced by the ball type or throwing distance. While uneven results in relation to throwing velocity according to ball type, gender, and throwing distance were identified, the accuracy and effectiveness were not affected by the ball type. As the throws were made from further away (9 m), the impact of the new ball on the throwing velocity decreased. Full article

The Paralympics is a world-class sports event that inspires and impresses people around the world, of which athletics is the most medal-competitive event in the Paralympics, with more than 130 countries participating. This study aims to provide baseline data for disabled athletes’ (para athletes’) athletic performance improvement on track, by generating information on athletic performance trends through the identification of para athletics’ discipline change in each Paralympic Games (PG) held between 2004 and 2020, and by analyzing differences in records by discipline level (podium group [winners’ group] and final group [group reaching finals]). To achieve its purpose, this study collected data and analyzed athletics’ track events at five Paralympic Games (2004 Athens PG to 2020 Tokyo PG) organized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and checked changes in disciplines. To analyze athletic performance differences between the podium group and the final group by dividing the disciplines in disabled athletes’ track events in the PG that were consecutively held into men’s division and women’s division, this study used Kruskal–Wallis Test, a nonparametric statistical method. Additionally, this study presented the drawn event record trends of the podium group by discipline in each class through visualization. The results drawn through this study are as follows: First, as a result of analyzing the change in disciplines of disabled athletes’ track events, the number of track disciplines in the 5 PG was Track (T) 61, T51, T52, T48, and T44, respectively. Disciplines in the men’s division showed a gradually decreasing trend. In the women’s division, the track disciplines in the 5 PG were T30, T33, T37, T40, and T36, respectively. The disciplines in the women’s division increased until the Rio 2016 PG. Second, according to an analysis of athletic performance by class of para athletes’ track disciplines by PG (2004–2020), significant differences were found in both the podium and final groups. Third, as a result of analyzing the podium group’s record change trends by para athletes’ track disciplines and classes, the following points were revealed: (1) in the mean record change in the men’s podium group records were improving in most classes; (2) according to the women’s podium group record trend analysis the record improvement was high in T37 and T53 classes. In the T11 and T12 classes improved in each PG. In conclusion, as the PG continued, the number of track events in the men’s division of para athlete disciplines decreased, but records show an improving trend. Meanwhile, the number of disciplines shows an increasing trend in the women’s division, and especially the trend was remarkable after 2012. In conclusion, as Paralympic Games continued, the number of disciplines declined in the men’s division but records show an improving trend. As the number of disciplines decreased, athletes went to other disciplines, so competition became fierce and competitiveness was judged to improve. Meanwhile, in the disciplines of the women’s division increased due to the increasing number of in disciplines available. Full article

A digital twin is a virtual model to reflect a physical object and helps it by making proper decisions. The decision-making process is based on the same input data that the simulated physical object has access to. Due to exploiting artificial intelligence, the decision-making process of the digital twin is more sophisticated than that of the physical object. In this study, the digital twin is applied to the sports training domain, where it addresses those questions that have arisen during the implementation of interval cycling training sessions. Thus, the digital twin runs on a mobile device (i.e., the Raspberry Pi platform), with which a cycle is equipped and demonstrates user-friendliness, robustness, reliability, and accuracy. The interval training sessions are transferred to the mobile device in the form of the domain-specific language EasyTrain, ensuring higher expressive power and ease of use. During the implementation, the digital twin advises the athlete with predicted information obtained by a sophisticated prediction model via a screen. The results of a huge experimental work showed that the difference in the average efficiency of the interval training implementation between the two cyclists that performed the experiments is prominent, as the efficiency of the professional training surpassed 90%, while the amateur training efficiency barely achieved 70%. Full article

The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare match load demands through load indicators between starters and substitutes, and (2) analyze the degree of correlation in the variables analyzed in this investigation. Twenty-two semi-professional soccer players were analyzed during a full season’s 38 official matches. Participants were assigned to two different groups according to their participation in the game: (a) starting-up players (≥90 min played) vs. substitute players (≥45 min played in the second half). Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann–Whitney U test to conduct pairwise comparison and Spearman correlation to demands correlation in each group. Significant differences in both absolute and relative variables in player load (P, p < 0.01; p < 0.01), metabolic power (MP, p < 0.01; p = 0.15), equivalent distance index (EDI, p = 0.87; p < 0.01), dynamic stress load (DSI, p < 0.01; p = 0.977), energy expenditure (EE, p < 0.01; p < 0.01), high metabolic load events (HMLE, p < 0.01; p < 0.01), and high metabolic load distance (HMLD, p < 0.01; p = 0.09). Overall, high direct correlations in the starting-up group in absolute and relative demands of PL, PM, HMLD, EE, and DSL were found, as well as high inverse correlation in the substitute group in all variables, excluding DSL and HMLD. In conclusion, the absolute differences found suggested a different training load management during training sessions. Full article

The aim of the present study was to describe the morphological and performance characteristics of elite handball players using data collected over the last two decades within the talent evaluation program of the Slovenian Handball Federation. A total of 1066 elite male handball players selected for one of the Slovenian national teams (U17, U19, U21 or senior) were recruited. The data were collected from 2007/8 to the 2021/22 season. The main effects were observed for: body height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). The muscle mass percentage differed only between different age categories (p = 0.003; η2 = 0.015), while the fat mass percentage (FM%) differed between playing positions (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.107). Post-hoc comparisons showed that, within senior handball players, pivot players were 6.46 cm (p = 0.009) taller than wing players and heavier than goalkeepers (12.43 kg, p = 0.004), backcourts (13.30 kg, p < 0.001) and wings (17.83 kg, p < 0.001). Moreover, pivots had a greater BMI than goalkeepers (2.3 kg/m², p = 0.003), backcourts (2.62 kg/m², p < 0.001), and wings (3.07 kg/m², p < 0.001), while FM% was significantly higher in pivots compared to wings (4.32%, p = 0.010). Taking into consideration playing positions and age, the main effects were also observed for squat jump height, countermovement jump height, end-running speed, and VO_2max (all p < 0.001; η2 = 0.017 to 0.091). Both morphological and performance characteristics clearly differ across playing positions and age categories, which should be a valuable guide for coaches to develop position-specific talent identification programs and training plans. Full article

(1) Background: Computer-based analyses have been widely used to study aspects of various team and racket sports. However, such analyses have so far eluded table tennis, except in special competition forms, under fixed laboratory conditions or have only tracked the ball. The aim was to detect a basic, global, positional behavior, independent of the score. (2) Methods: We investigated the player position of professional male table tennis players with respect to handedness (right/left), playing system (offensive/defensive) and racket holding (shakehand/penholder) to determine the applicability of automated analysis systems. We used existing video data of competitive matches (N = 198 sets; 2006–2020) and transliterated them into an x–y coordinate system. From this, we were able to conduct a heatmap analysis for different types of players. (3) Results: The comparison between right- and left-handed players resulted in a significant difference in the positioning of the x coordinate (D = 0.5663; p = 0.001). Both groups positioned themselves on average in their own backhanded half of the table (Re: x = −0.22 m, Li: x = 0.39 m). (4) Conclusions: Our results have yielded valuable insights into the importance of analyzing positional behavior in a differentiated manner depending on handedness, playing strategy and racket holding posture. Full article

Purpose: To examine the reliability of scores calculated from virtual reality (VR) games and their association with inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in young elite rugby players. Methods: Following a familiarization session, seventeen rugby union players completed a session of a modified Stroop test and two sessions of three VR games consisting of (1) memorizing moving targets (Tracker Master); (2) selecting moving targets while avoiding pitfalls (Beat Master—Never Stop); and (3) selecting moving targets with an increasing frequency of appearance (Beat Master—Turbo). Results: The reliability of Beat Master—Never Stop was poor to moderate (0.41 < intraclass coefficient correlation [ICC] < 0.62; 3.2% < standard error of measurement [SEM] < 26.1%), while it was good to very good for Beat Master—Turbo (0.77 < ICC < 0.87; 3.2% < SEM < 18.2%). Regarding Tracker Master, reliability was considered as low to moderate (0.22 < ICC < 0.60; 2.2% < SEM < 6.0%). We found strong associations between Tracker Master and Stroop flexibility scores (−0.55 < r < −0.64), as well as strong to very strong associations between Beat Master—Never Stop scores and the Stroop inhibition score (0.52 < ∣r∣ < 0.84). Conclusions: Considering their metrological properties and their association level with inhibition and flexibility, the sensibility scores of the Beat Master—Never Stop and Tracker Master games should be preferred for monitoring training load, provided at least two familiarization sessions precede them. Full article