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Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 32641

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Prof. Dr. Herbert Wagner

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Associate Professor, Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Schlossallee 49, Hallein-Rif, 5400 Salzburg, Austria
Interests: training and testing; sport games; sport biomechanics and physiology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is our pleasure to present this Special Issue on Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports. There are many motivations that encourage us to launch this proposal, which can be summarized in two topics: analyzing biomechanical and physiological performance in sport, and the use of this scientific knowledge to optimize testing and training in elite sport.

The analysis of biomechanical and physiological performance in sport is one of the leading topics in sport science. Biomechanical measurement methods have become more accurate in the last 15 years, utilizing 3D kinematics, force plates, LPM systems, wireless EMG systems, and other sensors. In physiology, sport scientists use more accurate blood (e.g., blood lactate), heart rate, oxygen uptake, and other physiological measuring systems. Whereas these systems were mainly used in laboratories in the past, the new generations of biomechanical and physiological measuring systems also enable performance analysis in the field. In this context, sport-specific (e.g., in sport games, martial arts, winter or water sports) biomechanical and physiological analysis in the field are very welcome.

Optimal specific testing is essential in elite sport, in order to optimize the training process. Consequently, biomechanical and physiological measurement systems have been used for specific testing in several sports. Scientific studies on specific testing in elite sport, as well as training studies utilizing biomechanical and physiological methods, are therefore also very welcome for this Special Issue.

We know that the number of scientific publications on sports sciences is increasing, and there are several journals with similar topics. However, we hope that this Special Issue on biomechanical and physiological performance in sports will be used by sport scientists as a good opportunity to publish their results. We encourage you to submit papers focusing on biomechanical and physiological performance in sport, as well as testing and training in elite sport utilizing biomechanical and physiological measurement methods.

Prof. Dr. Herbert Wagner
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Training and testing
Elite sport
Movement analysis
Oxygen uptake
3D kinematics

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Team Handball Game-Based Performance Test Is Better than the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to Measure Match-Related Activities in Female Adult Top-Elite Field Team Handball Players

by Lars Bojsen Michalsik, Patrick Fuchs and Herbert Wagner

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6551; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146551 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5599

Abstract

In team handball, suitable tests determining the match-related physical performance are essential for the planning of optimal physical training regimens. Thus, the aims of the present study were (a) to determine the relationships between the physical and physiological test results from a team handball game-based performance test (GBPT), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1 test) and a separate linear 30-m single sprint performance test (SSPT) in female adult top-elite field team handball players, in order to establish the significance (validity) of tests for measuring relevant elements for team handball match-play; and (b) to compare and evaluate the results from the aforementioned tests for the same players in relation to the different playing positions. Twenty-three female adult top-elite field team handball players from the Danish Premier Female Team Handball League performed the GBPT, the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT test on separate days. As main findings, significant correlations between the GBPT and the Yo-Yo IR1 test in about 1/3 of the variables were found, indicating that the Yo-Yo IR1 test is reflecting most of the locomotive match activities in female adult top-elite team handball. However, the Yo-Yo IR1 test results were not correlated to the GBPT in any of the match-related activities in the team handball GBPT that included technical playing actions such as tackles, passes, jumping and shooting during specialized movements in offence and defence. Overall, the results revealed that the GBPT is better than the Yo-Yo IR1 test to evaluate female adult top-elite field team handball players’ ability to perform physical match-related activities including both locomotive and technical playing actions executed as during competitive match-play. Similar to the Yo-Yo IR1 test, the 30-m SSPT was not correlated to any of the team handball GBPT activities, which included technical playing actions. These data suggest that the SSPT only to a certain extent can measure the individual sprint capacity of elite team handball players. In addition, unexpectedly no significant differences between the various playing positions were found neither for the GBPT, the SSPT nor the Yo-Yo IR1 test. However, several effects sizes indicated that the lack of positional differences primarily was due to the relatively small sample size in each playing position and the composition of the specific group of players. In conclusion, this study clearly indicated that team handball specific physical performance, as measured by the GBPT, and general physical performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT, are different components. This must be taken in consideration when using physical test results for the planning of optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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9 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Reactive Agility in Tests with Different Demands on Sensory and Motor Components in Handball Players

by Henrieta Horníková, Michal Jeleň and Erika Zemková

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6531; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146531 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4342

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between reactive agility and reaction speed, sprint speed, and muscle strength and their contribution to Y-shaped agility test and reactive agility test (RAT) performance in handball players. Seven handball players performed a Y-shaped agility test and RAT, simple and choice-based reaction time test, reaction test to fast and slow generated visual stimuli, 5 m and 20 m sprint tests, a 505 Agility test, a squat jump, a countermovement jump, and a drop jump. The results reveal a significant relationship between the times for the Y-shaped agility test and the 20 m sprint (r = 0.777, p = 0.040, R = 0.604), as well as the time for the 505 Agility test (r = 0.770, p = 0.043, R² = 0.593), and RSI (r = −0.755, p = 0.050, R² = 0.570); however, no relationship was found with parameters pertaining to reaction speed. RAT performance did not significantly correlate with RSI, time in the 505 Agility test, squat jump height, time in the 20 m sprint, and reaction time to fast generated visual stimuli, although large effect sizes were found (r > 0.5). It seems that the contribution of sensory and motor components depends on the structure of the agility test. While the Y-shaped agility test is mainly determined by sprinting, the change of direction speed, and reactive strength, there is the tendency for the reactive agility test to be determined by strength, speed, and visual reaction time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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19 pages, 793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a Training Program on Hepatic Fat Content and Cardiometabolic Risk in Postmenopausal Women: The Randomized Controlled Trial

by Joaquín Reverter-Masia, Alvaro Pano-Rodriguez, Jose Vicente Beltran-Garrido, Albert Lecube, Enric Sánchez and Vicenç Hernández-González

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6409; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146409 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2034

Abstract

This 10-week randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of two different training modalities on hepatic fat content and cardiometabolic risk in sedentary postmenopausal women. Besides, alterations in physical fitness, hepatic fat content, and cardiometabolic risk will be associated with changes in those blood parameters that are usually modifiable by exercise training. Postmenopausal women (N = 32; ~61 years) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups; (1) based on international exercise recommendations (EX group; n = 16), (2) exercise plus whole-body electromyostimulation (EX+EMS group; n = 16). Cardiometabolic risk score was calculated based on the international diabetes federation’s clinical criteria. Hepatic fat content was estimated using the fatty liver index. After the intervention, the cardiometabolic risk and the fatty liver index decreased, showing a higher impact on EX + WB-EMS. Physical fitness was assessed through aerobic and strength tests belonging to “Eurofit Testing Battery”. In all of them, significant differences were observed (p < 0.001), though EX+ EMS experienced better improvements (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a 10-week exercise training program, especially with WB-EMS, triggered improvements in physical fitness and reduced cardiometabolic risk and hepatic fat content in sedentary postmenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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11 pages, 4024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antagonist Muscle Co-Activation during Kettlebell Single Arm Swing Exercise

by Ahmed Salem, Amr Hassan, Markus Tilp and Abdel-Rahman Akl

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4033; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094033 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2689

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the muscle activation and co-activation of selected muscles during the kettlebell single arm swing exercise. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the muscle co-activation of a kettlebell single arm swing exercise. Nine volunteers participated in the present study (age: 22.6 ± 3.8 years; body mass: 80.4 ± 9.2 kg; height: 175.6 ± 7.5 cm). The electrical muscle activity of eight right agonist/antagonist muscles (AD/PD, ESL/RA, ESI/EO, and GM/RF) were recorded using a surface EMG system (Myon m320RX; Myon, Switzerland) and processed using the integrated EMG to calculate a co-activation index (CoI) for the ascending and descending phases. A significant effect of the ascending and descending phases on the muscles’ CoI was observed. Post hoc analyses showed that the co-activation was significantly higher in the descending phase compared to that in the ascending phase of AD/PD CoI (34.25 ± 18.03% and 24.75 ± 13.03%, p < 0.001), ESL/RA CoI (34.97 ± 17.86% and 24.19 ± 10.32%, p < 0.001), ESI/EO CoI (41.14 ± 10.72% and 30.87 ± 11.26%, p < 0.001), and GM/RF CoI (27.49 ± 12.97% and 34.98 ± 14.97%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the co-activation of the shoulder muscles varies within the kettlebell single arm swing. The highest level of co-activation was observed in the descending phase of AD/PD and GM/RF CoI, and the lowest level of co-activation was observed during the descending phase, ESL/RA and ESI/EO CoI. In addition, the highest level of co-activation was observed in the ascending phase of ESL/RA and ESI/EO CoI, and the lowest level of co-activation was observed during the ascending phase, AD/PD and GM/RF CoI. The co-activation index could be a useful method for the interpretation of the shoulder and core muscles’ co-activity during a kettlebell single arm swing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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11 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of PEMF on Muscle Oxygenation during Cycling: A Single-Blind Controlled Pilot Study

by Aurelio Trofè, Milena Raffi, David Muehsam, Andrea Meoni, Francesco Campa, Stefania Toselli and Alessandro Piras

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3624; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083624 - 17 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2402

Abstract

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are used as non-invasive tools to enhance microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, with a modulatory influence on the microvasculature. This study aimed to measure the acute effect of PEMF on muscle oxygenation and its influence on pulmonary oxygen kinetics during exercise. Eighteen male cyclists performed, on different days, a constant-load exercise in both active (ON) and inactive (OFF) PEMF stimulations while deoxyhemoglobin and pulmonary oxygen kinetics, total oxygenation index, and blood lactate were collected. PEMF enhanced muscle oxygenation, with higher values of deoxyhemoglobin both at the primary component and at the steady-state level. Moreover, PEMF accelerated deoxyhemoglobin on-transition kinetic, with a shorter time delay, time constant, and mean response time than the OFF condition. Lactate concentration was higher during stimulation. No differences were found for total oxygenation index and pulmonary oxygen kinetics. Local application of a precise PEMF stimulation can increase the rate of the muscle O₂ extraction and utilization. These changes were not accompanied by faster oxygen kinetics, reduced oxygen slow component, or reduced blood lactate level. It seems that oxygen consumption is more influenced by exercise involving large muscle mass like cycling, whereas PEMF might only act at the local level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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11 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

There Is No Cross Effect of Unstable Resistance Training on Power Produced during Stable Conditions

by Erika Zemková, Michal Jeleň, Alena Cepková and Marián Uvaček

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083401 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3353

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of 8 weeks of the stable and unstable resistance training on muscle power. Thirty-three healthy men recreationally trained in resistance exercises, randomly assigned into two groups, performed resistance exercises either under stable or unstable conditions for 8 weeks (three sessions per week). Before and after 4 and 8 weeks of the training, they underwent squats and chest presses on either a stable surface or on a BOSU ball and a Swiss ball respectively with increasing weights up to at least 85% 1RM. Results showed significant improvements of mean power during chest presses on a Swiss ball at weights up to 60.7% 1RM after 4 and 8 weeks of the instability resistance training. Mean power increased significantly also during squats on a BOSU ball at weights up to 48.1% 1RM after 4 but not 8 weeks of instability resistance training. However, there were no significant changes in mean power during bench presses and squats on a stable support surface after the same training. These findings indicate that there is no cross effect of instability resistance training on power produced under stable conditions. This confirms and complies with the principle for specificity of training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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12 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between On-Ice and Off-Ice Performance in Elite Male Adolescent Ice Hockey Players—An Observation Study

by Herbert Wagner, Marc Abplanalp, Serge P. von Duvillard, Jeffrey W. Bell, Wolfgang Taube and Martin Keller

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2724; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062724 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3379

Abstract

In elite adolescence ice hockey players, overall skating performance is an essential performance factor and should be measured adequately, whereas the relationship between on-ice and off-ice performance is not well known. Consequently, the aim of the study was to analyze (1) the differences in on-ice and off-ice performance in elite adolescent ice hockey players, and (2) the relationship between on-ice and off-ice performance in general separated into different age groups. Thirteen under-15, 18 under-17, and 19 under-20 elite male ice hockey players performed the specific overall skating performance test for ice hockey players (SOSPT). Additional tests included 30 m on-ice skating, off-ice skating and off-ice sprinting tests, the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the standing long jump test, the single-leg lateral jump test, and the single-leg lateral skating simulation jump test (Skate SIM). Significant differences (employing one-way ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc test) between under-15, under-17, and under-20 players were found in body mass, height, leg length, CMJ height, standing long jump distance, single-leg lateral jumps from the left and right legs, Skate SIM time, off-ice sprinting time (0–6 m and 0–30 m), off-ice inline skating time (0–30 m), on-ice skating time (0–6 m and 0–30 m), and SOSPT time. Pearson Product-Moment correlation analysis revealed stronger correlations between SOSPT time and on-ice skating, off-ice skating, and off-ice sprinting and jump tests in the under-15 players compared to the under-17 and under-20 players. As expected with increasing age, elite male ice hockey players performed better in on-ice and off-ice performance tests. The stronger relationship between SOSPT performance and on-ice and off-ice performance in the younger compared to the older players revealed that general physical performance determined specific overall skating performance more often in youth players, whereas in junior und young adult players, an optimal skating technique is more important. These results should be considered in the selection process for young ice hockey players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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8 pages, 233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Characteristics of Approach Spike Jump Tasks in Male Volleyball Players

by Wei-Hsun Tai, Hsien-Te Peng, Chen-Yi Song, Jian-Zhi Lin, Hai-Bin Yu and Li-I Wang

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062710 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3311

Abstract

The approach running spike-jump (RSJ) is a crucial technique in the sport of volleyball. Two types of RSJs are commonly used for the volleyball spike attack: (1) RSJ with one leg (RSJ-1L) and (2) RSJ with two legs (RSJ-2L). The purposes of the current study were to compare the kinematic and kinetic differences between the RSJ-1L and RSJ-2L. Ten male college volleyball players performed spike jumps by striking a stationary ball at maximal jump height. Data were collected by six infrared Qualisys motion-capture cameras (180 Hz), two AMTI force platforms (1800 Hz), and recorded by Qualisys Track Manager software. The RSJ-1L demonstrated the faster three-step approach running velocity, greater vertical GRF, and ankle, knee, and hip joint moment, but less jump height, shorter last step length and push-off time, smaller knee and hip joint flexion angles at the initial foot-contact, and knee range of motion compared to the RSJ-2L. The current study contributed to the understanding of biomechanical differences of the volleyball spike jumps and can be used to adapt to the volleyball training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

8 pages, 1402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between General Jump Types and Spike Jump Performance in Elite Female and Male Volleyball Players

by Philip X. Fuchs, Julia Mitteregger, Dominik Hoelbling, Hans-Joachim K. Menzel, Jeffrey W. Bell, Serge P. von Duvillard and Herbert Wagner

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031105 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4480

Abstract

In performance testing, it is well-established that general jump types like squat and countermovement jumps have great reliability, but the relationship with volleyball spike jumps is unclear. The objectives of this study were to analyze the relationship between general and spike jumps and to provide improved models for predicting spike jump height by general jump performance. Thirty female and male elite volleyball players performed general and spike jumps in a randomized order. Two AMTI force plates (2000 Hz) and 13 Vicon MX cameras (250 Hz) captured kinematic and kinetic data. Correlation and stepwise-forward regression analyses were conducted at p < 0.05. Simple regression models with general jump height as the only predictor for spike jumps revealed 0.52 ≤ R² ≤ 0.76 for all general jumps in both sexes (p < 0.05). Alternative models including rate of force development and impulse improved predictions during squat jumps from R² = 0.76 to R² = 0.92 (p < 0.05) in females and from R² = 0.61 to R² = 0.71 (p < 0.05) in males, and during countermovement jumps with arm swing from R² = 0.52 to R² = 0.78 (p < 0.01) in males. The findings include improved prediction models for spike jump height based on general jump performance. The derived formulas can be applied in general jump testing to improve the assessment of sport-specific spike jump performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical and Physiological Performance in Sports)

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