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Applied Sciences
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Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports
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Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2022) | Viewed by 39844

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. René Schwesig

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle, Germany
Interests: sports injuries; physical rehabilitation; exercise science; posture; movement analysis; gait analysis; postural balance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

To date, diagnostic testing in team sports (e.g., soccer, handball, basketball, ice hockey) is often unspecific. Unfortunately, the same tests (e.g., SJ, CMJ, Yo-Yo IR1, sprint 10 m) are often performed on different team sports, despite their different physical demands and requirements.

Furthermore, the direct link between test performance and match performance is missing because it is difficult to measure match performance as a primary outcome.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve the parametrization of match performance as the “gold standard” in order to validate new complex specific tests. The scientific evaluation of these tests (validity, reliability) and the provision of position-specific and league-specific reference data are important aims in this context. Such data would provide valuable information in the design of individual and position-specific training regimens.

In this context, this Special Issue is aimed at scientists and (athletic) coaches presenting new and innovative ideas and approaches.

Prof. Dr. René Schwesig
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • performance diagnostic
  • team sport
  • match vs. test performance
  • training and exercises
  • test criteria and reference data

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 1793 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Postural Stability and Regulation among Male Athletes from Different Sports
by Andreas Lauenroth, Stephan Schulze, Lars Reinhardt, Kevin G. Laudner, Karl-Stefan Delank and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5457; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12115457 - 27 May 2022
Viewed by 1110
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the postural control of 50 male athletes (age: 24.9 ± 4.55 years) who participate in different elite-level competitive sports. Athletes from two team sports from the third German league (ice hockey: n = 16; soccer: [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to assess the postural control of 50 male athletes (age: 24.9 ± 4.55 years) who participate in different elite-level competitive sports. Athletes from two team sports from the third German league (ice hockey: n = 16; soccer: n = 23), and one individual sports (diving: n = 11) were included. These athletes were investigated using posturography under different conditions (e.g., stable surface, unstable surface; eyes open, eyes closed) to determine postural stability and regulation. Most of the performance maxima were found among the divers (6), followed by ice hockey (5) and soccer (4). The biggest effect of sport was found in the stability indicator, where the subject was standing on a stable surface and their eyes were closed (NC; p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.273). This significance was observed between the soccer (17.3 ± 5.66) and diving (24.9 ± 6.98) subjects. The stability indicator had the largest significant effect (50%, 2/4). These results provide coaches and athletes insight into the postural stability and regulation of male athletes in sports with different demands on postural control. Especially for soccer players, it may be beneficial to address muscular imbalances to reduce the risk of lower extremity injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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9 pages, 1028 KiB  
Article
Responsiveness and Relationships of Shooting Performance to On-Ice Physical Performance Tests
by Eduard Kurz, Stephan Schulze, Matti Panian, Richard Brill, Karl-Stefan Delank and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10218; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110218 - 01 Nov 2021
Viewed by 1566
Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to quantify the acute effects of the execution of the physical performance tests within the ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) on shooting performance. Thirty-four professional male ice hockey players with an average of 6.9 years of playing [...] Read more.
The aim of this investigation was to quantify the acute effects of the execution of the physical performance tests within the ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) on shooting performance. Thirty-four professional male ice hockey players with an average of 6.9 years of playing experience were recruited. The slap shot (SS) was found to accelerate the puck with a higher speed and greater precision. After the IHCT, the maximum puck speed of successful goal shots decreased considerably (p < 0.001, d > 1.5). The puck speed percentage decrement after the IHCT did not differ between the SS (6.1, SD = 4.4, −5.5–17.9) and the wrist shot (WS, 6.0, SD = 3.5, −0.9–12.2, p = 0.86, d = 0.03). The magnitude of puck speed reduction in the WS was inversely related to the functional heart rate reserve (r = −0.44, p = 0.02) and the blood lactate elimination rate (r = −0.43, p < 0.02). The linear and COD speed tests on-ice resulted in a higher amount of successful goal shots. These findings highlight the interaction of intense on-ice testing and goal-shooting performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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9 pages, 1516 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Gaze Behavior of Tennis Players with Different Skill Levels When Receiving Serves through Eye Movement Information
by Yen-Nan Lin, Jun Wang, Yu Su and I-Lin Wang
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 8794; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11198794 - 22 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2405
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the gaze behavior of tennis players with different skill levels when receiving serves through eye movement information. Methods: The skill level was divided into group A (experts, with more than 10 years of playing [...] Read more.
Background: The purpose of this study was to explore the gaze behavior of tennis players with different skill levels when receiving serves through eye movement information. Methods: The skill level was divided into group A (experts, with more than 10 years of playing experience) and group B (novices, with less than 2 years of playing experience). We compared the differences in gaze behavior between groups A and B at the head-shoulder, trunk-hips, arm-hand, leg-foot, racket, ball, and racket-ball contact area seven positions using the Eye-gaze Response Interface Computer Aid (ERICA) device. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results: Compared with the novices, the experts have more gaze time in the head–shoulders, rack, and ball when serving forehand (p < 0.01). The experts also have more gaze time on the head–shoulders, trunk–hips, racket, ball, and racket–ball contact area when serving backhand (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Expert athletes have a longer stare time for a specific position, which mainly determines the direction of the ball. Tennis coaches can increase the gaze time for these four positions and improve tennis players’ ability to predict the direction of the ball. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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13 pages, 1412 KiB  
Article
Gaze Behavior and Positioning of Referee Teams during Three-Point Shots in Basketball
by Stefanie Klatt, Benjamin Noël, André Nicklas, Karsten Schul, Florian Seifriz, Alessa Schwarting and Frowin Fasold
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6648; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146648 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2871
Abstract
This study looks at the visual scan patterns of high-class basketball referees. Using mobile eye-tracking devices, referees’ gaze behavior was analyzed during the execution of three-point shots in the official pre-season games of Germany’s men’s professional basketball league. We evaluated the extent to [...] Read more.
This study looks at the visual scan patterns of high-class basketball referees. Using mobile eye-tracking devices, referees’ gaze behavior was analyzed during the execution of three-point shots in the official pre-season games of Germany’s men’s professional basketball league. We evaluated the extent to which the referees fulfill the tasks assigned to them, where do they look, and to what extent does their gaze behavior overlap during a three-point shot. Results indicate that referees who are far away from the ball and are, therefore, not responsible for observing the actual shot, tend to comply with their areas of responsibility less often than referees standing nearer to the ball, i.e., they appear to observe the ball more than required (ball watching) at the expense of other areas that they are required to be observing at the beginning of the shooting process. However, referees spend a very small part of a three-point shot looking at the same areas of interest. This indicates that referee teams’ allocation of gaze is rather effective, remaining in line with FIBA recommendations and is presumably not the main cause for errors in officiating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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13 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Position-Specific Attentional Skills in Team Sports: A Comparison between Defensive and Offensive Football Players
by Stefanie Klatt and Josef Nerb
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5896; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135896 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3122
Abstract
Over the last few decades, technical as well as cognitive skills and their relation to position-specific skill requirements have been extensively investigated as indicators for players’ performance in team sports. To explore the impact of positioning in football on inattentional blindness we employed [...] Read more.
Over the last few decades, technical as well as cognitive skills and their relation to position-specific skill requirements have been extensively investigated as indicators for players’ performance in team sports. To explore the impact of positioning in football on inattentional blindness we employed dynamic tasks that presented an unexpected object and analyzed its noticing rates in three different experiments. In Experiment 1, amateur and expert football players performed a well-established inattentional blindness task of counting the number of times a basketball was passed between two groups while an unexpected, non-sport specific object was introduced to the situation. Noticing rates were higher for strikers compared to players of other playing positions. The findings support a position-specific advantage regarding inattentional blindness for more offensive players compared to more defensive players. Using the same inattentional blindness task, this finding was investigated in Experiment 2 in more detail, i.e., by differentiating between more playing positions. Results revealed that offensive players (in particular strikers) observed unexpected objects more frequently than defensive players. Experiment 3 used a newly developed football-specific task requiring participants to find solutions in different game situations with an unexpected free-standing player appearing in one of these situations. Defensive players again showed more inattentional blindness than offensive players (in particular offensive mid-fielders), i.e., offensive players perceived the unmarked player more often. This indicates that players not only differ in the conscious perception of unexpected objects that are irrelevant to the sport as a function of their playing position, but also show differences when the perception of the unexpected relevant object is useful for finding tactical solutions in a given game situation. Our findings provide further insight into the importance of the definition of position-specific skill requirements in team sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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12 pages, 521 KiB  
Article
Loaded Plyometrics and Short Sprints with Change-of-Direction Training Enhance Jumping, Sprinting, Agility, and Balance Performance of Male Soccer Players
by Ghaith Aloui, Souhail Hermassi, Lawrence D. Hayes, El Ghali Bouhafs, Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5587; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125587 - 17 Jun 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5435
Abstract
This project investigated effects of 8 weeks of biweekly loaded combined plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction training an in-season regimen of young soccer players. An experimental (n = 17, age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 64.5 ± 5.2 kg, height: 1.73 [...] Read more.
This project investigated effects of 8 weeks of biweekly loaded combined plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction training an in-season regimen of young soccer players. An experimental (n = 17, age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 64.5 ± 5.2 kg, height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m,) and control group (n = 17, age: 16.7 ± 0.5 years, body mass: 65.6 ± 4.8 kg, height: 1.74 ± 0.07 m) were tested pre- and post-intervention for squat-jump (SJ), countermovement-jump (CMJ), and five-jump test (5JT), 10 m and 30 m sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, and dynamic balance performance. The experimental group (EG) outperformed the control group (CG) over 8 weeks in jumping (p < 0.001; d = 0.98–1.17), 10 m sprinting (p < 0.001; d = 0.94), change-of-direction ability (p < 0.001; d = 1.24), and dynamic balance performance (p < 0.001; d = 0.53–0.74). We conclude that adding biweekly loaded plyometric with short sprints and change-of-direction training to habitual training improves athleticism of young soccer players. Therefore, loaded plyometric with short sprints and change-of-direction training should be implemented as a part of research-informed soccer training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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14 pages, 1848 KiB  
Article
Performance Changes and Recovery Time in U20 and Older Handball Players after a High-Intensity Sprint Exercise
by Stefanie Klatt, Melanie Kossmann, Laura Hottenrott, Alexander Ferrauti and Frowin Fasold
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5301; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115301 - 07 Jun 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2389
Abstract
This study used a single bout of repeated high-intensity sprint exercise as a variable to compare the performance and recovery time of handball players within a typical age range for team sport athletes. Two test groups (U20 players, n = 12, mean age [...] Read more.
This study used a single bout of repeated high-intensity sprint exercise as a variable to compare the performance and recovery time of handball players within a typical age range for team sport athletes. Two test groups (U20 players, n = 12, mean age = 18 years; senior players, n = 17, mean age = 27 years) were observed during and after their performance of a high-intensity interval exercise consisting of four sets of 6 × 40 m all-out change-of-direction sprints. U20 players outperformed senior players in all sprint sets. The groups’ physiological responses and perceived exertion and stress levels were measured immediately before and after the exercise and also after 24, 48, and 72 h. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed no interaction effects between age and measurement time points on jump height, muscle soreness, and perceived stress levels after the high-intensity interval exercise. However, the U20 athletes showed marginally, but not statistically significant lower creatine kinase (CK) values than the seniors 72 h after the exercise. The vagal heart rate variability (HRV) parameter rMSSD indicated a faster recovery for the U20 athletes compared to the senior players 24 h after the sprint intervals. Overall, the results demonstrate that repeated sprint intervals do not differently affect the physical performance ability (i.e., jump height) of U20 and senior players. Single parameters related to the players’ ability to recover, such as CK and HRV values, show some variations as a function of age. Based on this, coaches may want to consider a longer recovery period after a high-intensity exercise for senior players compared to younger ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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12 pages, 563 KiB  
Article
Effects of Plyometric and Short Sprint with Change-of-Direction Training in Male U17 Soccer Players
by Ghaith Aloui, Souhail Hermassi, Lawrence D. Hayes, Nilihan E. M. Sanal Hayes, El Ghali Bouhafs, Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4767; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114767 - 22 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3309
Abstract
This project investigated the effect of adding 8 weeks of bi-weekly plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction (PSSCoD) training into standard training for elite youth soccer players from Tunisia. A training group (n = 18; age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 63.2 [...] Read more.
This project investigated the effect of adding 8 weeks of bi-weekly plyometric and short sprint with change-of-direction (PSSCoD) training into standard training for elite youth soccer players from Tunisia. A training group (n = 18; age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 63.2 ± 4.8 kg; stature: 1.73 ± 0.07 m; body fat: 11.2 ± 1.7%), and control group (n = 16; age: 16.6 ± 0.5 years; body mass: 63.6 ± 4.3 kg; height: 1.73 ± 0.06 m; body fat: 11.6 ± 1.5%) participated. The pre- and post-intervention measures were squat-jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 5 m and 20 m sprint, change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test (S 4 × 5 m)), repeated sprint ability (RSA), and static balance (stork balance test). The training group displayed superior jump (all p < 0.05; d > 0.49), sprint (p < 0.05; d > 0.52), change-of-direction ability (p < 0.01; d = 0.78), RSA (p < 0.01; d > 0.70), and static balance (p < 0.05; d > 0.49) improvements. Adding bi-weekly PSSCoD improves the athletic performance of young soccer players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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12 pages, 9765 KiB  
Article
Differences in Fitness and Academic Attainment between Obese, and Non Obese School-Age Adolescent Handball Players: An Explorative, Cross-Sectional Study
by Souhail Hermassi, Lawrence D. Hayes and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4185; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094185 - 04 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1859
Abstract
This study investigated differences in physical fitness and academic attainment in obese and non-obese adolescent handball players. A total of 31 males (age: 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass: 77.8 ± 17.7 kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.10 m; body mass index (BMI): 26.8 [...] Read more.
This study investigated differences in physical fitness and academic attainment in obese and non-obese adolescent handball players. A total of 31 males (age: 15.5 ± 1.2 years; body mass: 77.8 ± 17.7 kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.10 m; body mass index (BMI): 26.8 ± 6.9 kg/m2; body fat: 26.4 ± 6.34%) from the Qatar handball first division participated and were divided into two body fat percentage (%BF) groups (i.e., obese or non-obese). Anthropometrics (height, mass, BMI, and %BF) and physical performance testing ability (T-half test for change-of-direction (COD); squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10 and 15 m sprints; medicine ball throw (MBT), and aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)) were determined. Academic attainment was determined through grade point averages (GPA). Non-obese participants had superior performances in mathematics (p < 0.001) and science (p = 0.013), agility T-half test (p = 0.001), CMJ (p < 0.001), and 15 m sprint (p = 0.019). Correlations were found between T-half test and mathematics (r = 0.500) and science (r = 0.484). To conclude, obese school-age handball players have poorer fitness and academic performances than normal body weight adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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14 pages, 992 KiB  
Article
Can Body Fat Percentage, Body Mass Index, and Specific Field Tests Explain Throwing Ball Velocity in Team Handball Players?
by Souhail Hermassi, Lawrence D. Hayes and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3492; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083492 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2112
Abstract
This study examined the physical fitness, anthropometry, and throwing velocity of normal weight and overweight male team handball players. Twenty-five players from the Qatar handball first professional league participated. The anthropometry and physical performance—yo-yo intermittent recovery test, jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps [...] Read more.
This study examined the physical fitness, anthropometry, and throwing velocity of normal weight and overweight male team handball players. Twenty-five players from the Qatar handball first professional league participated. The anthropometry and physical performance—yo-yo intermittent recovery test, jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ)), T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability, sprint tests (15 and 30 m), and 3 kg medicine ball overhead throw—was measured. The handball-throwing velocity was measured using a three-step running shot and a jump shot. Only the CMJ (p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.227) was different between the normal and overweight subjects. Two-step linear regression analysis using body height and body mass (step 1) and percentage body fat (%BF) (step 2) predictors showed an increase in the explained variance by adding %BF. The largest r2 change was calculated for COD (0.53). The predictive ability was observed for CMJ (step 1: r2 = 0.18, step 2: r2 = 0.22) and SJ (step 1: r2 = 0.05, step 2: r2 = 0.09). With the exception of the sprint parameters (β-coefficient 15 m sprint: −0.07; β-coefficient 30 m sprint: −0.06) and COD (β-coefficient: −0.09), a lower %BF was associated with greater performance in all parameters. %BF seems to be important for predicting sprint and agility performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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11 pages, 1134 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Postural Stability and Regulation among Female Athletes from Different Sports
by Andreas Lauenroth, Lars Reinhardt, Stephan Schulze, Kevin G. Laudner, Karl-Stefan Delank and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3277; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073277 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2328
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the postural regulation of female athletes who participate in different sports under normal and high-demand conditions. Fifty-nine female athletes were classified into four specific groups based on their individual sport, which included basketball (n [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the postural regulation of female athletes who participate in different sports under normal and high-demand conditions. Fifty-nine female athletes were classified into four specific groups based on their individual sport, which included basketball (n = 16), gymnastics (n = 10), ski jumping (n = 13), diving (n = 8), and one group of recreational athletes (n = 12). These groups were then compared using several posturographic tests under four bipedal conditions: eyes open or closed and on a stable surface or foam pad. While there were some differences between groups standing in the less demanding positions (stable surface), the higher demanding positions (unstable surface-foam pads) showed significant differences between the technical sports (ski jumping, diving, and gymnastics) and basketball and recreational athletes. Most (50%, 6/12) of significant differences were provided by sports. In contrast, the predictors age, weight, and height played only a minor role within the covariance analysis. The largest effect by sports was detected for the anterior-posterior weight distribution standing on foam pads with closed eyes (p = 0.015, ηp2 = 0.211). Ski jumping and recreational athletes showed the largest (p = 0.011) partial difference by sports for this parameter and test position. According to the parameters, the weight distribution index (WDI) was the variable with the most significant effects (50%, 6/12). These results provide coaches and athletes with a more sport specific view on postural regulation and potentially assist in identifying deficits to improve sports performance and reduce the risk of injury. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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12 pages, 10472 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Ice Hockey-Specific Complex Test (IHCT) and Match Performance
by René Schwesig, Kevin G. Laudner, Karl-Stefan Delank, Richard Brill and Stephan Schulze
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3080; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073080 - 30 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2095
Abstract
This prospective study aimed to validate the IHCT using a match performance score (MPS). Seventeen 3rd league male professional ice hockey field players (mean ± SD; age: 28.0 ± 6.95 years; 10 forwards, 7 defenders) completed the IHCT and were observed in the [...] Read more.
This prospective study aimed to validate the IHCT using a match performance score (MPS). Seventeen 3rd league male professional ice hockey field players (mean ± SD; age: 28.0 ± 6.95 years; 10 forwards, 7 defenders) completed the IHCT and were observed in the subsequent competitive match period. Match performance data were collected over 2 months (number of matches: 13–15). Based on these evaluated matches, the MPS consisting of goals, assists, penalty time, plus-minus, and number of matches was calculated for each player. The IHCT contains load parameters (e.g., 10 m and 30 m skate times, transition/weave agility times with and without a puck, slap and wrist shot puck velocities on goal) and stress parameters (e.g., lactate, heart rate). The 30 m sprint skate without puck (r2 = 0.41) and the maximum wrist shot velocity before test (r2 = 0.36) were the test performance parameters with the highest relevance for match performance. The velocity of shots on goal (SOG) displayed the highest correlation for any on-ice performance parameter (30 m sprint without puck: r = 0.76). These results provide evidence of the validity of the IHCT and the usefulness of the MPS to quantify match performance. Obviously, sprint and shot velocities are important parameters to be a successful ice hockey player. Based on these findings, IHCT and MPS are valuable assessments for coaches to evaluate the individual match performance and the effectiveness of training programs. Further research is needed to extend the scope of the IHCT and MPS for 1st and 2nd league players and for a stronger differentiation between forwards and defenders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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13 pages, 836 KiB  
Article
Effects of Elastic Band Plyometric Training on Physical Performance of Team Handball Players
by Ghaith Aloui, Souhail Hermassi, Lawrence D. Hayes, Roy J. Shephard, Mohamed Souhaiel Chelly and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031309 - 01 Feb 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3230
Abstract
This project investigated the effect of incorporating 8 weeks of biweekly upper limb loaded plyometric training (using elastic bands) into the in-season regimen of handball players. Participants were randomly allocated to a control group (CG) (n = 15, age = 18.1 ± [...] Read more.
This project investigated the effect of incorporating 8 weeks of biweekly upper limb loaded plyometric training (using elastic bands) into the in-season regimen of handball players. Participants were randomly allocated to a control group (CG) (n = 15, age = 18.1 ± 0.5 years, body mass = 73.7 ± 13.9 kg), or an experimental group (EG) (n = 14, age = 17.7 ± 0.3 years, body mass = 76.8 ± 10.7 kg). The measurements obtained pre- and post-intervention included a cycle ergometer force–velocity test, ball throwing velocity in three types of throwing, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press and pull-over, and anthropometric estimates of the upper limb muscle volumes. The EG improved in absolute muscle power (W) (Δ23.3%; interaction effect p = 0.032 more than pre-intervention), relative muscle power (W·kg−1) (Δ22.3%; interaction effect p = 0.024), and all three types of ball throwing (Δ18.6%, interaction effect p = 0.019 on a jumping shot; Δ18.6%, interaction effect p = 0.017 on a three-step running throw; and Δ19.1%, interaction effect p = 0.046 on a standing throw). There was no interaction effect for the 1-RM bench press and pull-over performance. The upper limb muscle volumes remained unchanged in both groups. We concluded that adding biweekly elastic band plyometric training to standard training improves the muscle power and throwing velocity. Accordingly, such exercises should be adopted as a part of a pragmatic approach to handball training. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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14 pages, 778 KiB  
Article
Reference Data by Player Position for an Ice Hockey-Specific Complex Test
by Stephan Schulze, Kevin G. Laudner, Karl-Stefan Delank, Richard Brill and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010280 - 30 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate position-specific (forwards, defenders) reference data for a scientifically evaluated (validity, reliability) ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT). One hundred and four 3rd league professional ice hockey field players (mean ± standard deviations (SD); age: 26.4 ± [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate position-specific (forwards, defenders) reference data for a scientifically evaluated (validity, reliability) ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT). One hundred and four 3rd league professional ice hockey field players (mean ± standard deviations (SD); age: 26.4 ± 5.62 years) volunteered for the investigation. Players were categorized as forwards (n = 64) and defenders (n = 40). Data from the IHCT were collected over six seasons from three 3rd league teams. The IHCT included parameters for load (e.g., 10 m and 30 m skate times, transition and weave agility times with and without a puck, slap and wrist shots on goal) and stress (e.g., lactate, heart rate). The only significant (p < 0.002) difference between forwards and defenders for performance were found for weave agility with puck (p < 0.001). Forwards showed a higher average performance in this parameter than defenders. Differences were also found in weave agility without a puck (p = 0.008), 30 m backward sprinting without puck (p = 0.012) and goals after test (p = 0.030). This study provides position-specific reference data for a valid and reliable ice hockey-specific complex test for the 3rd league. These results may be used by coaches to judge player performance based on position (forwards vs. defenders). Moreover, coaches may use these data to evaluate the effectiveness of the most recent training period. Further research should extend this database to 1st and 2nd league players in order to enhance the scope of the test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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Article
Differences in Body Fat, Body Mass Index, and Physical Performance of Specific Field Tests in 10-to-12-Year-Old School-Aged Team Handball Players
by Souhail Hermassi, Maha Sellami, Georg Fieseler, El Ghali Bouhafs, Lawrence D. Hayes and René Schwesig
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(24), 9022; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10249022 - 17 Dec 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2041
Abstract
This study aimed to compare 10-to-12-year-old Qatari male athletes and assess body fat, body mass index, and physical fitness, as well as the difference of these measures between ages. Thirty-five youth handball players volunteered for the investigation and were divided into three groups: [...] Read more.
This study aimed to compare 10-to-12-year-old Qatari male athletes and assess body fat, body mass index, and physical fitness, as well as the difference of these measures between ages. Thirty-five youth handball players volunteered for the investigation and were divided into three groups: 12-year-old players (U12; n = 12), 11-year-old players (U11; n = 11), 10-year-old players (U10; n = 12). Anthropometry was assessed by body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Measurements included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ, respectively)), and sprint tests (10 and 15 m). The power of the upper extremity was measured by a 2-kg overhead medicine ball throw for distance. Except for %BF (p = 0.387) and BMI (p = 0.070), all anthropometric and demographic parameters were different between age groups. The largest differences were found for body mass (p = 0.007) and body height (p = 0.008). Regarding fitness parameters, only the medicine ball throw (p = 0.022) was different between age groups (U10 vs. U12: p = 0.009; U11 vs. U12: p = 0.048). There was no difference between groups for jumping (CMJ: p = 0.586; SJ: p = 0.377), sprinting (10 m: p = 0.211; 15 m: p = 0.194) and Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.228). Body fat was the anthropometric parameter with the strongest relationship with physical performance in that lower body fat was related to superior jumping performance and sprint performance. In conclusion, except for %BF and BMI, all anthropometric parameters were different between U10, U11, and U12 handball players. For physical parameters, jumping, sprinting, and endurance performance were not different between age groups. From a practical perspective, coaches can use these findings as reference for the evaluation of their school-aged handball players, as well as for establishing performance goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnostic and Interventions in Team Sports)
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