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Sports Performance and Health

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A topical collection in Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This collection belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

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Prof. Dr. Matej Supej

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1. Department of Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
2. Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden
Interests: biomechanics of sports; sports measurements technology; sports performance; injury prevention
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Dear Colleagues,

Sports performance is predominantly associated with elite sport, where athletes strive for a place on the podium, with the most prestigious award mostly likely being an Olympic gold medal. On the other hand, recreational athletes increasingly tend to mimic elite athletes by trying to push their own limits. Therefore, both elite and recreational athletes attempt to optimize their performance; however, such optimization is associated with increased risk of injury and, in special situations, with pandemic-related challenges. Therefore, despite the well-known positive health effects of physical activity, the prevention and management of sports-related injuries and issues in connection with infections remain major challenges to be addressed. Treating sports injuries is often difficult, expensive, and time consuming, and, thus, preventive strategies and activities are justified on the basis of both medical as well as economic grounds. We are interested in manuscripts that examine sports performance- and health-related issues. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Benefits of sport to physical or mental health;
Tradeoffs between sports performance and health;
Optimization of sports performance by training, technique, and/or tactics enhancement;
Impacts of pandemic-related restrictions on sports performance and health;
Prevention and management of sport injuries and infections;
Optimization of sports equipment to increase performance and/or decrease the risk of injury;
Innovations for sports performance, health, load monitoring, and digital coaching.

Prof. Dr. Matej Supej
Collection Editor

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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2023

10 pages, 268 KiB

Open AccessReview

Simulated Altitude Training and Sport Performance: Protocols and Physiological Effects

by Wu-Yeh Chang, Kuo-Cheng Wu, Ai-Lun Yang and Yi-Liang Chen

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11381; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011381 - 17 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1529

Abstract

This article explores the physiological mechanisms and effects of simulated hypoxia environment training on sports performance. Different training protocols, including hypoxia high-intensity interval training (HHIIT), incremental hypoxia training, hypoxia submaximal exercise training and combined training, and hypoxia training in the recovery and sleep states, are discussed. HHIIT combines intermittent hypoxia exposure with high-intensity interval training, and has been shown to increase the maximum oxygen intake compare to the state of normoxia, improving cardiorespiratory fitness, skeletal muscle oxygen utilization, power performance, hematological adaptations, and sports performance. Incremental hypoxia training involves the gradual decrease in oxygen concentration while maintaining exercise intensity. It has been found to improve aerobic capacity; however, fewer effects were observed in hematological variables. Hypoxia submaximal exercise training and combined training in a hypoxia environment has shown to increase VO₂ and VE, and only improve hemodynamic function in combined training with hypoxia. Hypoxia during the recovery state has been associated with improvements in maximum oxygen uptake, also providing benefits to sports performance. Overall, exposure to a hypoxia environment has been demonstrated to improve cardiorespiratory endurance, power performance, and specific physiological adaptations in training and resting states. However, the optimal training protocols and their effects on different sports and athlete proficiency require further research to optimize training and enhance athletic performance in hypoxia environments. Full article

15 pages, 2752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthropometric Measurements, Physical Fitness Performance and Specific Throwing Strength in Adolescent Track-and-Field Throwers: Age, Sex and Sport Discipline

by Yifan Zhao and Kewei Zhao

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10118; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810118 - 08 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

Purpose: The aims of this study were: (1) to profile anthropometric, physical fitness, and specific throwing strength characteristics among 14–18 years boys and girls throwers; (2) to evaluate which factors vary with age, and which correlate with specific throwing strength; (3) to identify the measured variables that best predict specific throwing strength. Methods: Anthropometric, physical fitness, and specific throwing strength of 154 boys and 104 girls, who participated in track-and-field throw (Shot put, Javelin, Discus and Hammer throw) from four age categories (U15, U16, U17, U18), were measured in September 2022. The differences and correlations in parameters among different age, sex and throwing groups were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric testing. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify the variables that best explain the specific throwing strength. Results: Disparities in height between boys and girls of the same age have consistently existed, however, the dissimilarity in weight tends to diminish as they grow older. Boys and girls of identical age groups exhibit noteworthy disparities in terms of speed, agility, and jumping prowess. These disparities tend to amplify as they advance in age. Significant differences were observed among boys of different ages in Height (p = 0.038), Body Mass (p = 0.02), BMI (p = 0.025), sit and reach test (p = 0.035), standing long jump (p = 0.012), standing triple jump (p < 0.01), forward overhead medicine ball throw (p = 0.002) and the hexagon agility test (p < 0.01). No differences were found in anthropometric measurements among girls, but differences were found in the hexagon agility test (p = 0.017) and plank test (p = 0.041). Specific throwing strength exhibits variations due to differences in events, age, and gender. Additionally, physical fitness performance, especially lower limb power, linear sprint speed, forward overhead medicine ball throw and backward overhead shot throw, have a high correlation with specific throwing strength. Conclusions: These findings broaden the existing knowledge base for coaches and practitioners, enabling them to discern the distinctive attributes of track and field throwers and capture the crucial physical markers that are pivotal for nurturing the progression of track-and-field throwers. The study suggests that throwers aged 14 to 18 should strive to comprehensively cultivate their athletic abilities. Full article

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12 pages, 883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishing Benchmark Percentiles for the Classification of Body Fat Percentage of Professional Male Athletes Competing in Combat Sports through Bioimpedanciometry

by Marius Baranauskas, Ingrida Kupčiūnaitė and Rimantas Stukas

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9885; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179885 - 31 Aug 2023

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Abstract

Body composition as a meaningful factor can result in physiological responses in both the physical body and general health status. Nevertheless, the schemes for establishing cut-off points for identifying the classifications of the body fat percentage of athletes competing in combat sports still include gaps. The aim of this study was, by using bioimpedanciometry, to calculate the percentiles for the classification of body fat percentages in Lithuanian professional male athletes (n = 52) competing in combat sports with weight classes. A total of 52 Lithuanian professional male athletes competing in combat sports with weight classes were evaluated using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis method with frequencies ranging from 1 kHz to 1000 kHz. Percentiles P₃, P₁₀, P₂₅, P₅₀, P₇₅, P₉₀, and P₉₇ were used to determine the classification. As a consequence, the following classification categories were assigned: 6.6–7.8% (extremely low); 7.9–10.9% (very low); 11.0–14.7% (below normal); 14.8–18.8% (normal); 18.9–21.5% (above normal); 21.6–29.3% (very excessive); and ≥29.4% (extremely excessive). The assessment of body composition in combat sports athletes identified an inverse association between higher body fat levels and a decrease in the muscle-to-fat ratio (β –1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): –1.5; –1.0, p < 0.001). The relationship between lower body fat percentage and lighter weight categories in which combat sports athletes from different combat sports were competing has been identified (β 0.3%, 95% CI: 0.2; 0.3, p < 0.0001). The established cut-off points may assist sports medicine professionals and sports dietitians in monitoring the adiposity of combat sports athletes. Full article

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10 pages, 9626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Contribution of Ski Poles to Aerodynamic Drag in Alpine Skiing

by Matej Supej, Anton Kalén, Nina Verdel, Jan Ogrin and Hans-Christer Holmberg

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8152; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148152 - 13 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1107

Abstract

The present study was designed to determine the contribution of the cross-sectional area of the ski poles (S_p) to the total aerodynamic drag during alpine skiing. At three different wind speeds in a wind tunnel, 10 skiers assumed typical alpine skiing postures (high, middle, and tuck), and their frontal aerodynamic drag was assessed with a force plate and their cross-sectional area, along with that of their ski poles, determined by interactive image segmentation. The data collected were utilized to examine intra-subject variation in S_p, the effects of S_p on the coefficient of aerodynamic drag (C_d), and the product of C_d and total cross-sectional area (C_d∙S. The major findings were as follows: (i) S_p ranged from 0.0067 (tuck position) to 0.0262 m² (middle position), contributing 2.2–4.8% of the total cross-sectional area, respectively; (ii) S_p was dependent on wind speed in the high and middle positions; (iii) intra-subject variations ranged from 0.0018 m² (27.6%) in the tuck position to 0.0072 m² (30.5%) in the high position; (iv) S_p exerted a likely effect on C_d and C_d∙S. The extensive intra- and inter-skier variability in S_p can account for as much as ~5% of the total frontal cross-sectional area and future investigations on how elite skiers optimize their positioning of the poles in a manner that reduces aerodynamic drag are warranted. Full article

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13 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Differences between Injured and Non-Injured Elite Male and Female Futsal Players

by Iñaki Ruiz-Pérez, Javier Raya-González, Alejandro López-Valenciano, Francisco Javier Robles-Palazón and Francisco Ayala

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6503; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116503 - 26 May 2023

Viewed by 1054

Abstract

Futsal is one of the most harmful sports due to its great physical demands. The asymmetries have been proposed as one of the most important risk factors of suffering an injury. However, no study has analysed the relationship between neuromuscular assessment and its implication on the likelihood of suffering injuries comparing male and female players. The purpose of the study was to analyse the physical fitness differences between elite futsal players (both male and female) who suffered an injury in the following four months after being evaluated with those who did not suffer the injuries. Twenty-six and twenty-two male and female elite futsal players were recruited from four different teams and underwent an evaluation of different neuromuscular assessments (isometric hip abduction and adduction peak torque, flexion-rotation trunk test, hop test, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop vertical jump (DVJ), leg stiffness, 15 m sprint, Y-balance test, and Illinois test) that have been considered potential sport-related injury risk factors during the pre-season. Statistical analysis only showed differences between injured and non-injured players in isometric hip adduction strength and unilateral ratio for the non-dominant leg (p < 0.05). Neuromuscular performance scores showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between male and female futsal players in several variables (hip abduction non-dominant leg, hops, CMJ, DVJ, leg stiffness, sprint, and Illinois test) but not in ratio or asymmetry. Isometric hip adduction and abduction–adduction unilateral ratio deficits for the non-dominant leg might be an important factor toward suffering an injury. Male and female futsal players showed different neuromuscular performances and consequently different training programs should be implemented for them. Full article

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14 pages, 881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Characteristics and Body Image of Japanese Female University Long-Distance Runners

by Masaharu Kagawa, Sayumi Iwamoto, Kazuko Ishikawa-Takata and Masako Ota

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6442; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116442 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1212

Abstract

While female long-distance runners are considered to have strong body dissatisfaction and body concerns, body-image research that incorporates detailed anthropometric and body composition parameters is still limited. The present study therefore investigates the physical characteristics and body image of Japanese female long-distance runners and explores the factors that influence their body image. Detailed anthropometric and body composition assessment using a dual-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (DFBIA) was conducted on 30 Japanese female university long-distance runners. In addition, a questionnaire that included the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS) and the Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ) was administered. On average, the participants had relatively low body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (%BF) (BMI: 18.3 ± 1.6 kg/m²; %BF: 19.7 ± 4.4%), but about 50–60% of them perceived themselves as being fat or having an excessive level of %BF. Their BSS scores were not associated with their measured physique. However, the anthropometric variables of the limbs were associated with the BAQ and its subscales. There was no single source that the majority referred to obtain information on their body, and performance was the only reason for their increased body concern. In order to better understand the factors that influence their body dissatisfaction and the effects of providing accurate information on behaviour modification, further investigation is warranted. Full article

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11 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Development of Equipment for Ski Mountaineering, a New Olympic Event

by Lorenzo Bortolan, Barbara Pellegrini, Nina Verdel, Hans-Christer Holmberg and Matej Supej

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5339; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095339 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Ski mountaineering, a new Olympic winter sport involving both climbing and descending snowy slopes, requires considerable physical and technical abilities, as well as highly specialized equipment. Herein, we briefly describe this equipment and its influence on performance and consider potential future advances. Skis, boots, and bindings must be light enough to facilitate climbing uphill (in which as much as 85% of the total racing time is spent) and, at the same time, provide stability and safety in often-challenging descents. A skier must be able to easily and rapidly attach and remove the adhesive skins under the skis that provide grip while skiing uphill. Poles and their baskets must be designed optimally to transfer propulsive force and help maintain balance. Despite the popularity of ski mountaineering, research on this sport is scarce, and we indicate a number of areas wherein improvements in equipment could potentially advance both performance and safety. Such advances must be based on a better understanding of the biomechanics of ski mountaineering, which could be obtained with novel sensor technology and can be best achieved via more extensive collaboration between researchers, skiers and their coaches, and manufacturers of ski mountaineering equipment. Full article

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11 pages, 1129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Concurrent Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of Possible Remote Assessments for Measuring Countermovement Jump: My Jump 2, HomeCourt & Takei Vertical Jump Meter

by Gary Chi-Ching Chow, Yu-Hin Kong and Wai-Yan Pun

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042142 - 07 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2216

Abstract

Mobile applications and portable assessments make remote self-assessment of the countermovement jump (CMJ) test possible. This study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity and test–retest reliability of three portable measurement systems for CMJ. Thirty physically active college students visited the laboratory twice, with two days in between, and performed three jumps each day. All jumps were recorded by My Jump 2, HomeCourt, and the Takei Vertical Jump Meter (TVJM) simultaneously. Results indicated significant differences among the three systems (p < 0.01). HomeCourt tended to present the highest jump height mean value (46.10 ± 7.57 cm) compared with TVJM (42.02 ± 8.11 cm) and My Jump 2 (40.85 ± 7.86 cm). High concurrent validities among assessments were found (r = 0.85–0.93). Good to excellent reliability of jump assessments was demonstrated (ICC_3,1 = 0.80–0.96). Reliable coefficients of variation were shown in all measurements (2.58–5.92%). Significant differences were revealed among the three apparatuses while they demonstrated high intra-device test–retest reliability. TVJM was the most reliable, and average jump heights were recommended for analysis. Full article

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2023

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