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Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health...
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Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health and Well-Being

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 February 2025) | Viewed by 9171

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jorge Arede

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
Interests: youth sports; biological maturation; talent; movement variability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Thomas Dos'Santos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Center, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Interests: assessment and development of strength, power, multidirectional speed; injury prevention; maturation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Oliver Gonzalo-Skok

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Communication and Education, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain
Interests: assessment and development of strength, power, multidirectional speed; injury mitigation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Childhood and adolescence are thought to be critical periods in the development of physical capacities and the promotion of positive physiological, morphological, health and wellbeing adaptations in youth athletes as part of a long-term athlete development strategy.

In this Special Issue, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the acute and longitudinal effects of various training interventions, such as resistance, plyometric, energy system, or multidirectional speed training, on the overall development of physical performance, health, and well-being in youth athletes. Each article will provide a unique perspective, employing experimental, observational, or longitudinal study designs, and consider quantitative assessments of athletic performance metrics, health markers, injury surrogate measures and/or a qualitative exploration of athletes' perceptual and psychological experiences. We also welcome applied reviews that provide examples of and recommendations regarding how to best enhance physical performance, mitigate injury risk, and improve health and well-being in youth athletes.

Researchers and practitioners alike will find valuable insights within this Special Issue, with the overall aim of providing evidence-based strategies that are able to optimize the development of youth athletes. The findings presented in this Special Issue contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding effective training protocols, fostering a holistic approach to youth sports that prioritizes not only performance excellence, but also the well-being of the athletes.

Prof. Dr. Jorge Arede
Dr. Thomas Dos'Santos
Prof. Dr. Oliver Gonzalo-Skok
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biological maturation
  • strength
  • endurance
  • speed
  • sleep
  • psychosocial
  • physical activity
  • conditioning
  • long-term athlete development
  • body composition

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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9 pages, 452 KiB  
Article
Impact of Lower-Limb Asymmetries on Physical Performance Among Adolescent Female Tennis Players
by Nagore Moreno-Apellaniz, Oscar Villanueva-Guerrero, Víctor Emilio Villavicencio-Álvarez, Santiago Calero-Morales and Elena Mainer-Pardos
Life 2024, 14(12), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121561 - 28 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 978
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the correlation between interlimb asymmetries and physical performance metrics in adolescent female tennis players. Methods: Twenty-five female tennis players (age: 13.29 ± 0.98 years; weight: 52.52 ± 7.31 kg; height: 162.91 ± 6.02 cm) consented to participate in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine the correlation between interlimb asymmetries and physical performance metrics in adolescent female tennis players. Methods: Twenty-five female tennis players (age: 13.29 ± 0.98 years; weight: 52.52 ± 7.31 kg; height: 162.91 ± 6.02 cm) consented to participate in this study. Their performance was evaluated using various variables, including bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), bilateral and unilateral horizontal jump (HJ), 180° change of direction (180COD) conducted with both the right and left legs, and a 20 m sprint. The systematic bias was evaluated by one-way repeated measure analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation test for relationships between variables, and the kappa coefficient for consistency in the asymmetrical direction. Results: Significant relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and the variables HJR (r = −0.47) and HJL (r = −0.44). In addition, significant relationships were found between HJ asymmetry and the variables CMJR (r = −0.60) and CMJL (r = −0.54), HJR (r = −0.64), HJL (r = −0.67), CMJ (r = −0.55), and HJ (r = −0.52). Conclusion: Jumping tests are important indicators of performance loss in female tennis players. In addition, no significant correlation was found between the 180COD and performance tests, suggesting that asymmetries in COD do not affect jump performance or speed. Based on these results, it is recommended to integrate individualized programs for each athlete to reduce asymmetries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health and Well-Being)
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16 pages, 3171 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of the Kinematic Characteristics of Lunge-Style and Squat-Style Jerk Techniques in Elite Weightlifters
by Gongju Liu, Zhanyang He, Binyong Ye, Haiying Guo, Huiju Pan, Houwei Zhu and Guanliang Meng
Life 2024, 14(9), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091086 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1183
Abstract
This study aimed to discuss the differences in technical characteristics between the lunge-style and squat-style jerk techniques and to reveal the adaptability of these techniques for individual weightlifters. A total of 52 attempts by 32 male weightlifters were selected, and the video data [...] Read more.
This study aimed to discuss the differences in technical characteristics between the lunge-style and squat-style jerk techniques and to reveal the adaptability of these techniques for individual weightlifters. A total of 52 attempts by 32 male weightlifters were selected, and the video data were digitized manually using the SIMI Motion 7.50 three-dimensional analysis system. The technical characteristics of the lunge split and squat jerk were fundamentally consistent during the pre-squat, force exertion, and inertia ascent phases. The primary differences between the lunge split and squat jerk techniques were observed during the squatting and support phases, including the vertical descent velocity of the barbell at the end of the squat shoulder-locking phase and the stability angles in the sagittal and coronal axes. The vertical velocity of the barbell at the end of the squat shoulder-locking phase was significantly greater in the squat style (−0.41 ± 0.17 vs. −0.88 ± 0.14) compared to the lunge style (t = 6.393, p < 0.05). The stability angle on the sagittal axis at the end of the squat-supporting phase in the lunge style was significantly greater (46.99 ± 3.23 vs. 13.64 ± 0.51) than that of the squat style (t = 45.639, p < 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health and Well-Being)
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11 pages, 597 KiB  
Article
Relationship between Interlimb Asymmetries and Performance Variables in Adolescent Tennis Players
by Oscar Villanueva-Guerrero, Héctor Gadea-Uribarri, Víctor Emilio Villavicencio Álvarez, Santiago Calero-Morales and Elena Mainer-Pardos
Life 2024, 14(8), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080959 - 30 Jul 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1362
Abstract
Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to [...] Read more.
Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetry in vertical and horizontal jump tests (CMJ and HJ) and COD with lower limb performance variables in adolescent tennis players. Forty-five adolescent tennis players (age: 13.81 ± 1.08 years; height: 167.64 ± 9.9 cm; body mass: 57.48 ± 10.94 kg; body mass index: 20.27 ± 2.18 kg/m2) performed the CMJ test (unilateral and bilateral), horizontal jumps (unilateral and bilateral), 25 m sprint, and 180° COD test. The single-leg countermovement jump showed the greatest asymmetries among the different tests (6.62 ± 9.35%). Notable negative relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and COD asymmetry with unilateral horizontal jump variables (r = −0.30 to −0.53). In addition, CMJ asymmetry showed notable relationships with CMJR (r = 0.49) and COD180R (r = 0.29), whereas COD asymmetry showed a notable relationship with COD180L (r = 0.40). On the other hand, HJ asymmetry showed no notable relationships with any variable. The main findings of this study indicate that greater imbalances in the CMJ and COD tests are associated with a reduced capacity to perform unilateral horizontal jumps. These results suggest the incorporation of training protocols to reduce interlimb asymmetries in growing athletes to improve their performance. This practical application is important for coaches and physical trainers who aim to improve the physical performance of adolescent tennis players. Greater asymmetry results in a reduced ability to produce unilateral horizontal force. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health and Well-Being)
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14 pages, 1492 KiB  
Article
Relationships and Within-Group Differences in Physical Attributes and Golf Performance in Elite Amateur Female Players
by Luke Robinson, Andrew Murray, Daniel Coughlan, Margo Mountjoy, Jack Wells, Rebecca Hembrough, Danny Glover, Fiona Scott, Anthony Turner and Chris Bishop
Life 2024, 14(6), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14060674 - 24 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1567 | Correction
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the association between a comprehensive physical testing battery and measures of golf performance in elite female amateur players. Nineteen category one (handicap ≤ 5) or better golfers (age: 16.26 ± 1.28 years, height: 166.26 [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to examine the association between a comprehensive physical testing battery and measures of golf performance in elite female amateur players. Nineteen category one (handicap ≤ 5) or better golfers (age: 16.26 ± 1.28 years, height: 166.26 ± 3.62 cm, mass: 64.04 ± 11.27 kg, wingspan: 146.53 ± 15.59 cm, handicap: +1.45 ± 0.7) volunteered to participate in this investigation. All golfers attended a single 90 min testing session where golf shot data (clubhead speed [CHS], ball speed, carry distance, and smash factor) were measured with a Trackman 4 launch monitor and a battery of physical assessments were carried out. These included anthropometric data and assessments for seated thoracic rotation, the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), isometric bench press, countermovement jump (CMJ), and seated medicine ball throws for distance. Pearson’s r correlations showed CHS was the golf metric that most commonly demonstrated large associations with physical testing data, most notably with force at 100 ms during the isometric bench press (r = 0.70). Median split analysis was also conducted for the IMTP (force at 200 ms), isometric bench press (force at 100 ms), and CMJ (positive impulse). The results showed that players who produced more force at 200 ms during the IMTP exhibited a greater CHS (g = 1.13), ball speed (g = 0.90), and carry distance (g = 1.01). In addition, players with a greater positive impulse during the CMJ showed a greater ball speed (g = 0.93), carry distance (g = 1.29), and smash factor (g = 1.27). Collectively, these results highlight the relevance of explosive force production capabilities in both the lower and upper body for female golfers. This information can be used by practitioners to better target key physical attributes during testing and training of female players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health and Well-Being)
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12 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
Analysing the Influence of Speed and Jumping Performance Metrics on the Percentage Change of Direction Deficit in Adolescent Female Soccer Players
by Alberto Roso-Moliner, Oliver Gonzalo-Skok, Víctor Emilio Villavicencio Álvarez, Santiago Calero-Morales and Elena Mainer-Pardos
Life 2024, 14(4), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040466 - 3 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2244
Abstract
Studies show that although female soccer players often have shorter change of direction (COD) deficits than males, indicating different biomechanical profiles, there is a lack of research on the impact of physical metrics on COD performance in females. The purpose of this work [...] Read more.
Studies show that although female soccer players often have shorter change of direction (COD) deficits than males, indicating different biomechanical profiles, there is a lack of research on the impact of physical metrics on COD performance in females. The purpose of this work was to analyse whether performance metrics based on speed and jumping could explain the variation in %CODD in young female soccer players. Thirty-three highly trained adolescent female soccer players with an age of 16 ± 0.95 years, a body mass of 55.7 ± 7.22 kg, and a height of 160.4 ± 5.22 cm performed COD180 tests, 10 m and 30 m sprint tests, single-leg countermovement, and horizontal jumps. Acceleration in the first 10 m of a sprint was identified as a significant predictor of COD180 performance (R2 = 28%), (R2 = 50%), (p < 0.01), indicating that early sprint performance may largely determine an individual’s ability to change direction. However, no predictors were found for %CODD. Significant correlations were observed between COD180 performance and %CODD, acceleration, linear speed, and horizontal jump performance (r = −0.59 to 0.70; p < 0.05). The study suggests that specific physical performance metrics, particularly early acceleration, are crucial for enhancing COD skills in female soccer players, emphasizing the need for targeted training interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health and Well-Being)

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1 pages, 133 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Robinson et al. Relationships and Within-Group Differences in Physical Attributes and Golf Performance in Elite Amateur Female Players. Life 2024, 14, 674
by Luke Robinson, Andrew Murray, Daniel Coughlan, Margo Mountjoy, Jack Wells, Rebecca Hembrough, Danny Glover, Fiona Scott, Anthony Turner and Chris Bishop
Life 2024, 14(9), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091186 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 647
Abstract
Addition of an Author [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Training on Youth Athletes' Physical Performance, Health and Well-Being)
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