Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Sports Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training

Print Special Issue Flyer
Editor
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2026 | Viewed by 5126

Share This Special Issue

Editor

Dr. Timothy J. Suchomel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Interests: strength and conditioning; weightlifting movements; athlete testing and monitoring; postactivation potentiation; eccentric training
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Assessing athlete performance to provide actionable information is key. While assessments may include a broad range of tests that measure an athlete’s strength, muscular endurance, muscle function, physiological characteristics, etc., research that provides novel insights into these protocols may be used to enhance best practices. Beyond assessment, strength and conditioning programs are used to enhance fitness characteristics that underpin athletic performance. Because training strategies may yield different results, practical research that highlights the benefits and limitations of various training methods is needed, as it may drive programming decisions made for athletes. This Special Issue calls for applied research papers that address topics related to athlete assessment and strength and conditioning training methods used to enhance athletic performance. While original research articles can be acute or longitudinal in nature, this Special Issue is also accepting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, scoping reviews, and case study articles that focus on the highlighted topics within the athletic population.

Dr. Timothy J. Suchomel
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sports 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 1800 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

strength
power
weightlifting
athlete monitoring
force
impulse
eccentric training
testing
sport science

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

12 pages, 346 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability of Sprint Time and Force—Velocity Profiles During Sprint Acceleration in Elite Rugby Union Players: Inter-Trial Reliability of Linear Encoder, GPS, Timing Gates and Video Analysis

by Samuel Grimbert Le Mer, Adrien Vachon, Iñigo Mujika, Nicolas Berryman, Jean-Benoit Morin and Laurent Bosquet

Sports 2026, 14(8), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14080339 - 6 Aug 2026

Viewed by 316

Abstract

This study aimed to test the reliability of measurements obtained using different technologies for sprint time and force–velocity profiles during sprint running. Seventeen elite rugby union players completed three experimental sessions, separated by one week. During each session, players completed two 30 m sprints and measurements were performed simultaneously with a linear encoder, a 10 Hz GPS unit, timing gates and video analysis. Split time (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 m), maximal velocity (V_MAX, m·s⁻¹) and force–velocity variables (maximal power, P_MAX, W·kg⁻¹; theoretical maximal force, F₀, N·kg⁻¹; theoretical maximal velocity, V₀, m·s⁻¹; maximal ratio of force, RF_MAX, percentage) from the best sprint of each session were computed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Linear encoder and video analysis showed moderate-to-very-high reliability for sprint time (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.68 to 0.94; standard error of measurement (SEM) = 0.95 to 2.59%), while timing gates showed poor-to-high reliability (ICC = 0.23 to 0.85; SEM = 1.80 to 7.23%). Linear encoder showed very-high reliability for maximal velocity (ICC = 0.94) and force–velocity variables for P_MAX (ICC = 0.90), high reliability for V₀ (ICC = 0.88) as well as RF_MAX (ICC = 0.75), and moderate reliability for F₀ (ICC = 0.66). Linear encoder (ICC = 0.66 to 0.94) and video analysis (ICC = 0.50 to 0.94) were the most reliable methods to measure sprint times while linear encoder, due to a higher sampling frequency, was the most reliable to establish the force–velocity profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3738 KB

Open AccessArticle

On-Ice and Off-Ice Linear Sprint Performance Across Competitive Levels in Ice Hockey Players: Insights from Continuous Velocity Profiling

by Dominik Jablonka, Aaron Uthoff, Steven Eustace, Rhys Morris, Julian Enrik Smoliga and Dusana Augustovicova

Sports 2026, 14(7), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14070290 - 8 Jul 2026

Viewed by 442

Abstract

Linear speed is a key performance determinant in ice hockey, yet no studies have compared continuous on-ice and off-ice velocity profiles across multiple competitive levels. This study examined continuous velocity curves and discrete sprint variables during 20 m on-ice (skating) and off-ice (running) sprints across three competitive levels. Sixty male ice hockey players (A-Team n = 20, U20A n = 20, U20B n = 20) completed maximal 20 m sprints in both conditions using a motorized resistance device. Bayesian analyses were used to evaluate continuous velocity profiles and discrete variables. Posterior estimates consistently favored greater off-ice velocity profiles than on-ice velocity profiles across all groups, particularly during the early portion of the sprint (P(diff) ~85%), although the practical meaningfulness of these differences remained uncertain. Discrete sprint variables showed stronger and more consistent practically meaningful differences (P(diff > SWC) = 66–99%). Between-group comparisons suggested a competitive hierarchy, with posterior estimates favoring greater velocity values in adults than lower competitive-level late adolescents (P(diff) ~87%). Practitioners should consider potential differences between on-ice and off-ice sprint performance and hierarchical trends across competitive levels when structuring training and assessment. Continuous velocity profiling may provide additional insight into velocity-development patterns, whereas discrete metrics may be more appropriate for routine team-level monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 648 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness of a Functional Preconditioning Program in Reducing Musculoskeletal Injuries in a Tactical Population

by Hamad Alkaabi, Everett Lohman, Mansoor Alameri, Noha Daher, Aleksandar Čvorović and Hatem Jaber

Sports 2026, 14(7), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14070260 - 23 Jun 2026

Viewed by 360

Abstract

This study examined the effects of functional training on musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries, days lost from training, and attrition rate among police recruits in Abu Dhabi. A total of 441 Abu Dhabi Police recruits were randomly allocated into experimental (n = 220) and control (n = 221) groups. The experimental group underwent six weeks of preconditioning functional training, while the control group followed the standard Abu Dhabi Police recruitment procedure. Subsequently, both groups entered 16 weeks of basic military training (BMT). The outcome measures (injury rate, days lost from training, and attrition rate) were collected at the end of BMT. The proportion of injuries reported by the experimental group was significantly lower than that reported by the control group (15.3% versus 52.3%, respectively [χ² = 66.8, p < 0.001]). There were significant differences in the median (minimum, maximum) number of injuries and number of days lost to training between the experimental and control groups [1 (1, 5) versus 2 (1, 9), p = 0.002 (r = 0.30); and 2.5 (1, 26) versus 5.0 (1, 37), p < 0.001 (r = 0.34), respectively]. The number of dropouts due to MSK injuries during BMT was 1 in the experimental group and 5 in the control group (p = 0.06). Tactical athletes who did not undergo preconditioning training demonstrated a greater risk of non-contact lower-limb injury than those who received structured conditioning training. Therefore, preconditioning training might be a beneficial tool to minimize injuries among tactical athlete trainees. Trial Registration: ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN41786994), retrospectively registered on 13 April 2026. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 886 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shifting Attention and Response Time Performance in Adolescents: Effects of External and Internal Focus

by Fábio Flôres, Priscila Cardozo, Denise Soares and Ricardo Drews

Sports 2026, 14(6), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14060225 - 29 May 2026

Viewed by 596

Abstract

Aim: To examine the effects of attentional focus on adolescents’ response time performance and investigate whether sports participation moderates this effect. Methods: Fifty-eight adolescents (16.46 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: external focus of attention (EF), internal focus of attention (IF), or control. Participants performed a response-time task using a visual stimulus. A 3 × 2 factorial ANOVA was conducted, with attentional focus group (external, internal, control) and sports participation (yes, no) as between-subjects factors. Results: A significant main effect of attentional focus was found, with the EF group outperforming the IF and control groups. Sports participation alone was not a significant factor, and the interaction between attentional focus and sports participation was not statistically significant. However, exploratory analyses suggested a possible tendency for adolescents engaged in sports practice to respond more favorably to an EF strategy, though these findings should be interpreted with caution. No significant differences were observed among non-sports participants. Conclusion: These findings reinforce the benefits of an external attentional focus for adolescent response-time performance. Although exploratory, the results suggest that adolescents engaged in sports practice may respond more favorably to EF, highlighting the potential relevance of reconsidering commonly used IF instructions in youth sports and educational contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 459 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability of Rowing Technique and Specificity of Training Load: A Pilot Longitudinal Study in Young Athletes

by Igor E. Anpilogov, Nicolas H. Kruchynsky and Eugene B. Postnikov

Sports 2026, 14(5), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14050214 - 21 May 2026

Viewed by 1693

Abstract

Tracking biomechanical changes associated with different training modalities remains a methodological challenge in applied sports science. This pilot longitudinal study examined stroke technique stability in seven junior rowers (aged 16.6 ± 0.5 years) across three measurement sessions (March, April, June), separated by two training mesocycles emphasising strength training and intensive rowing, respectively. Upper body angular velocity was recorded using a smartphone-based MEMS sensor fixed to the upper back during incremental ergometer exercise. Overall stroke duration and its standard deviation remained stable throughout the study period, whereas the durations of the two stroke phases corresponding to forward (drive) and backward (recovery) body motion changed systematically across mesocycles. Phase-specific changes were statistically significant in 10 of 12 paired comparisons (rank-sum test) and 7 of 12 within-subject comparisons (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) for phase durations, and in 9 and 5 of 12 comparisons for their standard deviations, respectively. These findings suggest that the internal structure of the rowing stroke is sensitive to training load specificity, even when overall stroke timing remains unchanged, and that smartphone-based angular velocity analysis provides a feasible tool for individualized biomechanical monitoring in young athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 462 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Correlation Between Functional Movement Screen Scores and Self-Reported Injury History Among Competitive Male Padel Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Khalid Yaseen, Mohannad Felemban, Layan Barassin, Elan Alnakeeb, Anfal Astek, Ziyad Neamatallah, Mazen Homoud, Khalid Alsayed, Mishari Rowished, Mazen Almutairi and Ayah Ismail

Sports 2026, 14(5), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14050208 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 805

Abstract

Background: Padel is a rapidly growing sport, yet limited evidence is available regarding movement quality and injury history among competitive players. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) may help describe movement patterns associated with previous injury, although its predictive value remains uncertain. This study examined the association between FMS total and component scores and self-reported injury history among competitive male padel players. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 17 competitive male padel players, with 9 injured and 8 uninjured based on self-reported musculoskeletal injury history within the preceding 12 months. Movement quality was assessed using the seven-item FMS. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to examine the association between FMS total score and injury history, while Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare FMS total and component scores between groups. The seven component-level comparisons were considered exploratory. Bonferroni correction was applied by using an adjusted significance threshold of α = 0.05/7 = 0.007; therefore, unadjusted p-values were interpreted against this corrected threshold. Results: Lower FMS total scores were associated with previous injury history (ρ = −0.703, 95% CI: −0.89 to −0.38, p = 0.002). Previously injured players demonstrated lower FMS total scores than uninjured players (p = 0.005). Among individual components, the In-Line Lunge showed a significant between-group difference after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.004), suggesting lower performance in a task requiring lower-limb stability, mobility, and trunk control. Conclusions: In this small exploratory cross-sectional study, lower FMS scores were associated with self-reported previous injury among competitive male padel players. These findings should be interpreted cautiously, as the study design does not allow causal or predictive conclusions. Larger prospective studies are needed to clarify whether FMS scores have practical value in monitoring movement quality in padel athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advancing Athlete Assessment and Performance Training

Share This Special Issue

Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI