Search Results (8,086)

The aim of this study was to understand the female swimmers’ annual performance progression and stability between 10 and 18 years across swimming distances and techniques. Data from female Portuguese Top-50 rankings in the short-course pool was extracted from an open access database (swimrankings.net). Performances were grouped by distances (50-, 100- and 200 m) and techniques (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly), totalizing 12 events as performance metrics. A total of 343 swimmers and 3087 performances distributed by nine consecutive competitive seasons were retrospectively assessed. The mean and normative stability were computed for tracking performance trends, while reporting the year-to-year percentage improvement. The differences across distances and techniques were tested with a linear mixed-effects model using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The performance progression was characterized by marked improvements during the early ages (up to 13% yearly) and an emerging plateau around the 15–16 years. The stability patterns varied between events, with the backstroke technique (ICC = 0.13) demonstrating greater consistency of individual differences on developmental trajectories, whereas shorter races (i.e., 50 m; ICC = 0.15) tended to be more stable than 100 m or 200 m (ICC = 0.12). It can be concluded that female swimmers’ performance stabilizes at the 15–16 years of age. Despite reduced differences, the backstroke technique and short distances seem to show a slightly more stable trend in progressing from childhood to adulthood. Full article

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk is elevated in female youth football, yet knee joint loading has mainly been studied under controlled laboratory conditions. This limits understanding of how injury risk emerges during realistic match situations. This study provided a field-based kinetic characterization of football-specific movements by estimating knee abduction moments (KAMs) using wearable sensors and machine learning. Fifty-two highly talented female youth players performed agility tasks during training, including structured exercises (F-EX) and game-based play (F-GAME). Full-body kinematics were collected with inertial measurement units, and a validated support vector machine model, trained on synchronized motion capture and force plate data, classified trials as high or low KAM. Across 662 change-in-direction trials, 9–12% were classified as high KAM in both conditions, indicating that potentially high-risk loading regularly occurs during routine actions. High KAM trials showed reduced knee and pelvis flexion, increased hip flexion, and greater pelvis rotation toward the cutting direction, reflecting upright, stiff movement strategies. Performance analyses revealed smaller cut angles in exercises and greater approach acceleration in game play, without differences in peak velocity. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of field-based kinetic screening and support a complex-systems perspective on ACL injury risk. Full article

Backgrounds: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the hierarchical contribution of individual genetic polymorphisms to the variability of autonomic regulation parameters and respiratory function in athletes of different sport specializations using Classification and Regression Tree (CRT) analysis. Methods: The study included athletes divided into two groups: hockey players (n = 48) and martial artists (n = 43). Heart rate variability (LF, HF) parameters and spirometric indices (FEV₁) were assessed. Genetic analysis included 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): IL6 rs1800795, VDR rs731236, KCNJ11 rs5219, ADRB2 rs1042713, ADRB2 rs1042714, TRHR rs16892496, MSTN rs1805086, UCP3 rs1800849. Results: In martial artists, the main predictors were genes responsible for adrenoreceptor sensitivity (ADRB2) and neuroimmune interactions (IL6). In hockey players, the most significant predictors were genes involved in muscle growth (MSTN), energy metabolism (UCP3), and neuroendocrine regulation (TRHR). These findings indicate that similar resting HRV parameters in athletes from different sports may be associated with different genetic polymorphisms, reflecting sport-specific physiological adaptations to training loads. Conclusions: The results highlight the sport-specific nature of genetic determinants of autonomic regulation. In martial artists, genes related to the immuno-adrenergic axis (IL6, ADRB2) appear to play a dominant role, whereas in hockey players neuroendocrine, muscle-metabolic, and mitochondrial factors (TRHR, MSTN, UCP3) demonstrate greater influence. The observed interactions between genotypes and FEV₁ emphasize the importance of transitioning from generalized approaches toward personalized monitoring strategies in sports science. Full article

Uncertainty is a central feature of sport and has been extensively examined in sport science, primarily from performance-oriented perspectives such as anticipation, decision-making, and motor control. However, less attention has been given to how athletes subjectively perceive and experience uncertainty and how these interpretations shape their responses. The present study addresses this gap by exploring athletes’ lived experiences of uncertainty in sport. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with former youth athletes from various sports. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, generating 15 themes organized across key dimensions of uncertainty, including unpredictability, lack of information, internal versus external sources, and the appraisal of uncertainty as a threat or a challenge. Findings indicate that uncertainty is experienced as a multifaceted and subjective phenomenon shaped by perceived control, prior experience, and situational context. Athletes differed in how they interpreted uncertainty, with some perceiving it as threatening and others as an opportunity for growth, which in turn influenced emotional responses and coping strategies. Key coping mechanisms included communication, information seeking, social support, and focusing on controllable aspects of performance. These findings extend existing sport science literature by integrating experiential and interpretative dimensions of uncertainty with established performance-based approaches. Furthermore, the results suggest conceptual links with the construct of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), highlighting the potential value of examining individual differences in how athletes appraise and manage uncertainty. The study provides an exploratory foundation for future research integrating IU within sport contexts and underscores the importance of addressing both subjective and performance-related aspects of uncertainty in sport psychology. Full article

Global warming and increasing heatwaves elevate the risk of exertional heat illnesses, particularly heatstroke, in endurance athletes and outdoor workers. This study developed and validated a wearable heatstroke warning system integrating physiological and environmental monitoring with a real-time web dashboard. The wrist- and finger-worn prototype comprised an ESP32 microcontroller and heart rate (MAX30101), skin temperature (MAX30205), ambient temperature and humidity (SHT31), and galvanic skin response (Grove-GSR v1.2) sensors with dual acoustic–visual alerts and WiFi transmission. Fifteen triathletes (18–39 years) completed 30 min of cycling in a climatic chamber: 0–15 min at 24 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 10% RH, and 16–30 min at 27 ± 1 °C, 90 ± 10% RH, with the workload rising from 40%HRmax by 10% every 10 min. Heart rate, estimated core temperature, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and GSR were recorded every 30 s and compared with standard devices using Spearman correlation (p = 0.01) and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (p < 0.05). Heart rate, skin temperature (used a linear model to calculate core body temperature), ambient temperature, and humidity sensors showed fair–very good validity (r = 0.692, 0.995, 0.994, 0.952), while GSR was low (r = 0.298). No significant differences were observed for heart rate, skin temperature, and humidity (p > 0.05), but body temperature (p = 0.003) and GSR (p < 0.001) differed. The system showed promising validity for real-time heatstroke risk monitoring, with further refinement needed for skin temperature and GSR sensing. Full article

Background: Persons with intellectual disability have a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes than the general population. Special Olympics Fit Feet, a major screening process for evaluating foot health in persons with intellectual disability, has not included an assessment for the risk of diabetic foot ulcers thus far. A probable reason for this may be that clinicians in the past have felt that persons with intellectual disability were not capable of understanding how to complete the Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation. A study was designed to assess whether the Special Olympics athletes could complete the Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation. Methods: 31 Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disability participating in a Fit Feet foot screening underwent a Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation (LOPS). An assessment was completed using predetermined criteria to establish whether the subject understood what was required and could satisfactorily complete the test. Likewise, it was also determined if the Special Olympics athletes believed they understood the test. Results: Study findings determined that approximately 67% of the athletes in the study were able to successfully complete the test and 90% of the Special Olympics athletes reported they completely understood the test. These results do not apply to the intellectual disability population at large. Conclusion: A significant percentage of the test population appeared able to successfully undergo the Semmes-Weinstein test for lack of protective sensation (LOPS). Therefore, it is recommended that any foot screening process for Special Olympics athletes should include an assessment for loss of protective sensation including use of monofilament testing. Full article

This study examined how youth sport coaches support positive youth development (PYD) through their pedagogical practices, focusing on the following key PYD outcomes: Competence, Confidence, Contribution, and Character. A total of 113 youth sport coaches were systematically observed, involving athletes aged between 12–18 years. The coaches (M = 38.64 years; Male = 74; Female = 39) represented both individual and team sports and had an average coaching experience of 12.92 years. Our results showed that coaches put the most effort on Competence, followed by Confidence, while Character and Contribution received comparatively less attention. Competence development was mainly supported through verbal instruction, Confidence through general feedback, Contribution through active listening, and Character through role modeling. Regarding sport types, coaches in individual sports demonstrated higher levels of Competence and Contribution than team sport coaches. Furthermore, all four PYD dimensions were positively correlated, suggesting that gains in one dimension may support the others. Overall, Hungarian coaches emphasize technical and tactical competence, with less focus on social skills and value development. Confidence is mainly supported through general rather than specific feedback. Coaches in individual sports showed higher PYD engagement than team sport coaches. These findings highlight the need for more balanced, developmentally intentional coaching approaches. Full article

Background: Talent identification (TID) programmes aim to detect adolescents with high physical potential, yet the efficiency of finding high-performance talent across different testing environments in an Australian context is unknown. The current study aim was to calculate the likelihood of participants scoring at or above the 90th percentile in anthropometric or physical performance measures across different testing settings. Methods: We analysed retrospective, cross-sectional physical and performance data from 10,134 Australian adolescents aged 12–17 years (4427 girls; 5707 boys) tested in either schools (2992; 3500), advertised come-and-try TID “Select” sessions (1235; 1622), or community-based amateur sports clubs (200; 585). Standardised measures used across all settings included height, body mass, and five physical performance tests of strength, speed, agility, leg power and aerobic fitness. We used a threshold of “higher physical performance” or “physical talent” as an age- and sex-specific ≥90th percentile ranking in any of the performance tests when compared against our international normative database. Anthropometry measures were also compared using the same approach across settings. Results: Chi-square tests showed girls had significantly higher (p < 0.001) prevalence of ≥90th percentile scores in all performance results in Select, and all except speed in Sport settings compared to Schools testing. No differences were found for either height or body mass across settings (p = 0.078 and 0.17, respectively). Boys exhibited smaller differences, with Sport settings yielding significantly higher sprint and agility scores ≥90th percentile (p < 0.05), relative to both Schools and Select testing environments. Differences were found for height and body mass across settings (p < 0.001 for both analyses, respectively). Conclusions: Select environments enhance the identification of physically talented girls, while boys demonstrate broader distribution of performance talent across settings. Findings inform resource allocation for future TID programmes when the primary aim is to maximise the efficiency of finding higher-performance physical talent relative to the number of tests conducted. Full article

Background/Objectives: This systematic review examined whether oral vitamin D supplementation improves vitamin D status, health, and exercise outcomes in indoor-training aquatic athletes. Methods: We systematically reviewed randomized, placebo-controlled trials (>2 weeks) investigating vitamin D supplementation in competitive swimmers and divers. Six eligible trials (n = 246) were included and summarized descriptively. Results: Supplementation (2000–5000 IU/day for 12 weeks to 6 months) consistently increased serum 25(OH)D compared with placebo, with average increases up to 9.3 ng/mL. While higher doses occasionally improved muscle strength and lean mass, evidence showed no consistent benefits for swimming performance, immune function, or bone turnover. Additionally, higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with smaller 25(OH)D increases. Conclusions: Vitamin D effectively corrects deficiencies in aquatic athletes but lacks consistent ergogenic benefits. Therefore, in practice, supplementation should serve primarily as a targeted corrective measure for deficiency to support fundamental musculoskeletal health, rather than a generalized strategy for performance enhancement. Full article

This study aimed to explore athletes’ experiences of transitioning out of sport following spinal cord injury (SCI). Using a multiple-case study design, three former nondisabled competitive athletes participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The participants’ interview responses were informed by quantitative measure data collected prior to the interviews using the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale, the Social Support Questionnaire-6, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that participants experienced a range of cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral influences during the transition process. These influences contributed to outcome-related appraisals of post-SCI transition. Balanced self-identity, adaptive sport participation, and peer-mentor relationships were common factors influencing athletes’ transition with spinal cord injury. The results partially support the conceptual model of adaptation to career transition and extend it to account for athletes’ experiences following SCI. The results also benefit rehabilitation professionals and athletes with spinal cord injury by providing insight into psychosocial factors and resources that may influence the transition experience. Full article

Leadership, and athlete leadership in particular, has been reported to be an important factor impacting upon team performance. However, while there is significant evidence supporting the importance of athlete leadership for teams, there is very little research exploring the leadership experiences and needs of female sports teams. As a result, the aim of this study was to explore the leadership experiences of the captains of professional women’s rugby teams. Participants included eight professional women’s rugby captains, recruited through personal contact. Data were analyzed adopting an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, resulting in the emergence of 10 superordinate themes including: factors influencing success, challenges, amateur level, leader characteristics, role models, aspects of the role, types of captains, leading by example, selection, and women’s game. Data suggests that empathy, empowerment, collaboration and shared/devolved leadership are crucial components of leadership for elite women’s rugby teams. Full article

Background and Objectives: Simultaneous bilateral scapular fractures are exceptionally rare injuries and are most commonly associated with high-energy trauma, convulsions, or electrical injury. Their occurrence following low-energy trauma is extremely uncommon. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review of the literature on simultaneous bilateral scapular fractures, with emphasis on demographic characteristics, mechanisms of injury, fracture patterns, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes. To provide clinical context, the findings are illustrated by a case of a 43-year-old previously healthy recreational athlete who sustained simultaneous bilateral scapular fractures after a low-energy fall directly onto the back. Materials and Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases. Studies reporting simultaneous bilateral scapular fractures were identified and analyzed with respect to demographic characteristics, mechanisms of injury, fracture patterns, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Results: Thirty-seven studies published between 1946 and 2025 were included, comprising a total of 43 patients. Most cases resulted from high-energy trauma (41.9%), convulsions (25.6%), or electrical injury (16.3%). Low-energy trauma and spontaneous fractures were rare. The scapular body was the most commonly involved anatomical region. Conservative treatment predominated and was generally associated with favorable functional outcomes, while surgical intervention was reserved for displaced or intra-articular fractures. The illustrative case involved bilateral comminuted extra-articular fractures of the scapular bodies and spines without associated injuries and was managed conservatively, resulting in complete fracture healing and full, painless shoulder range of motion. Conclusions: The findings of this scoping review, illustrated by the representative clinical case, indicate that simultaneous bilateral scapular fractures may occur even after low-energy trauma in otherwise healthy individuals. Bilaterality alone should not be interpreted as an independent indication for surgical treatment when fractures are stable and minimally displaced. A high index of clinical suspicion and appropriate radiological evaluation are therefore warranted, particularly in emergency and trauma settings, in order to avoid missed or delayed diagnosis, even in cases with seemingly benign mechanisms of injury. Full article

Objective: Seaweed and microalgae provide antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and bioactive compounds that may enhance exercise performance and accelerate recovery. However, evidence remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of algae-derived supplementation on exercise performance and physiological recovery outcomes in healthy and athletic adults. Methods: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251166723) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and CNKI were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating algae supplementation in exercise contexts. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined based on the PICOS framework. Primary outcomes included VO₂max, Time to exhaustion (TTE), maximal power output (WRmax), Time-Trial (TT) performance, and creatine kinase (CK). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed. Results: Twenty-two RCTs (n = 822) investigating Spirulina, Chlorella, brown-algal polysaccharides, or astaxanthin met inclusion criteria. Algae supplementation showed a suggestive improvement in VO₂max (SMD = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.00–1.75) and significantly improved in TTE (SMD = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.16–1.96), with smaller effects on WRmax (SMD = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.03–0.55), and no significant benefit for TT performance (SMD = −0.27, 95%CI: −0.74 to 0.21). Regarding recovery, CK concentrations were significantly reduced (SMD = −0.78, 95%CI: −1.28 to −0.28). Subgroup analysis suggested greater effects for Chlorella supplementation, higher dosages, and aerobic training contexts; reductions in muscle-damage markers were more evident following resistance exercise. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the main findings with minimal evidence of publication bias. Conclusions: Algae-derived supplements—particularly Spirulina and Chlorella—may modestly enhance aerobic exercise performance and attenuate exercise-induced muscle damage under certain conditions. Effects appear to depend on algae species, dosing strategies, intervention duration, and training modality. High-quality, multi-center RCTs incorporating mechanistic endpoints are needed to clarify optimal application and to develop athlete-specific recommendations. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between lower-limb mechanical strength, phase-oriented composite strength indices, generalized neuromuscular activation, and maximal soccer ball kicking speed in trained athletes. Twenty-five male soccer players (age: 20.64 ± 2.50 years; height: 179.28 ± 4.27 cm; body mass: 75.80 ± 9.41 kg) participated in this cross-sectional study. Isometric ankle and knee joint torques were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer, and joint-specific and phase-oriented cross-joint composite indices were computed to represent integrated strength capacity across the kinetic chain. Neuromuscular activation was evaluated via surface electromyography during a standardized squat jump task. Ball-kicking speed was measured using Doppler radar during maximal instep kicks. Associations were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients (p ≤ 0.05) with false discovery rate correction for multiple comparisons. In unadjusted analyses, moderate positive correlations were observed for several ankle torque variables and composite ankle strength indices, while swing-phase composite measures demonstrated moderate correlations (r = 0.43–0.55). Knee strength indices and sEMG variables showed no significant relationships. However, none of the variables remained statistically significant after FDR correction, suggesting limited independent explanatory value of isolated isometric strength and non-task-specific neuromuscular activation assessed during a standardized squat jump for maximal kicking performance. Full article

Purpose: The primary aim of the present study was to examine the extent to which participation in organized youth basketball training contributes to physical activity across intensity zones during training sessions in relation to biological maturation status. Methods: Participants were classified into three maturity groups based on predicted age at peak height velocity (PHV): −2.5 to −1.5, −1.5 to −0.5, and ≥−0.5 to 0.83 years from PHV. Data from two training sessions per participant were averaged to obtain representative individual values. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine differences in anthropometric, physical performance, and field performance variables between PHV groups. Physical activity patterns were analyzed using two-way mixed-design ANOVAs with PHV stage as the between-subject factor and intensity zone (MET- and HRR-based) as the within-subject factor. Results: Across all maturity groups, approximately 10–17% of total training time was spent in light-intensity activity, while the majority of time was accumulated in moderate-to-vigorous intensity zones (approximately 35–50%, depending on the classification method). Significant maturity-related differences were observed in anthropometric variables and physical performance measures, with more mature players demonstrating superior sprint performance, jumping ability, and grip strength. Field performance indicators also differed between PHV groups, with more mature athletes exhibiting higher external and internal training loads. In contrast, no significant interactions or main effects of PHV stage were observed for physical activity intensity distribution. Conclusions: Organized basketball training contributes substantially to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity accumulated during training sessions. However, these findings reflect training-specific activity and should not be interpreted as representing total daily physical activity. No differences in activity intensity distribution were observed between maturation groups, although this finding should be interpreted with caution, given methodological limitations. These results highlight the need to consider biological maturation when designing youth training programs. Full article