Search Results (140)

The rapid proliferation of wearable sensors and advanced tracking technologies has revolutionized data collection in elite sports, enabling continuous monitoring of athletes’ physiological and biomechanical states. This study proposes a comprehensive big data analytics framework that integrates data acquisition, processing, analytics, and decision support, demonstrated through synthetic datasets in football, basketball, and athletics case scenarios, modeled to represent typical data patterns and decision-making workflows observed in elite sport environments. Analytical methods, including gradient boosting classifiers, logistic regression, and multilayer perceptron models, were employed to predict injury risk, optimize in-game tactical decisions, and personalize sprint mechanics training. Key results include a 12% reduction in hamstring injury rates in football, a 16% improvement in clutch decision-making accuracy in basketball, and an 8% decrease in 100 m sprint times among athletes. The framework’s visualization tools and alert systems supported actionable insights for coaches and medical staff. Challenges such as data quality, privacy compliance, and model interpretability are addressed, with future research focusing on edge computing, federated learning, and augmented reality integration for enhanced real-time feedback. This study demonstrates the potential of integrated big data analytics to transform sports performance optimization, offering a reproducible and ethically sound platform for advancing personalized, data-driven athlete management. Full article

Physiological tremor analysis is a practical tool for assessing the neuromuscular impacts of sport-specific training. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the physiological characteristics of lower limb resting postural tremor in athletes from Poland’s national speed skating team, following both sprint and endurance workouts. The study included 19 male, well-trained, elite athletes (with a mean age of 18 ± 3.1 years, body mass of 71.4 ± 10.1 kg, height of 178.5 ± 9.0 cm, and training experience of 12.6 ± 2.8 years) and a control group of 19 physically active but non-athlete men (with a mean age of 19 ± 2.3 years, body mass of 78.9 ± 12.1 kg, and height of 181.5 ± 11.0 cm). This group was assessed under resting conditions to provide baseline reference values for physiological tremor and to evaluate whether the neuromuscular tremor response is specific to trained athletes. Tremor amplitude and frequency were measured using an accelerometer, with data log-transformed to normalize the power spectrum distribution. Key findings indicate a significant effect of training condition on tremor amplitude in the low-frequency range (L(2_5); F_(1,18) = 38.42; p < 0.0001; η_p² = 0.68) and high-frequency range (L(9_14); F_(1,36) = 19.19; p < 0.0001; η_p² = 0.51). Post hoc analysis showed that tremor amplitude increased significantly after both sprint (p < 0.001) and endurance training (p < 0.001) compared to rest. No significant differences were observed between sprint and endurance training conditions for L(2_5) (p = 0.1014), but sprint training resulted in a greater increase in tremor in the high-frequency range (L(9_14); p < 0.0001). Tremor frequency (F(2_5) and F(9_14)) also increased significantly post-training. Notably, no differences were observed between limbs, indicating symmetrical neuromuscular adaptation. These findings highlight the utility of tremor analysis in monitoring neuromuscular fatigue and performance in speed skaters. Future research should explore the application of this method in broader athletic populations and evaluate its potential integration into training programs. Full article

Badminton is an intermittent sport with a diverse exercise profile that stresses both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. The aim of this study was to compare the internal and external load profiles of multi-feeding (MF) drills and simulated match play (SMP) in elite junior badminton players, and to explore potential sex-based differences. Forty-two players (24 males (age 17.4 ± 2.6 years, training experience 9.9 ± 1.8 years) and 18 females (age 16.9 ± 2.9 years, training experience 9.4 ± 2.1 years)) completed MF and SM sessions while external load (e.g., relative distance, explosive distance, relative jumps) and internal load (heart rate [HR], session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) variables were recorded using inertial measurement units and HR monitors. Two-way ANOVA revealed that MF induced significantly greater external (p < 0.05) and internal (p < 0.001) loads compared to SM, with large effect sizes. Male players showed markedly higher jump frequency (1.60 n/min vs. 0.80 n/min) and maximum speed (19.80 km/h vs. 15.80 km/h), although HR and sRPE values were similar between sexes (p > 0.05), suggesting that female athletes may experience greater relative physiological load. These findings highlight the importance of using MF drills to target specific conditioning goals and reinforce the need for individualized training strategies considering sex differences. Full article

Elite soccer places significant neuromuscular and metabolic stress on athletes, leading to elevated production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), particularly in skeletal muscle, where intense contractile activity and increased oxygen flux drive oxidative processes. These reactive species play a dual role in skeletal muscle, supporting adaptive signaling at controlled levels while causing oxidative damage when poorly regulated. This paper presents an integrated synthesis of current knowledge on redox biology in elite soccer players, focusing on the origins and regulation of RONS, the functions of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, and how both RONS and antioxidant responses influence muscle performance, fatigue, recovery, and long-term physiological adaptation. Drawing on studies conducted between 2000 and 2025, the discussion underscores the seasonal fluctuations in oxidative stress, individual variability in redox responses, and the potential adverse effects of unsystematic antioxidant supplementation. The analysis also emphasizes the value of using biomarker-guided, periodized antioxidant interventions tailored to training demands. Future directions include longitudinal tracking and the use of AI-assisted monitoring to enable personalized strategies for maintaining redox balance and optimizing performance in elite sport. Full article

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have typically investigated injury risk factors either by body region or sport type in isolation, limiting their practical applicability to real-world settings where multiple factors interact. However, injury risk is inherently multifactorial—shaped by a complex interplay of demographic, physiological, and training-related characteristics that differ by anatomical site and sport context. This study addresses that gap by simultaneously analyzing predictors across multiple body regions and sport-specific environments. This integrated approach is critical for developing more precise, evidence-based injury prevention strategies tailored to the specific demands and risk profiles of amateur athletes. This study aimed to identify key predictors of injury risk across various body regions and sport-specific contexts among amateur athletes. Specifically, we sought to (1) develop predictive models that include demographic and body composition variables, and (2) compare the relative predictive strength of these variables across models, highlighting differences in their influence by injury location and sport type. Methods: A total of 454 amateur athletes (219 males and 235 females) participated. Data on anthropometry, body composition, training load were collected. Injury history was obtained via self-administered questionnaires, with participants reporting injuries that had occurred during the 12 months prior to the time of data collection. Logistic regression models were used to identify significant predictors, and Nagelkerke’s R² was calculated to assess model fit. Results: Overall, 49.78% of athletes experienced injuries, with a higher proportion in females (54.47%) than in males (44.75%). Age demonstrated divergent effects: it was protective against both upper and lower limb injuries in male individual-sport athletes (OR = 0.62 and OR = 0.69, respectively) and in female athletes across sport types (ORs = 0.75–0.64), but conversely increased the risk of upper limb injuries in male team-sport athletes (OR = 1.88). In female individual athletes, higher Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) predicted upper limb injuries (OR = 1.18, p = 0.034). In female team athletes, higher Muscle-to-Fat Ratio (MFR) (OR = 2.46, p = 0.017) and BMI (OR = 1.67, p = 0.008) predicted upper limb injuries, while higher Fat Mass Index (FMI) predicted lower limb injuries (OR = 1.70, p = 0.009). Models showed moderate explanatory power (Nagelkerke’s R² ranging from 0.03 to 0.33). Conclusions: These findings suggest that injury risk profiles are highly context-dependent. Preventive strategies should be tailored by sex and sport type, for example, younger athletes in team sports may benefit from age-sensitive load monitoring, while in female team athletes, targeted interventions addressing both fat and muscle balance could be essential. Age, body composition, and sport-specific demands should be considered in individualized injury prevention planning. Full article

Iron is unquestionably an essential element of physical performance for horses, just as it is for many other animals, including humans. Although post-exercise equine iron deficiency is not a common problem, recent studies showed that equine athletes may be considered a model for human exercise physiology. Sports anemia among human athletes is a common nutritional issue and remains one reason for poor physical fitness. Thus, this study area needs comprehensive knowledge since iron homeostasis changes in equine athletes remain unrecognized. The current review aims to summarize studies describing iron metabolism changes in response to physical effort in equine sports medicine. The confirmed prevalence of gastrointestinal bleeding, hemolysis, and hematuria in horse athletes seems to play a role in iron metabolism. Similarly, exercise-induced inflammation and its effect on the iron key regulator in mammals—hepcidin—may be as crucial for overall iron homeostasis in horses as in humans. In this review, we also present available data regarding the possible effect of various hormones on iron metabolism, performance-enhancing strategies related to iron metabolism in horse athletes, and the clinical relevance of regular iron status monitoring in sport horses. Overall, this article aims to discuss current knowledge and highlight existing gaps in our understanding of iron homeostasis in sport horses. Full article

This paper outlines a new system for processing of eye-tracking data in basketball live games with two pre-trained Artificial Intelligence (AI) models. blueThe system is designed to process and extract features from data of basketball coaches and referees, recorded with the Pupil Labs Neon Eye Tracker, a device that is specifically optimized for video analysis. The research aims to present a tool useful for understanding their visual attention patterns during the game, what they are attending to, for how long, and their physiological responses, blueas is evidenced through pupil size changes. AI models are used to monitor events and actions within the game and correlate these with eye-tracking data to provide understanding into referees’ and coaches’ cognitive processes and decision-making. This research contributes to the knowledge of sport psychology and performance analysis by introducing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based eye-tracking analysis in sport with wearable technology and light neural networks that are capable of running in real time. Full article

Salivary thiocyanate (SCN⁻) has long been recognized for its role in mucosal defense and antioxidant function, yet its behavior during physical activity remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate salivary thiocyanate as a novel salivary biomarker responsive to exercise. A standard Vis–photometric method (thiocyanatoiron-complex formation) was utilized and validated for the rapid quantification of thiocyanate in saliva. The method was applied to two experimental setups: (i) a controlled treadmill protocol involving incremental running intensities (20%, 60%, and 90% VO₂max-mL/kg/min), and (ii) field sampling of athletes from various sports before and after their typical training sessions, managing a total of 162 athletes. This work is the first to quantitatively investigate thiocyanate as an exercise-induced salivary biomarker, validated through both controlled and real-world settings. Additionally, subgroup analysis across sex and smoking status revealed inter-individual variation in salivary SCN⁻ profiles. Across both setups, during controlled exercise intensity increment and typical training routine, thiocyanate concentrations consistently decreased in response to physical exertion. These results were statistically significant and reflected in both male and female athletes. This is the very first study that determines salivary SCN⁻ during any kind of physical exercise and opens new pathways for non-invasive sampling and for monitoring physiological stress and immune response in athletic populations. Full article

Background: Beach volleyball (BVb) is a highly demanding Olympic sport characterized by intense physical activity and unique environmental challenges, including varying weather conditions and sandy, unstable court surfaces. Despite its popularity, there is a notable lack of scientific research addressing the metabolic and immune responses of elite female athletes in this sport. This study aims to address this gap by investigating two world-class Olympic medalists, female BVb players, who represent a country with a rich history in the sport. Methods: Two athletes underwent a simulated competition day consisting of two matches. A standardized protocol was utilized to collect blood and urine samples at seven time points, allowing for analysis throughout the competition and recovery phases. The analysis included various electrolytes, as well as hematological, metabolic, and inflammatory markers. Additionally, we assessed selected hormones, such as insulin, serotonin, ACTH, and cortisol, along with amino acids related to energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Results: Both athletes presented a trend toward electrolyte disturbances, especially hypokalemia, with a mean decrease of 15% and individual values reaching as low as 3.3 mmol/L post-match. This indicates that BVb may pose a risk for such disturbances. Additionally, the matches led to 20% to 60% increases in muscle injury markers, with incomplete recovery even after a day of rest, signaling persistent physiological stress post-competition. This increase was matched by stimulating stress hormones (ACTH and cortisol rose up to 4-fold and 3-fold, respectively), and markers of exercise intensity, such as lactate and ammonium. Moreover, the simulated BVb competition day impacted the amino acid response, with the Fischer ratio (BCAA/AAA) and blood tryptophan decreasing to a minimum of 60% of the initial levels and blood serotonin increasing by up to 180%, which are signs of an increased risk of central fatigue onset, according to the Fischer and Newsholme theory. Conclusions: The responses examined in this exploratory study contribute to a deeper understanding of the metabolic and immune demands placed on elite female BVb players, suggesting practical applications. By addressing the similar physiological responses observed among the athletes and emphasizing their unique individual responses—despite following the same protocol under identical conditions and sharing similar life habits for an extended period—this study highlights the critical necessity for the n-of-1 monitoring of athletes. Full article

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential for microgeneration of electrical energy from human physical activity and reviews current commercial and research solutions, including stationary bicycles, treadmills, rowing ergometers, strength equipment, and kinetic floor systems. The physiological foundations of human energy generation are examined, with attention to key factors such as age, gender, fitness level, maximum oxygen uptake, heart rate, and hydration. The study includes mathematical models of energy conversion from metabolic to electrical output, incorporating fatigue as a limiting factor in long-duration performance. Available energy storage technologies (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and flywheels) and intelligent energy management systems (EMS) for use in sports facilities and net-zero energy buildings are also reviewed. As part of the study, a conceptual design of a multifunctional training and diagnostic device is proposed to illustrate potential technological directions. This device integrates microgeneration with dynamic physiological monitoring and adaptive load control through power electronic conversion. The paper highlights both the opportunities and limitations of harvesting human-generated energy and outlines future directions for sustainable energy applications in fitness environments. A preliminary economic analysis is also included, showing that while the energy payback alone is limited, the device offers commercial potential when combined with diagnostic and smart fitness services and may contribute to broader building energy efficiency strategies through integration with intelligent energy systems. Full article

Muscle fatigue impacts performance in sports, rehabilitation, and daily activities, with surface electromyography (sEMG) widely used for monitoring. In this study, we developed a wearable sEMG device and conducted experiments to create a dataset for fatigue analysis. The sEMG signals were analyzed through a multi-domain feature extraction pipeline, incorporating time-domain (e.g., RMS, ARV), frequency-domain (e.g., MNF), and hybrid-domain metrics (e.g., MNF/ARV ratio, Instantaneous Mean Amplitude Difference), to identify physiologically meaningful indicators of fatigue. To ensure inter-subject comparability, we applied a dynamic standardization strategy that normalized each feature based on the RMS value of the first active segment, establishing a consistent baseline across participants. Using these standardized features, we explored several fatigue index construction methods—such as weighted sums, t-SNE, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA)—to capture fatigue progression effectively. We then trained and evaluated multiple machine learning models such as LR, SVR, RF, GBM, LSTM, CNN, and kNN to predict fatigue levels, selecting the most effective approach for real-time monitoring. Integrated into a wireless BLE-enabled sensor platform, the system offers seamless body placement, mobility, and efficient data transmission. An initial calibration phase ensures adaptation to individual muscle profiles, enhancing accuracy. By balancing on-device processing with efficient wireless communication, this platform delivers scalable, real-time fatigue monitoring across diverse applications. Full article

Background: The physiological requirements of a successful team sport performance partly depend on iron-facilitated mechanisms. However, how low iron stores affect team sport athletes remains unclear. Purpose: To explore the influence of iron status on strength and power performance in elite female Australian Rules Football players. Methods: Iron indices were measured in 30 players (age 23 ± 4 y; body mass 70 ± 6 kg) at the start and end of the 10-week preseason. Players were categorized as iron deficient (ID; serum ferritin (sFer) < 40 µg/L) or iron sufficient (sFer > 40 µg/L). Over this period, three-repetition maximum and sport-specific performance measures were evaluated. Results: Approximately 80% of all the sFer samples primarily ranged between 9 and 60 µg/L. Strength (e.g., squat, bench press) was up to 13% lower in ID players in week 1, with no substantial differences between groups during week 10. There were marginal differences (ID: −1% to +3%) in performance for all the remaining measures between groups (e.g., 10-m sprint). Very weak to moderate correlations were observed between all the performance measures and fixed effects (e.g., sFer, other strength assessments), increasing to moderate to very strong correlations when accounting for random effects (athlete). Conclusions: Iron deficiency may compromise strength performance, but this shortcoming may not translate to measures of power and speed. Individualized iron monitoring practices for athlete health and performance are encouraged. Full article

The surface properties of the running surface have an effect on physiological and biomechanical responses to exercise, but their influence on body composition, blood pressure, and knee joint kinetics during controlled sports loading is less researched. This study compared the effects of treadmill running (TR) and overground running (OR) on acute physiological and biomechanical adaptation in ten male athletes aged between 23 and 26 years old following a 30 min protocol at 75% VO₂max. Pre- and post-running body composition (fat volume, protein content, and fluid distribution), blood pressure, and knee joint kinetics (total work of muscle extensors—TWMEs) were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, blood pressure monitor, and isokinetic dynamometry. The results indicated that TR led to highly significant reductions in protein content with a considerable accumulation of intracellular fluid. At the same time, TR reduced knee TWME by 27.4%, and OR elevated TWME by 5.6%. No significant differences in blood pressure were observed. These findings highlight surface-specific metabolic stress and biomechanical loading patterns and show that TR augments catabolic responses and knee joint strain despite equivalent external workloads. Full article

Background/Objectives: The impact of the menstrual cycle on the well-being and injury risk of young elite female athletes is poorly understood. This study assessed how the menstrual cycle phase influences perceived well-being and injury risk among young elite female team athletes aged 14–18 throughout a season. Methods: Wellness data, time-loss injuries, and menstrual cycle information were prospectively recorded for 59 young elite female team players throughout one season. The menstrual cycle was categorized into four phases using a standardized model: early follicular (menstruation), late follicular, early luteal, and late luteal (pre-menstrual) phases. Results: Significant differences were observed in wellness data, especially in sleep and fatigue, with poorer sleep quality and greater fatigue reported during the early luteal and late luteal (pre-menstrual) phases (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle was significantly associated with a higher incidence of sports injuries, particularly for joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries (p = 0.024 and p = 0.040, respectively). Conclusions: In elite female team athletes, poor sleep, increased fatigue, and elevated injury risk were significantly observed during the luteal phases of the menstrual cycle (early and pre-menstrual). These findings emphasize the importance of individualized monitoring and adaptive training strategies to mitigate the physiological effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance and injury risk. Full article

Maintaining optimal hydration is critical for physiological function, particularly during intense physical activities, in which dehydration or overhydration can impair performance and recovery. Traditional methods for monitoring hydration status, such as body weight changes, bioelectrical impedance, and urine specific gravity, are limited by inconvenience and lack of real-time capability. This study introduces a novel graphene-based dual-sensing electrochemical sensor for the rapid and non-invasive quantification of sodium and potassium concentrations in human sweat, key biomarkers of hydration status. Leveraging graphene’s exceptional conductivity and functionalization potential, the sensor employs open-circuit potentiometry (OCP) to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting sodium and potassium. The sensor performance was validated against that of a commercial analyzer and ICP-OES, demonstrating a near-Nernstian response (61.93 mV/decade for sodium and 61.21 mV/decade for potassium detection) and a linear detection range spanning from 0.1 mM to 100 mM for both sodium and potassium monitoring in sweat. Sweat samples from an athlete during endurance exercise confirmed the sensor’s reliability, with results closely matching those of ICP-OES and outperforming the commercial analyzer in regards to accuracy and sample efficiency. This work represents a cross-validated study of a sweat-based sensor with a second analytical technique, highlighting its potential as a real-time hydration monitoring tool for use in sports and beyond. Full article