Search Results (232)

Background: Training planning in military environments is complex due to diverse operational demands and constant exposure to stressors. When combined with high training volumes and insufficient recovery, this can result in physical and mental overload. Regular assessments are crucial to monitor the condition of personnel and adjust training accordingly, though more research is needed to effectively track performance in real operational settings. Objectives: This study aims to monitor neuromuscular and psychological performance in relation to training load in a military school, addressing the research gap in tracking performance in operational settings. Methods: Overall, 27 marines (age: 27.9 ± 4.8 years; height: 178.1 ± 6.3 cm; weight: 79.1 ± 7.8 kg) were monitored over a 13-week academic-military training period to assess neuromuscular performance and psychological fatigue. Results: Laboratory tests included the countermovement jump (p = 0.002), isometric mid-thigh pull (p = 0.001), and handgrip strength for both dominant (p = 0.947) and non-dominant hands (p = 0.665). Field tests involved maximum pull-ups (p = 0.015), push-ups (p = 0.001), and the medicine ball throw (p = 0.334). Psychological evaluation via the POMS questionnaire showed the highest negative mood scores in Tension–Anxiety, Depression–Melancholia, and Fatigue–Inertia, while Vigor–Activity was the highest positive state. RESTQ-Sport results indicated total recovery was 68.9% greater than total stress. Conclusions: Despite improvements in some field tests, no significant neuromuscular gains were observed, likely due to excessive training loads, limited recovery, and sustained stress. Full article

Mouthguards are recommended for all sports that may cause injuries to the head and oral cavity. Custom mouthguards, made conventionally in the thermoforming process from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), face challenges with thinning at the incisor area during the process. In contrast, additive manufacturing (AM) processes enable the precise reproduction of the dimensions specified in a computer-aided design (CAD) model. The potential use of filament extrusion materials in the fabrication of custom mouthguards has not yet been explored in comparative studies. Our research aimed to compare five commercially available filaments for the material extrusion (MEX) also known as fused deposition modelling (FDM) of custom mouthguards using a desktop 3D printer. Samples made using Copper 3D PLActive, Spectrum Medical ABS, Braskem Bio EVA, DSM Arnitel ID 2045, and NinjaFlex were compared to EVA Erkoflex, which served as a control sample. The samples underwent tests for ultimate tensile strength (UTS), split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) performance, drop-ball impact, abrasion resistance, absorption, and solubility. The results showed that Copper 3D PLActive and Spectrum Medical ABS had the highest tensile strength. DSM Arnitel ID 2045 had the highest dynamic property performance, measured with the SHPB and drop-ball tests. On the other hand, NinjaFlex exhibited the lowest abrasion resistance and the highest absorption and solubility. DSM Arnitel ID 2045’s absorption and solubility levels were comparable to those of EVA, but had significantly lower abrasion resistance. Ultimately, DSM Arnitel ID 2045 is recommended as the best filament for 3D-printing mouthguards. The properties of this biocompatible material ensure high-impact energy absorption while maintaining low fluid sorption and solubility, supporting its safe intra-oral application for mouthguard fabrication. However, its low abrasion resistance indicated that mouthguards made from this material may need to be replaced more frequently. Full article

This study aimed to compare isometric strength, range of motion (RoM), and strength ratios of shoulder internal and external rotators between female volleyball and hand ball players Twenty-five volleyball players (age = 21.8 ± 4.8 years, height = 178.5 ± 7.1 cm, mass = 69.3 ± 7.7 kg) and twenty-four handball players (age = 19.5 ± 2.9 years, height = 169.7 ± 6.4 cm, mass = 67.6 ± 8.4 kg), all competing in the Slovenian 1st national league, participated. Maximal isometric strength and passive RoM of internal and external rotation were measured bilaterally using a handheld dynamometer and goniometer, respectively. A significant group × side interaction was observed for internal rotation RoM (F = 5.41; p = 0.024; η² = 0.10), with volleyball players showing lower RoM on the dominant side (p = 0.001; d = 0.89), but this was not the case for handball players (p = 0.304). External rotation strength also showed a significant interaction (F = 9.34; p = 0.004; η² = 0.17); volleyball players were stronger in the non-dominant arm (p = 0.033), while handball players were stronger in the dominant arm (p = 0.041). The external-to-internal rotation strength ratio was significantly lower on the dominant side in volleyball players compared to handball players (p = 0.047; d = 0.59). Findings suggest sport-specific adaptations and asymmetries in shoulder function, emphasizing the need for sport-specific and individually tailored injury prevention strategies. Volleyball players, in particular, may benefit from targeted strengthening of external rotators and flexibility training to address imbalances. Full article

Capturing the interactions between moving objects is vital in traffic analysis, sports, and animal behavior, but remains challenging because of subtle spatiotemporal dynamics. This paper introduces HAIMO (Hybrid Analysis of the Interaction of Moving Objects), a conceptual framework that combines knowledge-driven AI for interpretable, symbolic interaction representations with data-driven models trained through self-supervised learning (SSL) on large sets of unlabeled trajectory data. In HAIMO, we propose using transformer architectures to model complex spatiotemporal dependencies while maintaining interpretability through symbolic reasoning. To illustrate the feasibility of this hybrid approach, we present a basic proof-of-concept using elite tennis rallies, where the knowledge-driven component identifies interaction patterns between players and the ball, and we outline how SSL-enhanced transformer models could support and strengthen movement prediction. By bridging symbolic reasoning and self-supervised data-driven learning, HAIMO provides a conceptual foundation for future GeoAI and spatiotemporal analytics, especially in applications where both pattern discovery and explainability are crucial. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare movement variability (MV) during the spike jump (S) action with and without a ball in volleyball players of different categories and playing positions. Methods: A total of 48 volleyball players participated in this study. The players were divided according to the following categories: under-14 (U-14) (n = 12); U-16 (n = 12); U-19 (n = 12); and SENIOR (n = 12). Also, they were divided according to playing position: hitters (n = 24); liberos (n = 5); middle blockers (n = 12); and setters (n = 7). The S action with and without a ball was analyzed. Acceleration was analyzed using an IMU device. Acceleration was used to calculate MV through sample entropy (SampEn). Results: Differences were observed in all categories when comparing the S action with and without the ball (p < 0.001). SampEn was higher in the U-14 category (p < 0.001). Regarding playing positions, SampEn was lower in the hitter position compared to the middle blocker (p < 0.001) and libero (p < 0.001). There were significant inverse correlations between years of experience and SampEn (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The inclusion of a ball during the S action increases MV. MV is higher in the U-14 category compared to the rest. The hitter position showed lower MV compared to the other playing positions. Full article

This article presents a series of innovative systems developed through student laboratory projects, comprising two autonomous vehicles, a quadrupedal walking robot, an active ankle-foot orthosis, a ball-on-beam balancing mechanism, a ball-on-plate system, and a manipulator arm, all actuated by pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs). Due to their flexibility, low weight, and compliance, fluidic muscles demonstrate substantial potential for integration into various mechatronic systems, robotic platforms, and manipulators. Their capacity to generate smooth and adaptive motion is particularly advantageous in applications requiring natural and human-like movements, such as rehabilitation technologies and assistive devices. Despite the inherent challenges associated with nonlinear behavior in PAM-actuated control systems, their biologically inspired design remains promising for a wide range of future applications. Potential domains include industrial automation, the automotive and aerospace sectors, as well as sports equipment, medical assistive devices, entertainment systems, and animatronics. The integration of self-constructed laboratory systems powered by PAMs into control systems education provides a comprehensive pedagogical framework that merges theoretical instruction with practical implementation. This methodology enhances the skillset of future engineers by deepening their understanding of core technical principles and equipping them to address emerging challenges in engineering practice. Full article

Cricket is a dynamic sport, making the selection of key performance indicators (KPIs) challenging. Objective: The study aims to identify KPIs in Twenty-20 (T20) cricket affecting match outcomes. Methods: Cricket performance data was analysed from three seasons of male T20 matches, identifying 136 performance indicators (PIs). The random forest algorithm and lasso logistic regression were used to develop a model to predict match outcomes. Results: The hybrid model achieved 85.9% accuracy with leave-one-out cross-validation statistical analyses. Sixteen KPIs were identified and ranked by importance including wickets lost in the last six overs, two or more wickets in the second innings, run rate in the last six overs, wickets by seam and spin bowling, batting strike rate, singles percentage in the second innings, sixes in the first innings, overs bowled by seam, runs in last six overs, sixes in middle overs, total catches in second innings, dot ball percentage, opening partnership runs, dot balls in the opening six, and singles in the last six. Conclusions: Cricket match performance in the final overs, especially bowling strike rate and scoring runs, were crucial for successful match outcomes. These KPIs offer insights into team strategy, player selection, and match performance evaluation in T20 cricket. Full article

Background: In recent years, padel-based interventions have been widely applied in junior and elite players of both genders concerning athletic performance, whereas evidence of their efficacy in trials that use simple randomization has not been well established. This study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of padel training (PD) on the strength and power of untrained healthy children. Methods: Twenty-five children aged 11–15 years (12.36 ± 1.15 years) were randomly assigned into experimental (PD) (nine boys and five girls: 1.58 ± 0.04 m; 50.00 ± 6.75 kg; and 19.96 ± 1.95 kg/m²) and control (CT) (seven boys and four girls: 1.60 ± 0.05 m; 56.92 ± 2.75 kg; and 21.61 ± 1.02 kg/m²) groups. The PD group trained twice a week for 8 weeks, and the CT group did not follow any training program and did not participate in regular exercise or sports. Countermovement jump, medicine ball throw, handgrip, and 5 m sprint test results were measured at baseline and after the intervention in the padel sport group. Results: The results showed a significant interaction for training-induced responses in the sprint test (T5) (F = 10.55, p = 0.004, η² = 0.31). No significant interactions were observed for handgrip strength (HG) (F = 3.90, p=0.06), the medicine ball throw (MBT) (F = 0.851, p = 0.37, η² = 0.04), and the countermovement jump (F = 1.04, p =0.32, η² = 0.04), with clear improvements from pre- to post-training in the PD group. After 8 weeks of training, the PD group showed increased performance in handgrip strength (p = 0.004), while the CT group had decreased velocity post-training (p = 0.011). Conclusions: The individual results in the PD group showed an improvement, which suggests that the practice of padel seems to be a good strategy for improving one’s fitness. It is suggested that 8 weeks of PD seem to be effective in improving strength- and power-related variables in healthy, untrained children. This could be considered an alternative to traditional sports to improve the body fitness of young children and should be applied in school-based programs and the sports club community. Also, more high-quality RCTs are needed in the future. Full article

Background: Hypertension is a significant public health issue, particularly in individuals with comorbidities such as COPD and T2DM, which exacerbate cardiovascular risk and impair quality of life. While physical activity is an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure and improving health markers, conventional therapies often lack the social and psychological benefits of team sports. Team sports conducted as small-sided games provide a dynamic, engaging approach that combines physical, social, and psychological advantages, making them particularly suitable for individuals with complex chronic conditions. Methods: This non-randomized intervention study involved twenty-eight hypertensive patients, including 16 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (8 men and 8 women) and 12 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (7 men and 5 women). Participants engaged in a training program, primarily consisting of team sports (floorball and cone ball), at a municipal health center twice a week for 12 weeks. Results: The intervention led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.006), with patients with COPD and T2DM showing decreases of 9.6 ± 12.7 mmHg and 12.4 ± 19.0 mmHg, respectively. Additionally, the time to complete the 2.45 m “Up and Go” test improved significantly (p < 0.001), with both COPD (p = 0.011) and T2DM (p = 0.005) patients demonstrating notable improvements. However, no significant changes were observed in body mass, chair stand performance, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength, or diastolic blood pressure following the intervention. Conclusions: Team sports training conducted in a municipality health center is effective in lowering blood pressure and improving functional capacity in hypertensive COPD and T2DM patients. Full article

Background: To cope with their horizontal swimming phases, water polo players use different swimming techniques, such as specific variants of the crawl swimming style. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the swimming skills of young water polo players. Methods: An all-out 25-m sprint swimming test in crawl style was completed by 273 international youth water polo players (age = 14.0 ± 0.8 yrs) in two modalities: basic crawl with the head in the water (25C_HeadIN), and a crawl performed while dribbling the ball (25C_Ball). Results: We registered an average time of 14.79 and 15.64 s for 25C_HeadIN and 25C_Ball, respectively, in which the ball dribbling increased to 5% of the swimming time. A swimming skill index (25C_SIC) was calculated to account for differences in ball dribbling speeds, which, considering our international sample and in the absence of previous data, we could speculate as the first international standard value for 14-year-old male water polo players competing at international level. The averaged values for 25C_SI and 25C_SIC were 0.94 ± 0.04 (a.u.) and 1.52 ± 0.15 (a.u.), respectively. Factor analysis indicated that swimming with and without the ball are structurally distinct technical skills, highlighting the specificity of these water polo players’ abilities. Moreover, the study shows significant differences (p < 0.05) between players from different countries and despite some limitations, its results provide valuable insights for the assessment and development of sprint swimming skills in youth water polo players. Conclusions: In summary, the findings of this research provide practical implications for training, player selection, player development and the optimization of youth water polo player performance. Full article

Purpose: Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, has seen a rapid increase in participation across all age groups, particularly among older adults. However, the sport introduces specific risks for ocular injuries due to the unique dynamics of gameplay and the physical properties of the pickleball. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of pickleball-related eye injuries, utilizing finite element modeling (FEM) to simulate ocular trauma and better understand injury mechanisms. Methods: A multi-modal approach was employed to investigate pickleball-related ocular injuries. Finite element modeling (FEM) was used to simulate blunt trauma to the eye caused by a pickleball. The FEM incorporated detailed anatomical models of the periorbital structures, cornea, sclera, and vitreous body, using hyperelastic material properties derived from experimental data. The simulations evaluated various impact scenarios, including changes in ball velocity, angle of impact, and material stiffness, to determine the stress distribution, peak strain, and deformation in ocular structures. The FEM outputs were correlated with clinical findings to validate the injury mechanisms. Results: The FE analysis revealed that the rigid, hard-plastic construction of a pickleball results in concentrated stress and strain transfer to ocular structures upon impact. At velocities exceeding 30 mph, simulations showed significant corneal deformation, with peak stresses localized at the limbus and anterior sclera. Moreover, our results show a significant stress applied to lens zonules (as high as 0.35 MPa), leading to potential lens dislocation. Posterior segment deformation was also observed, with high strain levels in the retina and vitreous, consistent with clinical observations of retinal tears and vitreous hemorrhage. Validation against reported injuries confirmed the model’s accuracy in predicting both mild injuries (e.g., corneal abrasions) and severe outcomes (e.g., hyphema, globe rupture). Conclusions: Finite element analysis provides critical insights into the biomechanical mechanisms underlying pickleball-related ocular injuries. The findings underscore the need for preventive measures, particularly among older adults, who exhibit age-related vulnerabilities. Education on the importance of wearing protective eyewear and optimizing game rules to minimize high-risk scenarios, such as close-range volleys, is essential. Further refinement of the FEM, including parametric studies and integration of protective eyewear, can guide the development of safety standards and reduce the socio-economic burden of these injuries. Full article

This study aimed to analyze the in-match physical requirements of cerebral palsy football (CP football) players over an entire national league season (56 matches) and their relationship with team performance-related metrics. Key variables examined included total distance, distance at different intensities, acceleration/deceleration patterns, and ball contacts at various intensities. Statistical analyses (one-way ANOVA, t-tests, Pearson’s correlations, and multiple linear regressions) were conducted to identify differences and predictive relationships between these physical requirements and team success indicators (ranking position, points, and goal-related outcomes). Higher-ranked teams covered significantly greater total and walking distances (t = 2.73 and 3.09, p < 0.01). Total distance had the strongest relationship with team performance (r = 0.91–0.99, R² = 0.82–0.99), followed by walking and low-intensity distances (r = 0.71–0.92, R² = 0.66–0.88) and certain acceleration/deceleration actions. In contrast, no significant differences were found in high-intensity actions or ball contact patterns between teams with different performance-related outcomes. These findings suggest that success in CP football is closely related to total distance, particularly at low intensities, indicating a strong connection between physical requirements and tactical strategies. These insights are valuable for coaches and sports professionals, helping to optimize match strategies and training approaches to enhance team performance. Full article

The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in sports training has the potential to revolutionize skill development, yet cost-effective solutions remain scarce, particularly in table tennis. To bridge this gap, we present an intelligent training system leveraging computer vision and machine learning for real-time performance analysis. The system integrates YOLOv5 for high-precision ball detection (98% accuracy) and MediaPipe for athlete posture evaluation. A dynamic time-wrapping algorithm further assesses stroke effectiveness, demonstrating statistically significant discrimination between beginner and intermediate players (p = 0.004 and Cohen’s d = 0.86) in a cohort of 50 participants. By automating feedback and reducing reliance on expert observation, this system offers a scalable tool for coaching, self-training, and sports analysis. Its modular design also allows adaptation to other racket sports, highlighting broader utility in athletic training and entertainment applications. Full article

In the era of digital advancement, the integration of Deep Learning (DL) algorithms is revolutionizing performance monitoring in football. Due to restrictions on monitoring devices during games to prevent unfair advantages, coaches are tasked to analyze players’ movements and performance visually. As a result, Computer Vision (CV) technology has emerged as a vital non-contact tool for performance analysis, offering numerous opportunities to enhance the clarity, accuracy, and intelligence of sports event observations. However, existing CV studies in football face critical challenges, including low-resolution imagery of distant players and balls, severe occlusion in crowded scenes, motion blur during rapid movements, and the lack of large-scale annotated datasets tailored for dynamic football scenarios. This review paper fills this gap by comprehensively analyzing advancements in CV, particularly in four key areas: player/ball detection and tracking, motion prediction, tactical analysis, and event detection in football. By exploring these areas, this review offers valuable insights for future research on using CV technology to improve sports performance. Future directions should prioritize super-resolution techniques to enhance video quality and improve small-object detection performance, collaborative efforts to build diverse and richly annotated datasets, and the integration of contextual game information (e.g., score differentials and time remaining) to improve predictive models. The in-depth analysis of current State-Of-The-Art (SOTA) CV techniques provides researchers with a detailed reference to further develop robust and intelligent CV systems in football. Full article

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) screening is crucial in pre-participation evaluations (PPEs) for elite athletes, aiding in the early detection of cardiac adaptations and potential risks. Elite female gymnasts experience unique cardiovascular adaptations due to intensive training, yet limited longitudinal data exist on their ECG evolution. This study introduces Oracle Crystal Ball, a predictive tool for forecasting ECG abnormalities and assessing PPE cost-effectiveness to optimize screening protocols. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed ECG and cardiovascular parameters in twelve elite female gymnasts who underwent up to 14 PPEs over several years at the National Institute of Sports Medicine, Romania. Longitudinal ECG trends, training variables, and biochemical markers were examined using statistical analyses, including logistic regression, repeated measures ANOVA, and time-series forecasting (ARIMA). Monte Carlo simulations assessed the cost-effectiveness of 6-month vs. 12-month PPE schedules. Results: The athletes exhibited significant cardiovascular adaptations, including progressive declines in resting heart rate and training-induced ECG changes. Junctional escape rhythms and T-wave inversions (V1–V3) increased with age, requiring refined ECG interpretation. Predictive modeling demonstrated the feasibility of individualized risk stratification, while a cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that a 12-month PPE schedule was financially advantageous without reducing diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: Longitudinal ECG monitoring and predictive analytics improve risk assessment in elite gymnasts. Oracle Crystal Ball enhances athlete-specific screening, minimizing unnecessary tests while ensuring early detection of clinically significant ECG changes. A 12-month PPE schedule is a cost-effective alternative for elite athletes. Full article