Search Results (184)

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

Background: Sports performance indicators are mainly based on male athletes, highlighting the importance of portraying the female reality, particularly in rural contexts. This study aims to characterize sports performance indicators (body composition and physical fitness) of young Portuguese female athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 girls (13.66 ± 1.93 years) participating in federated team sports in a rural region of Portugal. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and physical fitness was evaluated through vertical jump tests (countermovement jump and squat jump), sprint (20 m), agility (T-test), handgrip strength, and cardiovascular endurance (Yo-Yo IR1). Results: Volleyball players are taller; football and basketball players are heavier; football and volleyball players have more fat-free mass than handball players (p < 0.05). Body mass index and % body fat did not differ between sports (p > 0.05). Volleyball players performed better in the countermovement jump (F = 4.146, p = 0.008) and squat jump (F = 7.686, p < 0.001) when compared to basketball, football, and handball players. No differences were observed in the speed or cardiorespiratory endurance tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results revealed that, despite some specific differences between sports, most physical fitness indicators did not differ significantly between sports after controlling for age, menarche, and training experience. These findings suggest that shared contextual limitations in rural regions may take precedence over sport-specific adaptations in the early stages of sports participation. Full article

Background: Athletic success depends not only on physical performance and psychological well-being but also on the effective emotional regulation of adaptive processes to prevent sports injuries in stressful situations such as competition. This study analyzes the relationship between emotional state, pre-competitive anxiety, and injury incidence in female volleyball players throughout an entire competitive season. Methods: The POMS and CSAI-2 questionnaires were administered before 16 league matches to 21 high-performance players (mean age = 29.66 ± 5.19 years). Results: Players exhibited an iceberg mood profile with low levels of pre-competitive anxiety. Negative moods were higher at the start and decreased over time, while positive moods increased as matches progressed (p < 0.05). Anxiety remained stable throughout. Additionally, 28.6% of players experienced injuries; injured players showed higher cognitive anxiety, lower self-confidence, and emotional instability, suggesting a potential psychological risk profile for injury, even though group differences did not reach statistical significance. Significant correlations were found between Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) and cognitive anxiety (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) and between vigor and self-confidence (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), indicating a bidirectional relationship. A bidirectional relationship between mood and anxiety was confirmed, highlighting the POMS Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) index as a global emotional indicator. Conclusions: These findings suggest that managing worries, self-confidence, and emotional balance are key factors in injury prevention, emphasizing the importance of regularly monitoring and managing psychological indicators as part of injury prevention strategies. Full article

Interventions based on improving athletes’ adaptive capacity to game environment conditions have been widely developed in sports science. The objective of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature on interventions and applications, from an ecological perspective, for the tactical performance of volleyball players. A systematic search was conducted in five electronic scientific databases in accordance with PRISMA guidelines: Web of Science (WOS), PubMed (Medline), Scopus, SportDiscus and Google Scholar. A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria, all published after 2014. The risk of bias and main characteristics of the articles in different contexts were assessed. Particular attention was paid to recording data related to the characteristics of manipulation or the timing of the intervention. The results showed that these approaches influenced tactical variables in volleyball game situations. In this sense, short-session interventions with small-sided games and modifications of structural elements aid athletes’ self-regulation in different environments. Furthermore, results show that this approach allows for improvements in individual and collective tactical behavior. Based on the data analyzed, we recommend the use of ecological tasks, based on representative and modified practices that promote player adaptation, as a methodological tool in the volleyball training process. 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

Despite its fundamental role in volleyball, the impact of serving on game dynamics during elite competitions remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the differences in serve types, directions, and outcomes of the 2023 Pan American Games. Using a quantitative cross-sectional approach with a non-experimental descriptive design, we analyzed serve types, directions, and outcomes across multiple matches. Direct observation, supplemented with advanced video analysis software, facilitated accurate data collection using observational methodology. The results revealed that 81.716% of the servers were floating servers, and 18.284% were power servers. Zone 1 (38.806%) was the primary origin, followed by Zones 6 (33.022%) and 5 (27.985%). Regarding destinations, Zone 6 had the highest proportion of serves (41.231%). Significant differences in serving effectiveness emerged between teams (χ² = 50.318, p < 0.001), with 57.553% of receptions classified as “in-system” and 17.208% resulting in direct points. Power servers were associated with a higher immediate scoring rate (χ² = 8.532, p = 0.003) and a greater risk of errors. Although the origin of the serve showed no significant association with the direct-point probability, it influenced the serve direction (χ² = 33.985, p = 0.036). In conclusion, the results revealed statistically significant differences with respect to serve type. Power serves led to a higher proportion of “in-system” receptions compared to float serves, and produced more direct points, although both predominantly targeted the central zones (5 and 6). In contrast, the serve’s origin (right, left, or center) did not significantly influence the scoring likelihood or reception outcomes, but it did affect the choice of serve destination. These findings underscore the strategic importance of serve type in maximizing offensive effectiveness. Full article

Background/Objectives: The number of systematic reviews evaluating the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in sports is increasing. To synthesize pooled incidence and prevalence rates of sport-related ACL injuries based on published systematic reviews with meta-analyses. Methods: An overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis was conducted. The CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception to 17 October 2023. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess the methodological quality of reviews. The degree of overlap between reviews was calculated when possible. Results: Seven systematic reviews including 51 meta-analyses of interest were included. The prevalence of ACL injuries was not meta-analyzed. Meta-analyses mainly showed that ACL injuries may have a high incidence in American football, basketball, European football/soccer, and volleyball, among other sports. In addition, ACL injuries may have a higher incidence in females than males in some sports. For example, the pooled incidence rates of ACL injuries in basketball ranged from 0.091 (95%CI, 0.074–0.111) to 0.110 (95%CI, 0.094–0.128) among female athletes, whereas this incidence ranged from 0.024 (95%CI, 0.016–0.034) to 0.027 (95%CI, 0.019–0.035) among male athletes. Conclusions: Sport-related ACL injuries may have a high incidence in sports such as American football, basketball, European football/soccer, or volleyball and show differences between sexes. Therefore, a sex-specific prevention of these injuries may be needed. Full article

Objectives: The study aims to compare three distinct protocols—Moore, Mirwald, and the new BAUSport^TM SonicBone system—for predicting somatic maturation in youth athletes. Methods: The participants were female members of the Croatian national volleyball youth team (U-17) (n = 16). The study involved comprehensive measurements, including height, weight, sitting height, leg length, wrist diameter, hand joint diameter, hand grip strength, and ultrasound measurements for skeletal age assessment. Results: Correlation analysis showed moderate to strong correlations between the Moore and Mirwald skeletal age estimates, but both showed weaker correlations with the BAUSport^TM skeletal age. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant difference between the Moore and Mirwald methods (p > 0.05); significant differences between both the Moore and Mirwald methods and the BAUSport^TM method (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that height, weight, sitting height, leg length, wrist diameter, and hand joint diameter explained 69% of BAUSport^TM, with wrist diameter being the only significant predictor. While the Moore and Mirwald methods remain useful tools for estimating the timing of an athlete’s growth spurt, BAUSport^TM represents a potential advancement in skeletal age assessment. Further research is needed to validate BAUSport^TM across diverse populations and optimize its calibration to accommodate anatomical variations. Conclusions: The findings suggest that with further refinement, BAUSport^TM could become a new standard for monitoring skeletal development in youth athletes. Additionally, studies should explore comparative analyses with other emerging technologies, such as genetic markers, hormonal assessments, and MRI, for further understanding of biological maturation in talent identification. Full article

Background: During growth, the reduction in motor control makes core stability training essential, especially in sports involving dynamic jumps. Given the limited training time of adolescent athletes, finding strategies to maximize the effects of core stability training is crucial. This study analyzed the effects of incorporating body-centering techniques (a method that involves conscious modulation of intra-abdominal pressure to enhance postural stability during motor gestures) into a core stability training protocol on balance, trunk control, and lower limb explosive strength in adolescent volleyball players. Methods: Forty-four female volleyball athletes (15.6 ± 1.4 years of age) were randomly divided into three experimental groups: G1 = body-centering + core stability training; G2 = core stability training; and G3 = standard conditioning session. The athletes performed 30 min of differentiated intervention training twice a week for 8 weeks. Balance ability (Berg Balance Scale—BBS and Stork balance stand test—SBST), trunk control (Trunk Control test—TCT), and lower limb explosive strength (broad jump—BJ, squat jump—SJ, and drop jump—DJ) were assessed at the beginning (T0) and the end (T1) of the intervention period, and 12 weeks later (T2). Results: Data showed a significant improvement of BBS, SBST, DJ (p < 0.01), and TCT (p < 0.05) in G1 and G2 at T1 compared to T0, which persisted until T2 except for DJ in both groups. SJ improved only in G1 at T1 compared to T0 (p = 0.016). G1 showed a higher rate of improvement in SBST (T1: +18.2%; T2: +16.8%) and in DJ (T1: +3%) compared to G2 (SBST T1: +7.6%, T2: +5.2%; DJ: +2.5%). In addition, only G1 showed a significant improvement rate in BBS score (+2.2%) compared to G3 (+0.4%) at T1. Conclusions: These results suggested that core training improves balance, trunk control, and explosive strength in young volleyball athletes with and without body-centering. However, integrating body-centering into core exercises leads to better balance and jumping power than core stability training alone. Full article

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been proposed to improve strength, power, or speed following a conditioning contraction, yet, few studies have investigated its impact on postural performance. This study aimed to examine the effects of an acute bout of plyometric exercise with varying recovery intervals on unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and postural sway in female volleyball players. Twenty-four national-level female athletes (age: 20.83 ± 2.93 years; height: 1.72 ± 0.18 m; body mass: 61.21 ± 11.77 kg; and body mass index: 20.60 ± 2.67 kg/m²) participated in the study. They conducted unilateral CMJ and postural sway assessments on both dominant and non-dominant legs under baseline conditions, as well as four recovery intervals (2 min: R2, 4 min: R4, 6 min, R6, and 8 min: R8). These assessments were performed following a 30 s repetitive CMJ (RCMJ-30) serving as an acute plyometric conditioning activity. A force plate was used to capture force–time- and center of pressure-derived metrics. Maximum and mean jump heights during the RCMJ-30 test demonstrated moderate-to-good interday reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.62–0.83). Significant differences in unilateral CMJ and postural sway metrics were observed across conditions following the plyometric stimulus. R8 was the most effective recovery interval for improving both jump height and flight time in both legs (p < 0.01). The greatest enhancement in unilateral postural performance was found in the R6 condition (p < 0.05), with more pronounced effects in the non-dominant leg. These findings support the effectiveness of the RCMJ-30 as a PAPE protocol for enhancing both unilateral CMJ performance and postural control. Practitioners should adjust recovery intervals based on specific performance goals to maximize PAPE benefits. Full article

Background/Objectives: physical activity (PA) in children offers lifelong benefits, yet nearly four in five children are insufficiently active. We examined sex-specific differences in sport participation by sport type and its association with weight status. Methods: in the ongoing hand-on-heart-study (“Hand-aufs-Herz”), comprehensive data on sociodemographic profiles, PA, and anthropometry were collected from 922 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults (8–20 years) in Germany. Sex-specific differences in sport participation, sport types, and weight status were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models. Results: based on the eligibility criteria for analysis (ages 8–18 years), 883 pupils were included (mean age 13.1 ± 2.4 years), 406 (46%) were females. Compared to females, males had a 43% higher chance of being members of a sports club and were more likely to spend more days/week on sports (44–85%). Males participated more in football, martial arts, and basketball while females favored gymnastics and volleyball. As age increased, males had a 30% higher likelihood of not being sports club members (females: 13%). Overweight/obese males had twice the risk of lacking sports memberships. The largest body mass index (BMI) difference was found in males and females participating in athletics, with −4.64 kg/m² (males) and −1.99 kg/m² (females) compared to their counterparts without club memberships. Conclusions: in conclusion, sports participation should be encouraged especially among females and overweight/obese males. Targeted strategies should focus on promoting inclusive and non-competitive activities that cater to their interests. Full article

Sports injuries were prevalent across various sports and resulted in temporary or permanent limitations in an athlete’s competitive performance. This research aimed to compile and analyze studies on sports injuries among basketball, handball, and volleyball players, with a particular focus on their frequency, nature, and variations based on gender and player position. A systematic search was conducted using digital databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, ERIC, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, covering the period from 2015 to 2025. The search strategy involved relevant keywords and their combinations related to injuries and athletes, selecting studies that explored injury types, locations, and preventive measures. The findings indicated that lower limb injuries were the most prevalent in all three sports. Basketball players frequently experienced knee and ankle injuries, and handball players were prone to knee injuries, while volleyball players most commonly sustained knee and foot injuries. Additionally, specific risk factors contributing to these injuries were identified. Preventive interventions, such as neuromuscular training and plyometric exercises, were found to effectively reduce injury rates across these sports. The majority of studies suggested that female athletes had a higher injury incidence compared to their male counterparts. This may be attributed to several factors, including hormonal differences (such as the effect of estrogen on ligament laxity), anatomical factors (e.g., a larger Q-angle in women), and differences in training practices that could predispose female athletes to higher injury rates. Furthermore, regardless of the sport, injuries occurred more frequently during competition and tended to increase with the physical demands of the game. Full article

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of primarily asymmetrical (soccer and volleyball) and symmetrical sport load (sprint and swimming) in the upper and lower limbs on dynamic balance and muscle strength and to compare these values in the dominant and non-dominant limbs. This study employed a cross-sectional design, included 45 adolescent female athletes from four sports, divided into asymmetric (ASYM, n = 25) and symmetric (SYM, n = 20) groups. They were assessed for maximal voluntary isometric muscle contraction (MVIC) relative muscular strength using a handheld dynamometer (HHD) for shoulder external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR), as well as hamstring and quadricep strength. Upper and lower limb balance were also assessed using the Upper (YBT-UQ) and Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) tests. The results showed significantly greater balance in the upper extremities of swimmers and in the lower extremities of the sprinters in both the dominant (DS) and non-dominant (NDS) sides than in other groups (p < 0.0001). However, no significant difference in internal and external shoulder rotator muscles strength between the groups (p > 0.05). Although significant differences were found in hamstring strength on the dominant side and quadricep strength on both sides (p < 0.05), a notable finding was that sprint athletes consistently demonstrated stronger quadriceps muscles as compared to other groups in both the dominant and non-dominant sides. According to the current findings, there are significant differences in upper and lower body balance, hamstring, and quadricep muscle strength among sports. This suggests that athletes of asymmetrical sports may need to improve non-dominant side knee strength and balance symmetry to prevent the risk of injury. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eccentric loading during landing is considered a key factor in the development of patellar tendinopathy and is associated with stiff landings and patellar tendinopathy. This study aims to investigate the relationship between tendon structure, presence of pain, and sex differences in landing kinematics and kinetics during countermovement jumps (CMJ) and tuck jump tests (TJT) in professional volleyball players. Methods: Professional volleyball players aged 18 to 30 years old (14 females and 25 males) participated in a cross-sectional study. Data included the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Patellar Tendon (VISA-P) questionnaire; patellar tendon ultrasound characterization tissue (UTC) scans, in order to identify groups with misaligned tendon fibers (MTF) or aligned tendon fibers (ATF); and biomechanical assessments for CMJ and TJT. The joint angle (JA) at the lower limb was measured at peak ground reaction force (peak_vGRF) and maximal knee flexion (max_KF). A general linear model was used to evaluate joint JA differences between tendon alignment, pain, and sex variables. Sample t-tests compared peak_vGRF, load time, load rate, and area based on tendon alignment, pain presence, sex, and jump. The statistical significance of p-value is >0.05, and the effect size (ES) was also calculated. Results: The MTF group revealed decreased knee JA during TJT at peak_vGRF (p = 0.01; ES = −0.66) and max_KF (p = 0.02; ES = −0.23). The presence of pain was associated with increased JA during the CMJ, particularly at peak_vGRF and max_KF for trunk, hip, and ankle joints. Females showed decreased peak_vGRF than males. Landing with misaligned tendon fibers showed longer load times compared to aligned tendon fibers (p = 0.021; ES = −0.80). The TJT exhibited a greater load rate than the CMJ (p = 0.00; ES = −0.62). Conclusions: Pain is a critical factor influencing greater JA during landing, particularly at the trunk, hip, and ankle joints in CMJ. Misaligned tendon fibers compromise landing dynamics by increasing trunk JA during TJT. Kinetics varied significantly by sex and jump type, while pain and tendon structure revealed limited differences. Full article

Background: Bone mineral density (BMD) is crucial for bone health, contributing up to 50% of total bone mineral content during childhood and pre-adolescence, with the accumulation of bone mass in youth significantly impacting adult bone health. Physical activity, especially impact exercise, plays a fundamental role in strengthening bones. Objectives: The aim of this meta-analysis was to study the effects of basketball practice on BMD compared to other sports and free activity practice in children and adolescents. Methods: Observational studies were selected up to January 2024. A total of 492 articles were identified, of which 9 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Results: The BMD increase favored the group of basketball players in the total body (MD 0.07; CI 0.04 to 0.09; p < 0.001; I² = 93%), upper limbs (MD 0.10; CI 0.008 to 0.12; p < 0.001; I² = 96%), and lower limbs (MD 0.05; CI 0.03 to 0.07; p < 0.001; I² = 80%). Conclusions: Basketball practice in children and adolescents appears to be one of the most effective sports for enhancing BMD (total body and upper and lower limbs) compared to football, swimming, combat sports, other team sports, such as baseball and volleyball, as well as athletics and gymnastics. The high heterogeneity among studies, largely due to differences in sports, may limit the interpretation of the findings. Full article