Journal of Sports Sciences

The prediction of one-repetition maximum (1RM) using the submaximal load-velocity relationship (LVR) is highly relevant for the field of strength and conditioning. The optimal minimum velocity threshold (MVT) was recently proposed to increase the accuracy of 1RM predictions. However, using the average optimal MVT would allow for more practical estimations. LVRs of the free-weight back squat were obtained in 53 participants, throughout 2 sessions. LVRs were obtained using the multi- and two-point methods. Estimations of 1RM were made based on the average actual MVT (1RM velocity) and the average optimal MVT...

This study examined the effects of game schedule, travel demands and contextual factors on team game-related statistics during a full season. The top 10 teams competing in the 2020-2021 Euroleague basketball season were included where game-related statistics from their respective national competitions and the Euroleague competition were retrieved (761 games). Hierarchical linear regression models were computed to evaluate the effects of distance travelled, game schedule and contextual factors for the previous and current games (league, season phase, opponent level, game outcome, score differential) on key performance indicators (points, shooting, rebounds, assists, turnovers, fouls)...

On-water rowing performance consists of the integration of physical and technical attributes. This exploratory study aimed to describe key physical and technical variables for elite and junior rowers and examine the associations and predictive capacity of these variables with on-water rowing performance outcomes. Twenty-eight junior (16 females, 16 ± 0.8 years and 12 males, 17 ± 0.7 years) and 24 elite rowers (12 females, 24 ± 2.7 years and 12 males, 27 ± 2...

The aim was to assess concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of spatiotemporal gait parameters from a thoracic-placed inertial measurement unit (IMU) in lab- (Phase One) and field-based (Phase Two) conditions. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were compared (target speeds 3, 5 and 7.5 m·s-1 ) between a 100 Hz IMU and an optical measurement system (OptoJump Next, 1000 hz) in 14 trained individuals (Phase One). Additionally, 29 English Premier League football players performed weekly 3 × 60 m runs (5 m·s-1 ; observations = 1227; Phase Two)...

This study examined the prevalence of non-accidental violence, focusing on experienced harassment and abuse (HA), and mental health among current and retired Swedish competitive cheerleaders. An online survey was distributed to current and retired athletes in the Swedish cheerleading federation. The survey assessed perceived coach-athlete relationship, sport psychological safety, resilience, mental health, and experienced HA within the cheerleading environment. A total of 284 athletes (men = 5; women = 278; gender not disclosed = 1; current athletes = 211; retired athletes = 73) completed the survey...

We investigated the effects of a cognitive-motor dual-task training (CMDT) integrated into a physical training circuit. Specific tests on sprint, agility, and cognitive processes associated with anticipatory event-related potential (ERP) components and behavioural performance during a cognitive discrimination response task (DRT) were evaluated before and after the intervention. Thirty skilled basketball players were recruited and divided into an experimental group executing the "physical CMDT" and a control group performing standard physical training...

This study compared the associations among motor competence, health-related fitness, and physical activity measured by gold standard and field-based methods in children. A total of 248 first-grade children (153 boys) aged 6-7 years participated in the study. Motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD -2). Gold standard measures were percent body fat using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peak oxygen uptake per weight using a gas analyser, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity using accelerometers...

To better understand the in-match fuelling practices of elite football players and compare against current guidelines, we quantified the carbohydrate, fluid, and caffeine intake of players from an English Premier League club ( n  = 22) during 90 min of competitive match-play. Mean carbohydrate intake across match-play was 17 ± 11 g.h-1 with players demonstrating a preference towards CHO-containing fluids (58%) when compared with semi-solids (38%) and solids (14%), respectively...

The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) has been classified into fast (<250 ms) and slow (>250 ms) groups based on ground contact time (GCT) threshold values. However, there are gaps in the literature on how the 250 ms threshold value was found and which variables affect it. The purpose of this study is to validate the 250 ms threshold by investigating the factors affecting this threshold. For this purpose, force-time variables during a drop jump (DJ) with a force plate and achilles tendon (AT) muscle-tendon unit mechanical properties using shear-wave elastography in 46 recreationally active men were analysed...

The present study investigated burnout among esports players and its association with mental toughness and resilience. Esports players ( N  = 453; Mage  = 23.0, SD = 4.18; in the top 40% of in-game rank) from seven team-based esports completed the Athlete Burnout Scale (ABO-S), Mental Toughness Questionnaire 18 (MTQ-18), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Latent profile analysis identified three distinct burnout profiles: "low burnout risk" (LBR; 33...

This study aimed to compare the effects of an accentuated eccentric training programme on physical performance between men and women. Distributed in two groups by gender, 21 male and 21 female athletes performed four sets of seven repetitions of the half-squat exercise twice per week for 6 weeks. Both groups lifted the same absolute load using a rotary inertial device. To accentuate the eccentric action, the eccentric load was twice as heavy as the concentric load. Vertical jump, sprint, and change of direction (COD) performances were measured pre- and post-intervention...

Adolescents' physical activity (PA) and sports participation declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the critical socio-ecological factors for PA and sports participation using a machine learning approach. We did a cross-sectional secondary data analysis utilising the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) dataset ( N =16,166; 49.0% female). We applied an interpretable machine learning approach (e.g. decision tree-based models) that examined the critical factors associated with PA and sports participation...

To examine the relationship between Achilles-tendon (AT) and patellar-tendon (PT) structure, clinical-examination and tendon pain in young gymnasts; and, to explore the associations between these factors and age, maturation, and training-load. Two hundred and seventy-four female gymnasts (aged 12.1±1.9 yrs) were assessed for anthropometric measures, pubertal-stage, and training-load. They had clinical-tests (pain-on-palpation for AT and pain-on-palpation and Royal-London Hospital-Test for PT), were asked about tendon-pain during-loading and were assessed for tendon-structure...

To investigate i) if a recreational futsal (RF) training session elicits post-exercise hypotension (PEH), ii) the impact of a 3-month RF intervention on PEH, and iii) the association between PEH in the early phase of the intervention with resting blood pressure (BP) chronic adaptions in men with treated hypertension. BP was measured before and after a RF training session every 5-min (total of 30-min) in the early (weeks 1-2) and the final phases (weeks 11-12) of a 3-month RF intervention, comprising 3 weekly one-hour sessions...

Early childhood educators (ECEs) are ideally positioned to support the development of children's fundamental movement skills (FMS). However, ECEs have little specialised training to support the development of FMS in young children. This study aimed to assess the impact of an e-Learning course on the FMS of preschool-aged children. 145 Preschool-aged children and 42 ECEs from 12 childcare centres participated in the study. ECEs in the experimental group were asked to complete the e-Learning course. A subsample of children ( n  = 48) was objectively assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development 3rd Edition (TGMD-3)...

During lucid dreaming (LD), dreamers are aware of experiencing a dream and may consciously influence its content. This study used an online questionnaire to investigate the LD frequency and applications in 193 adolescent athletes and non-athletes (17.40 ± 2.09 years; 46% athletes, 54% controls). Given the critical role that sleep plays in adolescent health, development, and performance, associations of LD with various sleep parameters were also explored. LD is prominent in adolescents (67...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Bike positional configuration changes strongly affect cycling performance. While consensus has emerged on saddle height optimisation, there is none for the relationship between other bike positional variables and cycling performance. Accordingly, this systematic review examines the effect of all major positional variables on performance in cycling, assessing differences between cycling disciplines and sex where possible. The systematic review, conducted per PRISMA guidelines, searched databases including Embase, Web of Science, Medline, and CINAHL, screening 16,578 studies...

The purpose of the current study was to understand female rugby players' perceptions of menstrual cycle (MC) tracking and identify the impact of MC tracking for the players. Interpretive descriptive methodology was adopted. Interviews were conducted with 12 elite female rugby players (age 25.2 ± 4.3 years), who were all naturally menstruating. Data were analysed following the four stages recommended within Interpretive Description. Results identified that athletes obtain personal benefits from MC tracking by; enhancing understanding of their MC and symptoms, and responding to their MC and symptoms...

This review examined the effect of acute heat mitigation strategies on physiological strain and exercise performance in females exercising in the heat. Three databases were searched for original research with an acute heat mitigation (intervention) and control strategy in active females and reporting core temperature, heart rate and/or aerobic exercise performance/capacity with ≥ 24°C wet bulb globe temperature. Hedges' g effect sizes were calculated to evaluate outcomes. Thirteen studies ( n  = 118) were included...