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14 pages, 4714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height, Technique, and Hip Strength in Elite Handball Players

by Darjan Spudić, Ažbe Ribič, Nejc Šarabon and Primož Pori

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4651; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094651 - 23 Apr 2025

Single-leg jumping is a fundamental movement in sports and is frequently used for performance assessment and injury risk evaluation. However, the specific kinetic and kinematic factors influencing jump performance remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationships between sagittal and frontal plane [...] Read more.

Single-leg jumping is a fundamental movement in sports and is frequently used for performance assessment and injury risk evaluation. However, the specific kinetic and kinematic factors influencing jump performance remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationships between sagittal and frontal plane kinematic variables, maximal and explosive isometric hip strength, and single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) performance. We assessed eighty elite handball players who performed SLCMJs on force plates, with jumps being video recorded from both the sagittal and frontal planes. Maximal and explosive hip adduction, abduction, extension, and flexion strength were assessed using an isometric dynamometer. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships (p < 0.05) between maximal hip abductor strength and sagittal plane hip flexion angle (r = −0.23), femur inclination (r = −0.27), and shin inclination (r = 0.23). Explosive adduction strength was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with frontal plane trunk angle (r = −0.29) and trunk inclination (r = −0.33). A significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) was also observed between femur inclination and jump height (r = −0.30). However, no significant relationship (p > 0.05) was found between hip strength variables and jump height. These findings suggest that while isometric hip strength influences movement kinematics during SLCMJs, its direct impact on jump height is limited. Based on the results of the present study, other factors likely contribute to jump performance outcomes and should be investigated further. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

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11 pages, 774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Sleep, Menstrual Cycles, and Training Loads on Heart Rate Variability: A Four-Year Case Study on an Elite Female Slalom Kayaker

by Samo Rauter, Ajda Novak and Nina Verdel

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3806; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073806 - 31 Mar 2025

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Abstract

This study aimed to examine the influence of training load, performance, sleep, and menstrual parameters on heart rate variability (HRV) and to evaluate its potential as a predictor of sports performance. A four-year longitudinal case study was conducted on a female elite kayak [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the influence of training load, performance, sleep, and menstrual parameters on heart rate variability (HRV) and to evaluate its potential as a predictor of sports performance. A four-year longitudinal case study was conducted on a female elite kayak athlete, involving daily monitoring of HRV, sleep quality and duration, menstrual cycles, illnesses, and acute training loads. Over this period, 1394 measurements were taken each morning immediately after waking up and before getting up. The results of four competitive seasons were analyzed using a performance index and were statistically processed with a linear mixed model. The analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between rMSSD and both sleep quality (p < 0.001) and the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (p = 0.003). In contrast, the training load (p = 0.94), sleep duration (p = 0.27), and illness (p > 0.05) showed no statistically significant effect on rMSSD. Additionally, neither rMSSD (p = 0.82) nor its trend (p = 0.70) were significant predictors of the performance index. Despite the lack of a statistically significant correlation between HRV and sports performance, the findings suggest that the pre-competition decrease in HRV observed in this case study may reflect anticipatory physiological changes, potentially linked to increased sympathetic activation, as suggested in the existing literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

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14 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations Between Dynamic Strength Index and Jumping, Sprinting and Change of Direction Performance in Highly Trained Basketball Players

by Jernej Pleša, Filip Ujaković, Chris Bishop, Nejc Šarabon and Žiga Kozinc

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010434 - 5 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1535

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate associations and differences between dynamic strength index (DSI) and multi-directional jumping, linear and curvilinear sprinting, and change of direction (CoD). Highly trained basketball players (n = 44) performed a 20 m linear sprint, 20 [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate associations and differences between dynamic strength index (DSI) and multi-directional jumping, linear and curvilinear sprinting, and change of direction (CoD). Highly trained basketball players (n = 44) performed a 20 m linear sprint, 20 m 3-point line (curvilinear) sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), bilateral horizontal jump, unilateral horizontal jump, lateral jump, basketball-specific lateral jump and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). The results showed weak to moderate associations between IMTP performance and horizontal jump, lateral jump and curvilinear sprint (r = −0.33–0.41; p < 0.05). No correlations were found between CMJ peak force and performance variables, while weak correlations were observed between DSI and unilateral horizontal jump (r = −0.36; p < 0.05), lateral jumps, linear sprint and CoD deficit (r = −0.37, −0.38; p < 0.05), showing that lower magnitude of DSI is associated with better performance in those tests. Additional analysis revealed that the low DSI subgroup had the highest IMTP peak force, while the high DSI subgroup had the highest CMJ peak force. The low DSI group showed better performance in vertical, horizontal and lateral jumps, while no significant differences were observed in DJ and curvilinear sprint performance compared to other groups. The findings indicate that athletes with lower DSI values exhibit superior physical performance, suggesting that a strength-oriented training approach may be beneficial for basketball players. Due to the ballistic nature of basketball, more maximal strength training is required to optimize the DSI ratio in basketball players. Additional studies are needed to determine the precise benchmarks for navigating training based on DSI values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

13 pages, 913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Influence of Physical Activity Intensity and Maturation on Sports Injuries in Children and Adolescents

by Lara Costa e Silva, Ana Lúcia Silva, Júlia Teles and Isabel Fragoso

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10632; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210632 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1047

Abstract

Intensive training combined with a growing body can predispose children to sports injuries. Our aim was to identify the importance of physical activity (PA) intensity and maturity as predictors of injury in youth. Information about injuries was collected using a questionnaire (LESADO), the [...] Read more.

Intensive training combined with a growing body can predispose children to sports injuries. Our aim was to identify the importance of physical activity (PA) intensity and maturity as predictors of injury in youth. Information about injuries was collected using a questionnaire (LESADO), the PA intensity was assessed via accelerometry, and maturity was assessed using the Tanner–Whitehouse III bone age method and maturity offset. A total of 121 participants aged between 10 and 18 years were selected from four different schools. Regression analyses were used to determine the significant predictors of the injury profile. Only the injury type presented significant results. The time spent on moderate PA (χ²(2) = 6.701, p = 0.035) and bone age (χ²(2) = 7.196, p = 0.027) were the final predictors. The odds of having a strain or a fracture relative to a sprain increased 1.04 times for each minute of time spent on moderate PA. Likewise, the odds of having a strain or a fracture relative to a sprain decreased by 1.7 times per year of bone age. The PA intensity and bone age proved to be injury predictors in the growing athletes, with more predictive power in injury type. No meaningful associations were found for the injury occurrence, injury rate and body area injury location. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

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11 pages, 656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Fatigue and Defensive Pressure on Three-Point Jump-Shot Kinematics in Basketball

by Feng Li, Vedran Dukarić, Mateja Očić, Zheng Li and Damir Knjaz

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9582; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209582 - 21 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1795

Abstract

This study examines the influence of fatigue and defensive pressure on the kinematic parameters of the three-point jump shot in basketball. Fourteen male collegiate basketball players (age: 21 ± 3 years old, body height: 186.35 ± 7.02 cm, body mass: 82.20 ± 10.99) [...] Read more.

This study examines the influence of fatigue and defensive pressure on the kinematic parameters of the three-point jump shot in basketball. Fourteen male collegiate basketball players (age: 21 ± 3 years old, body height: 186.35 ± 7.02 cm, body mass: 82.20 ± 10.99) participated in the study. Each participant performed three-point jump shots under four conditions: without defense, with defense, without defense after a fatigue protocol, and with defense after a fatigue protocol. Kinematic data were collected using the Xsens MVN inertial suit system and the OptoJump Next system. The analysis focused on various parameters including jump height, center of mass, release height, shoulder angle, and segment velocities. The repeated-measures ANOVA was used to observe the differences between each shot condition (fatigue, defense). Results indicated significant changes in the kinematic parameters due to both fatigue and defensive pressure. Fatigue notably changed shooting performance, affecting jump height and release mechanics. The defensive pressure altered shooting technique, leading to quicker ball release and higher release points. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating fatigue and defensive scenarios in training, suggesting that coaches develop more targeted training plans to improve performance under conditions of fatigue and defensive pressure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

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11 pages, 978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of 24-Week FIFA 11+ Referees Program on Quality of Change of Direction Maneuver in Elite Soccer Referees

by Mohammad Alimoradi, Elham Hosseini, Mojtaba Iranmanesh, Omid Monfaredian and Žiga Kozinc

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 7004; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14167004 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1262

Abstract

Soccer referees are at risk of injury due to the physical demands of their role. This study evaluated the impact of the 24-week FIFA 11+ Referees training program on the quality of change of direction (COD) maneuvers in elite soccer referees. Eighty-one male [...] Read more.

Soccer referees are at risk of injury due to the physical demands of their role. This study evaluated the impact of the 24-week FIFA 11+ Referees training program on the quality of change of direction (COD) maneuvers in elite soccer referees. Eighty-one male referees were randomly assigned to either the 11+ referee group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 41). The intervention group replaced their usual warm-up routines with the FIFA 11+ program, while the control group continued their standard training. Both groups were assessed using the cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) before and after the intervention. The results demonstrated significant improvements in CMAS scores for the 11+ referee group at all tested angles (45°, 70°, and 90°), with the most notable improvements observed at 90° angles. These findings indicate that the FIFA 11+ Referees program enhances COD maneuver quality, which is critical for injury prevention. Implementing this program may therefore improve movement quality and reduce injury risks among soccer referees. Further research should explore the program’s long-term efficacy and applicability across different populations and injury factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

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9 pages, 1587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Viability of 2D Swimming Kinematical Analysis Using a Single Moving Camera

by Bruno Mezêncio, Aléxia Fernandes, Gustavo Soares Pereira, Alberto Carlos Amadio, Júlio Cerca Serrão, Susana Soares, Ricardo J. Fernandes and João Paulo Vilas-Boas

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6560; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156560 - 26 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1669

Abstract

Despite its limitations, 2D kinematical analysis remains a simple and valid alternative for swimming analysis. This analysis is limited by the length of the field of view, and the reconstruction errors are proportional to the calibrated area. A possible solution for these problems [...] Read more.

Despite its limitations, 2D kinematical analysis remains a simple and valid alternative for swimming analysis. This analysis is limited by the length of the field of view, and the reconstruction errors are proportional to the calibrated area. A possible solution for these problems is the usage of moving cameras that allow for tracking an object across a larger area without the concerns of the calibration area. The purpose of this study was to verify the viability of the utilization of moving cameras for underwater 2D kinematical analysis. Two calibration processes were evaluated: (i) obtaining the extrinsic parameters for every frame based on pool markers (M1) and; (ii) constraining the degrees of freedom of the camera’s movements and tracking translation based on the principal point (M2). M1 obtained better accuracy in reconstructing the coordinates of static markers (mean error: 12.1 against 14.2 mm from a static camera) and in the estimation of the rod length (−2.6 vs. 12.6 mm). M2 obtained better accuracy when evaluating the distance between the points (−0.3 mm) than that for position estimation (58.6 mm). The results indicate that moving cameras are a viable alternative for 2D underwater kinematic analysis, but M2 had limitations about real position extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

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10 pages, 2442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Concurrent Validity and Reliability of a Global Positioning System for Measuring Maximum Sprinting Speed and Split Times of Linear and Curvilinear Sprint Tests

by Matic Sašek, Sergio Miras-Moreno, Amador García-Ramos, Oskar Cvjetičanin, Nejc Šarabon, Iztok Kavčič and Darjan Smajla

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6116; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146116 - 13 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

This study investigated the reliability and validity of linear sprint tests (LS) and curvilinear sprint tests (CS) using a GPS device (GPEXE lt). Twenty-one (21) student athletes completed a 40 m LS as well as a left and right CS. Maximum sprint speed [...] Read more.

This study investigated the reliability and validity of linear sprint tests (LS) and curvilinear sprint tests (CS) using a GPS device (GPEXE lt). Twenty-one (21) student athletes completed a 40 m LS as well as a left and right CS. Maximum sprint speed (MSS) and split times at short (0–10 m), intermediate (0–20 m), and long (0–30 m) distances were determined using the GPEXE lt and single-beam timing gates (TG). Intrasession reliability and concurrent validity of GPEXE lt were assessed. The GPEXE lt consistently showed high reliability for MSS (ICC ≥ 0.95; CV ≤ 1.8%), despite underestimation compared to TG (bias = −2.57 to −0.95%; ICC ≥ 0.87). Acceptable reliability was observed for CS and LS intermediate and long distance split times (ICC ≥ 0.91; CV ≤ 2.1%), with lower reliability for short distances (ICC ≥ 0.70; CV ≤ 3.6%). The GPEXE lt split times for CS and LS showed good agreement with TG (ICC ≥ 0.66), but were overestimated at long distances (5.5–9.7%) and short distances (11.1–14.6%). Although the MSS was found to be the most reliable and valid variable to assess LS and CS speed performance with GPEXE lt, caution is needed due to limited validity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Sports Performance Analysis)

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