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Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2023) | Viewed by 9409

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Dr. Jacek Polechoński

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Guest Editor

Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: physical activity diagnosis and assessment; physical activity in virtual reality; rehabilitation; movement analysis; posture; functional training; injury prevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Piotr Wodarski

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Guest Editor

Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: biomechanics; sport biomechanics; posture; rehabilitation; muscle function; movement analysis; musculoskeletal disorders; physical rehabilitation; injury prevention; neurorehabilitation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Physical activity and sports training require constant evaluation in order to control their effectiveness. The development of athletes, the level of their movement skills, motor abilities, and performance are assessed in the training process. In the case of people who engage in various forms of physical activity for recreation, it is increasingly common to monitor the intensity and volume of physical exertion in relation to health-related recommendations. This is due to the development of modern measuring equipment, which has been miniaturized in recent years and has become generally available for trainers and athletes. Pedometers, heart rate monitors, accelerometers, cadence meters, and multisensor monitors of physical activity have become very popular. Measurements are also made thanks to computer technology and even virtual reality (VR). This dynamic development of measuring devices prompts undertaking scientific research using these newly developed tools and assessing their accuracy and reliability.

This Special Issue will be devoted primarily to new perspectives in the field of assessment, control, and monitoring of various forms of physical activity based on modern and traditional measurement methods.

Dr. Jacek Polechoński
Dr. Piotr Wodarski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical activity
sports training
movement skills
motor abilities
performance
multisensor monitors
motor control
heart rate monitors
accelerometers
new perspectives

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

External Workload Evolution and Comparison across a Pre-Season in Belgian Professional Football Players: A Pilot Study

by Moisés Falces-Prieto, Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda, Javier Iglesias-García, Samuel López-Mariscal and Javier Raya-González

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2861; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072861 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 570

Abstract

The pre-season plays a crucial role in the preparation of professional football players, as it allows for an extensive focus on training sessions compared to the more congested schedules during the in-season period, especially in professional football leagues. This study aimed to describe the workload during a 6-week pre-season in Belgian professional football players and to analyse and compare the workloads for players in each microcycle according to several variables of external workload (e.g., distance covered at some velocities). Seventeen male Belgian professional football players competing in the second division of the Belgian league system participated in the study. Throughout the 6 weeks, the players were closely monitored during both training sessions and friendly matches using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Several parameters, including total distance covered and distance at different velocities, were recorded. Accelerating and decelerating distances, as well as the number of sprints, were also captured. Statistical analysis was based on a repeated measures ANOVA, percentage dynamics, and effect size calculations. The results obtained showed a progressive increase in the distance travelled at different intensities from week 1 (i.e., lower values) to week 3 (i.e., higher values), with reductions in these values in week 6, prior to the start of the official competition. Similarly, the peak of accelerations and decelerations were observed in week 2 and week 3, with decrements at the end of the pre-season period. This comprehensive investigation attempts to shed light on the effects and dynamic changes in external workload during the crucial pre-season, contributing valuable insights for coaches and practitioners in football conditioning and training programs, especially concerning optimal preparation for the beginning of the league’s season. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

14 pages, 2153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Biomechanical Evaluation of the Upper Limb Kinematic Parameters of the Throwing Action in Handball: A Case Study

by Mihnea Ion Marin, Salome Robert, Robert Eduard Sakizlian, Ligia Rusu and Robert Mihai Rusu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020667 - 12 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 900

Abstract

Handball is a team sport that involves fourteen players who are attempting to score more goals than their opponent within two thirty-minute halves. A biomechanical analysis based on measuring the kinematics of jump throws could provide us with information on the ball’s velocity, the maximal internal rotation of the trunk, and the trunk’s flexion, as well as the angular velocity of the ball during shoulder rotation. The main aim of this study was to determine the wrist velocity during jump throws and standing throws without a run-up. The trunk, arm rotation, and wrist velocity will influence the speed of the ball during throwing. This case study included a senior-grade male handball player aged 18.75 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.5. The biomechanical evaluation was carried out using a three-dimensional Vicon system. The biomechanical analysis consisted of an evaluation of angular trunk velocity, angular arm rotation velocity, and wrist velocity during two types of throwing: jump throws and standing throws without a run-up. The data were recorded for standing throws without a run-up (S1) and jump throws (S2). For each situation, we measured two phases due to the great variation in the kinematic parameters. Phase 1 (F1) occurred when the elbow angle was 90°, up to the moment when the wrist had an inflection of its trajectory, and Phase 2 (F2) finished when the wrist’s velocity reached its maximum. The results regarding the angular velocity of the trunk torsion showed a high value of this parameter during Phase F2 compared to Phase F1 for both types of throws (S1 and S2). The angular velocity of the arm rotation achieved its maximum value in F2 during S2, and the wrist velocity was highest during Phases F2 and S2. The correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a good correlation between the angular velocity of the trunk torsion and the angular velocity of the arm rotation for S1 in Phase F1; however, in Phase F2, we found a good correlation between the angular velocity of the trunk torsion and wrist velocity. For S2, we found that in Phase F1, there was a good correlation between the angular velocity of the trunk torsion and wrist velocity; however, for Phase F2, there was a good correlation between the angular velocity of the arm’s rotation and wrist velocity. Therefore, the results from this case study indicate that the wrist velocity is influenced by the other two kinematic parameters, especially the angular velocity of the arm’s rotation. This means that the development of explosive force in the muscles of the trunk and arm could improve the wrist’s velocity and also increase the optimization of throwing in handball. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

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20 pages, 9296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinematic and Neuromuscular Ranges of External Loading in Professional Basketball Players during Competition

by Sergio José Ibáñez, Pablo López-Sierra, Alberto Lorenzo and Sebastián Feu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 11936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111936 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 916

Abstract

Personalization of workloads is essential for optimizing training processes and minimizing the risk of injuries in sports. Precise knowledge of the external load demands borne by basketball players during competition is necessary for this purpose. The objective of this research was to determine the objective external load demands of five variables during a basketball competition, three kinematic (speed, accelerations, and decelerations) and two neuromuscular variables (impacts/min and Player Load/min), and subsequently establish workload ranges. Six official matches from preparatory tournaments involving professional basketball players from the Spanish first division, Liga ACB, were analyzed. Inertial devices and an UWB system were used for variable localization and recording within indoor spaces. Two methods, two-step and k-means clustering, were employed for workload range classification. The results revealed different workload thresholds clusters based on the data analysis technique used. The following speed ranges were identified in professional basketball players: Standing, <2.95 km/h; Walking, 2.96 to 7.58 km/h; Jogging, 7.59 to 12.71 km/h; Running, 12.72 to 17.50 km/h; and Sprinting, >17.51 km/h. The center of cluster 5 was found to determine the concept of a sprint (>19 km/h) as well as high-speed running (>17.50 km/h). Acceleration and deceleration ranges displayed few cases but with considerably high values, which must be considered when designing injury prevention tasks. The distribution of impacts showed a normal pattern, with identified periods during which players withstood significant G-forces (14%). Finally, the Player Load value at which an activity is considered to be very high, 1.95 au/min, was identified. Considering the obtained results, basketball is proposed as a sport with a high neuromuscular load. Coaches should choose the classification method that best suits their needs. These reference values are the first of their kind for this population of top-level professional players and should aid in adjusting training processes to match competition demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

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13 pages, 3294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Ankle Weights as an Effective Way to Increase the Intensity of Physical Activity While Playing Immersive Virtual Reality Games on an Omnidirectional Treadmill

by Jacek Polechoński, Karolina Kostorz and Piotr Polechoński

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11536; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011536 - 21 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1108

Abstract

Active virtual reality games (AVRGs) have become more and more popular. As the intensity of this form of physical activity (PA) may be insufficient to achieve health-related benefits, it is worth looking for solutions that increase the intensity of PA. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of leg loading in the form of ankle weights (AWs) on the PA intensity of young adults playing AVRGs using an omnidirectional treadmill. The enjoyment of the game and users’ perceptions of the usefulness of this type of exercise were also evaluated. The study involved 26 university students. Each participant played an AVRG game on an omnidirectional treadmill twice, without and with ankle weights (2 kg per leg). The intensity of PA was evaluated using a heart rate monitor. The attractiveness of the game was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). The study found that the percentage of maximum heart rate in participants playing AVRGs without ankle weights was significantly lower than that observed when playing with the weights. In both cases, PA intensity was high. A survey showed that the weights attached to the ankles did not affect the perceptions of the enjoyment of the game. The use of ankle weights appears to be an effective and simple way to increase the intensity of physical exercise during AVRGs based on locomotor movements performed with the lower limbs, especially since, according to study participants, such a procedure does not negatively affect the enjoyment of the game. Due to the high intensity of PA while playing VR games using an omnidirectional treadmill, it can be assumed that regular use of this solution is likely to provide health benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

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12 pages, 989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Exergames with Different Types: Perceptual and Physiological Responses in College Students

by Cihan Aygün and Hayriye Çakır-Atabek

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10769; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910769 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 937

Abstract

This study aimed to (i) investigate and compare the effects of five different types of active video games (AVGs) on physiological and perceptual variables, (ii) categorize the AVGs’ physical activity (PA) intensity according to ACSM classification, and (iii) investigate the correlation between rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and enjoyment score within each AVG. Twelve college students participated in this study. Each AVG was played randomly for 15 min on non-consecutive days. The physiological variables were measured with a breath-by-breath system continuously during the AVGs and resting conditions. The AVGs significantly increased oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure, metabolic equivalent, and heart rate compared to rest conditions (p < 0.001). According to ACSM criteria, Fruit Ninja, Just Dance, and Shape-Up Muscle games were defined as moderate PA (MET = 4.07, 5.46, and 5.25; RPE = 10.33, 10.42, and 14.67 respectively) and Shape-Up Cardio, and Fighter Within games were defined as vigorous PA (MET = 6.83, and 7.03; RPE = 13.92, and 13.75 respectively). All games were enjoyable (>27). Young adults can get the recommended PA intensity with AVGs, burning 80–150 kcal in 15 min. The findings suggest that energy expenditure may be similar among different types of AVGs. However, skeletal muscle energy metabolism may differ according to the type of AVG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

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12 pages, 3381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Coexisting Brachial Plexus Neuropathies in Bullseye Shooters—A Pilot Retrospective Clinical and Neurophysiological Assessment

by Aleksander Rajczewski, Przemysław Daroszewski, Artur Fabijański, Ksawery Bogusławski, Michał Kaźmierczak and Juliusz Huber

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8020; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148020 - 9 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1013

Abstract

Shooting may impact the frequency of neuropathies in the upper extremity nerves or of cervical disc–root conflicts. This study was undertaken to assess whether shooting sports trained with a handgun by civilians may influence the risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other neuropathies of the brachial plexus nerve fibers. Neurophysiological studies using surface electromyography (rEMG at rest and mcEMG during maximal contraction), electroneurography (ENG), and motor-evoked potential recordings (MEPs) were performed in a select population of nine shooters, which were rigorously screened as positive through a clinical examination for carpal tunnel syndrome and other brachial plexus neuropathies among a population of forty-two subjects, to confirm the existence of pathologies in the upper extremities. Increased muscle tension in rEMG and a simultaneous decrease in motor unit activity in mcEMG were recorded both in the proximal and distal muscles of the upper extremities more frequently in the shooters than in the healthy controls—volunteers. An ENG examination confirmed CTS in the shooting hand of four subjects (4/42; 9.5%), additionally revealing a significantly decreased F-wave at the C6–C7 levels in the dominant extremities of the shooting group in comparison to the control population (p = 0.05). All the examined subjects had revealed brachial plexus pathologies on both sides according to the results of the MEP recordings upon stimulation at the C4–C8 levels (various significant differences between the shooters and control group were found), and two had ulnar neuropathy in the wrist on the shooting side. It was concluded that shooting sports are a moderate risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome and that they significantly influence the development of other brachial plexus neuropathies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

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9 pages, 901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Power Output at Critical Power Intensity Interchange between Cycling and Running?

by Javier Olaya-Cuartero, Basilio Pueo, Alfonso Penichet-Tomas and Lamberto Villalon-Gasch

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5511; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095511 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

The differences in power meters and gestures between cycling and running can have an impact on determining Critical Power (CP) intensity in each sport. CP is a concept that has been extensively researched in cycling, but with the advent of power measurement in running, it can now be examined in that discipline as well. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether power output at CP intensity is interchangeable between cycling and running segments measured with their respective discipline-specific power meters. A group of 18 trained triathletes (age 33.0 ± 11.1 years, height 1.75 ± 0.06 m, body mass 71.2 ± 7.1 kg) performed a CP test in cycling (3-min All-Out Test) and running (9/3-min Stryd CP Test). The main results of the present study showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between CP in cycling and running. The running CP (301.8 W ± 41.5 W) was 20.2% overestimated compared with the cycling CP (251.1 W ± 37.0 W). Cycling power only explained 26.7% of the running power (R² = 0.267; p = 0.284). Therefore, power would not be interchangeable between the cycling and running disciplines at CP intensity. In conclusion, it would be necessary to carry out a specific test for each discipline to be able to make a correct determination of CP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

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11 pages, 2367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurophysiological Evaluation of the Functional State of Muscular and Nervous Systems in High-Maneuvering Jet Fighters

by Angelika Wesołek, Przemysław Daroszewski and Juliusz Huber

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13021120 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1292

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the function of muscular and nervous systems in high-maneuvering jet fighters with the chosen method of clinical neurophysiology, which methodologically has not yet been presented in detail. Fifteen pilots with the experience of more than 1700 flying hours at 7G overloading on average and fifteen healthy subjects for the comparison of health status declared to participate in this study. The dermatomal perception from C4 to S1 was examined using von Frey’s filaments tactile method. Surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings examined the activity of proximal and distal muscles in the upper and lower extremities, the transmission of motor nerve impulses peripherally was diagnosed by electroneurography (ENG), the efferent transmission from C5–C7 and L4–L5 spinal centers to muscles was entirely verified with recordings of motor-evoked potentials induced oververtebrally with the magnetic field (MEP). The pilots estimated more lumbosacral than cervical pain at about 2 on the 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Sensory perception studies did not reveal abnormal symptoms in the C2–S1 dermatomes innervation. Clinical neurophysiology studies indicated, in general, the lack of pathology during sEMG tests in comparison to healthy subjects or even better muscle motor unit contractile properties in pilots, both in the upper and lower extremities. In pilots, the parameters of ENG and MEP examinations show a statistically significant sensitivity for detecting the slight changes and their consequences in the transmission of neural impulses within L4–L5 ventral root fibers. The research results enable specifying the algorithm of future preventing rehabilitative treatment in high-maneuvering jet fighters with an average flight experience of 2000 h and working conditions at 7G on average. This study, for the first time, describes the application of a set of diagnostic neurophysiological methods with the particular importance of MEPs in the clinical evaluation of the jet fighters’ health status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment, Control and Monitoring of Physical Activity and Sports Training)

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