Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 55066

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonio Sousa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: concurrent training; aerobic training; strength training; combined training; sprint; velocity loss; training; exercise; force; strength and conditioning; sport training; athletic training

Dr. Ricardo Manuel Pires Ferraz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Sport Science, University of Beira-Interior (UBI/CIDESD), 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: exercise science; sports science; exercise performance; strength and conditioning; exercise testing, exercise intervention; physical education; football; motor skills; volleyball; psycophysiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Daniel Marinho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: health fitness and exercise; sports biomechanics; exercise physiology; resistance training; strength training; concurrent training; performance assessment; strength and conditioning; physical fitness; exercise evaluation; exercise prescription; swimming; water aerobics; warm-up procedures; recovery procedures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Mário António Cardoso Marques

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: training; resistance training; older adults; frailty; evaluation; performance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Henrique Pereira Neiva

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Sport Science, University of Beira-Interior (UBI/CIDESD), 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Interests: strength and conditioning; health fitness and exercise; sports biomechanics; exercise physiology; resistance training; strength training; concurrent training; performance assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Monitoring and evaluation of training, which is often understood as the simplistic designation of training control, is considered to be a fundamental aspect in the planning of any sport and has represented for some years a primary task of the training process. The major purpose of these monitoring processes is the increase in training efficiency, which leads to performance improvement in sports and exercise. To achieve this, it is urgent to have concrete and objective mechanisms that reflect the real state of sports preparation of the athlete; therefore, several assessments have been developed in recent years, and evaluation procedures have been created to provide specific information about the fitness status of athletes and to consequently provide recommendations. In summary, we can say that the evaluation and control of training is, nowadays, a fundamental task of the training process, enabling coaches and technical teams to (i) identify subjects with increased potential; (ii) guide young people towards activities that best suit their abilities; (iii) know the current training and development status of the athlete; (iv) evaluate the effects of training; (v) know the advantages and difficulties to the athlete concerning the referred modality; (vi) collect information about the athlete's health status; (vii) objectify and confirm (or not) the subjective impressions resulting from the continuous observation of the athlete; (viii) verify the adequacy of the training plan; (ix) verify in a timely manner the best or worst development of a particular capacity; (x) longitudinally follow the progress linked to the training process; (xi) detect any flaws and weaknesses in the training process and validate new procedures;

(xii) profile the athlete's main capabilities; and (xiii) predict future sports performance. Following these evaluation and control procedures would allow us to better understand the body and the requirements of the sport in order to increase motivational levels by creating a feeling that other agents are committed to contributing to their evolution, to quantify participation in the training process, and to understand the rationale for the process. Papers addressing these topics are invited for this Special Issue, especially those combining a high academic standard coupled with a practical focus on providing optimal solutions for this theme.

Dr. Antonio Sousa
Dr. Daniel Almeida Marinho
Dr. Henrique Pereira Neiva
Dr. Mário António Cardoso Marques
Dr. Ricardo Manuel Pires Ferraz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

training
evaluation
control
sports
performance

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

9 pages, 615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Strength Parameters of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscles in Polish University Students after a 3-Week Program of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Using the RSQ1 Method

by Aleksandra Rywacka, Małgorzata Stefańska and Alicja Dziuba-Słonina

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11717; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111717 - 8 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2280

Abstract

A rehabilitative program for patients who lose strength and muscle mass along with the ability to perform intensive exercises is lacking. We developed a 3-week training program based on neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) using a RSQ1 device (modulated current resulting from the overlapping of two-component currents) for RSQ1 electrostimulation to improve strength parameters of the quadricep femoris muscles and compare its effectiveness to isometric training. Nineteen university students were randomly divided into the NMES group (10 sessions) and the control group who trained. We measured the circumference of the thigh, as well as peak torques of the flexor and extensor muscles before and after the start and after the end of the training program. Both tested training programs gave similar results. Differences between measured parameters were not significant except for differences in the peak torques of the knee flexors (9.9% for left limb; p = 0.2135 vs. 7.8% for rift limb; p = 0.2135) and the circumference of the left thigh—2% for both (left p = 0.5839 and right p = 0.1088). Comparable results of the tested training programs suggest that NMES is a good alternative for people who cannot perform exercises, but want to maintain or improve their physical fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Explanatory Variables in Possession of the Ball in High-Performance Women’s Football

by Rubén Maneiro, José Luís Losada, Claudio A. Casal and Antonio Ardá

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5922; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115922 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2773

Abstract

Women’s football is a phenomenon that is experiencing an unstoppable increase in recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze how ball possessions are performed in high-performance women’s football. For this, the 52 matches played by all the national teams participating in the Women’s World Cup 2015 were analyzed. A total of 3740 ball possessions were examined. Using the “move outcome” variable as a reference criterion, a statistically significant relationship was found between possessions that ended in success and possessions that have failed. Specifically, the successful possessions were those that were made in the offensive zone, with a clear intention to progress towards the rival goal, with a low number of passes, and made in the second half of the matches. The results of the logistic regression showed that the proposed model is statistically significant, with an acceptable explanatory capacity. Finally, the results of the decision tree evidence the success of those possessions aiming at a quick completion, with very few passes and the offensive zone as a priority area for the possession. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1866 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Five Bench Inclinations on the Electromyographic Activity of the Pectoralis Major, Anterior Deltoid, and Triceps Brachii during the Bench Press Exercise

by David Rodríguez-Ridao, José A. Antequera-Vique, Isabel Martín-Fuentes and José M. Muyor

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197339 - 8 Oct 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 24196

Abstract

The bench press exercise is one of the most used for training and for evaluating upper-body strength. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the electromyographic (EMG) activity levels of the pectoralis major (PM) in its three portions (upper portion, PMUP, middle portion, PMMP, and lower portion, PMLP), the anterior deltoid (AD), and the triceps brachii (TB) medial head during the bench press exercise at five bench angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°). Thirty trained adults participated in the study. The EMG activity of the muscles was recorded at the aforementioned inclinations at 60% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). The results showed that the maximal EMG activity for PMUP occurred at a bench inclination of 30°. PMMP and PMLP showed higher EMG activity at a 0° bench inclination. AD had the highest EMG activity at 60°. TB showed similar EMG activities at all bench inclinations. In conclusion, the horizontal bench press produces similar electromyographic activities for the pectoralis major and the anterior deltoid. An inclination of 30° produces greater activation of the upper portion of the pectoralis major. Inclinations greater than 45° produce significantly higher activation of the anterior deltoid and decrease the muscular performance of the pectoralis major. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultimate Full Contact: Fight Outcome Characterization Concerning Their Methods, Occurrence Times and Technical–Tactical Developments

by Fernando C. Loio Pinto, Henrique Neiva, Célia Nunes, Mário C. Marques, António C. Sousa, Daniel A. Marinho, Luís Branquinho and Ricardo Ferraz

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197094 - 28 Sep 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4901

Abstract

Fight analysis produces relevant technical–tactical information. However, this knowledge is limited in hybrid full-contact combat sports. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the results of the fights’ outcomes through the winners at the World Ultimate Full Contact (WUFC) Championships between 2008 and 2017. Methods: 170 combats between senior male fighters (master class) from 38 countries were observed; all fight outcome methods, their occurrence times, inherent skills and their development forms were analyzed through frequencies, percentages, crosstabs and chi-square test, considering a Fisher’s exact value of p < 0.05. The fight outcome methods were, in decreasing order, as follows: submission; decision and technical knockout (TKO); knockout (KO); and doctor stoppage. Only 19.4% fights completed the regular time 10 min (600 s), and 68.8% fight outcomes occurred in the first 5 min (300 s). Chokes were more used than joint locks, primarily developed in single actions. Head punches and kicks were the skills most responsible for KO, developed more in combinations and counter-attacks, while TKO was always through combination attacks and mostly by ground and pound. Ground fighting is most effective. In stand-up fighting, combination attacks and counter-attack are most effective. It is important to increase the technical–tactical capacities and adjustable decision-making to perform the regular fight time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

15 pages, 809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Specific Warm-up during Bench Press and Squat Exercises: A Novel Approach

by Bruno Ribeiro, Ana Pereira, Pedro P. Neves, António C. Sousa, Ricardo Ferraz, Mário C. Marques, Daniel A. Marinho and Henrique P. Neiva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186882 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5571

Abstract

The current study aims to verify the effects of three specific warm-ups on squat and bench press resistance training. Forty resistance-trained males (19–30 years) performed 3 × 6 repetitions with 80% of maximal dynamic strength (designated as training load) after one of the following warm-ups (48 h between): (i) 2 × 6 repetitions with 40% and 80% of the training load (WU), (ii) 6 × 80% of training load (WU80), or (iii) 6 × 40% of the training load (WU40). Mean propulsive velocity (MPV), velocity loss (VL), peak velocity (PV), time to achieve PV, power, work, heart rates, and ratings of perceived exertion were analyzed. In squat exercises, higher MPV were found in WU80 compared with WU40 (2nd set: 0.69 ± 0.09 vs. 0.67 ± 0.06 m.s⁻¹, p = 0.02, ES = 0.80; 3rd set: 0.68 ± 0.09 vs. 0.66 ± 0.07 m.s⁻¹, p = 0.05, ES = 0.51). In bench press exercises, time to PV was lower in WU compared with WU40 (1st set: 574.77 ± 233.46 vs. 694.50 ± 211.71 m.s⁻¹, p < 0.01, ES = 0.69; 2nd set: 533.19 ± 272.22 vs. 662.31 ± 257.51 m.s⁻¹, p = 0.04, ES = 0.43) and total work was higher (4749.90 ± 1312.99 vs. 4631.80 ± 1355.01 j, p = 0.01, ES = 0.54). The results showed that force outputs were mainly optimized by WU80 in squat training and by WU in bench press training. Moreover, warming-up with few repetitions and low loads is not enough to optimize squat and bench press performances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Drag Crisis Phenomenon on an Elite Road Cyclist—A Preliminary Numerical Simulations Analysis in the Aero Position at Different Speeds

by Pedro Forte, Jorge E. Morais, Henrique P. Neiva, Tiago M. Barbosa and Daniel A. Marinho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145003 - 11 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2820

Abstract

The drag crisis phenomenon is the drop of drag coefficient (C_d) with increasing Reynolds number (Re) or speed. The aim of this study was to assess the hypothetical drag crisis phenomenon in a sports setting, assessing it in a bicycle–cyclist system. A male elite-level cyclist was recruited for this research and his competition bicycle, helmet, suit, and shoes were used. A three-dimensional (3D) geometry was obtained with a 3D scan with the subject in a static aero position. A domain with 7 m of length, 2.5 m of width and 2.5 m of height was created around the cyclist. The domain was meshed with 42 million elements. Numerical simulations by computer fluid dynamics (CFD) fluent numerical code were conducted at speeds between 1 m/s and 22 m/s, with increments of 1 m/s. The drag coefficient ranged between 0.60 and 0.95 across different speeds and Re. The highest value was observed at 2 m/s (C_d = 0.95) and Re of 3.21 × 10⁵, whereas the lower C_d was noted at 9 m/s (C_d = 0.60) and 9.63 × 10⁵. A drag crisis was noted between 3 m/s and 9 m/s. Pressure C_d ranged from 0.35 to 0.52 and the lowest value was observed at 3 m/s and the highest at 2 m/s. The viscous drag coefficient ranged between 0.15 and 0.43 and presented a trend decreasing from 4 m/s to 22 m/s. Coaches, cyclists, researchers, and support staff must consider that C_d varies with speed and Re, and the bicycle–cyclist dimensions, shape, or form may affect drag and performance estimations. As a conclusion, this preliminary work noted a drag crisis between 3 m/s and 9 m/s in a cyclist in the aero position. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Knowing the Task’s Duration on Soccer Players’ Positioning and Pacing Behaviour during Small-Sided Games

by Ricardo Ferraz, Bruno Gonçalves, Diogo Coutinho, Rafael Oliveira, Bruno Travassos, Jaime Sampaio and Mário C. Marques

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3843; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17113843 - 28 May 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

The study aimed to identify how the manipulation of knowledge regarding a training task duration constrains the pacing and tactical behaviour of soccer players when playing small-sided games (SSG). Twenty professional and experienced soccer players participated in a cross-sectional field study using three conditions: not informed on the duration of the SSG, which ended after 20 min (Unknown Condition); briefed about playing the SSG for 10 min, but after they completed the 10-min game, they were requested to complete another 10 min (Partial Condition) and informed before that they would play for 20 min (Known Condition). A global positioning system was used to measure the total distance covered and distances of different exercise training zones (walking to sprinting) and to access the dynamic players positioning through the distance from each player to all the teammates and opponents. Additionally, approximate entropy was measured to identify the regularity pattern of each gathered individual variable. The results indicate that the first 10 min of each scenario presented a higher physical impact independently of the initial information. During this time, the tactical behaviour also revealed higher variability. An increase in the distance of the teammates during the second period of 10-min for the Known scenario was also found, which may result from a lower pacing strategy. This study showed that the prior knowledge of the task duration led to different physical and tactical behaviours of the players. Furthermore, the relationship between the physical impact and the regularity of team game patterns should be well analysed by the coach, because the physical impact may be harmful to the development of the collective organization of the team. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessReview

High-Intensity Interval Training upon Cognitive and Psychological Outcomes in Youth: A Systematic Review

by Ana R. Alves, Renata Dias, Henrique P. Neiva, Daniel A. Marinho, Mário C. Marques, António C. Sousa, Vânia Loureiro and Nuno Loureiro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105344 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3801

Abstract

Development of innovative and time-efficient strategies to involve youth in physical activity is pivotal in the actual inactivity pandemic. Moreover, physical activity may improve academic performance, of great interest for educators. This present systematic review aimed to analyze the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognitive performance and psychological outcomes in youth. A database search (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO) for original research articles was performed. A total of eight articles met the inclusion criteria, and the Cochrane risk of bias tool was used. The studies’ results were recalculated to determine effect sizes using Cohen’s d. Different HIIT interventions reported improvements on cognitive performance at executive function (d = 0.75, +78.56%), linguistic reasoning (d = 0.25, +7.66%), concentration (d = 0.71, +61.10%), selective attention (d = 0.81, +60.73%), non-verbal and verbal abilities (d = 0.88, +47.50%; d = 1.58, +22.61%, respectively), abstract reasoning (d = 0.75, +44.50%), spatial and numerical abilities (d = 37.19, +22.85%; d = 1.20, +8.28%, respectively), and verbal reasoning (d = 1.00, +15.71%) in youth. Regarding psychological outcomes, HIIT showed higher self-concept (d = 0.28, +8.71%) and psychological well-being in boys and girls (d = 0.73, +32.43%, d = 0.39, +11.58%, respectively). To sum up, HIIT interventions between 4–16 weeks, for 8–30 min/session, at ≥85% maximal heart rate, would provide positive effects on cognitive performance and psychological outcomes in youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3149 KiB

Open AccessReview

Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior and Physical Fitness in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Fernanda M. Silva, Pedro Duarte-Mendes, Marcio Cascante Rusenhack, Meirielly Furmann, Paulo Renato Nobre, Miguel Ângelo Fachada, Carlos M. Soares, Ana Teixeira and José Pedro Ferreira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228660 - 21 Nov 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4030

Abstract

Background: Sedentary behavior has been considered an independent risk factor to health. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine associations between objectively measured sedentary time and physical fitness components in healthy adults. Methods: Four electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed and Sport Discus) were searched (up to 20 September 2020) to retrieve studies on healthy adults which used observational, cohort and cross-sectional designs. Studies were included if sedentary time was measured objectively and examined associations with the health- or skill-related attributes of physical fitness (e.g., muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance). After applying additional search criteria, 21 papers (11,101 participants) were selected from an initial pool of 5192 identified papers. Results: Significant negative associations were found between total sedentary time with cardiorespiratory fitness (r = −0.164, 95%CI: −0.240, −0.086, p < 0.001), muscular strength (r = −0.147, 95%CI: −0.266, −0.024, p = 0.020) and balance (r = −0.133, 95%CI: −0.255, −0.006, p = 0.040). Conclusions: The evidence found suggests that sedentary time can be associated with poor physical fitness in adults (i.e., muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and balance), so strategies should be created to encourage behavioral changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Training in Sport and Exercise)

► Show Figures