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Sports
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Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health
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Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health

A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 8819

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tomasz Gabryś

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Guest Editor
1. Physical Education and Sport Center University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic
2. Faculty of Health Sciences Jan Dlugosz University Czestochowa, Czestochowa, Poland
Interests: winter sports training; physiology of exercise; testing and prevention in sport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Arkadiusz Stanula

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Guest Editor
Institute of Sport Science, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: swimming; water rescue; physiological testing; sports training; analysis in sports
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kazimierz Mikołajec

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Guest Editor
The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Institute of Sport Sciences, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: playing position; body composition; youth athletes; weight loss; basketball players
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Although the evidence accumulated in numerous publications indicating the benefits of participating in competition and sports training is compelling, many areas linking health to sports require extensive research. There are many barriers in people's minds against participating in both physical activity and sports competition. The term sports is perceived as an area reserved for a particularly physically gifted population. Sports activity is not combined with public health, although it has significantly penetrated many programs implemented in the area of public health. The results of numerous scientific studies show that new approaches directed at promoting greater participation in sports by all sectors of society are needed, which could stem from launching leisure-time physical activity programs. Instead of the commonly emphasized physical health or appearance benefits, it is the hedonic rewards and opportunities for social interaction that are seen as the most sought-after benefits by participants. The need for success and social aspects can potentially lead to increased participation in sports realizing the holistic health concept. This approach lays the groundwork for addressing important public health policy issues. The purpose of this Special Issue is to add to the existing literature, with information on the most effective solutions for combining sports competition, training, and the tasks facing public health. We look forward to papers whose results will contribute to the transfer of knowledge emerging from training and sports competition toward improving the participation of various social and professional groups in physical activity. Obtaining sports success and achieving satisfaction from social interaction by participants in programs is based on sports competition. An important area we look forward to will be research combining sports research methodologies in the diagnosis and improvement of professional physical preparation necessary in various fields of life. We look forward to papers addressing the issues of safe participation in training and sports competition resulting from the functional, physiological, and psychological predispositions of participants.

Dr. Tomasz Gabryś
Dr. Arkadiusz Stanula
Dr. Kazimierz Mikołajec
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. Sports 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 1800 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

  • sports competition
  • training
  • public health
  • functional diagnostics
  • motor skills

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 819 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of a Non-Anticipatory, Random-Action Target System to Improve Shooting Performance: A Brief Field Trial
by Matthew Lee Smith and Ali Boolani
Sports 2024, 12(11), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12110305 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 400
Abstract
Firearm shooting performance training rightfully focuses on shooting accuracy; however, additional foci should include decision processing speed and reaction time associated with decision making to avoid reaction-only based shooting responses. While advancements in realistic training environments attempt to mimic “real-world” situations, many remain [...] Read more.
Firearm shooting performance training rightfully focuses on shooting accuracy; however, additional foci should include decision processing speed and reaction time associated with decision making to avoid reaction-only based shooting responses. While advancements in realistic training environments attempt to mimic “real-world” situations, many remain largely anticipatory or subject to a speed–accuracy trade-off (SAT). The purpose of this brief field trial was to demonstrate the feasibility of a random-action target system (RATS) on participants’ shooting performance (i.e., accuracy, omission, and commission rates) among a convenience sample of six retired police officers and competitive shooters (age range: 45–58 years, mean age = 52.5 ± 5.89). Observational data were gathered from a single-day, three-round trial to test shooting accuracy and shooting errors when shooters were unable to anticipate target appearance location and target exposure speed. In Trial 1, the target exposure time was 0.5 s, which increased to 0.7 s in Trial 2, and decreased back to 0.5 s in Trial 3. Shooting accuracy generally increased, while omission and commission generally decreased, when shooters were presented with targets exposed for longer durations. From Trial 1 to Trial 3 (both trials with 0.5 s target exposures), shooters showed higher median accuracy rates, lower median omission rates, and lower median commission rates. Findings suggest that a non-anticipatory, RATS holds promise for improving shooting performance and offset SAT among shooters with firearm experience. However, additional trials are needed with the RATS to replicate these findings among a larger and more diverse set of participants, who train with the RATS consistently, over longer durations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health)
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24 pages, 1322 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Annual Physical Training Plan for Masters +45 Women Half Marathon Athletes: A Guideline Model for Good Practices for Programming Effort Volume and Intensity
by Daniela Baba, Raluca Mijaica, Florentina Nechita and Lorand Balint
Sports 2024, 12(9), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12090256 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 844
Abstract
This study presents the implementation and results of the Annual Physical Training Program for Masters +45 Half Marathoners (PASm-12), focused on optimizing athletic performance through rigorous planning of training volume and intensity. PASm-12, structured over 12 mesocycles and 52 microcycles, was applied to [...] Read more.
This study presents the implementation and results of the Annual Physical Training Program for Masters +45 Half Marathoners (PASm-12), focused on optimizing athletic performance through rigorous planning of training volume and intensity. PASm-12, structured over 12 mesocycles and 52 microcycles, was applied to 6 female runners with over 10 years of experience. The results indicate that the total running volume achieved (2347 km) was 90.2% of the volume proposed by PASm-12 (2603.2 km), with statistically significant differences in most mesocycles (Cohen’s f2 = 6.24, t = −5.997, p = 0.002, indicating a large effect size). The training intensity was achieved at an average of 94.8% of what was proposed by PASm-12, with significant differences in several mesocycles (Cohen’s f2 = 0.45, t = −1.972 to −3.984, p < 0.05, indicating a moderate to large effect size). The female runners’ performances in field tests generally showed faster times than the maximum and average values proposed in PASm-12, with the exception of the final competition, where performance was slightly lower due to external competitive factors (Cohen’s d = −0.53, t = −1.192, p = 0.3). This plan, demonstrating good practice, could serve as a guideline model for amateur runners who do not have specialist counseling. PASm-12 can reduce the risk of injury, prevent excessive fatigue, and support ongoing participation in sports activities. Additionally, the implementation of this plan could provide amateur runners with a safe and effective training structure, contributing to improved health and athletic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health)
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13 pages, 846 KiB  
Article
Developing Accurate Repetition Prediction Equations for Trained Older Adults with Osteopenia
by Rose Beia, Alfred Wassermann, Sebastian Raps, Jerry Mayhew, Michael Uder and Wolfgang Kemmler
Sports 2024, 12(9), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12090233 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 721
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate prediction equations to estimate 1RM in different exercises in older men and women with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Forty well-trained older women and men (73 ± 8 years) with osteopenia/osteoporosis performed 1RM dynamic and isometric maximum strength tests [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate prediction equations to estimate 1RM in different exercises in older men and women with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Forty well-trained older women and men (73 ± 8 years) with osteopenia/osteoporosis performed 1RM dynamic and isometric maximum strength tests on resistance devices. In addition, each participant performed repetitions-to-fatigue (RTF) in the 5–8RM, 9–12RM, and 13–16RM zones. After evaluating the predictive performance of available 1RM prediction equations from the literature, new prediction equations were developed for all seven exercises. One of the available equations that focus on postmenopausal women already acceptably predicted 1RM from RTF for all but one exercise. Nevertheless, new exercise-specific prediction equations based on a cubic polynomial most accurately predict 1RM from RTF in the 5–8 reps range with mean absolute differences between predicted and actual 1RM of 3.7 ± 3.7% (leg-press) to 6.9 ± 5.5% (leg flexion) that is roughly within the acceptable coefficient of variation. For some exercises, the inclusion of the isometric maximum strength tests slightly increases the prediction performance of the 5–8RM. In conclusion, the present prediction equation accurately estimates 1RM in trained, older women and men with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Further evaluation of this new equation is warranted to determine its applicability to different age groups and populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health)
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10 pages, 1662 KiB  
Article
Autonomic Rebound Following Maximal Exercise in Bodybuilders and Recreationally Active Participants
by Brian Kliszczewicz, Gabe Wilner, Andre Canino, Pedro Chung, Abigail Nickel, Keilah Vaughan, Cherilyn McLester and Robert Buresh
Sports 2024, 12(6), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12060143 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 942
Abstract
The off-season for natural bodybuilders (BB) is characterized by increased training loads and fluctuations in caloric intake, which may lead to insufficient recovery. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a pivotal role in recovery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resting [...] Read more.
The off-season for natural bodybuilders (BB) is characterized by increased training loads and fluctuations in caloric intake, which may lead to insufficient recovery. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a pivotal role in recovery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate resting ANS activity and recovery following a maximal exercise bout in off-season BB and compare them to those of recreationally active individuals. Fifteen males participated; 7 recreationally active (RA) (24.6 ± 2.1 years, 81.1 ± 10.8 kg) and 8 BB (21.8 ± 2.9 years, 89.3 ± 13.0 kg). Each performed a graded exercise test. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured at rest and during a 45 min recovery period. HRV was analyzed as: root mean square of successive differences (lnRMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal sinus beats (lnSDNN), high frequency (lnHF), low frequency (lnLF), and the ratio of low frequency to high frequency (lnLF/lnHF). A one-way ANOVA showed no differences for any resting marker of HRV, HR, and HR recovery. A significant depression in all markers of HRV was observed in the BB group at the 15 min point, and no recovery was observed before 45 min when compared to RA. The results of this study demonstrated depressed HRV recovery following the graded exercise test in BB when compared to the RA group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health)
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9 pages, 891 KiB  
Article
Foot Placement in the Basic Position on the Start Block OSB12 of Young Competitive Swimmers
by Ivan Matúš, Bibiana Vadašová, Tomáš Eliaš, Łukasz Rydzik, Tadeusz Ambroży and Wojciech Czarny
Sports 2024, 12(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12020042 - 29 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1755
Abstract
Background: The basic position on the starting block can influence the performance at the start, as it is the initial phase on which the other phases depend, as well as the swimming performance in sprint events in all swimming styles. The aim of [...] Read more.
Background: The basic position on the starting block can influence the performance at the start, as it is the initial phase on which the other phases depend, as well as the swimming performance in sprint events in all swimming styles. The aim of our study is to analyze the effect of the foot in the base position on the block start on performance in the 5 m distance start. Material and Methods: Fifteen performance swimmers aged 17 ± 2 years were tested in their preferred wide and narrow starting positions, performing a total of six starts during which angular, temporal, and length changes were monitored in block, flight, and underwater phases. Fisher individual tests for differences of means were used to determine differences in kinematic parameters of the kick start to the 5 m distance. Differences in the position of the feet in kinematic parameters of the kick start to the 5 m distance were determined using the two-sample t-test with equal variance and effect size by Cohen’s d. Results: Swimmers were found to have significant differences (p < 0.05) between foot widths in block time (0.02 s), time to 2 m (0.05 s), flight and glide time and distance, maximal depth, and time to 5 m (0.08) in favor of the narrow baseline position. Conclusions: We recommend marking the center of the start block on the OSB or OSB platform for the competitors, as well as the center of the backrest, for better orientation and assuming the correct basic foot position on the start block. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health)
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11 pages, 722 KiB  
Article
Hand Selection in Dribbling Phases: An Analysis of Non-Dominant Hand Usage and Dribble Change in Basketball
by Keisuke Onodera and Masaki Takeda
Sports 2023, 11(11), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11110226 - 14 Nov 2023
Viewed by 3318
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of different dribbling phases on hand selection among basketball players across various categories. A total of 33 guard players, including 11 from high school, college, and NBA teams each, were observed. Video data analysis was utilized to determine [...] Read more.
This study investigates the influence of different dribbling phases on hand selection among basketball players across various categories. A total of 33 guard players, including 11 from high school, college, and NBA teams each, were observed. Video data analysis was utilized to determine the frequency of players using their dominant hands (DHs) and non-dominant hands (NDHs) during in-game dribbling phases. The dribbling phases were classified into three categories: First (the initiation of the dribble), Middle (during the dribble but not in First and Last), and Last (the completion of the dribble). Percentage, means, and standard deviations were computed for each category within the First, Middle, and Last measurements. A two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted, considering player category and dribbling phase as factors. The ANOVA revealed significant main effects of player category (p < 0.01) and dribbling phase (p < 0.01). Post hoc multiple comparisons using Holm’s method indicated that, in the First phase, players exhibited a 6.5% higher preference for using their NDHs (43.4 ± 11.9%) compared to the Middle phase (36.9 ± 13.9%) (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the Last phase, players displayed a 5.3% greater inclination towards using their NDHs (42.2 ± 11.7%) compared to the Middle phase (p < 0.05). These findings provide quantitative evidence that the specific dribbling phase influences hand selection during gameplay. The implications of these results are significant for basketball coaches, as they can design targeted training programs and drills that simulate game scenarios and encourage NDH usage. By understanding the factors influencing hand choice, players can enhance their versatility and adaptability on the court. Furthermore, these findings contribute to player performance, skill development, and strategic decision making in dribbling phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Competition and Sports Training: A Challenge for Public Health)
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