Search Results (940)

This study investigated the kinematic characteristics of center of mass (CoM) movement in elite standing para table tennis players during a controlled 20-ball displacement speed test, focusing on displacement, velocity, acceleration, and jerk as indicators of movement coordination and control. Twenty-one national-level athletes (classes 6–11) performed alternating forehand and backhand strokes while three-dimensional motion analysis captured CoM trajectories. The primary aim was to characterize directional CoM kinematics, and the secondary aim was to examine associations with functional ability, stroke accuracy, and expert-rated technical performance. Results indicated that the range of CoM displacement was largest in the medio-lateral direction, reflecting the sport-specific demands of side-to-side repositioning, while mean displacement did not differ significantly between the medio-lateral and antero-posterior axes. Similarly, velocity, acceleration, and jerk ranges were greatest laterally, highlighting the dynamic requirements of lateral movement. Correlation analyses revealed no statistically significant associations between CoM metrics and functional ability, stroke accuracy, or expert-rated performance after Bonferroni correction, though exploratory trends suggested that higher-functioning athletes may exhibit greater lateral displacement. Jerk, as a measure of movement smoothness, did not systematically differentiate performance or functional class. These findings underscore the predominance of lateral CoM control in para table tennis and provide a biomechanical basis for training interventions aimed at improving lateral stability, coordination, and functional efficiency. Full article

Team resilience is a critical capacity in sports, enabling teams to adapt to adversity and sustain performance under pressure. Although transformational leadership (TFL) has been identified as a key correlate of resilience, the distinct contributions of head coaches, captains, and athlete leaders through motivational climate remain unclear. This study examined associations between TFL and team resilience among elite high school male rugby players, focusing on motivational climate as a pathway. A total of 370 athletes (aged 16–18) from eight nationally competitive teams completed validated self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that captains’ TFL was associated with stronger task-involving climate and greater resilience, while athlete leaders’ TFL was associated with both more task-involving and less ego-involving climate, which was related to higher resilience and fewer vulnerabilities under pressure. Head coaches’ TFL was also associated with a more task-involving and less ego-involving climate, indirectly supporting resilience outcomes. Importantly, no direct effects of head coaches’ or athlete leaders’ TFL on resilience were observed, underscoring the central role of climate-related pathways. These findings highlight motivational climate as a key mechanism connecting leadership roles to resilience and suggest that empowering both captains and athlete leaders alongside coaches may be critical for enhancing adaptability in elite Japanese youth sports. Full article

Background: Dopaminergic signaling is a key mechanism in behavioral regulation and impulse control. While DAT1 promoter methylation has been linked to behavioral dysregulation in clinical groups, its role in high-functioning populations such as elite athletes remains unclear. Objectives: To compare DAT1 promoter methylation, DAT1 VNTR genotype, and impulsivity between elite combat sport athletes and matched controls, and to assess potential gene–environment interactions. Methods: The study included 209 male participants (100 elite combat athletes, 109 controls). Methylation of 33 CpG sites within the DAT1 promoter was quantified from peripheral blood DNA. DAT1 VNTR genotypes were determined via PCR and gel electrophoresis. Impulsivity was assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Group differences and interactions were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), non-parametric tests, and post hoc comparisons. Results: Athletes displayed significantly higher overall DAT1 promoter methylation and lower impulsivity scores across all BIS-11 subscales compared with controls. A significant group × genotype interaction for methylation indicated genotype-specific epigenetic differences by athletic status. No differences in VNTR genotype or allele frequencies were observed. Conclusions: Elevated DAT1 promoter methylation in elite athletes may be associated with enhanced behavioral control, potentially reflecting neurobiological adaptations to high-intensity training. These results highlight the need to integrate genetic and epigenetic perspectives in sports science. Longitudinal and multi-omics studies are warranted to determine causal links and evaluate the potential of epigenetic markers as indicators of performance-related traits. Full article

Recent advancements in wearable technology have allowed researchers to collect high-resolution data on athletes’ workloads and performance, paving the way for more accurate mathematical models in sports science. In this paper, inspired by the modeling of heart rate during exercise, we introduce a novel linear, time-varying, two-state discrete-time dynamical model for predicting athletic performance in elite-level soccer players. Model parameters are estimated via the Differential Evolution optimization algorithm, and GPS-derived metrics such as metabolic power and equivalent distance index are incorporated. The model originally accounts for complex interactions between a performance-related state variable and a second lumped variable, whose dynamics are intertwined. This model was compared to the most effective deterministic (though uncertain) one in the literature, namely the (nonlinear) Busso model. Results, concerning two professional soccer players over a half-season period, show that the proposed model outperforms the traditional approach in estimation and predictive accuracy, with significantly higher correlation coefficients and lower estimation and prediction errors across all players. These findings suggest that integrating two-state dynamics and fine-grained GPS metrics provides a more biologically realistic framework for load monitoring in team sports. The proposed model thus represents a powerful tool for training optimization and athlete readiness assessment, with potential applications in real-time decision support systems for coaching staff. By predicting the effects of training load on future performance, it might also contribute to injury risk reduction and the prevention of maladaptive responses to excessive workload. Full article

Background: The Relative Age Effect (RAE) refers to the advantage conferred to athletes born earlier within a selection year. In karate, particularly at the highest level, evidence is lacking. This study aimed to examine the presence of RAE among male and female karate athletes competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in two competitive disciplines: kata and kumite. Methods: Data from 81 athletes (42 males, 39 females) were retrieved from open-access databases. Birthdates were grouped into quartiles (Q1–Q4) and semesters (S1–S2). Chi-squared tests and odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess deviations from a uniform distribution, while binary logistic regression examined the association between semester of birth and medal attainment. Results: The overall distribution of birth quartiles significantly deviated from a uniform distribution (χ²(3) = 9.81, p = 0.020), indicating a higher proportion of athletes born in Q1 (38%) compared with Q4 (19%; OR = 2.07). RAE was particularly evident in kumite (χ²(3) = 17.87, p < 0.001; OR = 3.50 for Q1 vs. Q4) and among female athletes (χ²(3) = 9.92, p = 0.019), whereas no significant effect was found in kata or among males. Logistic regression revealed no significant association between semester of birth and medal success (OR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.20–1.21], p = 0.125). Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of RAE in Olympic karate, especially among females and in kumite. However, relative age did not predict performance outcomes, suggesting that once athletes reach the Olympic level, technical and tactical factors outweigh birthdate advantages. Full article

A series of articles has tested von Neumann’s minimax theory against behavioral evidence based on field data from professional sports. The evidence has been viewed and collectively cited as positive evidence that elite athletes in their familiar sports contexts mix well and behave in line with minimax. In this paper, based on open state-of-the-art tennis data and analytics, we shall uncover new and significant evidence against minimax at the very top of the game, where previously, such results had not been obtained. The kinds of behavioral deviations from minimax that we find become apparent, because we enrich the test strategy to take into account whether or not players face ‘pressure’ situations like break points and other decisive points. Our paper highlights that the prior literature’s failure to reject minimax does not constitute positive behavioral evidence, as some of that literature argued, because it is not robust to data aggregations and separations that are psychologically natural given the relevant real-world context. In this case, this means separating serves into the serve types that players actually consider and separating situations by pressure levels, which leads to clear and sound rejection of minimax. Full article

Background: Adolescence represents a critical period for growth and athletic development, yet young athletes frequently demonstrate significant gaps in nutritional knowledge that can impair performance and long-term health outcomes. Limited research exists on comprehensive nutrition education interventions for adolescent soccer players in North African populations. Objective: To evaluate both general and sports-specific nutritional knowledge among adolescent soccer players from an elite Tunisian club and assess the feasibility of a digital nutrition intervention using mobile application technology. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and August 2024 among 50 male soccer players aged 11–18 years from Étoile du Sahel club in Sousse, Tunisia. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire comprising sections on basic nutrition knowledge, influences on food choices, sports nutrition knowledge and practices, and demographic information. A pilot digital intervention using the FatSecret app was implemented with 8 participants over 4 weeks, involving meal photo uploads and nutritionist feedback. Results: Participants had a mean age of 15.16 ± 1.55 years, with 92% reporting no formal nutrition education. While 90% correctly identified carbohydrates as the primary energy source, only 2% recognized that fat provides the highest energy density. Significant misconceptions existed regarding sports nutrition: 74% incorrectly believed that consuming protein 2–4 h before an event enhances performance, and only 17% knew the recommended pre-event carbohydrate intake. Food choices were primarily influenced by cravings (80%) and sensory appeal rather than health considerations (20%). The digital intervention demonstrated extremely low engagement, with minimal participation in meal photo uploads. Conclusions: This study reveals critical gaps in both general and sports-specific nutritional knowledge among adolescent soccer players in Tunisia, providing important descriptive information about knowledge distribution in this population. While knowledge deficits are substantial, it is important to acknowledge that this cross-sectional assessment documents only knowledge patterns, without measures of actual dietary intake or athletic performance. The persistent misconceptions and the low feasibility of the digital intervention provide important lessons regarding technology-based approaches to nutrition education in this age group, highlighting challenges in sustained engagement that must be addressed in future intervention design. Full article

Background/Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the mediating role of injury anxiety in the relationship between mental training and flow state among wheelchair basketball athletes. Although mental training is known to be essential for enhancing athletic performance, the underlying mechanisms through which it affects psychological states such as flow have been studied very limitedly, especially in adaptive sports. Methods: The research was conducted using a correlational survey model within a quantitative research framework. The study sample consisted of a total of 153 elite male wheelchair basketball athletes competing in leagues in Türkiye. Hayes’ Process Macro Model was used to test the mediating effect in the analysis of the data. Results: The analyses revealed that mental training significantly reduced injury anxiety (β = −0.328, p < 0.001), accounting for 7.6% of its variance. Injury anxiety had a significant negative effect on optimal performance (β = −0.3380, p < 0.001). The direct effect of mental training on performance remained positive and significant (β = 0.4324, p < 0.001). Together, the variables explained 43% of the variance in optimal performance. The total effect of mental training was also significant (β = 0.543, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of this study reveal that mental training plays a significant role in both reducing injury anxiety and enhancing optimal performance among wheelchair basketball players. It was determined that injury anxiety functions as a mediating variable in the relationship between mental training and flow. Full article

Background/Purpose: Skilled motor performance depends on the action–observation networks (AONs), which supports the internal simulation of perceived movements. While expertise effects are well-documented in sports, neuroimaging evidence in golf is scarce, particularly on temporal dynamics across swing phases. This study examines how golf expertise modulates AON activation and functional connectivity during temporally distinct swing phases (pre-hitting vs. hitting) and assesses implications for predictive-coding models of motor skill. Methods: Fifty-seven participants (elite golfers: n = 28; controls: n = 29) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning while viewing golf swing videos segmented into pre-hitting and hitting phases. Data analysis employed generalized linear models (GLMs) with two-sample t-tests for group comparisons and generalized psychophysiological interaction (gPPI) to assess functional connectivity using GLM-identified activation clusters as seeds. Results: (1) Compared to controls, elite golfers showed stronger activation in right insula and posterior cingulate cortex during pre-hitting, and in right cerebellum and bilateral postcentral cortex during hitting phases. The hitting > pre-hitting contrast revealed enhanced bilateral postcentral gyrus activation in golfers. (2) gPPI analysis demonstrated significant group × phase interaction in functional connectivity between right postcentral gyrus and left precuneus. Conclusions: Elite golf expertise dynamically retunes AON across swing phases, shifting from anticipatory interoceptive processing to impact-centered sensorimotor–parietal circuitry. These findings refine predictive-coding models of motor skill and identify the postcentral–precuneus loop as a potential target for neurofeedback interventions aimed at optimizing golf performance. Full article

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a gold standard to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). CRF varied through the lifespan, increasing in children until early adulthood and then gradually declining. Reference values for CPET are used to check whether the child’s CRF falls within the normal range. The differences between directly measured and normative age-adjusted exercise data may suggest pathology and are helpful during the diagnostic process. Deriving reference values for children is particularly challenging. Moreover, many children participate in sports, some at an advanced/elite level, which translates into specific adaptations in CPET. The ATS/ACCP statement on CPET presented a checklist that should be followed when reporting reference values. However, the checklist originally focused on adults. This aggravates the quality of reporting pediatric reference values for CPET, making between-studies comparisons difficult. This review (1) presents a step-by-step protocol to fulfill all requirements from the ATS/ACCP statement in the pediatric population, and (2) summarizes the key challenges in deriving reference values for CPET in children, especially among pediatric athletes. Additional recommendations to enrich the quality of reporting reference values for CPET in pediatric athletes were also discussed. Full article

Background: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is common in athletes, being more frequent in outdoor endurance-based/long-distance sports. We followed a World-Class marathon paddler’s season with recurrent episodes of EIB, which intensified during cold exposure workouts. This unique immunophenotype profile during the season and its variations were reflected in acute and chronic inflammatory markers. Methods: A longitudinal case study was conducted with blood sampling obtained from a single paddler after overnight fasting at three timepoints: T1 (beginning of season, after 15-day rest period), T2 (post-Winter National Championship), and T3 (post-Summer National Championship). Complete blood counts and lymphocyte immunophenotyping were performed using automated hematology analysis and multiparametric flow cytometry. Results: The total numbers of leukocytes (T1: 6.3; T2: 5.0; T3: 5.5 × 10⁹/L), neutrophils (3.1; 2.5; 2.8 × 10⁹/L), and lymphocytes (2.4; 1.8; 2.2 × 10⁹/L) declined between T1 and T2, followed by a partial recovery at T3. In contrast, monocyte counts exhibited the reverse pattern (0.41; 0.62; 0.31 × 10⁹/L). The two T cell subsets (αβ and γδ) remained relatively stable, showing only minor seasonal fluctuations. CD19+ B cells, initially at very low levels, increased steadily as the season progressed (0.05; 0.07; 0.16 × 10⁹/L). During T2, the proportion of memory lymphocytes (CD45RO+) rose, while naive cells (CD45RA+) declined; this trend was subsequently inverted at M3. Although the CD4+/CD8+ ratio varied over time, it consistently stayed below the normal reference range established for healthy controls (0.50; 0.83; 0.60 for T1, T2, and T3, respectively). Conclusions: The immune assessment of the World-Class marathon paddler revealed transient immunosuppression early in the season, marked by reduced neutrophils, a low CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and diminished CD19+ lymphocytes. Over time, immune parameters showed signs of recovery, indicating a temporary imbalance that did not impair the athlete’s physical performance. Conclusions: This case study of an elite marathon kayaker revealed transient immune fluctuations across a competitive season, including early immunosuppression (low neutrophils, CD4+/CD8+ ratio 0.50, and minimal CD19+ B cells) followed by partial recovery mid- and late-season. Despite persistently inverted CD4+/CD8+ ratios suggesting chronic immune dysregulation, the athlete maintained competitive performance, highlighting the temporary nature of these changes and emphasizing that regular immune monitoring can help optimize health and performance in elite athletes. Full article

Pickleball is a recent sport, and very little scientific information exists on its match performance, especially for mixed doubles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the performance profile in relation to sex differences in terms of shot outcome, margin of victory, and advantage. Seventeen elite mixed double matches from Professional Pickleball Association tours were analyzed, specifically considering the final as well as the penultimate shot with regard to the sex of the opponent who played it to analyze the inter-player dynamics between the opponents. Elite mixed pickleball matches have been characterized by 1:1.4 work-to-rest ratio, with rallies meanly lasting 10.6 s and separated by 11.4 s between them. Among the 1678 final shots analyzed, males played significantly fewer forced errors and more winners than females, especially when the penultimate shot was played by a female opponent. No sex differences emerged when the penultimate shot was played by a male opponent. Additionally, males played more winners both when leading and when winning the match. Mixed doubles pickleball matches appear to be partially influenced by sex-imbalanced game dynamics, with a higher number of winners played by males, particularly when the preceding shot is played by a female, suggesting that this format offers only moderate inclusivity between sexes. Full article

Background: Muscle and bone show reciprocal interactions and are associated in a muscle-bone unit. The muscle-bone unit has been investigated to a very limited extent in soccer players. The objective of this work was to investigate in detail the muscle-bone unit in male youth elite soccer players. Methods: Bone mineral and lean mass were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The functional muscle-bone unit (fMBU) and the muscle-to-bone ratio (MBR) were calculated from the DXA output in a sample of players aged 14–19 (n = 193) playing in the youth squads of an Italian Serie A team. Results: Statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlations were found between lean mass variables and bone mineral content and density, also after adjusting for age, body mass, stature, maturity, and ethnicity (White/Black). fMBU and MBR were statistically significantly associated with age, body mass, stature, maturity, and ethnicity. Linear regression showed that body lean mass was the strongest predictor for bone mineral content and density. Age was a statistically significant predictor for fMBU and MBR. Playing position did not show any statistically significant relationship with bone mineral content and density, as well as fMBU or MBR. Centiles for fMBU and MBR were calculated as a reference. Conclusions: This work is the first detailed characterization of the muscle-to-bone relationship in soccer players. It is expected to be of use for sport scientists and the wide community of sportsmen and professionals involved in soccer. Full article

Football (soccer) is the world’s most widely played sport, but it carries a high incidence of traumatic injuries, particularly to the head, face, and lower limbs. Once regarded as a low-equipment discipline, the role of protective devices has expanded substantially in recent decades, both in injury prevention and in return-to-play strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical evolution, typology, and materials of football protective equipment, with additional focus on regulatory frameworks, cultural acceptance, and illustrative cases from elite athletes. Shin guards remain the only mandatory device, yet the use of facial masks, headgear, braces, and orthoses is increasing, particularly following high-profile injuries. Advances in carbon fiber composites, thermoplastics, viscoelastic foams, and additive manufacturing have enabled lightweight, customized devices that balance protection with comfort and adherence. Beyond biomechanics, psychological reassurance, esthetics, durability, and hygiene strongly influence player compliance and perception. Despite this progress, critical challenges remain. Football lacks standardized testing protocols, clear certification pathways, and longitudinal studies on long-term outcomes. Evidence is particularly limited for youth athletes and newer categories of equipment. Looking ahead, the integration of wearable technologies, systematic hygiene and durability testing, and sustainable materials could transform protective gear into multifunctional tools for safety, monitoring, and performance optimization. Protective equipment in football has thus evolved into a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of medicine, engineering, psychology, and regulation. Future advances will depend on stronger collaboration between clinicians, researchers, governing bodies, and manufacturers to ensure safe, effective, and widely accepted protective solutions at all levels of the game. Full article

Background: A sexually active lifestyle is generally associated with positive effects on physical condition and health. However, engaging in sexual activity prior to a sports competition could affect athletic performance. This systematic review examines the current literature on the impact of pre-exercise sexual activity on sports performance, with particular attention paid to its effects on physiological, hormonal, cognitive, and perceptual markers. Method: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed original studies published within the last 25 years. Eligible studies were randomized or non-randomized controlled design and indexed on PubMed, Scopus, Dialnet, and Cochrane. Additional sources were consulted including a network diagram with Connected Papers^®. Two methodological quality scales, McMaster University Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Practice Research Group and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), were used. The study was registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42023426555). Results: A total of 244 records were identified through the search process, of which 7 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies involved 117 (115 men) physically and sexually active subjects including 29 elite top athletes. When comparing the sexual activity condition/group (SexG) to abstinence (AbsG), significant (p < 0.05) decreases were observed in average speed and maximum strength. In contrast, non-significant trends towards improvement (p > 0.05) were observed in exercise capacity, reaction time, and muscular endurance. No significant changes (p > 0.05) were found in physiological and hormonal biomarkers and fatigue perception. However, perceived exertion was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in SexG compared to AbsG. Conclusions: Current evidence does not conclusively support the influence of pre-exercise sexual activity on sports performance, or physiological and hormonal biomarkers. However, it could contribute to increased perception of exercise intensity. Full article