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Zhao K, Siener M, Zhao Y, Hohmann A. Physical fitness and motor competence performance characteristics of Chinese elite youth athletes from four track and field throwing disciplines-a cross-sectional study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1267804. [PMID: 38162829 PMCID: PMC10754956 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1267804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose: For systematic athletic training and targeted talent development, it is essential to know the physical fitness and motor competencies of top athletes in detail. However, it can be difficult to identify differences in performance requirements and thus to provide adequate support, especially for sports that at first glance appear to have similar demands-such as track and field throwing disciplines. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the physical fitness and motor competence of top athletes from different throwing disciplines and to check whether the athletes' performance parameters match the specific requirements of the respective sport. Methods: The study involved 289 male youth athletes (aged 14-18 years) across four distinct throwing disciplines: shot put (n = 101), hammer throw (n = 16), discus throw (n = 63), and javelin throw (n = 109). The performance evaluation comprised three anthropometric measurements and twelve motor performance prerequisites applicable to the throwing disciplines. Discriminant analysis and neural networks (Multilayer Perceptron) were implemented to determine the possibility of distinguishing among athletes from the four sports. Results: The study's findings indicate that in male throwing athletes, disparities in general physical fitness and motor proficiency assessments discern the majority of talented young athletes based on their specific sport (discriminant analysis: 68.2%; multilayer perceptron analysis: 72.2%). This remains applicable irrespective of the classification method employed. Discus throwers possessed a height advantage, while shot putters and hammer throwers exhibited superior arm strength. Javelin throwers displayed better explosive strength and sprinting speed. Except for the hammer throwers, all events demonstrated a high level of explosive power in the medicine ball forward or backward throw test, which was especially crucial for shot put and discus athletes. Conclusion: The significance of physical fitness and motor competence tests in identifying and transferring talented athletes in track and field throwing disciplines has been affirmed. Using linear and non-linear classification methods, most athletes could be assigned to their correct sport. However, this also shows that slightly different training and talent identification is required for each of these sports. Furthermore, non-linear analysis methods can provide useful support for the development processes in junior competitive sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Zhao
- High Performance Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Maximilian Siener
- BaySpo—Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- Institute of Professional Sport Education and Sport Qualifications, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yifan Zhao
- High Performance Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Andreas Hohmann
- BaySpo—Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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Charbonnet B, Conzelmann A. Mechanistic or Relational Worldview for Talent Identification Research in Sport Science? Both-But With a Preference! J Pers Oriented Res 2023; 9:51-74. [PMID: 38107202 PMCID: PMC10722373 DOI: 10.17505/jpor.2023.25813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper situates talent identification research in sport science within the broader context of developmental science, offering a conceptual framework informed by two (meta-)theoretical worldviews: the Cartesian-split-mechanistic and processual-relational worldviews. Although these worldviews are not explicitly named in the field of talent identification research, we demonstrate their implicit adoption through theoretical and methodological discourse. After comparing applications, benefits, and limitations of each worldview, we briefly discuss whether their bodies of knowledge are incompatible, competitive, or complementary. We suggest each worldview provides complementary insights with a penchant for generating nomothetic and group-specific and type-specific and idiographic knowledge, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Charbonnet
- Institute of Sport Science, Department of Sport Psychology and Research Methods, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Achim Conzelmann
- Institute of Sport Science, Department of Sport Psychology and Research Methods, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Portella DL, Vidal-Espinoza R, Sulla-Torres J, Castelli Correia de Campos LF, Gomez-Campos R, Cossio-Bolaños M. Reference values for body composition and physical fitness of young Brazilian elite soccer players. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1285952. [PMID: 38028780 PMCID: PMC10652792 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1285952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: a) to verify whether body composition and physical fitness should be analyzed by chronological age and/or maturity stage in young Brazilian soccer players and b) to propose reference values for the evaluation of body composition and physical fitness by maturity stage in elite soccer players. Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was carried out in 206 young Brazilian soccer players (11-16 years old). The sample selection was non-probabilistic by convenience. Weight and standing height were evaluated. Body composition (BC) was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). BC indicators [(percent fat (%F), Fat-free mass (FFM), Fat mass (FM) and Bone mass (BM)] were extracted. For physical fitness (PF), we applied the Flexibility (cm) sit and reach tests, explosive strength tests [Counter Movement Jump CMJ (cm) and horizontal jump HJ (cm)], speed [Speed 10, 20, 30 and 40 m (seconds)] and Yo-Yo endurance level I test. Percentiles were constructed for BC and PF using the LMS method [L (Lambda; skewness), M (Mu; median) and S (Sigma; coefficient of variation)]. Results: The explanatory power between chronological age (CA) with BC was: FM (R2 = 0.03%), FFM (R 2 = 0.66%) and BM (R 2 = 0.62%), while between maturity status (MS) with BC were: FM (R 2 = 0.04%), FFM (R 2 = 0.71%) and BM (R 2 = 0.66). The explanatory power between the CA with the physical fitness tests ranged from: (R 2 = 0.22-0.62%). While between MS with physical fitness the values ranged from: (R 2 = 0.23-0.64%). Percentiles per MS (P3, P5, P10, P15, P25, P50, P75, P85, P90, P95 and P97) were proposed for both BC and PF. Conclusion: The results of the study have shown that the evaluation of BC and PF of young soccer players should be performed by controlling for MS rather than for CA. The inclusion of a non-invasive method to control MS by means of percentiles during puberty may contribute to the development of retention and exclusion of young soccer players, thus, they may have a better chance of achieving sporting success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leite Portella
- School of Physical Education, Master Program in Innovation in Health Education, Universidade Municipal de São Caetano do Sul, São Caetano do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ruben Vidal-Espinoza
- Escuela de Ingenieria de Sistemas, Universidad Católica Silva Henríquez, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Rossana Gomez-Campos
- Carrera de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, Facultad de Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Marco Cossio-Bolaños
- Carrera de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, Facultad de Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
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Engler F, Hohmann A, Siener M. Validation of a New Soccer Shooting Test Based on Speed Radar Measurement and Shooting Accuracy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020199. [PMID: 36832328 PMCID: PMC9954281 DOI: 10.3390/children10020199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Due to poor results, the German talent identification and development of the German soccer association DFB no longer performs a shooting test since a few years. The aim of this study was to create and validate a new soccer shooting test that allows valid conclusions to be drawn from the shooting quality of youth soccer players about their overall soccer skills. The shooting test was performed with a total of 57 male club players (age: 15.24 ± 0.864 years) from four different teams from the first, second, fifth, and the seventh division of the respective age group (under 15-year-olds until under 17-year-olds). Each subject took one shot at maximum shot speed and eight target shots, measuring accuracy and the shot speed. A multivariable linear regression analysis with forward selection revealed significant values for the variables average shot speed nondominant leg (p < 0.001) and total score (p = 0.004; accuracy × speed of every target shot). Based on these two variables, the soccer skills could be derived from the shooting skills of the adolescents in 57.4% of the cases. The study shows the importance of a good technique with the nondominant leg and of the ability to shoot accurately as well as fast simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Engler
- BaySpo—Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Andreas Hohmann
- BaySpo—Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Maximilian Siener
- BaySpo—Bayreuth Center of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Institute of Professional Sport Education and Sport Qualifications, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Leg dominance and performance in change of directions tests in young soccer players. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12900. [PMID: 35902674 PMCID: PMC9334385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17245-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the influence of leg dominance on the change of direction (COD) performance. In this study participated 94 healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging from two categories (n = 27 vs. n = 67; 14.81 ± 0.40 vs. 16.64 ± 1.25 years of age; 170.61 ± 5.61 vs. 173.73 ± 7.19 cm of height; 64.74 ± 8.44 vs. 66.70 ± 7.95 kg of weight, for U16 and U18, respectively). Fitness assessments were performed two times in a period of three months, and included: (1) anthropometry measures, (2) 30–15 IFT, (3) 10-m sprint test, (4) 505-COD test, 90° COD test and cross-over hop test. A paired sample t-test was performed to evaluate the asymmetries at the intragroup level in each of the COD’s tests. A symmetry index was used to analyse the asymmetries between categories, and an independent sample t-test was used to compare the variability between the two categories in each of the three tests performed. The effect size was also evaluated. Analysis demonstrated that evidence a trend for a better performance with the preferred leg in the cross-over hop and 505-COD tests, and with the non-dominant leg in the 90° COD. However, in the intragroup analysis, only the 505-COD test registered differences, and no differences were notice din the intergroup comparison. Only in the 505-COD test the percentage of variability (CV) was statistically significant (7.03 ± 4.18% vs. 4.03 ± 2.02% from U16 and U18, respectively). In sum, bilateral differences were noticed in the intragroup comparison, although only in 505-COD test the leg dominance showed to influence performance. In the intergroup analysis any difference was noticed between age categories.
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Hermassi S, Bartels T, Hayes LD, Schwesig R. Fitness, Fatness, and Academic Attainment in Male Schoolchildren from a Soccer Academy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19053106. [PMID: 35270798 PMCID: PMC8910146 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19053106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This investigation explored the association between anthropometric measures, fitness, and academic attainment (mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in male schoolchildren from a soccer academy. Thirty-one males (age: 10.3 ± 1.19 years; body mass: 41.7 ± 6.5 kg; height: 1.43 ± 0.07 m; body mass index (BMI): 20.2 ± 2.8 kg/m2) participated. Body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and BMI were used as measures of anthropometry. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat and counter-movement jumps (SJ and CMJ), static balance, 10 and 15 m sprint, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) performance were used to measure fitness parameters. The GPA of mathematics and science determined academic attainment. All physical performance tests showed excellent relative reliability. ICC was between 0.87 (10 m sprint) and 1.00 (15 m sprint, CMJ). Regarding correlations between fatness and academic attainment, we found three correlations of practical value (r > 0.5), but only for mathematics (BMI: r = 0.540, subscapular skinfold: r = 0.589, body fat: r = 0.560). Mathematics was relevantly correlated with 15 m sprint (r = 0.574) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.770). Only static balance (r = 0.428) did not reach the relevance criteria (r > 0.5). Science only showed large correlations with static balance (r = 0.620) and Yo-Yo IR1 test (r = 0.730). In conclusion, fatness and fitness are related to academic attainment in schoolchildren. In addition, except for static balance, all physical performance parameters were relevantly (r > 0.5) correlated with mathematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhail Hermassi
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas Bartels
- Sports Clinic Halle, Center of Joint Surgery, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Lawrence D. Hayes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK;
| | - René Schwesig
- Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
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Hohmann A, Yuan X, Schmitt M, Zhang H, Pietzonka M, Siener M. Physical Fitness and Motor Competence in Chinese and German Elementary School Children in Relation to Different Physical Activity Settings. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:391. [PMID: 34068840 PMCID: PMC8153568 DOI: 10.3390/children8050391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Children with greater physical activity (PA) may show a higher physical fitness (PF) and motor competence (MC) compared to peers with less PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), PF, and MC in 8- to 9-year old children in Germany and China. MVPA was differentiated into five PA settings: family sport, club training, school sport, leisure sport, and outside play. (2) Methods: This longitudinal study comprised N = 577 children (n = 311 girls, n = 266 boys) who were studied over a one-year period. Each child's PF and MC was determined using sports motor tests. The children's PAs were measured using a questionnaire. (3) Results: The children's PA was positively associated with PF and MC. The MVPA-settings: family sport, leisure sport, outside play, school, and club sport, explained between 18 and 23 percent of the variance in selected PF and MC characteristics in a multivariate linear regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: An increase in the children's MVPA might be an appropriate aim in the school sport in Germany as well as in the club sport system in China. Furthermore, family sport should be enhanced in Germany and outside play activities in China, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hohmann
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (A.H.); (X.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Xinchi Yuan
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (A.H.); (X.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Manfred Schmitt
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstraße 7, 76829 Landau in der Pfalz, Germany;
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, 650 Qingyuan Ring Rd, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200438, China;
- Department of Training Science, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd, Xihu, Hangzhou 310028, China
| | - Micha Pietzonka
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (A.H.); (X.Y.); (M.P.)
| | - Maximilian Siener
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany; (A.H.); (X.Y.); (M.P.)
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