Quantile foliation for modelling performance across body mass and age in Olympic weightlifting

2020 ◽  
pp. 1471082X2094015
Author(s):  
Aris Perperoglou ◽  
Marianne Huebner
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Explanatory Variable ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Age Factors ◽  
Peak Performance ◽  
Youth Athletes ◽  
Masters Athletes ◽  
Performance Development ◽  
World Records ◽  
Study Performance

In this work, we develop ‘quantile foliation’ to predict outcomes for one explanatory variable based on two covariates and varying quantiles. This is an extension of quantile sheets. Data from World Championships in Olympic weightlifting with athletes aged 13 to 90 are used to study performances across the life span. Weightlifters of all ages compete in body weight classes, and we study performance development for adolescents, age at peak performance and decline for Masters athletes who are 35 years or older. In prior studies, weightlifting performances were compared with a body mass adjustment formula developed using world records. Although intended for elite athletes with highest performances, this formula was applied to weightlifters of all ages, and age factors for Masters were estimated based on these body mass adjustments. A comparison of youth athletes’ performances for different body mass has not been done. With quantile foliation, it is possible to examine age-associated patterns of performance increase for youth and to study the decline after reaching the peak performance. This can be done for athletes with different body mass and different performance levels as measured by quantiles. R code and example data are available as supplementary materials.

scholarly journals Influence of sex-specific concurrent changes in age, maturity status, and morphological covariates on the development of peak ventilatory variables in 10–17-year-olds

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Armstrong ◽  
Jo Welsman
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Tidal Volume ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Explanatory Variable ◽  
Multilevel Modelling ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Allometric Models ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Temporal Spacing

Abstract Purposes (i) To investigate the influence of concurrent changes in age, maturity status, stature, body mass, and skinfold thicknesses on the development of peak ventilatory variables in 10–17-year-olds; and, (ii) to evaluate the interpretation of paediatric norm tables of peak ventilatory variables. Methods Multiplicative multilevel modelling which allows both the number of observations per individual and the temporal spacing of the observations to vary was used to analyze the expired ventilation (peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$ V ˙ E ) and tidal volume (peak VT) at peak oxygen uptake of 420 (217 boys) 10–17-year-olds. Models were founded on 1053 (550 from boys) determinations of peak ventilatory variables supported by anthropometric measures and maturity status. Results In sex-specific, multiplicative allometric models, concurrent changes in body mass and skinfold thicknesses (as a surrogate of FFM) and age were significant (p < 0.05) explanatory variables of the development of peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$ V ˙ E , once these covariates had been controlled for stature had no additional, significant (p > 0.05) effect on peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$ V ˙ E . Concurrent changes in age, stature, body mass, and skinfold thicknesses were significant (p < 0.05) explanatory variables of the development of peak VT. Maturity status had no additional, significant (p > 0.05) effect on either peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$ V ˙ E or peak VT once age and morphological covariates had been controlled for. Conclusions Elucidation of the sex-specific development of peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$ V ˙ E requires studies which address concurrent changes in body mass, skinfold thicknesses, and age. Stature is an additional explanatory variable in the development of peak VT, in both sexes. Paediatric norms based solely on age or stature or body mass are untenable.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Elite Athletes Training Management Efficiency Based on Multiple Criteria Measure of Conditioning Using Fewer Data

Mathematics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandras Krylovas ◽  
Natalja Kosareva ◽  
Rūta Dadelienė ◽  
Stanislav Dadelo
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Training ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Weighted Least Squares ◽  
Peak Performance ◽  
Sports Industry ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Target Values ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Olympic Games

Innovative solutions and techniques in the sports industry are commonly used and tested in real conditions. Elite athletes have to achieve their peak performance before the main competition of the year, which is the World Championship, and every fourth year before the Olympic Games, when the main competition of athletes takes place. The present study aims to analyze and evaluate the ability of elite kayakers to achieve the best form at the right times, with the Olympic Games taking the greatest importance. Target values for multiple measures of conditioning are compared to target values set by experts. A weighted least squares metric with weights varied by time period is developed as a measure of fulfillment of the athletes’ conditioning plans. The novelty of the paper is the idea of using linear combination of polynomials and trigonometric functions for approximating the target functions and application of the proposed methodology for the optimization and evaluation of athletic training.

scholarly journals Monitoring Athletes during Training Camps: Observations and Translatable Strategies from Elite Road Cyclists and Swimmers

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Saw ◽  
Shona Halson ◽  
Iñigo Mujika
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Moderate Altitude ◽  
Resting Heart Rate ◽  
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Subjective Sleep ◽  
Urinary Specific Gravity ◽  
Road Cyclists ◽  
Insight Into

Monitoring is an essential yet unstandardized component of managing athletic preparation. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the typical measurements and responses observed from monitoring elite road cyclist and swimmers during training camps, and translate these observations to practical strategies for other practitioners to employ. Twenty-nine male professional cyclists, 12 male and 19 female international swimmers participated in up to three of the eight 4–19 day training camps, held early in the season or leading into major competitions, at sea-level or moderate altitude. Monitoring included body mass and composition, subjective sleep, urinary specific gravity (USG), resting heart rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) at altitude. Sum of seven skinfolds most likely decreased in the order of 3.1 ± 3.6 mm week-to-week, accompanied by a most likely trivial decrease in body mass of 0.4 ± 0.4 kg week-to-week. At altitude, sleep quality very likely trivially improved week-to-week (0.3 ± 0.3 AU), SpO2 possibly increased week-to-week (0.6 ± 1.7%), whilst changes in resting HR were unclear (0 ± 4 bpm). Sleep duration and USG were stable. Comparing individual to group day-to-day change in monitored variables may prove effective to flag athletes potentially at risk of training maladaptation. Practitioners may replicate these methods to establish thresholds specific to their cohort and setting. This study provides further support for a multi-faceted approach to monitoring elite athletes in training camp environments.

Reasons for Career Termination in Danish Elite Athletes: Investigating Gender Differences and the Time-point as Potential Correlates

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 49-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Moesch
Keyword(s):  
Female Athletes ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Research ◽  
Peak Performance ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Being There ◽  
Career Termination ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Introduction: Career termination, an inevitable step in every athlete’s career, has received increased attention within sport psychological research. A career termination that results in psychological problems is of special concern for sport federations, organizations and clubs. Research has shown that it is crucial to consider an athlete’s the reason for career termination. There is evidence that the causes of an involuntary and unplanned career termination are disadvantageous for athletes’ well-being. There are many important aspects of career termination, such as cultural and social aspects, gender, and the time-point of the occurrence. The present study therefore aims at investigating the causes of career termination and possible correlates with gender and the time-point thereof among Danish elite athletes. Method: Data was gathered from 68 retired Danish elite athletes about their reasons for career termination and about its time-point. A qualitative analysis with the reasons mentioned by the athletes was performed. Moreover, t-tests and chi-square tests were conducted to analyze differences between males and females, and among athletes ending their career at different time-points in their career. Results: The results revealed 10 different reasons given for career termination with lack of motivation, injury or health problems and family related reasons being the top three. Female athletes mentioned that they ended their career due to family-related reasons more often than their male peers. More than a third of all athletes ended their career before their perceived achievement of peak performance. Financial reasons seemed to be of more importance for career termination for athletes ending their career before or at peaking, whereas family-related reasons were more often mentioned by athletes during or after their performance peak. Discussion and conclusion: The results of the study provide an overview of the career termination reasons of Danish elite athletes, which can provide practitioners and organizations with helpful insight when designing respective interventions. When planning such interventions it could be advantageous to deliver specific support for women to enable them to optimally combine family life with an elite sport career.

scholarly journals Somatotype of Competitive Youth Soccer Players From Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 259-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Lucy Fidelix ◽  
Juliane Berria ◽  
Elisa Pinheiro Ferrari ◽  
Jaelson Gonçalves Ortiz ◽  
Tiago Cetolin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Anthropometric Measurements ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Youth Athletes ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Post Hoc

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the morphological configuration of youth athletes from professional soccer clubs and to verify their differences according to the tactical position on the field. Overall, 67 male players aged 15 to 17 years were evaluated. The examined anthropometric measurements included body mass, body height, skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, supraspinal and medial calf), girths (flexed and tensed arm and calf) and breadths (humerus and femur). For statistical purposes, analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used. We concluded that goalkeepers were heavier and taller than center backs (p = 0.015 and p = 0.001), midfielders (p = 0.005 and p <0.001) and center forward players (p = 0.024 and p <0.001). The average somatotype for defense, forward and goalkeeper positions was a balanced mesomorph. Midfield players showed ectomorphic-mesomorph characteristics. It was concluded that goalkeepers were characterized as being taller and heavier and that somatotype features of athletes were similar between positions, except for midfield players

Experiences of Peak Performance in Elite American Football

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-34
Author(s):  
Andy Gillham ◽  
Craig Stone
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
American Football ◽  
Peak Performance ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Optimal Functioning ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Elite Level ◽  
Physical Components ◽  
Flow States

Elite athletes strive for a superior state of psychological functioning to achieve peak performance, and peak performance is the central construct of this study. Peak performance as a phenomenon is a state of superior functioning allowing athletes to perform at their highest levels, attaining outstanding results. The purpose of this study was to understand the phenomenon of peak performance through semistructured interviews with 16 elite-level American football players. Four higher-order themes divided into mental, physical, emotional, and sensory elements. Those themes are supported by 18 lower-level categories. Findings were largely consistent with previous research despite this being the first study to include American football players. A specific noteworthy conclusion is the connection between mental and physical components that provides ample opportunities for both researchers and applied practitioners. In addition, the participant quotes prompted a return to the discussion of the connection between individual zones of optimal functioning, peak performance, and flow states.

scholarly journals Actual Nutrition and Dietary Supplementation in Lithuanian Elite Athletes

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 247
Author(s):  
Marius Baranauskas ◽  
Valerija Jablonskienė ◽  
Jonas Algis Abaravičius ◽  
Rimantas Stukas
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Lean Body Mass ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Physical Strain ◽  
The Impact

Background and objectives: Health is partly determined by the state of one’s nutrition; it stimulates the body’s functional and metabolic adaptations to physical strain and helps one prevent sports injuries and get in shape in terms of body composition. This study aims to investigate the actual nutrition and dietary supplements taken by elite Lithuanian athletes and to identify the relationship between the dietary intake, dietary supplementation and body composition of elite athletes. Materials and Methods: The research subjects were 76.7% of Lithuanian elite athletes (N = 247). The actual diet was investigated using the 24 h recall dietary survey method. Dietary supplementation was studied applying the questionnaire method. Measurements of body composition were performed using the BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) tetra-polar electrodes and measuring resistivity with 8–12 tangent electrodes at different frequencies of signal: 5, 50 and 250 kHz. Results: Results indicate that among the athletes, 62% use too few carbohydrates and 77% use too much fat. Although the 3.5% increase in lean body mass (95% CI: −0.107, 7.070) helps gain an increased protein intake with food (p = 0.057), 38% of athletes consume too little protein with food. The athletes mostly use carbohydrates (86%), vitamins (81%), protein supplements (70%), and multivitamins (62%). We did not determine the impact (p > 0.05) of individual or complex supplement use on the lean body mass (%) or fat mass (%) values of athletes. Conclusions: Athletes consume insufficient carbohydrates, vitamin D, calcium, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and too much fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and they use proteins irrationally. Sport nutritionists should also focus on the risk of malnutrition for female athletes. Nutritional supplements partially offset macronutrient and micronutrient deficiency. Nevertheless, the effect of food supplements on the body composition of athletes is too small compared to the normal diet. Athletes ought to prioritize the formation of eating habits and only then use supplements.

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