Comparison of skills and lower limb biomechanics of female futsal players at collegiate and club levels

This study was conducted to compare the futsal-specific skills and biomechanical characteristics of futsal female players at collegiate and club levels. Ten collegiate and ten club level female futsal players were voluntarily participated in the study. Four futsal-specific skills tests (i.e., Massey Futsal Shooting Test, Illinois Agility Test, 20m sprint test and Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test) and four lower limb biomechanical tests (i.e., Drop Vertical Jump, Counter Movement Jump, Star Excursion Balance Test and isokinetic strength and power at 60°/s and 300°/s of knee flexors and extensors) were completed by the participants. Anthropometric parameters such as body weight, standing height and body fat composition were collected. Independent T-test was used to to determine the mean differences across groups in all variables. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between both groups except for MFST (p value = 0.00). The shot speed for club group was statistically faster (52.16 km.h-1) than collegiate group (43.44 km.h-1). The duration to complete the shots for club group was statistically shorter (4.35s) than collegiate group (4.43s). More total scores were obtained by collegiate group (4.43 point) than club group (4.35 point). These results conclude that both groups had similar level of strength and power for the lower limb, except for shooting skill. Training should focus on strength development for hamstring and quadriceps muscles because these muscles may affect shooting speed in both collegiate and club players.

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Effects of Strength Training Combined with Specific Plyometric exercises on body composition, vertical jump height and lower limb strength development in elite male handball players: a case study

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2014-0040 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 125-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Alberto Carvalho ◽

Paulo Mourão ◽

Eduardo Abade

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Strength Training ◽

Body Fat ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Fat Content ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Strength Development ◽

Lower Limb Strength ◽

Body Fat Content

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to identify the effects of a strength training program combined with specific plyometric exercises on body composition, vertical jump (VJ) height and strength development of lower limbs in elite male handball players. A 12-week program with combined strength and specific plyometric exercises was carried out for 7 weeks. Twelve elite male handball players (age: 21.6 ± 1.73) competing in the Portuguese Major League participated in the study. Besides the anthropometric measurements, several standardized jump tests were applied to assess VJ performance together with the strength development of the lower limbs in an isokinetic setting. No significant changes were found in body circumferences and diameters. Body fat content and fat mass decreased by 16.4 and 15.7% respectively, while lean body mass increased by 2.1%. Despite small significance, there was in fact an increase in squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) and 40 consecutive jumps after the training period (6.1, 3.8 and 6.8%, respectively). After the applied protocol, peak torque increased in lower limb extension and flexion in the majority of the movements assessed at 90°s-1. Consequently, it is possible to conclude that combining general strength-training with plyometric exercises can not only increase lower limb strength and improve VJ performance but also reduce body fat content.

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Fatigue-Induced Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Strength of the Hip Stabilizers, Postural Control and Gait Following a Unilateral Countermovement Vertical Jump Protocol

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports9030033 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 33

Author(s):

Ioannis Konstantopoulos ◽

Ioannis Kafetzakis ◽

Vasileios Chatziilias ◽

Dimitris Mandalidis

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Stance Phase ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Isometric Strength ◽

Balance Test ◽

Lower Limb Injury ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Fatigue Protocol

It is generally accepted that neuromuscular overload and fatigue of one lower limb can affect the functional ability of the ipsilateral limb, and possibly the contralateral limb, increasing the likelihood of injury. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effect of a unilateral countermovement vertical jump (UCVJ) fatigue protocol on the neuromuscular function of the ipsilateral as well as the contralateral lower limb. The isometric strength of the hip stabilizers, postural control via posturographic analysis during the Y-Balance-Test (YBT), and the stance-phase-of-gait were assessed in 24 healthy physical active males and females before and after execution of a UCVJ fatigue protocol. The fatigue protocol included 5 sets of 20 maximum UCVJs performed on the supportive leg, with a 30-s break between sets. Following a 16.8% decline in vertical jump performance and an associated 2.3-fold increase in perceived exertion, our findings revealed significant post-fatigue inter-limb differences regarding postural control. The post-fatigue inter-limb differences regarding the isometric strength of the hip stabilizers and the stance-phase-of-gait parameters were not significant. Our findings showed that a 100 UCVJs session is likely to induce significant inter-limb differences in postural control, possibly increasing the risk of lower limb injury.

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Effect of Cryotherapy on Lower Limb Flexibility and Power in Recreational Players: An Experimental Study

JOURNAL FOR CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH ◽

10.7860/jcdr/2021/50315.15336 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Neha Kulkarni ◽

Himani Parulekar ◽

Zeel Patel ◽

Arpita Patil ◽

Unika Patil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Functional Performance ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Calf Muscle ◽

P Value ◽

Muscle Tightness ◽

The Right

Introduction: Cryotherapy has been a widely used thermotherapy modality in sports injuries. The main focus of research on cryotherapy was to find out its effects on functional performance measures of the players. Cryotherapy is known to dampen the stretch reflex and reduce muscle temperature which might indirectly influence the flexibility and power which are the important components of any performance. Hence, it becomes necessary to study the changes, if any, on the flexibility and power post cryotherapy application. Aim: To determine the effects of cryotherapy on lower limb flexibility and power in adult recreational players. Materials and Methods: The present study was an experimental study conducted on 40 recreational players of either gender, between the age range of 18-25 years, who played various forms of recreational sports and had hamstrings and calf muscle tightness were included in the study. Hamstring tightness was assessed by Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) and calf muscle tightness by Weight Bearing Lunge test (WBLT), while power was assessed by vertical jump test. Both the limbs were given cold pack on bilateral calf and hamstrings for 20 minutes for three days. Outcomes were measured on 3rd day and paired t-test was used to analyse the pre and post-treatment difference, p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A total of 40 recreational players were included in the study with the mean age of 22.15±1.36 years, of which 20 were males and 20 were females with mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23.07±3.36 kg/m2. The right calf muscle flex (pretreatment=13.7 cm to post-treatment=14.71 cm, p<0.05) along with left side flexibility (pretreatment=14.2 cm to post-treatment=15.07 cm, p<0.05). The hamstring flexibility improved significantly from mean, pretreatment=45.6 degrees to post-treatment=50.6 degrees (p<0.05) on the right side while on the left side, a non significant improvement from pretreatment=52.38 degrees to post- treatment=55.22 degrees (p=0.011) was seen. The power showed a non significant reduction from pretreatment=17.61 to post- treatment=16.76 (p=0.016). Conclusion: Cryotherapy increases the flexibility of calf and hamstring muscles and reduces lower limb power after three days of cryotherapy application.

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Evaluation of Mandibular Arch Width Changes following Fixed Retention in Post Orthodontic Patients - a Randomized Clinical Trial

Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry ◽

10.36283/pjmd9-3/005 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nasreen Iqbal Nagani

Keyword(s):

Stainless Steel ◽

Steel Wire ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

Mandibular Arch ◽

Arch Width ◽

Orthodontic Patients ◽

Mean Differences ◽

One Year ◽

The Stability

Background: Retention is an integral phase in which teeth are maintained in their newly adapted position for which retainers are inserted. Retainers are generally of two types: removable and fixed. Fixed retainers are indicated in the mandibular arch for an indefinite period specifically in the non-extraction cases. Changes in intercanine and intermolar widths are valuable parameters to evaluate the stability. The objectives of this study were to assess and compare the mandibular intercanine and intermolar width changes following orthodontic treatment after insertion of two types of fixed lingual retainers for one year. Methods: Total 54 subjects were recruited in which two types of fixed lingual retainers were inserted in the mandibular arch randomly. Intercanine and intermolar arch widths were measured by digital caliper of 0.01 mm accuracy. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS V-21). Chi-square and independent t tests were used to compare baseline characteristics. Intercanine and intermolar widths were assessed and compared using independent t test, p-value ≤ 0.05 is considered as statistically significant. Results: Intercanine width increased from baseline to T4 in both retainers. When mean differences of intercanine width were compared between two retainers significant differences were observed at T1, T2, T3 and T4 with significant p-values (< 0.05) and increased intercanine width with multistranded stainless steel wire (MSW) retainers. Conclusion: Mandibular intercanine width increases significantly in post retention phase with multistranded stainless steel retainers. Thus, fiber reinforced composite retainers are more effective in preserving the arch width changes.

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The Relationship between Dynamic Balance and Jumping Tests among Adolescent Amateur Rugby Players. A Preliminary Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18010312 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 312

Author(s):

Bartosz Wilczyński ◽

Jakub Hinca ◽

Daniel Ślęzak ◽

Katarzyna Zorena

Keyword(s):

Injury Risk ◽

Dynamic Balance ◽

Study Data ◽

Balance Test ◽

Risk Of Injury ◽

Counter Movement Jump ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Positive Correlations ◽

The Relationship ◽

Rugby Players

Rugby is a demanding contact sport. In light of research, poor balance, reduced jumping ability, muscle strength, and incorrect landing patterns might contribute to the increased risk of injury in athletes. Investigating the relationship between tests assessing these abilities might not only allow for the skillful programming of preventive training but also helps in assessing the risk of injury to athletes. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dynamic balance, vertical and horizontal jumps, and jump-landings movement patterns. Thirty-one healthy amateur adolescent rugby players (age: 14.3 ± 1.6 years, height 171.4 ± 9.7 cm, body mass 80 ± 26 kg) participated in the study. Data were collected by the Y-balance Test (YBT), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Single Leg Hop for Distance (SLHD), and Landing Error Score System (LESS). Significant positive correlations were found between SLHD both legs (SLHDb) and YBT Composite both legs (COMb) (r = 0.51, p = 0.0037) and between SLHDb and CMJ (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001). A relationship was also observed between the CMJ and YBT COMb test (r = 0.51, p = 0.006). Moderate positive correlations were found between the dominant legs in SLHD and the posterolateral (r = 0.40, p = 0.027), posteromedial (r = 0.43, p = 0.014), and composite (r = 0.48, p = 0.006) directions of the YBT. These results indicate that variables that are dependent on each other can support in the assessment of injury-risk and in enhancing sports performance of young athletes.

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Analysis of the Relationships between Balance Ability and Walking in Terms of Muscle Activities and Lower Limb Kinematics and Kinetics

Biomechanics ◽

10.3390/biomechanics1020016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 190-201

Author(s):

Pathmanathan Cinthuja ◽

Graham Arnold ◽

Rami J. Abboud ◽

Weijie Wang

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multivariate Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Vastus Medialis ◽

Balance Test ◽

Balance Ability ◽

Limb Kinematics ◽

Lower Limb Kinematics ◽

Kinematics And Kinetics

There is a lack of evidence about the ways in which balance ability influences the kinematic and kinetic parameters and muscle activities during gait among healthy individuals. The hypothesis is that balance ability would be associated with the lower limb kinematics, kinetics and muscle activities during gait. Twenty-nine healthy volunteers (Age 32.8 ± 9.1; 18 males and 11 females) performed a Star Excursion Balance test to measure their dynamic balance and walked for at least three trials in order to obtain a good quality of data. A Vicon® 3D motion capture system and AMTI® force plates were used for the collection of the movement data. The selected muscle activities were recorded using Delsys® Electromyography (EMG). The EMG activities were compared using the maximum values and root mean squared (RMS) values within the participants. The joint angle, moment, force and power were calculated using a Vicon Plug-in-Gait model. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 23. In the muscle activities, positive linear correlations were found between the walking and balance test in all muscles, e.g., in the multifidus (RMS) (r = 0.800 p < 0.0001), vastus lateralis (RMS) (r = 0.639, p < 0.0001) and tibialis anterior (RMS) (r = 0.539, p < 0.0001). The regression analysis models showed that there was a strong association between balance ability (i.e., reaching distance) and the lower limb muscle activities (i.e., vastus medialis–RMS) (R = 0.885, p < 0.0001), and also between balance ability (i.e., reaching distance) and the lower limb kinematics and kinetics during gait (R = 0.906, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the results showed that vastus medialis (RMS) muscle activity mainly contributes to balance ability, and that balance ability influences the lower limb kinetics and kinematics during gait.

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Game efficiency of elite male sitting volleyball players with regard to athletes’ physical impairment

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching ◽

10.1177/1747954117716791 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 383-390 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jolanta Marszałek ◽

Bartosz Molik ◽

Miguel-Angel Gomez

Keyword(s):

Classification System ◽

P Value ◽

Female Group ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Male And Female ◽

Game Analysis ◽

Current Classification ◽

Continue Research ◽

Classification Procedures ◽

Game Performance

The aim of this study was to illustrate differences in game efficiency in sitting volleyball of male and female elite athletes in terms of players’ impairment. Game analysis was conducted during World Championships in Sitting Volleyball in 2014. Modified Game Performance Sheet for Sitting Volleyball was used to assess players’ actions: attack, serve, block, block of serve, defense, and ball receiving. Coleman’s formulas were counted to obtain game efficiency of athletes. In statistics, Kruskal–Wallis test and Bonferroni correction were used (p value was set equal .005 and .003, respectively, in male and female group). 128 male and 91 female sitting volleyball athletes were included into this study. They were divided into groups in terms of impairment. There were no statistically significant differences in anthropometric parameters in male and female groups of players. Also, there were not statistically significant differences in game efficiency between players with different impairments in male as well as in female groups. This study did not confirm the current classification system in sitting volleyball (division into minimal disabled and disabled athletes). There is a need to continue research and find more evidences to substantiate or to change the current classification procedures in classification system in sitting volleyball.

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