Electrophysiological Biomarkers for the Assessment of Motor Efficiency in Sport

Many disciplines have approached the study of human motor behavior. The motor learning theory based on information processing proposes a learning loop through interaction between the external environment and the central nervous system. Different neuroscience fields and technological advances provide a new perspective for the intensive study of the intrinsic processes of motor behavior, which modify the most visible aspect: motor efficiency. The aim of the present review was to determine which cortical and muscular electrophysiological biomarkers available in the literature could be representative for the study and quantification of motor efficiency. In this review, a survey of the literature related to motor production has been performed. The continuous development of biological signal monitoring techniques has allowed to understand part of the communication methods of the central nervous system, the integration of neural networks, and the interaction between different anatomic structures through rhythmic patterns of discharge known as brain waves. Motor production has been characterized by detecting electrophysiological biomarkers, taking into account the connectivity that can be represented by the corticomuscular and intermuscular coherence indices in different frequency bands. The present work proposes an approach to use these biomarkers on beta-band (for muscle stability synergies) and gamma-band (for mobility synergies). These indices will allow establishing quantitative parameters for motor efficiency, which could improve the precision of sports assessment.

Characteristics of Competitive Baton Twirling Athletes

Competitive baton twirling is a sport that combines elements of gymnastics, dance and ballet while necessitating cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance and power, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, kinesthetic awareness, timing and choreography. Approximately one million baton twirlers participating in the sport in the United States. Despite considerable participation in competitive baton twirling, little is known about the characteristics of the athletes. This work documents demographic and behavioral characteristics of competitive baton twirlers. Questionnaires were completed by 169 female twirlers from across the Unites States and Canada. Respondents reported a mean (± SD) age of 18.07 yrs. (±6.08) and height of 63.89 in (±6.24), weight 133.56 lbs. (±32.49), BMI (22.92), GPA 3.73 (±0.31), years of competing 8.02 yrs. (±1.81). All (100%) qualified respondents reported experiencing injury due to competing in or training for baton. The extent of the injuries reported varied greatly. A diversity of training, recovery, hydration, and nutrition habits were also reported. These findings indicate that the competitive baton twirlers that participated in this research are adolescent females, diverse in physical profile, of normal BMI, high academic achievers, dedicated athletes, consistently overcome injuries and train by diverse means. Future research may consider the long-term physical effects and an association with mental health competitive baton twirling has on the athletes.

Does Energy Drink Provokes Gait Modifications in Young Healthy Adults?

Energy drinks have become increasingly popular among young adults and athletes in the last few years. Despite their popularity, little research has substantiated the claims of the positive effects on physical performance of popular energy drinks. Most current research focuses on caffeine alone, but does not often look at how mixing it with other psychoactive substances might alter its effects. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the alterations of gait tasks after consumption of three popular energy drinks on young healthy adults. Methods: Fifteen women and five men were recruited, screened, and signed informed consent to participate in this study. All participants were healthy young adults with no apparent comorbidities that might have been impacted by the consumption of energy drinks. Motion analysis was conducted using Movement Lab TM sensors placed at key anatomical points. Subjects were asked for two bouts of gait tasks pre-energy drink consumption, and then repeat the same tasks after energy drink consumption. Results: There were no significant modifications in gait, however, observable trends were detected in postural gait parameters following the consumption of a Rockstar energy drink. Conclusion: We infer that the trends observed could be attributed to the specific key ingredients used in Rockstar and might have caused gait deviations post consumption. Further studies should focus on Rockstar alone and its specific key ingredients of caffeine, guarana, ginseng, and milk thistle to determine their influence on gait deviations.

Proposal for an Analytical Model for Sports Migration

The purpose of this study was to present a proposal for an analytical model for sports migration studies is presented. The model was developed by sports Researchers located in Brazil and seeks to broaden the perspective of the migratory phenomenon in the social field of sports. The model is based on the understanding that the migration process in the sports sector is influenced and shaped by a set of four dimensions, namely, political, cultural, economic, and personal. It is believed that the proposal is legitimized by the needs identified from the literature, adding different perspectives to analyse the phenomenon, thus reducing any dichotomies and limitations of view. In addition to being a point of view that starts from the perspective of the global south.

Effects of Orienteering Game on Directional Relationships and Inhibitory Control in Children 7-8 Aged

The spatial orientation, ability is very important for the child, for the development of its executive functions such as inhibitory control and directional skills. In fact, the role of play as a locomotive for learning and motivation is very imperative in this age group. Our methodological choice consists of offering a teaching program around the orientation game (OG) that takes place in the school playground. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of OG on directional skills and inhibitory control. The assessment was respectively conducted by Topological and Directional Relation (RTD) and Stroop Color-Word Test -Victoria version (SCWT). Primary school students (N = 40; 7.3 years) participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group (20 students) and a control group (20 students). The first group followed a 12-week orienteering game (OG) program with 3 sessions of 40 minutes per week and the second a regular physical education program. The results of the experimental group show a clear improvement in most of the study variables.