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This study aimed to describe and compare the pacing strategy and performance of world level under 19 (U19), under 23(U23) and senior single scullers during world championship races. Data are from 8 years of Rowing World Championships A and B finals of single scull races for U19, U23 and senior age scullers. Pacing was determined for velocity, stroke rate and, distance per stroke (SD). Scullers presented a fast start strategy for all races investigated. There was no significant difference in pacing between age groups. Velocity peaked at the 100m (U19) and 150m (U23 and senior) mark. The scullers in the older age groups showed superior performance scores of the studied variables. U19, Under 23 and senior single scullers present similar pacing regardless of their age group. Performance of single sculler improve from U19, to U23 to senior for both lightweight and heavyweight classes. The results of this study may serve as a reference for athletes, coaches, and sports scientists to be implemented in training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the influence of birth date, salivary testosterone [sT] concentration, sexual maturity status, and general strength on the selection process of an elite Brazilian soccer club during a 12-month period, which was a 2nd phase of a 24-month selection process. The stature, body mass, sT, sexual maturity status [Tanner scale], and hand grip strength were assessed for 143 players during 2 weeks. From these 143 players, 100 players were dismissed [DIS] and 43 players were selected to integrate the club's under-14 squad. Following 1-year training period, the under-14 team was assembled with 9 players designated as starters [STA], and then, comparisons were conducted taking into account a group of non-starters (selected; SEL = 34 players) and STA (n = 09). The DIS, SEL, STA players, and reference population, were compared for birth distribution. A greater proportion of players was born in the first trimester in the STA [75.0%], SEL [57.1%] and DIS [50.0%] groups compared to the reference population [25.8%]. One-way ANOVA showed a higher sT for STA group [516.0 ± 129.9 pmol⋅L-1], compared to SEL [415.5 ± 117.9 pmol⋅L-1] and DIS groups [390.9 ± 84.9 pmol⋅L-1; p = 0.003), and Kruskall-Wallis test showed a higher gonadal development for STA compared to DIS [p = 0.001]. The current findings suggest a strong influence of birth date and biological maturation on young soccer players selection process. Soccer coaches should consider these influences when making decisions about player selection of elite youth players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fitness environment can be adjusted to better combine with salient personality characteristics. Nevertheless, previous research seems to neglect the personal characteristics of individuals. It would be beneficial if the fitness club environment will be adapted to the personality characteristics of their visitors because these changes could increase adherence to various exercise programs. However, there is a lack of research on individual preferences and predispositions of fitness club members. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess associations between personality traits and physical/social environment preferences of fitness club members. Methods: A total of 613 fitness club members (286 men and 327 women), age (M ± SD) 29.2 ± 10.1 years, answered 15 questions regarding physical and social environment preferences and the short version of the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. Results: The path analysis showed that a general personality factor, represented by Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness, predicted preferred environment in a fitness club setting, especially concerning to performing new/repeated exercises and social aspects of exercise. Furthermore, Openness and Neuroticism did not correlate to fitness club exercise practice preferences. Conclusions: The study found evidence suggesting that a general personality factor represented by Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness can predict preferred fitness environment regarding the performance of new/repeated exercises and social aspects of the exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate centesimal age (CA) and relative age effect (RAE) in elite male futsal players their date of birth and court-position were accessed through the official FIFA website. The absolute and relative frequency distributions of player births were quantified by quartiles and semesters. The two-way ANOVA and the Chi-Square analysis were applied to check for possible differences. The results showed a mean CA of 27.76 ± 4.11 years with no differences for both playing positions and competitions. In addition, no significant differences were found between quartiles or between semesters. The results suggest that elite male futsal athletes reach optimal competitive performance close to 27 years. Neither playing position nor geographical location may affect RAE, which seems to not affect the competitive performance (ranking) of elite male futsal players. These findings may help practitioners to understand the RAE phenomenon in futsal. In conclusion, being born in the early months of the year appears not to be important to successful performances in futsal. Overall, futsal athletes take about two decades to achieve their best performance. Coaches and researchers should consider the implementation of long-term training strategies (» 20 years) to progressively and effectively develop young futsal players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of hormonal status, anthropometric profile, sexual maturity level, and physical performance on the technical abilities of 40 young male soccer players during small-sided games (SSGs). Anthropometric profiling, saliva sampling, sexual maturity assessment (Tanner scale), and physical performance tests (Yo-Yo and vertical jumps) were conducted two weeks prior to the SSGs. Salivary testosterone was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Technical performance was determined by the frequency of actions during SSGs. Principal component analyses identified four technical actions of importance: total number of passes, effectiveness, goal attempts, and total tackles. A multivariate canonical correlation analysis was then employed to verify the prediction of a multiple dependent variables set (composed of four technical actions) from an independent set of variables, composed of testosterone concentration, stage of pubic hair and genitalia development, vertical jumps and Yo-Yo performance. A moderate-to-large relationship between the technical performance set and the independent set was observed. The canonical correlation was 0.75 with a canonical R2 of 0.45. The highest structure coefficient in the technical performance set was observed for tackles (0.77), while testosterone presented the highest structure coefficient (0.75) for the variables of the independent set. The current data suggest that the selected independent set of variables might be useful in predicting SSG performance in young soccer players. Coaches should be aware that physical development plays a key role in technical performance to avoid decision-making mistakes during the selection of young players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When undertaking a project focused on high-performance, it is necessary to establish clear and constant communication among the entire multidisciplinary team, who in today's scene need to go through a process of decentralization, consisting of sharing tasks and knowledge among the professionals from the different areas of work that make up the interdisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]