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Background: School ergonomics is a subject of growing interest for the scientific community due to the health problems that it is associated with in students, mainly asymmetries in the spine due to the use of chairs and desks that are inadequate for their anthropometry. This study aimed to analyze the anthropometric characteristics and asymmetries among fifth- to ninth-grade students in Spain and Portugal, with the goal of obtaining data on the ideal height of seats and desks. Additionally, it evaluated the correspondence in the recommended sizes of chairs and desks according to the parameters of the European Union catalog and examined the suitability of the height as a criterion for the allocation of school furniture. Methods: Different anthropometric variables, including the height, popliteal height, shoulder-to-seat height, and elbow-to-seat height, were measured in a stratified sample of 500 students (mean age = 12.7 years, SD = 1.2) across different grades (fifth grade = 86, sixth grade = 106, seventh grade = 95, eighth grade = 89, ninth grade = 124), genders (males = 256, females = 244), and countries (Spain = 191, Portugal = 309). These measurements were used to calculate the average ideal seat and desk heights based on anthropometric formulas, which were then compared to the current furniture allocation practices. The statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-squared tests, and effect sizes, with adjustments for multiple comparisons. Results: The results revealed significant asymmetries and low correspondence in the allocation of chairs and desks of the same sizes to students, with a match rate ranging between 40% and 70%. Moreover, the correspondence was even lower when using a formula based solely on height, compared to formulas validated with specific anthropometric measures, particularly for desks, where the asymmetries reached 100% in some grades. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to improve the adaptation of school furniture to optimize student ergonomics and comfort, and they suggest disregarding the height as the primary criterion for furniture allocation. Additionally, assigning a desk size based on the recommended chair size is discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing trend of analyzing all performance factors involved in a game makes identifying offensive patterns a determining factor in improving tactical performance and decision making during a game. The main objective of this research was to analyze the effectiveness and detect successful patterns on offense at critical moments in the men's EuroBasket 2022 and women's EuroBasket 2021. The sample was composed of 509 technical–tactical offensive actions obtained from the last 2 min of the final quarters and overtime from the group stage and final round, whose difference in the final score was equal to or less than five points. For this purpose, observational methodology was employed using LINCE PLUS software through an observational instrument designed ad hoc. Descriptive analysis and chi-square (χ2) tests were performed with SPSS 25, and a pattern analysis (T-Patterns) was performed with Theme 5 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The teams that were losing when performing the offense finished a greater number of plays and with greater effectiveness. Fastbreaks seem to be more effective in the closing minutes, a play characterized by a maximum of three passes and by finishing with individual play such as 1 × 1. In turn, actions finished near the hoop by inside players seem to be more effective when the possession is finished before 17 s. The practical implications described in this research will enable coaches to tailor their strategies and training to the critical moments of the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Para-judo, the technical actions and tactical situations suitable for scoring in a combat have not been studied. The aim of this research was to determine the technical–tactical patterns of scoring actions in Para-judo, focusing on weight categories. An observational methodology was employed to conduct this study. The sample consisted of all male judokas with visual impairment (n = 172) in the senior category who participated in the World Championships held in Odivelas in 2018. A total of 232 combats and 313 scoring actions were analyzed. To obtain the results, we used different analytical techniques with SPSS: descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and T-pattern analysis. The significance level used was p < 0.05. Key findings show that the majority of scoring actions occurred in the first two minutes of combat, highlighting the importance of early initiative. Techniques such as ashi-waza, te-waza, and sutemi-waza demonstrated particular effectiveness across categories, with a focus on movements like sumi-otoshi, ouchi-gari, and ko-soto-gake. Moreover, the most common grip—lapel-sleeve—proved advantageous, aiding judokas in controlling the bout and achieving scores, especially when coupled with effective transition techniques. The study's weight-specific analysis further revealed distinct patterns, emphasizing the importance of tailored training approaches. For instance, lighter judokas benefited from countering leg attacks with arm or sacrifice techniques to score waza-ari, while heavier judokas favored leg-to-leg counterattacks, often achieving ippon. The results suggest that judokas and coaches could benefit from a more systematic focus on grip stability, strategic positional work, and transition efficiency, particularly from standing to ground. This research contributes valuable insights into optimal techniques and strategies for visually impaired judokas, providing clear guidelines for training and competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Men's Olympic boxing follows a regulatory temporal structure, but previous studies have shown that this structure varies during competitions. However, these investigations have not thoroughly analyzed the differences in bout development according to weight category. Additionally, most studies have focused on a limited number of categories, leaving gaps in the temporal analysis of various categories. Aim: To determine the temporal structure in the featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight categories of men's Olympic boxing, in order to establish models that can help adjust training to meet competitive demands. Methods: An observational approach was used, analyzing 73 bouts involving 80 boxers who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Results: Most bouts ended after the completion of the full regulation time across all categories. The most common actions were short punching sequences (two to five punches), occurring mainly in the center of the ring. Differences between weight categories were minimal, with the welterweight category showing the most variability. Conclusion: This study presents temporal models that will help coaches and boxers adjust their training with greater precision, improving the efficiency of training sessions according to competitive objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pickleball is an exponentially growing sport with a lack of notation-based studies. Consequently, this research aimed to conduct a match analysis in men's singles to enhance the understanding of the game and optimize training practices. Methods: Using observational methodology, a total of 1145 points were analyzed from the semifinal and final rounds of five Professional Pickleball Association Tour tournaments. Data were recorded with LINCE PLUS V.2.1.0 software using the OI-PICKLEBALL-S23 observational instrument. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted with IBM-SPSS version 25.0, and gameplay patterns were detected using Theme 6.0 Edu. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The data indicated that service faults at the start of the game were minimal (2.4%). The server won fewer points than the returner in the overall set of analyzed points (46.6%). Most points were concluded in short rallies (1–4 shots; 43%) or medium-length rallies (5–8 shots; 44%), with the final shot predominantly occurring from striking zone 2, the area closest to the non-volley line (50.7%). Ground strokes (55.1%) and volleys (38.4%) were the most common final shots. Conclusions: The insights gained from this study can benefit high-performance players and coaches and provide a foundation for future notation-based research in pickleball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: the penalty kick is an action in football that decides many matches. The aim of this research was to establish the success rate of penalty kicks in Spain between the seasons 2012/2013 and 2019/2020 considering different key performance variables. (2) Methods: A total of 941 penalty kicks were analysed from eight seasons of the first division of the Spanish men's football league (La Liga). An observational methodology was used and, in order to obtain the results, different analytical techniques were employed: descriptive and chi square with a significance level of p < 0.05. (3) Results: The effectiveness of penalty kicks was 76.7%. Most of the penalties were taken by the home team (60.9%), with a tie on the scoreboard (44.2%) and within the last 30 min of the match (41.9%). The highest success rate was observed for balls kicked to the upper side of the goal (100%), even though the highest number of penalties were taken low, to one of the two sides of the goal (57.0%). Up to 5.6% of the penalties were not kicked inside the goal. (4) Conclusions: Effectiveness does not depend on home–visitor status, player laterality, score or remaining match time, studied independently. A loss of effectiveness is observed when the match scores of both teams are close and in critical moments of the match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The analysis of women's tennis performance has not been extensively explored by the scientific community, necessitating further research to understand the tactical actions occurring in matches. This research aimed to examine the chance of winning a point in professional women's tennis based on the key variables that influence performance in the sport. (2) Methods: Data from 3239 points were examined across three distinct court surfaces, sourced from the final rounds (starting with the quarterfinals) of three Grand Slam tournaments in the 2021 season. An observational methodology was employed, using various analysis techniques: descriptive and chi-square analyses, with a significance level of p < 0.05. (3) Results: The probability of winning a point on the first serve was 61% on clay, 70% on grass, and 69% on hard courts. For second serves, the probability of winning the point varied between 55% and 57%, depending on the court surface. Additionally, the majority of points, ranging from 70% to 71%, concluded with short rallies, involving one to four shots. On clay courts, the server won up to 65% of points with a first serve and a short rally, while the success rate increased to 75% on both grass and hard courts. For medium-length rallies (5–8 shots), the probability of winning the point dropped to 55–57%. The point outcome (winner, forced error, and unforced error) varied according to court surface, serve type, and rally length. (4) Conclusions: Descriptive data from this research on the probability of winning a point could assist coaches and players in developing match strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background—The number of studies on padel has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the growing importance of the sport. However, more research is still needed on a comprehensive analysis of performance indicators. This study had a double objective: on the one hand, to analyze the probability of winning a point as a function of several variables and, on the other hand, to develop a match analysis. Methods—A total of 980 points from the Menorca 2020 World Padel Tour Master Final Men's category were examined using observational methodology. The participants were the eight pairs who competed in the final rounds of the tournament. To obtain the results, various analytical techniques were used, such as descriptive analysis and the chi-square test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results—The results indicated that most points were initiated on the first serve (88.5%) and were most often won by the serving pair (59.3%). Short rallies predominated (42.2%), with the serving pair most likely to win the point (71%). As the rally became longer, the probability of winning the point decreased, reaching 57% for medium rallies and 47% for long rallies. Almost half of the points were completed in less than 10 s, with an average point duration of 15 s. Most points were finished from the middle area and near the net (41.4% and 36%, respectively), mainly by smashes (25.9%) or volleys (28.9%), with the cross-court trajectory being the most effective. Conclusions—Short rallies (0–6 shots) were the most common, with an average point duration of approximately 15 s. Most points ended with a shot from the middle of the court, using a volley or a smash with a cross-court trajectory. There is a clear relationship between proximity to the net on the final shot and an increased probability of winning the point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of the temporal structure of Para judo combat according to sport classes or visual categories (B1, B2 and B3) has only been carried out in women. The objectives of the study were to analyze the differences in the temporal structure of combat between the male para-judokas sport classes, and to determine whether blind judokas and partially sighted judokas should compete together. All para-judokas who competed in the 2018 IBSA Judo World Championships (172 men) participated in the study. Using observational methodology, we analyzed all the combats (n = 232). To obtain the results, we used different analysis techniques: descriptive, one-way ANOVA, t-test for independent samples and effect size. The level of significance established for the study was ρ ≤ 0.05. The results indicate that during pauses, time dedicated to displacement was increased when there was a B1 judoka in the pairing, causing pauses to be significantly longer. Coaches should take this into account. In conclusion, there are differences between particular visual categories. B1 judokas have longer pauses, perform more ground fighting sequences and win fewer combats. The competition is not on equal terms. More research is needed in order to determine if new regulations have modified the combat temporality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: At school age pain in the lower back is common. There is evidence that an adequate fit between the dimensions of the school furniture and the anthropometric characteristics will result in an improvement in their posture and a reduction in pain. The objectives of this research were to determine the degree of mismatch of furniture in primary education, check if the sizes of the current regulations are adequate and validate two instruments that allow teachers to correctly assign furniture., Methods: 92 elementary students participated. Measurements to determine the ideal height of the chair and table were made with an anthropometer in a Galician public school in 2019. The recorded values were compared with those obtained by the two measurement instruments to be validated: TAIS and TAIM. The analysis techniques used were: descriptive, one-way ANOVA, t-test and effect size, significance level ρ<0.05., Results: The mismatch between the furniture used in the classrooms and that calculated as ideal was 93.5% for chairs and 97.6% for tables. In 51% of cases they needed different chair and table sizes. The correlational analysis of the instruments to be validated showed an r=0.994 in the chair and r=0.99 in the table., Conclusions: The level of mismatch between the furniture and the anthropometric dimensions of the students was high. A reorganization of the sizes in the classroom is necessary, being able to follow the European size regulations and using furniture allocation instruments such as those proposed for their high level of correlation., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.