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El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el nivel de actividad física, el perfil del estado de ánimo, el control neuromuscular y la manifestación de la fuerza en atletas adolescentes no profesionales. Una muestra de 24 voluntarios sanos participó en el estudio. Cada sujeto cumplimentó el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ) y el cuestionario Perfil de Estados de Ánimo (POMS). Posteriormente, se realizó una evaluación utilizando un protocolo de carga incremental para determinar el máximo de una repetición en el ejercicio de press de banca. Después de cada serie, se evaluó la fuerza en función de la carga total, la velocidad de propulsión media y la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo. Además, se aplicó la prueba de golpeteo con los dedos (FTT) como medida de control motor, y se realizó una segunda evaluación de la fuerza utilizando un dinamómetro manual. Los resultados mostraron una diferencia significativa en las fases de golpeteo del FTT al principio y al final del protocolo. Se encontraron datos significativos en el conjunto máximo respecto a la relación entre la carga total, la velocidad media de propulsión y la fuerza de prensión de la mano. Estos resultados apoyan el uso del FTT y del dinamómetro manual como medidas para controlar las fases del entrenamiento de fuerza en términos de carga aplicada y tiempo de recuperación. Palabras clave: Nivel de actividad física, Finger Tapping Test, estado de ánimo, fuerza, control neuromuscular. Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of physical activity, mood profile, neuromuscular control, and strength manifestation in non-professional adolescent athletes. A sample of 24 healthy volunteers participated in the study. Each subject completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. Subsequently, an evaluation was conducted using an incremental load protocol to determine the one-repetition maximum in the bench press exercise. After each set, strength was assessed based on total load, mean propulsive velocity, and subjective perception of effort. In addition, the Finger Tapping Test (FTT) was implemented as a measure of motor control, and a second strength assessment was performed using a manual dynamometer. The results showed a significant difference in the tapping phases of the FTT at the beginning and end of the protocol. Significant data were found in the maximum set regarding the relationship between total load, mean propulsive velocity, and handgrip strength. These results support the use of the FTT and manual dynamometer as measures to control the phases of strength training in terms of applied load and recovery time. Keywords: Physical activity level, Finger Tapping Test, mood, strength, neuromuscular control.

BackgroundMonitoring external load demands in soccer is crucial for optimizing performance and reducing injury risk. However, events like the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and unexpected interruptions can disrupt load management strategies. Understanding the impact of such events on player performance is essential for effective training and recovery strategies.ObjectiveThis study retrospectively assessed the impact of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on the physical performance of LaLiga elite soccer players who were not part of the tournament. The aim was to analyze various external load parameters and determine the direction of their changes post-tournament.MethodsData from 239 LaLiga players who were not selected for the World Cup were analyzed. External load parameters from 8 matches before and after the tournament were compared. Statistical analyses, including repeated measures ANOVA, were conducted to evaluate changes in performance metrics.ResultsMinutes played and total distance covered showed no significant changes post-tournament. However, maximal speed decreased significantly (p 85% Vel Max. Acceleration metrics showed significant improvements in Accel_HighIntensityAccAbsCount (p = 0.024; η2p = 0.021), while Accel_Accelerations showed no significant changes. Deceleration metrics remained unchanged, but Accel_HighIntensityDecAbsCount and Accel_HighIntensityDecAbsDistance increased significantly post-tournament (p = 0.002; η2p = 0.040, p = 0.001; η2p = 0.044, respectively).ConclusionNon-participant LaLiga players demonstrated enhanced performance in most external load metrics after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. These findings highlight the importance of effective load management during periods of competition interruption and suggest strategies to optimize performance and reduce injury risk. Further research should consider holistic performance metrics and internal load parameters to provide comprehensive insights into player response to mid-season tournaments.

One of the most important implications of technology in swimming is to control training loads. Lactate control, video-analysis of the technique or the assessment of specific actions, i.e., the vertical jump, have helped to provide load adaptation indicators in swimmers in recent decades. However, these indicators have led to a longer application time, due to their indirect procedure and the need to analyze each variable. The aim of this study was to analyze whether inspiratory spirometry values can serve as a training load control tool in swimmers. Countermovement jump (CMJ), Inspiratory Force Index (S-INDEX) and Peak Inspiratory Flow (PIF) were evaluated with a load of 3 cm H2O before, during and after performing a swimming performance test (critical speed test: specific warming up, 400 m and 100 m freestyle). Positive correlations were found between S-INDEX and jump height after warm-up, after 400 m and at the end of 100 m (Spearman = 0.470, R2 = 0.280; Spearman = 0.508, R2 = 0.392; Spearman = 0.458, R2 = 0.359, p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, positive correlations were also found between PIF and jump height at the same evaluated moments (Spearman = 0.461, R2 = 0.305; Spearman = 0.493, R2 = 0.386; Spearman = 0.454, R2 = 0.374, p < 0.05). Both the S-INDEX and the PIF could serve as useful tools for swimmer load control, allowing coaches to make more immediate decisions.

This study aims to fill a knowledge gap by investigating electromyographic disparities in anterior and posterior muscle activation and coactivation ratios among non-professional men and women during side-cuttings. A cohort of 162 non-professional athletes participated in directional change maneuvers. Electromyographic assessments focused on coactivation ratios during the initial 50, 100, 150, and 200 ms of contraction, analyzing thigh muscle activations and exploring sex-based differences. Findings revealed higher quadriceps than hamstring muscle activation during directional changes, emphasizing the pivotal role of timing and coactivation ratios. Although the coactivation ratio, indicative of protective muscle control, approached 1 in all directional changes, 40% of subjects exhibited ratios below 0.8, suggesting an elevated injury risk. During open side-cutting at 30°, no significant sex differences were observed in anterior and posterior thigh muscle activation. However, in explosive ratios, women outperformed men, potentially attributable to uncontrolled motor unit recruitment. In open side-cutting at 45° and closed side-cutting at 45°, women displayed significantly higher H/Q ratios, indicating a nuanced sex-specific response. The study underscores the importance of an innovative coactivation ratio approach, revealing its early association with injury risk. Although anterior thigh muscle activation generally exceeded posterior, women exhibited poorer coactivation, potentially heightening knee injury risks during directional changes. This research contributes valuable insights into neuromuscular responses among non-professional athletes, particularly within the context of sex-specific differences.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a customized exercise program on electromyographic (EMG) variables during side-cutting maneuvers. Methods: Fifty-seven physically active volunteers were recruited and randomized into two groups: a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). The CG maintained their regular physical activity, while the EG followed an individualized, integrated exercise regimen that included strength, neuromuscular, proprioceptive, eccentric training, and whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises, lasting for 12 weeks. EMG-Root Means Square (RMS) values for the quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) were measured immediately following initial foot contact at 50, 100, 150, and 200 milliseconds. Changes in EMG activity were evaluated before and after a twelve-week intervention, and the effect size (ES, 90% confidence limit [90%CL]) was calculated. Results: The results showed that the EG participants exhibited enhanced co-contraction as measured by the hamstring/quadriceps ratio (H/Q ratio) during both open and cross-cutting side maneuvers after the twelve-week intervention. Conclusion: Furthermore, the customized, integrated exercise program that combined strength, neuromuscular, proprioceptive, eccentric training, and WBV exercises were could potentially serve as a beneficial neuromuscular and biomechanical strategy for addressing knee injury risk in non-professional, physically active populations at high risk for such injuries.

Abstract BackgroundCurrently, the fusion of technology and sports is inevitable. The integration of various systems and devices has brought about significant transformations in established sports practices, impacting not only the rules but also physiological, biomechanical, and even psychological aspects. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of an attention intervention through a video game on young soccer players. MethodsTwelve young male soccer players (age: mean 8.5, SD 1 years) were divided into 2 groups: a control group (CG; n=10) and an experimental group (EG; n=10). During the 6-week training program, the EG received attention training through a video game twice a week for 15 minutes per session. Pre- and postintervention measurements included a specific decision-making soccer test and interviews with coaching staff. Additionally, success in the video game, muscular activity, and sweat levels were monitored. ResultsThe EG demonstrated a significant improvement in video game success following the intervention program, as indicated by the achieved level (PPP ConclusionsOur findings reveal that incorporating a specific attentional video game into a soccer training program enhances decision-making compared to a program without the video game. Therefore, it is advisable for practitioners to consider using this tool due to its high efficiency in terms of economic and temporal costs, particularly in improving a key psychological variable.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la frecuencia de actividad física y la percepción acerca de la materia de educación física que tienen los alumnos de educación secundaria. La muestra fue de 107 estudiantes (48 chicos y 59 chicas) de secundaria de la provincia de Sevilla, de entre 12 y 16 años. Se utilizó una encuesta compuesta por el cuestionario 3CEF, que sirve para conocer la percepción del alumnado sobre las clases de educación física, y el cuestionario PAQ-C, cuyo objetivo es valorar la frecuencia de actividad física de la persona a lo largo de una semana. Los resultados indican una gran motivación y satisfacción del alumnado con la asignatura, teniendo mejores resultados en chicos que en chicas. El estudio demuestra la influencia de la educación física para la adherencia a la práctica deportiva extraescolar, siendo de vital importancia para el desarrollo personal del estudiante.