Search

This study aims to analyze the effects of a training program based on practice variability on the speed and accuracy of the tennis forehand approach to the net shot. The study sample consisted of 35 players of both genders, 22 men and 13 women Cage 44 ± 10.9 years, height 1.73 ± 0.8 cm, and weight 74.7 ± 8,4 kg) Players were randomly distributed into two groups (control group = 18 and experimental group = 17). Both training groups worked a total volume of 4 weeks, seven sessions, and 15 min per session of forehand approach shot. Control group performed traditional training while experimental group trained with variability using wristband weights. The data obtained showed a large Group x Time interaction in the accuracy of the forehand approach shot, F(1, 16) = 28.034, p <.001. η =.637. Only the experimental group increased significantly in the accuracy after the program (51.4%. effect size = 1.3. p < .001). while no changes were achieved regarding hitting speed (1.2%, effect size =0.12, p=.62). The control group did not improve iii any of the tested variables. These results indicate that variability of training using wrist weights is a valid option to improve forehand approach shot accuracy in recreational-level players. Although stroke speed was not increased. this type of training may be interesting as accuracy and technical control is commonly the main goal of training at this level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Previous studies showed that neurofeedback and biofeedback could improve stress levels, enhance self-control over physiological factors, improve behavioral efficiency, and increase reaction speed to stimuli. Specifically, the sensorimotor rhythm stimulation (12–15 Hz) can enhance cognitive functions such as selective attention and working memory. However, there is no study that analyzes the effect of these interventions in chess players. (2) Methods: A Chess Woman Grandmaster and Chess International Master, with an ELO ranking higher than 2350 points, was selected to participate in this case study. The participant conducted a total of 14 sessions of biofeedback and neurofeedback, training in breathing, sensorimotor rhythm stimulation in Cz, skin conductance, temperature, and heart rate variability combined with chess work. Specific and non-specific tasks were designed to evaluate the intervention. (3) Results: The chess player enhanced the heart rate variability during specific and non-specific chess tasks: chess problems, 15 + 10 games, and puzzle rush games. In addition, the sensorimotor rhythm power decreased during the chess problem and increased during the 15 + 10 game and puzzle rush. Also, chess performance and anxiety levels improved after the intervention. (4) Conclusions: Neurofeedback and biofeedback training combined with chess training could improve the performance of chess players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to analyze how professional male padel players technically-tactically behave and to whether determine if there are any differences between one game side and the other (left game side, LGS; right game side, RGS). The sample included 12.851 shots corresponding to 8 matches from the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals of the Premier Padel circuit held in 2022 where 16 different professional right-handed padel male players participated. All matches were analyzed through systematic observation using an ad-hoc instrument. Variables such as, type of strokes, outcomes, hitting zones and switching displacements, were taken into account. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found on forehands, backhands, backhand volleys, forehand lobs, backhand lobs, counter wall forehand, counter-lateral wall forehand and backhand, and wall descent stroke backhand. Also, significant differences were found regarding the stroke outcomes: into play (RGS 46.4%; p < 0.05); winners (LGS 2.3%; p < 0.01). Finally, significant differences were noticed between switching displacements in which the LGS players switched considerably more times than the RGS (66.7%; p < 0.001). The reported results proved that there exist differences between both game sides regarding their strokes, stroke outcomes, and switching displacements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Padel is an intermittent sport that has significantly increased its practice in the past years. Previous studies showed that physical demands significantly differed depending on the results of the match (win or lose). However, no previous studies have investigated the effects on the heart rate variability (HRV) of padel players. The present study examined the impact of winning or losing a padel match on the player's HRV. A total of 27 players, with a mean age of 37.26 (9.42) years old and a body mass index (BMI) of 26.26 (3.21) participated in our study. The participant's HRV was assessed before, during and after a padel match. The match results were used to divide the sample between winners and losers. Time domain, frequency domain and non-linear measures were extracted. Results showed that both groups significantly decreased their HRV during and after the match. However, significant differences (p > 0.05) were not found between winners and losers in the HRV while playing padel or after the match. These differences could indicate that the physical load was similar in the two groups. Results highlight the importance and usefulness of analysing the HRV as an indicator of post-competitive fatigue in medium-level padel players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the effect of a variable practice training in the double wall right forehand by using wrist weights. Thirty-four experienced padel players participated in this study. Players were randomly distributed in two groups (control group [CG] and training group [TG]). The TG performed 1 month of variable training, induced by weighted wrist bands, twice a week, with the same number of sessions and volume of training as the CG. TG obtained significant difference in posttest measurements (effect size = 0.437) in terms of the number of successful shots compared to CG (effect size = 0.027). These findings showed a significant effect of the TG with respect to the CG. Results reinforce the role of variability in the exploration and reinforcement of motor learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyse the impact of match outcome (win or lose) in an elite international tennis competition on pre-competitive anxiety and self-confidence. A cohort of Under-16 elite boys (n = 18), with a mean age of 15.44 (0.616) years and an international competitive experience of 4.44 (1.89) years, which were representing six national teams participated in this cross-sectional study. The assessments took part in a qualifying stage of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Davis Cup competition. During the tournament, participants played the best of three set matches. The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory – 2R (CSAI-2R) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-E) were employed to assess the pre-competitive anxiety before and after the tournament's match. Cognitive and somatic anxiety were slightly higher before than after the matches. No significant differences were found between the pre-and post-match measures. However, significant differences in cognitive anxiety, state anxiety and self-confidence were found when comparing pre-match and post-match values between winners and losers. In this regard, winners showed a significant reduction in state anxiety and cognitive anxiety after the match. According to our results, intervention programmes should incorporate tools that will assist players in their management of anxiety and self-confidence, specifically with those players who lost the match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mental fatigue can significantly impair physical performance during sports practice. However, previous studies have not analyzed the impact of combining High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with a cognitive task on physical performance. In this line, we developed the present research to investigate the specific aspects of mental and physical fatigue as well as the potential impact of combining HIIT with a cognitive task. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare mental and physical fatigue indicators between single HIIT and an incongruent Stroop task added to the HIIT protocol. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 32 tennis players (25 men and 7 women, mean age = 21.40). Two HIIT sessions were performed: (1) one with the incongruent Stroop task presented during rests, and (2) another without the Stroop task during rests. Mental fatigue, mental load, and wellness were measured. Additionally, mean and maximum heart rate, mean and peak speed, and heart rate variability through RMSSD were recorded using a heart rate monitor. Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon tests were performed to explore differences between during-session loads and pre- and post-HIITs. The results showed that mixed HIIT with the incongruent Stroop task caused higher increases in mental fatigue (p = 0.04) and the ratio of perceived exertion (p = 0.001) from pre- to post-HIIT. However, no significant differences in external (speed) and internal (heart rate) factors were observed between the protocols. This suggests that subjective feelings of physical exertion increased significantly due to mental fatigue. However, it did not decrease the physical workload during HIIT for tennis players. Therefore, incorporating short periods of the incongruent Stroop task during HIIT could be used to develop tolerance to mental fatigue without a decrease in the workload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]